Dear Parents and Carers

Last Friday, our Fire Carriers along with Year 3 BR led a wonderful assembly, focusing on National Sorry Day in the lead up to National Reconciliation Week this week from the 27th of May- 3rd of June. All students created and contributed to a whole school display with a 'Sea of Hands'. Each child decorated their hand with symbols of community, family, strength and reconciliation. This was to commemorate the Stolen Generations, their families and communities, celebrating their strength and survival and sharing in the process of healing and reconciliation.

As part of our catholic community, reconciliation is calling on us to live a life of love and peace with all we meet. When celebrating NAIDOC week, we, along with First Nations people, see "reconciliation, at its heart, being about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians."

Norm Jurrawaa Stanley 8/11/1977-15/5/2024: It is with sadness we share the news that Norm Stanley passed away recently. Norm worked closely with our Year 4, 5 and 6 students during term one last year to create the beautiful mural that at the end of the portables. He also presented at a whole school assembly, sharing his story and  cultural awareness.

Norm engaged and connected so beautifully with our students and was an incredible advocate and role model for First Nations people and all of us. A huge loss for our community. Nikki, Norm's partner also generously worked with us. Below is the deeply spiritual and loving message that Nikki shared on his passing. 

Norm Jurrawaa Stanley

Our Warrior laid down his weapons and spread his wings, to soar high at sun down with the first stars shining bright

You have braved what many couldn't and you stood strong and proud til you were no longer able.

No more pain My Love

We will forever love you and honour you in each and everything we do

Mental Health and Wellbeing CASEA Initiative for Our Lady Star of the Sea:

CASEA is part of the Barwon Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and is going to be working with our school in Term 3 and 4 this year. CASEA is a free school program that supports young children’s social, emotional and behavioural development. The CASEA program can involve a number of different supports including a therapeutic parent and child group running in Term 4, short term individual support with parents and families and more. If you would like your child to be considered for the program please fill out ‘Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire’ (SDQ).

 https://redcap.barwonhealth.org.au/redcap/surveys/?s=37TFFHD7HWNXM447

If you have any further questions regarding the program being offered or in completing the questionnaire, please contact: Natalie Skahill nskahill@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au

Exiting Shell Road Gate: We respectfully request your help regarding the very busy few minutes that 3:30pm brings at the back Shell Road Oval gate. Whilst we have teacher supervision, there are so many adults and children exiting at the same time (and with bikes) it can be challenging. We are wondering, where possible, you could meet your child outside the gate please if you are collecting them. Alternatively, stay a few minutes in the playground after the bell to help stagger the exit times. Teachers try to get the Preps out a few minutes early but this extra safety step may help alleviate any safety issues.

Wishing you all a fortnight ahead filled with peace and love.

Kerryn