Dear Parents,

Here we are in June with Semester One almost complete. It only seems like yesterday that the first day of school was here and everyone was in their new learning settings, making friends and getting to know their teachers. Six months later it is time to look back and see the progress that has happened, as well as looking forward to setting new learning intentions for Semester Two.

Reports:

The teachers’ written comments outline achievements that students have demonstrated with skills and tasks completed during Semester One. Students have been involved in learning, investigating and the presentation of information that supports the development of new understandings. Where appropriate, teachers have included suggestions for your child in areas where they need support to achieve their best. Teachers make comments on your child’s social development. This aspect of the report will enable you to gain an understanding of how your child relates to others at school and some of the social skills and work habits they are demonstrating.

In fulfilling the requirements for schools to share written reports to parents, twice a year, Our Lady Star of the Sea teachers provide written reports at the end of Semester One and Semester Two. The format of the report is similar in many schools however the only aspect of the written report that is compulsory is the marking of judgements of the standards for the curriculum learning areas. Teachers make these judgements and give these markings against the Victorian Curriculum and the standards expected using evidence collected throughout the semester. The rating for these range from “At the Standard” which is where students should be at the time ofthe year the report is written or “Above”, “Well Above”, “Below” or “Well Below” the standard indicating that the students are achieving a standard beyond or below the standard expected. Some curriculum areas are required to report against twice a year, some are annually and some are biannually.  Teachers at Our Lady Star of the Sea, in addition to what is required, provide written information of student achievements and future learnings. Increasingly the need for teachers to provide this additional written information is diminishing as technology provides more immediate reporting to parents throughout the year and on any given day. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading the new look version of reports and they are clear for you.

Teachers will have a copy of your child's report open electronically at interviews. If you require further clarity, please feel free to ask.

3 way conversations:

We look forward to our meetings this week where your child gets the opportunity to share their Semester One learning with you. At Our Lady Star of the Sea school our aim is to encourage students to take control of their learning and to recognise the steps they are achieving with both social and academic growth. Sharing in the conversations and viewing the student’s online  learning journal are vital steps in enabling students to feel valued and in control of their own learning. It is increasingly clear that students know their learning styles, what they have achieved and what they need to learn next. Each meeting time is 15 minutes long. For the first 10 minutes your child will share with you examples of work that showcase goals they have met in their learning for English and Mathematics, as well as other work they are proud of. Students will also be able to share goals they will be working toward in Semester Two. This is a great chance for your child to share aspects of their learning with you, for you to ask questions, find out how you can support your child’s learning and to establish a closer working relationship with their teacher. Five minutes is allocated for parents and teachers to meet alone. Before you attend the Student, Parent, Teacher Conversation talk to your child about their report and look through their online learning journal, through Seesaw. If you have a question write it down and bring it with you.

We endeavour to be punctual, ensuring all meetings run close to time. If you require longer than 15 minutes, it is important another meeting time is made.

Parent collaboration and involvement:

We would not have such a strong sense of community without all the efforts of you, as parents, on the many levels you contribute and support the educational opportunities for all students. Aside from the times you may come in to support learning and excursions, new families to the school in particular, may not be aware of the many ways your voice can be heard and contribute to new ideas in the school to enhance and improve our educational setting.  

The PFA is one place. A huge thank you to the PFA and the successful night we had at the disco. The organisation by the team was phenomenal and we are very grateful for all the many parents who volunteered your time on the night. Without your effort the event would not be able to take place. The money raised was approximately $3000. The PFA is continually seeking more parents to become involved and there is a PFA meeting again tonight at 7 pm in the staff room. Please come along if you are able. All are welcome. We understand meetings are difficult for many to attend and we thank you for your contribution where you can.

The School Education Board has a central purpose of providing support to the Parish Priest, Principal and staff of the school in realising the vision of Our Lady Star of the Sea. The Board acts as a forum for discussion on matters concerning education within the school environment. It brings together, in a spirit of cooperation and consultation, the members of the Board to provide the Parish Priest and the Principal with responsible and informed advice upon which to base decision-making and or policy making. Cooperation, collaboration, consultation and communication are key to the Board’s mode of operation.Parents at any time can email suggestions through to the Principal and /or Board members who will then raise the ideas/ feedback at Board level. Some of the roles various Board members hold are Buildings & Grounds: Master Planning and Building, Grounds and Play Areas Committee, Mowing Roster, Working Bees, Sustainability & Environment Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle + compost. Focus Groups: Care & Concern, Uniform, Student Wellbeing, Canteen , Healthy Lifestyle and Healthy Eating, Communication to Parents, Including new families, Social Media. School Education Board Responsibilities: Policies, Grants Opportunities, PFA, TravelSmart. Board members are co-opted as positions become available. If you would like to view a copy of the School Education Board Guidelines please feel free to request.

Over the years we have invited parents to fill out surveys in relation to school improvement. This year across Victorian Catholic Schools the surveys have changed and are called CEMSIS Surveys. Parents, staff and Students from Year 4 - Year 6 fill out these surveys  between 2 and 20 September this year. The data we gain from these surveys is used to inform our School Improvement Plan and Annual Action Plans.Click here for a letter to the Community regarding the surveys.

We also encourage and welcome you at any time during the school year to make contact either by appointment or via email with any feedback or ideas you may have.

Grounds Works: As mentioned in earlier newsletters, plans are in place to go ahead with some grounds work and improve play spaces for our children with a real focus on outdoor learning opportunities. In the last week of term and during the school holidays, we will see our forest area completed with a new West gate and walkway into the school and the forest area landscaped along with a boat embedded into the play area.There will also be extra seating. The steps area outside Purple Hub will also be landscaped and a path leading from the East gate will give the learning community easier access.

Some seating will be  installed at the front of the school along the asphalt court area. The PFA cannot be thanked enough for all they do to bring family friendly activities to the learning community whilst raising money that will support the completion of some of these works.

Extra opportunities for students: Please refer to the information flyers  below for a Friday lunch opportunity next Term for Chess, after school activity at school on a Tuesday night for Kelly sports Prep-4 and Code Camp on Tuesday nights. These opportunities are an opt in and bookings can be made directly with the organisers. Our Lady Star of the Sea is providing the space.

Finally, I was very moved by Neale Daniher’s talk last week with the Melbourne Football Club. I am sharing this for those that may wish to view it. Having met with many of you over time  and chatting about what you would like for your children, particularly recently with the Prep enrolment meetings, I feel that his wish for his grandson throughout his life rings true with what we hope for, for our children here at Our Lady Star of the Sea, when they may be faced with the challenges life brings. Neale Daniher's Inspirational Message

Best wishes for the fortnight ahead

Kerryn