Dear Parents,

As a staff we had another wonderful Professional Learning opportunity today with a Berry Street facilitator. The focus for today’s session was the importance of  positive relationships with all in our learning community and most importantly our students. Teacher capacity was built through wonderful professional learning strategies that can be translated straight into classroom practice for the benefit of all children

Much time and effort is given to promoting and engaging Our Lady Star of the Sea learning community to be respectful and caring. There may be times when individuals in our learning community do not feel this is their experience. Relationships may need to be restored, bringing about a sense of remorse and restorative action on the part of the offender and forgiveness by the victim. At Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Restorative Practices is the strategy used, which seeks to repair relationships that have been damaged, including those damaged through harassment and bullying. Restorative Practices Strategies include Circle Time, Affective Questioning, Restorative Circles and Conflict Resolution. Restorative Practices gives the school a unified and consistent approach to the management of children's behaviour and aims to develop responsible self-discipline and self- regulation amongst students. The responsibility for the effective implementation of Restorative Practices is shared between the school and the home and, communication and support between staff and parents is essential with success.

As a leader of our learning community, it is heart warming when we receive feedback that we have shown care for a child, are being faithful to our vision and living the Gospel values in all relationships within our community. It is extremely important that we have a culture of empathy in our setting and this is visible in many ways. I am acutely aware of my responsibilities as to the duty of care for all children in our care, as are the staff of Our Lady Star of the Sea School. Please be assured that, at any time, when you are aware of incidents that need to be addressed, you can approach your child's teacher, or if more appropriate please make an appointment with the Deputy Principal and Student Wellbeing Leader, Paul Anderson, or myself.

Together as responsible adults caring for our children we can live out Jesus’ message that “all members may be concerned for one another.” (Corinthians 12: 25-27)

First Eucharist:

Congratulations to the Following Year 4’s who celebrated their First Eucharist on Sunday.

Eva Azzopardi, Bailey Butters, Hamish Connell, Xavier Dean, Harry Farrell, Isabelle Hachem, William Liston, Mason McKnight, Lillian O’Brien, Charlie Prout, Grace Van Maasdyk, Spencer Wood, Noah Brooks, Harvey Connolly, Leon Connolly, Maci Dean, Toby Duckett, Joshua Geracitano, Amelia Geracitano, Finn Hughes, Blayke Mifsud, Emily Neicho, Izak Peace, Cecilia Standon and Chloe Welland.

In the homily today we were reminded of the importance of sharing in the Eucharist which is derived from the greek word meaning “giving thanks.” I recall vividly my First Eucharist as a significant day in my faith journey, where my family celebrated with me and I felt a deeper connection to God. It was indeed a day of feeling much gratefulness and deepening my spirituality and faith, within a loving, family context. 

Thank you to the teachers for their work in preparing the students for this special sacrament. The next date for First Eucharist is Sunday 11 August at 11 am.

Father’s Night: 

Each year we have a wonderful celebration of our dad’s or significant others. We look forward to seeing our Dads and Significant Others on Wednesday 28 August from 5pm. Please respond via Care Monkey when it becomes available.

3 /4 Camp:

We have seen our Year 3 /4’s have another successful camp. Many thanks to the Parents and teachers who volunteered on camp.

The School Day

Arrival and Dismissal Times
Students travelling by car, bike, scooter or walking to school are to arrive at school in the morning any time from  8.30am. Students arriving before 8.50am are to put their bags in their bag boxes and then go outside to play until 8.50am when the music will play to indicate it is time to come inside. At 9am a bell sounds and classes commence.  The school day ends at 3.30 pm.

• 180 children + 10 keen siblings
• over 25 parent helpers throughout the day
• 190 plants planted
• amazing support by Sophie Small from Bellarine Landcare Group and Felicity Thyer from Bellarine Catchment Network
• support (donations) from  Kerrs Hire, Danly Garden Supplies, COGG Botanical Gardens Nursery, Bellarine Landcare Nursery, Conservation Volunteers Australia

Thank you to all involved.

Berkat (Blessings) for the fortnight ahead

Kerryn