Dear Parents,

Our School Vision, inspired by Mary and guided by our faith in her Son, Jesus, is a vision that aspires to be a respectful, nurturing and engaging learning community.

Why parents choose which school to enrol their children in is an individual family choice. For families who choose Our Lady Star of the Sea they are welcomed to a nurturing and engaging learning community who demonstrates respect as a key value. The many authentic learning opportunities also ensure we have our students at the centre of learning and look to our scripture reference “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.” (Jn 10:10)

Respectful Relationships: The very successfully planned and implemented Connecting Community Day, held on Friday 11 October, is an example of how important positive relationships are in our learning community. The engagement of the students in the quality activities and the feedback from students, parents and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive and well received.  It was great to see so many parents attend their session, make new connections and feedback what has worked well for them in making connections and feeling connected at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Some feedback included the way we work in hubs, the welcoming culture, friendliness of staff, newsletter which includes the “hub news”, family friendly events and opportunity for involvement in school life. Thank you to the team including the parents on the team Sharon Ashton and Penny Freeman for the organisation of another successful day.

Mission Mass: This Wednesday, student leaders will be attending the annual Mission Mass to be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral celebrated by Archbishop Peter Comensoli. Later this term our students have an opportunity to participate in our Mission Day, scheduled for Friday 8 November. As a school we support the Bulbula community in Ethiopia who are very appreciative of our financial support. Like you, the parents of the children of the Bulbula community have hopes and dreams for their children. Our Mission Day is an opportunity to help them with their hopes as this activity gives children the opportunity to give back to others a value I am sure you encourage in your children.

CEMSIS Survey Results: We have received back the results of our CEMSIS data and thank the 78 families, all staff and Year 4-6 students  who took the time to fill out the short survey. We will share the results with the School Education Board and the broader community in the coming weeks. Please be assured the feedback is used to inform our school improvement Plan and Annual Action Plan which the staff are working on this term. The 2020 Annual Action Plan will be shared with you before the end of the year.

Working Bee: We invite you to a working bee this Sunday 27 October, 10am - 12pm. Red Hub 1 and 2 families are particularly invited to this working bee, although all families are welcome. Please ring your children with you as there will be an opportunity for them to do some potting up for the Mission Fete plant sale. 

Some of the tasks will include cleaning the shade sails, small carpentry repairs, installation of play kitchens, general grounds tidy up, weeding and guttering cleaning. Completing these tasks will enhance our school grounds thus providing a safer and aesthetically more pleasing environment for the children. I remind you that the generosity of the families who attend working bees is an enormous support to our school. If you haven't been able to get to one so far this year I encourage you to endeavour to attend on Sunday. Our school needs your support.

2020 Classes:: Staff and class allocations for 2019 are well underway. The structures for 2020 will be Prep - 4 classes, Year 1 - 3 classes, Year 2- 3 classes, Year 3 - 3 classes, Year 4 - 4 classes, Year 5 - 2 classes, Year 6 - 4 classes.

Just a reminder, if your child will not be returning to Our Lady Star of the Sea in 2020 please inform us through email: principal@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au by Friday 25 October.

Warm wishes for a positive fortnight ahead full of love, kindness and respect.

Kerryn