Dear Parents,

At our Beginning of Year Mass we spoke of faith, hope and love.

Faith is symbolised by the cross. What Jesus did for us on the cross is the centre of our faith. It is what lets us know that God loves us and is our friend. Faith in what Jesus did for each one of us, gives us a sense of purpose. We should always be thankful to God for the gift of God’s love shown us in the cross of Jesus. 

Hope is symbolised by the anchor. Boats need an anchor to hold them safe and steadfast in their place. Without an anchor, a boat will drift aimlessly and end up in dangerous waters. Where does hope come from? Hope comes from God. Trusting in God allows us to hope in something bigger and better, something different from what might be happening around us. Hope helps us to reach out to others – for help and support and to give it too.

Love is symbolised by a heart. Jesus spent his time caring for people, healing people, teaching people about God and showing them the best way to live. That’s what he asks of us as his followers. We are called by Jesus to be loving and that means taking care of each other, watching out for each other, treating each other with respect and always seeking good things for each other. 

During this Lenten season may we continue to grow together in faith, hope and love.

ECSI Surveys: We are still requesting any parents who are able to complete this survey. The survey information is required every 4 years before we go into our review cycle the following year. If you are able  please complete the  survey which will take approximately one hour. The Entry code is Z4Bm1Y Click here for instructions to access and complete the survey. When complete send your certificate through to enter the raffle for a family movie voucher.

Catholic Education Week Sunday 15 March to Sunday 22 March 2020.

Catholic schools recognise Catholic Education Week 2020 as a time to celebrate the education Catholic schools, like Our Lady Star of the Sea, offers to families and to the community. Catholic schools pride themselves on creating environments where students have opportunities to excel academically, spiritually and socially. The theme for Catholic Education Week for 2020 is The Future is Listening.

Our Year 6 Term 1 School Leaders  will be attending Mass for Schools in St Patrick's Cathedral to be held on Tuesday 17 March . Following the Mass, a Concert will be held in the Treasury Gardens for primary students. Catholic Education Week will also be celebrated at our local school level with Earth Fest. This event enables students, staff, friends and family to come together to celebrate the spirit of their school community.

Earth Fest: 

EarthFest is fast approaching and I encourage all to get involved. Thank you to the many who are already actively involved. Friday 20 March 4.30 pm -7.30 pm is the big event at the Ocean Grove Park. If you are able to volunteer some time during the event please sign up following the link here. Come on down to enjoy some dinner, some music, some great learning and fun. It will be a wonderful whole community event.  

National Day of Action against Bullying Friday 20 March: Our Lady Star of the Sea is registered and will be celebrating the National Day of Action against Bullying. Year 2 JR will present an assembly focusing on the definition of bullying and strategies if you are being bullied.  All children are encouraged to wear a touch of orange and then all students Year Prep-6  will be involved in a circle time within their class around being an upstander. 

Cross Country: Congratulations to BOYD House on winning the Cross Country for 2020. Thank you to Lisa Grigg, staff and parents on a wonderful, well organised event. Congratulations to all the students for great participation, persistence and encouragement of each other.

Corona Virus (Covid 19):
Please be aware of the advice that if children become sick, have travelled internationally or have been in contact with someone who is a confirmed case, they should present immediately to a doctor and not attend school while unwell. If you or a member of your family should test positive to Covid 19 please notify the School immediately.

It is not deemed necessary to exclude any student who is well or has not had contact with a person with a confirmed case of the virus.
Our school always follows the advice of public health authorities in these circumstances and I would ask you to be especially aware of this current situation in the interest of public health. Thank you for your support in relation to this matter.
 

Things you can do to help educate your child at home as well as at school are

• Cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Wash hands and dry thoroughly after going to the toilet, touching your nose or mouth, coughing or sneezing etc
• Keep your hands away from your mouth/nose/eyes and don’t put toys and pencils etc in your mouth

 Best wishes for the fortnight ahead

Kerryn