Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome to week 7 of the term. Today’s prayer acknowledges 200 years of Catholic Education this year and a beautiful Lenten reflection from Pope Francis with a practical message for us all during this Lenten season. We are very privileged to continue on the Catholic Education journey and join in some special celebrations as the year progresses. We value our role in educating and caring for your children in faith, hope and love. I share below the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic schools, Horizons of Hope Vision.

Learning Brings Hope:

In a Catholic school that hope is based on the experience of God’s love and care for all. Catholic educators see learning as a journey of endless possibilities, where students are energised to seek meaning and explore questions about the world around them. In partnership with parents and the broader Church, Catholic schools contribute to a life-foundation for students that is centred in Jesus Christ and grounded in truth, beauty and love. At the very heart of each Catholic school is a desire for the full flourishing of each student, across religious, physical, cognitive, emotional and social domains. Here we support students to grow in virtue and to embrace a view of themselves and the world that leads to peace, justice, and the prospering of the whole of creation. It is a journey that is enlightened by faith, animated by love and leading to hope.

Working Bee Success: Many thanks to the following, wonderful families who supported our working Bee last week: Jarrod Knights, Ebony Knights, Zara Knights, Levi Knights, Glen Ryan, Amble Ryan, Andrea Bernazzoli, Evelyn Bernazzoli, Raimond Bernazzoli, Ryan Mills, Jacob Mills,  Oscar Miller, Josh Miller, Mark Laidler, Tom White, Jon Pemberton, Jade Pemberton, Maeve Pemberton, Lottie Pemberton,  Vivien Bapaume, Celio Bapaume, Jaida Bapaume, Charlise Bapaume, Tom Fairway, Ava Fairway, Maya Fairway, Maree Croft, Rachael Simons, Tania Cipriani, Mary Spencer, Amy Bonacci, Mark Monahan, Travis Turner, Claire Toomey, Grant Burgoyne, Braxton Burgoyne, Jamison Burgoyne, Kirsty Furness, Tim Furness, Isla Furness, Blake Thompson, Molly Thompson, Anthony Dowling, April Dowling, Chris Lacy, Katie Lacy, Flynn Lacy, Adie Currie, Jesse Currie, Allegra Currie, Pearse Fay, Liz Fay, Lachlan Fay, Amelia Fay, Julian Toscano, Ella Toscano, Zoe Toscano, Jody Madden, Flynn Madden, Indi Madden, Shane Madden, Kylene Gray, Nicole Maier, Kellie and Keith Clark, Michelle Richards, Paul Anderson.

It was a great morning and way to build further positive relationships. We are very grateful for all that was achieved and the terrific community spirit on display. We also enjoyed a  well deserved sausage and icy pole at the end.

Berry Street Training: As a whole staff, we have completed our fourth and final training day in Berry Street. This learning has been wonderful and a great investment in building our staff capacity and understanding of wellbeing for all, particularly our students. Over the four days we have covered the Domains of Body, Relationships, Engagement, Stamina and our final day, Character.  I am sharing this 8 minute clip for those interested which is a great summary of  The Science of Character. This is a great reflection as a whole community, on the importance of understanding, identifying and appreciating strengths in all within our community and in society in general. 

Did you know there are 7 character strengths that can be real  “game changers” in academic achievement, success and happiness,  no matter what your circumstances. These are Gratitude, Optimism, Social Intelligence, Curiosity, Self Control, Enthusiasm or Zest, Perseverance also known as Grit. Scientists in this field all agree that character matters and character can be learnt, practiced and cultivated.

At Our Lady Star of the Sea we endeavour to work with our students from a strengths based approach and this learning has reinforced with us all further, ways we can embed positive behaviour strategies and character strengths learning for all our students, to further ensure each individual student can have the opportunity to flourish.

School Advisory Council: Our School Education Board, under MACS our new Governance Board, has now been retitled School Advisory Council. We are very fortunate to have such a great team to support and consult with sharing their strengths and wisdom when consulting on the general business of the school and when decisions are made. We meet twice a term throughout the year on a Wednesday evening and have an open Advisory Council Meeting in November of each year.

The School Advisory Council Members are:

Fr Darien Sticklen (Parish Priest), Briony Darcy (Chairperson), Mark Monahan (Grounds and Maintenance), Amy Bonacci (Secretary) Mary Mc Cartney (PFA rep), Andrew Flanders, Meg Poirier, Peter McKinnon, Chad Ellis, Marianne Caddy (Teacher Representative) , Paul Anderson (Deputy Principal) and Kerryn Sells (Principal).

Early Pick Ups: We respectfully request that should you be requiring to pick your child up early, please email the classroom teacher prior to the day, where possible, with the time and we will endeavour to have your child ready at the office.

Sneak Peak at our New Building: We are pleased to present this short, exciting clip produced by Bu Bree and some students to allow a sneak peak at what the new building is shaping up to look like.

Warm wishes for a wonderful fortnight ahead

Kerryn