Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers
It is hard to believe we are in the final week of Term 2, Semester One. The year to date has certainly flown. We hope you have had the chance to read your child’s report and celebrate their successes, along with taking up the opportunity for the 3 way conversations.
This time of the year is also an opportunity for us as a staff, to continue to think about how a sense of belonging has been built so far this year with our students. We know a sense of belonging has a major impact on student attendance and engagement, performance and overall wellbeing. Students who say they have a sense of belonging tend to feel connected to their studies and the school itself. When students feel safe to ‘be themselves’ at school, they are more willing to enter the classroom and engage with the learning. There has certainly been many opportunities, both within the hub and beyond, for our students to build that sense of belonging and connectedness. The further impact this has in students is a sense of optimism, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-concept and sociability. This then leads to better collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making. It is only when students feel a sense of belonging that they can share ideas, confidently speak up and fully contribute as a member of a class. I commend the teachers on working so well together and in collaboration, to provide this safe and engaging environment for our students. I also congratulate all of our students who have achieved so much on their own individual learning journey over the last 6 months.
This week is Refugee week (18-24 June) and while reflecting on the importance of a sense of belonging and connectedness, we are acutely aware from daily news bulletins, that families are fleeing conflict, famine or both, as they search for freedom to live out their lives in peace. The theme for this year is Finding Freedom. The Refugee Council of Australia says the theme has a number of important functions: it raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees, helps make the week a national celebration, and promotes harmony and togetherness. This week’s reflection helps us to keep refugees in our prayers as we contemplate the struggle for them all to begin again in a foreign country. May we endeavour to reach out as “Beacons of Hope” to enable a sense of belonging and connectedness, therefore making a difference for our refugee communities.
Staff Changes: Farwell and warm wishes to Carly O’Neill who is going on maternity leave with her first child. Carly is in her 4th year at Our Lady Star of the Sea and has been a passionate, excellent teacher who has brought wonderful learning opportunities and care to all her students. We thank Carly greatly for all her positive contributions. Carly will be replaced by Laura Grey, another passionate teacher in Catholic Education with 17 years experience.
We also wish Rebecca Notman all the best, as she is going on maternity leave for her second child. Rebecca also has contributed so positively to our learning community in her part time role and will be replaced by Jane Laidler, who we warmly welcome back as a staff member with all the strengths she brings. Jane was a past teacher at Star of the Sea for many years.
New enterprise agreement: A new enterprise agreement covering teachers across most of the Catholic schools in Victoria, including ours, has been approved and is in effect. The new agreement delivers several positive changes for both our dedicated staff and the overall functioning of our school, including improved pay and employment conditions. One key aspect of this agreement is the inclusion of new time-in-lieu provisions, which will enable our teachers and support staff to accumulate additional time off when they are required to work more than their regular 38 hours per week which might include overnight camps and supervision at evening and weekend activities. This change is a recognition of the considerable extra work our teachers are asked to do and will enhance their work-life balance and well-being. As communicated previously this year, we are fortunately able to manage this time with minimal or no disruption to your child’s education.
Tuning Into Kids: Congratulations to the following parents who have completed the 6 week course for Tuning Into Kids: Hayley Gauld, Nikki Smith, Michelle White, Paul Raicevic, Kellie Piec, Cassie Hernan, Belinda Mason, Kim Collins, Georgia Packwood, Anita Leonidou, Mel Kelsall, Kim Collins. The feedback has been very positive. “Much calmer household. the kids and my relationship is stronger.” “‘More discussions of feelings and more time interacting. ”Bedtimes are much easier.” “I feel more confident with knowing how to deal with situations.” “Less tantrums, happier children who are playing more and fighting less.” “I think it is such a fantastic program that the school and both of you offer and just highlights the care and support Star of the Sea not only gives to our kids but also the families and makes me proud to be a part of this school community. It is wonderful to bring this opportunity to parents and build further positive relationships. Many thanks to Marnie Hallam and Paul Anderson for their outstanding facilitation of the program.”
Walking Together- First Nations People Education and Uluru Statement from the Heart: The Faith and Spirituality group in our parish is organising some Winter reflection meetings on 25th of June, 2nd of July and 9th of July, incorporating Naidoc Week. The times are 2.30pm - 4.00pm on each of the Sundays being held at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Please email secretary@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au if you would like to attend any of the sessions. We thanks the Faith and Spirituality group of the parish for bringing this opportunity our way. The sessions will be held in purple hub. Whilst there are 3 sessions you do not need to attend all 3 to get something from the learning and discussion.
Mixed Netball: Congratulations to our football and mixed netball teams who made it through to the next stage. Special feedback again for the outstanding sportsmanship and respect shown by our mixed netball team. The following students are to be commended. Lila Butcher, Olive Wearmouth, Willow Stephenson, Kirra Dean, Tobie Prout, Arthur Hardwick, Ned McNarmara, Ellie Rundle, Issy Montgomery.
Wishing you all a well deserved rest and happy holiday time together.
Kerryn
Term 4 2024
Thursday 21 November: Yr 5 Parish Mass/Year 1 MOPA Excursion
Friday 22 November: Yr 5BC assembly
Thursday 28 November: Yr 3 Parish Mass
Friday 29 November: Staff Professional Learning Day - Student Free Day
Staff Planning Day for 2025
Tuesday 3 December: School Concert 5:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday 4 December: Prep orientation
Thursday 5 December: Prep orientation
Tuesday 10 December: Whole school orientation/Prep orientation
Wednesday 11 December: Future leaders days 2025
Friday 6 December: Diversity Day 2pm assembly
Tuesday 10 December: Whole school orientation day 9.15am - 11am
Wednesday 12 December: Yr 6 end of year excursion
Friday 13 December: Yr 6EB assembly/End of year Mass
Monday 16 December: Whole school Beach Day (students are welcome to bring plastic shovels and buckets. Ensure they remember to bring sunscreen and hats).
Wednesday 18 December: Yr 6 Graduation Assembly/Last day of school Students finish at 1pm
Term1 2025
Tuesday 28 January: Staff return
Wednesday 29 January: Staff professional Learning day
Thursday 30 January: Students return
Please note: Please refer to the Parent Calendar for all dates
The Alpinestars Schools Mountain Bike Series - Victoria is a great way for kids to get involved in racing their mountain bike for their school in a fun and supportive environment. New and experienced riders are encouraged to participate.
2023 Alpinestars Schools Mountain Bike Series - Victoria
-
Round 2 - Sunday 23 July - Lysterfield - More Information
-
Round 3 -Sunday 6 August - You Yangs - More Information
More information can be found here https://www.auscycling.org.au/page/mountain-bike-schools-stateterritory-series
Geelong Regional Libraries School Holiday Programs
The school holidays are fast approaching! We are excited to have many wonderful programs available for children, youth, and families. The below link includes:
- Social tiles – Youth & Children
- General posters – Youth & Children
- Document with links to Communico sessions & social media tags
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RLOqDQcCtw5gQ1j4Ky5IBBBWleknFLB3/view?usp=sharing
GIVING OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA PRIMARY SCHOOL A SAY ON THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
You may be aware that the Australian Government has established an Expert Panel to inform the next National School Reform Agreement.
The Expert Panel has released a survey to get the views of teachers, parents and students.
This is all about ensuring those directly involved in the education system get a say in how we make it better and fairer.
Survey participants will be able to have their say on range of issues including:
- Improving education outcomes
- Supporting student mental health and wellbeing, and
- Attracting and retaining teachers.
The Expert Panel, led by Dr Lisa O’Brien AM, will report to Education Ministers at the end of October on the practical reforms that should be tied to funding in the next National School Reform Agreement.
The survey is available to complete here and will be open until Friday, 23 June 2023.
I encourage you to share this with staff and the school community.
I would also welcome the opportunity to speak with you to discuss how the Government can create a better and fairer education system.
Libby Coker
Federal MP for Corangamite