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Dear Heavenly Father,
As our young students prepare to receive the gift of the First Holy Eucharist, we come before You with gratitude and joy. We thank You for the precious sacrament of the Eucharist, where Your Son, Jesus Christ, becomes truly present in the bread and wine.
Loving God, bless these children as they approach this sacred moment. May they feel Your presence surrounding them and Your love filling their hearts. Help them understand the depth of this beautiful mystery, even though it may be hard to fully comprehend.
Guide them on this journey of faith, dear Lord. May this First Eucharist be a foundation of their relationship with You, a relationship built on love, trust, and closeness. Grant them the grace to carry this experience throughout their lives, finding strength, comfort, and solace in Your presence.
We also ask for blessings upon their families and teachers who have nurtured their faith and prepared them for this day. Grant wisdom and patience to those who guide them on their spiritual path.
In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we offer this prayer, trusting in Your boundless love and grace.
Dear Parents and Carers
Over two weekends, a number of students from our Year 4 classes at Our Lady Star of the Sea have made or are making their First Holy Communion. Fr Darien speaks so well about the faith and life connection and the importance of nourishing our spirits. We can do this in many ways including through prayer, receiving the Eucharist, listening to the words in scripture and being spirit filled people and taking action to support those around us in our daily lives.
The Church has been described as people called together in order to share Jesus’ love. There is no better way for this to occur than through sharing the Eucharist. Like Baptism, the reception of the Eucharist brings us into a closer association with God. Each time we receive the Eucharist we become continually formed to the likeness of Christ. Nourished with Christ, we become Christ for others. We become Eucharistic people whose lives are centered on and flow from Christ. Through this ritual, a distinct message is conveyed about why we gather, who we are and what we are for. We proclaim that Jesus, who is always with us, is present to us in an intensified manner when we gather in His name. The proclamation that, “We are the Body of Christ” reminds us that we are the ones who are to take Christ to the world in which we live our life. On First Communion Day, we see our children take a new step in faith, as they share Communion with us for the first time. We are their first teachers in the ways of faith. The faith we hand on will be their strength through life. I invite us all to continue to take advantage of the journey our First Communicants are undertaking; a life-long adventure of being Christ’s hands and feet and heart and mind, to renew our own enthusiasm for doing the same. This can be achieved whether we are catholic or christian people. There are many ways we already see this happening as a Catholic community, including when we take the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others through generosity, care, compassion and kindness, as Beacons of Hope.
Congratulations to the following children who received their First Eucahrist on Friday night and Sunday just gone. Many thanks to Fr Darien, Rebecca Nancarrow, our Religious Education Leader, and the Year 4 teachers for the wonderful work preparing the children and the beautiful, reverent celebration.
Flynn Allen, Tom Annand, Vincent, Bonacci, Xavier Butcher, Nina Butters, Winifred Crapp, Evie Davis, Avah Fletcher, Sutton-Jaye Grant, Ella Hamm, Billy Heenan, Harrison Lawry, Eva Leonidou, Macy McCall, Joseph McKinnon, Jack McLeish, Ella Mifsud, Matilda Morgan, Astrid Mulcaire, Oliver O’Brien, Samuel Rae, Ashton Ramsay, Samantha Reynolds, Reuben Sheridan, James Snowden, Madeleine Stafford, Patrick Vanderkley, Maya Wurfel, Scarlett Aquilina Isla Bateup, Isla Briggs, Bonnie Brooks, Olivia Burchell, Maple Campbell, Allegra Currie, Olivia Ellis, Ava Fairway, Lachlan Fay, Isabella Flanders, Ella Gauld, Polly Hardwick, Leonard Hinch, Zoe Hodges, Riley Horner, Maycee Kemp, Jordan Leigh, Kealan Lester, Ivy McCluskey, Max Micallef, Ivy Mitchell, Mitchell Paganini, Louis Patena, Saffron Reid, Lily Robinson, Jack Said, Spencer Scott, Amelie Simons, Molly Warlond, Madelyn Warren, Oliver Williams, Amelia Young.
Indonesian Day: This Friday we will be celebrating our Indonesian Day. Bu Bree along with Bu Novy continue to lead us beautifully as a learning community in our immersion program. The Immersion Program approach we undertake Prep-6, ensures across the school we are learning and using functional language daily. We thank Bu Bree for enabling Year Prep-6 students and staff to be learning Indonesian in such a meaningful, supported way.
Learning languages, in addition to English, extends student’s literacy repertoires, including comprehension and their capacity to communicate. It strengthens student’s understanding of the nature of language, culture, and the processes of communication. On Friday the children will be able to wear a touch of red and white if able and this is optional.
Indonesian Speaking Competition: Congratulations to the following children who went to the next stage of the Indonesian speaking competition: Campbell Sorace, Sylvie Hardwick, Lucy Francis, Henry Micaleff, Jess Counihan, Henry Hackwill, Stevie Emond, Alfie Ward, Ailani Songsaeng, Rose Wilkins, Olivia De Zoete, Scarlett Tyers, Winni Ward. Congratulations to Campbell Sorace who came second.
School Disco: What a wonderful success we had at our school disco. It was great to see the students come together and enjoy the community spirit at night in a space of fun and music and dancing, all of which is very good for the soul. These experiences help our students grow in their personal and social capabilities as it is something that may be out of the comfort zone for some. We kept the cost low, including having a family ticket, as we want all to enjoy the opportunity and still managed to raise The total fundraising amount was $2,139.40. 197 single tickets sold and 121 family tickets. Many thanks to the PFA an in particular Rachael Simons and Hayley Bennett and all the staff who attended to help with supervision and being there for the students.
Tree planting: We had another successful tree planting day at the end of July with 200 plus more trees planted in our school grounds. Many thanks to Kellie Clark yet again for her organisation and the parents that helped prepare the ground along with Louise. A big thank you to the Year 6 and Year prep students who each year support this as a buddy activity.
Regional and state sport: Congratulations to the Year 5 and 6 football team who have made it for the second year running to the States. We wish them all the best on Wednesday 16 August.
Congratulations to the mixed netball team who participated in the next stage of regionals today. They were undefeated and are off to the State Championships in September.
Wishing you a joyful fortnight ahead.
Kerryn
Students will need to wear their school hat from Monday 2 September.
Please ensure your child’s hat is in good condition and named. Hats are available to purchase from Bellarine Uniforms, Moorabool Street, Geelong.
Bellarine Uniforms
162 Moorabool Street
Ph: 5221 9199
When it comes to using sun protection, temperature isn't a good guide. You can’t see or feel UV but UV is the part of the sun that can damage skin and eyes and lead to skin cancer. SunSmart advises that Victoria’s UV levels start to rise from mid-August. Please remind your child to pack their hat and sunscreen.
We're excited to see our students embracing active transportation by riding to school. Riding a bike not only benefits our health and the environment but also connects us with our community. To ensure a safe and harmonious experience for all, we want to emphasise the importance of bike safety and respecting others who share the same path.
Prioritising Safety:
- Helmets On: Every rider should wear a helmet properly fastened.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Bicycles are vehicles too! Obey traffic signs, signals, and rules of the road.
- Signals Matter: Use clear hand signals to indicate turns and stops. This helps others understand your intentions.
- Path Etiquette: Stay on designated bike paths or lanes whenever available.
- Visibility: Wear bright or reflective clothing.
Being Respectful:
- Pedestrians always have the right of way. Slow down and give them space.
- Sharing the Path: Keep a safe distance when passing others. Use a bell or call out to signal your approach.
- Friendly Gestures: A smile or wave goes a long way. Let's create a positive atmosphere for all path users.
- Respect Nature: Avoid damaging plants, trees, and property along the path.
By embracing these principles, we contribute not only to our safety but also to the well-being of our entire community.
Alternatively, parents have the option to come to the school and administer the medication to their child if necessary.
Did you know that your Kelly Club is CCS Approved?
On the 10th July, the Australian Government increased the child care subsidy rates and the income threshold so more families can now receive subsidies.
For more information, speak to the Kelly Club program coordinator at your school:
www.kellyclub.com.au/locations
To attend Kelly Club you must first Enrol. Find your enrolment form for your school at www.kellyclub.com.au.
If you are enrolled, Book Now
Get 40% off selected New Balance products, just for booking and attending Kelly Club across Term 3 2023.
To attend Kelly Club you must first Enrol. Find your enrolment form for your school at www.kellyclub.com.au.
If you are enrolled, Book Now Discount codes will be sent in week 3 to current and new bookings .*Conditions Apply.
We look forward to seeing you in Term 3.
The Kelly Club Team
Conditions: You must book and attend Kelly Club across Term 3 2023. Codes will be sent in week 3 of term. 40% off discount on New Balance full price product range (footwear, apparel and accessories). Valid until December 31st 2024. Standard shipping charges apply (free shipping for orders over $100 spend). Offer on New Balance can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer ( coupon / promo / voucher. Excludes
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