Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

Lord Jesus Christ,

The Holy Land is once again struck by violence, hatred, and death.

Lord, look with mercy upon the land that was your earthly home. 

Receive the deceased into your presence.

Comfort those who mourn, are wounded, or forced to flee.

Be close to all who are full of fear and despair. 

You are our peace and the light of the nations, put an end to the spiral of terror and suffering in the Holy Land and in the whole Middle East. 

Let peace and justice flourish at the holy sites.

You are our refuge.

Let the people be safe in your Love. 

Have mercy on us and on our time.

Amen

Dear Parents and Carers

This coming Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a special time when we get ready for the coming of Jesus. It is very exciting when we know that someone is coming to visit us. We make sure that we are ready when they come. Teachers are supporting students to think about what it means to be welcoming and how we can get ready to welcome Jesus.

The first candle lit is The prophet’s Candle of Hope. 

As a catholic community, particularly during this time, we pray for all people around the world who are alone or frightened or have had to leave their homes because of fighting. We pray they may be welcomed by others and may see their families again.  We especially keep all children in our thoughts and prayers.

Our fundraising for 2024  this year has supported our way of giving hope to others in need. 

Many thanks for your generous spirit again this year, in unity with your children, as we were able to shine our lights and be Beacons of Hope to others. 

Here is a breakdown of the money raised in 2024.

Mission Fete raised $9478.60 and with $8000 going to World Families and Bulbula in Ethiopia. $1478 will support local familioes via the St Vincent de Paul Christmas  appeal. Our Year 5s will receive families and budget and shop for a Christmas lunch.

Project Compassion and the Easter Raffle raised $3373 and all of this money this year will go to Caritas. Caritas is a Catholic organisation supporting humanitarian aid in Gaza and other parts of the world. Here are the website details if families wish to donate further to Caritas. https://www.caritas.org.au/ There is also a petition to sign on this website for a ceasefire in Gaza for those who wish to do so.

The Opening Doors Foundation event raised $597 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educational needs.

Story Dogs Program raised approximately $200.

Families Leaving 2023: Over the next few weeks we will be farewelling these amazing families who have their youngest or only child leaving Our Lady Star of the Sea. We thank you deeply for the pleasure and privilege of working in partnership with you and your wonderful children. We extend our warmest wishes as your learning journey continues elsewhere. Please know you are always welcome back for a visit. It is always great as a staff to continue to hear of the successes and joy you experience over the coming years.

Bennett, Bellingham, Butcher, Cardona, Cocks, Cunningham, Dean, Delrayne, Dowling, Garner, Graham, Kerr, Kiddle, Lawry, Leske, Lohmann, McIntrye, Modola, Neicho, Peace-Teague, Pitfield, Purcell, Reddan, Reid, Renkauskas, Ritchie, Salisbury, Sargeant, Scanlon, Shergill, Singh, Smith, Smith, Sottile, Stephenson, Theobald, Turner, Wearmouth, Wilkens, Zarro

MACSSIS/ Annual Action Plan: We present our Annual Action Plan for 2024 and will reshare at the beginning of next year. Please take the time to read and see what our priority is moving forward, mainly in the Mathematics area. We are entering the second year of our 4 year School Improvement Plan and continue to reflect on various data sets to inform our plan.

MACSSIS is one of our perception data sets we implement and reflect on each year. Please see the Level 1 webs and data analysis from each of our surveys- student, families and staff. Naturally, as a staff, we do analyse at a deeper level. This year we had 43 families fill in the survey- thank you to those families. We are hoping more families  will fill in this short 8-10 minute survey when provided again September 2024. We also survey all students in Year 4-6 and all Staff, teaching and non teaching.

2024 Parents and Friends Representatives: Last Monday we had a  small gathering of parents attend our Annual General Meeting. It was wonderful to see a couple of new faces. We  have filled the following positions.

We look forward to more parents/carers joining the group for 2024. Please feel free to reach out and join the PFA messenger group for 2024. This does not mean you need to attend any or all meetings. You may just like to put your hand up and support one event in some small way. If you would like to be part of the group please email Mel Kelsall at kelsallmel@gmail.com and she will add you into the group. 

2024 School Advisory Council: Last week we also held our Annual General Meeting for the School Advisory Council. Here is the Chairperson Peter McKinnon’s 2024 and final report. 2023 Report

We thank Peter for the 5 years of voluntary service he shared on the Council and the last two years as chairperson. Peter was part of so may innovative initiatives including our wonderful Djilla Tjarri hall and Orange Hub and future capital works master planning.  

We also thank Chad Ellis for his contributions over the last 3 years and in particular the bike shelter and Amy Bonacci for her incredible work as secretary over the last 3 years.

We welcome Teneille Pasque to the role of Chairperson for 2024 and Hayley Bennett to the role of secretary.

We also welcome Catherine Cross, Scott Annand and Pearse Fay to the Council and look forward to consulting throughout 2024 with all members on important decisions for the education of our wonderful students, ensuring we provide the best environment for all in our learning community to flourish.

Second Hand Uniform Sale: Tonight 6.30 pm -7.30 pm in the staffroom. Cash only.

Wishing you all a hope filled and reflective fortnight ahead.

Kerryn

Transitions

This week marks the commencement of our Orientation Days for the incoming Preps of the upcoming academic year. Simultaneously, our Year 6 students are navigating the concluding weeks of their Primary education, encountering a spectrum of emotions as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. Other Year levels begin to experience planning for their transitions for 2024.  The impact of transitions depends greatly on the degree of change involved, however with anxiety already heightened due to current world events,  it is important for teachers and parents to be informed and prepared to support and guide our young people if required.

The following information from BeYou provides some great information about Transitions.   

What are transitions?

Transitions are defined quite simply as change. They are a period where we must adapt to new circumstances, expectations, people, environments or routines. Whether big or small, transitions are a significant part in children and young people’s lives, as well as the learning community. Children and young people may also experience transitions in their home life – for example, moving house, going on holiday, the birth of a sibling, family separations and bereavements.

Impact of transitions

Transition is not just about the first day – it’s a process that happens over time. It begins as families and educational settings start to prepare during the previous year, or even earlier. It continues as children and young people experience their first days, weeks and months in their new environment.

Transition from home and between education settings involves various key changes for children, young people and families, including:

• the physical environment (for example, the size of the outdoor areas, buildings, the location and types of toilets, the number of other children, young people and educators)
• rules and procedures (for example, more structured times for attending class, eating and going to the toilet, rules for different places and times such as the classroom and recess)
• relationships (for example, meeting new children, young people and adults, responding to students of different ages, leaving established relationships with educators, getting to know a range of educators for different subjects)
• learning (for example, more formal learning experiences, structured times and set tasks, increasing independence and responsibility).

Importance of transitions

Potential challenges and stresses

Research shows that transitions to a new learning environment is a time of potential challenge and stress for children, young people and their families. For some, it brings excitement about making friends and learning new things, while for others the change can leave them feeling nervous and overwhelmed. Some adjust quickly to their new school environment; others can take many months to adapt. Studies show that around 15% of students have some difficulties adjusting as they transition in and out of primary school.

Understanding behaviour

It’s normal for children and young people to have strong feelings about an upcoming transition, such as excitement about the prospect of going to a new school, as well as nervousness about what lies ahead. Many children and young people may also feel sad or angry about leaving their current learning environment and the positive relationships they’ve established with educators and each other.

Common feelings children and young people have during transition can include:

-     excitement

-     sadness

-     anger

-     anticipation

-    fear or anxiety.   

Understanding and helping children and young people to handle the feelings will help to reduce their stress and can provide them with positive coping strategies. Children and young people often have difficulty explaining in words how they are feeling – instead they might show their feelings through their behaviour.

Behaviours you might observe include:

In children transitioning to primary school – clinging behaviour, restlessness, withdrawal, anxiousness, refusal to comply, avoidance, planning and organisation difficulties, crying and tantrums, regression to younger behaviours, volatility.

In transitioning to secondary school – withdrawal or difficulty participating in class discussions, low confidence or self-esteem, regression to younger behaviours, avoidance of tasks, short temper or behavioural concerns, friendship issues or isolation. Families might also notice issues such as changes in eating habits (low appetite or overeating), difficulties falling asleep, feeling unwell (for example, sore stomach or headaches) or difficulty separating from family members.

These could be typical behaviours

Many of these behaviours are typical for children as they adjust to their new environment, but educators and families need to show understanding and support to help them settle in.  If concerning behaviours persist, it’s important to get help to identify possible underlying problems such as mental health issues or academic difficulties. You may need to seek advice from the school wellbeing team or external health and community professionals.

For more information visit beyou.edu.au

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader

Term 4 Week 9 - Green Hub News

Term 4 Week 9 - Red Hub 1 News

Term 4 Week 9 - Blue Hub 2 News

Term 4 Week 9 - Yellow Hub 3 News

Term 4 Week 9 - Purple Hub 4 News

Term 4 Week 9 - Purple Hub 5 News

Term 4 Week 9 - Orange Hub News

You are able to access your child's report on Friday 14 June by 4pm via PAM (Parent Access Module login).

Please click the link here: http://pam.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au . This will take you to the PAM login page. Your username is the email address you have provided to school. Once logged in, to access your child’s report, click on the ‘Assessment Reports’ tab on the left hand side and download the current report to view. 

For new families please sign up now by clicking the link here: http://pam.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au  This will take you to the PAM login page. Click on the 'Forgot Password?' link and follow the prompts. You will be asked to enter your email address, then you will need to access the link sent to your email address. You can then create a password and this, along with your email address will be your login to PAM.

When: Tuesday 5 December 

Arrive: 5.30pm for 5.45pm start 

Finish : approximately 7.30pm

Where: Ocean Grove Park Pavillion, 70 Presidents Ave

 Costumes School Concert 2023

Come and join us for a wonderful night as we celebrate our school community through music and dance, and enjoy the Prep rendition of the nativity story. See our students SHINE, as they present to you songs of light and enlightment.  

Messages to Parents and Friends.

BYO Picnic rug, chairs, food and drinks. Please be mindful of rubbish, and take out what you bring in.

NO alcohol is permitted within this vicinity.

Note - there are no toilets in the park. Parents will be asked to escort their children to the toilets in the Coles carpark if needed during the evening.

• Please bring any medications your child needs eg. asthma puffers, epi-pens.
• Our students have worked hard to prepare their acts. We ask that you enjoy them respectfully, being mindful of talk and movement during performances.
• Students must sit with their class. No younger siblings are to sit in class areas please.
• Students are asked to eat before or after the concert, but not during. The concert duration will be approximately 90 mins.  In warmer weather, students may be advised to have a water bottle on hand.

If you have any further questions please contact your child's teacher.

PROGRAM

Thank you for your support.

Helen Stephensen

All families are welcome to visit the Recycled Uniform sale during the Prep 2024 Information session Tuesday 28 November 6-7pm in the staff room. Cash sales only. 

We have a large amount of donations so as families prepare for uniforms next year please consider using the OLSOS Ocean Grove Recycled Uniforms Facebook page to buy, sell, swap or donate uniform items.  

The winner of the Golden Sneaker this week is 5ME.

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 Melbourne Renegades thoroughly enjoyed coming out to your school during our annual Regional Roadshow and loved connecting with your local community. We would love to offer your school a special ticket price to either one of the below BBL games: