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God of love,
During Holy Week where we come together for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Help us continue to take the actions of praying, fasting and almsgiving
You care for us and all in our global family. You want for us all life in its fullness. Help us see the challenges faced by so many. Help us look for justice.
Fill our hearts with love. Turn our compassion to action.
Help us renew the world, now and for all future generations.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
All: Amen
Dear Parents and Carers
Just like that, we are in the final week of Term 1. With a shorter term, we find ourselves fitting so much into a shorter space of time. With grateful hearts, we celebrate the rich learning opportunities, excursions, incursions, sporting events, swimming, community events, Welcome Picnic and Working Bee, Lightning Premiership, Student leadership opportunities and Holy week celebrations. Special mention to the Preps who have successfully completed their first term of school life.
Here are some great photos of our very reverent Holy Week reflection. All students were fantastic. Well done and thank you to Year 2 BS, Yer 2 JR, Year 5 LC and Year 5 AG for your creative contributions and Rebecca Nancarrow as our brilliant Religious Education Leader.
Think. Engage. Lead. with Strength conference: Last week, Paul Anderson and I had the privilege of attending the Victorian Association Catholic Primary School Principal’s conference for the first time. This runs every two years. The topic was Think. Engage. Lead. with Strength.
We had a host of wonderful speakers who shared their remarkable stories including Craig Foster, Mitch Tambo, Jelena Dokic and Saroo Brierly. Their inspirational stories and sharing of their core values demonstrated how all of our stories can give us strength. If you are not aware of these people and the remarkable work they do for society today, please take the time to google. In our current times, we are perhaps challenged more than ever to dig deeper for the strength to lead our communities.
The conference was underpinned by the strength of leadership of Mary McKillop’s story, who was an educator, a pioneer and a leader, someone who had compassion for others, regardless of their position, situation or ethnicity. “We must teach more by example than by word” (Mary MacKillop). We all certainly have our core values we endeavour to live out each day.
In our minds, the goals of the conference were achieved and we are better for the learning which has further inspired our leadership, to feel closer to God and open to finding strength in God’s love and to experience new ways of thinking to draw on inner strength and consider the inherent values we bring to our role including compassion, care and humility.
We go forward with this new experience, knowledge and wisdom which we can transfer to our own life and leadership journey. We have certainly been encouraged and inspired to further embrace our own inner strengths and that of our staff, students and community as we are challenged daily to be our best.
Photomontage of Term One:
Please also enjoy this Term 1 montage of photos showing some of the wonderful experiences we have already had together in Term 1. Thank you to our Learning and Teaching Leader Marianne Caddy.
Deputy Principal Term 2: Paul Anderson in taking Long service Leave for Term 2 and going to enjoy wonderful time with his family travelling around Australia. In Paul’s absence, Marianne Caddy our Learning and Teaching Leader will be stepping into the Deputy Principal role. Marianne can be contacted if required via email mcaddy@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Student Free Day Term 3 Change of Date: Please note our staff professional learning day in Term 3 has been changed from Friday 2 August to Monday 5 August. We have changed on our calendars. Please amend on yours.
Thank you all for your ongoing support this term and your wonderful care for your children.
As the end of term approaches, I wish you all a restful and joy-filled Easter time and holiday.
Kerryn
Child Safety and Wellbeing
At Our Lady Star of the Sea School, we hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school. Our commitment is drawn from and inherent to the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the gospel (CECV Commitment Statement to Child Safety).
All students enrolled at Our Lady Star of the Sea School have the right to feel safe and be safe. The safety and wellbeing of children in our care will always be our first priority and we do not and will not tolerate child abuse. We aim to create a child-safe and child-friendly environment where children are free to enjoy life to the full without any concern for their safety.
Child Safe Standards
- 1. Culturally safe environments – Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
- 2. Leadership, governance and culture – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
- 3. Child and student empowerment – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
- 4. Family engagement – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
- 5. Diversity and equity – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
- 6. Suitable staff and volunteers – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
- 7. Complaints processes – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
- 8. Child safety knowledge, skills and awareness – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
- 9. Child safety in physical and online environments – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
- 10. Review of child safety practices – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
- 11. Implementation of child safety practices – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
Our commitment to our students
- We commit to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people enrolled in our school.
- We commit to providing children and young people with positive and nurturing experiences.
- We commit to listening to children and young people, and empowering them by ensuring that they understand their rights (including to safety, information and participation), and by taking their views seriously and addressing any concerns that they raise with us.
- We commit to taking action to ensure that children and young people are protected from abuse or harm.
- We commit to ensuring that the needs of all children and young people enrolled in our school are met, including those who are most vulnerable.
- We commit to recognising the importance of friendships and to encouraging support from peers, to help children and students feel safe and less isolated.
- We commit to developing a culture that facilitates and provides opportunities for children and student participation, and that strengthens the confidence and engagement of children and students by being responsive to their input.
- We commit to teaching children and young people the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and maintain their personal safety and wellbeing.
- We commit to seeking input and feedback from students regarding the creation of a safe school environment.
Our commitment to parents, guardians and carers
- We commit to communicating honestly and openly with parents, guardians and carers about the wellbeing and safety of their children.
- We commit to engaging with, and listening to, the views of parents, guardians and carers about our child safety and wellbeing practice, policies and procedures.
- We commit to transparency in our decision-making with parents, guardians and carers where it will not compromise the safety of children or young people.
- We commit to open engagement and communication with parents, guardians and carers about our child safe approach and our operations and governance related to child safety and wellbeing.
- We commit to ensuring that relevant information relating to child safety and wellbeing is accessible to parents, guardians and carers.
- We commit to acknowledging the cultural diversity of students and families, and being sensitive to how this may impact on student safety issues.
- We commit to continuously reviewing and improving our systems to protect children from abuse.
Responsibilities and organisational arrangements
Everyone employed or volunteering at Our Lady Star of the Sea School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure a child safe culture in which the wellbeing and safety of all students is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make (CECV Commitment Statement to Child Safety).
Policy Updates to support the Victorian Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order No. 1359
To build on the existing child safety policies and practices, Our Lady Star of the Sea, assisted by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) have updated the following policies which will be published on our School Website.
- Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
- Child Safety Code of Conduct
- Engaging Families in Child Safety Policy
- Protect : Identifying and Responding to Abuse - Reporting Obligations
Paul Anderson
Deputy Principal & Student Wellbeing Leader
We're thrilled to announce the students who have secured their spots to compete at the upcoming Regional Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 26 March.
Congratulations to the following qualifiers
Vincent Bonacci - 10 Year 50m Freestyle & 10 Year 50m Breaststroke
Lachlan Fay - 11 Year Butterfly
Scarlett Aquilina - 11 Year 50m Butterfly
Ailani Songsaeng - 10 Year Backstroke
Their exceptional performances at the Division Swimming Carnival have rightfully earned them this opportunity, and we're excited to see them represent our school at the regional level. Let's rally behind them with our support and wish them the very best as they dive into the next stage of competition.
Sam Scott
Sports Leader
For the first two weeks of Term 2 children can choose to continue to wear their summer uniform, or, if more appropriate, their winter uniform. By Week 3, students wear their winter uniform.
School hats must be worn in Term 2, until 30 April.
Please ensure that all items of clothing are labelled with your child's name so that if items are lost they can be returned promptly.
If have purchased uniform second hand could you please remove the old name and update it to your family name.
Sushi is for Fridays only, these MUST be pre ordered by Thursday.
Families are asked to donate as follows
Year 3-6: Easter eggs
Prep - Year 2: Bags/ baskets
Please send tickets and eggs in no later than Tuesday 26 March
If tickets could be separated and folded upon return,
we would be forever grateful.
Let’s all do our best and try not using snap lock bags/plastic.
Raffle to be drawn the last day of term Thursday 28 March.
If you have a child due to start school in 2025 we ask that Applications for Enrolment are lodged before the end of Term 1. As applications are received by the school, you will be contacted to make a time for you and your Prep 2025 child to meet with Kerryn. To access forms and further information click here.
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
| Schoolzine App |
School app, used for sending reminders, notifications and for providing access to PAM, Parent Calendar, newsletters, School website. Additionally, you can find the newsletter and information, including the canteen menu.  |
| Staff email address | first initial and surname@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au |
| School newsletter |
Our main form of communication is the fortnightly newsletter, emailed on Tuesdays. Group emails from the school office will also be sent through the Schoolzine platform. |
| School website |
www.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au Access to policies/procedures, school information and parent calendar. |
| Parent calendar | Link to calendar can be found on our website Home Page and school app. |
| PAM Parent access module | A platform for lodging student absences and gaining access to student digital school reports. Past years' reports are also stored on this platform.
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. 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. * Use the School App for a quick access to PAM |
| Permission notes |
 Operoo is an electronic version of permission forms and information for excursions, camps and parent/student meetings. It also provides you the opportunity to update medical information promptly while providing the school with instant access to the emergency information provided by you.
* Use the School App for a quick access to Operoo
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| Seesaw |
 Student digital learning journal and providing an additional means of reminders for the entire parent group.
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Our Lady Star of the Sea Ocean Grove School Facebook Page: Sharing of learning experiences and events hosted by the school. OLSOS Parents Ocean Grove Vic Parent Chatter Facebook: A platform for parent reminders and queries. OLSOS Ocean Grove Recycled Uniforms Families may post here to purchasing, sell or give away of school uniforms.
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| Canteen Online Ordering |
The canteen service is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays operated offsite by Kylie Taylor.
Ordering cut off time is 8.30am.
Fresh Salad boxes are available on Wednesdays only.
Sushi is for Fridays only, these MUST be pre ordered by Thursday. To cancel an order:
Before cut-off time (8.30am): Login to your account and select ACTIVE/CANCEL ORDERS. Locate your order and select CANCEL on the right-hand side of the order (you may need to scroll across to see the cancel link).
Orders are processed through www.quickcliq.com.au You can order up to 30 days in advance.
* Use the School App for a quick access to our canteen online ordering platform
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| Student Medical Forms |
Students who require ANY medication at school must have their medication stored at the office, accompanied by the relevant forms, as below. No medication will be dispensed without these being completed and up to date.
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| School Assembly |
School assemblies are held every Friday morning 9am in our school gym, known as Djila Tjarri. All welcome.
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AUSTRALIA'S BEST TEACHER CAMPAIGN
Do you have a favorite teacher?
For the second year, News Corp is running its Australia’s Best Teachers campaign, recognising inspirational and innovative educators across the country.
The campaign will launch on Sunday 28 April, calling on the community to nominate teachers who have had an incredible impact on our students and all our lives.
A panel of expert judges will then select and announce the top 50 teachers on Sunday 30 June.
Nominate your favourite teacher today by visiting www.heraldsun.com.au/news/
· Do you have a favourite teacher who you think should be celebrated?
· For the second year, News Corp is running its Australia’s Best Teachers campaign.
· The campaign aims to highlight the incredible role that teachers play by calling on the community to nominate their favourite teacher.
· This is a great opportunity for our school to recognise the amazing work of our teachers.
· Nominated teachers will have the chance to be featured in News Corp print and online publications, including Herald Sun and VWeekend.
· A judging panel will select the top 50 teachers who will be revealed at the completion of the campaign on 30 June in VWeekend.
· Nominate an amazing teacher today by visiting www.heraldsun.com.au/news/
