Dear Parents,

Our Catholic Social Teaching sees us ensuring we have a preferential option for the poor. Caring for the poor is everyone’s responsibility. Preferential care should be shown to poor and vulnerable people, whose needs and rights are given special attention in God’s eyes. Jesus taught that God asks each of us what we are doing to help the poor and needy: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Reaching the poorest and most marginalised people often requires greater effort in discovering where they are to be found. This sometimes means additional resources of time and money.

Pope Francis' compassion statement, included in our last newsletter, shows Pope Francis recently invited the faithful to see reality clearly through the lens of compassion. He said that compassion enables us to open our hearts to see and understand the true situation of others so we can then act. 

Mission Fete: This week sees us celebrate our Annual Mission Fete day.  For many students this is a highlight of their Primary School years and, indeed, their favourite day of the year. I’m sure you have been having conversations with your children as we have at school, about the purpose of the Mission Fete and the money raised supporting the Bulbula community, Catholic Mission and Mercy Works. Mission Fete Day is made up of a liturgy (9.15am at the Church), compassion activity and Mission Fete which begin at 1.15pm. Each class and students from Year 5 & 6 prepare stalls. All are welcome to come along and be part of the day.

Stage One MasterPlan Building:

At our recent School Education Board Meeting we discussed the latest concept plan  for our build next year and currently are having weekly meetings with the architect. Below is a concept plan. You can see the build includes a hub of 4 classrooms and a large 700 square metre multi purpose area which accommodates a full sized basketball court. At this stage we are hoping to begin building approximately April of next year, which is very exciting for us all as a learning community. Any feedback is welcomed from the community. Please email me directly.

Building_Plan.pdf

Building_Plan _pdf 442.96 KB

Working Bee:

A very successful working bee was held two Sunday mornings ago. The turnout was amazing, enabling so much work to be done. The school looks terrific. We heard many say they enjoyed it and met some new parents which is wonderful as this is an intentional side aim of having the working bees. Not only will you notice nicer gardens but new outdoor mud kitchens (many thanks to the Ocean Grove Men’s Shed) and a 3 bay compost area built by some dads.

Thank you very much to everyone who attended including parents, students and staff. Many thanks  to Tim Murphy, Liam Murphy, Rachael Simons, Hunter Simons, Flynn Simons, Amelie Simons, Hayley Bennett, Bodhi Bennett, Cain Pasque, Miller Pasque, Joe McCaffrey, Patrick McCaffrey, Hannah McCaffrey, Briony Darcy, Natalia Eyck, Riley Eyck, Leon Eyck, Pip Jankowski, Warren Jankowski, Henry Jankowski, Sophia Jankowski, Leah Cole, Isaac Geerings, Matt Wood, Spencer Wood, Kane Montgomery, Jackie King, Angus Montgomery Isabella Montgomery, Todd Wombwell, Kerrie Wombwell, Nate Wombwell, Wayne Tunks, Lily Tunks, Alison Healy, Ashlee Guiffrida, Jordan Wiltshire, Jeremy Fraser , Sarah Fraser, Mackenzie Fraser, Carly Norquay, Lewis Due, Sam Due, Rebecca Bellingham, Zara Bellingham, Jabez Bellingham, Mark Hardwick, Polly Hardwick, Arthur Hardwick, Chantelle, James Dalton, Matilda Dalton, Sue Constable, Eva Azzopardi, Dave Quinn, Natalie Skahill, Gemma Quinn, Rory Quinn, Letitia Dowling, April Dowling, Ella Dowling, David King, Emily King, Siena King, Ivy King, Billie King, Judi Everett, Amy Bonacci, Max Bonacci and Vinnie Bonacci. House points have been awarded to all these families.

This year, Mark Monahan, School Education Board member, has coordinated the working bees providing a fantastic service to our school. We are grateful for Mark’s faithful commitment and I am sure you will continue to support our future working bees with Mark as the coordinator. I remind you that the generosity of the families who attend working bees is an enormous support to our school. It enables us to enhance our school grounds thus providing a safer and aesthetically more pleasing environment for the children. If you didn’t get to one this year I encourage you to attend at least one in 2020. Our school needs your support.

ROTARY JUNIOR COMMUNITY AWARD

Congratulations to Jez Johnstone, Josie Leonard, Tilly Hughes, Alexie Murray, Charlie Coles, Molly Graham, Isobel Garner, Olivia Light, Riley Eyck, Gus McCartney, Alira Smith, Allegra Cook, Grace Azzopardi, Georgia Neicho, Grace Sadler, Bree Sampson, Scralett Sadler and Abbie Clark who all completed the Rotary Junior Leadership Award this year. These students gave a tremendous amount of their own time to completing activities which helped develop a greater understanding of community. This included ten weeks of community service, attending a community meeting and celebration, learning about another culture and religion, learning a new skill, improving upon physical activity as well as participating in an environmental activity. It took almost three terms to complete the project with a lot of support from parents, but the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learnt a lot from the experience.

World teachers day: We celebrated our wonderful teachers on the 25 October  for World Teacher’s day. Our students did this by recognising a character strength in their teacher and presenting them with an award at assembly based on their strength. We are so blessed and grateful for our wonderful teachers Good teaching first and foremost establishes connections with students as the foundation for learning. Teachers work on strengthening social, emotional and intellectual skills in all students and ensuring they all flourish. We value our teachers at Our Lady Star of the Sea and the nurturing and care they show to their students.

A new addition to our foyer is a photo board of our teachers which enables you to identify who your children may be referring to when they talk about the wonderful teachers in our school. Another way to support relationships by putting faces to names. 

Annual Open School Education Board Meeting: Our next board meeting is the Annual Open Meeting of the School Education Board and will be held in the school library on Wednesday 28 November at 7 pm. All members of our school community are welcome to attend.

Annual General Meeting of the PFA: The Annual General Meeting of the PFA is on Monday 25 November at 7 pm. If you are able to come along please do . All welcome.

Volunteer Thankyou Morning Tea: All are welcome to a morning tea provided by the staff on Thursday 5 December at 11 am. A small way we can say thankyou for all your efforts this year in supporting our learning community in the many ways you volunteer. 

Warmest wishes for the fortnight ahead

Kerryn

Despite the cool weekend, the weather in recent weeks has been warming up as we get closer to Summer.  Students have been required to wear their hats since mid- August when the the UV levels have been 3 or higher. Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School encourages students, staff members, contractors, and volunteers to protect themselves from UV radiation in following ways.

1. Seek shade

Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School will ensure that there is sufficient shelter and trees to provide shade in outdoor spaces particularly in high use areas e.g. where students have lunch, outdoor lessons and popular play spaces.

The school will ensure:

• The availability of shade is considered when planning all other outdoor activities and excursions.
• Students are encouraged to use available areas of shade when outside.
• Students who choose to play on the oval will be offered sunscreen if they have forgotten to apply.
• Students who do not have appropriate hats or outdoor clothing are asked to play in the shade or a suitable area protected from the sun.

2.  Slip on sun protective clothing

Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School acknowledges that clothing is the most protective barrier from UV radiation. Sun protective clothing is included in our school uniform / dress code and sports uniform. School clothing is cool, loose fitting and made of densely woven fabric. It includes shirts with collars and longer sleeves, longer style dresses and shorts.

3. Slap on a hat

All Our Lady Star of the Sea students are required to wear their school that protect their face, neck and ears, whenever they are outside. Baseball or peak caps and visors are not a suitable alternative.

4. Slop on sunscreen

Parents and carers must ensure that their child provides their own SPF 30 plus or higher broadspectrum, water resistant sunscreen. In the absence of a student providing their own SPF 30 plus or higher broadspectrum, water resistant sunscreen, staff members will offer a school purchase product to the student.  Parents and carers are reminded that in this instance Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School cannot be held responsible for any subsequent reaction that the student may experience as a result of the application of the school sunscreen.

More Information

Sunscreen

Sunsmart Website

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader

Term 4 Week 5 - Green Hub News

Term 4 Week 5 - Red Hub News

Term 4 Week 5 - Blue Hub News

Term 4 Week 5 - Purple Hub News

Term 4 Week 5 - Yellow Hub News

Equestrian: Tessa Leen and Maci Dean

Tessa competed at the Warrnambool interschools competition, placing first in both of her show jumping rounds and taking out overall champion in her grade.

Maci took part in the interschools show jumping competition hosted by Bacchus Marsh Grammar on Friday 18th October, placing 2nd in her 1st round & 1st in her 2nd round to take out overall champion in her grade.

Well done to these students on representing our school and achieving such amazing results!

Amelie Flynn - Barwon Water National Water Week Poster Competition

Congratulations to Amelie Flynn from 2TP for being one of the winners of the  Barwon Water, National Water Poster Competition. This year's theme was " It's time to change the world". Amelie's amazing poster was one of over 1000 entries.  Barwon Water representative, Jacinta, came to present Amelie with her  award. 

Congratulations to Darcy Harrington, Ned Badrock, Harley Womersley & Alexander Morgan for their fabulous efforts at the State Track and Field Championships, at Albert Park last week.

The boys made the final of the 11 year boys 4 x 100m relay and came fifth overall in very hot conditions. They ran a beautiful race that showed great grit and determination.

Darcy Harrington, also competed in the triple jump and came second overall, jumping 10.03m - a personal best by 47cm! Congratulations Darcy on a successful event and taking the silver medal.

This Friday is our Mission Fete. It is a wonderful day, beginning with a liturgy at 9:15am to reflect on our mission, to improve the quality of life for others. We will also have a guest speaker sharing her experiences of Bulbula. Our Fete begins at 1:30pm and is a wonderful celebration of community working together to raise funds for the community of Bulbula in Ethiopia. The money that we raise during Mission Fete has served a number of purposes over the years. Sr Abeba, identifies the most significant need for the money and how it can benefit the most people. In our first year we bought prosthetic legs for a boy, so that he could become more mobile and self sufficient, allowing his family to work. We helped establish small income generating “businesses”, so that families could be independent in buying food for their families. A significant amount of our fundraising employed a health care worker, who was able to visit and assist families in more remote areas, identifying and addressing the considerable health issues associated with lack of nutrition or medical aid. Again this year Sr Abeba is hoping to use the money for educating students. Education provides hope and opportunity for the future. It enables independence and can help to break the cycle of poverty. 

All students are invited to create a design for the front cover. The design needs to be A4 landscape orientation and include somewhere on the page the title, “Family Favourite Recipes” and “compiled by Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Ocean Grove.” Leave a 2cm space along the top for book binding. Please hand to your classroom teacher by Friday 15 November.

• Please arrive at 7:00pm for a prompt 7:30pm start.
• Each of our 17 tables are sponsored by a local business that supports our school.  Each trivia team will take on their table sponsors name as their team name for the night.
• Tables will be pre-allocated.  A list will be on display as you enter Shell Road Pavilion. Your trivia team name will be listed beside the name of the person who booked your table.
• Don't forget to purchase your reverse raffle tickets and key for the wheelbarrow lock on the way in.  Keys are $10 each (only 60 available and not available for pre-sale) and reverse raffle tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5.  Reverse raffle tickets are currently for sale in the office if you can't make it on the night.
• Make sure you bring a stash of gold coins along.  You'll have the opportunity to turn $2 into a $50 voucher for The Mex or the Flying Brick Cider House or you can purchase an answer to a trivia question if your team is struggling.  
  
• Please BYO nibbles / platters as no catering is available on the night.  
• No BYO Drinks allowed.  Drinks are available at the bar run by the Ocean Grove Cricket Club.  Limited bar ATM facilities are available so please bring cash where possible.  Minimum eftpos is $20 cash out per transaction.
  
• Please ensure all rubbish is put into the rubbish bags provided on each table to make for an easy clean up at the end of the night.
• A huge thank you to our 17 table sponsors and the many generous business who have donated prizes for the night.  
  

  

When: Tuesday 3 December

Arrive: 5.30pm for 5.45pm  start 

Finish : approximately 7.30pm

Where: Ocean Grove Park Pavillion, 70 Presidents Ave

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.

Our annual concert is not far away, and our students and teachers are becoming busy with songs and dancing.  Our theme this year is “The Fifth Element”.  While we are familiar with the 4 commonly known elements of fire, water, earth and air, we wonder what is this mysterious, undefinable fifth element we hear of from time to time?  Where is it, what does it do, how do we see it? Come and join us for a wonderful night as we celebrate our school community through music and dance, and enjoy a Prep rendition of the great story that unites us all. 

• Class costume requirements are listed in today’s newsletter, however please feel free to contact your child’s teacher if you require further information.  
• There will be a rehearsal day in the park for each class.  Parents will be advised of specific details via Care Monkey.  
• A program will be released closer to the event. 

On Friday 22 November, we will be having a casual clothes day with a $2 donation being offered up for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. We will have 13 families from within the Ocean Grove community, whom we will be supporting. With the money raised, Year 6 students will be given a family and a budget, specific to  the number of family members. They will need to decide upon necessary items to buy for a Christmas meal and then shop for the items. This was a tremendous success last year for both our school and the families we assisted.

This term our school has participated in Walk to School Month. We had a massive participation rate with 398 students participating in the program. Our total number of walks, rides and scoots for the month was 7,711. We are now in the running to win a $500 voucher from Rebel Sport. Thanks to everyone who participated and now that you are in the habit of travelling actively, it would be great if you can keep it up. It is great for your health and awesome for the environment. Well done! Travelsmart leaders.

Legacy badges are for sale at the school office and during lunchtimes. 

Badges: $2, $5, $10 or $30

Wristband: $3

Canteen will be closed this Friday 8 November due to Mission Fete. 

Term 4 2020

Friday 16 October: Respectful Relationships "Gratitude Day"

Monday 19 October: Book Week Dress Up Day 

Thursday 22 October: Footy colours casual clothes day and Gold Coin donation for Cherished Pets Ocean Grove.

Friday 23 October: AFL Grand Final Public Holiday, school closed 

Sunday 25 October: School working bee 10am - 12pm - Purple Hub TBC

Tuesday 3 November: Melbourne Cup Public Holiday, school Closed 

Friday 6 November: Mission Fete Day 

Monday 9 November: School Photo Day Individual and Class Photos

Tuesday 10 November: School Photo Day Family Portraits

Monday 23 November  - Tuesday 24 November: Year 6 Camp Wyuna

Tuesday 24 November: Prep 2021 Parent Information Session 6 - 7pm TBC

Thursday 26 November: Prep 2021 Parent Information Session 6 - 7pm TBC

Friday 27 November: Staff 2021 Planning Day, student free day 

Monday 30 November: Year 3 Camp Wyuna

Tuesday 1 December: Year 4 Camp Wyuna

Wednesday 2 December: Year 5 Camp Wyuna

Wednesday 2 December: Prep 2021 Orientation Day 9.30am - 11am TBC

Tuesday 8 December: Prep 2021 Orientation Day 9.30am - 11am TBC

Thursday 17 December: End of Term 4

Please note: Please refer to the Parent Calendar for all dates

Rotary Ocean Grove - Identifying Family Violence Forum

Australian Air League youth group coming to Geelong

We would like to advise that the Australian Air League youth group is opening a new Squadron in Geelong, and will be holding a meeting at the Geelong Umpire Association Club Rooms at Kardinia Park on Thursday 7^th November starting from 6pm. Young boys and girls who wish to learn more are welcome to come along with their parents to discover what the Air League has to offer.

The Australian Air League is a national organisation for young people aged from 8 to 18 years who have an interest in aviation either as a career or as a hobby. It teaches leadership skills and provides a wide range of interesting and exciting activities such as camping and hiking, sport and physical recreation, building and flying model aircraft and ceremonial drill. Through classes and practical demonstration members learn the theory of aviation and a wide range of associated topics such as Meteorology, Navigation, Aero Engines and Aircraft Construction, as well as general interest subjects such as photography, field craft and community service.

With Squadrons in most states of Australia, the Air League has been serving the community in Australia since 1934. It is entirely self-funding and is staffed by volunteers who give their time to achieve its goals. To learn more about the Australian Air League visit our website at https://www.airleague.com.au