On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of
the year 1918, an armistice was signed, ending the "war to end all
wars" - World War I. November 11 has therefore been set aside as
Armistice Day, a day to pray for those who have died serving their
country.

Prayer of Remembrance
Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of conflict, and ask
that God may give us peace:
For the service men and women who have died in the violence
of war, each one remembered by and known to God; May God
give peace.
For those who love them in death as in life, offering the
distress of our grief and the sadness of our loss; May God
give peace.
For all members of the armed forces who are in danger this
day, remembering family, friends and all who pray for their
safe return; May God give peace,
For civilian women, children and men whose lives are
disfigured by war or terror, calling to mind in penitence the
anger and hatreds of humanity; May God give peace.
For peacemakers and peacekeepers, who seek to keep this
world secure and free; May God give peace,
For all who bear the burden and privilege of leadership,
political, military and religious; asking for gifts of wisdom and
resolve in the search for reconciliation and peace.
May God give peace.
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose
memory we cherish, and those whose names we will
never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of
this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those
who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our
faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope,
now and forever.
Amen.

Dear Parents,

I recently undertook some further leadership learning and an aspect of this learning was to reflect on the times throughout the year I have observed the ordinary becoming extraordinary.

Every act has the potential to turn from the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jesus’ life was an example of this. His humanity and suffering during his life on earth went from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Particularly in the last few years of his life on earth. This led to his story continuing today, with the Good News, gospel stories  and values being spoken about and shared thousands of years later. Mary’s life also went from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Every act has potential to transfer from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

In our Learning Community we have the privilege of seeing so many everyday moments go from the ordinary to the extraordinary. When a child achieves a milestone with their learning, random acts of kindness, the Year 6 Music night where many were originally taken out of their comfort zone and shone, the Prep visits to the elderly at Seaview Manor, the Mission Fete efforts, the student agency where individuals chose to do more in their own time to raise money for those less fortunate, Working Bees, Samuel Johnson’s visit Friday, the many strengths and achievements of our students being shared in and out of school, the student leadership and student voice. These are only a few examples of what we are grateful for and celebrate often.

In being with our children, we can help them by acknowledging those moments where their actions go beyond the ordinary and reiterate that true happiness comes from having meaning and purpose and reaching out to others in our lives and beyond. The characteristic from the Horizons of Hope that this sits well with is making a difference in the world, inspired by the Gospel and led by the Holy Spirit to grow in virtue and act for justice and the common good.

Mission Fete: What an amazing time we had at Mission Fete. The liturgy certainly set the scene and we are so grateful our students have the benefit of making authentic and purposeful links to the Bulbula community. 

Our Mission Fete was a huge success again, because of your most wonderful generosity. As well as sending money to Catholic Missions and Mercy Works, this year we will send $10,400 to Bulbula, which will change the lives of many children who will now be able to go to school.  As our guest speaker Kitty told us, the most effective way to break the poverty cycle is through education. This investment in education then becomes generational for families, so your generosity is long reaching. Our school community should be so proud of this donation for it has such a positive impact on so many. Thank you again for your donations to stalls as well as buying at the fete. The sun popped out for us, whilst it rained nearby and as always it was a fun day of excitement and joy for our students. A special mention to Marianne Caddy and Lib MacPherson who through this community connection, brought meaningful, purposeful and authentic learning to our students. It is very obvious that through this action our students have a real sense of happiness in making such a positive difference to other’s lives,  just as Jesus has called us to do.

We would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Rachael Simons for her dedicated work in organising fantastic prizes for our Mission Fete raffle this year. We greatly appreciate the generosity of our local business community for supporting this event. Many thanks to those who donated prizes. We were thrilled with the results of our fundraising for Mission Fete in 2019.

Year 6 Music Night: Congratulations and thankyou to all Year 6 students and staff on a spectacular performance on Wednesday night at GPAC to celebrate their Year 6 year. It is always a most enjoyable evening to see all the students shine.

Trivia Night: This also was a huge success. Many thanks to Hayley Bennett and Peggy and all who attended. It was lots of fun and a nice change to have an adult catch up whilst  supporting the school with funds going towards an outdoor learning area.

Congratulations to the winning table. 

Samuel Johnson: Thankyou to the Maud family who bought Samuel Johnson to us. It has been 7 years since he last inspired us in our school setting and we are truly blessed to have had the opportunity again. Very inspirational and motivating.

2020 Classroom structure and staff: 

Below is our information sharing of Hubs for 2020 and the teaching staff within each Hub.

Warm wishes for the fortnight ahead

Kerryn

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Inspired by Mary and guided by our faith in her Son, Jesus, we aspire to be a respectful, nurturing and engaging learning community. (Our Lady Star of the Sea Vision Statement August 2011)

Scripture Reference: “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.”     John 10:10

Optimal wellbeing and learning are enabled in school environments that are safe, inclusive and respectful. (EXCEL - Catholic Education Melbourne)  A positive sense of wellbeing supports a base for rich learning that enables young people to flourish. Wellbeing is described as “a sustainable state of positive mood and attitude, resilience and satisfaction with self, relationships and experiences.” (ACU & Erebus International 2008) 

At Our Lady Star of the Sea, this holistic view of wellbeing is characterised by an open, friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of hope, welcome and belonging.  We invest energy into growing and sustaining positive relationships based on respect and kindness. All members of Our Lady Star of the Sea community (students, staff and families) have the right to feel safe at all times.  

This year, as part of our Student Wellbeing & Respectful Relationship focus, we are further enhancing  our whole school approach to creating an environment for learners that is safe, inclusive and respectful through the development of Positive Behaviour for Learning.

Positive Behaviour for Learning: 

• Concentrates primarily on preventing the occurrence of an identified behaviour by avoiding or adapting the circumstances that usually trigger this behaviour
• Focuses on building skills and developing alternative preferred behaviours
• Uses students’ strengths and interests to increase success
• Based on shared values and expected norms of the whole community.

Why do we need a system for teaching behaviour?

If a child doesn’t know how to read, we teach.      

If a child doesn’t know how to swim, we teach.        

If a child doesn’t know how to multiply, we teach.  

If a child doesn’t know how to drive, we teach.

If a child doesn’t know how to behave, we ....  ....teach.? ....punish?

Why can’t we finish the last sentence as automatically as we do the others?

Tom Herner (1982) 

Throughout this year, the Student Wellbeing and Respectful Relationship Teams have been focusing on identifying the shared values of the Our Lady Star of the Sea community.  We are now seeking input from our parent community to finalise the key values that enable our school vision. To contribute, parents are asked to click the image below and answer the question: What are the key values you would hope for your children?

This should take you to our AnswerGarden page.

Our Respectful Relationship Student Leaders will be seeking input from parents at dismissal time this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Also, if you would like to discuss Positive Behaviour for Learning further before providing your input, drop into the staffroom this Wednesday at 3:15 - 3:30pm to meet Marnie Hallam and myself.

Once our key values have been identified, we will begin formulating our Student Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct will include explicit expectations of how our key values are enacted through our actions at Our Lady Star of the Sea. 

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader

Term 4 Week 7 - Green Hub News

Term 4 Week 7 - Red Hub News

Term 4 Week 7 - Blue Hub News

Term 4 Week 7 - Purple Hub News

Term 4 Week 7 - Yellow Hub News

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.

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. 

SAVE THE DATE - Tuesday 10 December. Time to be announced. 

Throughout the past six months our Indigenous garden has been rejuvenated with the hard work of students, parents and local environmental groups.   We will have an official reopening on the afternoon of Tuesday 10 December.  

Further details in next newsletter.

Black Trek bike with orange trim and writing. Missing last week from the top bike rack near the basketball court.

Please check your child's bike in case it's gone home by accident. 

Confirmed cases of Chicken Pox have been reported in Blue Hub.
Please ensure that if your child shows signs or symptoms of the disease that he or she remains at home until they are well. Children with Chicken Pox can attend school if the lesions can be covered adequately. This is usually 5 days after the rash appears in unimmunised children, but may be less in previously immunised children. Exclusion from swimming and contact sports should be advised for seven days after the rash appears.
For more information go to https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chickenpox This link includes information about vaccination against Chicken Pox. A single dose immunisation against chickenpox is included for free, for 18 month - 4 year old children in the National Immunisation Schedule however research shows that two doses of chickenpox vaccine in children provides increased protection and reduces the risk of chickenpox occurring at a later time. The government funds one free dose of a chickenpox-containing vaccine, and a parent or carer can purchase another dose, on prescription. Discuss this with your immunisation provider.

Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve):

• Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Ocean Grove - 5:30pm Carols followed by Mass at 6pm
• Holy Trinity Church, Queenscliff - 5:30pm Carols followed by Mass at 6pm
• Holy Family Church, Barwon Heads - 7:30pm Carols followed by Mass at 8pm

Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day):

• Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Ocean Grove - 9am Mass with Carols

• Holy Trinity Church, Queenscliff - 11am Mass with Carols

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

Term 1

Tuesday 28 January: Staff Return 

Wednesday 29 January - Friday 27 March

* Easter: Friday 10 April - Monday 13 April 

Term 2 

Tuesday 14 April - Friday 26 June 

Term 3

Monday 13 July - Friday 18 September

Term 4 

Monday 5 October - Thursday 17 December 

CHRISTMAS MARKET FAIR

Rice Village is holding a Christmas Market Fair on

SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER 11.00AM – 3.00PM

All are welcome to enjoy lots of fun, delicious food, to search goodies for yourself or for gifts, and to try your luck.

Funds raised from the Fair will go towards the purchase of a Wheel Chair Accessible Bus for residents to enjoy outings.

Mercy Place Rice Village – Marshalltown Road Marshall

YMCA Geelong - School Holiday Program