Be still,

Be still and know

Be still and know that I am

Be still and know that I am your God.

Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen.

Dear Parents,

At this time of the school year our teachers are taking time to reflect on the children and their learning. Reports about the children and their progress are being written and will be issued to parents on Monday 9 December. Class lists are being finalised with an orientation time to new classes for 2020 happening on Tuesday 10 December. It is all happening and at a great pace. It is therefore important to take time and to be still as well, which is the theme of Advent as indicated in this week’s prayer. The first candle on the Advent wreath is the candle of Hope.

I thank the parents who have been in leadership roles for the 2019 school year. Parents who are committed members of the School Education Board and the Parents and Friends Association are wonderful in giving of their expertise and time. Thanks especially to Michael Sheridan and Catherine Sampson. Michael Sheridan, as Chairperson of the School Education board for the last 3 years, has been instrumental in supporting political issues around Catholic school funding and has been strategic in ensuring the Board has had a clear direction and great consultation processes. Thank you, Michael, for your final report and for the years of support, leadership and advocacy you have provided for our board and the whole school community. Click here to read Michael’s wonderful, emotional report. Catherine has been Secretary of the Board for the last 5 years and her organisation, patience and giving of time has been greatly valued also. We welcome Chad Ellis and Ami Bonacci to the School Education Board next year and look forward to having their talents shared. Parents and Friends Association sees us farewelling Kate Every and Megan Light (Treasurer). Kate has been a driver of so many wonderful events including the Drive In and will be missed but her legacy will live on. Megan has been wonderful in the treasurer role and greatly appreciated for sharing this strength. On behalf of the school community I thank Michael, Catherine, Kate and Megan.

Our Culture: Warm feedback we receive is very affirming about the culture and positive climate of our learning community. I was recently asked how have we established such a positive culture. There are many elements to this. In short, we are a Catholic community with important catholic values we endeavour to uphold and live by. Our culture has developed over time. It stems from a clear, visible vision that we ensure we are faithful to. We value a culture of empathy, a strong focus on community and respectful relationships, a commitment to placing the student at the centre of all learning, a commitment to high expectations and collaboration and teamwork, a focus on a strengths based, positive behaviour approach and making a difference in our world.

CEMSIS Survey Results: 

The results data from the recent Catholic Education Melbourne School Improvement Surveys (CEMSIS ) have been received. The surveys  were distributed to all staff, all students Year 4-6 and all parents within our school community from 2-20 September. 84% of staff responded, 79 (22%) families responded and 95% of students in years 4, 5 and 6 responded. Our school uses the information gained from the survey results to set up an annual action plan and to produce a school implementation plan as well as to identify key focuses for school improvement.

In summary the comparison Level 1 data showed that responses from the parent and student cohorts were generally positive and inline with responses from other schools in the CEM region.  There were very positive results from the staff, comparatively stronger than results from other schools as indicated by the CEM average.

We will delve further into these results by interpreting the data at deeper levels including item level and group level, and use these survey results with other data, to help inform our annual action plan for next year which will be available and shared at the beginning of the year.

St Vincent de Paul casual clothes day appeal raised $769.80. Thank you to all. The Year 6 students will now take action and go shopping with great thought to make 23 wonderful hampers which will be distributed locally by St Vincent De Paul representatives.

Jen Bermingham Food Banks: 

School Concert 2019 

There are many activities happening for the children, including getting ready for the concert.

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.

Morning Tea

Please join us at 11am on Thursday 5 December  for a morning tea in the staffroom to say thank you for all the ways you have helped and supported our Learning Community in 2019. Star learning, swimming, excursions, working bees, book covering and many other ways. We greatly value your efforts and many aspects of learning would not be possible without your support. We hope to see you there!  

We look forward to celebrating tomorrow night with all our students and families. I am looking forward to seeing you all there.

Warm wishes for the fortnight ahead,

Kerryn

Transitions

This week we welcome our 2020 Prep students for the first of their Orientation Days.  This follows on from our Prep Information Meetings held in Week 8.  At the same time, our current Year 6 students are preparing to visit their secondary schools in the coming weeks as they take the next step in their transition from primary school. All students at our school will meet their 2020 class members and teacher on Tuesday 10 December.

All transitions, but especially those to new learning environments are major events in children's lives as they change social connections that have been built. 

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 For more information visit beyou.edu.au 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.

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader

Thank you to the families who have finalised their 2019 School Fee account. Last week families were emailed a Fee Information letter which included Preferred Method of Payment. 

If you choose the option to pay fees in full for 2020, they will be due by Friday 27 March 2020. Instalment payments will be finalised by 14 October 2020. Please refer to the information emailed last week, which is also attached to the newsletter. 

Please return the Fee Information, signed and showing your Preferred Method of Payment to the school office by Friday 7 December. 

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 on Tuesday and our students and teachers have created some great performances.  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. 

• 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, keeping talk and movement to between songs only.
• Students must sit with their class. No younger siblings to sit in class areas please.
• Students are asked to eat before or after the concert, but not during.

Emily Soppitt Year 6

Emily Soppit is a budding author and illustrator and created the most magnificent comic book titled Mopp Dog. She recently sent a copy to renowned author Andy Griffith. We were all delighted when Emily received a reply from Andy, commending her on her work. 

Congratulations Emily on pursuing your passion and following through in such a proactive way.

Year 2 - Junior Lego League

This term in Year 2, five hard working creative teams have been designing and constructing as part of the Junior Lego League. They travelled into St Thomas Aquinas Primary school in Geelong to present their creations along with other catholic schools from across the Geelong region. This years challenge was to create a new building for Boomtown that was a useful addition to the community with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all. Students had to design, construct and code their creations which included moving elevators, cranes and helicopters as well as multi use buildings including a Hospital, Performing arts centre, Theme park, Sports centre and Multi purpose centre. The day was a huge hit and the creations the students presented were amazing. Well done to all those involved and thanks to our parent helpers who transported and help support the kids. 

Tuesday 10 December 3pm - 3.25pm  ~ Invitation to all Parents & Carers

Throughout the past six months our Indigenous Garden/Amphitheatre area has been rejuvenated with the hard work of students, parents and local environmental groups.   With funding awarded by the State Government and Junior Landcare Biodiversity Grant along with the support of many local businesses, we will be celebrating the reopening of this place of reflection and friendship on Tuesday 10 November from 3pm - 3.25pm.  Traditional Wadawurrung landowner Corrina Eccles will be performing a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to formalise this celebration.

Earlier in the day Corrina will also be conducting education and art workshops with all Year 3 students. This will involve students working together to create traditional bollards to add to the newly named and rejuvenated garden.  Parent volunteers will be required and greatly appreciated for these workshops. Please see Blue Hub news for further details.

Term 4 Week 9 - Green Hub News 

Term 4 Week 9 - Red Hub News

Term 4 Week 9 - Blue Hub News

Term 4 Week 9 - Purple Hub New

Term 4 Week 9 - Yellow Hub News

LEVEL 4+ SWIMMING PROGRAM       

On Monday 9 December 2019, students from Years 4, 5 and 6 who have not participated in school based swimming lessons at BAC, will participate in the Level+ Swimming Day at Kardinia Aquatic Centre. These students have had a Caremonkey eform directed to them.

They will have an opportunity to participate in 50m swim events in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Students will choose which events they feel comfortable swimming in. They do not have to swim in all. 

This swimming day will also be the selection trials for the 2020 District Swimming Event taking place in Term 1. All races will be timed and placegetters recorded to begin the selection process for the 2020 swim squad. Students from Years 4 and 5 that manage qualifying times will be considered for selection. Current Year 6 students, while still participating in the races, will not be timed on the day. 

Buses will leave school at 9.15am and return to school by 3.15pm.

Students will need to wear their schoolhat and summer sports uniform over their bathers. In their school bag they need to bring a towel, swim cap and goggles, change of underwear and sunscreen. Please ensure all items are clearly labelled. Students will also need to bring their snack, lunch and drink bottle.

We do require parent help on the day at the pool.  If you are available and happy to supervise students, time or record please complete volunteer request question. All volunteers must have a current working with children check and be a registered volunteer with Our Lady Star of the Sea. 

Any queries can be directed to Lisa Grigg lgrigg@staroceangrove.catholic.com.au

The Pick Up zone allows for 2 minute parking between 8-9am and 3-4pm. This means in this area, you must not park there continuously for longer than the period allowed. You can also not move more than 3 metres from your vehicle. If you stay longer or leave your vehicle you can be issued with a penalty.
 
City of Greater Geelong have advised the school that they have received reports of vehicles parked for longer than 2 minutes in this zone. By-laws officers will be patrolling the local area to ensure parking rules are being followed.
 

Many families are making 2020 Out of School Hours Care arrangements for their children. Earlier this term we asked for responses to the possibility of investigating the provision of Out of School Hours Care at Our Lady Star of the Sea school. Thank you to families who responded. The initial responses indicate the need is not yet feasible for the school to engage a provider, however investigations will take place to determine future needs. 

Please email secretary@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au if you still wish to indicate your Out of School Hours needs that are not able to be met by current local providers. 

The Annual General Meeting was held last week, with all executive and general positions filled.

President – Rachael Simons

Vice President – Samantha Ellis

Secretary – Pip Hughes

Treasurer – Lyndall Keen

School Education Board Representative – Mary McCartney 

Events Liaison Representatives – Paul Prout 

Parent Liaison Year Level Representatives:

Prep – Nicole Wood

Year 1 – Rachel Simons, Samantha Ellis

Year 2 – Debra Maud & Tania Cipriani

Year 3 - Jackie Montgomery

Year 4 – Debra Maud

Year 5 – Nicole Wood

Year 6 – Jen Birmingham, Alanna Mills

General Committee Members

Anthony Dowling, Paul Prout, Jackie Montgomery, Hayley Bennett, Kerry Britt, Sue Constable, Alison van Utijert.

The last day for the canteen will be Friday 13 December.

The canteen will re open Term 1, Week 2 - Wednesday 5 February 2020.

Thank-you for all your excellent work mowing and whipper snippering the grounds this year. It has been greatly appreciated. We would love to keep the numbers up for 2020 so it is only a once a year job for everyone. If you would like to drop out can you please let Mark Monahan (markmonahan1234@gmail.com) know otherwise we will assume you are happy to stay on.  A roster will be sent out early in the new year. Again thanks for your help this year.  

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 

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

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

Please install the School App.  It is an important communication tool for us. 

Do you have the App?

Our Lady Star of the Sea use the Schoolzine App, on which you can view the newsletter, calendar and receive notifications such as "Today's assembly will be in the hubs". 

How do I install SZapp on my device?