Filter Content
- Prayer
- From the Principal
- Student Wellbeing : Talking to Children about Australia's Bushfire Emergency.
- CSEF - CAMP, SPORT AND EXCURSION FUND
- Hub News
- Sports News
- School App
- Child safe - parent volunteer
- Student Attendance
- Student Absences Procedures
- School Uniform
- Student Medication
- Care and Concern
- Canteen Volunteers Needed
- Upcoming Important Dates on the Parent Calendar
- Term 1 Kelly Sports - After School Sports Program Prep - Year 4
- Chess for Schools Program - Friday Lunchtimes
- Term 1 Code Camp - After School Sports Program Year 2 - Year 6
- 2020 Term Dates
- Community News
As we pray our school prayer we have all the victims of the recent tragic bushfires at the forefront of our minds and all those volunteering and working to bring the bushfires under control and support the communities. My they be filled with faith , hope and love.
Our Lady Star of the Sea School Prayer
Dear God,
This is our school. Let it be a place of love and hope as we come to learn and pray surrounded by people who care for us; friends, family, teachers. May our actions make each day brighter for someone whom we talk with, share our time with, experiencing new exciting things may we approach new challenges without fear, knowing others are there to guide and support us. May all teachers lead with example and in their teaching take their students on a journey of discovery. Let us remember our challenge to be like Jesus and his mother Mary and may we make Our Lady Star of the Sea school a place where people feel welcome.
We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to the 2020 school year. I trust you and your families have had a wonderful break.
We welcome the Preps and all new families to our learning community and look forward to having a successful year where all students flourish and we continue to be faithful to our wonderful vision.
Inspired by Mary and guided by our faith in her Son, Jesus, Our Lady Star of the Sea school aspire to be a respectful, nurturing and engaging learning community.
“I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full”.
John 10:10
Faith, hope and love help us to find God. They are the things that keep us going when we have hard times and they are the things that can fill us with life and joy when we start each day.
During the difficult times many Australians are facing with the tragic events of the bushfires, as a school, we will be beginning the year with a focus of Working Together in Faith, Hope and Love. We will be looking at all of the wonderful things which can be achieved when we work together. This can be within our relationships, classroom, school, parish, local community, wider community and environment. We will be emphasising the hope that working together can bring to individuals and communities. We have made contact with the Sale Diocese and primary schools within the fire effected areas, to offer any assistance which they may require and are still awaiting responses.
Welcome to Preps: Kenzie Andrews, Jett Baker, Isabelle Batters, Xavier Bell, Evelyn Bernazolli, Asher Birrell, Olive Bryan, Jamison Burgoyne, Moby Campbell, Ella Cardorel, Nina Cardorel, Maisy Chapman, Marissa Christou, Sienna Clarke, Max Cole, Jesse Currie, Elijah Dickeson, George Dickinson, Jed Douglas, Mitchell Dunne, Connor Durling, Annabelle Dyer, Sebastian Edwards, Stevie Ellingsen, Ruby Fillis, Sophie Foulsham, Jemma Geerings, Flynn Hall, Max Harry, Maddi Hodges, Isla Kerr, Billie King, Zara Knights, Airlie Leary, Nate Liston, Matthew Love, Brody Mac Pherson, Indiana Madden, Evelynne Maloney, Harper Marsh, Amelia McCormack, River McCoy, Saoirse McKerracher, Ashton McKnight, Malakai McLauchlan, Bethany Mifsud, Violet Molloy, Oliver Mullen, Connor Murphy, Joshua Paganini, Isla Pascoe, Annabel Peace, Alira Preston, Ruby Prout, Marley Raicevic, Fletcher Reid, Sonny Reynolds Asher Riddle, Grace Riddle, Estelle Robins, Thomas Rundle, Erin Scott, Evie Sinnott, Farley Smith, Eden Stanley, Qunicy Stephens, Jaeger Tierney-Sermon, Scarlett Tyers, Tom van der Heyden, Skylah van Helden, Alfie Ward, Lucy Warren, Ivy Williams, Sunny Williams, Taj Williamson, Pepper Winchester, Harris Wood, Clancy Wynn, Ollie Yates.
Welcome back Nate Donovan and Isabella Donovan
Welcome also to the following students: Beau Walsh, Tyson Walsh, Charlie Travers, Jethro Mansell, Harvey Mansell, Isabella Kiddle, Christian Cruz, Queenie Patterson., Estella Sorace, Seb Sorace, Arosh Makil.
Our newest staff members to be welcomed for 2020 are: Bonnie Evers Year 2 , Claire Toomey- Prep, Carly O'Neill - Year 4, Andrew Gibson - Specialist PE Yr 4 &5 and Year 2 Science, Rachael Thomas. Year 1, 2 and 6 specialist teacher -Science and Art. , Sara de Jong - Year 2 Learning Support Teacher, Bree Russell- year 3 Learning support Teacher and Tessa Mellingtion and Mikayla Thomas Year 1 and 3 Learning Support Officers.
Working bee
A huge thankyou to the following families who came along and helped clean up our grounds for the beginning of the school year: Mark Monahan, Indiah Monahan, Xavier Monahan, Evie Monahan, Kylie Morgan, Matilda Morgan, Kerry Wombwell, Nate Wombwell, El Pascoe, Scott Pascoe, Nash Pascoe, Cruz Pascoe, Tom Fairway, Ava Fairway, Maya Fairway, Jason Bonacci, Amy Bonacci, Max Bonacci, Vin Bonacci, Ava Bonacci, Mary Butters, Nina Butters, Peggy Butters, Pearce Fay, Lachlan Fay, Sara de Jong, Jackson de Jong, Jude de Jong, Xavier Cadorel, Fiona Cadorel, Ella Cadorel, Nina Cadorel, Penny Freeman, Zach Zarro, Gerard Donovan, Nate, Donovan, Isabella Donovan, Winni Ward, Alfie Ward, Bec Ward, Tim Murphy, Ellie Murphy, Liam Murphy, Connor Murphy, Scott Annand, Maresa Annand, Tom Annand, Willow Annand, Steve Walsh, Tenealle Walsh, Beau Walsh, Tyson Walsh, Paul Anderson, Wil Anderson, Taryn Andrews, Tannah Andrews, Kenzie Andrews, Clint Miller, Harry Miller, and Jack Miller, Nicole and Georgia Maier. The school looks terrific and ready to welcome all students.
Our Newsletter:
As we begin the school year it is important to note that the newsletter is a very important form of communication from the school in keeping you, and all parents, informed as to events, news and educational aspects relevant to you, your children and Our Lady Star of the Sea Learning Community. Therefore, you should find all you need to know about current events and activities for your child within this newsletter and specifically in Hub news. For those new to the school you simply click on the colour of your child’s hub for hub news and find all the current information you need to know within that document. Please note, the newsletter will be sent out via email every Tuesday in odd weeks for 2020.
Meet and Greets:
In Week 3 Tuesday 11 February and Wednesday 12 February after school and another afternoon that week between 2-3.30 will be offered a 10 minute time slot to meet your new teacher. If your child is on a Personalised Learning Plan you may select 2 back to back time slots so this may be shared during this time. Please make a time when invited via Care Monkey to meet with your child’s teacher. This is a great opportunity to begin to build relationships and for you to meet your child’s teacher face to face, sharing what you would like the teacher to know about your child.
Quote for the fortnight:
Wishing you many blessings for the fortnight ahead
Kerryn
Welcome to the new school year. Whilst I hope that all families had an enjoyable and safe holiday, I know that the current bushfires burning across Australia have raised anxieties and directly impacted many.
Media coverage of the fires has contained graphic, scary and disturbing images of houses, animals and people affected by the fires. Added to this over-exposure of information in the media, smoke from the bushfires stretching across our local area increases the potential to cause distress, worry or saddness for many of us, especially our children.
Parents play an important role in supporting children and helping them to feel safe. There is a common misconception that talking with your child may make a trauma or crisis worse, however research suggests that it usually has the opposite effect. For children, not having information is scary, and many children will fill in the blanks with their own imagination – often imagining something far worse than the truth. For older children, they make take to the internet for their answers, and this can sometimes become overwhelming.
All children cope with anxiety and trauma differently. Some may react immediately with changes in behaviour. These changes may include acting out, becoming clingy or changes in sleep patterns or they may be inward focussed with the child becoming withdrawn and quiet.
Some children may show signs of difficulty at a later stage. Their needs will vary depending on their ages and how much they understand of what they see. However, having an open, supportive discussion with your children can help them understand, cope and even make a positive contribution. These conversations aren’t easy, but can be crucial to ensuring that children feel safe.
How can parents help?
- take notice when your child is feeling sad, frightened, angry or upset, and help them to name these emotions. Reassure them that these feelings are normal in the situation, and help them to label where in their body they may be feeling the emotions
- encourage your child to talk about what’s troubling them, and listen and show you understand how they are feeling
- if your child brings up the bushfires or smoke, find out what they know. Answer questions honestly and with solid information about how the fires directly affect your child at this point in time
- for older children, show them maps. Ensure your information is age apporiate and avoid graphic images
- tell your children that you love them and remind them that the adults in their lives are doing everything they can to keep them safe. Plan to spend extra time with them as they get past the distress and anxiety. Children are resilient and hopeful.
- encourage your children to engage in things that help them to feel better – connect to their community, do something physical, play with friends, or do something kind for someone else. Routine is important in helping children regain a sense of normality.
- Show them all the good people trying to help. It’s important for children to know about the acts of bravery, generosity and kindness from ordinary people trying to help families impacted by the bushfires. Sharing stories of volunteer firefighters, community leaders and every day Australians showing compassion can be comforting and reassuring.
- Show them how they can help. Talking to children and showing how they can help others can be empowering and a vital step to restoring confidence. Get together and brainstorm ideas about what small or big actions you or they can take. Together, your kids and their friends can raise money, make posters or any other creative ideas that spring to mind.
- Make sure you look after your own wellbeing.
Finally, if you are still concerned about your child's level of anxiety, your family doctor is the best person to talk to regarding the formulation of a mental health plan for your child.
Regards
Paul Anderson
Student Wellbeing Leader
Reference:
Talking to children about what is happening in Australia - The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
How to talk to your children about Australia's bushfire emergency - UNICEF Australia
Other Resources:
Information for Parents (Australian Wellbeing Hub)
Talking to children about bushfires (Better Health – Victorian Government)
Talking to kids about scary stuff in the news and video (Beyond Blue)
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.
School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors. Excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works while sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are a part of a healthy curriculum.
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
The annual CSEF amount per student is:
- $150 for primary school students
HOW TO APPLY
New applicants should Click here for CSEF Application Form or contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form.
If you applied for CSEF last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
- new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools this year.
- changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about CSEF visit:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx
CROSS COUNTRY
Our whole school Cross Country will be held on Friday 28th February 2020.
Middle and Senior students will start at 9.45am running a 1km loop around the Shell Road Sports Precinct. Junior Students will begin at 10.15am and run laps inside the Shell Rd Oval.
Middle and Senior students will run in age groups. The age groupings are based on the age they turn this year. Students will choose to run the competition distance of 2km (9/10 age group) or 3km (11 and 12/13 age group) or choose the shorter distance of 1km. The competition distance allows students to potentially progress through to the District Schools competition held in March. Teachers will speak to the students about choosing the best distance and their age groupings and they will all have the opportunity to walk/run the distance prior to race day.
Approximate times for each event is as follows:
|
Middle & Senior Students |
Junior Students |
|
|
9.45 |
11 Year Boys |
|
|
9.55 |
11 Year Girls |
|
|
10.10 |
9/10 Year Boys |
|
|
10.20 |
9/10 Year Girls |
Yr 2 Boys and then Yr 2 Girls (2 Laps of the oval) |
|
10.30 |
12/13 Year Boys |
Prep Boys and then Prep Girls (I run between cones) |
|
10.45 |
12/13 Year Girls |
Yr 1 Boys and then Yr 1 Girls (1 Lapof the oval) |
|
11.00 |
Finish |
|
The day requires many helpers to ensure student safety and smooth operation. If you are available to help at this event with marshalling and assistance please email Lisa Grigg lgrigg@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au All parents wishing to volunteer must have their WWC and be a registered volunteer with our school.
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?
1. On your device, open the App Store.
2. Search the App Store for SZapp.
3. Download and install SZapp.
1. On your device, open the Play Store.
2. Search the App Store for SZapp.
3. Download and install SZapp.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Many thanks to the parents who have volunteered in various ways in the school. Volunteers must be registered with the school. Information is available from the school website or the school office.
Every day counts
Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind. If for any reason your child must miss school, there are things you can do with your school to ensure they don’t fall behind:
- Speak with your classroom teacher and find out what work your child needs to do to keep up.
- Develop an absence learning plan with your teacher and ensure your child completes the plan.
Extended Absence
Please be reminded that parents are to request permission from the principal if your child will be absent for an extended period of time, such as a family holiday. To make a request please email principal@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Student Absences Procedures
Teachers need to know where children are every school day and it is an expectation that you notify your child’s teacher to inform of student absences and the reason for absence. The preferred way for doing so is for you to directly email the child’s teacher before 9.30am on the day of absence.
Staff email addresses
Prep:
Michelle Richards: mrichards@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Blair Vredenbregt: bvredenbregt@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Georgia Cowling: gcowling@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Claire Toomey: ctoomey@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support Teacher:
Kylene Gray: kgray@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Year 1:
Alison Healy: ahealy@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Rebecca Notman rnotman@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Natalie Skahill: nskahill@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support Teacher:
Nicole Maier: nmaier@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Year 2:
Jacinta Ryan: jryan@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Bonnie Evers: bevers@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Taliah Plumb: tplumb@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Sue Constable: sconstable@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support Teacher:
Sarah DeJong: sdejong@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Year 3:
Sharon Chirgwin: schirgwin@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Brendan Casey: bcasey@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Lib Macpherson: emacpherson@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Maree Croft: mcroft@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support Teacher:
Bree Russell: brussell@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Year 4:
Carly O'Neill: coneill@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Matt Eales: meales@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Maddy Fenton: mfenton@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Ashlee Giuffrida: agiuffrida@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support Teacher:
Manni Caddy: mcaddy@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Year 5:
Lizzie Conquit: lconquit@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Melissa Garvey: mgarvey@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support Teacher:
Rebecca Nancarrow: rnancarrow@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Year 6:
Corey Gallagher: cgallagher@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Trish French: tfrench@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Lisa Grigg: lgrigg@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Michael Coldwell: mcoldwell@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Learning Support Teacher:
Marnie Hallam: mhallam@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
It is an expectation that children dress in the approved school uniform. Regular uniform including correct socks and shoes is to be worn on days that are not sports days.
Please ensure that your child’s school hat is in good condition.
Recycled uniform pieces can be sourced and sold through our OLSOS Recycled Uniforms Facebook page. New uniform items can be purchased from Bellarine Uniform Shop, 162 Moorabool St, Geelong.
All student medication is kept at the school office. If your child requires a short term dosage of medication or has an ongoing condition requiring regular medication please complete a Medication Request Form which is available to be downloaded from the school website, or from the school office. The form and medication, in its original packaging is required to be left at the office.
Parents/Carers are invited to volunteer to be included on the canteen roster. Volunteers are asked to help Wednesday, Thursday or Fridays just before and during lunchtime for approximately 2 hours. To be on the roster please text Kerry on 0414 926 144.
If you haven't already registered as a school volunteer and you would like to volunteer in the school canteen, log on to Operoo and complete the Engaging Volunteers at Our Lady Star of the Sea School form. You will also need a current WWCC (Working with Childen Check). You can apply for a WWCC at www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au
Thank you for your support.
Kerry Street, Canteen Manager
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
