Gratitude Prayer

Lord, let me wake up every morning and be thankful for the wonderful life you have given me. 

Help me to see the good in things.

Help me to be happy with who I am.

Guide me in the way I get to show the world my gifts.

I thank you for my health, love, abilities, friends and family.

Today I am grateful for ......... 

Amen

Welcome back to onsite learning for Term 4. Our students have settled back in amazingly well and it is heart warming to see them happily reunited with their friends and class mates and enthusiastically engaging in their learning.

Term 4 is important for every student, and our teachers will strive to deliver high-quality learning for everyone. Our focus for Term 4 is on making sure that every student is supported in their wellbeing, learning and transition needs.

Our scripture reference encompasses what we have forthcoming for the term to ensure our students can embrace this term and the many opportunities in the most positive and fulfilling way.

“I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.”

John 10:10

CEMSIS Surveys: Next year is our School Review which occurs every 4 years. Each year Catholic Education Melbourne would provide us with School Improvement surveys for students , staff and families to complete. This year with COVID 19, they have decided not to provide a survey but suggested we create our own using a similar format and selection of the questions. Thank you to Paul Anderson for creating this very brief  survey for families  which will provide us with helpful feedback. We would be grateful if you could please take 10 minutes to complete this survey. The survey will be open until the end of October.

Gratitude Day: This Friday we are focusing on a theme of gratitude as part of Respectful Relationships action for Barwon Health's month of action. There is also a small activity for you to do at home with your family and return so it can be added to our display in the foyer. 

Our Religion unit is titled “We Need Each Other”. Along with Inquiry Learning, we are looking at Community and interdependence of each other.  We are also reflecting on the deep questions of life like  What do people receive when we give them something - what do we receive as a result of our giving? How do we help and support each other and the importance of doing this for ourselves and others.

Letters and pictures to our elderly parishioners: 

Thank you to our students who reached out to our parishioners with letters and pictures last term. Here are some photos. 

 

School Photos  cancelled until further notice: We have received confirmation today that at this stage school photos cannot go ahead due to COVID restrictions. Apologies but we will keep you updated if school photos can be postponed to a later date. 

Book Week: Our annual Book Week parade will be celebrated in hubs on Monday 19 October. Students are encouraged to dress up as a book character on this day.

Students for 2021: We are currently working through our consultative process regarding classroom structures for 2021. If your child, or children, are not returning to Our Lady Star of the Sea in 2021 please  email principal@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au as soon as you know.

Health Care Card: If you are a holder of a current Health Care Card and have not registered your details with our school office I encourage you to do so. Our funding from the government is calculated depending on the number of families who have a Health Care Card. The more Health Card Holders a school has the more government funding is available to the school.

Camp, Sport and Excursion Fund: Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. A Special Consideration category also exists. We have been advised that eligibility for the CSEF has been extended. If you had a valid and eligible Health Care or Concession card up to Monday 5 October and you have not lodged an application for 2020 please complete the CSEF Application Form 2020 and return it ot the school office by Friday 20 November. For further information regarding CSEF, including eligibilty click here.   

Warmest wishes for the fortnight ahead

Kerryn

It was wonderful to have our students back at school yesterday. The noise of children socialising is definitely a sound that has been missed in recent times.  It was amazing to witness the level of excitement and happiness of our students. However, despite the general level of excitement, the reality is that for many within our community, (students, teachers and parents), the transition back from Coronavirus is one of mixed emotions. 

With this understanding, the mental health, safety and wellbeing of every student and member of staff continues to be one of our main priorities as we commence the new term.

This includes the essential actions of:

- encouraging and sustaining motivation for learning

- re-engaging students and families where needed

- supporting the social and emotional learning of children and young people alongside curriculum-based learning

- ensuring support for school staff, who have sustained their efforts through multiple transitions in modes of teaching and learning delivery.

After months of remote learning and a range of COVID19 restrictions, children have  returned to school routines, classrooms, classmates, teachers, expectations and, in some cases, even new school settings.

Amid the anticipation and excitement many children are feeling, for some, leaving the home learning routine and environment may create anxiety for a range of reasons including: the ongoing uncertainty of COVID19; social distancing and hygiene measures in place; family circumstances related to health; grief associated with a recent loss; or economic circumstances.

To prepare and support students’ return to onsite learning and the school/classroom environment, Catholic education Melbourne have produced several tips for parents to consider.

Returning to school: Tips for parents/carers to help children cope (Primary) Adapted from: Parent zone

 1. Talk to your children about how they feel

• It is important to encourage children to discuss their feelings about returning to school.
• If they feel anxious or worried, help them understand this is perfectly normal, and that you and their teachers are there to support them.
• Although difficult, try not to share any anxiety you may be feeling with your children.
• Bear in mind that your child may be returning to a pre-existing issue from before remote learning – for example, a bullying or relationship issue, or difficulty with school work or staff – or they may be preparing for the transition to secondary school.
• Try to give them a non-judgemental and supportive place to share any worries. Younger children, in particular, may not always have the words to express their feelings, so try to find a way of bringing up the conversation without putting pressure on them – for instance when you’re playing with them or going for a walk. This can help them to open up naturally and identify what they’re worried about.

2. Support children to understand the school procedures

• Your school will also have been in touch to explain various procedures in place – such as entry points, break times and hand washing routines.
• If you haven’t received this information or are unsure you should contact your school office.
• It will be important for your child to understand social distancing and hygiene rules and, importantly, why they are in place.
• Read school communications with your child and make sure they are prepared and know what to expect when they arrive at school.

3. Familiarise yourself with school procedures

• You’ll need to know where and when to drop children off and pick them up, as well as what parts of the school you can access. 
• Your child will be expecting you at the end of the day so make sure you, or whoever is collecting them, are there in the right place at the right time.
• If your child travels home independently, make sure you, or another carer, is there to welcome them home and check-in about their day.

4. End of day emotions

• For younger children in particular, a school day can require a lot of self-regulation or compressed behaviour, which can lead to tired and emotional outbursts later on in the day.
• Given the length of remote learning and new school safety procedures in place, these emotions may be hard to cope with when they return home.
• It is a good idea to keep this in mind, and allow some time for ‘letting off steam’ by encouraging children to unwind and play outdoors.

5. Stay informed

• Given the long absence from school, there may be a period of readjustment.
• Discuss and affirm familiar routines and school expectations regarding uniform, grooming, attendance and participation to help your child reconnect with their school community.
• There may be fresh challenges for your child, from working with new classmates and teachers, to coping with their work and school expectations / ‘rules’.
• Try to stay informed about how they are getting on – but if you are concerned, contact the school office about speaking to the class teacher.

6. Sleep and rest

• Your children may have been getting used to some unusual hours during the remote learning period and that may have extended into the school holidays.
• Make sure children are getting a good night’s sleep for their return to school.
• It might mean introducing some earlier bedtimes than they have had recently and limiting screen time.
• A good night’s rest will help them cope with the return to school and the new routines they will be adapting to.

Another wonderful resource for parents at this time comes from School TV and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. (Select the image below to view the short video).

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader

The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. Gratitude doesn't need to be reserved only for momentous occasions.

It can be hard with the challenging times that we have been faced with to make practising gratitude a priority. However, we have so many moments that we are grateful for and gratitude is an essential component in supporting our wellbeing and framing our thoughts. We would like you to take the time to notice what makes your family happy, and the moments when you are grateful.

Watch this video for Hugh and Martin’s explanation of the DISMOMENT challenge, and begin noticing those everyday moments and things you have around you. 

“The next time you see something you’re really grateful for, something you’re happy to have… stop. Point to it. Just say “DIS”!”

Thanks

Respectful Relationships Team

Canteen will be open for lunch orders Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday 7 October. Just a reminder to have lunch orders in a lunch bag with your child's name, class and order on the front, and money in the bag. Your child will put their lunch order in the classroom tub by 9am. 

Please ensure that your child is wearing the correct school uniform items, specifically the correct shoes and socks.

Over the next fortnight, depending on the weather, the children are able to wear either their winter or summer uniform however they must wear their school hat.

The Summer Uniform requirements are:

Summer Uniform

• Grey school shorts, short or long sleeved dark green polo with white embroidered school logo and white edge on collar, grey ankle length socks.

OR

• Green and white checked dress with Peter Pan collar, white socks.

OR

• Green school shorts, green long or short sleeve polo with embroidered school logo, white ankle length socks.
• Green windcheater or cardigan with embroidered school logo and white piping.
• School hat with school logo.
• Black traditional school shoes or boots. Black skate or sport shoes are not acceptable with the summer uniform.
• Green or white hair trims.

Thank you to the parents who were able to attend the Working last Sunday - Chad Ellis, Jimmy Smith, Todd Wombwell, Joshua Miller, Carly Norquay, James Dalton, Gerard Donovan, Cam Spolding, Keith Clark, and staff members Paul Anderson and Kellie Clark.  It was timely to be able to tidy the grounds and attend to small maintenance tasks before the beginning of Term 4. The ongoing committment from families to these Working Bees is much appreciated, as is the leadership of Mark Monahan in organising and co-ordinating the Working Bees. 

Kerryn Sells,

Principal

Our theme for our concert is about our gifts to the world.  What can we give to show our love for the world?  What can we give to make the world a better place for so many?  What can we give that will make a difference? In this time, above all others, what can we give to heal, encourage, support and inspire?

“I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.”

John 10:10

This year, our school concert will be undertaking some changes. Unfortunately, we won’t be gathering in the Ocean Grove Park together as a school community. We will most certainly be celebrating our students and families, and taking time to reflect on and be grateful for our greatest gift of all. 

With the current uncertainty of what our Covid-19 restrictions are likely to be at this stage, we are being proactive to ensure our students are able to participate in, and share with families, this significant event.  

Students will begin concert preparations very early this term. Classes are working towards a schedule of pre-recording their musical numbers, which will then be streamed for families to enjoy on Tuesday 1 December.  Costumes and choreography will still be a vital part of the process, as will the celebration of our Christmas story, as the Preps bring the Nativity to life. On concert night, families are invited to sit down together and enjoy our annual event which will follow a similar, but extended format to our usual night. I have no doubt that our students will embrace these changes and work hard to, once again, provide a wonderful spectacle for us all.  

Helen Stephensen

Performing Arts Leader

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

Staff Return: Wednesday 27 January

Term 1 Students return: Thursday 28 January - Thursday 1 April

Easter - Friday 2 April - Monday 5 April 

Term 2  Monday 19 April - Friday 25 June 

Term 3  Monday 12 July - Friday 17 September 

Term 4  Monday 4 October - Thursday 16 December