Gracious God, we thank you for your constant care and protection. You have given strength and courage to thousands of families, staff and students engaged in Catholic Education over two hundred years.

May your Word continue to guide and direct our future educators and students with that same spirit of commitment and dedication. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome to week 7 of the term. Today’s prayer acknowledges 200 years of Catholic Education this year and a beautiful Lenten reflection from Pope Francis with a practical message for us all during this Lenten season. We are very privileged to continue on the Catholic Education journey and join in some special celebrations as the year progresses. We value our role in educating and caring for your children in faith, hope and love. I share below the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic schools, Horizons of Hope Vision.

Learning Brings Hope:

In a Catholic school that hope is based on the experience of God’s love and care for all. Catholic educators see learning as a journey of endless possibilities, where students are energised to seek meaning and explore questions about the world around them. In partnership with parents and the broader Church, Catholic schools contribute to a life-foundation for students that is centred in Jesus Christ and grounded in truth, beauty and love. At the very heart of each Catholic school is a desire for the full flourishing of each student, across religious, physical, cognitive, emotional and social domains. Here we support students to grow in virtue and to embrace a view of themselves and the world that leads to peace, justice, and the prospering of the whole of creation. It is a journey that is enlightened by faith, animated by love and leading to hope.

Working Bee Success: Many thanks to the following, wonderful families who supported our working Bee last week: Jarrod Knights, Ebony Knights, Zara Knights, Levi Knights, Glen Ryan, Amble Ryan, Andrea Bernazzoli, Evelyn Bernazzoli, Raimond Bernazzoli, Ryan Mills, Jacob Mills,  Oscar Miller, Josh Miller, Mark Laidler, Tom White, Jon Pemberton, Jade Pemberton, Maeve Pemberton, Lottie Pemberton,  Vivien Bapaume, Celio Bapaume, Jaida Bapaume, Charlise Bapaume, Tom Fairway, Ava Fairway, Maya Fairway, Maree Croft, Rachael Simons, Tania Cipriani, Mary Spencer, Amy Bonacci, Mark Monahan, Travis Turner, Claire Toomey, Grant Burgoyne, Braxton Burgoyne, Jamison Burgoyne, Kirsty Furness, Tim Furness, Isla Furness, Blake Thompson, Molly Thompson, Anthony Dowling, April Dowling, Chris Lacy, Katie Lacy, Flynn Lacy, Adie Currie, Jesse Currie, Allegra Currie, Pearse Fay, Liz Fay, Lachlan Fay, Amelia Fay, Julian Toscano, Ella Toscano, Zoe Toscano, Jody Madden, Flynn Madden, Indi Madden, Shane Madden, Kylene Gray, Nicole Maier, Kellie and Keith Clark, Michelle Richards, Paul Anderson.

It was a great morning and way to build further positive relationships. We are very grateful for all that was achieved and the terrific community spirit on display. We also enjoyed a  well deserved sausage and icy pole at the end.

Berry Street Training: As a whole staff, we have completed our fourth and final training day in Berry Street. This learning has been wonderful and a great investment in building our staff capacity and understanding of wellbeing for all, particularly our students. Over the four days we have covered the Domains of Body, Relationships, Engagement, Stamina and our final day, Character.  I am sharing this 8 minute clip for those interested which is a great summary of  The Science of Character. This is a great reflection as a whole community, on the importance of understanding, identifying and appreciating strengths in all within our community and in society in general. 

Did you know there are 7 character strengths that can be real  “game changers” in academic achievement, success and happiness,  no matter what your circumstances. These are Gratitude, Optimism, Social Intelligence, Curiosity, Self Control, Enthusiasm or Zest, Perseverance also known as Grit. Scientists in this field all agree that character matters and character can be learnt, practiced and cultivated.

At Our Lady Star of the Sea we endeavour to work with our students from a strengths based approach and this learning has reinforced with us all further, ways we can embed positive behaviour strategies and character strengths learning for all our students, to further ensure each individual student can have the opportunity to flourish.

School Advisory Council: Our School Education Board, under MACS our new Governance Board, has now been retitled School Advisory Council. We are very fortunate to have such a great team to support and consult with sharing their strengths and wisdom when consulting on the general business of the school and when decisions are made. We meet twice a term throughout the year on a Wednesday evening and have an open Advisory Council Meeting in November of each year.

The School Advisory Council Members are:

Fr Darien Sticklen (Parish Priest), Briony Darcy (Chairperson), Mark Monahan (Grounds and Maintenance), Amy Bonacci (Secretary) Mary Mc Cartney (PFA rep), Andrew Flanders, Meg Poirier, Peter McKinnon, Chad Ellis, Marianne Caddy (Teacher Representative) , Paul Anderson (Deputy Principal) and Kerryn Sells (Principal).

Early Pick Ups: We respectfully request that should you be requiring to pick your child up early, please email the classroom teacher prior to the day, where possible, with the time and we will endeavour to have your child ready at the office.

Sneak Peak at our New Building: We are pleased to present this short, exciting clip produced by Bu Bree and some students to allow a sneak peak at what the new building is shaping up to look like.

Warm wishes for a wonderful fortnight ahead

Kerryn

WHAT IS WELLBEING?

Our Lady Star of the Sea is a learning community that promotes student wellbeing, safety and positive relationships so that students can reach their full potential. “Wellbeing is both practical and perception: action and awareness. It is a state of being well in body, mind and spirit. Drawing on the wellsprings of our values, sense of purpose and meaning, wellbeing enlivens what matters in our lives.” (Horizons of Hope,CEM 2017)  Wellbeing is integral to learning excellence and ultimately overall health and life success.  This holistic view recognises that the sacredness, dignity and giftedness of each person is grounded in the belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1:27)

HOW IS WELLBEING ENACTED AT OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA?

Within our community at Our Lady Star of the Sea, wellbeing incorporates all aspects of life and is illuminated by our catholic faith and the words of Jesus who said, “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)  

Wellbeing is enacted through our school’s vision and mission and fostered through our explicit Social and Emotional Learning and teaching practices.  Wellbeing is brought to life through respectful relationships, a safe, and inclusive learning environment , where the common good is honoured and authentic partnerships with families, parish and the broader community are nurtured.  

EXPLICIT SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) LESSONS 

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) supports students to develop fundamental skills necessary for wellbeing and life effectiveness. SEL enables students to recognise and manage emotions, demonstrate care and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions and handle challenging situations effectively. The Personal and Social Capability within the Victorian Curriculum encompasses Social and Emotional Learning.  The Personal and Social Capability supports students in becoming creative and confident individuals with a sense of self-worth, self-awareness and personal identity that enables them to manage their emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing, with a sense of hope and optimism about their lives and the future. On a social level, it helps students to form and maintain healthy relationships and prepares them for their potential life roles as family, community and workforce members.

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Curriculum

As a Lead School for the Victorian Government, Respectful Relationships, Our Lady Star of the Sea School uses the Respectful Relationships learning materials developed for students Foundation to Year 6 to develop social, emotional and positive relationship skills. Efforts to promote social and emotional skills and positive gender norms in children and young people has been shown to improve health related outcomes and subjective wellbeing. It also reduces antisocial behaviours including engagement in gender-related violence. The learning materials help to develop students’ Emotional Literacy, Personal Strengths, Positive Coping, Problem Solving, Stress Management, Help Seeking, Gender and Identity and Positive Gender Relationships.

Student Wellbeing Handbook

The Our Lady Star of the Sea Handbook is available and further explores how Wellbeing is enacted at our school.  Click here to download the Student Wellbeing Handbook.

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader

Term 1 Week 7 - Green Hub News

Term 1 Week 7 - Red Hub 1 News

Term 1 Week 7 - Yellow Hub News

Term 1 Week 7 - Red Hub 3 News

Term 1 Week 7 - Blue Hub News

Term 1 Week 7 - Purple Hub News

Term 1 Week 7 - Orange Hub News

Our whole school Cross Country will be held on Friday 24 March.

Middle and Senior students will start at 9.10am running a 1km loop around the Shell Road Sports Precinct. They will be involved until 11am.

Junior Students will begin at 9.15am and run laps inside the Shell Rd Oval. They will be involved for approximately 1 hour.

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.

Approximate times for each event is as follows:

If you are a school registered volunteer and would like to volunteer to support on the day please contact Sam Scott - sscott@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au

If you haven't already registered as a school volunteer and you would like to be a Parent/Carer Volunteer, 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

Raffle tickets have been sent home with your eldest child.

There are spare raffle ticket books at the office if you require more. 

Families are asked to donate as follows:

Senior School – Easter eggs

Junior School – bags/ baskets

Please send tickets and eggs in no later than Tuesday 23 March.

If tickets could be separated and folded upon return,

we would be forever grateful.

Let’s all do our best and try not using snap lock bags/plastic.

Raffle to be drawn the last day of term.

If you have a child due to start school in 2025 we ask that Applications for Enrolment are lodged before the end of Term 1. As applications are received by the school, you will be contacted to make a time for you and your Prep 2025 child to meet with Kerryn. To access forms and further information click here.

Open Time and School Tours

The school will be open for student led tours on Tuesday 26 March between 9.15am and 10.30am. Parents and children welcome. No bookings are required. 

Information Session for Parents

Parents are invited to an information session on Tuesday 26 March at 6.30pm – 7.30pm. 

Fantastic Working  on Sunday 28 February.

Thankyou so much to every parent, child and teacher that came to the school working bee. Every job got done - cubbies fixed up and painted, bike racks installed, mulch spread, little jobs inside the school and a massive effort with weeding the Indigenous garden. Special Thankyou to Kellie Clark who puts in so much time and effort to the school grounds and outdoor learning.

See you all at the next one.

Term 2    Sunday  23 May at 10am - 12pm Yellow and Blue Hub 

Term 3    Sunday  8 August at 10am - 12pm  Red Hubs 

Term 4    Sunday  24 October  at 10am - 12pm  Purple Hub 

Mark Monahan 

Maintenance/Grounds Co ordinator

Overdue Books:

In looking at the overdue list, we have noticed there are a lot of students that exceeded the loan limit last year and not returned these books.  I realise of course last year was unusual however we ask that you have a good look for any library books you may have in the home and in your child's bags.  

Please let me or your classroom teacher know if you’ve looked and can’t find the books. 

Thanks for your help.

Jane, Library Learning Support Officer 

Each year the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment request schools to provide residential address and other information as required under the Australian Education Regulation 2013 (Cth). The school generates a unique and unidentifiable record number for each student record. The number
is only used by the school for this collection. It is not allowed to be used for any other purpose. The number indicates to the department that each record provided is for one student. Click here to access the 2021 Student Residential Address and Other information Collection Notice. 

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

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

We hope you and your loved ones are well.

As of Monday 15^th March 2021, the parish office hours are changing to: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm. 

The office will be closed on Mondays.

Please remember to visit our website for the latest news and resources for prayer and reflection: www.holytrinityqueenscliff.org.au

Feel free to contact us by phone or email here at the parish office.

God bless,

Daniella & Fr Darien

Holy Trinity Catholic Parish

34 Stevens Street

Queenscliff VIC 3225

Phone: 5258 1673

Email: queenscliff@cam.org.au

Website: www.holytrinityqueenscliff.org.au

Faciliatated_playgroup_Me_Dad_and_Grandad.pdf

Parenting webinar April

Primary School Webinar