Filter Content
- Upcoming Important Dates on the Parent Calendar
- PRAYER
- FROM THE PRINCIPAL
- STUDENT WELLBEING
- HUB NEWS
- Upcoming Important Dates on the Parent Calendar
- Shrove Tuesday
- SPORTS NEWS
- ENROLMENT INFORMATION 2020
- CSEF - CAMP, SPORT AND EXCURSION FUND
- CARE and CONCERN
- EARTH FEST THANK YOU
- SUSTAINABILITY
- COMMUNITY NEWS
Term 4 2024
Thursday 21 November: Yr 5 Parish Mass/Year 1 MOPA Excursion
Friday 22 November: Yr 5BC assembly
Thursday 28 November: Yr 3 Parish Mass
Friday 29 November: Staff Professional Learning Day - Student Free Day
Staff Planning Day for 2025
Tuesday 3 December: School Concert 5:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday 4 December: Prep orientation
Thursday 5 December: Prep orientation
Tuesday 10 December: Whole school orientation/Prep orientation
Wednesday 11 December: Future leaders days 2025
Friday 6 December: Diversity Day 2pm assembly
Tuesday 10 December: Whole school orientation day 9.15am - 11am
Wednesday 12 December: Yr 6 end of year excursion
Friday 13 December: Yr 6EB assembly/End of year Mass
Monday 16 December: Whole school Beach Day (students are welcome to bring plastic shovels and buckets. Ensure they remember to bring sunscreen and hats).
Wednesday 18 December: Yr 6 Graduation Assembly/Last day of school Students finish at 1pm
Term1 2025
Tuesday 28 January: Staff return
Wednesday 29 January: Staff professional Learning day
Thursday 30 January: Students return
Please note: Please refer to the Parent Calendar for all dates
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 within 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,
Terima Kasih to Sue and all her team of parents and staff who volunteered to help make our first Earth Fest such an amazing success. Sue's vision and "grit" pulled off an amazing event and we are very grateful for Sue’s passion and inspiration. A brilliant achievement. Heartfelt gratitude also to the passionate team behind the scenes who Sue has acknowledged individually below.
I am very grateful to see our vision coming to life in what was a wonderful way to take action and also build on our positive relationships. A great thing for our students, families and staff to witness. I look forward to continuing our actions as a learning community to care for our world, create significant and motivating learning opportunities for our students and continue to build on the positive relationships we have developed. We are blessed. Also noted were four of the eight characteristics of the “Horizons of Hope” that came to life through this event. These were: Make a Difference in the World; Commit to Achieving the Highest Standards Possible; Build a Culture of Learning Together; Embrace Difference and Diversity.
We are calling on all families to ensure your residential address is up to date with our school office. Click here to read the Parent collection letter and Click here for the Parent FAQs sheet. The purpose of this routine collection is to inform Commonwealth school education policy, and to help ensure that Commonwealth funding arrangements for non-government schools are based on need, and are fair and transparent. The information collected in the statement of addresses will be used to refine the new capacity to contribute methodology and may also be used in school funding calculations from 2020.You do not need to do anything at your end other than be confident your residential address you have given to our school office is up to date.
Most of our Meet and Greet sessions have taken place and I trust you feel confident and happy to communicate with your child’s classroom teacher should you require anything for your child. If you haven’t had the chance to meet, please book a time with your classroom teacher via email.
Finally, please note, the next working bee is this Sunday 24 February from 10am-12pm followed by a sausage sizzle. We are going back to calling on Year levels once a year and this Working Bee we are particularly calling on Green Hub families to attend. Of course, any other parents are welcome. The more the merrier.
Wishing you many blessings for the week ahead.
Kerryn Sells
Principal
Technology and Our Children
Here are some more useful facts accessed from commonsense.org
Declare Tech-Free Zones and Times
Devices are a huge part of screen time, and kids need support in establishing balance and setting limits. Depending on your family, these rules can be as simple as “no digital devices at the dinner table” or “no screen time after 7pm.”
Check the Ratings
Choose age-appropriate, high-quality media and tech for your family. Media and technology can be especially beneficial when used to form deeper relationships, allow for creativity and exploration, and explore identity. Encourage your children to be creative, responsible consumers, not just passive users. Talk About It. Connect with your children and support learning by talking about what they’re seeing, reading, and playing.
Encourage children to question and consider media messages to better understand the role media plays in their own lives.
Help Children Understand the Effects of Multitasking
Research shows that many tweens and teens think multitasking has no impact on the quality of their homework. As parents, we know that helping children stay focused will only strengthen interpersonal skills and school performance. Encourage them to minimize distractions and manage one task at a time, shutting down social media while working online for homework or engaging in conversation. Walk the Walk. Lead by example by putting your own devices away while driving, at mealtimes, and during family time. Parent role-modeling shows children the behavior and values you want in your home. Children will be more open and willing participants when the house rules apply to you, too.
Seek Expert Help If Needed
If you observe significant negative issues with your childrens’ use of media and technology, (e.g. it’s harming their mental health, disrupting their relationships, or hurting their academic performance) and you don’t feel equipped to address it yourself, consult your paediatrician, a psychologist, a social worker, or another professional for advice.
Good Citizenship Award
At Our Lady Star of the Sea, we value the contribution that all members make to our learning community. The Good Citizenship Award is one way we acknowledge the work done across our school. House points will be awarded towards the Good Citizenship Award for the engagement by any member of our school who is “working with" and “contributing to” our learning community in a positive way. Examples of how parents can help build a positive school community includes parents helping out at Working Bees, assisting in the classroom, attending informations sessions or volunteering at PFA events.
Paul Anderson,
Deputy Principal
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
Traditionally Shrove Tuesday is the last day of feasting before fasting for Lent. Lent begins the following day, Ash Wednesday, and goes through until Easter Sunday.
On Tuesday 5 March students can have a pancake, for a gold coin donation. Proceeds from the donations will go to Caritas, which is a Catholic organisation which assists communities around the world through Project Compassion.
This year the teachers will be linking the history of Shrove Tuesday to why and how pancakes are made on Shrove Tuesday. Parents do not need to be concerned about supplying ingredients for the hub. Teachers in each hub will be sourcing the ingredients.
School registered volunteers are needed to cook the pancakes on the day. Information will be in Hub news in coming weeks.
Lib Macpherson,
Social Justice Leader
Swimming Trials
Swimming trials for Our Lady Star of the Sea students will be taking place at the Bellarine Aquatic Centre on Thursday 21 February, to time trial interested Year 3 - 6 students for the Division Swimming Championships, which will be held at Kardinia Swimming Pool later in Term 1.
Nominated swimmers must be a Level 6+ swimmer and competently complete a 50m swim using correct technique. Normally, this is a squad level swimmer.
Age groups for the Division Swimming Championships are as follows:
- If a child turns 9 or 10 during the year he/she will be in the 9-10 Years age group.
- If a child turns 11 during the year he/she will be in the 11 Years age group.
- If a child turns 12 or 13 during the year he/she will be in the 12-13 Years age group.
Individual events for the Championships are as Freestyle, Breastroke, Backstroke, Butterfly. All events are 50 metres.
Parents of interested students will need to email Ms Lisa lgrigg@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au with name, date of birth and events their child would like to nominate for. Individuals can only compete in 2 individual events at the Championships, but may trial in more events if they wish. Nominations must be received by TUESDAY 19 February 2019.
School Sport Victoria (SSV) - Seeking Nominations for State Team Trials
School Sport Victoria is currently seeking applications for students (12 and under-as at 31/12/19) to nominate for Team Vic Trials for 2019. Students may nominate for: Australian Football, Netball, Basketball, Football (Soccer), Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
Further details available at https://www.ssv.vic.edu.au/team-vic If you are looking for a document that details the process please download the “Team Vic Online Registrations Process.” This will give you all the information you need to know before registering. Applications for State Team trials are strictly governed by SSV and trials are open to school athletes who currently compete at a very high standard. Schools may only nominate 3 individuals for each sport. It is at the discretion of the school to select the students that will be nominated.
Interested students (parents) will need to notify Ms Lisa lgrigg@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au with name, age and sport they wish to nominate for. Current standard/level/division of competition, along with any individual awards etc that the student has received should also be outlined. There must also be a contact name and number of a club or representative level coach(es) that could be contacted if necessary.
Individuals selected by our school will be notified by Monday 25 February so that registrations can be finalised. Further information can also be obtained by emailing Lisa Grigg.
Cricket Victoria
Nominations are open for the School Sport Victoria (SSV) 12 Years and Under State Cricket Team – both Boys & Girls. Please note: only children born in 2007 or 2008 are eligible for selection. Only schools may nominate students, and there is a limit of 3 boys per school and an unlimited number of girls. All of the information is available at https://www.cricketvictoria.com.au/schools/ including a link through to the registration form.
If your child is wishing to nominate it is important that you email Lisa Grigg lgrigg@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au with name and current playing ability, along with contact details of a club or representative coach. Individuals selected by our school will be notified by Monday 25 February so that registrations can be finalised.
School Cross Country
A reminder that our school will be holding our Cross Country event on Monday 4 March 2019. School registered volunteers are needed on the day, especially with marshalling. Thank you to the parents who have already notified Lisa that you are available please to help. Anyone else interested in helping on the day can contact Lisa Grigg lgrigg@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au . If you have any queries, please contact your class teacher or Lisa Grigg.
2020 SIBLING ENROLMENTS
If you have a child due to start school in 2020 we ask that Applications for Enrolment are lodged by Thursday 28 March.
Application for Enrolment
All applications for enrolment are to be completed and received by the school before Friday 14 June 2019. Applications for siblings of children already enrolled in the school are due before Thursday 4 April 2019.
Open Time and School Tours
The school will be open for student led tours on Tuesday 14 May 2019 between 9.30am and 10.45am. Parents and children welcome. No bookings are required.
Information Session for Parents
Parents are invited to an information session on Tuesday 14 May at 7pm. No bookings are required.
Interviews with the Principal
Appointments for an interview with the principal will offered after applications have been received.
Application for Enrolment forms are available from our school website or from our school office.
For further information please contact our school office or email secretary@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
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
At different times in our lives circumstances can alter which can cause change in routine and focus. The school community at Our Lady Star of the Sea can offer support by helping out with meals when families are in need of support due to sudden illness or death of a family member. Members of the school community are invited to join a coordinated roster to help out with meals during these times. If you feel you could help and join our roster please email kclark@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au If you ever know of someone who could do with support in the form of meals please contact the school office. Care and Concern upholds confidentiality and regards the sensitivity of family circumstances. Distribution of meals is through the school. Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Kellie Clark, Care and Concern Coordinator
Clean Up Australia Day 
On Friday 1 March Our Lady Star of the Sea is again going to participate in Clean up Australia Day for Schools.
This year we will again clean up our school grounds and the surrounding Shell Road Sporting Precinct. This year we are hoping to collect substantially less rubbish than previous years.
Classroom teachers will supervise classes on our clean up. Students are encouraged to wear named protective gardening gloves brought from home. Parents are welcome to join us in our endeavours. Our clean up sessions will occur between 10:00am & 12:30pm.
Each year level will be allocated a specific area to clean.
The areas are as follows:
Green Hub - around our school yard.
Red Hub 1 - around the cricket nets at Shell Oval and the front of our school.
Red Hub 2 - around the netball courts at Shell Oval.
Blue Hub - in and around Shell Road Oval.
Purple Hub - in and around Shell Road soccer fields.
Yellow Hub - around the tennis courts and along the Bellarine Secondary School fenceline on Shell Road.
Once collected the rubbish will be sorted and tallied so we can send back this data to Clean Up Australia. This End of Clean Up Report provides Clean Up Australia & the CSIRO with invaluable information regarding our location and helps to map littering trends across the nation.
Sustainability Leaders,
Sue Azzopardi, Alison Healy, Kellie Clark
FUNDRAISING FOR CAMBODIAN WASH HOUSES
Tuesday 19 March, 4 - 7pm.
Enrolment applications for Year 7 2020 will close Friday 17 May 2019.
All applications can be completed by visiting the College website or selecting the following link https://goo.gl/UUfuh
CARING FOR OUR WILDLIFE
Thursday 28 February 6-7pm.Caring for our wildlife.
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
Invest in your most precious asset......your marriage!
Forget life’s tensions and interruptions and rekindle the closeness, intimacy, love and romance that brought you together. Recharge your relationship batteries and explore the precious nature of your marriage, allowing you both to share your feelings, hopes and dreams with each other in ways that normal, daily living tends to inhibit.
There is no group sharing. Couples and a priest present the weekend. It is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome.
2019 Melbourne weekend dates: 29-31 March, 31 May-2 June, 23-25 August, and 15-17 November.
Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday. Accommodation and all meals provided.
Information/Bookings: PH: Mercy and James 0409 183 676
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website:www.wwme.org.au