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"My people are not threatened by silence. They are completely at home in it. They have lived for thousands of years with Nature’s quietness. My people today recognise and experience in this quietness the great Life-Giving Spirit, the Father of us all. It is easy for me to experience God’s presence.
When I am out hunting, when I am in the bush, among the trees, on a hill or by a billabong; these are the times when I can simply be in God’s presence. My people have been so aware of Nature. It is natural that we will feel close to the Creator. Our Aboriginal culture has taught us to be still and to wait. We do not try to hurry things up. We let them follow their natural course – like the seasons. We watch the moon in each of its phases. We wait for the rain to fill our rivers and water the thirsty earth…
When twilight comes, we prepare for the night. At dawn we rise with the sun.
We watch the bush foods and wait for them to ripen before we gather them. We wait for our young people as they grow, stage by stage, through their initiation ceremonies. When a relation dies, we wait a long time with the sorrow. We own our grief and allow it to heal slowly.
We wait for the right time for our ceremonies and our meetings. The right people must be present. Everything must be done in the proper way. Careful preparations must be made. We don’t mind waiting, because we want things to be done with care.
We don’t like to hurry. There is nothing more important than what we are attending to. There is nothing more urgent that we must hurry away for.
We wait on God, too. His time is the right time. We wait for him to make his word clear to us. We don’t worry. We know that in time and in the spirit of dadirri (that deep listening and quiet stillness) his way will be clear.
We are river people. We cannot hurry the river. We have to move with its current and understand its ways.
We hope that the people of Australia will wait. Not so much waiting for us – to catch up – but waiting with us, as we find our pace in this world.
If you stay closely united, you are like a tree, standing in the middle of a bushfire sweeping through the timber. The leaves are scorched and the tough bark is scarred and burnt; but inside the tree the sap is still flowing, and under the ground the roots are still strong. Like that tree, you have endured the flames, and you still have the power to be reborn.
Our culture is different. We are asking our fellow Australians to take time to know us; to be still and to listen to us."
~ Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann
(Aboriginal activist, educator, artist and 2021 Senior Australian of the year)
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to the final week of what has been another very successful term for your child’s learning, even with some challenging circumstances at times managing the absences and health of all.
I thank all in the learning community as we continue to ensure students, staff and community members are hopeful and positive, able to engage in all the great learning experiences provided and stay safe and well. Next term I imagine we will see this management continue as we live alongside COVID but I am feeling blessed that we have this warm, passionate community to navigate this journey with.
I am sure you will also join me in acknowledging our wonderful teaching and non teaching staff, who passionately place the student at the centre of all decisions and, collaborate so well together for “our” students and families.
Reports and 3 way interviews:
Here we are in June with Semester One almost complete. It only seems like yesterday that the first day of school was here and everyone was in their new learning settings, making friends and getting to know their teachers. Six months later it is time to look back and see the progress that has happened, as well as looking forward to setting new learning intentions for Semester Two. This week sees us celebrating the Semester One learning with reports being shared and 3 way conversations. This is a wonderful time for your child to proudly share their achievements and what they are working towards.
Teachers have written reports to parents, which provides an opportunity to acknowledge your child’s achievements for Semester One and proposed future learnings for Semester Two.
The teachers’ written comments outline achievements that students have demonstrated with skills and tasks completed during Semester One. Students have been involved in learning, investigating and the presentation of information that supports the development of new understandings. Teachers have also included future learning suggestions for your child in areas where they need support to achieve their best. Teachers make comments on your child’s social development. This aspect of the report will enable you to gain an understanding of how your child relates to others at school and some of the social skills and work habits they are demonstrating. You have been offered the opportunity to attend a Student, Parent, Teacher Conversation.
The students and teachers have prepared for these and we hope you find value in having a space with your child to celebrate. This is a great chance for your child to share aspects of their learning with you, for you to ask questions, find out how you can support your child’s learning and to establish a closer working relationship with their teacher. Before you attend the Student, Parent, Teacher Conversation talk to your child about their report and look through their reflection through Seesaw or Google Classroom. If you have a question, write it down and have it ready.
Indonesian Competition:
Congratulations to the following students who bravely participated in an Indonesian oral speaking competition held in our hall on behalf of all south western Victorian schools. Names????It was a great experience and we look forward to seeing how the following students perform in the next stage as finalists. Mackenzie Worland, Zoe Toscano, Silvy Hardwick, Rose Wilkin , Reuben Sheridan, Stevie Emond, Jessica Counihan ,Jordan Wiltshire, Noah Jennings, Nate Wombell, Winnie Ward, Ella Mifsud, Scarlett Tyers, Oliver Mullen. Many thanks to Bu Bree and Bu Novy for supporting this learning experience.
Mathematics Professional Learning for teachers:
Our recent closure day saw our teachers engage in some amazing Mathematics learning to further support all our students through differentiation in the classroom. This is part of our Annual Action Plan and School Improvement Plan. We have a focus on further improving growth mindset of all and outcomes for our middle to high achievers. The dynamic games with rich learning we were exposed to will also contribute to student engagement in Mathematics and some of these will filter through to home, where you can enjoy developing mathematical skills through the fun of games.
School Dog Policy:
As you may be aware, we currently have Story Dogs come in twice a week to listen to children read and support wellbeing at the same time. Through this program we have seen some great benefits in our Year 2 levels. We have now also created a Dogs at School Policy. There are many benefits to having a dog at school and we are implementing this opportunity for our Preps next term.
Introducing Sophie Belle Cowling…
She will be joining the Prep Hub one day a week.
Finally I would like to wish you all a safe and happy mid year break together. Perhaps you can find time to be still in nature as Miriam Rose so beautifully shares in our prayer reflection this week. Enjoy any special time you have together with your children, as you celebrate their great work and successes for Semester One.
Kerryn
Child Safety and Wellbeing
Our School Vision
Inspired by Mary and guided by our faith in her son, Jesus, we 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
In July 2021, the Victorian Government announced new Child Safe Standards (CSS) to further strengthen child safe environments and protect children from abuse. The new CSS come into effect on Friday 1 July 2022.
From 1 July 2022, 11 new Victorian Child Safe Standards will replace Victoria’s seven current Child Safe Standards and principles in place since 2016.
New Victorian Child Safe Standards
- 1. Culturally safe environments – Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
- 2. Leadership, governance and culture – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
- 3. Child and student empowerment – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
- 4. Family engagement – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
- 5. Diversity and equity – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
- 6. Suitable staff and volunteers – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
- 7. Complaints processes – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
- 8. Child safety knowledge, skills and awareness – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
- 9. Child safety in physical and online environments – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
- 10. Review of child safety practices – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
- 11. Implementation of child safety practices – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
Child Safety and Wellbeing
At Our Lady Star of the Sea School, we hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school. Our commitment is drawn from and inherent to the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the gospel (CECV Commitment Statement to Child Safety).
All students enrolled at Our Lady Star of the Sea School have the right to feel safe and be safe. The safety and wellbeing of children in our care will always be our first priority and we do not and will not tolerate child abuse. We aim to create a child-safe and child-friendly environment where children are free to enjoy life to the full without any concern for their safety.
Our commitment to our students
- We commit to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people enrolled in our school.
- We commit to providing children and young people with positive and nurturing experiences.
- We commit to listening to children and young people, and empowering them by ensuring that they understand their rights (including to safety, information and participation), and by taking their views seriously and addressing any concerns that they raise with us.
- We commit to taking action to ensure that children and young people are protected from abuse or harm.
- We commit to ensuring that the needs of all children and young people enrolled in our school are met, including those who are most vulnerable.
- We commit to recognising the importance of friendships and to encouraging support from peers, to help children and students feel safe and less isolated.
- We commit to developing a culture that facilitates and provides opportunities for children and student participation, and that strengthens the confidence and engagement of children and students by being responsive to their input.
- We commit to teaching children and young people the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and maintain their personal safety and wellbeing.
- We commit to seeking input and feedback from students regarding the creation of a safe school environment.
Our commitment to parents, guardians and carers
- We commit to communicating honestly and openly with parents, guardians and carers about the wellbeing and safety of their children.
- We commit to engaging with, and listening to, the views of parents, guardians and carers about our child safety and wellbeing practice, policies and procedures.
- We commit to transparency in our decision-making with parents, guardians and carers where it will not compromise the safety of children or young people.
- We commit to open engagement and communication with parents, guardians and carers about our child safe approach and our operations and governance related to child safety and wellbeing.
- We commit to ensuring that relevant information relating to child safety and wellbeing is accessible to parents, guardians and carers.
- We commit to acknowledging the cultural diversity of students and families, and being sensitive to how this may impact on student safety issues.
- We commit to continuously reviewing and improving our systems to protect children from abuse.
Responsibilities and organisational arrangements
Everyone employed or volunteering at Our Lady Star of the Sea School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure a child safe culture in which the wellbeing and safety of all students is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make (CECV Commitment Statement to Child Safety).
Policy Updates to support the new Victorian Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order No. 1359
To build on the existing child safety policies and practices, Our Lady Star of the Sea, assisted by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) have updated the following policies which will be published on our School Website.
You are able to access your child's report on Friday 14 June by 4pm via PAM (Parent Access Module login).
Please click the link here: http://pam.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au . This will take you to the PAM login page. Your username is the email address you have provided to school. Once logged in, to access your child’s report, click on the ‘Assessment Reports’ tab on the left hand side and download the current report to view.
For new families please sign up now by clicking the link here: http://pam.staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au This will take you to the PAM login page. Click on the 'Forgot Password?' link and follow the prompts. You will be asked to enter your email address, then you will need to access the link sent to your email address. You can then create a password and this, along with your email address will be your login to PAM.
We have a large amount of donations so as families prepare for uniforms next year please consider using the OLSOS Ocean Grove Recycled Uniforms Facebook page to buy, sell, swap or donate uniform items.
Year 6 2025 jumpers and polo tops are now available for ordering at Bellarine Uniforms.
To place an order, please click the following link:
https://www.noone.com.au/school/lady-star-sea/shop Filter by Year/Category/ Click on Grade 6 2025
Please note that all orders must be submitted to Bellarine Uniforms no later than Friday 13 September 2024.
The school canteen operates each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Following guidelines from the Healthy Eating policy, the canteen offers options for students to order lunch on these days.
Ordering is via an online platform, "School24". Following the instructions below you will be able to set up an account and order via an app.
Online ordering closes at 8.15am for same day ordering.
The canteen is operated by manager, Kerry Street. Parent volunteers are welcomed between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Canteen days. Contact Kerry on 0414 926 144.