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May the God who created a world of diversity and vibrancy,
Go with us as we embrace life in all its fullness.
May the Son who teaches us to care for strangers and foreigners,
Go with us as we try to be good neighbours in our communities.
May the Spirit who breaks down our barriers and celebrates community,
Go with us as we find the courage to create a place of welcome for all.
Dear Parents and Carers
I hope the start to Term 4 has gone well for you all. My recent trip to New Zealand certainly further evoked an appreciation of our world and its beauty. Amazing scenery and weather. Most importantly, a special time with family which I am grateful for.
Mission fete is approaching and our staff have been led in a prayerful reflection around ”I am because we are”. You can see this in the newsletter prayer today. Ubuntu is a philosophy based on the idea that all humanity is connected. The thinking originates in southern Africa but forms part of many African belief systems and serves as a foundation for education. With ubuntu, the relationship between a person and their community is interdependent and mutually beneficial. Such a grounding and beautiful concept that we can all reflect on and take into our lives.
Please see below for more information in regard to Mission Fete which Marianne Caddy is so beautifully coordinating. I encourage you to take note and discuss with your children the importance of the sacred dignity of each person and gratitude. A gratitude practice you can engage in, is to read what Sr Abeba says in her letters below and have a dinner conversation with your children around what it is we are truly grateful for and, in this space of gratefulness, how can we give to others.
Diversity Day: I was delighted to see that Diversity Day was celebrated in an atmosphere of much excitement, nurture, respect and engagement and was sorry to miss such a significant day. From all accounts it was certainly another wonderful example of us all flourishing together inclusively, as we embrace difference and diversity. Special thanks to Marnie Hallam, Kristen Leonard, Bella Scaffidi, Natalie Skahill, Kevin Mitchell and Eliza Hull for the organisation of the day and participation. Thank you also to the students in the choir and Sophie Foulsham and Ruby Ritchie for their thoughtful questions for Eliza. This is a special day when we educate, celebrate and again see our catholic community shine, as we model the values and encourage our students and each other to live these values. Some beautiful feedback from one of our families further shines a spotlight on the importance of what we are doing.
Just a quick note to say thank you for the great Diversity Day celebration yesterday and for including my child in the assembly. She was excited to ask her question in front of the whole school. It was great to hear from Liz Hull and her experience of disability. The choir, using Auslan & Kevin were great too. It was nice to have the focus on people's abilities and strengths. It certainly made me feel included and hopeful for the future of our community.
Feedback Story Dogs:
Recently the Year Two students fundraised for the Story Dogs program they engage in twice weekly. This is a program that also aligns with our inclusion where students feeling anxiety can read to therapy dogs. Research shows this makes a huge difference to their wellbeing and academic gains. Here is some warm feedback from Julie Rysdale, a wonderful volunteer with the program.
I am writing to thank you for your recent Story Dog fundraising day, held at the end of last term. I was lucky enough to be able to attend with my dog Zander, and was invited to participate in the activities organised by the classroom teachers. It was such a pleasure to go into each grade 2 classroom and talk a little about Story Dogs, and to answer a range of questions from the students about Zander. The students were very attentive and engaged. I was really impressed with the students’ questions. They showed their genuine interest and were very thoughtful. I was also very impressed with how accepting the students are of children who need extra support with their reading. The students were also able to meet and pat Zander and were very gentle and respectful. It was great to see the origami dogs that were made in the classes. And I even spied one that was very Zander-like, created by a boy who reads to Zander! (Additionally, from my perspective, the students who take part in the program by reading to Zander, are so gentle with him and have each developed a connection; are very polite, but happy to engage in conversation with me. And they are committed to participating and to reading. It is a privilege and pleasure to work with them.) Thank you again and best wishes.
Come and discuss the future of your parish- “Take the Way of the Gospel” Parish discernment meetings.
As you may be aware, the future of the Church as we know it is unsure with reduced numbers attending and a shortage of priests being two of the factors. We are holding an opportunity here at Our Lady Star of the Sea which you are invited to, to listen and share your voice in the future of your parish.
- Ocean Grove at 7.00pm on Thursday, November 10th in the Hall at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School.
- Ocean Grove at 10.00am on Monday, November 14th in the Hall at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School.
- Barwon Heads at 10.00am on Friday, November 18th at the Holy Family Church.
The meetings are intended to determine a Parish response to Archbishop Comensoli’s proposals for “mission” and inter-Parish cooperation and to allow for parishioner feedback to the Parish Pastoral Council on the “health of our Parish”. If unable to attend a time proposed for your Mass centre, you are most welcome to attend at one of the other Mass centres.
Minor Capital Works: During the holidays we were able to complete a job with two new doors coming off green hub onto a lovely deck area. Not only will this benefit the traffic and pick up areas for these year 1 students with 2 extra exits but it will also enable further opportunities for outdoor learning. As you can see by the photos below, the students are engaging well with this new extension.
We also added shade sails around Purple Hub which the children are enjoying as they continue to take opportunities to learn outdoors.
Principal of the Day: Congratulations to Tully Strode as Principal of the Day and her chosen Deputy Keely Russell. This is a great way to celebrate our students for their respectful, responsible and safe behaviour as they positively contribute to Our Lady Star of the Sea.
COVID-19 Update Term 4
The Victorian Government has announced the end of the pandemic declaration and the associated orders. We still need to be mindful COVID is in the community and we have had 2 cases onsite yesterday. We no longer send notifications to families. In line with the new settings, the following requirements have been strongly recommended:
Isolation
Staff and Students:
- who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for 5 days
- should not attend school after 5 days if still symptomatic
- who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.
Where students become symptomatic at school, they should:
- be collected by their parents/carers
- undergo testing for COVID-19
Reporting requirements
It is recommended that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform those who they have had recent contact with, including workplace, school & household.
- Schools continue to report positive COVID-19 cases to MACS
- Schools no longer have to alert the school community of positive cases.
Face Masks
Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so. Schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.
The Department of Health recommends that:
- Masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home
- Masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they leave home
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) and face masks continue to be available from school for students to use when they are a close contact or become symptomatic.
Working Bee Sunday 23 October 10-12 noon: As you are aware we have reduced official Working Bees to one in Term 4 and one prior to the first day . We have a few jobs on the list including general tidy up, weeding, mulching and putting sprinkler systems into the veggie gardens. Therefore, we invite all who can attend to come along even if it's for half an hour. The work will not be too laborious and you can enjoy working alongside and meeting more of the community. The Working Bee will conclude with a sausage in bread and house points for all family members that attend. We warmly and gratefully welcome you if you are able to come along.
Medical Management Forms: A reminder to update with the new medical management forms for your child as per the email that was sent out last Tuesday.
Wishing you all a positive fortnight ahead filled with gratefulness.
Kerryn
Friday 4 November is our Mission Fete day. This is our major fundraiser of the year and for many students, their favourite day.
On this day we support Catholic Mission, but have also established a personal connection with the community of Bulbula in Ethiopia. Our aim is to provide life changing opportunities to those in need. We have done this in Bulbula by providing:
- work opportunities to assist families to be self sufficient
- understanding of health issues
- medical assistance
- education
Our personal contact in Bubula is Sr Abeba. You will see from her letters below, that everything is very expensive and as a result, many people are hungry, accessing medical assistance is hard and students are leaving school to support their families. This year we will also make a donation to assist those affected by the current floods devastating parts of Victoria at the moment.
Over the coming weeks, students will be exploring Dignity of the Human Person and gratitude, whilst also learning more about Bulbula and our relationship with them and needs within our local communities. Our scripture focus is the Feeding of the 5000, which seems so appropriate when you read Sr Abeba’s letters. It also highlights how Jesus asks us to help with his work. We are encouraging students to use their own money at Mission Fete, or to complete jobs at home to earn money.
Sr Abeba’s Letters:
Outline for Mission Fete Day
| 9.15am | Liturgy in the church, you are invited to attend. |
| 10.30am | Recess |
| 12pm | Sausages begin to be delievered to classrooms |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 1.30pm | Mission fete, you are invited to attend |
Procedure for Mission Fete
Students are to wear casual clothes, with closed in shoes.
Raffle tickets will be sent home this week. They are $2 a ticket and the major prizes, donated by staff, include:
- Family pass to Adventure Park
- Sports pack of equipment
- Family games pack
- Get Creative pack
This year we ask that you send in a donation prior to Mission Fete. We suggest $10. Sending money prior reduces the risk of losing large amounts of money on the day and assists the office staff with banking.
This will give students a sausage & bread each at lunchtime and access to the majority of activities at Mission Fete. (We have made an effort to reduce the amount of chocolate and waste this year.)
This year there will also be some stalls which do require cash, so children can bring cash for these activities on the day. You will see the cost of cash items on the Mission Fete stalls sheet, so can make a budget with your child.
Volunteers required:
We need some volunteers to help cook the sausages at 11:00. Please email mcaddy@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Some stalls will be also looking for volunteers. Please check your Hub News.
Mission Fete Stalls
Below are the Mission Fete stalls. Please check your class for the required donations to the stalls. You can also see which stalls require cash.
We are pleased and very excited to welcome teachers from our sister school,“MI Karakter Mutiara Bunda” from Indonesia. Their names are Bu Kiki and Bu Ira, and they have never visited Australia. They will come in week 5 and visit classes to share stories about their school in Indonesia and do activities with students and teachers. This is an opportunity for us to share about our culture and school as well.
Terima kasih.
Last Tuesday and Thursday, our Year 3 students took part in their First Reconciliation. It is the first Sacrament they have encountered since being baptised. Through this Sacrament the Church celebrates Jesus' gift of forgiveness. It is an important Sacrament of healing that encourages us to make good choices and turn towards God. A huge thank you to their teachers and families for preparing them so beautifully and Father Darien for his support and guidance.
Congratulations to the following students who received the this Holy Sacrament; Flynn Allen, Leroy Bright, Xavier Butcher, Jessica Counihan, Ava Fairway, Ella Gauld, Polly Hardwick, Billy Heenan, Eva Leonidou, Macy McCall, Grace Miller, Harrison Nicol, Bess Reynolds, James Snowden, Ella Toscano, Grace Van Maasdyke, Maya Wurfel, Amelia Young, Tom Annand, Vin Bonacci, Olivia Burchell, Nina Butters, Winifred Crapp, Poppy Darburn, Max Frazer, Leonard Hinch, Eden Keen, Kealan Lester, Max Micallef, Evie Monahan, Matilda Morgan, Astrid Mulcaire, Mitchell Maganini, Jack Radley, Saffron Reid, Maggie Reynolds, Lily Robinson, Maya Steele, Madelyn Warren, Allegra Currie, George Davies, Stevie Emond, Lachlan Fay, Isabella Flanders, Sutton-Jaye Grant, Chelsey Hipik, Riley Horner, Lyla Jackson, Liam Kirs Diaz, Joseph McKinnon, Harry Miller, Ivy Mitchell, Ava Occhipinti, Koko Piec, Samantha Reynolds, Mia Rundle, Jack Said, Reuben Sheridan, Madeleine Stafford, Patrick Vanderkley, Rose Wilkin, Oliver Williams, William Wolfe, Scarlett Aquillina, Isla Briggs, Bonnie Brooks, Poppy Cirillo, Samuel Due, Olivia Ellis, Avah Fletcher, Samuel Fragapane, Ella Hamm, Maycee Kemp, Bailey Kissane, Jordan Leigh, Ivy McCluskey, Stevie McCoy, Oliver O’Brien, Louis Patena, Liliana Preston, Samuel Rae, Amelie Simons and Molly Warlond.
All families are invited to come along to the Working Bee on Sunday 23 October. As there are only 2 Working Bees for the year this is a great opportunity for you to get together with other families and have a fun morning. Tasks will include weeding, cleaning around tanks, trimming, cleaning along paths, sweeping and general tidying. The task list is growing so to have plenty of help on the day will be much appreciated. Many hands make light work. Please be reminded that children must be supervised by their parents/carers.
Final School Fee statements have been emailed to families. Please refer to the Fees Information 2023 letter to determine your school fees for next year, complete the 2023 Direct Debit form and return to the school office secretary@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au by Friday 28 October 2022. If you have a Year 3-6 student/s include the proposed camp fee as listed. If you have a Prep - Year 2 include the Technology Levy (per student). Adjustments will be made if the camp fee alters.
Please be reminded that 2022 Fee accounts are to be finalised by 14 November 2022, unless prior arrangement has been made with the school. Contact the school office on 52554308 or email slane@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au if you require further clarification.
School fee accounts for 2023 will be issued at the beginning of Term 1 2023.
Dear Families, Carers and Friends, if you are interested in baptising your child/ren before 30 June 2023, particularly your school-aged child/ren, please complete a baptism request form and return the form to the parish office via queenscliff@cam.org.au no later than 14November 2022. Baptism availability is limited and filling fast! For the baptism request form and all information, please visit: www.holytrinityqueenscliff.org.au/sacraments/baptism/.
Kind Regards,
The Baptism Team at Holy Trinity Parish
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.