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November is when the Church remembers those who have gone before us.
We pray:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Dear Parents and Carers
In the Catholic Church, November is the month we pray for all those who have passed from this life. All Saints Day was celebrated on November 1 and All Souls Day November 2. Currently in the parish at each mass centre, parishioners are invited to record the names of loved ones who have passed and Fr Darien will mention them in services. There are other special days of awareness and observances in November to celebrate like Remembrance Day on November 11. On that day we commemorated the armistice that ended World War I in 1918, as well as remembering all those who have died in conflicts around the world.
As the war continues in Ukraine and violence occurs in countries throughout the world, let us pray for peace. We pray for members of the Australian armed forces who, time and again this year, have been called to aid in recovery efforts after flooding and other natural disasters.
Mission Fete:
On Friday 4th November, we celebrated our Mission Fete. This was a wonderful day of celebration. Yet again we were amazed by the generosity of our school community with $11 750 raised. We are most grateful for all the donations you have contributed, students who donated their own time and money, Ms Lib, and staff for the raffle prizes and parents who sought donations from general local businesses. Sr Abeba was most appreciative of our fundraising efforts, as you can see from this brief message.
Similarly, the principal of St Joseph’s PS in Rochester, is most appreciative of our generosity in supporting their families who have been affected by flood. As we do each year, we have reviewed our Mission Fete donations, stalls, activities and prizes as we look towards 2023.
This year our total fundraising for those less fortunate is $13,821.60. Below is how the money will be distributed.
| $10,000 | World Families |
| $1,000 | St Joseph's Rochester |
| $500 | Catholic Mission |
| $500 | Caritas |
| $500 | Opening the Doors Foundation (Fire carriers) |
| $1,321.60 | St Vinnies Hampers (normally we would do a gold coin donation for this but feel your generosity has extended to include this action |
I invite you all to read the following reflection click here shared with your children by Marianne Caddy at the liturgy and have further conversations with your children. Very emotional and empowering. Thank you for all we have and all we do. UBUNTU - I AM BECAUSE WE ARE.
Again, thank you all for making such a huge difference to the lives of others in need.
Bali Sister School-Bridge Program : Over the past week, we have had the pleasure and privilege of welcoming two teachers from our sister school in Bali, Bu Kiki and Bu Ira. We began this journey with the “Bridge” program at the beginning of this year. Bu Bree and Bu Novy have been engaging beautifully in this space. As an outward facing learning community who value diversity and inclusion and we are very excited about this opportunity to engage in partnership with our sister school. Name?? Our values and philosophy in the Catholic education of our students is to inspire them, prepare them as global citizens and enable opportunities for them to engage in ways we can enrich our world. We look forward to the many benefits this Project will bring for our students at both schools.
Indonesian Language Survey: We invite you to fill in this short 5-10 minute survey as a parent/ carer. We value your responses as the data leads to improvements or suggestions moving forward. We get real value out of these responses in ensuring that we are building a language program that works for our school community at Our Lady Star of the Sea.
Year 6 Music Night: Congratulations and thank you to all the Year 6 students and teachers on another successful Year 6 performance where each child is joyful. This night is traditionally part of their graduation celebrations and an opportunity for student voice and agency. It is one of many examples where we see engagement and the chance for each child to flourish at its best. The most heartwarming parts of the night is to see each of our students shine brightly on the stage and when we reflect on their journey as we view their Prep photo alongside their Year 6 photo.
Baked goods stall for cancer: Many thanks to Byrdy, Charlie, Queenie and Willow for their initiative and success with selling baked goods to our school community. They are proud to let you know that, with the generosity of mostly Star of the Sea families(and some surprised passersby) they raised $187.50 for cancer research. Great work girls.
State Election: With the upcoming state election we have engaged with two MP’s from the Bellarine in regards to our Master Plan. We are excited to announce that Donnie Grigau the Liberal MP has pledged $3 million dollars. Alison Marchant the Labor MP has also engaged in helpful conversations and working on a plan to support us should she be successful. Both major parties have pledged financial contributions to the catholic sector. We are grateful for this communication which acknowledges the important role catholic schools play in educating and supporting students and our rapidly growing sector that delivers considerable benefits to local communities and deserves to be supported.
The scope of our current Masterplan includes the provision of the following;
Stage 2:
- New and refurbishment works for additional staff facilities and amenities with the option of going upstairs, to reduce the impact on the outdoor space available to students..
- New and refurbishment works for the Administration area including reception, foyer, offices, meeting rooms, sick bay and storage.
Stage 3:
- New and refurbishment works to provide additional General Purpose Learning Areas to ensure hubs of 4 with the growing enrolment forecast.
The relocation of the library to upstairs, to enable the current library space to be utilised as classroom space plus a General Learning Area.
Wishing you a wonderful fortnight ahead.
Kerryn
2022 school fee accounts are due to be finalised. Please refer to your Term 4 statement for payment details if you have an outstanding amount. Families with a Direct Debit agreement, who have an outstanding amount will have their Direct Debit adjusted to finalise their account.
2023 Direct Debit will begin on 14 February 2023. Thank you to families wo have returned their 2023 Direct Debit Agreement. As this is the school's preferred method of payment please complete the Direct Debit Agreement and return it ot the school office by Friday 25 November. Alternatively cash, cheque and internet transfer are accepted. Please refer to the 2023 Fees Information letter for 2023 charges.
If you wish to discuss or clarify your account please email slane@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au
Transitions
In the coming weeks we will begin to focus on transitions for 2023. The impact of transitions depends greatly on the degree of change involved, however with anxiety already heightened due to several years COVID, it is important for teachers and parents to be informed and prepared to support and guide our young people if required.
The following information from BeYou provides some great information about Transitions.
All transitions, but especially those to new learning environments are major events in children's lives as they change social connections that have been built.
What are transitions?
Impact of transitions
Transition is not just about the first day – it’s a process that happens over time. It begins as families and educational settings start to prepare during the previous year, or even earlier. It continues as children and young people experience their first days, weeks and months in their new environment.
Transition from home and between education settings involves various key changes for children, young people and families, including:
- the physical environment (for example, the size of the outdoor areas, buildings, the location and types of toilets, the number of other children, young people and educators)
- rules and procedures (for example, more structured times for attending class, eating and going to the toilet, rules for different places and times such as the classroom and recess)
- relationships (for example, meeting new children, young people and adults, responding to students of different ages, leaving established relationships with educators, getting to know a range of educators for different subjects)
- learning (for example, more formal learning experiences, structured times and set tasks, increasing independence and responsibility).
Importance of transitions
Potential challenges and stresses
Research shows that transitions to a new learning environment is a time of potential challenge and stress for children, young people and their families. For some, it brings excitement about making friends and learning new things, while for others the change can leave them feeling nervous and overwhelmed. Some adjust quickly to their new school For more information visit beyou.edu.au environment; others can take many months to adapt. Studies show that around 15% of students have some difficulties adjusting as they transition in and out of primary school.
Understanding behaviour
It’s normal for children and young people to have strong feelings about an upcoming transition, such as excitement about the prospect of going to a new school, as well as nervousness about what lies ahead. Many children and young people may also feel sad or angry about leaving their current learning environment and the positive relationships they’ve established with educators and each other.
Common feelings children and young people have during transition can include:
- excitement
- sadness
- anger
- anticipation
- fear or anxiety.
Understanding and helping children and young people to handle the feelings will help to reduce their stress and can provide them with positive coping strategies. Children and young people often have difficulty explaining in words how they are feeling – instead they might show their feelings through their behaviour.
Behaviours you might observe include:
In children transitioning to primary school – clinging behaviour, restlessness, withdrawal, anxiousness, refusal to comply, avoidance, planning and organisation difficulties, crying and tantrums, regression to younger behaviours, volatility.
In transitioning to secondary school – withdrawal or difficulty participating in class discussions, low confidence or self-esteem, regression to younger behaviours, avoidance of tasks, short temper or behavioural concerns, friendship issues or isolation. Families might also notice issues such as changes in eating habits (low appetite or overeating), difficulties falling asleep, feeling unwell (for example, sore stomach or headaches) or difficulty separating from family members.
These could be typical behaviours
Many of these behaviours are typical for children as they adjust to their new environment, but educators and families need to show understanding and support to help them settle in. If concerning behaviours persist, it’s important to get help to identify possible underlying problems such as mental health issues or academic difficulties. You may need to seek advice from the school wellbeing team or external health and community professionals.
Paul Anderson
Student Wellbeing Leader
A number of cases of Chicken Pox have been reported in Years 2 and 3. Please be vigilant if your child is displaying symptoms and if they have a confirmed case of Chicken Pox follow the advice of the Department of Health. https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/chickenpox
Children should be excluded from school until all blisters have dried, which is usually around 5 days after the rash first appeared.
On Wednesday 16 November, some members of the choir have been invited to perform on Pulse community radio station, who will be broadcasting from the Kyosk Cafe in Ocean Grove. The 11 students will be performing two songs and some students will have an opportunity to speak about our recent Mission Fete and Diversity Day. What a wonderful experience for our children, so beautifully led in the choir by Miss Bella. Tune in to 94.7 The Pulse on Wednesday at approximately 10:45am.
Christmas Mass Times
Christmas Eve
6pm Ocean Grove
8pm Queenscliff
6pm Barwon Heads
Christmas Day
9am Ocean Grove
11am Queenscliff
DROP IN Youth Group @ Bellarine Training and Community Hub
Grade 6 and older Every Friday night of the school term - 6pm-9pm
1 John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove. Cost- $5 includes activity and dinner (excursion prices vary)
For more information please contact melissa@btach.com.au
Rest of term 4 Activities
11Nov- Anzac Biscuit and Poppy making
18Nov- Beach Night @ Ocean Grove Main Beach
25Nov- Games on oval
2Dec- Luna Park Excursion
9Dec- Karaoke Night
16Dec- Christmas Craft
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.