Gracious God, you promise to be with us always.

You gave us your son, Jesus, who, through his words and deeds, showed us how to live a hope-filled life.

Inspired by His message, may we be willing to shine this light of hope to others so that they can find joy and promise in their lives and look to a brighter tomorrow.

We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you have settled back into the routines of school life and are enjoying the positive vibes from your children. We certainly are. The students have settled in really well and their zest for learning, social interaction and all the joy primary school life brings, is certainly contagious.

We continue to embrace our Beacons of Hope theme and are mindful of the recent media reports of the impact the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria has caused. As a community, we pray for all those affected and those working tirelessly to help. Caritas is calling for donations to provide urgent support to affected communities. If you would like to donate, please visit the Caritas website; https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/turkey-and-syria-earthquake/ 

Year 6 School Leaders: At Our Lady Star of theSea, we value the importance of all students having an opportunity and a voice. Therefore, we have a variety of roles including action groups which enable student agency and positive contributions  in making some beneficial change in their school and wider. We have recently been very impressed by our Year 6 students and Year 2 students who have worked really well and presented amazing speeches as part of their application to leadership roles. The best we have seen yet!

Below are the student leadership roles for 2023. We wish them all the best as they learn and grow as leaders and are Beacons of Hope in their role for others. Please note Year 2 student house leaders will be announced in week 4 at assembly.

School Mural: We have been fortunate to collaborate with First Nations artists and cultural educators Norm Stanley and Nikki McKenzie from Wurri – Ki Culture to design and create a mural for our school. This Geelong Gallery project is an ideal opportunity to provide meaningful connections and to celebrate the rich and thriving culture, knowledge and experience of our First Nations people. Norm Stanley started this Project yesterday with a whole school assembly which was fabulous.  The project will run over the following three weeks with grade 4, 5 and 6 students participating in the mural creation. Many thanks to Rachael Thomas, our highly skilled and brilliant art teacher who applied for the grant and brought Norm and Nikki our way.

It was wonderful to have Norm Stanley present to us all at an assembly yesterday. The students were very engaged and there was great take away learning for us all.

Solar Buddy Initiative: We are very excited to have our Year 5 /6  students participate in the Solar Buddy initiative. There is a group called  SOLAR BUDDY- https://www.solarbuddy.org/ which was started up by a gentleman in Queensland, which is a story on its own.  Solar Buddy does an amazing job of bringing hope to the world, to some of the poorest communities. They offer solar lighting for women giving birth in the dark and lights to children around the world so they have the opportunity to better their situation with education.  Our  Year 5 and 6 students will be  building the solar light kits that Solar Buddy makes, to aid children of a similar age in Papua New Guinea, experiencing energy poverty.  They will  learn from one of the visiting Solar Buddy educators about what is going on in poorer countries and the injustice involved. They will then build the kits, knowing the impact that it will make and write an accompanying letter  to  the receiving child. Very much Beacons of Hope in action. Who knows the difference an action like this can have. Many thanks to Sue Constable, our Sustainability Leader, who successfully applied for and received a $4,000 grant from Viva Energy.

COVID Update: COVIDSafe measures have changed, but schools are required to continue to implement important practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Schools must continue to ensure air purifiers are used, external ventilation is maximised, good personal hygiene is encouraged, and face masks are made available for staff, students and visitors who wish to wear them. 

It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they: − have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild − are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19 − are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.

The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398.

Principals are no longer required to inform their school community of a positive case associated with the school.

Dog Policy: It is wonderful to be enjoying this wonderful weather and see the active travel to school by families. Please click here for our  Dogs Other Animals On School Grounds Procedure and the importance of always having the dog on a lead and not inside the buildings. 

Wishing you a bright fortnight ahead

Kerryn

School Fee invoices for 2023 have been emailed. 

Monthly payments are due on the 14th of each month with balances finalised on 14 November2023.

Quarterly payments are due on 14 February, 14 May, 14 August, 14 November.

Direct Debit is the preferred way for school fee payment. If you have not arranged a Direct Debit and would like to do so please complete a Direct Debit Form 2023 and return to the school office. Forms are available on the school website and with the Fee Information letter emailed to all families.

Families wishing to pay in full are asked to do so by Friday 24 February 2023.

Welcome back to the new school year.  As we commence our third week back, it is great to see how well our community has settled to the routines of the school year. It is also wonderful to see how many of our families are using the warmer weather to help their children  engage in active travel (walk, ride or scoot) options to get to and from school on a regular basis.  Many families are taking advantage of active travel options as a way of contributing towards the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity  each day.

Some parents tell me that they enjoy this time walking with their child (and usually the family dog too) as it is a great time for conversation and can be a lot less stressful than driving.   The high number of active travellers definitely benefits our school community, with less traffic around our school.

As children grow, and with supervised experiences, they gradually become more independent in their ability to get around by themselves.  One of the most important aspects of being a parent is teaching your children to become independent. But sometimes it’s easier said than done, especially when you have such a strong instinct to protect them.  

For tips on preparing your child to get around on their own, please read VicHealth’s Steps for helping children become more independent. 

With so many children walking, riding and scooting to and from school, it is important that everybody takes responsibility for ensuring that our students are safe.  

For students, this means they need to be aware of their surroundings and have clear strategies to keep themselves safe.  For example, looking carefully when crossing roads, following laws for pedestrians and riding safely.  It is particularly important that children think for themselves and make their own safe decisions, especially when they are travelling with a group of friends.

For the adults in our community, taking responsibility for ensuring that our students are safe involves:

1. Ensuring that your child/ren are ready for travelling independently in a safe manner
2. Driving safely, aware of the unpredictability of some children who are developing their independence in getting about by themselves.  This includes limiting your speed, especially in the streets close to schools.  
3. Taking the extra time to teach your child to always take the safest way to cross the road, especially using supervised crossings.  

Driving in the neighbouring streets close to school can at times be stressful.  Parents can sometimes be running a little late or desperately looking for a car park close to the gate so they can drop the kids off and get to work. Often in this rush to collect children, parents will put their child or others at risk by double parking in John Dory Drive or by completing an illegal u-turn at the front of the school.  We all play our role in ensuring the safety of our community.  Please take care, slow down, and if you witness anything dangerous, please don’t hesitate in contacting the police.  If you see our students engaging in unsafe travel, please let me know by email on panderson@staroceangrove.catholic.edu.au.  

Please remember that our Crossing Supervisors are working to help keep your children safe.  Please remember to be respectful and courteous to the supervisors, even when it is their job to remind you of rules and regulations that are in place to make school crossing safe.  Eg. Parking within 20 metres before a designated school crossing or 10 metres after is illegal.  Please refer to Safe to School by Vic Roads for more information.

Hopefully our school community can continue to be a beacon of safety, kindness and respect, especially when it comes to navigating the busyness of school drop off or pick up.  

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader

Access to the The Parent Access Module (PAM) is still unavailable. Rectification works are ongoing and we will let you know as soon as the issues are resolved.  

Term 1 Week 3 - Green Hub News

Term 1 Week 3 - Red Hub 1 News

Term 1 Week 3 - Blue Hub 2 News

Term 1 Week 3 - Yellow Hub 3 News

Term 1 Week 3 - Purple Hub 4 News

Term 1 Week 3 - Purple Hub 5 News

Term 1 Week 3 - Orange Hub Yr 6 News

The Conveyance Allowance is a form of government financial assistance to help families in rural and regional Victoria with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest appropriate school/campus.  The allowance is available to eligible students  providing the eligibility criteria is met.

Students attending a government or non-government school must:

• attend their nearest government or non-government school/campus appropriate to their year level at which admission is permissible.
• be enrolled at a school/campus outside Melbourne’s metropolitan conveyance boundary.
• reside 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from that school/campus attended.
• be of school age (5 to 18 years old at time of application) and reside in Victoria.

Click here to access the Student Conveyance Allowance Form for Private Car Travellers This form must be returned to the school office no later than Friday 8 March 2023.

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

Families are asked to donate as follows

Year 3-6: Easter eggs

Prep - Year 2: Bags/ baskets

Please send tickets and eggs in no later than Tuesday 26 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 Thursday 28 March.

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. 

Travelsmart News

Parents/Carers are invited to volunteer to be included on the canteen roster. Volunteers are asked to help Wednesday, Thursday or Fridays just before and during lunchtime for approximately 2 hours. To be on the roster please text Kerry on 0414 926 144.

If you haven't already registered as a school volunteer and you would like to volunteer in the school canteen, 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

Thank you for your support.

Kerry Street, Canteen Manager

Staying safe from mosquitoes

Recent wet and warm weather has increased mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes can carry diseases that may be passed on to people through mosquito bites. A range of mosquito-borne diseases have recently been detected in mosquitoes in northern Victoria.  Mosquito-borne diseases can cause serious illness, including infections of the brain, with children particularly at risk.

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites.

In line with community health advice , families can protect against mosquito bites by:

• using insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin if outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, from October to March
• wearing long, loose-fitting clothing outdoors if possible if mosquitoes are around and covering exposed skin as much as possible. Summer school uniforms, including polos and shorts, can continue to be worn, but students should use insect repellent on exposed skin if mosquitoes are active
• limiting outdoor activity when mosquitoes are active.

Further information

• A handy guide to help protect you and your family from mosquito-borne disease
• Better Health Channel information about preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

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