2025 Week 7 Newsletter - Term 2

From the Principal - Children are great teachers

Dear Families

There are many highlights in a school year, and I think our sporting events definitely rate as being pretty significant.

It is always such a great privilege to see the individual efforts of our children on these days.  They win in so many different ways – showing up, encouraging others, challenging their personal best, facing their fears and winning their event (to name just a few).

Today’s senior field events had so many great individual stories and I am very grateful for all those who volunteered to assist in any way.  It is extremely difficult to get volunteers these days, yet their role is so important in creating these growth opportunities for our children.

The most important people in our schools are our students.  I feel so privileged to have a career that allows me to work with these special ones who teach me so much.  Whilst I no longer have my own class, the favourite part of my job is always when I get to spend time with the students.  Over the years they have taught me so much. What a great treasure we can find when we turn off the screens, sit and relax and really look and listen with our children:

Great Truths from Small Children

• No matter how hard you try, you can't baptise cats. 
• When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
• If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
  
• You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
• Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
• Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic tac.
  
• Your dinner sticks to the wall.
• You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
• The best place to be when you are sad is in Grandma or Grandpa's lap.
• Don't say that the "Last One is a Rotten Egg" unless you're absolutely sure there's a slow kid behind you.
• If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.
• If you want someone to listen to you, whisper it.

Good luck to all our students in our coming Athletics events:

• Whole School Athletics Carnival this Thursday 5^th June
• Junior Field Events Day – Monday 9^th June

Have a wonderful week everyone!

God bless you.

Jennett Mullane
Principal
jennett_omullane@rok.catholic.edu.au

From Our APRE

As National Reconciliation Week comes to a close let us take some time to consider what reconciliation is all about and what it means for each of us.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next reflects on the ongoing connection between past, present and future.  We are called to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal.

This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

John 20:21

Then Jesus said again, “Peace be with you!”

God’s blessings,

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Our ‘Athletics Season’ is underway – this gives us a chance to learn about the history behind our Sporting teams – Murlay, Marsden and Breslin.

Our School House Teams

All students are placed in a house team for events such as our Sports Carnivals. All family members are placed in the same colour team and are placed accordingly to equalise numbers in colour teams across the school. While final results have a certain importance, the emphasis is placed on participation as a team member and individual.

Our House Teams also recognise significant contributors to our school story as described below:

Breslin – YELLOW COLOUR

Breslin is named after Mrs Breslin who taught the children in her own home in Goondoon St after the Sisters of Saint Joseph left in 1879. She continued teaching the students until the Sisters of Mercy arrived in 1900.

Murlay – BLUE COLOUR

Murlay is named after Dean Charles Murlay who was a Marist priest born in France in 1855. He moved to Rockhampton in 1862 to care for the Diocese until the appointment of Rockhampton’s first bishop. On April 24 1901 he moved to Gladstone as Parish Priest. He invited the Sisters of Mercy to teach in Gladstone and by January 19, 1902, the Star of the Sea Church /School was opened and classes commenced. He died on October 6, 1908 and was buried in the Gladstone Cemetery.

Marsden – WHITE COLOUR

Marsden is named after Fr Lionel Marsden who was Parish Priest in Gladstone after the war. Soon after being ordained a Marist priest in 1940, he was appointed as AIF chaplain and experienced all the horrors of the Second World War, including working on the Thai-Burma railway. He constantly preached love and forgiveness to the soldiers he ministered to but was caught unawares by the anger he felt after he was treated roughly by a Japanese soldier. His anger turned to hatred and it took a lot of prayer before he found forgiveness in his heart. He pledged to work for reconciliation if he lived through the war and ended up being the founder of the Marist Mission Centre in Japan.

In Our Prayers

•    We pray for our children:  May they learn the gift of dedication and resilience, and the power of working    with and encouraging others.

•    We pray for all who live with war and suffering:  May the leaders of our world govern with wisdom and      concern for all.

•    We pray for Pope Leo XIV: May he be guided by the Holy Spirit as he begins his important ministry.

•    We pray that, through the Holy Trinity, those who have died will find their home with the Lord.

From the APC

2025 COLLEGE MUSICAL SET TO MAKE A HUGE ‘SPLASH’

Get ready to dive under the sea because Chanel College’s 2025 Musical is… The SpongeBob Musical!

Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all your favourite friends in this bright, bold, and hilarious stage adventure — packed with catchy songs, unforgettable characters and an important message about friendship and courage.

The musical will be performed at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) on Friday 6th &  Saturday 7th June and features a talented lineup of student cast.

Our Year 6 students will be attending the Final Dress Rehearsal on Friday!!!

Tickets are on sale now.  Scan the QR code below.

We even have some past Star of the Sea Students in the musical.

Have a great week!

Anthony King

Assistant to the Principal - Curriculum

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

2025 Star of the Sea Athletics Carnival

Thursday 5th June, 2025

Our 2025 Athletics Carnival takes place on Thursday 5th June, 2025. 

Children will travel by bus to Chanel College unless they have nominated to compete in the 800m races.

Students are not allowed to be dropped at Chanel to wait with older siblings or to meet their class.

The buses will depart Star of the Sea at 8.35am sharp, so it is vital that children arrive in time for school.  Please note that our PREP CLASSES DO NOT ATTEND THIS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL and will remain at school.

At the completion of the carnival, students not travelling home with their parents in the afternoon will return to Star of the Sea by bus.  Please ensure you notify your child’s class teacher at the end of the Carnival if you are taking your child home.  Children are not permitted to wait behind at Chanel College for older siblings.

Students are asked to bring the following items:

• Sports uniform, including school hat. (No spray colour in hair)
• Closed in running shoes and thongs to walk to toilets. (Students are permitted to run bare feet)
• Sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Towel to sit on.
• Book to read, colouring in, cards, etc. No electronic devices or Sports equipment.
• Lunch box with lots of snacks for the day as there are no designated lunch times. No bags of lollies to share. Students are also not permitted to use the Chanel College Tuckshop.

Parents visiting on the day are asked to sit in the spectator area and refrain from sitting around the student tents please, as this makes it difficult for teachers to arrange events. We also ask that parents don’t crowd the finish line, as it makes it very difficult for staff to collect required details after each race.

Children will stay in their tents under the direction of the supervising teacher.  They will not be permitted to sit away or visit with parents (not even when they are finished with their events).

Parents may use the Chanel tuckshop but are asked to avoid using it during lunch breaks (10.40 to 11.20am and 1.05 to 1.25pm). 

Please note that parking in the Chanel College grounds is not permitted until after 9am when Chanel student drop off has finished.

A presentation for Age Champions, Record Holders and our Spirit Trophy will take place at assembly on Friday morning (6th June) at 8:35am.

Overall House Champions will be presented at our Junior Field Events Presentation on Monday 9th June at 2:30pm.

As always, we are still requiring assistance from parent volunteers to help us on the day.  Please email Kim Hooley kim_hooley@rok.catholic.edu.au if you are able to help.

We can’t wait to see you all there for a wonderful day!  Make sure you bring your loudest cheering voice!

Rescheduled Junior Jumps Day - Monday 9th June

Due to the rain last week, our Prep, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 (2017-born) students will be participating in their Junior Field Events on Monday 9th June.

Students will participate in five activity rotations during the morning and then gather to watch the Prep Sprint Races before first break.

Students are asked to please wear their Sports Uniform on this day.

A short Presentation Ceremony to announce the winning House and overall House Points for our 2025 Athletics Events will take place at 2:30 pm that afternoon. 

Important Dates For Term 2

WEEK 7

• Senior Jumps Day - Tuesday 3rd June
• Band Performance - Wednesday 4th June 
• Athletics Carnival - Thursday 5th June
• Chanel Musical - Friday 6th  & Saturday 7th June

WEEK 8

• Junior Jumps Day - Monday 9th June
• Parents & Friends Meeting - Tuesday 10th June @ 6:30pm
• Year 6 Mass - Friday 13th June @ 9am in the Church
• Prep Assembly - Friday 13th June @ 8:35am in the Covered Courts Area 

WEEK 9

• Year 2A Assembly - Friday 20 June @ 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area

WEEK 10

• Year 3 Assembly - Friday 27 June @ 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area

Port Curtis / Capricornia Sports

Football/Soccer:  Congratulations to Mia C and Kurt T on being selected to represent Capricornia Regional Sport in Football/Soccer.

2026 Prep Enrolments

We have begun to interview our prospective Prep students for 2026.  These interviews will continue this term and into Term Three.  Please spread the word to anyone you know who is hoping to enrol their child in our Prep 2026 cohort.

Parent Orbit App

The App, Parent Orbit, which is connected to Parent Lounge, will improve our communication with each other as it offers a quick and easy way to receive notifications, add Student Absences, view and pay School Fees, accept or decline excursions via the Events and Activities, check the school calendar, update details and permissions and much more.

Some of you may already be using the Parent Orbit App for Chanel College and you will simply add Star of the Sea as another school you can access.

The App uses your Parent Lounge log in to access and will be a great way to access Parent Lounge features as you will not have to log in every time.  

To download the App to your mobile device you can click on the link https://parentorbit.page.link/sosg  or visit your APP store.

Most of our Term Dates for the rest of the year are already installed on the App so it really is a good resource for you.

Wearitto Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Student Absentee Line

If your child is not attending school, you can call us, 24/7, to leave a message to report the absence. The  phone number is 4994 8301.  

This designated phone line gives you the opportunity to call the school at a time that is convenient to you.

As always, absences can be reported using Parent Lounge or by emailing your child’s classroom teacher  and                                                                                                                SOSG_Absentee@rok.catholic.edu.au).

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