2025 Week 3 Newsletter - Term 3

From the Principal - Catholic Education Week

Dear families

Happy Catholic Education Week to all members of our school community!

I often have visitors to our school make comments on how special our school is and it makes me realise how we sometimes take for granted all that we have in our Catholic Schools.  It is good to pause each year and celebrate the underlying beliefs and values that do set us apart in all we do.

Each year we are given the opportunity to nominate people from within our School Community who contribute their efforts towards building the special Spirit of Catholic Education that we have.  This year’s nominees from Star of the Sea are a great example of the sort of people we strive to be, and we are grateful for the opportunity to recognise their faith and generosity.

Louise Sisley has been a valued and much loved member of our Star of the Sea community since 2006, working in a number of roles including as a Physical Education and Technology teacher, but particularly loved for her work in the Early Years and now as an Inclusive Education Teacher.

Louise is a committed and expert educator with a particular passion for Early Childhood Education and supporting students with disabilities.  She is devoted to being a life long learner, always reading and looking for ways to enhance her teaching craft and improve outcomes for students. 

As a member of our Inclusive Education Team, Louise supports our teachers in creating supportive and inclusive learning environments for all students.  She is a passionate advocate for our children and works hard to ensure learning environments that stimulate curiosity and engagement, while respecting each learner’s individual interests and needs.

Louise has a real passion for our School and our Parish, showing incredible generosity and humility with the way she serves the community.  She is always one of the first volunteers at events and has a knack for turning up whenever someone needs some extra help or care.

She works hard to help students and staff find meaningful ways to live out Catholic values within our school and wider community.

Helena Sedgwick joined our Star of the Sea community in 2015 as our Music and Technology teacher, and her passion for music has been a true gift to our school.  Helena believes strongly in the importance of music in enhancing student learning, and her creative ways to integrate music education with technology have been impressive.

Helena has generously gone above and beyond to give many students the opportunity to develop a love of music and technology, supporting our Choir and Dance Choir as well as our Robotics and Drone Clubs, and giving these students the opportunity to compete and perform across a number of different platforms in the community.

Helena has been a particular inspiration to our school and wider community throughout her recent personal battle with her health.  Helena’s strength and her ability to maintain an attitude of joy and peace throughout her struggles demonstrated the core values of determination and courage that are a big part of our school charism.  With quiet dignity she allowed all who were open to gather with her on her journey to healing, uniting us in faith and in service through a number of special initiatives that brought us all together.

Erin Moynihan has been a valued member of the Star of the Sea community for the past 20 years, supporting us all with the expert knowledge and skills she has in the area of Technology.  Her role as an Information and Technology Support Officer plays an integral part of creating vibrant and responsive learning environments that are inclusive and engaging for all students.

Erin is particularly appreciated for the generous sharing of her talents.  She shows a passion for learning and loves seeing students excited and willing to learn new skills and knowledge.  Her enthusiasm for Technology and the Arts has seen her take on vital roles in the running of our School Choir and Dance Choir as well as our Robotics and Drone Clubs, going above and beyond to give these students the opportunity to compete and perform across a number of different platforms in the community.

Our school liturgies are beautifully enhanced with the music of our choir and their performances in the Sacred section of our local Eisteddfod are always an inspiration.  

Erin goes beyond the school and parish level to support the enhancement and promotion of the Arts and Technology across the wider community.  She volunteers her own time in support of community and Catholic Highschool musicals, performing in the band and assisting our students to gain the confidence and skills to take part themselves.  

Have a wonderful week everyone!

God bless you.

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

From Our APRE

Catholic Education Week is celebrated annually in Week 3 of Term 3 and gives us an opportunity to join with Catholic schools all over Queensland to celebrate the unique community we have within our Catholic School. 

We are a community of Faith, Hope and Love.  Our Catholic Schools have a distinct mission and ethos.

We gathered together as a community today to give thanks for the gift of Catholic education here in our own school but also for schools across Queensland.

The theme of embracing faith, hope and love in our school communities works in unity with the 2025 Jubilee Year theme: Pilgrims of Hope. We are called to continue the journey with Jesus, to be Pilgrims of Hope.

As part of our celebrations, Father Andrew blessed the new cross that has been installed outside of our office.  The story of this cross began back in 2023 when I snuck a small ad in our school newsletter asking for assistance to craft a timber cross.  I was not all that hopeful of a response.  Luckily for me Diann and Denis Kammholz answered my call for help and so the process began.  Diann and Denis researched the best timber to use, sourced the timber and crafted the beautiful cross that I am sure you have all noticed now that it is up. Mrs A – Skye Alberts, our beautiful staff member, who has now moved to Rockhampton, then set to work creating the artwork you will see on the cross.  Skye chose to put our school’s core virtues of courage, respect, determination and service on the cross along with symbolic representations of many meeting places, which we have as part of our school and we are all connected through Catholic Education. 

The cross, being the size that it is, needed some pretty serious bracing to allow it to go up and Mark and Leanne Frost kindly did the calculations and engineering drawings for us so that it was safe to stand.  Cass and Peter Johnson put the finishing touches on the cross, sealing it so that it could withstand the weather outside.  We are truly grateful to everyone who played a part in this project – though it has been a long time coming I think it is has been worth the wait.  I also want to acknowledge Paul from Curtis Coast Fencing, who installed the cross – he was very easy to work with, nothing was too much trouble for him and I am sure you all agree he did a wonderful job of centering the cross in line with the stairs.

Faith ignites growth. Hope fuels support. Love welcomes all. Together, these pillars nurture students’ spirits, empower teachers, and embrace families, creating a vibrant learning community where everyone thrives.

Since 1845, when the first Catholic school opened in Queensland, Catholic schools have shared the Good News of Jesus.  Today that Good News is in our hands and in our hearts as we continue as pilgrims of hope.

Happy Catholic Education Week everyone,

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

In our Prayers

From the APC

Our Star of the Sea Rugby League and Netball teams participated in the annual Rockhampton Diocese Catholic school’s competition called Challenge Cup at the Barmaryee Sports Precinct in Yeppoon.   It was another amazing carnival, congratulations to all our students who competed.

Our Rugby League players were: Harrison Gott, Jayce Butcher, Nate Olive, Ethan Horner, Cody Corrie, Oliver Cue, Connor Lette, Hamish McDougall, Joshua McConnell, Bon Andrews, Lennox Dalton, Dane Dredge, Kurt Taylor, Liam Alletag, Grady Corbett, Callum McCabe and Parker Lette. 

Each one of our players were challenged to perform their best and they did.  They had to work as a team and dig deep during the tough games, they showed good sportsmanship and their parents, and I were very proud of each one of them.  They finished third in their pool. 

Our Netballers were: Sophie Griffiths, Macy Slow, Harlie McNamara, Noah Thorne, Ellie Tobler, Sienna Lenz, Avery Frost, Isla Churchill, Sienna Dredge and Arabella Columbus.

What a fantastic 3 days of Netball at Challenge Cup we all had!  The players put in their best efforts and most importantly put in an amazing show of sportsmanship.  They improved every day and grew in both skill and teamwork.

Our goal was to bring our best effort and improve each day and they really delivered. Our players had to dig deep, especially when playing against representative teams, and were always positive and respectful.

Such a memorable and rewarding experience.  Best and Fairest medals were awarded to Kurt Taylor and Sienna Dredge.  Coaches’ medals were awarded to Harrison Gott and Sophie Griffith.   Hamish McDougall was awarded the Capra Virtues award.

A special thank you to Matthew McConnell, Marty Gott and Leanne Frost for supporting our teams in the lead up and throughout the carnival.

Anthony King and Genelle Little.

Have a great week!

 Anthony King 

Assistant Principal: Curriculum 

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

AFL Gala Day

Recently 25 eager students took part in the annual AFL Gala Day at Boyne Island, that showcased not just skill and determination, but school pride.

Our boys' team put on a powerhouse performance, dominating the field with impressive teamwork, fast-paced play, and solid defence. They went from strength to strength throughout the day coming away as the overall winners of the boy’s competition. 

Equally inspiring was our girls' team, many of whom were playing AFL for the very first time. Their courage, energy, and positive attitude stood out from the first siren to the final whistle. While they were up against more experienced teams, they played every match with heart, enthusiasm, and constant smiles. Their growth over the course of the day, in confidence, skills, and team spirit was a pleasure to witness. 

A huge thankyou to Mick Martin for volunteering to coach the boys for the day and parents who stayed on to support our teams.  Your encouragement, guidance, and dedication were key to both our success and enjoyment. We truly appreciate your time and energy.

Whether it was high-fives after a goal, huddles between matches, or cheers from the sidelines, the AFL Gala Day was a fantastic celebration of sport, community, and the joy of giving it your best.

Well done to all players — we are so proud of your efforts!

Dynamic Drone Challenge

Last Tuesday 22^nd July, Star of the Sea took three amazing teams to the 6^th annual QMEA Drone Challenge. This event aims to encourage STEM thinking and practice, inspire students in the use of drones as a developing technology for future careers, and engage students in an innovative and challenging way. The challenge is a collaboration project between QMEA, Australia Pacific LNG and Toolooa State High School.

Our students were able to work collaboratively in teams to compete in hands on and engaging challenges that required teamwork and ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking.

Event 1 was Pilot Training, where teams had to fly through a difficult obstacle course that tested both accuracy and speed.

Event 2 was Maritime Pilot, where students had to use drag and drop coding to program the route of an APLNG Gas ship out of the Gladstone Harbour, acting as the Maritime Pilot.

Event 3 was the Tool Supply challenge, where teams had to build something to attach to the drone, that could transport items from one location to another.

All of our teams also entered in the Future Drones Design Poster challenge, as well as dressing up in themes. We had a Builders team, a Mad Scientists team, and a Disney Princess Team. We are pleased to announce that all of our teams worked spectacularly well together, and our Mad Scientists were awarded 2^nd Place overall at the competition.

Term 3 Date Claimers

Parents are most welcome to attend all assembly presentations and our masses and liturgies (In the Church unless notified otherwise).

Week Three - Catholic Education Week

• Friday 1st August @ 11:15am - Date Claimer: Invite your grandparent or special older person to our Grandparent Day celebrations (lunch provided) - Further details in this newsletter
  

Week Four

• Tuesday 5th August - Year 3 Liturgy @ 9:30am 
• Friday 8th August - Year 1A Assembly Presentation @ 8:35am

Week Five

• Monday 11th August - Gladstone Show Holiday
• Friday 15th August - Year 6A Assembly Presentation @8:35am

Week Six - Book Week -

PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE

• Tuesday 19 August - P&F Meeting @ 6:30pm - All most welcome
• Wednesday 20 August - Year 2 Excursion to the Historical Village
• Thursday 21 August @ 8:35am - Book Character Parade - All students are invited to turn up dressed as their favourite book characters.
• Friday 22 August - School Choir compete at Eisteddfod

Week Seven

• Tuesday 26 August - School Photo Days - All students to wear formal school uniform
• Tuesday 26th August @ 9:30am - Prep Liturgy
• Thursday 28th August - Year 4 Quoin Island Excursion
• Friday 29th August - World Science Day GEC Excursion for Years 4 to 6

Week Eight

• Monday 1st September - Real Talk Online Parent Session 
• Tuesday 2nd September @ 9:30am - Year 1 Liturgy
• Tuesday 2nd September - Andrew Chinn Choir Workshop and whole school Concert.
• Wednesday 3rd September - Year 5 and 6 Real Talk Personal & Social Development Talks
• Wednesday 3rd September - Prep Father's Day Celebration at approximately 5:30pm
• Thursday 4th September - Father's Day Stall
• Friday 5th September - PUPIL FREE DAY - School Closed

Week Nine - Child Protection Week

• Tuesday 9th September - Prep Vision Screening
• Thursday 11th September - Year 1 Incursion
• Friday 12th September - School Feast Day celebrations beginning with Mass at 9am

Week Ten

• Friday 19 September - Year 1B Assembly Presentation @ 8:35am

Catholic Education Week - Invitation to Grandparents Day Event

Sports Vouchers available for families

Our Star of the Sea Parents & Friends have asked us to share the following information with all families - ensuring you are aware of this valuable opportunity.

The Queensland Government is delivering cost of living relief for Queensland families and helping keep kids active, with $200 Play On! sport vouchers.

From Monday 4th August, Queensland families can claim a $200 Play On! voucher per child aged between five and 17.

Here’s what you need to know:

• each voucher is worth $200;
• the vouchers will be provided over two rounds, for summer or winter sports;
• there is a dedicated allocation for kids in regional and country Queensland;
• there will be more accessible sports to give children of all abilities the chance play sport.

Visit the below link for more information:

https://www.sport.qld.gov.au/sport/funding-programs/play-on 

Parent Webinar Invite

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 - Extended Trading Hours

The Wearitto Gladstone Uniform Shop trading hours have extended for Term 3 and Term 4.  The new hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4.30pm. 

The shop is located at Shop 1/90 Goondoon Street for all school fittings and uniform needs.

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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