Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School Gladstone eNewsletter

From the Principal - The Gift of Music

Dear families

Once again our students have made us very proud as they participated in this year’s Gladstone Eisteddfod. A huge congratulations to everyone who bravely shared their talents in this way, especially our Choir, Band and Bell Ensemble. We have included some more information about their results and some photos in this newsletter.

Many thanks to Carmen Tankard, Renae Richards, Erin Moynihan and Helena Sedgwick for all their work in helping our students shine.

As some of you may have heard, Helena Sedgwick will be finishing her role with us at the end of this term as she relocates with her family. Helena’s passion and expertise, especially in the area of the Arts, will be greatly missed and we wish her all the very best as she starts this next chapter with her family.

“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.”
― Plato

FATHER'S DAY STALL

Our Parents and Friends are working hard to prepare for the Father’s Day Stall next Thursday 4th September. This is a wonderful opportunity for our children to have hands-on experience with shopping independently and they love choosing special gifts for Dad. I know my children really missed the Mother’s and Father’s Day Stall when they left Primary School.

This Stall relies heavily on volunteers and we desperately need at least 6 to 7 people present to serve each class as they arrive. That means we need one person from each year level to help us – or a group of parents from each year level to share the day between you, even just giving one or two hours each to help.

Please contact the office if you are able to assist us.

PROCEDURES FOR ARRIVING AT SCHOOL

Keeping our children safe and ready to learn is the most important thing we do in Catholic Education and we really need your help to make this happen.

We are concerned about a number of families who are dropping their children to school far too early. Children should not be arriving at school until 8:10am when we have staff actively supervising and keeping them safe. We have found children at school way too early and it is concerning to see them left without anyone to look after them.

We understand that many of you have work commitments, so we provide a Before School Service that is there to supervise and care for your children.

Conversely, we have some children arriving very late at school. Missing the start of the day can leave children feeling quite unsettled and often means they miss important information designed to set them up for success in their learning that day.

We know life is hectic but we ask you to try and get them to school before the bell rings. If you are late, please sign them in through the office. Do not just leave them to walk in themselves, especially as the school gates are locked up once classes have begun.

Please reach out if you need any support in coping with school routines. We are here to help however we can.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

God bless you.

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

Pupil Free Day

From Our APRE

One would think with only 4 weeks of school left until holidays we could start to wind down; however it is the complete opposite. The next 4 weeks are action packed!

Andrew Chinn is visiting our school next week to share his wonderful talents with us.

Andrew worked as a classroom teacher in Catholic Primary Schools in Sydney for nearly twenty years before moving into his full time music ministry. Andrew has visited more than 1200 Catholic primary schools, performing in 4000 concerts across Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada sharing his music and his faith with children, teachers and parents. He has released 16 albums, 5 DVDs and 6 picture books, which are used widely by teachers and catechists in the faith development of children. In recent years he has developed the Butterfly House, an online resource.

This is not Andrew’s first visit to our school – we look forward to welcoming him again next week.

Social Justice Crew

Our social justice crew meet once a week in there playtime to talk all things ‘just’. This week the group took time out to clean our church. They have conversations and take action around the school to help with justice and action.

Aleah W, who is a member of this group, took it one step further and decided to take her action out into the community. Aleah worked on the weekend and set up a street stall, selling loom band creations, including necklaces, rings, bracelets and little fidgets. The money raised from this stall was then donated to our school mission money. We thank Aleah for showing initiative and acting on what it truly means to be of service, Aleah raised almost $20.

God bless.

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

In our Prayers

We pray in thanksgiving for all who work to build confidence in our children and develop their talents: May we encourage each other to build a community that is safe and supportive for all.

We pray for all who live with war and suffering, that leaders who impact society will be moved by the Holy Spirit to bring about justice and peace.

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

From the APC

This week I would like to introduce our Southern Region First Nations Education Liaison Officer to you all. Her name is Mandy Hamilton, and she is a proud Aboriginal woman, descended from the Kunja people of South/West Queensland. In particular she will be supporting our Indigenous children and families in our community.

In her role, Mandy will be focusing on supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, as well as helping the school build empathy, knowledge, and understanding when integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and perspectives into the curriculum. I will also be available to assist with any questions or needs that may arise.

Mandy has been with us for some time now and has been introduced to all of our students on assembly.

Have a great week!

Anthony King

Assistant Principal: Curriculum

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

Real Talk Personal Education Parent Talk - Monday 1st September at 6:30pm (ONLINE)

Parents are invited to attend the Real Talk Parent Information Session on Monday 1st September at 6:30pm.

This session is presented via Zoom and is primarily aimed at parents of our Year 5 and 6 parents.

Other parents (especially Year 4) are most welcome to also join as it will cover quality information about supporting your child through puberty and tips for helping them with online safety and personal and social development.

2025_ONLINE_Primary_Schools_Parent_Night_Flyer.pdf

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 Seven

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

Father's Day Stall

Eisteddfod Success

Our students truly let their lights shine at this year's Gladstone Eisteddfod and we are proud of their passion, talent, courage and commitment.

Our Instrumental students performed their hearts out, working together to create beautiful music.

Our Bell Ensemble received First Place 🥇

Our Intermediate Band received Second Place 🥇

Our Beginner Band were awarded Highly Commended for their enormous efforts 🥇

Our wonderful choir took out a clean sweep:
First place in Sacred Choral Group 🥇
First place in Open Choral group 🥇 (extra special because we took home the Rosemary Weilharter trophy 🏆)
AND
Dance Choir were extra R-E-V-O-L-T-I-N-G and took out:
First place in Stage Show, Film or Musical ensemble 🥇 with their take on Revolting Children

Additionally, Our Revolting Children were awarded the best Stage Show, Film or Musical award for 18 years and under at the awards ceremony over the weekend.

PC Track and Field Team

Congratulations to the following students who made the PC Track and Field Team

Lennox D, Logan N and Noah W all travelled to Mackay last Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th to compete at the Capricornia Athletic Trials in Mackay. All students put in great performances and competed to the best of their abilities.

Although not successful in making the Capricornia team this year they are all vowing to train hard, set goals and aim for this level in 2026. Star of the Sea is very proud of their achievements!!

Andrew Chinn Concert

125 School Anniversary Committee

In 2027 our school celebrates 125 years of learning and growth as a school. This may sound like a long time away but it is not when you are planning for a significant event such as this. We have such a rich story that so many people have been a part of.

We are calling for interest from those who may like to assist with the preparations for this event, in particular, we are hoping to put together a steering committee that will work together to get a few ideas into a plan. Please let us know if you are interested. The committee can be made up of past and present community members.

Important Information about Changes to our Parent Orbit APP

Due to recent changes with TASS, the URL for our Parent Orbit app has been changed.

Unfortunately this means that parents will need to update the App currently used.

The new link to download our school’s app via a mobile device is https://parent.tassorbit.com.au/sosg

Please not that this link is only accessible via a mobile device, you cannot access this on your pc.

It can also be found by using the QR Code below.

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

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).

2025 Week 7 Newsletter - Term 3