2025 Week 5 Newsletter - Term 4

From the Principal - Pausing and Planning

Dear families

Our Parents and Friends Committee is open to ALL parents in our school.  Its primary purpose is to provide support and empowerment for parents in their vital parenting role.  They do this in many ways – Organising school events, inviting guest speakers and, most importantly, providing parents with the opportunity to have a voice.  They also assist in providing resources that enhance the learning environment for our students.  Once again, our P&F have had a huge year working in all these ways for the betterment of our school and the benefit of our children.

Please join our Parents and Friends next Tuesday 11 November for our final P&F Meeting and AGM.  It will be great to look back over the year we have had together and start our plans for 2026.

In the busyness of Term Four, one of our priorities is always to pause and reflect back on all that has happened this year:
-    Achievements
-    Failures
-    What has gone well
-    What could we do better
-    What we value most
-    What we dream for our school

Data collection is a year long process and stopping to review it and readjust our plans is a vital part of ensuring we strive always for quality schooling for all students in a supportive school environment.

Data can come to us in many unexpected ways. Sometimes it is linked to an individual and sometimes it reveals year level and school wide trends.

We use a lot of data to do this, including the information you gave us in our parent survey earlier this year. Feel free to reach out to me if you did not get the chance to participate in our survey or you have other feedback / data you feel is useful for our future planning.  It is important that we have as many voices as possible as we plan for 2026.

Staff Farewells

It is that time of the year when we share with you staff that are leaving us at the end of the year.

Mrs Brenda Emerick is a deeply valued teacher at Star of the Sea who will be retiring from her role as a full time classroom teacher at the end of 2025. She has given much to our school, especially in our lower years, and will be greatly missed.  I am pleased to share that Brenda will be working with us as a relief teacher next year so our school will still be blessed with her talents.

We also say farewell to Ms Brittany Dingle who has worked with our Year 5 students this year.  Brittany is an expert teacher who has been a great gift to Star of the Sea and we wish her all the very best as she moves to a teaching role at St John the Baptist next year.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

God bless you.

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

From Our APRE

A number of students have been preparing for their first Reconciliation which takes place next week.  Hayley Lanzon from our parish has been working with our students and families who have been exploring more deeply the meaning of Reconciliation.

Congratulations to – Ysabella B, Milla-Rose D, Eleanor D, Charlotte H, Aylish H, Nixon J, Ava M,  Annalise M, Emelia P,  Finn R,  Isla S,  Kenzie S, Vivienne S,  Isabella W and Indigo Z.

A Reflection from Sr Kym

Becoming a Saint.

I expect nearly everyone reading this would have some idea of what being healthy physically means for them.  No, not the unrealistic ideas that are being presented to us from all sides but what would be a good ideal for your own self.  You take into account your age, medical history and what you really want to do with your body.  Doing a marathon is not something I want to do, but doing the Bluff Point Circuit again certainly is…and I have a fair idea of what I need to do to walk it again.

But what about your ideals for yourself as a person, a holy person, your best self before God, the people you love and the community you live in?  These are tougher ideas to sort out for we need to ask ourselves what type of person do I really, realistically, want to be.  I’ll never be the life of the party, but I will love to cook the goodies everyone enjoys and get my fulfillment that way.  I’ll never be the person leading a rally but I can be in the background giving support, probably practical support. That is how God has made me be. But we need ‘lives of the party’, we need people who take the public stand.  We need all sorts and God has made all sorts.

This month the Church celebrates the lives of many saints, many different saints. If there is one place God shows the variety of creation it is the wildly different people we are.  And each and every one of us has a call to holiness, a call to grace, a call to be a saint.  What good aspect of your character would you like to be known for?  Then think and pray about it.  Ask God to show you the small actions, the small practices you could start today to become to your best self, the person you and God wants you to be.

Loving God, in the wonder of creation you have made me, a glorious mystery.  Give me your wise Spirit to show me how to grow into the wondrous loving person you desire me to be.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.      Sr Kym Harris osb

God bless,

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper

In our Prayers

From the APC

Swimming Carnival

The swimming carnival is quickly approaching and we want to keep you all informed of the plans and procedures. 

Age champion age groups are as follows: Under 9 girls and boys, 10 years girls and boys, 11 years girls and boys and Open girls and boys. For U9 age groups, they will race in their individual age groups, but the times will be compared to calculate Age Champion points for this age group.  To qualify for Age Champion Points, you must swim 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke and 50m Backstroke. 50m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle will also accumulate points but are not compulsory.  Presentation is at Monday’s Assembly 8:35am 24th November.

Points for positions are as follows: 1^st place – 10, 2^nd place – 7, 3^rd place – 4 and 4^th – 8^th is 1 point.

Below is a list of jobs we are asking parents to consider volunteering for the day.

Timekeeping – Timing the students by stopwatch from the start of the race until the finish. 

Place judges – Each parent is given a numbered finisher 1^st,  2nd, 3rd etc to watch and give the first three finishers at the completion of the race. These parents will hand students their place ribbons as they exit the pool

In pool assistance – Some of our little swimmers require a little extra assistance on the pool on the day.  You are there to offer support and friendly encouragement or offer them a kickboard to reach for or hold the kickboard the whole way to give them that little bit of extra assurance

These roles are vital to run our carnival efficiently and safely and we would greatly appreciate your support to fill these jobs.  Also gives you a front row seat to watching your children on the day!  Please offer even just your morning or afternoon if that is all you have time for.

Volunteer Induction is necessary for this assistance and if you have not already completed it you can call into the office to read through the information.

If you are able to assist us, please email kim_hooley@rok.catholic.edu.au

Have a great week.

 Anthony King

Assistant Principal: Curriculum 

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

Instrumental Music Recruitment Information

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC - Recruitment for 2026 has commenced!

Is your child interested in learning an instrument and playing in the school band next year?

As part of our Instrumental Music recruiting process for Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and Bass Guitar for 2026 all Year 2, 3, 4, and 5 students have watched our Star of the Sea Intermediate Band perform recently at Working Together Wednesday.

Students have seen and heard demonstrations on instruments from the Woodwind family (Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone and Tenor Saxophone), the Brass family (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone Horn, Euphonium and Tuba) and the Percussion family.

All Year 2, 3, 4 and 5 students who are not already in the Instrumental Music Program have the opportunity to undertake instrument suitability testing, and if you would like your child to participate you can complete the form online at this link https://forms.gle/Cfg6K1w8B6jrBD51

Expression of interest via the link need to be completed no later than Friday 14^th November.

All students will be tested on all instruments.  Offers will then be made according to student preferences, the need to retain balance within the band, and matching the most suitable student to the vacant instrument positions within the program.

We have a limited supply of instruments available for hire through the school ($250 per year) or parents can purchase new or second-hand instruments for their child. School instrument hire is first in, best dressed; with preference given to beginner students hiring for the first time. When accepting your offer and completing the application form, you can nominate your preference to hire.

Instruments are also available for hire ($50 per term) through GISMA (Gladstone Independent Schools Music Association) and current Year 4 and 5 students (next Year’s 5 and 6) will also have the opportunity to learn the Oboe, Tenoroon (mini bassoon), French Horn and Tuba, however taking up one of these options does require extra support from parents.

You can contact me directly via email tankardc@gmail.com or Mobile 0409 985 501.

Many thanks for your support and encouragement of our future musicians!

Mrs Carmen Tankard

Instrumental Music Teacher

Term 4 Date Claimers

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

Week Five

• Wednesday 5 November - 2026 Prep Transition & Information Session
• Friday 7 November - Year 5B Assembly @8:35am on the Courts

Week Six

• Monday 10th November - Year 6 Assembly @8:35am on the Courts
• Monday 10 November - Googabinj Show -  Indigenous Cultural Music Incursion
• Tuesday 11 November - Parents & Friends AGM Meeting @6:30pm in the Staff Room - All Welcome
• Tuesday 11 November - Remembrance Day Prayer Service
• Tuesday 11 November to Friday 14 November - Year 6 Camp

Week Seven

• Tuesday 18 November - Year 5 Leadership Speeches
• Wednesday 19 November - Year 5 Leadership Speeches
• Thursday 20 November - St Vinnies Appeal Free Dress Day Fundraiser (Wear sun safe clothes and closed in shoes and bring a Gold Coin Donation)
• Thursday 20th November - Band Recital @6pm
• Friday 21 November - Swimming Carnival
  

Week Eight

• Tuesday 25 November - Board Meeting 
• Thursday 27 November - Year 6 Final Assembly @8:35am on the Courts
• Friday 28 November - School Christmas Concert @SOS

Week Nine 

• Monday 1 December - Year 6 Graduation Liturgy & Dinner
• Thursday 4 December - Year 6 Pool Party
• Friday 5 December - End of Year Mass, Farewells & Award Presentations @9am
• Friday 5 December - Mayor's Carols

Departing Families

At this stage of the year, work and personal circumstances sometimes mean that we have families moving from Star of the Sea. If you have not already done so, please send us an email or a note to let us know.  This allows us to make accurate preparations for 2026.  It also allows other families on our waiting lists for certain year levels to be considered for a place with us next year.

We hope you can join us for our End of Year Mass so that we can pray a special blessing for you and your family.

Parents & Friends Annual General Meeting

Our Parents and Friends Committee is open to ALL parents in our school.  Its primary purpose is to provide support and empowerment for parents in their vital parenting role.  They do this in many ways – Organising school events, inviting guest speakers and, most importantly, providing parents with the opportunity to have a voice.  They also assist in providing resources that enhance the learning environment for our students.  

Once again, our P&F have had a huge year working in all these ways for the betterment of our school and the benefit of our children.

2026 Student Information Form

As we prepare for our 2026 Class arrangements we invite you to notify us of any important information that should be considered for our class composition by completing a 2026 Student Information Form.

These forms are available from the school office and are designed for parents to formally communicate any important information in relation to their own child, for class placements in 2026 in regards to social, emotional, physical or learning concerns.

Please be aware that these forms are not to request a specific class, nor teacher, but rather to inform the Principal formally of any relevant concerns that pertain directly to your child.

All information included in the 2026 Student Information Form will be treated confidentially.  As always, requests will be considered by the Principal but, as you are aware, many factors are well-considered when forming classes, and teachers’ professional judgement is vital in this process also.

Please also know that classroom teachers are not the only professionals involved in finalising classes for the following year.  Teachers also meet with Learning Support staff and the Leadership team to finalise these lists.  

Please do not put requests to teachers directly.  Only those submissions made to the Principal will be formally considered.

2026 Student Information Forms must be returned to school in an envelope addressed to the Principal no later than Tuesday 11th November.

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.

Free Carer Support

We are excited to let you know about a new local service supporting carers in our community.

The Carer Gateway is a free national service that provides practical advice, support, and resources for people who look after a family member or friend. Whether you’re caring for an older person, someone with disability, a mental health condition, or a chronic illness—support is available for you.

🌟Services include:
•    Free counselling and peer support groups
•    Respite care to give you a break
•    Practical help with navigating services and government supports
•    Workshops, skills training, and tailored resources

📍 Visit Your Local Carer Hub
We now have a Carer Hub conveniently located at 1 Buller Street, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

👉Here, you can:
•    Register with the Carer Gateway
•    Speak directly with friendly staff who understand the challenges of being a carer
•    Access personalised advice and information
•    Connect with other carers in a supportive environment

💬 You don’t have to do it alone — help is here when you need it.

Thank you for everything you do as a carer. 
Your role is invaluable, and support is here for you.

Feel free to contact via telephone or email if you want to know more.

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.

Wearitto Uniform Shop - Extended Trading Hours & New Student Fittings

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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