Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School Gladstone eNewsletter

Weekly Focus

Each week we provide you with a short video supplying our key messages for the week.

From the Principal -

Dear Families

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Catholic Education Week celebrations so special last week, highlighting all that makes us great including our generosity, our service and the wonderful community we have, especially our Grandparents. It was an awesome week and Friday was extra special with so many people turning up to celebrate mass with us, visit our classrooms and be entertained by our talented Choir and Bell ensemble. The students loved welcoming our grandparents, family members and volunteers and I am especially grateful to our wonderful APRE, Kellie Richardson, and all our staff who put together such a brillant event.

I also want to say a special thank you to Kellie who kindly takes on the role of Acting Principal this week as I begin my period of Long Service Leave. I am very grateful to Kellie for being willing to give me this opportunity and I know the school will be in wonderfully expert and caring hands in my absence.

I also want to extend my congratulations to Lorrie Columbus who has been appointed Acting APRE as Kellie carries out my role. I am grateful to Lorrie for generously accepting this position. She has extensive experience in leadership roles and has been a passionate advocate for the religious life of the school. I know both Lorrie and Anthony will be a great support to Kellie in her Acting Principal role.

“You playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so others won’t feel insecure around you. As you let your own light shine, you indirectly give others permission to do the same.”
– Marianne Williamson

You will notice in our newsletter this term that we are seeking your nominations for our Spirit of Star of the Sea Award which is presented at our Feast Day Mass in the years when a suitable candidate presents themselves. We have so many wonderful people who would be possible nominees and, as you consider who might be suitable, we thought we would share with you who our past nominees have been.

2014 – Mitchell Luders

The first recipient of this Award was Mitchell himself who inspired us by the way he fought his battle with cancer. He encouraged us all with his strength, good humour and compassion. He united our school to engage in fundraising and raising awareness for important issues such as Childhood Cancer. We all felt us becoming better people in response to his example also. So, in shining his light, he showed us how to shine our own.

Since 2014 we have presented the Spirit of Star of the Sea to 6 other people as follows:

2015 – Elinor West

2016 – Rob and Maryanne Shaw

2017 – Jamie Emerick

2019 – Fr Kevin Redmond sm

2021 – Rosemary Weilharter

We will share a little more of the stories of these award recipients in the coming weeks.

More information about the award can be found in this newsletter and we invite you to reflect upon whether you can identify a suitable recipient and nominate them via the following link:
https://forms.gle/ASzpknjCSa6EXgU77

God bless you and Live Jesus in Your Hearts Forever!
Jennett Mullane
Principal
jennett_omullane@rok.catholic.edu.au

2022 School Goals

From Our APRE

Catholic Education Week celebrations were fantastic at Star of the Sea. Every class participated in a variety of planned activities to help us understand a little more about being a community of faith, hope and love.

Friday’s Mass and Grandparent's day celebration was a highlight and it was wonderful to see our church bursting at the seams with people coming along to share our story.

I knew all of my Grandparents and had a wonderful relationship with them. My Grandfather lived with us for some time and my Grandmother has been one of the greatest influences in my life. I look now at the relationship my children have had with their Grandparents and it is so lovely to see.

On Monday morning we presented Mr Peter Dougherty with our collection from the Winter Appeal. Our community has, once again, been very generous and we loaded a car full of donations as well as handing over a cheque for $389.80.

Peter spoke of how grateful they are to have such wonderful support and will definitely put all donations to a very good cause.

Have Faith,

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

Weekly Wondering….

I wonder what is important to you?

Term 3 Liturgies and Assemblies

WEEK 4
Prep invite you to their assembly presentation on Friday 5th August at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 5
Year 2 invite you to their Liturgy on Tuesday 9th August at 9.30am in the Star of the Sea Church.

Year 6 invite you to their Mass on Friday 12th August at 9.00am in the Star of the Sea Church.

Year 3 invite you to their assembly presentation on Friday 12th August at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 6
Year 1A invite you to their MJR Assembly on Friday 19th August at 8:35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 7
Year 2 invite you to their assembly presentation on Thursday 25th August at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

Everyone is invited to attend our Book Character Parade on Friday 26th August at 8:35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 9
Year 1 invite you to their Liturgy on Tuesday 6th September at 9.30am in the Star of the Sea Church.

Year 4 invite everyone to attend our Feast Day Mass on FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER at 9am in the Star of the Sea Church.

WEEK 10
Year 6A invite you to their MJR assembly presentation on Friday 16th September at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

In Our Prayers

Let us pray...

• We pray for our school and Parish as we celebrate our Feast Day on the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary: May we celebrate the shared story we have with Jesus at its centre.

• We pray for our indigenous brothers and sisters: May we always celebrate their rich history, culture and achievements and may we work together to bring about reconciliation and respect.

• We pray for all families: May they always value the beauty of their shared story.

• We pray for all in our world and in our community who suffer in any way because of illness, disaster, war or injustice: May they always know they are not alone.

From the APC

Kellie Richardson spoke so openly and emotionally about her grandparents at the mass last Friday and she spoke so fondly of the influence they had on her life. It got me thinking about my Grandparents. I was lucky to grow from a child into an adult with 4 grandparents. At the time I didn’t realise how lucky I was to have them for so many years of my life.

Lilly-Anne King was loving and caring and had a very special way of connecting our families through her wonderful cooking skills. Cakes, scones and roasts were her speciality. We would be with Nana as she prepared each meal and we would sit around the table as a family and indulge in delicious food and connect as a family through conversation and laughter.

Allan King was an absolute gentleman. He was kind and thoughtful and always checking to see if anyone needed anything or if he could do something to help. His love of the garden and the beautiful gerbera’s he would grow showed his gentle side. Gramps would always be offering if anyone wanted a cup of tea. If only I could have one more with him.

Josephine Annie Therese Veronica Mary Beh was Granny to everyone. Even if you were not related. Her love was so plentiful anyone that would meet her would then call her Granny. When I lived in Brisbane I would visit Granny every Tuesday night and watch All Saints with her. Whenever I would spend time with her, it would feel like time would stop. I didn’t realise it then but Granny has taught me to “be in the moment” or be present with who you are with and savour the memories you are making.

Gilbert Beh was a man I always looked up to. He was a creative and clever man who loved a beer and a game of pool. I could feel his strength not only in his hugs but also in the way he looked after everyone. He was the head of the family because he knew everything that was happening in our lives, we would always trust his advice and he made us feel supported and safe.

I watch my parents with my children and see traits of their parents in them which makes me very happy. Days like Grandparent’s day are good reminders to make the most of your time with loved ones.

Have a good week everyone.

Anthony King

Assistant Principal: Curriculum

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

Spirit of Star of the Sea Award - Nominations called for now.

The Spirit of Star of the Sea Award was first presented in 2014 to a past student, Mitchell Luders, who inspired our school community and taught us all important lessons about the way we should live. In doing so he exemplified the motto of letting your light shine in many simple ways throughout his short life.

This award is presented as part of our School Feast Day celebrations in years when a member of the school community has demonstrated a significant contribution to building up the spirit of Star of the Sea. They will have demonstrated endurance and compassion in their efforts and worked as a unifying force within the school, encouraging and inspiring others and truly letting their light shine.

The recipient can be a parent, staff member, student or member of the wider community and your recommendations for possible recipients is now invited. We encourage you to click on the link below to share with us your recommendation for this year's Spirit of Star of the Sea Award recipient.

https://forms.gle/ASzpknjCSa6EXgU77

Star of the Sea at the Port City Athletics Trial Results

Congratulations to the students who represented Star of the Sea at the PC Athletics trials last week.

Indi Rose - 3rd 1500m
Darcy - PB discus and a great jump in the long jump
Corey - PB discus
Jesse - 5th 100m heat, 1st Jesse long jump, 2nd high jump, 5th 200mheat
Annalise - 1st 100m heat 3rd final, 4th discus, 1st long jump, 1st 200m heat & final, 2nd shot put and participated in high jump.
Mackenzie - excellent effort in discuss

Congratulations to Indi Rose, Jesse and Annalise who have made the Port Curtis team. We wish them the best as they will travel to Mackay later this month to compete in the Capricornia trials.

2022 Catholic Education Week Celebrations

STAR OF THE SEA FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT SOCIAL EVENING

Come along and join us for a fun filled family trivia night. You can come as a team or come by yourself and find one there. There is no limit to the number of players on a team. Trivia will be held in the bottom Courts area where assemblies are held. Just bring a mat, or chairs and something to eat. The bar will be operating for drink purchases. Please remember this is a social event and staff will not be supervising children so parents will be responsible for caring for them please.

When: Friday 9th September 2022

Time: 6:15pm gates open for a 6:30pm Start approx. 8:30pm finish

Where: Star of the Sea School Basketball Courts

What to bring: Picnic mat or chairs, any food you’d like (Bar will be operating)

Employment Opportunity - OSHC Assistants needed - closing date extended

Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School is currently seeking qualified and unqualified educators to join their Outside Schools Hours Care (OSHC). These are casual positions, comprising of before and after school care as well as vacation care, with the possibility to increase to a part-time position. For an immediate commencement, or as negotiated with the successful applicants.

Please note that the closing date has been extended to Monday 15th August - Please spread the word.

We encourage anyone interested in joining our beautiful Star of the Sea family to visit the following link to apply:
https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER375

Position Vacant - Parish Faith Co-ordinator

Our parish is seeking to employ a Parish Faith Co-ordinator and is calling for applications.

The role of Parish Faith Co-ordinator includes responsibility for our sacramental preparation program and the provision of opportunities for adult faith education in the parish.

The position is part-time, with working hours negotiable, and would be suitable for a committed member of the Catholic Church with a knowledge of basic Catholic sacramental teaching, or an ability to develop this knowledge base.

A copy of the position description can be obtained by contacting the parish office.
Please submit applications, including a cover letter and resume, to Fr Andrew Chase by mail (PO Box 5062, Gladstone 4680), email (ppgladstone@rok.catholic.net.au), or in person at the parish office.
Applications should be submitted by 12th August 2022.

Student of the Week Award

Parents & Friends Meeting - All welcome

We invite all of our Parent Community to our P and F Meeting this Tuesday 2nd August at 6:30pm in the staff room (entry via the front office).

Although the meeting starts at 6:30pm you are welcome to join us a little earlier for a chat and a glass of something if you can.

We ask that you follow the following guidelines please:

o Not to attend the school site if unwell.
o Maintain physical distancing requirements.
o Practice good health and hygiene etiquette.
o Wear a mask if mandated.

Pupil Free Day

Caulfield Fundraiser - 50/50 Tickets

Star of the Sea Caulfield Event - Date Claimers

Our Caulfield Event is an important part of our school year, being our one major fundraiser for the year. It is run by a sub-committee of our Parents & Friends group and raises significant funds for the year as well as providing a great day out and a wonderful showcase of our school.

The event takes place on Saturday 15th October.

Tickets for the event go on sale on Thursday 11th August at 6:30pm.

Magic 123 Emotion Coaching for Parents

Gladstone_22_3_CatholicCare_123_Magic_Flyer_A4_1pp_Word_Template_2022_NEW_NO_PRICE.pdf

Little Athletics Sign On

IMPORTANT COVID SAFE UPDATE

As you may be aware, the Queensland Government issued advice recommending face masks be worn while indoors (where social distancing is not possible) to assist with preventing the further spread of the current wave of COVID-19. The Queensland Premier encouraged all people, including school staff and students, to wear a face mask indoors except where they can physically distance. Please be aware that the Queensland Department of Education has subsequently advised its schools and staff that, while wearing a face mask is encouraged, this remains a personal decision for individuals.

Students who wish to wear a mask at school will be supported and are encouraged to bring their masks to school if required.

Please also remember that the requirements for wearing a face mask for 7 days after having COVID-19, or when a close contact are still in place. Additionally, there are ongoing public health requirements to wear a face mask when travelling on public transport (including in taxis and ride-shares).

With the current escalation in Covid infections, we ask that you continue to follow the Qld Health Covid Safe Practices please: https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/how-you-can-help-keep-queensland-covid-safe

Have you ever thought of becoming a Catholic?

PREP 2023

Children born between 1^st July 2017 and 30^th June 2018 are eligible to commence Prep in 2023. If you have a child eligible for Prep in 2023 please visit the school website and complete the Online Application Form.

http://www.staroftheseagladstone.qld.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-information.html

All current families with a child eligible to commence Prep 2023 are required to complete and online application form.

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 teacher and SOSG_Absentee@rok.catholic.edu.au).

Thank you to our Caulfield Sponsors

Caulfield_logos.pdf

2022 Week 4 Newsletter - Term 3