2023 Week 6 Newsletter - Term 1

Weekly Focus

From the Principal - Going up the Mountain

Dear Families

Robert Louis Stevenson tells the story about a ship that was in serious trouble in a storm. A passenger on that ship, defying orders, made his way to the pilot who, seeing the fear on the passenger's face, gave him a smile of assurance. Relieved, the traveler returned to his cabin and said, "I have seen the face of the pilot. He smiled and all is well." 

This weekend we hear the Gospel story of the Transfiguration where the disciples came face to face with the reality of who Jesus was.  To do this, they needed some time to pause and remove themselves from their daily routines.  In doing so they were able to realise God’s presence in their lives.

This is so true for us as well, no matter our faith tradition.  There are times in life when we need to see our pilot face-to-face. Take time this Lent to find your ‘mountain’ - your quiet time and place to contemplate the Creator.

I commend to you a Lenten pastoral message from Our Bishop Michael McCarthy which includes a message from the Holy Father:
https://rok.catholic.net.au/lenten-pastoral-message-2023/ 

In a school that has existed for as long as Star of the Sea it is only natural that our story be so important to us.  Of particular significance are the many people who have helped write our story, each contributing their pages through the sharing of their passion, talent and time.

It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of Norma Tanna over the weekend.  Norma will be known to many people because of her involvement in the local Gladstone community and her amazing musical talent.  Of special significance for us is Norma’s connection to our Star of the Sea Parish and its schools.

Norma has been connected to Star of the Sea for many years.  I remember Norma working the Print Room at Chanel when I was a student there many years ago.  Norma then got her Education Degree and got to bring her passion for music into teaching students at Star of the Sea.  She teamed up with Mrs Weilharter to play beautiful music at many a Mass and Eisteddfod item and her passion for Music saw her instigating the inaugural Cultural Award as part of our Year Six End of Year Awards at Star of the Sea. 

Norma’s faith was the driving force in her life and there wasn’t a part of Parish life that she didn’t help out with.  One of my favourite memories is her playing with the Parish Ukelele Band and there was many a bride she helped out with a last-minute music search (including me!).

We are grateful for Norma’s contribution to our Star of the Sea story and will keep her and her family in our hearts as she is remembered and farewelled. 

Have a wonderful week everyone!
God bless you.
Jennett Mullane
Principal
jennett_omullane@rok.catholic.edu.au

Year 4, 5 and 6 Student Survey

As part of efforts to create a learning environment supportive of student wellbeing we are wanting to survey our Year 4,5 and 6 students to ascertain the support needed.  The survey is accessed via the Be You Portal and is completely anonymous.

Be You is the national mental health in education initiative delivered by Beyond Blue, in collaboration with Early Childhood Australia and headspace.

All parents have been emailed information from our APRE, Kellie Richardson.  The email explains that we require you to log in and give permission for the survey.  Alternatively you can email Kellie directly to give your permission via kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Your support in making this possible would be greatly appreciated.

OSHC Coordinator

Please spread the word and help us fill this role.

2023 School Goals

From Our APRE

Welcome to Week 6 – already past the half way mark of Term One.

This week I share with you a reflection from Sr Kym Harris osb.  She helps us reflect on the idea of Spiritual Stocktaking.

Shops have stocktaking, businesses have audits, employees have job reviews, people have medical check-ups and Christians have Lent. During these weeks, we consider the quality of our life.  We take up Jesus’ first challenge: “Repent” – which comes from a Greek word meaning ‘having another think.’  Jesus doesn’t want us to just drift through life, as this so often leads to unhappiness and poor relationships. 

There are three areas that are recommended that we check up on.  Traditionally, they are called fasting, alms-giving and prayer.  What these mean realistically is that we look at personal discipline, compassion for others and our relationship with God. Over the next few weeks, we will explore how we can do a stock-take on each of these areas. But for now, let us just consider what it means to ‘have another think’.

Too often we just make decisions based on what others think or because we react impulsively to a crisis.  Rarely do we take a stocktake of

1. the gifts that we have been given by God
2. the demands we need to meet
3. the desires of our heart.

Take some time this week to really ponder each of these areas, even take a pen in hand and write down what comes to mind.  Now ask God for inspiration regarding the things on the list. Write down what comes to mind.  Now mull over these things in the coming week. 

Loving God, we rush, rush, rush through so much of life, not taking time to be with you and with those we love.  Give us your Spirit of Wisdom that we may embrace the fullness of life that Jesus wants for us.  We ask this in his name confident that you will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Be a peacemaker this week,

God Bless

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Connection to Parish – our school is one of the ‘lucky’ ones to be on the same site as our Parish church.  This adds another dimension to our school.  Fr Andrew is able to be part of our school community, popping in for assemblies, events and staff gatherings. 

Catholic Social Teaching - Solidarity

We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbour has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.” The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.

Our Shrove Tuesday gathering last Tuesday was a definite display of Solidarity.  Thank you to all who came along, we hope you enjoyed the morning.

God Bless

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

Keep your lives free from the love of money.  And be satisfied with what you have. 

God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you."   

Deuteronomy 31:6

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Enrolments are now open for the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.  Catholic children who have already celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation are invited to begin the journey for the Sacraments. Enrolments are due by Wedneday 22^nd March. If you would like an enrolment form please contact the Parish or School office.

Parish Faith Coordinator

Hayley Lanzon

adfaithsos@rok.catholic.net.au

Phone: (07) 4972 1025

In Our Prayers

From the APC

“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better.” – Sidney Sheldon

We have an amazing Library at SOS filled with a very wide range of reading material.  Jen Casey, our Librarian, works very hard to ensure our library is a place where students and staff feel inspired to read.  Jen is always coming up with ideas to showcase authors, books or series. 

Below are some pictures that we have taken to show you just how awesome our Library is.

UPCOMING DATES TO ADD TO YOUR DIARIES.

Book Fair -  22^nd to 26^th May

National Simultaneous Storytime - 24^th May

Book Week - 21^st to 24^th August

Book Week Dress Up -  24^th August

Anthony King

Assistant Principal: Curriculum

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

Our Awesome Library

Restrictions regarding Pets / Dogs on school site

Several concerns have been raised regarding pets (especially dogs) being brought onto school property when dropping off or picking up children. All parents should be aware that dogs should not be on school property unless the permission of the principal is obtained. This permission is only to be given in the case of requests involving assistance animals (guide dogs etc.) or requests involving dogs (pets) visiting classrooms for class activities. Dogs should not be present on school property without a leash and permission has been obtained.

2023 Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum “Celebrate Australia” art competition

Congratulations to the Thetford family who represented Star Of The Sea School in the Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum “Celebrate Australia” art competition again for 2023, completing their art last December for it.
Aspen was the winner of section 1 and Arlo was runner up in the same section.
There was apparently hundreds of entries in the competition which will be a roving exhibition in the Gladstone region for the year.  Part of the excitement also includes having their work travel to Japan in the Saiki City sister city art exchange, as well as having their work printed onto magnets for 2023, as shown in the pictures below.
The artworks are currently on display at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum until end of March. Congratulations!

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday leads us into a quieter time of reflection.
Ashes on our foreheads mark the beginning of our journey through Lent. 
It’s a time to think about Jesus’ life and suffering and the ways he continually showed compassion and forgiveness to those around him, even those who treated him badly. 
It’s also a time to think about our own lives and the ways we need to seek and share compassion and forgiveness with others too.

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News from Year 1B

Year 1B have settled in well to the new school year and classroom.  We have started off the year spending time getting to know our classmates, getting used to routines, working on our fine and gross motor skills, building our letter and sound knowledge and have been working mathematically.  We’ve started homework (the children were very excited) and visited the Library.  We have also loved catching up with our buddies from last year.  What a great start we have had!

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Tuckshop News - *Nachos Day* Wednesday 1st March

Wednesday 1st March Tuckshop will be having a Nachos Day for second break only.  Orders  can be placed either via Flexischool or over the counter in Tuckshop.  Orders must be placed at Tuckshop by 8.40am, Wednesday 1st March.

Nachos will be available with salsa, cheese or sour cream.  Children will have the option of toppings. 

Nachos will be $4.50 per serve.

Julie  & Witney-Bre

Tuckshop Convenors

Volunteer Inductions

ARE YOU PLANNING ON HELPING IN THE CLASSROOM OR AT SCHOOL EVENTS SUCH AS OUR CROSS COUNTRY?

You will need to join us for a Volunteer Induction first please!
 
These inductions do not take long but serve a very important purpose in helping us to provide a safe and supportive environment for your child.

Please note that this is an Annual Induction that must be completed each year.

Join us if you can in the staffroom at the following times:

Friday 3 March @ 2:30pm

Please Update Your Media Details

Dear Parents

We are asking your assistance in updating media consent for your child/ren.

Our system has been updated with more options that give us clarity with the myriad different ways your child's details can possibly be used.  If you completed a paper copy of the enrolment form, you will definitely need to update these media consent details please.  Parents who completed an online application are also asked to check their child's current media permissions to ensure it is correct.

This is a very quick task completed through Parent Lounge and below are some instructions to guide you with this task.  You will need to complete this task for each child you have at Star of the Sea please.

We appreciate your help in ensuring we have the correct information for your child/ren.

Student of the Week Award

Position Vacant - Parish Finance Secretary

Our parish is seeking to employ a Finance/Administration Officer and is calling for applications.

The role is part-time (3 days a week) and provides assistance to the Parish Priest in the administrative tasks of the parish.
 
 Principal duties include:
• General book-keeping and management of parish financial giving program
• Payment of parish expenditure
• Record keeping for parish finance council meetings
• Liaising with contractors and suppliers for maintenance and property matters
• Providing general admin/secretarial work in a job-sharing arrangement with another admin officer

The position would be suitable for someone with book-keeping experience or knowledge (especially of MYOB software), who is proficient with Microsoft Office software and is well-organised and attentive to detail.

A familiarity with some aspects of parish life and practice will be an advantage.  The successful applicant will be provided with in-house training and a hand-over period during which  s/he will work with existing staff.

A copy of the full position description and instructions for applying can be obtained by contacting the parish office (sosgladstone@rok.catholic.net.au or 49721025). Applications should be submitted no later than 10th March 2023.

Keep up to date on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sosparishgladstone

Please do not hesitate to contact the parish office on 4972 1025 if we can be of any assistance.

Position Vacant - HR Officer

2024 Prep Applications now open for Existing Families

We are experiencing strong demand for our 2024 Prep classes and do not want our existing families to miss out.  Please ensure you have registered your interest in enrolling your child for next year's Prep cohort by submitting your application online:

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

Family Name Labels to use in your car for drive through pick up in the afternoon

Having your child's surname clearly printed and placed where it can be seen on the sunvisor or dash helps us find your child quickly and speed up the collection process in the afternoons.

In the past we have printed names for all families in our school – if you would like us to send home a label for your car to be used at pick up please email us and we will get one ready for you and send it home.

Email kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au if you make the subject SCHOOL PICK UP SIGN we will know to make one and send it home for your use.

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).

Community Notices

Thank you to our Caulfield Sponsors