2023 Week 2 Newsletter - Term 4
- WEEKLY FOCUS - Our Caulfield Event
- From the Principal - Some fresh tips for mental health
- Departing Families
- 2023 School Goals
- From Our APRE
- Socktober - Tomorrow Wednesday 11th October
- Altar Server's Training
- Liturgies and Assemblies
- In Our Prayers
- From the APC
- 50/50 Fundraiser
- 2023 Swimming Lessons
- Student of the Week Award
- Tuckshop Update
- Please Update Your Media Details
- Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme - Applications Close 31st October
- Student Absentee Line
- Uniform Shop Update
- Woolworths Cricket Blast
WEEKLY FOCUS - Our Caulfield Event
From the Principal - Some fresh tips for mental health
Dear Families
Our Caulfield Event is less than two weeks away and now is when we need your help – Please read Anthong King’s APC Article in this newsletter and learn about a few ways you can give some assistance.
This week is Qld Mental Health Week and it offers us an important reminder to be intentional about our mental health, to reach out and build connections with others and seek help when needed. The Qld Mental Health Week site has some great resources, including a great link to the Dear Mind website.
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”
— John Holmes
Much of what we have learned about mental health has focused a lot on caring for self. Whilst this is valuable, there is much to to be gained by reaching outside ourselves to connect with and help others – add a positive mind frame to this and you have a perfect recipe.
Part of the training our staff have been undertaking with the Berry Street Team have stressed two important skills for improving student wellbeing and positive relationships – Character Strengths and Gratitude.
Frankton School in New Zealand speaks of a Māori expression that says “I see you.” “To see a child in light of his or her virtues is to nurture the moral champion within that child.”
All children need adults who SEE them:
- Spot their strengths
- Explain how they can use it
- Express appreciation for the gift of that character strength
Using this approach helps our children move from task related goals to more positive and effective Belief and Strength Based Goals:
For example:
Instead of ‘Finishing my homework’, the goal is to ‘Be a persistent learner.’
Instead of a goal to ‘Get to school on time’, their goal could be to ‘Be a classroom leader.’
Instead of trying to ‘Improve my reading’, they can strive to ‘Be a brave reader.’
Developing this positive mindset with their own personal strengths can help them start to view the world in a more optimistic and grateful way. This doesn’t necessarily come naturally though and they need our help to increase their awareness of gratitude.
Gratitude is more than just saying thank you. True gratitude comes from seeing a good thing and recognising that it has come from outside of ourselves.
Gratitude is an important step in growing relationships with others, understanding how others feel and developing attitudes and competencies that value helping others.
Recognising their own character strengths and feeling a part of a wider community that they feel they are adding value to are two great gifts in the development of mentally strong children.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
God bless you.
Jennett Mullane
Principal
jennett_omullane@rok.catholic.edu.au
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 2024. It also allows other families on our wait lists for certain year levels to be considered for a place with us next year.
We hope that you can join us for our End of Year Mass so that we can pray a special blessing for you and your family.
2023 School Goals
From Our APRE
This term our school supports the work of Catholic Mission. October is Mission month and we will kick off our campaign with a little fun on crazy sock day tomorrow.
Inspired by the Pope's message for World Mission Sunday, this year Catholic Mission is raising awareness of the life-giving work of lay and religious missionaries around the world with the theme "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move".
Throughout 2023, Catholic Mission aims to encourage everyone to engage in both a physical and spiritual journey, to share the message of love and hope not only through their words, but also through their actions, building up momentum for the celebration of World Mission Month in October.
In his message, Pope Francis reflects on the resilience that everyday missionaries demonstrate in their life-giving work and the burning passion for God and people that inspires their hearts. Dedicating their lives to others, in partnership with communities, missionaries aim to create a positive change through spiritual care and the implementation of grassroots projects, such as healthcare and education, reaching far beyond Catholic communities.
Catholic Mission's National Director, Fr Brian Lucas, expressed enthusiasm for this year's theme, saying, "Pope Francis has given us a powerful and inspiring message. It is an invitation to walk together on the path of peace, hope and creation."
This year, Catholic Mission invites you to journey with us and discover how, together in Mission, we can make a difference in the world.
“Everywhere we can make something, small things but we can do what God wants from us. So this is my message. We here. You in Australia. Everywhere. But together we can reach a Kingdom of God.” Says Sr Alma, a missionary dedicating her life to the people of Timor-Leste.
https://www.catholicmission.org.au/about-catholic-mission/about-us
Virtue of Service
One of our core virtues at Star of the Sea is the virtue of SERVICE. We look for ways that we can be of service to others, supporting Catholic Mission is one way we do this.
How can you be of service this week?
God bless,
Kellie Richardson
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
Kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au
Socktober - Tomorrow Wednesday 11th October
Get your crazy socks ready to wear to school tomorrow Wednesday 11th October. Each year we hold this event to raise funds for Catholic Mission.
Please wear your crazy socks and bring a coin donation.
https://www.socktober.org.au/
https://www.catholicmission.org.au/about-catholic-mission/about-us
Altar Server's Training
Liturgies and Assemblies
WEEK 2
Year 1B invite you to their assembly presentation on Friday 13th October at 8:35am in the Covered Courts Area.
WEEK 4
Year 2 invite you to their assembly presentation on Friday 27th October at 8:35am in the Covered Courts Area.
WEEK 5
Year 4 invite you to their assembly presentation on Friday 3rd November at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.
WEEK 6
Prep invite you to their Liturgy on Tuesday 7th November at 9.30am in the Star of the Sea Church.
WEEK 7
Year 5 Leadership Speeches will take place this week – please keep an eye out for more details closer to the dates.
WEEK 8
Year 6 invite you to their FINAL assembly presentation on Thursday 23rd November at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.
Everyone is invited to attend our annual Christmas Concert on Friday 24th November.
WEEK 9
Everyone is invited to attend our Year 6 Graduation Liturgy on Monday night @ 6pm in the Star of the Sea Church.
Everyone is invited to attend our End of Year Mass on Friday 1st December in the Star of the Sea Church. Time, yet to be confirmed.
In Our Prayers
Let us pray...
- We pray for those children who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time: May they come to know the peace that is found in God’s mercy and love.
- We pray for peace in our world: In particular, we pray that leaders will lead with wisdom and love in a world facing conflict and distrust.
- 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.
- We pray for those members of our school community who are battling sickness and suffering in their life: May they be consoled and strengthened in their time of need.
- We pray for all those who have died: May God grant them the peace and joy and hope of the resurrection.
From the APC
CAULFIELD 2023
It is hard to believe that Star of the Sea’s major fundraiser for the year is only a week away. The event takes place here at school where 250 guests assemble on the basketball court at 11:30am on Saturday 21st October.
In order to prepare for the arrival of our guests, I would like to invite any of you who are free to join myself and the committee.
| Friday 2oth October | 9am - 3pm Putting up hessian, fencing, signs, arranging tables and chairs, setting up the bar, decorations and wash up station. |
| Sunday 22nd October | 9:30am – 11:30am Clean up and transport all the gear back up to the storage containers. |
If you are able to assist us, even for an hour, can you please email me to let me know. anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au
We would love your help if you are free.
Have a great week!
Anthony King
Assistant to the Principal:Curriculum
anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au
50/50 Fundraiser
Our 50/50 Fundraiser contributes significant funds to our school each year with the winner receiving around the $13 000 in past years.
Please help us by returning your ticket stubs and cash this week please.
If you cannot sell them, please return the unsold tickets as we have people waiting to sell more.
2023 Swimming Lessons
A reminder that our swimming lessons begin this Friday.
All classes will have their lessons in the outdoor pool so it is essential that your child has their swimming shirt/ rashie etc to keep them sun safe while swimming and appropriate footwalk for walking to the pool.
Lesson times are outlined below:
- Year 6: 9:15am - 10:00am
- Year 5: 10:00am - 10:45am
- Year 4: 10:45am - 11:30am
- Year 3: 11:45am - 12:30pm
- Year 2: 12:30pm - 1:15pm
- Year 1: 1:15pm - 2:00pm
If you can assist with walking with your child/ren’s class to and from the pool, please let your classroom teacher know the days you are available to help.
Student of the Week Award
Tuckshop Update
Please note that the arrangements for use of our School Tuckshop have changed slightly.
Students are no longer permitted to have loose money to spend over the counter.
All orders for ice blocks, drinks and other items must be made via Flex Schools or a written order at the start of the day.
Additionally, ice blocks are limited to one per child each day.
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.
Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme - Applications Close 31st October
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).
Uniform Shop Update
Woolworths Cricket Blast
