2023 Week 3 Newsletter - Term 4

WEEKLY FOCUS - Peace from pain

With the unrest in our world at the moment, I strongly encourage you to watch this video when you can this week.  I met this man during my visit to Jerusalem and really believe he has such a valuable message to all of us at this time - Fighting doesn't bring peace / Listening to and getting to know someone can help to break down hatred.

From the Principal - A recipe for peace.

Dear Families

Our Caulfield event takes place this weekend and you will see the school transformed into a very special space.  It is not too late for you to be involved in this and make a contribution to the success of this important school fundraiser.  Let us know if you can help.

I also invite you to find out a bit more about our School Board at our Information Session next Tuesday 24th October at 5:30pm.  It is an obligation free session that offers you the chance to find out what we do.

It’s been an extra tough week for our world and my heart is sad for all those who are suffering.  I spoke last week about gratitude being much bigger than a ‘thank you’.  I found this reflection by Joyce Rupp OSM that really took me to the heart of what gratitude is.

It gives a recipe for the peace and unity so desperately needed today.

Gratitude

To be grateful for what is,
instead of underscoring what is not.
To find good amid the unwanted aspects of life,
without denying the presence of the unwanted.
To focus on beauty in the little things of life,
as well as being deliberate about the great beauties of art, literature, music and nature.

To be present to one’s own small space of life,
while stretching to the wide world beyond it.
To find something to laugh about in every day,
even when there seems nothing to laugh about.
To search for and to see the good in others,
rather than remembering their faults and weaknesses.
To be thankful for each loving deed done by another,
no matter how insignificant it might appear.

To taste life to the fullest
and not take any part of it for granted.
To seek to forgive others for their wrongdoings,
even immense ones, and to put the past behind.
To find ways to reach out and help the disenfranchised,
while also preserving their dignity and self-worth.

To be as loving and caring as possible,
in a culture that consistently challenges these virtues.
To remember to say or send “thank you”
for whatever comes as a gift from another.
To be at peace with what cannot be changed.
We pray, dear Lord, we pray!
-Joyce Rupp

Have a wonderful week everyone!
God bless you.

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

50/50 Fundraiser

This week is your last chance to enter our 50/50 Fundraiser.

We've reached $10 000 and steadily rising.

Please make sure you have returned 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.

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.

From Our APRE

“Every war leaves our world worse than it was before. War is a failure of politics and of humanity, a shameful capitulation, a stinging defeat before the forces of evil.” Pope Francis Fratelli Tutti, 261

This week I pray for peace in our world.  There is so much unrest – peace can begin with you.

A PRAYER FOR WORLD PEACE

We pray for the power to be gentle;

the strength to be forgiving;

the patience to be understanding;

and the endurance to accept the consequences

of holding on to what we believe to be right.

May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil

and the power of love to overcome hatred.

We pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence,

a new world where fear shall no longer lead men or women to commit injustice,

nor selfishness make them bring suffering to others.

Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy

to the task of making peace,

praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we and all men and

women were created.     AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Let there be peace.

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

Virtue of Peacefulness

Socktober

Kick goals for good this year and support children in Timor-Leste to have a brighter future. In 2023, students and their families across Australia will team up to support families in Timor-Leste facing health and wellness challenges. The Socktober Challenge is a comprehensive journey in mission where you create your own adventure and kick goals for kids in need off the field.

Last week we held our crazy sock day.  Thank you for your generosity – we raised a total of $375.

There were some very cool socks being worn last Wednesday!!!

Altar Server's Training

Liturgies and Assemblies

WEEK 4

Year 2 invite you to their assembly presentation on Friday 27^th October at 8:35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 5

Year 4 invite you to their assembly presentation on Friday 3^rd November at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 6

Prep invite you to their Liturgy on Tuesday 7^th 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 23^rd November at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

Everyone is invited to attend our annual Christmas Concert on Friday 24^th 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 1^st December in the Star of the Sea Church.  Time, yet to be confirmed.

In Our Prayers

From the APC

2023 STAR OF THE SEA SWIMMING CARNIVAL 

Friday 17^th November

Important Information 

The Star of the Sea Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 17th November 2023 for Years 2 – 6 at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre.

The Google Nomination Form must be completed for your child to be able to participate in their chosen races. Parents are also asked to accept the event on Parent Lounge to give permission for their child to attend. The program of events will be compiled from this information: Swimming Carnival Nomination 

All students will need to be at school by 8:30am to have the roll marked with their classroom teacher EXCEPT students that are competing in the 100m race. We ask that 100m students do not arrive @ the pool before 8 a.m.  Students participating in the 100m event must report to Mrs Hooley on arrival at the pool, please. (Siblings are to go to school).  The 100m races will begin at 8:15am for those nominated.

ALL STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO STAY IN THEIR TEAM AREA NEAR THE GRANDSTAND.  PARENTS ARE ASKED TO SIT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE POOL PLEASE.  THIS ASSISTS TEACHERS TO SAFELY SUPERVISE AND ORGANISE STUDENTS FOR THEIR EVENTS.

All spectators attending the event will need to pay an admission charge to the pool and stay within the nominated area opposite the student area.  

Volunteers who are assisting on the day (who have completed the Volunteer Induction) will be provided with information regarding their entry to the pool on the day.  Please nominate if you are available to help on the day, through the student nomination form. Mrs Hooley will be contacting parents to explain their role on the day in the lead up to the carnival via email.

The carnival is expected to finish by approximately 2.00pm.  Any students not collected by their parents will walk back to school with their class teacher.

Before taking students home from the pool please ensure the student has had their name marked off the roll by their teacher.  Any students at the pool must sit with the school.  They cannot be signed out to sit with their parents.

The results of the carnival will be announced at Monday morning Assembly on Monday 20^th November (8:35am).

Please note the school Tuckshop will be closed on Friday 17th November.

Children are not permitted to use the canteen at the pool and we ask, in the interest of fairness for all students, that you refrain from purchasing food from the canteen and taking it to them.

No crepe paper, balloons or coloured hair spray is allowed at the pool.                        

Requirements for the day:

Children MUST come to school with their SWIMMERS/TOGS ON please.

Please send the following items with your children:

• PLENTY OF WATER!!!!
• FOOD - lots of snacks to eat throughout the day is a good idea.
• Star of the Sea Team shirt & Sport shorts or Star of the Sea school shirt & School shorts (boys) / Skorts (girls)
• Slip on shoes suitable for walking to the toilet (good grip and no heels please)
• School hat is essential
• Sun safe swimming shirt
• Two Towels
• 30+ Sunscreen is essential
• Activities to keep students occupied like a book or notepad (no electronics please…we are near water!)

We ask that children have all items labelled please.  This information will be sent as an email next week so you have all the details on your email list.                                                                                                                       

2023 Swimming Lessons

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.

Book Club Issue 7

Book Club Issue 7 brochures have been handed out this week.

Please follow the instructions to use LOOP (inside the back cover of the brochure) if you wish to place an order. Orders are due by 5pm this Friday 20th October. 

Thank you for your support.

** Please note this is our last Book Club order for the year**

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

2023 School Goals

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