2024 Week 7 Newsletter - Term 1

WEEKLY FOCUS - The Tolerance Cup

From the Principal - Unexpected Encounters

Dear families

I am excited for you all to have the opportunity to hear the Berry Street Team present this Wednesday evening at 6pm.  I guarantee it will be a really engaging, practical and valuable hour spent getting some tips to use at home.  It will also give some insight into the approaches and beliefs we have at Star of the Sea around developing positive personal and social behaviours.

BERRY STREET ZOOM PRESENTATION

Wednesday 6th March from 6pm to 7pm.

The Zoom link for this webinar is https://berrystreet.zoom.us/j/93962300061?pwd=V1FPR29rV3JMaXRzVEE5NzBseG1Ydz09  
Meeting ID: 939 6230 0061 
Passcode: 631113

Believing in the dignity of all humans, each made in God’s image, it stands to reason that one of the best ways we can encounter God is through other people.  Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to do this in Sunday’s Gospel Reading where he sits at the well with a Samaritan woman, seeking to ease His thirst, to reveal who He truly is and offer her ‘living water’ that will change her life for ever.

We are a diverse group of humans but this Gospel story gives us a few pointers for how to interact gracefully with each other:
(Dan Clendenin 2020)

Don’t let judgement and difference keep you from reaching out.
Jesus saw without shaming and accepted the woman for who she was.
Jesus also broke quite a few rules when he spent time with this woman – Jews were not meant to be mixing with Samaritans and he also should not have been alone with a woman.  
Jesus acceptance of who this woman was, even her wrong decisions in life, is what changed her heart and led her to want to follow Him.

How often do we focus on what is wrong with someone else rather than freely offering them hospitality, acceptance and non-judgement?

Lead with Vulnerability
Jesus doesn’t start preaching at the woman.  Instead, He shares His own thirst and humbles himself, hoping she can recognize him in his vulnerability, his humanity, his need and reach out to help him.  In this way He gains her trust and openness.

How hard is it for us to humble ourselves before others, not always having to be the perfect one with all the answers?

Offer Encouragement and Support
The response of the woman was to go and tell others about Jesus and He didn’t leave her alone.  He hung around to affirm the change in her life and validate her story and give her the confidence to carry on.

How often do we reach out to lift each other up to experience success and support?

I wonder who is speaking the Good News into your life this week – it can come from all sorts of unexpected people.

Have a wonderful week everyone!
God bless you.

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

Position Vacant - Facilities Officer (Groundsperson)

Mr Paul Ahern is a much valued member of our school family who plays a huge part in making our school so awesome.   We are sad to share that Paul has decided to retire from his position at the end of this term but we definitely support his decision to enjoy some well earned rest with his loved ones.  We will get to farewell Paul more formally later in the term.  For now, it is time to find his replacement. This will not be easy so we encourage you to spread the word far and wide and to help us find the perfect person.

Applications can be made via this link:

https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER926 

From Our APRE

This week, Project Compassion brings us the story of Leaia, who lives in Samoa. With the support of Caritas Australia’s local partner Caritas Samoa, a water tank was installed in Leaia’s home to harvest rainwater. This means that her family can now have access to clean water to drink and bathe. The time that was previously spent walking to collect water in buckets from a neighbour down the street can now be used for other essential tasks and, most importantly, her children don’t have to miss out on school. School is a doorway that opens onto a better world.

https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/

Make a difference this week,

God Bless

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

A Message from Sr Kym osb

If you read nothing else in the newsletter this week please read the wise words from Sr Kym and take some time just to ‘waste it’.

Without Measure

I am currently reading a book called Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement.  It is non-fiction and with reviews like ‘thrilling’ and 5 stars, I thought I would give it a go.  And I am glad I did…. especially in this Season of Lent.  Compared with people of the past, we are constantly measuring ourselves and being measured by others.  We have ‘Smart watches’ telling us how well, or not, we are sleeping. Health stars on nearly every package of food.  In the past two weeks, I have been asked to assess the delivery of a package, and also had a phone call asking if I would do an online survey on the recent car service.  Really, if the package didn’t come or the car broke down – then I would like to give feedback, but this constant ‘how are we doing?’ is driving me nuts. I wonder what this constant ‘assessment’ does to our psyche, does to our spirit.  Do we measure up? Do others measure up?  And what are the really important measures that improve our lives?

Did you notice that I said I found it helpful to read this book in the Season of Lent?  It is challenging me to ask myself how much I measure myself, and by what criteria.  It makes me ask what is really important in my life.  Playing with a child has no measurable feedback except watching the delight in the child.  There is no assessment in watching clouds form and reform but there is peace of soul. And in doing that, I am trying to simply let go and live life.  Same goes for prayer, there is only the assurance that an infinitely loving God who listens to me.

And now for our child/ren?  There are times when we need to assess their behaviour and give guidance.  But more importantly they need us to just be with them, enjoying their presence in a way that cannot be measured.  ‘Wasting’ time with them is one of the best gifts we can give.  It is like spending time with God in prayer.  As we journey through this Lent, I suggest you ask yourself what ‘measures’ you are putting on yourself, and to take a few off, relax, smell the roses and enjoy your life and your children more.

Loving God, you know all about me and love me still.  May I spend some time resting in that move without measure and then share that with my child/ren.  I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

In Our Prayers

From the APC

International Women's Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.   

This year's campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life.

I have been working in schools for over 20 years and I have always been outnumbered by women in the schools I have worked in. I am a huge supporter of International Women’s Day as I see firsthand every day the amazing work the women of Star of the Sea do for our school.  Each woman on staff is an excellent role model to our younger generation that women can do anything!!

Have a great week everyone.

Anthony King

Assistant to the Principal - Curriculum 

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

Book Club - Issue 2 2024

Book Club Issue 2, 2024  brochures were handed out last 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 Tuesday 12th March.  Thank you for your support.

Parent Presentation - Strategies to support your child - Wednesday 6th March @ 6pm

We cannot stress enough what a valuable session this will be for all parents.  The Berry Street team provide a very engaging presentation that will be full of practical support for you.

The Zoom link for this webinar is https://berrystreet.zoom.us/j/93962300061?pwd=V1FPR29rV3JMaXRzVEE5NzBseG1Ydz09   
Meeting ID: 939 6230 0061 
Passcode: 631113

2025 Prep Enrolments

A Guide to Wearing our Uniform Correctly

Our school uniform is an important part of an enrolment at Star of the Sea and we appreciate your efforts to ensure it is worn correctly.  We provide the below guide to assist you in checking your child is dressing as expected.

We ask your assistance in making sure they bring their hat to school every day please.

Please also check that the hat is in good condition with a solid brim as pictured below.

Working Together Wednesdays

We are loving our Working Together Wednesdays which give the whole school the opportunity to collaborate and learn together.  Teachers are taking the opportunity to reflect and collaborate with their peers across the school to deepen their knowledge and skills.  Students are collaborating with us on our whole school Working Together Lessons to hear whole school messages and practice useful strategies that help them be ready to learn and ready to play successfully.

Parents & Friends Meeting - Change to Meeting Time - Tuesday 26th March at 11am (After Cross Country)

We invite all of our Parent Community to our P and F Meeting on Tuesday 26th March at 11am in the staff room (entry via the front office).  

With our Cross Country event taking place at school that day, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to gather straight afterwards for our P&F Meeting.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Cross Country 2024

Cross Country this year will be held on site at Star of the Sea. The course will be a mix of terrain, with some gentle inclines to add to the fun. Cross Country will be held in Week 10 on Tuesday 26^th March.

As always, we will be asking for parent help, so if you will be available to help on the morning, please send Mrs Hooley an email (kim_hooley@rok.catholic.edu.au). With the event being held at school, training and walk throughs of the course will occur in PE, so students will be very familiar with the course.

In preparation for the Cross Country, Mrs Hooley has started a fitness club on Tuesday mornings, which commences at 7:50am in the top shed. Students will need to wear comfortable clothing – that isn’t their uniform, and comfortable running shoes (these can be school shoes if they are suitable).  Please remind students to bring their school uniform to change into following training.  This training will be available from students in Year 3 – 6 and will focus on building running stamina.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Hooley at the email above.

Caulfield 2024

Our Caulfield Team is looking for helpers and there are lots of different ways you can assist us.

Please contact soscaulfield@outlook.com for more information.

2024 School Priorities

Notification of council works in Apex Park

IMPORTANT: Please Update Your Media/ Information Sharing Details

Dear Parents

We are asking your assistance in updating media/information sharing 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.  

This is important information that affects our ability to collect data and obtain funding for our students.

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 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).

St Joseph's Cathedral Appeal

Caulfield 2023 Sponsors