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- From Francine ...
- Prayer for Reconciliation
- Wonder of Living - Sexual Education for Senior Students
- EOFY School Building Fund - Appeal
- Schoolzine Notifications
- Grandparents Day - Save the Date!
- Absences
- PSW Uniform Shop Details
- Parent Teacher Interviews
- OLOL Senior School
- OLOL Cross Country
- Beachside Cross Country
- Beanie Corner!
- Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
- Congratulations to the Tran Family!
- Head Lice ... Again!
- Student of the Week Award
- Save the Date
- Social Media
- An Evening with Greg Sheridan
- Extend Holiday Program
- Sprouts Creative Holiday Program
Yesterday we hosted the MACS Board. They are now the authority that governs Catholic Schools. You can see in the diagram below that this board is very high up and therefore very important.
We were initially to host the board 18 months ago but due to COVID lockdowns, it finally took place yesterday. The board had an extremely long day with their meeting beginning at 7.00 am. Our Senior students (ably helped by some year four girls) took the board on tours of the school. The members were very impressed with the school but especially with the calibre of the students taking the tours.
The members of the board who come from mostly corporate roles left as if they had spent a day at a fair. Primary schools are really very life-giving and those of us who work in them are really very lucky to have the positive energy of children surrounding us every day.
In this newsletter, there are many important items such as:
- The OLOL End of Year Building Fund Appeal
- A SZapp update
- An article on graduating from OLOL and not leaving early
- 'Wonder of Living' Sexual Education program information and attendance form
- PSW online and in-store uniform shop, uniform price list, and instructions
- End of Semester Parent-Teacher interviews times through Session keeper
- and much much more ...
The beauty of it all is it's right there on your phone to go back to and check at any time. Remember that with Schoolzine you just need to click on the article in the contents list and it will take you straight there.
Keep warm, happy reading,
Francine
God of all creation,
As we journey together in this Great Southern Land,
We pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,
Creating a path of goodwill, with justice and compassion.
Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.
In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.
Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received.
Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one.
Amen
Wonder of Living - Sexual Education for Senior Students
OLOL has used Open Doors to support parents with these discussions for the past eight years. Due to COVID, we have not held these sessions for two years and so are reintroducing these information evenings and discussion opportunities. In an effort to promote attendance the school will pay for both evenings. In the past, we have charged families to attend, however this year we really want our families to engage with this program and are trying to remove any obstacles like cost.
The Years 3 and 4 students program covers very different material to that covered in the Year 5 and 6 evenings.
Detailed information is linked below. Please click on the link for all the details. Please read it, sign up for it and take advantage of this lovely, safe program in which to have these really important conversations with your child/ren.
In pre-COVID times families generally attended the Year 3 and 4 session (How a baby grows and forms) and then in Years 5 and 6 attended the next session (Puberty). This year because our 5 and 6's missed the Year 3 and 4 session families of Year 5 and 6 students are invited to attend both.
MONDAY 18 JULY - YEAR 5 AND 6 - PUBERTY
WEDNESDAY 20 JULY - YEARS 3 AND 4 (AND YEARS 5 AND 6) - HOW A BABY GROWS
EOFY School Building Fund - Appeal
Fr Hayes, the School Advisory Council (formally School Board) and I have been in discussions for some months now in regard to the growing need for additional accommodation at OLOL. This year measures have been put in place to ensure all students have continued access to the library, however the reality is we have a homeroom class in our library.
OLOL is also in need of contemporary spaces to cater to the growing needs of students to receive a variety of educational support i.e. music lessons, therapies or intervention etc. Furthermore, our toilet area, although recently updated, is below modern standards and our entire school, despite being code compliant, is not equally accessible for students and parents with disabilities.
Accordingly, OLOL has been working to seek and attain government funding to assist us in realising a proposed building project which would contemplate the following key aspects:
- Two new classrooms to cater for increased enrolment;
- Relocation of the tuck shop to create indoor/outdoor learning area;
- Lift enhancement to provide universal access to all four levels on the site
- Admin/staff/sickbay area refurbishment to provide more ably for staff, parents, the local community and student wellbeing;
- Student toilet refurbishment.
The indicative budget for this project is significant (est. $4.2 M) and in the event that OLOL is successful in attracting a government grant, this contribution will not cover the full costs of the proposed capital improvements. Increasingly schools need to rely on their communities to support any capital projects and building works.
Accordingly, OLOL has established a voluntary School Building Fund Appeal.
OLOL has in place a tax deductible School Building Fund (SBF) which enables parents and other community members to make contributions to support planned capital improvements.
All contributions received will be held via a specific OLOL bank account with the objective being to accrue a significant balance for contribution to the proposed project and in time other capital improvements.
With the end of the financial year approaching, we are hoping that you will consider making a once-off donation or offering of ongoing support via the SBF.
The SBF is endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient. All donations are tax-deductible. A receipt will be provided for tax claim purposes.
Last week we sent out an email containing this letter and detail on how to contribute. We have attached the PDF as it includes the SBF bank account details. Donations are made via direct debit internet banking. We have also attached a draft master plan which outlines the proposal at this stage.
OLOL would be very grateful for contributions of any size.
As per the SZapp sent out earlier this week, Irene and I met with Schoolzine to discuss some of the issues parents are experiencing with receiving notifications.
Schoolzine is aware of an issue impacting SZapp on iOS devices (iPhones) where the App Icon Badges are not shown. Since the iOS14 update the app icon does not display the '1' badge notification to indicate that you have an unread notification. Due to competing priorities, a confirmed timeframe for resolution has not yet been established. Whilst this issue is being reviewed and resolved we would ask that you utilise the 'Feed' tab within SZapp to ensure you see all sent notifications.
If you are experiencing any issues with notifications, or login issues, please feel free to contact Schoolzine Support using support@schoolzine.com
In the meantime, we ask that you check the SZapp Feed daily to ensure that you don't miss out on any important notifications.
We appreciate your patience and when we have more information we will pass it on.
Grandparents Day - Save the Date!
OLOL will be celebrating Grandparents Day on Thursday 28th July, two days after the official Feast Day of Saints Anne and Joachim.
More details to follow in the next Newsletter.
Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Please see below for store details and a copy of their Price List.
Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday 20th June and Tuesday 21st June between 3.20pm - 6.00pm.
Bookings using 'Session Keeper' will open Friday 10th June at 10.00am and will close on Monday 20th June at 12.00pm.
PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS WILL BE SCHEDULED AS FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS AND IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR CHILD/REN ATTEND THE MEETING.
HOWEVER YOU DO HAVE THE OPTION OF A ZOOM MEETING INSTEAD OF A FACE-TO-FACE MEETING, THIS CAN BE SELECTED WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR MEETING TIME. A LINK WILL BE SENT PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
Instructions on how to book an appointment with your child's Class Teacher are as follows :
Session Keeper Instructions
- Click here to access the Session Keeper website
- Click ‘Add New Student’
- Enter your child’s name and click ‘Save’
- If you have more than one child at OLOL repeat step 3 as necessary
- When you have added all children, click on one child and then ‘Save and Continue’
- Choose your child’s Class Teacher and click ‘Next’
- Choose the date and time from those available and then click ‘Next’
- Review the date and time then click ‘Next’
- If you need to make an additional booking for another child click ‘Book Again’ and repeat the process
- To view all bookings made click ‘My Bookings’
Lots of people have been chatting to me about what the future enrollment of the senior school might be so that they can make informed decisions about their child's final primary years.
Currently, we have 17 students in Year Five and 16 students in Year Six which means there are 33 students in our senior school. This is the greatest number of students that we have had up there in many years and we are very grateful to the parents who have chosen to let them spend their final years with us and graduate from OLOL.
In my interview for the role of principal, I asked the board what they wanted for the school. One father answered ‘I want a choice - I want to be able to leave my kids at OLOL, not have to move them?’ My principalship has been guided by this answer.
We have sourced the best teachers available. The calibre of the teachers at OLOL is recognised in both data from last year's independent review and anecdotally in the region as being exceptional. They are widely snapped up the minute they go for another job. We have an exceptionally high percentage of male teachers without compromising on quality. Not including our deputy, we have over twice the average number of male teachers teaching our students and Mr. Mac is an added bonus that shoots our percentage through the roof.
The comparatively small size of the school and class sizes added to the commitment level of staff means students' continuity of growth is extremely high. Every child is known academically and socially and the entire staff is conscious of their collective role in each child’s growth trajectory. We assess students from Prep to Year Six using researched standardised assessments* that track each child every step of the way. We know and care for each and every one of them in a unique way not available to larger schools.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs shows us that when children’s needs for safety, belonging, and esteem are met, they can flourish and self-actualisation becomes possible. At OLOL, we provide an environment where each child is known to their peers and teachers and knows that they are in a safe and happy environment. Each is a valued and respected member of our school community. This provides a foundation for the development of each child in the context of a group.
There is research supporting the claim that it is beneficial for students to complete their primary years in primary school. This gives them both the opportunity for a genuine experience of leadership and agency. It also enables them to ‘give back'. Years Five and Six are important years in completing the whole primary school experience, prior to starting secondary education. They are able to fully participate in the directions and decision-making of the school where they have received such nurturing and care is a compelling argument to stay. One parent wrote me a long letter after her child graduated successfully from VCE, part of her letter reflects the importance of completing her primary schooling at OLOL before heading off to Loreto. "I believe her finishing at OLOL was what helped her get through her high school years, to complete not to pull out. She pushed through some challenging years and graduated like a champion."
I have over the years been sent many testimonials from grateful parents. Parents that in hindsight are happy they made the choices they made. This is a snippet from one recent letter, "In essence, it is the ethos of OLOL that is so special. You lead a team that embody the qualities that we want our child surrounded by, specifically; respect, care, integrity, and decency. It is schools such as yours which on a daily basis, are doing their very best to arrest the decline in these most fundamental and important human values. So while other schools may have other “things” to offer, they won’t have the same special “culture” that OLOL has, and that’s why ***** has been at OLOL from the “get-go” and will be for the foreseeable future."
Our vision statement speaks of reaching potential and the development of individual abilities. We are so proud of the core our senior students are able to develop through years of nurturing and attention. I regularly have year seven coordinators congratulate us on the calibre of students coming from OLOL. One comment I received said ‘he came in with no one else from his school and yet he appeared like he knew what he was doing - he was elected Year 7 class captain.’
I do understand that some private schools exert pressure to take the opportunity of enrolling in Year Five to avoid the disappointment of not being accepted at Year Seven. However having spoken to other principals in the area, I am unaware of any private school that has actually refused to accept a child in Year Seven. No one at OLOL has ever taken it to the brink so I don't have first-hand experience. There are also other private schooling options that I know consistently accept our students in Year Seven and I am happy to discuss these with you should you need it.
I just felt the need to make the argument in advance - put a couple of points out there that need to be considered. I am grateful to the parents that have come and spoken with me about their dilemma and am always happy to speak with any parent in-depth about the advantages of their child staying at OLOL.
In summary:
- OLOL senior school has viable numbers
- High calibre teachers. Three times the average male teaching ratio
- Small school/classes mean students are known and nurtured
- High academic and well-being outcomes
- Former parents are happy that they chose to allow their children to graduate from OLOL
- Senior students graduate from OLOL accomplished and confident
- OLOL Graduate students are easily able to transition to secondary college.
- Please feel free to speak with me about these issues
* Progressive Assessment Tasks [PAT] from - Australian Council Educational Research [ACER]These assessments measure a student’s knowledge, skills, and understanding of a subject help pinpoint where they are in their learning journey – and what they need to progress
The OLOL Cross Country Carnival will be held at Orrong Park on Thursday the 23rd June.
I am looking for some amazing volunteers to help with the set up as well as marshalling with the races.
If you are available and willing to help could you please complete the form below.
If you have any questions please contact me - adrian.costa@olprahraneast.catholic.edu.au
Cheers,
Adrian C
On the 3rd of June OLOL had 5 amazing runners representing the school at the Beachside Cross Country Carnival. Those students were Marnie Jones, Stella Meldrum, Rose Delmo, Maximum Edelsten and Adelaide McQueen. These 5 students did an amazing job to qualify as they were in the top 10 of about 90-100 students in their age group at the Holt Cross Country Carnival last week. All 5 students did a brilliant job at Beachside and Marnie Jones finished a spectacular 9th out of 60, which means she progresses to the next round again. This is the Southern Metro Region Carnival and will be taking place on the 15th June. If Marnie was to progress again this means she will head to the State Cross Country Carnival. Good luck Marnie! The whole of OLOL are behind you!
The OLOL Winter Beanie Appeal is going wonderfully well! It is great to see a sea of OLOL beanies all over the school.
There are lots of smiling faces looking comfortable and cosy and keeping warm with winter officially kicking off!
We would like to thank everyone for their support and keep the orders coming in!
The SRC Team
Father Hayes proudly wearing his OLOL beanie and supporting the St Vincent de Paul winter appeal!
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
- year of schooling
- category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
- level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
- formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
- consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
- develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.
The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).
Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).
If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.
fact_sheet_for_parents_guardians_and_carers_1_.pdf
nccd_parent_fact_sheet_vietnamese_V2.pdf
Congratulations to the Tran Family!
There have been reported cases of head lice in Prep, Year 4 and Year 6 classes this week, therefore I would ask that all parents examine their child’s hair for signs of lice infestation. These usually first appear as eggs or nits, tiny silvery white specks attached to the hair shaft near the scalp.
If you find eggs in your child’s hair please treat immediately and do not send your child back to school until the eggs have been removed as well as treated.
Please note that you do need to check the hair for any eggs and remove them either by using the supplied comb or by pulling the egg off the hair strand with your finger nails.
Please make sure that you do regular checks on your child’s hair. If eggs are left, the lice will reinfest. It is also advisable to retreat the hair 7 days after the first treatment. It is also very important for all girls with long hair to wear it tied back.
http://www.danielgalvinjunior.com/product/dubble-trubble-detangling-lice-repel-spray/
Congratulations to all the Student of the Week Award winners from weeks six and seven. These students exemplified the 'You Can Do It' values of; Accepting Myself and Growth Mindset.
Week 6 - Accepting Myself
Student |
Class |
Award Received For…. |
Ava Wijeyewickrema |
P/1R |
Accepting everyone and always treating every person at OLOL with respect and kindness. |
Mila Sawan |
P/1J |
Always being her helpful and kind self. You were a wonderful help today when we were using the Chromebooks. Thank you! |
Amelia Xia |
P/1M |
Not only accepting and being proud of who she is but for appreciating and loving everyone for their differences. |
Andrew Abdelmalek |
2P |
Being able to identify his strengths and reflect on opportunities for improvement. |
Dan Komatsuzaki |
3/4A |
Showcasing his Japanese skills and sharing with the class his ability to translate. |
Thomas Hely |
3/4V |
Accepting himself and embracing his personality to help his learning. |
Juliette Wilden |
5M |
Showing pride in her accomplishments and hitting her Monster Math goal! Keep it up! |
Finbar Meade |
6C |
Always being kind and respectful towards others and for reading confidence during the Confirmation Mass. |
Student |
Class |
Award Received For…. |
Lily Ashenbrenner |
P/1R |
Seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. You never give up. With a Growth Mindset like yours you will continue to do great things at school, at home, and with your basketball Team! Go Lily! |
Poppy Jackson |
P/1J |
Always using a growth mindset, especially with her reading and Magic Words each week. |
Rico Newman |
P/1M |
Taking on feedback in such a positive way, which allows him to consistently improve. |
Sophie Painter |
2P |
Having a growth mindset showcased by her determination to improve, a love of learning, and her willingness to give everything a go! |
Rose Kennedy |
3/4A |
Using the 'Productive Struggle' to help her solve some tricky Mathematical challenges! |
Liam Moylan |
3/4V |
Using a growth mindset to help him improve |
Amber Bush |
5M |
Consistently applying herself during maths and never giving up, even when it gets tricky! |
Sarah Kennedy |
6C |
Always trying her hardest in all her academics and displaying a growth mindset. |
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