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- From Francine ...
- Calling All Volunteers For Our Last OLOL Event For 2022!!
- Farewells
- Introducing ....
- Moving Morning
- Christmas Carols - Thursday 15th December
- Graduating Year Sixes
- Before School Child Minding
- Important Dates for Term 1 2023
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- OLOL Uniform Shop - Opening Hours in January
- Student of the Week Award
- Holiday Reading
- Final RAT Distribution for 2022
- Calendar of Events for Term 4
- Christmas Masses
- Term Dates & School Closure Days for 2023
- Whole School Mass Dates for 2023
- Classroom Cuisine 2023
- Toorak Prahran Cricket Club
- Stonnington Libraries Big Summer Read
- Malvern Knights - Lacrosse
Dear Parents,
I know it seems like an age ago but a massive Thank you to everyone involved in our BIG weekend. The weekend before last.
On Saturday 26th Nov, we had teams of parents flipping democracy sausages to raise money for our school but also to demonstrate to the wider community that OLOL is a beautiful communal place to send your children. So thank you to the teams that worked all through the day. Especially the setup and packing down teams. It looked brilliant and created a great buzz.
Then on the following day, Sunday 27th Nov, Years Prep and One hosted the 'Welcome Mass' for next year's Prep families. We thank another team of parents that again not only hosted on the day serving tea and coffee but set up, tidied up, replenished supplies, washed aprons, and were generally altogether marvellous. A double thank you to the families who availed themselves to help on both days.
The Mass was beautiful, Father Hayes as ever delivered a most lovely sermon and put up with us buzzing around the church giving gifts and welcoming people. I'd like to thank the Prep/One teachers Miss Ross, Miss Murphy, and Miss Jackson along with our Religious Education Leader Miss Archer for preparing the students to read and sing the psalm and hymns in a most reverend and respectful way. I also think that the signing of our final hymn 'The Lourdes Hymn' had the most enthusiastic Ave, Ave, Ave, chorus I have ever heard!
In the two weeks since the BIG weekend, we've had a packed schedule including incursions, excursions, carols rehearsals, all the ABC Music Concerts, all the Parent Support Group meetings, planning days, the School Board Dinner, reports have been written, edited, and finalised and final RATS have been distributed. Then today the Year Sixes have been on their Big Day Out and the rest of the school journeyed down to Como to watch 'The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute'. Here in the Southern Hemisphere we really make things difficult for ourselves by combining the end of the school year with Christmas. Our Northern counterparts are very tricky in separating the two. Still, it's wonderful to be so busy and busy with so many fun things still to come.
The students will meet their new teacher and classmates next week. The Preps will be notified of their teachers via the Prep newsletter next week. It's always a great time when you get to be with your teacher for the following year. Both the students and staff always look forward to this day.
This is our final newsletter for the year so it's choc-a-block full of important details including dates for next year. It has been a big year in many ways evidenced by further improvement and growth in the school. We have a bit of staff change next year and in this letter, we say goodbye to some favourites and welcome some new faces. As always in this most movable Prahran population, we also say goodbye to some favourite families (you know who you are) and again we welcome many new ones. We say goodbye to our wonderful Year Six leaders and we welcome a new batch of Preps. There is a real feeling of sadness, movement and then renewal with all this and we look forward to what our new envigorated community of OLOL will be like in 2023.
I thank the students for a great year. They have worked hard and their academic and well-being results are a testament to the work they have put in. I thank our amazing staff for all their work, their tangible commitment and their humour which gets us through the tricky times. Finally, I thank you all for your support of both me, the staff and the school.
We have all been truly blessed to be able to call this jewel of a school our workplace, our community, and our school.
Thank you for a marvellous year and we look forward to a blistering 2023.
Francine
Calling All Volunteers For Our Last OLOL Event For 2022!!
Please support your Parents & Friends Committee by signing up to help out at this year's End of Year Disco; which will follow the Carol Service, back at school on Thursday 15th December.
If you are able to help with any of the following tasks, please enter your name against the task/time slot that suits you best. Take care not to overwrite anyone else's name!
Thanks in advance for your support. Your help makes a huge difference!
Link: OLOL End of Year Disco 2022
Before we welcome some new staff we have to pause and farewell some great favourites. I know you all share with me in gratitude for the role that all these people have played in the lives of your children. So we say goodbye to ...
Adrian Costa - Adrian and his wife Shay are moving back to South Australia which is a real shame for both Victoria and our school. When I was doing reference checks on Mr. Costa one of his referees described him as a bit of a rascal. It was that element that made us instantly decide that he was the man for the job! Mr. Costa’s experience teaching at the secondary level has made him invaluable to the senior students of OLOL. His voice of authority about what was to come for them was authentic and valued. Mr. Costa is not only a terrific teacher, confidante, and mentor to the senior students but a great favourite of the students young and old. During his years at OLOL, Mr. Costa also held the roles of Sports Coordinator and Digital Technology Leader. His leadership potential is obvious and I am sure that one day soon he will be Principal Costa. He is kind and generous and always willing to buck in and help with whatever is going on in the school. His humour, jokes, and pranks will be missed by everyone, especially the staff.
Jamie Jackson - joined us in 2017 as a graduate teacher and was mentored by the great Ruth McGurk. This gave her a great start in becoming the lovely teacher she has become. Her Provisional Teaching Project (an assignment completed at the end of your first year of teaching) was one of the best pieces I've ever seen and she has taken all that knowledge into her practice. In her time at OLOL Miss Jackson has taught a variety of year levels bouncing effectively between Prep to Year 5 which is evidence of her versatility. Apart from her teaching skills, she has shared her many other gifts both artistic and environmental with the community. The school has been a prettier place because of her talent and our busy garden elves will miss her leadership of the lunchtime garden club. Miss Jackson applied for and gained a role as a classroom teacher in Hawthorn and the community of St Joseph's is lucky indeed to have her join them. Miss Jackson has always contributed to whatever the school was running, she has a wardrobe of fabulous costumes and was always happy to support a dress-up day. We thank Miss Jackson for her many years of kind, calm teaching, and friendship to all those with whom she came in touch.
Estelle Gaillard - Estelle was only with us for one year - but boy - what a year! She has been a great hit with staff and students alike and her energy, intelligence, work ethic, and commitment have meant our inaugural year Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) - French has been an extraordinary success.
Alison March - We say a goodbye of sorts to Miss March, however, we sincerely hope that after the birth of their baby and a little time at home Miss March will rejoin us in some way so in the meantime we thank her for her six years of love, care, and service to the families of OLOL.
Vanessa Ratnayake - STEMS Specialist
I am excited to deliver a STEM program at OLOL in 2023 as it is an area of learning that excites me! I love seeing students tinker, explore, and investigate while learning through STEM programs. I especially love using technology in creative ways in the classroom.
When I am not running around with my two little ones, Rhodes and Marlow, I enjoy cooking different cuisines and trying different restaurants around Melbourne.
Madam Agathe - French ESO
I was born in Paris and brought up in various countries (France, Brasil and Singapore), remaining in the French education system all along.
I also worked for several years in England and France before relocating to Melbourne with my Australian husband. I have 2 teenage sons and a little dog, who all keep me very busy!
For the past few years, I have worked at the Alliance Francaise in an administrative role as well as an examiner for their poetry competition in Victorian School. I have also worked in a few schools supporting French teachers, both at High school and primary level (still currently). This is something I thoroughly enjoy as It is fantastic to see children blossom and learn about different cultures and acquire new skills.
In my spare time, I love cooking (and eating), reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
I look forward to spending time with your children next year and wish you all a "Joyeux Noel".
Gaya Nair - Administration Support
As an environmental scientist by training, I have really enjoyed the chance to pivot from working in industry to now sharing my passion for the environment with our future change makers.
My husband, my curious 2-year-old, and I enjoy outdoor adventuring, and in my spare time, I conduct bush playgroup sessions for toddlers and their families in my local community.
I am really looking forward to working with the OLOL family; helping children achieve and enjoy their individual potential.
Louise Morgan - Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher
I was lucky enough to complete my final placement at OLOL and since then I never wanted to leave - So I stayed.
I love going to the footy (Go Pies), spending time with friends and family, playing netball, travelling, and taking my Border Collie Brody to the park.
I feel so lucky to start off my teaching career at this exceptional school & I am looking forward to meeting more of the OLOL community next year.
Niahm Power - Year Prep/1 Classroom Teacher
My name is Niamh Power and I am so excited to be joining the teaching staff at OLOL for the 2023 year.
I moved to Australia from Ireland this year and have loved every minute of it. This will be my fourth year of teaching, but my first in Australia. I feel blessed to be in P/1 next year, as I have taught this year group for two years in Ireland, and they were the toughest, most tiring, but most fun and rewarding years in my career so far!
I'm sporty and active, so I feel like the Australian lifestyle suits me very well. I play gaelic football and camogie here in Melbourne, and love hiking, cycling and reading. I've also been enjoying following the AFL and AFLW, and have become an avid Saints fan! Although I keep being told what an error in judgement I've made there...
Looking forward to meeting you all in the new year. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Carols - Thursday 15th December
On Thursday 15th December there will be a whole school celebration incorporating Christmas Carols, Year 6 Graduation Ceremony and End of Year Disco.
The evening will begin in Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 6:00pm.
The Carols and Graduation Ceremony will be followed by the Disco at the school.
All students are expected to attend this fun evening and all students are to be accompanied by an adult.
As alcohol is served as part of the event we must follow our alcohol license conditions as well as the school's strict child safety policies. Please only drink alcohol in the designated areas and follow all signs and instructions that are displayed. Thank you.
Each class has been assigned a special role in the Christmas Carol Service, please do not feel you have to go out and buy costumes, a homemade costume looks just as good!
Costume details for each class are as follows:
We would like to take this opportunity to bid the Year Sixes farewell and thank them for their example and leadership to the whole school.
They have been kind and compassionate leaders and we are sad to see them go. Apart from our graduates, we say goodbye to several families who will be leaving us as well. We wish you all well and hope that your time at OLOL is remembered with happiness.
Important Dates for Term 1 2023
Date |
What it is |
What this means |
Monday |
School Uniform Shop Open |
The school will be open from 9.00am - 12.00pm for you to come in and purchase the V-Neck Woollen School Jumper and/or Art Smock if needed. |
Tuesday
|
Term 1 Commences School Begins |
Children are encouraged to come to school between 8.30am and 8.40am to socialise on the yard before going into their rooms with their teachers at 8.40am. |
Prep |
Prep parents are invited to morning coffee in the Art Room at 9.00am, immediately after drop-off. |
|
Wednesday |
Rest day for Prep Students (Assessment) |
Each Wednesday in February, is an allocated rest day for Prep students. On one of these days your child will be scheduled for system wide assessments. |
Tuesday 7 February |
Meet & Greet Parent Teacher Time |
These brief one to one meetings with your child’s teacher give parents the opportunity to tell the teacher their goals and hopes for their child for the year. They will be booked via the school booking system ‘Session Keeper’. |
Wednesday 8 February |
||
Wednesday |
Rest day for Prep Students (Assessment) |
Each Wednesday in February, is an allocated rest day for Prep students. On one of these days your child will be scheduled for system wide assessments. |
Friday |
Our Lady of Lourdes Feast Day Celebrations |
The school will celebrate OLOL Feast Day with a Liturgy. Leadership and election speeches and school elections. More details at the start of Term 1. |
Sunday |
OLOL School Centenary Mass |
This Mass will be the Parish Celebration of the Parish and School centenary. The school will be hosting a morning tea in the school hall and having an Open Day so guests can go through. OLOL leaders (Year 5 and 6) will be required to attend this Mass in a formal capacity to welcome past and present guests of the Parish. |
Wednesday |
Rest day for Prep Students (Assessment) |
Each Wednesday in February, is an allocated rest day for Prep students. On one of these days your child will be scheduled for system wide assessments. |
Friday |
Welcome Family Picnic |
The Parents and Friends will hold a Welcome Family Picnic evening for the community. The Welcome Family Picnic evening will be held on Friday 17 February at Lumley Gardens, 21 Jessamine Avenue, Prahran. More details to follow. |
Wednesday 22 February |
Rest day for Prep Students |
Each Wednesday in February, is an allocated rest day for Prep students. On one of these days your child will be scheduled for system wide assessments. |
Thursday |
End of Term 1 |
Each term ends at 1.00 pm. Children are to be picked up as per the usual routines at 1.00pm. Extend After School Hours Care is available from 1.00pm – 6.00pm. Please book if you require this service. |
Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Parents and volunteers in our school require Working with Children Checks for a range of school activities that involve interacting with students such as excursions, school swimming squad and any volunteering in the classroom (reading etc.) This is consistent with Victorian Government requirements. WWCCs are not required for any school fundraising or social activities.
For further information, please go to http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au.
OLOL Uniform Shop - Opening Hours in January
Congratulations to all the Student of the Week Award winners from weeks 8 and 9. These students exemplified the values of; Being Patient and Helping Others.
Term 4 Week 8 - Being Patient |
||
Xavier Mourafetis | P/1R | Always showing patience both in the classroom and on the yard. You lead by example and wait your turn. |
Max Tay | P/1J | Using Marvellous Manners! You are so polite! Well done, keep it up. |
Alexander Louey | P/1M | Always being so kind and polite to all students and teachers. Great work Alexander. |
Georgia Connelly | 2P | Modelling wonderful behaviour by always being polite and patient. You are a star GC! |
Zahra Mourafetis | 3/4A | Being a super patient 'Big Buddy today, helping her 'Little Buddy' with cutting out. |
Noah Tay | 3/4V | Consistently practicing patience in his learning, with his classmates and with all students, both younger and older. |
Heidi McLeish | 5M | Being a great role model of patience in our classroom. You never speak over the top of others or interrupt them when chatting. |
Sarah Kennedy | 6C | Always make smart choices in the classroom and showing patience with her learning. |
Term 4 Week 9 - Helping Others |
||
Breanna Chair | P/1R | Being so wondeful in helping others in the classroom and on the yard! Well done Breeana! |
Marlow Brown | P/1J | Always going out of her way to helkp others. You are a superstar! |
Hope Edelsten | P/1M | Always being patient towards his peers when working in groups. |
Angus Krezel | 2P | Always offering to help and learning the importance of the best moments to help others |
Isla Moylan | 3/4A | Being an amazing helper, both towards her friends and her teachers! |
Mila Sirgiovanni | 3/4V | Always helping other students without being asked and supporting her peers in 3/4V. |
Elijah Boules | 5M | Always trying his best and working hard. It's fantastic to see you helping your classmates create a compelling campaign. |
Tom Stayfer | 6C | Making smart choices and helping others in the classroom, especilly the Prep/1 Students! |
Research is clear that children who don’t read during the long summer break can lose up to three months of reading progress and that loss has a cumulative, long-term effect. Therefore, we ask that your child/children read each day for 15 to 30 minutes. Students who maintain their regular study habits through the summer months get enough mental stimulation to keep their brain active, while still getting plenty of rest and relaxation.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR TERM 4 | |
Date | Event |
Thursday 8th December | Swim Squad - 7am |
Prep - Year 5 Como Cinema Excursion | |
Year 6 Fun Day Out | |
Tuesday 13th December | Year 6 Graduation Dinner |
Wednesday 14th December | Classroom Moving Day |
Thursday 15th December | Carols, Graduation & End-of-Year Disco |
Friday 16th December |
End of Year Mass - 9.30am End of Term 4 - 1.00pm |
*please note that all dates are correct at the time of publishing this newsletter however dates are subject to change and therefore it is important to check the SZapp and subsequent newsletters for any changes that may occur.
Term Dates & School Closure Days for 2023
Term 1 Tuesday 31 January – Thursday 6 April
Term 2 Wednesday 26 April – Friday 23 June
Term 3 Monday 10 July – Friday 15 September
Term 4 Monday 2 October – Friday 15 December
School Closure Dates
Monday 30 January
Monday 24 April
Monday 6 November
Monday 27 November
Whole School Mass Dates for 2023
Term 2
Eucharist Mass - Sunday 4 June 11:15am
Term 3
School Mass - Sunday 23 July 11:15am
Term 4
Welcome Mass - Sunday 3 December 11:15am
TPCC has been working with the students at OLOL to help teach them cricket. They are holding a cricket camp in the week ending 23 December 2022 – it is open to all children in any suburbs of Melbourne regardless of whether they are TPCC members or not.
The camps provide the opportunity for skill development through specialised sessions and matches in conjunction with providing all children with the opportunity to have fun playing cricket with friends during the school holidays.
The sessions integrated into the camps are directed at those seeking to develop basic skills, to those children wanting to significantly advance their games from 12 to 23 December 2022. It covers hard ball and soft ball cricket programs – boys and girls – equipment is provided by the club.
We are also having an all-girls cricket day on 19 December 2022 to promote female sports.
It is offered at 50% off for all children at OLOL Primary.
The only additional thing to do is enter the promotion code “2008” to waive 50% of the fee.
(If there are any blockers to your child attending this great local opportunity please let the school know to see if we can support you with those obstacles.)
Please feel free to pass this on to any families who you think would benefit even if they are not at OLOL Primary and would not either participate if they had to pay the fee.
All children need to register online; there will be no registration on the day.
To register please click on this link - https://www.trybooking.com/CEIKF
Stonnington Libraries Big Summer Read
This summer Stonnington Libraries is taking part in the Big Summer Read program to keep kids reading over summer and keep their literacy levels up over summer. This year the program is run with the Beanstack website and app. Beanstack is a fun and exciting app that will keep kids reading over summer with lots of fun activities and an easy and simple way to log all the books that have been read or listened to over summer. With Beanstack you can log books from the beach, your summer holidays, anywhere at all! To be eligible to win the prize participants must read at least 10 books. The more books that are read the more chances you have to win! The competition is open to all children aged 0-18. The program is live and registrations can be made at https://www.stonnington.vic.
There are three prizes to be won:
- Village Gold Class Family Pass (4 tickets), valued at $180 and valid for 36 months from date of purchase.
- 1x Go Cube Smart Cube, valued at $129.00
- 1x Jeffreys Books voucher, valued at $75.00
There are also State Wide Prizes up for grabs which are :
0-8 years old – $250 Readings gift voucher
9-12 years old – $250 Readings gift voucher
13-17 years old – $500 Readings gift voucher
Get reading this summer!