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MJR focus for the week

COMPASSION

Compassion means we care about others, treat them with kindness and feel a strong desire to help people in need. Compassion is empathy in action. It may look like giving a hug, making a card or saying something kind to help a friend or family member who is feeling sad or upset.

Principal Message

Dear Parents and guardians,

As I sit here writing our second newsletter for the year, I can’t help but reflect on what a wonderful community we have here at Star of the Sea. During the last week, I have made a conscious effort to stop and reflect on our surroundings and the people who contribute to making these surroundings so joyful.

Walking on the oval and speaking to Bruce, our gardener, made me realise what a wonderful job our gardening team do. Their dedication and enthusiasm is evident in what we see every day.

Walking around in the morning, during recess and lunch, I was greeted with a barrage of hellos, weekend stories and laughter (at my jokes) from all the students. Their happiness and confidence was contagious and is a sign of a healthy wellbeing. This, ultimately, provides children with the tools to flourish within their learning journey.

I could go on and on with so many examples from parents and teachers of what makes this community a truly special place. The reason behind my rambling is to highlight the importance of gratitude, the value of saying thank you and appreciating those around you. These virtues create an environment where children, staff and parents can flourish. Sometimes we all need reminders to show this.

 

‘In all things give thanks’
1 Thessalonians 5:18

COVID Update

Once again, thank you for your support and cooperation in these challenging times. The following extract is taken from a memo to all Catholic Principals from our Executive Director, Dr Debra Sayce. Her statement clearly identifies why, as schools, we need to follow government directions.

As we continue to navigate living with COVID-19 in High Caseload settings, our schools should feel encouraged that the measures being implemented have been effective in facilitating as little interruption to our teaching and learning programs, as possible.

I am aware of the significant burdens and complexities involved with applying the recent COVID-19 operating guidelines to your individual school settings. I am also aware of the inconsistencies related to what is being required of students and staff within the school environment and those conditions which apply in the wider community. While at times, difficult to reconcile, it is important to reflect upon the intent of the directions implemented.

The intent of the guidelines is to minimise the chances of cross-infection within a school, and subsequently limit the potential number of close contacts, to ensure that teaching and learning continues for our students. If contact between students, within and across year levels is minimised, in the event of a positive case in your school, the number of identified close contacts will be limited. This will hopefully prevent a school-wide closure and mean that a reduced number of students will be deemed as close contacts.

In light of this, here at SOTS, the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff is our highest priority and as WA is now considered to be in a high caseload setting we need to remain vigilant and monitor for symptoms. If your child is unwell they should not attend school and if anyone in your household displays any of the COVID-19 symptoms they should seek testing immediately, notify us and isolate until a negative result is received. Please notify us immediately of a positive test result and note any communications which result will maintain identity confidentiality. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to keeping our community safe.

 

Thank you
Mauricio Da Silva
Principal

Seesaw

This year we will be using Seesaw as our main communication platform to parents. Please make sure you have set up your account so you can receive all communication from the school and not miss anything important. If you have not set up your account please contact the classroom teacher for your personalised QR code.

Inspire Radion Community

Today some Year 6 students went to Inspire Community Radio. They were interviewed about Themselves and our school. It was a great experience and was a great success. They are so keen to do it again!

Important Dates

22nd February

  • Running Club 7:45am
  • Gardening Club 3pm

24th February

  • Running Club 7:45am

25th February

  • Online Assembly- OLSOS Junior

1st March

  • Running Club 7:45am

3rd March

  • Pupil Free Day

4th March

  • Pupil Free Day

7th March

  • Labour Day Public Holiday

8th March

  • Running Club 7:45am
  • Gardening Club 3pm

9th March

  • Year 2 Class Mass 9:30am

10th March

  • Running Club 7:45am

11th March

  • Online Assembly OLSOS Senior and MJR Award

14th March

  • Swimming Trials 5W, 6B, 6G & 6W Swimming Trials (Aqua Jetty)

15th March

  • Running Club 7:45am

Early Learning Centre Care News

The ELC have had a very busy fortnight. We now have full days in the week and a growing waiting list. With so many of our children coming to care for the first time at the tender age of 3, we understand that adjusting can be difficult. For this reason, ELC is focusing on emotions and the ability to express. We have had time to talk about sharing space, toys, educators and even our feelings.

One of the main areas that ELC prides itself in is ‘Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Community’. In light of this, we will be seeking feedback from all our families in various areas. A survey link will be sent within the next few weeks to all our families. The responses will help to guide us through this year ahead as we develop our relationships.

Out of School Hours Care News

What an exciting time the OSHC has had in the last week. We are currently working on adding children’s art and learning pieces to our OSHC space and working with them on how they might like the new room to be set up. We have had a lot of interest in a construction, STEM imaginative play corner. We are currently awaiting our new room furniture however they are doing everything in their power to try and get our furniture to us as soon as possible.

One of the main areas that OSHC prides itself in is ‘Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Community’. In light of this, we will be seeking feedback from all our families in various areas. A survey link will be sent within the next few weeks to all our families. The responses will help to guide us through this year ahead as we develop our relationships.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Gateway

Hello! Fr. Pier here.

I pray you are well.

Every year we have parents of our Catholic schools students who choose to revive or explore their Catholic journey.

In the past we offered the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), which helps to understand the contents of our faith.

Something was missing: a space where people could deepen their personal relationship with Jesus and our community.

This space is essential: with a living relationship with Jesus, the Catholic journey is a joy. Without it, it is a chore.

People will gauge with their leaders when they are ready to move towards RCIA, which is more like headspace.

This year we started from this space of experience, which we called Gateway.

We have just started.

If you wish to deepen your journey or start it altogether, you are welcome – come with your personal story.

  • What: Gateway. We share a meal, some insight, our experiences, and prayer.
  • When: on Tuesdays at 6.30 pm
  • Where: the presbytery, on the left of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes.
  • Contact: Pierluigi.Vajra@cewa.edu.au. For catering purposes, it would be great if you let us know.

I hope to see you there!

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Mass Times

Sunday
7:30am, 9:30am & 6:00pm

Monday – Saturday
7:30am

Friday
8:00am – 9:00am Holy Hour

Saturday
8:00am Intercessory Rosary
6:00pm (Vigil)

Running Club

Gardening Club

When: Tuesday and Thursday 7:45am (Starting 1st Feb 2022)

Where: Star of the Sea Oval (just turn up)

Who: Students (all year levels) Kindergarten and Pre Primary need a guardian present.

What to wear: Running attire

Please note: All students must be changed into appropriate full school uniform (either formal or sports depending upon their timetable) before school starts.

Come along for a fun morning of walking and jogging.

When: Fortnightly Tuesday’s 3-4pm

Term 1: 8th Feb, 22nd Feb, 8th March, 22nd March, 5th April

Where: The Garden Centre

Who: Students (Year 1-6), Parents

Please note: Pick up is from the front of the school at 4pm