Dear Families,

The process for the appointment of the new Principal is well underway. The panel has been appointed and consists of:-

Fr Michael - Parish Priest

Peter Vanstan - Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools

Faith Bell - parent, Member of the School Education Board

Jacki Landy - parent, Member of the School Education Board

Phillip Cacchia - Principal, St Francis Xavier Montmorency

Vince Bumpstead - Principal, Holy Trinity Eltham North

The panel met on Tuesday evening and together created the criteria that will be addressed in applications. As a collaborative process this was achieved after the sharing of the staff, parent and children's input into what qualities they feel are important for the new principal to posses. The position will be advertised at the end of this week. This is a highly confidential process from here on in. Panel members are unable to discuss who the applicants are and who has proceeded to the interview stage. The successful candidate will be announced at both schools (OLHC and the school where the applicant is currently employed) on the same day. It is the intention that this will be by the end of the term 2 if all goes to plan.

The World Wide Web can be a wonderful place, like anything else we use we have to be mindful of how we use it and making sure we are safe and responsible while doing so. The internet is no different. Each week my phone gives me a report of my screentime, and there are some weeks when my response is, WOW!! It certainly makes me more mindful of the amount of time I spend on my phone and being present to those around me.

On Thursday 29th July we have a specific focus on Cybersafety planned for the children, staff and parents at Our Lady's. The children will have a session during the day as will the staff at our staff meeting in the afternoon . We will then have an evening session for all parents at 7pm. I can guarantee you will leave the session being more aware of the importance of knowing the current trends around internet safety, social media and what to be aware of as parents. Ideally we would love to see a representation from every family at Our Lady's. This is relevant information for every single parent no matter what your child's age. If your children are accessing social media and the internet this will be 90 minutes very well spent. Please see our eLearning page of the newsletter for more detailed information. Please mark it in your Calendar!!

Our new school website is now live! We are very pleased with the end result as it showcases the wonderful learning community of Our Lady Help of Christians. The imagery and content is contemporary and engaging. Please follow the link and have a look.

www.olhceltham.catholic.edu.au

The adventure playground is now finished. The new shade sails were erected on Wednesday and the children have all had some time playing on it. They were very, very excited. Many thanks to the Parent's and Friends of Our Lady's who have contributed to some of the cost of the new adventure playground for the children with the proceeds from the last few years of fundraising. The school received a payment through insurance which didn't cover the costs and the PFOL have contributed the remaining balance. Thank you!

We have a working bee tomorrow afternoon, Friday (3:30 till 6pm) and Saturday from 9-12. Thank you to those families who have replied, we are very grateful for your help. If you haven't replied don't worry, you will still be very welcome. Thank you to our Deputy, Mark Pinkerton who is coordinating the Working Bees!!

If there are any siblings who are due to start Prep in 2022 and have not yet sent their enrolment form to school please give Liz or Loretta a call in the office and we will send one home to you.

From Monday Denise will be on leave for three weeks and Sarah Medawar will be taking over the Tuckshop duties. There will be no Tuckshop on a Monday for the next four weeks. Wednesday and Friday stay as per normal.

Another date for your diaries. Monday 31st May will be a pupil free day. We apologise for the late notification, we have been waiting on a confirmation. The day will focus on professional learning for teachers around pedagogy and goal setting and preparation for the School Review in term 4.

The Mother's Day Stall was a very big success this morning. The children get so excited selecting their gift for their mum's and special people. Many thanks to our parent helpers Rachel , Sarah, Diana, Sharon, Jodi and Michelle.

For the children in Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN assessments start next week and are scheduled over a two week period. This is a time where students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia complete assessments in Reading, Writing, Numeracy and Language Conventions. This is useful data for our teachers but is only one form of assessment we use to inform our teaching. For further information please read the NAPLAN section later in the newsletter.

May all our mums, grandmothers and the special people in our lives have a very happy and relaxing day, the centre of attention and spoiled by those who call you mum!

Until next week

Therese

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burfoot family with the passing of Felice, Dylan’s 1/2 (Nonno) and Michelle’s Grandfather. Please remember the family at this sad time.

TUCKSHOP HELPER NEEDED FRIDAY MAY 14 10am - 1.20pm

please contact Liz or Loretta if you can help. Thank you

Please refer to our School google calendar for events throughout the year.

Links

RSPCA BLANKET APPEAL

Please donate over winter, some second hand or new towels, blankets or pet beds for the RSPCA. There will be a bucket for them at the office with Liz. Thank you