A Word from Justin

Dear Families and Students of OLSC 

I trust you are all managing to stay warm and make the most of the fleeting moments of sunshine we are currently experiencing.  

St Andrew's Parish Renewel Program 

The team from Parish First are working with Fr Albert and the St Andrew’s Parish team in a Parish Renewal Program and all members of our Parish are invited to get involved (see flier below).  

The Program is an ideal opportunity to reflect on the importance of the parish and will encourage all parishioners to “review and renew” their commitment to engagement in parish life.  The Program will be conducted over three weekends:

• Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 June – Launch Weekend
• Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 June – Engagement Weekend
• Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June – Commitment Weekend

The team is keen for the messaging to be distributed as widely as possible – not just at Masses and through parish social media – but also through the parish school communities.  A brochure has been sent home today with the eldest child in each family.  This contains all of the information you need regarding the Renewal Program.  

First Eucharist / Community Mass 

This Sunday we have our second, First Eucharist Mass.  Thirteen of our Yr 4 students will

recieve the Eucharist for the first time at this celebartion.  I have just now spent some time with Hayley's Year 4s and a few said they were a little bit nervous but also excited.  

This weekend will be a truly special and sacred moment in their faith journey.  I extend an invitation to members of our school community to come along and take part in this milestone celebration at this week's Community Mass.  

As always our Community Mass will at 10:00 on the third Sunday of the month.  

A special shout out to Hayley, Anthony, Leeza, Sandy, Milla, Anna and Helen for preparing the students for this event.  Well done and thank you to John for the preparation and working with the staff team and students.  

Reports are on their way!

On Friday 27th June your child's / children's Semester 1 report will be sent home.  You will recieve a paper copy as well as via email and you'll be able to access on the portal.  I encourge you to sit down with your child and have a look at the report together.  This is a great opportunity to celebrate their achievements.  

On Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July there will be Learning Conversations here at school.  More details and booking information next week.  

Camp Information Night 

Last we had an online camp information night for the Yr 4s as they prepare for camp in the last week of school this term.  We will be attending the overnight camp on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd July to Log Cabin Camp, Creswick.  

The planned activities at camp include archery, commando course, crate stack, dual zip line, gaga pit, trampoline and other indoor and outdoor activities.  

The day following camp (Friday 4th July) there is no expectation for campers or camp staff to attend school.  This will be a well needed rest day for all.  

A New and Developing Art Piece has Appeared 

Sarena has been working on a new artpiece that currently adorns the walkway throuh the school.  Not only is this extremely colourful and interesting it is also very environmentally friendly.  It has been created solely out of chip packets from our students.  I commend Sarena on her commitment to this project and is an encouragement to us all to 'reduce, reuse and recycle.'  

Winter and Illness (Repeated as friendly reminder)  

With the onset of winter, there are invariably more illnesses in the community.  We ask that

all parents are cautious not to send students to school if unwell.  Unfortunately, we have found incidences of a child being unwell before school and sent along to 'see how you go.'  In the interest of keeping the whole community safe, we ask for extra vigiliance around illness and school attendance.  

We have also had a number of cases of COVID in the senior school so please continue to test if unwell and remain absent from school while symptomatic.  

QB Vacation Care July Holidays 

The staff at Quantin Binnah have shared an overview of their vacation care for the upcoming school holidays.  The program looks great with lots of variety (See below).  I would recommend that bookings are made early as there is a possibility to book out.  

Prayer for the New Church 

The parish prayer for the new church is below.  Please feel free to include this in your family prayers as a new church for the Manor Lakes community would be a great feature of our parish.  

Well Done Fredrik - Great Effort  

Vanessa has shared with us a great and notable acheivement by Fredrik.  He recently achieved an award for courage and determination on the football field.  

"I am delighted to share my son's notable achievement, albeit somewhat belatedly. 

Fredrik has received his first Western Football Netball League Western Bulldogs Hartland Award, recognizing his exemplary display of fair play, perseverance, courage, and determination. This prestigious award was given by the Truganina Thunder Team on 27th April 2025, during the Round 1 of the U12 Mixed team, Manor Lakes vs Truganina Thunder." 

Vanessa Verdera 

I am sure this was a proud moment for the whole Vedera family.  Well done Fredrik.  

Share your Child's Achievements

If anyone in your family has an achievement that could be shared in the newsletter and is worthy of celebration and acknowledgement, please email Justin to be included in the next newsletter.

jhilton@olscwyn.catholic.edu.au

Thank you for your continued support. Here's to a wonderful Term 2!

Justin and all of the staff at OLSC