From the Principal

Dear Families,

Our Lady Help of Christians, what a happy place it is to come to every day.  From the time I arrive in the morning, to leaving of an evening it always brings a smile to my face to see children so happy in their classrooms and playground.  Schools are very busy places with teachers trying to fit in all the demands of curriculum and school life.  I listened with interest this morning on the radio to  changes that are coming in regard to curriculum.  As educators we work very hard to ensure we cover the Victorian Curriculum as prescribed. Teachers are to be congratulated on their hard work and drive to ensure that learning is engaging for all.  I find it interesting that we as educators learn of changes to the curriculum on the radio!

The Principal Appointment Process has commenced at Our Lady's.  The panel has been appointed in consultation with Father Michael and Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS), formerly Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM).  The panel would appreciate your input into this process to assist with the appointment of your new Principal.  Attached is a link to the Google Survey. All responses will need to be submitted by 4pm Monday, 3rd May 2021.  The panel will be very grateful for your feedback and contribution to this important process.  I have met with the children this week to also include them in the process of the new appointment.  I am constantly amazed by their insight and the very serious manner in which they engaged in our conversations.  One of our students suggested that it would be a very good idea to have a student representative on the panel and wondered why this was not possible!  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XVeJwAXsiVgRakeusZD9OaCZ1NCSIpU5LBFdTT7qr4g/edit#responses 

Coming up in Week 4 and 5 of the term is NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy).  It is a national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 and happens in all schools across Australia.  Its purpose is the measure through which governments, education authorities, schools and most importantly teachers  can determine whether or not students have the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning.  At Our Lady's NAPLAN provides teachers with useful data to support student learning but is certainly not the only form of assessment  used in our school.  For some children this can be a stressful time.  There is absolutely no pressure put on children here at school, they are encouraged to do their best, take their time and read the questions carefully.  We have a window to complete the tests over two weeks.

Yesterday afternoon at our weekly staff meeting Diana Healy (mum of Alex, Matthew and Juliet) spoke to us about Prader Willi Syndrome.  On Monday 17th May we will be having a whole school fundraiser to support the Prader Willi Foundation. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange or a touch of orange and make a donation, which we will then forward to the Foundation to continue research in this area.  I know it is a couple of weeks away but the children may need a little time to find something that is orange in their cupboards.  Please do not go and buy anything especially for the day.

Work continues on the new adventure playground, we are nearly there.  At the moment we are waiting on a few pieces of the new play equipment to be added and the sails erected.  The temporary fencing will be removed on Friday but the area will still be cordoned off until everything is complete.  Even though it is the senior playground, all the children will have the opportunity to give it a test run in the coming week/s.

We have a working bee scheduled for Friday afternoon and Saturday the 7th and 8th of May.  A google form was emailed to all families yesterday asking you to let us know if you are able to assist.  This helps us plan for the day depending on our numbers.

Our School Captains Freyja and Aidan attended the Dawn Service last Sunday for ANZAC Day with Liz.  The wreath presented at the service (pictured here) was created by all of the children.  Each grade made a poppy that was then incorporated into the ANZAC Wreath.  It was very very impressive!  Our prayer at Assembly on Monday afternoon was dedicated to ANZAC Day and was presented by Year 5-6A.  It was extremely moving and thought provoking. 

'Lest We Forget'

Coming home today is information about enrolment at non government secondary schools for children in Year 7 in 2023.  This is important information for our current Year 5 children as enrolments in non government will be closing soon.  

The next paragraph is for all the dads!  Next Thursday we have our Mother's Day Stall in the lead up to this very special day for all mum's, grandmothers and special people!   The children will have the opportunity to buy a gift for their special person but to do this we need some helpers from 9am until 11am next Thursday.  A letter with more details will be coming home today.  Please give the office a call and let Liz or Loretta know or contact Rachael Mair at rachamair@gmail.com or 0402212073 if you are able to help for a few hours.    She will be thrilled to hear from you and very grateful.

Please read the Religious Education page for information in regard to the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation and the Parent Faith Formation Evenings and other important dates and information.

Until next week

Therese

(Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund)

Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. A Special Consideration category also exists. Schools can receive applications from families over term one and two.

Families can list more than one student in the one application form if they are attending the same school.

FEES

Monthly Fee Payments  have commenced

Direct Debit on the 15th of each Month

Credit Cards 19th of each month

Please check your bank for withdrawals

If you have not handed in your fee commitment form please give Liz a call at the office

Links