Principal's Chat

Dear Families of OLSC

On behalf of all the staff, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their prayers and kind words following Jane's passing last Friday.  

Jane

As you are all aware Jane, from the school office, passed away last Friday after a prolonged and admirably brave battle with cancer.  For the last couple of years, Jane has predominantly worked from home as she was also undergoing treatment for her cancer. She was a beloved member of the office staff and her knowledge of catholic schools' systems and office processes was second to none.  Jane will be sadly missed by us all, especially the office staff and Katrina, who not only had a professional relationship with her but also a long and close friendship.  

Jane is survived by her husband Steve, her son Jarod and her daughter Bek.  Jane was originally from the Gippsland area where her parents and some of her siblings still reside. Her funeral service will be held on Monday 4th November at Springvale cemetery.  Again, I thank all of the families that have reached out to school staff with kind words and condolences on Jane's passing.  It was very much appreciated.  

Congratulations on Your Baptism! 

At our October Community Mass, four of our students, Charlotte, Max, Antonio and Seth were welcomed into the church family through the sacrament of Baptism.  It was a very special way to celebrate this important milestone in their faith development.  

Thanks to John and the staff for assisting the families in preparing the students for this celebration.  

Prep Swimming Program  

Our inaugural swimming program has come to a close.  In the last 2 weeks the prep students have completed their 2 week intensive swimming program and by all reports it was enjoyed immensely by them.  Although absolutely exhausted (including Natasha, Donna and Rachael) the students have shown great progress over the two week intensive swimming program.  

I liked when the teacher was throwing the sinkies. I liked it because I got to dive and pick them up from the bottom of the pool. I also liked swimming with the kickboards because they helped me swim.  Zach (Prep Donna) 

I liked learning about single arm breathing, I have done this before at my swimming lessons and liked doing it again. I liked going swimming with my class friends and being in the same swimming group as my class friends!  Kiara (Prep Donna) 

I liked when we learnt to float on the water. I also enjoyed learning how to kick in the water, and learning how to push glide. I had fun with my classmates and was happy I was in a swimming group with them!  Saoirse (Prep Donna) 

In the next few weeks I will send out a google form seeking some feedback from parents regarding the swimming program.  As a team, we will meet to plan how the swimming program will look moving beyond 2024.  

School Disco and Silent Auction 

Don't miss out on the fun! Tickets for the upcoming school disco are still available. Join us on Friday 8th November for a fun night of dancing, great company and our 2024 School Silent Auction.

To purchase your ticket go to https://www.trybooking.com/CWDXG additional details have been regularly posted on Dojo.

Here is a sneak peek of some of the great artwork the kids have been working on for the auction and there are more to come!

We can't wait to see you there!

Teeth on Wheels School Visit   

Teeth on Wheels will be visiting our school for 6 monthly reviews and oral health education starting on the November 18th 2024.

Below is a link to their E-form which needs to be completed by the November 11th 2024 for your child to participate.

Click the link below to sign your child up - IT MIGHT BE FREE!

https://teethonwheels.com.au/consent-forms/consent-eform/

Please note: if you have already completed a form for 2024 this does not need to be done again, unless your contact information or child’s medical history has changed.

Teeth on Wheels are focused on providing a positive dental experience and specialise in working with children. They can provide check-up and clean appointments, as well as treatment onsite and will be able to advise you if your child is eligible to receive dental care for FREE under the Child Dental Benefit Schedule.

Kindly Press Here for a step-by-step instruction on how to sign-up!

Big Summer Read - Wyndham City Libraries 

The Big Summer Read is taking place at all Wyndham City libraries over the summer holidays. This is an initiative that aims to combat the 'summer slide' where children often don't pick up and read books over the holidays. The Big Summer Read runs from 1st December 2024 until 31st January 2025. Register and participate for free at https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/kids-big-summer-read . Pre-registration begins on 6th November this year.

For more information, please contact Wyndham City Libraries on 8734 8999 or mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au.

Rome and ACU Study Tour

At the beginning of the school holidays, I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) to go to Italy to undertake a study tour with Australian Catholic University (ACU). It was an amazing experience learning more about the Catholic faith and history.  Professor Br David Hall and Peter Woods from ACU La Salle Academy for Faith Formation and Religious Education led our group through theology and history in Rome and Assisi.  The first three days we were joined by interaction leaders in Catholic education and dioceses from Europe and Africa. It was great to connect, hear and learn about what is happening in other Catholic systems around the world.  

Part two was just the Australian and Kenyan cohort who spent time in lectures and outings to significant locations to be immersed in the history of saints and recounts of how the early church was built.  Through this experience I wanted to deepen my understanding and connection to my own faith as leader of a Catholic school. This was certainly achieved and I will need time to go back over my many notes and photos to reflect further on this experience to continue my own spiritual growth. 

As the principal of OLSC, the significant sites and dedications to Mary our Mother and who our beautiful school is named after was of particular interest.  I felt fortunate to explore Mary's importance to the church and her significant impact on catholics even today and the work she did in service of others. 

Dates from MacKillop 

• 13th November - Year 7 2025 Transition Morning (with OLSC staff) 8:45 am -11:00 am
• Wednesday 4th December – Year 7 2025 Orientation Day  - 8:25 am – 3:20 pm  (students to wear their primary school sports uniform with orange polo top) Families to organise getting their children to the college for this day.
• Thursday 30th January 2025 –  Year 7 & VCE Students Return
• Friday 31st January 2025 -  All Students Return

For those Year 5 families who have enrolled their children at MacKillop for Year 7 in 2026: 

• Friday 8th November 2024 – Final day for families to accept Year 7 2026 offer  

At the bottom of the page, there is a flier regarding Teeth on Wheels and the services they offer.  

Have a great weekend everyone!

Justin and all of the staff at OLSC