Principal Message

Be Kind, Be safe, Be respectful, Be responsible, Be resilient, Be ready

It has been a busy and positive start to the term here at Our Lady Star of the Sea.

Thank you to all parents and carers who were able to make time to attend our Parent Conversation afternoon. These early conversations with your child’s classroom teacher are invaluable in helping set the foundation for a successful year ahead.

Meeting at the beginning of the school year allows parents/carers and teachers to get to know one another as partners in your child’s learning. When trust is established early, communication flows more easily throughout the year. Parents and carers often have important insights that teachers may not yet know, such as learning preferences, strengths, challenges, cultural background, medical needs, or social concerns. Sharing this information early helps teachers tailor their approach from the very start, rather than learning these things gradually as the year unfolds.

Open communication also makes it easier to address any concerns quickly and helps prevent misunderstandings. When children see positive and respectful interactions between their parents/carers and their teachers, they gain a strong sense that everyone is working together and has their best interests at heart.

If you were unable to attend the Parent Conversation afternoon, please feel free to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher if there is anything you would like to share that may help your child thrive at school.

We are truly blessed with a beautiful school community at Our Lady Star of the Sea, in every sense of the word. We look forward to spending time together and strengthening these connections at our Family Pancake Night on Tuesday, February 17, from 5:30–6:30 pm.

We also warmly invite you to join us as we celebrate our first School Mass on Wednesday, February 18, at 9:15 am at St. Mary’s Church. This Mass will take place on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season.

If you join us on Ash Wednesday, you may choose to receive ashes on your forehead in the shape of a cross, along with a blessing. Please know that you do not need to be Catholic to receive ashes. All are welcome.

The ashes are made from the palms burned from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration and symbolise the beginning of Lent. They serve as a gentle reminder of humility, reflection, and God’s boundless love for us all.

We hope you can join us for one, or both, of these special gatherings.

Warm regards,

Pamela McKillop