Principal Message
Be Kind, Be safe, Be respectful, Be responsible, Be resilient, Be ready
Dear Families,
As we celebrate Catholic Education Week, we are reminded of the special place our school holds within the OLSS community; a place where faith, learning, compassion and connection come together each day. This Friday, we look forward to celebrating both our Feast Day and Catholic Education with a wonderful day full of prayer, reflection, creativity, togetherness and plenty of fun.
The day will begin with our annual Walk to School Day. Students, families and staff are invited to gather at the IGA at 8:10 am before walking together as a school community to OLSS at 8:15 am sharp. I hear this is always a joyful way to begin a school day, let alone begin our celebration of togetherness, highlighting the strong sense of belonging within our school.
Throughout the day, students will participate in a variety of activities centred around our faith community spirit, before finishing with a whole-school dance party on the basketball courts. Instead of assembly, parents and carers are warmly welcome to join us in the afternoon as we celebrate through music, laughter and dance.
Our Lady Star of the Sea School has had community members lose loved ones recently. We ask our school community to keep two families in your prayers during this time of sorrow.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Tommy Wiseman and family following the sudden passing of their beloved stepmother, Sarah Elkins. In the midst of such unexpected loss, may they find comfort in the love and support of family, friends, and our school community. We pray that God’s peace surrounds them and that the promise of eternal life brings hope in the days ahead.
We also hold in prayer one of our valued staff members, Chris Fall, and his family following the passing of his mother, Janice Fall, after an illness. May they be comforted by treasured memories, the care they shared throughout her journey, and the faith that she is now resting peacefully in God’s loving embrace.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
While we also pause to remember members of our community we have recently lost, we are equally grateful to celebrate new beginnings and welcome the newest additions to our school family. Welcome to the world, Joshua Ruddell, little brother of Kyla, and son of Bernadette and Thomas. Kyla is so thrilled to be a big sister again!
A huge congratulations must go to our District Netball and Football teams, who competed in Wonthaggi last Friday. All teams represented OLSS with pride, determination and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. A special congratulations to our boys’ football team, who achieved the incredible result of winning every match! Staff and spectators alike commented on the respectful and encouraging manner shown by all of our students, both on and off the field. We could not be prouder. Well done, Team OLSS!
Don’t forget to stop by Administration to browse the wonderful selection of books available at our May Book Fair. Every purchase helps support our school library, with a portion of all sales going directly towards new resources for our students. The May Book Fair will end on Friday, May 29.
We are also very excited to announce that we have secured Elysium Before and After-School Care and look forward to building a strong partnership with them. Elysium is community-focused and looks forward to getting to know our students to foster a sense of belonging and connection. Families are encouraged to sign up with Elysium, even if your child only uses OSHC occasionally, as registration helps streamline access when needed.
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the term! Time certainly flies when school life is filled with such rich learning, celebration and community spirit.
May Mary, Star of the Sea, continue to guide our school community with hope, kindness and peace as we journey together through the remainder of the term.
Warm regards,
Pamela McKillop