Principal's Message

Dear OLA Families,

Welcome back to Term 4! We have enjoyed a wonderful start to the final term of the school year.  The stories being shared from holiday adventures and relaxing times together as a family are so heart warming to hear. During the holidays our Grade 5/6 teachers, Mr Pertz and his wife Emily welcomed into the world their baby boy Louis James Pertz. We congratulate Steve and Emily and we hope that Louis' big brother is loving every minute of this precious time too. 

One of our Grade 3/4 teachers, Tess Riley volunteered her time in the holidays to teach in Central Australia. We thank Tess for being so generous with her time and congratulate her for being courageous to create such exciting life experiences.

Holiday Teaching Experience In Alice Springs

In the school holidays I was lucky enough to travel to Central Australia, volunteering, teaching & learning in the beautiful remote community of Amoonguna. 21km from Alice Springs, Amoonguna has close to 200 permanent residents, mostly Eastern and Central Arrernte speakers. The Amoonguna school differs greatly from OLA with only 30 enrolled students, one teacher and one learning space. Amongst our many differences, I found similarities between our two communities! The children of Amoonguna have an intense love of sport & some insanely impressive AFL skills! They are keen to learn and so very warm and welcoming, including me in every part of community life. I am so grateful for the time I spent in this beautiful part of Australia and all that their smiles and zest for life have taught me. Tess Riley

Severe Weather Warnings

Thank you all for staying safe and remaining vigilant during this time of severe weather warnings.  We pray and hope that you managed to stay dry and warm and that flooding and damage have been kept to a minimum at this time.  We keep in our prayers and thoughts those who live in more vulnerable areas.

Congratulations

And... the Lorraine Francis Award goes to... Kara G

The Lorraine Francis Award is an annual award recognising local students who excel in their studies and extracurricular activities, show strong leadership amongst their peers and provide exemplary service to the school community.  Each year students who are enrolled within the electorate of Bentleigh are nominated. We congratulate Kara G who is the OLA recipient of this year’s Lorraine Francis Award. Kara was presented with her award at last Friday’s whole school assembly by Nick Staikos MP. It was so lovely to see Kara’s surprise and strong sense of pride beaming in this special moment.

Kara has a ‘can do’ attitude and applies herself diligently to all areas of school life.

She is a highly motivated school Sustainability Leader where she takes a lead role in teaching the school community about how we can help our environment. Kara is a caring and dedicated Grade 6 Buddy, always demonstrating kindness and compassion. She was an enthusiastic member of the School Athletics Team and a member of the Wakakirri Performing Arts Group where she played a lead role as ‘Scar’ in ‘The Lion King’. Kara will continue to represent OLA at the Kingston Big Schools Sustainability Conference where she will be presenting her initiative about ways we can reduce our waste to help look after the environment. Kara is a caring, kind and generous class member and an enthusiastic student who is intrinsically motivated, always striving to do her best.

Gratitude and Best Wishes 

This week I would like to share news about staffing changes for 2023. Julie Doyle, Carrie Mulcahy, Jacqueline Southwell, Alicia Robertson, Sarah Dooley and Sarah Arnott will be finishing up at OLA at the end of this year.  We look forward to saying thank you and farewell to these staff members at the End of Year Prayer Service and Assembly at 9.00am on Friday 16 December. I know you will join me in celebrating these staff members and showing gratitude for their amazing contributions to our community.

Julie Doyle & Carrie Mulcahy

We thank both Julie and Carrie for the excellent learning and teaching that you have provided to students since you joined our community.  33 years collectively is an amazing contribution.  Your dedication, love of life and learning have been a gift to us all.  Thank you for the care you have shown each and every child and their family.  We wish you both all the very best in retirement.

A reflection from Julie Doyle…

After 20 years of teaching at OLA I am looking forward to my new life in retirement in 2023. Teaching has been a special vocation where I have had the opportunity to live, learn and celebrate life with so many within our community. I have had the privilege of working with so many students and sometimes complete families. I am grateful for the passionate group of colleagues I journeyed with. My legacy is that I hope I have inspired a lifelong love of learning in the lives of the students I have had the honour of touching and I take with me many lifelong friendships.  Julie Doyle

A reflection from Carrie Mulcahy…

Wow! 19 years! That is how long I have been teaching at OLA in a part time capacity. I began mid-2003 and I will be finishing at the end of this year, 2022. I have had an amazing journey here, at OLA. I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the great sense of community and camaraderie that are such an integral part of this great school. Throughout my time at OLA, I have continued to grow, learn & develop as a teacher, under the leadership of both Leonie Young and Richard Jacques. I am very grateful to have worked with both these principals. Whilst working at OLA I am grateful for all the wonderful friends I have made, and for the opportunities to work with so many amazing children and their families. I have developed life-long friendships with many staff and I am very grateful for this. I am looking forward to many new experiences and adventures in the forthcoming years! Thank you for all the support and good will extended to me this year while I had some health issues to contend with. Carrie Mulcahy 

Jacqueline Southwell

Jacqueline went on maternity leave three years ago and has remained in contact popping in and also taking on Casual Relief Teaching.  We thank you Jacqueline for the caring, supportive and instructional leadership you have provided to our school community.  We wish you and your family all the very best as you settle into the beautiful area of the Gippsland. 

A reflection from Jacqueline Southwell…

Farewell & Thank you! The OLA community will continue to hold a very special place in my heart. I am grateful for the one of a kind students, welcoming families & talented staff I worked alongside in my 5.5yrs of teaching full time. It was where I got to pursue my passion in wellbeing & learning before starting a family. After taking parental leave in August 2019 my family has grown & we made the decision to relocate to country life in the beautiful rolling hills of Gippsland which we share with our fur, feathered & woolly friends. In 2023, I will continue to enjoy keeping up to date with the wonderful growth happening at OLA via socials & staying connected with casual relief teaching days when visiting my parents in Melbourne. Jacqueline Southwell

Alicia Robertson

Over the last 7 years Alicia has been the warm and welcoming face of OLA in the front office.  Alicia and her partner Teal are moving to the sunny state of Queensland in January 2023 to chase new opportunities and be closer to Teal’s family and friends.  We love the warm welcome that Alicia gives to all that come through the front door of OLA or ring on the phone.  Alicia has an amazing ability to stop what she is doing and focus on the many and varied requests that she receives whether it be from the students, parents, staff, parish, everyday visitors and especially the principal!!  

A reflection from Alicia Robertson…

I started my journey at OLA as an extremely shy 20 year old girl seven years ago and it is so hard to put into words how much being a part of this beautiful community means to me. Over those years it has been an absolute joy to watch and support our students grow. I have enjoyed being a part of the Wakakirri team, creating some fun costume and face paint looks, going on school camps, and mostly getting to see lots of different faces every day at the front desk. I will be making a big move to Brisbane next year. My plan is to follow my passion of makeup, eventually going into special effects.  I am going to miss you all so much, but I am excited to see what my next chapter involves. Alicia Robertson

Sarah Arnott & Sarah Dooley

We are grateful to Sarah A and Sarah D for the support and care that they provide to our students.  In their work as Learning Support Officers they certainly go above and beyond to engage the students in learning and to look after their wellbeing. As a staff we are grateful for your positivity, enthusiasm and ability to help out at a moment's notice.  We wish you both the very best in your future endeavours in the health industry and we thank you for your contribution to OLA.

A reflection from Sarah Arnott…

How lucky was I to land my first job in such a wonderful community like OLA 5 years ago, after a hiatus from the workforce to have babies. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to build great relationships with the students and staff who I have worked with, having many giggles along the way. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my love of books with the students while working in the library.  Being able to explore my artistic flair in creating displays and bringing themes, colour and cheer to the learning space has been one of many highlights. I’m looking forward to continuing my career in the medical industry but I’ll miss seeing all the smiling faces of OLA. Sarah Arnott

A reflection from Sarah Dooley…

Over the past 13 plus years it has been a privilege to have been part of a wonderful community and staff here at OLA. It has been a delight to have helped and watch our students grow. I have enjoyed being a Learning Support Officer, First Aid Officer, going on camp, being part of Wakakirri just to name a few. Although I will miss everyone here at OLA I am excited about the future. I am hoping to do some study and get back into hospital work. I am also looking forward to coming back to OLA and filling in as a casual LSO when I can. Sarah Dooley

OSAC

I take this opportunity to thank Jaime Picinic and Joanne Hansen for their service to the OLA community as active members of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Primary School Advisory Council (OSAC) over the last 3 years. The experience and expertise that you both have provided OLA is very much appreciated. We especially appreciate you both being at the end of the phone for advice and support. Thank you Joanne for your exceptional role as Secretary of OSAC for the last 2 years. We know you will both continue to be great advocates for our wonderful school and that you will find new and exciting ways to remain connected.

As two vacancies have become available on OSAC, we are calling for nominations to fill these positions. Please find attached on the OSAC tab, the OSAC Membership Nomination Request, which contains detailed information regarding the role. Also please note the application closing date of Monday 14 November. We look forward to securing two new members for our Council.

OLA Parents & Friends Association

We thank our 2022 P&F and Fete Committees for their support of our great school. This year has seen a large focus on the Fete and we are grateful for everyone’s work as we lead up to the big day.  Please know your active support is very much appreciated. We have also loved the social events organised in the different year levels and the support the P&F representatives give their level when there is a need for support for a family, a child or a staff member.

If you would like to be part of helping our school community next year and adding to our wonderful sense of community, please consider joining the 2023 P&F Committee. It is a great way to contribute to the development of the school and meet other parents.

Each year level requires two parent representatives, who are responsible for updating the parents in their year level with important information/reminders, and organising a couple of events throughout the year. For example, the Grade 1 P&F representatives host the Morning Tea for new and current families on the first day of school.

Feel free to chat to this year's P&F members if you would like some more information or, better still, if you would like to get involved. You can also speak with me in person or email any questions or ideas to principal@olacheltenham.catholic.edu.au

Thanks again for your support and commitment to our school community.

Fete - Saturday 26 November 

We are excited to announce that you are now able to purchase ride wristbands for the Fete by going directly to our school website.  These are selling at early bird prices. Please note that this cost will increase at 11pm on the Friday night before the Fete (Friday 25 November).  Thank you all for your support.  We hope you are all able to come along and enjoy the fete as well as volunteer on the day.  This month we are asking for donations of chocolates for the Choc-a-block Stall and Cupcake Decorating and Lolly Stall.

Class Placements 2023

The staff work together on class lists for the following year from the start of Semester 2. The process will be completed with consideration given to social cohesion, friendship groupings, placement of siblings and positive academic influences. Other factors to be considered include keeping a ‘balance’ of children with social, emotional, physical, behavioural and academic needs, and an even spread of year level numbers and genders in multi-age classes. This is an opportunity for students to either further develop existing friendships or an opportunity to develop new friendships. We see the ability to create new friendships each year as a valuable opportunity to further develop personal life skills for all children.

Parent Input - Meeting with the Principal

If parents have any relevant information that they believe is essential to the class placement process, they are invited to make a time to meet with the Principal to share their thoughts. Parents are requested to make an appointment by 31 October each year. Appointment times can be negotiated with the school office by calling 9584 9488. We will evaluate all input and make a professional judgement on the placement of the child in question. The final decision rests with the school. Please keep in mind the many limitations that are already placed on the staff during this complex process. Appointments relating to class placements must be made by 31 October each year so that staff can have relevant information to assist them with the placement of children. 

'Teacher Shopping'

Parents making requests simply as ‘Teacher Shopping’, without any foundation, are unlikely to receive their requests for the next year. The reference ‘teacher shopping’ is a term used when parents have heard positive comments on teachers in the school from other parents and think that teacher may be good for their child. Likewise a sibling may have had a teacher previously that a parent wishes for their next child to experience. We would love to meet all requests but there are other elements around class placements, as detailed previously, which may take priority over a request as such. We are blessed with a highly skilled and enthusiastic staff team and we are confident that all teachers will meet the needs of your children. If all parents submitted requests for teachers then our system of student allocation would be compromised. As stated above, parents are invited to meet with the Principal to discuss thoughts that may be pertinent to class placements but we ask that you take on board all of the above information when making your request.

Prep 2023 Parent Information Evening

We are excitedly preparing to welcome our 2023 Prep families and students for the Orientation program. This program continues to be a highlight of the year, as these children take their first big steps into school life. While some students already have a sibling at OLA, we cannot underestimate how this can still be quite an overwhelming experience as the children transition away from a very small Kinder/Childcare setting into a significantly larger one. For our new (and not so new) Prep parents, we look forward to welcoming you on Thursday 10 November at 7.30pm. This information evening is a wonderful opportunity to meet new families, teachers and key staff who will work with your children.  

Our Prep 2023 Orientation Sessions are as follows:

• Tuesday 15 November 9:00am-10:00am
• Tuesday 22 November 9:00am-10:00am
• Tuesday 6 December 9:00am-11:00am

Working Bee

Our next Working Bee will be held on Saturday 19 November, 10.00am-12.00pm. Job lists will be provided outlining the various tasks to be covered that morning and we will be focused on preparing the school grounds and buildings to look their very best for our Parish Fete. We encourage parents with wheelbarrows, shovels, brooms, rakes etc to bring them along for the morning.   The following families are rostered on for this term (please note if you are not able to attend you are welcome to make a donation to the school for maintenance):

School Uniform

As of Week 3, it is the expectation that all students will be wearing full (correct) summer uniform. A school hat must be worn at break times, with a strict 'no hat, no play' rule applying. Children are encouraged to apply their own sunscreen before they arrive at school and you may also wish them to have a ‘roll-on’ sunscreen in their bag to apply again later in the day.

School Closure Dates

Parents please note that the School Closure Days for Term 4, 2022 are listed in the school calendar as Monday 3 October (Staff Professional Learning), Monday 31 October (Melbourne Cup Long Weekend & Reporting/Assessment) and Thursday 1 December (Handover and Preparations for 2023).  

Key Dates for the End of School Year

Friday 9 December  Grade 6 End of Year/Big Day Out

Thursday 15 December  2.00pm Grade 6 Assembly 

3.00pm Guard of Honour 

6.00pm Grade 6 Graduation Prayer Service and Ceremony

Friday 16 December - Grade 1-5 classes conclude at 1.00pm

Monday 19 December - Staff Planning Day for 2023 

Tuesday 20 December - Staff Conclude 2022 School Year

Building Update

With the handover date of our newly renovated school building being the 26 October we can not begin to tell you how excited we are all getting. In these photos below you are welcome to take a sneak peak of some of the magical creations being installed in this special area.

Congratulations - We are so proud of you

Catherine in Grade 6

Congratulations to Catherine M (6MB) for taking up the exciting opportunity to think critically and creatively in learning and working alongside the great team at BOSCH as a result of winning the STEM MAD Best Engineer Prize in 2021. Catherine has a passion for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics so it is wonderful that Catherine is able to experience this with like minded thinkers.

For a few months now I've been attending workshops at BOSCH headquarters in Clayton. It has been a lot of fun. So far I've created a black robotic arm that picks up items and moves them around. At BOSCH we were also shown a small microcontroller called an Arduino (pronounced Ardweeno). I loved that I could  take it home and play with it. After we've finished we'll be able to connect all the wires and parts of the Arduino to the arm and computer to control it. I’ve really enjoyed doing these workshops and am really grateful for being able to enter the MACS STEM MAD Showcase to be awarded this opportunity. Catherine

Xander & Oscar in Grade 6

Between the 15th September - 4th October the National Clubs Carnival (NCC) for Gymnastics and Trampolining took place at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, in Queensland. The event hosted over 5,000 competitors, officials and support staff from across Australia. The competition is open to all gymnastic clubs across Australia, with most events run as a team/ club event rather than individual.Oscar and Xander competed in the Level 5 trampoline and Level 5 double mini trampoline events.We are so proud of you both and we love the amazing photos of you competing. We would also like to wish the boys all the best for this weekend’s State Championships in Geelong.

We went to the Gold Coast for a Gymnastics and Trampolining Competition. On the days leading up to the comp we were really nervous and excited because we wanted to do well. On the 16 September we had Tramp. It was very scary doing the routines. We were very happy with our performance. On the next day we had the Double Mini Trampoline event which saw us take a run up and jump onto the Double Mini Trampoline. We did two skills followed by landing it on a crash mat. Overall the competition was fun and we enjoyed watching all our friends competing as well. Our families also had a holiday up there. Oscar & Xander

Maria in Grade 5

Congratulations to Maria C (5MB) for sharing with us her exciting news and amazing achievements from the State Calisthenics Championships in Bendigo over the holidays. We love seeing how much joy your involvement in Calisthenics brings you - you must be super proud.

On the school holidays I went to a State Championships for Calisthenics, competing for Highett Youth Club.  On the first Tuesday, I went to Bendigo to prepare for my first competition. My coach told everyone to go a day before the competition so we didn’t have to wake up really early and drive all the way to Bendigo. We came prepared. I brought my things for the competition; costumes, bag, snacks, makeup, and my equipment. The next day we all drove to the Ullumbarra Theatre. It was so big. It used to be an old prison. My team and I practised all of the 6 dances that we had to do for the competition. I enjoyed it so much and loved doing it with my friends. In half of the dances we came second and the other half we came forth. We came third overall. It was the best competition ever! Maria

Noah in Grade 3

Congratualtions to Noah who has passed a Judo practical and knowledge test called a grading at the Taketani Judo Academy.This is no easy task and requires a great deal of practice.  The grade is awarded by the presentation of a coloured Judo belt. Junior Judo belts are in varying colours signifying age and expertise.  Noah has been awarded a Yellow-Black belt.

This week the staff welcomed my wife Mairead and our baby Rosie to the staffroom for afternoon tea where we were presented with a gorgeous quilt. The giving of a quilt is a staff tradition at OLA and it was so beautiful to have this time with everyone and to introduce Rosie.

Wishing everyone a warm, dry and safe weekend. Thank you all for helping make these first two weeks back at school so wonderful.

Take care.

Richard Jacques

Principal