Principal's Message

Dear OLA Families,

OLA FETE

WOW! What a sensational Fete! This year’s Fete was a wonderful example of our strong community working together. The weather certainly helped to bring the crowds out to enjoy the fun, atmosphere and rides here at OLA. It was amazing to see such a large crowd and that there was such a ‘buzz’ around the place. I realise it is a major fundraiser for our parish but this activity also works in building strong relationships within the community and it has been wonderful to see so many of our parents/parishioners working together in the lead up to this year’s Fete. Congratulations to all involved in helping raise more than $28,000. A special mention must go to our Fete Coordinators, Claire Melican and Mel Power and all who assisted in making this year’s event such a huge success. You have committed many hours to our school and again, I am truly thankful to you all. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 

OLA Christmas Drinks TONIGHT!

To say a big thank you to our parents for the year and to celebrate our OLA Fete we are providing Christmas drinks and nibbles this evening at 7.30pm in the new Community Hub. Just prior to this the P&F will meet for their final meeting of the year at 7.00pm.

Gratitude to our Fete Sponsors

We are grateful to all our sponsors and to our local businesses and families for the many generous donations. Please check out the Fete tab in the Newsletter for a list of our sponsors and the names of our raffle winners.

Fete Gratitude from our community

Wow! Congratulations everyone. It was a sensational day with an amazing community atmosphere. Such a credit to all involved. Feedback from a new family coming into prep next year, “Well done to all those involved today! What a fantastic day you should be very proud!”

Congrats everyone! My son said, “I want to get in a time machine and go back to the start of the day so we can go to the fete again”. Huge success!

What an amazing community we have. Well done everyone!

Congratulations team! A real sense of community was felt on Saturday.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to make the fete one of the best I can remember.

It was an awesome day! My son said, "The fete was great.  It was so much better than I thought it would be.  There was so much cool stuff. I can't wait till the next one."

Wow that is amazing. Well done everyone. My boy went to bed last night and said “I wish the fete was on again tomorrow!  A sign of a good day. 

Donations

We are proud to have donated many of the remaining toys and books from the Fete to great charities such as St Vincent de Paul Mentone and 123 Read 2 Me Lions Club Initiative. 

Congratulations to our Colouring Competition Winners

Thank you to Terry White Pharmacies for their donation of 4 x$125 vouchers which were presented to these deserving children:

Junior Category Prep-Grade 2

Aathi S - Prep

Cleo K - Grade 2

Senior Category Grade 3- Grade 6

Ben S - Grade 4

Grace T - Grade 6

End of Year Dance & Community Event

What a fantastic turn out for our community, only days after the Fete. There was a wonderful atmosphere at the End of Year Dance and Community Event and it was great to see full participation from all children, their special persons and their teachers. It has been a joy to see students Prep - Grade 6 engaging in dance lessons over the past month with Bree and Kyle from Kinect 2 Dance. It was a perfect evening to be outside and enjoying a picnic on the oval at school. A highlight of the night was when the children asked a special guest to join them like their mum, dad, grandparent, sibling or friend.  The evening flowed and was great fun. Thank you to Bree for her positive energy and spirit and to everyone for your support with helping make this such a memorable event.

Staffing 2023

We welcome the following staff who return to OLA after Maternity Leave or who have  increased their days at OLA and to those who are joining our community for the first time.

We particularly welcome:

Cassandra Elliot who will teach in 1/2 CE Monday to Friday

Catherine Harrison who will teach Prep CH Monday to Thursday

Lara Berley who will teach 3/4 ST on a Tuesday and Prep CH on a Friday

Liz Thompson who will teach PE on Wednesday to Friday

Sharan Talbot who will be front of house as Administration Assistant

Trish O’Gorman who will teach Performing Arts on Tuesday and Wednesday

Cassandra Elliott

I have been teaching for 19 years and have a passion for concept based learning, LEGO Education, online communication, picture books and teaching in the early years. I have spent a lot of my career teaching in boys schools and know the importance of hands on experiences, making connections as well as engaging children in the learning process. I

have 2 young children, Levi and Mae and a miniature schnauzer called Jett. We have recently moved down from Brisbane and are enjoying being back in Melbourne, a city that we love.

Catherine Harrison

I have worked at OLA since 2009 as a classroom teacher, Junior School Leader and Literacy Leader. In 2013 I had my first child, Jimmy, followed by my daughters, Thea and Talia. During my years of raising my children I have worked part time sharing classes with Josy Reeder, Jacqueline Kovacich, Michela Vella, Julie Doyle and Shelby Turner. I am delighted to be returning to OLA four days a week in 2023 and look forward to being more involved with our wonderful community.

Lara Berley

I studied to be a teacher in Perth where I began my teaching career and have been teaching for 17 years. In 2019, I moved to Melbourne with my husband and two children, Mitchell (Grade 6) and Mikayla (Grade 3). Since moving to Melbourne, I have worked as an Emergency Teacher at OLA and St Finbar's Primary School. I am very excited to be teaching Preps on a Friday and Grade 3/4's on a Tuesday next year. I look forward to being part of the wonderful OLA community in 2023!

Liz Thompson

After welcoming our beautiful girl Georgie into our family in June, I'll be returning to OLA in 2023. My son Jack will be starting school next year and Harriet at kinder so it will be a busy Thompson household! I'm looking forward to planning lots of great sporting lessons and events for everyone and to be a part of the wonderful OLA community once again. See you all in the new year! 

Sharan Talbot

I am so looking forward to working at OLA as the new Administration Officer in 2023.

For me it means that I am coming back into a school environment where I get to care for all the students and their families. When I left secondary school started my career in Early Years Education as a Kindergarten teacher. During this time I had my son Thomas. I have worked at the Bendigo Bank locally for the last eight years but couldn’t resist coming back to my love of being in a school environment. I look forward to introducing myself to all the OLA families in 2023.

Trish O’Gorman

Hello everyone, my name is Trish O’Gorman and I’m lucky enough to be the Performing Arts teacher at OLA from 2023. I am very passionate about the three areas of Performing Arts - Music, Drama and Dance - so passionate that I’ve been teaching in this area for over thirty years (I promise I’m young at heart!). I’ve written a number of school production/concert scripts, I sing in a band and I love playing guitar and singing with primary students. I am hoping your children will enjoy PA classes as much as I do and I cannot wait to meet your children next year.

2023 Staffing

Congratulations and thank you to the following staff for taking on the following leadership roles in 2023:

Leadership & Management Team

• Principal – Mr Richard Jacques
• Deputy Principal
• Religious Education Leader & Mathematics Leader – Mrs Caitlan Taig
• Learning & Teaching Leader – Mrs Josy Reeder
• Learning Diversity and Wellbeing Leader – Mrs Josy Reeder
• Literacy & Intervention Leader – Mrs Christine Thredgold
• Junior Leader – Mrs Michela Vella 
• Middle Leader – Miss Shelby Turner
• Senior Leader – Mr Steve Pertz

Learning & Teaching & Wellbeing Team

• Mr Richard Jacques
• Mrs Josy Reeder
• Mrs Caitlan Taig
• Mrs Christine Thredgold

We congratulate these staff members and thank them for taking on the responsibility to lead our learning community for 2023. We look forward to the members of leadership, along with all staff, continuing to add to the positive development of OLA Parish Primary School.

Classes & Teachers

• Prep FL – Mrs Fiona Lee (M-Th) & Mrs Samantha Hudson (F)
• Prep CH – Mrs Catherine Harrison (M-Th) & Mrs Lara Berley (F)
• Grade 1/2 KM– TBC (Term 1) **NEW** Ms Kirsten Milinksi (Term 2-Term 4)
• Grade 1/2 CE – Cassandra Elliott  (M-F) **NEW**
• Grade 1/2MV – Mrs Michela Vella (M, W-F) & Mrs Samantha Hudson (T)
• Grade 3/4 ST – Ms Shelby Turner (M, W-F) & Mrs Lara Berley (T)
• Grade 3/4 TR – Miss Tess Riley (M-F)
• Grade 5/6 GO – Mrs Gen O’Meara (M-F)
• Grade 5/6 NC – Ms Nicole Collins (M-Th) & Mrs Anna Danson (F)     
• Grade 5/6 SP – Mr Steve Pertz (M, W-F) & Mrs Anna Danson (T)  

Specialists

• Mrs Anna Danson (STEM)
• Mrs Sam Hudson (Art)
• Ms Helene Lionakis (Japanese)
• Mrs Trish O’Gorman (Performing Arts) **NEW**
• Mrs Liz Thompson (PE)

Library Team

• Mrs Katherine Grima (Alternating T & W)
• Mrs Diana Milburn (W)

Learning Support Officers

• Mrs Ann Arthur (M-F)
• Mrs Di McDowall (M, T, W & F)
• Mrs Kelly Herat (W-F)
• Miss Rosie Siracusa (M-F)

Admin Team:

• Mrs Gabrielle McGee (M-F)
• Ms Sharan Talbot (M,W,Th,F) **NEW**

Books & Stationery for 2023

Following feedback from teachers, parents and students, we reviewed our processes around acquiring stationery. It was felt that we could assist families and the classroom teachers by placing one bulk order that provided a consistency across the school. It also enables children not to compare and feel left out about who has and hasn’t purchased the ‘best’ or ‘coolest’ stationery items. From a learning point of view this will also help to maximise desk space around the classroom and it also minimises the distractions that some items can create.

We will ensure book list items including exercise books and stationery will be purchased by the school and all costs are included in your school fees and levies. The school will supply new pencil cases complete with all stationery at the beginning of the 2023 for Grades 3 to 6. The pencil cases will have the OLA school crest printed on them and your child will keep that pencil case from Grade 3 through to Grade 6. We ask that children use the pens and pencils provided at school and keep their special stationery for home. We will be emphasising that these pencil cases are cared for and graffiti will not be accepted. At the end of each year pencil cases will remain at school and the student’s leftover stationery will be sent home in a bag. Stationery for Prep to Grade 2 will be provided, ensuring shared access for all.

For the first time we will also purchase band aids, tissues and wet wipes in bulk. These costs are also included in your school fees and levies.

2023 Student Leaders

We congratulate all children who have nominated for Grade 6 leadership roles for 2023 as well as the Grade 5 FIRE Carrier leadership positions.  We will introduce the new leaders to the students across the school at the End of Year Prayer Service and Assembly on Friday 16 December at 9am.  

2022 School Fees

Thank you to everyone who has paid their 2022 school fees and levies or who have set up a payment plan. We are so grateful for your support.  With the school year finishing on Friday we ask that those who have final payments outstanding are paid before the end of next week. As always if you require some support please reach out. Thank you.

2023 School Fees and Levies

Please find attached the 2023 School Fees and Levies charges.  These fees and levies are discussed and agreed in consultation with the School Advisory Council and School Business Manager. The top priorities when reviewing our funding model each year are:

• To ensure our school remains financially viable 
• To continue to be accessible to families who value a Catholic education
• To continue to offer a high quality education with exceptional education experiences.

Please refer to the link for the 2023 Fees and Levies Schedule. 

New Community Hub

Our new Community Hub, Library and STEM Room have come to life over the last fortnight not only with furniture but also with fun and engaging lessons.  We have had special visitors such as Living Culture for our Prep incursion on 30 November and Evesham Road Kinder visiting with children, parents and their teachers enjoying a story, fun activities and a play on our playground.  Our outdoor space is also a hive of activity at break times and a lovely place for classes to learn outdoors.

Prep Orientation

“I want to be just like my buddy when I’m in Grade 6!”  It was beautiful to see the care that our senior student leaders took with their buddies for next year. Thank you to our Prep families for attending all three Prep Transition Sessions over the last month - what a great group of families we have. We hope you have had the opportunity to see our Starting School t-shirts and Showbags - they were a hit!! After the orientation session, six of our Preps tried on their uniforms and had some photos taken with their teachers and the principal!  These children really can’t wait for school and we believe that these photos capture their raw excitement. Some of these photos will be used to showcase our great school online, on billboards and in advertising brochures.

Grade 7 Transition

We are so grateful to the children who returned to OLA to speak to Grade 6s about transitioning to secondary schools. It gave the staff and students a real buzz to have these students back at their old primary school.  We are so proud of each and every one of these students who spoke about the excitement and the challenges experienced in moving onto life in Grade 7.  We loved the top tips shared at this great transition session.  What a lovely way that we send off our students with this passing on of information.  Thank you to Gen O’Meara and Virginia Derricott for helping make this happen.

OLA Parents & Friends Association

This evening, Friday 9 December we will host the OLA P&F AGM (7pm) and Christmas Drinks (7.30pm).  This is a great chance for our parent community to celebrate the year and enjoy some Christmas cheer whilst checking out our newly renovated buildings.  

This will also be a great chance to thank our 2022 P&F and Fete Committees for their support of our great school. It will also be a great chance to welcome our 2023 OLA P&F Committee members.  Andy Wright will be our Chair in 2023 and he will be supported by Stacey Straford as Deputy Chair.  Rose An will be our Treasurer and Lauren Koukoumanos will be our Secretary.

Each year level requires at least 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

Here are the committee members that we have recorded so far:

OSAC

We thank all parents who nominated for OSAC in 2023.  We held the final OSAC meeting in our new Community Hub last week and we farewelled Jo Hanson and Jaime Picinic. We thank them both for their unwavering support of OLA and look forward to them continuing to support our great school.  We welcome Pat Moran (father of Isabella Gr4 and Michael Gr2) and Sally Wright (mother of Ollie Gr3) to the OSAC team in 2023.  Thank you for your commitment to OLA and we look forward to working with you over the next couple of years.

COVID

With Christmas and holidays fast approaching we ask that all in our community remain vigilant about staying safe and helping everyone else stay safe too. We continue to encourage all in our community to carry out a RAT test if they are experiencing any symptoms.  If positive we continue to ask that you inform the school and we will inform families from that given class on the first and fourth occasion.  From our experience this assists in information being provided consistently and not too frequently.  If you would like any RAT Tests we have some available at the front office and we are encouraged not to have any onsite over the break.

Please be assured that as a school, we are still implementing COVID Safe measures such as:

• Hand sanitiser is available in all learning spaces
• All children wash their hands with soap and water before eating
• Windows are open
• Air purifiers are on in classrooms
• Desks are disinfected at the end of each day.

COVID Safety & Sick Children - Stay at Home 

We request that any children who show signs of being unwell must remain at home.   Parents please note that children will be isolated in the First Aid Room and we will call parents if we identify that your child is unwell.   This protocol is in place for the safety of all children and members of our community.  

Key Dates for the End of School Year

2023 Dates

Celebrations 

Grade 6 Big Day Out

Today our Grade 6s had a blast at Gumbuya World, giving everything a go and they enjoyed spending precious time together. Thank you to each and every child and teacher for making this such a fun and memorable day.

Meet the Teacher

We are so proud of the many children and families that kept an open and positive mindset when processing the changes that come with moving up a year level. Meeting your new teacher, classmates and checking out where your new class will be located is all very exciting as well as nerve racking too! Whether it was in the classroom or out at play straight after there was a real buzz.

Junior Mayor

Congratulations to Neve H on being the local junior councillor for the Kingston City Council - Neve may be leading our local state or federal government before we know it!

This year I was lucky enough to be a Junior Councillor for Kingston City Council. It began when the 4 school captains (Will, Ollie, Darcey and I) went to the Junior Mayor Competition. I was lucky enough to then become a Junior Councillor as I was voted in as the Wattle Ward representative. During my time as a Junior Councillor I have learnt so much about how the City of Kingston runs. We were given $4000 from the Rotary Club of Cheltenham and together as a Junior Council we decided on the topic and purpose of the grant and created the application criteria for it too. We created our own rules and regulations for it. Once we had created the grant, people applied for it and we worked through the applications to see who was eligible. From there we chose which ones would receive the grant. Overall it was an amazing opportunity to have and I am very grateful for the other school captains that helped me get there. Neve H

Athletics Championships

Another day, another sporting superstar at OLA. Jess G participated in the Regional Relay day up at Duncan McKinnon on Saturday and came first in his under 10 4x 200m Mixed Relay and goes through to State Relay day on Saturday 4/2/23. Jess was super excited as he also gets through for his team's time in another Under 10 4x 100m boys relay with a good qualifying time.

Excellence Awards go to…

Congratulations to past OLA students, Emily and Zara for being awarded Academic Excellence Awards for Year 7 which places them in the top 5% for their year level at Kilbreda.  Congratulations girls!

Thank you all for an amazing fortnight at OLA.

May our last week together be a memorable one as we prepare for Christmas and enjoy this time of Advent.

Richard Jacques

Principal