From the Principal

Dear Parents & Carers

School Vision

Thank you everyone for the work you have done this year on renewing our school vision. We have done a lot of work to explore the thinking behind the vision and to make it a living document at Queen of Peace. After much discussion with staff, parents and students we believe that the current vision reflects our vision for the future at Queen of Peace and captures the essence of everyone’s thinking. We have decided to add the word Catholic to our current vision to have it reflect more fully our Catholic Identity. Moving forward our vision will be:

Queen of Peace is a Learning Community that is Christ centered,

valuing Our Catholic Faith, The Human Person, Justice and the Pursuit of Excellence.

Parent Information Evenings

Apart from the many learning experiences planned for our students this term we have three important learning experiences for our parents this term.

Week 5: Michael Ymer (Maths) Thursday 16 August 6:30pm

Michael is an enthusiastic and entertaining presenter who has a clear and practical approach to the challenges that confront schools and parents in mathematics.

Week 6: David Vinegrad Tuesday 21 August 6:30pm

This year he will be talking to us about HOMEWORK. He will engage us in some lively discussions through his workshop. Discussion about Home Learning, who is responsible, what is important and what the current research says about homework. Come listen and give us your opinion.

Week 7: ’Body Safe Australia’ presentation Tuesday 28 August 6pm

The information night is interactive and covers:

Ten key areas of body safety including consent, assertive communication and identifying trusted adults

Supporting the at-risk children including self-care

Frequently asked questions about body safety and protective behaviours education

Grandparents Day

This was one of the highlights of my time at QOP, the morning began with Father John celebrating Mass in the Hall. After Mass, grandparents were able to wander around the classroom and in particular their grandchildrens' rooms. Teachers had designed activities to cater for the day. Grandparents then met back in the hall for morning tea. There was an extremely positive vibe at Queen of Peace that day. Thanks for all those who contributed to the day. In particular, the parents who came along to prepare morning tea and the Wisdom of Grandparents that joined us.

Eucharist

This Sunday 12 August, Father John will celebrate Eucharist at Mass at 2pm and 3:30 pm at the Church. We have 58 students from QOP celebrating this important sacrament of the Church and we wish our children the best.

Catholic Identity

Suzanne Gracias and myself will attend the ‘Enhancing the Catholic Identity in Your School’ Program in Leuven, Belgium from 3 to 21 September. The five Principals and five Religious Leaders from Parish of Laverton schools, along with Father John and Sue Kidd from the Parish will be in attendance. It is the first time that a Parish has been involved in this project with the study tour sponsored by Catholic Education Melbourne. We hope to gain a greater understanding of the ‘Catholic Identity’ of Laverton Parish and our schools to ensure that we can work together to enhance the ‘Identity’ of our Catholic educational institutions.

Staff Movement

Term 3

Beth Farmer has returned to Queen of Peace from Maternity Level and will cover various Long Service leave.
Carolyn Grinter will remain in 3C on Fridays until the end of the year.

Term 4

Michelle Mamone (5C) will take maternity leave in term 4 and Gina Camilleri will be her replacement.
Laura Taylor will replace Gina Camilleri in Prep B on Thursdays and Beth Farmer with replace Gina Camilleri in 4C on Fridays.

Congratulations to Belinda Bartolo (5B teacher) on her recent engagement to Julien.

Darren Gibbons

Principal