Newsletter

Our Lady's Primary School - Friday 12th November

Our Lady's Primary School Surrey Hills


Guided by the life of Jesus Christ

Inspired by the Spirit of Mary

Our Lady’s Primary School is a place of growth and challenge.

Where we seek to ignite imagination and promote a lifelong passion for God and learning 

Learning together in Faith Hope and Love


Principal: Mrs Annie Engellenner - principal@olsurreyhills.catholic.edu.au

Office Manager: Mrs Julie Leung - jleung@olsurreyhills.catholic.edu.au

Parish Priest: Fr Brendan Reed - wattlepark@cam.org.au 

Hours of Supervision of Students: Monday – Friday 8.30am -3.45pm

School Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 8.30am – 4.00pm


Reflection

They shall grow not old,as we that are left grow old;Age shall not weary them,nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sunand in the morningWe will remember them.

Response:

We will remember themLest we forget

Remembrance Day

School Improvement Plan Goals - 2018 - 2021

Strategic Intent:

At Our Lady’s School, we aim to strengthen our Catholic community through: fostering respectful relationships; clear, strategic faith-filled leadership; and our commitment to professional pedagogical excellence that is founded upon our deep knowledge, collegiality, effective teamwork and our Gospel inspired dedication to the learning and wellbeing of each child.

Education in Faith

That students understand and make more meaningful, relevant connections between the Catholic story and their own lives.

That staff develop their capacity to design and implement a contemporary RE curriculum.

Leadership and Management

That staff teamwork and ownership of the Vision and educational priorities of the school will improve

Learning and Teaching

That student learning outcomes will improve.

Student Wellbeing

That the wellbeing of all students will improve.

School Community

That the home/ school partnership is strengthened to the benefit of student learning outcomes. 

Important Dates

Term 4

Wednesday 17th November @ 7.30pm - SAC/ PFA Thank You Supper

Thursday 18th November @ 6.00pm - Sacrament of First Eucharist - Year 4

Friday 19th November - 2022 Prep Transition Program

Friday 26th Novemeber @ 6.00pm  - Year 6 Confirmation

Christmas Carols - Thursday 2nd December @ 5.30pm

Tuesday 14th December  - Graduation Mass @ 6.00pm followed by  Dinner. Details to be confirmed.

School Closure Days - 2021

Please note that the School Closure Day for Term Four has been removed.

2021 Term Dates

2021 Victorian Term Dates

Term 4   Monday October 4th – Thursday December 16th @ 1.45pm             

Leadership and Management :To grow and sustain a professional culture that is characterised by excellence, shared vision, collaboration, a strong sense of teamwork and a focus on continuous improvement.

From the Principal

Dearest Families and Friends of OLPS,

It is wonderful that our students are all back at school. They are to be congratulated for how they have transitioned back to school life. Many thanks to you for your support. We are all most grateful of your efforts.

It has been an exciting couple of weeks of getting back into life at school with simple things like school lunch orders being available again, being able to play on the yard at break times with friends and getting to sit and learn alongside friends during class time.  We have also enjoyed memorable moments like potatoes being harvested, hockey during PE and the ability to host the 2022 Prep Information/Transition morning last Friday with parents onsite rather than Zooming!  We also have so much to look forward to in terms of our OLPS Christmas Carols, Year 6 Graduation, First Eucharist, Confirmation Reflection Day and Confirmation itself. It has also been gorgeous to have some little visitors sharing their work with me, such pride is wonderful to see.

It is also great seeing our wonderful parents and extended family on the gate every morning and afternoon too! It really is great being back!

Class Structure

I am pleased to inform you of the 2022 class structures;

Prep – Ms Katie Lynch/Ms Kimberly Chin

Year 1/2 - Mrs Antonella Coloretti

Year 1/2 – Miss Liana Baviello

Year 1 /2 – Ms Jessica Skinner

Year 3 /4 – Mr Stuart Andreou-Mill

Year 3 /4 - Ms Simone Lancuba

Year 5 /6 – Mrs Carissa Bright/Mrs Rose Urquhart

Year 5/6 – Mr Brendan Hawke/Mrs Rose Urquhart

We are currently working through a very thorough process of classroom placement for all students. We ask that parents trust this process and not email with teacher or friendship requests (unless there are special circumstances).

There are many variables and factors that parents are not always aware of. I ask that teacher judgement and professionalism be trusted. These decisions are always made with the students best interest.


 COVID Safety

What are we noticing?

Transitioning back to school in the COVID-19 era has  presented some  challenges for parents and children.  It is important that we continue to be the reassuring presence that our children need as they navigate living in a COVID world.

Below are some talking points that you may wish to consider using at home to support your little person.

To help your child feel safe, have a conversation with them explaining that: 

 • the decision to return to school is based on expert medical advice

 • children do not usually get sick from COVID-19

 • everyone at school is working hard to make sure that children are safe

 • anyone who is unwell will stay at home and not come to school

 • reassure your child that it is normal to have mixed emotions such as excitement, relief and worry. These are big feelings but it is ok to have them.

 • discuss what they are looking forward to when they are getting ready for school, encourage them to look on the bright side of life

 • reinforce good hygiene practices and positive and respectful interactions.

 

After school, it will be important to: 

 • talk to your child about their day, including what they enjoyed, what they felt worried about and what they are looking forward to tomorrow

 • schedule extra family time as your child is likely to have missed being at home with you

I am aware that some parents have concerns regarding mask-wearing. When worn properly, masks can play an important role in reducing the transmission risks of COVID-19 that could happen from common activities in school.

Our Lady’s is required to follow the directions of the Victorian Chief Health Officer, and our teachers and staff will be doing their utmost to ensure that masks are worn in schools for Years 3 and above, and to encourage mask-wearing for younger students.  Please ensure your son/daughter has a couple of face masks in their school bag. We do keep a supply of emergency face masks but these are depleting at a rapid rate because students are failing to bring one from home.

The lawful exceptions for not wearing a mask are listed on the government’s Coronavirus Victoria website.

Thank you for supporting us to implement COVIDSafe measures at Our Lady’s to keep your children safe.

Families not returning to OLPS in 2022

If your child/children (Prep - Year 5) will not be returning to OLPS in 2022 please inform the school as soon as possible. This information is essential to our future planning. 

School Advisory Council

I take this opportunity to thank our School Advisory Council (SAC) members for their continued service to our community. There will be a couple of vacancies available on SAC for 2022. We are calling for nominations to fill these positions. Please find attached, the SAC Membership Nomination Request, and a copy of the Terms of Reference. This document contains detailed information regarding the role of the School Advisory Council. Also please note the application closing date of Monday 22nd November. We look forward to your responses and please contact me if you have any questions.

School Fees

Thank you to all families who are up to date with school fees. This is a reminder to all families who may have fallen behind with payments to please make sure to attend to this as soon as possible. We are aware of the impact on families of COVID lockdowns throughout the past 18 months and encourage parents to make contact with me if you require support with the payment of school fees. You can also request support by writing to aengellenner@olsureyhills.catholic.edu.au

Past Students

I am pleased to advise our school community that Ashling O'Farrell, Heidi May, Alannah McCarthy and Sophie Gazzola ( OLPS Class of 2016), have been elected to serve as members of the 2022 Student Leadership Team at Siena College. Well done girls and congratulations to your very proud families.

Have a wonderful week.

"I love people that have no idea how wonderful they are and just wander around making the world a better place."

Author Unknown

Learning and Teaching :To improve student learning outcomes through personalised, effective and stimulating teaching that builds student engagement and success in all areas of the curriculum.

It has been truly wonderful to have all our students back onsite. They have returned with a mix of emotions ranging from excitement, nervousness, anxiety and delight! For some of our students it has felt like the beginning of the year again, as they learn to get along with each other, as they work together to remember and abide by our school expectations, so that we can all create a wonderful learning community once again!

This will just take time, as our wonderful teachers design a program that both looks after the wellbeing of all our students and supports them to strive to achieve their best.

AUSTRALIAN MATHS COMPETITION

This week 34 students from years 3-6 received their certificates for participating in the Australian Maths Competition. 

We congratulate all our students for the courage they showed in ‘having a go’ and doing the best that they could. Our results included;

  • 4 Distinctions

  • 16 Credit

  • 9 Proficient

  • 5 Participation

We congratulate Lucy Gazzola in Year 4 who received the award of “Best in the School” and was placed in the top 4% in Australia.

Parent Support Meetings Term 4

Families of students on a Personalised Learning Plan, will be invited to attend PSG meetings in week 10. We have decided to postpone the PSG’s this term, to allow for the students to have more time on site to work on their goals from their PLP and it will also allow for their 2022 classroom teacher to attend the PSG alongside their 2021 classroom teacher. We believe that this will best support each student to be well prepared and supported as they transition into their new class for 2022. Information regarding the meetings, which will take place on 6-8 Dec, will be sent out shortly. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns prior to the PSG, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Clare Hicks

Deputy Principal

Around the School

Welcome Mr Stuart Andreou-Mill - Mr AM!

Hi everyone, I am thrilled to be joining the team at Our Lady’s in 2022. As an educator, I am passionate about student voice and agency and finding opportunities for experiential hands-on learning. I have a love for the outdoors and you will regularly find me on the golf course, travelling or hitting the slopes in winter. 

Social and Emotional Learning

Our Year 3 /4 students have created this art work as an expression of themselves from the outside and inside. One half of the face is what they see from the outside and the other half is about who they think they are... their strenghs and challenges.

Year 3/4 B - Self Portraits

Message from Book Club Coordinator - Somee Park


Dear OLPS families,

Book club issue 7 catalogues, which is this year's last issue, went out on Friday 5th and the order is due on Monday 15th. I sincerely wish you and your children enjoy going through this catalogue and finding fun books.I would like to offer my biggest thanks to all the families for supporting the book club this year. Despite going in and out of the lockdowns, we have had a wonderful year. Many books have been purchased through the book club, no doubt keeping children happy and many wonderful new books have been added to the school library with the credits earned from your orders.I have so much joy managing the book club and watching happy children with books. It has been such a privilege. Unfortunately for me, Leena is in year 6 next year and it is time to retire from this wonderful role. Book club needs a new coordinator next year. If you have enjoyed the book club and agree that this program helps children learn to love books, this is a job for you. It is really an easy and enjoyable job and would only take a couple of hours of your time each term. I will still be around to give you a hand as well. Please contact me if you are interested.

First come, first get.

Historically it has been a very popular job so I would hurry up if I were you. :-)

Thank you and best wishes.

Somee 0402 327 409

olwpbookclub@gmail.com

School Advisory Council - Terms of Reference

Download

School Advisory Council Nomination Form

Please complete the SAC Nomination Form and email it to aengellenner@olsurreyhills.catholic.edu.au
Download

Student Access to Viewing Television Content - Squid Game

I  have been made aware in the past fortnight of a number of children watching the television show, Squid Game, as accessed on Netflix.  I  highlight to parents the violent content and themes of the show and raise my concern in regards to primary school age children watching this series.  I understand that it is the right of all families to provide access to any viewing content for their children but I  wish to highlight that the  content of the Squid Game series may cause distress to students.

The show does carry a rating of MA15+ which indicates that it is not suitable for  children under the age 15. As parent myself, I would advise that you watch it for yourself before allowing your children to. 

How to set up Parental Locks on Netflix

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/how-to-set-parental-controls-on-netflix

Office of the e-Safety Comissioner

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents


 

Communication Channels

Student Wellbeing: To develop a whole school approach that will reinforce and strengthen positive, respectful relationships within the school community.

Support for Parents: Managing the Corona Coaster by Michael Carr- Gregg.

https://momentumfirst.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Managing-the-Coronacoaster-Fact-Sheet.pdf


It has been wonderful seeing all the students back onsite learning together.

Wellbeing is continuing as a major focus throughout our weeks back at school. This includes wellbeing check ins that occur in a variety of ways, formal SEL lessons, opportunities for student voice , the constant modelling of positive coping strategies and encouragement and guidance  in the development of respectful relationships. 

I have included below a link to a variety of wellbeing activities and conversation starters for parents of primary school-aged children that can be used at home but also link closely to the work we do at school. 

These activities cover six key elements that are important to wellbeing. There is also a focus on positive thinking ,gratitude and breathing exercises that promote calm.

Please note that the activities are broken down into 4 levels

Foundation

Year 1 and 2

Year 3 and 4 

Year 5 and 6

Parents-wellbeing-activities-primary.pdf

Enjoy spending some time exploring these activities with your family members.

Mrs Carissa Bright

Student Wellbeing Leader

Resilience Project

The staff are preparing for and looking forward to participating  in the Resilience Project in 2022.

The aim of this program is to teach positive mental health strategies to help people become happier and more resilient. 

Below is a link to TRP@HOME which is a  hub of activities and ideas to bring gratitude, empathy and mindfulness to day-to-day life: from kitchen table conversations, to bedtime stories and backyard expeditions.

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/


Religious Education:That staff develop their capacity to design and implement a Contemporary RE Curriculum

Sacrament of Confirmation 2021

Dear Parents,

With Melbourne’s gradual release from lockdown I am very pleased to let you know that our Churches will reopen from Saturday, 6 November.  During November, we are focussing on completing the Sacramental Masses for school-aged children. The Sacrament of Confirmation Mass for Year 6 students attending Our Lady’s Primary School will take place at 6.00 pm on Friday, 26 November at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, 301 Elgar Road, Surrey Hills. Numbers are strictly limited, and each candidate will be accompanied by their sponsor and may invite two guests (parent, grandparent, sibling). All those attending a place of worship are required to check in on arrival using the Victorian Services QR code, and anyone over the age of 16 years will need to provide evidence of full vaccination.  All those over the age of 12 years are required to wear a face mask indoors.  You will be notified of the latest Covid restrictions a few days prior to the celebration. I look forward to seeing you at the celebration of confirmation in the coming weeks. With best wishes, Fr Brendan Reed Parish Priest Camberwell, Balwyn Deepdene and Surrey Hills Wattle Park

Confirmation Reflection Day

The 6 year students are eagerly preparing for their upcoming Confirmation on Friday 26th November. Part of this preparation is the participation in a Confirmation Reflection Day which will be held next Thursday 18th November at OLPS.

On this day the students will have the opportunity to pray together, reflect on what Confirmation means to them through art and discussion, listen to staff speaking about their faith experience and participate in a rehearsal as a group.

 

To make this day even more special the students will be treated with an icy pole and are welcome to come to school in free dress 

A Prayer for our First Eucharist students.

Celebration of First Eucharist

"I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6, 35).

Preparation for the Sacraments is an exciting time in a child’s faith journey.

Throughout the children’s inquiry into the Sacraments they explore the communal and celebratory nature of the Eucharist. They examine the origins of the Eucharist in the Passover and the Last Supper. Children investigate the parts of the Mass and the symbols, signs and rituals. They are given the opportunity to consider the significance of the Mass in their own lives.

Let us make a “small step of love” as we pray for the children of Our Lady’s as they celebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist this Thursday evening:

Charlotte, Harry, Katy, Beau, Lenny, Daniel, Isabel, Lucy, Tom, Will, Ben, Ryan, Emmy, Luke, Marcelle, Bronte, Eddie, Zara, Maddie, Seb, Sam, Marco, Kelvin and Nikolas.

 “We choose love by taking small steps of love every time there is an opportunity. A smile, a handshake, a word of encouragement, a phone call, an embrace, a kind greeting, a gesture of support, a moment of attention, a helping hand, a visit, a financial contribution all these are little steps towards love. Each step is a candle burning in the night. It does not take the darkness away but it guides us through the darkness.” - Henri Nouwen

Let us continue to be a community that makes “small steps of love.”

Sacrament of First Eucharist - From the Parish

With Melbourne’s gradual release from lockdown Father Brendan and the Parish team are very pleased to reopen our Churches from Saturday, 6 November.  During November, we are focussing on completing the Sacramental Masses for school-aged children with the priority being those children whose Sacrament Ceremonies were previously cancelled.

 

Therefore, we would like to invite your child to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church on Thursday, 18 November at 6.00 pm.

 

Places of worship continue to be restricted by a density quotient and guests are limited to three per child.  In addition, all those attending a place of worship will be required to check in on arrival using the Victorian Services QR code, and anyone over the age of 16 years will need to provide evidence of full vaccination and wear a face mask indoors.  You will be notified of the latest Covid restrictions a few days prior to the celebration.

 

On the day of the celebration, we kindly ask the First Eucharist candidate and guests to arrive 30 minutes prior to the commencement of Mass.  There will be a rehearsal at that time for readers and those involved in the Liturgy and an opportunity to remind the candidates about the procedure for receiving the Eucharist.  Seating will not be allocated but we invite each family to occupy a pew, with the candidate sitting at the central aisle end.

  

A group photograph will be taken prior to the commencement of Mass.  The children will then be invited to walk to the back of the Church and process in with the priest.  Certificates will be distributed at the conclusion of Mass and a group photograph will be taken.  Parents and guests are more than welcome to take photographs at this time.

 Best Wishes,

 Nanette Giovannini

Parishes Sacramental Coordinator

 

P.E. News

Welcome Back

The whole school has begun a 4-week Baseball skills program with qualified baseball coach, Mr Rob Bowen from Melbourne Baseball club. Rob has shared with us that baseball lessons are free of charge at Surrey Park.

There are many teams welcoming new players now as a new season commences so if your child is enjoying baseball venture down to Surrey Park. Lesson one for the seniors and middle school was about learning how to pitch the ball correctly and how to hold the bat and hit the ball (off a tee) Rob commented our year 6 students picked up the skills quickly and will progress to more complex skills in their lesson including ‘live’ hitting and throwing.

Here are a few photos of the action.

What’s happening in the playground?

It’s so wonderful to wander around the school yard and see so many games going on, the friendly chatter and the smiling faces. Some games of choice at the moment are: cricket, 4 square, basketball, footy & the spinning top.

Annual Report to the Community

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Office News

School Fees

School fee statements will soon be sent to families today.  School fees can be paid by direct credit or B-Pay. If you pay your school fees by credit card, when you fill in your credit card details please include the CVC number on the back of the card.


Student Absences

If you child is going to be absent from school, it is your responsibility to inform the school via telephone call, skoolbag app notification or email.

Teachers do not check their emails after 8.45am as they are involved in the act of teaching or student supervision.

If you are notifying the school after 8.45am, could you please contact the office not individual class teachers. This will avoid the school needing to contact families.


Working With Children's Checks

There are in excess of 20 parents that no longer have current Working with Children's Checks. Please check your details and update if necessary. 

Parents and Friends Association

Join the PFA in 2022!

Parents & Friends Association (PFA) Class Representative

Thank you to our parents that have voluntered to be class reps this year. 

Prep: Lisa Grant, Kat Brosolo, Joanna Kelly

Year 1 /2 C: Kasia De Costa, Emma Ryan

Year 1 /2 L: Jess Campbell, Laura Edgcumbe

Year 3 /4 L: Rach Voshege, Melissa Pellegrini

Year 3 /4 N: Marjie Langford, Rach Glass

Year 3 /4 L: Emma Lynch, Elaine Hanlon

Year 5 /6 H&L : Daniela Greening, Cath Bergin, Steph Johnson

School Uniform Spartan School World

Our Lady's School Uniform can now be purchased direct from the supplier, Spartan School World in Mt Waverley. Orders can be made online or from the retail shop.

Spartan can deliver your order to your home or to school.

Our Lady's School Uniform can now be viewed online. Please click on the link below.

https://www.spartanschoolworld.com.au/collections/our-ladys-primary-school


If you have any queries, please email Krista on uniformshop@olsurreyhills.catholic.edu.au

Spartan Newsletter

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Uniform Policy

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Uniform Price List and Order Form

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Child Safety

All students attending Our Lady’s Primary School have the right to feel safe and be safe. The highest possible standard of care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school community.