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