Dear Parents, Carers, and Friends of OLPS,

It has been a truly positive start to the school year and I thank all of our staff, parents, and children for embracing the many events that have taken place over the past two weeks. The beginning of the year has provided us with the opportunity to re-establish relationships as a community,  and for the teachers to reaffirm expectations regarding student behaviour so we can create learning environments that are safe, welcoming, and focused on achieving excellence for all.

It has been noted by various members of our community, how settled the children are and how peaceful the school is. Starting learning time that little earlier has resulted in more productive focus by the students, a greater readiness for learning, and a gentle and calm way to begin the school day.

Engaging with our parent community is a really important part of our work and research will tell us that when parents and teachers work together students are more likely to experience success at school. We value your feedback and insight into your children and encourage you to continue to engage in respectful dialogue with us. Our most recent Information Evening was an example of how we come together in support of our students. I am very grateful to one of our parents for taking the time to email the following feedback;

Thank you to everyone involved in the info evening last night.  More than anything it gave me a really great sense for the people teaching and nurturing my child, how things come to life in the classroom, and how the team works together.

I had come from a huge junior school parent information evening at a private school a couple of days before and the contrast couldn't be starker.  You guys didn't use big buzz words (although I absolutely know that you are working hard to educate yourself about best practices, do further training etc all the time), a load of fancy slides, or prepared speeches (but the 3/4 presentation was very smooth, I have to say, but very genuine!).  I felt that what you said, you put into action and - as I said, it's human beings being there for other human beings to their absolute best capacity, not a machinery in action (sorry, don't mean to be bagging other schools).

Thank you again and I look forward to a great year for everyone!

A grateful parent

Congratulations

Congratulations to our Swim Team on a very successful carnival on Friday. The organisation that goes into such events should not be underestimated and I take this opportunity to acknowledge the passion and commitment of Mrs. Jane James in her role as P.E. teacher. Not only were the swimming trials a huge success but our Thursday Running Club has begun with loads of enthusiasm. A very big thank you to all the parents and carers that come along and help out at these events. Everyone is always welcome!

This morning I had the great pride & pleasure to attend the recognition ceremony for the class of 2022 at Siena.

Siena College.

Congratulations to Sophie Schlesinger, Sophie Gazzola, Abby Herring, Heidi May, Alannah McCarthy, and Lily McPherson, four Our Lady's girls ( class of 2016) who were recognized for ATAR in the top 10% of the state,  two of the girls achieved results in the top 5%. We are very proud of your effort and achievement and wish you the very best for what lies ahead.

Mobile Phones and Internet Enabled Devices Policy

Mobile phones and electronic devices such as smartwatches are a part of modern society and Our Lady's Primary school understands that some students may possess mobile phones or smartwatches.

In line with our Mobile Phone Policy, students are discouraged from bringing mobile phones, smart watches or other electronic devices to school, on excursions, or on school camps. 

 Please note the following:

• Use of mobile phones by students during school hours is NOT permitted. Smartwatches that have the ability to make or receive calls and take photographs are NOT permitted to be used by students at school.

• Parents are able to contact their children by calling the school phone number 9898 7655. If necessary, students can contact parents from the office phone if urgent.

• Smartphones, smartwatches, notification alerts, and location settings must be switched off at school and handed into the office at the start of the day. Phones and smartwatches are not to be used to call home in an emergency. This is the duty of the school. Phones and smartwatches are not to be used to call home in the event of a mishap at school or because belongings have been forgotten etc. Parents will be informed by the school of any events that have impacted their child. 

• Phones and smartwatches are not to be used in the classroom, playground or incursion/excursion for any of the following purposes; check text messages, access games, the internet, images, the camera, or videos. Such devices will be collected and stored safely during the school day. Devices can be collected by the students at the completion of the school day.

• If you believe your child should be exempt from handing their device in for storage due to a health condition - diabetes management etc, I invite you to contact me.

Communication

Our fortnightly newsletter is our main source of communication. In our newsletter, you can read about the learning that the children are doing throughout the term, see photos of student work and achievement, be made aware of important dates, and locate information that can provide you with some parenting support if needed. Please take the time to read it.

‘Real Life’ Sexuality Program - Begins this week!

The ‘Real Life’ Sexuality Program commences this week at OLPS.  This very well-regarded program about human sexuality and respectful relationships, commences with an information night for parents of students from all year levels P-6. We urge you to attend this session (all sessions are online) as the program will be explained in detail and any questions you may have will be answered by Sue Pain, the consultant delivering the program

Please see below for the night that is relevant for you and the zoom link you require to join the meeting. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jane James at jjames@olsurreyhills.catholic.edu.au

Parent Information Night (adults only) Parents of all level students P-6 are invited.

Our Lady's Parent information

Wednesday, February 22nd · 7:00 – 8:00pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/onq-hsos-aef

Family Evening

Family - (Parent/s or carers & child/ren) years 3 & 4

Wednesday, March 8 · 6:30 – 7:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jqy-zymt-jyo

Family Evening

Family (Parent/s or carers & child/ren)- years 1 & 2

Wednesday, March 1 · 6:30 – 7:30pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ipt-ipzs-rwg

Playgroup comes to OLPS!

I am very excited to announce that we will be starting a Playgroup at OLPS on  Friday mornings. The commencement date is still yet to be confirmed as we are waiting for the confirmation of the application with Playgroup Victoria. Our Playgroup will provide the opportunity for members of our local community to come together in support of one another and come to know our school.

Another exciting initiative is that from March 2nd - The kinder group from Explorers will be visiting our school and using the library. I am very excited to be partnering with our local pre-schools in this way. If you would be interested in assisting with the marketing of our school, I welcome you to contact me. 

Open Days

Open Days tours will take place on - 

• Wednesday 1st March -  Tours 9 am, 10 am, 4 pm, 5 pm 

• Thursday 16th March -  Tours 9 am, 10 am, 4 pm, 5 pm

• Saturday 25th March -    Tours 9 am, 9.45  am, 10.30 am 

• Tuesday 28th March -     Tours 9 am, 10 am, 4 pm, 5 pm 

Mowing Roster.....A message from Chris Gazzola

Special thanks to the dads who gave up their time last year and over Summer to keep our schoolyard and lawns presenting beautifully!

We currently have 30 -odd dads on the mowing roster doing an amazing job but would welcome another dozen or so.  It's no more than a 90min session twice a year with a few other dads to keep the school looking great.

Please call/text Chris Gazzola on 0411 221 475 if you can help out.

CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSION FUND (CSEF) 

Just a reminder that families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply for a Vic Govt CSEF payment of $125 per year for eligible primary school students. Payments are made directly to the school and are tied to the student to attend activities like school camps, swimming, excursions and school-organised sport programs etc. 

Download the application form here 

Wishing you all a wonderful week,

Annie Engellenner

Principal