Dear Parents,

This Friday, we warmly invite all families to join us for our Parents and Friends Welcome BBQ. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, build positive connections, and support one another as we transition into the new school year. Whether you are new to our school or returning, we hope this gathering fosters lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging. A big thank you to Steph and Claire for their planning and organisation- we really appreciate the time in making this special event happen. 

• 📅 Friday, 7 February, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

• 📍 North yard

• 🌭 Tasty sausages sizzling on the grill (plus ice cream and drinks available for purchase!)

• 🧺 BYO picnic basket if you prefer

• 🎶 Live music from "Max & 99" to get you grooving

• 👨‍🍳 Volunteer to be a grill master! Sign up via: volunteersignup.org/CE9T7

RSVP:

• ✅ Please RSVP Here by Wednesday 5 February.

This week's assembly the focus will be on commissioning our 2025 Year 6 School Leaders. Parents are welcome. Please note: there will be no awards at this assembly. Principal awards commence in Week 4.

Welcome New Preps

A big welcome to our new preps. They have already settled into their new environment so well. Below are some highlights from their first day at school.

P & F: First Meeting

This Tuesday 4 February (all welcome) at 6:45pm in the staffroom. We will be setting our agenda for 2025 events and looking forward to our 2026 Fete. Hope you can join us. 

Transition into a new school year

Settling into a new school year can be an exciting yet challenging time for both children and parents. Here are some tips for parents to help their children adjust and thrive:

Establish a Routine: 

• Set a consistent daily routine that includes a balance of homework, playtime, and relaxation. 

• Ensure your child gets enough sleep by enforcing a regular bedtime.

Open Communication: 

• Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns about the new school year.

• Stay involved in your child's school life by attending parent-teacher meetings and staying in touch with their teachers.

Encourage Independence: 

• Teach your child age-appropriate skills, such as organising their school bag, managing their chores, and completing homework independently.

• Foster a sense of responsibility by involving them in decision-making processes.

Stay Positive: 

• Maintain a positive attitude about the new school year, and express enthusiasm about the opportunities and experiences your child will have. 

• Remind your child that it's normal to feel a mix of emotions when starting something new.

Create a Homework-Friendly Environment: 

• Establish a quiet and organised space at home for homework and studying. 

• Set aside a specific time each day for homework and help create a routine that works for your child.

Promote Healthy Habits: 

• Encourage healthy eating habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks. 

• Emphasise the importance of physical activity and playtime to support overall well-being.

Build Social Skills: 

• Help your child develop social skills by arranging playdates or participating in school-related activities. 

• Teach them how to make friends and navigate social situations positively.

Monitor Screen Time: 

• Set reasonable limits on screen time, especially during school nights. 

• Encourage activities that promote creativity, learning, and social interaction.

Engage in School Activities:

• Participate in school events, such as school masses, parent-teacher conferences, PA (Parent Auxiliary) meetings, and school fundraisers.

• Volunteer for classroom activities, excursions, or special events (Sports Day) to actively contribute to your child's school community.

Be Patient: 

• Understand that the adjustment period may take some time. Be patient and supportive as your child settles into the new routine. 

• Stay engaged with their experiences, and address any concerns or challenges together.

• Remember that every child is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your child's individual needs and circumstances. 

• By providing support, encouragement and a positive environment, you can help your child navigate the new school year successfully.

Communication Processes

We pride ourselves in providing up to date and timely information to parents so they can be as organised as possible to support their children. Below are a list of some of the communication processes here at St.OPPS. Please ensure you are familiar and have access to these documents/platforms to stay as up to date as possible.

Termly Curriculum Overviews- At the beginning of each term parents will receive an overview of what the focus of learning is in core curriculum subjects and our specialist programs. Please look out for this because it provides you with an insight of what the children are learning at school. This will be made available via Compass by the end of Week Two.

Parent Information Booklet- Is an extensive document that provides parents with some insights and processes at our school. It is organised in an easy A-Z format and can be found on your compass app newsfeed. 

School Newsletter- Our school newsletter is published fortnightly on Mondays Week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. It is our primary source of information/ key events and dates. Our student awards are presented in the newsletter on Monday and if your child receives an award they will be presented with their certificate at assembly on Friday of that week. This gives parents a heads up in attending the assembly. Of course parents are welcome to all assemblies.

School Newsletter- via website

Compass- To assist with our communication processes please ensure your compass app has been loaded and is up to date on your mobile device so you can continue to receive important updates, excursion permissions and alerts as they arise during the school day.

Finally, whenever in doubt, myself and our approachable teaching staff who are scheduled on before and after school duty. If you have a query and are unsure please feel comfortable enough to approach myself or our staff. We will endeavour to provide as much clarification as possible to ensure you are fully informed.  You can also email your child's teacher, please refer to the parent information booklet for a full list of teacher emails and ensure you follow our email processes and expectations. 

Daily Timetable

The school day is broken up into three learning blocks; these are the times that the students are engaged in learning and are in class. We urge parents to please ensure children are present for these important learning sessions and that appointments are made outside of these times. 

Learning Block One: 8:50am - 10:50am.

Learning Block Two: 11:40pm - 1:40pm.

Learning Block Three: 2:30pm - 3:30pm.

8:35am: School Gates Open: No child should be at school prior to 8:35am. Students are dismissed at 3:3 pm. 

All children need to be picked up no later than 3:30pm.

 8.45am: Children line up at assembly points on the North yard.

 8.50am: Classes begin

10:50am: Eating time in classroom

11:00am: Break 1: Morning play

11:40pm: Children move into classroom

1:40pm: Eating time in classroom

1:50pm: Break 2: Afternoon play 

2.30pm: Children move into classroom

3.30pm: Dismissal- all children need to be collected promptly at this time

Please note: Playing on the Adventure Playgrounds are out of bounds before and after school.

Year 1-6 Meet & Greet- Parent Teacher Conferences

The first few weeks of a new school year are always an exciting and challenging time, where students meet and get to know new classmates. This is a significant period of transition for all students as they each cope in their own way and in their own time to the changes that have and are taking place around them. Therefore we have organised a Parent/Teacher Meet & Greet Conference for Tuesday 11 February between 1:30pm -6:30pm for students in Years 1-6. If you have any insights that need to be discussed with your child’s teacher prior to this date, please contact your child’s teacher directly. 

Staff Email addresses are available in the Parent Information Booklet. The Booklet will be available on your Compass Newsfeed by the end of this week. 

Bookings for these conferences will become available via the Compass Portal. When the booking system opens, this can be accessed via the 'Community Menu' (people icon) on Compass. More information to be provided closer to the date. 

Please Note: Our Prep families will have an opportunity to catch up with their child's teacher at the Wednesday Assessment Interview. Therefore, Tuesday 11 February will be an early finish for the students in Year 1-6. Please Note: Prep students will finish school at 3:30pm

Tuesday 11 February will be an early finish for Year 1-6 students only

What's on next fortnight

Mon 3 Feb:  Prep students all day

Tue 4 Feb:  Yr 1-6 Wellbeing Production - 'Being Brave' (2:15pm-3:15pm)

Tue 4 Feb:  P&F Meeting - Event Setup 6:45pm in staffroom (all welcome)

Wed 5 Feb:  Prep scheduled rest day

Wed 5 Feb:  Second Hand Uniform store open 8:35am-9:00am

Thur 6 Feb:  Second Hand Uniform store open 3:20pm-3:45pm

Thur 6 Feb:  School Crossing Program - Prep to Yr 2

Fri 7 Feb:  School Assembly 2:50pm - parent welcome

Fri 7 Feb:  First Aid in Schools Program - Prep to Yr 6

Fri 7 Feb: Welcome BBQ 5:30pm-7:30pm Northyard. 

Tue 11 Feb:  Meet n Greet Parent/Teacher Interviews- students finish 1pm

Wed 12 Feb:  Preps scheduled rest day

Wed 12 Feb:  Confirmation Parent Information Evening - 6:30pm

Thur 13 Feb:  Prep 2026 Open Day - 9:15am

Term 1

Assessment Interview Yr 1-6 Wednesday 29 January & Thursday 30 January

Yr Prep only begin Wednesday 29 January

Yr 1-6 Friday 31 January - Friday 4 April- 1pm dismissal for students

Term 2

Tuesday 22 April- Friday 4 July- 1pm dismissal for students

Term 3

Monday 21 July- Friday 19 September- 1pm dismissal for students

Term 4

Monday 6 October- Tuesday 16 December- 1pm dismissal for students

2025 Sacraments

Confirmation (Year 6)- Friday 21 March @ 5:30pm (Church)

First Eucharist (Year 4)- Sunday 25 May @ 3:30pm (Church)

Reconciliation (Year 3)- Wednesday 12 November @ 6:30pm (Church)

2025 School Closures

Friday 7 March: Professional Learning Day- No school for students

Monday 26 May: Professional Learning Day- No school for students

Monday 18 August: Professional Learning Day- No school for students

Friday 28 November: Professional Learning Day- No school for students

Public Holidays

Monday 10 March: Labour Day

Monday 21 April: Easter Monday

Friday 25 April: ANZAC Day

Monday 9 June: King's Birthday

Tuesday 4 November: Melbourne Cup

Time In Lieu Days

Monday 3 November: School Closure for staff and students 

2025 Parent/Teacher Conferences

 Tuesday 11 February: Meet n Greet- Parent/Teacher Conferences 1pm finish for students

Tuesday 6 May: Yr Prep- Six Parent/Teacher Progress Meeting - 1pm finish for students

Thursday 23 October: Parent/Teacher Progress Meeting- 1pm finish for students

2025 Celebrations of Learning

Term 1: Monday 31 March: Athletics Carnival

Term 2: Wednesday 18 June- 9-11am: Literacy Focus

Term 3: Wednesday 17 & 18 September: School Production

Term 4: Thursday 20 November- 9-11am- Mathematics Focus

2025 Year 5-6 Camp

Monday 12 May - Wednesday 14 May

Week 4

Tue 18 Feb:  SSV District Swimming Trials

Wed 19 Feb:  Preps scheduled rest day

Thurs 20 Feb:  Yr 6 excursion - Confirmation Retreat

Fri 21 Feb:  Yr 6 Interschool sports - St Oliver's vs St Paul's (home)

Fri 21 Feb:  School Assembly 2:50pm - parent welcome

Week 5

Wed 26 Feb:  Preps scheduled rest day

Thur 27 Feb:  Prep 2026 Twilight Information Evening and School Tour- 6:30pm

Fri 28 Feb:  Yr 6 Interschool sports - St Oliver's vs Coburg West (home)

Week 6

Mon 3 Mar:  Preps fulltime

Tue 4 Mar:  Shrove Tuesday - P&F Pancake Day 

Wed 5 Mar:  Ash Wednesday - Whole school mass 12pm- parents welcome

Thur 6 Mar:  School Assembly 2:50pm - parent welcome

Fri 7 Mar:  School Closure: Professional Learning - No school for students

Week 7

Mon 10 Mar:  School Closure: Labour Day - No school for students

Tue 11 Mar:  Prep 2026 Open Day - 9:15am

Wed 12 Mar:  NAPLAN Testing Window Opens for Year 3 & 5 students (schedule TBA)

Week 8

Wed 19 Mar:  SAC Meeting 7pm - members only

Thur 20 Mar:  School Photos

Fri 21 Mar:  Yr 6 Interschool sports - St Oliver's vs Pascoe Vale North (away)

Fri 21 Mar:  School Assembly 2:50pm - parent welcome

Fri 21 Mar:  Year 6 Confirmation - 5:30pm- Church

Week 9

Thur 27 Mar:  Multicultural Day- dress up in cultural dress.

Thur 27 Mar:  Year 2 Camp

Fri 28 Mar:  Yr 6 Interschool sports - St Oliver's vs Pascoe Vale (home)

Week 10

Mon 31 Mar:  Sports Day - whole school

Fri 4 Apr:  School Assembly 9:10am - parent welcome

Fri 4 Apr:  END OF TERM - 1pm finish

Key enrolment dates for Year 5 students in 2025 starting Year 7 in 2027- Current Year 4 Families

The timeline of events and dates is as follows:

− Applications for students starting Year 7 in 2027 will open on Tuesday 28 January 2025 and close on Friday 15 August 2025

− Offers will be posted to prospective Year 7 applicants on Friday 17 October 2025

− Parents/Guardians will be required to accept an offer from a school by Friday 7 November 2025.

Welcome to all our St.OPPS families.  We look forward to sharing an amazing 2025 with you all.  Please take a moment to read through the following information.

2025 Oval Permissions
We are looking forward to our students using the oval starting from next Monday 10 February (Week 3).  The oval is open during first lunch break to all Year 1 to Year 6 students.  Before a student can attend the oval, we require parental/guardian permission.  On occasion our Prep students will require permission to attend the oval for learning/excursion purposes.

Please find attached below the link to the digital oval permission form.  The form must be completed for each student from Prep to Year 6.  Due date: Friday, 7 February 2025.

Link: 2025 Oval Permission Form

Change of Clothes Pack
From time to time, our junior students may require a change of clothes throughout the school day.  We recommend parents pack a 'change of clothes pack' in their school bag.  This may consist of underwear and socks. Thank you.

Canteen News
Our school canteen will open for canteen sales this Thursday 6/2 and Friday 7/2.  The canteen will operate during second lunch break.  All items are $1 each.  Children can purchase the following items (please note that due to allergies, students are not allowed to share or purchase items for other students):

• Popcorn

• Tiny Teddies

• Vege Chips

• Quelch Icy Poles

• Smooze Icy Poles

School Library

We are excited to open our school library next week (Week 3).  Students have weekly access to our wonderful new library as a class cohort on specific days - your child's teacher will inform you of their library timetable.  As well as class time, students have the opportunity to use our library space during weekly lunch time clubs.

Sun Smart - School Hat Required 

As we begin Term 1 and the warmer summer weather continues, all students require a school hat for outdoor activities.  This includes lunch breaks, sports lessons and any activity outside the classroom. If your child doesn't have a school hat, please send another sun smart option until a school hat can be arranged.  Please make your child's hat is clearly labelled with their name.  Thank you for your help.

Carol Leone

Enrolment Officer & Admin
cleone@sopascoevale.catholic.edu.au

Katherine Darmanin
School Bursar & Admin
cathyd@sopascoevale.catholic.edu.au

Awards will begin from Week 4 and will be printed in Monday's newsletter. 

Please be on the look out for our child's name.           

From Week 4, two children from each class will receive awards for displaying the below dispositions in their learning.  They will receive their certificates at our fortnightly Friday Assembly that take place on even weeks Week  2, 4, 6, 8, 10 at 2:50pm.  Parents are welcome to attend our fortnightly assemblies.

Risk Taking Russ   Resilient Ruth   Self Motivated Sally   Reflective Rita   Persistent Pete  Curious Carter   Collaborative Cody  

Our School Community Notice Board acknowledges special Staff or School Family News. It allows us to be connected through prayer. If you have a particular event happening in your life e.g. birth or death and would like us to acknowledge this event please email me. We as a school community would love to offer prayers and thoughts to you during times of great joy or sadness.

principal@sopascoevale.catholic.edu.au