OLR News Term 1 Week 2 2024!
Principal's Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
We hope you and your children are settling into the new school year well. I know the teachers are enjoying getting to know their new students.
We have included some important reminders below, which were sent on Compass throughout the week. There is always a lot of new information at the beginning of the year, so we wanted to ensure you are across any key changes and dates.
Please also see below an update from our Parent Engagement Coordinator Colleen.
A reminder about our Opening School Mass this Friday the 16th February. We warmly invite all families to join us for this occasion. Mass commences at 9.30am at Our Lady of the Rosary Church the Entrance. All students will travel by bus to and from the mass.
Wishing you all a great week ahead.
Kind regards
Yvette Owens
Principal
Parent Engagement Update
Welcome to Term 1, I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and managed to have some special family time together. There are so many things happening this term, we have events at school and at the parish. The list of events and information is below,
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacramental Programme starts with Reconciliation for children in year 4 and above. The Information and Enrolment evening is on Tuesday 13 February 2024, 7:00pm at the Parish Centre, 239-243 The Entrance Road, The Entrance. If you are unable to attend this evening you will need to contact the Parish Office to make an appointment with a member of the Sacramental Team. (see flyer for more information).
There has been information about the programme emailed to families who had children make their Confirmation last year, information is also on the school's Facebook Year 3 & 4 pages and All Parents page. Hard copies of the Sacramental Programme flyers are available from the school and Parish or click on the link for more information 2024 Sacramental Program Dates (mailchi.mp)
All inquiries regarding the Sacramental Programme should be directed to the Parish Office.
Triple P Parenting Programme
Central Coast Family Support Services will be holding a Triple P Parenting Programme over 5 Thursday mornings starting Thursday 29 February 2024.
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is suitable for parents and carers with children aged 0-12 years, expecting parents are also welcome.
The program teaches parents how to use effective strategies to promote their children’s development and deal with common behaviour and developmental challenges, encouraging children to realise their potential.
Bookings are ESSENTIAL and spaces are limited. To book for this 5-week course click on this link
For more details visit www.ccfss.org.au or call 4340 1585
Junior Altar Server Training
We invite your child to embark on a rewarding and enriching journey by becoming a Junior Altar Server in our parish. This is an opportunity to actively contribute to our worship community, fostering spiritual growth and forming lasting friendships.
As a Junior Altar Server, you'll play a vital role in our liturgical celebrations, learning the sacred rituals and traditions that make our parish unique. This experience not only deepens your understanding of the Mass but also allows you to develop leadership skills, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.
We welcome you to embrace this chance to contribute to the spiritual life of our parish. Your enthusiasm and dedication will undoubtedly enrich our worship experience, and we look forward to welcoming you into the cherished tradition of altar service.
If your child is interested in becoming an Altar Server and is in year 4 or above, the parish will be running training sessions over 4 Saturdays commencing on Saturday 2 March through to and including 23 March. Sessions will start at 4pm and then the children will practice what they learn at the 5pm Vigil Mass. Training will be by our Seminarian, Rosan Mathew. Please direct all inquiries to the Parish Office to the attention of Rosan Mathew email: rosan.mathew@bbcatholic.org.au
Take the first step toward a meaningful and fulfilling journey – become a Junior Altar Server!
Emerging Minds Newsletter
Emerging Minds Families is here to help your family through life’s more challenging times.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find information on:
- bullying and child mental health
- understanding your child’s experience of anxiety
- talking to your child about your mental illness
- how to find the right health professional
- why connection and belonging are important
- 16 tips to support your child’s recovery after a flood
- what a school counsellor does; and
- where to follow us on social media for our latest podcast episodes, news, and information.
PCN News
SAVE THE DATE: PCN Meeting #1 2024! Wednesday 6th March!
We warmly invite all parents and carers to join us for our first PCN meeting for the year.
Last year was a wonderful year for the PCN with many events thorughout the year and lots of new and old faces dedicating there time to our school community.
The meeting will be held at school (also option to zoom) on Wednesday 6th March at 6pm.
We hope many of you are able to join us as we discuss and plan for the year ahead.
PCN Suggestion Box
Our Parent Community Network group has placed a locked suggestion box in the office foyer. The box is locked and private so input can either be anonymous or you can include your name and contact details if you would like to be contacted.
Messages placed in the suggestion box will be confidential and will be triaged by our Parent Engagement Coordinator, Colleen Smith who will direct the suggestion to the appropriate person/group eg, Principal, Teacher, PCN matter, Counsellor, etc.
We welcome children to have input into this box if they have any suggestions or concerns.
We look forward to hearing from parents and students to contribute ideas to our community.
Important Reminders
Parent Information Sessions
We will be holding K-6 Parent Information Sessions on Tuesday evening, the 13th of February. These sessions will be an opportunity to meet your child's teacher and to get key information about the year ahead.
There will be two session times - the second session will be a repeat of the first. If you are unable to attend, your child's teacher will send home an information sheet.
Session 1: 4-4:45pm
Session 2: 5-5:45pm
Location for each grade -
Kindergarten: KB
Year 1: 1G
Year 2: 2B/2G
Year 3: 3R
Year 4: 4B/4G
Year 5: 5B
Year 6: 6B
A reminder to please complete the student information sheet for your child and return to their class teacher as soon as possible. Getting to know your child is really important in building a genuine relationship with them. Please see attached.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Staff Development Days 2024
Please find attached the scheduled staff development days for 2024. As part of the Towards 2025 Strategic Plan, the Diocese is heavily focused on Student Achievement and Faith Development. To support this, as well as the implementation on the new NSW Curriculum, there will be three system-wide curriculum reform days designated this year, aimed at achieving these goals. Additionally, there will be a Staff Spirituality Day and a system-wide Towards 2025 Strategy Development Day.
We would like to emphasise the importance of these days in ensuring that our staff members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide the best education possible for your children.
As of now, we are still awaiting confirmation for one more Staff Development Day date, and we will communicate that date with you as soon as it is confirmed. Thank you for your continued support in our mission to provide the highest quality education for your children.
Important Qkr! Update and Pancake Tuesday
Due to the amount of children, high levels of orders and recess now being at an earlier time we have had to review the cut off time for daily orders on Qkr! The new time is 8.30am, all orders for that day must be placed before this time, to receive a recess or lunch order that day. This new time will be in affect from Thursday 8th February 2024.
During Lent, we will be offering Fish Burgers on the lunch menu on a Friday.
Shrove Tuesday is 13th Feb. Pancakes can be purchased for recess. Cash only on the day. $3 for 1 or $6 for 2. Various toppings available. There will also be a Gluten Free option. I am still looking for helpers on Tuesday to serve pancakes 9.45-11.30am, let me know if you help out. There will be no other recess orders available on this day.