OLR News Term 2 Week 6 2024
Principal's Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope your weekend has been great.
Congratulations to the children who celebrated their First Communion on Saturday night or Sunday morning. They were beautiful celebrations of this part of their faith journey.
Thank you to the parents who were able to join us for the PCN meeting last week. It’s always great to have the opportunity to meet with you. The minutes with all we discussed will be sent out soon.
Our Year 6 debating team is competing against St Cecilia’s Wyong tomorrow (Monday) and we wish them well. We know they will make us proud regardless of the outcome.
Our faith is the foundation of all we do at OLR and celebrating Mass together as a whole school is an important part of that. On Friday we will celebrate the beautiful feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This feast is centred on the infinite love Jesus has for us, his people. The Mass will be at the OLR Parish Church at 10am. Please join us if you are able.
Have a fabulous week.
Kind regards
Yvette
Upcoming Staff Development Day!
Sorry Day & Reconcilation Week
Sorry Day
Last week in Yarn Up, some of the children made a poster for our Sorry Day Liturgy that was held last Monday. Dring the week we listened to the Sorry Day story online. After the story, we had a Yarning Circle and talked about the meaning and significance of this Day.
This is one of my favourite parts of this role, listening to our kids, their perspectives, and letting them have a voice!
Sending love to all our families that have been affected by past histories in this country!
Reconciliation Week
This week we have been participating in Reconciliation Week activities across the school and in class. The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.
Jodie
OLR Aboriginal Education Worker
Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal
We are thrilled to announce that our Mini Vinnies are launching their Winter Appeal! This heartfelt initiative aims to provide essential warmth and comfort to those in need during the chilly months ahead. We are seeking donations of blankets, warm clothing, and non-perishable food items.
Join us in supporting this wonderful cause and help ensure that everyone in our community can experience a warmer, brighter winter. Your generosity and participation can make a world of difference!
If donating blankets and sheets we kindly ask that they are new or in good clean condition. Thank you.
Office News
Early Pick Up Permission
If your child is being collected by someone other than a parent, it is a requirement that a parent calls or emails the office to give permission. Parents will need to provide the name of the person collecting their child. We ask that you do not send this to the class teacher via SeeSaw as they may not see it until after school.
Emergency Contacts & Change of Routine information
Please note that the Emergency Contact we have for your child is for the school to use in an emergency if we can't contact the parents/guardian. Emergency Contacts do not have permission to collect your child during school hours.
If your child is being collected early by someone other than parent/guardian, or has a change of routine after school, please contact the school office to notify us of this. Do not send a message to the teacher via Seesaw re these changes as they may be away or not see it as they are teaching. The Office staff will not allow collection of a child until we have confirmed this with a parent/guardian.
Medication at School - A reminder that Request to Administer Medication forms need to be completed each year. If your child had the completed form in 2023, you are covered for a short time, but please have the doctor complete this asap.
If your child has never had medication at school but now needs to do so, please have the attached form completed, signed and stamped by the doctor and bring the medication to the school office in the original container. This includes prescription medication as well as over the counter meds (pharmacists can complete this form for puffers and over the counter meds. Without this completed form, we are unable to have the medication on site (please do not put medications in your child's bag for them to take).
Long Jetty Urgent Care Service
Parent Engagement Update
PCN Suggestion Box
We understand the importance of open communication within our community. That's why our Parent Community Network group has placed a locked suggestion box in the office foyer. The box is designed to be a safe space for you to share your thoughts. You can choose to remain anonymous or include your name and contact details if you wish to be contacted. Please know that all messages placed in the suggestion box will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Colleen Smith, our Parent Engagement Coordinator, will carefully review each message and ensure that it is directed to the appropriate person or group, whether it's the Principal, Teacher, PCN matter, or Counselor. We want everyone, including children, to feel comfortable sharing their suggestions or concerns. Your input is valuable to us, and we appreciate your participation.
The suggestion box is intended for sharing ideas and feedback. If you have a complaint or an issue that needs attention, please know that we are here to help. You can find the steps to resolve any concerns in the attached brochure.
We look forward to hearing from parents and students to contribute ideas to our community.
Cuppa and Chat is back! Starting Thursday 13 June.
Join Colleen Smith, our Parent Engagement Coordinator, for a warm and welcoming gathering every Thursday morning at 9:30am starting 13 June to 4 July. We'll be meeting at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Centre (hall) at 239-243 The Entrance Road, The Entrance, right next to the church with convenient parking available behind the church. This is a space for all parents, carers, and grandparents, where we come together to connect and support one another. Sometimes we might engage in activities like book covering or crafting, but it's also a chance to chat about school life, the Catholic faith, or the Sacraments with Colleen. Please feel free to bring your little ones along, and do bring activities to keep them entertained. We understand the challenges of balancing parenting and community engagement, and we're here to make this gathering as inclusive and supportive as possible. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Our Catholic Faith eBooklet
As a parent or carer of a student at a Catholic school, you will hear your child talk about things like ‘Pancake Tuesday’ and ‘the sign of the Cross’ and ‘Mass’ and ‘Lent’ and ‘Advent’, and you may be invited to attend liturgies such as Mass and other events at the school. If you’re not Catholic or you’re Catholic but are not practising or you don’t really know much about it, you may be nervous about attending events at the school because you’re not sure about what to do during Mass or how to pray.
This booklet is an easy-to-read guide that explains some Catholic beliefs and traditions. You might hear your children talk about their religious education. You may also be invited to Catholic events during the school year and this booklet gives you the information you may need to be a more active part of your child’s faith journey.
If you have any questions that may arise from this booklet or other questions about the Catholic faith, please reach out to me and I will happily answer (or find the answer) your question. Email me at colleen.smith1@dbb.catholic.edu.au or phone the school to speak with me.
Download the booklet here. ccsp_our_catholic_faith_handbook.pdf (schoolzineplus.com)
Canteen News!
PCN Update and Walkathon
We need you!
The PCN Walkathon is coming up soon and we’d love your help!
Who: Students, teachers, and staff of OLR, with the support of our amazing volunteers!
What: The OLR PCN Walkathon.
When: Friday 14th June 2024.
Where: The event will start and finish at the silver seats at OLR.
Why: To raise awareness of the importance of road safety, while promoting health, safety, wellbeing, and physical activity.
How: We can’t do it without you!
Details
Start:
- Year 3 to Year 6 will commence at 11:00am following their recess break.
- Kindergarten to Year 2 will commence at 11:40am following their recess break.
- Each class will depart at staggered intervals two minutes apart, with start line marshals sending each class off at their allocated times.
End:
- On their return, students will receive a Zooper Dooper in recognition of their efforts.
- Families are invited to bring along a picnic lunch to share with their children at the conclusion of the event.
- Students may go home with families following the picnic after notifying their teacher, or back to class for the afternoon.
Please note:
- Students are to wear their sports uniform, apply sunscreen, and bring their hat and water bottle.
- The canteen will be closed on the day, so please ensure children bring their recess to eat at recess break, and lunch or picnic to eat following the event.
- There is no cost to families for this event.
- Please check that you have signed your child’s permission slip in Compass titled ‘2024 Local Area Walks and Church Visit Permission’.
Volunteers
“How can I help?”! I hear you ask. In many ways!
To run a safe, successful, and enjoyable event, we’d love your help with the following jobs:
- Event Decorators (Prep)*: Can you identify client design goals? Do you possess a desire to create memorable and aesthetically pleasing designs for events? Are you willing to start your day early to bring visions to life? Must be willing to travel. Decorations will be provided but creativity is encouraged.
*After decorating duties are completed, you may progress to other roles if desired. - Start/Finish Line Marshals (Marshal): Do you have strong organisational skills? Ability to manage small groups according to tight timelines? Thrive on schedules, keeping things moving on time, or perhaps enjoy being a tiny bit bossy? This might be the perfect fit for you! Microphone, bell, or whistle will be provided, as will a clipboard and maybe even a texta or highlighter!
- Hydration Station Managers (Water): Do you like working independently? Able to work under minimal supervision? Enjoy working outdoors and meeting new people? Must have own transport. Table, chairs and water dispensers will be provided.
- Activity Support Workers (Walker): Do you enjoy working with children? Have a commitment to safety and caring for others? Able to work under supervision and direction of a teacher? Enjoy physical activity? You may be just the person we need!
- Event Support Assistant (Floater): Are you committed to making a difference in any way you can? Enjoy working collaboratively? Happy to offer your services wherever support is required? Do you love a new challenge and enjoy variety in your day? Adapt to new and/or changing situations quickly? We’d love to hear from you!
If any of the above positions appeal to you, please register your interest via this link: Walkathon Volunteer Form
While all efforts will be made to accommodate your requests, we hope you understand that, due to circumstances beyond our control, alternative arrangements may need to be negotiated.
Important information for volunteers:
- You must register as a volunteer at the link above to assist on the day.
- For safety and compliance reasons, no additional unregistered people will be allowed to walk with classes.
- To ensure the safety of students, we would prefer that you do not bring any younger siblings along on the walk.
- If not previously filled out, you will need to complete the CSBB Contractor & Volunteer Engagement Form.
PCN Meeting
Thank you to all who attended our Week 5 meeting last Wednesday. We truly appreciate your support.
Contact
If you have any questions or require further information about the Walkathon or any other issues, please email olrpcn@gmail.com.
Have a wonderful week,
Jenny, Ericka, and the PCN Team
Key Dates
Term 2, Week 6
Monday 3rd June~ Awards Assembly in the hall @2.20pm (Infants)
~ Year 6 Debating @ St Cecilia's
Friday 7th June ~ We will be celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart with a whole school Mass at 10am at our Parish Church at The Entrance. You are warmly invited to join us.
Term 2, Week 7
Monday 10th June ~ Public Holiday
Tuesday 11th June ~ Staff Development Day
Thursday 13th June ~ Cuppa and Chat morning @ the parish 9am! All welcome.
Friday 14th June ~ PCN Walkathon