OLOG eNewsletter Term 2 Week 2

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

Welcome back to a new term. I hope the break was a chance to enjoy opportunities with the family. It was lovely to hear the children share the many varied activities that were able to be enjoyed throughout the break.

Last Wednesday we held our ANZAC Day liturgy to remember those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served in the Armed Forces. Thank you to Mrs Scuteri and the students who prepared a reflective liturgy. Classes prepared wreaths and were presented at the liturgy.

Staffing Update

We begin Term 2 with some staffing changes. Welcome to;

Mr Artiom Evans- Year 5/6

Mr Theo Mylonas- PE teacher

Mrs Eleanor Blight- Year 5/6 teacher commencing Week 7

Ms Amy Rossi- ESO Curriculum

Front Office Changes

Throughout the holiday break it is often a great opportunity to have tasks completed. The Front Admin Office has undergone some changes. The old canteen (was also previously the Front Office and Principal’s Office in the early 1980’s) has been refurbished to the Finance Office. The Uniform Shop has now been relocated in the Front Admin room.

School Tours

Last Saturday we hosted over forty parents who came to hear and see more about OLOG. Our Student Leaders assisted and led a number of parent groups, and they confidently shared all the amazing learning and activities that define OLOG. I proudly witnessed students describing OLOG where every student matters, how important is the OLOG Way, learning is exciting, teachers and staff care and always help us and the quality of the education where children are challenged and engage as well as the opportunities that are always available.

Thank you also to the Leadership Team: Mrs Scuteri and Mrs Brinkworth who answered many varied questions about learning at OLOG. Also, to Sara Cox for her incredible work with new parents and all the enrolment enquiries.

Catholic Education Week- Raising Hearts and Minds

Catholic Education Week is celebrated annually and is an opportunity to:

• celebrate the excellent teaching and learning that happens in our Catholic schools and OLOG every day

• reflect on and highlight what makes OLOG and Catholic schools so special

Over the last 70 years through the Dominican charism OLOG instils values of Truth compassion, study, integrity and service. It strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our school and in the wider community by challenging our young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society. 

OLOG will celebrate Catholic Education Week and raise hearts and minds. We have a Heart coin activity, School Tours, and Playgroup all in the week.

Mother’s Day

Our wonderful P&F ran the Mother’s Day stall with many excited children choosing their special gift for Mother’s Day.

We look forward to our Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday from 8:15am followed by a Mother’s Day liturgy led by Reception classes.

I would like to take this opportunity to say Happy Mother’s Day to all our Mums. I hope it is a fabulous day for you. We ask for God’s blessing on all women at this time.

Peace and Blessings

Josette Charles
Principal

Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Week is being celebrated in Catholic schools throughout South Australia from May 13-19, 2024 (Term 2 Week 3).

Next week is an opportunity to reflect on and share all the things that we love about Our Lady of Grace School and what makes our community special. 

Join us on social media next week in sharing Facebook posts about the reasons you love our school and being a part of our community, using the hashtag #LoveMeyCatholicSchool.

Following Catholic Education Week is Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26, with a focus on the theme ‘Seeds of Hope’.

Laudato Si’ Week began as a way to celebrate the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ world changing papal encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home”. Since then, the annual celebration has become a way for all Catholics to unite and rejoice in the progress we’ve made in bringing Laudato Si’ to life and to commit ourselves to further prayer and action for our common home.

We look forward to sharing photos and our Facebook posts with you.

Catholic Education Week – Who has the Biggest Heart?

We are participating in a “Coins in Hearts” collection event next Wednesday 15/5 at 2:00pm on the basketball court.

Each class will have a heart template and fill their heart with coins.

The class with the biggest heart will win a small prize.

All coins collected will be used to support the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, one of the five Catholic Charities.

The Aboriginal Catholic Ministry provides the indigenous community with counselling; a drop in service; work with street kids and outreach, visiting people in the streets, parks, hotels, in their own homes, in prison and in hospital. It also supports indigenous students attending catholic schools, cultural awareness programs, healing and referrals, liaison with state and charitable agencies.

Parents are welcome to come and join in the fun of the “Coins in Hearts” collection event!

Term 2 Masses

Year 3/4 Mass 30^th May @ 9:15am

Whole School Mass 6^th June @ 9:15am The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Year 5/6 Mass 27^th June @ 9:15am

Parent Visible Wellbeing Survey

OLOG has embarked on the journey of Visible Wellbeing.

The Visible Wellbeing approach aims to provide both students and staff with a psychological toolkit that allows them to lead flourishing lives where they are able to feel and function at their best. 

We would really love to collect some data around your understanding of wellbeing and are inviting parents and caregivers to complete a short survey using the link:

WELL-BEING SURVEY

We have extended the due by date for the survey and it would be greatly appreciated if you could spare some time to complete the survey by Friday 10th May.

Joy and Blessings

Debbie Scuteri
APRIM / Inclusive Ed Coordinator

OLOG UNIFORM POLICY

I would like to personally congratulate the Library Leaders who were appointed in Term 1. So far, they have been doing an amazing job with the putting away resources, coming up with expectations of behaviour in our library and even working on displays. I am looking forward to the many ideas I know they all have, and what this library leadership team will bring for the rest of the year.

Opening Hours

For those who aren’t already aware, the library is open from 8:30am Monday and Tuesday mornings as well as during the day for students. Please feel free to come in and say hi, read with your child/ren and escape that morning cold!

Premiers Reading Challenge

Just another reminder to keep on reading and finish the Premiers Reading Challenge for 2024. Spare Premier Reading Challenge forms are kept in the library. Once the form is completed, please hand in to either your classroom teacher or myself for safe keeping.

Book Club

This year, OLOG is bringing back Scholastic Book Club. Scholastic Book Club is a program designed for children to own their own books and encourage reading at home as well as at school. There are two catalogues issued each term, which will be given out in classrooms, and you can also find them online through LOOP.

National Simultaneous Read

On the 22^nd of May, Our Lady of Grace School is participating in the National Simultaneous Read. This is an exciting event where schools across Australia all read the same book at the same time. This year, the book chosen is ‘Bowerbird Blues’ by Aura Parker. If you would like to read this before the 22^nd, it is on display in our library. Whilst you’re in the library, you might want to help the bowerbird collect his blue things that have been hidden…

The Australian Music Education Board within the University of Adelaide have certified that the following students have successfully completed their Level 1 practical exams:

James Scollin
Poppy Willoughby
Reeva Modi
Shaan Ali

Desmond Yee has also been certified a successful completion of a Level 2 practical exam                         
A big congratulations to all of these students for their achievements!

Georgina Siasios
Piano Teacher

SAPSASA Netball Day

Our Lady of Grace School participated in the recent South West Netball Carnival, which took place on Tuesday, May 7th. It was a day filled with sunshine, camaraderie, and the thrill of competition, as our school showcased its netball talent.

The journey to the carnival was no small feat. Selection for the teams commenced back in week 1, with an impressive turnout of over 45 enthusiastic children vying for coveted spots on the Girls and Boys teams. The sheer dedication and passion exhibited by these young athletes from the get-go set a promising tone for what was to come.

On the day of the carnival, under the blazing sun, our girl's team demonstrated remarkable resilience and sportsmanship, engaging in intense battles on the court. Despite facing formidable opponents, they held their own, winning two hard-fought games and missing out on victory in three others. Their unwavering determination and commitment to improvement shone through with each match played.

Equally commendable was the performance of our boy's team, who faced similar challenges throughout the day. Amidst tough competition, they managed to secure a draw and a win, showcasing their evolving skills and teamwork with each passing game. Their progress, though steady, was undeniable, a testament to their dedication.

None of this would have been possible without the collective effort and support of everyone involved. We extend our gratitude to all the children who poured their hearts into representing our school with pride and sportsmanship. Your hard work and perseverance did not go unnoticed.

A special thank you goes out to Lachlan Ash for his invaluable contributions behind the scenes, ensuring that our teams were well-prepared and equipped for the challenges ahead. His dedication and passion for the sport have undoubtedly inspired our young athletes.

Last but certainly not least, we express our deepest appreciation to the parents who stood by us every step of the way, from coaching the Girls, watching on the sides to offering assistance wherever needed. Your unwavering support is the bedrock upon which our sporting community thrives.

As we reflect on the moments and lessons learned at the South West Netball Carnival, let us celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience that defines Our Lady of Grace School. Here's to many more victories, both on and off the court, as we continue to grow and excel together as a school community.

Term 2 Sports are almost underway but there is still time to nominate.

If your child would like to play the following sports please contact Lachlan Ash - Sports Coordinator: sports@olog.catholic.edu.au for further information. 

Netball - Years 3 - 6 
Aussie Rules Football
Basketball
Soccer -R - 3

Run Club

Over the Past 2 weeks students have been sweating it out in our early morning running training for the up coming SAPSASA Cross Country Event on Monday 13th May at West Beach.

Thankyou to Theo Mylanos and Lachlan Ash for running the training sessions. 

Goodluck to the team! 

Informing the school of absences

If your child is not going to be at school due to illness, or will be late due to an appointment, it is imperative that you inform the school by:

• Phoning the 24 hour student absentee phone number: 8177 9191 before 8.55am; or
• Completing the absentee form in the Audiri app; or
• By emailing the class teacher or olog@olog.catholic.edu.au

Advance Notice of Absence / absence of more than five (5) days

For advance notice of your child’s absence, please complete the Application for Exemption from School Enrolment/Attendance Form, which is available from the Front Office.

Unexplained absence

If a child is not present and the school has not received an absentee call or email by 9:30am, the office will contact parents (generally via text) to ascertain the student’s whereabouts.

If your child is late

If your child arrives after 8:55am, they will need to enter through the Front Office and be signed in manually by a parents/caregiver via the IPAD (Passtab), then go to the classroom. If this process is not followed and the student has been marked as absent, an automated text message will be generated.

Early Departure

Should any child need to leave the school grounds during school hours e.g. dental/doctor appointment, parental permission must be given. All students must be signed out at the Front Office by their parent/caregiver before leaving the school.

Hi everyone,

I am very excited to announce I have now started at Our Lady of Grace School as an Education Support Officer.

Stay Tuned to this space for when we announce the new OSHC Coordinator.