OLOG eNewsletter Term 1 Week 11

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

As we approach the end of Term 1, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work and commitment of our students and staff throughout these first months of the school year. Their enthusiasm for learning, kindness towards one another, dedication to their school community, student learning and wellbeing have been truly inspiring.

This term has been filled with many moments of celebration, where we have come together as a community to mark significant events and achievements.

As we look forward to the final days of Term, I encourage everyone to take time to reflect on the progress made and the friendships strengthened. A well-deserved break awaits before we return refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities of Term 2.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your ongoing commitment and support.

We are now making our way towards Easter - the most significant and sacred time in our Christian calendar. This week every year level has presented the events and meaning of Holy Week to the whole school.

Holy Week invites us to walk closely with Christ through his Passion, death and resurrection, a journey of love, sacrifice and hope. We warmly encourage all families to join the liturgies at Our Lady of Victories at Glenelg  Parish during this time. You will find our parishioners incredibly welcoming. These Holy Week services are among the most beautiful and moving of the entire year, offering a chance to reflect deeply and be renewed in faith.

Sports Day

Congratulations to everyone for a fantastic Sports Day at SHC Senior Oval last Friday. We were incredibly proud of the children for their efforts, participation, encouragement, and exemplary behaviour. It was also wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents coming out to support the children.

Sports Day is a significant event for students, offering them numerous opportunities to shine. I would like to acknowledge the meticulous planning and preparation led by our PE teacher, Mr. Mylonas. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to all the staff who ensured the students were well-prepared for the day.

A special congratulations to AZA House and House Leaders Lucy T. and Ben B. for their outstanding leadership, leading their House to victory in both the OLOG Sports Day and the OLOG Spirit Cup. What an achievement!

Lastly, congratulations to all House Leaders for their unwavering leadership and dedication.

Farewell and Welcome

This week, we bid farewell to Lachlan Ash, who is traveling to Europe to play cricket in England. We thank Lachlan for his dedication to student development and sports coordination, and we wish him every success in this wonderful opportunity.

We also say goodbye to Alicia Dimasi, who is taking time to complete her university studies. We appreciate and recognize Alicia’s contributions in supporting students across various classes.

We are pleased to welcome Sophie Thomas and Mia Watts to OLOG as ESO educators. They will be working alongside teachers to support students in their learning. Both Sophie and Mia are currently undertaking tertiary studies in teaching and already bring valuable understanding to their roles.

Wishing everyone you a restful and refreshing break and a Very Happy Easter. We look forward to seeing you all again next term.

School Board Information

The School Board AGM was held a few weeks ago, during which nominations for School Board members were completed. I would like to acknowledge the outgoing School Board Chairperson, Donna Stevens, for her leadership with OLOG and the School Board over the last six years. Your dedication and commitment to OLOG are truly valued..

School Board members:

School Board AGM was held a fortnight ago. The School Board AGM provides an overview of 

The School Board of OLOG operates in accordance with the guidelines established by the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools.

The Board's functions are to ensure that the school fulfils its responsibility for Catholic Education, to give leadership through broad policy development, and to administer finances.

Membership of the School Board consists of the Parish Priest, the Principal, eight elected parents, representative, a member of the Parent Community Group, a staff member and any appointed members as deemed necessary.

Please note below the 2025 School Board members:

Fr John Herd
Josette Charles- Principal
Troy Perriam- Chairperson
Shane Hume: Deputy Chairperson
Sarah Cooper- Finance Chair
Kelly Newbold- Finance
Pat Murphy- Parish Rep
Melanie Scott
Shane Heinrich
Steven Williams
Ben Clarence
Samantha Balangue
Kerri Rowell- Finanace Manager
Debbie Scuteri APRIM

Peace and Blessings
Josette Charles
School Principal

On behalf of our OLOG Community we congratulate Mrs Fraces Wren on the birth of her second daughter: Alannah.  Everyone is settling in well, and Erin is a very doting big sister. 

Project Compassion

Thank you for your generous contributions towards Project Compassion this term.

Today was the last day to make contributions.

Our Social Justice Leaders will be making the final counting of money raised and making the tally, which is placed on the Front Office Board.

We will let you know early next term the final amount raised for OLOG this year.

Holy Week Liturgies

As we approach the most sacred time in the Church’s year, Holy Week , our school community was invited to journey together through the final days of Jesus’ life, His passion, death and when we return in Term 2 His resurrection.

Throughout this week, our students have been engaging in liturgical celebrations that help them enter more deeply into the mystery of Easter. Through the Holy Week liturgies, we are reminded of Jesus’ immense love and sacrifice for all of us.

Easter is not just the culmination of Jesus’ journey, it is the beginning of new life and hope. The resurrection reminds us that even in times of suffering, God is always working to bring about new beginnings. It’s a message of hope that resonates not only in our faith but in everyday lives of our students and families.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, may this be a time of renewal for all of us, a chance to recommit ourselves to kindness, compassion, and the joy of the risen Christ.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter filled with peace, hope and joy.

Joy and Blessings,
Debbie Scuteri
APRIM / Inclusive Education Coo

The Strength Switch Parenting Course

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE

Stage 1 A Handover

Well this week has seen a hive of activity as our building partner Horizons put the finishing touches on our new ground floor multipurpose space to enable our access over the term break. Many of you will by now have had a glimpse into our newest space during drop off or pick up and like our other ground floor classes this new space has ample light, space, calming tones and well-appointed technology and storage.  Complete with classroom, meeting room and kitchenette this new space will support a multitude of uses. We look forward to moving into the space during the term break and celebrating the successful completion of Stage 1A, the first stage in our Master Plan. Students will also be pleased to return to the front play space in term two!

Concept planning is well under way toward our next Project, Stage 1B and we hope to share this with you soon in Term two.

Court Upgrade

We bid Farewell to Our Old Court, and welcome the installation of a New Court

Today, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our basketball and netball court. For over 15 years, this court has been the centre of epic matches, fun times and great memories. It has been a hub for competition, play, and creativity during recesses, lunches, and various school functions.

Our court has served us well but in more recent years it has begun to show signs of wear and tear, and is now at the end of its life. We are excited to announce that a brand-new synthetic grass court will be installed during the upcoming term break.

We eagerly anticipate the new basketball and netball court, which promises to be a fantastic addition to our school. It will undoubtedly become the new hub for sports and activities, fostering even more memorable moments for the OLOG Community.

And that's a wrap for Sports Day:

Term 1 Basketball - R/1 White: Jess Johnson (Coach)

Term 1 Basketball - R/1 Yellow: Nicholas Fahy (Coach)

The R-1 yellow basketball team finished the term strong with Axel Blight hitting the winning basket on the buzzer (13-12 vs Concordia/St Peter’s), Axel has been a stand out player for the team in term one.
The team’s skills have excelled since the first game and finished term 1 by stringing 4 straight wins together.
This term saw the year 1’s be joined by receptions Lilla, Lilah and Jonte who have all shown great improvement throughout the term.
A big shout out to Patrick Werchon and Theodore Williams scoring their first ever baskets this term.
Along with the baskets we’ve seen strong performances from the whole team throughout the season with special mentions to Isaac, Henry and Theodore’s great defensive efforts.Looking forward to terms two and three to continue to build on our skills and team play.

Do you require OSHC tomorrow (PUPIL FREE DAY) - Friday 11th April

Please refer to the attached flyers for information about booking a place on our Pupil Free Day on Friday 11th April 2025.

OSHC Pupil Free Day:  11th April 

A few dates upcoming in the library for you to write in your calendars.  
Wednesday 21^st of May – National Simultaneous Storytime. 

We’re excited to announce that our school will be participating in National Simultaneous Storytime again this year! This special event, where schools across Australia read the same book at the same time, celebrates the joy of reading and promotes literacy. This year’s book, Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell, is now available in the library for you to read along with your child.  

Runs Until 7^th of September – Premiers’ Reading Challenge 

The Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now underway and will run until 7th September. Forms have been given out by your child’s class teacher to help track reading progress at home, and spares are kept in the library. This is a great opportunity to encourage reading and celebrate the love of books as a family. Please encourage your child to finish all 12 books and hand their form into the library to help their class be the first class to finish the reading challenge at OLOG. 

Week 8 – Harmony Week 

Celebrate Harmony Week with us in Week 8! We’re focusing on diversity and inclusion, with exciting activities in the library for all students. Join us before school and during lunch for fun, creative events that celebrate different cultures and promote understanding. Don’t miss the chance to learn, share, and make new friends in a welcoming space! 

Library Opening Hours and Borrowing Times:

Our OLOG Library is open for families to read, return or borrow books from 8:30am every morning.  Lunchtime on Monday and Tuesday we also offer games and fun activities.
Class borrowing times are posted on the Library door, and please remember for our younger years - NO BAG, NO BORROWING.

P&F CAKE STALL- Thankyou to all of our P&F Volunteers for the valuable time and HUGE efforts on the cake stall last Friday.  We also thank our amazing OLOG Community for their wonedrful donations.

We are thrilled to announce that P&F has successfully raised an impressive $980.00

HOT CROSS BUN RECESS:  Thankyou to Meghan and Andrew who slaved over some hot ovens today to ensure students had a lovely warm hot cross bun for recess.  Thankyou to our parents and caregivers for your generosity in buying a hot cross bun.

MOTHER'S DAY STALL:  Shortly, orders will open via Qkr! to purchase a Mother's Day Gift Bag (max 2 per child).  Details to be released via Audiri in the coming days. 

QUIZ NIGHT: SATURDAY 28TH JUNE - Location TBA. 

If you are a business or know of a business who would like to donate prizes / gift vouchers / any type of prize we would love to hear from you. Prizes will be awarded to best dressed table and we are hoping to have a wine wall, plus plenty of prizes to be won on the night. 

Plesae contact Sara Cox scox@olog.catholic.edu.au if you are able to assist. 

Our Mission:

To support the school by organizing events and activities that enhance the school experience for students and families.
To raise funds for additional resources and opportunities that benefit the school community.
To provide a platform for parents and caregivers to engage with the school in a meaningful way.

How Can You Get Involved?

Attend our meetings and share your ideas
Volunteer at our events
Help with fundraising activities
Support other parents and families by being part of a welcoming community

We always welcome new members to join and contribute in any way they can. Every parent’s involvement, no matter how big or small, makes a significant difference!

Meetings:
Please check the school’s newsletter or our P&F social media for the upcoming dates (To be advised in our following newsletter). 

How to Join: If you're interested in being a part of the committee or would like more information, please contact us via scox@olog.catholic.edu.au. We would love to have you involved!

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

Please complete the Application for Exemption from School Enrolment/Attendance Form, which is available from the Front Office.

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.

Early Departure

Should any child need to leave the school grounds during school hours, students must be signed out at the Front Office by their parent/caregiver before leaving the school.