eNewsletter Term 3 Week 4

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Over the last fortnight OLOG has celebrated many special and significant days. We’ve had our  Feast Day, St Dominics Day followed by our whole school supporting the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal with our can drive. Green and Gold Day was another highlight where our students explored the many key sports and understanding of Olympics.

BULLYING NO WAY: National Week of Action

This week we are once again participating in the Bullying No Way: National week of action, 12 to 16 August 2024.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The new hero colour for the campaign is purple – symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour.

The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.

“Positive school climates that value diversity and inclusion can foster a sense of belonging and provide a protective factor against negative peer relationships and reduce bullying.” (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023).

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

During the week we will be engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. We encourage parents and carers to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with their child about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support. You can visit the Bullying No Way website for tips around how to have this discussion.

You can access the school’s bullying prevention policy to learn more about our process for preventing and responding to bullying.

If you have concerns that your child is being bullied, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance. If the matter is unresolved please contact the Leadership Team ( Mrs Debbie Scuteri APRIM, Sue Brinkwoth Leader of Learning and Josette Charles). We have a wrap-around-approach to combat bullying which originates with our OLOG Way “To show empathy, support, care, inclusion and respect” and is supported by our Religious Education Program, Child Protection Curriculum, Friendly Schools and Visible WellBeing, class lessons and Curriculum/Health lessons.

Community | Parent and Caregiver Survey- Living Learning Leading

You are invited to participate in a short 3-5 minute survey about OLOG’s performance across the areas of Catholic identity, Curriculum and Learning, Student Agency and Community Engagement Survey. 

This survey provides us with a perception snapshot of our entire Reception to Year 6 community, with surveys also being completed by our staff and Years 2-6 students. 

Survey answers are completely anonymous and individual answers will not be reported back to OLOG. The results will be analysed by National School Improvement Partnerships, and the data will be used to identify short- and longer-term improvement goals for Nazareth. 

How to complete the survey:

To get started, go to www.NSIPartnerships.com.au click on Start Questionnaire and enter the relevant access code: OLOGSGLLLP

Note: If you have more than 1 child attending OLOG, we ask that you complete the survey in consideration of your oldest enrolled child.
Please note:

• For each statement, rate how well you think OLOG is performing by providing a rating of 1 to 6 - 1 is the lowest or worst rating, and 6 is the highest or best rating.
• There are no right or wrong answers. Your opinion is what is valued and will be used for continuous improvement at OLOG.
• Please answer all questions.
• Some statements may be fairly similar to other statements. Don’t worry about this, simply give your opinion about all statements.

If you require more information or have any feedback, please contact the friendly team at LLL@NSIPartnerships.com.au.

If you would like support in completing this survey, please contact Front Office. 

Your time and consideration are appreciated.

Book Week and Book Week Parade

Reading and books are valued and an important part of OLOG. We celebrate Book Week with our Book Week Parade on Wednesday 21 August at 9:00am. Commencing at 9:00am on our basketball court, it will be a showcase of colour and flair as students and staff dress up as a myriad of book characters.  We look forward to seeing you all there.

P&F are hosting a coffee morning prior to the Book Week Parade from 8:45am from the Community space in the library.

Acting Principal Lisa McCormick

Welcome to Lisa McCormick, Acting Principal who commences at OLOG next Monday. Lisa brings a strong experience of Leading Catholic Schools and is looking forward to working with the OLOG Community over the next month whilst I am away on long service leave. I will be returning on Monday 16 September. I also thank the Leadership Team (Debbie Scuteri APRIM, Sue Brinkworth Leader of learning and Kerri Rowell- Finance Manager)for their immense support to myself and OLOG.

Catholic Schools Open Week 19 August-23 August

In support of Catholic School’s Open Week, we are holding Principal School Tours on Tuesday 20 August at 9:15am and 5:00pm. We have over 20 families who are looking forward to joining the School Tours. Our morning Tours are led with the Leadership Team and Student Voice Leaders.

Peace and Blessings

Josette Charles
School Principal

Good afternoon Parents and Caregivers,

 I am looking forward to meeting you when I begin next Monday.  It was clear from my visit last week and what I know about Our Lady of Grace, that there is a deep care and commitment to the OLOG Way and it’s story.

 Having worked in Catholic Schools over many years; over the last 3 years at McAuley Community School and now presently the Acting Principal at St Therese, Colonel Light Gardens, it is never lost on me the important decision you as families have made in choosing a Catholic school education and in particular Our Lady of Grace.  I am keen to get to know the children, continue the work of Josette Charles and the staff to foster a dynamic, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all the children.  My husband Brian and I live locally and hope to walk to and from school each day, which will be wonderful way to start and finish the day. 

Next week is shaping up to be very exciting – Catholic Schools Open Week and Book Week!

I can't wait to see you all next week.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Lisa McCormick
Acting Principal

MITIOG

The Made in The Image of God Sexuality and Respectful Relationships Curriculum (MITIOG), is the official program for sexuality and respectful relationships education in South Australian Catholic Schools for R-12. Each year our students engage with age-appropriate curriculum content regarding sexuality and respectful relationships through MITIOG. 

This will be taught from Weeks 6-10 (depending on year levels).

Teachers will send a brochure and a letter explaining what to expect to be taught at each year level for MITIOG via SeeSaw in Week 5.

There will be a Parent Information Session on Tuesday 27^th August (Week 6) at 9:00am in the Community Space in the Library if you would like more information.

Please register your attendance by email to dscuteri@olog.catholic.edu.au

Upcoming Term 3 Masses/Liturgies

• The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Year 3/4 Mass 16^th August @ 9:15am
• Father’s Day Whole School Liturgy; 30^th August @ 9:00am
• St Teresa of Calcutta “Mother Teresa”; Year 5/6EB Mass 5^th September @ 9:15am

Mary Mackillop Mass

Last Friday Year 5/6AE celebrated Mass for St Mary of the Cross Mackillop.

Mary worked with the poor and disadvantaged. St Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph established schools in Australia and New Zealand. Mary Mackillop was the first Australian to be declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.

We were reminded to try and be like Mary in our quest to help others.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal Can Drive Day

Living out our Dominican Pillar of Service, OLOG held a St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal Can Drive Day on Friday the 9^th August. The children brought in cans of food on the day and in House Teams made the first letter of their House name with the cans. The children needed to work collaboratively with their House Team members. The House Team with the biggest letter was the winner. The winner for this event was Sienna, making a large ‘S’ out of their team’s cans. The cans of food were donated to St Vincent de Paul. We donated approximately 230 cans of food. Thank you to everyone for your generosity to our appeal.

Catholic Schools Open Week

Next week is Catholic Schools Open Week (Week 5 August 19-August 25).

Catholic Schools Open Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what it means to be a part of a Catholic School Community.

Children will be participating in activities as well as using the Raising Hearts and Minds Prayer and Grace prayers before meals.

I have included the Raising Hearts and Minds Prayer as well as attached copies of the Grace prayers if you would like to use these before meals at home.

Charles Young Nursing Home Visit

Raising Hearts and Minds Prayer

 Loving God,

Guide us to know life in its fullness, to raise our hearts and minds to know God’s love.
Raise our hearts and minds to be inspired by Jesus, the Catholic faith and tradition.
Raise our hearts to be loving, compassionate and respectful.
Raise our minds to be inquisitive, capable and seek truth.
May we be aware of listening to the stirring of our hearts to prompt action.
Guide us to respond to the needs of others and all of God’s creation.
In all our thoughts, words and actions, help us to raise our hearts and minds in creating the world you desire.

Loving God hear our prayer

Amen

Sacramental Program Information Session

On 22^nd August OLOG is holding a Sacramental Information Session for parents who would like to find our more information about the Sacramental Program.
The Sacramental Program Information Session will be at 9:00am in the Community Space.
Father John and myself will be present and there will be a morning tea after the information session.

Could you please RSVP your attendance to this session via my email  dscuteri@olog.catholic.edu.au

Peace and Blessings
Debbie Scuteri
APRIM / Leader of Learning
 

We are excited to announce that our initial Master Plan Stage 1a Project has recently been granted development approval.

This project will see the refurbishment of our hall to achieve an additional classroom upstairs and the creation of a multipurpose space by infilling the under croft space underneath the hall. The addition of a flexible multipurpose space will provide OLOG with much needed additional facility to offer learning, specialist lessons, intervention and support spaces.

We anticipate construction to occur during term 4 and over the summer break with the aim to have our new spaces ready for the start of 2025.
We are also exploring our next project to follow this - Stage 1B which will see us transform our newly acquired space on Joan Avenue. 

We look forward to sharing more information as both projects progresses and thank all involved in helping to achieve this. 

There's Magic in the Air in the OLOG School Library. In celebration of Book Week which starts on Monday 19th August, the library has been very busy getting ready for our annual Book week Parade next Wednesday 21st August. 

On a beautiful, sunny winter’s day, our team of 12 enthusiastic students travelled to the CBC ovals to compete in the annual Cross Country event. The journey leading up to this day was marked by early morning training sessions where our students focused on building a strong fitness foundation. Through interval training, speed tests, and endurance exercises such as the Cooper's 12-minute run, our young athletes prepared diligently for the challenges ahead.

The competition was fierce, with around 80-100 children participating in each race. Despite the tough conditions, our students displayed remarkable resilience, determination, and a strong sense of the OLOG spirit. Each child gave their best effort and made our school proud with their performances.

We would like to highlight some outstanding achievements from the day. A special congratulations to Olivia Raymond for her incredible 4th place finish in the Year 5 Girls Division 1 race. Additionally, the Year 5 Division 2 team, consisting of Lucy Taylor, Lucy Raymond, Clara Floreani, and Layla Quirk, showcased tremendous effort and teamwork to secure a first-place victory in their combined race.

Our full team of dedicated runners included:

• Lucy Taylor
• Arlo Doak
• Layla Quirk
• Lucy Ryan
• Clara Floreani
• Daniel Johnson
• Edrielle Miro
• Finn Raymond
• Charlie Gilles
• Jackson Ferres
• James Newbold
• Hugo Dowling

We are incredibly proud of each and every student for their hard work and commitment. Their determination and sportsmanship truly embodied the values of our school community.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement of our young athletes. We look forward to more opportunities to celebrate their achievements in the future. 

SAPSASA Basketball 2024

All games were played at the Basketball Centre in Wayville, creating an exciting atmosphere for our young athletes. Here’s a recap of the thrilling matches our teams participated in:

Girls Team

The Girls team started the competition with great promise, securing a big win against North Adelaide. However, they encountered tough opponents in Littlehampton and Blackforest. In their final two games, they narrowly lost to Goodwood and North Adelaide.

A special thanks to all the parents who attended and supported the team, Mrs. Cristofol for her dedicated coaching, and Mrs. Quirk for her on-court assistance, especially in helping our brave little Emilia with her dislocated finger.

Boys Team

The Boys team played against Athelstone, North Adelaide, Littlehampton, and Blackforest, winning all their games convincingly. In the final match, they had a hard-fought, narrow victory against Goodwood, which allowed them to progress to the finals day in October.

A big thank you to Mr. Black, who coached the boys throughout the day, and to all the parents who came to support our children.

We look forward to more exciting matches in the finals!

Regards

Mr Ash and Mr Mylonas

On Wednesday 14th August, students slurped their way through Chicken and Beef Noodle Cups. A very special thankyou to our P&F Committee for volunteering their time to serve our students a delicious lunch.
Next Wednesday 21st August: P&F will be opening the community kitchen for tea / coffee between 9:00am - 9:30am whilst you watch the bookweek parade. 
SAVE THE DATE:
Friday 6th September the P&F will be hosting the annual School Disco at Sacred Heart College, Marcellin Campus.  Stay tuned to Audiri for further information. 

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.