OLOG eNewsletter Term 4 Week 4

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

This week we welcome our newest Reception children and their families. The parent meeting on Monday evening was a wonderful opportunity for parents to hear about OLOG, the partnership and getting ready for transition and starting school. This is an exciting time as the children begin their Little OLOG Transition program.

Visit to OLOG by Minister for Education Mr Blair Boyer

Today OLOG and Student Voice Leaders Solara G, Jimmy N, Iyla G and Lewis M  welcomed the Minister for Education, Honorable Blair Boyer, Director of Catholic Education Dr Neil McGoran, Chairperson of South Australia Commission for Catholic Schools Mr John Neate, Executive Officer for Independent Schools Ms Anne Dunstan. Mr Blair Boyer chose OLOG to witness all the exciting learning and student engagement. He visited classes, spoke with students and children excitedly shared their joy of being a learner at OLOG.

Mr Blair Boyer announced Non Government Capital Grants. OLOG has been successful in being allocated a State Capital Grant, which will enable OLOG to build and create more learning spaces for students as well as breakout spaces for small learning groups.

We are grateful and acknowledge the support through the State Capital Grants to support our new development of classrooms for OLOG students and school community.

2025 Class Structures and Teaching Staff

As we prepare 2025 classes, I share with you the teaching staff for 2025.

Reception: Ms Michaela Sommers
Reception: Ms Sue Spicer/Ms Laura Girolamo
Year 1: Miss Megan Thomson
Year 1: Miss Alexis Malone
Year 2: Miss Monica Turci
Year 3/4: Mr Artiom Evans
Year 3/4:Ms Jen Edwards
Year 5: Ms Raewyn Macintosh
Year 6: Ms Eleanor Blight

Music/Performing Arts: Ms Ashley Pett
Japanese: Ms Mari Foody
PE/Sports Coordinator: Mr Theo Mylonas

We welcome Ms Jen Edwards to OLOG in 2025. Ms Edwards brings experience in teaching in a Catholic School and has been teaching at St Augustine’s for the last eight years. Ms Ahley Pett is excited about commencing at OLOG and has been teaching Music/Performance in primary schools for several years. Ms Pett is currently teaching at Grange PS.

Ms Lakeisha Grundy will conclude her teaching at OLOG at the end of the school year. Ms Lakeisha is looking to relocate further south. We will have the opportunity to thank and farewell Ms Lakeisha at the end of the year.

OLOG STAFF

Today teachers, educators and all staff are more than just educators; they are mentors, guides, sources of inspiration, counsellors, problem solvers and so much more. Each day, they step into the classroom ready to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning. Their enthusiasm is contagious, encouraging students to explore new ideas and take risks in their education. Whether it’s through engaging lessons, creative projects, or simply offering a listening ear, teachers help students discover their potential and pursue their passions.

Dedication is at the heart of what OLOG teachers and educators offer. They invest countless hours beyond the school day—preparing lessons, individualizing programs and attending professional development.  They are wonderful examples of lifelong learners, constantly developing and honing their skills and knowledge to respond to the ever-changing needs of the school environment, all to ensure that their students receive the best education possible. Their commitment extends beyond academics; they provide support in times of need, provide opportunities for student advocacy, they model positive relationships and interactions, demonstrating that they genuinely care about each student’s well-being and success.

Moreover, our OLOG teachers and educators play a vital role in our school community. They create an inclusive and nurturing environment where students feel valued and heard. By fostering strong relationships with students and collaborating with families, our teachers, educators and staff help build a supportive network that encourages growth and achievement.

Much of the work they do is behind the scenes, and it is in this space that I witness firsthand the value and importance of our OLOG teachers, educators and staff.   At OLOG our teachers, educators and staff continue to go above and beyond to ensure our OLOG community continues to thrive and that the students remain the centre of all we strive to achieve.  They work alongside one another, supporting each other as colleagues and peers and it is this, amongst a myriad of other things, that sets our staff apart.

Building Construction Begins

From tomorrow Friday 12:00pm,  the builders will begin to erect temporary fencing to commence building works for the multipurpose space. This will mean that the front area of the school opposite the Church will not be available for school activities as well as pedestrian access.

Detailed communication about changes during this construction phase has been sent to all parents today. If you have any questions about the drop off, pick up, OSHC access please contact the Front Office.

Peace and Blessings
Josette Charles
School Principal 

Term 4 Masses and Liturgies

Remembrance Day Liturgy: 11th November @ 10:50am

Year 3/4 Mass; The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 21st November @ 9:15am

End of Year Whole School Mass: 4th December @ 9:15am

Year 6 Graduation Liturgy: 10th December @ 6:00pm OLV (Our Lady of Victories Church- High St Glenelg) Please note the starting time of the Year 6 Graduation Liturgy has changed.

All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day is on November 1st each year. The origin of All Saints' Day can be traced back to the early Christian Church when it was established as a day to remember and celebrate the martyrs and other saints who had died for their faith. Over time, the scope of the holiday expanded to include martyrs and all faithful Christians who had lived righteous and holy lives. It is a day to recognize the saints' collective witness and express gratitude for their example.

Last Friday we celebrated All Saints Day with a Liturgy led by Year 1/2.

All Souls Day

All Souls Day is on November 2nd each year. All Souls Day also called the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed, observed primarily in the Catholic Church but also in certain Christian denominations.

November is traditionally a month of remembrance.

We will mark Remembrance Day with a liturgy in the church on Monday 11/11 at 10:50am to honour those who have died or suffered while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Glenelg Christmas Pageant

We are excited that OLOG is participating in the Glenelg Christmas pageant again this year on Sunday 24th November.

Please register your child/children via the E-Form on Audiri by Tuesday 12th November.

We would also like some adult helpers to walk with our group, please email me if you are able to help; dscuteri@olog.catholic.edu.au

We will continue with our Nativity theme of angels and shepherds. More information will follow to parents who register their child/children.

Carols on the Green

Save the date; Thursday 5th December. More information to follow.

Joy and Blessings
Debbie Scuteri
APRIM/Inclusive Education Coordinator

Virtual Visible Wellbeing Parent Evening with Professor Lea Waters

If you haven’t already registered and would like to click on the link below.

Date: Thursday November 7th, 2024
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Zoom Link: Please register via the following link: Meeting Registration - Zoom

Year 6 Canberra Educational Tour: A Journey Through Democracy and History

In Term 4, our Year 6 students embarked on an exciting and educational adventure to Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Over the course of this immersive 4-day tour, students not only explored some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks but also deepened their understanding of Australia’s democratic systems, history, and civic responsibilities.

A Deeper Understanding of Civic Responsibility

Throughout the tour, students were encouraged to reflect on their role in Australia’s democratic system. They discussed their rights and responsibilities as future voters and active citizens, gaining a clearer understanding of how their participation in democracy shapes the future of the nation.

The Canberra educational tour provided our Year 6 students with a unique opportunity to experience Australian history and democracy in action. By visiting key institutions, museums, and landmarks, students have gained a deeper appreciation for the history, values, and responsibilities that define our nation.

We are confident that the knowledge and experiences gained during this tour will leave a lasting impression on our students, equipping them to be informed, engaged, and responsible citizens in the future.

We would like to thank all the teachers and guides who helped make this educational experience possible. It was truly an unforgettable adventure, and one that will inspire our students for years to come.

CLICK HERE to read more about our amazing trip. 

Building with Bricks

Students from R-2 participated in the Building with Bricks STEM incursion. Students built robots and coded their movement with ipads. Lots of engaging fun while learning. 

OLOG ENTERPRISE DAY WEDNESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER

Further detials to be provided via AUDIRI shortly.

Stage 1A Construciton Letter to OLOG Community

Communication has now been sent out to our OLOG Community as this Friday we will start to see major changes happening around our school.
Please ensure you are familiar with the new drop off and pick up routine (Beadnall Tce Gate will now be closed for access). 

SACPSSA Athletics Carnival

Our children performed to a good level and tried hard all day. We came up against some very strong schools yet held our own and outperformed some large schools.

Students who excelled included Olivia Raymond who won her 400m, 800m and 1500m races and came third in the 100m to finish the day as Age Champion - an amazing result. Other high level performers included Scarlett B and Daisy R who medaled in most of their events.

A big thanks to all staff for the extra trials, extra training and time allowed to prepare for the event. 

Exciting Changes to Sports Day for 2025 and beyond!

We are thrilled to share some exciting updates regarding our Sports Day events for 2025 and beyond! After gathering valuable feedback from the most important voices—our children—and considering the insights shared by parents, we have decided to introduce some meaningful changes to ensure a more enjoyable and enriching experience for everyone involved.

What’s New?

Traditional Sports Day Focus for Years 3-6:
For our older students in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6, we will be returning to a more traditional Sports Day format. This will emphasise participation, skill development, and healthy competition, allowing the children to fine-tune and showcase their technical abilities in a range of traditional Athletics activities. This will also include year level relays, a parent event and a super relay.

Fun and Engaging Tabloid-Style Day for Receptions, Years 1 and 2:
Our younger children in Receptions, Years 1, and 2 will enjoy a shorter, fun-filled day with a tabloid-style format. This will include a variety of engaging and playful activities designed to introduce them to the joys of physical activity while keeping the day light-hearted and enjoyable.

Continuous Improvement

As always, we remain committed to refining our approach to Sports Day to meet the diverse needs of our students. We believe these changes will make the day more inclusive, enjoyable, and beneficial for all children, and we are excited to see them in action.

Sports Day Information

We have planned to have our Sports Day on the Friday of Week 10 in Term 1(awaiting final confirmation from Sacred Heart). Once again, we are very fortunate to be able to access the grounds at Sacred Heart College and we are very thankful for this. The initial plans for next year and beyond also include a food type service. If you or a family member know a company that does this, please make contact with us as soon as possible to explore our options.

If you have any further questions around this, please feel free to email me directly tmylonas@olog.catholic.edu.au or make a time to meet with me.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. 

Warm Regards, 

Mr Mylonas

SAVE THE DATE:  CAROLS ON THE GREEN: THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER

Classes have now received their colored tubs ready to be filled with plenty of goodies (in their allocated colour) to be raffled at our Annual Event - Carols on the Green.  Below is a list of the classes with their corresponding coloured tub:

REMS - Dark Blue
RESB - Light Pink 
REMT - Green
1/2 MT - Black
1/2 AM - Hot Pink 
3/4 RM - Grey / silver
3/4 LG - White 
5/6 EB - Light Blue
5/6 AE - Purple 

Reminder: If you are a business (or know of a business) and would like to donate a major prize, we would love to hear from you.  Please contact Sara Cox: scox@olog.catholic.edu.au 

Donations will close on Friday 29th November.
Shortly, we will also release raffle ticket purchase via the Qkr! App.  $10 / book of 10 tickets. 

We are also finalising food and drink options  on the night which will be availbale for purchase via Qkr! prior to the event. 

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO DONATE YOUR OLD UNIFORMS

Term 4 2024 will be the last term for the "old" uniform.  From Term 1 2025 students will be expected to be wearing the new style school uniform. 

In line with our sustainability and community values, we are proud to announce Our Lady of Grace School will donate any old uniform items to Ghana's First Women's Shelter.

We are also happy to take donations of backpacks, sneakers, and soccer boots!

We ask that all donations are clean and in good condition. 

Please bring your donations to the front office, and our P&F member Rebecca Thompson has offered to facilitate ensuring our donations are safely received in Ghana. 

Thankyou.
Sara Cox

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.