9 - 28th March, 2024 - Term 1, Week 9

Principal's News

Dear Families,

We have reached the end of our school term and although it was only nine weeks, it has been action-packed! Well done to all of our students for their hard work throughout the term and to our teachers for their dedication to their student’s learning. It’s now time for families to hopefully have a rest and recharge in preparation for the coming term, which has eleven weeks. For now, I wish you all a safe and peaceful Easter and a wonderful break. Amongst the excitement of Easter Eggs and family gatherings, I do hope you are able to take the time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter, when Jesus died and rose for us.

At our Easter Liturgy today we were led through the events of Holy Thursday by the Grade Five students. Today marks the first day of three days leading to Jesus rising from the dead. Mr. Breewel spoke about the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and compared it to our lives today and the sacrifices that others make to ensure a good life for those they love. Our students read and sang beautifully and the liturgy was a lovely eay to end our term.

This morning we drew our Easter raffle in front of some very excited students! Thanks to the generosity of our school families, we had more than forty prizes to be won. I think it’s fair to say that there were some very happy children by the end of the raffle! A big thank you goes to everyone who donated prizes and bought tickets in the raffle – approximately $2200.00 was raised for our school, which will go toward resources to benefit our students. Our students also raised $525.10 for Project Compassion – this is an amazing effort, as a great deal of the money came from the boxes that our students took home. We have some wonderful students and families who are truly living out the gospel values of caring for others and giving to the poor. Well done!

Term Two begins for students on TUESDAY, 16^TH APRIL. Staff will return the day before, when we will take part in professional development about Restorative Practice. This learning will contribute to the restructure of our Behaviour Management Procedure, which we would like to be more reflective of our diverse student group and their individual needs. The program promotes restorative approaches to wrongdoing and behaviour management, and the positive education practices that support those restorative approaches. We are looking forward to seeing where this journey takes us and will keep our families informed as we go.

When we return next term, students will have a week or so to transition into wearing winter uniform. The holdiays are a good chance to make sure that you have all items ready to go for the winter season. The polar fleece jackets that I wrote about in last week's newsletter will not be available until late Jubne, unfortunately. Apparently there has been a hold up with the material. There are still plenty of windcheaters available and if you ar really stuck, come and have a look through the lost property, where there are an abundance of un-named jumpers!

Again, have a great Easter and enjoy the beautiful weather! We will see you all again in two weeks!

Narelle Gallagher

Pupil Free Day - 15th April

Staff will be taking part in Professional Development on Monday 15th April.  Students return on Tuesday, 16th April.

OLSH School Calendar

Religious Education News

Sacrament of Confirmation (Grade 3 and above): We have some children in the process of making their sacrament of First Confirmation next term. Please keep Violet Dimasi, Morgan Dowling, Isaac Lohmeyer and Jacinta Wagner in your prayers as they prepare for this special occasion on their faith journey. 

The  celebration dates are as follows: Friday 17th May, Saturday 18th May and Sunday 19th May.

Project Compassion: Project Compassion is now completed and we would like to thank all OLSH families for participating in this great cause. The money raised will go towards helping those in need around the world. All money can be returned to school at the beginning of Term Two if you haven’t already done so. 

Altar Servers Guild: The parish is founding an Altar Servers Guild to provide practical training and ongoing formation to Guild members. The Guild will meet weekly during school terms. If you are interested in joining the Guild and becoming an altar server visit www.sunraysiacatholic.org/altar-servers or call the parish office on 5021 2872.

Easter: Easter is the holiest time of the Church year. During this time we remember the sacrifice Jesus made and we rejoice in Him coming into our lives again. Easter and Lent are a great time to reconnect with God through Prayer, Almsgiving (donating to those in need) and Fasting. 

From all the staff at OLSH, we would like to wish all families a Happy Easter and may God bless you during this special time.

Learning and Teaching

It has been a big term for both staff and students in the area of Learning and Teaching. We have implemented Structured Literacy and are making adjustments as we learn. It is high-paced, and students are adapting well, with important learning taking place. We have also completed the first round of DIBELS tests for this year. This has proven to be important for tracking all students and their development.  Grades 3 and 5 also participated in the NAPLAN Assessments.

This week, teachers learned of another new development as part of the Sunlit project (the methodology we are using to implement Structured Literacy) called Knowledge Organisers. These are designed to help students keep track of the content they are learning and help them store it in their long-term memory.

Happy Easter,

Adam Lawrence

Mother's Day Liturgy & Morning Tea

We will be celebrating our OLSH mums with a Liturgy on Friday, 10th May 2024 at 9.15 am. Following the Liturgy in the church we will join the students in the classroom for activities and then head over to the Multipurpose room for Morning Tea. 

We would love to see you all there and we are asking you to r.s.v.p. by the 3rd May so we can organise the food and activies.

ANZAC Day

Merbein RSL is holding the annual Anzac Day March on 25th April 2024, and we would like to see OLSH students and families attend.  The day commences at 8.45 am, with the March to commence at 9.00 am from Merbein RSL Rooms (116 Commercial Street). We will march to the Kenny Park Memorial Gates where a short Remembrance Service and Wreath Laying will be held, followed by the remainder of the service at the Band Rotunda in Kenny Park.   At the conclusion of the service, you are welcome to attend morning tea and light refreshments at Merbein RSL Rooms. 

Cross Country

OLSH Cross Country: Our annual Cross Country event will be held on Tuesday April 23rd 2024 beginning at 9:15am. This will take place at Kenny Park Oval. The children will be separated into their age groups (not classes) and will race either a 1 km, 2 km or 3 km race. All families are welcome to attend and cheer the children on.  We will need some parental assistance on the day to marshall children around the track. If you are available, please contact Michael Breewel at the school. 

District Cross Country: The District Cross Country event is for children aged 9 years and above who perform well at our Cross Country race. They will be selected on their times and will represent OLSH against children from other schools. 

The District Cross Country will take place on Thursday May 2nd 2024 at the Aero Ovals. Notes outlining the information will be given to children who are selected. This will happen in Term Two.

Enrolment at OLSH

The link below will take you to our website where you are able to fill out the online enrolment form.  To finalise the application you will need to upload your child's Birth Certificate and Immunisation Record. 

If you have any questions please call the school or email admin@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

OLSH School Leaders Profiles

Ryder Goldsmith - Sports Captain

Hello, my name is Ryder Goldsmith.  I like playing Blox trio TS on my xbox and I also like motorbike riding and fishing and I am the Macauley's Sports Captain for 2024.  I like Star Wars and The Mandolarian TV series.

Cosimo Dimasi - Student Leader

Hello, my name is Cosi.  I am proud to be one of your Grade 6 Student Leaders.  I can't wait to work with you all.  I look forward to the year ahead.  Thank you for this opportunity.  I hope I can do you all proud.

SchoolTV

In this edition of SchoolTV - ANXIETY

Most young people today experience anxiety at some point in their life. Sometimes that slight rush of anxiety that occurs prior to an exam or sporting event, can enhance their performance. However, experiencing too much anxiety, over long periods of time, can be extremely damaging to their health and wellbeing. There is a difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ anxiety.

Statistics show, that the psychological health of young people today is far worse than it was a generation ago. This is having an adverse affect on children in both primary and secondary levels. Some of their issues of concern include stress, school, study, body image and friendship.

Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of ‘bad’ anxiety. There are preventative measures parents can implement as well as teaching kids the skills to cope more efficiently with their anxiety.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Anxiety edition of SchoolTV
https://olshmerbein.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/youth-anxiety

Happy Birthday

We wish the following students a Happy Birthday:

• Dixie Canning - 9th April - 10 yrs

• Max Petty - 9th April - 12 yrs

• Mason Milkeraitis - 12th April - 11 yrs

• Lexi Paley - 15th April - 11 yrs

Prep News

Well done Preps on completing your first term of school! It’s such a big term for students and parents! Everyone has made fantastic improvements, socially and academically. Thanks to everyone for making sure everything was ready each day and for all your support. Enjoy the holidays!

Reading- Please remember to keep reading. Extra books will be sent home on Thursday to read over the holidays. Please encourage your child to read during the next 2 weeks. Reading material could be a magazine, a book from home or even a book from the town library.

Hats- Students will bring home their school hats today. These will need to be washed and returned to school at the start of Term Two.

Holiday Homework- Yesterday students took home a pack of activities that can be completed over the holidays. 

Show and Tell- A note went home yesterday with the Holiday Homework. Week One Show and Tell topic will be ‘Something from the holidays’.

Grade 1 News

And just like that, Term 1 is over! This Term has been very busy and has flown by. All of the students should be proud of their efforts with a fantastic transition from Prep to Grade One. 

I hope everyone enjoys the Easter break and come back ready and refreshed for Term Two!

Grade 2 News

This week we have been learning about the Easter Story, starting with Palm Sunday and finishing with Easter Sunday. I wonder if students can recount any of these events with parents at home?

This week we have also watched the movie version of 'James and the Giant Peach' and have discussed some similarities and differences between the story and movie. 

Have a great Easter and see you all next term!

Lisa

Grade 3 & 4 News

A snap shot of what has been happening this week .

This week we spent time learning about Holy Week. A visit to the church to study the Stations of the Cross really helped to reinforce what actually happened during this time long, long ago.

On Monday we had our termly STEM day. The learning intention was to build a rocket that could travel 10 metres. The students came up with some very creative ideas however, not too many made it over the 10 metre finish line!

In Term Two GRADE 3/4P will have their Sport lesson with Mrs Phelan on Tuesdays. Students must wear their sport uniform on this day, not Monday. Thanks for your cooperation.

We hope that everyone has a relaxing Easter break and we look forward to working with you all again in two weeks time! Happy Easter!

Julie and Adam

A snap shot of what has been happening this week .

Grade Five News

• What a fabulous end to a busy and successful term. On Wednesday students enjoyed hunting for eggs and receiving a special chocolate treat from the Easter Bunny. It was a lot of fun!
• As part of our learning about Holy Week, students have spent some time visiting the Church and looking at the artwork depicting the Stations of the Cross. Today they worked together to present the Easter Liturgy. Students helped with prayers, artwork, singing with the choir and acting the Gospel. They really are an amazing group of children!
• Finally, I'd like to wish you all a peaceful and restful Easter holiday. May this time be filled with simple joys, laughter, and precious moments shared with loved ones. Enjoy the break and create beautiful memories together. Happy Easter!"

Grade Six News

• Wishing everyone a Happy Easter! Enjoy the holidays, stay safe and eat too much chocolate. 

General News

School Advisory Council Members:

Thel O’Shea, Hannah Mills, Grant Finlayson, Courtney Portaro, Amy Cupper, Sandra Hammet, Lana Borchard, Adam Lawrence (Staff Rep) & Narelle Gallagher (Principal). Our first meeting for the year is on March 5th.

SIMON Everywhere App

This can be downloaded from either the Google Play Store or the Apple Store.  The app has been updated earlier this year and an email was sent out to parents.  If you are having issues with logging in, can you please contact Mia in the office. 

Student Medical Profile

Medical Profile: Please make sure that the school has been notified of any changes that have been made to your child’s Medical Profile on PAM and to also include this on the pink Parental Authority and Consent Form each year. 

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT TO MAKE OLSH AWARE OF ANY CHANGES.

Parent Notified Absence

If your child is unwell and will be absent from school, you are able to complete a Parent Notified Absence (PNA) on the SIMON Everywhere App or Parent Access Module (PAM) which will automatically notify the teacher and a text message will not be sent.

Newsletters

These are distributed every Friday on SIMON Everywhere and the OLSH Website. Please contact us if at any time you have any queries or require any further explanation about events, dates etc. Any items for the newsletter are asked to be handed in at the office by 9.00am on Friday.

Attendance & Sign in

A reminder to parents that the school needs to be notified of a student absence by 10 am on the day.  This can be done by calling the school office or by using SIMON Everywhere or sending an email to admin@olsmerbein.catholic.edu.au.

Second Hand Uniform

Please contact the school if you require any second hand uniform.