37 - 8th November, 2024 - Term 4, Week 5
- Principal's News
- Links:
- Religious Education News
- 2025 Paperwork
- Major Raffle
- Christmas Hampers
- School Magazine
- 2025 Prep Transition & Tea R.S.V.P.
- Happy Birthday
- Student of the Week - no awards due to the short week!
- Managing Overwhelm
- Prep News
- Grade 1 News
- Grade 2 News
- Grade 3 & 4 News
- Grade 5 News
- Grade 6 News
- General News
Principal's News
Dear Families,
This week we have had a child in Grade Four diagnosed with Whooping Cough. This is very contagious, and certain procedures must be followed before students return to school.
Any affected child must be excluded for 21 days after the onset of the cough or until they have completed a five day course of antibiotics.
Please be aware that the cough can persist for 100 days.
Hopefully we will not have any other cases, but if your child has had a cough that is persisting, it might be worth mentioning to your GP. Children who have been immunised for Whooping Cough are still able to contract it.
The week has flown after our longer weekend, but our three days at school have been busy! Another Transition Day was held yesterday, and our new group of future Preps were very settled and keen to take part in all activities on their second visit to school. When they headed home at lunchtime, there were some happy (but tired!) children. A bonus for everyone was that, after a long wait, our playground finally had the fence removed and the students were able to enjoy a good play on it! There was a huge amount of excitement, with one student commenting that all his dreams had finally come true! I think all classes had the opportunity to get out onto the new structure at some point during the day, and it was great to see them all enjoying themselves.
Remembrance Day starts our week on Monday, and as we do each year, students and staff will be walking to the gates at Kenny Park to take part in the local 11.00am remembrance ceremony. Students have been learning about Remembrance Day this week and are encouraged to wear a poppy on the day. Taking part in the ceremony is our way of showing support for those who fought and died for Australia in war, especially those from our local area. Please take a minute to pause in remembrance at 11.00am if you are able.
Next week is also Mission Week at OLSH and the focus will be on raising money for Catholic Missions and awareness of those in our society and world who are suffering from lack of housing, food, education and assistance with everyday tasks that we sometimes take for granted. The week will be busy, with the main event being the Colour Run on Tuesday. Wednesday will see everyone showing off their crazy hair and socks (gold coin donation), Thursday will be our liturgy in the church and Friday our class activities at lunchtime. Please keep some coins handy to donate during the week.
Please note: On Tuesday for the Colour Run, students can come to school dressed in their white clothes ready for the run. It might be a good idea to pack another shirt (like their sports shirt) in case your child wants to get changed after the run is completed.
This week and next, all teachers will be conducting the DIBELS assessment with their students. This is part of our Structured Literacy journey, and the same tests were done earlier in the year. There has been some amazing improvement by students since their last assessments across all year levels so far, and we feel this is in part reflective of the Structured Literacy program, along with many of the literacy interventions that are in place at OLSH. We are very proud of our students and their dedication to their learning!
Thanks to those who have returned their packet of paperwork for 2025 already. This is much appreciated! We would like to have these in to the office by Monday at the latest.
Have a great weekend!
Narelle Gallagher
Links:
Enrolments at OLSH:
OLSH Calendar:
Religious Education News
Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Grade 2 & above)
Sacrament Masses: Wednesday 27th November 2024 at 6 or 7pm at Sacred Heart Church. Forms have been sent home to families with children making their First Reconciliation. Please fill these out and return them the parish office.
Please keep the following children making their first reconciliation in your thoughts and prayers: Anastasia Cory, Ivie Mazza, Layla Portaro, Charlotte Primarano
Grade Six Graduation Mass: will be held on Monday December 16th at 9:15am. Everyone is welcome to attend. More information will be available closer to the date.
MISSION WEEK AT OLSH
Colour Run - Tuesday November 12th
A flyer with more information regarding the Colour Run is below.
Crazy Hair/Sock Day - Wednesday November 13th
Children can come to school with crazy hair and/or wear crazy socks and donate with a gold coin donation.
Mission Liturgy - Thursday November 14th
This will be at 12.45pm in the Church. All welcome.
Mission Activities - Friday November 15th
Children will participate in various activities organised by all the classes for coin donations. There are lots of prizes to be won.
The class activities are listed below:
Grade Prep: Coin Line (class with the longest line made of coins wins the prize)
Grade One: Guess the Lollies in the Jar (person who can guess the correct number of lollies in the jar wins the jar of lollies)
Grade Two: Pick a Stick (Each stick has a prize on it)
Grade 3/4L: Money Slide (Money is slid across a table and try to land in a specific area to win the prize)
Grade 3/4P: Lucky Number (For $1 students select a number for a chance to win $50)
Grade 5: Sponge Throw (students throw wet sponges at different people (including teachers).
Sweet Stall: Lollies for sale for a coin donation
Grade 6: Magnetic Dartboard (students throw magnetic darts for a chance to win prizes.
* All money raise will be donated to Catholic Missions to help those less fortunate, so please dig deep and reach out and help others.
Thanks to all families for their continued support.
2025 Paperwork
Paperwork for 2025 was sent home with an assortment of forms required for next year. We are asking for these to be returned by Monday, 11th November to assist us with a smooth transition into the 2025 school year. If you have any questions can you please call the office on 50252258.
Major Raffle
Tickets are due back by the 22nd November!
All families should now have their raffle tickets. The draw will coincide with our End of Year Concert. We have been able to once again provide fantastic prizes thanks to our wonderful sponsors.
The best way to show our appreciation to the sponsors is by selling the tickets. We expect that every family sells at least one whole book (20 tickets). More books are available from the office if you would like to sell more.
Christmas Hampers
For our Christmas Raffle we are asking for donations of groceries to put together a number of Christmas Hampers. Each grade has been allocated different items to bring to ensure we have a good variety. There will be a basket in each classroom to place the donated items in. The following is a list of food suggestions to donate which will be put together to make up the hampers for each class (no home brand products, thank you):
| Grade Prep | Bon Bons, Shortbread, Plum Puddings, Serviettes, Decorations, Plastic Plates, Christmas Wrap, etc. |
| Grade 1 | Cereal, Dried Fruit, Muesli Bars, Foil, Gladwrap, Lunch Bags, Freezer Bags, Jelly, Lollies, etc. |
| Grade 2 | Soft Drinks, Long Life Milk, Fruit Juices, Cordial, Fruit Boxes, Topping, etc. |
| Grade 3 / 4 L | Pasta, Rice, Flour, Coffee, Teabags, Milo, Cake Mixes, Sugar, etc. |
| Grade 3 / 4 P | Potato Chips, Dry Biscuits, Sweet Biscuits, Popcorn, Cup of Noodles, Pretzels, etc. |
| Grade 5 | Pudding Mixes, Ice-Cream Cones, Long Life Custard, Desserts, Coconut, Custard Powder, etc. |
| Grade 6 | Canned foods e.g.: Fruits, Tomatoes, Corn, Soups, Spaghetti, Baked Beans, Tuna, Beetroot, Sauces, etc. |
School Magazine
Magazine orders are included in your Family Fee payment so if this has been finalised then you will automatically receive one at the end of the school year. If you would like extra copies you will have to purchase them separately for $20.00 each. Please let the school office know by the 15th November.
Please note that if your fees are not finalised you will not receive a magazine.
2025 Prep Transition & Tea R.S.V.P.
*Wednesday 20th November 9.00 – 3.25pm (Play lunch & lunch will be required)
Monday 2nd December 9.00 – 3.25pm (Play lunch & lunch will be required)
Tuesday 3rd December 9.00 – 3.25pm (Play lunch & lunch will be required)
*We are also planning to have a Prep Tea on the evening of Wednesday, November 20th. More information about this will be sent out at a later date.
Happy Birthday
We wish the following students a Happy Birthday in the coming week:
Violet Dimasi - 14th November - 9 yrs
Matilda Field - 14th November - 12 yrs
Cleo Page - 14th November - 6 yrs
Levi Davis - 17th November - 10 yrs
Student of the Week - no awards due to the short week!
| Class: | Awarded to: | For: |
| Grade Prep: | ||
| Grade 1: | ||
| Grade 2 : | ||
| Grade 3 / 4 L: | ||
| Grade 3 / 4 P: | ||
| Grade 5: | ||
| Grade 6: |
Managing Overwhelm
Prep News
We have lots of activities happening before the end of the year. Please make sure you read the newsletter carefully and take notice of the events that are coming up.
Mission Week: Is next week and we have different activities happening each day. Please read below so you know what is coming up.
The Colour Run is on Tuesday and students need to come dressed ready for the event. Students can wear crazy socks and hair on Wednesday with their uniform (gold coin donation) and will neeed loose change (gold and silver coins) on Friday to spend on the Mission Day activities. Please have this money in a named purse or ziplock bag on Friday. Students can hand this to me on Friday morning (or earlier in the week) so that we can keep it safe before the stalls are open. We will talk about the different activities and how this all works next week in class.
Concert Costume- Costumes are due at school by the 21st of November. Please let me know if you need a new note.
Show and Tell- Week 6’s Show and Tell topic is ‘Something that has stripes.’
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email:
Rebecca Appledore- rappledore@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
Grade 1 News
It was a very quick week this week! I completed end of year testing yesterday, and I am so proud of every single one of the students. It is extremely rewarding to see the amazing amount of growth that everyone has achieved over the year.
Next week is a very busy week with all of our Mission Week activities. Please ensure students have paid for the Colour Run on Tuesday and have some coins saved up for the activities on Wednesday and Friday.
Please check the newsletter for more information regarding the different activities next week.
Have a great weekend!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email:
Grace Laity- glaity@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
Grade 2 News
It was great to be back yesterday and touch base with my students. They have done some great learning with their relief teachers and I received notes from two teachers complimenting the class on how well they have been working. Well done to everyone!
Yesterday we got to have our first play on the new playground which was very exciting. It seems to have got the tick of approval from everyone. The monkey bars especially have been very missed!
Today the students did some learning about Remembrance Day and we made poppies which we will wear to the ceremony on Monday at the Kenny Park gates.
Next week is a very busy week with all of our Mission Week activities. Please ensure students have paid for the Colour Run on Tuesday and have some coins saved up for the activities on Friday.
Have a great weekend!
Lisa
My New Gallery
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email:
Lisa Ryan - lryan@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
Grade 3 & 4 News
Well, it's been a short, but productive week! We have now completed all of our testing for 2024 and it has been very pleasing to see so many students achieving great results.
Thanks to Mr Lawrence who wrote our camp song and prepared students to perform at our assembly today.
A reminder that next week we have our Mission Week with something happening every day. Please refer to the Religion section of this newsletter for details. If you have not paid for the COLOUR RUN on Tuesday, would you please do this ASAP. Loose change will be a great to bring to school next Friday to support our class Mission Fundraising efforts.
The School Christmas concert is fast approaching. Please start thinking about the 'costume' that is going to be suitable for your child's item.
Grade 3/4P are performing an ABBA item. If you could keep in mind suitable clothing for an ABBA costume, that would be great. As always, we ask that you utilise what you have already at home, rather than purchasing new items. Some ABBA costume ideas could include – long t-shirts with a belt, long white socks and runners (or long boots), overalls, flared pants with a tight fitting t-shirt, wigs. Google images is a great resource for ideas.
Grade 3/4L are performing a Beatles item. Please have your child wear any Beatles-inspired or 60s-era clothing. There's no need to purchase anything new. If you can’t find anything that fits this description, dark shorts and a solid, brightly coloured top (such as red, blue, purple, or yellow) will be perfect. Students need to be wearing runners.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email:
3/4 L: Adam Lawrence – alawrenc@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
3/4 P: Julie Phelan – jphelan@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
3/4P (Friday's): Emma Garraway - ewood@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
Grade 5 News
A short week this week so just a few reminders.
Concert costumes
Our practices for the School Concert are coming along very well. Costumes are as follows.
Girls - Any top/skirt/shorts combo they like. They can wear whatever they feel comfortable dancing in.
Boys - shorts/basketball jersey with shirt underneath. They can wear a backwards cap if they would like to.
Please let me know if you need any help organising your child's costume.
2025 Prep & Grade 5 Tea - 20th November:
On Wednesday, the 20th November, OLSH will be having a Prep/Buddy Tea and Information evening for families of our 2025 Preps. This will be an opportunity to hear some tips and information about starting the year off in a positive way for your child as they begin their education journey. It’s also an opportunity to meet other families and children who will be in your child's classroom next year, as well as your child’s buddy. At the conclusion of the brief information session, there will be a chance for you to ask questions or to clarify any worries you may have. The format will be as follows:
- BBQ tea will be provided from 5.45pm
- Parent information session begins at 6.45pm
- Evening concludes around 7.15pm
Please note - Current Grade 5 students: This evening is for Grade 5 students only. We ask that parents drop their child off at 5.30pm and pick up at 7.15pm from inside the school. We will not send students out to the front gate. We hope to see you there!
Have a lovely weekend!
Cheryl-Anne
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email:
Cheryl-Anne Courtney - ccourtney@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
Grade 6 News
It has been a short but busy week!
Over the past couple of weeks the children have been completing their DIBELS and PAT tests, with only some catch up tests from children who have been absent still to go. The results have been positive!
I have sent a note home today that explains our costumes for the concert. If you have any questions about either of them, please don't hesitate to ask.
In amongst our work, testing and concert practice, the Grade 6s got to try out the new playground! Apparently it made some of these 'oldies' feel like 'little kids'!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email:
Tana Lawrence - tlawrence@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
My New Gallery
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).
Change of details:
Please contact the office if you have had a change of details. Phone: 50252258 or Email: admin@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
Bell Times
8.30am | Supervision of students begin. Classrooms are remained closed. |
8.45am | Classrooms are opened for reading time. |
8.55am | Organisational bell (students go to the toilet, get a drink, be in line before music ends). |
9.00am | Teachers collect students from their line and proceed into class. |
11.00am | Recess bell. |
11.25am | Organisational bell (students go to the toilet, get a drink, be in line before music ends). |
11.30am | Teachers collect students from their line and proceed into class. |
1.30pm | Lunch bell. |
1.40pm | Students are to finish eating and go and play. |
2.20pm | Organisational bell rings (students go to the toilet, get a drink, be in line before music ends). |
2.25pm | Teachers collect students from their line and proceed into class. |
3.10pm | NSW bus bell. |
3.25pm | End of day bell rings. |
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.
Infinity Calisthenics Club is a welcoming, friendly environment that provides an enjoyable, energetic, and safe space for the Sunraysia community to participate in group dance and exercise. As a Victorian calisthenics club based in Red Cliffs, we are dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere where all participants can thrive. At Infinity Calisthenics Club we offer a combination of dancing, singing, gymnastics and technical skills for children and adults. Calisthenics develops strong, confident performers through teamwork. Discipline and technique, grace and poise are fostered in a fun and friendly club environment. As a club, we participate in competitions within the state of Victoria, developing the self-confidence and team work skills of our club members.
