Newsletter

To  Our Lady’s School Community,

I trust you have all had a great week! Some may think that at this time of the year, things are starting to wind down a little, rest assured this could not be further from the truth! Our school is buzzing with activity and anticipation about all the wonderful events to come.

Term Four is all about celebration! A time of reflection and excitement. Please make sure to check the calendar as there are a number of school events that you need to be aware of.

Parish Education Board

On Wednesday evening we had our final Parish Education Board meeting for the year.

It has been a real pleasure to work with the Board and I sincerely thank them all for their time and considered input into a range of strategic directions that continue to benefit our whole community, in particular, our children. A special thank you to Rachel Macey (Chair) and Andrew Jobling (Secretary) who retire from the Board this year.

I have felt very supported by our School Board and look forward to continuing our work in 2019. I thank Fr Mark Reynolds (Parish Priest), Lynette Brugliera (Deputy Principal), Michelle Feltscheer (PFA President), Peggy Stewart, Steph Johnston-Pratt, Hugh Kelly and Lisa Grant.

With the departure of Andrew and Rachel from the Board, I now welcome nominations from our school community to join us in 2019/20. A copy of our Parish Education Board Guidelines and Nomination Form can be found in the link below.

PEB/ PF&A

Next Thursday, November 29th we will have our final PFA Meeting followed by Thank You Drinks/ Supper. The meeting will commence at 7.00pm and drinks on the deck at 7.30pm. If you are able to join us please RSVP via email to office@olsurreyhills.catholic.edu.au for catering purposes. 

Class Placements

This year we are using an I.T. program called Class Solver to compile our class groups  for 2019. The program gives us the capacity to enter preferences for classes according to class size, learning needs, social & emotional needs, friendship requests etc. All parent consideration are now in.

We are blessed with highly skilled and professional teachers who work collaboratively in the best interests of all our students. I ask you to trust us inthis process as we work together in the best interests of our children.

St Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal

Advent begins next Sunday and we are very fortunate to have students in our school that know how to put their faith into action!

This year, we have Ariana Greening (1/2) leading the St Vinnies' Christmas Appeal. If you  are able to donate food and gifts for those who would be doing it tough at Christmas, please leave your donations at the front office. Ariana  has  decided to  spread the Christmas joy, by being  generous and putting a smile on others’ faces! 

Swimming Carnival

Just a reminder that our Swimming Carnival will be held on Monday, December 3rd at 11.30am at Aqua Link in Box Hill. A permission note went home yesterday.

2019 Foundation Transition Session

Next Friday, November 29th will be the final transition session for our 2019 Foundation students. Parents will be able see how teachers introduce books to students and explicitly teach early reading strategies.

School Camp

In 2019 our Year 5 and 6 students will be attending YMCA Camp Wyuna in Queenscliff. The Camp will take place  in Term Two, May 27th, 28th and 29th. A Camp meeting will be held in Term One to outline the learning intentions of the camp and provide students and parents the opportunity hear all about the activities that will be on offer.

Mrs Rose Urquhart

You may be aware that our much loved Mrs Urquhart has been unwell and unfortunately will not be returning to school this term. As you can imagine Rose is very disappointed at not being able return to work but must be guided by her doctors.

Please keep Rose in your prayers.

I am pleased to let you know that Mrs Clare Davis will be teaching Year 3/4 U for the remainder of the year.

Deputy Principal Appointment

On Tuesday, Mr John Corkhill, Principal Consultant, Catholic Education Melbourne and I interviewed for the senior leadership role of Deputy Principal. The interview was rigorous. I am very pleased to announce that Ms Clare Hicks will be Deputy Principal of Our Lady’s School in 2019.

Clare has already had such a positive impact on our school and I look forward to working with her and the Leadership Team as we lead this school into the future.

 Ms Deb Rowlings

Congratulations to Deb and her husband Jay on the announcement of their pregnancy. Deb and Jay look forward to their little bundle of joy in May next year.

Fr Mark Reynolds

It was great to welcome back Fr Mark today. Fr Mark has enjoyed a well deserved holiday and is now back with us to enjoy the last few weeks of school.

State Election - This Saturday

Thank you to our wonderful P.F.A for running the cake stall during the election on Saturday. Special thanks to Gill Rhodes for coordinating the catering and to all our families for so generously baking cakes/ cookies to sell.

We are so lucky to be part of this community.

Child Safety

A gentle reminder that all visitors including parents are to use the visitor's toilets that are located neat the Multi Purpose Centre. 

Thank to you for your wonderful support of our school!

Happy Weekend

Mrs Annie Engellenner

Principal 

Quote

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."

Thank you to all families who have settled their outstanding School Fee Account. There are still quite a significant number of accounts yet to be settled. All accounts must be finalised by Friday, December 7^th. We would appreciate a prompt response because this income is integral to meeting our budget and maintaining our cash flow. If you need to speak to Fr Mark or myself regarding your situation, please be assured that all discussions are conducted in confidence.

For fees left outstanding beyond Friday, December 7th, a meeting with Fr Mark and myself will be arranged.

Uniform Purchases - Electronic Banking is now available for the purchase of school uniforms and from the beginning of December, school uniform can only be ordered and paid for in this way. The email address for ordering uniforms is olsurreyhills.cdfpay.org.au (follow the links).

Please note that Friday 7 December, will be the final day to purchase any uniform for 2018. This is to enable a final stock-take, and to organise additional uniform orders for the first day back in 2019.

Student Awards

Student Awards are a way of acknowledging students for the effort they are applying to their learning and for examples of behaviours that are indicative of our School Vision and expectations. Congratulations to the following students on their effort and achievement.

Foundation: Sofia - for putting 100% into everything she does.

Emile - for always helping pack up after PMP sessions.

Year 1/2H: Matthew - for following directions quickly. 

Year 1/2R: Nikolas - for his wonderful efforts in Spelling and Mathematics this term.

Year 1/2S: Katy - for  her wonderful exuberance and zest for life.

Charlotte - for working hard to improve her reading and writing skills.

Rhys - for always being a kind and good friend to his class members.

Year 3/4C: Atticus - for reading with an expressive voice and entertaining your audience.

Sports Awards

Jack, 5/6L - for accepting challenges in P.E. and trying hard to achieve his best, with a positive attitude.

Lachlan, Foundation - for a big improvement with his ball handling skills and following instructions beautifully in P.E.

Lenny, 1/2S - for great defense in basketball drills and paying attention so well during instruction time. 

Mont Albert & Surrey Hills Rotary Club Christmas Mince Pie Orders

The Rotary Club of Mont Albert and Surrey Hills will be taking orders for Christmas fruit mince pies donated by Breadstreet Bakery. The mince pies will be $16 per dozen and $3 of every order will be donated to Our Lady’s School. Please fill in the order forms and return them to the office w