Dear Parents/Guardians

This will be the last newsletter for 2019. I do hope it has been, overall, a good year for all members of our community. I am certainly aware that for some, there have been times of difficulty in amongst it all. For you, I pray that God gives you resilience in abundance and the courage and support to go forward with hope in a brighter future.

To one and all, may you have a blessed Christmas period, spent with your family, friends and relatives.

If God sends you down a stony path,
may He give you strong shoes.

Reflection on a Decade or so at OLG
I have long believed that the Spirit has guided my career, for I have never been an ambitious person and yet look where I ended up!

Being principal of OLG has been a greatly satisfying and positive experience. For this I sincerely thank the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Family of Nazareth who initially appointed me and then supported me for the first half of my tenure before they sold the school and me to the Archbishop.

Schools are about the children and I have to say that OLG is full of the most delightful boys and girls one is likely to find. Full credit to their parents for this.

These children are not perfect, but their ‘poor’ behaviour is very meek compared to elsewhere. They are personable, friendly, polite, sensible, caring and a credit to all involved in their upbringing – most especially their parents and the OLG school staff.

The OLG parent community has been and still is, in my mind, characterised as being caring, giving, supportive welcoming and friendly.

While concerned and involved in their children’s education I have never witnessed community members flaunt their wealth or social standing, or choose those they will mix with according to those measures, as one hears of in suburbs where families come from “old money”.

Over the years there have been a great many individual parents who virtually live at the school, offering assistance anywhere and everywhere they can. Those individuals are worth their weight in gold.

One advantage, at least to me, in being in the position for a fair period, is that I have been able to appoint staff members who adhere to the same values as myself. (reminiscent of US Presidents and their appointment of High Court Judges!)

I have sought staff who have a proven record of high academic achievement and are ongoing learners; a proven record of success in their field; who actually care for children as though they were their own and who are patient and kind. We have made very few mistakes in this area and those individuals have not stayed long.           

These staff members are this school’s greatest resource. It is their attitude and quality of work that makes the whole educational experience we offer our students so good. Whether they be classroom staff, support staff, office, canteen, library or grounds staff, each and every one is high quality and I thank them for their dedication and commitment to our children.

Pebble Thrown into a Pond
Each of us who have been involved in this school, no matter for how long, has had an impact. We are like a pebble thrown into a still pond. The pebble causes ripples which spread out to the edge of the pond. The longer we are here the longer those ripples persist but eventually they disappear and so does our day-to-day impact on school life. The pebble, however, sinks to the bottom, to be forever part of the pond. And so it is with each of us: parent, student, staff member. Even after we are long gone from the school we remain a part of its fabric – we add to it in some way that cannot be undone.

So I bid you all farewell. Thank you for allowing me to say this long (my contract has now been renewed the maximum three times after extensive 360-degree reviews after the third and eighth years in which you affirmed my performance in the role).

I have enjoyed it. I hope I leave OLG slightly better for having been here.

 "May God's blessing surround you each day, as you trust Him and walk in His way. May His presence within guard you. Go in peace, go in joy, go in love."

Term Dates 2019

Term 1                  Monday 4 February – Thursday 11 April

Term 2                  Monday 29 April – Friday 5 July

Term 3                  Monday 22 July – Friday 27 September

Term 4                  Monday 14 October – Friday 13 December (to be confirmed)

Chris Kenworthy
Principal

Time to sign up for canteen roster 2019
Now is the time to put your name down if you wish to be part of the 2019 OLG canteen roster.

Just like the kitchen is the heart of the home, the canteen is the heart of our school and we need many caring, busy hands to keep it running! 

We have 28 volunteers leaving this year (as year 6 parents) and would love at least as many new volunteers next year.

Joining the roster is a great way to stay connected and actively involved in school life. Your kids will love seeing you working as part of their school community! We especially invite parents whose youngest child has just started school or those who have always been busy but now may have a day free each term, or semester, to volunteer.

Email Canteen Roster Coordinator Peta Taylor peta.taylor@cewa.edu.au with your preferred day - Monday/Wednesday/Friday (8.30am - 1.15pm) or Tuesday/Thursday (12.45pm - 1.30pm). If you have a friend you would

like to be rostered on with, give their name as well. If you have any questions please give Peta a buzz on 0419 260 832.

Monday Meal deal day is the  the only canteen lunch options available.

Recess sales will be available and you can order online up until  9am. RECESS ONLY.

Congratulations to the students who received Merit Awards at last week's assembly.

Library Roster

Orchestra Practice has resumed each Friday after school in the Music Room! Looking forward to seeing everyone this week!
Mr Hicks

Uniform Shop: If you have received notification that your order is ready to be collected, please do so as soon as possible. Thank you.

School Photos
Dear Parents
We have been advised by Kapture Photography that all sports and/or special team photos taken this year will be removed from their website at the close of Term 4. This is your last chance to view and purchase these photographs. Please visit www.kapture.com.au and access the gallery using our school code; MZ6HLN. This code can also be used to purchase class or individual photographs should you have not ordered earlier in the year.

LAP - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
We Currently Have Positions Available for OLG Students to Join LAP
You might ask: What is LAP?
LAP is a student wellbeing program fostering learning success through a mentor approach. It is a student-centred and volunteer-based mentoring program designed to assist the specific requirements of a student in need via one-to-one learning experiences that aim to provide guidance and enrich their wellbeing and thus their learning.

It focuses on the wellbeing, emotional and social needs of students through the powerful and positive contribution of trained mentors. All LAP volunteers must complete training to participate in the program. They must have a valid Working with Children Card, follow the OLG Code of Conduct and adhere to the requirements of Confidentiality.

We are fortunate to have many volunteers at our school that are happy to commit to supporting children that would benefit from one to one time for half an hour each week. This time may be spent setting goals that will then be worked on to aim for successful learning in the classroom, it may involve the child pursuing a hobby, they may participate in confidence building activities, there are many possibilities on how the time is used. It does not involve tutoring or extra time for completion of school work.  

Potentially LAP:

• Develops positive relationships between students/mentors in a safe, one-to-one environment
• Builds confidence and self-esteem in students
• Supports the successful learning of students
• Promotes, encourages and values parent/caregiver and community commitment and participation
• Fosters and strengthens parent/caregiver and teacher relationships to benefit students
• Creates a genuine, supportive and positive school community

Please contact Nerida Hince via the email below if you think your child would benefit from participating in LAP in 2018. Participation is voluntary, and the sessions may be ongoing, long term or short-term support/help.
nerida.hince@cewa.edu.au

P & F AGM
Thank you to all those who came along to our AGM last Wednesday night. We’re happy to inform you that all our Executive Committee roles remain as is for another year:

President – Tony Papotto

Vice President – Scott Sullivan

Secretary – Fran Downey

Events Co-ordinator – Amanda Doherty

Class Representative Co-ordinator – Juliet Taylor

We’ve had a great year in continuing the important work the P & F does in its mission to make OLG a better school for our kids. We know that this can only be achieved with the loyal and dedicated support of our members and volunteers.

Special thanks to our events co-ordinators for committing their valuable time, efforts and enthusiasm for leading our events. The numerous helpers in creating these events and making them a success is much appreciated.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR SUPPORTING OUR P & F EVENTS AND INITIATIVES IN 2018!

 2019 P & F Events
We are in the process of finalising dates for next years events calendar and these will be announced shortly. Stay tuned for a fun schedule of OLG community focused events!

OLG Business Community
We continue to share some great news in seeking the generous support from our families who have businesses within the OLG community. A big thank you to the Romeo family for their generous support of our OLG Business Community initiative!

Mondo Nougat has proudly been made in Western Australia since 1991. The Romeo family invite you to visit their factory and café in the Swan Valley to discover their extensive range of nougat, cakes, biscuits and gelato. With Gluten Free, Lactose Free and Cholesterol free options available, make your next family outing a trip to Mondo Nougat factory and a day out in the Swan Valley.

More sponsors will be announced shortly! We are still keen to lock away as many sponsorships as possible before the end of the year – if you’re interested please contact olgbizcom@cewa.edu.au or exec@olgpf.com

SCHOOL BANKING NEWS
A very big thankyou to Dale for all her years supporting the P & F at the School Banking desk on a Monday morning. Dale you have helped the school raise over $3600.00 since you took on the role of Co-ordinator. Thank you for your dedication, and for promoting regular savings behaviours in our students!

Lolly Jar Competition
Over the next 2 Mondays we will be having a ‘guess the lollies in the jar’ competition (Christmas themed of course). So, come on over to the school banking desk outside the office and enter the raffle. School banking is easy to get set up call Trish 0438 400 793 or come and see us for more information. Let’s work together to hit our own school saving goals!

Silver Coin Challenge
Coming up for 2019 – start saving your silvers for our Term 1 fundraiser... THE SILVER COIN CHALLENGE! All funds will go directly towards the P & F and we will have a prize for the class and teacher who earns the most amount of money, more information will be announced shortly.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Christmas and enjoyable school holiday break!

P&F Executive Committee

Wanted - School Banking Coordinator
We are looking for someone to take on the school banking co-ordinator role with Trish Matusiak. If you have time on a Monday morning and are interested please call Trish on 0438 400793. Thank you.

Parish Special Christmas Celebration
18th December 6pm
Calling all enthusiastic Carolers
 A perfect opportunity for us all to come together to celebrate a special time in our calendar.  We’re planning a wonderful evening of carols and need your voice! (smiles and enthusiasm also graciously accepted…)  Please come down and join our choir.  First practice is on Wednesday 31st of October 7pm in the Church.  All ages and all abilities. Any questions email Stephen stephen.lee@sglsystems.com. 
I can promise it will be fun!

Sister Joseph
Sister Joseph will be leaving us at the end of the year to take up an exciting new role over east. In appreciation of her commitment to our church we will be organising a special collection. If you would like to give towards this collection please place an envelope in the second collection basket with "Sister Joseph Gift" on the front of the envelope.

In addition we are inviting all parishioners to attend a special morning tea for Sister Joseph on Sunday 23rd December after the 9.30am Mass to say our goodbyes.

Sacred Heart College Community Consultation
Sacred Heart College has employed Creating Communities and developed a survey seeking views on the community’s use of our College facilities.  Recently the City of Joondalup Councillors voted to refuse our application to allow the community to hire our RNDM Theatre and Gymnasium.  The survey only takes 10 minutes to complete and there is a $250 prize on offer. We would appreciate the support of our local Catholic school parents whose children may have danced in our theatre or seen shows there. 

Your feedback will greatly assist us in better understanding the key issues and opportunities to improve our school and our place in the community. http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sacredheartcommunity
 Any questions can be directed to Mr Peter Bothe, Principal on 9246 8201.

Mercedes College:  Early in 2019, Mercedes College will commence interviewing Year 5 students who are due to start Year 7 in 2021.  If you are considering enrolling your daughter at Mercedes College and have not yet requested an information pack, please contact Mrs Julie Lamb on 9323 1340 or email jlamb@mercedes.wa.edu.au as soon as possible.  Further information about enrolments is available on our website, www.mercedes.wa.edu.au.

2019 Columban Art Calendar ON SALE NOW
Includes beautiful artwork, Liturgical Information and Feast Days
$12.00 including GST and postage
Contact Columban Mission Centre
calendar@columban.org.au
www.columban.org.au/Calendar

Mater Dei College - Is your child currently in Year 4? 
Interviews for prospective students commencing at Mater Dei College for Year 7 2021, begin in February 2019. If you have not submitted your child’s Application form, please contact the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Ang Lourens, on enrolments@mdc.wa.edu.au or 9405 4777

WAAPA Summer School 2018/2019
This Summer WAAPA at ECU, Mt Lawley is offering an exciting performing arts program for students from Years 1 to 12. The Summer School includes classes in RAP, Acting, Dance, Drama, Screen Performance, Music Theatre and of course, how to perform Shakespeare. For information about the fantastic courses on offer please visit WAAPA Summer School or contact Gabrielle Metcalf at g.metcalf@ecu.edu.au

Perth Academy of Performing Arts are excited to be holding our Acting and Musical Theatre Workshops in the January School Holidays and would love it if you could help us spread the word!

We will be at 333 William Street, Perth for the following workshops:

Thursday 3rd January
1 Day Acting Masterclass – Age 12-17 – 9am-5pm - $110 including materials

Friday 4th January
Half Day Acting Junior Workshop – Age 5-10 – 9am-12pm - $50

Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd Jan
2 Day Musical Theatre Workshop – Age 5-15 – 9am-5pm - $150

Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th Jan
3 Day Musical Theatre Workshop – Age 5-15 – 9am-5pm - $225

BOTH Musical Theatre Workshops - $325

Anyone can sign up for our workshops! Find more information and sign up at www.perthapa.com/school-holidays or call Imogen on 0477040940.

Perth Wildcats After School Program
Each Wednesday 7th November to 19th December
Years 1 to 3 – 3.45pm to 4.30pm (7 sessions)  - $135.00
Years 4 to 6 – 4.30pm to 5.30pm (7 sessions) - $180.00
www.wildcatsclinics.com

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) have another wonderful ‘Earth Assist’ School Holiday Volunteer Program running again this coming January.

This volunteer program is for students aged 15-18 who would like to give back to and connect with nature. The volunteer program will run from Tuesday the 22nd to Friday the 25th of January 2019 and students can sign up for just one day or multiple, 6 community service hours can be signed off for each day if required.

North Beach Baptist Church, are having our annual Community Carols Event again this year on the 16th Dec at Charles Riley Oval, North Beach.

We will be starting at 4:30pm with free fun fair rides and activities and then from 7pm we will be having Carol Singing with live music and singers.

Please find attached our flyer for more details.