Our Lady of Grace Newsletter No Images? Click here TERM 4 WEEK 9 DECEMBER 5, 2018 PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGEDear 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, Reflection on a Decade or so at OLG 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 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 Time to sign up for canteen roster 2019 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 2019 PLACEMENTS: Please let the office know as soon as possible if your child is not returning to OLG in 2019 or if you are changing address over the holidays. This help us with planning. Many thanks to those who have let us know that they are moving. Orchestra Practice has resumed each Friday after school in the Music Room! Looking forward to seeing everyone this week! 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 LAP - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST 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:
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. P & F AGM 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 OLG Business Community 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 Lolly Jar Competition Silver Coin Challenge Wishing everyone a happy and safe Christmas and enjoyable school holiday break! P&F Executive Committee Wanted - School Banking Coordinator Parish Special Christmas Celebration Sister Joseph 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 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 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 Mater Dei College - Is your child currently in Year 4? WAAPA Summer School 2018/2019 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 Friday 4th January Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd Jan Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th Jan 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 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. We acknowledge the original custodians of this land, the Nyungar people, and show our respect for their ancestors and traditions. Our Lady of Grace School |