Dear Parents and Friends,
We have again reached the end of another busy term. The last ten weeks have just flown by and with the passing of each week much has been accomplished. I can report that Term 2 has indeed been fulfilling, with many learning experiences, celebrations and social highlights. Taking a moment to reflect on all we have achieved, a number of significant activities and events leap from the pages of my diary. Sacramental meetings, workshops and celebrations; class Masses and Liturgies, class projects, excursions and camps, SAPSASA sports, weekend and afternoon school sports, Netball carnivals, Dance Concerts and much, much more – it is easy to understand why we all feel a little tired and deserving of a holiday break to recharge the batteries!
I would like to thank all of our parents for the great job you do ensuring the children are ready for school each morning with clean uniforms, homework done; recess and lunches packed and prepared for a full day of learning fun. At Star of the Sea we value the wonderful work you do and are appreciative of the support we receive.
All You Need Is Love
Last night the Year 5 and 6 families, friends and staff were treated to a most uplifting night of dance and music at the Christian Centre, Seaton.
The students have been taking part in dance lessons all term with dance teachers from ACPA.
It was wonderful to see our students dancing and enjoying themselves. The Year 5 and 6 Dance Concert is a biannual event and is designed to not only promote dance as an art form but also to promote in our older students life skills such as commitment, teamwork, collaboration, grit, persistence and problem solving.
Driving home last night I was very proud of every single student. My thanks also to our Year 5 and 6 teachers who skilfully put together an amazing program complete with video footage and music.
Well done to all!
New Building Works
Partek Constructions have certainly moved in and there is an air of anticipation and excitement at the school. The builder's rubble has been laid over the hard courts to protect the surface from cranes and heavy machinery. This week the workers' huts, offices and lunch sheds have arrived and the surveyor grid lines have been established.
While we are on holidays, demolition to the disabled ramp will commence and piling to retain the excavations will begin. In the MacKillop Building corridors, temporary walls will be installed and asbestos removed from ceilings in the upper classrooms.
When we return next term the downstairs student toilets will be out of action and two temporary toilet blocks for girls and boys installed. Please be aware that the entry to the Year 1 classrooms in the Mercy Convent will be from the Seaview Road side as the access on the eastern side will be closed due to the building works.
I will continue to provide updated information as more detail of the building work comes to hand. We would also like to record the progress on the building and would appriciate hearing from any parents who have a 'Go Pro' they could loan the school so we can capture the building work with a time/motion video. Please contact the office if you can help.
First Semester Reports
Over the last few weeks, Kelly, Stella and I have had the privilege of reading the class reports for the first semester. I would like to thank the teachers for the time and effort that has gone into each summary and comment. Writing student reports and assessing students is the professional role of teachers, however, I know and see the time and effort that goes into each child’s summary. The attention and genuineness with which they write is to be commended.
In reading the student reports, it was great to read comments that highlight each child’s strength and challenges, but also speaks personally about the whole person, highlighting areas for growth.
I encourage parents to read their child’s report carefully, congratulate your child on the positives and discuss ways of supporting them in the areas they need to develop. Life is not about receiving straight ‘As’, instead it is about learning, making progress and giving our best. Well done to all of the students on their achievements.
Congratulations and Farewells
This week, we farewell Breanna Brockman (RBB) and Nikki Hall (Year 3H) who both are expecting their first babies. We wish them much love, our prayerful blessings and abundant happiness as they become mums for the first time. They will be deeply missed by our Reception and Year 3 students and families.
Congratulations to Maria Trimachi and Katrina Frangosa who both celebrated significant '0' birthdays this week. Thank you to our fantastic Class Parent Reps who do such an amazing job at Star of the Sea acknowledging the significant celebrations of the teachers and enabling the children to have surprise parties. This week we have had quite a few parties!
I would also like to thank and express my appreciation to Kelly Manera who filled the role of Acting Deputy during Terms 1 and 2. Kelly has done an amazing job and has been of immense support to me and Matt over the last two terms. Kelly has not only undertaken the deputy role with energy, enthusiasm and dynamism, but she has also ensured our Inclusive Education program continues to deliver the best opportunities possible for our students and families. We are fortunate that Kelly will be back in Term 3 two days a week before she heads off to have her third child. Thanks Kelly for all you have done.
We look forward to welcoming Matt Perry back to Star of the Sea after his tour of duty at St John Bosco's. I know there are lots of kids who are looking forward to Matt's return. I am sure that Matt will have lots to share from his experiences.
Vacation Care Program
The Vacation Care Program for this holiday is out and offer variety and value for money experiences for the children. I remind parents that Child Care Subsidies can decrease the cost of care and provide activities, such as excursions to the movies at affordable prices. If you need holiday care, programs are available online or from the front office.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students, teachers and parents for all your support and encouragement throughout Term 2. This term has been a most productive and busy ten weeks of learning and fun. We wish all families a safe and restful holiday and we look forward to all that Term 3 has to offer us!
Term 3 start on Tuesday 23rd July. All teachers and support staff will be updating their Basic First Aid skills on the Monday.
Enjoy the weekend and holidays – please travel safely.
Regards
Joe De Tullio
