28 June 2018

Newsletter Articles

Dates to Remember

Principal’s Message

We come to the end of another very busy and successful term. Congratulations to all the children who have worked so hard and have still come to the end of the term with a smile on their faces. Thanks to the wonderful support the parents have given the school and teachers as we strive to provide an excellent education at OLV. All the volunteers have been wonderful and the P&F has worked hard at supporting all the families at the school by providing funds when required. We look forward to our new playground additions over the coming weeks – weather permitting it should be finished mid-way through next term. Enjoy a well-earned rest at the end of next week and we look forward to the new term commencing on Tuesday 24 July.

Our school Prayer

This is our school, let peace be here.
Let the school be full of happiness.
Let us love one another, Love life itself.
And above all Love God.
Our Lady of Victories, Pray for us.
New Baby

Mr & Mrs Noble have welcomed little Sophie Alice into their family. Sophie arrived safely on 15th June. All doing well, and Thomas is already proving himself to be a beautiful big brother.

Mrs Hunt going on Maternity Leave:

Sadly, we say farewell to Mrs Hunt at the end of next week. She will be taking leave to add to her family. We wish her well and look forward to hearing the good news of her new arrival.

Mandatory Reporting

Mandatory reporting is a term used to describe the legislative requirement for selected groups of people to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to government authorities. Parliaments in all Australian states and territories have enacted mandatory reporting laws of some description. In NSW, a child or young person is at risk of significant harm if current concerns exist for the safety, welfare or wellbeing of the child or young person because of the presence, to a significant extent.

For example:

• basic physical or psychological needs are not being met or at risk of not being met;
• not receiving necessary medical care;
• not receiving an education in accordance with the Education Act 1990;
• physical or sexual abuse or ill-treatment;
• serious physical or psychological harm as a consequence of living in a household where there have been incidents of domestic violence;
• serious psychological harm;
• the child was the subject of a prenatal report under section 25 and the birth mother did not engage successfully with support services to eliminate, or minimise to the lowest level reasonably practical the risk factors that gave rise to that report

All teachers and staff of OLV are Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect. Parents might also like to know that volunteers who work in schools are also determined as Mandatory Reporters also. This means that all these groups are required by law to report any abuse or neglect.

Principal on Leave

I would just like to remind the community that I am taking Long Service Leave for the first half of next term. The normal protocol is that the AP would step up into an acting Principal’s Role, the REC would normally step up to cover an acting AP’s role. Mrs Carroll and Miss Morris have accepted these responsibilities and Mrs Paff will take on the vacant acting REC role.

Vinnies News

This Friday, 29th June, is VINNIES DAY. This is an out-of-uniform day with the theme of “PYJAMAS”. We ask all students to make a gold coin donation to Vinnies to support the Winter Appeal. There will be a sausage sizzle lunch, a cupcake stall, lunch-time activities and raffle tickets for sale. The raffle will be drawn at Monday morning’s assembly. All proceeds go to Vinnies Winter Appeal. Please give generously to this appeal.

Donations of cupcakes for the cake stall will be very much appreciated.

NB. Sausage on bread (sauce included) with a drink - $3.50
Sausage on bread (sauce included) - $2.50, Drink - $1

May you be in heaven 5 minutes
Before the devil knows you’re dead.

Kind regards,
Gerry Vandermaat – Principal

Disabled Parking

Please note that the Parking Space directly adjacent to the front gates is a Disabled Access Parking space. This means it is for the sole use of any parents or visitors that are displaying their Disabled Parking Permit. It has come to our attention that some parents are using it as a drop off point for their children. Please do not do this. It prevents access to this area for legitimate drivers and could lead to a hefty fine if the parking rangers are about. Thanks for your cooperation.

COMPASS Update

ACCESSING REPORTS

Student Reports will be available for parents to access from 5pm Friday 29/6/2018 through COMPASS. No paper copies of Student Reports will be sent home as we are now using the digital COMPASS Student Reporting System. Please have your parent log on details ready and follow the steps below to access the reports. If you have misplaced your log on details or need assistance with accessing COMPASS please contact the school office.

How to access your child/ren’s semester report:

1. Log into your Compass Account using the USERNAME and PASSWORD provided in the letters sent home two weeks ago. If you have not already done so, complete this process on a computer first, and then change the password to suit you.
2. Click on your child’s photo – this brings up their “DASHBOARD”
3. Click on REPORTS from the tabs across the top.
4. Select the required report from the list.

How to book a Parent/Teacher Interview – once the portal is OPEN (parents will be notified on Friday 29 June when this happens)

1. Log into your Compass Account using the USERNAME and PASSWORD provided in the letters sent home two weeks ago. If you have not already done so, complete this process on a computer first, and then change the password to suit you.
2. Click on your child’s photo – this brings up their “DASHBOARD”
3. Click on the COMMUNITY ICON (the 2 people)
4. Choose “CONFERENCES” from the list
5. Choose a time from the timetable that suits and is still available.
6. For a second child start from step 2 again

NB – “Conferences” are booked on a “first come – first served basis” – you will not be able to book “back to back” times for multiple children – a space is required to cater for movement from class to class

SMS / Email notification of Absence

As part of Our Lady of Victories’ commitment to student safety and welfare, our school has begun notifying parents of their child’s unexplained absence via SMS message & email.

This service provides a SMS / email notification to parents of children who are marked absent from school without explanation. Where possible, it would be appreciated if parents can notify the school at their earliest convenience regarding a child’s absence. If a child is going to be absent for the day or is intending to arrive late (eg medical appointments etc), then parents are asked to use the COMPASS APP or call the office to notify the school before 9:30am on the day rather than sending a note afterward. It is hoped that by providing this service and in partnership with families we can continue to ensure all possible mechanisms are in place to maintain the safety of our students.

OFFICE KIOSK

The “kiosk” sitting on the desk at reception replaces the blue slips that parents have filled out in the past when students arrived late to school or departed early. If you are wishing to sign your child/ren in late or sign them out early, parents need to tap in and start typing their name and follow the prompts - only RESIDENTIAL PARENTS/CARERS/GUARDIANS may do this. If you have a relative or friend helping out by dropping off or picking up for you, then you will need to inform the office in writing or by phone that there is an alternative arrangement happening that day.

Volunteers, visitors and contractors must also sign in using the ‘kiosk”. If you are generously sharing your time with us, it is necessary that you sign in via the “kiosk” when you arrive and sign out when you leave. It is also necessary that all visitors and volunteers have a valid working with children’s check number on file. We would just like to remind everyone that these steps are necessary to keep our children safe and your co-operation is appreciated.

If you enter or exit via the front gate during school hours, please ensure the gate securely closes behind you.

School Fees

There seemed to be some confusion around the cost of the Athletics Carnival of $10. The note stated that the cost was included in the Sports Levy and would be no charge. Some letters that went home last week had a payment slip attached stating a $10 payment required. So, some parents have sent in this $10 as payment even though it is included in the Sport Levy. If there is no objection from those that sent in the $10 cash, we will credit it towards your Tuition Fee account. Those that wished to pay by credit card will not be charged. If you prefer to have the $10 cash returned please contact the office. Apologies for the miscommunication. I will claim a technical glitch using the new system.

As we come to the end of Term 2, there are many parents with outstanding fees who have not made arrangements to deal with their debt. Reminder letters were sent home recently to those outstanding debtors. The next step is to forward these to the Catholic Schools Office for consideration and to commence collection processes. We ask parents to ensure that any outstanding fees for Term 2 are finalised as soon as possible. Thank you to those who have made arrangements, you should continue to do so.

KINDER Enrolments 2019

The enrolment period for 2019 is now open. Parents who are seeking enrolment for their children at OLV in 2019 should ask for an Application for Enrolment from the office. Alternatively, an enrolment pack can be found our school website at:

Or on the CSO website below:

If you are aware of any families that are also considering enrolling next year, please pass on this message.

Healthy Harrold

Our Lady of Victories will be visiting the Life Education Centre at Edgeworth on 31 July 2018 Week 2, Term 3. Notes will go home with students shortly. As in previous years, all the Life Education programs are designed to integrate with the school curriculum and topics are covered in a fun, and positive environment. The cost of the excursion is $10 per student, this includes the presentation, a workbook for each student and the bus transportation.

Healthy Harold Products will be available for purchase at the centre. A product list will be sent home with the permission form. If your child wishes to purchase a product, we ask that you put the correct amount of money in an envelope with your child’s name clearly marked on it, the product you wish to purchase and your child’s class. This envelope will then be taken with your child to the centre and they will be assisted to purchase the merchandise. There is no guarantee of what stock is available and the school is not responsible if replacement merchandise is offered to the children.

As part of our schools photograph and video permission consent that is on file for each child, your child may be photographed or videoed on the day for educational or promotional purposes. If you did not consent to your child being photographed or videoed they may be excluded, in this case we ask that you please explain to your children why they may not have their photo taken or appear in photos taken on the day.

All permission notes and general information notes sent home are also published on the school website and COMPASS portal for your convenience.

P&F News

If parents would like to add to the monthly meeting agenda, please call Kylie Westaway or send an email to OLVparentsandfriends@gmail.com.

Clothing Pool:

The Uniform Pool is now set up and operating from the “Bell Room” next to the Year 1 classroom. The Uniform Pool is open every Thursday morning from 8:40am – 9:10am.

Please Note: we can only take cash sales as no EFTPOS facilities are available.

Canteen Roster:

29/6 Cassie + Help needed please
4/7 Closed
6/7 Pupil free day closed

Please keep an eye on our facebook page and COMPASS for the Term 3 canteen roster that will be out soon.

A reminder that if you do not have a current WWC number on file with the school office you will no longer be able to put on the canteen roster. As we hate to turn volunteers away, we ask that all volunteers submit their WWC numbers to the office ASAP. If you need any assistance with applying for your number or the process involved. Please see Nicole P, in the Office or Nicole W, the Canteen co-ordinator.

Class News

Kinder

Genesis, in the first chapter of the Hebrew Scriptures, is the biblical story of the creation of Earth and life and tells the story in the form of a seven-day period. Using the numbers 1–7, Kindergarten coloured, cut and pasted images of creation to recall which things were made on the corresponding day. We also prayed prayers of thanks for God’s creation and painted a picture of our favourite part of creation. Kinder have started using ipads in the classroom to do Lexia. The instructions to download the program for home use are in the school newsletter. Please consider using the program at home as it supplements the work we are doing in class in developing reading skills. In Maths we had lots of practice sharing objects into equal groups to make a fair share and recorded our answer eg. 4 groups of 3. We are now learning about measuring capacity and will enjoy this unit as we get to do lots of hands on activities. Capacity is the amount a container can hold. In Science we have been looking at how weather affects us in the things we do and what we wear. For News we will be taking turns at giving the daily weather report. For the remainder of the term we will be varying our ‘Speaking and Listening’ activities as we experience sharing news with a small group to giving an impromptu talk to the whole class. No preparation at home is necessary. In our Library lesson with Mrs. Spencer we logged on to the computers and had fun drawing in Microsoft Paint. In Art we learnt about texture and explored our school environment to find and feel many different textures. In Music we have been learning about loud and soft and had fun playing our instruments loudly and softly. We also got to stomp around the classroom loudly like dinosaurs and to tiptoe softly like fairies. Great fun!

Year 1

Year 1 have been reading Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan to further develop their work on narrative. We have enjoyed listening to the rhyme throughout the story. Year 1 have worked on their knowledge of the characters in the story matching the character to what ingredient they brought to the stew.

In Maths we have been working on fractions and two-dimensional space. We used the vocabulary ‘about half’, ‘more than half’ and ‘less than half’ to describe the different parts shaded on whole shapes. Everyone learnt the fraction notation for half means one part out of two. We expanded our knowledge of two-dimensional space. Year 1 have learnt about horizontal, vertical and parallel lines as well as some knew shapes that include; pentagons, hexagons and octagons.

In Religion, we have been learning about the history of the catholic church. We have looked at the difference between the Archdiocese, Diocese and Parish. We are a part of the Shortland/Wallsend Parish which is part of the Maitland/Newcastle Diocese. This is all part of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

In Health we have discussed the different ways we can help people who have allergies at school. Year 1 talked about the difference types of allergies people can have including some medical conditions. Some allergies can be related to food, others can be related to the environment such as insect bites.

Here are some pictures of the Spaghetti Towers we created a couple of weeks ago! We investigated the differences between raw and cooked spaghetti. Year 1 had fun creating towers using spaghetti and marshmallows, something we certainly couldn’t do with the cooked spaghetti!

Year 2/3

In the past 2 weeks, year 2/3 has been working on the topics 2D shapes and time. Year 2 has been engaged in learning to describe a number of 2D shapes by talking about the number of sides and vertices. Year 3 has been learning all about the quadrilateral family. Learning to tell the time to the quarter hour for year 2, and the nearest minute for year 3 will need continual practice. In English, we read You and Me: Our Place by Leonie Norrington. Afterwards, we considered the representation of indigenous people and how the illustrations enhanced the text. In religion, we finalised our unit about the Eucharist and we focused on how to live a Eucharistic life, which is all about spreading God’s love in the world. In science, we conducted a fair test and we determined which material heats quicker when placed in hot water. We compared plastic, metal and wood. Metal heated the most as it is a conductor of heat. In History, we focused on some symbols used during Anzac Day. In Art, we are completing a still life collage. Music time has also been a lot of fun learning a new song called Tango Joe. Great work year 2/3.

Year 4

This week in Religion we have read, watched and discussed some parables of Jesus that help us understand what God is like. In one, God is like a caring shepherd, in another, God is like a compassionate stranger, and in another, God is like a loving father. In the stories of the Hebrew Scriptures God is likened to rain, wind, fire and many other forms. For hundreds of years, humans have described God in many ways in order to try to understand the mystery of God. In English we finished reading the book “Letty and the Stranger’s Lace” by Alison Lloyd. We completed a book report which included writing a story summary and illustrating a favourite part. These were completed very well. In Maths, we have been studying 2D shapes and angles. We are learning the mathematical terms for various angles and drawing examples. In History, we have been learning about the trade relations that the Aborigines of northern Australia had with the Macassans many years before the First Fleet. These relations were mostly peaceful and positive. In Visual Arts, we have been using clay to sculpt an animal of our choice. We firstly made a sketch of the animal from a picture we liked, which many sculptors do, and then used the sketch as a guide for sculpting. We created some very interesting models.

Year 5

We have done a great deal in the last two weeks. It is hard to believe it is almost holiday time again.

In Religion, we have been looking at the Anointing of the Sick, one of the healing Sacraments. We have watched a You Tube clip which explained what it is, when we can receive it, where it can happen and what benefits it brings. Did you know that it is one of the repeatable Sacraments?

In English, we have been working hard on our spelling, as always! We have continued reading our novel, “A Banner Bold”, and can’t believe the things that have happened to our characters in the short amount of time they have been on the goldfields. We wrote a letter as one of the characters, Rosa, to her best friend in London, detailing the conditions she had experienced.

In Maths, we had been working on understanding, reading and writing fractions, adding and subtracting them, converting improper fraction to mixed numerals and vice versa, and finding equivalent fractions. Now we are looking at angles and today we played a game of ‘angle bingo’, recalling the different names, sizes and images of angles.

In History, we are working on our presentation for our POP UP museum, which will be held next Tuesday, July 3. This will be held in the hall between 12noon and 1:30pm. We will be in groups of 3, and have a topic on which we will be experts! We will have a PowerPoint presentation and posters to show you, and will be able to answer any questions on our topic. Please come along and see what we have learnt.

In Science, we played a game called ‘Matter Heads’, based on the game of Celebrity Heads. Each of us were given a different solid, liquid or gas and we had to ask questions to determine what we were. It was fun…challenging at times, but fun!

In Sport, we have continued to improve our tennis skills, and have had a lot of fun in the process. Some of us are also looking forward to the Regional Athletics Carnival next Thursday. Thanks to the weather, PE has been put on hold.

In PDH, we have been discussing why people smoke, and the dangers of smoking. We have also looked at different ways we can say ‘no’ to smoking.

In Art, we have started creating our major artwork for the term, basing our artwork on the works of Sidney Nolan and our knowledge of gold mining from our work in history. We have enjoyed creating pieces that combine all of this knowledge.

While we are looking forward to the holidays, we know there is a lot of work still to be done.

Year 6

In Religion, further to our work last week, we matched the four parts of the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed to the categories of Father, Son, Holy Spirit and Church. We also worked to create our own Creed of our beliefs as members of the Catholic community. In Maths, we looked at data and ways we can record it, including two-way tables and side-by-side column graphs. We worked with each type and compared them for effectiveness. In our study of 2D shapes this week, we created a circle by finding points that are all the same distance from the center and we identified and named parts of a circle, including the center, radius, diameter, circumference, sector, semicircle and quadrant. In History, we have been listening to our classmates’ research about Aboriginal actions taken to improve the rights of our Indigenous population. The presentations have been interesting and informative. We have also been sharing, in groups, our research on social class systems in the world. In Art, we have begun research on an Impressionist artist of our choice and we are working to present our information in a PowerPoint. This week in Science, we conducted experiments involving a fizzy vitamin tablet that dissolves in water. We dissolved one in cold water, one in water at room-temperature and one in hot water to test the rate and type of reaction. It was amazing!

LEXIA AT HOME

It is great to hear that so many children have been able to download the Lexia Core 5 program at home. Some are even using it with their IPads!

Here are the details again if you would like to do Lexia at home.

If you would like to use the program at home you will need to download this new version. You can download from the link below:

Or, you can use it via your web browser:

You do not need any codes but will need the admin user email address. lady@victories.com.au from there children log on with their usual Lexia username and password. I Pad and I Pad mini users can download the Core 5 app from the App store- search for “Lexia Reading Core 5”.

If you have any problems, please contact me at the school on a Tuesday or Friday. – (Jenny McCallum - Learning Support Teacher)

Mini Vinnies

Students from Mini Vinnies have been holding lunch time stalls to raise much needed money for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. A paper aeroplane constructed by a student in year 4, flew almost the entire length of the hall. These students are also running a second hand toy raffle. It would be great to see these fabulous donations go to a good home. Mini Vinnies group would like to request donations of cupcakes for Friday to sell on a cupcake stall. Our students have been very generous in giving up their time to assist people less fortunate than themselves.

Aspire 2018

Each year the Diocese Schools Office produces a show full of the talented singers, dancers, mucicians and actors from all our primary and secondary schools. One of our talented dancers and singers, Keilie Hoar, will be performing in this year’s ASPIRE’S production of Dark Matter. We will be taking our Year 5 & 6 children to watch one of the Matinee performances to watch her perform, This will be on Wednesday of Week 2 next term. If any parents would like to attend the show then they are able purchase tickets from Ticketek for one of the evening shows.

SPORTS NEWS

School Athletics Carnival

We had a great day in the wind for our Athletics Carnival. There was a great roll up of parents and friends to cheer on the children as they competed in a wonderful spirit. Thanks to all the helpers and all the wonderful cake donations for the canteen.

Our champions are:

Good luck to all our representative for the Regional Athletics Carnival next week. The team is :

Girls: Dakota C, Isla W, Josie J-P, Isabella E, Sienna W, Olivia B, Amelia B, Naomi S, Jocelyn B, Kiralee E, Maree H, Maria K, Abbie B, Olivia K, Ruby L-P, Annalise F, Marley B, El W, Elsie O,

Boys: Bailey W, Sam T, Spencer N, Nicholas C, Immanuel S, Kane E, Peace H, Cooper P, Joseph A, Oscar H, Rohan E, Julian A, Sam T, Declan G, Chris C, Ari B, Noah P

TERM 3 GYMNASTICS

For sport in Term 3 the children will continue their Gymnastics program each week. However, so that we have access to the excellent program that we have used in the past, we need to change our sports day to Thursdays for Term 3 this year. The cost of the program is included in the Sports Levy.

SOO 2

Well done to NSW who won the series this year. It’s hard to lose a second series in 13 years. I am sure we will restore some pride in game 3. Enjoy the winners circle – a great team effort.

BIRTHDAY WISHES

We would like to wish the following children a happy birthday

Oliver W, Abbie B, Rohan E, Jayden S, Anna T, El W

Congratulations and we hope you have a happy day

Class Awards

Class awards for Week 8