Principal's Message
SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE VALIDATION
As part of your NESA compliance obligations, we take part in the COSI (Continuum of School Improvement) process with the Catholic schools Office and the Diocese. There are six areas that are validated/checked on a rotating six yearly cycle. This year our school is being validated on registration requirement B8: Safe and Supportive Environment, inclusive of B8.1 Schools must meet child protection requirements and B8.2 Schools must provide for student welfare.
As part of the validation, we seek to speak to a student group, usually around six students (two from each stage) to obtain their views on the school, along the lines of what makes them safe and is there anything the school needs to do to make them feel safe/safer. To this end the attached letter explains in more detail and asks parents to notify the school if you would like your child NOT to participate.
CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
At Our Lady of Victories Shortland, we recognised National Child Protection Week with a vibrant display that embodies the theme ‘Every Conversation Matters.’ Students wrote meaningful phrases on ribbons, which were used to decorate a prominently placed tree on our school grounds. This eye-catching display highlights the importance of dialogue in child protection and engages the broader community. Parents and staff also contributed their own messages, providing diverse perspectives. Kindergarten students added their creative touch by decorating butterflies, symbolising the idea of “spreading the word” about the essential role of communication. This collaborative effort visually reinforces that every conversation has the power to support and safeguard our children, fostering a safe, informed and caring environment for all.
Please walk up the path and check out the messages.
OLV BOOKWEEK & BOOK FAIR
On Friday parents and children will be able to purchase their books from the stall in the morning.
The character parade will commence at 12:30pm - or shortly after. The theme this year is "MAGIC". So get creative and see what you can come up with. But, please do not feel obliged to go to the expense of buying costumes. Please note that the students are to remain at school until after the Family activities which begin at 2.00pm.
PUPIL FREE DAY
A reminder that the school will be closed on Monday 16 September (Week 9) so that staff can attend the Professional Development opportunity "Love in Action". Staff will be working with Bishop Danny Meageher to explore service to the community.
MORNING ARRIVALS
Now that we have our new entrance and security access complete, just a gentle reminder about drop off in the morning. We ask that all children enter the school via the bottom gate on Lovell Pde. This will ensure the children receive a friendly greeting and hand sanitiser when starting school for the day.Parents with office business only should use the intercom to access the office. Please remember to sanitise upon entry.
ASPIRE AUDITIONS
Registrations for ASPIRE 2025 Auditions are now OPEN for current students from Year 4 to Year 12. The auditions will be held at the Newcastle Convention and Exhibition Centre NEX, King Street Newcastle (West City)
To register, please follow the link or scan the QR code on the information sheet below and complete the online registration form.
Audition Applications close of Friday 25 Septemebr, 2024. If you require further information, please contact Anne Atkins on 49791331 or email anne.atkins@mn.catholic.edu.au