Newsroom

Apple StorySchool with Tristan Bancks
StorySchool is a Community of Practice, bringing educators from Australia and New Zealand together to enhance literacy and communication skills using iPads through storytelling and creative expression. Led by StorySchool creator and author Tristan Bancks and Dr. Chris Blundell of Queensland University of Technology, the program provides resources and teaching and learning ideas. This term our digital learning coordinator, Kim,  will be engaged in the program by attending 4 out of school hours workshops and implementing her learning into our classrooms alongside teachers.

CESA STEM MAD
We're thrilled to share that our school is participating in the Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) STEM MAD (Making a Difference) program. This exciting initiative encourages students to explore the fascinating worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in a meaningful way.

STEM MAD challenges students to identify real-world problems and then apply their STEM knowledge and skills to design innovative solutions. They might develop new services, create helpful products, or come up with groundbreaking innovations – all with the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of others or our environment.

This program is not just about learning; it's about empowering our students to become creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and true changemakers in our community and beyond!

We have 3 groups of Year 5 and 6 students who are working regularly with two experienced STEM educators on staff Kim Martin and Bianca Annese as part of an enrichment program towards entering their innovative solutions into the STEM MAD showcase later in the year.

Last week, one of the teams had a sewing lesson with Dee from the tuckshop and Kim!
 

Children’s University
All students who registered to participate in the Children’s University program for 2025 have now received their passports and access to the online portal to track the events and activities they participate in. The goal is to encourage families to experience a variety of activities and learning events over the course of the year and celebrate learning that occurs outside of the classroom.

As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, it's a wonderful opportunity to pause and celebrate the vibrant learning and strong sense of community that continue to shine at Star of the Sea School.

Over the past few weeks, our students have embraced a range of enriching experiences. One of the highlights was National Simultaneous Storytime, where classes gathered together to share in the joy of this year's featured book. It was a beautiful moment that nurtured a love of reading and reminded us of the joy found in coming together as a school community.

In connection with National Reconciliation Week and its theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” our students from Reception to Year 6 engaged in thoughtful conversations and learning experiences, deepening their understanding of reconciliation and the journey we are all part of.

We were also delighted to see our Year 5 and 6 students attend Shrek the Musical, performed by the talented students of St Michael’s College. The performance was full of energy, humour, and heart, and it was wonderful for our students to support them.

SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE: WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS AND 2025 PORTFOLIOS
Last week, we held our School Board meeting and were pleased to welcome our newly appointed members, who join our existing team in guiding the strategic direction of our school.

During the meeting, we reviewed each board portfolio and shared key updates relating to our school’s ongoing development. Over recent months, the Leadership team has worked diligently to draft and refine several important new policies. These were ratified by the Board.

Four new policies that we would like to share include:

Mobile Phones and Electronic Device Policy
Home Learning Policy
Inclement Weather Policy
Anti Bullying and Harassment Policy

These are included in this newsletter and are also available on our school website for your reference.

Pentecost
Yesterday our school came together to celebrate Mass as whole school. The theme of our mass was ‘Welcome Holy Spirit’ as this Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost.

Before Jesus was crucified, he promised his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to be with them, to help them and to guide them. On the day of Pentecost that promise came true. The disciples of Jesus were filled with the fire of his love and had the courage to go and do the work Jesus had called them to do.

It was our first school mass celebrated with Fr Mark. We thank him for his wonderful homily and for the way he engaged with the students.

Vinnies Support
This afternoon, our Student Representative Council (SRC) had the privilege of meeting with dedicated volunteers from Vinnies, who generously give their time in our parish to ensure every member of our community receives essential support. They spoke passionately to our students about the importance of community solidarity and how each of us can make a difference by supporting those in need.

One tangible way we can demonstrate our support is through participating in the Winter Dignity Drive.

Winter Dignity Drive

We are once again collecting items this winter to make someone’s cold and lonely life a little brighter.

During May and June, we will be collecting some specific items to support Catherine House and the Hutt Street Centre.

These organisations have requested the following specific items,

If you can please add some items to your shopping and bring these along to school, they will be much appreciated by some of the more vulnerable members of our greater community.

New Sleeping bags and new or good quality thick/woolen blankets also gratefully received!

Reception Families: Cotton tips/hair ties/Lip Balm

Year 1 Families: Adult female socks/ spray on deodorant (not roll on please)

Year 2 Families: Muesli Bars / Packets of crackers or biscuits

Year 3 Families: Toothbrush / small toothpaste/Body wash / shower gel

Year 4 Families: Face cleanser/ moisturiser

Year 5 Families: Male beanies /male socks

Year 6 Families: Instant noodles/ 2 min noodles

You can bring these items into school anytime this term.

Friday 27 June will be “Fluffy Friday”
All students are invited to wear a scarf/ beanie /pj’s /tracksuit /fluffy socks / slippers etc, to remind us of how grateful we are to have warm, comfy clothes to wear during these cold winter months.

With Graditude
Domenique Laurendi

Below is some of our discussions from our School Board Meeting in Week 4.

COMMUNICATION WITH OUR STAFF
This week, you would have received communication regarding the importance of staff wellbeing, along with updates to the Fair Work Act 2009 concerning employees' "right to disconnect." In line with these changes, our teachers will now respond to emails only during their working hours, which are from 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Please also keep in mind that due to their busy classroom schedules, teachers may require up to 48 hours to respond to non-urgent communications. While their dedication to providing the best education for your children remains steadfast, immediate responses may not always be possible for non-urgent matters.

Thank you for your understanding and support on this matter.

CHURCH CAR PARK
The Sacred Heart Parish continues to face challenges with some families disregarding carpark etiquette by parking in spaces reserved for parish members, creating their own parking spots, or using disability spaces without a valid permit. These actions prevent those who genuinely need these spaces from accessing them.

What exacerbates the situation is the response our parish staff receive when they ask these individuals to move—often met with arrogance or refusing to move. This behaviour is completely contrary to the values of our school community. I strongly urge parents and grandparents to reflect on their behaviour and consider the impact it has on others.

To address this issue, new measures have been implemented, including the use of bollards to prevent unauthorised parking in reserved spaces. However, if this disrespectful behaviour towards our parish staff persists, the Parish will be forced to take further action, which could include limiting access to the carpark entirely.

There is ample parking available along the beach, just a short 2-minute walk away. Please make every effort to park there.

Please do the right thing, prioritise the safety of our families, and ensure we treat everyone with the respect they deserve.

Below are some pictures indicating areas where parking is strictly prohibited at all times.

NAMING OF THE NEW BUILDING
I am pleased to announce that our new building will be named the Chevalier Building. Before the recent building project, the previous structure also bore the name Chevalier Building, in honour of Jules Chevalier, the founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who is central to our Star of the Sea Charism.

This naming decision will be officially communicated to Catholic Education. Once a suitable date and time have been coordinated with officials from the State and Federal Government, as well as Catholic Education, a formal opening ceremony will be scheduled.