Newsletter Term 2 Week 6

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.

We are proud to introduce the School Board Members and their portfolios for 2025:

We thank all our board members, both new and continuing, for their commitment and leadership in supporting the growth and success of our school community.

PBIS UPDATE: NEXT STEPS IN SUPPORTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
As part of our ongoing commitment to Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports (PBIS), we are excited to share that we are entering the next phase of implementation.

Our team has been working on designing our Behaviour Expectation Matrix. This important tool outlines clear expectations for students based on our three core values: We are Kind, We are Safe, and We are Responsible. The matrix defines what these values look like in action across key areas of school life — when we learn, when we gather, when we move, and when we play.

This consistent and school-wide approach helps create a positive, supportive learning environment for all students. We look forward to sharing the matrix with our school community soon as we continue building a culture of respect and responsibility.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING

Arts – Media Arts & Stop Animation
Students working with Mrs Iasiello this term for Art are working on developing their media art skills, which includes character, storyboard and setting development as they work towards producing their own stop animations using iPad this term.

Year 6 – Questacon STEM Futures Project Term 1 and 2
The year 6 cohort are continuing their learning as part of a Questacon STEM Futures project focusing on developing critical, creative and problem-solving skills to then put into practice with a STEM focused unit later in the year. We have started with incorporating quick 10-15 minute tasks targeting thinking skills into our weekly mathematics lessons as brain energisers and so far, the students have been enjoying the opportunity to work together and think differently. An example of one of the challenges is “Can you fit your whole body through a single piece of A4 paper in under 5 minutes?" Those of us of a certain vintage who may recall the Minties wrapper challenge are at a slight advantage.

Year 5 - Makers Empire and Design Thinking
This term Year 5 students have been learning about the Design Thinking process and are working towards being able to design something in 3D using Makers Empire later this term. We have 3D printers at school and have also loaned a 3rd 3D printer from Makers Empire to ensure all groups of students have an opportunity to print their prototypes. We look forward to sharing some photos of our designs with you towards the end of the term.

LONG SERVICE LEAVE
We would like to share that Kelly Manera will be taking Long Service Leave as she travels to Europe with her family commencing in Week 8. Part of the trip includes a visit to the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the final resting place of beloved Pope Francis.

ANTI-BULLYING RAPID REVIEW
The Australian Government recently announced an Anti-Bullying Rapid Review.

The Review will look at current approaches to addressing bullying in schools, what is working and what needs strengthening, with the aim of providing options for the development of a consistent national standard for responding to bullying and its underlying causes in schools.

The Review is now accepting submissions. The Review co-chairs, Dr Charlotte Keating and Dr Jo Robinson AM, are seeking views from students, parents, teachers, and those involved in school education across the country. Submissions can be made anonymously if preferred.

To provide feedback through the submission process, please visit www.education.gov.au/antibullying-rapid-review 

This link contains instructions on how to participate along with the Review's Terms of Reference.  

P&F BLANC SOIREE
Don’t miss out on securing your tickets for the upcoming Blanc Soirée this August, a standout event on our school’s social calendar! The evening promises to be a memorable celebration, complete with exciting auction items and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Early Bird tickets have been extended due to strong interest, and the response so far has been fantastic. We’re looking forward to a wonderful night and are incredibly grateful to our dedicated P&F team for all their hard work in bringing this event to life.

Wishing you a wonderful and safe long weekend!

Go well

Annette Diassinas and Kelly Manera
Co-Principals

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