Newsletter June 26, 2024

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of the Our Lady of the Way Community,

As I sit and write this newsletter piece I realise that we are at the mid-point of the year, the conclusion of term 2. In reflecting on the term, the sentiment is often ‘where has the time gone?’. However, in reviewing the events of term 2 we might change our thought process to ‘how do we fit it all in?’.

Along with our normal day to day classroom routines we have had our Year 5’s experience a 3-day camp at Weekaway, where apparently the food was fantastic according to a number of students. We celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Way and presented special certificates to students acknowledging how they exemplify our liturgical theme of sharing “the light of Christ.”  These students consistently act in ways consistent to the Gospel teachings of Jesus, and shine that light humbly for all to see. This was the inaugural year for these awards and will be a significant part of our Feast Day Celebrations for years to come.

Different year levels had visits from many Community Services such as CFA, Victoria Police, Life Guards gave presentations to the children explaining how they support our Local Community. We celebrated Cultural Diversity Day on May 21st celebrating how fortunate we are to have such wonderful diversity within our Community. I must say the colour and excitement among the children in their national costumes was a sight to behold. This day also included the Alliance Francaise Poetry Competition for select students. Our Semester 1 Art Show was held recently showcasing the wonderful artists we have amongst us and the wonderful program that is provided for them.

On a sporting note we had our Year 6 students represent the school in the Winter Sport Competition and many children from Year 3 to 6 participate in the District Cross Country Competition. National Reconciliation Week was acknowledged and our whole school Wanyara incursion in recognition of Naidoc Week which falls during the school holidays was held in this last week of term.

Weekly Community Mass on Wednesday mornings with Father Prakash have continued throughout the term. These took on extra significance for our Year 4 students as some of them prepared for their First Eucharist. These were wonderful celebrations with the Parish Community at Sunday morning masses during June.

As a snippet of what occurred during the term you can see that school life is a vibrant engaging experience for our children. We look forward to more wonderful experiences in term 3. I wish all families a wonderful break over the school holidays and look forward to when school starts back on Monday, July 15th.

Best wishes,
Terry

MEDICAL INFORMATION 

Please ensure all medical details are updated on the PAM (Parent Access Module). 

CONTACT DETAILS AND EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Please advise the office of any change of contact details. This can be done via a phone call or email to admin@ourladywallan.catholic.edu.au  Please also ensure we have updated emergency contact details in the event that we are unable to contact you regarding your child. 

IMPORTANT DATES

Please see the image below which shows where to locate the links to the calendar in this new format. The underlined section also indicates where the language can be changed. 

In the light of Christ

Sacrament of Eucharist

School Lunch Boxes

We are finding with the cooler weather many students are presenting to the office looking for more food to eat.  It may be an idea to pack some extra healthy snacks in your child's lunch box to help get them through the day.

Teaching and Learning

SCHOOL REPORTS

School reports will be available via PAM (Parent Access Module) today.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parent Teacher interviews will be held next term. The dates will be Wednesday, July 17 from 3.30pm-7.00pm and Tuesday, July 23 from 2.00pm-6.00pm. Bookings can be made via PAM (Parent Access Module). 

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data-NCCD

Wanyara Incursion:Celebrating Aboriginal Culture

On Monday and Tuesday this week,  our school had the privilege of hosting Wanyara for a special incursion focused on sharing Aboriginal culture with our students. Throughout these two days, students participated in a variety of engaging activities including sports, painting, yarning, and dance. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of Aboriginal culture. This hands-on experience not only enriched their understanding but also fostered a greater appreciation for the diversity and history that shape our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wanyara for bringing this invaluable experience to our school.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week with Indigenous Staff Uniforms
In celebration of NAIDOC Week, our staff are proudly wearing new themed polos designed for the 2024 NAIDOC Day: "Keep the Fire Burning!" These vibrant tops were created by the talented Indigenous artist Merindah-Gunya (Bayley Mifsud).

The design beautifully encapsulates the spirit and significance of this years theme, serving as a visual reminder of our commitment to honouring and preserving Aboriginal culture and heritage. We are thrilled to showcase these unique uniforms as part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations and to support the incredible work of Indigenous artists like Merindah-Gunya.

Celerating NAIDOC week

Physical Education

Congratulations to the following students who competed in the Regional Cross Country at Kilmore Trackside on June 19th.  Although they did not qualify for the next round, we are extremely proud of their amazing efforts. Maisie placed 33rd,  Sadie placed 63rd, Matilda placed 47th and Tayte placed 20th! A fantastic effort.  

Language at Our Lady of the Way

                                This term we have learnt the following French words and meanings:

           salut  meaning: hi                                                                         au revoir meaning: good bye         

           s'il vous plaît meaning: please                                                   merci meaning: thank you 

           madame meaning: Mrs                                                               monsieur meaning: Mr

           tout le monde meaning: everyone                                             excuse-moi meaning: excuse me 

           les toilettes meaning: toilet                                                       une boire meaning: a drink 

Bastille Day Celebrations

Art Show

A BIG thank you to the many families who came to this semester’s Art Show to support their children’s learning in Visual Arts.
The turn out on both nights was heart warming as was the excitement shown by the students towards sharing their artworks with families and friends. Thank you to the many staff who helped with the set up (it is a big job and many hands make light work). A special thank you to Damien Brooks and Zak Zoobi from Year 6 who took it upon themselves to assist with the preparations for the show. They put in a tremendous effort with creating posters, putting them up around the school as well as setting up parts of the show-you boys were amazing. Here are some photos of this semester’s Art Show.
Look out for the next Art Show in Term 4.

Art Show displays

Makerspace

Specialist Days-Semester 2

Music Lessons

Before and After School Care

Assumption College, Kilmore

Tuning Into Teens Program

Community Events

Flamez Netball 

The new season for Flamez is fast approaching. If your child is a new player with the birth year of 2017, 2016, 2015, please complete the following registration form. Compulsory Training and Dress Sizing Friday 14th June 4pm-5pm at Wallan Netball Stadium.

Scout Holiday Program

Wallan Junior Fire Brigade

Wallan Junior Fire Brigade are recruiting new members. 

Kilmore Kookaburra Girl Guides

Kilmore Girl Guides is looking for new Girls to join, to have fun and make new friends. It is on each Thursday 4.30-6.00pm.

Girls develop confidence, self-reliance, learn team building and leadership skills while participating in Girl Guide activities.  Girl Guides learn by doing.

There’s a lot of on offer; local unit, Region, State and even International communities and activities - something for everybody.  We’re connected globally to over 10 million members in 150 countries.

For over 100 years Girl Guides Victoria has been providing fantastic opportunities for Girls aged 5-18 years to meet personal challenges.  As part of the largest volunteer organisation for Girls and Women in Australia our team is proud to be helping to develop a cleaner, brighter, better world around us.

Your daughter is welcome to attend three meetings for free to see if she would like to join us!

Please contact: 

Carolyn:  0400 578 103 or 
Kristy:  0422 138 908 or Carolyn.atkinson@guidesvic.org.au