Newsletter May 2, 2024

From the Principal

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

On Thursday morning I had the privilege and pleasure of being part of the first Dawn
Service held at Mandalay in Beveridge. I have been to many Dawn Services over the
years but never an inaugural one. As with many other people attending services across
the country we gathered at 6.00am to remember and honour those who have served to
defend our country. It is always a very moving experience and this year was no exception.
It was wonderful to see so many families present, many of those I recognised as members
of our school community.
I know we had many families at the Dawn Service at Wallan also and I would like to make
special mention of Damian Brooks and Gracie Bresciano who laid wreaths on behalf of the
school, at Mandalay and Wallan respectively.

Below is an extract from Archbishop Peter Comensoli’s Anzac Day Message. I feel that
the connection Archbishop Peter makes between the history of the day and our world
today is worth sharing with you…
ANZAC Day is a commemoration, not of the glory of war or of conflict, but of honour
and sacrifice made by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First
World War and subsequent conflicts both here and abroad. So those people who
were military and also civilian are to be commemorated on this day by way of
honour, not of glory.
On this ANZAC Day particularly, there is a purpose in saying no to war, no to a way
of life that involves conflict, but also no to injustice and hatred. We need to consider
the reality that sometimes conflict does happen, but that our intention, our work and
our service is towards peace. So, on this commemoration of ANZAC Day (and every
day) let us say yes to peace, for work towards what is good, to dialogue amongst
peoples, Lest We Forget.

Best wishes,
Terry

2025 FOUNDATION INFORMATION OPEN AFTERNOON

On Wednesday the 24th of April we had an open afternoon for prospective families to visit the school, check out the facilities and resources and have questions answered by our staff. Approximately 50 to 60 families came through the school with lots of excited children about the prospect of being part of our school community.

Enrolments for Foundation in 2025 will be closing mid-May. We now have more applications than places available. If you have a child ready for Foundation in 2025 and you already have a child at Our Lady of the Way, a place will be made available for you. However, if an application is not submitted we will not know that a place is needed.

If you have a child who is ready for school in 2025, it is imperative that you to fill out an enrolment application. Applications can be accessed through the school website, and the links are available in this newsletter too.

Enrolments for all other year levels are also open with application available on the School Website www.ourladywallan.catholic.edu.au. If you have a relative, friend or neighbour who is considering Our Lady of the Way as the school for their child could you inform them of the process required and encourage them to fill in an application.

In the light of Christ

Dates for the celebration of Eucharist      

Booking instructions: www.schoolinterviews.com.au  Code: dgx77

Family Faith Evening Google Meet Link: http://meet.google.com/zmv-vxhr-qsr

Commitment Mass: Sunday, May 19 OR Sunday, May 26 (Book 1 only)

Family Retreat Day: (students only) Wednesday, May 29 (During school hours)

Faith Formation Night: Wednesday, May 29, 6.30pm online (see above)

Sacrament for Eucharist: Sunday, June 2, 9, 16 & 23 9.00am (Book 1 only)

Wellbeing- Positive Behaviour and Learning

RESPECT

“I listen well and speak politely”

Year 6 GRIP Leadership Excursion

It was an early start to the day on April 30th when the Year 6 leaders were required to attend school by 7:20am to leave for the annual GRIP Leadership Conference in Bendigo. Everyone enjoyed the lengthy 90 minute drive before we finally arrived. The Year 6 leaders were escorted to our seats by 9am and after a musical introduction we were ready for a rewarding and action packed experience. Upon arrival our first topic was how everybody (not just leaders) can step forward and lead. It was further expanded on through a game of ‘Quick Maths’ that allowed us to meet other school leaders and learn what leaders can contribute to their school community. We discussed various techniques
and summarised with a reflection. In our second session one of our student leaders (George Siaosipalauni) was recruited to the stage to participate in a roleplay to represent the topic of sacrifices of a student leader. One of the
sessions also discussed the importance of presenting information to other students in more engaging ways to increase retention of information and potentially allow for greater student participation in whole school initiatives.

Overall, it was a spectacular day to show us the importance of being a great leader. Thank you to Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Eid for taking us to Bendigo for the excursion. We had so much fun and took away a lot of
valuable information in our role as leaders in 2024.

By Ness Nagpal and Damien Brooks

Scholastic Book Fair

Last day tomorrow!

8.30am-9.00am & 3.00-3.30pm each day

Eftpos only-No cash sales

Located in the Library

Language at Our Lady of the Way

Madame Cook demonstrates the pronunciation of the weekly French words.

Help needed!

If anyone is able to assist with contacting some books for our library, it would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to collect a bag, they are available at the office.

Specialist Days

Music Lessons

Before and After School Care

Assumption College Musical

The Frozen Jr. Spectacular is Almost Here!

Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us for a journey into the enchanting kingdom of Arendelle as Assumption College presents its Junior Production of "Frozen Jr."! The cast and crew have been working hard every rehearsal for what is shaping up to be a magical show. From mesmerising musical numbers to captivating choreography, this show promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.

When: Thursday 23rd May, 4:30pm & 7:00pm, and Friday 24th May 24th, 4:30pm & 7:00pm

Where: Assumption College Theatrette

Tickets: $20 each available for purchase through TryBooking at https://www.trybooking.com/CPXQG. 

Dress: Feel free to dress up as your favourite Frozen character to add an extra sprinkle of magic to the evening! 

See you there!

Community Events