Newsletter June 26, 2025
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of the Our Lady of the Way Community,
As we approach the end of the term, it is important to pause, reflect and celebrate the challenges and special moments that make our school community so unique. These experiences not only shape our students’ learning but also deepen our shared
connection as a community and a Catholic school.
Over the past weeks, our Years 4, 5 and 6 students have participated in the Intensive Swimming Program as part of the Physical Education curriculum. This program supports water safety and swimming confidence essential life skills that benefit our students both in and out of the pool.
Our Foundation students reached a joyful milestone, celebrating 50 days of school by wearing half of their school uniform, a creative and fun way to mark this special occasion in their first year of school life. In the spirit of ongoing learning, we welcomed Andrew from Think Squared, who worked alongside our Year 1 and 2 teachers and students to build staff capacity and deepen content knowledge if math’s. This collaborative approach enriches both teaching practice and student engagement.
A particularly sacred moment this term was the celebration of the Sacrament of First Eucharist with our Year 4 students. In this special Sacrament of Initiation, bread and wine are consecrated and become the body and blood of Christ. It is a powerful moment of spiritual nourishment and deeper union with Jesus, a true highlight in the faith journey of our students.
We also welcomed Mr. Callen Ryan to our teaching team, who has stepped into Mrs. Pinto’s role while she is on maternity leave. Looking ahead to Term 3, we are excited to welcome back Mrs. Gough to Year 1 as she returns from her maternity leave.
We’ve also had many sporting successes, with students proudly representing our school at district and regional, a wonderful testament to their dedication, teamwork and perseverance.
As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the significance of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This special feast invites us to reflect on the boundless love, mercy, and compassion that Christ offers to each one of us. In our
Catholic school community, this devotion holds a special place, reminding us of the call to live out these same qualities in our daily relationships.
Just as the Sacred Heart radiates love for all people, our school strives to be a place where every person feels known, valued and included. We are called to be the heart of Christ to one another, reaching out with empathy, practicing forgiveness and
responding to the needs of others with kindness and generosity. This feast offers us a moment to recommit to our shared Gospel values. Through prayer, action, and service, we honour the Sacred Heart not just in symbol, but in the way we live our faith each day.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to guide our school to be a place of love, unity, and hope.
Wishing all families a restful and safe term break.
Annette Moore
Acting Principal
IMPORTANT-SICK BAY
We have had an increase in students attending school while unwell. To help prevent the spread of illness and protect the health of our school community, we kindly ask that you keep your child at home if they are unwell.
Even mild symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose, or fever can spread easily to others.
Thank you for your support in keeping our students and staff safe and healthy.
SUPERVISION TIMES
A reminder to all parents and carers that supervision of children by Our Lady of the Way staff begins from 8:30 each morning. If you need to drop your child off before this time you will need to use the services offered by the OSHC. This also applies for after school supervision which concludes at 3:30pm.
FOOD ALLERGIES
A reminder to all families that we have students in the school with Anaphylaxis. To help keep all students safe, please avoid sending any nut products in your child’s lunchbox.
We appreciate your support and understanding.
LUNCH ORDERS!
All cancellations should come via the office. No contact should be made with the Cafe directly.
Students need a fruit snack and morning tea on days that lunch orders are placed.
SMART WATCH REMINDER
Please ensure that any student who wears a smart watch to school has it set to School Mode. This means the device must not be used during school hours.
Thank you for your cooperation.
CHANGES OF CLOTHES
With the recent rain, there are some muddy patches throughout the yard, and several students have unfortunately slipped or fallen in these areas, requiring a change of clothes.
To help us manage this more smoothly, we kindly ask that you consider packing a spare pair of pants in your child’s school bag, just in case they need a change during the day. While we do have some spare uniform items available, we may not always have the correct size for your child.
Should we be able to supply a change of clothes for your child, we kindly ask that these items be washed and returned at your earliest convenience. If underwear is provided, please note that it is brand new and does not need to be returned, as it cannot be reused.
Thank you for your support.
LABELLING UNIFORMS
Please ensure all uniform items are clearly labelled with your child’s name. We’ve been receiving uniforms in the office daily without any identifying labels, and unfortunately, these items cannot be returned to the students without proper identification. Please also check to see if your child has come home with another child's uniform item, and return it to the office if this is the case.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep track of all belongings!
UNIFORM
A reminder to all girls that leggings are not part of the school uniform. The winter uniform is either a kilt or long navy pants. Leggings are not to be worn.
Images of the winter uniform are below. This image does not have the school woollen jumper or the soft cell jacket which are also part of our Winter Uniform. Please ensure that the uniform your child is wearing adheres to our uniform policy. This includes school shoes. Shoes need to be all black and I emphasise the all. No other colour should be visible. On sport days your child can wear any colour runners.
We have also introduced a scarf to our uniform to help battle the cold Wallan winter. It matches the navy beanie and is available from PSW, our uniform suppliers. Please note that this school beanie is the only beanie the students should be wearing at school.
Thank you for your continued support with this matter.
Winter Uniform
Our Lady of the Way Kindergarten: Your Child’s Space to Flourish
We are thrilled to announce that Our Lady of the Way Kindergarten will open its doors in early 2026, as part of a brand new, purpose-built Children’s Hub.
This exciting new facility will be operated by MACSEYE and co-located with Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School, creating a seamless, supportive environment for young learners and their families.
The kindergarten will offer programs for both 3 and 4-year-old children, proudly funded and approved by the Victorian Government. These programs are designed to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and lay the foundations for lifelong learning in a caring and inclusive environment.
As our hub grows, it will become home to additional community services, providing even more support for children and families in the area.
Most importantly, MACSEYE are committed to working in close partnership with our primary school and local parish to foster a strong, values-based community where every child can grow, belong, and thrive.
Our Lady of the Way Kindergarten is more than just a place to learn—it’s your child’s space to flourish.
For more information or to submit an application visit https://macseye.vic.edu.au/kinder-services/our-lady-of-the-way-kindergarten/
Religious Education-Pilgrims of Hope
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is scheduled for Friday 5 September 2025 at 6:00pm at OLW Church, Wallan.
Yr 6 students who are baptised Catholic and have made Reconciliation and Eucharist, should have registered for the Sacramental program in February. If you have not registered your child and need to, please email Mrs Nicole Pegler; Faith & Mission Leader at nicole.pegler@ourladywallan.
MASS TIMES
Fr. Andrew will be on annual leave from 17 June to 27 June. During this time, some weekday Masses will be cancelled. Please note that Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses will continue as usual. Regular Mass schedule will resume from Saturday, 28 June.
Please see the adjusted Mass timetable below for upcoming weeks:
• Fri, 27 June: No Mass at Kilmore
Regular Mass times Resume Sat, 28 June
9 am Mass at Kilmore
5 pm Mass at Broadford
6.30 pm Mass at Kilmore
Sun, 29 June
8.45 am Mass at Wallan - 1st Eucharist group 4
10.45 am Mass at Kilmore
First Eucharist
This Sunday, the final group of students at Our Lady of the Way will make their first Eucharist. Over 4 Sunday’s during June, we will have had 51 students make the Sacrament of First Eucharist.
The students and their teachers have done a lot of work to prepare and understand the sacrament of initiation. I would also like to thank the all the staff who have come along to support them across each of the Sunday masses.
Please continue to keep these students in your prayers as they continue their faith journey.
Wellbeing
Teaching and Learning
Parent Teacher Interviews
Wednesday, July 30th Students finish at 1.35pm Interviews from 2.00pm-6.00pm
Tuesday, August 5th - Interviews from 3.30pm-7.00pm
Families will be notified via email when bookings become available
Semester One Reports
Semester One reports will be available to read via PAM. The reports will open at the end of Term 2.
BOOK WEEK INFORMATION:
The 2025 theme is Book an Adventure! The feature artist for the year, Jess McGeachin, has brilliantly captured this adventurous spirit in his artwork, which features a whimsical map filled with imaginary characters.
Our Book Week dress up day and parade will be on Monday, August 18!
Our Book Week incursion will be on Friday, August 29th.
World Music Day-Friday, June 20!
World Music Day was a celebration across the whole school. A big thank you to all the teachers for their musical participation in their classrooms. The students all were able to experience an expression of their own love of music through their costumes. It was an amazing day of being involved with music from different countries and genres.
French Words
On Tuesday the 24th of June, the Year 6’s gathered with the Year 2 classes and taught them the French alphabet, which the Year 6’s had been learning over the previous weeks. The Year 6’s spent each of their French classes putting together lesson plans which involved colourful flashcards, slideshows, videos and fun, exciting games The Year 2’s were paired with the year 6’s in small groups and were taught how to pronounce the letters of the alphabet in french and memorise them. The Year 6’s really enjoyed teaching the Year 2’s, it was a great experience.
The Year 2’s were enthusiastic and respectful, showing great listening skills and lots of energy. They asked questions, repeated the letters out loud and had fun learning something new. Both year levels enjoyed the experience. The Year 6’s were really grateful to get this opportunity and the Year 2’s got a chance to learn new things. It was also a chance for the Year 6’s to revise their learning.
A big shout out and thank you to Madame Cook, who helped guide the Year 6’s in their lesson planning and supported them throughout the process. Without her help, this special experience wouldn’t have been possible!
Art
Music Lessons
Before and After School Care
Community Events
The Scout School Holiday Program offers a range of engaging activities that help develop confidence, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and resilience—all while having a fantastic time. We believe this program can be of great benefit to your students, providing them with an enriching experience during the school holidays.
Beveridge NetSetGo 
Calling all budding netballers aged 5–10!
Join us for a fun and active program where kids can learn new skills, make friends, and fall in love with netball—all in a safe, supportive environment.
Sessions kick off at 6pm inside the sporting stadium at Beveridge Primary - Ambrosia Campus.
Register via the link provided. Every sign-up includes a NetSetGo T-shirt and netball - yours to keep!
We can't wait to see you there 
