Newsletter July 24, 2025

From the Principal

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

Welcome back to Term 3. Our start to Term 3 has certainly been a wintery one. I hope that you and your families had a wonderful break over the holidays. It was wonderful to see the children arrive back and quickly return to the structures and routines of good learning practices. We look forward to a wonderful term of learning and teaching and positive social interactions.

OFFICIAL SOD TURN FOR THE ELC AND MULTI-PURPOSE HALL

We had the official Sod Turn for the ELC and our Multi-Purpose Hall on Wednesday 23^rd July. Ceremonies like these recognise the financial contributions from the State Government and financial support from the Catholic Development Fund for us to be able to create the wonderful facilities for our children.

I thank the Member for Yan Yean, Lauren Kathage for being with us representing the Minister for Education and the Minister for Children, as well as representatives from CDF, MACS, MACSEYE, VBSA, Raysett, Architecture Matters, Parents and Friends, Staff and Students. It was a wonderful occasion and we look forward to watching both building projects progress.

A few photos from the ceremony…

2026 ENROLMENTS

We are currently at the point of sending out offers of places for Foundation students for 2026. This is an exciting time for many of our families but a nervous one for some others. We have 100 places for 2026 and at last check we have had 182 applications and 204 expressions of interest.

Once again, some families who wish to be part of our school community will miss out. This is unfortunate but it is the reality of our situation. In 2026 we will have 4 classes of every year level totalling 28 classes with an enrolment in excess of 700.

Enrolments for Years 1 to 6 are currently open and we have limited places available in some year levels. If you know of anyone that is thinking about applying for a position can you please encourage them to get their application in. Applications are available on the school website www.ourladywallan.catholic.edu.au

If your child is not going to be continuing at Our Lady of the Way in 2026, I ask that you let Mrs Jodie Barnes know via the admin email ASAP. We have a waiting list in many levels and this may give the opportunity for another family to join our school community.

Best Wishes, 

Terry Cooney, 

Principal

Winter Uniform

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.

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!

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 will take place on Friday 5th September at 6.00pm. Registration for the sacrament should have been made via the survey on PAM or by returning the letter to your child's yr 6 teacher.

To receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, students must; 

- Be baptised in the Catholic faith

- Have participated in Sacrament of First Reconciliation 

- Have received sacrament of First Eucharist 

- Be in Grade 6 or above. 

Students must attend a Commitment Mass within the Parish on Sunday 3 Aug at 8.45am in Our Lady of the Way Church, or an alternative parish mass on that weekend at St Patrick's Church Kilmore at 6.30pm on Sat 2 August or 10.45am on Sunday 3 August.

Our family faith night will occur online on Wed 13 August at 6.30pm. Students making confirmation will need to be online for this workshop with at least one adult family member.

Students should begin to think and select a person to be their sponsor, to support them on their faith journey. The sponsor must be a baptised and confirmed Catholic, it may be a godparent chosen at baptism, or another a family member or family friend over the age of 16. It CANNOT be the child's parent. 

Students can also think about an inspirational Saint's name, to be taken as their name in Confirmation (or be confirmed as their own name given in baptism) They will investigate this further in class as they learn more about saints, the sacrament and the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, as well as how they can live out their mission as a member of the faith community.

Should you require any further information please email 

Mrs Nicole Pegler, Faith & Mission Leader nicole.pegler@ourladywallan.catholic.edu.au

Wellbeing

Parents & PBL: Supporting Positive Behaviour at School

Our school uses Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) to create a safe and positive learning environment for all students.

What is PBL?

PBL is a comprehensive, proactive system that teaches and reinforces desired behaviours, focusing on prevention rather than just punishment. It helps create a school culture that emphasises respect, responsibility, resilience and Safety. PBL is an evidence-based framework that helps schools improve academic achievement, attendance, behaviour, and overall school climate. It works by explicitly teaching expected behaviours, setting consistent boundaries, and providing extra help when needed.   

How Parents Can Help with PBL:

Supporting PBL at home is highly effective because children often look to adults to guide their behaviour, and consistent routines provide predictability and help children regulate their emotions.   

• Understand School Expectations: Familiarise yourself with our school's positive behaviour expectations and Matrix

• Reinforce at Home: Support consistent routines and positive behaviours at home, aligning with what your child learns at school. For example, if the school encourages "moving safely", reinforce walking safely at home.   

• Model Positive Behaviour: Children learn by observing. Demonstrate the behaviours you expect, such as cleaning up after yourself or speaking calmly when frustrated.   

• Acknowledge Good Behaviour: Be specific when praising your child ("I saw you shared your toys with your brother/sister, that was very kind!") to help them understand exactly what positive behaviour looks like.   

• Communicate with Us: Maintain open communication with teachers about your child's progress and any needs. Positive communication between home and school is key to success!

By working together, we help every child feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

Wellbeing Wonderings

Welcome back for Term 3

I would like to personally welcome everybody back to OLOTW for Term 3. This will be a shorter term of only 9 weeks, however I am sure it will be full of fun and interesting learning opportunities.

We have officially hit the cold, winter months here in Wallan so please ensure that you are keeping yourselves safe and healthy by dressing to suit the climate. It can get rather bitter out there.

Some Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) expectations reminders

As we return to school, I thought it might be an ideal time to remind parents and students of some of our PBL expectations. These can be used and practiced at home as well. Below is a list of some of our regularly reinforced expectations.

• I Keep hands, feet and objects to myself.
• I accept the decisions of adults who work in the school
• I let teachers teach and learners learn
• I follow game rules and play fairly
• I ask permission to leave my learning space
• I wear my school uniform correctly.

It would be fantastic if you could chat about these with your children and see if they can provide you with their understanding or an example of each.

Wellbeing quote of the week: “Promise me you’ll always remember — you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh

Have a great week,

Daniel Phelan

Mental Health Wellbeing Leader.

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

Bookings can be made through PAM. Specialist teachers are available to book interviews with also. 

Please see the list of teacher emails further along in the newsletter.

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. 

Thank you to all of you that have already donated pre loved books for our fundraiser. If you haven't already, we are still collecting books. The students will have the opportunity to purchase one of these books for a gold coin donation on Monday the 18th of August.

BOOK COVERING:

We have books in the office to cover if anyone is able to assist. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

French Words

Art

Music Lessons

Community Events

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