Newsletter May 30, 2024

From the Principal

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

Over the past 2 Sundays we have had the Eucharist Commitment Masses for our children who are preparing to receive the Eucharist for the first time. It was wonderful to see so many children and their families at these masses. Coming together as community, especially around the celebration of a Mass is at the centre of the Catholic Church. It really is heart warming to see the Church full on a Sunday morning. When I saw how many children are going to receive their First Holy Communion this year I thought my how we have grown. It is a special time for children and families, as the children are now able to fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist. I thought about my First Holy Communion and recalled how special it was. Even though it was a long time ago I remember. I went up to the altar, knelt down at the altar rail and Fr Casey came along and placed the host on my tongue. All the girls wore white dresses and the boys wore navy shorts, long white socks, a white long sleeve shirt and a gold sash. Be assured it was a good look for the time. Our children will make their first Holy Communion at the 9:00am Sunday masses will take
place over the next 3 or 4 weeks. This is a very significant time for them and their families so I ask that you keep them in your prayers.

Best wishes,
Terry

SAFE PRACTICES IN AND AROUND CAR PARKS

It is time again for a gentle reminder about the need for safety in and around the school during pick up and drop off times. Firstly, thank you to the large number of parents and carers who are following the safety procedures during before school drop off and after school pick up.
A reminder that when you are dropping your child off in the morning you can:

* park in the streets surrounding the school and allow your child to safely enter the school via one of the entrance gates, making sure they are walking along the pathways

* park in the Church Car Park and walk your child into the school

*drop your child off at the crossing next to the portico of the church where a staff member will ensure they walk safely along the pathways into the school

*please enter and exit from the correct gates. We have had too many near misses by parents using the incorrect entry/exit points almost causing an accident.

Cars should not pull up in the Staff Car Park to let their children out. It is not a safe practice to double park in a car park and get your children to walk between parked cars. Also, when exiting you will be driving over a crossing that is not staffed. We have a staff member at one end of the Car Park to allow safe movement of the children through the car park along the pedestrian paths and with the support of everyone following these guidelines all members of the community will be safer.

Thank you for your support in these areas, the safety of our community members is our number one priority.

SICK STUDENTS

At this time of year there are many illnesses going around, and we need to try and do all we can to lessen the spread of germs and diseases. Many students are arriving at school with cough and cold symptoms. If your child is unwell they will be asked to wear a mask whilst they remain in first aid until a parent arrives to collect them. 

AFTERNOON PICK UP

There is a teacher on yard duty until 3.30pm to supervise students. We understand, occasionally that there are delays out of the ordinary that prevent parents from making school pick up by this time. If this is the case, please call the office to advise us. Students need to remain with yard duty teachers until 3.30pm. If students have not been collected by 3.30pm, they will wait outside the office whilst staff contact parents. 

HELP NEEDED PLEASE

We are looking for a parent to help out with collecting fruit from Coles each Monday morning, and dropping it to the school (starting in term 3). If you are able to assist, or would like to know a little more, please contact the office.

UNIFORMS

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. Thank you for your continued support with this matter.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School photos are coming home this week. There may be some delays if you ordered your photos at a later date. These photos will be coming in the next few weeks. 

We have a photo make up day on Tuesday, June 11. This will be an opportunity for any students who missed out on their individual photos to have them taken.  Unfortunately, the class group photos will not be re-taken. 

If there are any issues, please do not hesitate to call or email the office. 

SCHOOL FUN RUN PRIZES

School fun run prizes will be coming home today and tomorrow. If there are any issues, please contact olwparentsandfriends@gmail.com .

From the Finance Office

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

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)

Feast Day Celebrations

The Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians/ Our Lady of the Way took place last Friday May 24th, 2024.  

The students spent the day engaging with the Mysteries of the Rosary specific to Mary. They investigated how Mary illuminates the light of Christ in our lives, and made connections to our 2024 school liturgical theme, “in the Light of Christ.”

The students created paper luminaries, inspired by the light of Mary.  They engaged in Scriptural investigations and unpacked the characteristics of Mary highlighted in Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Christus Vivit! Some grades spent time in contemplative prayer, as their teacher led them through the Walking Rosary.

We gathered as a school and parish community for Mass at 11.30am, during which Father Prakash blessed our 2024 classroom prayer cloths.  The Mass was the highlight of the day, the joyful singing of our school song by the students was a stand out for all in attendance. At the end of Mass, our principal Terry Cooney introduced our new Feast Day Award, The Heart of Mary Award.  This award was given to one member of each class who exemplifies our liturgical theme of sharing “the light of Christ.”  They are students who consistently act in ways consistent to the Gospel teachings of Jesus, and shine that light humbly for all to see. These students (listed below) were presented with a certificate and an Our Lady of the Way pin.  They will be attending a special excursion on August 15th, to the National Gallery of Victoria, to explore religious art.  More information will be sent home to the recipients’ families in regards to this.

After Mass the parishioners, families and award recipients gathered in the foyer for a light afternoon tea, hosted by our Year Six school leaders.  It was a great reflection of the growing bond between our parish, school staff, families and students.

Special thanks to Father Prakash for leading us in our celebration of faith, with such a generosity of spirit. Thanks to Sister Anne, our Parish Pastoral Associate for her support on the day.   And, to Sue Cooney for organising the afternoon tea.  Our unique OLW cookies shared on the day were supplied by Cookies on Hillcrest. 

Many thanks to all of our staff for making this Feast Day an enjoyable day for the students.

A day of celebration

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The Heart of Mary Award Recipients

                  Foundation A-Ivy                                                   Year 3B-Jujhar                                                                    

                   Foundation B-Chloe                                              Year 3C-Amelia   

                   Foundation C-Ella                                                  Year 3D-Rajveer

                   Foundation D-Teg                                                  Year 4A-Daniel 

                   Year 1A -Hunter                                                      Year 4B-Willow        

                   Year 1B- Bradley                                                      Year 4C-Pritika  

                    Year 1C - Eleanor                                                    Year 4D-Tegveer      

                    Year 1D - Charlotte                                                  Year 5A-Addison   

                    Year 2A- Cruze                                                         Year 5B-Ruby-Rose                                             

                    Year 2B- Jake                                                            Year 5C-Wynnie

                    Year 2C-Annant                                                         Year 6A-Matilda    

                    Year 2D-Billy                                                             Year 6B-Leo                   

                     Year 3A-Shahin                                                        Year 6C-George  

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal

We are proud supporters of the St.Vincent De Paul Annual Winter Appeal, this year is no different. Especially during this tine of the year when the days are chilly and the nights freezing, we are thinking of those in our cimmunity who need help getting through Winter. 

If you are able to spare any non-perishable food items or Winter necessities. We will be collecting and donating them to St. Vincent De Paul in August

Some suggestions include:

Tins of beans               Packets of rice                Biscuits                    Soup                        Box of custard

Box of custard              Tins of stew                   Dry bisuits               Sugar                       Tinned vegetables

Chips                            Teabags                         Coffee                     Tinned tomatoes     Tinned fruit

Tomato sauce               Tuna                               Milk UHT                 Pasta                        Tissues

Toilet rolls                     Toothpaste

Donations can be made in the classroom Winter Appeal Basket in each room. 

We would be most grateful for any donations you can make.  Our Mini Vinnie Team will be promoting this drive at Community Prayer and in classrooms.

Wellbeing- Positive Behaviour and Learning

RESPONSIBILITY

“I stay on task”

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data-NCCD

Language at Our Lady of the Way

World Day For Cultural Diversity

Our Lady Of The Way proudly celebrated ‘World Day For Cultural Diversity’ on Tuesday May 21 st . Students across all year levels represented the many cultures that are evident within our school community. Students were able to share their cultural identity with their classmates and cohort by wearing traditional dress or colours that represented their culture. As our school’s Cultural Leaders, we were enormously proud of all of the students that took part in this amazing event. It really showcased to us how many cultures are present within our school and the pride that students
showed in their heritage. We look forward to learning more about different cultures for the rest of the school year and also for the school to celebrate this special day each year. By Matilda Peterson (6B) & Gurleen Kaur (6C)

World Day for Cultural Diversity

Book covering help needed!

We have bags of books to be covered in contact. If you are able to assist with this task, please come to the office and collect a bag. 

Specialist Days

Music Lessons

Before and After School Care

Assumption College, Kilmore

Community Events

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

Kilmore Village Colouring Competition

***WIN with Smokin' Joe's Pizza & Grill***

Get your textas and crayons ready, colour our Pizza Chef and you could WIN a delicious meal from Smokin's Joe's.
Simply drop your completed artwork into Smokin's Joe's, KIlmore before Friday 14 June 2024 and you'll go into the draw to win:
2 Traditional Pizzas * 1 Garlic Bread *1.25L Soft Drink