Blessing and Opening

The Blessing and Opening ceremony occurred today with Mr Paul Velten Director of Catholic Education, Diocese of Sale, Fr Darren Howie and Linda Tack, our most senior member of the School Advisory Committee making up the official party.

Our vision, behind the building projects over the last few years, was to create learning spaces that are inviting, dynamic, open, flexible and adaptable. We wanted them to inspire intellectual curiosity, promote social interactions, and provide for an open, collaborative environment for students and staff alike. Enhancing child safety, comfort and providing additional classroom spaces for our growing school was also a priority.

The learning areas needed to reflect our Catholic identity which is a keystone for the evangelising mission of our Catholic education community. Our Catholic Identity is expressed in structures and processes; in curriculum and the learning environment; in the formation of staff to support, teach and lead; in strategic planning and community culture; the wellbeing of students; and the engagement of parents, parish and wider community.

Thanks to Alan Cubbon of Crosier Scott Architects, who have an established reputation in the specialist field of education, the designs exemplified qualities such as flow, visibility, flexibility, views, play, and rich materials.

TS Constructions, working closely with Alan, brought his designs to life. They were a wonderful team to work with! We thank them for their excellent communication and professionalism throughout the process and for being so accommodating and understanding of school requirements and processes.

The classroom and outdoor areas that have been created are welcoming in their design, vibrant in their use of colour, innovative in their use of space and contemporary in their function. The learning spaces help cater for individual differences, the differentiating of learning tasks, and the flexible and creative use of learning tools and resources. The classrooms have spaces for focussed and explicit instruction, group learning and collaboration and individual learning. They have transformed and enhanced teaching and learning!

Stage 1 involved the refurbishment of student amenities and the grade 1/2 classroom area. A new classroom and a covered outdoor learning space was added to the space. During Stage 2, the 3/4 classrooms were refurbished and extended to create a fourth classroom and a new outdoor learning area. The staff amenities were also refurbished. In Stage 3 the 5/6 classrooms were renovated to establish an additional classroom, internal break out spaces and improved visibility and access to outdoor learning areas. Contemplative landscaping and a connecting covered walkway from main school building learning areas was also created.

Special thanks go to Alister Fixter and Mick Maye from DOSCEL, Mal and Jason from TS Constructions, Matt Crooks of island landscape + design and to Damien O’Connor of Dollar Curtains and Blinds & Coast to Country Flooring who made an extremely generous donation of new carpet to replace the old carpet squares in the 5/6 building.

Thanks to all who attended the ceremony!

Senior Athletics

This week, on Thursday March 30, the Senior Athletics will be held at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve. One of the things I particularly enjoy about this annual event is the opportunity it gives for some students to shine! Their beaming faces and ribbons reflect the pride and excitement of their achievements and they should be celebrated!  However some students can find this event very challenging for different reasons. Some are simply not athletically inclined or as competent as others or believe they are not as competent as others, so are less enthusiastic about participating. Others find that their results on the day don’t match their own expectations of themselves and can become very disappointed and disheartened. This can play out in different ways. They might burst into tears or express excuses for their performance…. or they might ‘swallow their pride’ and congratulate the winner.

Our staff spend time before the event to prepare the students for what happens on the day, the expectations and also how to cope with disappointment. We expect the students to participate and give everything a go. Mrs Michelle Richards has been teaching the skills in Physical Education classes for some time. We encourage the children to acknowledge and value everyone’s efforts. We try to be happy for the winners of the events (even if we are disappointed) - we try to be ‘good sports’. Winners are encouraged to be gracious. In other words we try to teach the children how to self-regulate: understand and manage their emotions and behaviour. Parents could assist by reiterating these messages at home.  

The Senior Athletics are a great opportunity for students to practise some of these life skills!

Holy Week

Holy Week commences in the last week of term.  On Monday April 3, the Grade 3/4s and 5/6 classes will lead us through the Stations of the Cross, at 9.15 am, in the parish church. The grade 1/2s will help us recall and celebrate Easter Sunday at The Whole School assembly in Week 2 of next term: Monday May 1 at 9.05 am in the gym. All parents and friends are welcome to attend.

Easter Raffle

The annual Easter Raffle will be drawn on Wednesday April 5 at 2.30 pm in the school gym. All are welcome! Sincere thanks for all the generously donated Easter prizes so far and to all those who have sold and bought tickets! Our fundraising will go towards our school playground!

Joanne Coldebella
Principal