Our Lady of the Cape Primary School
Newsletter - Thursday 10th November 2022
THE ODE
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.” The League Ode, 1921
Important Dates
Fri 11 Nov: ***STUDENT FREE DAY***
KG23 Student Orientation 9.30am and 11am
Songfest in the Hall all Weekend
Week 6:
Wed 16 Nov: 9am Little Seedlings
2.30pm P&F Special Meeting
Week 7:
Wed 23 Nov: 9am Little Seedlings
5.30 AGM SAC and P&F
Fri 25 Nov: 4Dan Assembly
Dear Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers in the OLC Community,
Remembrance Day
Friday 11th November is Remembrance Day, a day when we remember all the men and women who fought and died in wars to keep us free. This day commemorates the signing of the peace agreement that ended World War One at 11 am on 11 November 1918.
On Remembrance Day people wear a red poppy which is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. It was the first flower to bloom on the devastated battlefields. On Thursday our students participated in a whole school liturgy to honour the memory of those who served in the war. I would like to thank Mr Jones and the Year 5 students who conducted the moving liturgy. I also acknowledge the reverent manner in which our students participated in the liturgy.
A Mid Term Reflection
This week I commenced reading the student Semester 2 Reports. As I did so I reflected on just what a special place Our Lady of the Cape School is. Sometimes we as humans forget to stop and smell the roses. Our school, our parish and our community are just the most amazing places, filled with so many wonderful and vibrant people. I wish to take the opportunity to remind you all of the words of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy:
“God does not bestow all His choicest blessings on one person. He did not give to St. Peter what He gave to St. Paul nor to either what He gave to St. John.”
Each one of us is a gift from God and He in His infinite wisdom has bestowed great blessings and talents on us all. These talents are different from one person to the next person, but that is the beauty of this wonderful world. May we use our talents to care for others, to see the good, not the fault, in the people with whom we share our journey of life. May we encourage others, may we see opportunities for making a real difference, may we always remember the good that is in our lives, and when times are troubling may we be patient with the troubles… may we always strive to make others feel good about themselves, may every opportunity we have to interact with others be an opportunity to show Jesus’ love to another person through us.
This week our Years 4 – 6 students participated in the interhouse swimming carnival. I wish to thank all those involved in this event. Our boys and girls did us very proud indeed. We can be very excited about our achievements on this day, and we certainly did well. However, most importantly was to see the outstanding sportsmanship of our students. To see them encourage their team members and reach out to offer support to our less able swimmers. This is a wonderful reflection of our community. I wish to thank all the staff involved and the parents who came along to help and support our school. A big shout out to Mrs Sinclair, who has done an outstanding job not only in preparing our students, but in coordinating the events, and building such wonderful sportsmanship in our children.
Special P & F Meeting
We are grateful for the work of the Parents and Friends Association (P&F) which play an important role in supporting our school staff and community. On 2 September 2022, the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia approved a single model of operation for P&Fs in CEWA schools. As of January 2023, this will see the P&F operate as a committee of the Catholic school, governed by a consistent Terms of Reference and common financial practices.
All parents are invited to attend a special P & F Meeting on Wednesday 16 November at 2:30pm in the Staffroom. At this meeting you will be informed of the new model of operation for P&F Groups in CEWA Schools and the reasons for adopting the P&F Terms of Reference. To view click here: P&F Terms of Reference. Motions will also be voted on to action the transition to the new model of operation.
Annual General Meetings
We extend an invitation to all parents to attend the School Advisory Council AGM, immediately followed by the Parents & Friends AGM on Wednesday 23 November 2022, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Reports from the School Advisory Council Chair and Treasurer, P&F President and Treasurer as well as the Principal are presented at the AGM.
Student Absenteeism
Attending school every day enables your child to get the most from their education and create a bright future. Research from the Telethon Kids Institute tells us that children who go to school regularly do better at school. This helps them create more opportunities for their future and leads to better health, social and work outcomes. Every day your child learns something new at school. Every day they build on what they already know, growing their knowledge and skills. If you are planning a family holiday for 2023, we request that parents refrain from organising holidays during school time, as primary school education provides a vital foundation for later learning.
Year 6 Student Leadership Structure
As of 2023, Our Lady of the Cape Primary School, will be implementing a Year 6 Leadership model that enables all students in Year 6 an opportunity to develop lifelong, leadership skills that draw inspiration from the model of Jesus. Having effective student leaders supports the development of responsible behaviours, a positive school tone and encourages students to model the school values of Compassion, Appreciation, Respect and Excellence, to live as Jesus taught us. Positive student leadership opportunities and experiences will facilitate the transition to secondary school and the world beyond. Student leadership is driven by service to others and is embedded in our school motto: “Many Hearts, One Voice". For more details regarding the changes, please refer to the Student Leadership Policy here:
Pupil Free Day
A reminder that Friday 11 November 2022 is a pupil free day.
Bus Lane Safety
Songfest
We have a wonderful opportunity for our school to be showcased this weekend with Songfest being held in the hall. Some of our talented students will be involved in events across the weekend. Please see information below for ticketing and event schedule.
Principal
Visitors to Little Seedlings and Kindy
Have you been hearing more sirens around the school lately?
Over the past fortnight we were lucky to have some very special community helpers come to visit our Seedlings and Kindy students.
We would like to say a great big thank you to our Constable Carlo, Paramedic Luke and local Firies Po, John and Lee. Po has asked that our students keep a close eye out for any Mum's and Dad's who are using their phone while driving and to stay on 'phone patrol' to help our community stay safe. Keep watch everyone!
RE NEWS
ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2023
Each year at OLC we take time to be thankful for our blessings and to assist those local people in need by contributing to Christmas Hampers distributed by the St Vincent De Paul Society. This year boxes will be in the shared work areas of the school and families are invited to contribute specified items. Please look out for the labelled boxes in the following areas in the next few weeks and give generously to support others in what can be a difficult time of the year. Thank you.
Community Christmas Carols in the Park Volunteers:
The Dunsborough Progress Association is looking for 10 OLC students who would be willing to make a brief appearance on stage during the annual “Carols in the Park” Nativity play in Lion’s Park on December 16th at 6.00pm. Roles are minimal and non-speaking, and include Jesus, Mary, Wise Men, Angels and Shepherds. Costumes can be provided. Similarly I will require the same actors for the Childrens' Christmas Eve Mass at 6.00pm on the 24th December. If your child would be interested in being involved in either or both of these events, please email me at amie.meyer@cewa.edu.au
Weekly Community Dinner
Fancy a night off cooking weekly and a chance to get to know new friends? For a donation of your choosing, anyone from the Dunsborough community can enjoy delicious home cooked meals and meet members beyond the OLC community, many of whom would love someone to chat to. Dinners run Tuesdays from 5.00pm - 6.00pm at the centre on Gibney St, and takeaway is also available (Please BYO containers). Thanks to our Year 6 students who Make Jesus Real weekly by helping to set up for these dinners.
P&F News
BRICK FUNDRAISER.
Please note the cut off date for orders is now next Monday 14 November. Thank you everyone for your support!
Community News
The Chess Club takes place on Saturdays 9am-11:30am every fortnight at the Dunsborough Library - next meeting on Saturday, 12th November
We will provide the chess boards, pieces, chess clocks and score sheets, all you need to bring is yourself. This is a free activity. There is no need to book or RSVP.
Our duty of care policy is that children under 10 years of age must be supervised by an adult or nominated guardian over the age of 16 years must remain in the library for the duration of the session.
More about us
Email: admin@ladyofcape.wa.edu.au
Website: www.ladyofcape.wa.edu.au
Location: 245 Cape Naturaliste Road, Dunsborough WA, Australia
Phone: 9781 3200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OLCDunsborough/