Newsletter Term 3, Week 6, 2024

Happy Father’s Day

Being a father (soon to be grandfather) is one of the greatest challenges and also the greatest joy I have experienced.  I am deeply grateful for the values my father instilled in me. The love and care that fathers, grandfathers and other positive male role models provide are truly transformative, offering children a foundation of security and strength.

Spending time with our children and being present, is the best investment of time we can have as fathers. It's in these moments that we build trust, create memories, and nurture the bonds that will last a lifetime.

Happy Father’s Day!

Book Week

The Veritas Centre was a sea of colour and full of excited children as we gathered for our annual Book Week Parade on Friday.  Many thanks for accommodating the change of venue at the last minute as there was a chance of rain.  I am always so impressed at the creativity and the effort that goes into producing so many amazing and original outfits and this year families really went all out! It was wonderful to see so many families there to celebrate the event with us.

A sincere thank you to our Compere Jacinta Zandona and to the staff who assisted in the lead up to Book Week and made the parade such a special one for the students.  Many thanks to Shey Angove and her assistants who coordinated the Book Fair.  We now have $1,800 of vouchers to purchase resources for the Library.

Mural

Our Indigenous Mural on the Early Years Playground fence has now been completed.  Indigemous Artist, Scott Rathman met with students to discuss our school's ethos and meaning and the design is his interpretation of that which is explained below:-

‘Our connections with others are shaped by the many moments we share as we learn and grow. Every time we talk, play, or work together, we create bonds that bring us closer. These interactions teach us the importance of respecting others, ourselves, and our environment. By being kind and understanding, we build strong friendships and a supportive community and it makes our journey more meaningful.'            Scott Rathman

 Many thanks to Lorenza Bianchini (Aboriginal Education Focus Teacher) for liaising with Scott and bringing an idea into reality.  As you can see  by the images, this has brightened up the area.

School Hats

From next Monday 2 September, all students will need to begin to wear their school hat for all PE lessons and play times.  The students will be reminded of this throughout this week.  Students not wearing their hats by Monday 9 September will be missing out on their play, sitting in the shade.  We will be using next week to remind students. 

Remember to please write your child’s name on their hats (and any other items of uniform).

Traffic Restriction for Railway Terrace

We have just been informed by SA Water that work is due to begin on Railway Terrace on 4th September between 7.00am and 5.00pm.  The start & duration on these works are subject to weather conditions and any technical constraints they may encounter.
For everyone's safety, traffic management will be in place whilst works are underway.  Detours may be set up.

We will keep you informed as more information comes to hand.

Show Time

The Royal Adelaide Show begins this weekend and I am sure there will be a number of families who are considering attending.  This is always an exciting time for children (and some adults). At OLV, we no longer set aside a ‘show day’ simply because families can’t necessarily go on that day anyway. If you are planning to go on a school day then it would be good if you could let your child’s teacher know by way of a note before you go. I also request that children don’t bring their ‘show items’ or excessive amounts of lollies to school.

I ask this for a couple of reasons. Firstly there will be a number of children who, for a variety of reasons, don’t get to go to the show. Secondly, these items tend to get broken or damaged easily or may cause tension or disagreements within the school yard. Thank you for your understanding.

Victoria Road Front Pedestrian Gate - change of procedure

After a recent incident, the procedure for the Victoria Road Front Pedestrian Gate has been amended.  This gate will be closed at all times (In particular 8.30 - 8.55am).  You can still access the school via this entrance as it will be able to be opened via the pool gate mechanism and it is high enough that younger children can not open it.  From my observations this gate is seldomly used by students not under the supervision of their parents.

I ask that parents supervise younger family members at drop off and pick up times.

IMPORTANT Reminder to families:

Pets are not permitted on our school grounds. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

The safety of our students, families and community is paramount. As such, this is a friendly reminder that puppies, dogs and cats are not permitted on our school premises, including all buildings, outdoor areas, and oval unless prior permission from Mr. Detullio has been gained.

The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 states that: “A person who owns or is responsible for the control of a dog is guilty of an offence if the dog (not being an accredited disability dog, guide dog or hearing dog) is in, or in the grounds of, a school, kindergarten, child care centre or pre-school centre without the permission of the person in charge of that place.”

We kindly request your cooperation in adhering to this policy. If you are dropping off or picking up your child, we kindly ask that you leave your dog at home or make appropriate arrangements for their care during these times. We appreciate your understanding and support in creating a safe environment for everyone in our community.

Dearest All,

As Father’s Day approaches, it’s a time for us to pause and reflect on the invaluable role that fathers play in our lives. Beyond the presents and celebrations, Father’s Day is an opportunity to express gratitude for the lessons learned and the wisdom imparted by our dads. Reflect upon some of the timeless lessons that fathers have taught us, and continue to teach us, and the impact they have on shaping who we are.

Praise to all Fathers – HAPPY FATHERS’ DAY

Joseph, Jesus’ Earthly father – The Bible does not reveal much detail about Joseph's role as father to Jesus Christ, but we know from Matthew, chapter one, that he was an excellent earthly example of integrity and righteousness. Joseph is last mentioned in Scripture when Jesus was 12 years old. We know that he passed on the carpentry trade to his son. Jesus did not begin his earthly ministry until he was 30 years old. Until that time, he supported Mary and his younger brothers and sisters with the carpentry trade Joseph had taught him. In addition to love and guidance, Joseph equipped Jesus with a worthwhile occupation so he could make his way in a hard land.

A Father’s Role – A father’s role in the family is a pivotal one.  He is called upon to be a leader and protector for the family, and to give an example of Christ’s love.

Fathers Give Direction and Discipline to their Children – Proverbs 22:6: Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

Children, Listen to your Fathers – Exodus 20:12: Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

And for YOU -

Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, relationship, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a worthy and virtuous father. Let us praise those fathers who, by their own account, were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has nurtured a thriving life. Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their stepchildren’s love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death and continue to hold the child in their heart. Let us praise those men who have no children but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides. Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children. And let us praise those fathers who have died but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us (Prayer of Kirk Loadman adapted by Debra Mooney, PhD).

Enjoy the special weekend ahead – Fathers (of every facet of the word), know you are loved and appreciated, and YOU deserve to be spoilt this Sunday.

God Bless.
Linda Caldinez

Congratulations to Alessia S and Phoebe H who recently auditioned for a solo spot in the Catholic Schools’ Music Festival. We were thrilled when we heard both students had been selected for the next round of call-back auditions. The feedback I received from the musical director was both performed very well. It is with great excitement that we can announce Alessia will be singing solo in the Monday performance. Her solo will be the opening of Touch the Wind, from the film Brave.

Monday September 23rd is the performance date for the OLV Festival Choir, onstage in the Adelaide Festival Theatre. Tickets are open to the public so check the flyer in this newsletter for how to purchase.

On Saturday 22nd June 2024, Harper participated in the City of Adelaide Regional Championships for Irish Dancing. She then qualified for the States (AIDA Regional Oireachtas).

On Sunday 4th August 2024, Harper participated in AIDA Regional Orieachtas. She brought home the SILVER MEDAL for under 15 (AMAZING considering she’s only just turned 9). CONGRATULATIONS Harper – we will be eagerly following your progress.

Harper has been Irish Dancing since she was 3 years old; displaying hard-work, determination and dedication well above her years.