Contents
- From the Principal
- From the APRIM
- NAPLAN Results
- Class update - Reception EW
- Year 1/2 MG Pizza Maths
- Book Week Special Guest Author
- Book Swap @ Book Week!
- Father's Day Stall and Breakfast
- Father's Day Silent Auction
- Catholic Schools Cross Country Carnival
- Need OSHC on the Student Free Day?
- Come & Try Little Athletics
- Summer 22/23 "Swim and Survive" Program
- FREE Science Week 2022 Event
- OLQP Enrolments 2023-2025
- Before & After School Care
- Second-hand uniform shop
- Canteen News
- Early Learning @ OLQP!
Term 3 Week 4 Newsletter
Term 3 appears to be passing us by at a greater pace than other terms. I could be perceiving this because I am working on successfully completing 2022 tasks at the same time as I am planning for the amazing things that are to come in 2023.
I have met with a number of families over the last 2 weeks. These meetings have deepened my understanding of the school, and contributed to the creation of short term goals for 2022 and “bigger picture” goals as we move into 2023.
Moving forward – Extending students
Our Lady Queen of Peace School (OLQP) caters for the needs of students well. A strength of OLQP is intervention, where the gaps in children’s learning are being filled. An area of growth for OLQP is to extend students. I have already initiated discussion with the staff regarding this:
- What opportunities are there in our teaching and learning for students to be extended?
- Are we designing learning activities that provide students the opportunites to show their current capacity?
- What are the explicit questions we are asking students, when they finish their work early, so that they can think deeper about their learning?
Just to be clear, this is happening at varying levels throughout the school but we have room to grow in this area, and I want it to become a part of our culture.
Moving forward – Peer observations
Professional learning for staff must always be ongoing. During Term 3 all teachers will be taking part in peer observation. The process of peer observation will provide an environment where collaboration and continuous development among teachers is encouraged and supported. Peer observation will enable teachers to focus on an aspect of high-quality teaching. This will build their teaching capabilities and empower staff to continue to develop. The process enables teachers to observe other teachers, therefore promoting collaboration and learning from each other. This will not only improve teaching performance but will ultimately impact student learning, leading to an increase in student achievement and learning outcomes.
Moving forward – Parent communication and engagement
A continued priority will be providing greater information on your child’s learning. Knowing how your child is accessing the curriculum, areas for growth, and sharing of celebrations will be an ongoing focus. In Week 9 this term we will shift away from Parent Teacher Interviews to 3-Way Conversations. This is where students lead the conversation about their learning. This will be followed by a Learning Expo early Term 4. This is where students will showcase their learning. Both of these events will provide families with a deeper understanding of their child’s learning.
We will create additional opportunities to have families onsite in the school. Gathering as a community has been difficult in the last couple of years. It is important that we find ways for regular parental connection to occur.
Moving forward - Community
COVID has prevented the school from actively going out and being in the community. Staff will be making community links with their teaching and learning. This will include excursions, incursions, and making connections with the wider community. The community is well overdue in seeing our uniform colours of red, blue and white. We have been fortunate to have developed a relationship with the University of Adelaide, developing strength in the area of STEM at OLQP.
The strength of our community is a standout feature of our school:
- The work of the Parent and Friends Committee,
- The way that families help when asked, and
- The amazing things that we achieve when we work together.
Moving Forward – Understanding of behaviour
This year we have focussed on addressing behaviour in the school. From the outside, it may look like an increase in behaviour to deal with but this is because we are addressing the actual issues, and subsequently it becomes more noticeable. By addressing these issues, we are beginning to see a reduction of tricky behaviour, and we are confident it will continue to noticably reduce.
Our work with Motivate Kids (occupational therapists) will support this process as well as embedding a restorative practices approach in the school. This will include a review of our policy documents and transitioning to a Building Respectful Relationships: Behaviour Education Policy.
Moving forward – 2023
It is important that as a school, we are working on our Moving Forward Goals! There has been evident change from the work already initiated by some goals.
Our Master Plan process has begun, and an introductory meeting with the architects recently occurred. The planning of our refurbishment, new building and outdoor areas will be a collaborative approach involving staff, students, and families. This is our school, and all stakeholders have an important voice.
I hope to receive a draft plan and proposal for the nature play space soon. Climbing Tree are well known for the amazing spaces they create for students and schools.
One of the most important elements of my position is the employment of staff. I have been charged with the responsibility in ensuring I have the very best teachers in front of your children, who provide unquestionable excellence in teaching and learning. I am about to commence our advertising campaign for our 2023 teaching team.
For these processes and focuses to be successful, we need to be working together and return to our grass roots. We are founded by the Sisters of Mercy, lead by Catherine McAuley - an inspirational woman. In difficult and uncertain times, they believed in the change that they were creating. I look forward to deepening our understanding and implementation of the Mercy Keys into our school community. This will be the foundation of our ‘Moving Forward’.
School upgrade update
I appreciate that as a community, we are keen to not only see school improvement in teaching and learning, but also around the school. The exterior of the school will be painted next holidays, and a new school bell/public announcement system is confirmed.
Still being finialised are a playground upgrade - nature play, relaying of pavers at the front of the school, painting and minor upgrades in the library.
Lee Abela
Principal
Day of Obligation
On Monday 15 August 2022 we celebrated The Assumption of Mary into heaven. Even though Mary was assumed into heaven, she is always with us. Heaven is our home, and Mary wants us to be with her and her Son for all eternity. On the Solemnity of the Assumption, we remember our Mother who is in heaven and who loves us very much. Thank you to the Year 5/6 classes for their efforts in running our Mass service on Monday.
For the remainder of the year, we will celebrate Masses as a whole school. This is a great opportunity for us to gather as a school community and celebrate our Catholic faith.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
A parent information night for the Sacramental Program of First Reconciliation will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 14 September 2022 (Week 8) in the OLQP School library.
If you would like your child to participate in the Sacramental Program, please join us for this information session; you may also contact me at school for further information.
Marissa Redden
APRIM
Children in REW have settled in quickly to OLQP, and have already been a part of some excellent learning experiences.
They participated in the Good Beginnings program to help with transition to school life. Children were introduced to the school values and helped create classroom expectations.
They have had many opportunities to develop connections with one another and their new teachers, as well as having learnt about classroom routines. Children have been introduced to PreLit and will also begin building onto their basic number skills.
Courtney Elliott & Sarah Willetts
Reception EW Teachers
Welcome to the World's Best Pizza Quarter!
Students in Year 1/2 applied their mathematics knowledge of fractions in a real-world setting to make their lunch.
We have been learning that the most important thing about fractions is that the size of the pieces being compared are equal.
We have been learning about 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8.
Kylie Munn
Year 1/2 MG Teacher
As part of OLQP Book Week celebrations, I am excited to announce author Katrina Germein will be visiting our school as a special guest speaker.
Katrina writes joyful books for children and believes young readers deserve stories that inspire curiosity, imagination, and laughter. With over twenty published titles, Katrina has seen her highly acclaimed work sold around the world.
Katrina’s work has been highly commended in the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and received Notable Book Commendations from the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Thunderstorm Dancing was Katrina’s fourth title to feature on the children’s television program, Play School. Katrina’s first book, Big Rain Coming, is included in the United Way distribution list (Dolly Parton Imagination Library).
Katrina writes picture books because they make her heart sing; her work has been described as ‘love-filled’, ‘goose-bumpling’ and ‘achingly beautiful. Some stories take time to tame but Katrina doesn’t mind because she wants them to be perfect. Her stories are about family, Australian life, and the natural environment. Katrina draws inspiration from those around her as well as the places she goes, the things she sees, and the characters she meets along the way. She says she began writing by accident when a story in her head wouldn’t go away so she wrote it down to set it free.
Reception to Year 2 students will enjoy ...
A Room Full of Stories - Junior Primary
Using props, anecdotes, and audience participation, award-winning author Katrina Germein shares how stories move from flicking ideas to beautiful picture books. Children are encouraged to think like authors and identify stories in their own lives in order to recognise their unique amazing creative potential. Katrina engages young writers through movement and role-play as sessions include story-readings, author insights, wordplay, and short dramatisations. With an extensive background in education, Katrina has over twenty years experience presenting to children.
Year 3 to Year 6 students will enjoy ...
Writing from the Heart - Middle and Upper Primary
An engaging presentation about how to think like an author and transform shadowy ideas into shining pieces of prose. Using examples from her own writing, Katrina considers various literary techniques and the process authors use to build and refine their work. Students are encouraged to see their own writing as an amazing opportunity for self-expression which honours their unique personal experiences and tastes.
Book Week is fast approaching ... I want to keep you in the loop regarding an activity that will run every morning from 8:30am throughout Week 5, called BOOK SWAP.
Adriana Pilla
Leader of Learning - Literacy
The P & F Committee are facilitating two fabulous events in the lead up to Father's Day 2022.
Gift stall
A gift stall will be held at OLQP on Thursday 1 September 2022. A wide variety of gifts will be on offer for students to purchase, ranging in price from $1 to $6.
Breakfast
The annual Father's Day breakfast will be held 7.30am - 9am on Friday 2 September 2022.
Bacon and eggs, as well as really fabulous coffee will be on offer, free of charge!
Raffle
Raffle tickets will also be on offer.
The Royal Adelaide Golf Club has generously donated a round of golf for 4 players to OLQP.
This will be on offer to members of our community through a Silent Auction opportunity.
What is on offer?
- A round of golf for 4 players at The Royal Adelaide Golf Club, valued at $1650.
- Valid until 10 August 2023
How do I bid?
There are 2 ways you can bid:
- Email: Send your bid for the prize to info@olqp.catholic.edu.au clearly stating your full name, contact phone number and prize bid clearly.
- Phone: Call 8279 8800, and a front office superstar staff member will take your bid and personal details.
Please note that a minimum STARTING BID of $300 is required.
Auction timeline
Your silent auction bids can be placed from 9am Monday 22 August 2022 to 12noon Friday 2 September 2022.
Bids before and after these times WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Good luck!
Congratulations to all OLQP students who participated in the Catholic Schools Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 11 August 2022, including:
- Sophie - 1st
- Noah - 1st
- Maya - 5th
- Zahlia - 5th
- Leila - 7th
Each division race had at least 100 participants. Held in the East Parklands, all students represented both the school and themselves outstandingly!
Additional images can be seen on our Facebook page; click HERE to access them.
Well done, everyone!
Western Little Athletics Club are holding a FREE Come and Try Little Athletics at 6pm on Friday 16 September 2022.
This invitation is open for all children between the ages of 3 and 16 years of age.
Children will learn the fundamental skills of run, jump and throw. With this year being the Commonwealth Games year off the back of last year's Tokyo Olympics, we hope there are many inspired potential little athletes who would like to give Athletics a go!
For further information, either:
Email: WAC@salaa.org.au OR
Phone: Jenni Cotter - 0418 890 054
Jenni Cotter
President
Royal Life Saving SA's Holiday Swim Program is running again in the December 2022/ January 2023 Summer Holidays! Enrolments are opening on 22 August 2022.
They have many locations around South Australia where children can participate in their "Swim and Survive" program.
More information is available:
Phone: 08 8210 4500
Email: holidayswim@royallifesavingsa.com.au
Sarah
Royal Life Saving SA
Calling all young scientists!
During Science Week 2022, a free, interactive workshop, faciliated by lovely experts will teach your children and families how trees work!
Come and learn about trees, how they benefit us and can help fight climate change.
During this workshop, primary school children will learn:
- What trees are and how they work
- How to pot a plant
- How to measure trees to monitor carbon capture
- Take a tree home to measure its growth
Event details and booking links:
- Saturday 20 August 2022, 10am – 11am
Findon Community Centre • Findon, SA - Saturday, 20 August 2022, 1pm – 2pm
Junction Community Centre • Ottoway, SA - Saturday, 27 August 2022, 10am – 11am
Findon Community Centre • Findon, SA - Sunday, 28 Aug 2022, 1pm – 2pm
John McVeity Centre • Smithfield Plains, SA
For more information, click here to view the flyer.
For more information:
Email: addoralive@gmail.com
Sibling enrolments
Do you have a toddler or child at kindergarten? Have you enrolled them at OLQP yet?
While priority is given to siblings of children already attending OLQP, we still require a completed “Application for Enrolment” for each and every child.
All families wishing to enrol their children in Reception for 2023-2025 must lodge a completed “Application for Enrolment” as soon as possible.
Please note: If your child was born between 1 May and 31 October, they are eligible for our Semester 2 intake. Application for Enrolment forms are available from the school office or via the downloadable link below:
Download an Application for Enrolment form here.
Contact Maureen on 8279 8800 for more information.
Maureen Wilkinson
Enrolment Officer
Online bookings
A reminder to families that the new booking app is up and running, please speak to Jo if you are having difficulties accessing it.
Please continue to call or text if you are unable to secure your required spot as spaces are blocked to allow for the correct staff : child ratio, spots may be available on request.
To be able access the website app, families must have an email address that is recorded on their Spike account. Families use their email address and PIN code to sign in. Families will be able to see their children's current and upcoming bookings, invoices and current balance owing.
The parent's child care app, Spike Childcare, can be saved to your mobile phone's homepage. Follow this link: Spike Childcare Booking App
New families and permanent bookings:
All new family bookings and permanent bookings still need to be made through the OSHC office.
Please contact Jo on 0417 840 700, or pop into either the OSHC office or front office for an information pack.
Jo Fahey
OSHC Director
The OLQP Second-hand Uniform Shop service, facilitated by a dedicated group of parents, supports the community access quality and affordable second-hand uniforms for their children.
Please note CURRENT opening times:
MONDAYS - P & F Room (adjacent the Canteen)
- 8.40am – 9am
- 2.45pm – 3.10pm
Do you have any OLQP uniform items that are washed and in good condition, that your child no longer wears?
If so, please consider passing them onto the Second-hand Uniform Shop.
The staff in the front office are happy to accept and pass on your donation (or consignment items) to the Second-hand Uniform Shop volunteers.
Call 8279 8800 if you require more information.
Louisa Scopacasa
Second-hand Uniform Shop Coordinator
P & F Committee
T
he school canteen is open EVERY Friday.
Orders can be placed via the QKR! App by 8am Friday mornings.
Alternatively, you can place your order in a brown paper bag with money enclosed and place it in the box provided in your child’s classroom.
The updated canteen menu can be accessed and downloaded via the link below.
Download the canteen menu here
Wendy Koegler
Canteen Manager
Occasional Care
OLQP Occasional Care is an accredited program for 3-5 years olds, and is delivered by qualified educators.
OLQP Occasional Care is on Tuesdays 9am to 12noon during school terms.
Cost is $10 per session.
Further important information and details can be found via the link to the UPDATED downloadable flyer:
Playgroup
During Term 3, Playgroup is scheduled on Wednesdays from 9am to 10.30am during school terms.
More information, including times and scheduled activities can be found in the UPDATED downloadable flyer via the link below.
Come along for play-based learning and fun, and make new friends!
More questions?
Rachael Stathis
Occasional Care and Playgroup Coordinator
Social