Term 4 Week 2 Newsletter

From the Principal

It was with great excitement, pride and joy we welcomed students back to school for the new term. I witnessed students impressed with the painting of the school, students peeking through the windows to see the new layout of the library and Discovery Centre, and curious to know about the new bell/PA system.

I know, from the feedback I have received, that families are excited that we are looking at and delivering school improvement and upgrades. For families new to the school, this might seem normal or to be expected but for other families, school improvement and upgrades have been part of an ongoing conversation with little action. In my mind, we are only just beginning. I have been here long enough to understand the landscape, leading school improvement and working alongside the School Board and consultants to ensure we are meeting the needs of this amazing community.

This week we held our first Reception to Year 6 Learning Expo. Students proudly shared their work with their families. The work shared was not “special” work completed just for the Expo; their normal daily work and learning was showcased. In the words of Catherine McAuley, "Do ordinary things extraordinarily well".

Well done to the P&F, staff and students for a fantastic school disco. It was great to see this event run so smoothly and students so engaged. The teacher performance appeared to be a hit! Thank you to everyone involved in making the disco a successful event.

I was pleased to see so many families attend the Expo. I had many conversations with families regarding how this was a great opportunity to see their child’s learning. In addition to the purpose of the Expo, it was simply lovely coming together as a community again.

As planning for 2023 continues, the 2023 teaching staff list was finalised over the holiday break. This process included increasing the number of specialist areas we offer. In 2023 we will have specialist areas in:

Music,
Spanish,
PE,
Science/STEM and
Art.

It is important that students have access to the best teaching and learning, and the inclusion of additional specialist subjects supports this thinking.

Though we have some movement and change in our staffing for 2023, I am really excited about the new teaching team and how we can provide the very best for our students. Some current staff will not be returning next year – I sincerely thank them for their contributions to Our Lady Queen of Peace School and the children in their care. We will farewell them later this year.

We have a busy term ahead; last week I distributed a term calendar to families via SeeSaw. It was up-to-date at the time of distribution. There might be a few changes/additions over the term; if this is the case, we will keep you informed.

As the planning for 2023 comes together, my excitement around the new school year ahead is skyrocketing! I am also meeting with Climbing Tree and GGA (architects) early next week – I can’t wait!

Have a great weekend!

Lee Abela
Principal

From the APRIM

Adelaide Day Centre for Homeless Persons Inc

Christmas Hamper Drive

The Adelaide Day Centre was founded by Sister Janet Mead, a Sister of Mercy, whose order continues to work in her honour helping the most vulnerable in our society.

The Sisters of Mercy are currently organising their Christmas Hamper Drive. This Christmas they will be delivering more than 2500 Christmas hampers to needy people all over Adelaide.

The Centre has provided the following guide for the items that they need most. It would be greatly appreciated if you and your family could support the Centre by donating any of the following items:

Toys they’d love to receive:

Coloured textas, pencils, pens + crayons
Stationery, writing, painting + school materials
Beading, embroidery, and other creative sets
Lego, puzzles + board games
Books + novels
Sporting equipment: footballs, soccer balls, kites, cricket sets, handballs, skipping ropes ...
Throw and catch sets

Food items could include:

Tinned meats + fruits
Christmas puddings + cakes
Pasta + rice
Biscuits, jams + honey
Nuts + dried fruit
Long life milk
Tinned vegetables
Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap (no conditioners or body wash)

Toys they’d prefer NOT to receive:

Dolls, Barbies, makeup, jewellery, and other beauty products.
Candles
Guns, police, or army themed toys

Click on this link to download the donation list!

Any donation, small or large, will be greatly appreciated by the Centre. Donations can be sent to the OLQP front office throughout the remainder of Term 4, and we will organise delivery to the Centre.

Made in the Image of God Curriculum - MITIOG

The Made In The Image Of God (MITIOG) Human Sexuality curriculum is mandated for South Australian Catholic Schools, for Years R-12.

Each year our students engage with age-appropriate curriculum content regarding sexuality through this (MITIOG) curriculum.

Catholic understanding is that all humans are Made in the Image of God and therefore deserving of the utmost dignity and honour. Sexuality is a fundamental dimension of the human person; it is part of the physical, moral, psychological and spiritual realities of life.

We acknowledge that the beliefs, values and insights of the Christian tradition and Catholic moral teaching enrich our lives.

This year the Human Sexuality Curriculum will be taught during Term 4, Weeks 4 and 5. All families have received a letter via SeeSaw.

Whilst this curriculum has been mandated to be taught in Catholic Schools in South Australia, should you wish for your child to be excluded from classes and be given other work, indication of this was due on Monday 24 October 2022

Marissa Redden
APRIM