Term 4 Week 3 2024 Newsletter

From the Principal

Welcome to Term 4! The year has certainly moved along quickly.

Some people would say, the older you get the faster time passes, but I truly believe the year has gone quickly because we have filled it with so much learning, laughter, and growth. As one achievement or opportunity comes to an end, we celebrate it and then look forward to the next one.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have met with several families who wish to join the OLQP community. The most common question I am asked is centred around learning, and learning opportunities. Families are amazed that we offer five specialist subjects that are taught by five specialist teachers. In addition to this, they are impressed by the fact that we offer many excursions and extra curricula / out of school opportunities such as sporting carnivals, school choir etc.

75 Year Anniversary

During the week beginning 11 November and ending 15 November 2024, we will be celebrating our 75 year anniversary. There will be something on each day and the highlight of the celebration will be on the Friday.

A calendar of the week was recently distributed via Seesaw. Families are welcome to attend as many parts of the week as possible. Formal invitations have been sent to CESA leaders and consultants we have worked with, past principals, priests, and previous chairs of the School Board, and other significant figures. No doubt, there will be other people who could be invited that we are not aware of, and some that may not know that we are celebrating 75 years. If you know someone that should be or would like to come along to our celebrations, please let them know that it is occurring.

I have had the privilege of speaking with past leaders of our school. I am mindful of the strong shoulders that I stand on as current principal and all the work that has occurred before my appointment.

I look forward to seeing you at our celebration!

2025

As previously mentioned, we are moving to a 12 class school. Over the last couple of years, we have added an extra class, but in 2025 we will be adding 2 classes. This model allows the school to:

cater for our growing numbers;
ensure that there is enough support and access to staff in each classroom;
accept additional enrolments throughout the year.

If you know of someone who is considering moving their child to Our Lady Queen of Peace School, can you please encourage them to contact the school as soon as possible. This would allow the school to plan, cater and ensure that we are continuing to provide excellent teaching and learning, in a safe, caring and loving environment.

In preparation of the additional classrooms, we have changed the flooring in the library section of the Discovery Centre, resulting in the reimagining of its layout:

The Art / STEM area is now located where the library section was;
The library is now situated in the front corner closest to the canteen;
The Food Technology room will soon move into the Discovery Centre.

This will allow the school to utilise the current Food Technology room as another classroom.

Moving forward

This term will continue to move quickly. Not only is it filled with learning opportunities, there are also end of year celebrations, special assemblies and masses, as well as Christmas. Please keep your eye out on the communication the school provides and use the term calendar – I would hate for you to miss anything!

Lee Abela
Principal

From the Assistant Principal Learning, Engagement & Teaching

OLQP hosts WPCC Bingo Night

Last Saturday, 26 October, OLQP had the pleasure of hosting the Woodville Park Childcare Centre’s Bingo Night in Biliyonendi Hall. The event was an enormous success, showcasing our strong partnership with local childcare as well as our shared commitment to enriching children’s experiences.

As gold sponsors, OLQP was proud to support this event, which raised close to $12,000 for their new nature play equipment. This investment will help create an engaging and imaginative playspace for the children a cause close to all our hearts!

We were thrilled to see the wider community come together for such a wonderful cause!

Leaders of Learning Day presentation on Key Capabilities

On Monday 4 November, Courtney Elliott and I will be presenting at the Leaders of Learning Day, where we will be showcasing our ongoing work in engaging with the Key Capabilities and reflect on the role of student-led conferences. Our focus on Key Capabilities has helped equip students with essential skills such as collaboration, problem solving, and self-reflection. This presentation will allow us to share our journey, highlight successful strategies, and gain insights from fellow educators.

Additionally, we will be discussing the impact of student-led conferences in fostering student agency and engagement with their learning. Feedback from participants will be invaluable as we continue to enhance this initiative for meaningful family involvement and student growth. We look forward to exchanging ideas and gathering feedback to further strengthen our approach.

Welcoming the Little Peacemakers to OLQP

Starting school is an exciting milestone for both children and their families, marking the beginning of a new journey filled with learning, friendships and growth. At Our Lady Queen of Peace School, we are thrilled to have welcomed our newest members the Little Peacemakers as they join us every Friday throughout Term 4 to participate in our transition program.

This program, designed to ease children into school life, provides a supportive and nurturing environment where each Little Peacemaker can build confidence, develop essential skills, and become familiar with our routines. During the first five weeks, the children participate in either a morning or afternoon session, engaging in fun, hands-on activities like a bear hunt adventure. For the final three weeks, they will enjoy full day sessions to experience the rhythm of a complete school day.

Facilitated by one of our Early Years educators, Kim Whyte, each visit is an opportunity for the Little Peacemakers to form friendships with future classmates, connect with their teachers, and get to know our school community. We look forward to seeing these young learners grow and shine each week!