Principal’s Message

This coming Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, ‘Gaudete Sunday’, we are encouraged to cry out with joy as we recall that the birth of the Saviour is not far away.

We are called to share what we have with the poor; we are encouraged to be content with what we have and to look for opportunities to give away what we don’t need, but yet for some reason, we always want more, it seems like a hardwired part of human nature. But as I’ve previously mentioned, the one thing that pops up over and over whenever I talk to kids in the playground is that a lot of what they are asking us for is time, your time. Over this Christmas break, please invest time into your children, because that is what they want and that is the most valuable gift (along with love) that you can give them.

I still remember that last year one of our juniors told me, when asked what he wanted for Christmas, “I want a bike so we can ride together”. How powerful is that, whether this kid realises it or not, the bike is a means to spend time as a family, it is the means to an end.

In our senior years when chatting to some kids at recess, I was told that a Playstation, X-boxes and Switch consoles would help them bond with their families, but I’m not so sure about that one! But in the same conversation, a gem of wisdom came out from another student, that they just liked Christmas because all of their family came together, again time together was the key.

As we draw to the conclusion of our year, I’ve reflected on how quickly this year has gone and the successes we have had, which have been many. When speaking to the graduating class at their Mass, I found myself continually telling the cohort how proud I was of them, and how proud we all are of them. We will miss these students as we miss every graduating class. We wish you all the best for the future and want you to know that you will always be welcome and have a home at OLA.

With the students leaving for high school, we also find that some families are at the end of their time at OLA, for many families this has been an association with our school for up to twenty-seven years!. Our school could not function without the time and effort that our many volunteers give us, continually putting their hands up to help our school, we thank you for everything you have done over the years. Our school is better for knowing you and your children. Last night’s Graduation was yet another prime example of families, staff and our community coming together for our students. Know that you will be missed and you will always be welcome!

To all of our families who remain with us, or are joining us in 2023, we wish you all a safe and holy Christmas, we hope that your Christmas is full of the joy brought on by the birth of Jesus our saviour. For those of you who are travelling, go well and be safe. We are already looking forward to an exciting 2023.

Merry Christmas!

Michael Morris
Principal

Leadership Team Message

Staffing 2023

Important Dates for 2023

Please take note of the following dates for 2023

Download the 2023 Term Calendar

Leaders 2023

Congratulations to our elected leaders for 2023. These students were voted in by their peers and teachers after they presented their leadership speeches. They will be officially welcomed into their new roles at the Induction Mass to be held in Week 2 of Term 1 2023.

Head Boy	Emmett Trott	Head Girl	Charlotte Cavallaro
Deputy Head Boy	Jayden Nichols	Deputy Head Girl	Cara Swavley
Veritas Captains	Mo Cummings Erica Cipriani	O’Mara Captains	Archie Evans Giordana Ocello
Domenica Captains	Jacob Pacecca Arabella La Cava	Goretti Captains	Lochie McCort Emma Thompson

 

Christmas Concert Tuesday 29 November

What a specular and entertaining evening we had last Tuesday at the Christmas Concert. The students thoroughly enjoyed performing for their parents and families and the staff did a pretty good job also! Many thanks to everyone for coming along and supporting our students. There was a lovely sense of community throughout the whole evening.

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Graduation Mass

Our Graduation Mass on Thursday night was a wonderful celebration and ceremony, we never cease to be amazed by how our students read, sing and honour the reverence of the occasion. Tiana, Emily and Mel, you did an awesome job of preparing the students for the Mass, and to everyone that in any way contributed to the celebration, thank you for your contributions. I know that Fr Ken and every adult present was truly impressed.

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Graduation Dinner

The dinner Monday night was also a memorable experience for students and parents. The circus theme was amazing! Thank you to Maria and Anisha for coordinating the Graduation Dinner and to our wonderful Year 6 parents who spent many hours, including Saturday, Sunday and Monday, preparing for the celebration. A special shout out also goes to Mr Whippy who made a surprise appearance!

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Oval Upgrade

After an extensive planning process, it is a pleasure to announce the oval will be upgraded over the holidays with earthworks commencing immediately after the students finish. The artificial turf will be removed and replaced with shady trees and lawn. The lawn is expected to be laid in the middle of January ready for the 2023 school year.

Faction Shields

After inviting the students to help us design our Faction Crests through a design competition we now have our final versions of our crests that truly represent what each Faction means to us here at OLA.

Next year students will also learn the charism and story of their faction to give them a deeper understanding of what it means to belong to Dominica, O’Mara, Goretti or Veritas.

Big Day In

To celebrate the end of 2022, students from Pre Primary to Year 5 enjoyed our  ‘Big Day In’ on Thursday 8 December. All students  participated in a jam packed, super fun day! Students will be joined in a Suitcase Circus workshop, slipping and sliding on water slides, had the chance to be dunked in a dunk tank- only if they wished and play some outdoor games.

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Uniforms

Parents, please note that even though we are heading towards the holidays, we need to maintain our uniform standards. A few habits that our students have been slipping into include

• Wearing the sports jacket with the academic uniform instead of the jumper
• Wearing sneakers with the academic uniform
• Incorrect socks (with both academic and sports uniform)
• Incorrect Jewellery

 

Further clarification of the correct uniform may be found at: https://www.ola.wa.edu.au/uniform/

Parking at Dianella Library

We have had continued reports from the library staff, shire and ranger that parents are parking in the staff, disabled and loading bays at the library. Please be considerate and do not park in this area as it is reserved for the library staff, those with ACROD permits and those making deliveries to the library.

The shire has advised that fines may be issued to offending cars.

Scholastic Book Fair

The library is looking for a few volunteers to assist with Scholastic Book Fair from next year. The time commitment will be approximately 2 afternoons per term, 3 terms per year, to send catalogues out to classes and help organise orders when they arrive. Please contact Mrs Claire Dale by email (claire.dale@cewa.edu.au) to volunteer.

Arrival Time for Students

Parents please be aware that students MUST NOT to be dropped off at school before 8.00am. The Chester Avenue entry is opened at 8.00am. It has been concerning to see children standing alone outside the gate earlier than this time. Morning fitness and a duty teacher are out in the quadrangle from 8.00am. If you require supervision for your child earlier than this, please consider the OSHC as a secure and safe alternative. Registration details can be found on the school website.

Be Sun Smart in Term 4

A reminder that a cold cloudy day doesn’t negate the impact of the sun on our skin, please have your children apply sunscreen before school. Last year in Term 4 it was very encouraging to see children reapplying their sunscreen during the day. As always, children are more than welcome to bring sunscreen to school, we recommend the roll-on type so as to stop any messy spills in bags. Please also note the school’s ‘No hat, no play’ policy by ensuring that your child has a clearly labelled hat.

Students’ Stationery – Available Via the Canteen

With students not always having the stationery required at school, and parents having to go to the shops to purchase an item, like a pencil, the OLA Canteen will be selling everyday student stationery items to students. These items will be included on OLA Canteen QuickCliq menu and will be sold in the future:

• Red and blue pens – 60c each
• HB Pencils – 60c each
• Glue Sticks – $2.20 each
• Erasers – 60c each
• Rulers – $1.95 each
• Batteries (for the students’ laptop mouse) – $3.30 each

 

If purchasing an item, parents are requested to order the item online via QuickClick and the stationery will given to the students during the day. Students may also purchase these items on canteen days, over the counter.

Transition

All students participated in the 2023 Transition sessions on Monday and Tuesday, all students had a great time with their 2023 teachers. This is a great way to alleviate some anxiety that often comes with meeting a new teacher and moving to a new class.

All families are welcome to drop off their 2023 stationery items and say hello to their teacher on Monday 30 January (1.30-3.00pm) or Tuesday 31 January (8.30-10.30am).

Thank you.

Michael Morris & Anella Tollis

OLA Leadership Team