Mark 4:26-34.
The kingdom of God is a mustard seed growing into the biggest shrub of all
Today’s Gospel always brings to my mind the song by Australian artists Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody, ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’. Released in 1991 it tells the story of the Gurindji people’s struggle for equality and land rights after their walk off at the Wave Hill property in 1966. ‘We know how to wait’, their leader Vincent Lingiari says in the lyrics.
How do we wait for the kingdom of God?
Do we plant seeds of faith and justice and wait for them to grow or do we think that the kingdom, though of course desirable, is so far off we don’t have to worry about cultivating it on earth right now?
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Staff Professional Development – 4 June
On the Friday Pupil Free Day (4 June), our staff were privileged to spend time with Dr Nathan Leber exploring Social Justice in our world. The day was very informative and interactive with Dr Leber being a very engaging presenter.
Wellness Week for Staff and Students
In Week 8, the staff and students participated in several activities with the goal of promoting wellness amongst our community, you may have noticed the chalk on the paving that the children have been using or have had your children come home discussing mindfulness or relaxation. Please encourage these discussions, as it is an important part of an individual’s development to learn to self-regulate and address their own emotional needs.
School Merchandise Orders
Parents, thank you for your response to the offer of the school umbrella, keep cup or hat. Orders close this Friday 18 June with orders expected to arrive in the first few weeks of Term 3.
OLA Cross Country
Please refer to the attached PDF for information about this Friday’s Cross Country event for students in Pre-Primary to Year 6.
OLA Cross Country 2021 Information
RAC Incursion
On Thursday 10 June, the RAC came to OLA to teach us about road safety, car safety and going green. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the presentations and left with practical advice on the topics covered.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)
In August, we will be submitting our data for the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, schools have an obligation to ensure that students with disability are able to access and participate in school on the same basis as their peers. To ensure this, students with disability may receive adjustments or support, depending on their functional needs, to access and participate in education.
Parents, guardians and carers have an important role in their child’s education. They work collaboratively with the school to ensure that the school understands their child’s needs and those appropriate adjustments are made to enable access to education.
The NCCD is an annual count of students who are being provided with adjustments to address disability. The attached PDF and link below will provide more information about the collection. (NCCD 2020, As a parent, guardian or carer, what do I need to know?, https://www.nccd.edu.au/wider-support-materials/parent-guardian-or-carer-what-do-i-need-know)
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data Fact Sheet
ICAS Assessments Years 3-6 (optional)
This year, OLA will be offering students in Years 3-6 the opportunity to participate in the annual ICAS Assessments. Assessments will be offered in Mathematics, English, Science and Writing. The attached letter explains the process involved with purchasing the assessments for your child, how you can make payment, how the tests will be administered and the permission slip.
ICAS Parent Letter and Permission Form
School Photos – Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 June
Our annual school photos will be taken next week. Parents please note that Years 1-6 are required to wear full academic uniform on both of these days, this includes the school jumper (old or new). Please note that Pre-Kindergarten photos will be taken on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 October, while the Year 6 Graduation Photo will be taken on Thursday 14 October. (These dates may be subject to change pending circumstance). Please see the attached schedule for your child’s approximate photo time.
Children Arriving Early
Parents, please note that children are not to be dropped off at school before 8.00am. Morning fitness and teacher supervision begins at 8.10am. In the last two weeks, there has been an increase in students not only arriving early, but being left unattended outside the school gates, this has also been on days when it has been raining and cold. If you require supervision for your children before school, which is absolutely understandable with work commitments etc., please enrol your children into the OLA Out of School Hours Care (details on the school website) who offer before, after and holiday supervision.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Thank you.
Michael Morris and Rebecca Smith
The OLA Leadership Team
