Term 3 Issue 13
24th August 2016
OLR Newsletter
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, The Entrance
SHELLY BEACH ROAD, SHELLY BEACH NSW 2261 – P.O. BOX 210, THE ENTRANCE 2261
Ph: 4332 5594
Fax: 4334 5599
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dbb.org.au/schools/olortheentrance
© Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School, The Entrance
“Blessed are the merciful for they shall
obtain mercy”
(Matthew 5:7)
Reflections on WYD 2016
Amidst the overwhelmingly massive crowds of
close to three million young people who were
gathered together to celebrate their Catholic
faith were Miss Rafter and myself along with 35
other teachers from our Diocese. During the
Vigil and Final Mass and throughout our
pilgrimage we experienced the exuberance and
excitement of young people practicing their faith
and were called upon to reflect on the theme of
“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain
mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
Lasting 14 days, our pilgrimage not only allowed us to experience the magnificent beauty of
Poland, but also the atrocities of the Auschwitz and Birkenau Nazi concentration camps. We
were moved to tears as we were told and saw for our own eyes the stark contrast of light and
darkness, hatred and mercy. We gathered with all the pilgrims from Broken Bay to reflect, pray
and celebrate Mass together in Auschwitz which was a deeply moving experience.
The pilgrimage also included a visit to the monastery founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe, where
we participated in the celebration of Mass at the Basilica of the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. We
visited and prayed at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa and witnessed the Polish people’s
deep spiritual connection to the icon of the Black Madonna.
During WYD week we participated in daily Catechesis with Bishops from all over the world. This
was a deeply enriching experience. Timothy Dolan, the Arch Bishop of New York spoke to us
about Mercy and our mission to “ooze” the qualities of faith filled disciples by being
compassionate, understanding and showing mercy in our daily lives. Another memorable
Catechesis experience was with Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra. He spoke about
the importance of silence, contemplation and courageousness in your faith as shown by Mary
the mother of Jesus. He likened Mary to the moon reflecting the light of Jesus as the sun. It is
our mission as Catholics to be like the moon just as Mary is and reflect the light of Jesus
through a life of mercy and compassion.
Our pilgrimage walk of 20km to the site of the Vigil and Final Mass, gave us the opportunity to
witness and experience Mercy first hand. All of the pilgrims walked together in solidarity and
supported each other in the heat and what felt like the never ending line up for food! We knew
that we were experiencing something that we will never forget and we learnt a lot about
ourselves throughout the pilgrimage walk – a song and laughter goes a long way!!
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We were privileged to listen to Pope Francis’ message of Mercy and his hope for young people
and the Church at the Papal Welcome and then again at the Final Mass where the Holy Father
proclaimed, “Let us remember this encounter, let us preserve the memory of the presence of
God and his word, and let us listen once more to the voice of Jesus as he calls us by name.”
We have been inspired and renewed in our faith throughout this experience and we are excited
to share it with the OLR community now and in the future!
Finally, here are few quotes from Pope Francis throughout WYD celebrations that really stood
out to us and we hope they inspire you too!
“Happiness sprouts and blossoms in mercy”
“It is very sad to go through life without leaving a mark”
“Our time, does not need any more people who are couch potatoes –go and
do something with your faith”
“It is easier to rebuild burnt bridges than to put up walls”
“If you do not give the best of yourself, the world won’t change”
“Mercy is the actions we undertake to touch and heal the wounds of others”
“If Jesus loves you (and you have faith in him)…notify your face about it!”
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From the Principal
My Behaviour Impacts the Learning of others
Mercy does not just mean being a “good person” nor is it mere sentimentality. It is the measure of our authenticity as disciples of Jesus.
(Pope Francis)
Week 7
Week 8
Monday
DBB Athletics Carnival
Monday
29/08
Fathers’ Day Wrapping
5/09
Tuesday
School Assembly @ 2:15
Band
30/08
Wednesday
31/08
Thursday
2/09
Play Group
Wednes-
Reconciliation 3B & 3G
day
Debating @ MacKillop College
7/09
Fathers’ Day Stall
Thursday
8/09
Fathers’ Day Breakfast 7.30am
Fathers’ Day Liturgy 9.15am
Saturday
10/09
4/09
Central Coast OZtag Yrs 5 & 6
Feast of The Birth of Mary (Liturgy)
Confirmation Enrichment Day
9/09
3/09
Fathers’ Day
Maths Olympiad
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Band
6/09
1/09
Friday
Tuesday
Parish Mass
Sunday
11/09
Parish Mass
On Saturday 10th September at 6.00pm we will be celebrating Mass with the parish at Our Lady
of the Rosary Church at The Entrance. Celebrating Mass together with the parish at the church
is a wonderful experience for our school community. If you are able to attend this Mass on the
10th September we would love you to be involved in the Choir, or perhaps reading a Prayer of
the Faithful or even taking the gifts of bread and wine up at the Offertory
Hoping to see you there!
MMG Survey
As part of Our Lady of the Rosary’s planning and strategic review process we will be
conducting surveys with our parents, staff and students (years 5 and 6) to obtain research
based feedback and views on a wide range of areas relating to the School’s performance.
This feedback will be of great assistance to us as we maintain our efforts to continue to improve
every aspect of the quality of service we provide to our parents and students.
Thank you to those parents who have already completed the survey, and encourage others to
take the time to reflect on our school and share your valuable insights.
We look forward very much to the valuable contribution you will be making to this most
important project by completing your questionnaire.
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Fundraising Survey
Earlier this week, you would have received a two question survey in regards to future
fundraising at OLR. I would encourage everyone to respond and have your voice heard in this
important decision making process as the results will affect all families into the future.
NAPLAN results
Our NAPLAN results were made available last week, with individual reports sent home with
students. Take some time to sit with them and celebrate their achievements.
Please remember these are only a snapshot of student performance and should be read in
conjunction with their Semester 1 report and teacher interview.
At tonight’s Parent Forum, I will be presenting an overview of NAPLAN and I would
courage you to join us for this opportunity to understand NAPLAN better.
en-
If you have any concerns, please make an appointment to speak to your child’s teacher about
their results.
Our initial observations of our NAPLAN results are quite pleasing and show many areas to
celebrate, especially in Literacy. It also gives us a clear direction for school wide improvement
that teachers will be exploring over the coming weeks.
Staffing Changes—Long Service Leave

Margaret Comito is on leave for the remainder of the term, and we welcome John
McCosker to 3 Red during her absence.

Luisa Lawicki is on leave for the next two weeks and Tanya Hannan will step up into 6
Gold during this time.

Amber Trench also on leave for the next week and a half and Michelle Bell has agreed to
take on the running of the canteen during this time.

Tracy Hawkings will be on leave for 2 weeks and Michelle Bell will work in the office
during this time.

Chris Boler will be on leave from 30th August till the end of term and Leah Hannan &
Katie Allport will work in 4G


Michael Dennis will be on leave from the 1st September till the 21st October.
Jill Fisher will be on leave from 2nd September till the end of term.
ICAS Certificates
ICAS Certificates for Spelling and Writing will be given out at Monday’s Assembly at 2pm
Sporting News
Congratulations for Seth S who has been selected for the Central Coast Cricket Association
Representative DCA cup, Under 12s for 2016/2017 season.
God Bless
Gerard McGilvray
Principal
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MEDICATION POLICY :
Earlier this year we put the following policy in the Newsletter for your information. This policy is
for both in school and on school excursions. Under no circumstances can a staff member
administer medication of any type unless we have the Request to Administer Medication at
School form completed and signed by a doctor. This form can be collected from the school
office or found on our website in the Newsletter section at the top of the list.
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Father’s Day BBQ Breakfast
All welcome
Please join us on Friday, 2nd September for a free BBQ breakfast
from 7.30am followed by a Liturgy at 9.15 in the Chapel.
All dads, grandads and children will be catered for, and
we will even feed the mum’s and grandma’s if they come!
Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Choral Day
Our beautiful OLR choir took part in the 4th Central Coast Catholic Schools’ Choral Day on Friday
19th August. They did a fantastic job with the 2 pieces they prepared led by Mrs Boler and Ms
McDonald. The day started with 10 of the 11 schools performing 2 pieces together, then each
school presented 2 songs they had been working on for the last few months. At the end of the
day, all schools joined together again for a fantastic finale. Our choir did a great job at
representing our school with enthusiasm and commendable behaviour. Many thanks to all the
children who have given up many lunch times for their love of singing! Well done!
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Public Speaking Finals
Today two of our senior students; Alexandra F and Corey H; represented our school at the
Central Coast Diocesan Public Speaking Competition – Northern Cluster. This final took place in
the hall of St Brendan’s Catholic School, Lake Munmorah. Our students did a fantastic job
presenting their speeches and calming their nerves. The students were asked to present a 3
minute speech on a pre-prepared topic followed by 10 minutes to plan a 1 minute impromptu
speech on a different topic. It was pleasing to see all participants remembering many aspects of
public speaking which made it difficult for the adjudicators to judge. It was a great experience for
both Corey and Alex and it was amazing to see such a high standard of public speaking across
the Central Coast- Northern Cluster schools.
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Chaplaincy News
Debbie Simmonds says ‘THANK YOU’
Last Term we held a ‘GOLD MUFTI’ to support Debbie Simmonds’ fundraising for Cancer Research and raised $513.15. Debbie has written to express her gratitude:
‘I would like to express my appreciation and immense gratitude to the OLR staff and Community
for holding a mufti day gold coin donation to help me in my fundraising drive for Breast Cancer
Network Australia (BCNA). The day was a huge success. The funds raised will go a long way
towards me reaching my target. Once again many thanks. Best regards and God bless.’
‘GARDENING OLR’
I am no Costa Georgiadas from ‘Gardening Australia’ so I am requesting the assistance of a parent or two (or grandparents) to help plant and maintain a vegetable garden we have set up behind the school. I am hoping that a group of children will be keen to learn how to care for these
garden beds and enjoy nurturing the plants. The produce will be given to the Canteen. We will
negotiate one day of the week for children to work with the volunteer adult during lunch break. If
you are interested please contact me at school Monday-Wednesday; phone 43325594 or email
[email protected]
‘OLR PARENT OUTREACH’ FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
We are always happy to have new volunteers join the Parent Outreach team that goes to
COASTSHELTER for the Homeless every third Monday of the month to cook meals and for general kitchen duties. Currently, we have Jennifer, Brenda, Yasmin, Katie and Tracey on the team.
It would be helpful if we had a few more volunteers to help with those occasions when some
have other commitments so cannot make it. Please contact myself phone 43325594 or Jennifer
Vaughan mobile 0450381751 if you are interested.
The next Monday is 19th September, the week before the holidays, and the time is approx. 9am1pm. You are required to apply for a ‘Working with Children Check’ available from Services
NSW (old RTA) or go online https://wwccheck.ccyp.nsw.gov.au/Applicants/Application#
A sincere thank you to all the current volunteers for your generosity and outreach to the
community.
‘Never See a Need Without
PRE-LOVED UNIFORM ITEMS
Doing Something About It.’
(Mary MacKillop)
We have a pile of winter jackets and bits and pieces
of other pre-loved uniform items available here at
school. Please contact Janelle Moran Mobile 0438343750 or FACEBOOK: OLR Second
Hand Uniforms For Sale. Janelle will generously make herself available to assist you.
Please see attached
flyer re the PCN
Catholic Discipleship
Blessings,
Kay Taylor (Chaplain)
Enjoy the movement into Spring
and the warmer weather and let us
celebrate the God of Life!
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
‘Parent
Community Network: Catholic Discipleship’
This Reflection was shared at the team meeting and has valuable ideas for nurturing faith in
families.
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
Canteen News
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
29th August
30th August
31st August
1st Sept
2nd Sept
Jo M
Gillian R
Brenda N
Sue S
Desley G-B*
Lisa B
Jade J
Cathy T
Kylie B^
Claire K*
Leanne C
Diane B
Stefania M*
Siobahn M
5th Sept
6th Sept
7th Sept
8th Sept
9th Sept
Travis R
Ella B
Justine R
Kylie H
Joan C*
Kathryn C
Renee T
Amanda B
Pupil Free Day
Hi All
Hope your all being kind to Mrs Bell
in the canteen whilst I am away and enjoying the
special treat of Cola TNT’s at lunch time, I am thinking of you all from sunny Bali…..promise!!!
Our fab new Thermomix has arrived and upon my return we will be enjoying some new recess
and lunch items and trying to have a greater majority of homemade items rather than store
bought, such as our own pizza dough to make scrolls and freshly baked finger buns, fruit whip
ice cream and Individual Cottage Pie for lunch.
Also stand tuned for an exciting and delicious Gelato Day on Sept 14 th, donated
by Lakeland Ice Cream!!!
See you all soon
Healthy Eating
Amber Trench
Canteen Co-Ordinator
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
Library News
Book Parade
Thank you to all the students, staff, parents and friends
who supported our Book Character Parade. The outfits
were very creative and we had lots of fun celebrating
our love of books.
The children really enjoyed the day. Thanks for being
such an attentive and enthusiastic audience!
Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will close on Thursday,
the 25th August.
Thank you to all the parents who have helped sell
books and everyone who has purchased a book. All purchases allow us to buy new titles for the
Library.
PRC
The PRC is closed for this year. Certificates will be handed out in Term Four.
Congratulations to the following students who have finished the Premier’s Reading Challenge:
Kindergarten: Fraser B, Amber B, Reese B, Ruby E, Giselle D, Zeva K, Matilda K, Tyler L, Mason
L, Makenna M, Lachlan M, Isla M, Oliver M, Sara M, Austin T and Owen Z.
Year 1: Matilda B, Ailah B, Mason C, Max D, Mylee F, Hayley F, Mischa G, Chelsey G, Max K,
Will M, Joshua S, Finlay J, Amelie R, Liam S, Max T, Hanna V and Matilda W.
Year 2: Micaela A, Riley B, George B,Sienna B, Olivia C, Ashley C, Darcy C, Charlie C, Lauryn
D, Phillip F, Charlie F, Maverick F, Anvin G, Taj G, Ava H, Owen H, Lily H, Kai H, Ulani H, Lola H,
Curtis K, Molly L, Daniel L, Addisyn M, Georgia M, Faith M, Imogen M, Fynn M, Louisa M, Joseph M, Josiah N, Oliver O, Aleesha O, Maureen O, Alyssa O, Isaac P, Asher P, Ashley P, Ava
R, Iszac R, Harper R, Addison S Jacinta S, Hollie S, Maddison T, Jai T, Ashleigh W, Ethan W,
Rhys W, Isabella W, Isabella Y and Max Y.
Year 3: Madelyn M, Emilia M, Ashley R, Noah R and Charlotte S.
Year 4: Mikayla B, Amalie H, Zane H, Hunter K, Sayer L, Jacob M, Elijah M, Alex N, Izak O, Riley
R, Thomas S and Sam T.
Year 5: Anthony I.
Year 6: Jaden M.
The Library window is now full of PRC Bookworms!
Well done to all students who completed the PRC .
Excellent reading 2 Blue and 4 Gold! Every child in your class finished the challenge! J
Happy Reading,
Cherelle Mylan and Leah Hannan
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
OLR Parish News
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, The Entrance
STUDENT ABSENTEE NOTE
We are required by law to record all absences for children enrolled in our school with an
accompanying note.
My child ____________________________________of class__________ was absent from
school on the following date/s:
__________________________________________________________
Please sign below to indicate that your permission was given for this/these days absent.
I ________________________________ verify that my child was absent from school with my
permission on the dates above.
Reason:_____________________________________________________________________
Signature:____________________________________________ Date:__________________
PLEASE DO ONE NOTE PER CHILD. EACH TEACHER NEEDS A COPY FOR THEIR FILES
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.
Or see Tracy or Lucy in the school office
Material in the newsletter is not to be reproduced without the permission of the School Principal.