Important Dates
Mr Shaw's News
WELCOME TO OLSOTS!
We welcome Theo, Jett, Jye and Lucas in Pre-Kindergarten and their families to our school community.
MID-YEAR REPORTING
Our teachers have been busy preparing Mid-Year Reports, which will be made available via SEQTA Engage on Friday, July 4. I thank our teachers for their dedication to this important process, making consistent judgements, and providing insightful feedback regarding achievement. It has been a pleasure reading each child’s report.
With the aim of streamlining reporting comments for parents and teachers, our report comments will now be listed in a more succinct dot-point form, rather than paragraph form. Parents will still receive insights into the achievements of their child for Mathematics, English and Religion, as well as a general comment. Teachers will continue to share their goals for students for Mathematics and English. We believe this new format will be easier for parents to read and more streamlined for teachers. We continue to provide comments showing achievement and areas for growth, above the SCSA requirement.
Please see the information from Mrs Lorna Russell regarding Mid-Year Reports, including instructions on accessing your reports via SEQTA Engage.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
The following information is taken from Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) Student Attendance Guidelines
Attendance is measured as the number of actual full-time equivalent student days attended by full-time students in Years One to Ten as a percentage of the total number of possible student days. Educational Risk is defined as falling below 90%.
In short, every child is expected to attend school every day, unless they are unwell. Thank you for working in partnership with the school regarding this matter.
PRE-KINDY – SECOND DAY!
We are excited to begin a second Pre-Kindy Day for 2025 next term, commencing Monday 21 July. I am delighted to inform our community that Ms Kara Auricht will be teaching our second Pre-Kindy class. Kara is currently our Playgroup Facilitator every Thursday and Pre-Kindy teacher every Friday. Kara will continue in her current roles, while taking on the additional day with our Monday Pre-Kindy group. Mrs Pippa Crane will be the Education Assistant for Monday Pre-Kindy. There are still a handful of spots available to commence Pre-Kindy next term! If you know of someone who may be interested and able to start as the new term commences, please encourage them to make contact with the school as soon as possible.
STAFFING NEWS
We welcome Mrs Maureen (Mas) Stephenson to our staff next term. Mas will be joining our team as an Education Assistant, working alongside Miss Ella Fish in Year Two/Three and Miss Melissa Hayes in Year One. Mas is excited to join our school community.
NAIDOC LITURGY
This year, NAIDOC Week takes place across Australia, 6 – 13 July. NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, history, and achievements. As NAIDOC Week falls during the school holidays, we will celebrate this occasion with a NAIDOC Liturgy on Monday 30 June. Our Year One students will lead this reflection, commencing at 2:15pm in the hall – I hope to see you there! NAIDOC Week will also be acknowledged in classrooms, either side of the school holidays.
URSTRONG SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP DAY
Mrs Erin Tyrrell, our Leader of Wellbeing, is currently organising our URSTRONG Spirit of Friendship Day, which will take place on Thursday 30 July. It is fitting that we have this important event on this day as it is set aside as International Friendship Day. Please see further information from Mrs Tyrrell within this newsletter.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
As this is our final newsletter for Term Two, I take this opportunity to wish everyone in our school community a relaxing and enjoyable school holiday break. We look forward to welcoming students back to school from Monday 21 July!
Mrs Russell's News
GRANDPARENTS’ MASS
The Year Two/Three class will be leading our school in a special Grandparents’ Mass during Week One of next term. We warmly invite all parents and grandparents to join us for this celebration on Thursday, 24 July at 9:00am in the Church. This is the fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which takes place on Sunday 27 July and is a special occasion originally initiated by Pope Francis.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
As part of the Sacramental program for the children who will be receiving Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation this year, there are some important family meetings with Fr Paul. Parents and caregivers of sacramental students are asked to attend Sunday Mass on 3 August, where Fr Paul will discuss with the families how to best prepare their children to receive the sacraments. Please keep the children who will be receiving a sacrament this year in your prayers. Our next Parish family mass and sacramental parent meeting will be on Sunday 3 August.
- Sunday 3 August – Mass and Sacramental parent workshop, 9:00am, in the Church.
- Tuesday 16 September – Sacramental Workshop facilitated by Mildred Rego
THE 2025 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (REA)
In Catholic schools across Western Australia, students enrolled in Years 3, 5 and 9 participate in a system-wide, online assessment in Religious Education. The administration of the assessment commences Monday 4 August. The REA provides a ‘point in time’ snapshot of student performance in Religious Education. Students’ knowledge and understanding of the content of the Religion curriculum is assessed using a combination of multiple choice, short and extended response items. Please contact your child’s teacher, if you have any questions regarding the administration of the REA. Students in Years 3 and 5 will complete the REA on Wednesday 6 August.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S REPORT
Parents will receive two formal academic reports this year – a Mid-Year Report at the end of Term Two and an End of Year Report at the end of Term Four.
MID-YEAR REPORT: This report provides parents with an indication of how their child is progressing in relation to the end of year Achievement Standard for each learning area for their year level. The grade provided is based on the curriculum which has been taught and assessed to that point in time.
END OF YEAR REPORT: This report provides parents with an overview of how their child has progressed, across the entire year, in relation to the end of year Achievement Standard for each learning area for their year level. The grade provided is based on the curriculum which has been taught and assessed across the entire year, not just Semester Two.
Understanding the Grading System – Pre-Primary
ACHIEVEMENT DESCRIPTORS
The student demonstrates excellent achievement of what is expected for this year level.
The student demonstrates high achievement of what is expected for this year level.
The student demonstrates satisfactory achievement of what is expected for this year level.
The student demonstrates limited achievement of what is expected for this year level.
The student demonstrates very low achievement of what is expected for this year level.
The descriptors summarise the standard (or quality) of achievement associated with each level. The scale describes the depth of knowledge and understanding and the range of skills that students typically show.
Maintaining a level in a learning area from one semester to the next is an indication of positive achievement and expected development.
A child who is on an Individual Education Plan will have progress reported against learning outcomes outlined in the Individual Education Plan.
Understanding the Grading System – Years 1 – 6
GRADE DESCRIPTION
A The student demonstrates excellent achievement of what is expected for this year level.
B The student demonstrates high achievement of what is expected for this year level.
C The student demonstrates satisfactory achievement of what is expected for this year level.
D The student demonstrates limited achievement of what is expected for this year level.
E The student demonstrates very low achievement of what is expected for this year level.
The A – E grade scale summarises the standard of achievement associated with each learning area. The scale describes the depth of knowledge, understandings and skills that children working at that standard typically show. If your child receives a ‘C’ grade, they are achieving at the required level for their year.
Maintaining a grade in a learning area from one semester to the next is an indication of positive achievement and expected development.
A child who is on an Individual Education Plan will have progress reported against learning outcomes outlined in the Individual Education Plan – not using A-E grades.
Is a ‘C’ grade good?
Yes, you should celebrate C grades as this indicates that your child has progressed to the desired level of understanding for his/her year level.
Is a ‘C’ grade just a pass like when I was at school
No, a C grade today, is the expected Achievement Standard for each year level and each learning area.
Does an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade mean my child is working a year or two above their current grade?
No, an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade means that your child is responding to the content taught to a deeper level. They may be thinking more critically about the content, which is a wonderful skill to demonstrate.
How are final grades determined?
Teachers collect numerous samples of work and assessments to determine the final grade. The grade is determined with the use of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s (SCSA) Judging Standards. For more information on this go to https://parent.scsa.wa.edu.au/
We hope this information assists you to understand the reporting process at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher.
SEQTA ENGAGE REPORTS
Parents new to our school should have received a welcome email inviting you to create a login to SEQTA Engage. Once you have created your login and password you will have access to SEQTA Engage. On Friday 4 July the school reports will be available for you to view and download through SEQTA Engage. Please ensure you have followed the steps to login to your SEQTA account, or you will be unable to view your child’s report.
NATIONALLY CONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA ON SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISBAILITY (NCCD)
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (the national data collection) is an annual collection that counts the number of school students receiving an adjustment due to disability and the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students. For more information regarding the NCCD data follow the link below
FACT SHEET FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND CARERS
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND USE
For the safety of all students, please note that children are not permitted to use the school play equipment before or after school hours. We kindly ask for your support in ensuring a smooth and safe transition by exiting the school grounds promptly and using the designated exits. Thank you for your cooperation.
Book Fair
Do you want the best new children’s books? They’re coming to our school soon! Join us from Monday 4 August – Friday 8 August in Our School Library to find your next favourite read.
The invites and wishlists are being sent out with further information, and it can mean only one thing: the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to OLSOTS! It’ll be arriving next term, so make sure you join us for this celebration of reading!
We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Book Fair! Remember, all purchases benefit our school.
Pre - Kindy
Kindergarten
We had so much fun during our shared reading time, especially with the story The Very Itchy Bear! Each new story introduces us to exciting vocabulary words and helps us build our comprehension skills. We especially enjoyed creating our own Very Itchy Bear, Flea, and story settings. These creative activities gave us a chance to show off our fine motor skills and demonstrate our understanding of the story in a fun and hands-on way.
Circus Challenge Incursion
The wonderful visit by Mr Circus!!
Last Thursday the incursion of the year happened at our school, he was a very funny man who made us all smile with glee. After Mr Circus’ very entertaining warm up he talked about a dangerous and silly trick that happened at the end of the incursion, after this the crowed awed in wonder.
Firstly, he asked for a volunteer for his intriguing warm up. He curiously looked around and picked Greyson and called him baby Justin Beiber. As he walked up to the stage he was told that he was to stand on Mr Circus’ knees and hold on to his arms, after balancing carefully Greyson removed one arm he almost fell but managed to hold on. The whole crowd boomed of applause.
After the miraculous performance Mr Circus picked Eva, Clifford, Ania and Joseph to try his magnificent trick of plate spinning. After getting their plates ready they delicately passed plate by plate to each others sticks. Gracefully they spun around with one plate in their hands. Then Ania , Clifford and Joseph sat down. The next trick was where Eva suspensefully rolled over using two plates, spinning in the air trying not to make them fall. The whole crowd was silent. No sound was there other than the wind whistling through the windows. She made it…everyone made a fit of approval.
For his last trick Mr Circus announced that we were to choose a teacher to do the walk of death performance. Fingers were quickly pointed to the new Year Two/Three teacher Miss Fish, as her eyes widen she was called up to the stage. After an appealing warm up she lay down to her eerie fate. Mr Circus got out soft cloths and asked us is this good enough. The whole school chanted No! He picked up his metal clubs and shouted is this enough for you guys. The school roared No! Then at last he got metal knives and they looked very sharp. Before he even asked we all said Yes. Then he started to walk over to innocent Miss Fish juggling his knives, as he got to her head he suddenly stopped. Miss R, who was hiding, pulled the confetti as Mr Circus caught the dropped knife.
By Zohan and Elliott
The Canopy Program
Last Tuesday the Year Four and Year Five/Six classes participated in a tree planting initiative, led by the Shire of Esperance and the Canopy Program, planting over 100 trees around the Walker Street park. This event helped to highlight the importance of sustainable actions for the students, teaching them the large impact many small actions can have in protecting our environment.
URSTRONG
Spirit of Friendship Day 2025
Our Spirit of Friendship Day will be back this year on Wednesday 30 July. This was a highly successful and fun day last year, where students had the opportunity to celebrate the skills they had developed throughout the year in their friendships and participate in workshops hosted by URSTRONG. This year students will again be involved in interactive online workshops with Tyson Greenwood (Director of URSTRONG Schools), as well as a host of fun activities with their peers throughout the day.
Students are encouraged to wear bright clothing for our Spirit of Friendship Day or dress up as Friendship Ninjas or in colours symbolic of Green Zone Friendships.
I will again be looking for parent volunteers to help cook a sausage sizzle for the students for a shared lunch. If you will be available for an hour between 11:30-12:30 for cooking duties, please email me on erin.tyrrell@cewa.edu.au
P & F News
A big thank you to everyone who has completed our recent survey about school events and volunteering. If you haven’t yet, we’d love to hear from you! Please use the link below to share your interest and availability in helping us create fun and meaningful events for our students, parents, and the wider school community.
A quick reminder for all families: we have a WhatsApp Community, which includes chat groups for each class. These are a great way to stay connected—whether it’s classroom reminders, organising playdates, or celebrating birthdays. If you haven’t joined your class chat or need help getting started, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Lastly, our small but dynamic committee has some exciting things planned for the second half of the year. Keep an eye on future newsletters and on SeeSaw for dates and updates—you won’t want to miss what’s coming up!
Community Notices
Just 3 weeks left to claim!
The WA Student Assistance Payment helps with school costs — don’t miss out.
$150 for each Kindergarten and primary student
$250 for each secondary student
Claim now through the ServiceWA app, online or by post in a claim form.
Claims close Friday 4 July 2025.
Visit www.education.wa.edu.au/wasap for eligibility info and how to claim.
FREE & Fun Healthy Lifestyle Support from a Health Professional – Get your Kids Moving & Eating Well!
Want to build healthy family habits — for FREE? Jump into our Better Health Program to get tailored and interactive support with nutrition, physical activity and behaviour change!
💻 1 – 2 hours of online FUN for 10-weeks!
🍎 Learn about healthy eating, balancing screen time & staying active
⭐ For kids 6 – 12 & their families
📢 Online program available year-round. NO Waitlists!
🔗 https://betterhealthprogram.org/ or 📞 1300 822 953 Still unsure? Hear how one of our participating families ‘set in really good habits [to enhance their] healthy lifestyle’.
“FREE Health Coaching for your family!
📞 10 free calls with a health professional
🤸 Support from an accredited health professional, free resources and interactive fun activities
💻 Free spots are available all year—start whenever you’re ready, but be quick, spots are filling fast!
The Onyx Movement: Winter Holiday Youth Movement Program. This exciting program is designed to keep young minds and bodies active during the holidays with a focus on creativity, health & wellness, and community connection.
The program is open to all children in the community and offers a safe, engaging environment during the school break.
Key Details:
- Who: Children aged 6 – 11
- What: A dynamic youth movement program with movement classes (Yoga, onyx flow, contemporary dance, sports skills) team games, creative & dynamic prop movements, and more
- Where: Esperance Civic Centre – Reception Room
- When: Tuesday 8 July – Friday 11 July 2025
- Sessions: Session 1: 9am – 12pm each day (6 – 8-year-olds)
Session 2: 1pm – 4pm each day (9 – 11-year-olds)
- Event Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DBZKG
