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Greetings all,
At the end of May I had the privilege of attending the Association of Catholic School Principals (ACSP) State Conference, held in a very wet but beautiful Hunter Valley. The rain certainly gave a fresh perspective to the conference’s theme: "Living Waters: Leading with Hope, Inspiring Faith Communities."
It was a valuable opportunity to join colleagues from across the Maitland/ Newcastle Diocese, the state and Inter-state Principals and system Leaders for rich professional learning and collaboration. The conference featured inspiring presentations from leading educators and provided countless moments for meaningful discussion and reflection. The ACSP continues to be a strong voice for Catholic education across NSW, promoting leadership grounded in faith and hope. We have been inspired by stories of faith, learning, and well-being shared by our fellow leaders at this year's conference.
It is always uplifting to be part of a wider community committed to Catholic education. We are reminded of the important work we do each day at Our Lady of Victories to celebrate student achievements and challenge learners to reach their potential in a nurturing safe and respectful environment where every child can thrive.
At our recent FACE Forum I shared with the group our plans to celebrate student effort and achievements at an end of year awards ceremony.
Each class will present a Consistent Effort
This award is presented to a student who has shown a consistent approach to their classroom learning in all subject areas. They have an exemplary attitude to learning.
Each class will present a Christian Development
This award is presented to a student who can be relied upon to complete tasks assigned to them in a spirit of cooperation and kindness; a student who generously and willingly gives their time and effort to help others; who displays initiative and consistently acts in a responsible manner, always following our school PB4L Domains--- In truth we Love, In truth we Serve, In truth we Live.
Then we will present three big awards to our Year 6 students. Students will be nominated and voted on by the staff. A perpetual shield will be made for each. Each year a new stick on a brass shield will be added with the child’s name and year and on display in the foyer.
A Trophy will also be presented and can stay with the child.
The Sisters of St Joseph’s Award:
This award is presented to a student who commits to working in a collaborative spirit through cooperation, collaboration and caring for others. They seek to encourage compassion and thought for others through their daily actions.
The Sisters of St Joseph award recognises a student in our community who demonstrates their Christian values and actively contributes to the faith life of the school.
The Integrity Award
This award is presented to a student who has consistently worked and interacted with others with an outstanding effort. They have made excellent achievements academically, in leadership and socially throughout the entire year. This student lives by their values, with integrity. This student is dependable and is a confident and encouraging role model for younger students.
Outstanding Achievement Award:
This award is presented to a student who has displayed Outstanding Achievement across all Ley Learning Areas. Their academic growth and results have been outstanding. This student is a positive role model for all students and consistently and willingly assists others.
Catholic Schools Week - 2025
The Leaders joined schools from all over the Diocese at the Catholic Schools Week Liturgy held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Below is Max and Pippa with Bishop Michael.
Earlier in the day the whole school gathered together for our Catholic Schools Week Mass. Parents enjoyed the open classrooms that followed. It was a perfect opportunity for the visitors to get a look at our new play equipment that should be open next Friday. pray for sunshine!
This year's Catholic Schools week was a joyful and meaningful celebration, highlighting the incredible gift of Catholic education in our lives.
Year 6 End of Year Dinner
A group of Year 6 parents are organising an end of year dinner to be held at Wallsend Diggers. More information to follow.
Hope you have a wonderful long weekend.
David Treloar
Principal.
In mid-May, we celebrated a very special occasion – Miss O’Bree’s wedding! It was a beautiful day filled with love, laughter, and joy, and we couldn’t be happier for her as she begins this exciting new chapter as Mrs Avery. On behalf of the whole school community, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the new Mr and Mrs Avery!
As the term continues, teachers have also been busy preparing student reports. This process involves carefully analysing data, reviewing student work samples, and reflecting on each child’s progress and achievements across the curriculum. Aligned with NESA guidelines, school reports are designed to provide clear, consistent information about student learning, helping families understand how their child is progressing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to sit down with your child, celebrate their successes, and acknowledge the effort and growth they’ve made this semester.
Student-led Conferences will be scheduled in Week 9 (Monday, June 23rd- Friday, June 27th) for all grades except Year 2. Year 2 will hold their conferences in Week 10, on Thursday, July 3rd. More information regarding this will be shared on Compass.
OLV's Approach to Supporting Primary Students with
Mathematics Problem-Solving
At Our Lady of Victories, we are proud to implement a targeted initiative to strengthen mathematical problem-solving: the Density Model.
This model ensures that every primary student engages in explicit mathematics problem-solving instruction at the same time each week. During this dedicated block, all available teaching and support staff take flexible, small groups based on students’ specific needs. These groupings are regularly reviewed to adapt to student progress, ensuring that support remains relevant and effective.
Each group receives explicit instruction in problem-solving structures and comprehension strategies, helping students develop confidence, accuracy, and reasoning skills in line with their level of understanding.
What Kinds of Problems Do Students Solve?
Students explore a range of problem types, each targeting different thinking skills:
- Result Unknown: Students are given the start and the change, and must find the result (e.g., Liam had 8 marbles. He got 5 more. How many marbles does he have now?). These build foundational fluency with addition and subtraction.
- Change Unknown: Students know the start and the result, but must work out what changed (e.g., Liam had 8 marbles. Now he has 13. How many did he get?). These tasks develop students’ ability to use inverse operations.
- Start Unknown: Students know the change and result, and must find the starting amount (e.g., Liam got 5 more marbles. Now he has 13. How many did he start with?). These problems challenge students to work backwards and think flexibly.
Each structure is explicitly modelled using tools such as think boards, number lines,
and the CUBES strategy (Circle, Underline, Box, Evaluate, Solve), helping students learn to unpack and navigate complex word problems.
Why Vocabulary Matters in Maths
As renowned educator Dr Paul Swan reminds us, many students don’t struggle with the maths itself—they struggle with the language of maths. Words like difference, altogether, or how many more can confuse students if not taught clearly.
That’s why our approach places strong emphasis on building mathematical vocabulary. When students understand the language, they are better able to interpret problems, select strategies, and explain their thinking. This not only builds success in problem-solving but also boosts confidence and mathematical literacy.
How Our School Supports Vocabulary Development
Aligned with Dr Swan’s research, we have embedded a whole-school approach to teaching mathematical language, including:
- Developing visible Vocabulary Walls in every primary classroom
- Explicit teaching of key terms in every lesson
What Are the Benefits of the Density Model?
This approach brings significant advantages:
- Targeted Support: Instruction is tailored to each learner’s needs, accelerating growth.
- Reduced Group Sizes: All staff are teaching, so students benefit from more individual attention.
- Consistency and Clarity: This focus ensures shared language and problem-solving strategies.
- Flexible Grouping: Students move between groups as they progress.
- Boosted Confidence: Scaffolded learning builds success, which builds confidence.
By explicitly teaching the structures of problem types—result unknown, change unknown, and start unknown—we help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical operations. These experiences build strategic, flexible thinkers who can apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
When combined with a strong focus on mathematical vocabulary, we ensure students aren’t just exposed to maths—they truly understand, use, and apply it.
As Dr Paul Swan highlights, when we teach the language of mathematics, we remove barriers to understanding and open the door to confident, capable problem solvers.
Together, we are building a culture of deep thinking, precise communication, and meaningful engagement with mathematics—every day, in every classroom.
PB4L @ OLV Update
This semester, our school has been actively embedding the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) framework across all learning environments, with a strong focus on three key areas: Being Respectful, Active Listening, and Being Responsible.
Throughout the semester, students have engaged in explicit lessons, classroom discussions, and whole-school initiatives to build a clear understanding of what these behaviours look, sound, and feel like in various settings. From demonstrating respectful language and behaviour, to practising attentive listening during lessons and taking responsibility for their actions and belongings, our students have shown great progress and commitment.
To support and celebrate positive behaviour, we’ve implemented a token reward system. Students earn tokens when they demonstrate our PB4L focus behaviour. These tokens contribute to a whole-class tally, with the winning class enjoying a fun out-of-uniform day as a reward for their efforts and teamwork. Additionally, individual student awards are presented at assembly at the end of the PB4L behaviour focus cycle to recognise those who go above and beyond in modelling our PB4L values.
We are proud of the way our students have embraced these focus areas and look forward to continuing to build a safe, respectful, and responsible learning environment together. Thank you for your ongoing support in reinforcing these values at home.
Parent Line NSW: Free Telephone Counselling for Parents and Carers of Children
Parent Line NSW is a free telephone counselling, support and referral service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in New South Wales. Parent Line is also an information service for professionals working with children and families.
Whether you need some help or just want someone to talk to, the qualified and experienced counsellors are available seven days a week to support you.
What Can I Talk to Parent Line NSW About?
The service receives calls from parents, carers and professionals who have questions or concerns about babies, children, or teenagers. Parent Line counsellors can help to support you, offering advice and guidance on concerns such as…
- Child and adolescent mental health
- Friendship issues and bullying
- Social media and increased screentime
- Anxiety in children
- Child and behaviour development
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Support during family separation
- School transitions
- Family violence
Call Parent Line NSW on 1300 1300 52 to access free and confidential counselling. Open Monday to Friday (9am to 9pm) and Saturday & Sunday (4pm to 9pm).
OLV Year 6 McDonald's Fundraiser June 11th!
Mark your calendars — Our McDonald’s Fun Night fundraiser for Year 6 is happening on Wednesday, June 11th from 6pm to 7pm
Here’s how it works:
- Head to Wallsend McDonald's between 6pm and 7pm
- Order your dinner
- Say, “I’m from Our Lady of Victories!” at the counter or drive-thru
BUT WAIT — We need at least 30 people to mention Our Lady of Victories when ordering for us to receive 10% of the proceeds!
So please spread the word, bring your family and friends, and let’s make this the best (and tastiest) fundraiser ever!
Let’s give our Year 6 students the fantastic send-off they deserve!
Mother's Day Stall
Thank you to all the Mum’s who organised our Mother’s Day Stall especially Prue for rallying up the troops. We could not have run this event without these lovely ladies volunteering their time. Thank you once again from the community of OLV.
St Vincent de Paul
During term 2 we will be fundraising for our local St Vincent de Paul Society. We will have an out of uniform day on Friday 20th June which children will be asked to bring a gold coin donation. Throughout the term we would encourage you to go through your wardrobe and donated any warm clothes to SVdP. We would also be grateful if you could donate blankets to help out some of our homeless people in the area.
Our school sleep out will be Thursday 26th June only students in Years 3-6 will be able to participate in this. This event is on Compass. On Friday 27th June the whole school will have a Pyjama Day with a gold coin donation and sausage sizzle. You will need to order and pay for your sausage sizzle via QKR.
Up Coming Liturgies and Masses
|
Week |
Liturgies – Friday 2:30pm |
Parish Masses Friday 9am |
|
6 |
Friday 6th June Pentecost Liturgy- Year 2 |
|
|
7 |
|
Stage 1 & Stage 2 |
|
8 |
|
|
|
9 |
Thursday 26th June School Sleep Out PJ Day and sausage sizzle Lunch Friday 27th June |
Stage 3 & Kinder |
|
10 |
|
Spelling & Maths Bee
Congratulations to all our school Maths and Spelling Bee finalists.
| Stage 1 | Spelling | Mojetoluwa & Evette |
| Stage 1 | Maths | Will F & Gianna |
| Stage 2 | Spelling | Tesa & Josie |
| Stage 2 | Maths | Sam & Mason |
| Stage 3 | Spelling | Kendall & Pippa |
| Stage 3 | Maths | John & Elsa |
These children all went to Stockton and competed against the North Region Schools. Mason was the winner of the Stage 1 Maths bee and will be going on to Branxton to compete in the Diocesan Maths Bee.
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
In order to Volunteer at OLV you are required to complete the Volunteer Induction and be cleared by the Catholic Schools Office to Volunteer.
Please follow this link
https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/people/volunteer/
and complete the steps.
EXTERNAL PROVIDERS
If your child will be seeing a provider (e.g. speech therapist or occupational therapist) this year at school, please complete the attached application form and return to school. If you require further information, please don't hesitate to contact the office.
COMPASS
OLV uses the "Compass" App. Log in details for parents/carers have been emailed to all new parents. If you are still unable to login, or your account has been made inactive, please contact Leanne in the office to arrange a reset of your password.
- For all new families please familiarise yourself with the information booklet you received in your information pack or enrolment pack, "Parent Portal Compass User Guide" This is also attached
- Only Parents/Carers have access to Compass Parent Portal. Parents must have separate email addresses in order to both have access to compass
- New Users when logging into Compass are given the opportunity to update their details. It has been noted that some parents have updated their mobile phone number by taking out the gaps within the phone number. This is not required. The system requires phones numbers to be in this format
- REMINDER: PLEASE ONLY EXPLAIN WHOLE DAY ABSENCES - PLEASE DO NOT REPORT PARTIAL ABSENCES through the Compass App. Reporting partial absences will cause inconsistences with your child's attendance
- SMS's are sent to parents of students who are absent from 9.35am each weekday morning. You will receive a text message if your child was not present during the marking the roll process. Please logon onto compass and explain your child's absence. Do not reply to the text as compass does not accept reply texts
- Please notify the office beforehand if your child is going to arrive late; you will however still receive an SMS. The arrival time of the student will be logged as an explained absence when they present to school on their arrival
- On occasion you may be sent a text message even though your child is in attendance at school, this may be because they have arrived late and not come to the Office for sign in. If your child is late, please come into the Office with your child and sign them in via the compass kiosk.
QKR APP
Part of “progress” is moving towards a cashless society. To assist with the banking, ordering and handling of money, we are moving more of our payments to the Qkr system.
You will find attached instructions for the QKR App. This easy to use phone app gives you the flexibility to place orders for Canteen and fundraisers from your phone. It also reduces the need for your child to bring cash to school. Please remember to amend your child's year group on the QKR App to aid the timely collection of their order. We will be moving to a wider usage of this app as the year progresses.
- Make sure your child matches the class they are in now. You may need to go to your account settings and change their class. This will have to be completed at the beginning of every school year
- Please do not send in a paper bag as well as ordering online; this will stop any double up of ordering
- If your child is away or sick and you have ordered their lunch, you have until 8.00 am to cancel your order on QKR and receive a credit for next time
- All ordering is now closing at 8.15 am Monday morning. This allows enough time to print out the relevant reports for our volunteer ladies
- As of Term 2 all lunch orders will only be able to be ordered through QKR. Cash on the day will only be for ice blocks, lollies and chips.
We will be looking at providing this service for other quick financial transactions such as sausage sizzles, raffles, pie drives etc,
Thaks to everyone for taking up this service.
Health Care Card
All families with a valid Health Care Card can receive 50% of their tuition fee. If you have a valid Health Care Card please email it through to leanne.fry@mn.catholic.edu.au, I will then return your email with the link for you to complete.
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You will be able to access the school newsletter here, special dates notifications and other messages from time to time.
Go to this link to download the Schoolzine App:
Our Lady of Victories school FACE Forum is bringing you a PIE DRIVE FUNDRAISER! Just in time for the holidays, this is your chance to stock up on delicious pies while supporting our school community.
Delivery Date: Thursday 3rd July 2025 (Last week of Term) – Perfect for the holidays! Orders via QKR Due: Monday 23rd June 2025. QKR will open next week
Order your favourite sweets/tarts and savoury pies through QKR before the deadline and ensure you have the perfect winter treats ready for the break. Every pie purchased helps raise funds for our school, so spread the word and get your orders in today!
Thank you for your support—happy pie shopping! ?
We would like to wish the following children a Happy Birthday.
| Kindergarten | Samuel S, Everleigh B |
| Year 1 | James T |
| Year 2 | Hailey S |
| Year 3 | Josie B, Alexis G, Harry W |
| Year 4 | Kaidence G, Osita U |
| Year 5 | Evan S |
| Year 6 | Sienna S, Grace D, Pippa M, Jennifer F, John H |
Congratulations and we hope you had a happy day
