Term 2 Week 1 3rd May, 2013

The Angelus

What is the Angelus? The Angelus is a simple but earnest practice of devotion that causes us to recall the gift of God’s Son. The name Angelus is derived from its opening words, ‘The Angel of the Lord Declared unto Mary’. It consists of three verses, each followed by the recitation of the Hail Mary, an invocation to our Blessed Mother and a concluding prayer.

The History of the Angelus The historical origins of the Angelus are linked to the spread of the Hail Mary as private prayer. It is believed that St Anthony of Padua (1195 – 1231) encouraged the practice of reciting it three times a day. St Bonaventure (1269) accompanied this with a meditation on the mystery of the Incarnation. He used the peal of the bell to call his fellow friars and the faithful of the region to recite the prayer. It is said that at the convent of the Friars Minor of Arezzo, it was preceded by the statement, ‘Angelus locutus est Mariae’, ‘The angel spoke to Mary’. King Louis XI (1472) prescribed the practice for his entire kingdom asking that the prayers be offered for peace. It was in the 16th century that the form of the Angelus that we recite today was fixed. Pope Benedict XIV (1742) and Pope Leo XIII (1884) both name the angelus in their books of prayer.

(Reference - ‘Praying the Angelus’ Catholic Education Office Parramatta.)

Praying the Angelus Each day students, teachers and staff throughout the Diocese of Parramatta, will stop work at 12pm to pray the Angelus. The SRC will lead our school in prayer over the public address system. If you are at school during this time we encourage you to recite this prayer of devotion with us. It would be appreciated if you could refrain from making non-urgent phone calls to the school between the times of 11.55am and 12.10pm as all staff will be engaged in prayer. “As we pray the Angelus, we may join Mary in her “yes”, we may adhere trustingly to the beauty of God’s plan and to the providence that he has assigned to us his grace.” Pope Benedict XVI.

Kindergarten 2014 Enrolments A reminder to parents of Kindergarten 2014 students that interviews will be held for those booked in for Saturday, May 4th.

Father Flor Our community extends thanks to Fr Flor for celebrating Mass for our students over the past few months. On Thursday, the staff and children farewelled Fr Flor and wished him well for his future work in ministry. As yet, the term planner does not feature dates for Masses and liturgies. You will be advised, via the newsletter, when the new arrangements are in place. We welcome Fr Giovanni and hope he enjoys his time at OLOL parish.

Sympathy Our thoughts are with the Robertson and Zammit families on the death of Aileen Nolan, grandmother to Gaibrielle Zammit and great grandmother to Amy (4B). Our sympathy is also extended to Helen Bryson on the death of her mother. Please remember both families in your prayers.

Windsor Road Study GTA Consultants have been appointed by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to undertake a traffic and pedestrian observational study along Windsor Road between the M2 Motorway and Oakland Avenue/Torrs Street as part of the M2 Upgrade conditions of approval to monitor pedestrian safety. A similar study was undertaken by GTA in October 2011. The scope of the works include the following: A video survey at the pedestrian crossing facilities

across Windsor Road and the M2 ramps over 4 school days, and

A GTA Staff undertaking site observations during 2 mornings, 1 lunch time and 2 afternoon peak periods to observe pedestrian behaviour and identify any safety issues.

The video quality would be of low resolution to ensure pedestrians are not identifiable. Large numbers of pedestrians making use of the Windsor Road crossing will contribute to our case for an overhead bridge. The cameras will be in place from 8.00am Monday, 6th May until 4.00pm Friday, 10th May inclusive.

Oakland Avenue, Baulkham Hills South

Telephone:9639 4172 Facsimile 9639 0819 www.ololbhills.parra.catholic.edu.au

OLOL SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy 2013 " T h e N a t i o n a l Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It has been an annual event for schools since 2008. On Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, students will take the 2013 NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australian children. It also provides valuable information that allows schools and governments to better target effort and support to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful and happy lives. All students are expected to participate in the tests. Students with a disability may qualify for reasonable adjustments that reflect the support normally provided to them in the classroom. Some students with very specific circumstances may be exempted from participating in the tests. For information about participation in NAPLAN, you can go to: http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support.html NAPLAN tests fundamental skills rather than specific content, and as such is not a test for which students can study or drill. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to let them know that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day. The use of services by coaching providers is not recommended. An individual student NAPLAN report will be issued by the school later this year. Parents can use this information to monitor how their child is progressing and to identify any areas of concern. Parents may also wish to use their child’s results to discuss progress with teachers. More information is available at www.nap.edu.au." Traffic Although outlined in previous newsletters, some parents, on a regular basis, continue to enter the parish grounds at 8.30am to drop their children and 3.10pm to collect them. This is a highly dangerous practice as our toddlers and young students run through the school grounds and are not expecting to meet cars on the driveway. Assembly Parents are invited to our first assembly for term 2 on Tuesday, 14th May at 2.20pm.

Golden Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to Bob and Stacia O'Malley who reached 50 years of marriage on 6th April, 2013. They have made a significant contribution to the school, over many years. Bob worked tirelessly doing plumbing at no cost and was the sports president of the Catholic Covenant School Rugby League. Stacia was involved in running the school canteen and decorating the church for masses. Two of their sons were also altar boys for Father Kelly. Their 5 children attended OLOL and now their grandchildren are current students.

SCHOOL EVENTS

May Sat 4th

Kindergarten 2104 interviews

Tues 7th Diocesan Cross Country

Thurs 9th Mother’s Day Stall

Sun 12th Mother’s Day Ascension

Tues 14th NAPLAN Years 3 and 5 - Spelling, Grammar, Writing K-6 Assembly - Year 2 2.20pm

Wed 15th NAPLAN Years 3 and 5- Reading

Thurs 16th NAPLAN Years 3 and 5- Numeracy

Care and Compassion

- Being Positive

Looking for good things No put downs

Reasons for Granting Full Day Exemptions from Attendance at Schools Parents are reminded that leave forms may be downloaded from the school website. Go to Parents, School Notes, Attendance. Principals and the Diocesan Director may grant exceptions due to: exceptional domestic circumstances, including but

not limited to participation in family holidays during school term subject to being satisfied that this is in the best educational interests of the child

other exceptional circumstances such as health of the student where sick leave or alternative enrolment is not appropriate

employment in the entertainment industry or participation in elite sporting events for short periods of time ie for one or two days notice.

For any other matter, the principal must consult a senior officer of the Dioceses. Touch Football Gala Day At the end of last term, boys and girls from Years 5 and 6 represented our school at the Diocesan Touch Football Gala Day. All the students played extremely well, showing enthusiasm and sportsmanship on the day. Congratulations to all four teams, particularly the boys ‘Blue’ team who were undefeated but unfortunately lost their division on countback. A huge thank you to Mrs Boland, Mr Boland and Mrs Walker for their efforts in preparing and coaching the teams on the day and to the parents who supported all our students. Uniform Shop The uniform shop will be open Monday, 6th May, Tuesday, 14th May from 8.45am till 9.15am and Wednesday, 15th May from 2.45 till 3.30pm. Please support OLOL by collecting your

Woolworths Earn & Learn stickers each time you shop. From Monday, 8th April to Sunday, 9th June, 2013, when you shop you will be given one Woolworths Earn & Learn Point for every $10 you spend. Our school will then be able to redeem these for fantastic new educational resources. Completed sheets may be dropped in the box situated in the library.

Thank You We would like to thank all the generous parents who gave their time to cover books in the library, it was very much appreciated. There are more books to be covered and so Mrs Bryant is seeking kind parents to cover them. No previous experience is necessary! Minutes The minutes from the term 4 OLOL parent meeting are available in the office foyer.

Year Four Excursion to CARES In the last week of Term One, Year Four went on an excursion to CARES (Community and Road Education Scheme). The students learnt about road rules, street signs and how to ride their bikes safely.

I enjoyed watching the videos because it taught me a lot about bike helmets. Bridie 4P I liked riding the bikes on the bike track because it was fun and we learnt about the road rules. Hannah 4B I liked riding round the roundabout the best. Finn 4P I liked learning how to do hand signals while riding my bike. Maurice 4B