History:
For the years 1979–1982 Ocean Grove was the 'fastest growth centre' of the Bellarine Peninsula. To meet the needs of the Catholic population, it was decided, after consideration of other alternatives, to build a school in the rapidly growing Surfside estate, where it could cater for children from Ocean Grove, Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Barwon Heads and surrounding areas.
The first stage of the school consisted of four learning areas, a central area, temporary administration and staff areas, two store rooms, toilets and a netball court. The official opening of Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School on Saturday, 17 April 1982, by His Grace, Archbishop Sir Frank Little, represented the culmination of a process of considerable endeavour on the part of many individuals during the span of three years.
During the first year, 84 children from 48 families were enrolled in the school. In June 1982, the Education Board and the Parents’ and Friends’ Association were formed.
Description:
Our Lady Star of the Sea is situated in John Dory Drive, in a rapidly expanding urban area of Ocean Grove. Our families enjoy a beachside lifestyle. A sea breeze, a walk on the beach or a dip in the ocean are often the rewards for a hard day’s work.
Our school is a P–6 school with a current enrolment of 300 students. There are 13 class groups, which include two Prep classes, two Year 1 classes, two Year 2 classes, three Years 3 & 4 groups, one Years 4 & 5 group and three Years 5 & 6 groups.
A two-minute walk from the school is the Our Lady Star of the Sea church, which opened in 2002. Parish and school links are a vital aspect in the life of the local Church. Our school offers experiences that encourage children to participate in local parish activities, which help to promote a sense of identity and belonging.
Features:
The curriculum caters for the academic, spiritual, personal, social, physical and creative needs of our students.
We nurture a welcoming atmosphere and work in a spirit of cooperation with parents. We believe that the family is the initial teacher in faith education and we foster the child’s ongoing faith development through our Religious Education program, which incorporates the 'To Know, Worship and Love' program. We also offer sacramental preparation programs for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. The children participate in prayer times, liturgies, and class and school Masses.
We offer a comprehensive curriculum based on the requirements of the Victorian State Government, and the Catholic Education Office Melbourne. We aim to develop the potential of our students and to encourage them to work to achieve their personal best. We believe that the child is at the centre of all learning and that program development should take place with the needs, interests, skills and understandings of the students being the first consideration.
Other Program Features include:
• Programs in physical education, library, Italian, and the arts (music and drama), offered by specialist staff
• Pastoral care policy, programs & discipline plan
• You Can Do It – an achievement program
• Personal development and human growth programs
• The peer support program
• The Buddy Program for Preps with Year 6 students, and Year 1 with Year 5 students.
• The Seasons Program, a 10-week, pastoral care program about loss and grief
• Individual School's Drug Education Program
• Transition program activities for Year 6 tp secondary school and from kinder to Prep
• Learning technologies integrated into the curriculum
• School and inter-school sports program
• PMP – motor skill development program
• Learn to swim/water safety programs
• Bike education
• Overnight stay and camps program