Welcome to Term 4 – A Season of Celebration and Community

As we step into the final term of the year, there's a wonderful sense of reflection and anticipation in the air. Term 4 brings with it not only the excitement of year-end milestones, but also heartfelt transitions and festive celebrations that highlight the strength and spirit of our OLV community.

We bid a fond farewell to two cherished staff members—Samira Telford, our Pastoral Care Worker, who has taken up a new role as a Library Assistant, and Margaret Mary Spencer, our beloved Librarian and former OLV student, who will begin Long Service Leave in 2026 to embrace her role as grandmother. Their contributions have left a lasting legacy, and we celebrate their next chapters with gratitude and love.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce that Our Lady of Victories will celebrate our End of Year Mass and the first time for an Annual Awards Ceremony On Friday 12^th December. A special moment to honour the achievements, growth, and contributions of our students throughout the year. It will become a new tradition that reflects the heart of our school and the values we celebrate together. Later that day will host the Wallsend Shortland Parish Christmas Carols on our school field From 5pm onwards. This joyful event will bring together our parish, St Patrick’s Wallsend, and the wider community for an evening of music, dance, and festive cheer.

Each stage will lead two carols, our dance groups will perform, and children are invited to wear a Christmas hat or shirt. It’s a beautiful way to share the spirit of giving—and support our school through fundraising for key priorities.

Term 4 promises to be a vibrant and meaningful conclusion to the year. Let’s embrace it together—with celebration, connection, and community at the heart.

Two Beautiful Journeys, One Grateful Community

Farewell to Samira & Margaret Mary

As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to acknowledge two beloved members of our OLV community who are preparing to step into exciting new chapters.

First, we bid a fond farewell to Samira Telford, our Pastoral Care Worker, who has accepted a new role as a Library Assistant. This move marks a significant milestone for Samira, who has long aspired to work in this space. Her unwavering support for our students and families has left a lasting legacy, and while we will miss her deeply, we celebrate this wonderful opportunity and wish her every success.

In Samira’s absence, Meg Smith has stepped into the role with her trademark warmth and professionalism. Meg’s experience as an educator and her strong work ethic have made her a fantastic fit, and we’re delighted that she will continue in the role through Term 4. The Pastoral Care Worker position is currently being advertised.

We also share that our cherished Librarian, Margaret Mary, has made the heartfelt decision to take Long Service Leave in 2026. This was not an easy choice for MM, who has thoughtfully considered how to wind down her professional commitments. Her decision reflects a beautiful shift toward embracing her treasured role as grandmother—just imagine the magical story times ahead, filled with MM’s signature warmth and storytelling flair.

Margaret Mary holds a special place in the heart of our school—not only as a beloved staff member, but also as a former student of Our Lady of Victories. Her journey has come full circle, and her presence has been a living bridge between our past and present. While she will continue in her role at Corpus Christi Waratah for the foreseeable future, her absence at OLV will be deeply felt.

The Library position at OLV is now being advertised.

Please join us in celebrating both Samira and Margaret Mary as they prepare for these exciting new phases. Their contributions have enriched our community in countless ways, and we are so grateful for the time we've shared with them.

Our Lady of Victories 2025 Awards Ceremony

Friday 12^th December

 A New Chapter of Recognition

We are proudly unveiled the refreshed and inspiring 2025 Awards Program earlier this year to the FACE Forum. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday 12^th December in conjunction with our school End of Year Mass.

At Our Lady of Victories, we aim to recognise and honour the values, effort, and excellence of our students across all year levels.

This year, we introduce a new symbols of achievement.  

Core Awards by Year Level

Each year level from Kindergarten to Year 6 will celebrate two key awards that reflect our school’s commitment to holistic development.

Consistent Effort Award

This award recognises a student who demonstrates a steady and dedicated approach to learning across all subjects. It celebrates those who consistently apply themselves, show resilience, and maintain an exemplary attitude toward their education.

Kinder – Year 6: One student per year level will be honoured for their unwavering commitment to learning.

 Christian Development Award

This award is presented to a student who embodies the spirit of kindness, cooperation, and responsibility. They generously give their time to help others and live by our PB4L Domains: In truth we Love, In truth we Serve, In truth we Live.

Kinder – Year 6: One student per year level will be recognised for their Christian character and contribution to our school community.

Each of these awards will receive an engraved medallion adorned with a maroon and blue ribbon, representing unity, growth, and excellence.

Following the Class recognition we have three Major School-Wide Awards

These prestigious awards are nominated and voted on by staff and celebrate students who exemplify the highest standards of character, leadership, and achievement. Each award will be commemorated with:

• A Perpetual Shield displayed in the foyer at school, with a brass plate added each year bearing the recipient’s name and year.
• A Timber Trophy presented to the student to keep as a personal memento.

Sisters of St Joseph’s Award

Honouring a student who lives out Christian values through compassion, collaboration, and care. This student actively contributes to the faith life of our school and inspires others through their daily actions.

Integrity Award

Awarded to a student who consistently demonstrates integrity in all areas — academic, social, and leadership. They are dependable, encouraging, and a role model for younger students.

Outstanding Achievement Award

Presented to a student who excels across all Key Learning Areas. Their academic growth and results are exceptional, and they consistently support and uplift their peers.

This new award structure reflects our school’s mission to nurture well-rounded individuals who strive for excellence, live with integrity, and serve with love. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements in the 2025 Awards Ceremony.

We look forward to seeing you all at this special event.

Wallsend Shortland Christmas Carols – A Celebration of Community

We are delighted to announce that Our Lady of Victories will be hosting the Wallsend Shortland Christmas Carols on our school field on Friday, 12th December from 5:00pm onwards.

This joyful event brings together our wider parish family, including St Patrick’s Wallsend and members of the Wallsend Shortland Parish, for an evening of music, celebration, and togetherness. It’s a beautiful opportunity to showcase the spirit of our community and share in the true meaning of Christmas—giving, sharing, and celebrating.

What to Expect:

• Each stage will lead the singing of two carols, filling the air with festive cheer.
• Our talented school dance groups will perform to selected carols, adding sparkle and movement to the night.
• Children are encouraged to wear a Christmas hat and/or festive shirt to help spread the holiday joy.

Supporting Our School: As a bonus, this event will also serve as a fundraiser to help support our school in achieving some of its key priorities. Your presence and participation will make a meaningful difference.

This promises to be a wonderful end-of-year celebration—a true reflection of the vibrant, caring, and connected community we are proud to be part of.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this magical evening together!

Our Next FACE forum will be Monday 2oth October at 6:30pm.

Hope you have a great weekend

David Treloar