Our School

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Manor Lakes

The name of our school, Our Lady of the Southern Cross acknowledges Mary, the mother of Jesus as standing before the cross of Jesus and watching over him. We believe that Mary also watches and guides Our Lady of the Southern Cross school. The Mary of the Southern Cross portrait that adorns our school depicts Mary standing with the child Jesus.

Our History

Our Lady of the Southern Cross (OLSC) School is one of six catholic primary schools that form the Parish of St Andrew’s Werribee. The school opened in 2009 to cater to the community needs in a rapidly expanding suburb in Melbourne's western growth corridor.

On opening there were 87 students which has steadily increased each year. The school was established in stages and from the first stage there has been 5 subsequent building programs on the site.

The families of OLSC represent more than 45 different cultures and over 70% of students come from a background other than English. We are proud of, and celebrate the diversity of cultures in our community and have well established links within various community groups.

Our Vision

Our Lady of the Southern Cross Primary School

Our Lady of the Southern Cross Catholic School community recognises the central place of faith and Gospel values. Collaborative partnerships between students, staff, parents and the wider community build an environment that is welcoming and inclusive, where each person is valued for their individuality and encouraged to strive for excellence. Members of our community are life-long learners and our students aspire to being innovative and progressive citizens who contribute positively to society.

Our Values

Under the Southern Cross we shine when we show:

Respect

'Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” John 13:34

We use our manners

We use a quiet and calm voice when speaking with one another

We use kind words and actions

We listen to all opinions

We are aware of the personal space of others

We listen to and follow the instructions of all staff

We think before we speak

Responsibility

“...I say to you, they who believe in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will they do…” John: 14:12

We take care of our belongings

We look after our learning spaces

We take ownership of our choices

We wear the correct school uniform

Resilience

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of… love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

We have a growth mindset

We always try our best

We have high expectations of ourselves and others

We accept the consequences of our actions

We learn from our mistakes

Our values are lived across all aspects of the school

Our Image of Mary

Our image of Mary, our Patroness, was painted by artist Jan Williamson for the Diocese of Toowoomba.

It is a painting in oils depicting Mary and the child Jesus. Mary is depicted as a rural woman in regional Australia, standing in a field of wheat - so commonly grown. Her face is serene, yet with great strength. It could be the face of an Aboriginal woman, or the face of a European migrant. Her’s is a face that could be described as universal.

Mary holds the child Jesus in her arms. He is dressed in a romper suit, as any child might be. Mary is wearing a simple brown dress.

Behind Mary the shadow of the cross can be seen. It is as if her shadow and the shadow of the cross of Christ are one. The colours of the painting are reminiscent of the outback olive greens and ochre reds.