Term 1 Week 10 Newsletter - 06.04.23
Principal News
WHAT A TERM
Term 1 has been such a productive and positive term in so many ways. We have made great gains in many areas and we continue to strive to provide the best Catholic learning environment for our students.
We have worked incredibly hard this term to implement the new K-2 English and Mathematics Syllabus, learn and implement Initialit K-2, learn and introduce Dibels as we track student growth and achievement in reading, oral language, fleuncy and comprehension, install a new classroom, build and new playground/sensory area and at the same time as introducing many new things, we have maintained a strong focus on high expectations for learning, behaviour and wellbeing. I am incredibly proud of our staff at OLHC and everything they do for our children and parish school community.
Change is occuring very quickly in our schools at the moment and at times it can be very challenging. We don't always have all the answers and we are learning by doing. It is a great reminder that we are all life long learners and at times we all make mistakes. We are all human.
To be part of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School is to be part of something much bigger and we know that our students are learning to make significant contributions to the community. I would like to thank the staff at OLHC for the incredible efforts they go to to ensure our children are loved, cared for, supported and receive outstanding learning and teaching every day. To our parents and guardians, thank you for all your support as we work together for the best interests of our children. A strong parent partnership is evident in all successful schools.
I wish all our families a happy, holy and safe Easter holiday and I look forward to another exciting term of loving, growing and learning in Term 2.
Term 2
A reminder that OSHC is not available on Monday 24th April 2023.
ANZAC DAY March is at 8:30am on Tuesday 25th April.
The first day of Term 2 will be Wednesday 26th April.
“Accept the risen Jesus into your life. Even if you have been far away, take a small step towards him: He awaits you with open arms.”
"Dear Brothers and Sisters, a Happy and Holy Easter!
The Church throughout the world echoes the angel's message to the women: "Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised… Come, see the place where he lay" (Mt 28:5-6).
This is the culmination of the Gospel, it is the Good News par excellence: Jesus, who was crucified, is risen! This event is the basis of our faith and our hope. If Christ were not raised, Christianity would lose its very meaning; the whole mission of the Church would lose its impulse, for this is the point from which it first set out and continues to set out ever anew. The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death." (Pope Francis)
The Learning Journey
In a world that is constantly growing and evolving, we must walk with our children to become critical thinkers, questioners, constructors of knowledge and problem solvers.
Education is not just about facts and figures; it is also about developing effective learning processes and behaviours, critical thinking skills, problems solving skills and the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn.
As parents, it doesn’t matter if we have forgotten the name of the longest river in the world. This could lead to a rich and meaningful conversation with our children about what the longest river in the world might look like, what challenges people who live along the river might face or real life ethical issues that might arise in the future if the river is mined, damned, irrigated or neglected. If Google gets involved than we can also add researching skills to the list.
All parents and guardians play an extremely important role in their children’s education. At OLHC, we welcome all parents and guardians to develop a positive relationship with all staff at the school, especially the classroom teacher. It is imperative that we keep communicating and focus on the positives, celebrating achievements and building a stronger school community.
I would like to thank all parents for attending our Learning Conferences last week. Attending these meetings reinforces to our children that learning is important and that we are on this journey together.
Tell Them From Me Survey
In the coming weeks we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.
We would like to invite our families to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey early next term. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School.
Mission News
Easter in our Parish
All families are warmly invited to attend our Parish Easter ceremonies. Please see the timetable below. Father Peter will have some small Easter treats for the children on Easter Sunday morning! We look forward to seeing many of our families in our Parish this Easter.
Remembrance of Holy Week
This week, Year 6 took us through a reverent journey in remembrance of Holy Week. We began by recalling that we have been in the season of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday. During this time of Lent we were asked to use our hands, our hearts and our voices to turn back to God.
We began on Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem to the shouts of the crowd. We remembered how happy the people were as they praised Jesus.
Then came Holy Thursday, the day that Jesus celebrated the Passover and the Last Supper with his friends. After the Last Supper, Jesus spent some time in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane where he was arrested.
On Good Friday, we remembered the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
And on our final day of the term Year 6 reminded us of the most amazing thing! On Easter Sunday, we remember that Jesus rose again and we celebrate our belief that Jesus overcame death, that there is life after death and that Jesus, as God, is of a higher power and all-loving!
Thank you Year 6 for the most wonderful remembrance of Holy Week. You all worked so hard to share the Easter story with us and remind us that Easter is the most important and celebrated holiday in the our Christian faith!
PROJECT COMPASSION - our heartfelt thanks!
We are absolutely thrilled and beyond excited to announce our totals for Project Compassion this Lent. We are so proud of the thoughtfulness, planning and generosity that has gone into this campaign! THANK YOU so much to our whole parish school community!
Special mentions to Year 5 and Year 6 who raised an extraordinary amount of our total:
| Year 5 | $757.95 |
| Year 6 | $733.75 |
Our amazing community has raised a grand total of $2,501.70.
Congratulations to the winners of the Year 2 Easter Raffle. We hope you enjoy your treats.
Making Jesus Real Awards - Week 8
KP
Asta B-A - For reaching out to a friend, offering your support with a smile - keep shining bright Asta.
1L
Theodore T - For his beautiful and reverent participation during prayer. Well done Theo!
Sylvia S - For comforting a classmate who was upset. Thank you for shining your light, Sylvia!
2L
Darcy S - For being kind and thoughtful to your peers and offering to help them with their learning.
2P
Oliver B - For always being a polite, compassionate and respectful member of Year 2. You are a fantastic role model, Ollie!
3L
Paige W - For speaking kindly to her peers and her willingness to help and support those that need help. Thank you for being the face of Jesus.
3P
Alistair P - For going out of your way to check in with your classmates when you can see that they need a friend. You have a big, beautiful heart!
4L
Henry L - For being a helpful and caring classmate. Your energy makes our classroom shine!! Well done Henry.
4P
Aneeka - For the cheerful attitude you bring to the classroom every morning. Thanks for brightening our day!
5L
Marlie H - For being a social justice warrior and always standing up for what is right. Thank you for being the face of Jesus and shining your light in our classroom!
6P
Anneliese F - For showing the spirit of Jesus in our classroom through the gentle way you always think of others. Thank you Anneliese!
Making Jesus Real Awards - Week 10
KP
Lucas T - For encouraging and celebrating others' learning and successes. You are a star Lucas.
1L
Archer D - For his kind and helpful nature during classroom routines. He is always happy to be the first person to put his hand up to help. Thank you, Archer. You are a star!
Lylah M - For always showing a kind and generous heart towards others. Thank you, Lylah. You are a valued member in 1L.
2L
Ned R - For being a valued and friendly member of year 2. You will be missed Ned.
2P
Charles D - being empathetic and compassionate towards your classmates. We are so lucky to have you in year 2 Charles!
3L
Tyler N - for showing kindness and compassion to everyone you come across. You are always first to lend a hand and support your peers.
3P
Kenzi W - You are a shining example of the Spirit of Jesus in our class. You always do your share in the classroom, and more! Thankyou for being your kind, humble and patient self.
4L
Chaise K -For always using kind words and brightening up our classroom with your positive attitude. Thank you for being the face of Jesus.
4P
Tilly P - For encouraging others and always welcoming others with her beautiful smile.
5L
Jack D - In the true spirit of almsgiving, you saw a need and selflessly shared with a younger student. Thank you for your kindness Jack!
6P
Claire G - For showing grace and tolerance to overcome disappointment this week. You are an example to follow.
Learning & Teaching
Kindergarten - Learning to form our letters and numbers correctly
Year 1 - Collaborative learning in Mathematics and developing reading skills during InitiaLit
Year 2 - Collaborative learning in Mathematics
3P-partner fluency reading and writing.
3L- Building maths skills online
4L- Setting the scene in their writing using the five senses
5L- learning about multiplication and division strategies
Year 6 Co-constructing a Bump it Up Wall for writing.
OLHC Achievement Awards - Week 8
KP
Rocky P - for approaching all tasks with enthusiasm and having a growth mindset.
Claire M - For having a positive and mature attitude towards all your learning - well done Claire!
Dustin J - For your hard work and focus towards your handwriting - keep it up Dustin!
1L
Wyatt P - For setting and meeting his goals in spelling. Keep up the great work, Wyatt!
Cooper E - For his effort and improvement with his mathematical thinking. Keep up the great work, Cooper.
2L
Willow H - for always responding with insightful answers and using full sentences with fantastic vocabulary.
Sophia B - For your confidence in reading out loud with expression.
2P
Spencer S - For being a critical thinker and justifying your answers in Mathematics. Keep working hard, Spencer!
Frankie D - For your insightful comments and contributions to classroom discussions. Keep up the fantastic work Frankie!
3L
Taze P - For your amazing introduction in the BFG dream jar story. Well done Taze, keep it up!
Lila T - For your enthusiasm towards multiplication and division this week. Well done and congratulations for getting yourself out of the learning pit.
3P
Poppy W - For your positive attitude towards learning, especially when tasks are challenging. You know that success requires hard work - I love that about you!
Noah C - For the amazing use of descriptive language in your narrative writing! I always enjoy reading your engaging masterpieces.
4L
Rhiannon F - For approaching all Literacy tasks with enthusiasm. You are a star Rhi!!
Patrick C - For demonstrating a determined attitude towrad learning! Keep up the great work.
4P
Oscar B- For your positive growth mindset during mathematics. Keep up the great attitude Oscar!
5L
Riley C - For being a helpful member of our classroom and for excellent focus in all learning areas. Keep up the great work!
Lacey N - For excellent persistence in all learning areas. Well done for always trying your hardest Lacey!
6P
Levi W - For working hard to improve your writing - keep up the amazing learning, Levi!
Isaac S- For your excellent efforts to broaden your skills during Mathematics. Well done, Isaac!
OLHC Achievement Awards - Week 10
KP
Rhylee B - For a super effort towards al your work in English, it has been wonderful to watch your confidence grow.
Willow M - for working hard and achieving great things in reading. Well done!
Sophia H - For your improved focus and attention during literacy tasks, it has certainly paid off Sophia!
1L
Felix K - For his outstanding effort and mathematical understanding when exploring different number combinations. Keep up the great work, Felix!
Raife M - For his creative and entertaining story about how to catch the Easter Bunny. Well done, Raife!
2L
Jacob P - for your enthusiasm and knowledge of Holy Week.
Nash H - for a big improvement in your attitude towards learning and becoming an independent learner
Jack G - for always reading with beautiful fluency and expression.
2P
Nikki Q - for demonstrating persistence in achieving your writing goal.
Ned M - for creativity, imagination and problem solving when designing your structure in science.
3L
Ivy W- For consistently focusing on her learning and striving to do her best in all tasks. Keep up the hard work Ivy.
Nash B- For being persistent and determined to write an engaging narrative. Well done Nash!
3P
Mason M - For your commitment to improving your handwriting in class. I am very proud of the steps you are taking to improve. Well done.
Mason E - Your attentive and thoughtful listening in History. I loved the way you were able to summarise a large piece of writing into a couple of main points. Impressive!
4L
Billy M - For demonstrating a more determined and positive approach to learning. Well done Billy!
Noah S- For always contributing interesting and thoughtful comments during class discussions. Great job Noah!
4P
Oscar B - For participating enthusiastically in class discussions while respecting others opinions.
5L
Milla C - For putting in your all at Cross Country, not giving up and doing your best. Amazing sportsmanship Milla!
Tyler E - For seeking feedback and applying new learning in all learning areas. Keep it up Tyler!
6P
Hugh B - For putting in a huge effort in staminia writing and creating an interesting world for your readers.
Riley C - For sticking with it while working on fractions, and persevering through the hard spots. Great job!
Sports News
Diocesan Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to Rahni Pope who attended the Diocesan Swimming Carnival on Friday the 3rd of March. The competition was strong in the events that Rahni participated in. Although Rahni was not successful to progress to the next level, she should be very proud of how she represented herself, her family and OLHC. Well done Rahni.
Winter Sports Trials
On Friday the 10th of March the following students attended the DIO Winter Sports Trials in Grafton.
Rugby League (Boys U11) | Robbie Grace |
Soccer (Boys) | Tyler Brown |
Soccer (Girls) | Laini Lynch, Harper Jasmin, Maggie Aylward |
Hockey (Boys) | Riley Chaplin, Archie Wilson |
Congratulations to Robbie, Harper and Maggie who have progressed to the next level with their selected sport. We wish you all the best when you attend the Polding trials in Tamworth on the 28th of April.
OLHC Cross Country
On Friday the 31st of March, Our Lady Help of Christians Cross Country was held at Hepburn Park.
It was a wonderful day! It was great to see so many happy faces, from both students and families on the day. Well done to everyone that participated and gave their best. It was wonderful to witness such great sportsmanship throughout the event. Congratulations to MacKillop who were the House Championship winner for the Cross Country.
Age Champions
Age | Boys | Girls |
12/13 Years | Harlan Gannon | Maggie Aylward |
11 Years | Ryan Fry | Laini Lynch |
10 Years | Robbie Grace | Harper Jasmin |
9 Years | Hamish Johnson | Harriett Johnston |
8 Years | Brody Berry | Willow Hall |
7 Years | Harvey Johnston | Alaura Patch |
Kindergarten | Tallis Jensen | Sophia Howard |
Well done to the students that were placed in the top 5. These students will now represent our school at the Richmond Zone Cross Country on Wednesday the 3rd of May at Hepburn Park.
Student Sporting Profile
Our Leaders of Sport will add two Student Sporting Profiles in every newsletter.
To get us started, we thought it would be a great idea to get to know them a little bit more.
Term Two - Events
- Friday the 28th of April - Polding Winter Sports Trials at Tamworth
- Wednesday the 3rd of May - Richmond Zone Cross Country at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah
- Tuesday the 23rd of May - DIO Primary Cross Country at Grafton
- Friday the 9th of June - Our Lady Help of Christians Athletic Carnival
Term Three - Events
- Thursday the 27th of July - Zone Athletics Carnival at Riverview Park
- Wednesday the 9th of August - DIO Athletics Carnival - Locate to be confirmed
- Friday the 18th of August - Richmond Zone Gala Day
Term Four - Events
- Thursday the 2nd of November - Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials (Year 5 and 6 ONLY)
- Friday the 24th of November - DIO Summer Sports Trials
- Our Lady Help of Christians Swimming Carnival - Date to be confirmed
School News
Dymocks Beyond Words Writing Competition
The Dymocks Beyond Words short story writing competition is open to all current primary and high school students in Australia.
Competition Requirements:
- The competition is open theme. This means that your story can be about anything you want. It can also be written in any genre.
- The story must be between 500 and 1500 words. Entries over the word limit will be disqualified.
- Entries open March 15th 2023 and close May 31st 2023. Your entry MUST be submitted within these dates.
- Unfortunately, no poetry is allowed.
Stories are being judged on two key things:
CRAFT: Is your story well written and descriptive? Have you shown a strong command of language, structure, and vocabulary? Is it clear that you understand what key elements go into making a good story?
IDEA: How original and unique is your idea? Has your story got something interesting to share? Does it affect the reader emotionally? Does your story grab the reader and make them want to read more?
We encourage all students to enter the competition! We are judging based on ideas and passion for storytelling just as heavily as on technical craft and command of language.
Community News
StoryBoard is a travelling creative writing program fostering the next generation of readers and writers in the Northern Rivers.
Jump on board the StoryBoard express and join us on an adventure into the heart of creative expression.
StoryBoard’s diverse and inspiring programs are FREE to schools and students across the region. We run both in and out-of-school workshops led by exceptional authors and illustrators who excite and engage students through the art of storytelling.
We’ve travelled far and wide in our bus, reaching tens of thousands of students from Kyogle in the west, Kempsey in the south and Tweed Heads in the north.
Browse our workshops on offer below and discover some of the wildly imaginative stories written by our talented young writers.