Term 2 Week 8 Newsletter 2023
Principal News
Recently we celebrated the festival of Pentecost, which holds great religious and historical importance to Christians. According to the New Testament, Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus, which enabled them to go out into the world to preach and share the message of Jesus Christ. The Good News. Thus, Pentecost is often seen as the birth of the Christian Church and the beginning of its mission to spread the teachings of Jesus to all nations. Today, Pentecost serves as a reminder of the Holy Spirit's empowering presence and the ongoing mission of the Church to share God's love and teachings with others; something that is central to the Mission of Catholic Education at Our Lady Help of Christians.
Holy Spirit, fill us with your presence and renew our hearts. Inspire us with your wisdom, and grant us the courage to share the good news of with others.
School Attendance
Attendance at school is crucial for all students, not only for the academic progress and growth but also for their wellbeing. It is difficult for students to learn effectively unless they are at school. They have a better chance of developing the skills and understanding that they will require if they are present in the classroom as they utilise the experience and expertise of the teacher and the classroom dynamics. We will be making contact with parents over the coming weeks to see how we can offer suppor and to discuss any continual absences that is impacting on student learning and progress.
Leave
As of Friday 16th, I will be on leave and will be travelling with my family as we depart for a road trip to Western Australia. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I agreed to driving a 12 000km round trip however, I am certainly looking forward to a break and some quality time with family. I will return to school Term 3 Week 3.
In my absence, Mrs Kristy Hague will continue to lead the school community as Acting Principal and I know that she will have your full support. If for any reason Kristy needs support, I know that the crew of aspiring principals (from our Dress as a Teacher Day) in the photo will happily step up and offer their services.
Semester One Report Cards
During Week 10, report cards will be sent home for every child in the school. These are important to keep parents informed about the learning that is taking place at school and how each child is progressing through the curriculum.
Reports cover a lot of what we do at school, however, it is not possible to report on all learning that takes place. Children learn so much during a semester that it would take more time to report on the learning than it would to plan the learning experience itself.
Therefore, we report in the main subject areas and the main strands in each subject. Literacy and numeracy are reported on in more detail as these are the subjects to which we devote the most school time.
We are building a strong learning culture here at Our Lady Help of Christians where we view all learning as important whether we report on it or not. Indeed, not all learning can even be assessed and therefore reporting on that makes it even more difficult.
Students are encouraged to develop a love of learning where the experience of discovery is a greater reward than reading a good mark or grade. Of course good marks and grades are important but all learning is important whether it is assessed and reported on or not.
How are achievement grades determined?
The syllabus states the intended learning for students at the end of Kindergarten, the end of Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2), the end of Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4) and the end of Stage 3 (Year 5 and Year 6).
Kindergarten
Achievement Grades in Kindergarten are identified on a three point scale using the following descriptors:
Working Towards
Working At
Working Beyond expected achievement.
Stage 1, 2 and 3
Achievement Grades in Stage 1,2 and 3 are identified on a 5 point scale using the descriptors from the Common Grade Scale: The Common Grade Scale describes the performance of students in Year 1 - Year 6 at each of the five grade levels A-E using the following descriptors:
Extensive (A)
The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.
Thorough (B)
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.
Sound (C)
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.
Basic (D)
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.
Elementary (E)
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.
Teachers make professional judgements about student achievement based on a range of assessment information and teacher observations against syllabus outcomes and content. Teachers make decisions based on student achievement in relation to what students have been taught and how well they have achieved (up to the time of writing a Student Report). The teacher makes a judgement and selects the descriptor from the 3 point scale for Kindergarten or the Common Grade Scale for Year 1-Year 6 that best describes student achievement at the time of writing the Student Report.
Why can achievement grades vary from one report to another?
The syllabus outcomes build on skills from year to year. Therefore, a student’s achievement in English and/or Mathematics this year may vary from previous reports. Difference in achievement levels from year to year (or from semester to semester) may relate to the change in what the syllabus requires to be taught and assessed. This variation may also occur into the future as a student’s achievement grade is based on what is taught up to the time of writing a Student Report. This means that student achievement can change depending on what a student has been learning and how well a student demonstrates their learning at various points in the year.
Parents are able to contact class teachers if you wish to discuss your child's Report Card further.
New OSHC Coordinator
Welcome to Carren Muhle who is joing our OSHC team as the new Coordinator. Carren joins the team bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience across numerous Early Childhood and OSHC services.
I know that you will join me in congratulating Carren and making her feel welcome and part of our school family.
Carren will be in contact with OSHC families in the near future as we update our records and ensure that we have up to date medical information etc.
School Building Updates
We have a number of new projects about to begin as we continue our journey at our current site and plan for the next 3-5 years. We have always worked to ensure our children and staff have the very best and we are committed to making this happen.
The new works to be completed include;
1. A new building for our school library and learning spaces
2. New toilet upgrades for our children and staff amenities
3. New covered lunch eating area and outdoor flexible learning space
4. Staff meeting area and lunch room.
5. New intervention and Additional Needs Space
6. New sports shed and storage space
7. New office spaces
8. Installation of carpet tiles on the walls in our classrooms.
These upgrades will continue to support our work and ensure equity of learning and that our children and staff have great facilities at our current site.
Flood Commission Meeting and Report
Thank you to all our families who were able to attend our Flood Commision meeting last Thursday night. It was a great conversation explaining what has happened to date, why decisions have been made and where to next. Please find some of the information discussed below, along with an expression of interest form for any of our community interested in being part of the School Future Working Group.
- Why did the report take so long to deliver?
We are sorry it took so long. The Diocesan School Review Commission took its job very seriously. The Commission needed to exhaustively explore all the available information in determining whether the school could relocate back to its original site. There were many contributing factors informing the decision including feedback from the November meeting. The Commission has recommended that the school should not be returned, however suitable locations should be explored within Lismore.
- Why did you say you were going to continue to consult with us after the first meeting and you have made the decision without doing that?
The Commission needed to come to a view on relocation of three highly impacted schools back to their original homes. We now know this isn’t a workable option for any of these schools and are in a place to pick discussions with the Parish and school community about the future of the school.
- Why is returning to South Lismore no longer an option?
The Commission looked at many factors in making this recommendation. Given the history and place of the OLHC in South Lismore it was not an easy decision to make. The decision isn’t about South Lismore, but ensuring new schools are in flood free locations. In looking at a future home for Our Lady Help of Christians for the next 80+ years some of the factors we considered were:
- Our duty of care to staff and students.
- All the advice we have received states that the frequency and severity of weather events will continue to intensify. As an organisation we are bound to listen and act on that advice.
- We can no longer get insurance for the three schools.
- Even a minor or moderate flood will potentially disrupt schooling for a few weeks or more.
- Demographic changes as many people choose to leave suburbs such as South Lismore.
- The CBGA will not support future grants for construction in flood prone areas – we must be fully accountable for our decisions.
- What certainty can you provide us about Our Lady Help of Christians?
We recognise staff and parents’ need for a sense of permanency and certainty. We are presently doing all we can to make Dibbs St a great place for learning and teaching for the next 3-5 years. This gives everyone a stable base while we look at future options for the school, consult with you on these options and undertake necessary planning. Other commitments include:
- No schools will close as part of this decision to not return the three schools to their original locations.
- Teachers and staff will retain security of employment.
- Communities will be fully consulted regarding future possible sites and opportunities.
- What is being done to improve the teaching and learning environment at Dibbs St?
We are committed to Our Lady Help of Christians. To date we have spent over $500K on improvements at Dibbs St. We are continuing to work to improve Dibbs St as a temporary home for the school.
If this meeting has raised concerns for you, please reach out to Michael and his team.
Cyber Safety
The eSafety commissioner has ‘5 tips to keep your family safe online’. These tips are designed to be used in a family to start everyday conversations regarding online safety. They cover topics such as identifying online risks, using technology safely and reporting unsafe behaviour.
Mission News
Year 6 - Walking Rosary
This term, Year 6 has been learning about how we deepen our relationship with God through prayer. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God and unites us in solidarity with the needs of others. This week, the students participated in a Walking Rosary as a form of meditative prayer.
Thank you to Mrs Innes and Miss Aleisha for sharing this experience with our students.
Year 5 - Biblical Chatterboxes
As the final task in Religion this term, Year 5 have been reading and analysing parables that Jesus told and why he told them. To present their learning, the students made ‘chatterboxes’ showcasing their understanding of the parables. I had a wonderful time learning about the parables chosen by the students and 'playing' with the chatterboxes.
Thank you for sharing your great work Year 5 and, to Mrs Sciascia for providing our students with such an engaging learning activity!
Making Jesus Real Awards
KP
Rocky P - for greeting everyone you see with a beautiful smile, you light up our classroom with your positivity Rocky.
1L
Maddison C - For always showing a kind and generous heart towards others. Thank you Maddison, you are a valued class member in 1L.
Harvey J - 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, Harvey. You are a star!
2L
Sophia B - for being inclusive of others in class and on the playground. You are a kind and compassionate classmate
2P
Nikki Q - for being a compassionate and thoughtful friend. You are a very valued member of Year 2 Nikki!
3L
Lachlan S - for showing the spirit of Jesus through the kindness and compassion you give to others. You are always the first to lend a hand.
3P
Hudson H - for the way that you always look out for your classmates. You are a considerate and thoughtful friend to all. How lucky are we to have you in 3P.
4L
Patrick C - for continually being kind and caring towards all your peers. Keep shining your light Patty!
4P
Aneeka P - for greeting each day with a smile. You make our classroom a bright and happy place, keep shining!
Harper S - for the calm and peaceful nature you bring to our class Harper. We are blessed to have you as a peer.
5L
Holly C - for approaching everyday with kindness, positivity and a smile. Thank you for bringing joy to your classmates and teachers Holly!
Sophie M - for raising the confidence of her peers through praise and acknowledgement of their efforts and persistence.
6P
Maggie A - for showing the face of Jesus to others in your everyday interactions. Keep shining bright, Maggie!
Learning & Teaching
Kindergarten are developing important reading skills through their InitiLit Independent Activities.
Year 1 working hard on developing their reading skills and applying their knowledge of Data to solve problems in Mathematics.
Year 2 using Lego and Superheroes to create their own data displays in Mathematics, and continuing to develop their phonic and spelling knowledge in English.
3L and 3P are learning about the language of position through playing Battleships.
4P Maths and PE fun
4L Drama
Year 5 are designing a floating garden in Science.
Year 6 Science presentations
OLHC Achievement Awards
KP
Milla C - For returning to school with a positive attitude and commitment to your learning - we are proud of you Milla!
Violet M - For a more committed approach to learning, your hard work is showing in your results! keep it up Violet!
Milla D - For your creative flair and use of imagination during drama activities - well done Milla
1L
Amelia S - For her engagement and creativity while completing her Sydney Harbour Bridge art work. Well done, Amelia!
Cooper Q - For displaying a positive and can do attitude during English and Mathematics. Keep up the great work Cooper!
2L
Cleo F - for fantastic descriptive writing of your narrative setting. We loved your great use of prepositions and noun groups.
Darcy S - for being persistent in achieving your writing goal. Your descriptive writing and correct sentence structure is amazing.
2P
Spencer S - For using fantastic noun groups to make your writing engaging. Keep up the great effort Spencer!
Oliver B - For demonstrating persistence when solving addition problems using efficient strategies in Maths. I am loving your enthusiasm!
3L
Tyler N -For setting yourself a personal goal in writing and approaching it with a growth mindset. Well done for achieving your goal!
Mia B- For continuously approaching challenging mathematical tasks with a positive can do mind set. Keep up the good work!
3P
Isla L - For your excellent effort in History where you wrote a story from the point of view of a convict on the First Fleet. Your descriptive language was really impressive!
Dominic R - For your beautiful handwriting. I love how much pride and care you put into all of your work. Great work Dom!
4L
Chaise K - For using fantastic efficient strategies to solve division problems. Keep up the great work Chaise!
Kaden S - For demonstrating great enthusiasm during writing. Keep up the great work Kaden!
4P
Colin W - For your positive attitude to improving your writing. You wrote some amazing similes!
Isaac S - For your enthusiasm toward your learning at all times. Keep up the positive mindset Isaac!
5L
Charlotte W - For always putting your best effort into your learning. Well done for seeking feedback and applying this to make improvements to your work. Amazing Charlie!
Robert G - For conscientiously approaching your learning tasks and for taking on teacher feedback to make improvements to your writing. Well done Robbie!
Lacey N - for showing persistence and taking on board feedback to improve your reading. Well done Lacey!
6P
Archer A - for making great connections to the world around us during English. You are amazing, Archer!
Laila M - for understanding yourself as a learner better and attempting more challenging tasks. Keep it up Laila!
Sports News
Athletics Carnival
Well done to all the students that participated in our school's Athletics Carnival on Friday the 9th of June. As a school, we witnessed some of the best racing, team games and relays ever held at our school. The students displayed wonderful school spirit and sportsmanship, and I’m sure their efforts made it an enjoyable spectacle for all the families that came to watch. A big thanks to all those who assisted in the organisation of the day.
Congratulations to our Age Champions for the event.
Age Champions | ||
12/13 Years | Tyler Brown | Tully Sedelaar |
11 Years | Jack De Giusti | Laini Lynch |
10 Years | Robbie Grace | Harper Jasmin |
9 Years | Hamish Johnson | Harriett Johnston |
8 Years | Brody Berry | Grace Howard |
Congratulations to MacKillop House who were the House Champions at the Athletics Carnival.
If your child was successful with a first, second or third placement in their age group for the 100m run and/or 200m run, then they are eligible to attend the Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival. The 800m Race, 1500m Race, Long Jump and Shot Put will see the students that came first or second in their age groups below attend the carnival.
Event | Age | Number B/G |
100m | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12/13yrs | 3 |
200m | 8-10yrs, 11yrs, 12/13yrs | 3 |
800m | 8-10yrs, 11yrs, 12/13yrs | 2 |
1500m | 8-10yrs, 11yrs, 12/13yrs | 2 |
Long Jump | 8-10yrs, 11yrs, 12/13yrs | 2 |
Shot Put | 8-10yrs, 11yrs, 12/13yrs | 2 |
The Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday the 27th of July. This year the event will be held at Woodlawn. More information will be provided early next term.
NSSW PSSA Basketball Carnival
In Week 6, Hugh Bashforth traveled to Tamworth to participate in the NSW PSSA Basketball Carnival. Hugh was a part of the Polding team who competed against teams from Catholic, Independent and Public schools across the state. Polding was competitive in all of their games and they came away with some fantastic results.
A big congratulations to Hugh for being an outstanding representative of our school community. We know that you would have loved the experience and developed memories that you will cherish for a lifetime to come.
Pippa Tulk the Amazing Dog Handler
Sport doesn’t always include a bat, ball or running. Have you heard of dog handling? We have one of the most talented and skilled Junior Dog Handlers at OLHC and her name is Pippa Tulk.
Dog Junior Handling competitions are held worldwide at Championship Dog Shows including Royal Agricultural Shows, Crufts, The World Dog Show and Westminster Dog Show.
Pippa started handling Tiny Tot competitions at 2 years of age using toy dogs until she reached 7 years when she was promoted to real dogs. There are 4 age divisions starting with Tiny Tots (0-7yrs), 7 to U10 yrs, 10 to U13 yrs, 13 to U19 yrs.
The rules of the competition include completing specific handling exercises and management over all of the dogs. A judge may ask for a ‘straight out and back’ (with or without another competitor), ‘triangle’ or ‘T’. These exercises are typical and have rules on how they are performed such as turning the head of the dog the correct way, not touching the dog's body to give it direction and ensuring the lead is neatly contained in their hand at all times. Sounds easy? The handler must also keep the dog between the judge and themselves at all times. They must also ‘stack’ the dog to the specific requirement of that breed (which can be different).
Presentation is another component of handling - neat and tidy dress, hair styled neatly and appropriate footwear.
Pippa has had much success in her dog sport competing every year since she was 8 years old at the NSW State Junior Handler Finals. This competition is more complex than the qualifying competitions that Pippa attends most weekends as there is a number of heats leading to the final for the specific age divisions. All first-place winners compete for overall and runner-up state finalists. The winner for each state competes at the National Junior Handler Finals with the overall winner representing Australia at the very prestigious Crufts Dog Show in England.
In her first year, she was awarded first in 7 to U10 yrs age division. She competed for an overall win against the older competitors and handled it extremely well. She is yet to crack the overall state winner but she has many years of junior handling yet.
Some highlights from big wins over the years:
1st Place – 2023 Australian 7th Weimaraner National – South Australia
1st Place – 2022 Sydney Royal Dog Show
1st Place – 2019 Melbourne Royal Dog Show
1st Place – 2019 ACT Championship Extravaganza & Gundog Specialty Show
1st Place – 2019 NSW Junior Handler State Finals
1st Place – 2018 EKKA Canine Competition
Pippa has qualified multiple times over for this year’s NSW Junior Handler State Finals which will be held in Sydney on 22 July 2023.
Richmond Zone Gala Day
On Friday 18th of August, our Year 5 and 6 students will be provided with the opportunity to participate in the Richmond Zone Gala Day. This day will allow students the opportunity to participate in sports such as soccer, netball and multi-sports. I’m still awaiting further information regarding this day, but there will be a permission note ready to go early next term.
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
This fortnight, our sports captains, Hugh and Tully interviewed Aleena and Patrick.
School News
Community News
