Term 3 Week 5 Newsletter - 18.8.23
Principal News
On Tuesday, 15th August, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when
according to our faith, the Holy Mother, 'having completed her course of her earthly life was
assumed body and soul into heavenly glory'.
The Assumption signals the end of Mary's earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be
reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a
difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and
ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary's body was taken up to heaven by the power of her
Son.
As the Feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, our parish school held a beautiful Liturgy led by our youngest school leaders, Kindergarten. Thank you to our outstanding Kinder class for their beautiful readings, prayers and a special song to Mary that they signed for the whole school. It was wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents attend this special day and support our kinder students as they led their very first Liturgy.
School Review
This week we will undergo our school review. Like our children, we also want to keep learning and growing to ensure we are focused on what matters most and putting all our efforts into the things that will make the biggest difference for our children.
Our school review will help us identify and focus on the 9 domains and practices of highly effective schools, as we continue our work and do whatever it takes for our children. Our school review will assist us to review and reflect on strategies to refine and improve quality learning and teaching in all our classrooms.
The 9 domains are listed below.
1. Driving and explicit improvement agenda
2. Analysing and discussing data
3. Promoting a culture of learning
4. Targeting school resources
5. Building an expert teaching team
6. Leading systematic curriculum design
7. Differentiating teaching and learning
8. Implementing effective pedagogical practices
9. Building school-community partnerships
The outcome of school improvement is to improve outcomes for students, including levels of achievement, engagement and wellbeing.
We are looking forward to our review this week and we are excited about planning our next 3 year strategic plan to continue learning and improving here at OLHC.
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week is a time to celebrate our shared faith, educational excellence and the importance of every student. Catholic Schools offer an educational foundation for living life to the full through the development of the student’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, moral and emotional growth.
We are well served by dedicated principals, teachers and support staff who are determined to provide a high-quality education and to accompany students on their faith and educational journeys.
Catholic Schools Week is a special time in the year when we celebrate and give thanks for Catholic Schools, especially our own school Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School. It is a time to give thanks for the wonderful learning and teaching that takes place each day in every classroom and celebrate together as a Parish School Community.
Schedule of Activities at OLHC-Term 3 Week 8
Monday: 9am Catholic Schools Week Prayer/Dress Up Like a Teacher Day
Tuesday: 12:45pm Whole School Bingo & Playground Dance Party
5-6:30pm Art and Learning Showcase
Wednesday: Drop Everything and Dance
2:15pm Minute to Win It - Staff V Students
Thursday: 9:15am Book Week Dress up Parade
BYO Picnic (lunch)
11:45pm Open classrooms
12:35pm Grandparents Day Liturgy
1pm Eisteddford- Dance performance
Friday: Student sausage sizzle for lunch
Child Protection
Children and young people have a fundamental right to grow, develop and feel safe in
environments that are free from violence, exploitation and harm. The Catholic Schools Office and
our parish school have clear expectations that all students will be protected from all forms of
harm including sexual, physical and psychological harm as well as ill-treatment and neglect.
The Catholic Schools Office and our parish school have certain responsibilities and expectations to
ensure the safety and protection of children in our care, including supporting measures to
ensure that children and young people will be taught how to protect themselves, and to seek help
if they are concerned about their safety.
This document aims to:
I. Clarify the expectations of employees who work in child related employment;
II. Provide a safe and supportive environment for children and employees; and
III. Build and maintain a contemporary Catholic workplace that is safe, respectful,
professional and legally compliant.
The care and protection of children and young people is paramount. All staff at OLHC are
Mandatory Reporters and are required to report if they have any concern regarding the safety,
welfare or well-being of a student.
Our Child Protection Policy is available on our school website and in the School Office.
Social Media-Are they Old Enough?
While the internet offers incredible opportunities for children to access information and connect with others, it's important for parents to teach them how to navigate online environments safely. Without proper supervision and understanding of concepts like privacy, children may face negative experiences that can impact their well-being.
Wait Till 13
One common question that arises is when your child should have a social media account.
Most social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook, require users to be at least 13 years old to register. Following these guidelines, we recommend that no primary-aged child should have their own social media account.
After they are 13, take into account your child’s:
- Maturity
- Resilience
- Understanding of the impacts of social media.
Saying No
Safeguarding your child's confidence and self-worth during their primary school years is crucial, and social media can have negative consequences on your child’s developing identity. We encourage you not to let the online environment distort this important phase of their development. Stay strong and resist the pressure to introduce your child to social media when they are too young.
Together, let's empower our children to explore the digital world safely while preserving their well-being and fostering a positive sense of self.
Learn about the latest games, apps and social media use for children in The esafety Guide.
Visit from Mr Steve Krieg, Mayor
At our Assembly this week, Mr Steve Krieg visited to donate a book depciting the aftermath of the floods to our school library.
Mission News
Sacramental News
RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation was celebrated by 20 Year 4 students in Week 3. The students shared a special liturgy with Father Peter, their families, teachers and their “guardian angels’- their peers who were not celebrating the Sacrament. They also shared a wonderful picnic lunch thanks to Father Peter. It was a lovely morning celebrating a very special Sacrament, preparing the students for their First Holy Communion.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
At a very special Parish mass, 20 of our Year 4 students received their First Holy Communion in our church. Father Peter spoke about the importance of the Eucharist in the lives of the faithful.
Our students were incredibly reverent and respectful of the church and even nerves couldn’t dampen a fantastic evening. Thank you to all of our wonderful families and friends who supported the students in this very special sacrament. We are so proud of you all!
CONFIRMATION
In our final Sacrament of our 2023 Sacramental program, we welcomed Bishop Homeming to our Parish church to Confirm 20 of our Year 3 students. On Wednesday morning we took all of Year 3 to our church to share some time in God's house, to ask questions and to help our candidates prepare for the sacrament. All the students were reverent in the church and respectfully asked questions about the flood, about the special things in our church and the sacrament.
Confirmation completes our Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus, and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely.
Bishop Homeming spoke beautifully on the night about love and how the impact of love for our children can change the world. Thank you to all our families and friends who shared the evening with us. We were truly blessed with the most wonderful Confirmation ceremony and we are so proud of our exceptional children!
Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop - 8th August
Thank you and congratulations to Year 1 and Mrs McCarthy for a wonderful liturgy celebrating St Mary MacKillop! Year 1 were so brave leading our liturgy. Thank you to all the families who were able to attend and support our students.
We prayed for God's help to follow Mary's example and live with faith and hope; and that we always be confident that we can always trust in you and be assured of your constant love and protection - Just as Mary was!
Feast of the Assumption of Mary
We were treated to a beautiful Liturgy on Tuesday celebrating the feast of the Assumption of Mary by our littlest leaders, Kindergarten! The Feast of the Assumption is when we remember how at the end of her life, Mary was taken up to heaven to be with God. Mary is very special because she was chosen by God to be the mother of God's son, Jesus. And Mary says yes to all that God asks of her.
Kindergarten performed a signed version of Hail Mary which was a very special treat for us all. Their beautiful performance has been shared on our school Facebook page if you would like to have a look. Thank you Mrs Parker, Mrs Sheridan, Mrs Fry, Mrs Lee and of course our very talented Kinder students for their wonderful leading of our liturgy.
Welcome to the Family!
Over the last few weeks, a number of our students have been Baptised into the Catholic family! Congratulations to Charlotte (4P) and Evie F (KP), Rhiannon F (4P), and Clancy L-P (3P).
May you always remember your Baptism day, and may God's joy, love and peace fill you through all your tomorrows!
NAIDOC Week Liturgy - 4th August
Congratulations to our Deadly Jarjums for leading us in a beautiful NAIDOC Week liturgy. Our prayer was that we work together to acknowledge, appreciate and understand the wisdom and knowledge of our Aboriginal Elders, past, present and to come; and that we continue to build strong relationships with one another - relationships that show respect and seek out justice and equality for all.
Thank you Mrs Papworth and our Deadly leaders!
Week 1 & 2 Gotchyas
Gotchyas are a student led award that recognises Jesus being alive in our school. Students see the Face of Jesus in each other and write Gotchyas for their peers. One student from each grade is drawn out each fortnight and get to pick a prize from the Gotchya Box at assembly, and all students receive their Gotchyas written out for them each fortnight.
Year 6 - Archie - you are awesome
Year 5 - Zoe - someone Gotchya being the Face of Jesus by including everyone, no matter what.
Year 4 - Shelby - you are awesome and a kind friend
Year 3 - Alby - you are kind and always sharing
Year 2 - Michael - thank you for being the Face of Jesus by being kind!
Year 1 - Aluara - your Gotchya is for playing with someone.
Kinder - Nina - for always being kind and inclusive to everyone around you
Week 3 & 4 Gotchyas
Kindergarten - Milla C - for being kind to someone
Year 1 - Sylvia S - for playing with someone
Year 2 - Nahri J - for helping someone to organise something
Year 3 - Paige W - for helping out and being a kind friend and making people laugh.
Year 4 - Aleena C - for being extremely nice to me
Year 5 - Lexi G - you are always there for me and whenever I want to talk you are always there.
Year 6 - Pippa T - for helping someone when they fell over, teaching someone things, helping some one run and holding their hand!
Making Jesus Real Awards
KP
Luka O - For your kind and supporting welcoming of a new class member
1L
Leo C - For his beautiful and reverent participation during prayer. Keep shining your light Leo!
2L
Sophia B - approaching learning every day with enthusiasm, cheerfulness and a determined attitude to always do your best.
2P
Grace H - For seeing a need and doing something about it, just like Mary Mackillop! You’re a superstar Grace!
3L
Heidi W - for noticing when help is needed and taking action. We love how you're always kind and caring in our Year 3 family. Keep up the wonderful work!
3P
Mason Mc - For your kind words and thoughtful actions with your friends and teachers.
4L
Rhiannon F - For always being willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Keep shining your light Rhiannon!
4P
Oscar B - For your beautiful smile that you bring to our classroom every morning! Thanks you being you!
5L
Henry J - For being a kind and helpful member of our classroom. Thank you for bringing us your positivity and smile everyday.
6P
Rahni P - for living the motto of St. Mary MacKillop - never see a need without doing something about it. Thank you, Rahni!
Rose S - for always looking for ways to be of service to others, in and outside the classroom. Thank you for showing the spirit of Jesus, Rose!
Learning & Teaching
Celebrating our writers: Madeleine (2), Toby & Matilda (5), Noah S (3)
Kinder- Making colour patterns in Maths and drawing a map of our school in Geography
Year 1- Learning about sound in Science using cup phones
Year 2 - We hope you enjoy our fables
3L- Solving addition and subtraction problems in Maths with multiple strategies
3P- Solving addition and subtraction problems in Maths with multiple strategies
4L- Science Design Task planning and fractions work
4P- Using songs and games to learn multiplication facts
5L-Learning about imagery in texts and playing modified soccer for PE
6P- Energy and forces marble experiment in Science
OLHC Achievement Awards
KP
Ethan B - For your focus and enthusiasm during reading and writing tasks - you have come so far!
Reggie J- For applying your mathematical skills and explaining your reasoning - well done Reggie!
Elsie D - For your ever growing confidence both in yourself and in your learning - keep reaching for the stars Elsie!
1L
Lachlan C - For his effort and dedication during InitiaLit. Keep up the great work Lachlan.
Willow F - For her creative and mathematical thinking when creating her own positional map. Well done Willow!
Rory S - For his effort and attention towards segmenting and blending new words. Keep up the great work Rory!
2L
Darcy S - approaching learning every day with enthusiasm, cheerfulness and a determined attitude to always do your best.
Jethro P - Thankyou for your insightful comments and contributions to class discussions. You are an attentive listener always eager to participate.
2P
Lennox H - For the persistence you demonstrate in Mathematics. The growth you have shown is outstanding. Keep on working hard Lennox!
Nahri J- For being a motivated and independent student with a great love of learning. Keep up the amazing effort Nahri!
3L
Harvey C - For your awesome ability to stay positive and strong even when things change, You’re an inspiration to all of us with your great attitude, Well Done Harvey.
2. Nash B - We're super proud of how much you've improved in math with whole numbers. Your dedication and enthusiasm to become an amazing mathematician are really impressive.
3P
Mason E - For your amazing effort in writing this week, where you worked hard to compose an engaging narrative. Keep up the great work!
Felicity F - For your determination in maths where you used place value to partition numbers in standard and non-standard forms. Really impressive work!
4L
Will D - For always displaying an exemplary attitude toward learning. You are a valued member of our class!
Oliver B - For effective use of sense to create great imagery in your writing. Well done Oli!
4P
Max G - For your increased focus this term. Congratulations Max, it is showing through in all areas of your classroom work. Amazing!
Scarlett J - For the positive attitude you bring to all areas of school life. You have a great can do spirit Scarlett! We love having you in our class.
5L
Toby H - For writing a range of high quality sentences using imagery and symbolism. Amazing effort Toby!
Marni V - For excellent focus during writing lessons and your work on writing high quality sentences to include imagery. Well done!
6P
Harlan G - for challenging yourself to use wonderful imagery in your writing. Your stories are lovely to read. Keep up the amazing learning Harlan!
Reid S - for your enthusiastic efforts during reading. Your insightful questions are wonderful! Thank you for inspiring us, Reid!
Matthew N - for your excellent work during Maths, especially Cartesian Planes. Keep up the great learning, Matthew!
Sports News
Year 5 and 6 Multisports Gala Day
On Friday the 11th of August, the Year 5 and 6 students attended the Multisports Gala Day. The day provided students with the opportunity to experience many different types of sports. We had a team attend the netball event, a team attend the soccer event and the remainder of the students spent the day at Hepburn Park rotating between a variety of sports.
All the students proudly represented our school, with great sportsmanship and a positive ‘have a go’ attitude.
A big thank you to Mr Piccoli, Mrs Cahill, Mr Denny, Mrs Innes, Mrs Byers, Miss Transton and Miss Aleisha for supervising and supporting the students at each event.
Diocese Athletics Carnival
On Tuesday the 15th of August, we had 6 students attend the Diocesan Athletics Carnival at Coffs Harbour. The event was extremely well organised and it ran very smoothly. Well done to all the students that represented OLHC. It was a strong competition on the day and the children gave it their all and displayed exceptional sportsmanship.
The students competed in the following events:
Jack DeGiusti: 11 Years Boys 200m Run and 11 Years Boys Long Jump
Harper Jasmin: 10 Years Girls 100m Sprint, 8-10 Years Girls 200m Run, 8-10 Years Girls 1500m Run and 8-10 Years Girls 800m Run
Bailey Newton: 8-10 Years Girls Long Jump
Robbie Grace: 10 Years Boys 100m Sprint, 8-10 Years Boys 200m Run, 8-10 Years Boys Long Jump and 8-10 Years Boys Shot Put
Harriett Johnston: 9 Years Girls 100m Sprint and 8-10 Years Girls Shot Put
Anika Burt: 8-10 Years Girls Discus
Congratulations to Harper who has progressed through to Polding. Harper will travel to Sydney in October to compete at the Polding Athletics Carnival. As a school, we wish Harper all the best.
Matty King Cup - Rugby League Gala Day
The Matty King Cup will take place on Thursday the 21st of September in Casino. Students have already been nominated for this event and we will take two teams over to participate in the Stage 2 Rugby League pool. Permission notes will be handed out next week.
Basketball
Congratulations to Hugh Bashforth for his selection in the Talented Athletes Program TAP. Hugh will attend the BNSW Talented Athlete Program in Sydney this weekend. As a school, we wish you all the best Hugh.
Term Three - Events
- Thursday the 21st of September - Matty King Cup - Rugby League, Casino
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
ICAS Testing
Congratulations to the students who have so far completed their nominated ICAS tests. The final dates for the tests are:
Science (Years 3-6) | Tuesday 22nd August 1:40pm |
Spelling Bee (Years 2-6) | Wednesday 23rd August 1:40pm |
Mathematics (Years 2-6) | Wednesday 30th August 1:40pm |
2023 Premier's Reading Challenge
Congratulations to the students who completed the Premier's Reading Challenge today. Well done on consistently reading at home with your family! Certificates will be presented at an assembly once we receive them.
Community News
