Term 3 Week 1 Newsletter - 26.07.24
Principal News
Welcome to Term 3!
We hope all of our students and their families enjoyed a nice holiday break. We welcomed the students back to school on Tuesday and they have all had a great start to the term.
This term, we have lots of fun events and learning opportunities for our students. We have included a flyer with an overview of what is coming up this term. Please be advised that we have not yet set times for some of the upcoming events but will communicate that to you as soon as we can.
NAPLAN
On Tuesday, our students in Years 3 and 5 received their 2024 NAPLAN results. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards.
At OLHC, we use our NAPLAN results to identify our strengths and areas of need to improve teaching programs and to set goals for in literacy and numeracy. Our teachers use the results to help identify students who
need greater challenges or extra support.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact me via email katie.rose@lism.catholic.edu.au or your child's teacher.
Outside of School Hours Care
Just a reminder that bookings are essential for OSHC as we have a capacity of 30 students.
School Uniform Policy Reminders
The school uniform is to be worn correctly and proudly to school, at school and from school unless explicit instruction is given for alternate clothing to be worn. This correlates with our Student Behaviour Policy key behaviour expectation, “Take pride in personal presentation.”
Children who have incomplete or incorrect uniform items must have a written note of explanation from a parent/guardian to be excused for the day or until the uniform item is replaced. This should be resolved as soon as possible and within two weeks unless permission is granted in exceptional circumstances.
We have had a number of students wearing incorrect socks, shoes and jumpers. Students should be wearing navy socks, black shoes and the school jumper/ jacket. We have a large number of jumpers and sports jackets in lost property that do not have names on them. If your child is missing one of these items, it is worth a look in lost property.
Hair Guidelines
Students attending Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School are expected to wear their uniform in a way which reflects pride in the school and in their personal appearance. Accordingly,
- Hairstyles should be appropriate to this expectation
- Hair should be clean, brushed and generally neat – not unruly
- Hair that is collar length or longer needs to be tied back
The following are not permitted:
- Variations to hair colour
- Hair fringe past the forehead
- Spiked cuts
- Wedge cuts
- Track cuts
- Multiple braiding
- Rat’s Tail
- Mullet cuts
Teach Your Child to be an Upstander
An upstander is a student who actively observes and takes action when they witness bullying, whether it involves intervention, interruption, or speaking out against it. Their role is paramount because without an "upstander", the peer facing bullying will frequently experience an overwhelming sense of isolation, compounded by the fact that there are bystanders who choose to remain silent. This silence not only fosters the belief that others are indifferent but also suggests approval of the ongoing bullying behaviour.
There are some simple messages that you can teach your child.
1. To treat others the way we would like to be treated (Luke 6:31).
- Help your child to understand what bullying is and the different forms it can take in school and online. By teaching your child about bullying and the need to face it with courage, you can help them to be brave and stand up to bullying behaviour.
- Social exclusion is a hurtful form of bullying that is more prominent now than face-to-face bullying. Social exclusion can occur online and face-to-face. Encourage your child to talk to you or a trusted adult if they see this harmful behaviour in order to problem solve how they can help.
- Teach your child that if they are standing by and watching bullying behaviour face to face or online would they be fine with this behaviour occurring to them? This can teach empathy. Also asking ‘What if this was happening to your best friend or sibling?’ can help to teach compassion.
2. Every person, regardless of what he or she looks or acts like, is created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27; James 3:9-10) and is worthy of the dignity that God gives to every person.
- Model and teach your child to respect diversity. Teach your child that it is hurtful to bully others based on aspects such as their physical features, skin colour, race, skill level, and age.
- Model and teach your child to be open and accepting of diversity in school and the community. A way to help your child understand empathy is to use the concept of the circle of concern. According to the Harvard University project ‘Making Caring Common’, children are generally kind and empathetic to people they know, but parents can help teach children to be kind and empathetic to people outside of their immediate circle of concern. Start with someone in your street, a new classmate or a relative who may be socially excluded, and encourage your child to start a conversation. Teach them to look for similarities not differences. Encourage your child to ask a classmate who plays or always sits alone to join them during break time.
- Talk to them openly and honestly about how we are all unique and different. Remind your child that everyone likes feeling included and appreciated by experiencing kindness and friendship at school.
- Consider the values you reflect to your child. Encourage the values of inclusion and kindness in your family life so that your child learns and acts on these values.
Watch with your child Toasted TV: How to be a bullying upstander from kidshelpline.
Mission News
NAIDOC Week Prayer 2024
Next week we will celebrate NAIDOC Week at OLHC. We will begin our week long celebration at 9am with our NAIDOC Week Liturgy. All are welcome!
God of all creation, as we journey together in this Great Southern Land,
We pray for healing, forgiveness, and unity,
Creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.
Jesus, through the power of your love,
You have given us the courage, wisdom, and strength
To share our gifts and talents in humility.
In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.
Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving
For the many blessings we have received.
Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one.
Aboriginal Elders and Reconciliation Church staff members (2014)
2024 Sacramental Program
2024 Sacramental Program
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be on Thursday 12th September, time TBC, in our Parish Church. Further details and information to come over the next week.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is on the 14th August 2024 in our Parish Church. Preparations have begun in the Year 3 classroom on Monday afternoons.
Making Jesus Real Awards
KP
Willow WC - For always being caring and respectful towards your friends and staff. You're always letting your light shine Willow.
1L
Violet Mc - For showing kindness and supporting peers in times of need. Keep shining bright Violet.
2P
Wyatt P - For being an encouraging and thoughtful friend. Keep shining your light Wyatt.
3L
Finnan M - For consistently showing kindness and empathy to everyone around you, you truly embody the spirit of Jesus' teachings.
4L
Alby S - For embodying a gentle and kind hearted spirit that brightens our classroom everyday. Your thoughtfulness makes you a role model for others.
4P
Lila T - For being a caring and considerate friend! What a special gift, Lila!
5L
Grace C - For consistently bringing a bright and friendly smile and attitude to the classroom, creating a positive atmosphere for everyone.
5P
Aiden J - For his reverent and respectful participation during prayer and meditation. Keep shining your light Aiden!
6P
Marlee S - For being kind and supportive to those who need a friend. You show us the face of Jesus everyday. Thank you Marlee!
Milla C - For the enthusiastic way you encourage others to be their best. Thank you for being so supportive, Milla!
Learning & Teaching
Kindergarten are learning to write compound sentences.
Year 1 are learning more about Place Value.
Year 2 are using Place Value to help them with Addition.
Year 3 Music Introduction
Year 4 Maths number games
Year 5 have been researching their class countries for our Olympics day.
Year 6 Music Introduction
OLHC Achievement Awards
KP
Oscar R - For working incredibly hard on your sounds. You have demonstrated so much growth in InitiaLit Oscar, Keep it up!
Ellie S - For your fantastic efforts in counting on when combining numbers to find the total. You are always showing how to be a great learner Ellie.
Henry B - For a huge improvement in your dedication to learning. You have been working so hard at being a respectful learner Henry. Keep it up!
1L
Elsie D - For your commitment to learning and readily attempting all challenges with confidence. You are star Elsie!
Ava H - For improved focus to become a more responsible learner and completing tasks to a higher standard.
Reggie J - For improved efforts to be a focused and engaged learner, Keep it up Reggie!
2P
Cooper E - We are super proud of your consistent effort in writing and creating your book on seals. You have improved so much. Keep up the positive attitude and work!
Hudson F - For your growing confidence in writing and perseverance in completing your seals book. Great work!
3L
Jack G - For creating vivid imagery in your writing through the use of similes. Your creativity and attention to detail shine through every piece you write.
Reuben T - For you dedication to understanding and applying spelling rules. Your critical thinking and attention to detail is outstanding!
4L
Noah C - For creating a compelling argument through the use of persuasive devices. Keep up the great writing Noah!
Harriett J - For applying knowledge of fractions to solve problems involving time. Keep up the great work Harriett!
4P
Tyler N - For always putting thought and consideration into all areas of your work. An amazing effort, Tyler!
Blake P - For the independent writing piece you composed about why Ned Kelly is a villain. Your points of view were well backed with evidence from the text. Well done!
5L
Malachias C - For your improvement in classifying and measuring angles with precision and clarity. Well done!
Rhiannon F - For effectively using figurative language to build imagery in your poetry. Well done!
5P
Colin W - For his hard work and commitment to applying his spelling strategies during writing. Keep up the great work, Colin!
Ellie B - For her hard work and dedication when applying strategies to solve multiplication and division problems. Well done, Ellie!
6P
Cohan D - For your fabulous technology skills that you share so generously with others. Well done, Cohan!
Harper J - For the quiet way you challenge yourself to achieve your learning goals. You are a star, Harper!
Flynn W - For the way you effectively engage your audience with your writing skills. Keep upi your amazing learning, Flynn!
Henry J - For the way you take on new challenges and are not afraid to make mistakes. Your learning is sensational, Henry!
Bentley Art Prize
Ryder in Year 5 entered this years Bentley Art Prize. His Fox artwork received a highly commended award. Congratulations Ryder!
Sports News
At OLHC, we love celebrating the sporting achievements of all our students. If your child has a special achievement that you would love for us to share with the school community, please send any photos and a short paragraph outlining their achievement to Mrs McCarthy - haylee.mccarthy@lism.catholic.edu.au
Richmond Zone Gala Day
On Friday 30th 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 Compass Event sent out early next term.
NRL Gala Day
Due to circumstances out of the control of the organisers, the 2024 NRL Catholic & Independent Rivers Primary School Challenge has been cancelled.
OLHC Mini Olympics
The Paris Olympics will take place on Friday, 26 July 2024 to Sunday, 11 Aug 2024. To recognise and celebrate the Olympics we are going to hold our very own OLHC Mini Olympics. As a staff, we are still fine-tuning some details, but more information will be communicated at the end of Week 10.
Sporting Achievements
At the end of last term, Cooper Q in Year 2 competed at the QLD TRACK & QLD DIRT TRACK TITLES.
His results were incredible! This was his second ever title race and he won first place in QLD Dirt Track Titles 7-u9 on his 65cc, and 2nd place on his 50cc. Congratulations Cooper!
Term Three
- Thursday the 1st of August - Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival, Woodlawn, Lismore
- Friday the 9th of August - OLHC Mini Olympics
- Friday the 16th of August - DIO Athletics Carnival, Lismore/Coffs
- Friday the 30th of August - Years 5 and 6 Richmond Zone Gala Day
Term Four
- Monday the 4th of November - Richmond Zone Tennis Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Wednesday the 6th of November - Richmond Zone Cricket Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Thursday the 7th of November - Richmond Zone Touch Football Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Tuesday the 26th of November - DIO Tennis Summer Sports Trials, Lismore (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Friday the 29th of November - DIO Cricket, Softball, Touch Football and Basketball Summer Sports Trials, Lismore (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Friday the 6th of December - OLHC Swimming Carnival
School News
Book Week-Week 5
On Friday Week 5, we will hold our annual Book Week Book Parade in the morning. We cannot wait to see this years amazing costumes.
School Anxiety Webinar
All families have access to the free School Anxiety webinar hosted by Michelle Mitchell and Karen Young. Please see the details on the flyer below.
Invitation for Parent Helpers
Over the next two terms, Mrs Transton and Mrs Rodda will be doing Dance for Creative Arts with the students. Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 will be in Term 3 and our students in Years 3-6 in Term 4.
In order to enrich the experience, we would like to invite parents or family members with special dance talents to come and share their craft with our students. For example, you may be an Irish Dance wiz, or have Ballet or Jazz skills. If this is you and you would like to be involved, please contact Mrs Transton and Mrs Rodda via email. Thank you!
amy.rodda@lism.catholic.edu.au
lisa.transton@lism.catholic.edu.au
Community News
