OLHC News Issue 30 Term 4 Week 8 - 25 November 2022
WELCOME TO COUNTRY...
Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School acknowledges that God has been walking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, making God's presence known through a continuous living culture over many thousands of years. We pray in thanksgiving for these ancient peoples who have enriched and sustained our continent over all that time. In particular, we praise God for the people who nurtured the lands where our schools are built and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who continue to support Catholic schools.
As partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue the fullness of life for all. Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School is committed to the safety and well-being of all students.
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples. This newsletter comes to you from the lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagalk Nations.
Principal Report
Dear Parents, carers, families, and parishioners,
School Advisory Council (SAC)
On Wednesday night, the School Advisory Council had our Annual General Meeting (AGM). A copy of the 2023 AGM booklet will be sent home to every family - so please check your child's school bag.
At the meeting, Michael Allan was elected as one of the new parent representatives as we did have two parent representative vacancies. I am pleased to formally announce and welcome Michael to our School Advisory Council. Michael has a daughter, Ruby who is currently in Year 1, and next year will have a son, Harrison in Foundation.
Carling Henderson has informed us that she will be resigning from her SAC position when her family can safely relocate to Forbes. Carling also informed the SAC that there are two new parents, (whose children commence foundation in 2023) that are happy to take up the two vacancies that will be available in 2023. We look forward to receiving their nominations in the 2023 school year. This is fabulous news and it's great to know that we will have full representation on our 2023 SAC.
Carling also informed our SAC about the members of our Parents and Friends (P&F) group who have accepted roles commencing 2023. The 2023 P&F positions are:
- President: Katelyn Tepper
- Secretary: Michael Allan
- Treasurer: Nav Saron
- Uniform Co-ordinator: Chloe Stephenson
At the SAC general meeting following the AGM, we set our SAC meeting dates for 2023. These are:
- Wednesday 22nd February
- Wednesday 10th May
- Wednesday 7th June
- Wednesday 9th August
- Wednesday 25th October (AGM)
- Wednesday 22nd November
Earlier this term, I submitted an application for a $25,000 grant for the construction of shade sails or a shade structure, or to purchase items that support the creation and use of outdoor shaded learning spaces. I received an email notifying me recently that my submission was successful. The grant will be used to create a decked outdoor learning space near our vegetable garden (under the big shady tree). This will create an outdoor learning area, with tables, seating, and decking to support our students when learning about sustainability and outdoor education. This project work will commence early in 2023.
Senior Camp Permission
Senior camp (Year 5/6) will take place from the 7th to the 9th of December. The permission form has been released on PAM (Simon) for parents to complete. Please do so ASAP. Please read all sections of the permission form and all hard copy information sent home last week. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Bush for further information.
Transition - Forward to Foundation
In the lead-up to the State-wide Orientation Day on Tuesday, 13th December, we are inviting the kinder children who are enrolled, intending to enroll or still deciding to enroll at Our Lady’s for 2023, for some transition mornings. The purpose of these mornings is to let the child become familiar with the school routine, the process of getting to school, playing with the other children, learning the layout of the school, as well as meeting the teachers
The dates for these transition mornings are below. The school day begins at 9.00 a.m., Recess is at 11.00 a.m., Fruit break is 10.00 a.m., Lunch time is 1.30 p.m. with pick-up time at 1.45 p.m. On the longer day, the children are invited to eat lunch with the school children before they go home, or they can be picked up at 1.30 p.m.
(The school has a "play before lunch" policy. The children stop for the lunch time break at 1.00 p.m. and go straight out to play. The bell rings at 1.30 p.m. for everyone to come in to eat their lunch. We have found that letting the children play before they eat stops food being wasted, lets them run off a bit of steam after being cooped up inside and helps them settle for the afternoon session. The fruit break at 10.00 am keeps them going until 11.00 a.m.)
Remaining Transition Dates are:
- Monday, 28th November, 9.00am – 1.45pm (can be picked up at 1.30pm and eat lunch at home)
- Tuesday, 13th December, 9.00 a.m. - 3.15 p.m. (State-wide Orientation day for all students.)
Kinder children need to bring a hat, snack for Recess, fruit (for fruit break) and lunch (if they are eating lunch at school).
The Uniform Coordinator will have samples of the school uniform on display on 28th November for parents to view and possibly order.
If you have any questions about the transition days, please ring the General Office on 5385 2526.
We look forward to meeting you and your child/children as we begin your child’s primary school education. This is the beginning of a wonderful partnership to enhance your child’s learning.
Important Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday 7th December to Friday 9th December: Year 5/6 Camp to Creswick. More information when it comes to hand.
- School Christmas Concert - NEW DATE: Wednesday 30th November. 6 pm BYO Picnic tea followed by Christmas Concert 6.30 pm start.
- Wednesday 14th December - Graduation Mass at St Mary's Church, Murtoa at 6 pm
- Friday 16th December - Last day of school for students - normal 3.15 pm dismissal.
Kind regards
Mrs. Cathy Grace
Christmas Concert
The Concert is fast approaching and the students have been learning lines, singing songs and polishing their delivery for the big night!
Costumes are ready, parents have been notified of the costume requirements for their child, any questions please contact your child's teacher.
Important details -
- Wednesday, 30th November 2022
- 6.00pm BYO dinner
- 6.30pm Concert start
- No photos or videos during the performance please
REVERSE ADVENT BOXES
Our Lady Help of Christians school is taking part in the local Community Reverse Advent Box Project. This is a new Community initiative coordinated by the Horsham Sports and Community Club, aiming to assist local Murtoa families in need for Christmas and beyond. The project calls for donations of non-perishable groceries.
Each classroom has a box to fill. We ask that each child bring an item or items to donate for the box that will be in their classroom.
This is a great opportunity to clean out the pantry and bathroom cupboard before Christmas and help Murtoa families in need. All boxes from our school will be supporting Murtoa families only.
If you wish to know more about the reverse advent boxes please ask your child's teacher or give the school office a call.
Mass Times & Parish Information
Mass: St Mary's Church, Murtoa
Sunday 27th November LLA at 9.00am
Calendar Dates
Please click on the link below to take you directly to our School Calendar.