OLHC News Issue 38 Term 4 Week 11 - 16 December 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,

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Friday 27th January 2023 - Staff return
• Monday 30th January 2023 - Students return - Day 1 2022
• 6th March 2023 - Pupil Free day - Staff Professional Development SWPBS (School Wide Positive Behaviour Support)

Semester 2 Reports have been released to families.  Log on to PAM, choose your child, then view semester report.

What a fabulous final fun week we all had.  We all made it to the end of the year.  Despite Mrs. Newton and Mrs. Bush being sick this week, we all managed to complete the year on a positive note. 

Our break-up day on Monday was fun.  We went to May Park for a play and run around, followed by watching the Christmas pantomime of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', having lunch & play at McDonalds, and finishing off with a soft serve before heading back to school.  

Our Graduation Mass was celebrated once again with many in attendance.  Thank you to all who attended.  At our Mass, we farewelled a few families and two staff members.  I'd like to take this opportunity to wish Ms. Kirby and Mrs. Bush all the best as they embark on the next chapter of their teaching career.  Thank you both for making a difference in our student's learning.  Take care and God bless you both!

Christmas Message

As the end of the school year is upon us and we journey through Advent, waiting for the birth of the Christ child, we reflect back on what can only be described as our new ‘normal’ with the impacts of the global pandemic that has changed the way we live, learn and work.

Once again, what I have witnessed across our school community is truly amazing. Our educators continue supporting students and their families in learning and maintaining a sense of community and connection. I would like to recognize the parents and carers who collaborated with teachers to support their children’s education at school and beyond.

At this time of year, we have another opportunity to celebrate together the achievements of our students this year.  Our Faith and Tradition have provided strength and solace and we were united in our purpose and mission to provide quality education and care for our students. We continue to find Jesus in our lives in this way. I stand proud to lead a group of outstanding professionals who have given their all to serve our students and their families in pursuing the fullness of life for all.

I want to thank you all for your commitment and dedication to Catholic education. You are truly a blessing to the children in our care. I look forward to new opportunities for growth and learning as we continue to provide the highest standards of faith-filled education for every student in our care next year.

With the $2 million Commonwealth Funding through the Australian Governments Capital Grants Program (CGP), I look forward to leading the capital project to innovate and continuously improve our school for the benefit of our students, families, and the wider Murtoa community.

As we wait for the birth of the Christ child, may your families and loved ones experience the peace and joy that comes at this Holy time of year.  I wish you all a hope-filled Christmas.  Stay safe and enjoy a well-earned rest.  God’s blessing to you all.

Kind regards

Mrs. Cathy Grace                                                                                

REVERSE ADVENT BOXES

Our Lady Help of Christians school took 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 called for donations of non-perishable groceries.

As you can see from the photos below, our small school did an amazing job filling five boxes in a short period of time.  This was 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 and what a lovely time of the year to do this - right on Christmas.  Thank you to everyone for supporting this project and helping those in need during this festive season.

Advent boxes

Mass Times & Parish Information

Mass: St Mary's Church, Murtoa
Sunday 18th December Mass at 8.30am

Calendar Dates

Please click on the link below to take you directly to our School Calendar.

Murtoa Pool Membership

Murtoa Pool Memberships 2022-23

*Family $130 Single $70

Single Day pass $5 Family Day Pass $20 Family week Pass $50

Payment can be made at the Pool, online, or at Chezzies Hand Made on Tuesdays & Fridays (10am-2pm). Payment Plans by arrangement.

*If you have your season family ticket paid in full by Christmas Eve you will go into the draw to win 4 tickets for the Geelong Adventure Park

www.adventurepark.com.au

Pool Membership – the perfect Christmas gift for yourself and your loved ones!

Free Green Waste Extended Until The End Of Year.

Yarriambiack Shire Council’s free green waste period has been extended until the end of the year. Following a wet spring, council transfer stations will now be accepting all household green waste at no charge until Saturday 31 December 2022. Council encourages residents to use this is an opportunity to continue property maintenance and tidy-up as part of the preparations in the lead up to the fire season.

To view the Transfer Station operating hours Transfer Stations - Yarriambiack Shire Council 

Christmas Rubbish Colletion

As Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, there will be NO CHANGE to the normal collection schedule.  Everything will happen on the day that it normally does.
 
Excess recycling, such as cardboard, plastic bottles and glass can be delivered to all transfer stations at no cost during opening hours. Transfer Station Opening Hours can be found on Council's website. 

Plastic pollution harms our health, wildlife, and the environment

From 1 February 2023, problematic single-use plastics will be banned from sale or supply in Victoria.

The ban applies to single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers and cotton bud sticks made from conventional, degradable, and compostable plastics. The ban also applies to food service items and drink containers made from expanded polystyrene. People who need single-use plastic drinking straws due to a disability or for a medical need can still purchase and use these items.

The Victorian Government has engaged the National Retail Association to assist businesses and organisations understand and preparing for the upcoming ban. The NRA will visit 3000 businesses across Victoria, develop resources, hold information sessions, and provide a toll-free hotline and mailbox. Click here to find out more.

School Holiday Program - Summer 2023

With the Summer school holidays just around the corner, the Horsham Regional Art Gallery is once again running a wonderful Summer Holiday Program. Please find attached a program of what is coming up for families/students over the Summer break.

I'd like to thank Vicki Thomas (SPARK Arts Education Officer) and her team for the support this year – we look forward to working with the Horsham Art Gallery in 2023 and providing more fantastic opportunities for our students in 2023.