Our Lady Help of Christians School Murtoa eNewsletter

Statement of Commitment to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples...

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.

Statement of Commitment

Principal Report

Dear Parents, carers, families, and parishioners,

Today, 16 June, is The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This day commemorates the love of Jesus for all of creation, especially the most vulnerable and marginalised. The following reflection explores what this commemoration may mean for Christians in the present age. Themes such as imagination and God’s transforming love, are deeply related to The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the way Christians can experience and indeed be the love of Jesus in their lives.

Let us pray….

The Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila

Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world.

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.

Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands.

Yours are the feet.

Yours are the eyes.

You are his body.

Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Amen.

Article submitted by Jim Waight

In the past, we usually celebrate this day with the ‘Gifting Mass’. During this Mass, our school has, very generously, donated non-perishable items for these vulnerable people in our area. This year our ‘Gifting Mass’ will be on Wednesday, the 19^th July and we would appreciate all those wonderful donations again. We have a basket and bag ready to fill up. The final song for the Gifting Mass is called ‘We Are God’s Hands’, besides our very own special school song. It is telling us that God can’t help but he has asked us to be God’s hands, eyes and heart. We are called to do things for others, see those who are in need and we can help and to love with our hearts so that we can find peace in our world for everyone. All are welcome to this very special celebration!

Thank you and looking forward to a new and fantastic week.

Anne Newton

Thank You Mrs. Curran

We are very sad to say that Mrs. Bridie Curran will be leaving our school, her last day being Monday 19^th June, but are very glad for her with her new career. She has the new position of Compliance and Risk Support Officer in 9 of our Catholic schools. Luckily we will still see Mrs. Curran from time to time, when she comes to work at our school.

We wish you all the best Mrs. Curran and thank you for all the valuable support you have given our students and teachers throughout the years you have been with us. Also, thank you for your expertise in the Library.

We will miss you!

Student Led Conferences & Reports

Student Led Conferences will be held on Monday, 19th and Tuesday, 20th June in the Junior and Senior Classrooms from 3.30 onwards. Conferences will be for 10 minutes duration

If more time is needed to have further discussions about your child’s learning, the teacher will arrange another time for you to continue the conversations.

Mrs. Newton and Miss Bedford will be available to see Foundation- Year 3 students/parents.

Mr. Collie will meet with students/parents from Year 4-6.

This is a great opportunity for your children to talk about their learning and for parents to ask any questions.

A Student Led Conferences timetable was sent home yesterday. If the time does not suit, please arrange your own swap and please advise the General Office of the change.

A brochure explaining Student Led Conferences will be sent home today.

All student’s reports have been released through SIMON.

Winter School Uniform

As you are all well aware, Winter is here! Winter uniform should be worn, not Summer uniform. Please ensure that your children come to school with a jumper, coat and if they need it scarf, beanie and gloves. It’s very cold outside during recess and lunch break. Please make sure all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

Our students understand and have embedded it into their practice that if they have muddy shoes, they take them off and leave them outside the classroom. Students can bring slippers to put on when inside the classroom and when going outside will put their school shoes on. Slippers can be left at school in student’s lockers over the winter season.

Work Experience Student

Jordan, a student from Murtoa College, spent this week with us. She worked well with the staff and students throughout the school.

Jordan spent time in the Junior and Senior rooms and other specialist classes. She has enjoyed her time with us and we thank Jordan for her valuable contribution and assistance. We wish her well with her future studies.

Refugee Week Sunday 18 June to Saturday 24 June 2023

Theme – Finding Freedom

What does it mean to be free?

To live without the fear of war, to have your basic human rights upheld, to live in equality and without the fear of persecution are just some of the examples of what freedom can entail. Every day millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey can also provide the opportunity to live, to love and to dream.

In 2023, we give thought and our prayers to refugees and their journey of finding freedom, whether it be through a new home, a new career, finding love or friendships. Let us show compassion and celebrate the resilience that makes up parts of our wider community. For freedom should not be an ask, it should be a way of life.

Footy and Netball Colours Day

Well done everyone for an excellent first Semester. The time has gone by very quickly. For the last day of the term, 23^rd June, we will enjoy ‘Footy and Netball Colours Day’ and, also, ‘YES Day’.

Lunch will be provided - Pies (large or party pies) and a fruit box.

It’s been a fantastic first half of the year, with many memorable moments, and certainly worth celebrating.

Reminder

Next Friday, 23rd June is the end of Term 2. School will be dismissed at 2.15pm. Please make the appropriate arrangements to pick your children up at the earlier finish time.

Important Upcoming Dates:

June:

19th/20th - Student Led Conferences 3.30 pm onwards
23rd - End of Term 2 - school finishes at 2.15 pm
23rd - Footy/Netball Colours Day

July:

10th - Term 3 begins and Mr. Christopher McCumstie begins his Principalship at OLHC.
11th - Kinder visit
19th - Gifting Mass 12 noon at St. Mary's Church, Murtoa

August:

11th - Pupil Free Day - Staff PD. NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS.

September:

15th - End of term 3 - school finishes at 2.15 pm

October:

2nd - Term 4 begins
6th - Murtoa Show: School Closure Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF OR STUDENTS

November:

6th - Pupil Free Day - No school for students - Staff PD
7th - Melbourne Cup - school closed - public holiday. No school for staff or students.

December:

15th - Last day for students.

Mass Times & Parish Information

Mass: St Mary's Church, Murtoa
Sunday 18th June 2023 Mass at 8.30am

Sacramental Program 2023

St Paul VI Parish

St Paul VI Parish children have begun their sacramental program sessions as part of the Sacramental life of the Catholic Church. The Parish is offering this new program of preparation to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Parents are the first teachers of the faith to their children and are therefore encouraged to play an active part in helping their children prepare for the Sacraments.

This program will give parents, teachers, catechists, and children time to discuss, absorb, and appreciate the fundamental truths and gifts of each Sacrament offered to us from God, the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will be encountered in the Year 4 (and above) age group.

Parish Bulletin SunAOrd11

Calendar Dates

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

School Calendar

Bread Bags and Bread Tags Collection

Collect bread bags and earn sports equipment for your school!

We have registered our school for bread bag collection to help with recycling and to earn sports equipment from RHS Sports.

Help us collect bread bags which we can exchange for points to redeem for new sports equipment!

Bring you used, crumb free bread bags into school, and we will get busy collecting!

Further details are available on - https://wonder.com.au/wonder-recycling-rewards

Bread Tag Collection

Along with the bread bags we have decided to collect bread tags.

We will collect only plastic bread tags, not cardboard tags or N95 mask clips.

"Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs collect plastic bread tags nationally in Australia. The tags are recycled locally, raising funds to buy wheelchairs for disadvantaged people, mainly in South Africa"

Read their story on the following link -

https://ozbreadtagsforwheelchairs.org.au/

School Holiday Activities

Horsham - ADHD & Demand Avoidance Seminar

Subject: Horsham - ADHD & Demand Avoidance Seminar - 23 July 2023

Hi Everyone,

The Strengthening Parent Support Program at Uniting Wimmera is excited to be hosting the Rebecca Challoner & Christine Keeble for a seminar educating us around ADHD and Demand Avoidance.

The seminar will be held on Sunday 23 July in Horsham and run from 10am - 3pm (Venue to be confirmed based on numbers).

This is a free event, however registration is required to attend. Registering ASAP would be appreciated if you plan to attend, please follow the link below (if you have already previously RSVP can you still please complete this link):

https://forms.office.com/r/PLTyexXVAJ

We would be grateful if you can promote this free event within your organisation in your upcoming newsletters and make contact with any parents/carers who may benefit.

Everyone is welcome to attend and we encourage any professional in the field to come along too!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

Kate Janetzki | Strengthening Parent Support Program Coordinator