OLHC News Issue 4 Term 1 Week 4 - 23rd February 2024

Our Lady Help of Christians is a Child Safe School, and is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This newsletter comes from the lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Japagulk peoples.

Principal Report

Dear Parents and Friends of Our Lady's,

I saw a quote earlier in the week that has stayed with me.

"Imitation leads to independence."

I've been reflecting on what it means to be a life-long learner, and how we might pass on this idea to our students. I took part in some professional development in Horsham, the whole staff are preparing for a day together on Monday in Horsham, and there is always a plethora of podcasts, books and articles that come across my desk and inbox. How important is it to be dynamic as a learner, rather than static?

We encourage this in our students. Education is not something that happens six hours a day, five days a week, four terms a year. Rather, we hope that the education we provide our students takes deep root in their lives, and inspires them to learn more.

This week, I encourage families to think about the ways they are learning with their children. A great way can be shared reading each night. Five minutes of a child reading to their carer, followed by a quick conversation about the text, can be invaluable. We can model questioning and wondering with our children, showing them that even as adults we can be discovering and coming to new understandings. Other ways include watching a show or movie together as a family then having a conversation about it afterwards.

That quote- "Imitation leads to independence" - reminds us that our children see us, and often copy us. If we can model good habits, a growth mindset, and an openness to new learning, I think it will go a long way with the children in our care.

All the very best,

Chris McCumstie

principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au

Project Compassion - 1st Week of Lent Reflection by Michael McGirr Genesis 9:8–15 I 1 Peter 3:18–22 I Mark 1:12–15

Mark’s Gospel is bold and challenging. It doesn’t beat around the bush. Throughout this year, there will be many Sundays when we really need to tune in because Mark’s Gospel doesn’t wait for the reader to be ready. It is right in your face, to use a modern expression. Sometimes Mark reminds us
of the wise old person who doesn’t use many words, but every one of those words counts. There can’t be many books of so few pages that have had such a mighty impact on the world.
Today, a few lines tell us that Jesus went into the desert for 40 days and ‘was tempted by Satan.’ He was ‘with the wild beasts’, meaning he was vulnerable as he was immersed in the natural world. This
was surely an experience of struggle and growth. Then suddenly Jesus discovers that John the Baptist has been arrested. In a few lines, Mark creates the impression of a challenging time.
How did Jesus respond? He seems to have been enlivened, to have decided to create change. He is
full of energy and purpose. ‘The time has come,’ he says. In his vulnerability, he has discovered that
‘the kingdom of God is close at hand.’
This year, through Project Compassion, Caritas Australia will ask us to consider several stories of
vulnerability and hope in action. Over the coming weeks, we will meet a number of extraordinary
women: Ronita from the Philippines, Leaia from Samoa and Memory from Malawi. They remind us
that in many situations around the world, women are the heart of the community and the drivers of
change. In each case, a partnership involving Caritas Australia and local agencies has led to new
opportunities not just for an individual but for families and communities. The kingdom of God is,
indeed, closer than we think. Together with Ronita, Leaia and Memory, our decisions help to bring it
to reality around the globe.
Perhaps we might spend time with the words of today’s Psalm: ‘God guides me in the right path; God
teaches the Lord’s way to the poor.’ 

Prayer

We pray for all those around the world
who are vulnerable to the impact of
poverty, violence, and climate change.
May our generosity towards Project
Compassion be a measure of our
commitment to global change.

School Wide Positive Behaviour

The students have continued their wonderful return to school life. Our school-wide focus has been the structures around daily routines, like entering and exiting classrooms, morning and afternoon procedures, and how students are to move around the school. We have also focused on team building, especially with a school-wide buddy systems. Older students are supporting younger students, and the whole school has been working together in activities, games, sport and learning.

Fundamental to the philosophy of SWPBS is that all students are capable of positive behaviour, and that it can be taught explicitly. We would add to that, that positive behaviour should be celebrated. The students have come back so well, that we have little else to do but celebrate their efforts, praise them, and encourage them to keep it up!

Oceans Project

As a whole school, this term we have been researching the world of “Oceans”. To help support our project, could each student please have provided “basic black”.  It doesn’t matter if they’re jeans, leggings, short or long sleeve top, but please have plain (no prints/ images) and label with their name on both items.

If possible to have at school for Monday, (Week 6) 4th March.

If there are any issues with this, please email Tanya Mock. 

CEP Performance - Circus Challenge Show

The first Cep Performance for 2024 - The Circus Challenge Show - will be held at Warracknabeal Education Precinct on Thursday, 29th February, 2024.

10:20am-11:20am – Circus Show – All Schools

11:20am-12:10pm – Circus Workshop - Murtoa, Minyip, Rupanyup & OLHC students

• Cost $10 per student
• Travel by bus
• Permission Form on Simon 

Important Upcoming Dates:

February:

• Monday 26th - Student Free Day. Staff PD in Horsham
• Wednesday 28th - No School for Preps
• Thursday 29th - CEP  Performance 'The Circus Challenge Show' in Warracknabeal. Permission Form on Simon

March:

• Wednesday 6th - No School for Preps, last Wednesday off
• Monday 11th March - Labour Day Holiday
• Thursday 28th - Last Day Term 1 Early Finish 2.15pm
• Thursday 28th - Holy Thursday
• Friday 29th - Good Friday
• Sunday 31st - Easter Sunday

Mass Times & Parish Information

Sunday 25th February   

Live Streamed Mass at St. Mary's, Murtoa at 9.00am.

Parish Bulletin

Calendar Dates

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