OLHC News Issue 39 Term 4 Week 10 - 13th December 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. We acknowledge the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Japagulk peoples as the traditional custodians of the land upon which our school was built. 

Principal Report

Dear Parents and Friends of Our Lady's,

The Year 5/6 students had a wonderful time on camp. A massive thank you to Mrs. Nicole Noonan who organised the camp on behalf of the cluster, and to all the staff from Minyip PS, Rupanyup PS, Murtoa College, and our own Mr. Collie, for looking after the students and making camp a success. Some photos are below.

We have now made the move to the Multipurpose Room and Library and will stay in these spaces for the remainder of the building project. At this stage, the original school building will be demolished over summer, and the new modules that are under construction in Swan Hill will be craned onto site. It is an exciting time, but a time of sadness as well, as we farewell a place that has many memories associated with it. 60 years of Catholic Education happened in our main building, and it has served the Murtoa Community well. 

As we enter the third week of Advent, we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath. This candle is called the "Candle of Joy," reminding us that, even as we wait and prepare for the birth of Jesus, we can experience deep joy in our hearts. Advent is a time of hopeful waiting, and the joy we feel in this special season is a reminder that God is with us, bringing light and love into the world.

In this week of Advent, we are invited to take a moment to reflect on the joy that comes from sharing kindness, being together with family, and helping others. The joy of Jesus' coming is something we can feel now, as we celebrate His love and prepare our hearts to welcome Him at Christmas.

As always, please make arrangements to speak with me if you have any concerns about your individual child.

All the very best, 

Chris McCumstie

principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au

Graduation and Presentation Mass

• Monday 16th December 2024
• St. Mary's Catholic Church, Murtoa
• 6.30pm (Church Bulletin time incorrect)
• Mass
• Presentations
• Supper to follow at the Church
• All students and their families are invited

Students have been practising hymns to sing, and readings to take part in the Celebration of the Graduation Mass. It is a very special time to celebrate our Year 6 students - Charlotte, Eimer, Eddie, Eliza, Thomas, Hunter and Kaden and to send them onto their next adventure with our best wishes.

Families, relations and friends are welcome.

Kris Kringle

Junniors and Seniors have been looking forward to the annnual Kris Kringle which is happening on Monday, 16th December. Their classroom Christmas Trees and Nativity Sets have been the focal point over the Advent Season!

Under the guidance of Mr. Collie and Ms Mock all students have been given a student to purchase a gift for, to the value of $5 - $10.

Gifts need to be brought to school and placed under the Christmas Tree by Monday.

In the event that there are student absences, the school will ensure no child misses out.

Teachers for 2025

We are pleased to announce that we have appointed a teacher for the Junior Room in 2025. Miss Georgia Kirby comes to us with a wealth of experience across different teaching contexts, including a past stint as a specialist teacher at Our Lady's. Georgia is an experienced early years teacher, most recently employed by St. Patrick's Primary School, St Arnaud, as the Year 1 and Year 2 educator. In addition to teaching our juniors next year, Georgia will also take on the Religious Education Leader position, guiding our students, staff, and community in faith education. Georgia's passion for education, and experience leading in the Catholic faith, will be a great addition to our school. We are looking forward to having Georgia join our community in 2025, and will find opportunities for families to meet and welcome her to the community.

We are still advertising for another teacher in the Senior Room. Mr. McCumstie will teach the seniors two days a week in 2025, and we will appoint another suitable teacher and announce that to the community when we are able.

Advert:

https://teacherson.net/vacancy/130731-classroom-teacher-part-time-0-6-negotiable-or-full-time-our-lady-help-of-christians-school-murtoa

2025 Classes

Foundation - Year 2 - Miss Georgia Kirby

Year 3 - Year 6 - Mr. Chris McCumstie (two days) & TBA

Farewell Mr Robarts

Thank you to Mr. Chris Robarts for his contribution to Catholic Education for decades. We were so blessed to have been a small part of Chris' career, and benefitted from his talents this year. All the very best, Chris, for the future.

New Build

We are at an exciting stage with our plans for a new school. The final weeks of Term 4 have seen the orginial school building emptied of all its contents, the creation of temporary office and learning spaces in the and Multipurpose Room and Library and the continuation of pre-works on site in preparation for demolition and the new buildings. Thanks to the staff and students for all the hard work, patience and understanding during an unusual time.

Moving from Old School to Library and Multipurpose Room

Year 5 & 6 Melbourne Camp

"The Old Melbourne Gaol was so creepy." Joey

"I loved the wave pool!" Kaden

"We got to stay up til 10 o'clock each night! It was exhausting but good." Hunter

"MSAC and the MCG were the best parts. I touched the grass on the MCG!" Eddie

"My favourite part was MSAC and the wave pool." Kirat

"I enjoyed the Eureka sky deck and watching the sunset was amazing." Nihal

"The whole camp was a good experience. Lots of activities, good food, and time with friends." Eimer

Activities included:

Science Works, The MCG, Sky Deck, Dinner at The Universal, MSAC, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Gaol. Thanks to all the staff for their work, especially Mrs Noonan for her organisation and dedication to giving country schools great opportunities.

Message from Mrs. Dalgleish

Mrs. Dalgleish says a very big

Thank You

for all the books returned to the Library.

Child Safety

Our Lady Help of Christians is a Child Safe School. We implement the 11 Child Safe Standards, and work to embed these in our school culture. Our newsletter is just one place among a number where we educate our community about Child Safety. Below is a concise and helpful guide to the Child Safe Standards. The Child Safety Officer at OLHC is Chris McCumstie, and he can be contacted for information at any time.

principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au

School TV

The SchoolTV initiative at Our Lady Help of Christians School aims to help parents to navigate the often complex issues they face in raising their children.

Expert advice, helpful tips, and other resources, are available to all our parents and caregivers. Explore the wide range of topics at SchoolTV by clicking on the link below. 

Important Upcoming Dates:

December:

• Monday 16th December - Kris Kringle for all students
• Monday 16th December - Graduation Mass St. Mary's Murtoa at 6.30pm
• Monday 16th December- Last Day for Students, Semester 2 Reports released.
• Monday 17th December - Last Day for Staff

January 2025:

• Sunday 26th - Australia Day
• Monday 27th - Australia Day Public Holiday
• Tuesday 28th - Staff Day
• Wednesday 29th - Staff Day
• Thursday 30th - First Day Term 1

Mass Times & Parish Information

Sunday 15th December Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 8.30am.

2025 Sacramental Program - EARLY ENROLLMENT
Reconciliation – Holy Communion – Confirmation
Reconciliation & Holy Communion is available to children in Year 4 and above.
Confirmation is available for children in Year 6 and above who have
completed Reconciliation & Holy Communion.

Early Enrolments help us decide where sessions are held and how many are needed.
Early Enrolments close Friday 13th December at 4pm.

General Enrolment will follow and be open until February 15th, 2025

If you would like more information or to enrol your child, please visit the Parish Office
at 10 Roberts Ave or Email: wimmeramallee@ballarat.catholic.org.au

Parish Bulletin

Community News

Calendar Dates

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