OLHC News Issue 14 Term 2 Week 6 - 30th May 2025
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,
This week, we join schools across the diocese in celebrating Catholic Education Week—a time to reflect on the unique gift of Catholic education. Rooted in faith, learning, and community, Catholic education nurtures not only the mind but also the heart and spirit. It encourages students to grow in compassion, serve others, and live out the values of the Gospel in their daily lives. As we celebrate this special week, we give thanks to our dedicated educators, supportive families, and the opportunity to learn and grow in a faith-filled environment.
A special thank you to St Mary's School Warracknabeal and St Patrick's School Nhill for coming to our school with such joy! It was a wonderful day together on Tuesday.
As always, please come and see me if you would like a tour of our new building, or conversation about OLHC.
All the very best,
Chris McCumstie
principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
DOBCEL (Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited) governs Our Lady's and is the system to which our school belongs. After a long period of consultation with principals, school leaders, educationalists, and international experts, DOBCEL has released their 2035 strategy "Pursuing Fullness of Life for All." You can read more about the strategy here or can come in and see me to have a conversation if you'd like more information about the direction of our system.
Official Portrait of Pope Leo XIV
We continue to pray for our new Pope, Leo XIV. May he lead the Church and the world toward peace, harmony, and truth.
New Build Update and Photos
We can't wait to show people through our new space!
Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week
Monday 26th to Friday 30th May
Theme for 2025
'May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.' (Romans 15:13)
We ran a week full of great events including visits from other Catholic schools, a Mass, and fun activities for the students. Information below.
- Monday 26th May - Special Visitor
- Tuesday 27th May - Catholic Education Week Mass at 11.00am and Combined Day with St. Patrick's Nhill and St. Mary's Warracknabeal
- Wednesday 28th May - School Photos at 9.00am, Reading activities
- Thursday 29th May - Library activities
- Friday 30th May - Free Dress Day, Sports and a Movie
On Monday, Veronica Slattery, a past principal and teacher from Our Lady's came and spoke with the children. They heard about the changes that have happened at our school over the years.
On Tuesday St Patrick’s School, Nhill and St Mary’s School, Warracknabeal visited Our Lady’s for a combined school Mass. When the buses arrived, the children had a play and morning tea, this was followed by a Mass with Mons Glynn. The students then had a barbecue lunch and afterwards participated in an activity where they reflected on what fills them with joy and peace.
On Wednesday Mrs Dalgleish read the children this year's Simultaneous Story Time book The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel. This was followed by the students writing book reviews, completing puzzles, colouring in and multiple other activities relating to the story.
School Photos
Andrew from Creations Photograpy took our School Photos on Wednesday and we thank him for making the process so efficient and enjoyable. We look forward to receiving the photos for our school, staff and families.
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:
June 2025
- Tuesday 17th June - Imagine (Live Show) Horsham Town Hall 11.00am
July 2025
- Friday 4th July - Last Day of Term 2
- Monday 21st July - First Day of Term 3
September 2025
- Thursday 18th September - Last Day of Term 3
- Friday 19th September - Pupil Free Day - Staff PD
October 2025
- Monday 6th October - First Day of Term 4
November 2025
- Tuesday 12th November- Pupil Free Day - Staff PD
December 2025
- Thursday 18th December - Last Day of Term 4
Mass Times & Parish Information
Sunday 25th May 2025, Livestream at 9.00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Parish Bulletin
Community News
See the attached flyers for initiatives that may interest from groups in and around Murtoa.