Last week, the staff of Our Lady Help of Christians gathered to consider the mission of the school and the important role that Catholic educators play in bringing about this mission.  As a staff, we get this important opportunity to gather, reflect, pray and retreat once a year. This is to further develop our own spiritual growth and formation, which forms an important aspect of our work.

As with any organisation, it is important to consider what the mission of a Catholic school is and how we each contribute to the realisation of this mission. OLHC was established in 1989 and the mission statement was formed soon after this.

As you can appreciate, with staff changes it is of high importance to ensure that all staff understand the purpose (mission) of OLHC. As a Catholic school community, the mission of the school is closely aligned with the Christian values that promote justice, compassion and love.

Thank you for making the necessary care arrangements for your child/rens last Friday, so that the staff could engage in this professional learning opportunity.

The above quote, by Henry Ford, pays tribute to the success experienced through collaboration, teamwork and working together. This type of teamwork happens here at OLHC daily, through the mutual trust and respect that parents and staff members have for each other through a mutual purpose - the student/child.

Our school community is indeed blessed, through this supportive environment that enables students to develop and grow in their faith and learning. It has indeed been so positive, over the past term, to welcome parents and grandparents into our school community, to share positive experiences that demonstrate working together.

At the enrolment of your child, parents are encouraged to work in close partnership with the school, to support the development of your child and work together to experience this success. As a school community, we continually strive to find ways to involve and engage with parents to support the learning that takes place at OLHC.

Through this commitment and partnership, children learn valuable life lessons in relation to working together, partnership, mutual trust and working towards a common goal. For me personally, this has been highlighted from school events over the past ten weeks:

• St Mary of the Cross Mackillop Walkathon

This whole school event enabled students, staff and parents to come together and participate in a walk around our local area. This also enabled the generosity of sponsorship to contribute towards the completion of our school religious icons. Thank you for your generous donations.

• Father’s Day Stall

Thanks to the dedicated teamwork of members of the P&F, students were able to purchase a variety of special gifts to acknowledge, thank and celebrate the special male role models in their lives. This teamwork enabled the students to show gratitude to these significant men in their lives. Thank you for your support of this initiative.

• Book Week Celebrations

What a wonderful day we had! Students were able to learn more about the books that were nominated by the Children's Book Council (CBC). The students also bought in their favourite book and a prop that went with the book.

• Be Skilled Be Fit Olympic Incursion

This was a day to remember! The students were able to share in the Olympic Spirit and represented a range of countries. Thank you to Mrs Cotterill and Miss Northey who were able to plan and organise such a fun day. It was wonderful for the students to experience a range of tabloid sports. We even had a visit from an aspiring Olympian! - Jasmine Locke

• Bunnings Community BBQ - Campbeltown

This was a wonderful community event! Thank you to members of the P&F executive and many parent volunteers who assisted on the day. The day was able to raise money to support our students at OLHC.

I would also like to acknowledge many other events that have taken place this term including:

• CDF Public Speaking Competition at Holy Family Ingleburn
• Christmas Art Story Competition (Stage Three)
• Launch of Word Mission Month at St Michael’s Thirroul

Participation in a variety of Sport Gala Days (Netball, Soccer and Basketball

What a wonderful term!

Thank you to the supportive staff that have enabled each of the above activities to be planned with attention to detail. Thank you also to the office administration staff who support with phone calls, bookings and administrative tasks associated with organising these events. We are indeed grateful for these learning opportunities for our students and the way that they have engaged in all the learning experiences that have been provided this term.

As we take a moment to look back on all that has been over this third term, we do so in a spirit of gratitude, giving thanks to God for all that has been. We indeed have so much to be grateful for.  May the coming school holiday break provide the opportunity for you to spend some time with your children and enjoy a break from the normal routine.

As this is my final newsletter for the term, I will be accessing a period of Long Service Leave from Friday 20th September - Friday 27th September. In my absence, Mrs Alison Fazio, will be the Acting Principal and will be well supported by members of the school leadership team.  Please direct any queries to a member of the team in my absence.

Wishing you many blessings for the coming weeks and a restful school holiday break.

Jane Webb 

PRINCIPAL