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This coming weekend will be a very special celebration for our school and parish, as many of our Year Six students will receive the sacrament of Confirmation as they will be confirmed by the Bishop of Wollongong, Bishop Brian Mascord. Confirmation marks the continuation of the journey first begun at Baptism. During Confirmation, the candidates will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened in their faith.
We thank the parents and sponsors for supporting the candidates in this most important step of their faith. These young people are our hope, as they are the young people our church needs - now.
As a Catholic community of faith, we will continue to keep these students in our prayers, as the Holy Spirit, gifted at Confirmation, becomes an important and foundational part of their lives.
PRAYER FOR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES
Lord, you send out Your Spirit to touch the hearts of all people, so that they may believe in You and in Jesus whom You sent.
Look kindly on all candidates for Confirmation as they listen to Your voice. Open their hearts to Your Spirit and bring to fulfilment the good work that You have begun in them.
As we prepare these children for Confirmation, make each of us an instrument of Your love.
Teach us to appreciate what is holy in others, and to be patient with what we do not understand.
Deepen our faith in the Gospel and help us to pass it on by our example. We pray that You will continue to guide us and sustain us.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
We are grateful to those who helped to support the students, Mrs Samantha McGarrity, our Sacramental Coordinator, members of the OLHC parish sacramental team and our REC Mrs Megan Marshall, who have helped to prepare the children for receiving this sacrament.
We know that is a very sacred time for the Year Six students and their families and sponsors, as they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit be with each of them at this special time.
FEAST DAY CELEBRATIONS
Dear Parents and Carers,
It was wonderful to gather as a community of faith and celebrate our school feast day, last Friday 23rd May. Our Lady Help of Christians - Mary had the important role of being the mother of the Saviour, Jesus. Mary is also our spiritual mother too. The school community gathered with parents to celebrate the Eucharist as a community of faith. It was wonderful to see so many of our parents present at this Eucharistic celebration. Our thanks go to Fr Sarkis, who as Parish Priest, provides enormous spiritual guidance and support to our school and parish community. We also thank Mrs Marshall, our Religious Education Coordinator and the school Religious Education team for the planning and organisation that went into the Mass.
Following Mass, many parents, grandparents, and friends were welcomed into the school. It was wonderful to see so many parents engaging with their child/children and having the opportunity to see their child/children’s classrooms.
Some photographs have been included with this newsletter that form a wonderful tribute to Feast Day celebrations. Thank you to the parents and carers who were able to take time out of their day to join with the students and staff to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians.
We also thank those parents who were able to join us for a picnic - although the weather conditions were not favourable to be outdoors, lots of delicious food was able to be shared. It was wonderful to see so many parents, grandparents and special friends join us to celebrate this very special day in our school calendar.
Thank you for joining us to celebrate this special day for our school and parish.
STUDENT AND STAFF SICKNESS
As I write this newsletter, I am feeling unwell and need to be away from school to rest and recover. Thank you for reaching out to a member of the school leadership team - Mrs Fazio, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Carpenter, and Mrs Dew in my absence this week if you require any leadership support.
It seems that the change in weather to be more wintery has led to some recent sickness with both staff and students. We, always, try to maintain a consistent learning environment for the students. When we need to split a class, which means that we send students to different classes to learn during the school day, this is always the last option. This occurs when we are unable to find a casual teacher.
Over the last few weeks, there have been several staff and students who have been unwell. We understand that sickness among staff and students may cause disruptions to the consistency of classes. We are committed to providing a supportive environment and ensuring that learning continues smoothly. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during such times.
Jane Webb
PB4L - Parent attention, Afternoon Dismissal
The PB4L focus for this week has been the expectations for Afternoon Dismissal. We appreciate your support in ensuring that your child uses one of the dismissals points each afternoon (Pick Up, John Therry, Bus, After School Care or Classroom Pick up). Please remember that if you plan to come into the school to pick up your child you must enter the school via the St Anne gate and not through the school car park gate. At 2.45pm all children leave their classrooms. Those who travel on buses, or use pick up, move to these pick-up areas under the supervision of classroom teachers. At this time, parents may move from the seats near the flagpole, or from the parent waiting area at the hall, to their child’s classroom. Parents cannot wait for children outside the classrooms or library as it is distracting for the children. Teachers will escort the remaining children to the office area to be supervised until they are collected by their parents.
House Points
Congratulations to Ingham house who are leading House for the halfway point through the term. They will receive their ice block reward this Friday. The current House Point tally is listed below. The students will continue to be awarded house points for following the school rules (both in the classroom and on the playground), wearing the correct uniform, completing their homework and for borrowing from the library.
1st - Ingham (1399 points)
2nd - Sarkis (1359 points)
3rd - MacKillop (1175 points)
4th - Rose (1123 points)
Tell Them From Me Survey - closes 30 May 2025
Thank you to the parents who have already completed this survey to share with us your valuable feedback to inform our future direction in terms of student learning and wellbeing. Information in relation to this survey has been shared with all parents via Compass stating:
This term all schools in the Wollongong diocese will survey the voice of all parents, staff and students in Years 4 to 6 via the 'Tell Them From Me' survey. This survey is designed to provide feedback of your experience of our school and is an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process. It will provide important feedback which continues to inform our work in designing improvement priorities that are responsive to the needs of our school community.
We value the role of parents and carers within our school community and would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at Our Lady Help of Christians.
This survey is anonymous, voluntary and you may skip questions that you are not comfortable answering.
It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the following URL Link:
http://tellthemfromme.com/9h63c
Please note that the closing date for completion of this survey is this Friday, the 30th of May.
Parent Attention Reminder - Sport Representation Policy and Agreement
Last week, via Compass, the OLHC Sports Representation Policy and Agreement was released. This is for all students and parents from Years 2 - Year 6.
It outlines the expectation for behaviour for all students representing the school at representative sporting events and gala days. If your child is in Years 2 - Year 6 please read and respond to this event, students are also expected to understand the Policy and Agreement.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
https://olhcdow-nsw.compass.education/Organise/Activities/Events/
Semester One Reports
The teachers are currently reflecting on student achievement as they complete their Semester 1 reports. These reports will be released to you digitally, via Compass, on Wednesday Week 9, 25th June. This report reflects what your child has achieved during Term 1 and Term 2. Student achievement has been assessed, and will be reported to, across all Key Learning Areas.
All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will receive a Semester One report, this report will be reflective of the new English and Maths curriculum. There will no longer be an A-E overall grade for each Key Learning Area, nor will there be a general comment written for Semester One reports.
We encourage parents to attend the Parent Teacher Meetings in Week 10 where teachers will have the opportunity to discuss with you student achievement across this semester as well as goals for Semester Two.
Alison Fazio
Assistant Principal
Diary dates are published on our website home page. You can also check Compass calendar and the events tab. All newsletters can be accessed on our school website.
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Thursday 29 May |
Year 3 Parish Mass at 9am P&F Disco - Infants 5pm to 6pm and Primary 6.30pm to 8pm. (More details closer to the event) |
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Friday 30 May |
6M Reconciliation at 9am Year 2 classroom visit by Fr Sarkis at 10am |
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Wednesday 4 June |
Kinder Parish Mass at 9am |
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Friday 6 May |
Year 3 and 5 Benediction at 11.40am |
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Monday 9 June |
Kings Birthday Public Holiday |
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Tuesday 10 June |
Staff Development Day - Pupil Free Day for students |
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Wednesday 11 June |
Year 2 Parish Mass at 9am |
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Thursday 12 June |
Year 1 Parish Mass at 9am |
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Friday 13 June |
4M Reconciliation at 9am Year 3 classroom visit by Fr Sarkis at 10am |
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Wednesday 18 June |
Year 3 Parish Mass at 9am |
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Thursday 19 June |
Year 5 and 6 Parish Mass at 9am |
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Friday 20 June |
5M Reconciliation at 9am Year 4 classroom visit by Fr Sarkis at 10am Assembly - Merits and Awards at 2pm school hall, all welcome |
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Wednesaday 25 June |
Students Semester One Reports released on Compass |
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Thursday 26 June |
Western Region Netball Gala Day |
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Friday 27 June |
St Vincent De Paul, Winter Woolies Mufti- Day - Gold coin donation. |
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Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July |
Parent Teacher interviews - Bookings via Compass shortly |
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Wednesday 2 July |
Kindergarten Parish Mass at 9am |
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Friday 4 July |
3M Reconciliation at 9am Last Day of Term 2 |
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Saturday 5 July to Sunday 20 July |
********** School Holidays *********** |
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Monday 21 July |
OLHC Athletic Carnival - Narellan Sports hub (Online Consent via Compass) |
Reminder: PARENT VOLUNTEERS
In addition, at OLHC, it is also a requirement for parents volunteers to complete a 'face to face' Parent Induction presentation.
Further informationcan be found CEO Website link - Volunteers and Contractors
STAFF NEWS
This term, we welcome Mrs Danielle Dew, as a member of the school leadership team. Mrs Dew has accepted the position of Middle Leader One for the remainder of the 2025 school year. Mrs Dew will be working each week on Monday - Wednesday and will continue teaching in Year 6M each Tuesday and Wednesday.
We also welcome Mrs Sabrina Nowak, who will be an indentured casual each Monday at OLHC. Mrs Nowak will continue to work in a part time capacity, as she cares for her young daughter. Mrs Nowak will continue to teach Kinder each Thursday for PPT (Professional Planning Time).
NATIONAL SORRY DAY AND RECONCILIATION WEEK
This year National Sorry Day fell on Monday 26 May and was a day when we pause to remember the Stolen Generations of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It leads us into the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation and National Reconciliation Week which is held each year between 27 May and 3 June.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is, Bridging Now to Next.
At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort. In a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous children, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.
This week is a great opportunity for all of us to consider the steps that we are taking to bring about meaningful reconciliation.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS FOR LEARNING (PB4L)
When students exhibit positive behaviour, by following our school rules, their name is written on a raffle ticket and is entered into a draw where two winners are selected at flag-raising on a Monday morning. The students receive a voucher for the Canteen which can be used for treats or put towards a lunch order.
Congratulations to these winners:
Jason Vu 2M, Carlos Yousif 5M, Hayden Tabone 3M, Jarrod Crawford 5M
Our next Assembly will be on Friday 6 June 2025. Merit and Principal Awards will be presented. Congratulations to the following students who will be receiving a Principal's Award.
| Class | Student Name |
| 1M | Jacob KLARICH |
| 1M | Nyjah VILAVONG |
| 2M | Jacob QUEZADA AYQUIPA |
| 2M | William HEARD |
| 3W | Steve JIMMY |
| 4M | Antonio MEOUSHY |
| 5M | Jax STEVENS |
2025 Primary Cross Country Selection Trials report
Hayden and Jordan Tabone participated in the Diocesan Cross Country selection trials at Illawarra Criterium Track, Unanderra.
Hayden and Jordan competed in the 8/9 year age group. Hayden placed 21st and Jordan came 31st amoungst 40 competitors.
What an amazing effort by Jordan and Hayden and thank you for representing our school.
SAVE THE DATE - PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DATES -
Parents are advised that the following dates have been set aside as Staff Professional Learning dates. Thank you for your making alternative arrangements for your child/ren on -
Tuesday 10th June - following the King’s birthday
Staff Development Days 2025
Clothing Pool Open Tuesday Mornings opened
The OLHC School Clothing Pool has a supply of second-hand uniforms available. The Clothing Pool is run by a parent volunteer, and we are grateful for donations of used uniforms in good condition.
The clothing pool will be open weekly on Tuesday.
DISCO
Thank you to the members of the P&F who have been working very hard in preparation for the disco being held tonight in the St Joachim Hall. This event would not be possible without the support of parents and those parents who help on the night with supervision.
The students really love the opportunity to have fun at the disco and we are looking forward to sharing photos of this special event.
I am sure that all the students will bring their dancing shoes tonight!
Thank you also to the staff members, Mrs Fazio, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Dew and Mrs Skillen for their support in supervision of students at the disco.
