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Good stewards in a parish are like the yeast mentioned in last week's Gospel (Matthew 13: 31-34). Their selfless gifts of time, talent and treasure help the parish to grow and thrive and their example inspires others to become good stewards too.
The Gospel ....
Matthew 13:24-43
Jesus offers parables about the Kingdom of Heaven and explains them to his disciples.
Taken together, the parables found in today’s Gospel offer both a sobering reminder about the Kingdom of God and words of encouragement. As the wheat and the weeds must grow together until the harvest, so we may not know whether our actions contribute to God’s Kingdom until God’s final judgment. With this word of caution in mind, we act always in prayer that our actions will be consistent with God’s plans. In the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, we hear words of encouragement. God can bring the Kingdom of Heaven from even the smallest of beginnings. Thus, we ask God to work through us for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Reflect together on what Jesus means when he teaches that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed and like yeast. In these parables, Jesus is teaching us that God can work wonders from even the smallest beginnings of the Kingdom of God. This means that even the little things that we do can make a big difference in the lives of others. What are some of the little things that we can do in our family that help to make things better for others? Decide on one action to take together. Pray that God will use your action to make a difference in the world.
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term Three. It has been terrific to return to school to see the students well rested and ready for a new term of learning. I trust that you found an opportunity for some rest and relaxation during the recent holidays. We have returned to school with many of the restrictions from Term 2 still in place due to the current COVID pandemic. You recently would have received communication from myself and Mr Peter Hill, Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, outlining the safe and hygienic practices and procedures that will remain in place to guarantee the safety of all in our school community. Please be assured that we are communicating with you as soon as rules and procedures change during this time. It has been pleasing to note that all children have returned to Term 3 happy to be at school and willing to learn. Let us continue to pray for our world at this most unusual time that we are all experiencing.
Thank you again to those parents who have kept children at home who are displaying flu like symptoms and to those who have been prompt in collecting their children when they have been ill at school.
The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong have issued a Medical Clearance Letter that outlines what is to occur when your child presents unwell with COVID-19 symptoms. This letter is another way to ensure the safety of all in our community.
At this stage our current morning and afternoon dismissal procedures remain in place. Parents are still not allowed to enter and congregate on the school playground. Once the rules regarding parent access have eased, you will be notified of the new changes.
Parents are requested to respect social distancing, especially when dropping and picking up their child. This is especially important at the John Therry Catholic College pick up area of an afternoon. Please ensure that you remain in your vehicle when picking up your child. If you wish to pick up your child at the gate you can do so along Demetrius Road. Thank you for your continued support and maintaining these important social distancing requirements especially at this current time.
We continue to keep in our prayers those people who have been directly impacted by COVID-19. We pray for those who care for the sick. We also pray for those medical researchers who are working to find a vaccine.
Asking God’s continued blessing upon you and your family
Jane Webb
Principal
Welcome back to Term 3 to all of our OLHC staff, students and parents. The students have come back to school refreshed and ready to learn with lots of stories to share about their holidays. During Week 1 and 2 of each term the students complete a range of assessments in both English and Maths. As a staff, we look at the data we collect from these assessments to see trends in growth and areas for development. This then informs our planning for teaching and learning activities so that we are catering for the needs of the students in our class.
Remember to continue to value the importance of reading each night at home and getting your child to discuss with you what they have read to show their understanding. Over the next couple of weeks teachers will also set other homework tasks perhaps related to Spelling, English and/or Maths. Please refer to individual grade Curriculum Notes for information on how homework will be set this term. House Points are awarded each week for students who complete their homework tasks and regularly complete their home reading and fill in their reading log.
Excitement is building among the school community for the upcoming Vinnies Sleepout and for the fundraising activities that have been organised in association with this. This Friday the students have the opportunity to buy lolly bags for $1 to begin to raise money for this worthy cause.
We also start afresh with house points, students have multiple opportunities to be awarded house points throughout the term. They are awarded for following the school rules in the classroom and on the playground. Extra points are given each week to students wearing the correct uniform and for homework completion.
Looking forward to another productive and busy term. Please stay safe and well during these unprecedented times.
Alison Fazio
Assistant Principal
OLHC Vinnies Sleepout
Over 105,000 Australians experience homelessness each night. Half of these people are women and a quarter are young people under the age of 18.
This term OLHC staff will be ‘sleeping rough’ for a night to raise awareness and funds for Vinnies homelessness services.
In the lead up to our sleepout we will be raising money for this important cause.
- Week 1 Friday 24th July - Blue and White Lolly Bag sale
Children can buy lolly bags for $1
- Vinnies Money Boxes- each class has a Vinnies box on their prayer space to donate money
- Winter Raffle-Over the coming weeks we will be putting together a range of Winter themed raffle prizes. Tickets will be sold at break times to students and via a note sent home to parents. To assist with the St Vinnies sleep out we are asking for donations. If you would like to contribute to this fundraising effort you may like to send in one of the following items by Friday 31st July 2020.
- Mufti day August 21st - We will have a blue and white mufti day and our raffle will be drawn.
Revised Sacramental Programme Dates
Parents and care-givers who enrolled their child in the 2020 Sacraments of Reconciliation (First Confessions), Holy Communion and Confirmation should take note of the revised dates for 2020. Please see the attachment below.
Ripples
The Catholic Education Office has developed a podcast to support the spiritual formation of staff and parents.
Ripples seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. On Tuesday of each week a new Episode and Meditation are released. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to others in our world, to creation and to our loving God.
The Ripples Podcast is available on the Continuity of Faith and Learning website, on Podbean. and Apple Podcast.
Natasha Ferderer
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Over the year, the staff have been engaging in professional learning around reading. In the following weeks I will share with you some tips around how you can support your child reading at home.
As per the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong directive, we will not be able to have our regular face to face P&F Meeting on Week 3, Monday 3rd August; however we will be hosting a Zoom P&F Meeting. If you would like to attend the meeting, please send an email to Alana Stroligo on StroligoA01@dow.catholic.edu.au and I will provide you with further information regarding this Zoom meeting.
Please give our school Facebook page a like. We regularly upload photos of students through this platform and would love to keep our school community updated. Select the link below for our OLHC Facebook page.
Please give our school Facebook page a like. We regularly upload photos of students through this platform and would love to keep our school community updated. Select the image below for our OLHC Facebook page.
Alana Stroligo.
Celebrations and Sharing of Food
In light of the current environment that we are living in, I ask that you please do not send in birthday cakes or food to share with the class. I understand that this is something that the children enjoy, however, we need to maintain controlled safety and hygiene procedures in the school. If you would like to send in something to acknowledge and celebrate your child’s birthday, you are able to send in packaged goods only (eg, packets of maltesers, small wrapped chocolate bars etc such as a Freddo Frog). We will notify you when these restrictions are lifted.
Students Unwell at School
Mosaic
Since mid last term, some students from Years 2 - 6 have been joined by Mr John Charadia to use their artistic skills to bring our mosaic to life. As you may know, the process of developing this mosaic began some time ago when the students in Year 6 worked with Miss Daly and Aunty Sharynne to draw up a design incorporating symbols and totems from Dharawal land on which the school is built. We look forward to updating you closer to the end of the term with further developments.
Please see information regarding this meeting in the P&F Section of the Newsletter.
Clothing Pool
Until further notice, if you wish to obtain some part of our uniform from the Clothing Pool, please telephone the office with the size and what you require and a member of staff will select the clothing and send your requirements home with your eldest child.
Banking will re-commence on Friday 24th July.
This app should be downloaded so you can be kept up to date with the latest events and information from the school. This app is also used for distribution of the Newsletter. Please download the app from your relevant store. For more information please see the attached flyer "Accessing the Compass App".
eSafety Website
Happiest of birthdays and congratulations to the following students who celebrate a birthday in July:-
Geon Joseph, Justin Soares, Selam Besatu, Jye Dickens,
Samantha Burnett, Anabelle Federico, Maci Hunter,
Asher Khanarbkaew, Olivia Smith, Luke Siroki,
Riley Tabone, Adwin Shiju, Lachlan Toseski,
Samuel Shaji, Teiarra Latulipe, Aleisha Fayka,
Kon Kon Chol.
August Meeting
The next P&F Meeting will be held on Monday 3rd August at 7.30pm. In line with the guidance from the Catholic Education Office, this will be a Zoom Meeting.
Join the Zoom Meeting using the following information:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9591177517?pwd=enc0dEFXeVBqeVFrQ0JYVUdHTHliQT09
Meeting ID: 959 117 7517
Passcode: 953577
If you would like explanation regarding these meetings and how they work/operate, please do not hesitate to let office staff know.
School Banking
As advised, banking will re-commence on Friday 24th July.
The Canteen is currently only open to provide Break 1 lunches - orders need to be at the Canteen by 9.00am. Please write your child's name, class and what they wish to order on a paper bag and enclose the correct money, if possible. We will advise you when this situation changes.
The Canteen is run by Made Fresh. Should you have a need to contact the Canteen, please email Maria at "made.fresh@yahoo.com" or telephone 0410 481 150.
- Monitors will be present to assist and ensure required protocols and health requirements are fulfilled. Once Mass starts, the doors will be closed.
- After Mass you will be provided with a disinfectant wipe to rub over surfaces where you have been sitting or come in contact with.
- Toilets will not be open
Lowes Australia Sale
A sale that ends at midnight tonight is currently underway at Lowes. Please visit the Lowes website to see how you can benefit.
