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Monday 19th October: Pupil Free Day (Please make arrangements for the care of your children on this day)
In last weekend's second reading, St Paul thanked the Philippians for being willing to share in his hardships and promises that God, in turn, will fully supply all their needs. Our God truly cannot be outdone in generosity!
Reflections on the Gospel –
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast
In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus offers an image of the kingdom of heaven using the symbol of a wedding banquet. In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah and in today’s psalm, the Lord’s goodness is evident in the symbol of a feast of good food and wine. Jesus’ listeners would have been familiar with the image of a wedding feast as a symbol for God’s salvation. They would consider themselves to be the invited guests. Keeping this in mind helps us to understand the critique Jesus makes with this parable. The context for this parable is the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem. This has been the case for the past two Sundays and will continue to be true for the next several weeks.
The parable Jesus tells is straightforward. The king dispatches his servants to invite the guests to the wedding feast that he is planning for his son. The listeners would have been surprised to learn that the first guests refused the invitation. Who would refuse the king’s invitation? A second dispatch of servants follows. Again to the listeners’ great surprise, some guests ignore the invitation. Some of the invited guests even go so far as to mistreat and kill the servants. The king invokes his retribution against these murderers by destroying them and burning their city.
With the invited guests now deemed unworthy to attend the king’s wedding feast, the servants are sent to invite whomever they can find. The guests arrive, but it appears that accepting the king’s invitation brings certain obligations. The guest who failed to dress in the appropriate wedding attire is cast out of the feast. We are reminded that while many are invited to the kingdom of heaven, not all are able to meet its requirements. God invites us to his feast, giving us his salvation. Yet he asks us to repent for our sins. Jesus’ message in the parable cautions against exclusive beliefs about the kingdom of heaven. The parable also teaches about humility. Those who assume that they are the invited guests may find that they have refused the invitation, and so others are invited in their place. To accept the invitation is also to accept its obligations.
God wants our full conversion in complete acceptance of His mercy.
Dear Parents and Carers,
The month of October is Mental Health month. We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. Our state of mental health changes day to day and throughout the day. Just like our physical health, our mental health needs ongoing care and maintenance, as well as follow up with health professionals when we feel that it is starting to impact on the way that we go about our day to day activities.
October 2020 is Mental Health Awareness Month which aims to promote awareness across all groups in our communities about mental health and well-being. The excerpt below from Wayahead's website provides some detail about the Mental Health Awareness Month theme.
Tune In
Tuning In means being present, being aware of what’s happening within you, and in the world around you.
Tune In to your senses – what can you sense right now? What can you feel?
Tune In to your communities – what’s happening that you can be part of, or that you can help others be part of?
Tune In to stigma – how do attitudes and understandings of mental health and well-being impact people’s ability to live the lives they want?
Taking a moment to Tune In can help still and focus your mind, it can help you understand what’s going on for you and others. Tuning in can help you find a new perspective, and it can help you reflect and be present.
Tuning In has been shown to help build self-awareness, help make effective choices, reduce the impact of worry, and build positive connections. Tuning In to communities and the impact of mental health stigma can help ensure that people who need support have safe places to talk about their experiences and reach out.
Throughout 2020 and the pandemic, we have been consistently reminded about the importance of our own mental well-being, the mental well-being of our children, our families and our workmates.
Our spirituality can bring a sense of comforting security and our beliefs can be a strong coping mechanism through trying times. What we can do is look to the traditions of our faith and what this can tell us about what to do next. Benedictan spirituality requires an outreach to those in our families, neighbourhoods and community whose needs may be greater than our own. It calls for attention to children, regular interaction with the elderly, and care for those whose conditions limit their own participation in the community. Whatever the situation, whatever the group, Benedict says we are called to build community with the entire community.
As we come back to school for the final term of 2020, take time to care for your own mental health, to reach out to others where you can and to always seek support if you need it. Remember that your doctor/GP is still the place to go for initial help for mental health concerns.
Jane Webb
Principal
Mass
This term students will continue to attend the parish Mass on a rotational basis. Most classes will attend Mass twice throughout the course of the term and Years 4-6 will also attend Reconciliation.
In line with the Parish’s COVID safe plan students will sit away from other parishioners and staff will sanitise pews students have used before leaving. All students attending will have their name and family contact number recorded by the Parish Office.
We ask that you please contact the school office if you have any concerns about your child attending Mass or if you prefer they did not attend.
Mission Month
During the month of October Catholic schools in the Wollongong Diocese work with Catholic Mission to raise money for the many wonderful initiatives they run.
The Arrupe Centre in Cambodia is the focus mission for 2020. It was established by Bishop Kike in 2001 to help empower children and young adults with disabilities. At the heart of this centre is the restoration of the dignity and rights of those affected by landmines by giving them the opportunity to study, work and rebuild their lives. Bishop Kike wears a unique crucifix called the Disabled Christ.
On Friday 23rd October we will be holding a crazy sock day to raise money and awareness for the Arrupe Centre in Cambodia. In exchange for a gold coin donation students are encouraged to wear their craziest socks with their school uniform.
The following Friday, 30th October we will host another fundraiser where students will have the opportunity to play a range of soccer based games. Soccer is played by many children across the world, however, children living in poverty don’t experience the privilege of playing with a bought soccer ball and often will make their own ball using recycled materials.
At OLHC students in Year 6 will have the opportunity to share this experience making their own soccer balls. Then on the 30th, at Break 2, students across the school will be able to participate in a range of soccer based games or competitions using the ball for a donation.
We look forward to being able to support the work of Catholic Mission through these two fundraisers.
Christmas Story Art Competition
Each year students from around the diocese create artworks about the Christmas story. The best works are selected to form part of an art exhibition in Wollongong.
The artworks selected will be revealed at the virtual event premiere on Wednesday 14th October from 7.00pm.
The link to the virtual event can be found below:-
You can also view the artworks via "The Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition 2020 - Interactive Virtual Tour".
Month of the Rosary
The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. The rosary is an invitation to experience the grace of Mary’s spiritual motherhood as she leads us to her Son, Jesus.
"The Rosary is the most beautiful and the most rich in graces of all prayers."
Pope Saint Pius X
First Holy Communion
The first lesson is on Saturday 24th October. Please see the Parish Section of this Newsletter for further information.
Natasha Ferderer
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Seesaw
In Week 4 and Week 7, students will be sharing a work sample with parents via Seesaw Family. This year, students will share a Literacy work sample. Towards the end of this term a survey will be sent to parents so that we can hear your feedback regarding the implementation of Seesaw and the ‘Glow and Grow’ template.
If you have not downloaded the free app, Seesaw Family please do so before Week 4. If you require another QR code please contact your child’s classroom teacher and they will print out a new one for you.
Mental Health Month
This year, students have been learning about Social and Emotional Learning. This month is Mental Health Month so to continue to support our students well-being teachers have organised various activities that students will be able to participate in. Students will be encouraged to tune into their senses, their community and how important it is to be present.
Library Borrowing
Borrowing will recommence next week - from 20th October.
Students are asked to bring their library bag on the following days to ensure that they are able to borrow a book from the school library.
Students will not be able to borrow a book from the library unless they have their library bag.
All books will need to be returned by the end of the term to allow for a library stock-take to take place.
Monday – Kinder
Wednesday - 6M
Thursday - Year 3 and 6W
Friday - Year 1, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 5
Canteen Over the Counter Sales
Over the counter sales at the Canteen will be commencing from next Tuesday 20th October.
Parents are asked to provide your child with change so that they are able to make a purchase from the Canteen.
The Canteen will be open for sales each day at BREAK ONE ONLY (11.00am-11.30am)
A copy of the price list is attached in the Canteen section of this Newsletter.
Return to Summer Uniform
Thank you to all our parents who consistently support the wearing of the correct school summer uniform each and every day. This week the majority of students have come to school wearing the correct uniform
Parents are asked to contact the school office if they require items from the school clothing pool.
These items will be arranged by our office staff and sent home with your child.
Please see below for expectations with summer uniform.
Water for Students
The bubblers remain closed at school. Please ensure you send your child with a plastic drink bottle filled with water each day - the bottle can be re-filled at our drink bottle re-fill station.
Kindergarten 2021 Orientation
During the recent school holidays we received information that COVID-19 restrictions would allow the school to host Kindergarten 2021 Orientation. We are currently planning the orientation sessions and will distribute the information regarding the organisation of the sessions in the coming week.
Pupil Free Day - Monday 19th October 2020
A reminder that next Monday 19th October will be a PUPIL FREE DAY. Thank you to all our parents for arranging alternate care arrangements for your child/ren on this day.
All staff will be engaged in professional learning on Monday around the area of Reading.
We look forward to seeing all students back at school next Tuesday,
Class Placement for 2021
The lengthy process of class formation for 2021 will commence in earnest when we return to school in Term 4.
This process involves the current class teachers preparing draft lists for next year’s classes. This process takes into consideration the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each individual student. Decisions are made to establish balanced, equitable class groups with the potential to work well together. As the teachers know the students within the school environment exceptionally well, the best interests of each individual student is always considered during the discernment process.
Parents are invited annually to contribute to the process of class formation by informing us, in writing, of any special needs that may affect class placement. Written requests can be submitted either through the class teacher or via an email to info@olhcdow.catholic.edu.au marked as the subject – "2021 Class Formation" during Weeks 1 to 4 in Term 4.
It is important to note that whilst parental requests are considered, there is never a guarantee that these requests will be granted. If parents make a request, particularly about their child being placed within a friendship group, please be aware that there may be circumstances surrounding such requests that may prevent it from being granted. All requests are considered when classes are constructed and must be provided prior to classes being finalised.
Please note that these requests need to made for Years Three, Five and Six 2021 as all other classes are single stream and will remain as the class group.
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 to pre-order treats or put towards a lunch order. Congratulations to these winners:
David Abraham (6W - Ingham), Letwin Karimusango (4M - Rose),
Kolten Opalniuk (6W - Ingham), Enrique Venegas (2M - Sarkis).
Assembly
Congratulations to the following students who will be receiving a Principal's Award at our next Assembly on Friday 23rd October. Merit Awards will be presented by their teacher on this day:
Tom Abbott (5W), Steven Brticevich (4W), Toby David (5M),
Kye Dowse (4W), Logan Hili (6W), Geon Joseph (2),
Anabel Martin (1M), Samson Morell (3W), Justin Soares (4M).
Zero Touch Sign In for Staff, Parents/Carers and Visitors
The attached flyer explains to parents and care-givers how to download the CEDoW app to your phone that will assist you in registering your presence if you need to come onto the school grounds.
Student Absence
Letters to request reasons for a child's absence will be sent home on a weekly basis. Please provide an explanation for the absence and sign off the letter and return it to the office as soon as possible. If you think the absence is incorrect please note this on the letter.
Parents may also open the Compass app and provide an explanation through there.
Just after 10.00am, on a school day, an alert will automatically be sent to you to advise your child has been marked absent. You can provide an absence reason via this alert as well. Thank you.
School Banking
We will advise you when school banking is once again available to our students.
Celebrations and Sharing of Food
In light of the current environment that we are living in, we 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 Frogs). We will notify you when these restrictions are lifted.
Compass App
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 students who celebrate an October birthday:-
Rihanna Abranches, Olivia Anderson, Ruby Clark,
Liam Crawford, Maya Gomez, Sophie Hailes,
Olivia Harkin, Landon Henry, Logan Hili,
Joelene Ignacio, Leo Kyselov, Zali Linden,
Jonah Montano, Harry Morell, Lilly Muscat,
Fiona Nguyen, Isobel Saywell, William Shearer,
Oskar Vagaja.
| DATE | EVENT | EVENT |
| Friday 16th October | 6M Reconciliation, 9.00am | |
| Monday 19th October | PUPIL FREE DAY | |
| Wednesday 21st October | Kindergarten Mass, 9.00am | |
| Thursday 22nd October | Year 1 Mass, 9.00am | |
| Friday 23rd October | 5M Reconciliation, 9.00am | Y4 grade visit by Father, 10.00am |
| Crazy Sock Day - Coin donation | ||
| Saturday 24th October | Holy Communion lessons begin, 4.15pm | |
| Friday 30th October | Soccer game day - coin donation | Confirmation practice, 4.15pm |
| Sunday 1st November | Confirmation, 10.00am |
From Tuesday 20th October, the Canteen will re-introduce over-the-counter sales of snacks and treats at Break 1 (11.00am - 11.30am). A price list was sent home earlier this week. Please support the Canteen in their endeavours to support our school community.
Lunch 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.
Please note: Banana Milk is no longer available for purchase.
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 0422 469 489.
Please find attached the current courses that are available to families in our community during Term 4. These courses come highly recommended and we urge you to read these brochures.
- Monitors will be present to assist and ensure required protocols and health requirements are fulfilled. Once Mass starts, the doors will be closed.
- Temperatures will be taken, as well as other protocols and health requirements.
- Face masks are not compulsory but are highly recommended.
- 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.
- You cannot gather outside the church after Mass.
- If you have attended any of the hot-spots listed on the notice board in the foyer, you must immediately self-isolate for 14 days and get tested even if you have no symptoms.
School Travel 2021
Please find attached information from the NSW Government regarding 2021 school travel applications.