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1. Staffing 2021 (Information)
2. School Leaders 2021 (Information)
3. End of Year Celebrations (Religious Education)
4. Annual School Report Survey (Information)
5. St Vincent de Paul donations (Religious Education)
6. Swimming Permission Notes - Years 2-5 (Sport)
7. Uniforms required for clothing pool (P&F)
When the Son of Man comes in glory, may we be among those who have fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger and clothed the naked. For Jesus tells us clearly that it is those who have demonstrated good stewardship by sharing their gifts with the less fortunate who will receive God's blessing and inherit the Kingdom.
Last weekend, we celebrated the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the last Sunday in Ordinary Time before Advent commences next weekend.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that we will be judged on only one thing: the acts of mercy we have shown to the least among us. Jesus identifies with the least ones; thus we serve Jesus whenever we serve one of the least ones. The Church calls the actions that Jesus described in today’s Gospel the Corporal Works of Mercy. These works are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to bury the dead, to shelter the homeless, to visit the sick and imprisoned, and to give alms to the poor. In these actions we show God’s compassion and mercy to those in need.
Whenever we show an act of mercy to another person, we show mercy to Jesus himself.
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is difficult to believe that this is the second last school newsletter for the 2020 school year. This year has seen unprecedented changes due to the COVID pandemic. The staff of OLHC are most appreciative of your ongoing support, and continued understanding during this time.
Next Sunday 29th November, we will enter the season of Advent, a time of expectation and preparation. Advent also allows us the opportunity to reflect as we await the joy that Christmas brings. As the year comes to an end we look back with gratitude on the lives that we lead. Gratitude is the virtue of being able to receive and give thanks.
Gratitude is something that helps to define goodness. It also helps us to develop in maturity of our faith. We are mature to the degree that we are grateful. Theologian, Ron Rolheiser, writes about gratitude. He describes gratitude as an element that leads us to mature discipleship. He goes on to describe the essential components that that we should be recognising as we are mature in our discipleship.
The first of these is Forgiveness. Sometimes the greatest struggle that we can have as mature people is to forgive. To forgive those who have hurt us, forgive ourselves for our own shortcomings, and forgive God for seemingly hanging us out to dry in this world. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to not allow ourselves to die with a bitter, unforgiving heart.
Secondly, we need to Live in Gratitude. To be a saint is to be powered by gratitude. We need to be gracious always. By being at peace with God, by praying and by recognising the holiness in others we live in gratitude.
Next we need to Become ever-wider in our embrace. We grow in maturity when we are able to define and recognise those whom we may have previously discriminated against or, have been less compassionate towards, as people who are warmed by the same sun as us and who God loves just as much.
Finally, we need to Stand where we stand and let God protect us. In the end, we are all vulnerable, contingent, and helpless both to protect our loved ones and ourselves. We cannot guarantee life, safety, salvation, or forgiveness for ourselves or for those we love. Maturity depends upon accepting this with trust rather than anxiety. We can only do our best, whatever our place in life, wherever we stand, whatever our limits, whatever our shortcomings, and trust that this is enough, that if we die at our post, honest, doing our duty, God will do the rest.
Asking God’s blessings upon you and your families during the season of Advent,
Jane Webb
Principal
Here we are almost to the end of Week 7, with only two and a half weeks of our 2020 school year to go and what a year it has been! As we head towards the end of the year there is still a lot to look forward to. We have the rest of our 2021 captains to be finalised, Year 6 are going on camp this week, End of Year Mass and presentations as well as Year 6 graduation and our promotions afternoon when the students will find out their new teacher for next year and their new class. I’m sure with so much still ahead of us the next couple of weeks will just fly by.
The teachers are currently finalising their Semester 2 reports. Once again these will be released to you digitally, via Compass, at the end of Week 9 on Friday 11th December. This report is a reflection of what your child has achieved during Term 3 and Term 4. They will also highlight some points to focus on as "Areas of Growth" in both English and Maths.
Christmas time is an ideal opportunity to replace uniforms and other school items. If you are replacing your child’s bag, we ask that you purchase a school bag, not a generic one. The school bag was introduced a number of years ago and it is now compulsory that all students have an OLHC bag. Please also keep in mind that joggers must be predominantly white. If grandparents, or other family members are purchasing these items, we ask that you let them know of our school uniform policy.
It was a pleasure to join our Year 3 students and their families on Sunday at their First Holy Communion Mass. Whilst things were a little different, due to the current directives and restrictions in place, it was a beautiful Mass and very reverent. I hope the students enjoyed and will always remember this very special day.
End of Year Celebrations
The following COVID directives have been given to Wollongong Diocese schools in relation to end of year celebrations;
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Whole-school assemblies and liturgies may be held from 12th November with students seated in their stage (primary). Where possible they should be held outdoors and limited to the minimum necessary duration. Parents/carers are still not permitted to attend.
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Schools may hold Masses for students, subject to the following conditions:
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The Mass must not exceed 60 minutes
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Masses must be limited to students and staff only
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All DOW parish directives must be adhered to and the total number of students and staff must not exceed the 4sqm limit
While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to have parents attend the end of year Mass this year, we are thankful that the directives have eased to allow us to celebrate as a staff and student community. In line with the COVID directives we are able to have 220 staff and students gather for Mass on Friday 11th December. Father Sarkis will preside over a Mass for Years 2-6 in the morning and a Liturgy for Kinder and Year 1 after Break 1. We are very grateful that Father Sarkis is able to accommodate us in two groups and that we are able to join together in our faith to give thanks to God for the school year.
At 2.00pm on Friday 11th December we will farewell all leaving staff and students at an assembly on the basketball courts. This will be followed by the guard of honour. K-5 students will form the guard of honour which Year 6 will walk through and meet only Year 6 parents (socially distanced) near the flag poles. No grandparents or older siblings are permitted on the school grounds. Only Year 6 parents who have completed the necessary COVID declarations will be permitted to attend this event. Year 6 parents will be provided with more information regarding this event in the coming days.
Vinnies Hampers
Thank you for your generous donations to the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Hampers. Tomorrow, Friday 27th November, is the last day students can bring in items as we will be delivering the hampers to our local St Vincent De Paul on Monday.
Year 6 Graduation
Year 6 will have their Graduation Mass on Thursday December 10th. The Mass will be followed by dinner at the Catholic Club for students. We wish Year 6 all the best for their graduation.
Natasha Ferderer
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Annual School Report - Parent Survey 2020
Each year it is important to take time to reflect and provide feedback in order to plan for improvements for the following year. In 2020 we have faced many challenges and disruptions to our normal operations and in many ways we have been unable to operate as we normally would have.
We greatly value all feedback and suggestions as it will assist in the preparation of the Annual School Report and contribute to in planning for 2021.
Click below to access the link to the survey, or alternatively you can complete a hard copy of the survey that is located at the school office.
The survey will close, tomorrow, Friday 27th November. Thank you for your constructive feedback and input.
First Holy Communion - Sunday 22nd November
Last weekend was a special celebration for our school and our parish as our students took the next step in their Catholic initiation. The reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the very first time for these younger parishioners brings many blessings to our community. It is also a sign of great hope that our 2000+year faith continues to be handed down from one generation to the next. It is a great privilege to witness the love and support parents provide to their children on a daily basis, through the day-to-day life of our school. On the weekend, this was reinforced as parents proudly presented their children for the sacrament of Holy Communion.
At Baptism many of the children would have been babies and would have been carried by their parents. Now a few years later they are able to walk independently towards their next sacramental milestone. As parents, each time our child takes another step in their faith journey we are certainly proud, but we should also be challenged to remember the enormous responsibility of our role as the first educators of the faith. Just as we have a responsibility to nourish our children’s bodies through a healthy diet, so we must also nourish their faith by providing opportunities to practice the rituals and actions in the context of our parish community on a regular basis. As the old saying goes, “You are what we eat.” This might be the case for our bodies, but it is also certainly true for our spiritual life. If we are what we eat, then what is currently feeding our spiritual life and that of our children?
When Jesus celebrated his last supper with his disciples he asked them to “Do this in memory of me.” Regularly celebrating mass within a community of faith and being nourished spiritually by the Eucharist is certainly the source and summit of our faith. But what else did Jesus mean when he said “Do this in memory of me?” What are the implications of the word this? What are we are called to do and to be in our families, our school, our community and our world?
Sunday was a wonderful opportunity for our school and parish to join together in supporting the students on the next important step of their faith commitment.
School and Vice Captains 2021
Congratulations are extended to the following students on being elected by their peers and staff as school leaders in 2021 –
William Shearer and Emerson Hickey - School Captains
Luke Siroki and Mary Camilleri - Vice Captains
We know that these students will be outstanding representatives and leaders of our OLHC school community in 2021.
Year 6 Camp - Wedderburn Christian Campsite
Best wishes are extended to our Year Six students who will be attending camp from Wednesday 25th November to Friday 27th November. We are also grateful to the staff members who will provide supervision and support to students during this time – Mrs Cotterill, Miss Brocklehurst, Mr Vincent and Mrs Gardner.
We are very appreciative to these staff members for the planning and preparation that goes into camp as well as having time away from their own families in order to supervise students.
We are sure that the Year 6 students will have a wonderful experience and make many lasting memories.
Year 6 Orientation Day - John Therry Catholic College (JTCC)
Our Year 6 students, who have enrolled in JTCC for 2021, are attending their Orientation Day on Friday 4th December. If it is more convenient for parents and care-givers, you may drop your child to OLHC school at their normal time and then all students will be escorted up to the John Therry car-park at 9.00am. Parents and care-givers will, however, have to make arrangements to pick up their child from John Therry at 2.20pm. Students are to wear their sport uniform, with hat, bring their morning tea - lunch will be provided.
We wish them an exciting, interesting and successful day.
Staffing
We wish to congratulate the following staff members who will be continuing at OLHC in 2021 –
Alicia Zoccoli, Miriam Reid, Emma Cavallaro and Kyle Myerscough.
We also congratulate new staff who will be joining our community and look forward to welcoming Sabrina Nowak and Patricia Coffey in 2021. A complete staff list for 2021 will be provided in the final newsletter.
We are certainly blessed at OLHC to have passionate educators who are involved in contributing to the ongoing education of our students. We are grateful to all our staff for the contributions they make on a daily basis to make a positive difference in the lives of our students.
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:
Sienna Dowds (KM - Sarkis), Isabella Drake (6M - Ingham),
Matthew Kleeman (3W - MacKillop), Jackson Marten (3W - Sarkis).
Assembly & Co-curricular Awards
Congratulations to the following students who will be receiving a Principal's Award at our next Assembly on Friday 4th December. Merit Awards and Co-curricular Awards will also be presented at this Assembly. Unfortunately, parents and care-givers will not be able to attend.
Selam Besatu (2M), George Botrous (KM), Annabelle Chakar (KM),
Kon Kon Chol (4M), Braxton Clark (3W), Jye Dickens (4W),
Elizabeth Lisita-Cocheci (6M), Amou Malek (5M),
Aleesha McVittie (2W), Gervayse Smith (5M), Samuel Shaji (2M),
Sancia Soares (2M), Peyton Thorpe-Slifer (2W).
Congratulations
Welcome to our world Ashton Michael Meoushy, born Friday 13th November - a loved brother to Andre (2M), Amelia (1M) and Antonio (K 2021). Best wishes to proud parents, Jason and Cleemonce.
Before and After School Care (Camp Australia)
Camp Australia has successfully provided before (6.30am-8.30am) and after school care (2.45pm-6.00pm) for the past few years to students at our school. This service is now open to all children, regardless of where they attend school. Fur further information go to www.campaustralia.com.au or ring 1300 105 343.
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
Seesaw
Earlier in the term, students shared a Literacy work sample via their Seesaw account. I would like to thank all the parents who have connected to their child’s Seesaw Family account and provided feedback to their children. It was great to see the number of parents comment on their child’s work.
This week, students will share their final sample of work with parents via Seesaw. Last term, your personalised Seesaw QR code was sent home with your child, if you require another QR code please contact your child’s classroom teacher and they will print out a new one for you.
Facebook
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 for our OLHC Facebook page.
Alana Stroligo
Representation
Robbie Barrett-Vizcaino (5M) represented OLHC at the Tennis trials for the Wollongong Diocese on Tuesday 17th November. He demonstrated great sportsmanship and endurance while playing back to back matches over 4 hours. He is to be commended on his amazing efforts at the trials, he made OLHC very proud.
Swimming Carnival
2021 Swimming Carnival permission notes have been sent home to current students in Years 2-5. Permission notes were sent via Compass so please ensure you check your notifications and emails. Notes need to be completed and returned by Friday 27th of November. If you require support with locating and completing the permission slip please contact the school office.
The Canteen is open for over-the-counter sales of snacks and treats at Break 1 (11.00am - 11.30am). A price list is attached. Please support the Canteen in their endeavours to support our school community.
Lunch orders are required 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.
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.
| DATE | EVENT | EVENT | EVENT |
| Friday 27th November | Year 6 Camp | Year 3 Reconciliation, 9.00am | Year 2 grade visit by Father, 10.00am |
| Vinnies hamper donations due | |||
| Monday 30th November | Kinder immersion, 1.15-2.30m | ||
| Wednesday 2nd December | 2M to Mass, 9.00am | Kinder immersion, 1.15-2.30pm | |
| Thursday 3rd December | 5M to Mass, 9.00am | Kinder immersion, 1.15-2.30pm | |
| Friday 4th December | John Therry Catholic College Orientation Day (Year 6) | Year 4 Benediction, 11.40am | Assembly and Co-curricular Award Presentations |
| Monday 7th December | Canteen lunch orders due | ||
| Tuesday 8th December | Kinder immersion, 1.15-2.30pm | ||
| Wednesday 9th December | 5W to Mass, 9.00am | Canteen lunch day | |
| Thursday 10th December | Kinder immersion, 1.15-2.30pm | Year 6 Graduation Mass, 5.00pm | Year 6 Graduation Dinner (Students and staff only) |
| Friday 11th December | End of Year Mass, (Students and staff only) | 2.00pm - Staff and student farewells, Guard of Honour | |
| Wednesday 16th December | Last day of term for students | ||
| Thursday 28th January 2021 | Students in Years 1-6 return |
P&F Meeting
The next P&F Meeting will be held on Monday 7th December at 7.30pm in the staff-room (depending on numbers attending). We look forward to welcoming parents and care-givers back to school for these meetings.
Clothing Pool
If any parent or care-giver is needing an item of uniform clothing please email or telephone the office and they will try and fulfil your requirements.
The Clothing Pool is in urgent need of uniforms in sizes 8, 10 and 12 in boys and girls summer and winter uniforms. Please consider donating any uniform piece that your child has outgrown. Thank you.
- 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.