Second Sunday of Lent

Last Sunday at Mass, we heard from the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9, where the friends of Jesus saw a glimpse of his humanity and divinity.

“Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray.

As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning”. 

This would have caused Peter, John and James to see Jesus in a different way, unlike they had ever really seen him before. They were probably left somewhat confused and amazed. They also heard a voice at that time saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to Him”. This glimpse into the relationship between Jesus and God would have enabled Peter, John and James to see the deep connection between the two. This confirmed the deep interconnection between God and Jesus. At our baptism we also become children of God. We too are called to be in relationship with God and Jesus.

The Gospel of Matthew challenges us to our own moments of transfiguration, when we are called to see others in a different light as Jesus would. This is not an easy road to take as we need to perhaps shown forgiveness, compassion and understanding. Through the example of Jesus we are challenged to see glimpses of divinity in the everyday human moments of our lives. Jesus himself experienced moments of abandonment and isolation, just as we sometimes do.

The Gospel also reminds us that we never journey alone. Like Jesus, we have companions who are with us through all the ups and downs that life can bring. We also need to remain open to experience moments of transfiguration in the ordinary moments that can change into the extra-ordinary with the help of Jesus.

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been wonderful to welcome parents and carers back onto the school grounds after the past two years living with revised drop off and pick up arrangements due to the pandemic. During this time, as you can appreciate, the staff of OLHC  have had to be very flexible and adjust quickly to changing directives that have had an impact on the operation of the school.

I am very grateful to the staff for ensuring the safety of students at all times. Staff have revisited with students the expectations around the routines before and after school.

When waiting to pick up your child in the afternoon, it is appreciated if parents can wait near the flag pole area. This ensures that the students in Kindergarten are able to be dismissed in a safe manner. Your ongoing support is appreciated and we look forward to the planning of school events where parents are able to attend.

WELCOME BACK MRS HICKEY

This week we have warmly welcomed Mrs Hickey back to OLHC after a period of leave. Mrs Hickey is currently providing support to both Kinder White and Kinder Maroon, she is supporting guided reading groups and group work . Mrs Dryden will remain teaching Kinder Maroon for the remainder of Term One. It is wonderful to have Mrs Hickey back with us.

MANAGING COMPLAINTS

From time to time, parents may have an issue with something that occurs in the classroom or within the school community. Initially, these concerns should be addressed with your child’s class teacher directly. This can be raised by making an appointment to see your child’s teacher or by sending a message requesting that the teacher contact you. However, if the issue is not adequately addressed at this point, it is recommended that the concern be addressed through a member of the school leadership team. This can either be achieved by making an appointment at the school office or by contacting Mrs Fazio or myself.

In the case that a satisfactory outcome is unable to be achieved, a formal process is available for complaints handling. Our school has aligned its approach to complaints handling using the model proposed in the Diocesan Complaints Handling procedure. 

For details please consult the following CEO website for more information: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/safety-and-wellbeing/concerns-complaints/

2023 ENROLMENT APPLICATIONS

Applications for 2023 are now available for downloading from the CEO website.

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/for-parents/enrolment/?ref=quicklinks

These applications need to be returned, along with supporting documentation by Friday 8 April 2022 (last day of Term One). 

Supporting documentation that needs to be provided includes -

• Copy of birth certificate

• Copy of Baptism certificate

• Copy of Immunisation record

• Proof of Address

Interviews will be held next term with Fr Sarkis and Mrs Webb. 

Please let family and friends know that the enrolment period has commenced for Kindergarten 2023.

LUNCH ORDERS ON FRIDAYS DURING LENT

As we are now in the Liturgical season of Lent, parents are reminded that in keeping with Lenten traditions, meat is not consumed on Fridays during Lent.

Therefore, parents are encouraged to not order meat as part of lunch orders on Fridays during Lent. If meat is ordered, your child will be asked to choose an alternative. Thank you for your support.

DRINK BOTTLES AT SCHOOL

As the school bubblers are still non-operational due to current COVID Smart Measures all students are encouraged to bring a labelled drink bottle with water to school each day. These drink bottles are also able to go out onto the playgrounds at break times so that students can have a drink during the break.

Jane Webb 

PRINCIPAL