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Stewardship thought....
In the Gospel, the disciples suggest that Jesus disperse the crowd so that
they might individually seek food and lodging. The miracle of the feeding of the
five thousand is Jesus’ powerful reminder that when we share our gifts in His name there is always more than enough!
Dear Parents / Carers,
Last weekend we celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi or the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. This feast celebrates the great mystery that is the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. In this week of 'The Body and Blood of Christ’ we are called to reflect on our personal and communal commitment to this greatest and most mysterious of gifts - the Eucharist. It is, as Vatican II tells us, “The source and summit of our Christian life.”
As a school community we are certainly fortunate to be able to celebrate this great gift on a regular basis through our school masses. This would not be possible without the generosity of Fr Sarkis. The students have now returned to celebrating with the Eucharistic Parish community at weekday masses. This provides an opportunity for the students to be connected to the broader Church community. We are indeed very blessed that the students at OLHC are regularly able to join together with the parish community and celebrate the great gift of the Eucharist as one community of faith.
The gospel on Sunday recounted the story of the ‘Feeding of the Five Thousand’. The gospel writers must have known how important this story was, for it is in fact, the only event in Jesus' public ministry to be recorded in each of the four gospels. This story is essentially about being challenged to do more with less and can’t we all relate to that! It is also the story of how the meagre resources of 5 loaves and 2 fish, were distributed for the good of everyone. The miracle of the story in the feeding the five thousand may have less to do with Jesus’ multiplying what was available, and more to do with his ability to challenge strangers to share and contribute, whatever little they may have had. Perhaps it all revolved around Jesus’ ability to ‘welcome the crowds’ and inspire them with the image of what the ‘kingdom of God’ could really be like. The real transformation then, was not of the loaves and fish, but of five thousand selfish hearts. If the story of the feeding of the five thousand can teach us anything, it can teach us that whatever little we may have to offer, if we are each willing to contribute there is usually enough to go around and often more than expected. What miracles God can do in and through each of us!
READING YOUR CHILD'S SEMESTER ONE REPORT
Semester One Academic Reports were sent out to families via COMPASS yesterday, Wednesday 22 June 2022.
Before reading your child's report we invite you to take a couple of minutes to watch the clip below from Michael Grose who is founder of Parenting Ideas and one of Australia’s leading parenting educators.
https://youtu.be/QQcsjQTyhs8
Michael says that the last report may be used as a benchmark. This is true not necessarily to compare the grades from previous reports (remember they are a point in time report) but rather the broad view of the report - specifically: socially, attitudes to learning and behaviour.
Be mindful that your child will operate differently to his/her siblings or friends. It is important to take a broad view of learning - not all learning is academic and your child’s commitment to their learning is extremely important to their success.
When giving feedback to your child try to ensure that they take on some of the responsibility of learning. You can’t learn for them and neither can their teacher/s.
So:
- Be mindful of their confidence levels
- Be honest with them and positive about what they have achieved
- Be constructive - make plans with them about their improvement. Ask them where they feel they need to improve. They will surprise you!
- Be inclusive: make sure they are involved in the conversation. Children need to be challenged in their learning but with high support.
Lastly, utilise the Parent Teacher interviews next week as an opportunity to hear more about your child and their learning. Bookings for interviews can be made via COMPASS. If you need any assistance in making an interview booking please contact the school office.
A reminder that as the first day of school for Term 3 is a pupil free day - we look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 19 July 2022.
Jane Webb
PRINCIPAL
Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews
The Semester One reports for Years 1-6 were released to parents via Compass yesterday. Please take this opportunity to congratulate your child for all their hard work so far this year and for what they have achieved. Also reflect together on areas for improvement during Semester Two. Parent Teacher Interviews for the whole school, including Kindergarten, will take place next week from Monday - Wednesday. The booking system in Compass will remain open, for you to book a time with your child’s teacher, until Friday evening at 6pm.
House Points
Congratulations to Sarkis House for being the winning house for the 2022 Athletics Carnival. A huge thank you to Mrs Cotterill and Mr Myerscough for their organisation of this carnival and for following up on any missed events back at school so that we were able to finalise and hand out the ribbons at last week’s assembly. Any House Points awarded in the classroom or on the playground this week will be added to this House Point total and the winning House colour for the term will be announced next Monday. This house will be awarded a mufti day next week. There are many ways that the students can get a house point like following the school rules (Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be An Active Learner), participation at Sporting events, completing homework, wearing the correct uniform and borrowing from the library. Points are also awarded to parent helpers when we have a sporting event like the Athletics Carnival.
Winter Uniform
The students will continue to wear their winter uniform throughout Term 3. The boy’s school uniform includes the long grey pants, grey socks, long white shirt with the school emblem on the pocket and the school tie. The school tie is compulsory for both boys and girls on the days that their school uniform is to be worn. The school jumper is worn over the school uniform for both boys and girls to provide extra warmth. The sports uniform is the same for both boys and girls with the school tracksuit available to provide extra warmth on sports days during winter. Please remember that ankle socks are not to be worn to school and all students must wear white sports socks on sports days. Outer jackets (parkas) may be worn but must be removed in the classroom. Scarves and gloves may also be worn to and from school to provide extra warmth. Similarly, these must be removed throughout the day and must be of school colours (maroon or grey). Thank you for your continued support in following the school uniform policy, the students certainly wear their uniform with pride.
Wishing you and your families some time to rest together over the school holiday break. Thank you to all of the staff for their continued hard work and for all they have achieved this term.
Alison Fazio
Assistant Principal
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Semester One Parent/Teacher interviews will take place next week, Week 10, for all students from Kindergarten – Year Six.
This is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to work together in partnership to support student learning. The focus of these interviews will be to discuss the Semester One Report.
Parents are invited to book an appointment time to discuss their child's achievements and areas for growth during the first two terms of the year.
Please be mindful that each interview is scheduled for ten minutes in duration. If you require an extended time to discuss your child's learning, this will need to be held outside of these scheduled meeting times.
Bookings are now open in COMPASS under your child's profile with the heading Book Parent Student Teacher Conference and will close on Friday 24 June 2022 at 6pm.
If you are using the COMPASS app on your phone, you may need to press the 'more' symbol
then choose Open in Browser from the menu.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE & ABSENCES
It is most important that students attend school unless there exists a genuine reason for absence, such as sickness. It is also most important that students attend school for the full school day. Whilst the first 10 minutes of school or the last 20 minutes of the school day may seem unimportant to parents, it is during these times that students are instructed of the essential routines and guides of the school day that help to create productive learning environments.
As parents, you are urged to ensure your child/ren arrive at school on time and stay for the complete school day every day of the week.
Below is an outline of the processes the school will use to follow up extended absences from school. As a systemic primary school within the Wollongong Diocese, Our Lady Help of Christians adheres to the School Attendance Guidelines and Procedures of the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong.
As such, the following process will be used to support the regular attendance of students at school.
Step 1: 3 - 4 days absent
- Phone call to parents by classroom teacher (if required ).
- Follow up with letter to parents if absences continue - arrange meeting with parents to discuss.
- Review situation for the following week.
Step 2: 7 - 14 days absent
- Regular phone call to parents re attendance.
- Registered letter to parents re attendance.
- Referral to school counsellor/Family Support.
- Meeting with school Principal.
- Head of School Services to be informed.
Step 3: 14 - 21 days absent
- Inform Head of School Services.
- Regular contact to parents.
- School informs Catholic Education Office.
- Meeting with school Principal and Head of School Service (Action Plan agreed on and review date set).
- Registered letter to parents.
Step 4: 22+ days absent
- Head of School Service with Principal to determine Action Plan.
Step 5: Above 30 days absent
- Report ‘education neglect’ (i.e., habitual absence or not enrolled) to Department Communities and Justice (DCJ)
- Letter to parents from Head of School Services advising that the system has reported to Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) or if not enrolled, also reported to Department of Education and Communities (DEC). If there are any concerns for the child’s wellbeing, normal child protection procedures apply - this can be made any time during the above procedure.
STAFFING NEWS
At the conclusion of this term we will farewell Ms Monique Mort who has been at OLHC since the commencement of the school year.
Ms Mort has taught Physical Education with students in Kinder, Year Four, Year Five and Year Six.
We thank Ms Mort for the contributions that she has made to our Our Lady Help of Christians community and wish her well for the future.
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
Individual Photograph Envelopes were sent home on Monday. Once you have placed your online order or cash order, please send the completed envelopes back to school. Sibling Envelopes are available at the School Office.
LOST PROPERTY
Our lost property basket is full, please label your child's jacket, jumper and hats so that we are able to return misplaced items to them.
LOGGING STUDENT ABSENCES
It is important that when your child is absent from school to complete their absence in COMPASS.
Under you childs photo you will see
Click on Add Attendance Note and the Attendance Note Editor will appear,
add the reason from the drop down box
then add Details/Comment
For example
Doctor as confirmed tonsillitis.
Has been coughing all night, negative RAT test.
Stomach ache.
Make sure the date is correct and you can Add Attachments - a Doctors certificate (if applicable).
ABSENCES NOT COMPLETED WITHIN 7 DAYS
AS PREVIOUSLY NOTIFIED *PLEASE READ*
The NSW Education Act (1990) and Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) require Parents/Carers to ensure that children of compulsory school age attend school on each day that the school is open for instruction. If children are absent from school, Parents/Carers are required to provide the school with an acceptable explanation, within seven days of the absence.
After seven days, absences will automatically be recorded as Absent - unexplained / unjustified if the school is not provided with an acceptable explanation from Parents/Carers. Parents wishing to provide the school with an acceptable explanation after the seven day period, will need to contact the school and the school will adjust the attendance register. Parents will no longer be able to enter the absence through the parental portal in Compass after the seven day period.
ASSEMBLY
Our next Assembly will be held on Friday 1 July 2022. Merit and Principal Awards will be presented. Congratulations to the following students who will be receiving a Principal's Award.
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:
IF YOU NEED A UNIFORM ITEM AND ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON, PLEASE EMAIL THE SCHOOL info@olhcdow.catholic.edu.au with item and size required and we will send it home with your child if the item is available.
COMPASS
Having trouble getting on to COMPASS? - try installing the updates on the App. Another idea is to uninstall the App and reinstall. If you are still experiencing access issues, please call the school office.
To visit the school Facebook page, please click on the link below. When you see something you like on our Facebook page, please "like" us
www.facebook.com/olhc.rosemeadow
eSAFETY WEBSITE
This website provides online safety basics. Help your children safely navigate their digital world and educate them to avoid harmful online experiences. Explore websites, games, apps and social media together and set some rules. We urge parents to take the time to look at this site by visiting:
| Thursday 23 June | Parish Mass - 9.00 am - 3M attending |
| Friday 24 June |
6W Reconciliation Year 4 Class visit - Fr Sarkis |
| Monday 27 to Wed 29 June | Parent Teacher Interviews |
| Friday 1 July |
Year 6 & Year 4 Benediction Assembly - 2.00pm St Joachim Hall, Parents welcome to attend Last day of Term 2 |
| Monday 18 July | Staff Professional Learning - NO school for students |
| Tuesday 19 July | Students return for Term 3 |
| Tuesday 26 July | Sts Anne & Joachim Feast Day |
| Wednesday 27 July | Grandparents Day |
| Thursday 28 July | School Photographs |
| Friday 29 July | Soccer Gala Day |
| Monday 1 August |
Year 4 Religious Literacy Assessment P&F Meeting 7.30pm in the Library |
| Friday 5 August | Western Region Athletics Carnival |
| Monday 8 August | St Mary MacKillop Feast Day |
| Monday 15 August | Assumption of Mary |
| Wed 17 August | ICAS - English |
| Thursday 18 August | Mass with Bishop Brian |
| Wed 24 August | ICAS - Science |
| Wed 31 August | ICAS - Maths |
| Thurs 1 September | World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation |
| Sunday 4 September | Father's Day |
| Thurs 8 September |
Our Lady's Birthday RU Okay day |
| Sat 10 September | P&F Bunnings BBQ - Campbelltown |
| Thurs 15 September | Basketball Gala Day - Year 3 & Year 4 |
| Friday 16 September | Basketball Gala Day - Year 5 & Year 6 |
| Mon 19 September | Activate Fire program - Year 6 attending |
| Friday 23 September | Last Day of Term 3 |
| Sunday 2 October | Daylight savings commences |
| Monday 10 October | First day of Term 4 |
| Thursday 20 to Friday 21 October | Year 5 Canberra Excursion |
| Friday 28 October | World Teacher's Day |
| Tuesday 1 November | All Saints Day |
| Wed 2 November | All Souls Day |
| Friday 11 November |
Remembrance Day Surf Day - Year 5 & 6 |
| Mon 21 November to Wed 23 November | Year 6 Camp - Wedderburn |
| Mon 28 November | Staff Spirituality Day - NO school for students |
| Wed 14 December | Year 6 Graduation Mass 5.00pm |
| Friday 16 December | Students Last Day of Term 4 |
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
On Friday we had the opportunity to acknowledge the amazing effort of all students who participated in our Athletics Carnival. Well done to all competitors for their sportsmanship and enthusiasm not only at the carnival in Term 1, but also as they completed the remaining events throughout Term 2.
A big congratulations goes to the winning house, SARKIS!
We would also like to acknowledge and thank all the parent helpers who assisted at the carnival, 10 house points have been awarded to each helper, the smooth running of these events would not possible without your continued support.
NETBALL AND SOCCER GALA DAYS
It is with regret that we inform you that CEO Wollongong Sport, has made the difficult decision to cancel both the Netball and Soccer Gala Days for 2022.
NEXT MEETING
FUNDRAISING: BUNNINGS BBQ - SAVE THE DATE!
There will be a Bunnings BBQ fundraiser at Campbelltown Bunnings on Saturday 10 September 2022. Volunteers are needed to help run the fundraiser, if you are able to give a couple of hours of your time and/or any butchers or bakers able to assist with supplies, please let us know.
The Canteen is open for lunch orders and 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.
