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Dear Parents and Carers,
Last Tuesday, 1st November, we celebrated the Feast of All Saints, a solemnity in the life of the Church and a special day for all of us in the Church. This feast day is also linked tightly with the commemoration of All Souls' Day, and both days point clearly to our belief in the "Communion of Saints."
The most extraordinary thing about the saints is that they were ordinary people. While they were filled with passion and the Spirit inspiring them to work for the good of all, and a remarkable faith, they generally struggled with the same doubts, fears, inadequacies, and distractions that we all face. A visit to Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney, is extraordinary in its exhibition on the life of Saint Mary MacKillop, and demonstrates the reality that Mary herself was often in conflict with Church authorities and was a ‘normal person’. Her obedience and sobriety were questioned; many upstanding people had serious doubts about her cause and actively worked to undermine her schools and the sisters working in them. Mary's faith in God, herself and her personal relationship with Christ gave her the strength and tenacity to do the work she did.
As Catholics, we believe strongly that those who are in heaven, those canonised and those remaining unrecognised, intercede for us. The saints we celebrate, those who we have known and those we have read about, listen to our needs and prayers and take them on our behalf to God.
During November, we also especially pray for those who have died, to remember them, to celebrate their love, and to do all we can through our prayers to ensure that they have reached the fulfilment of heaven. We particularly remember those loved ones who have gone before us and pray for their eternal peace.
We pray for the repose of Immanuel Sojan - who passed away this week. Baby Immanuel is the younger sibling to Mathew (Y6), Faustina (Y1) and Michael (Kinder).
Eternal Rest Grant to him O Lord,
May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace - AMEN.
REMEMBRANCE DAY LITURGY - FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2.00PM ST JOCHIM HALL
The Origin and Significance of Remembrance Day
- Remembrance Day is an important day in Australia, and across the world.
- We observe one minute’s silence and hold commemorations to remember those who died or suffered in all wars, conflicts.
- Red poppies are worn, inspired by the thousands that grew across the battlefields of the Western Front.
Parents and carers are invited to join our school community for a liturgy to commemorate Remembrance Day on Friday 11 November at 2pm in the St Joachim Hall.
SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Over the next two weekends we celebrate with special significance for our school and parish community as many of our students will take the next step in their Catholic initiation. This celebration of receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the very first time, 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.
This will be reinforced as parents proudly present their children for the sacrament of Holy Communion on the weekend. 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 are also 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?” Each weekend, we commit ourselves to remembering the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Jesus gave the gift of Himself and we share in the gift of His body and blood through receiving the Eucharist. We continue to pray for the children who will receive the sacrament of Holy Communion over the coming weekend. We also pray for all children, that they may have the opportunity to continue to grow in their faith supported by their families, the parish and school community. We thank those members of our school and parish communities who have helped to prepare the students for this important next step on their journey of faith.
Jane Webb
Congratulations to MacKillop House who are the winning house for the halfway point of the term, I’m sure they enjoyed their ice block award that they received today. House points will continue to be awarded and counted throughout the rest of the term and the winning house will be announced each week at Flag Raising. In Week 10, the winning house for the term will be announced and will be awarded with a mufti day. At this point the total house points for the year will be tallied and the house to win the House Cup will be announced. The students work hard to be awarded house points by following the school rules on the playground and in the classroom, wearing the correct uniform, completing homework and borrowing from the library. Over the coming weeks the teachers will be paying particular attention to the way the students are wearing their school uniform and ensuring that they are following all aspects of the uniform policy. In particular, they will be focusing on making sure girls are wearing the correct earrings (plain gold or silver sleepers and studs only), students are wearing the correct socks and shoes on sports days (no ankle socks and sports shoes must be predominantly white) and they are following the expectations with their hair. The teachers will give students a reminder if they are not following the uniform expectations in some way but may need to contact you as parents if the problem continues. We thank you in advance for supporting us with this.
Positive Behaviours for Learning
Over the coming week our PB4L focus will be Playground 3 and the correct use of the Classroom Ball at break times. Playground 3 is the large grass area behind the Year 3 and 4 classrooms where the students can run and enjoy time with their friends. They are expected to line up beside Year 3 and wait for the teacher on duty before they walk onto the playground. The teachers will be reminding students of the out of bound areas and will focus on how the classroom ball can be used safely in a small, adjusted game, of the students choice, with up to 10 students.
Upcoming events
It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the last term of 2022. The end of the year is going to come very quickly with many special events to enjoy and celebrate a wonderful year as a school community. We have the Stage 3 Surf Day tomorrow, Year 6 Camp and the P&F Disco in Week 7, the OLHC Christmas Concert in Week 9 and Year 6 Graduation and the End of Year Mass in Week 10. My prayers are also extended to all of the students who will be making their First Holy Communion either this Sunday or next Sunday, this is a very special occasion for these students and their families.
Alison Fazio
Assistant Principal
Christmas for many of us is a time of happiness and celebration as we gather with our family and friends sharing meals, laughing and chatting as we open presents, however for people experiencing poverty and disadvantage Christmas can be a challenging time.
Over the Christmas period the St Vincent de Paul Society provides support to families through financial assistance, clothing, utilities, food hampers and gifts for children.
Hampers are received by individuals and families in our community who are doing it tough and cannot afford groceries for Christmas. By supporting Vinnies we can help a family or individual experience the joy of the festive season.
This year we are asking for donations of gifts and non perishable food items to donate to our local St Vincent De Paul charter who will deliver these items as hampers to those in our community most in need. All donations can be sent to school with your child who will add them to their class hamper.
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT PARENT SURVEY
Each year we seek parent, staff and student input to prepare aspects of the Annual School Report. This year all parents have the opportunity, via an anonymous online survey, to provide input into areas affecting the education of their children and the general functioning of the school. All feedback is greatly valued and will assist in contributing not only to the preparation of the Annual School Report but also to future directions and school improvement initiatives.
We greatly value all feedback and suggestions from our community members as contributions will assist in the preparation of the Annual School Report and planning for 2023.
Please access the survey via the following link. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. This survey will close on Friday 25th November 2022.
STUDENTS NOT RETURNING TO OLHC IN 2023
If parents are aware that their child/ren will not be returning to Our Lady Help of Christians in 2023, we request that this information be provided to the school office as soon as possible.
This information will assist us with accommodating both new applications and students who are currently on our waiting list.
Please send an email to info@olhcdow.catholic.edu.au if your child/ren will not be returning to the OLHC school community in 2023.
CLASS PLACEMENT 2023
Term 4 is the time when we complete the 2022 school year as well as prepare for 2023. One of the major tasks this term is to prepare classes for 2023. Teachers and staff members utilise their professional expertise in making decisions, seeking to create equitable class groupings considering all students.
Please note - this applies to Year One and Year Five 2023 that will be regrouped.
All other grades (Kinder, Year Two, Year Three, Year Four and Year Six will be single stream for 2023).
Optimising the learning environment is the prime focus when forming new class groups for 2023, not forming friendship groups. The aim is to provide classes in which each child is able to continue to develop to their full potential.
If there is a particular issue regarding your child’s optium learning for 2023, please write to Mrs Webb, via email, stating your concerns and requests. You are invited to be proactive rather than reactive.
Please note that this is not an opportunity to request individual teachers, but an opportunity to state a particular issue that might impact on your child’s learning in 2023. All requests will be considered but NOT NECESSARILY GUARANTEED.
Please send your email requests to info@olhcdow.catholic.edu.au , using Class Placement 2023 as the subject line, marked to the attention of Mrs Webb by Friday 18th November 2022. Further requests regarding class placement will not take place after this date.
EVACUATION DRILLS
The school is required to conduct an evacuation drill on an annual basis.
During an 'Evacuation Drill, students will be safely escorted along a designated evacuation route to our pre-determined evacuation site. The grass area, in front of the St Anne Hall, is the designated evacuation area.
At the conclusion of the drill, all students will be escorted back to their classrooms. We want each student to understand and be aware of the importance of this drill and not be afraid when the alarm is sounded. By practising they will know what to do and how to do it in the event of an actual emergency.
LOCKDOWN DRILLS
The school must conduct at least one 'Lockdown Drill' throughout each school year. This type of drill will secure the school building and safely shelter all students, staff and visitors inside the building. The purpose of this drill is to keep the students safe from any danger outside or inside the building. During a 'lockdown drill' all the perimeter doors to the school building will be locked and will remain locked until the danger or issue outside or inside the building is removed. To enable everyone to remain safe, no one will be allowed to enter the building or leave the building until the drill is completed.
In the event of an actual emergency, to maintain the safety of everyone involved and to maintain order, we respectfully ask that you abide by the following:
Do not come to the school site
- Do not call the school offices (as we will be busy with the drill or actual emergency)
- Do not contact students or staff members via mobile phone or social media (as they will be busy with the drill or actual emergency)
- Avoid social media posts. Correct information will be disseminated through the Compass system as soon as possible.
- Please make sure that your contact information is current at all times so that you can be reached without delay in the event of an emergency.
- In the event of an actual emergency, you will receive notification about where to pick up your child as soon as practicable.
Please remember that these safety practice drills are done to help maintain our schools as a safe place to learn and work. Please discuss these procedures with your child.
PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES BY INSTALMENT – NEW FAMILIES TO OUR SCHOOL
School Fees are invoiced as an annual account, due for payment in full 30 days after invoicing. However, many families elect to pay their school fees by regular instalments and as a new family to our school, we would like to offer you this option. If wish to take up this offer, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office. On completion of the request, either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit at the school office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2023 school fees. Your school fee statements are emailed to you and they will provide a list of scheduled payments and their due date.
IMPORTANT: Please note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same frequency of payment e.g. weekly, fortnightly, etc.
EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITH INSTALMENTS
If you are currently paying by instalments there is no need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment as your request carries over from year to year unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments e.g. weekly to fortnightly
EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITHOUT INSTALMENTS
If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2023 and have previously not taken up this option for payment, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office. On completion of the request either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit at the school office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2023 school fees. Your school fee statement will provide a list of scheduled payments and their due date depending on the frequency you have chosen e.g. Fortnightly, Monthly, etc.
IMPORTANT: Please note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same frequency of payment eg Weekly, fortnightly, etc.
ASSEMBLY
Our next Assembly will be held on Friday 18 November 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:
Ollie Marshall 2M, Rose
LOST PROPERTY
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:
| Thurs 10 November | Mass at 9.00am - 6M attending |
| Friday 11 November |
Reconciliation - 3M Fr Sarkis visit to Year 3 Remembrance Day - Liturgy 2pm in the Hall, parents welcome Surf Day - Year 5 & 6 |
| Sunday 13 November | First Holy Communion |
| Monday 14 November | Kinder to Year 4 swimming program |
| Tuesday 15 November | Proposed Industrial Action 8.30am to 9.30am |
| Wed 16 November | Mass at 9.00am - 3M attending |
| Thurs 17 November | Mass at 9.00am - 6W attending |
| Friday 18 November |
Reconciliation - 4W Fr Sarkis visit to Year 2 |
| Sunday 20 November | First Holy Communion |
| Monday 21 November | Kinder to Year 4 swimming program |
| Mon 21 November to Wed 23 November | Year 6 Camp - Wedderburn |
| Wed 23 November | Mass at 9.00am - 2M attending |
| Thurs 24 November |
Mass at 9.00am - KM attending Kinder to Year 2 - P&F Disco 5pm - 6pm Year 3 to Year 6 - P&F Disco 6pm - 7pm |
| Friday 25 November |
Reconciliation - 5M Fr Sarkis visit to Year 6 |
| Mon 28 November | Staff Spirituality Day - NO school for students |
| Wed 30 November | Mass at 9.00am - Year 6 attending |
| Thurs 1 December | Mass at 9.00am - Year 4 attending |
| Friday 2 December |
Benediction at 11.40am - Year 3 & Year 5 attending Co-curricular Assembly |
| Monday 5 December | Kinder to Year 4 swimming program |
| Wed 7 December | Mass at 9.00am - 5M attending |
| Thursday 8 December |
Mass at 9.00am - 1M attending Christmas Concert 6.30pm - John Therry High School Hall |
| Monday 12 December | Kinder to Year 4 swimming program |
| Wed 14 December | Year 6 Graduation Mass 5.00pm |
| Friday 16 December |
End of Year Mass 9.30am Students Last Day of Term 4 |
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.
