OLHC News Issue 38 Term 4 Week 9 - 6th December 2024
Our Lady Help of Christians is a Child Safe School and is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Japagulk peoples as the traditional custodians of the land upon which our school was built.
Principal Report
Dear Parents and Friends of Our Lady's,
Well done to our Year 6 students on successful transition days this week. It is an exciting time of transition for everyone in the school community! Works continue in preparation for the removal of the old building and the construction of the new. We also had a planning day in Horsham for 2025, getting ready for our teaching and learning programs.
Good luck to our 5/6 class on camp! We look forward to hearing all about your adventures in Melbourne.
As we enter the second week of Advent, we are reminded to pray for peace. In a world that can sometimes feel troubled and divided, peace is something we all need. Advent invites us to open our hearts to the peace that Jesus brings, not only in our homes and schools, but in the world around us. As we prepare for the celebration of His birth, let’s ask God to help us be peacemakers in our daily lives – showing kindness, understanding, and love to others. Together, we can make the world a brighter, more peaceful place.
As always, please make arrangements to speak with me if you have any concerns about your individual child.
All the very best,
Chris McCumstie
principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
Teachers for 2025
We are pleased to announce that we have appointed a teacher for the Junior Room in 2025. Miss Georgia Kirby comes to us with a wealth of experience across different teaching contexts, including a past stint as a specialist teacher at Our Lady's. Georgia is an experienced early years teacher, most recently employed by St. Patrick's Primary School, St Arnaud, as the Year 1 and Year 2 educator. In addition to teaching our juniors next year, Georgia will also take on the Religious Education Leader position, guiding our students, staff, and community in faith education. Georgia's passion for education, and experience leading in the Catholic faith, will be a great addition to our school. We are looking forward to having Georgia join our community in 2025, and will find opportunities for families to meet and welcome her to the community.
We are still advertising for another teacher in the Senior Room. Mr. McCumstie will teach the seniors two days a week in 2025, and we will appoint another suitable teacher and announce that to the community when we are able.
2025 Classes
Foundation - Year 2 - Miss Georgia Kirby
Year 3 - Year 6 - Mr. Chris McCumstie (two days) & TBD
New Build - updated photos!
We are at an exciting stage with our plans for a new school. Swanbuild, the company that the school have employed, have commenced work and at this stage we are looking forward to the whole project being completed by mid-2025.
When the original and main school building is demolished, learning will take place in the Library and Multipurpose Room. Our Junior Class will move to the Library for their day-to-day learning, and Seniors will move to the Multipurpose Room. Because the build is modular and largely occurs offsite, we are hoping for our time in temporary learning spaces to be short and swift.
Junior Room - Fluro Day 6/12
The students in the Junior Room had a wonderful time on Fluro Day. It was a great celebration of their learning, and they enjoyed many activities, including the watching of Mr. Popper's Penguins, the film adaption of their Term 4 Class novel. Photos to follow next week!
Message from Mrs. Dalgleish
Library borrowing is available again.
Mrs. Dalgleish requests that all books be returned by Thursday 12th December.
Child Safety
Our Lady Help of Christians is a Child Safe School. We implement the 11 Child Safe Standards, and work to embed these in our school culture. Our newsletter is just one place among a number where we educate our community about Child Safety. Below is a concise and helpful guide to the Child Safe Standards. The Child Safety Officer at OLHC is Chris McCumstie, and he can be contacted for information at any time.
principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
School TV
The SchoolTV initiative at Our Lady Help of Christians School aims to help parents to navigate the often complex issues they face in raising their children.
Expert advice, helpful tips, and other resources, are available to all our parents and caregivers. Explore the wide range of topics at SchoolTV by clicking on the link below.
Important Upcoming Dates:
December:
- Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th December - Year 5/6 Camp Melbourne
- Monday 16th December - Graduation Mass St. Mary's Murtoa at 6.30pm
- Monday 16th December- Last Day for Students, Semester 2 Reports released.
- Monday 16th December - Last Day for Staff
January 2025:
- Sunday 26th - Australia Day
- Monday 27th - Australia Day Public Holiday
- Tuesday 28th - Staff Day
- Wednesday 29th - Staff Day
- Thursday 30th - First Day Term 1
Mass Times & Parish Information
Sunday 8th December Livestream at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 9.00am.
2025 Sacramental Program - EARLY ENROLLMENT
Reconciliation – Holy Communion – Confirmation
Reconciliation & Holy Communion is available to children in Year 4 and above.
Confirmation is available for children in Year 6 and above who have
completed Reconciliation & Holy Communion.
Early Enrolments help us decide where sessions are held and how many are needed.
Early Enrolments close Friday 13th December at 4pm.
General Enrolment will follow and be open until February 15th, 2025
If you would like more information or to enrol your child, please visit the Parish Office
at 10 Roberts Ave or Email: wimmeramallee@ballarat.catholic.org.au
Parish Bulletin
Community News
Pool Volunteers
Local families willing to volunteer on mowing or Kiosk roster at Murtoa Swimming Pool, please contact Sophie Delahunty on 0415 456 642
Community Carols
Uniting Church in McDonald Street, Murtoa
8th December, 7pm
If anyone needs assistance with transport please contact Pam on 5384 7380 or John on 5385 2470
Christian Emergency Food Centre Horsham
Neighbourhood House are accepting donations of non-perishable food or money in support of the Christian Emergency Food Centre, Christmas Appeal. Donations can be dropped off up to 12th December.
Calendar Dates
Please click on the link below to take you directly to our School Calendar.