OLHC News Issue 29 Term 4 Week 1 - 10th October 2025
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,
Yesterday (October 9th), the Church celebrated the feast of St John Henry Newman, the great theologian, convert, and man of letters.
Saint John Henry Newman (1801–1890) was a great English thinker, teacher, and priest who devoted his life to helping people seek truth through faith and reason. Newman believed that education was not just about gaining knowledge, but about forming the whole person — the heart as well as the mind. He saw learning as a journey of discovery that should lead us closer to God and to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
For Newman, a true education awakens curiosity, builds character, and helps each person recognise their God-given dignity and purpose. His vision reminds our school community that every lesson, question, and act of kindness can become part of a lifelong search for truth and goodness.
Famously, Newman said, "God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another." I encourage all readers this week to spend some time thinking about the definite work God may be asking us to do, in small ways or in big ways.
A Prayer to Saint John Henry Newman
Saint John Henry Newman, guide us to seek truth with open minds and generous hearts.
Help our teachers to inspire, our students to wonder, and our community to grow in wisdom and love.
May we, like you, walk faithfully in the light of Christ.
Amen.
All the very best,
Chris McCumstie
principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
Tours of the New Building
We warmly invite all friends of Our Lady's to come for a personalised tour of our new facilities. We are happy to be working and learning in these spaces and would love to show them off!
Greater Western Region Athletics
Congratulations to the students - Kirat, Nihal and Andre - who represented Our Lady's at the Greater Western Region Athletics today in Ballarat. It is no small achievement to go so far in particular events, and our whole community are proud of you. Results to follow next week!
Colours Day
To finish the year joyfully, we have instituted Fun Fridays! Today, the students and staff dressed in colourful clothes, had a sausage sizzle lunch, and enjoyed each other's company to end the week. There is a growing list of fun ideas for how we may spend all the remaining Fridays, so stay tuned!
Parent Support Initiative: School TV
The SchoolTV initiative at Our Lady Help of Christians School aims to help parents 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.
Murtoa Show 2025
Well done to all the students for their art, craft, and other entries that were on display at the Murtoa Show. Our school community should be very proud of our students and their immense talent. Whether entries came first, second, third, or did not receive a place, is of no consequence. The reality is that all of the displays showcased the hard work, confidence, and talent of our students, and brought joy to the Show and the broader community.
Our Lady's Show entry winners have been displayed on the notice board in the General Office. Parents, friends and community members are very welcome to call in and have a look.
Year 6 St. Brigid's College Experience Day
Tuesday 14th October, Year 6 students will be spending the day at St. Brigid's College, to participate in educational activities with other local Catholic Primary School students. They will be transported to and from St. Brigid's College by bus.
Students -
- Wear Our Lady's uniform
- Take fruit and snacks for Recess
- Take own lunch
- Water bottle filled with water
- Transport will be provided
- Permission Form on Simon
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
Important Upcoming Dates:
October 2025
- Tuesday 14th October - Year 6 Experience Day at St. Brigid's College
- Tuesday 14th to Wednesday 15th October - Year 3 Camp Naracoorte
- Wednesday 29th October - CEP Performance Horsham Town Hall at 11.00am
November 2025
- Monday 3rd - 7th November Mission Week
- Tuesday 4th November - Melbourne Cup Day - Normal School Day
- Wednesday 12th November - Pupil Free Day - Staff PD
- Wednesday 19th November to Friday 21st November - Year 3 & 4 Camp Ballarat
December 2025
- Tuesday 2nd December - Year 6 Experience Day at St. Brigid's College
- Monday 8th to Wednesday 10th December - Year 6 Camp - Lady Northcote Discovery Camp
- Wednesday 17th- Graduation Mass St Mary's Church at 5.00pm
- Thursday 18th December - Students' Last Day of Term 4
- Friday 19th December - Staff Last Day of Term 4
Mass Times & Parish Information
Sunday 12th October 2025, Livestream at 9.00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Parish Bulletin
Community News
See the attached flyers for initiatives that may interest from groups in and around Murtoa.
