OLHC News Issue 33 Term 4 Week 5 - 7th November 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,

It was great to watch the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday afternoon, and it made me reflect on 'the race that stops a nation'. There's something about the Cup that captures our attention, almost more than anything else on the Nation's calendar. Offices fall silent, classrooms pause, and families gather around screens to watch a few minutes of thunderous hooves and colourful silks. It’s remarkable that a single horse race can command such collective attention, but it also offers a moment to reflect on who we are as Australians, and what values we pass on to our children.

The Cup reminds us that Australians love a shared moment. We value community, excitement, and a story, and the victory of Jockey Jamie Melham (only the second female to have won the race) is a story we can all celebrate and remember. The race also shows us the power of tradition, of doing what has been done before, and loving (hopefully not above more worthy loves) what has been loved by our forebears. In a sense,  education is all about tradition, a 'handing over' of what was valued in the past, and what we today wish our children to inherit. Chesterton said education was the soul of culture in transmission, and the Cup Sweep and Race is a part of Australia's culture (larrikin, egalitarian, adventurous, speculating) being passed down. In perspective, sport and the whole spectacle of the Melbourne Cup pales in comparison to serious world events both local and abroad, but nonetheless it teaches us much about ourselves, our country, and the little lessons we can take from joyful shared experiences.  

When our children see how a race can unite people in joy, in conversation, and in friendly competition (well done to our Sweep winner Ivaana!) they glimpse something powerful about belonging. I know that at Our Lady's there is a terrific sense of belonging, of tradition, and of community, and the Cup on Tuesday was just another example of that long history in this school.

I know that we are busy making plans for ways to recognise, remember and appreciate the acheivement of our school, and look forward to sharing moments with our community as we bring the school's story to a close. Keep your eyes out for information about end of year events and as always, friends of Our Lady's are free to drop by the school at any time.

All the very best, 

Chris McCumstie

principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au

All Saints and All Souls Day

In the Church calendar, All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2) remind us that we are all part of God’s great family, those on earth, in heaven, and those who have gone before us. On All Saints’ Day, we celebrate the holy men and women who loved God and showed us how to live with faith and courage. On All Souls’ Day, we pray for all who have died, trusting in God’s mercy and love. Together, these days invite us to remember our loved ones and to unite in the hope and promise of eternal life with Christ.

This November, we pray for and remember everyone associated with our school, that the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, may rest in peace. Our Lady Help of Christians, Pray for Us!

Art with Mr. Critch

The students took part in a 'picture study' of Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly Series, examining the painting, wondering about its mysteries, and commenting on the landscape and figure that Nolan celebrates. The particular painting places Ned Kelly in the Wimmera, where the artist lived during his time with the army in WWII. 
Mr Critch then spoke to the children about the technical elements of the painting, and taught them some techniques for replicating it themselves. The children had a 'crash course' in colour mixing, working with acrylic paint, and applying particular skills that Mr Critch was able to teach.

This deep dive into an iconic piece of Australian art was enjoyable for the children and it was wonderful to see a small part of our cultural heritage being passed on.

See below  completed art works displayed in the General Office 'Art Gallery'.

Gold Rush - Prospecting

This term, the students have been learning about Australia's rich history of the gold rush era. They have been learning where gold was first discovered (in Bathurst NSW), and how the gold rush spread to the areas of Ballarat and Bendigo. In their hands-on learning, Mrs Woods and Mrs Dalgleish went on a treasure hunt in the school grounds armed with a metal detector, scoop, probe and pick where the students learned how to identify where metal objects might be. They discovered some coins, paperclips, old nails, an old fishing hook and even a small piece of a mirror! The students were quite excited to find other metal objects, which they discovered may have actually been the metal pipe for the nearby tap.  The students have loved exploring this topic and being able to participate in such fun and rich learning opportunities.

Catholic Mission Week 2025

This week, our students and staff participated in a range of exciting activities each day to celebrate Catholic Mission Week. It was a fun-filled and meaningful week, focused on raising funds for Catholic Mission, which helps people in need around the world, especially children and families who are poor, sick, or without access to education.

We were honoured to take part in this important cause and are incredibly proud of the generosity shown by our school community in supporting our fundraising efforts. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, students and supportive parents, your help made Catholic Mission Week a great success!

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.

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:

November 2025

• Tuesday 11th November - Remembrance 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 9th November 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.