Contextual Statement

Our Lady Help of Christians Parish opened in a new building consisting of four classrooms, administration area, and canteen and toilet block on March 3, 1971 with a member of the order of the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Shelia Gleeson (Mary Bertrand) as Principal.

Our Lady Help of Christians School, nestled in a quiet residential area, served as a Mass centre for parishioners from the eastern side of Warrnambool until November 1975. It now forms a vital part of the parish complex serving families from a mix of socio-economic backgrounds in rural and city settings. The students' first language is English and all were born in Australia.

Students are grouped in composite classes and the school is organised into junior, middle and senior levels.

As well as having a comprehensive curricula which is grounded on gospel values we have:

" Parents who are committed to supporting the efforts of the Staff.

" Staff who are committed to the development and implementation of curriculum that is based on sound educational theory and practice.

" School grounds, which are spacious with ample space for a variety of recreational and sporting activities.

" Well-maintained facilities.

Our Lady Help of Christians is a member of the Warrnambool and District Catholic Schools Network and as such shares many activities with Emmanuel College and the seven catholic primary schools in the district. We share a Japanese teacher with these schools, which enables us to offer Japanese as a Language Other Than English in to Senior students.

Our Lady Help of Christians School looks for opportunities to take part in a variety of local community activities, which promote the school and the local community.