Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School East Warrnambool eNewsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Today we acknowledge and pay our respects to the First Peoples, the traditional custodians of the lands and waterways and thank them for their continued hospitality.

We acknowledge and celebrate the continuation of a living culture who have lived with Creator God through creation of land, sea, waterways and life.

Prayer

1st November

Mindful of a creative, energising magnificence at work in all places:

In the vastness of the universe

In life here on earth

In every breath we take

We take inspiration from those who knew the Presence of Jesus in their life, who recognised it in the life of others, who called upon this Presence to transform a world of sorrow and pain into a world of hope, promise and joy.

Leadership & Stewardship

Principal's Message

Dear members of the OLHC school community,

This week our Grade 5’s had a full day at Emmanuel College as a precursor to possible enrollment there in 2025. This was a great opportunity to experience life at a secondary school, complete with bigger and broader facilities as well as a wider curriculum experience. As always our children were terrific ambassadors for our school.

I have had another big week of meeting and walking prospective families through OLHC. For whatever reason, we continue to be sought out by families wishing to bring their children to our school. I typically undersell our school and then hope to over deliver when they enrol. While we remain fully aware of the constant need to improve and grow as a school, we are very confident we can offer a school experience that is meaningful and significant.

As the school year rushes to another finish, we are well positioned with our plans for 2024. The big ticket items for me are staffing, class groupings, materials/classroom orders and finance. Staffing is 90% complete, with some last minute changes for me to sort. Classlists will be made by teachers in the next few weeks and Christine has all our orders in and ready for drop off in December. As per advice from the Catholic Education Office of Ballarat, (CEOB) our school fee details have been adjusted and this was sent out during the week. The slight increase is based on Educational CPI and our school's DMI (Direct Measure of Income.) Based on OLHC’s DMI, we are placed in a bracket of recommended school fees. In consultation with our School Advisory Council, we have tried to remain at the lower end of our recommended bracket to ensure we remain financially accessible for all our families.

“We welcome all students and their families who share or respect our Catholic faith, values and traditions. Catholic education is supported by State and Federal funding, with families contributing the balance of the cost of educating their children. At times, some families are unable to meet their commitment to the full costs of education. As a Catholic school system, we ensure fee relief mechanisms are available to support families in times of need. We encourage these discussions on enrolment or as these needs emerge.”

Seeking Feedback - Helen Diamond Presentation

If you attended one of the parent groups run by Helen Diamond, we would really appreciate a few minutes of your time to provide us with some feedback. This is anonymous but will help inform our 2024 planning. Some information might be used to advertise any additional sessions to our parent community in the future.

Please click the link: https://forms.gle/BqMCgDvAGDx4FSBu9

Important Dates Term 4

Tuesday 7th November - Melbourne Cup Day

Thursday 9th November - Yr 5 Shared Lunch

Friday 10th November - Staff PD - Student Free Day

Saturday 11th November - Remembrance Day

20th Nov - 1st December - Foundation, Yr 1 & 2 Swimming Program

Friday 24th November - PFA Community Picnic 5pm - 7.30pm

Wednesday 29th November - Yr 6 I AM Evening 6pm - 7pm

Thursday 30th November - 2024 Foundation Transition 1 & Parent Information Session

Mon 4th - Mon 11th December - Yr 6 Beach Safety Program

Tuesday 5th December - Yr 2 Poetry Cafe

Wednesday 6th December - 2024 Foundation Transition 2

Thursday 7th December - Yr 6 Graduation

Friday 8th December - Yr 5 Fun Day

Monday 11th December - Yr 4 Fun Day

Tuesday 12th December - Orientation Day & Second-hand Uniform Sale

Wednesday 13th December - Foundation & Yr 3 Fun Days

Thursday 14th December - Yr 1, 2 & 6 Fun Days

Friday 15th December - Students' last day for 2023 finish @ 3.25pm

Monday 18th December - Staff's last day for 2023

Our school has partnered with an independent provider called TheirCare to provide exceptional Outside School Hours Care services for our school community.

The program is available for all children at Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School East Warrnambool from 6:45am until 8:45am in the morning and from 3:25pm until 6:00pm each school day.

During School Holidays & Pupil Free Days the service will operate from 6:45am until 6:00pm.

Families wishing to use this service can visit the TheirCare website: www.theircare.com.au

Families are eligible for a Government Rebate called the Child Care Subsidy which can reduce the cost per session by up to 90%.

More information can be obtained by contacting the school or ringing TheirCare Support Team on 1300 072 410.

TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children. During sessions, children develop life-skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play-based programs.

Teaching & Learning @ OLHC

A Message from Mr A

Week 5 Term 4 GRADE 2 BIG DAY OUT

The Grade 2 students (and teachers) couldn’t contain their excitement this morning as they headed off on the train to Colac for their Big Day Out. This is the first time our students have used the train for an excursion in my time here at OLHC. Check out some of the photos.

BIKE ED GRADE 3 AND 4

A big week in the middle school this week with our Grade 3 and 4 levels running through the Bike Ed program. This is a big effort by Mr K with great support from staff, where students learn important bike safety skills before they complete their Community Ride.

GRADE 5 EMMANUEL COLLEGE VISIT

Our Grade 5 level headed to Emmanuel College on Wednesday to get a taste of secondary school. From all reports the students had a great day participating in a number of different classes. This process is a good stepping stone for students and families to make the big decision on which school they choose.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Naish

Yr 2's Big Day Out

Yr 4 Community Bike Ride

Hello Parents, Guardians and Friends,

Each week the Digital Technology teachers Ms Fitzgerald and Mrs Murfett will be bringing you new cybersafety tips and what is going on in the technology room this week. If you have any questions or concerns regarding cybersafety please contact us on:

Sarah Murfett: smurfett@olhcwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

Why internet safety matters for children

School-age children like going online to look at videos, play games and connect with friends and family. They might also be using the internet for schoolwork, homework or hobbies. School-age children can go online using computers, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, TVs and other internet-connected devices, including toys.

Because school-age children are starting to be independent online and might go online unsupervised, there are more internet safety risks for them than there are for younger children. There are particular risks if your child uses the internet to communicate with others – for example, on messaging apps, on social media or in games.

When you take some practical internet safety precautions, you protect your child from potentially harmful or inappropriate content and activities. You also teach your child skills for using the internet safely on their own. And your child gets to make the most of their online experience, with its potential for learning, exploring, being creative and connecting with others.

A safe search engine for children to use is Kiddle. Save this site or make it your choice of internet browsing and it may help keep unwanted content away. https://www.kiddle.co/

Japan Trip 2024 Information Meeting

Wednesday 22nd November 4pm - 5pm

St. Joseph's Primary School, 70 Botanic Rd, Warrnambool (enter via reception)

The aim of this meeting is to present information regarding the proposed Japan Trip for students in September 2024. (Year 6 students, and the possibility of Year 5 students - TBC) We are currently gathering details about pricing and will have more information regarding this at the meeting.

Please complete the below form in the google link....

2024 Japan trip Info Session RSVP

SSV State Track and Field Championships

18 students travelled to Melbourne on either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning to compete in the SSV State Track and Field Championships at Albert Park, Melbourne.

What a great day had by all, with a fantastic start.

The first two events were the 100m. Sophie and Hugh both ran well, both ran a personal best time with Sophie 4th and Hugh 9th to qualify for the final later in the day. The 80m hurdles were next with Beau and Fletcher again running Personal Best times to qualify for the final.

While this was all unfolding Alexis was competing in the u12 Discus, Lexie had a great throw, to only missing the podium, finishing 4th by less than a meter, but very proud to walk away with a Personal best throw of 26.92m

On the track, Harrison ran the 800m in a Personal best time of over 5 sec. while Marli competed in the discus and Sophie in the High Jump.

Marli threw a Personal best of over 3m to finish 6th in the state.

Sophie had to leave the high jump to run in the girl's u9-10 relay team. She showed great resilience to not only run well but then head back to high jump and continue jumping, finishing 10th in the state.

The relays were next with the U9-10 girls only missing the final by 0.00.24 sec.

The under 10 boys also were very close only 0.00.62 away from the final.

The u 11 boys showed good fight to finish 12th in the state with the U12 boys fighting hard to make the final later that evening.

The final of the 100m saw Sophie and Hugh shape up again.

Sophie ran well to finish 5th in the state in a great time of 14.91. Hugh also ran well to finish 9th in a time of 13.46.

Beau and Fletcher were next with the 80 hurdles, Beau had a great run, placing 6th in Victoria in a time of 14.26. Fletcher also had a good run finishing 8th in the state with a time of 13.55.

Harrison backed up his 800m with a 1500m run, running well and producing a blistering time and Personal best of over 12 sec in 5.12.52. Great run Harrison.

Alexis had the double with Shot Put in the afternoon.

After putting her first and getting a distance, unfortunately wasn’t able to record another throw in a very tough discipline. However, Lexie can hold her head high after a great day with the discus.

To finish a very long day for all competitors the U12 boys finish with the last event, the U12 boys relay.

The boys finished strong, with 7th place in a time of 55.46 to cap off a great day had by all, with 10 personal bests over the day, they should be proud of their achievement of not only representing the school but also improving their times and distances.

A huge thankyou to all the families for their assistance and support

Awards

Foundation

Lenny Graham

Archie McMillan

Grace Martin

Harry Connolly

Carter Timms

June Preston

Yr 1

Ava Sabo

Quinn Moloney

Aisha Maggi

Olivia Moore

Matilda Attrill

Lincoln Pickford

Yr 3

Ryland Hoy

Lachlan Nolte

Tommy McCrohan

Presley Moloney

Vincent Orero

Harry Sabo

Yr 4

Sid Lewis

Bonnie McCulloch

Alice Marr

Andi Orr

Yr 5

Stella Giblett

Indiana Parsons

Layla Turner

Scarlett Nolan

Kavish Hurria

Hannah Ragg

Yr 6

Charli Martin

Lachlan Drake

Lily Hogan

Siena Kenneally

Jake Zaxos

Audrey Clements

Spirit of Our Lady's

Beau Timms

Finn Lyons

Isaac Ryan

Zara Doherty

Edith Wilde

Asha Nadaraj

Faith & Culture

Parish Office Hours: 9am - 4pm Monday - Friday

P: 5562 2231

E: southwestcoast@ballarat.catholic.org.au

Knowing Who’s Boss
(Matthew 23: 1 - 12)

Rabbi, father, master. In the time of Jesus, there were terms of respect reserved for people in authority. Jesus was a controversial figure precisely because of his power to command. He seemed to have a natural authority expressed in his words and extraordinary works, whereas the leaders with lofty titles often failed to demonstrate any real signs of leadership. We can safely say this is a modern problem as well. The titles and trappings of leadership do not necessarily identify people with the ability to lead. Someone may be a president, prime minister, priest, or professor, but authority has to be earned personally and not simply academically or electorally.

We have to be careful in deciding whom to follow and how to lead. We choose the leaders, thinkers, and do-ers who will serve as our moral guides. Some we will outgrow, and some will continue to inform our consciences. In turn, we have authority over others around us – the young, the voiceless – and we have to use our power for their benefit. The way to make both choices well is to reflect on how Jesus is our ultimate master and teacher. Jesus is anointed with God’s authority. All legitimate leadership imitates his example.

Your Humble Servant

Jesus said, “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty”. (Matthew 23: 11 - 12)

Politicians, civil servants, and business and religious leaders get themselves into trouble when they hold themselves above accepted and expected moral and ethical standards. Not a day goes by where we don’t read in the newspaper or hear on the nightly news the sorry story of someone abusing their authority or taking unfair advantage of their position. A politician accepts a free trip here, a financial officer fudges with a few numbers there, a clergy member closes his or her eyes to the serious problems of others in ministry.

Let’s face it, people in power protect their own mainly for self-preservation. If one bad apple gets exposed, they fear the worst – that the whole bunch gets thrown out. So they cover-up, distract, and evade. Little by little their attention gets so focused on keeping up appearances, that they have no time for real leadership.

These leaders will, of course, deny that they’ve been remiss in their duties. They’ll count off their achievements and good works until we’re persuaded that there really is no need to worry about their frequent moral lapses.

Jesus sees things much differently. Though perfection is not required from those in power, humility is. Humbled servants are who Jesus calls to leadership. Anyone else less is not worthy of the public trust.

Wellbeing

If you want to learn to ride a skateboard or get better at maths, you need to practise. It’s the same when you want to feel happier!

Here are some easy ideas to give Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy a try every day. Because the more you practise, the better you will feel.

Let's Practice!

How do primary students show kindness to others? How do kids think about kindness? Summer Braun, Michael Warren and Kimberly Schonert-Reichl asked fourth and fifth graders — and the results showed they were particularly attuned to compassion and inclusion.

Kindness is sometimes dismissed as a simplistic virtue comprised of ‘being nice’. But how do kids think about kindness — and could understanding kindness help us to teach and promote kindness more effectively?

In a study recently published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, we found that children’s thinking about kindness encompasses a rich set of selfless, altruistic orientations that can benefit others, schools, and societies.

We explored the spectrum of children’s understanding of kindness by asking 320 fourth- and fifth-grade students from two school districts in British Colombia, Canada, to list the ways that they can show kindness to others. Our findings showed that many children described kindness in terms of generous (57 per cent of children) and compassionate (43 per cent) behaviours. For example:

‘Share food’ (generosity)
‘Congratulate people’ (generosity)
‘Listen when a friend is sad’ (compassion)
‘Help them with a question they’re stuck on’ (compassion)

Children’s thinking about kindness also expanded to virtues of inclusion (31 per cent), civility (24 per cent), and harm avoidance (14 per cent). For example:

‘Eat lunch with them’ (inclusion)
‘Respect others’ feelings’ (civility)
‘Don’t be selfish’ (harm avoidance)
‘Don’t bully’ (harm avoidance)

We also examined classmates’ and teachers’ perceptions of each child. Interestingly, children whose kindness responses attended to others’ vulnerability (in other words, they mentioned compassion and inclusion as ways to be kind) were identified as particularly kind by their classmates, whereas children’s kindness responses were unrelated to teachers’ ratings of kind behaviour.

These results suggest that classmates, more so than teachers, notice and appreciate others who think about, and therefore enact, kindness in ways that are compassionate and inclusive. Perhaps this is because classmates are more likely to be the beneficiaries of children’s compassion and inclusion than teachers. Compassion and inclusion are responses to suffering and isolation, respectively, that would not likely go unnoticed by the recipients of such kindness.

What implications does this research have for promoting kindness in the classroom?

The way children describe kindness aligns with themes covered in social and emotional learning programs that focus on cultivating children’s kindness. The most common kindness responses identified in this study (generosity, compassion, inclusion) may be solid entry points for education about kindness, as fourth and fifth-graders identified them as particularly relatable and widely agreed-upon expressions of kindness.

In contrast, the least common kindness responses (harm avoidance, gratitude, and perhaps forgiveness) may reflect areas of growth that could require additional scaffolding and support to expand children’s notions of kindness into these areas.

Our findings also imply that efforts to expand children’s thinking about kindness to incorporate compassionate and inclusive actions may be most impactful and appreciated by their classmates. Indeed, existing research has already demonstrated that there are social benefits for those who are viewed as kind, such as greater acceptance by their peers.

When asked about kindness, children listed an average of roughly three ways to be kind to others, which means that they think about kindness as much more than simply ‘being nice’ — and also suggests that educational efforts could go a long way toward further expanding their conceptualizations of kindness. Understanding how children naturally think about kindness is important foundational knowledge for teachers and parents to work from in their efforts to build kind, happy classrooms.

About the authors

Summer S. Braun, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and affiliated with the Center for Youth Development and Intervention at the University of Alabama.

Michael T. Warren, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and affiliated with the Center for Cross-Cultural Research at Western Washington University.

Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl, Ph.D., is the NoVo Foundation Endowed Chair in Social and Emotional Learning and professor in the community and applied developmental psychology (CADP) program in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

This article originally appeared on Greater Good, the online magazine of The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

Flourish Wellbeing eMagazine – November 2023

The November 2023 edition of Converge International’s Flourish Health and Wellbeing eMag is now available.

Parents & Friends Association

Save the Dates!

Wednesday 15th November - Next Meeting

Friday 24th November - PFA Community Picnic from 5pm to 7.30pm

Tuesday 12th December - Second-hand Uniform Sale 1pm - 2pm

Community

Term 4: Concluding on Wednesday 22nd November

The students participating, meet staff in the courtyard after school where they have some fruit before heading over to the school hall.

This program runs from 3.30pm to 4.45pm

We appreciate parents/guardians being prompt on pick up.

Enrolment forms are in the school foyer or can be found on PAM in the "Knowledge Bank" under forms and then selecting sporting schools or on the link below.

These forms need to be returned to the school office prior to your child/ren participating in the program.

If you have any further queries please contact the school office.