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

Leadership & Stewardship

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Guardians & Students,

This week has been a challenge with a significant number of children and staff ( and I presume parents) struggling with health issues. I hope you have managed to avoid this wave of sickness. It does concern me that we have Grandparents Day next Thursday but fingers crossed we are all improving. Just on Grandparent’s Day, please keep in mind we have had to split the arrival times simply based on being able to cater to and house the large numbers that turn up. See the attached flyer in this newsletter (Community Section) for details.

A shout out to the Attril family with Kahzali, Matilda and Delilah's last day at OLHC on Monday - bound for sunny Queensland. We wish the girls and Lucy & Luke all the best.

School Fee Reminder

All School Fee statements are sent monthly. If you are on a direct debit or credit card payment plan, please ignore the following.

All school fees for 2024 are to be finalised by 20/09/2024, please make contact with Christine Cook if you wish to discuss school fees.

Most families using childcare will get a higher rate of CCS.

The maximum amount of CCS is increasing from 85% to 90%.
Families earning $80,000 or less will get 90% subsidy.
Families earning over $80,000 and under $530,000 will get a subsidy that tapers down from 90%, depending on their income. The subsidy will go down 1% for each $5,000 earned.

Getting assessed for CCS is EASY and could SAVE you money on before, after and holiday care.

Child Care Subsidy Estimate Calculator - click on the link below

https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-calculator

https://theircare.com.au/families/#css

Important Dates

Term 3

Friday 13th September - Shed Night - TONIGHT!!!

Monday 16th September - Foundation Art Show & Shared Lunch

Tuesday 17th September - Yr 3 Stop Motion Showcase

Tuesday 17th September - SAC Meeting

Thursday 19th September - Grandparents/Special Persons Day

Thursday 19th September - Assembly FNM

Friday 20th September - Staff Maths PD - Student Free Day

Term 4

Monday 7th October - School Resumes

From Monday 7th October Foundation - Yr 4 Swimming Program

Friday 11th October - Foundation Fairy Park Excursion

Friday 11th October Regional Track & Field Competition Ballarat

Friday 25th October - Yr 1 Werribee Zoo Excursion

Monday 11th November - Remembrance Day

Wednesday 11th December - Yr 6 Graduation Evening

Wednesday 18th December - Last Day of School for Students

Teaching & Learning @ OLHC

A Message from Mr A

Week 9 Term 3

GRADE 1 HEALTHY COOKING DAY

It certainly was busy in the Eugene Dalton Hall on Tuesday. Our Grade 1 students were elbows deep in a healthy cooking day as part of the wrap-up to their Inquiry unit this term, Healthy for Life. The students were able to make a pizza, fruit kebab and a smoothie ensuring their tummies were full before heading out to play at lunchtime. The Grade 1 team was well supported by some parent volunteers. Great job Grade 1!

On Friday the Grade 2 level welcomed in a big cohort of parents for their shared lunch and opportunity for the students to share their sustainability projects. This is another fine example of students going further with the Inquiry process as part of their unit, Tiptoe Through Our World. The challenge was to create something from recycled products found in the home. The students wrote about this and shared it with the parents during lunch. Another great example of students sharing their learning. Some awe-inspiring results…Well done Grade 2!

On Thursday the Grade 6 level welcomed their parents in for some hot soup and a chinwag about their passions in life. This wasn’t just an idle conversation starter, but a way of engaging the parent community in line with their Inquiry unit next term, I Am. This unit is unique to OLHC and focuses on the students choosing their own passion for the term and then becoming an expert by the end of the year. It culminates with the Exhibition night towards the end of Term 4. Well done to the Grade 6 team for cooking some delicious soup!

On Wednesday there was something new and special that kicked off in the library at lunchtime. We had our very first Journal Club meeting. This is an initiative implemented by one of our staff, Gen Howland, who thought some of our students would benefit from this. Gen sourced a small journal for students and supplied all the materials. Based on the students’ faces below, it was definitely a hit. Well done Gen!

GRADE 5 SWIMMING- SPLASH FACTORY

We’ve had a successful first week of swimming for our Grade 5 level with Splash Factory up at Warrnambool College. The feedback from both the teachers and students has been positive. Thanks to Mr K for organising.

Thanks and have a great weekend…Up the Hawks!

Naish

Footy Colours Day

Sports Report

District/Division Volleyball Competition

On Monday 34 students ventured out to the Warrnambool stadium for the local Warrnambool Pirates volleyball district/division Competition.

The students had a great day, producing some fantastic rallies with the other schools.

After 4 games the top two teams from each year level played off in the final.

The grade 5 boys played St Pius winning in 3 sets and the grade 5 girls also played St Pius winning in 3 sets also.

The grade 6 Boys played East Warrnambool in a great game, coming away with the win and the grade 6 girls played some great games, with some fantastic setting skills, unfortunately missing the final. However they stayed positive and kept a great attitude resulting in a great day.

The grade 6 boys have qualified for the Region final in Horsham on October 16th.

Technology Toolkit with Mrs Fitzgerald and Mrs Murfett

New technology updates, cyber safety tips and snapshots of the learning experiences happening in the digital classroom. Let’s work together to make the online space a positive space! If you have any questions or concerns please contact us:

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

Mrs Ellen Fitzgerald: efitzgerald@olhcwarrnambool.catholic.edu.au

Internet safety: Caught in the Web - a Newsround Special

Caught in the Web is a Newsround special programme all about staying safe on the internet.

The show, which is voiced by David Tennant, tells the story of a girl called Lost Princess, who gets into danger after meeting someone in a chatroom.

It also has lots of tips on how to be safe, and case studies of children with real-life experiences of how things can go wrong.

Follow the link below to watch the episode:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/13908828

Faith & Culture

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

P: 5562 2231

E: southwestcoast@ballarat.catholic.org.au

webpage : https://www.southwestcoastparish.com.au/

Weekend Masses

Saturday Vigil

6:00pm OLHC, Warrnambool East

Sunday Morning

9:00am Infant Jesus, Koroit

9:00am St Pius X, Warrnambool West

10:30am St Joseph’s, Warrnambool

10:30am St Patrick’s, Port Fairy

6:00pm St Joseph’s Warrnambool

*11:00am St Anne’s, Purnim

2nd Sunday of the month (Eucharist)

Weekday Masses

NB: MASS OF THE DAY IS REPLACED WHEN A FUNERAL IS HELD AT THAT CHURCH

Tues 10:00am St Pius X

Wed 10:00am St Joseph’s

Thu 10:00am OLHC & 11:00am Mercy Place

Fri 10:00am St Joseph’s

Sat 10:00am OLHC

Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP)

A group of Star of The Sea Parishioners embarked on the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) process at the end of 2022. What a privilege it was to welcome a refugee household to our country & our community. We are now fundraising to welcome a second refugee household to Warrnambool Please be part of this exciting journey with us.

CRISP is overseen by Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA), in conjunction with the Department of Home Affairs and the UNHCR.

The Star of the Sea Parish CRISP group undertake the required background checks & training & are now fundraising to enable the provision of initial housing & essentials prior to the household accessing government support & seeking employment.

The household will be flown to Australia & come to Warrnambool with permanent humanitarian visas. We will meet them at the airport, provide transport to Warrnambool & then 12 months of support as they transition to independence. This will include linking with government services, language assistance & looking at education & employment options.

CRISP is an innovation in refugee resettlement in Australia and we are excited to be part of it. When only one percent of displaced people globally is permanently resettled each year (UNHCR figures) we are proud to be taking our small part in giving a future to one household at a time, for the first 12 months of their life in Australia.

https://shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/StaroftheSeaParish2

The Right Answer
(Mark 8: 27 - 35)

Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, “Who do the people say I am?” “Some say ‘John the Baptiser,’” they said. “Others say ‘Elijah’. Still others say ‘one of the prophets.’” He then asked, “And you – what are you saying about me? Who am I?” Peter gave the answer: “You are the Christ, the Messiah.” (Mark 8: 27 - 29)

We’re attempted to applaud when Peter gives the right answer. The other disciples fumble around, giving Jesus the daily buzz about what people are saying about him. But when Jesus asks them what they personally think, only Peter has an answer. It’s enough to make you want to cheer.

Especially because Peter is so often the gospel bungler, the guy who speaks first, thinks afterwards. He’s the guy, not unlike ourselves, who defends Jesus with a sword one minute, denies him with a word the next. And unfortunately, the same holds true in this instance as well. Even as we’re tempted to clap, Peter is already shooting himself in the foot. He knew the right answer, but he can’t follow through on it. He knows Jesus is the Christ, but he still doesn’t want him to get hurt.

And, the truth is, Peter doesn’t want to get hurt either. If he accepts the teaching about the Son of Man being murdered, then he’s got to wonder when they’ll be coming after him. So Jesus calls him the Devil, which must have cut deep. And then advises that they too prepare to lose their lives is they’re going to be his followers. Peter got the answer right, the first time. He, like the rest of us, just needs to work on the follow-through.

Who do you say Jesus is?

The Sixteenth Item
(Mark 8: 27 - 35)

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, Jesus said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all.” (Mark 8: 34 - 35)

A quick run through the supermarket wasn’t the place Jennifer expected to learn a lesson in faith, but faith overtook her one Thursday in the checkout line.

Jennifer had figured on just swinging by the shops to grab a few things before picking up the kids at school. One of those basic hand-baskets was all she needed, and she got into the “15 items or less” line to speed up the process. But her run through the store ground to a halt when the elderly couple in front of her started having problems. First the woman forgot something on her list and sent her husband shuffling off to retrieve the item. Then came the inevitable struggle with the card reader. She swiped it upside down. Credit? Debit? PIN number? “Honey, what’s our PIN number?”

Jennifer kicked herself for coming to the store on Senior Discount Day. The words “stupid” and “idiot” began to flash in her thinking. Then a little booklet in the magazine rack caught her eye. Nestled between “Amazing Astrology” and “Celebrity Diet Secrets” was “Bible for Busy Mums.” She took it out and flipped it open to where Jesus talked about taking up the cross. It occurred to her that one of life’s little crosses was being offered to her right then and there. She changed her mind, offered up a kindly prayer for the old couple, and dropped the little booklet into her basket.

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!

Tap here to access SchoolTV

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The 5 ways to personal wellbeing will help improve your mental health.
-Take small steps. Pick one or two things that feel achievable at first.
-Give yourself time to figure out what works for you going at your own pace.
-Only try what feels comfortable.

Sleep
Good sleep is vital to personal and mental wellbeing. Help by establishing a routine at night, avoid using screens, try to wind down, make your sleep environment comfortable.

Spirituality
Spirituality is a feeling of connection with something greater than ourselves and search for meaning in life. Explore the positives of your belief on your mental wellbeing.

Managing illness
Know how to look after yourself and loved ones during periods of illness. The Self Care Forum’s fact sheets may help.

Parents & Friends Association

Term 3 PFA Events

Shed Night Friday 13th September - see flyer below

Community

Out & About around Warrnambool

Congratulations to Fletcher White (6MH) for being named best on ground in the U13's Grand Final on the weekend, Russell's Creek 16 def Dennington 14. Also a big congrats to Fletcher and his OLHC team mates for coming home with the chocolates, Jobe Templeton (6SI), Harry White (brother 4MO), Alby Rae (6MH) & Paddy Clarke (6SI).

We also congratulate Stella Giblett (6OB) and Marli Moore (6SI) representing Russells Creek, making it to the U13 Netball Grand Final but unfortunately going down to Timboon 18/28. Well done girls, be proud as many people play their sporting careers and never make it that far.

TheirCare Registration Form - tap here

Nippers Opportunity

Comp Squad Recruitment Info Night

For new and current squad members.

There will be an Information session regarding the Junior Comp Squad.

Wednesday 18th September 6:30pm at the Warrnambool S.L.S.C hall.

If your child enjoyed the nipper program last year, gained confidence to swim in the surf and wants to take it to the next level this meeting is for you (bring your child too).

The competition squad is for this season's U9 to U13 age groups.

Snapshot of who we are and what we do.
-Train 3 times a week from October to the end of February.
- Travel to compete and represent Warrnambool S.L.S.C at Carnivals along the surf coasts.
- This year will be battling out the State Championship at Pt Leo Beach in late February.
- Enjoy some Thursday night teas at the club along the way.
- Attend and help out our mates at the Nipper program.
- Grow our fitness and confidence in the ocean while developing our life saving skills.
- Meet new friends and develop life long relationships.

How do I qualify for Comp Squad?
- Fit the age category (U9 to U13)
- Be able to complete a qualifying pool swim.
(Compulsory for all new comp nippers)
- Have a good quality and well fitting full length wetsuit. (3/2 or 3/4)
- Attend off site swimming lessons (preferred).
- Possess a good attitude and willingness to listen and learn from coaches.
- Have a guardian willing to assist and have some fun too.

Stay tuned for more info regarding this year’s Nipper program and information session to be released soon.

For all enquiries contact
Trav Madigan 0419 874 316
Vice.President@warrnamboolslsc.org.au

MacKillop Family Services is calling on communities of the South-West to understand the need for local foster carers and highlighting the positive impact foster carers make to children’s lives.

8-14 September was Foster Care Week, when MacKillop celebrates the work foster carers do for children temporarily unable to live at home.

People like Rachael and Matthew Buck, who have provided respite and emergency care to over 100 children and young people.

See their story here: www.mackillop.org.au/theirstory and visit www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare for more information.