ANZAC Day 2024
OLHC has a proud history of supporting ANZAC Day commemorations in our local area. To this end, we have once again been invited to attend and support our local march. Local RSL Sub-Branches are always delighted to see school students supporting the march and honouring
the traditions and sacrifices of those who have served our country in all armed conflicts. I invite any interested families and students to attend the Lismore march on Thursday 25 April, 2024.
As ANZAC day occurs during the school holidays, it is anticipated that some families may be away but if your child is here, then it would be wonderful to see them march as part of our school community.
Students are welcome to wear the medals of relatives but these must be worn on the correct side of
the chest (right side) in keeping with ANZAC Day protocol. Students attending need to wear their full school uniform including hats. It is also a good idea to apply sunscreen before the march.
Once the march concludes, students are welcome and encouraged to stay for the service. All students must be picked up directly from the staff attending and supervising the march to ensure student safety.
The details for each march are listed below:
- Thursday 25th April 2024
- 8:40am Arrival-Clyde Campbell Car Park
- Full school uniform including hat and drink bottle
Learning Conferences
I would like to thank all parents, students and teachers for engaging in our recent Learning Conferences. Our Learning Conferences give students and families the opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate achievements, discuss any struggles and set new goals for future learning.
Having a strong focus on learning and wellbeing between school and home has many positive impacts for our children and we are committed to continue our work to strengthen our school and parent partnership.
School Expectations
The mission of Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School is to work in partnership with the family, Parish and wider community to:
- Provide a loving, safe and caring learning environment, based on the Gospel values, where students know they belong.
- Promote and implement high quality learning and teaching that nurtures holistic and life-long learning.
- Foster the Catholic story with its rituals, teachings, heritage and traditions.
- Raise awareness of local and global issues and our responsibility to act with justice and compassion.
The heart of our mission is to engage in high quality learning and teaching, and celebrate the Good News of Jesus. “I have come so that you may have life – life in all its fullness.” (John 10.10)
We acknowledge that failures and mistakes are opportunities to learn and through Restorative Practice, we recognise these mistakes, grow in self-discipline, take responsibility for our own actions and recognise the impact our actions can have on others.
We believe that all students, their families and staff have the right to a safe and supportive learning environment. Therefore, all staff, students and families share a responsibility to teach, foster, promote and encourage positive behaviours from all members of our school community.
At Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School we aim to:
- Ensure all students know that they are loved, cared for and belong.
- Ensure the rights of all individuals are respected and maintained.
- Encourage all individuals to accept responsibility for their decisions and actions and respond according to meet expectations.
- Promote resilience, self-esteem, problem solving behaviours and self-awareness through implementing Restorative Practices.
- Support all members of our community when required.
- Encourage and maintain positive relationships between all members of our school community.
Catholic Education Week
Our school will join with more than 45 schools across the Lismore Diocese to celebrate Catholic Education Week (CEW). This will take place in Week 11, Term 1 from April 8-12.
This year’s theme is “Innovation and Faith’. The transforming power of innovation and faith working in unison to ensure our students experience the fullness of life (John 10:10).
For many of the great innovators throughout history, their faith motivated them to explore and understand the wonders of the universe. Our Catholic schools walk alongside clergy, parishioners and families to prepare and nurture our future innovators and faith leaders on their journey.
I would like to extend a warm invitation for you to participate in our Catholic Education Week events and faith celebrations. Please take the opportunity with members of our parish and wider community, to experience innovation and faith in our Catholic school.
Below is a schedule of events for the week that you are invited to attend:
Thank you for your ongoing support of everything we do here at OLHC. I look forward to seeing you during our celebrations for Catholic Education Week in 2024.
He is Risen
“Accept the risen Jesus into your life. Even if you have been far away, take a small step towards him: He awaits you with open arms.”
The Church throughout the world echoes the angel's message to the women: "Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised… Come, see the place where he lay" (Mt 28:5-6).
This is the culmination of the Gospel, it is the Good News: Jesus, who was crucified, is risen! This event is the basis of our faith and our hope. If Christ were not raised, Christianity would lose its very meaning; the whole mission of the Church would lose its impulse, for this is the point from which it first set out and continues to set out ever anew. The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death." (Pope Francis)
There are times in life where, on either side of a difficult season, you're either asking, "How am I going to get through this?” or you're on the other side looking back in amazement saying, "How did I get through this?". And that's where I find that the most sincere, real, authentic prayers get prayed. Whether you're praying out of desperation or gratitude, take a pick. When you find out what your support structure looks like: friends, family, loved ones; people who come around you, hold you up with the words they say, the things they do. They become real signposts for the face of Jesus. But what about those who have no one? What does Jesus have to say to them? He says, “I no longer call you strangers, I call you friends.” This is what I find so compelling about the friendship of God and the message of Christianity… that life is not a stacked tower of personal achievement, pride, ego, success, vanity; like you're trying to build a rocket ship to heaven all by yourself. Rather, it's just extending to others what Jesus says in the scriptures.
"In this world, you will have trouble but you're not alone and you can put your weight on me."
Attendance Matters
Being at school regularly helps children develop positive friendships.
School attendance is not only about academic growth but also social and emotional development. Here are several ways in which consistent attendance contributes to the formation of meaningful and supportive peer relationships:
- Shared Experiences. Regular attendance allows children to share common experiences with their peers. Being present in class provides opportunities for shared learning, activities, and interactions, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
- Consistent Social Interaction. Attending school every day provides consistent opportunities for social interaction with classmates. Regular face-to-face interactions contribute to the development of communication skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
Building Trust and Reliability. Being present on a regular basis helps children build trust and reliability within their peer group. Dependable attendance creates a sense of predictability, and peers can rely on each other for mutual support and collaboration.
Community News
School News
Sports News
At OLHC, we love celebrating the sporting achievements of all our students. If your child has a special achievement that you would love for us to share with the school community, please send any photos and a short paragraph outlining their achievement to Mrs McCarthy - haylee.mccarthy@lism.catholic.edu.au
Cooper Quinn - Motocross
Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits.
Cooper has been doing motocross racing for a few years now. He has a great passion for racing and his skills continue to improve the older he gets, and this is reflected in his achievements in the sport. Cooper finished 2nd in Qld Mike Hatcher JMCC rd1 on his Husqvarna 50 in his class and 3rd on his Husqvarna 65.
He will travel to Kurri Kurri on Friday the 12th of April to contend for the NSW State titles in Dirt Track racing and contending for the Australian Dirt Track titles in Mildura and Forbes for his classes this year. As a school, we wish Cooper all the best at these titles.
If you’re interested in knowing more about motocross, make sure you have a chat with Cooper.
OLHC Cross Country
Due to the weather, we have had to postpone the Cross Country Carnival on Friday the 5th of April. The new date will be Thursday the 11th of April. The carnival will be held at Hepburn Park. The school will arrive at Hepburn Park at 9:30. We will have acknowledgment of Country and Prayer and the first race will start at 9:45 am.
There will be a coffee van available for parents only. Robyn from Coffee Additctions has also organised some light snacks and cold drinks too.
Leaders of Sport
This fortnight, Cooper and Harper interviewed Jethro and Oscar about their favourite sport.
2024 - Events
Please note that these dates may change due to weather or circumstances that we can not control.
Term One
- Thursday the 11th of April - OLHC Cross Country, Hepburn Park
Term Two
- Tuesday the 7th of May - Richmond Zone Cross Country, Lismore
- Tuesday the 21st of May - DIO Cross Country, Grafton
- Friday the 14th of June - OLHC Athletics Carnival, Riverview Park
Term Three
- Thursday the 1st of August - Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival, Lismore
- Friday the 16th of August - DIO Athletics Carnival, Lismore/Coffs
- Friday the 30th of August - Richmond Zone Gala Day
Term Four
- Monday the 4th of November - Richmond Zone Tennis Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Wednesday the 6th of November - Richmond Zone Cricket Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Thursday the 7th of November - Richmond Zone Touch Football Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Tuesday the 26th of November - DIO Tennis Summer Sports Trials, Lismore (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Friday the 29th of November - DIO Cricket, Softball, Touch Football and Basketball Summer Sports Trials, Lismore (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- TBC - OLHC Swimming Carnival
Learning & Teaching
Kindergarten Writing words and sentences
Year 1 Sentence writing
Year 2 Comparing texts
Year 3 Easter Writing
Year 4 Fractions Fun
Year 5- Multimodal text group research task
Year 6 Planning multimodal texts
OLHC Achievement Awards
KP
Thea B - For your active participation and consistent engagement in learning. You are becoming more confident everyday. Keep up the great work Thea!
Archer C - For you incredible Family Tree presentation in our History lesson. You are a confident presenter. Keep it up Archer!
Sienna C - For always being a respectful and attentive listener. You are a great role model for how to listen well in class. Well done Sienna.
1L
Jordy B - For your mature and dedicated attitude to all learning tasks. You are a star Jordy!
Elsie D - For growing confidence and independence when writing to produce effective texts.
Tallis J - For positive choices to avoid distraction and prioritise learning. Great work Tallis!
Claire M - For her amazing drama skills in our work on the Gruffalo.
2P
Maddie C - For your perseverence and your willingness to tackle challenging writing tasks. Keep up the great work!
Raife Mc - For your excellent work in English, especially in InitiaLit spelling and comprehension lessons.
3L
Zarli B P - For her impressive problem solving strategies in Maths. Her enthusiasm and love of learning is a credit to her!
Nash H - For lighting up our day with his smile and having a positive attitude towards learning tasks.
Nahri J - For her excellent attitude towards all learning tasks and being a helpful class member.
4L
Isla D - For her amazing creativity, skill and techniques when creating her Cubism and Portrait artworks.
Mason E - For using your knowledge of language features to write an engaging narrative. Well done Mason!
Ivy W - For sharing your quility thoughts during mathematics lessons, it has been great to see your confidence grow.
4P
Isabella F - For the amazing work you did building your Fraction Tower City, calculating the fractions and adding fractions with common denominations. Well done, Issy
Paige W - For your focus and positive attitude towards mathematics lessons. Keep up the great effort, Paige!
5L
Patrick C - For his creativity, skill and wonderful brush stroke technique when creating his animal portrait.
Brayden Mc - For successfully recognising the role of one as representing the whole. Great work!
Harper S - For your ability to use a variety of stratergies to spell unfamiliar words. Well done!
5P
Milani H - For demonstrating and explaining parts of a whole fraction. Keep up the great work Milani!
Hamish J - For his outstanding effort and growth with his spelling. Keep up the great work Hamish!
6P
Jack De - For trying your best to remain focused on learning tasks, especially when they are challenging. Keep it up, Jack!
Matilda J - For always trying your best in all learning activities - Especially when they are challenging. Keep being amazing.
Holly W - For her amazing animal artwork using realism and creative brush stroke techniques.
Mission News
Stations of the Cross
On Holy Thursday, Year 6 shared the most beautiful Stations of the Cross with our school community. We welcomed families to school to share this important commemoration of Jesus's passion and death on the cross. Thank you Year 6 for a beautiful afternoon. It was a poignant way to finish Holy Week in preparation for Easter.
Project Compassion
Year 6 Project Compassion
Year 6 are very blessed to have their incredibly talented teacher, Mrs Innes, who 3D prints some amazing creations and she sells them over Lent to raise funds for Project Compassion. They are always a big hit and very cute. Thank you Mrs Innes.
As well as this, Year 6 ran an amazing Easter raffle with 8 prizes! We thank Year 6 families for their generous donations and the students for their tireless work in selling the tickets each recess.
Year 6 Raised an INCREDIBLE $1215 For Project Compassion this year. Thank you Year 6.
Year 5 Project Compassion Stall Afternoon
The weather held off to allow Year 5 to set up their amazing stalls for Project Compassion just before our Easter break. The stalls had a mix of everything from sport to lucky dips and challenges. They had some delicious treats and some wonderful prizes!
We are so grateful for the wonderful ideas that Year 5 came up with, for their parents/carers for supporting their projects and, our fantastic staff for bringing it all together.
In total, Year 5 raised $370.85 with their stalls for Project Compassion this year! Thank you Year 5.
Year 3 Project Compassion Pie Your Teacher
This Lent, Year 3 came up with the idea of raising funds through Pie Your Teacher! The very brave teachers who are up for pieing are Mrs Bradfield, Mrs McCarthy, Mr Denny and Mr Piccoli. We are pretty sure who we will see pied next Friday at 2:45pm! You’re all invited!
This total will be announced next Friday.
Kindergarten Project Compassion - Easter Egg Guessing Competition
Congratulations to Mrs Brafield and Kindergarten who ran a very successful easter egg guessing competition! Congratulations to Zoe who guessed exactly 159 eggs. Zoe assures me, she has not eaten all the eggs yet!
Thank you Kinder for your $124.45 with your guessing competition for Project Compassion this year!
Year 4 Project Compassion - Disco
Mr Denny and some helpers ran a very loud disco during one of our lunchtimes! It was a big hit with over half the school joining in! Thanks Mr Denny for organising a very fun event!
Thank you to Mr Denny and 4L helpers - the disco raised $44!
We will announce the grand total at our final assembly, which will include all the Project Compassion boxes from each classroom.
Sharing the love and joy of Easter!
As shared on our school Facebook page, Year 1 shared some Easter greetings with the residents of St Joseph’s nursing home on Holy Thursday. They were gratefully received and so much joy and friendship is being developed through this relationship.
Year 2 popped some Easter cards in the mailboxes of the units next to us, spreading the beautiful joy of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday to our community. The residents were very grateful for the thoughts at Easter time.
Kinder Storytelling
Mrs Bradfield shared a beautiful storytelling of Jesus’ last supper with his friends, the disciples during Holy Week in Kindergarten. Mr Piccoli and Mrs Bradfield washed the children's feet, as Jesus did to his disciples, and the children shared wine (grape juice) and bread as the disciples would have done at the Last Supper. Kinder were very reverent and were able to explain the importance of the last supper in Jesus’ life.
Making Jesus Real Awards
KP
Ellie S - For always being knid and compassionate to your classmates. You are always looking for ways to help others. Keep shining bright Ellie!
1L
Charlotte W - For making positive choices to promote harmony in our classroom. Keep shining bright Charlotte.
2P
Sylvia S - For being a kind and helpful member of our classroom.
3L
4L
Anika B - For displaying qualities of kindness and gentleness in all your interactions. Thank you Anika.
4P
Mason Mc - For always grreeting me with such kind words and putting a smile on my face!
5L
Malachias C - For being helpful and considerate in your thoughts and actions towards others. Keep shining bright!
5P
Chaise K - For his reverent participation during prayer and meditation. Keep shining your light Chaise!
6P
Lacey N - For working hard to confidently present a part in our liturgy. What an amazing leader you are, Lacey!
Principal News
Attendance Matters
Expect your child to be at school every day. Today our school attendance percentage was 93.7%. Our target for every school day is 95%.
Setting the expectation for your child to be at school every day is a fundamental aspect of fostering a positive attitude toward education and establishing good attendance habits.
Clearly communicate to your child that attending school regularly is a top priority. If your child faces challenges related to attendance, such as reluctance or anxiety about going to school, address these issues promptly. Open communication with the school can help identify and resolve any underlying concerns.
You can seek advice free from NSW ParentLine 1300 1300 52.
No Parking and Drop Off Zone
Please be reminded that the area indicated in the image below is NOT to be used as a pick up, drop off or parking area. This is a signed designated no stopping area that allows clear view of the pedestrian crossing to keep our children and families safe.
Parking or stopping in the space can attract a significant fine and loss of demerit points.
Tell Them From Me Survey
Dear Parents and Carers,
Early next term (in Weeks 2 - 4), our school will be taking part in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) student survey. The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them.
In addition to the student survey (for students from Year 4 to Year 12), parents and carers and teaching staff will have the opportunity to participate in the TTFM survey.
The TTFM student survey is confidential, and staff in schools will not be able to identify individual students from their responses. To ensure confidentiality, participating students will receive a unique username and password. All information will be handled according to relevant privacy legislation.
Students’ personal information will not be disclosed by the school to any other person or body other than as required by law. Individual students will not be identified in any publications. The survey is conducted online, takes 15 to 30 minutes, and will take place at school during school hours.
We will receive a report on our school’s survey results shortly after our students complete the survey. The school will share with parents and carers key aspects of the survey results in a timely manner.
Participating in the survey is voluntary. If any survey questions make your child uncomfortable, your child can skip the question or can choose to stop the survey at any time. If you do not want your child/children to take part in the survey, please email Mrs Hague kristy.hague@lism.catholic.edu.au by Wednesday, 1st May 2024.
Catholic Schools Week 2024
Christian service puts faith into action. In Catholic schools, as we study and look to Jesus Christ as our role model and Teacher, we come to a greater understanding of the depth of Christian service. Jesus served every person regardless of creed, background, faith, social status or age. He put faith into action by showing all those around him how our Heavenly Father is compassionate, courageous and forgiving. Jesus didn’t just talk about His faith; He lived it.
We are called by faith to go into the world to share the love of God with all those we meet. Each person, at every age, is called to become Christ for another by serving every person with a humble heart and with a generous spirit.
Be the reason that someone encounters Jesus in our school and sometimes, only sometimes, use words to do it!
Please find our schedule below for Catholic Schools during Week 11, Monday 8th - Friday 12th April.
| Schedule of Activities at OLHC-Term 1 Week 11 | |
| Monday 8th April | Year 5 Wellbeing Day 12:30pm Whole School Kahoot Challenge |
| Tuesday 9th April | Year 6 Wellbeing Day 12:30pm Whole School Bingo Challenge |
| Wednesday 10th April | Year 4 Wellbeing Day |
| Thursday 11th April | 2pm Minute to Win It Staff v Students |
| Friday 12th April | Casual Clothes Day 9am Petting Zoo 10:45-11:10am Morning Tea 11:10-1pm Snow Cones 1pm BBQ lunch for students-provided by school 11:30-1:30pm Face Painting 11:30-12:30 Wellbeing Activities-Parents invited 2pm Liturgy and Face of Jesus Awards 2:30pm Assembly 2:45pm Year 3 Pie Face fundraiser |
Community News
School News
NSW Policy Legacy Child Safety Handbook
The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents, carers as well as teachers on a range of topics essential to child safety.
The updated digital edition (link below) includes important content updates from: Fire and Rescue NSW (home fire safety), Transport NSW (school bus and seat belt safety), NSW Department of Communities and Justice (keeping children safe), eSafety Commissioner and NSW Rural Fire.
Sports News
At OLHC, we love celebrating the sporting achievements of all our students. If your child has a special achievement that you would love for us to share with the school community, please send any photos and a short paragraph outlining their achievement to Mrs McCarthy - haylee.mccarthy@lism.catholic.edu.au
Winter Sports Trials
Congratulations to the following students who attended the Lismore Diocesan Winter Sports Trials.
Rugby League (Boys U11) | Robbie Grace, Xavier Boyd |
Rugby Union (Boys U11) | Robbie Grace |
Soccer (Boys) | Jack De Guisti |
Soccer (Girls) | Harper Jasmin, Sophie Maher, Bailey Newton |
Congratulations to Harper who was selected for Polding soccer. We wish her all the best when she attends the Polding trials in Tamworth on the 3rd May.
OLHC Cross Country
OLHC Cross Country will be held on Friday the 5th of April at Riverview Park. This is a school event for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6. All students are expected to attend the cross country. Students are welcome to run, jog or walk. It is important that they participate at a level that they are comfortable with. If they are unable to participate for a medical reason, please email your child's classroom teacher and they can support and encourage their peers from the start line. Parents and family members are welcome to come and support our students throughout the day. A coffee van will be on site for adults only.
Please note:
- Imminent rain or extreme heat may result in the time of events being changed on the day.
- The top 5 students in each race will be invited to attend the Richmond Zone Cross Country on Tuesday 7th May, 2024.
- Year 2 students who are turning 7 this year (2017) will participate in the cross country with their Year 2 cohort (8 years) but are not eligible to attend the Richmond Zone Cross Country.
Leaders of Sport
This fortnight, Cooper and Harper interviewed Willow and Archer.
2024 - Events
Please note that these dates may change due to weather or circumstances that we can not control.
Term One
- Friday the 5th of April - OLHC Cross Country, Riverview Park
Term Two
- Tuesday the 7th of May - Richmond Zone Cross Country, Lismore
- Tuesday the 21st of May - DIO Cross Country, Grafton
- Friday the 14th of June - OLHC Athletics Carnival, Riverview Park
Term Three
- Thursday the 1st of August - Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival, Lismore
- Friday the 16th of August - DIO Athletics Carnival, Lismore/Coffs
- Friday the 30th of August - Richmond Zone Gala Day
Term Four
- Monday the 4th of November - Richmond Zone Tennis Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Wednesday the 6th of November - Richmond Zone Cricket Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Thursday the 7th of November - Richmond Zone Touch Football Summer Sports Trials (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Tuesday the 26th of November - DIO Tennis Summer Sports Trials, Lismore (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- Friday the 29th of November - DIO Cricket, Softball, Touch Football and Basketball Summer Sports Trials, Lismore (Years 4 and 5 ONLY)
- TBC - OLHC Swimming Carnival
Learning & Teaching
Kindergarten
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3 Maths games
Year 4 Spelling
Year 5 Creative Arts, Reading and Spelling
Year 6 Science
OLHC Achievement Awards
KP
Ayla K - For thinking scientifically when identifying materials, their properties and their purpose. Well done Ayla!
Jaxon E - For fantastic mathematical thinking and reasoning. You explain your answers clearly and use mathematical language. Keep it up Jaxon!
1L
Ava H - For applying yourself 100% to all your reading and writing tasks, keep it up Ava!
Theo P - For being a dedicated and consistent learner, your efforts do not go unnoticed Theo!
Nina Q - For your perseverance when faced with challenges during learning. Super effort Nina!
2P
Lachlan C - For your perserverance and your willingness to tackle challenging writing tasks. Keep up the great work!
Harvey J - For the positive attitude you bring to all areas of your class work, especially the effort when completing writing tasks.
3L
Sophia B - For your beautiful use of language features when writing your sequel to Fantastic Mr Fox. I am so impressed with your writing Sophia!
Ezra K - For your insightful contributions to our classroom discussions. We are so grateful to have you in Year 3!
4L
Campbell H - For using great characterisation in your writing and being a focused learner. Keep up the great work Campbell!
Dominic R - For creating an effective and well thought out design for your science project. Great work Dom!
4P
Isla L - For always being an enthusiastic and self motivated learner in our class. Super effort Isla!
Poppy W - For being an attentive listener, who is focused and able to work independently.
5L
Grace C - For your understaning can-do attitude in tackling mathematical problems with enthusiasm and determination.
Noah M - For your unwavering foucs and dedication to creating an engaging science fiction narrative.
5P
Aiden J - For his outstanding effort and focus during spelling tasks. Keep up the great work Aiden!
Noah S - For his outstanding team work during Science group activities. Keep upi the great work Noah!
6P
Bailey N - For continuing to challenge yourself and actively engaging in your learning everyday. You are a star, Bailey!
Riley C - For demonstrating great leadership when working with others, especially during Maths and Science. Keep being amazing Riley!