Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School Lismore South eNewsletter

Principal News

As we turn towards Christmas we remember that God gave us Jesus because God's love is unconditional. That Jesus was born in the humblest of circumstances, in an animal shelter, should not be lost on us.

God gave Jesus to us this way to make it clear that no place and no person was beneath His dignity. The first Christmas story is one of humility, a story without royal robes, and a story without a proper bed. Jesus' presence brings joy to the world.

How to make Gravy/Christmas

Paul Kelly’s song "How to Make Gravy" captures the beauty of family coming together during Christmas, with the narrator expressing a deep longing to be with loved ones and the sense of warmth and connection that Christmas brings. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of family and a meal this time of year. Yet, while we often focus on these familiar gatherings, there’s a deeper invitation in the Christmas story that calls us to unite our story with the story of Christ — to connect not just with our earthly families, but also with the divine family in the birth of our Savior.

Christmas is a time of celebration, but it’s also a time of reflection on how Jesus came into the world in the most humble circumstances. As Kelly’s song reflects on the family’s role in bringing joy, we as Catholics are called to reflect on how Jesus, born in a stable to a poor couple, invites us into a deeper understanding of family that spans beyond bloodlines to the community of believers. In the song, Kelly sings about making gravy, a family tradition, and even in his absence, he longs for the peace and joy that simplicity in preparing a meal with family brings. Similarly, Christ’s birth reminds us that we are never truly apart from our heavenly family — the Church — even in our moments of longing or separation.

The message of Christmas is that Jesus came to unite all of humanity, not just those we call family, but all people. As we gather in our communities, let us remember that the peace and joy we experience in family is to be reflected outwards to all those we meet this Christmas.

So, this Christmas, while we enjoy the familiar traditions of opening presents, let's think of opening our homes. When we make the family lunch, let's think of inviting a neighbour. When we watch the carols maybe plan to venture out to a local park. Bringing Peace, Joy and Hope to all you encounter this season.

Merry Christmas to all, as we celebrate both the joy of our earthly families and the gift of being part of God's eternal family.

I will never forget my time at OLHC

I am deeply grateful for the privilege of leading the OLHC community for the past 7 years and I have loved every moment of it. Together, we have built an incredible team and we have worked incredibly hard to achieve our vision and watch our children not only grow but flourish.

To all our children, I would like to acknowledge your resilience and determination to achieve great things. I could list all of the challenges and successes that you have faced and achieved, but I am more concerned with the positive actions that I have witnessed from you, the leadership that each and every one of you has demonstrated, the commitment to support your classmates and other students in our school and most importantly, the fact that you put others before yourselves. Keep being amazing!

To our parents and guardians, thank you for all you do to make our school such an amazing place.
There is no doubt that we can’t do the job of education without the fantastic support and involvement we get from our parent community. I know that the staff look forward to this continuing in 2025 as you continue to work together to ensure our school continues to be a school of excellence.

The staff at our parish school are among the best you will find anywhere and their determination and commitment to make sure our students are loved, cared for and belong is evident in all that they do. I would like to thank them for making it a joy to be a part of the team here at OLHC. I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of such a wonderful team and I can assure you that your children are in amazing hands.

This year has been such a productive year in so many ways. We have made outstanding gains in many areas and our school improvement data reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire community. We have many families wanting to be part of our parish school community and this is a testament to the wonderful work happening in our school.

I would like to thank Fr Bing for his guidance and support during the year and to me personally during Term 4. He is a huge support to myself and the school and he leads the school in being an authentic centre of Christ in action. He wants the best for every child in our school and we love his kind and gentle approach to support the staff in ensuring that this is the case at.

I have loved my time at OLHC and when I pack up my office on Thursday 19th December, I have no doubt that it will be an emotional time as I am reminded of the many challenges, successes, friendships, tears and laughter that has been shared during my time.

Together, we have achieved many great things, overcome obstacles, some that we hope to never experience again and through it all, I have made many wonderful lasting friendships that I will cherish and hold on to. The memories that we have made during the past 7 years will always travel with me and I am truly blessed to be able to say that I am part of the OLHC family.

I hope that we may cross paths again in the near future. I wish everyone a safe, happy and holy Christmas. Enjoy this very special time with family and friends.

Regards

Michael

Christmas Tableau

Our 2024 Christmas Tableau was a huge success, showcasing our incredible students as they shared with our community the story of Christ’s birth. Every class performed their song beautifully in front of a very large crowd. It was wonderful to see so many smiles, listen to the laughter and conversations and see so many families reconnect.

A very big thank you to the following families for your support and generous donation of our raffle prizes. I would like to personally thank, Tegan Reginato , Joel and Brit Jensen, Tracy Ward, Jess Lees and Amy and Jason Rodda. Congratulations to all our lucky winners.

Thank you to all our families for a wonderful evening!

Year 6 2024

A Wish for Our Children

If there could be only one thing for us to teach you, we would teach you to love.

To respect others, so that you may be able to respect yourself.

To learn the value of giving, so if there is ever a time in your life that someone really needs you, you will give.

To act in a manner that you would wish to be treated, to be proud of yourself.

To laugh and smile as much as you can, in order to bring joy to others.

To have faith in others and be understanding.

To stand tall in the world and learn to depend on yourself.

To only take what you need and give to others.

To learn that happiness comes from the inside and being around those that you love.

To enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and to find peace and friendship in this life.

To you, our children, we hope we will teach you all of these things, for they are love.

Congratulations Year 6 - May you enjoy all the challenges and success that life will throw at you.
May your journey be filled with love and happiness and may you continue to achieve your
dreams.

I wish each and every one of you God’s Blessing and to our parents, I thank you for everything
you have done for your son or daughter graduating this year. I thank you for the support you have
given the school, the sacrifices you have made and most of all I thank you for the great gift of
entrusting us to be part of your child’s education.

Now go and shine your light. When you leave OLHC, let your light shine for all the world to see!

I wish everyone a happy, holy and above all safe Christmas.

Year 6 Leaders 2025

“It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

School Captains	Ryder Hall	Milani Hague
Leaders of Ministry	Harper Stevens	Mason Box
Leaders of Social Justice	Tilly Preston	Charlotte Forbes
Leaders of Sport	Aleena Coronakes	Ellie Brooker
Leaders of Sustainability	Rhiannon Frankham	Ethan Ramsey

Facing challenges and learning from our mistakes takes courage and support from family, friends and our school community. As our Year 5 leaders continue on their journey of learning and leadership throughout the year in 2025, we wish them every success and pray that they will have the strength to face challenges, learn from their mistakes and strive to be the best that they can be for the benefit of our OLHC community.

Our school leaders will be presented with the badges at our Opening School Mass for 2025.

Mission News

Making Jesus Real Awards

KP

Frankie S-A - For your enthusiasm and excitement in singing for our Christmas tableau. Keep letting your light shine Frankie.

1L

Ava H - For making Jesus Real in our class by consistently looking for ways to help her teachers and peers. Thank you Ava.

Regan Q - For your encouragement, understanding and support of your peers when assisting them to complete challenging tasks. Keep shining bright Regan.

2P

Wyatt P - For being a kind and empathetic friend who is supportive and understanding. You are setting a great example in Making Jesus Real.

3L

Hudson R - Hudson, Your kindness and attentiveness shine through in everything you do. You truly embody the spirit of Jesus by listen to others with patience and care.

4L

Mason E - For continually brightening the room with your cheerful attitude and your willingness to support your peers. Keep shining bright Mason!

Dominic R - For demonstrating the face of Jesus with your kind and gentle nature. Thank you for spreading kindness.

4P

Felicity F - For your warm smile and positive attitude towards each and every day. Keep shining Flic!

5L

Harper S - For her consistent smile and happy demeanor, which brightens the classroom and spreads positivity to everyone around her.

5P

Charlotte F - For always showing respect and responsibility in the classroom and the playground. Well done on being a fantastic role model to your peers Charlotte.

6P

Laini L - For the way you have embraced your role in the Christmas Tableau and supported others to do the same. You are a superstar, Laini!

Rhys Mc - For the mature way you have dealt with many challenges this term. Keep shining your light at High School, Rhys!

Learning & Teaching

OLHC Mr Squiggle Competition

This morning, our annual Mr Squiggle Competition winners were announced. It was very difficult to choose our winners this year as all of our students created such interesting images. Well done to our winners:

Kinder: Chloe & Katie

Year 1: Evie & Nina

Year 2: Darcy & Ethan

Year 3: Lennox & Maddy

Year 4: Paige, Harriett, Anika, Sebby

Year 5: Milani, Brayden, Chaise, Harper

Year 6: Violet , Charlie

Infants Creativity Award: Rhylee

Primary Creativity Award: Noah M

This term, students in Years 3-6 have been learning about dance in Creative Arts. Students have created their own choreography to dances in a variety of ways. This week, we were invited to watch the Trinity dance students perform for Dance Fusions. The students loved watching the dances and learning more about the creativity of dance and the was dance can tell as story.

We are grateful to the staff and students of Trinity for inviting us to their performance.

OLHC Achievement Awards

KP

Jaxen O - For your incredible descriptive writing. You're a superstar Jaxen.

Thea B - For setting an example of excellent behaviour both in and out of the classroom. Keep it up Thea.

1L

Ethan B - For growth in confidence as an active contributor to class discussions and when independently collaborating with peers on learning tasks.

Milla D - For your focus and dedication to achieve your learning goals this semester. Keep up the great work Milla.

Maizie H - For displaying confidence and resilience when working through challenges in the classroom and playground.

2P

Sylvia S - For contributing her ideas and understanding of time as well as using calendars efficiently during Maths lessons. Well done!

Sophia S - For confidently sharing her ideas and knowledge when creating figurative language in class activities. Great work!

3L

Ned M - You have demonstrated dedication and focus in your learning journey managing your time effectively and pushing through challenges. Well done Ned!

Lennox H - Lennox has shown exceptional skill and dedication in mastering number facts. His ability to apply his knowledge has been truly impressive.

4L

Nash B - For making quality connections between fractions and decimals. Well done Nash!

Anika B - For the continued effort that you put into your learning and your thoughtful contributions to class discussions. Congratulations on your growth this year Anika!

4P

Isabella F - For the amazing effort you put into your Geography slides comparing Australia and China. A great presentation Issy!

Tyler N - For always persisting in all areas of your work and having a can do attitude. Amazing, Tyler

5L

Ryan B - For his amazing effort and determination in participating in all events and giving his best at the swimming carnival, demonstrating true sportsmanship.

Brayden Mc - For his creativity and imagination in his art and drawings, consistently producing thoughtful and interesting work.

5P

Mason B - For being a positive and enthusiastic learner and friend, who brings his smile to school with him every day. Well done Mason!

Ethan R - For his reflective analysis on the dream time story about 'The Three Bears'. Well done Ethan!

6P

Zoe B - For the beautiful way you have showcased your time at Primary School in your Portfolio. You are a superstar, Zoe!

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 Mr Denny - zachary.denny@lism.catholic.edu.au

Swimming Carnival

On Friday the 6th of December, we held our annual school swimming carnival at the Lismore Memorial Baths. It was wonderful to see many smiles on the day and the students stepping out of their comfort zones and having a good go.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Age Champion:

7 years - Tallis Jensen

8 years - Grace Butler and Harvey Johnston

9 years - Nahri Jensen and Taetum Presbury Sonntag-Boll

10 years - Harriett Johnston/Milani Hague and Braith Fing

11 years - Charlotte Forbes and Ethan Ramsey

Teachers Race - Mr Denny and Mrs Byers

Thank you to all the staff for helping on the day, these days run smoothly because of our dedicated staff at OLHC. Thank you to all the parents who came along on the day and cheered the children on, these days are made extra special when we have our parents at our school events.

Students who were successful in the following age groups will progress on to the Richmond Zone Swimming Carnival which will take place on Friday the 14th of February at Alstonville Pool.

Congratulations to Brady Colour House who took out the house champion for 2025.

Cooper Quinn has finished the year as an Australian Champion. He won the 2024 Australian Junior Dirt Bike Championship for 50cc Div 2 and finished with P4 in the Australian Junior Dirt Track 65cc for the 7-9 years age group. It has been lovely following Cooper’s racing journey this year and we look forward to seeing what he will do next year. As a school, we congratulate Cooper on his success.

Term 4 Week 10 Newsletter - 16.12.24