OLHC News Issue 31 Term 4 Week 3 - 24th October 2025
Our Lady Help of Christians is a Child Safe School and is committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Japagulk peoples as the traditional custodians of the land upon which our school was built.
Principal Report
Dear Parents and Friends of Our Lady's,
This week, the Church celebrated the feast day of Pope St John Paul II.
John Paul II, who was pope from 1978 to 2005, had a deep love for young people and a great vision for Catholic education. He believed that an authentic education was an encounter with Truth that helped every person discover who they are in the eyes of God. He often said that “the future of humanity passes by way of the family and the child,” reminding us that each child is a precious gift and a sign of hope for the world. It also reminds us of the strong relationship between the family, society, and in our own context, the Catholic school. What we do in Catholic Education matters deeply.
John Paul II encouraged teachers and parents to see their work as a vocation, calling them to help children grow in wisdom, faith, and love. He said that “true education is to form the human person in the pursuit of truth and goodness,” and that every school should be a place where young hearts and minds learn to see Christ in all things.
He loved to remind young people: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ!” For it is in Christ that our families, students, and teachers will truly find the fulfilment of their vocation.
A Prayer to Saint John Paul II
Saint John Paul II,
You taught us to be not afraid,
and to open our hearts to Jesus.
Pray for our school community —
for our students, teachers, and families —
that we may seek truth, grow in faith,
and share God’s love with joy.
Amen.
All the very best,
Chris McCumstie
principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
CEP Performance
We are looking forward to a Circus performance (called Asking for Trouble- Risk!) at the Horsham Town Hall on Wednesday 29th October at 11am. As always, we are grateful to the Country Education Partnership for making these opportunities available to our school and students.
Permission forms will be on SIMON/PAM.
We look forward to sharing some photos and student experiences after the event!
Friday Fun - 'Dress like a Farmer' Day
To finish the year joyfully, we have instituted Fun Fridays! This week the students enjoyed popcorn and a movie, dressing as farmers, and sharing a lunch. There is a growing list of fun ideas for how we may spend all the remaining Fridays, so stay tuned!
Art with Mr Critch
The students took part in a 'picture study' of Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly Series, examining the painting, wondering about its mysteries, and commenting on the landscape and figure that Nolan celebrates. The particular painting places Ned Kelly in the Wimmera, where the artist lived during his time with the army in WWII.
Mr Critch then spoke to the children about the technical elements of the painting, and taught them some techniques for replicating it themselves. The children had a 'crash course' in colour mixing, working with acrylic paint, and applying particular skills that Mr Critch was able to teach.
This deep dive into an iconic piece of Australian art was enjoyable for the children and it was wonderful to see a small part of our cultural heritage being passed on.
Catholic Mission Week 2025
From 3rd to 7th November, our school community at Our Lady Help of Christians, Murtoa will celebrate Catholic Mission Week 2025. This year’s theme, Missionaries of Hope, calls us to bring light, compassion, and justice into the lives of others, especially those facing hardship and uncertainty.
We are invited to live out our faith through action — by showing kindness, standing with the vulnerable, and sharing Christ’s hope in practical ways. Throughout the week, students, staff, and families will engage in prayer, learning, and fundraising to support vital mission projects around the world.
Together, let us be people of hope, courage, and love.
Parent Support Initiative: School TV
The SchoolTV initiative at Our Lady Help of Christians School aims to help parents navigate the often complex issues they face in raising their children.
Expert advice, helpful tips, and other resources, are available to all our parents and caregivers. Explore the wide range of topics at SchoolTV by clicking on the link below.
Child Safety
Our Lady Help of Christians is a Child Safe School. We implement the 11 Child Safe Standards, and work to embed these in our school culture. Our newsletter is just one place among a number where we educate our community about Child Safety. Below is a concise and helpful guide to the Child Safe Standards. The Child Safety Officer at OLHC is Chris McCumstie, and he can be contacted for information at any time.
principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
Important Upcoming Dates:
October 2025
- Wednesday 29th October - CEP Performance Horsham Town Hall at 11.00am
- Friday 31st October - World Teachers' Day
November 2025
- Monday 3rd - 7th November Mission Week
- Tuesday 4th November - Melbourne Cup Day - Normal School Day
- Wednesday 12th November - Pupil Free Day - Staff PD
- Wednesday 19th November to Friday 21st November - Year 3 & 4 Camp Ballarat
December 2025
- Tuesday 2nd December - Year 6 Experience Day at St. Brigid's College
- Monday 8th to Wednesday 10th December - Year 6 Camp - Lady Northcote Discovery Camp
- Wednesday 17th- Graduation Mass St Mary's Church at 5.00pm
- Thursday 18th December - Students' Last Day of Term 4
- Friday 19th December - Staff Last Day of Term 4
Mass Times & Parish Information
Sunday 26th October 2025, Livestream at 9.00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Parish Bulletin
Community News
See the attached flyers for initiatives that may interest from groups in and around Murtoa.
