OLHC News Issue 12 Term 2 Week 4 - 16th May 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 we moved into our new school building. It was such a thrill for our students to see the old building removed, the new building craned into place, the hard work from the team at SwanBuild, and the completion of the project. Now we are in the new building, I'd like to extend an invitation to our friends, families, and prospective families, to come and visit/tour. We'd love to show you our beautiful spaces, speak with you about our excellent teaching and learning, our intervention programs, and the holistic education we offer at OLHC.
Since our last newsletter, we had the sad passing of Pope Francis, and the exciting election of Pope Leo XIV. Our world is troubled, and the Church can shine a light for all to see the goodness, the love, and the friendship of our God. We can pray for our new pope, joining with millions of others doing so worldwide, asking God to guide and strengthen him for the difficult but essential job of shepherding the Catholic Church.
Faithful God,
You guide us on the path of life
and your goodness is our constant companion.
Be with our new Shepherd, Pope Leo XIV,
in his service of the Church.
Fill him with the power of your Spirit,
the peace of your presence
and the compassion of Christ.
May he walk with you,
in wisdom and humility,
and lead us, together with all God’s people,
to embody your love for the world.
Amen.
(Source: Catholic Agency for Overseas Development)
As always, please come and see me if you would like a tour or conversation.
All the very best,
Chris McCumstie
principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
DOBCEL (Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited) governs Our Lady's and is the system to which our school belongs. After a long period of consultation with principals, school leaders, educationalists, and international experts, DOBCEL has released their 2035 strategy "Pursuing Fullness of Life for All." You can read more about the strategy here or can come in and see me to have a conversation if you'd like more information about the direction of our system.
New Build Update and Photos
We can't wait to show people through our new space!
Black Ranges Cross Country
Black Ranges Cross Country was held on Wednesday, 14th May 2025 at Lord Nelson Park, St. Armaud. Joseph, Irene, Nihal and Kirat qualified to compete as a result of their achievement in the Dunmunkle Cross Country. Congratulations to these students for their efforts representing our school!
Mother's Day Liturgy & Afternoon Tea
Last week, mothers, grandmothers and special friends were invited to Our Lady’s for a special Mother’s Day liturgy. This was followed by a very enjoyable afternoon tea.
Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week
Monday 26th to Friday 30th May
Theme for 2025
'May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.' (Romans 15:13)
We will run a week full of great events including visits from other Catholic schools, a liturgy or Mass, and fun activities for the students. Information to follow in the coming weeks.
School Photos
School Photos will take place on Wednesday, 28th May at 9.00am.
All orders for School Photos this year can be made online using the 'School Access Key'. Please note there is the same access key for all students, not individual envelopes for each student, as has been the case in the past.
Individual & Family Photos can be ordered with the same code.
To place an order -
- Go to - www.creationsphotography.com.au
- Click on "Order your Photos" and enter the code
- Follow the on screen advice to complete your order
- All online orders are secure
- Easy tracking of all orders placed
- No need for Cash to be sent to School
- You DO NOT need to return the Photo Form to School
- Family Orders must be ordered online before 6.00pm the night before photo day - No family photo orders can be received after this time
- School Photo Forms (1 per family) will be sent home today
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
School TV
The SchoolTV initiative at Our Lady Help of Christians School aims to help parents to 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.
Important Upcoming Dates:
May 2025
- Tuesday 20th May - Excursion to Warracknabeal Community Gardens & Lions Park
- Friday 23rd May - Feast Day Mass and Activities in Horsham
- Monday 26th to Friday 30th May - Catholic Education Week
- Tuesday 27th May - Catholic Education Week Mass @ 11am at Our Lady's
- Wednesday 28th May - School Photos 9.00am
June 2025
- Tuesday 17th June - Imagine (Live Show) Horsham Town Hall 11.00am
July 2025
- Friday 4th July - Last Day of Term 2
- Monday 21st July - First Day of Term 3
September 2025
- Thursday 18th September - Last Day of Term 3
- Friday 19th September - Pupil Free Day - Staff PD
October 2025
- Monday 6th October - First Day of Term 4
November 2025
- Tuesday 12th November- Pupil Free Day - Staff PD
December 2025
- Thursday 18th December - Last Day of Term 4
Mass Times & Parish Information
Sunday 18th May 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.