31 March 2023
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Holy means ‘set apart’ and Christians set apart an entire week - Holy Week - to recall the events surrounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It begins this weekend with Palm Sunday when we reflect on the joyful welcome Jesus received when he entered Jerusalem, with people waving palm branches and proclaiming him as the Messiah.
It is a time for us to reflect on the importance of welcoming Christ into our hearts and lives, and to prepare ourselves for the events that will unfold in the coming days; the gift of the Eucharist given to us by Jesus at the last supper, Jesus’ passion and crucifixion, and ultimately the joy of his resurrection.
We were blessed with beautiful weather for our Cross Country and Fun Run. It was wonderful that so many parents and grandparents were able to join us. Congratulations to the Gold House who won the day.
Well done to the parents who took out the Parents/Teachers/Captains race again this year. Come on teachers; we have three months to train before the Athletics Carnival. Hopefully we can win at least one event this year!
I’m looking forward to catching up with families tomorrow at our first working bee for 2023. You are all welcome to pop in to say hello and lend a hand if you have any time to spare.
Warm regards,
Margaret
Margaret Ryan
Acting Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 1st April- Working Bee 3-5pm
Sunday 2nd April - Daylight Saving Time ends
Wednesday 5th April - Easter Hat Parade - 8:50am
Thursday 6th April - Effort Awards and Easter Raffle draw - 8:50am
Thursday 6th April - Last day of Term 1
Friday 7th April - Good Friday
Saturday 22nd/ Sunday 23rd April- Presentation & Blessing of First Communion (Eucharist) candidates during Mass
Wednesday 26th April- 2024 Kindergarten enrolment period opens
Wednesday 26th April-Friday 17th May - SJPC Year 7 Enrolment period opens
Wednesday 26th April- First Eucharist Practice for Group 22 - 6pm
Tuesday 25th April - ANZAC Day
Wednesday 26th April - First Eucharist Mass practice session - 6pm
Friday 28th April - Catholic Schools Week Celebrations
Monday 24th April - Pupil free day/Staff Development Day
Sunday 30th April - First Eucharist Mass & Celebration for Group 22 - 11am
Thursday 11th May - Mothers’ Day Stall
Friday 19th May - Outdoor Family Fun Night 5.30-8.30pm
Wednesday 21st June - MHOC Athletics Carnival
Saturday 12th August - Family Bush Dance (Save the Date!)
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Working Bee This Saturday
Can you spare an hour or two to help out at tomorrow’s working bee? We will be spreading mulch, so if you can bring along a wheelbarrow, buckets, shovels and/or rakes, it would be most helpful. Children are welcome to come along with their parents
Sawtell ANZAC Day March
Each year we have a large presence in the ANZAC Day Parade in Sawtell. Children are invited to represent Mary Help of Christians School at this event. Children come dressed in full school uniform, including a hat, and meet near the beach entrance behind the Sawtell RSL club at 10:45am, ready for the march to begin at 11 am.
Easter Hat Parade
Next Wednesday at 8:50 am, we will be holding an Easter Hat Parade in the school hall. Children are invited to create a hat - it can be as simple as a sun hat with a decoration added, or as fancy as you like. Kindergarten children made hats with their Year 6 buddies today, but Kinder and Year 6 children can also make a hat at home if they are feeling extra-creative.
Presentation of Effort Awards and Easter Raffle Draw
On Thursday, we will be presenting our Term 1 Effort Awards in the school hall at approximately 8:50 am. These are presented in each Key Learning Area to children in all grades for effort throughout the term. We will also be drawing our Easter Raffle prizes straight after the award ceremony. Everyone welcome!
Pupil Free Day -Monday 24th April
A reminder that the first day of Term 2 is a pupil free Staff Development Day. MHOC OSHC will be operating on this day for parents who require care for their children. The first day of Term 2 for all students is Wednesday 26th April.
Catholic Schools Week Celebrations - Living Our Mission
The first week of Term 2 is Catholic Schools Week . You are all invited to join us for a special celebration on Friday 28th April. Here is an overview of events:
- 8:50am - Catholic Schools Week Liturgy
- 9:10am - Classroom Art Displays
- 9:30am - Morning Tea for all our guests
- 9:30am - Story and Song Time for Preschoolers
Tell Them From Me Survey Information
At the beginning of next term, we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to complete the Tell Them From Me Partners in Learning online survey to provide feedback on their experience of our school. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at Mary help of Christians Primary School. Keep an eye out for the survey which will be shared via Compass and the newsletter.
Ukulele
If your child would like to learn the Ukulele, Stephanie is offering Absolute Beginner classes on Thursdays from 2.45-3.15pm.
For more information please contact Stephanie on: 0421 346 713 or stephanie@ukoono.com.au
LOVING LEARNING
HPL
Our students from Stage 3 this week had their first opportunity to meet up with students from St Augustine’s and St Francis Xavier primary schools as part of the SJPC High Potential Learners Program. They continued their work on how the brain works and how we can develop strategies to work to our potential. This was a great opportunity for students to mix with like-minded individuals and engage in higher-order learning opportunities. The students came back excited about friends that were there both old and new. Thanks to Mr Dewhurst for another great day of learning.
Mario Kart eSports Competition
An elite group of Mario Kart gamers from Year Six competed in a tightly contested inter-school competition on Thursday. Prior to the tournament, each of the eight team members had to compete for their place in representing MHOC. Our students performed exceptionally well on the day and came away with an overall second place. Well done!
Craig Warnes
Acting Assistant Principal
Learning & Teaching
Michaela Miller
Leader of Pedagogy
FROM THE MISSION DESK
Lent
Lent is a time that provides us with an opportunity to grow closer to God and to become more mindful of our spiritual lives. It is a time for self-examination, for reflecting on one’s shortcomings and for making amends for past wrongs. By giving up something that is important to us, we are reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and we become more aware of our own dependence on God.
Although Lent began six weeks ago, it is not too late for you to join our school community in making a greater act of prayer, charity or self-denial as a way of coming closer to God and to others. We look forward, in anticipation of Easter Sunday where we joyfully celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
Please see below the Sawtell Parish Easter and Holy Week service dates and times.
Holy Week
Next week, our whole school will reflect on the events of Holy Week, including the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday and Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death on Easter Sunday.
A prayer space will be set up each day, beginning on Monday, just outside the administration building, and each grade will visit to reflect, pray and sing together.
Project Compassion - For All Future Generations
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraiser and awareness-raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
Your Project Compassion Boxes can be returned to the school office anytime before next Thursday, prior to Easter. All donations gratefully received!
First Eucharist Mini-Retreat
On Tuesday, our First Holy Communion candidates participated in a mini-retreat at the Church, as they make their final preparations before receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
The children had a wonderful day discussing the Fruits of the Spirit such as joy, love, kindness, forgiveness and gentleness (just to name a few) that they can carry in their lives and hearts as followers of Jesus.
They also explored the word ‘communion’ and how we are connected to each other through the love of Jesus Christ.
A special thank you to Mrs Tumminello, Mrs Appeldoorn, Mrs Fletcher and Miss Stocks for their help with organising such a successful day.
Please keep these students in your prayers over the coming weeks.
What’s been happening in Religious Education in Kindergarten?
Kindergarten children were delighted to share some bread and wine (grape juice) in their classroom this week as part of their learning around the events of Holy Week and Easter. Mrs Wright played the role of Jesus at The Last Supper, breaking the bread and sharing the wine with His Disciples, (played by Gurwaris, Dustin, Penny, Paxton, Ivy, Lewis and Caoimhe). When it was time for the rest of Kindergarten to share the bread and wine, children practised saying "Amen" and making the sign of the cross before eating and drinking together. It was a wonderful way to learn about the importance Jesus' words, "Do this in memory of me."
Mini Vinnies
Thank you to those who generously donated to the Mini Vinnies Bathroom Bonanza. The collection of body wash, shampoo and conditioner will be donated to Pete’s Place to support the homeless people in our community.
Amber Biddle
Assistant Principal
Mission
Toni Fletcher
Leader of
Catechesis
SENSEI'S CORNER
Scenes from the Japanese classroom. Our Japanese play to be performed by lunchtime club members is coming together nicely.
And unicycling is open for viewing for K-6 on Thursdays at lunch. Come and see the licensed riders lap the hall.
Boyd Sensei
SPORT NEWS
Netball Gala Day
On Tuesday, Mrs Dennis, Mrs Bennett and 28 students from Yr 5 & 6 attended the Coffs Harbour All Schools Cup Gala Day.
We were represented by 3 teams of varying abilities with some players of representative standard and others who pulled on a bib for the first time ever. We had so much fun learning, honing our skills and (as always) showed excellent sportsmanship amongst our teams and towards others.
Our team of experienced players was undefeated on the day, winning convincingly against strong competition. This result earns this team a spot in the All Schools Finals in Port Macquarie later in the year.
The premise of any gala day is to expose students to sports they are interested in and develop a love for the game. We certainly walked away from this day with a greater appreciation for netball as a game and had a whole lot of fun along the way!
Cross Country
Today we held our school across Country event. Operating under muddy conditions and a new format, the children did extremely well. We had a whole lot of fun mingling in our house colour groups and running with our friends. The parents took out the annual Parents VS Teachers VS Captains race and our Kinder children had a ball chasing our Sports Captains through the Junior course.
Congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the Zone carnival to be held next term: Sonny Diacono, Eli Fernie, Lachlan Herbert, Max Herberts, Luke Diacono, Frankie Barreto Gunn, Emilia Chape, Mila Rose, Pearle Desic, Charlee Stevens, River Griggs, Jack Higgins, Nate Maguire, Samuel Stewart, Miles Thompson, Lacey van Hoeck, Layla Verbruggen, Zara Pinder, Matilda Elkins-Baker, Ella Duncan, Angus Watson, Will Amos, Alex Howard, Kaidan Doust, Archer Casson, Ruby Culverwell, Grace Chape, Tiah Allen, April Diacono, Mila White, Max Pinder, Lennox Bond-Sowter, Tom Corsalini, Oakley Baylis, Tate Dennis, Ivy Newton, Molly Biddle, Eva Corsalini, Jessie Loudon, Isla Schomberg.
Thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time and to the teachers and Mr Emanuel for making the day a great success.
Polding Swimming
On Thursday, Ned Rapley and Milla Adamson attended the Polding Swimming carnival held on the huge stage that is SOPAC (Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre). Both students swam personal best times and should be extremely proud of their efforts. We were able to watch on from MHOC on the live stream and could not be prouder of our little fish!
Milla finished 13th overall.
Ned finished 9th overall.
Rebecca Bennett
Leader of PDHPE
Geraldine Hourigan
Sports Administrator
MHOC PARENT FORUM
Easter Raffle
Thank you for your support of the Easter Raffle which will be drawn on Thursday morning after the presentation of the Effort Awards. Please return all raffle tickets to the school office by Wednesday.
Parent Assembly Summer Family Games Night #2
What a fun evening it was! The families who came along had a great time playing a selection of games after a delicious pizza dinner. Special thanks to the Diocese of Lismore Parent Assembly who funded the event.
Bingo Volunteers
We are looking for a few volunteers to join one of our friendly teams.
Outdoor Family Fun Night - Save the Date - Friday 19th May
Jo Melinz
President
CANTEEN NEWS
Canteen Roster
Monday 3rd April
HELP NEEDED
Tuesday 4th April
Cheryl Jones
Wednesday 5th April
HELP NEEDED
Thursday 6th April
HELP NEEDED
GOOD FRIDAY
Meba Winter
Canteen Manager
LIBRARY WHISPERS
Everyone should have received their Scholastic Book Club orders this week. Please let me know if your child didn’t receive theirs.
I have sent out overdue notes for every grade - thank you to those parents who took the time to contact me if their child received a note but were either unable to locate the book or had already returned it.
I hoping the children will be as excited as I was to get our latest delivery of books! Here are some that I just put out on display. I’m expecting an empty shelf next week!
Rachael Hewitt
Librarian
OSHC
WE CURRENTLY HAVE LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR PERMANENT ASC BOOKINGS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY IN TERM 2 !
Do you still have credit available from your BASC voucher? Time is running out to use your vouchers.
Contact us now to find out how you can book your child in for After School Care at MHOC OSHC.
We provide delicious afternoon teas, fun and engaging activities and the opportunity to make new friends.
Call us on 0459 030 941 or email sawp-oshc@lism.catholic.edu.au.
We also have places available for our AMAZING Vacation Care Program, see below.
Vacation Care Program
NEWS FROM OUR PARISH
This week, we thought about the upcoming Holy Week and also had a challenging activity to put some well-known prayers in sequence. Of course, there were some games as well. Some groups aced it! One more week to go this term.
The children in Group 22, who have been learning about the sacrament of Eucharist have just participated in a mini-retreat (see photos above) and will be presented to the parish during the weekend Masses of 22nd & 23rd April. There will be a practice in the church for all children and parents at 6pm on Wednesday 26th April. They will receive their First Holy Communion at a special Mass on Sunday 30th April at 11am. This will be followed by a celebration brunch.
After the holidays, the children in Group 23 will begin preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. This will be celebrated on Tuesday 18th July. More information to come in the weeks ahead.
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is available to those requesting it. Please ring Jennifer at the Parish Office (66583544) or talk to Amber Biddle, Liz Watts or Margaret Ryan at school if you have any questions. Alternatively, if you wish to register for Baptism, there is now the option of an online request form .
Parish Website , E-bulletin & Facebook Page
For all the latest news from our parish, check out the Parish website or subscribe to our new e-bulletin which can be sent directly to your inbox each week. Why not sign up today by entering your details in the sign up box on the Homepage or Contact page of the website!
And don’t forget to check out our FaceBook page
Parish Team
COMMUNITY NOTICES
