15 March 2024
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
There are more than 10,000 saints recognised by the Catholic Church and on Sunday, we celebrate one of the more well-known ones: Saint Patrick of Ireland. Patrick and his followers converted thousands (my ancestors included!) to Christianity. He was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love of and trust in God can be a shining example for us all. Saint Patrick…pray for us.
~Extract form Saint Patrick’s Breastplate~
Thank you to the McGann family for the donation of a baby grand piano. It’s looking very comfortable on the hall stage and Mr Madden provided a beautiful impromptu performance to settle it into its new home.
Congratulations to the recipient of this week’s Leadership Star, Lucy Laurie. Mr Wigg spoke of a kind, confident student who is considerate and respectful.
We say a warm welcome to the Prince and Kaur families who have joined the school community this week.
Warm Regards,
Liz
Liz Watts
Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Term 1
- Sunday 24th March - Save the Date - Bunnings Easter Raffle and Cake Stall
- Tuesday 19th March - Retreat for First Communion candidates
- Wednesday 20th March - Years 1 & 2 Breakfast
- Wednesday 20th March - Cultural Food Tasting
- Thursday 21st March - Harmony Day dress up (See ‘What’s the Buzz’ below)
- Wednesday 27th March - Years 3 & 4 Breakfast
- Wednesday 27th March - Cross Country (Please note change of date)
- Thursday 29th March - Holy Thursday
- Friday 29th March - Good Friday
- Monday 1st April - Easter Monday
- Tuesday 2nd April - Easter Hat Parade
- Wednesday 3rd April - Years 5 & 6 Breakfast
- Saturday 6th April- First Eucharist (Holy Communion) - 9am
- Monday 7th April-12th April - Catholic Education Week
- Monday 8th April - 12th April - Australian Dental Health Visit
- Monday 8th April - Year 3 Learning Showcase, 2pm
- Monday 8th April - Hot Dog Day in the canteen
- Tuesday 9th April - Years 4 & 1 Learning Showcase, 2pm
- Tuesday 9th April - Zone Cross Country, Grafton
- Wednesday 10th April - Years 6 & Kindergarten Learning Showcase, 2pm
- Wednesday 10th April - final AXIOS youth group meeting for Term 1
- Thursday 11th April - Years 5 & 2 Learning Showcase, 2pm
- Thursday 26th April - ANZAC Day march
Term 2
- Monday 29th April - Staff Development Day - no school for students
- Tuesday 30th April - first day of term for students
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Summer Family Games Night
It was a great night with lots of laughter. Thanks to the Melinz family for organising.
MHOC Family Choir for ANZAC Day
Our combined school drum band will be keeping the beat at the Sawtell ANZAC march this year and we have also been invited by the RSL to lead the singing at the wreath-laying ceremony. (Mrs Carmel Robertson has kindly agreed to provide the piano accompaniment.)
We’re hoping to form a MHOC Family Choir to respond to this request. Mrs Moss, Mrs Watts, Mrs Biddle and Mrs Ryan are all keen. If you and/or your children would like to join them, please complete this form and we will be in touch about having ONE practice before the 25th April. The songs are the National Anthem plus Lest We Forget. Thank you in advance!
Harmony Week
Next week is Harmony Week with the theme Everyone Belongs and we have planned activities every day for our students to celebrate the range of cultural backgrounds of our MHOC families.
- Logo Design Competition - Children are invited to participate in a competition, designing a logo for Harmony Week with the theme Everyone Belongs. Children can come to the Art Hub on Monday and Tuesday at recess to work on their designs. Entries must be submitted by Thursday 9am. There will be prizes for every grade.
- Cultural Food Tasting Plates (Wednesday 20th March) - We are making tasting plates for children to experience food from around the world. These plates will include a small amount of food from a range of cultural backgrounds. If you are able to donate a dish or two from your family's culture, we would be most grateful. Please complete this form to assist us with our planning. Food can be dropped at the office before school on Wednesday morning.
- Cultural dress-up day (Thursday 21st March) - Children are invited to wear any of the following options to school:
Traditional Cultural Dress
Significant cultural symbols and/or colours eg national colours, shamrocks etc
Orange clothes or a splash of orange! (The official Harmony Day colour)
- Orange Harmony Day Jelly cups will be available in the canteen for $1 on Thursday.
- There will also be music playing in the pebbled area each lunchtime, reflecting the cultures of MHOC families.
Class Breakfast - Year 1 and Year 2 Families
We look forward to seeing all of our Year 1 and Year 2 families at their Class Breakfast on Wednesday morning from 7:30am. If you can assist with cooking the BBQ, serving or packing up, please complete this form.
Class Breakfasts
Class breakfasts will be held from 7:30am - 8:30am. Come along and meet the teachers and other parents in your child's grade.
Order now on Flexischools!
Wednesday - 20th March - Year 1 & 2
Wednesday 27th March - Year 3 & 4
Wednesday - 3rd April - Year 5 & 6
Attendance Matters
Each day of learning at school builds on what was learned the day before. Did you know that if your child misses as little as one day a week, they will miss 40 days of school and 8 weeks of learning over the course of one year?
Thank you for prioritising your children’s attendance at school. Please contact us if your require support with school attendance.
Safe on Socials - Snapchat, removing and blocking a user
LOVING LEARNING
NAPLAN
Students in Years 3 and 5 have completed Writing, Reading and Conventions of Language assessments so far. The Numeracy assessment will take place on Monday. If your child was absent on Wednesday or Thursday this week, they will complete catch-up assessments early next week.
Parent Partnerships in Learning
As a school community, we value the relationship we have with our parents and carers. Together we will be better able to support the learning of our children. We welcome opportunities to partner with you and to discuss your child’s learning throughout the year and encourage you to contact your child’s teacher/s if you wish to discuss their progress and learning goals.
There are many ways that MHOC communicates and partners with our parents and carers about their child/ren’s learning, including:
- parent/teacher interviews, face-to-face or via phone, held at least twice a year or whenever a parent or teacher would like to discuss a child’s learning
- Formal reports each semester
- Learning Showcases - these are held twice a year, where parents and carers are invited to visit classrooms and children have an opportunity to showcase their learning. Our first learning showcases for 2024 will be held at 2pm on the following dates:
Monday 8th April - Year 3
Tuesday 9th April - Year 4 & Year 1
Wednesday 10th April - Year 6 & Kindergarten
Thursday 11th April - Year 5 & Year 2
- Articles in the newsletter and social media posts, sharing the learning that’s happening at school
And from this week, we are introducing a new platform for parents to engage in their child’s learning - Seesaw. This is an app that provides parents and carers access to a digital student portfolio. Students will add to their portfolio a minimum of once per week. This will be a one-way communication platform where you are able to view your child’s classwork, have a conversation about his/her learning and celebrate your child’s achievements.
Today, your son or daughter will be bringing home a Seesaw Family Invitation. Please follow the step-by-step instructions on the invitation to connect via smartphone, tablet or computer.
Should you require any assistance, please contact your child's teacher.
As always, if you would like to discuss your child’s learning or any aspect of their school experience, please email your child’s teacher to arrange a time to meet or contact the school office.
Margaret Ryan
Assistant Principal
Learning & Teaching
FROM THE MISSION DESK
As we enter the fourth week of Lent, we are invited to reflect on our journey of conversion and renewal. This halfway point reminds us to take stock of our Lenten commitments and renew our resolve to grow closer to God. The story of the prodigal son reminds us of God's unconditional love and forgiveness, encouraging us to approach the sacrament of reconciliation with open hearts. This week, let us deepen our prayer life, seek reconciliation with others, and strive to live with greater compassion and generosity. May this fourth week of Lent be a time of spiritual growth and renewal, leading us closer to the joy of Easter.
Andrew Chinn Concert
This week, staff and students were entertained by the wonderful Andrew Chinn. The school was abuzz on Monday with students and staff clapping, dancing and singing along to Andrew’s songs. It was wonderful to see the smiles on children’s faces and feel the excitement in the air. Three cheers for Andrew Chinn!
Class Mass - Year 1
Year One celebrated Mass on Tuesday. Fr Colin read the Gospel reading John 5:1-3, 5-16. He explained to the children that this particular reading teaches us that Jesus is always ready to help us, no matter how big or small our problems are. Father Colin encouraged us to trust in Jesus and believe in his miracles. Just like the man in the story, when we have faith in Jesus, wonderful things can happen in our lives too!
Harmony Day Workshops
Today our Year 6 students had a fabulous time working with our Pastoral Care Officer, Rob Imeson, creating short films and song writing as part of this year’s Harmony Day competition. The theme for their creations were based on “ Harmony Day - What Can We Do?” We can't wait to see their final creations!
First Eucharist Retreat
As part of the preparation for the first Eucharist, next Tuesday some of our students will be participating in a mini Retreat at Sawtell Catholic Church. The event will be run by Amber Biddle, Toni Fletcher, Nicole Hall and Carolyn Tuminello. All participating students will require consent via Compass.
Mini Vinnies - Ice Cup Sale
Our Mini Vinnies and Social Justice Team had a successful ice cup sale today. Thank you to our Kinder and Year One families for supporting this initiative. Year three and four students you're up next! All proceeds will go to Pete’s Place.
What’s Been happening in Religious Education in Kindergarten
In Religion, Kindergarten has been learning about Jesus as The Good Shepherd who knows us all by name and loves us. Students also responded to the Gospel passage The Lost Sheep, learning about how great Jesus’ love is for us. Students made puppets and a sheepfold to orally retell the story.
Stations of the Cross
On Wednesday, Year Six spent the morning with Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Biddle, learning all about the importance of The Stations of the Cross and how they bring us closer to God. Students explored all 14 stations and took careful note of the mood, expression, costumes and props that would be required. In the lead up to Easter, Year Six will be re-enacting the Stations through static displays.
Term 1 Class Masses
All parents are welcome to attend our weekly Tuesday Mass and morning tea at 9:30am. These class Masses are held at MHOC Church Sawtell. Please see the timetable below for Term One.
Tuesday 19th March - Year 4 (Eucharist Retreat)
Tuesday 26th March - Year 5
Tuesday 2nd April - Year 3
Tuesday 9th April - Kinder & Year 6
Amber Biddle
Assistant Principal
Mission
Toni Fletcher
Leader of
Catechesis
MHOC PARENT FORUM
MHOC- Bunnings Easter Raffle and Cake Stall
The PSF is holding an Easter raffle and cake stall on Sunday 24th March at Bunnings. We hope you can join the fun!
We will be looking for some volunteers to join us in selling raffle tickets and baked goodies on the day. The stall will run from 8:30am until about 2pm (or until we sell out).
We are also in need of donations of cupcakes, biscuits/ cookies and slices (to be delivered to the stall at Bunnings) for sale on the day.
If you are able to assist with either selling and/or baking please fill in this form. We would really appreciate your support to help make this a success!
Council of Catholic School Parents
Bingo
The rostered teams for the next few weeks' Bingo are:
- Thursday 21st March - team no. 2 (Kelly's team)
- Thursday 28th March - team no. 3 (Catherine's team)
- Thursday 4th April - team no. 4 (Donna's team)
Jo Melinz
PSF President
SPORT NEWS
Rugby Trials
Congratulations to Lucas Townsend and Kaidan Doust who were selected to attend the Diocesan rugby trials in Term 2. Good luck boys!
Rebecca Bennett
Leader of PDHPE
Geraldine Hourigan
Sports Administrator
HABITS OF MINDS AWARDS
Term 1, Week 7
Kindergarten | Louisa Preece, Amelia Rouse, Louis Howat, Thomas Rogers, Grace Hardidge, Cassie Clark |
Year 1 | Isabella Petersen, Henry de Byl, Nyla Sharkey, Piper Francis, Darcy Boggett, Lewis Podesta |
Year 2 | Darcy Borchart, Mia Brookes, Finn McDonald, Sophie Van Hoeck |
Year 3 | Bethany Brookes, Nia Paine |
Year 4 | Anna-lese Ross, Ruby Sharkey, Victoria Amos, Lachlan Herbert |
Year 5 | River Griggs, Faith McCann, Amberley Law, Eden Corr |
Year 6 | Toby Heinke, Emily Crowe, Dylan Juffermans |
CANTEEN NEWS
Harmony Day
Hot Dog Day
Canteen Roster
Parent and grandparent volunteers are always needed and welcome. Please phone the school or complete this form if you can spare some time in the canteen.
Monday 18th Mar
Kath Rallings
Tuesday 19th Mar
Wednesday 20th Mar
Thursday 21st Mar
Angela Thaler
Friday 22nd Mar
Liz Jackson
Meba Winter
Lisa Mangan
LIBRARY WHISPERS
For those of you who may not be aware or have forgotten, we have an MHOC Book Exchange for Adults up near the Staff Room. The books are available for you to take and we’d love you to bring in any books (in good condition) you’d like to donate to the Exchange. There is a wide selection and also a section of books about parenting.
Scholastic Book Club orders are due by Monday morning. I’ll be closing orders after the morning bell, so if you are planning on ordering a book for your child, you have the weekend to do it. Don’t forget you can order and pay online through the Scholastic online https://scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/. Books will still come to the library and I’ll deliver them to each child. If you don’t wish to pay online, you can fill in the paper form and hand it and the correct money into the office on Monday morning.
Rachael Hewitt
Librarian
OSHC
This week has been a very fun and hands-on activity week. From slime to playdough, to sensory tubs and oobleck we have made it all. The children have given our educators amazing feedback that they, “Love making things at OSHC. We should do it every week!”
Of course we have to listen to ensure every child is having a great time at OSHC and are being provided with activities that interest them.
This week’s program theme is “Circus fun”. Some favourite programmed activities have been fluffy popcorn buckets, paper plate elephants and party hat creations. We have also had many spontaneous activities throughout the week such as soccer, ga-ga, loom bands and melty beads.
Tahlia Q
MHOC OSHC Vacation Care
Laura McDiarmid
MHOC OSHC Coordinator
NEWS FROM OUR PARISH
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 NEWS
Jetty Theatre
A biological-musical-comedy-adventure that explores the ins and outs of the human digestive system
From the creators of “The Alphabet of Awesome Science” comes a brand-new multi-award winning family show… You are a doughnut!
It’s true! YOU are a great big fleshy lump with a remarkable hole running all the way through your middle — your digestive system.
Join biology teachers Oesoph A. Gus and Dewey Dean as they embark upon an utterly brilliant all-singing, all-dancing (and all-clowning!) exploration of every twisting tube and remarkable organ – with sketches, songs, and sensational science. Along the way you’ll encounter a frenzy of enzymepowered ping pong balls, sing along with a rainbow collection of poop puppets, and witness the weirdest poetry performance you’ve ever seen.
You Are a Doughnut has won a couple of Adelaide Fringe Festival Awards — the 2023 “Science at the Fringe” Award as well as a 2022 Weekly Award for “Best Kids and Family”.
Recommended for ages 5-12 & Families
