9 August 2024
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It was with great pleasure that we welcomed Lorraine Kirkaldy and Beth Schmahl, representatives of the Sawtell Josephite Companions, to help us celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first and only saint. Mary was a remarkable woman who was dedicated to helping the poor and always fought for those she served. She founded a new community of women - The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Josephite sisters. Saint Mary MacKillop inspires us to follow her example and stand up to injustice whenever we see it.
Congratulations to Willa Kennedy, the recipient of today’s Walk Worthy of God Leadership Star Award. Willa’s teachers say that she is a team player, who is always kind and patient. Well done, Willa!
Margaret Ryan
Acting Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Term 3
- Thursday 15th August - 2:45pm MHOC Science Fair Years 3-6
- Friday 16th August - Diocesan Athletics Carnival
- Friday 23rd August - Book Week dress up and parade
- Friday 30th August - Fathers' Day Breakfast
- Friday 30th August - Rugby Friendly with St Augustine's
- Friday 13th September - Polding Athletics Carnival
- Tuesday 17th September - School Disco (5 & 6)
- Wednesday 18th September - Barney Barselaar Soccer Gala Day
- Wednesday 18th September - School Disco (3 & 4)
- Thursday 19th September - School Disco (K, 1 & 2)
- Monday 23rd - 24th September - Year 4 Camp
- Monday 23rd-25th September - Year 5 Camp
- Friday 27th September - Presentation of Term 3 Effort awards
- Friday 27th September - Last Day Term 3
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Science Fair
The theme for National Science Week this year is Species Survival: More than just sustainability and on Thursday 15th August, we will be hosting our annual Science Fair for Years 3-6.
Student works will be on display and parents and carers are invited to visit classrooms after school from 2:45-3:30 pm. For more details, there is a copy of the Science Fair note in Compass. Additionally, a hard copy of the note that was sent home with children last week.
A Taste of Japan - Cultural Evening
It has been thrilling to see that the upcoming Japanese Cultural Evening A Taste of Japan Cultural Night, to be held on Monday 19th August, has been so popular. While all the available places are currently booked, if you would like to be added to the waiting list to attend, please contact the school office.
Book Week Parade
The theme of Book Week this year is Reading is Magic. Our Book week celebrations will take place on Friday 23rd August. Students are encouraged to dress as their favourite book character. We will celebrate with a parade at the morning assembly and parents and carers are invited to join us for the fun. There’s no need to spend money on costumes, use what you already have at home and add a little creative flair.
Fathers’ Day Breakfast
We can’t wait to celebrate Father’s Day with all of the wonderful fathers and grandfathers in our school community on Friday 30th August from 7:30am. Please click here to RSVP.
Big Splash Water Saving Challenge
Melanie from Coffs Harbour City Council visited us at assembly this morning and created some excitement around the Big Splash Water Saving Challenge. Melanie was at school to encourage all families in the City of Coffs Harbour Local Government area to take part. Every family that signs up to the challenge will be eligible to receive a free shower timer and challenge checklist to stick on the fridge. Encourage your friends to take part so you can all celebrate together at the Big Splash Pool Party in November! This will be a day of free entry and fun activities (like the inflatable water course!) at Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool. How many buckets of water can your family save? Sign up to the challenge before 24 August 2024 to find out! Look out for QR code that all students are bringing home today to register your family.
Did you know you can follow all of our happenings or our socials? Many of our school community follow us on Facebook but did you know we are on Instagram too? Follow along @mhocsawtell (https://www.instagram.com/mhocsawtell/)
LOVING LEARNING
Year 5
This week, Year 5 has been expanding our knowledge of 2D shapes, including the concept of rotational symmetry. We enjoyed some hands-on activities to help us consolidate our understanding.
MHOC Spelling
The Inaugural MHOC Spelling Bee is coming up in Week 5. Word lists have been sent home with students this week. Participation is optional and these word lists are to support students if they would like to practise the words in preparation for the Spelling Bee. We are very excited to see our super spellers in action!
Amy Martin
Acting Assistant Principal
Learning & Teaching
FROM THE MISSION DESK
Little Wings - Return and Earn ‘Fuel our Planes’ Fundraiser Program.
At assembly this morning, our school leaders launched the MHOC 'Fuel our Planes’ fundraiser. This amazing program provides free transport for seriously ill children across regional and rural NSW, ACT and QLD. On Tuesday, our school captains collected the bins directly off the plane. They got to see the plane, meet the volunteer pilot, Damien and celebrate joining the Little Wings program.
How can you support this program?
- bring in your recyclable bottles (cans, poppers, milk cartons and bottles)
- All bottles must be in good condition (not crushed or broken), empty and have the label attached.
- place them in the bin located at the gate near the front of the school.
What a great opportunity to recycle for a very worthy cause!
Jammies for Joeys and Saint Mary MacKillop
On Thursday, we celebrated and remembered a very special woman, Saint Mary MacKillop. Thank you to Beth Schhmahl and Lorraine Kirkady from the Sawtell Josephite Companions for joining us in prayer. Our school raised $400 which will be donated to charities run by the Josephite sisters, the order of nuns founded by Saint Mary MacKillop.
What’s been happening in Religious Education in Kindergarten?
In Religious Education, Kindergarten are learning about how important families are and how every family is special and how our family helps us feel loved and protected. They have also learned about Abraham and Sarah, who were good people that God promised would have a big family. Their family grew and became part of God's family. We explored this story through drama, artwork, puppets, and song. When we are baptised, we join this special family, knowing God is always with us and keeps us safe.
Term 3 Class Masses
All parents are welcome to attend our weekly Tuesday Mass at 9:30am. These class Masses are held at MHOC Church Sawtell. Please see the timetable below for Term 3.
Tuesday 13th August - No Tuesday Mass. Thursday 15th Assumption Mass at 11am. Years 5 and 6 attending.
Tuesday 20th August - Year 6 and Kinder
Tuesday 27th August - Years 1 and 2 - Liturgy
Tuesday 3rd September - Years 3 and 4
Tuesday 10th September - Years 5 and 6
Tuesday 17th September - Kinder
Tuesday 24th September - No Mass this week
Amber Biddle
Assistant Principal
Mission
Toni Fletcher
Leader of
Catechesis
SENSEI'S CORNER
This morning, Year 3 showed off their clapping skills based on a traditional Japanese dish. Traditionally around New Year’s Day in Japan, Japanese people pick up a heavy mallet and pound cooked rice called Omochi. The rhythm required is timed to the second so that no one hurts their hand as they knead the dough.
Some of our students had fun juggling balls and paper balloons - gifts from our Japanese exchange students, Naoko and Soichiro Sagawa .
Boyd Sensei
MHOC SCHOOL COMMUNITY FORUM
Fundraising Ideas
Our Social and Fundraising Parent Committee members are gathering ideas for fundraising to contribute to the building of an amazing playground for our Stage 2 and 3 children.
If you are able to come along to share your ideas with the team, or if you have ideas you would like to share, please complete this form.
Fathers' Day Stall
Consent and Online Boundaries
The Council of Catholic Schools Parents is hosting a FREE webinar in collaboration with the eSafety Commissioner on Tuesday, 20 August at 7.30pm. To register click here.
Understanding how to support your child with online gaming
Suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and early secondary school.
Tuesday, 3 September, 12.30pm
Register here
An introduction to online safety and emerging technologies
Suitable for parents and carers of children and parents in primary and secondary school.
Thursday, 5 September, 12.30pm
Register here
Bingo
The rostered teams for the next few week's Bingo are:
- Thursday 15th August- team no. 3 (Catherine's team)
- Thursday 22nd August - team no. 4 (Donna's team)
- Thursday 29th August - team no. 5 (Meg's team)
Jo Melinz
PSF President
SPORT NEWS
Zone Soccer & Netball Knockout
Today, Mr Warnes & Mrs Morgan took our school netball and soccer team to Yamba to compete in the Zone Netball & Soccer Knockout. More information in next week's newsletter.
Diocesan Athletics
Good luck to Team MHOC at the diocesan carnival next Friday! We are so proud of their achievements so far and we can’t wait to hear about their results.
Bec Bennett
Sports Coordinator
Geraldine Hourigan
Sports Administrator
HABITS OF MINDS AWARDS
Term 3 Week 3
Kinder | Molly Wigg, Harley Woods, Jordyn Thomson, Nick Mangan, Harper Ryan, Grace Hardidge, Liam Collin |
Year 1 | Indee Schwietzer, Mason Lehr, Max McDonald, Amelia Pryce |
Year 2 | Alexandar Mangan |
Year 3 | Easton Fargher, Daisy Biddle, Charlize Law, Leni Slater |
Year 4 | Jax Bond-Sowter, Ollie Brandon, Chael McMurray |
Year 5 | Isla Judd, Jacob McPherson, Faith McCann, Elsie Logan, Ashton Harding, Imogen Dean |
Year 6 | Archie Shepherd, Sage Ellis-Wise |
CANTEEN NEWS
Canteen Helpers
Parent and grandparent volunteers are always needed and welcome. Please phone the school, complete this form or email sawp-canteen@lism.catholic.edu.au if you can spare some time in the canteen.
Lisa Mangan
LIBRARY WHISPERS
Part of our Book Fair fun was the 'Reading a Book in a Crazy Place' competition. It was very difficult to choose a winner because there were so many amazing and interesting photos that are now all on display in the library. Congratulations to our winning entrants; Lakey Schomberg, Lewis Podesta, Willow Zucker and Elsie Miller.
Rachael Hewitt
Librarian
OSHC
Week 3 at Mary Help of Christians Out of School Hours Care has been a blast, as usual! Our children have developed a keen interest in soccer, engaging in activities from playing on the field to coloring soccer-themed sheets in the mornings. To celebrate their enthusiasm, we’ve set up a soccer investigation display featuring their favorite players and moments. This display will continue to evolve throughout the term.
Additionally, we've been enjoying the Olympics together and have recently discovered a new favorite game: "Would You Rather." We're also busy planning for the upcoming school holidays. Stay tuned for the program, which will be released in the coming weeks!
Laura McDiarmid
OSHC Coordinator
NEWS FROM OUR PARISH
AXIOS
This week, we had a new addition to the group. Welcome Dominic. We also welcomed Ashlinn deDassel who is part of the Diocesan Youth Ministry team. It was great to have Ashlinn joining in with the games and activities. Hopefully Ashlinn will be a regular visitor to our group.
If you would like to join, please get in touch with Marja at mjacobsen@lis.org.au, or fill out this google form and she will be in touch
The last few weeks have reminded us of the importance of children in a parish.
The role they play, the roles they empower us to play as parents and adults & the gifts they receive on their Christ Centered Journey, connecting deeper with the Holy Spirit.
Last Friday the children celebrated their Confirmation. Bishop Greg put it simply and beautifully. “ In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the children receive gifts. Among those,
The gift of knowing what is right and wrong.
The gift to have the strength to do what’s right & not do what is wrong, even if others around us don’t know the difference.
The gift of love.”
In the lead up to Confirmation the children, their parents and their sponsors gather for preparation based group sessions and retreat days; created to guide and support the knowledge, embodiment and connection between each candidate and the Holy Spirit through song, games, interaction based theory, role playing, prayer and food.
With the completion of this round, ending with Confirmation last Friday, we begin a new round of Sacraments this September.
Reconciliation, Confirmation & Eucharist.
If you would like your child/children to receive their Sacraments at Sawtell Parish to deepen their knowledge and connection to the Holy Spirit, please get in touch with Marja at the Parish office on 6658 3544.
HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS
A major part of our parish mission to build a loving Christ-centred community, is the ability to meet the needs of the community through outreach and hospitality. Each of us has our own role to play.
DISCOVER WHAT YOUR ROLE MIGHT BE TODAY!
We want to create a new list of volunteers willing to provide hospitality support with meetings and events which occur in the parish.
By completing this form you agree to go on a list to be contacted when the need arises. You can then decide at the time, if you are able to assist. You would be on the list for a set period of time.
Some of you are already involved in aspects of hospitality and your generosity is greatly appreciated. However, we need to expand and develop a stronger support network that is able to respond more reliably to the needs of the parish.
We ask you to please take some time to prayerfully reflect on this need and opportunity and respond to the options below.
God bless and thank you.
Please complete the online form here
Download the form to complete and hand in here
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
Carolyn & Marja
COMMUNITY NEWS
