2 May 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Happy Easter everyone and thanks to those who were able to join us for the Resurrection liturgy on Wednesday. You can see we were all jumping for joy! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. Alleluia.
With the passing of Pope Francis, we are filled with both deep sadness and quiet gratitude. He was a true example of humility, living as a shepherd to the poor, listening with compassion, and recognising Christ in everyone he met. In his honour, our flags will be flown at half-mast during the nine day mourning period.
As the Church enters a time of Sede Vacante (the time when the papacy is vacant), we hold the College of Cardinals in our prayers as they prepare to gather in conclave to elect a new pope. May the Holy Spirit guide them in choosing a faithful and wise shepherd for our Church.
You will have received a letter from your child’s teachers today outlining the learning and other important dates for the term ahead. As always, give us a call here at school if you require further information.
Congratulations to Maeve O’Donovan who received the Walk Worthy of God Leadership Star award today. Maeve's teachers say that she is kind towards others, is diligent with her learning and is always available to lend a helping hand.
We say a warm welcome to the Paul and the Singh families who have joined the school community this term and an extra warm welcome to Father Joy d’Souza who has been appointed to the role of administrator of Sawtell Parish.
Warm regards,
Liz
Liz Watts
Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday 2nd May - Outdoor Family Fun Night - POSTPONED
- Saturday 3rd May - Federal Election - MHOC Polling Booth and Cake Stall
- Thursday 8th May - Mothers' Day Stall
- Monday 13th May - Zone Cross Country Carnival - NOTE NEW DATE
- Wednesday 21st May - Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival
- Monday 26th May - Mary Help of Christians Feast Day
- Wednesday 27th May - 3rd June - National Reconciliation Week
- Monday 2nd June - K-2 Athletics Carnival
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
MHOC Polling Place
Are you looking for somewhere to vote at Saturday’s Federal Election with no queues? Come to the MHOC school hall. While you're here, you can grab a delicious treat because our Social and Fundraising Committee is holding a cake stall on the day. Donations of cakes, biscuits and slices can be dropped directly to the stall on the day if you haven’t already dropped them into school today.
If you can spare an hour to assist with the stall between 9:30 and 12:00pm, please make yourself known to the parents who are working on the stall.
You’re Invited
Calling all mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers and great- nans! We are holding a special Mothers’ Day Liturgy and morning tea next Friday 10th May. Please click here to RSVP.
2026 Kindergarten Interviews
Our 2026 Kindergarten enrolment period is open with interviews due to commence on 20th May. Please complete the online enrolment form on the website. An interview booking form will be sent to applicants early next week.
ANZAC March
Thank you to all the families who were able to attend the ANZAC Day march in Sawtell. Our students represented MHOC as they marched in the parade, drummed in the drum band and marched in the parade. We were so proud!
Family Fun Night Postponed
The planned Outdoor Family Fun Night planned for tonight, 2nd May, has been postponed due to wet weather.
LOVING LEARNING
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. Tests are administered from 4th - 29th August, at school.
These competitions provide an extra challenge for students with strengths in these academic areas and provide helpful feedback for parents. Learn more about ICAS here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/).
ICAS results and certificate
Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please go to the Parent Portal to register for your chosen subjects.
1. Direct login link – faster! Use this link to log directly into the shop and start registering:
https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/SCZ896
Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm.
If you would like to discuss this further please email Jayne Appeldoorn
jayne.appeldoorn@lism.catholic.edu.au
Margaret Ryan
Assistant Principal
Learning & Teaching
FROM THE MISSION DESK
TTFM Survey
As part of our ongoing commitment to student voice and school improvement, all students will be invited to participate in the Tell Them From Me Survey on Monday 12 May 2025.
This survey gives students an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences about school life, wellbeing, engagement, and learning. The feedback we receive helps us to better understand our students’ needs and to continue creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
If you do not wish for your child to participate, please complete and return the opt-out form to the school by Friday 9 May 2025.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Amber Biddle, Assistant Principal Mission.
Year 6 GLOW Retreat
This term, our Year 6 students will take part in the GLOW Retreat, a one-day retreat experience that brings together Year 6 students from Catholic primary schools across the region.
GLOW is a day centred on faith, fun and friendship, engaging in prayer, reflection, and connection. It will support our students in deepening their faith, growing in confidence, and building relationships with peers from neighbouring schools who are also on their journey of leadership and transition to secondary school.
Details about the GLOW Retreat, including the schedule and permission form, are now available on Compass. Please log in to your Compass account to learn more and submit permission as soon as possible.
Easter Liturgy
We started Term 2 with a special Easter Liturgy. It was a lovely way to celebrate hope, new life, and being part of our school community. We also took a moment to remember Pope Francis and the way he lived his life with faith, kindness, and care for others.
Illuminate - Discovering the Light Together
Are you interested in joining a small group that meets weekly over four weeks to share Christian prayer, build friendships and strengthen connections with others? Express your interest via the flyer below.
Term Two Class Masses
All parents and carers are warmly invited to join us for our weekly class Masses at Sawtell Catholic Church. We’d love for you to stay afterwards for a cuppa and some morning tea. It's a great chance to catch up and connect with others in our school community.
Tuesday 6th May - Year 4
Tuesday 13th May - Kinder and Year 6
Tuesday 20th May - Year 2
Tuesday 27th May - Year 4, 5 and 6
Tuesday 3rd June - Year 1
Tuesday 10th June - Year 3
Tuesday 17th June - Year 5
Tuesday 24th June - Year 6
Tuesday 1st July - No Mass
Save the Date
Our Parish School-led Mass will be held on Sunday 15th June at 9:00am at Sawtell Church. We hope you can join us for this special celebration with our parish community.
Amber Biddle
Assistant Principal
Mission
Toni Fletcher
Leader of
Catechesis
SENSEI'S CORNER
This week, we have been looking at some traditional items and toys from Japan including the traditional calculator (abacus) called a soroban. It is still used to this day in country stores. Pictured is the Pata pata toy. It is simply four blocks of wood tied together with a ribbon. They cascade endlessly when tipped to the side. It was captivating for the students.
Janine Boyd
Japanese Teacher
MHOC SCHOOL COMMUNITY FORUM
Parent Assembly Conference
This filled up quickly but it's still worth adding your name to the waiting list if you are keen.
Pre-loved uniforms
We’re looking for a volunteer or two to oversee our preloved uniform sales. The current volunteer is returning to full-time work and tells me the time commitment is about half hour a week. Please give the school a call if you can help out.
Committees
Great to see some new committee members across the board.
Mothers' Day Stall
Last chance to order your Mothers' Day gifts. Order now on Flexischools!
Jo Melinz
SCF President
SPORT NEWS
Polding Soccer Trials
This week Ella Duncan (soccer) and Ivy Meehan (hockey) travelled the long voyage to Bathurst to compete for a spot in a Polding team. These trials draw students from all over the northern half of NSW. Ella and Ivy represented the Lismore Diocese and MHOC with pride and made it clear why they had been selected to progress to this high level. We are eagerly awaiting their results. Updates to come next week.
Zone Cross Country
Monday’s Zone Cross Country carnival has had to be rescheduled due to wet grounds. We will try again on Tuesday 13th May, and that just gives our team more training time, right?
MHOC Athletics Carnivals
This year, our MHOC athletics carnivals will be split into two separate carnivals. Our 3-6 carnival will be held on Wednesday 21st May at C.Ex International Stadium and our K-2 carnival will be held here at school on Monday 2nd June. We’re excited to share this new format with you. Stand by for more info!
Rebecca Bennett
Sports Coordinator
Geraldine Hourigan
Sports Administrator
HABITS OF MIND AWARDS
Term 2, Week 1
Kinder | Clara Smith, Elijah Adams, Ruby Podesta, Harvey Gilmer, Eli Pastro, Mae Thompson |
Year 1 | Molly Wigg, Tye Paine, Ivy Holder, Payton Duncan |
Year 2 | Rori Pastro, Harriet Algie, Eliana King, Harry Brandon |
Year 3 | Dean Dawson, Kinsley Brown-Carter, Jonathan Bailey, Gurnaaz Dhadwar |
Year 4 | Charlee Stevens, Lakey Schomberg, Scarlett Collon, Archer Tulk, Zane Hobbs, Laila Summers |
Year 5 | Ollie Brandon, Eli Fernie, Darcy Nixon, Pearle Desic, Kenzi Burrows, Zac Pearson, Cruz Gomes |
Year 6 | Jaxton Gosney, Jacob McPherson, Isla Judd |
CANTEEN NEWS
What's Cooking?
Lisa Mangan
Canteen Manager
NEWS FROM OUR PARISH
Parish Jubilee Pilgrimage
You are invited to join the Parish Jubilee Pilgrimage on Saturday 10th May from 4:30pm meeting at church and travelling in convoy by bus (need to book through parish office) or own vehicles. We will be celebrating a vigil Mass at St Augustine’s with their parish at 5:30pm and sharing a meal together afterwards. There will be no vigil Mass in Sawtell on that day.
Save the date
MHOC Feast Day Mass and celebrations- Sunday 25th May from 9am.
Youth group
Youth Group resumes Wednesday 7th May.
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
