16 May 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

We’re having a wet old time of it, aren't we? One minute the sun is peeking its nose through the clouds, the next minute, there’s a heavy downpour. The new standard dress item for staff are gumboots! Fingers crossed we’ll make it to the stadium for the Athletics carnival on Wednesday and that the much-postponed Cross Country events, not to mention weekend sporting events, will go ahead.

We’ve welcomed some Southern Cross University students to the school for practicum experience this week. We say a warm welcome to Mrs Elizabeth Lawler (Year 5), Mr Luke Wighton (Year 3) or Mis Susan Donnelly (Year 1). 

This week’s Walk Worthy of God Good Sport award was presented to Corbin Mieni from Kindergarten. Mr Kolder spoke of a friendly, inclusive young man who is kind to his teammates. Well done, Corbin.

Warm regards,

Liz

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Monday 19th May - Zone Cross Country
• Tuesday 20th May - 2026 Kindergarten interviews commence
• Tuesday 20th May - Mass for Year 2
• Wednesday 21st May - Years 2-6 Athletics Carnival 
• Thursday 22nd May - Diocesan Cross Country
  
• Thursday 22nd May - GRIP Leadership Course for selected Year 6 students
• Monday 26th May - Mary Help of Christians Feast Day celebrations at school
• Tuesday 27th May - 3-6 Choir Eisteddfod
• Tuesday 27th May - Mass Years 3-6
• Tuesday 27th May - 3rd June - National Reconciliation Week
  
• Wednesday 28th May - GLOW event for Year 6
• Monday 2nd June - K-2 Athletics Carnival
• Tuesday 3rd June - Canteen Red Day
• Tuesday 3rd June  Mass Year 1
• Wednesday 4th June - Family Reading Night 5.30-7pm
• Thursday 5th June - World Environment Day
• Friday 6th June - Dance Eisteddfod
• Monday 9th June - Long Weekend
• Monday 16th June-Year 4 Learning Showcase
• Tuesday 17th June-Year 2 and Year 5 Learning Showcases
• Wednesday 18th June-Year 3 and Kindergarten Learning Showcases
• Thursday 19th June-Year 6 and Year 1 Learning Showcases
  
• Monday 30th June - 4th July - NAIDOC Week Celebrations
• Monday 30th June - Dental Van Visit
• Friday 4th July - Effort Awards & Reports

Term 3

• Monday 21st July - Staff Development Day (pupil-free day)
• Tuesday 22nd July - first day of Term 3 for students
• Tuesday 22nd - Friday 25th July - Book Fair
• Friday 25th July - Grandparents’ Day
• Monday 22nd - Wednesday 24th September - Year 5 Camp
• Monday 22nd - 23rd September - Year 4 Camp

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

Congratulations Sensei

We are very lucky to have such a wonderful sensei teaching Japanese at MHOC.

Sensei Boyd recently presented to 300 delegates at the Japanese Language Teachers Association Annual Conference.

From the president of the Association in a letter to the school this week:

‘How fortunate we are to have a passionate and dedicated professional such as Janine willing to share her knowledge and expertise with colleagues.”

Well done Sensei Boyd!

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Little Wings

It begins... Our new STATE V STATE Recycling Challenge. In honour of Little Wings’ partnership with NSW Return And Earn and the newly established partnership with QLD Containers For Change, we are taking our FUEL OUR PLANES fundraiser to new heights with the launch of our State vs State Challenge.

From May 1st - July 9th 2025, this friendly rivalry between NSW and QLD aims to engage communities, schools, businesses and depots in a fun and impactful way, encouraging everyone to contribute to a cause that supports seriously ill children living in the regional and remote communities, providing free, safe and professional air and ground transport services, allowing these children to access life-saving medical care in the city Children’s Hospital network. 

20 containers equal to 1 litre of fuel for a Little Wings plane, let’s get onboard and start collecting for Little Wings.

Please drop your bottles, cans or cartons in our Little Wings Bin, outside the front office.

LOVING LEARNING

This term in English, Year 5 has been diving into the world of persuasive writing! We've been learning how to craft compelling arguments, use persuasive language, and understand our audience to make our points effectively.

One topic that has truly captured our attention is the incredible Macquarie Island. We've been learning about its unique wildlife, its important role in the global ecosystem, and the threats it faces. This has inspired some passionate persuasive writing as students have explored why it's so vital that we protect places like Macquarie Island for future generations.

FROM THE MISSION DESK

Pastoral Care Register -  Volunteers Needed

We’re looking for volunteers to join our Pastoral Care Register. From time to time, families in our school community may be facing challenges. During these times, we offer support by providing meals to those in need.

If you’re willing to be contacted occasionally to drop off a meal, we’d love to add you to the register. Please fill out this form below to get involved.

Thank you for helping us show care and kindness to our school community.

Class Mass - Kinder and Year 6

On Tuesday, our Kinder and Year 6 students joined together for a beautiful liturgy at Sawtell Church. Matt Diggs read the Gospel John 10:22–30. In his reflection he explained to the children that Jesus reminds us that He is our Good Shepherd. He knows each of us by name, and we are invited to listen to His voice and follow Him. Students reflected on how they can listen to Jesus in their own lives by being kind, helping others, and trusting in His guidance. It was a lovely chance for the Kinder and Year 6 buddies to come and pray.

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What’s Been Happening in Religious Education in Year 1?

In Year One this Term we have been learning about the Easter Season, including the Road to Emmaus. The students have enjoyed exploring this story and retelling it using figurines, art responses, role play and play dough. Below are some photos are student reflections about the Road to Emmaus. 

“I chose to act out the Road to Emmaus with my friends and I was able to read the story to everyone. I like how Jesus had risen.” Edie

“We used the figurines to retell the story. I chose this activity so I could retell with my friends. It’s pretty amazing that Jesus came back!” Evie 

Peer Groups

Today, students came together in their peer groups for a fun activity about our new Pope. They learned about who he is and what he does for the Church and even discovered some fun facts about Pope Leo XIV!

The session finished with a prayer about leadership, kindness, and hope. It was a great way for students to connect and reflect on how they can be like the Pope and follow Jesus, by helping others, being brave, and showing kindness. Some students shared what they’d love to ask our new Pope, like “What’s your favourite prayer?” or  “Thank you for helping the Church.”

Tell Them From Me Student Survey

This week, our primary students took part in the Tell Them From Me survey. This is a valuable opportunity for them to share their thoughts on school life, friendships, learning, and wellbeing.

Their feedback helps us understand what’s working well and how we can continue to grow as a school community. We’re proud of the thoughtful way our students took part and grateful for their ideas to help make our school even better!

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 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.

Caritas Australia Project Compassion

We’re proud to share that our school community raised $761.15 for Caritas Australia this term. Your generous support will help make a real difference to those in need, both here and around the world. Thank you to everyone who donated and took part in our fundraising efforts.

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.

SENSEI'S CORNER

Kindergarten are looking at teen numbers in Japanese. Which will further support the numbers being taught in their regular   Japanese numbers are taught through actions. It’s an even harder challenge when  one volunteer student isn’t allowed to see the actions of the group, but has rely on  listening skills to decipher what the number is and then convert it back to a numeral for  the board work. 

Go Kinder! You are doing well 

Last Thursday, we were fortunate to have a reading of Eric Carle’s  Hungry Caterpillar in  by our special Japanese guest - Chikayo sensei from LillyPilly childcare centre .  The students really enjoyed turning into aoumushi (caterpillars) and covered the kindergarten floor with wriggly student  caterpillars. 🐛

Year 4 are learning their surname in Katakana. They will start learning the basic 48 katakana characters next week when we start the Katakana karate belt challenge.

SPORT NEWS

Rain, rain, go away!

Next week has turned out to be a big week in the school sporting calendar. Monday will see the running of the Clarence Zone Cross Country event at the Wiigulga Sports Complex at Woolgoolga. After 3 postponements, and no end to the rain in sight, organisers had to opt for the concrete track to ensure the meet goes ahead before the Diocesan Cross Country. The Diocesan event also had to be pushed back because of wet grounds and will also be held at the Wiigulga Sports Complex on Thursday next week.

In between the two Cross Country events will be the Year 2-6 Athletics Carnival on Wednesday at the C.ex Stadium … weather permitting!

If you haven’t already, please provide your consent in Compass for the Athletics Carnival event.

Thank you to our students and parents for your patience through all the wet weather postponements (spare a thought for organisers!).

HABITS OF MIND AWARDS

Term 2 Week 3

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen Red Day

Order now on Flexischools!

Who doesn’t love a comforting bowl of pasta Bolognese? The rich, savory sauce, the tender noodles—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.  Our homemade pasta Bolognese recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with goodness that’ll make your body feel as happy as your taste buds.

LIBRARY WHISPERS

Next week we will be having National Simultaneous Reading day. The book chosen by ALIA (Australian Library and Information Assoc) this year is The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel. It’s a heartwarming picture book about a truck driver and his cat Tinka. They travel Australia together doing deliveries until one day Tinka gets lost. Yacoub, the truck driver searches for Tinka and ultimately finds more than he realised he was looking for. This is a story about loss and belonging.

With all the wet weather, the library has been full of students wanting to borrow books. It’s been a great way to remind the children that the library is open at recess and lunch and show them all the games and activities we have in here. Hudson and Levi were so excited to be borrowing books out of class library time, and told me it was the first time they’d come at Recess!

OSHC

Week 3 at OSHC – Rain, Shine, and Loads of Fun!

Week 3 was full of creativity, movement, and laughter at OSHC! We made the most of the sunshine with outdoor play whenever the weather gave us a break. Indoors, the fun never stopped – from car track adventures and colourful masterpieces to crafty creations, our imaginations ran wild! We kept our bodies moving too with Just Dance sessions, indoor races, walking tips, and balloon games like everyone's favourite Keepie Uppie. Rain or shine, we stayed active, creative, and full of smiles all week long!

Jemma

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

Carolyn & Marja

MHOC SCHOOL COMMUNITY FORUM

Family Reading Night

To register, click here.

The School Community Forum met on Tuesday evening. Welcome to the new parish representative, Mrs Kristy Chape and to Mrs Catherine Fox, the new parent representative. If you are interested in joining any of our parent committees, please contact us here at school. 

Following is an extract from this week's  minutes for your information:

Committee Updates:

• Parent Assembly Reading Night: The date agreed upon is 4th June at 5:30 PM.
• Parenting in the Age of Distraction: A $1000 grant available to contribute towards the cost of this initiative.

○ Discussion: Could this event be held via Zoom? Chair to speak with PA regional rep regarding this possibility. Could the date be pushed back later in the year?

○ Family Partnership Grant Model: Principal to follow up on her suggestion of a regional model for the Family Partnership grant (e.g., Bellingen receives $1000 for 80 students, MHOC receives the same $1000 for 500 students).

• Movie Night: This event was postponed due to wet weather. Discussions took place regarding a potential all weather option. No date has been decided.
• Games Night: This event is not yet scheduled in the calendar. It will take place in Term 3.

• Pre-Loved Uniform Stall: a volunteer will be sought to replace the current volunteers.
• Parent Interest in Events: Marg proposed creating a form to gauge parent interest in various types of school community events. The committee will gather a list of potential events and send these options to Marg within the next two weeks. The form might include headings such as "Educational, Social," and also include an open text box for parent suggestions.

• Mothers' Day Liturgy: The forum discussed the Mothers' Day Liturgy. There was a strong consensus to maintain the current Liturgy, as it is seen as integral to the identity and representation of MHOC. The possibility of following the Liturgy with an afternoon tea was raised. 

• Garden Shed: The student Garden Club has requested a garden shed to support their activities. Bunnings will be contacted regarding the Garden Club members' request for a garden shed. If Bunnings is unable to provide us with a shed, the SCF agreed to allocate a budget of $300-$400 to cover the cost of a garden shed for the Garden Club.

• Number Fluency Program: The Number Fluency program is successfully running in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6. It is scheduled to commence in Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 this term.

• Confirmation: Confirmation for students will take place at the end of July. Teachers are preparing the students for this Sacrament.

• Pastoral Care Meals Register: A request has been made for the creation of a Pastoral Care Meals register.

• Fundraising: Lisa mentioned that Kimberly Zucker is supporting students to create artworks for fundraising items such as calendars and diaries.

Council of Catholic School Parents

Check out these free webinars! 

Parent Assembly Conference

This filled up quickly but it's still worth adding your name to the waiting list if you are keen.

COMMUNITY NEWS