29 August 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Many of our families were fortunate on Wednesday evening to take part in the Parenting in the Age of Distraction webinar with Angela Lockwood. Angela’s key message is that screens are now a part of children’s lives, so we should aim to create balance within our families. A few of her simple suggestions include playing games together as a family, reading a bedtime story each night, cooking together and getting your children to teach you about their online games. It is challenging with the busy lives we all have, but the key is trying to create time each day to connect with your children. Thank you to the Catholic Schools Parent Assembly who made this event possible.
The school discos this week were Outta this World! Thank you to our creative parents and to the wonderful staff who came along to ensure everyone had a fun and safe night.
Congratulations to Charlie Gosney, the recipient of today’s Walk Worth of God Leadership Star Award. Charlie’s friends spoke about a friend that is happy, thoughtful and honest . Well done, Charlie!
I look forward to seeing lots of our dads and grandads at the Fathers’ Day breakfast next Friday.
Warm regards,
Margaret
Margaret Ryan
Acting Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Term 3
- Thursday 4th September - Fathers’ Day Stall
- Friday 5th September - Fathers’ Day Breakfast & Footy Colours Day
- Friday 12th September - Polding Athletics
- Wednesday 17th September - MHOC Public Speaking Finals
- Sunday 21st - School-Led/Parish Mass
- Monday 22nd - Wednesday 24th September - Year 5 Camp
- Monday 22nd - 23rd September - Year 4 Camp
- Monday 22nd September - Clarence Public Speaking Competition
- Friday 26th September - Last day of Term 3
Term 4
- Monday 13th October - Staff Development Day (pupil-free day)
- Tuesday 14th October - First day of Term 4 for students
- Monday 3rd - 5th November - Year 6 Camp
- Wednesday 17th December - last day for students
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
School Disco Dazzles!
What a week for our school community! This week's school discos were an absolute blast, with students from every grade coming together to dance, laugh and show off their incredible creativity. The theme, 'Outta This World,' truly inspired some stellar costumes.
From tiny aliens and brave astronauts to sparkling stars and distant planets, the effort everyone put into their outfits was truly spectacular. The dance floors were a cosmic mix of colours and characters, making for an unforgettable night for everyone involved.
A massive thank you to all the students for bringing their enthusiasm and amazing costumes. And of course, a huge shout-out to the teachers who made sure the night ran smoothly.
Chess Team Conquers Coastal Challenge
Hot off the press! Our successful school chess team traveled to Port Macquarie today to compete in the next round of the State Chess Championship, and we are thrilled to announce they have triumphed!
After their impressive win in the local competition, the team faced some tough opponents but showcased exceptional skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Their hard work and dedication paid off, and they have successfully secured their spot in the next round of the state finals.
We are so incredibly proud of their outstanding achievement. Their victory is a testament to their focus and commitment.
A huge thank you and congratulations must also go to Mr. Madden, who has coached and supported the team every step of the way.
Stay tuned for more updates as our team prepares for the next round!
Fathers' Day Breakfast & Footy Colours Day
Children and their dads are invited to come to school next Friday dressed in the colours of their favourite football team (whatever code you follow). To RSVP to the Fathers' Day breakfast, please click here.
Dental Van visit
Many of our families opted to participate in the free dental program offered earlier this year by Australian Dental Health (ADH).
Unfortunately, we have today been informed that ADH's services to regional NSW have been suspended.
We will let you know if any opportunities become available for other dental services in 2026.
LOVING LEARNING
K-2 Science Fair
As part of National Science Week, our K–2 students showcased their creativity and curiosity at our Science Fair on Friday, 29th August. This year’s theme, Decoding the Universe – Exploring the Unknown with Nature’s Hidden Language inspired a wonderful variety of investigations—from rainbow sun catchers and colour wheels made from nature, to magnet mazes and symmetrical artworks.
It was fantastic to see so many thoughtful and imaginative projects. Thank you to all the students and families who participated and to the parents who joined us to celebrate our budding scientists. What a joyful celebration of science and discovery!
What’s Happening in Year 4?
Year 4 has been experimenting with portmanteau words, which involves combining parts of two or more words to create a new word. Example: smog (smoke + fog). They have had a lot of fun creating new foods to eat.
Brendan Murphy
Assistant Principal
Learning & Teaching
MHOC SCHOOL COMMUNITY FORUM
Fathers' Day Stall
This year's Father’s Day Stall will be held on Thursday, 4th September.
Students will have the opportunity to choose a special gift for their dad or a father figure in their life. A variety of affordable gifts will be available for purchase on the day. All orders must be made through Flexischools, so please be sure to place your order ahead of time.
Jo Melinz
SCF President
FROM THE MISSION DESK
This Sunday marks Social Justice Sunday, an important day in the life of our Catholic Church and wider community. As a school committed to living out Gospel values, we join our parish in reflecting on the call to work for justice, peace, and dignity for all people.
Each year, the Australian Catholic Bishops release a Social Justice Statement that highlights key issues facing our world today and invites us to respond with faith, compassion, and action. This year’s theme is Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health, encouraging us to open our hearts and minds to those on the margins and seek practical ways to make a difference.
We encourage families to attend Mass this weekend at our parish to mark this special occasion and consider how we, as a school and as individuals, can continue to build a more just and loving world.
Let us keep the mission of social justice in our prayers and actions not just this Sunday, but every day.
Pete’s Place Donation
At today’s assembly, our Mini Vinnies students proudly presented Gai Newnam with a donation raised through our school bake sale. We are incredibly proud to support the important work Gai and her team do in providing care, dignity, and hope to those in need.
Thank you to everyone who baked, bought, and supported this initiative. Your kindness is making a real difference.
Mini Vinnies
Help bring some holiday cheer to those in need! The Mini Vinnies group is collecting empty shoeboxes to contain Christmas gifts for individuals and families who access support from Pete's Place, a service run by St Vincent de Paul. Later this year, our students will fill these shoeboxes with essential items and gifts, such as toiletries, to provide a little bit of comfort and joy. If you have any empty shoeboxes, please send them to the school office or directly to Mrs. Fletcher in Year 4. Thank you for your generosity!
What’s Happening in Year 4?
In Year 4 Religious Education, students have been studying a unit on Mary, the Mother of God. We explored how she listened and responded to God throughout her life, and we reflected on the importance of trusting in God's plan. We learned about Marian prayers and feast days and how the Church honours Mary.
The unit also highlighted the life of Mary MacKillop and other Saints as another example of faith and action.
Mary MacKillop listened to God with her heart. Seeing poor children who couldn’t go to school made her heart ache. She felt that strong nudge from God that this wasn't right and that something needed to be done. She listened to that feeling and responded with her hands. In a small town called Penola in South Australia, she started her very first school in an old, rundown stable. She and her friend, Father Julian Tenison Woods, believed every child deserved an education.
Students were encouraged to consider how they can also listen to and respond to God's call in their own lives. On a worksheet with a heart and two hands, students wrote about a need they felt strongly about. In each hand, they wrote one small, simple, practical thing they could do to help with that need. It's not about solving the whole world's problems at once. It’s about doing the small things that can make a big difference.
Term 3 Class Mass Roster
All parents and carers are warmly invited to join us for our weekly class Masses at Sawtell Catholic Church at 9:30am. 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 2nd September - Year 2
Tuesday 9th September - Year 4
Tuesday 16th September - Year 3
Tuesday 23rd September - Kinder & Year 6
Our Parish/School led Mass will be held on Sunday, 21st September at 9:00am at Sawtell Catholic Church. We hope you can join us for this special celebration with our parish community.
Save the Date
Our Parish/School led Mass will be held on Sunday, 21st September at 9:00am at Sawtell Catholic 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
Many students have turned up at lunch on Thursdays to make 1000 origami paper cranes for world peace.
Some of the students have become so good at it that they can teach small groups all by themselves.
We are looking for more students to help us reach our goal 1000 cranes. If 400 students fold two each, we will nearly reach our goal.
Parents, we need help with the strands that hold the cranes together. If you’d like to help string the cranes into long strands of 37- 40 with cotton or fishing line and a button to stop them slipping off, let your child know and we will send some home.
This is a video showing how to do it.
SPORT NEWS
Move over Tiger Woods!
This week Aussie Foy attended the Polding Golf tournament in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. This was a big voyage for Aussie (and his lovely family who agreed to take him) but it was worth all the effort as Aussie has now been selected as part of the NSWCPS team to attend the NSWPSSA Golf Championships in Barooga (South Western NSW).
A lot of travel ahead for this little golfing superstar! Congratulations on your amazing achievement Aussie!
Diocesan Athletics
On a rare day of sunshine, a large number of MHOC students attended the Diocesan Athletics carnival to vie for a spot in the upcoming Polding Athletics carnival. As always, we competed with amazing sportsmanship, cheered each other on and delivered strong performances against some incredible athletes from all over the Lismore Diocese (all the way from Tweed Heads to Laurieton).
Congratulations to the following students who were successful in their respective events and will represent Lismore Diocese at Polding Athletics in Newcastle on 12th September -
Frankie Barreto Gunn - 800m and 1500m
Ollie Brandon - shot put
Eli Fernie - 1500m
Lacey van Hoeck - 1500m
Layla Verbruggen - 100m and long jump
Netball All Schools Cup Regional Finals
On Tuesday, our MHOC Gold Netball team travelled to Port Macquarie to compete in the All Schools Cup Regional Finals. The girls played an impressive five games in a row, with only a short ten-minute break in between matches.
Our team got off to a strong start, winning the first game, and in several others we were only narrowly defeated by just one point. Although we didn’t progress to the final round, the determination, resilience, and teamwork shown by the girls was outstanding.
We are very proud of the way the team represented our school, displaying positivity, commitment, and wonderful sportsmanship throughout the day. Congratulations to all the players on an excellent effort!
A special thank you goes to the parents for driving the girls to Port Macquarie and for their encouragement and support of the team and to Mrs Dennis for her commitment to coaching the team.
Touch Football Gala Day
What a fantastic day for our Year 5 and 6 students at the touch football gala day! Under a beautiful sunny sky, our students showcased some incredible skills on the field. The day was a true testament to the power of teamwork and sportsmanship. It was inspiring to see every player encouraging their teammates and showing respect for their opponents, no matter the final score. A huge thank you to all the staff who helped make the day a great success. We're already looking forward to next year!
Rebecca Bennett
Sports Coordinator
Geraldine Hourigan
Sports Administrator
OSHC
This week at MHOC OSHC, we had a blast making the most of the changing weather! Chalk drawing and outdoor play gave children the chance to get creative, stay active, and enjoy time together in the sunshine (Outcomes 1 & 2). On Friday morning, we added some extra fun with a boot camp session — even our educators were put to the test with the beep test, planking, push-ups, and more — building resilience, confidence, and teamwork along the way (Outcome 4).
We’re also excited to share that our Vacation Care program and booking form have now been released! Bookings are filling up quickly, so be sure to secure your spot by submitting your form as soon as possible.
It’s been another energetic and exciting week at MHOC OSHC!
Laura McDiarmid
Librarian
HABITS OF MIND AWARDS
Term 3 Week 6
Kinder | Harper Sullivan, Harvey Gilmer, Harry Boundy, Maeve Macfarlane, Mae Thompson, Patterson Andrews, Maisie Corfe, Scarlett Hennessy, Bonnie Walsh, Nico Mendoza |
Year 1 | Tye Paine, Molly Wigg, Ted Bright, Payton Duncan,Jasmine Munro, Nick Mangan, Willow Meehan |
Year 2 | Rori Pastro, Zahra Atwal, Savannah Murphy, Lily Jones, Max McDonald, Tia Malec, Harriet Algie |
Year 3 | Finn McDonald, Jed Heriot, Mackenzie Brookes, Charli Morton, Matias Barreto Gunn, Isabelle Currie, Amelia McDonald, Tegan Orman |
Year 4 | Vinnie Pandelakis, Charlize Law, Leni Slater, Betty Moore, Karlos Mendoza, Chase Dennis, Henry Jones, Lily Walmsley, Curtis McCarthy, Charlotte Miller, Layla Fowler, |
Year 5 | Cruz Gomes, Max Herbert, Michael Forshaw, Summer Wills, Harley Bulanyi, Aubrey Woods, Avreet Sindhar, Ada Prowse, Byron Currie, Cleo Ellem, Ned Rapley, Leo Locandro, Alyssa Chapman, Joshua Gibson, Olivia Boundy, Jessica Tritton |
Year 6 | Dawson Bevand, Rue Couzens, Liam De Groot, Huon Emerson Clyde, Abigail Benten, Eli Stitt, Zara Pinder |
CANTEEN NEWS
Term 3 Red Day
Volunteers
We are looking for more volunteers on Thursdays. If you are able to help, please contact the school office.
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 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
COMMUNITY NEWS
Sawtell Cricket Club
Love Cricket? Play Cricket!
Have fun, make friends, be part of a team, keep fit, build your cricket skills.
SAWTELL CRICKET CLUB registrations are open for the 2025-26 season for U10s, U12s, U14s, U16s, Seniors.
Search ‘sawtellcricketclub.com.au’ and scroll to the ‘Registration’ link
Call Michael on 0419161903 for more information.
