12 September 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Yesterday we celebrated R U OK? Day.  It’s a great opportunity to remind us to reach out to our friends and family and simply ask, “Are you okay?" Here at MHOC we work together to create a community where everyone feels loved and supported.  St Therese of Lisieux, also known at The Little Flower, encourages us: 

Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.

Let's remember to be kind, listen with our hearts, and do the little things that show people we care. 💛

Congratulations to Drew Herbet who was the recipient of this week’s Walk Worthy of God Good Good Citizen Award. His teachers said that he consistently shows kindness and respect to both students and staff.

Warm regards,

Margaret

UPCOMING EVENTS

Term 3

• 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 - Presentation of Term 3 Effort Awards
• 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?

You're Invited 

Please join us next Sunday 21st September for our school-led Mass. Afterwards, we’ll be gathering for morning tea, and we’d love families to bring a plate to share if you can. See you there!

OSHC Vacation Care

Would you like to give your children a day or two of fun in the upcoming holidays? Maybe you just fancy a break? Check out the full MHOC OSHC Vacation Care program further down in this newsletter.

Save the Date - Term 3 Effort Awards

Our Term 3 Effort Awards will be presented on Friday 26th September at 8:50am. All welcome.

Public Speaking Finals 

Our annual Public Speaking Finals will be held next Wednesday, September 17th. This has been a fantastic competition so far, and we are incredibly proud of all the students who participated.

A huge congratulations to our talented finalists from Years 3-6 who will be taking the stage to showcase their skills:

Year 3
Topic: If I had three wishes...

• Indi Verbruggen
• Saskia Thompson
• Selva Ponciano Maciel

Year 4
Topic: Let me tell you about my family.

• Angelo An
• Betty Moore
• Laila Summers

Year 5
Topic: I love it when...

• Pearle Desic
• Ruby Sharkey
• Cleo Ellem

Year 6
Topic: Five of my favourite words...

• Eli Stitt
• Layla Verbruggen
• Ivy Meehan

We look forward to hearing their powerful and inspiring words!

LOVING LEARNING

A Global Adventure: Year 5 Explores Geography

This term, our Year 5 students have been enjoying in their Geography studies, showing curiosity and a love for learning about the world. We've been focusing on how people interact with and adapt to their environments, aligning with Stage 3 Geography outcomes.

Students have been busy researching homes around the world, from stilt houses in Vietnam to mud brick homes in Morocco. The children have been describing the diverse features of places and how these unique environments influence the type of shelter people build.

To put their research into action, students collaborated in groups to create their own model homes, bringing their findings to life in a creative, hands-on way. The teamwork and ingenuity on display have been fantastic!

Students have also had the opportunity to utilise the VR headsets and be transported to a variety of locations around the world to check out the environments ‘first hand’.

We are so proud of the Year 5 students for their hard work and enthusiasm. We look forward to our exhibition next Friday.

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FROM THE MISSION DESK

Year 4 Class Mass

On Tuesday, our Year 4 students celebrated Mass. Fr Joy spoke about the inspiring life of Saint Carlo Acutis. He quickly discovered that the students already knew a lot about Carlo (well done to their teachers!).  Fr Joy shared some fascinating facts, like how Carlo used technology to share his faith and teach people about the Eucharist. Despite his young age, Carlo showed incredible kindness and dedication and was recently declared a saint for his remarkable example of holiness in everyday life. The students were inspired by Carlo’s story, proving that you don’t have to be grown-up to make a big impact!

Mini Vinnies

Congratulations to our Mini Vinnies team for their outstanding effort in organising and running a successful fundraiser for R U OK? Day. Mini Vinnies members sold a variety of delicious treats to raise awareness for mental health and support those doing it tough. Their hard work paid off raising an impressive $700! All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly towards supporting the homeless and marginalised in our community, living out the Mini Vinnies mission of putting faith into action through service and kindness.

The initiative was not just about raising funds, it was also about starting conversations and reminding everyone of the power of a simple “Are you OK?” on a day that encourages connection and support.

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Peer Groups

In peer groups today, classes watched an interactive video focusing on navigating feelings, making positive choices, and how to have an "Are you OK?" conversation. Students discussed the four steps of an R U OK? conversation: Ask, Listen, Encourage, and Check-in. The goal was to teach students how to be a good friend by having the courage to ask "Are you OK?". The session emphasised that you don't have to wait for a special day to check in on a friend; any time is a good time. A big well done to our Year 6 leaders for leading such a valuable session.

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What’s Been Happening in Religious Education in Year 6?

This Term in Year 6, we have been learning all about Mary and why she is such an important part of our Catholic faith. We have learnt about Mary as a disciple and how she showed faith and courage in her life. We also learnt about other women of faith in the Bible and how they are similar to Mary. We studied artwork dedicated to Mary and created some of our own.

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 16th September - Year 3

Tuesday 23rd September - Kinder & Year 6

SPORT NEWS

Elective Sport

Wow! We think a new record has been set for the speed at which we have been able to gather responses for Elective Sport! How exciting! Students in Yrs 3-6 will be notified of their responses by Friday of Wk 9, via Compass event. 

We can’t wait to kick off these events! Such fun! 

Polding Athletics

And they’re off! Our Polding representatives Layla Verbruggen, Frankie Barreto-Gunn, Lacey Van Hoeck, Ollie Brandon & Eli Fernie competed at the Polding Athletics carnival in Newcastle today. We’re so excited to provide you with the updates on their results. Standby!

LIBRARY WHISPERS

Scholastic Bookclub orders went home this week. If you have ordered something for your child but it hasn’t arrived, please contact either me at  rachael.hewitt@lism.catholic.edu.au or Scholastic directly. 

I can’t wait to show the students  some of these beautiful new picture books that I bought for the library this week. The artwork in these books is amazing and I know they’ll appeal to all ages.

Year 5 have really enjoyed their teachers reading The Wild Robot to them in class. Number two in the series  (The Wild Robot Escapes)  has also been very popular with that year group so I’m really looking forward to letting them know that I’ve just bought the third and final book in the series for the library.

OSHC

Week 8 at MHOC OSHC

What a wonderful week we’ve had at OSHC! With the sunshine finally making an appearance, the children have been eager to get outdoors and make the most of the beautiful weather. Our playground equipment and the school field have been buzzing with energy as everyone enjoyed running, climbing, and playing together.

Basketball and handball have been especially popular, with lots of friendly matches popping up throughout the week. It’s been great to see the children practicing their skills, cheering each other on, and showing fantastic teamwork.

We also introduced a new game for us – 44 Homes! It was an instant hit, with plenty of laughter, excitement, and some speedy running as the children learnt the rules and jumped right in. This new addition has quickly become a favourite and added even more fun to our afternoons outside.

Week 8 has been filled with sunshine, smiles, and so many opportunities for active play – we can’t wait to see what next week brings!

October Vacation Care Program

HABITS OF MIND AWARDS

Term 3 Week 8

CANTEEN NEWS

R U OK?

Thank you to the Mini Vinnies helpers and volunteers who made this day a great success!

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

MHOC Stars

Come along and enjoy this wonderful show with some of our talented students in the cast. Congratulations to Jessica Melinz, Savannah Murphy, Emilia Nyhan and past student Ebony Davies who star in this production.