From the Principal

Rudy Vail

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

What a busy week it’s been at OLHC. It is amazing to see how settled our classrooms are within the first two weeks of the school year. There have been lots of smiles and happiness with students excited to reconnect with friends. Our staff have worked very hard to ensure the students are engaged in the learning and becoming familiar with the new students in each classroom.

Enrichment Program

We're thrilled to announce that OLHC will be introducing Enrichment and Extension Programs this academic year.

Maths Olympiad Program (Years 3-6): Unleashing Excellence

Launching the Maths Olympiad program for gifted students in Years 3-6. This initiative stimulates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and deepens their understanding of mathematical concepts.

The program aims to:

Extend understanding of mathematical concepts
Teach problem-solving strategies
Foster creativity and strengthen intuition
Stimulate enthusiasm for mathematics

Maths Enrichment Program (Years 1-2):

Our younger learners (Years 1-2) will benefit from the Maths Enrichment Program led by Robyn Atherton. This program focuses on enriching foundational knowledge through engaging challenges and real-life problem-solving.

Both programs create a dynamic learning environment, encouraging exploration, discovery, and a love for mathematics.

We believe these initiatives will enhance academic excellence and contribute to holistic development. For further information, feel free to reach out.

Here's to a year filled with learning, growth, and mathematical excellence!

Little Learners Love Literacy Program

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Little Learners Love Literacy program at OLHC starting in 2024. Our dedicated staff underwent comprehensive training at the end of 2023, and we are delighted to extend this opportunity to our new team members who have been currently undergoing the training this week.

Little Learners Love Literacy® is an evidence-based program, and its resources, coupled with professional learning workshops, provide robust support for the explicit and systematic teaching of reading and spelling. Extensive research has consistently demonstrated that children benefit from a structured literacy approach, specifically utilising synthetic phonics. The program ensures that students learn at an accelerated pace when taught systematically and explicitly, empowering them to understand and articulate their learning process confidently.

Beginning of School Year Mass

This morning we gathered as a school community for the Beginning of School Year Mass. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and respect, setting a positive tone for the academic year ahead. It was truly heart-warming to witness our students come together to acknowledge and celebrate our Catholic faith. At the mass the teaching staff were commissioned by the parish.

I would like to give a special thanks to our Religious Education Leader, Mrs. Clare Bisby, for meticulously planning such a meaningful service. Her dedication and efforts were instrumental in making this event a success. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to Father Michael for leading the service and guiding us in prayer.

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday) - Tuesday February 13th

All classes will be enjoying pancakes made by the PFOL next Tuesday with their teachers and classmates. Funds raised by the PFOL will be donated to Caritas.

Ash Wednesday Mass - Wednesday February 14th - 9:30am

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, alms giving, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for the death of Jesus on Good Friday and for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is important to remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of prayer and fasting. On Ash Wednesday our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and remind us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told: "Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."

There will be a whole school Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:30am in the church. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Kind regards

Rudy Vail

Dear OLHC Community,

I have been an LSO at OLHC for nearly 5 years and now sadly have to announce I'm leaving. I will be full-time as an Integration Aide at CLC in Eltham.

I've enjoyed working with the school children, staff and the community. I've learnt a lot working with the students and closely with some of the them for five years.