From the Principal 

Dear Parents, Guardians and Families of Our Lady Help of Christians,

The last week of school is always busy but it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our year together, a year that will be remembered for many reasons.  It is amazing to think of all the activities our students, staff and school families have been a part of during 2021.  I’d like to express my gratitude to all in the school community for their contribution to our school this year.  As a new member of the school community I have been made to feel very welcome and I am excited by the prospect of what we achieve in the years to come.  The strength of our partnerships and collective desire to make our school a wonderful place of learning, makes OLHC a truly faith-filled and happy community. 

I would like to extend a special thanks to all of you who have contributed in any way to help us on our journey, both onsite and during the remote learning stages.  The expression of good-will and support for our students is not underestimated and we, as a staff, also hope it helps parents and carers feel they are able to work with us for the benefit of all our students. 

School Advisory Board

Many thanks to our School Advisory Board for their support and counsel.  They provide an important parent perspective that truly adds to our efforts to realize the vision we have for the school and for the best outcomes for all students. 

I have been well supported in my first term at OLHC by our School Advisory Board members.  

Thank you to: 

Mark Noonan (Chair 2021)

Kate Lewis (Chair 2022)

Faith Bell

Mark Lafferty (Vice Chair 2022)

Mary Karolyj

Damian Barber

Jacki Landy (Secretary)

A special thanks to Mark Noonan for his continued service as a School Advisory Board member after serving as Chair since November 2018.  Thank you to Kate Lewis for taking on that mantle in 2022.  From next year the School Advisory Board will be known as the School Advisory Council under the Terms of Reference outlined by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS).

Parents and PFOL

All parents play a vital role in their child’s education and we value the partnership we have with you all.  Our PFOL has been restricted in its activities due to COVID, however I would like to thank those that have contributed.  In particular a special word of thanks to Rachel Mair, PFOL Co-ordinator for the past three years and Georgina Myburgh, Treasurer for the last three years, both of whom have generously given of their time and talents to contribute to our school through PFOL.  Thank you both for your efforts, it is greatly appreciated by all.

Thank you also to:

Lisa Williams for her contribution to the Graduation Year Book

Faith Bell: book club and SWELL Art

Jen Kernaghan: SWELL Art

Julie Craw for her contribution to the Garden Club over many years.

PFOL Committee 2022

Next year we will be implementing a renewed PFOL Constitution to provide guidelines and clarity to roles, purpose and tenure for our PFOL.  Part of that process includes seeking nominations from the parent community for PFOL positions.  Thankfully, we already have a nomination for PFOL Coordinator, however we are also seeking someone with appropriate qualifications to be our Treasurer and a Secretary to minute meetings and coordinate any communications. These roles will be dependent on a healthy number of volunteers, but I am confident that with the ease of restrictions going into the new school year, there will be a great sense of optimism about what the PFOL can achieve.  If you are interested in being a part of the PFOL in 2022 please keep an eye out for our meeting dates in the new year and send an expression of interest email to school@olhceltham.catholic.edu.au.

I am sure that next year will bring many more opportunities to gather and continue to enrich the OLHC School community.  Thank you all so much!

Parish

Fr Michael has been a great support to our school and he has done a wonderful job of being our faith leader and maintaining the coordination of all three schools in the Parish.  This has been particularly evident through the Sacramental Program as we transition from the restrictions that disrupted the calendar this year.  Fr Michael has been a great support for me as I started this role and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the years to come.  Thank you too to Parish secretary Kate Kogler for her work during the 2021 school year.

THANK YOU TO JOSÉ

Our school is well supported by many people from the community.  Whilst there are many contractors and volunteers we are particularly grateful for the work of José who is employed by our cleaning contractor. José not only keeps our school looking great but also contributes to a range of maintenance work, often at short notice.  On your behalf I know you will join me in thanking him for his work and wishing him a Merry Christmas.

DEPARTING STAFF

Trudy Hammond

Trudy has decided to retire from her role at OLHC after working here since 2004.  Trudy has for many years been a part of the fabric of both our school and Parish.  She has accomplished many achievements in her time, especially as a Learning Support Officer (LSO) and none more important than having built strong relationships with staff, students and their families.  Often Trudy has been the supporting guide that children (and parents) need as they attend to their learning.  Congratulations to Trudy on all that she has achieved at OLHC and we wish her all the best as she begins the next phase of her life.

Rosalie Silvers

Congratulations to Rosalie for accepting a full time position at St Bede’s in Balwyn North.  Rosalie started here at OLHC in 2017.  In her time she has been a classroom teacher in Yr 1/2  and Yr 3/4 as well as having a period of time as our Mathematics Leader. On your behalf I would like to congratulate Rosalie on her achievements and thank her for her contribution to the lives of many students, and our school community, and we wish her all the best in her new role at St. Bede’s Primary.

DEPARTING FAMILIES

We wish all the Year 6 families that are finishing their time with us and the Drew family, all the very best as they move on from OLHC.  We hope that you will take with you fond memories of your time with us and I thank you for all you have contributed to our school community. 

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

On Monday we will say a formal farewell to our Graduation Class of 2021.  We are looking forward to the evening which will promise to be full of the symbolism of a journey beginning and a journey completed, engendering thoughts of fond memories, as well as the anticipation of new adventures ahead.  

Congratulations to the following Year 6 students:

Ally B, Aiden E, Samuel H, Joshua H, Eden M, Isaac M, 

Lachlan R, Lisa T, Zara V, Lola V, Kenadee W, Alia A, 

Freyja C-C, Olivia D, Nathan H, Ollie M, Kye McN, 

Darcy T, Lavinia W and Amelia W.

OUR STAFF

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful staff for all they have done to care for and educate our students.  Our staff continuously strives to improve and I am grateful to work with such a dedicated group of educators.  They truly have the best interests of our students at heart and they strive to provide for every student so they have the opportunities they deserve.   I know you will join me in thanking them for their work this year.

STUDENTS

Finally I thank the students of OLHC for the energy and friendly manner that inspires me each day.  Their willingness to embrace new challenges and take on all that is on offer at OLHC reflects their collective positive attitude to try and be the best they can be. 

On behalf of the staff I wish you and all of your families a Happy and Holy Christmas.  We look forward to seeing you in 2022. 

FINAL NEWSLETTER

Next week we will have a short final day newsheet to announce the 2022 School Student Leadership roles, share important dates and information for the start of next year and a final farewell message.

Warm regards

Patrick Green

SCHOOL FEES

School fee commitment forms will be sent out via email today.

Hard copies are available at the office.

New commitment forms are required to be filled out each year.

School rebates for excursions not taken have been processed.

New statements will be sent out either today or on Monday.

Any questions please call Liz in the office.  (9439 7824)

If your fees are in arrears please contact Liz asap.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2021

Christmas Mass Timetable

Christmas Eve - Friday December 24th

6pm Holy Trinity Primary

8pm OLHC Eltham

10pm SFX Montmorency

Christmas Day - Saturday December 25th

8:30am SFX Montmorency

10am OLHC Eltham

Boxing Day - Sunday December 26th

8:30am SFX Montmorency

10am OLHC Eltham

Our Lady Help of Christians, 2 Henry Street , Eltham 

St Francis Xavier, 88 Mayona Road, Montmorency

Please refer to our School google calendar for events throughout the year.   

Links