Term 2 Week 6 Newsletter - 06.06.25
Principal News
Pentecost Sunday
This Sunday, we celebrate one of the most vibrant and transformative feasts in our Church calendar: Pentecost Sunday! Fifty days after Easter, and ten days after Ascension Thursday, we commemorate the incredible outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and Mary in the Upper Room.
Pentecost is often called the "Birthday of the Church" for good reason. Before this momentous event, the disciples were scattered and fearful. After the Holy Spirit descended, they were empowered, unified, and sent forth with an undeniable zeal to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
As we pray in the traditional hymn, "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shalt renew the face of the
- Renew our faith: May the Spirit ignite within us a deeper love for Christ and His Church.
- Strengthen our resolve: May we be courageous witnesses to the Gospel in our daily lives, unafraid to share the hope that is within us.
- Unify our community: May the Spirit break down barriers and foster a spirit of charity and understanding among us.
- Empower our mission: May we be instruments of God's peace and justice in the world, working to renew the face of the earth with His love.
Lismore Bus Interchange
We have received communication regarding reports via some local sporting organisations, of unsolicited activities of concern occurring in the vicinity of the Lismore bus interchange, particularly targeting younger people who are walking from the interchange to another location, including nearby sporting venues. At this stage, we have not received further information to confirm any details of specific incidents.
Noting the above reports and with a view to ensuring the safety of our students, I ask that you speak with your student(s) and advise them to be extra vigilant and, where possible, not to walk alone to and from the interchange.
Parent Community Group Meeting
Our next Parent Community Group Meeting is set for Thursday 19th June at 6pm. This will be held at the school. We look forward to seeing you there. The agenda is as follows:
- Prayer / Acknowledgement (5mins)
- Minutes of last meeting (5mins)
- Playground update (10mins)
- Behaviour policy update? (10mins)
- NAPLAN snapshot? (10mins)
- School Planning Update (20mins)
Playground Progress
A BIG THANK YOU to team Denny who have now marked some of the areas we identified in our playground plan. A small soccer field has been marked with goals, boxes added to the existing field and handball courts have now been painted.
KISS and DROP ZONE
While our KISS and DROP ZONE is working well, we have noted a couple of close calls where parents are looking to perform the required U-turn when through traffic is coming along the road. We ask that families pay particular attention to ensure that no vehicles are approaching when performing the U-turn.
Healthy sleep, exercise and diet can make a difference.
Healthy sleep, exercise, and diet play critical roles in a student's overall wellbeing, impacting not only their physical health but also their cognitive function, emotional regulation and ability to focus.
Encouraging healthy habits early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of wellbeing. Children who learn the importance of sleep, exercise and a balanced diet are more likely to carry these habits into adolescence and adulthood, impacting their overall attendance and success in school.
Mission News
Year 6 - Month of Mary
Year 6 have created some beautiful artworks of Mary during the month of May. The artworks depict the many different names of Mary, like “Our Lady Help of Christians”, "Our Lady of Lourdes" or "Queen of Heaven." Each name tells us something special about her!
Some names, like "Our Lady of Fatima," come from a specific time and place where she appeared to people. These events often share important messages or show how she helped someone. Other names, like "Star of the Sea," are more like nicknames that describe her. This one reminds us that she can guide us safely through tough times, just like a star helps sailors find their way. "Queen of Heaven" shows how important she is because she's the Mother of God.
All these different titles just show how much people all over the world love and respect Mary, and how she continues to be a special guide and protector for us. Each name is a way to remember a different part of her amazing story and how she connects with people's lives!
Congratulations Year 6 on this beautiful display.
Year 6 Glow Retreat
In 2025, a new pilot program is being offered by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (DLCS) School Evangelisation Team to replace the Incitare Retreat which saw only 5 or 6 students attend from OLHC. The new initiative, named GLOW, gathered all Year 6 students within the Richmond region of the Lismore Diocese for fun activities, live praise and worship and immersive prayer experiences.
On Thursday last week, our students traveled to Xavier Catholic College to participate in the day. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive from our students and they participated with enthusiasm and reverence. Thank you to Mrs Innes, Mrs Rodda and Miss Aleisha for supporting our students at this fantastic Diocesan event.
Passing of Father Peter Karam 1942-2025
As you will have heard, we are very sad to share the passing of our retired parish priest, Fr. Peter Karam. Fr. Peter worked tirelessly in our parish for many years, and during that time, he helped guide us in our faith. He taught us the importance of kindness, helping others, and most of all, loving God with all our hearts.
We will always be grateful for the love and care he shared with the students of OLHC.
Rest in peace, Fr. Peter.
OLHC Winter Appeal
A reminder that out Winter Appeal is continuing this term. Warm mens clothes are a priority, as are the single, travel size toiletries for the Vinnies Van. Donations can be sent in with your children to the classroom where they are being collected. We thank you all for your generosity!
Community and School’s Mass Term 2
We warmly invite our school community to attend the Term 2 Community and Schools Mass on Saturday 14th June at 5:30pm at St Carthage's Cathedral. We will join Woodlawn, Trinity and St Carthage’s students and families to celebrate mass and share a sausage sizzle.
Making Jesus Real Awards
KP
Albert D - For showing kindness and exclusivity on the playground, making sure everyone feels welcome and valued. Keep letting your light shine Alby!
1L
Henry B - For Making Jesus Real through the care and concern he shows his classmates and teacher. Than you for brightening our day Henry.
3L
Ethan R - For being a kind caring friend!
4P
Finnan M-T - For consistently demonstrating resilience, kindness and compassion, Finnan brightens our school community every day!
5P
Braith F - For your respectful behaviour and demonstrating reverence through you actions during Mass, you set a beautiful example for others.
6L
Quintin F - For consistently showing kindness, respect and compassion, truly making Jesus real through jis words and actions.
6P
Bly B - For demonstrating a mature and responsible attitude towards your learning. You make our classroom a wonderful place of learning! Thank you, Bly.
Sierra S - For your authentic participation in the Year 6 Glow retreat and being an example for others. Keep shining your light, Sierra!
Learning & Teaching News
Kindergarten have been very busy! They have been practising writing their letters and numbers with correct formation, as well as segmenting and blending sounds as they start learning to read. Kindergarten have had lots of fun learning about different artistic techniques and using them to create beautiful art works. Kindergarten painted a scene from the traditional tale, The Ugly Duckling, and used shading techniques to colour-in Tiddalick: The Frog Who Caused a Flood.
OLHC Achievement Awards
KP
Mia C - For fantastic growth in blending sounds together and reading sentences with fluency - you're becoming a super reader Mia! Keep it up!
Poppy B - For always giving 100% effort and showing great learning behaviours every day! You're a superstar Poppy!
1L
Sienna C - For the resilience you show as a learner who doesn't give up and pushes themselves to try hard things. Keep up the great work Sienna.
Clara N - For focused attention when working independently to produce her best work. Well done Clara, Keep it up.
Ellie S - For her enthusiastic and 'can do' attitude to all learning even when challenged. You are an outstanding learning role model in our class Ellie, Thank you.
Archer C - For improved learning focus and willingness to attempt tasks independently. Keep up the great work Archer.
3L
Lachlan C - For being focused and on task during Mathematics lessons and making great contributions to our class discussions. Way to go Lachlan!
Lainee-May S - For consistently remaining focused and on task during Mathematics lessons. Congratulations Lainee, your efforts are paying off!
4P
Cleo F - For her persuasive writing on Ned Kelly as a villain and her use of language devices to create a compelling and impactful argument.
Hudson R - For writing an engaging and convincing text on Ned Kelly, You presented a powerful and insightful argument on why he was a hero. Well done, Huddy!
5P
Noah C - For great work in Geography. You've shown a fantastic curiosity about the world around you and working hard on your projects.
Evan S - For wonderful progress in your writing this term. It is great to see you including learnt vocabulary in your work - Keep it up Evan!
6L
Malachias C - For his dedication to improving in Maths, showing great effort, persistence, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Tilly P - For her remarkable determination in writing, consistently showing focus, creativity, and a strong drive to improve.
Aleena C - Exceptional dedication to learning, demonstrating perseverance, curiosity, and a passion for growth
6P
Mason B - For always trying his best to complete all earning tasks, even when they are challenging. You are a star, Mason!
William D - For your excellent progress and strong performance in /mathematics, Will! You use of mathematical language and skills are impressive.
Noah S - For your consistent effort and dedication across all areas of learning, Noah! Your hard work and perseverance truly shine and set a wonderful example.
Sports News
At OLHC, we love celebrating the sporting achievements of all our students. If your child has a special achievement that you would love for us to share with the school community, please send any photos and a short paragraph outlining their achievement to Mr Denny - zachary.denny@lism.catholic.edu.au
Diocesan Cross Country:
This past week, five students from our school traveled to compete in the Diocesan Cross Country at Wiigulga Sports Complex. It was a great experience for the team, who worked hard, supported each other, and represented our school with pride.
The course proved to be one of the more difficult tracks our students have faced this season. It featured uneven terrain, soft sand patches and sharp corners that tested each runner’s endurance and focus. To add to the challenge, it was also the first time any of them had run on this course, making it unfamiliar and unpredictable.
Despite these obstacles, each student showed outstanding determination and persistence, with all five successfully completing the demanding track. Their efforts were a true reflection of their preparation and resilience.
In addition to racing, the students had the opportunity to meet runners from other schools and enjoy time together as a team. It was a memorable experience and an important step forward in their cross country journey.
Well done to Mason, Oscar, Flic, Zarli, and Hudson!
Diocesan Cross Country
What a weekend it was for Cooper Quinn at the Australian Dirt Track Championships in Canberra, where he delivered an exceptional performance that firmly established him as one of the top junior dirt track racers in the country.
Competing in two classes — 50cc Division 2 and 65cc (7–9 years) — Cooper went undefeated across all 8 heats, winning 4 out of 4 races in each category. He then went on to claim victory in both finals, earning himself the title of Australian Junior Long Track Champion in both classes.
This incredible achievement caps off a dominant 2025 season for Cooper, where he has gone undefeated in all 20 races across both the 50cc and 65cc (7–9 years) classes at the Australian Junior Championships — an outstanding accomplishment for any rider, let alone one in just his second year of racing.
Now a five-time Australian Champion, Cooper holds:
- 3 titles in the 50cc class
- 2 titles in the 65cc (7–9 years) class
- Plus multiple state titles
Looking ahead, Cooper is preparing to step up to the 65cc and 85cc classes (9–13 years) earlier than expected, aiming to gain experience ahead of the 2026 season.
Congratulations, Cooper, on your incredible achievements and for representing yourself and your community with such talent and determination. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
Cooper Australian Dirt Track Championship
Athletics Carnival:
A reminder for all parents of students who are in competitive age groups (8 Years and up) to fill out the Athletics Field Nomination Form.
Also, if any adults are available to assist with time keeping and measuring on the day could you please email me at zachary.denny@lism.catholic.edu.au
Term 2 Sports Events Dates:
OLHC Athletics Carnival: 27th June (Riverview Park)
Diocesan Cross Country: 20th May (McCauley College- South Grafton)
1500m Trials- 16th of June (Nielson Park)
Term 3 Sports Events Dates:
Richmond Zone Athletics: 31st July (St. John’s College Woodlawn)
Touch Football Gala Day- 19th August (Saunders Oval - Ballina)
Diocesan Athletics Carnival: 26th August (Coffs Harbour)
Community News
