Our Lady Help of Christians RE Blog 2012
Stay connected with all things RE at OLHC and share in the Catholic life of our school community. See how we aim to live out our faith through prayer, ministry and liturgical celebrations.
October is Mission Month!
The generosity shown by the Our Lady Help of Christians community this October has been unbelievable!
Kindergarten kicked off Mission Month at Monday morning prayer and flag raising assembly.
On Thursday 25th October the Year 6 students held an ‘Ice Cream Day’ where students could purchase an ice cream with sprinkles for $1.
We have also been receiving many generous donations through the Catholic Mission Lunch Bag initiative, ‘Share Your Lunch Money with a Special Someone’.
Our final fundraiser is ‘Dancing for Mission Day’. Throughout the day children (and teachers) will come outside of their classrooms and do their best "Gangnam Style" dance and “Shuffle” when the music is played. The best dancers from each class will perform their dance to their song at the whole school Assembly.
Some very brave teachers doing "Gangnam Style" treated the school and parent community to a surprise performance as a way of saying 'thank you' for their generosity displayed throughout Mission Month.
Kindergarten kicked off Mission Month at Monday morning prayer and flag raising assembly.
On Thursday 25th October the Year 6 students held an ‘Ice Cream Day’ where students could purchase an ice cream with sprinkles for $1.
We have also been receiving many generous donations through the Catholic Mission Lunch Bag initiative, ‘Share Your Lunch Money with a Special Someone’.
Our final fundraiser is ‘Dancing for Mission Day’. Throughout the day children (and teachers) will come outside of their classrooms and do their best "Gangnam Style" dance and “Shuffle” when the music is played. The best dancers from each class will perform their dance to their song at the whole school Assembly.
Some very brave teachers doing "Gangnam Style" treated the school and parent community to a surprise performance as a way of saying 'thank you' for their generosity displayed throughout Mission Month.
National Rosary Day
October 8th was National Rosary Day.
Like many Catholic schools, Churches and
organisations, we at OLHC gathered together to pray the Rosary. Father Sarkis spoke to the staff and students about the relevance and graces associated with praying the Rosary faithfully. Students placed petitions for each decade prayed. This was a lovely way to celebrate the month of the Rosary and it is something we look forward to participating in again in the future.
OLHC's Olympic Extravaganza
On Wednesday evening, 19th September, every grade took to the stage and performed in celebration of the London Olympic Games 2012.
The Extravaganza saw each grade base their performance around a particular country, showcasing aspects of that country's culture and Olympic success. Classes had been working on their performance item all term as part of their Inquiry units which saw learning experiences span across several Key Learning Areas. The students blew their audience away with colourful costumes and props, energetic soundtracks, creative choreography and iMovies to accompany each performance.
To top off such a successful evening, we are proud to announce that $655.40 was raised for St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you to all those who gave generously and we especially thank all teachers and students for their efforts and enthusiasm. May you be blessed abundantly!
The Extravaganza saw each grade base their performance around a particular country, showcasing aspects of that country's culture and Olympic success. Classes had been working on their performance item all term as part of their Inquiry units which saw learning experiences span across several Key Learning Areas. The students blew their audience away with colourful costumes and props, energetic soundtracks, creative choreography and iMovies to accompany each performance.
To top off such a successful evening, we are proud to announce that $655.40 was raised for St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you to all those who gave generously and we especially thank all teachers and students for their efforts and enthusiasm. May you be blessed abundantly!
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Mary's Birthday 8th September
Our Mother Mary's birthday is a special day in the Church. Did you know that we only celebrate 3 birthdays during the liturgical year? The most important birthday that we celebrate is Jesus' birthday on Christmas. The second most important birthday that we celebrate is Mary's. The third birthday that we celebrate is John the Baptist's.
We honour Mary because Mary is the first disciple, or follower of Jesus. Through her Immaculate Conception, Mary is full of Grace, which allowed her to be appropriately chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus. Mary teaches us to say "yes" to God's call in our own lives. She shows us the way to Jesus.
Jesus gave us his Mother Mary to be our heavenly mother and so, Mary is the Mother of the Church who watches over us.
This week, all classes placed a special focus on Mary through their Religion lessons; learning about Mary, celebrating in class prayer and liturgy and praying the Rosary. All students across the school also enjoyed participating in the Marian colouring in competition for the up and coming, "National Rosary Day" on the 8th October (the month of the Rosary).
We honour Mary because Mary is the first disciple, or follower of Jesus. Through her Immaculate Conception, Mary is full of Grace, which allowed her to be appropriately chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus. Mary teaches us to say "yes" to God's call in our own lives. She shows us the way to Jesus.
Jesus gave us his Mother Mary to be our heavenly mother and so, Mary is the Mother of the Church who watches over us.
This week, all classes placed a special focus on Mary through their Religion lessons; learning about Mary, celebrating in class prayer and liturgy and praying the Rosary. All students across the school also enjoyed participating in the Marian colouring in competition for the up and coming, "National Rosary Day" on the 8th October (the month of the Rosary).
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Father Sarkis Visits Year 6
Every Friday, Father Sarkis visits one grade and takes the time to talk with the students about their learning in Religious Education, or about anything in fact! The students all really look forward to Father coming and feel comfortable to asking him questions. Each visit usually concludes with Father's party trick, the mysterious ear wiggle!
Last week, Father visited our Year 6 students to talk to them about the Sacrament of Marriage. He welcomed many questions presented by the students.
We really appreciate the time that Father takes out of his day to visit. We are blessed to have such an enthusiastic parish priest. Thanks Father.
Last week, Father visited our Year 6 students to talk to them about the Sacrament of Marriage. He welcomed many questions presented by the students.
We really appreciate the time that Father takes out of his day to visit. We are blessed to have such an enthusiastic parish priest. Thanks Father.
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Year 4 presents, 'Mary the Mother of God Showcase'
On Wednesday 29th August, Year 4 held their showcase titled, 'Mary the Mother of God'. The showcase featured engaging displays of students' learning on Mary while also celebrating the completion of their Religious Literacy Assessment Part B.
It was a great opportunity for the students to share their deep understandings with students and teachers from K-6 as well as parents and visitors.
Drawing on their skills, talents and interests, students shared their knowledge of Mary through a variety of creative modes including: using technology, graphic art, sculptures, 3D models, story-telling kits, as well as live dance displays, and even a live performance of an originally composed song.
We are so proud of our Year 4 students (and their teachers) on producing such quality pieces of work. Well done!
It was a great opportunity for the students to share their deep understandings with students and teachers from K-6 as well as parents and visitors.
Drawing on their skills, talents and interests, students shared their knowledge of Mary through a variety of creative modes including: using technology, graphic art, sculptures, 3D models, story-telling kits, as well as live dance displays, and even a live performance of an originally composed song.
We are so proud of our Year 4 students (and their teachers) on producing such quality pieces of work. Well done!
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St Mary of the Cross' Feast Day
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At the sound of Gary Pinto’s Mary MacKillop, the community of Our Lady Help of Christians gathered for the liturgical celebration of the life of Australia’s first Saint, Mary of the Cross. The gathering also had as a focus the continued prayers for young Niamh McGarrity, daughter of long-serving member of staff Samantha McGarrity, who is fighting a rare form of cancer. Georgia McGarrity, a 2011 graduating student from OLHC, as well as Niamh’s grandmother, were present as representatives for the McGarrity family.
For the staff, students and family community of OLHC, the day was one of prayer, action, fitness, in the form of a walk-a-thon and fun, in the shape of 30 minute circuit activities. Across all stages, students followed in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop through an action of some kind. Early Stage One created a Mary MacKillop cut-out for a special space in the garden. Stage One made constructed prayers for various needs with the theme of the ‘Hand Prayer’, as featured on the MacKillop Foundation website. Stage Two made feet with the theme of ‘we are but traveler’s here’. Last but not least, Stage Three made crosses, with the theme of ‘we can feel the cross and love it too at the same time’. The 2012 Walk-a-Thon saw students move off in year groups, from Year 6 down to Kindergarten. Many parents, grandparents and friends came along to participate in the walk through neighbouring streets and around the local duck pond. A range of activities that had been organised by staff kept all students busy both before AND after lunch. It was no surprise so many students were looking for air-conditioned classrooms at lunchtime for a breather! Activities included: parachute, relay races, various ball games and bin ball. The following day saw us lucky enough to get a visit from the Travelling Sister’s Roadshow, an initiative of the Mary MacKillop Foundation. Children were treated to a hands-on presentation of Mary MacKillop’s life and were left inspired by Mary MacKillop’s message of ‘Never see a need without doing something about it”. Sister Julianne Murphy led us in our discovery the many organizations, groups and individuals being supported by the tireless efforts of the Foundation and those who donate to their cause. 
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Images of MaryAs part of our Religious Literacy Assessment, Year Four have been exploring images of Mary, Mother of God. Students commented on artworks they saw and what part of the artwork they appreciated most, whether it was how Mary was depicted or the artists use of colours, texture and arrangement. Students then had an opportunity to create their own Mandala, based on Mary's Litany.
Miss Russell and Mrs Limbrey 
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Responding to the Story in Kindergarten
Kindergarten are certainly enjoying the storytelling approach in Religious Education.
This term the students have been learning about 'God's Great Family'. The unit begins with the telling of the story, 'Abraham and Sarah'.
After seeing the story being told by their teachers, reading the story from their big book and then from the Bible, the Kindergarten students were given the opportunity to explore the story in small groups using 3D story materials. It was a great way for the children to interact with the scripture and an absolute delight to watch as their teacher.
Mrs Tracy Harris.
This term the students have been learning about 'God's Great Family'. The unit begins with the telling of the story, 'Abraham and Sarah'.
After seeing the story being told by their teachers, reading the story from their big book and then from the Bible, the Kindergarten students were given the opportunity to explore the story in small groups using 3D story materials. It was a great way for the children to interact with the scripture and an absolute delight to watch as their teacher.
Mrs Tracy Harris.
Celebrating NAIDOC Week, July 2012
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. But the event has since become well known as NAIDOC.
At Our Lady Help of Christians we celebrated NAIDOC Week with a prayer service at Monday morning Flag Raising. We prayerfully acknowledged the contributions made by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters in making this great land, Australia, even greater.
Each afternoon during NAIDOC Week, we stopped as a school to reflect on the life of a significant Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander person. We listened to their story and appreciated of the way they have and continue to contribute to the success of our nation, Australia.
At Our Lady Help of Christians we celebrated NAIDOC Week with a prayer service at Monday morning Flag Raising. We prayerfully acknowledged the contributions made by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters in making this great land, Australia, even greater.
Each afternoon during NAIDOC Week, we stopped as a school to reflect on the life of a significant Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander person. We listened to their story and appreciated of the way they have and continue to contribute to the success of our nation, Australia.
Corpus Christi Sunday ProcessionOn Sunday 10th June, the faithful community at Our Lady Help of Christians gathered to show their love for Christ in the Real Presence by honoring Him in a very public way through our Corpus Christi Procession. It is also a wonderful way in which we show our love for our neighbors by bringing Our Lord and Savior closer to them.
The Procession, led by Bishop Peter, saw us walking through the Parish grounds and into the street, giving visible witness to our Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. A number of students from the school and Parish community, who made their First Holy Communion last year volunteered to lead the Corpus Christi Procession as Flower Strewers and Escorts. It was a great privilege for the children to escort the Blessed Sacrament by kissing and scattering flower petals ahead of the Procession and it is definitely an experience that they will reflect on as as adults. 
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SPIRIT ALIVE - Diocesan Ministry FestivalSpirit Alive was hosted on the grounds of John Therry Catholic High School on Saturday 26th May, 2012. The array of stalls explored the many gifts people share in our parishes, schools, religious congregations, community groups and retreat houses. The day featured guest speakers, Showcases, rides, food stall and prayer. Bishop Peter celebrated Mass at the Pentecost Vigil at OLHC church before joining the many young people who stayed on into the night for the prayer and worship Youth Fest, which was held in John Therry's hall. Special thanks goes out to the parents and teachers who helped to run the stalls throughout the day. The day was enjoyed by all who attended and the vast amount of visitors and stalls gives testimony to the fact that the SPIRIT certainly is ALIVE and well in our Wollongong Diocese. |
Our Lady Help of Christians Feast Day
On 24th May, OLHC and John Therry Catholic High School gathered for Mass in celebration of Our Lady Help of Christians feast day, the patron saint of our school, parish and our country.
We honour Mary for her ongoing patronage and guidance, for her example and intercession throughout Australia's church history.
Students enjoyed a sausage sizzle lunch when they returned to school.
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Catholic Schools Week 2012 From the 29th - 5th May, schools across the state celebrated Catholic Schools Week. Many events and celebrations took place at Our Lady Help of Christians, to which special guests, parents, grandparents and friends were invited. The main aim of Catholic Schools Week is to raise public awareness of the wonderful opportunites that Catholic schools provide, and to celebrate our extraordinary history, distinctiveness and our many achievements. The Catholic Schools Week 2012 theme, FAITH IN EVERY STUDENT highlights one of the most beautiful and powerful truths about Catholic education: the heart of the mission of Catholic school is not merely good teaching, but the formation of the whole child. Our celebrations began at Monday morning's Flag Raising, with a prayer for Catholic Schools. Throughout the week, there were opportunities for visitors to see learning in action during our four 'Open Classroom' experiences. Tuesday's 'Open Classrooms' allowed parents and other visitors to see a Religious Education lesson with the K-2 classrooms focussing on Telling the Story through Godly Play, while Years 3-6 were engaged in lesson activities that saw them explore their current Easter unit of work. Other 'Open Classroom' events showcased the use of technology, PDHPE lessons, English, Mathematics and Visual Arts in action, as well as allowing time for students to give their visitors a guided tour of their classroom and show them through their books. One of the key components of CSW activities is always the liturgical celebrations. Our G'Day celebrations took place on the Friday of CSW and kicked of with a joyful Mass, giving thanks and praise for our Catholic school and community, and giving thanks for all of the 'G' people in our lives; our Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Godparents, parents and special friends. Mass was followed by a morning tea in the hall for all of our guests, with treats generously provided by some parent volunteers from our school community. Visitors enjoyed viewing the creative work on display, submitted by students who entered our Catholic Schools Week competition titled, "What Makes a Catholic School Great?" A winner from each grade was selected by the students in our Spirituality Committee and outstanding entries were later awarded with a certificate at our G'Day assembly. Our CSW celebrations concluded with an assembly, hosted by Year 3, who entertained us with acts displaying the quality teaching and learning that takes place at OLCH each day. Classroom Awards, Principal Awards and Catholic Schools Week Certificates were handed out to recipients. Our assembly concluded with a prayer for Catholic Schools, acknowledging the hard work and commitment shown by school Principals and executive staff, teaching and support staff, priests and religious leaders and the ongoing support and partnership of parents, carers and local communities. |
Holy Week and Easter Prayer Services
We Remember... Each morning during the final week of Lent, we gathered in prayer to mark the events of Holy Week, highlighting the final events in the life of Jesus before his death and Resurrection.
The prayer services continued after the school holidays, giving thanks and celebrating God’s saving grace for all humanity with the resurrection at Easter and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Year 2 - Palm Sunday Year 1 - Last Supper Kindergarten - Washing of Feet Year 3 - Stations of the Cross and Crucifixion Year 6 - Easter; The Resurrection Year 5 - Ascension Sunday Year 4 - Pentecost |
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Stations of the Cross
On 11th March, students, parents and teachers from our Macarthur Catholic schools joined the Franciscan Friars on a walk of quiet reflection and deep devotion.
The “Way of the Cross” was led by students who attended. Bishop Peter Ingham reminded us of the connectedness between Christ's Passion and our own lives. How are we helping to carry the crosses of those struggling in our communities?
As Catholic people of hope, we know that the suffering and death of Jesus is not the end of the story. It is in remembering the suffering of our Lord that we find hope in the promise of the Resurrection. Of course, the crosses we carry do not compare to the cross of Christ, but they are struggles none the less, and we cannot carry them alone. It is my prayer that we remain open to receiving the gift of faith as we bear the mini crosses of our day, and that we remain open to experiencing and realising Christ in the compassion of others and in the promise of the mini resurrections that follow.
The wider community is welcome to attend Stations of the Cross each Sunday during Lent at 2pm.
The “Way of the Cross” was led by students who attended. Bishop Peter Ingham reminded us of the connectedness between Christ's Passion and our own lives. How are we helping to carry the crosses of those struggling in our communities?
As Catholic people of hope, we know that the suffering and death of Jesus is not the end of the story. It is in remembering the suffering of our Lord that we find hope in the promise of the Resurrection. Of course, the crosses we carry do not compare to the cross of Christ, but they are struggles none the less, and we cannot carry them alone. It is my prayer that we remain open to receiving the gift of faith as we bear the mini crosses of our day, and that we remain open to experiencing and realising Christ in the compassion of others and in the promise of the mini resurrections that follow.
The wider community is welcome to attend Stations of the Cross each Sunday during Lent at 2pm.
If You Want Peace, Work For Justice
During Lent, we are called to reflect and improve upon our current observance of the following: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Caritas Australia’s annual fundraising and community engagement appeal, Project Compassion began in 1966 and is now one of the largest humanitarian fundraising campaigns in Australia.
In 2012, Project Compassion carries a simple, yet insightful message: "If you want Peace, work for Justice" – Pope Paul VI.
At OLHC, each class was given a Project Compassion box to keep on their Prayer Space as a reminder of our mission to support our poorer brothers and sisters by raising money and offering hope to the millions of families who fight for justice, peace and survival every single day.
During Holy Week, students donated money by adding their generous coin donations to their House Colour's Coin Snake. Students encouraged each other to give generously and proudly to this great cause. Other fundraisers also took place during Lent in an effort to boost the Project Compassion Appeal. These included; Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) and Fish Finger Tuesday.
Each Monday morning at Flag Raising, grades took turns in leading the whole school in Lenten reflections and shared the hopeful stories of six individuals from Timor Leste, the Thai-Burma border, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Peru and Indigenous Australia. Their stories humbled and inspired us, and showed how our contributions to Project Compassion help people build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.
Caritas Australia’s annual fundraising and community engagement appeal, Project Compassion began in 1966 and is now one of the largest humanitarian fundraising campaigns in Australia.
In 2012, Project Compassion carries a simple, yet insightful message: "If you want Peace, work for Justice" – Pope Paul VI.
At OLHC, each class was given a Project Compassion box to keep on their Prayer Space as a reminder of our mission to support our poorer brothers and sisters by raising money and offering hope to the millions of families who fight for justice, peace and survival every single day.
During Holy Week, students donated money by adding their generous coin donations to their House Colour's Coin Snake. Students encouraged each other to give generously and proudly to this great cause. Other fundraisers also took place during Lent in an effort to boost the Project Compassion Appeal. These included; Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) and Fish Finger Tuesday.
Each Monday morning at Flag Raising, grades took turns in leading the whole school in Lenten reflections and shared the hopeful stories of six individuals from Timor Leste, the Thai-Burma border, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Peru and Indigenous Australia. Their stories humbled and inspired us, and showed how our contributions to Project Compassion help people build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.
