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Respect, Love, Mercy and Community
Brendon Napier
Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Well, who can believe that we’re already coming to the end of Term 1. The year is passing by so quickly. As we approach the end of the term, we take a moment to reflect on the journey we have shared as a school community. The season of Lent has guided us in preparation for the joy of Easter, reminding us of the importance of faith, renewal, and hope.
Harmony Day
Our Harmony Day assembly and Project Compassion Fundraiser was a wonderful celebration of diversity, inclusion, and unity within our school community. Students showcased a range of languages, cultural dress and performances, along with heartfelt cultural reflections, that highlighted the importance of respecting our differences and celebrating belonging to communities. It was inspiring to see our students embrace and appreciate the diverse cultures, and for students to proudly show off their language and culture. Thank you to our staff, students, and families for making this assembly such a meaningful and enjoyable occasion. 
Project Compassion
Our Project Compassion campaign was launched with the Social Justice & Action Mercy Workers ‘Harmony Day’ dress up and has raised $ 444.80. Over the next two week, each year level will have their own fundraisers to help us to try to raise our $1500 target for Caritas. The upcoming Fundraisers are:
|
Week |
Fundraiser |
|
Nine |
Year 3 – Guess how Many Lollies in the Jar? |
|
Ten |
Prep – Crazy Sock - Friday 4th April |
Third Week of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 24th March)
Lam is 27 years old from a small village in rural Vietnam who faced significant challenges due to his short stature. Growing up, Lam often felt isolated due to limited job opportunities and difficulty moving around his community. While his friends started jobs after high school, Lam stayed home with his parents, unsure if he could ever achieve his dream of becoming a graphic designer.
Everything changed when Lam joined the I-SHINE program, supported by Caritas Australia. Through this initiative, Lam completed a six-month course developing his graphic design skills. Along the way, he built confidence, made friends and gained a sense of connection.
Today, Lam runs a successful freelance graphic design business from home, serving clients worldwide and earning a steady income. Lam hopes his story will encourage other young people with disabilities to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
Lam’s journey shows how your support of Project Compassion empowers individuals to break barriers and transform their lives.
Will you walk alongside people like Lam this Lent?
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
Social Action and Justice in Our Catholic School Community
Our Catholic schools derive their understanding of social action and justice from
scripture and Church social teaching. Christians understand that a just society establishes right relationships marked by love, compassion and peace.
At Our Lady Help of Christians, our Catholic faith calls us to be people of justice, compassion, and service. Social action and justice are not just optional extras in a Catholic school—they are essential to who we are. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we are called to stand up for the dignity of every person, care for those in need, and work towards a fair and just world.
There are key ways we can promote justice in our school community:
- Justice in the School Community – Justice begins with how we treat one another. By fostering a culture of respect, love, mercy and community, we ensure that every student, staff member and parent feels valued and heard. This can be as simple as speaking kindly, including others, caring for our environment, praying for justice, and ensuring that school expectations promote dignity and equity.
- Action for Justice – Our faith calls us to move beyond words and take meaningful action. Supporting charities, engaging in social justice projects, and advocating for those in need are practical ways we can live out the Gospel. Whether it’s fundraising for Caritas or Catholic Mission, caring for the environment, or helping a fellow student, every act of justice makes a difference.
- Reflection on Action for Justice – As a Catholic community, we are encouraged not just to act, but to reflect on our actions. Through prayer, discussion, and learning, we can understand the deeper reasons behind our call to justice and how we can continue making a positive impact in our world. Reflection allows us to connect our faith with our actions and grow in our commitment to justice.
Through living by the Gospel values, we help create a school where faith is put into action. Let us continue to walk together as a community of justice, inspired by the example of Jesus and the Social teachings of the Church, always seeking to make the world a more just and compassionate place.
2025 Parish Sacramental Program
The Sacramental Program is Parish-based and school supported where your child has the opportunity to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Sacrament of Reconciliation Parent Information Night will be held on 29th April. The program is offered to all Catholics students in Year 4. If your child is in Year 5 or 6 and would like to join the program, please contact Fr Nathan. Nathan.Mckay@cairns.catholic.org.au
We have our Journey to Easter Reflection at 9 am on Friday 4th April in the Hall to prepare for the Easter Triduum which will be at the end of the school break. All are welcome to join us and I’m looking forward to seeing all who can come along.
As we enter this important time in the Liturgical year, may we carry forward the lessons of compassion, kindness, and gratitude into the holidays and the term ahead. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our students, staff, and families for their engagement and support throughout the term, and I wish you all a blessed and joyful Easter.
Blessings for the coming weeks and Easter break.
Toni Foley
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
Dear Families,
It is hard to believe that we are already up to the final newsletter for Term 1! As we wrap up this term, I would like to share some important updates and reminders.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
This week marks the beginning of our Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews. If you have not yet scheduled a parent-teacher interview, please contact the office, or your child's classroom teacher to arrange a time. These interviews are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child's learning progress, transition into the new year and their social-emotional wellbeing in class. Please note, these meetings are not about your child's grades or work samples but rather their overall development as a learner.
RACQ Road Safety Program
We are excited to announce that the RACQ Road Safety program will be held for our Prep to Year 2 students in Week 10. This program is designed to teach our young learners about the importance of road safety. Key topics will include:
- Road Safety: Understanding traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and the importance of staying alert near roads.
- Being a Safe Passenger: The importance of wearing seat belts, sitting properly in the car and not distracting the driver.
We believe this program will equip our students with essential knowledge to keep them safe on the roads.
Stop, Drop and Go in Wet Weather
Thank you to all families for your patience during the wet weather, especially as children navigate getting in and out of cars with umbrellas. We have noticed an increase in the use of family name tags on the Balaclava Road Stop, Drop and Go in the afternoons, which has been extremely helpful to the staff on duty. Thank you to all drivers who are taking their time, being courteous and following the road rules to ensure the safety of our students and the general public.
As we approach the end of Term 1, I’d like to acknowledge the support of families and carers in the smooth start to the year we have had at Our Lady Help of Christians. Your continued support and partnership of your child’s education, and our communication around the school values, has helped in providing a consistent message between home and school.
I would like to wish all families a safe and enjoyable Easter break. I look forward to reconnecting with you in Term 2 and continuing our journey of learning and growth together.
Karina Brady
Assistant Principal - Administration
Term 1 fees are now overdue. Thank you to those who have already made payment or have arrangements in place. If you have not received your statement, please check your spam folder or contact me.
Lauren Blenkinsop
Finance Officer
Carmen Mellor
Tuckshop Convenor
Library News
Jill Watson and Paula Tindall
Borrowing Days
Please ensure your child brings their library bag and returns ALL borrowed books at their weekly session. The class borrowing days are:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 4E | ALL Year 5 | ALL Year 6 | ALL Prep | 4L |
| 3O | 1O | ALL Year 2 | 4O | |
| 3L | 1E | |||
| 1L | 3E |
Harmony Week Celebrations
Harmony Week centres on the message “Everyone belongs'' and reinforces the importance of inclusiveness. It is a celebration of multiculturalism in Australia and recognises the contribution migrants have made to our nation. It is about showing respect and celebrating the differences which exist within communities in regard to culture, religion, race and so on.
This artwork was created collaboratively by the students and Staff during their class Library sessions. Each square in the picture represents Harmony, as envisioned by each individual student. When pieced together these squares create a harmonious picture that embodies the spirit of multiculturalism and unity. The beautiful creation stands as a proud reminder that while we may all be different, together we can create harmony.
Library Caritas Fundraiser
Stop by the Library and purchase a “water droplet” with a gold coin donation. Write your name, colour it in, and we will showcase it on the wall for everyone's enjoyment. All donations will benefit Caritas. Let's make a splash together!
Cairns Libraries School Holiday Fun
Cairns Libraries are running an exciting Easter school holiday program. Click on the link below to view programmed events and booking information.
https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library/whats-on/library-events/children-youth/school-holidays
OLHOC eBook Platform
Finished reading everything at home?
Looking for something new to read on the holidays?
Don’t worry, our digital library is ALWAYS OPEN!
Sora is the eBook platform available for students to use at home. Simply, follow the instructions below to set it up on a device or computer.
SORA App Instructions
- Search for and download the SORA app from your app store.
- Read and follow the instructions on the attached PDF. Opening SORA can be tricky the first time however it is worth the effort.
SORA Computer Instructions
- Search for and select the SORA from your browser or go to sorapp.com
- Read and follow the instructions on the attached PDF.
Have a great holiday,
The Library Team:
Paula Tindall and Jill Watson
The MyCE app will now be our main way of communicating with parents. If you have more than one student attending at different catholic schools, you will be able to see all of them on the one app, instead of accessing the different school portals.
Things that will be able to be seen/accessed on MyCE:
- School Reports
- Edsmart slips
- Advising of absences
- Access to newsletters
- School Calender, etc
If you require any assistance with the MyCE App, please contact the office.
Literary Section of the Cairns Eisteddfod
Students in Years 3-6 Enrichment Writing are working towards producing a piece of writing suitable for entry into the Eisteddfod. Only a few entries per grade level will be submitted. These entries will be supported by the school. Parents will be notified by email in Week 10 if their child’s entry has been selected.
Any keen writers (including Prep – Year 2) are also welcome to participate. There are six categories to choose from: narrative, poetry, letter, report, speech and script. You can even submit more than one! Cost is $9.00 per entry.
Parents will need to register their children using an online portal. Visit the website https://www.cairnseisteddfod.org/literary/ or talk to Mrs Williams for further details.
Closing date for registration: Tuesday, 1st April
Closing date for submission of Entries: Friday, 2nd May
Please let Mrs Williams know if your child will be entering a piece of writing as she is happy to provide feedback on drafts and help with final submission.
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards
Does your child like writing poetry?
Mrs Williams will consider submitting entries to this competition which seeks to capture the imaginations of school students across Australia, inspiring them to express their thoughts and feelings through the medium of poetry in their pursuit of literary excellence.
- Poems must be no more than 80 lines with no illustrations, graphics or decorations included.
- Entries are limited to up to 3 poems per student.
- The optional theme for 2025 is“All the Beautiful Things”
- Entries close 30 June
The registration fee will cover up to 30 poems. Students can submit poems that have also been written for the eisteddfod.
Please let Mrs Willams know if your child is interested in writing a poem for this competition.
Bebras Challenge
The Bebras Challenge is a fun introduction to algorithmic and computational problem-solving for students in Years 3-6. Students can participate individually or in teams of up to three to solve 15 questions related to patterning, coding and logical thinking. You can try out the questions by doing some past papers: Bebras 365
Although students will complete the challenge during Maths Enrichment lessons in Week 2 of Term 2 (28th April – 2nd May) any student may apply to participate. In the past, participating in this international challenge has been free, but this year there is a cost per student. For this reason, places will be limited to the first 20 students per year level who register. Please email Mrs Williams awilliams2@cns.catholic.edu.au if your child would like to participate or download the attached registration form.
Alison Williams
Enrichment Teacher
School Cross Country House Results
1st Place: McSweeny House 508 Points
2nd Place: McAuley House 492 Points
3rd Place: Mackillop House 416 Points
4th Place: McKenna House 344 Points
School Cross Country Race Winners
12 Year Old Boys: Keynen Palmer
12 Year Old Girls: Ella Oliver
11 Year Old Boys: Will Moore
11 Year Old Girls: Carrie Balk
10 Year Old Boys: Boyd Ducie
10 Year Old Girls: Hannah Yet Foy
Year 4 Boys: Riley Japp
Year 4 Girls: Emily Curcuruto
Year 3 Boys: Brooklyn Peters
Year 3 Girls: Lisa Takahashi
Year 2 Boys: Samuel Dobinson
Year 2 Girls: Quinn Barden
Year 1 Boys: Julius Karalus
Year 1 Girls: Hannah Doody
Prep Boys: Nikotemo Suluvale-Wyatt
Prep Girls: Luca Pagano
Mr Peter Henson
Sports Coordinator
Calling All Dads! Let’s Give the Mums a Break This Mother’s Day
Each year, our P&F does an amazing job organizing the Mother’s Day stall, but more often than not, it’s the mums who end up running it. This year, let’s give them the morning off and step up to help!
I’m looking for some dads to volunteer at the stall on Friday, 9 May, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Your job? Simply help the kids pick out and purchase gifts for their mums—making sure they have a special surprise to take home. It’s a fun and rewarding experience, and a great way to be involved.
If you can lend a hand, please get in touch with me at 0428 406 069 or shaun@halpinpartners.com.au.
Shaun Donaldson
Here are some links for all of the events from last week.
