DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - Lize Privitera
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Luke 12:49-53
Jesus has come not only to bring peace but also division.
In next Sunday’s reading from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus reminds followers that doing what is right isn’t always easy. Jesus calls for living in peace, while also making good choices, even when it is hard. Sometimes this means saying “no” to something wrong, even if it would make someone else happy. It can mean including others, even if a friend asks not to. Choosing what is right brings people closer to God and creates peace in hearts and minds—even when it is not the easiest path to take.
Congratulations to Confirmation Candidates – 8 & 9 August 2025
Warm congratulations to the students who recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen each one of you in continuing your faith journey.
Aaliyah, Bailey, Aaria, Toby, Gabriel M, Chloe F, Coral, Awur, Noah C, Fleur, Layla M, Nathaniel, Thomas P, Jasmine and David
Altar Servers Workshop
Children who have received the Sacrament of First Eucharist are invited to join the Altar Servers Ministry. A workshop will be held on Saturday, 23rd August 2025, 2.30pm start at OLHC Church. Please arrive by 2.15pm for registration. All current altar servers are also encouraged to attend the workshop. Only those children who attend the workshop will be rostered. The Parish is also seeking parents who are able to assist as volunteers to also register their interest on the day. If you are unable to attend this workshop please email altarservers@olhc.org.au
Subway Fundraiser Success -THANK YOU!
Last Friday’s Subway Fundraiser raised $1,100 for the Mary MacKillop Today organisation, which supports life-changing education, health, and livelihood projects in Australia and overseas. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative and helped make a difference.
Book Week
2025 Book Week Celebration – Dress Up Day!
Get ready to celebrate Book Week 2025 with a fun-filled Dress Up Day! This year’s theme is Book an Adventure! All students are invited to come dressed as a favourite book character on Friday 22nd August 2025. Choose a character from a classic story, fairy tale, or a new favourite read. Costumes can be simple – creativity and a love of books are at the heart of the day. Families are welcome to attend the Book Week Parade at 9.00am in Allen Hall on 22nd August, 2025.
Celebrate the joy of reading by bringing books to life through costume and imagination!
Bullying No Way Week
Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying. The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.
During the week we will be engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding and respect for diversity. We encourage families to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with your child about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support.
By working collaboratively within our community, we can collectively help reduce bullying. Families play an important role in helping children understand bullying and know how to respond to it. If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. You can learn more about what defines bullying at bullyingnoway.gov.au.
Questions you could ask:
- What do you think bullying is?
- Have you seen it? How did you feel?
- Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?
- As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
- Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
- Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?
- Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.
- Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.
By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong. You can visit the Bullying No Way website for tips around how to have this discussion.
For more information visit: bullyingnoway.gov.au.
Health, Wellbeing and Personal Safety Programs
Wellbeing & Safety Programs – Semester Two 2025
This semester, students across all year levels will take part in a range of wellbeing and safety programs designed to build confidence, awareness, and respectful relationships.
Foundation & Junior Levels (F–2):
Life Ed Program – Monday 25 & Tuesday 26 August
Students will engage in age-appropriate sessions exploring healthy choices, safety, and emotional wellbeing through the Life Education program.
Middle Level (Years 3–4):
KIDS ROAR – Thursday 11 September
This program empowers students with personal safety skills, focusing on body safety, assertiveness, and recognising unsafe situations.
Senior Level (Years 5–6):
Victoria Police Visit – Wednesday 10 September
Senior students will hear from local police officers on topics including personal safety, making positive choices, and being responsible citizens.
Years 4–6: Inform & Empower Cyber Safety Workshops
Across workshops, students will explore digital safety, respectful online behaviour, and strategies for navigating the online world confidently and safely.
Parent Workshop
To support parents/carers a Parent Seminar called Raising Kids in a Digital World on Thursday 11 September: @ 6.30 - 8pm will be held at MMPS in Allen Hall, presented by Marty McGauran, founder and an expert educator, and Carley McGauran, an experienced psychologist.