• Skip to content
  • Skip to navigation
  • Skip to footer
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School Merbein
  • Latest Newsletter
  • Visit our Website
  • Newsletter Archive
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • School Calendar
  • Contact Us
  • Print Newsletter
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School Merbein

Newsletter QR Code

18 Box Street
Merbein VIC 3505
Subscribe:https://olshmerbein.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

​admin@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 03 50252258

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School Merbein

18 Box Street
Merbein VIC 3505

Phone: 03 50252258

  • Visit our Website
  • Newsletter Archive
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • School Calendar
  • Contact Us

Forms & Documents

  • Enrolment Agreement - Explanatory Statement
  • OLSH Information Book

Upcoming Events

16 Sep
Sustainability Day

All day

18 Sep
Disco

All day

19 Sep
Footy Colours Day

All day

19 Sep
End of Term Three

All day

6 Oct
Start of Term Four

All day

10 Oct
Summer Sports Grade 5 & 6

All day

13 Oct
Grade 5 / 6 Camp

13 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

Powered by Schoolzine

Schoolzine Pty Ltd

For more information
contact Schoolzine

www.schoolzine.com

35 - 25th October, 2024 - Term 4, Week 3

  • Principal's News
  • Links:
  • Religious Education News
  • 2025 Paperwork
  • Major Raffle
  • Christmas Hampers
  • School Magazine
  • 2025 Prep Transition & Tea R.S.V.P.
  • Happy Birthday
  • Student of the Week
  • School TV - Respectful Relationships
  • Prep News
  • Grade 1 News
  • Grade 2 News
  • Grade 3 & 4 News
  • Grade 5 News
  • Grade 6 News
  • General News

Principal's News

Dear Families,

On Wednesday we welcomed our 2025 Prep group into the school for the first of their Transition days. They were very brave as they made their way into the school yard, with plenty of siblings supporting them on their first visit! Once in the classroom, the children settled well into the activities that Miss Appledore had planned and finished their morning with a snack and a play in the yard. I think it’s fair to say that everyone enjoyed themselves! The new Preps will join us again in November for their next transition day and we look forward to this. There is still room in our Prep class if you know of anyone who is looking to enroll for 2025.

Now that the warmer weather is upon us, it’s great to see that most students are wearing the correct uniform. There are, however, some students who are choosing to wear their runners instead of their black school shoes. Please refer to the uniform policy in the information book and ensure that your child is coming to school in the correct items. A reminder also that if your child is wearing tan sandals, that these must be proper school sandals, NOT fashion sandals. Sandals must buckle up across the foot and be secure on your child’s feet. If you are unsure of the correct sandals, please refer to the examples attached.

At the SAC meeting in September, as is done each year, the school fees were reviewed, and a small increase was made to each component of the fees. A note outlining this has been sent home this week, along with several forms which need to be returned to school as soon as possible. This information assists us to have everything in place before school returns in 2025. We would greatly appreciate it if families could attend to this in a timely manner.

As we mentioned in the newsletter last week, our Major Raffle will again be run this year and will be drawn at our school concert in November. We have some amazing prizes this year thanks to the generosity of some of our families and local businesses. Once tickets go home, we know that everyone will be keen to get into the draw! Raffle books will be available soon!

A reminder that there will be a school closure day on Monday, November 4th before the Melbourne Cup holiday on the Tuesday, November 5th. This is a good chance for students to rest up before the end of year activities really ramp up!

This week at OLSH we started to see some action around our playground area, with the concreters preparing the ground for the rubber to be laid underneath the new play equipment. The anticipation is building….

Have a great weekend!

Narelle Gallagher

Links:

Enrolments at OLSH:

Apply Now

OLSH Calendar:

Calender

Religious Education News

Sacrament of First Holy Communion (Grade 4 & above)

First Communion Masses: Friday 25th, Saturday 26th & Sunday  27th October 2024. We keep the following children in our prayers as they prepare to make their first communion - Ariana Mazza, Ava Dodson, Dallas East and Ryder and Violet Goldsmith. 

Sacrament Masses: Wednesday 27th November 2024 at 6 or 7pm at Sacred Heart Church.  Forms have been sent home to families with children making their First Reconciliation. Please fill these out and return them to the parish office ASAP to be registered. 

                                                       MISSION WEEK AT OLSH

Colour Run - Tuesday November 12th

A flyer with more information regarding the Colour Run is below.

Crazy Hair Day - Wednesday November 13th

Children can come to school with crazy hair and donate with a gold coin donation.

Mission Liturgy - Thursday November 14th 

The time will be confirmed closer to the date. This will be part of the Mission Week which focuses on raising money for those in need. 

Mission Activities - Friday November 15th

Children will participate in various activities organised by all the classes for coin donations. There are lots of prizes to be won.   

2025 Paperwork

Paperwork for 2025 was sent home yesterday with an assortment of forms required for next year. We are asking for these to be returned by Friday, 11th November to assist us with a smooth transition into the 2025 school year. If you have any questions can you please call the office on 50252258.

Major Raffle

Tickets are currently being printed and will be sent home as soon as they arrive.  

As you can see below we have been able to once again provide fantastic prizes thanks to our wonderful sponsors.

Christmas Hampers

For our Christmas Raffle we are asking for donations of groceries to put together a number of Christmas Hampers.  Each grade has been allocated different items to bring to ensure we have a good variety. There will be a basket in each classroom to place the donated items in.  The following is a list of food suggestions to donate which will be put together to make up the hampers for each class (no home brand products, thank you):

Grade PrepBon Bons, Shortbread, Plum Puddings, Serviettes, Decorations, Plastic Plates, Christmas Wrap, etc.
Grade 1 

Cereal, Dried Fruit, Muesli Bars, Foil, Gladwrap, Lunch Bags, Freezer Bags, Jelly, Lollies, etc.

Grade 2 Soft Drinks, Long Life Milk, Fruit Juices, Cordial, Fruit Boxes, Topping, etc. 
Grade 3 / 4 L

Pasta, Rice, Flour, Coffee, Teabags, Milo, Cake Mixes, Sugar, etc.

Grade 3 / 4 PPotato Chips, Dry Biscuits, Sweet Biscuits, Popcorn, Cup of Noodles, Pretzels, etc.
Grade 5

Pudding Mixes, Ice-Cream Cones, Long Life Custard, Desserts, Coconut, Custard Powder, etc.

Grade 6

Canned foods e.g.: Fruits, Tomatoes, Corn, Soups, Spaghetti, Baked Beans, Tuna, Beetroot, Sauces, etc.

School Magazine

Magazine orders are included in your Family Fee payment so if this has been finalised then you will automatically receive one at the end of the school year. If you would like extra copies you will have to purchase them separately for $20.00 each. Please let the school office know by the 15th November.

Please note that if your fees are not finalised you will not receive a magazine.

2025 Prep Transition & Tea R.S.V.P.

Thursday 7th November                       9.00 – 1.30pm (Play lunch & lunch will be required)

*Wednesday 20th November               9.00 – 3.25pm (Play lunch & lunch will be required)

Monday 2nd December                       9.00 – 3.25pm (Play lunch & lunch will be required)

Tuesday 3rd December                          9.00 – 3.25pm (Play lunch & lunch will be required)

*We are also planning to have a Prep Tea on the evening of Wednesday, November 20th. More information about this will be sent out at a later date.

2025 Prep & Grade 5 Tea R.S.V.P. (20th November)

Happy Birthday

We wish the following students a Happy Birthday in the coming week:

  • No birthdays this week

Student of the Week

Class:Awarded to: For:
Grade Prep: Giuliana Mazza

for always being on task, completing work to a high standard and joininginto classroom discussions.

Grade 1: Isabel Mathewsexcellent work in her writing and always taking pride in her work.
Grade 2 : Elki Garrawayher positive attitude and resilience when completing assessment tasks this week.
Grade 3 / 4 L: Ned Collins Woodshowing resilience and excellent behaviour during the Swan Hill Camp.
Grade 3 / 4 P:Bob Heinrichmaking a great effort in improving his sentence structure.
Grade 5:Izobel Matulicusing phonics knowledge when spelling new words and great improvement in her sentence writing.
Grade 6:Matilda Fieldthe effort that she puts into every Maths lesson and for the pride that she takes in the presentation of her work.

School TV - Respectful Relationships

Initiating conversations about respectful relationships with children is crucial for their emotional and social development. By addressing topics like kindness, empathy, and communication, parents create a foundation for healthy interactions. These discussions promote awareness of boundaries, consent, and mutual understanding, fostering a safe environment where children can thrive. Teaching respect from an early age equips kids with essential skills to navigate friendships and romantic relationships, building a future based on empathy and equality. Open dialogues about respect empower children to recognise and value their own feelings and those of others, cultivating a positive and harmonious approach to all relationships.
Full SchoolTV Article https://olshmerbein.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/respectful-relationships

Prep News

Show and Tell- Week 4’s Show and Tell is : ‘Free Choice’.

Concert- We have started practising our dance for the concert which students are picking up very quickly. A note will come home about what they will need to wear on Monday. The concert is on the 28th of November.

Students will have a visit from the school nurse, Denise Pragt on Monday the 28th October. Thanks to everyone who has completed their forms for this.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email: 

  • Rebecca Appledore- rappledore@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

Grade 1 News

We had another great week in Grade 1! Students have been enjoying sharing their show and tell with the class.

In Science, we discussed habitats and suitable places for humans to live.

In Writing, students have had a go at editing work, re-reading, adding punctuation and fixing up spelling. They have all done a great job at this!

Reminder- 

Library bags needed on Mondays.

A note about the school concert has been put onto Seesaw. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email: 

  • Grace Laity- glaity@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

Grade 2 News

This week we have been doing lots of assessments! We have completed the PAT Reading and Mathematics assessments as well as a spelling assessment. I have been so impressed with how the students have approached these assessments. They have shown positive attitudes and persevered with questions which were very challenging. I have also been very pleased with the progress shown by all of my students. 

In Science this week, we made parachutes from plastic bags, string and dinosaurs (small plastic ones!). The students then had a great time throwing them off the hill and seeing if they worked. All the dinosaurs seemed to have a soft landing! The students learnt about air resistance and gravity during this experiment. 

In Art this week, we are studying the work of Vincent Van Gogh. We will be creating some artwork inspired by his techniques and subject matter. 

Christmas Raffle Hampers: This year the Grade Twos are collecting soft drinks, long life milk, fruit juice, cordial, fruit boxes and icecream topping. Donations can be sent in to the Grade Two room, thanks!

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email: 

  • Lisa Ryan - lryan@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

Grade 3 & 4 News

This week we watched and took part in our last live online Inform and Empower digital safety lessons for 2024. We focused on how we can identify red flags online and how we can navigate unsafe interactions. These lessons are very engaging for our students and a lot of important information to keep children safe online is taught and shared.

We have started our PAT Testing this week which gives us great data to see how much our students have progressed which we then use for writing our end of year school report. This information also drives our teaching and the  area of learning we need to revise and consolidate.

We have some missing items of clothing from camp. If you have accidentally collected an extra item of clothing please return it to school.  

The Christmas concert is fast approaching, and we have already begun to rehearse.

Grade 3/4P are performing an ABBA item. If you could keep in mind suitable clothing for an ABBA costume, that would be great. As always, we ask that you utilise what you have already at home, rather than purchasing new items. Some ABBA costume ideas could include – long t-shirts with a belt, long white socks and runners (or long boots), overalls, flared pants with a tight fitting t-shirt, wigs. Google images is a great resource for ideas.

Grade 3/4L are performing a Beatles item. I will give you information about what to wear soon.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email: 

  • 3/4 L: Adam Lawrence – alawrenc@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

  • 3/4 P: Julie Phelan – jphelan@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

  • 3/4P (Friday's): Emma Garraway - ewood@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

Grade 5 News

This week's highlight was meeting the 2025 Prep students and spending time with them at recess.  The Grade 5s were so kind and encouraging and are going to be amazing buddies next year. Next week we will begin our some buddy training and learn more about the role and responsibilities. Check out the gallery for some photos of the day.

2025 Prep & Grade 5 Tea - 20th November:

On Wednesday, the 20th November, OLSH will be having a Prep/Buddy Tea and Information evening for families of our 2025 Preps. This will be an opportunity to hear some tips and information about starting the year off in a positive way for your child as they begin their education journey. It’s also an opportunity to meet other families and children who will be in your child's classroom next year, as well as your child’s buddy. At the conclusion of the brief information session, there will be a chance for you to ask questions or to clarify any worries you may have.  The format will be as follows:

  • BBQ tea will be provided from 5.45pm
  • Parent information session begins at 6.45pm
  • Evening concludes around 7.15pm

Please note - Current Grade 5 students: This evening is for Grade 5 students only.  We ask that parents drop their child off at 5.30pm and pick up at 7.15pm from inside the school.  We will not send students out to the front gate.  We hope to see you there!

Have a lovely weekend!

Cheryl-Anne 

2025 Prep & Grade 5 Tea R.S.V.P (20th November)

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email: 

  • Cheryl-Anne Courtney - ccourtney@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

Grade 6 News

We are well into concert practice, there will be information sent home soon regarding costumes. 

The Grade 6's have been fortunate to have a couple of guitar lessons this term with Mr Lawrence. They have had fun learning some songs.

We have our date confirmed for the Graduation Mass. It will be Monday the 16th of December. More details will be sent home when they are confirmed.

Have a great weekend! 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me during office hours, either the SeeSaw app or email: 

  • Tana Lawrence - tlawrence@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

General News

Come_try_Infinity_Calisthenics_Club.pdf

Infinity Calisthenics Club is a welcoming, friendly environment that provides an enjoyable, energetic, and safe space for the Sunraysia community to participate in group dance and exercise. As a Victorian calisthenics club based in Red Cliffs, we are dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere where all participants can thrive. At Infinity Calisthenics Club we offer a combination of dancing, singing, gymnastics and technical skills for children and adults. Calisthenics develops strong, confident performers through teamwork. Discipline and technique, grace and poise are fostered in a fun and friendly club environment. As a club, we participate in competitions within the state of Victoria, developing the self-confidence and team work skills of our club members.

School Advisory Council Members:

Thel O’Shea, Hannah Mills, Grant Finlayson, Courtney Portaro, Amy Cupper, Sandra Hammet, Lana Borchard, Adam Lawrence (Staff Rep) & Narelle Gallagher (Principal). 

Change of details:

Please contact the office if you have had a change of details. Phone: 50252258 or Email: admin@olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au

Bell Times

8.30am

Supervision of students begin. Classrooms are remained closed.

8.45am

Classrooms are opened for reading time.

8.55am

Organisational bell (students go to the toilet, get a drink, be in line before music ends).

9.00am

Teachers collect students from their line and proceed into class.

11.00am

Recess bell.

11.25am

Organisational bell (students go to the toilet, get a drink, be in line before music ends).

11.30am

Teachers collect students from their line and proceed into class.

1.30pm

Lunch bell.

1.40pm

Students are to finish eating and go and play.

2.20pm

Organisational bell rings (students go to the toilet, get a drink, be in line before music ends).

2.25pm

Teachers collect students from their line and proceed into class.

3.10pm

NSW bus bell.

3.25pm

End of day bell rings.

SIMON Everywhere App

This can be downloaded from either the Google Play Store or the Apple Store.  The app has been updated earlier this year and an email was sent out to parents.  If you are having issues with logging in, can you please contact Mia in the office. 

Student Medical Profile

Medical Profile: Please make sure that the school has been notified of any changes that have been made to your child’s Medical Profile on PAM and to also include this on the pink Parental Authority and Consent Form each year. 

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT TO MAKE OLSH AWARE OF ANY CHANGES.

Parent Notified Absence

If your child is unwell and will be absent from school, you are able to complete a Parent Notified Absence (PNA) on the SIMON Everywhere App or Parent Access Module (PAM) which will automatically notify the teacher and a text message will not be sent.

Newsletters

These are distributed every Friday on SIMON Everywhere and the OLSH Website. Please contact us if at any time you have any queries or require any further explanation about events, dates etc. Any items for the newsletter are asked to be handed in at the office by 9.00am on Friday.

Attendance & Sign in

A reminder to parents that the school needs to be notified of a student absence by 10 am on the day.  This can be done by calling the school office or by using SIMON Everywhere or sending an email to admin@olsmerbein.catholic.edu.au.

Second Hand Uniform

Please contact the school if you require any second hand uniform.

Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy