OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ELTHAM
OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ELTHAM
Principal's Welcome
Rudy Vail
Welcome to Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Primary School (OLHC)
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We are delighted to welcome you to OLHC, a vibrant Catholic school community that has been proudly serving families in Eltham for over 95 years. As a small school, we take pride in fostering close relationships, where every child is known, valued, and supported. Our dedicated and compassionate staff are committed to nurturing each student’s unique gifts, empowering them to reach their potential academically, socially, and spiritually.
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At OLHC, we are committed to excellence in education. Our teaching is grounded in rigorous research, including the Science of Reading and the Science of Learning, to ensure high-quality instruction. With small class sizes, we can personalise learning to each child’s needs, fostering confidence, self-belief, and a love for learning.
Our community is warm and inclusive, where families feel a strong sense of connection and belonging. We believe that a supportive school-family partnership is essential for student growth, and we cherish the relationships we build together.
As an active member of the Risen Christ Parish, guided by our Parish Priest, Father Michael, OLHC encourages students to live out Gospel values through compassion, faith, and social justice. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, we are dedicated to creating a respectful, caring, and joyful environment for all.
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Thank you for considering OLHC for your child’s education. We are excited to welcome you into our school family and look forward to a rewarding journey together.
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Warm Regards,
Rudy Vail
Principal
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Who We Are
Why Choose OLHC: A Commitment to Excellence in Learning and Community
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At Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC), we embrace the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Vision for Instruction, striving to provide every student with a pathway to excellence through research-based, focused teaching methods. Our mission is to foster strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and social skills, paired with high expectations for all learners.
We are proud to collaborate with La Trobe University’s Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab, led by Professors Pamela Snow and Tanya Serry. This partnership ensures that our approach to literacy instruction is grounded in the latest scientific research. By integrating evidence-based practices into classroom teaching, we are enhancing student success in reading, writing, and spelling. Through this collaboration, our staff are equipped to deliver targeted, effective literacy programs that set students up for lifelong success.
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Our teaching philosophy is anchored in explicit instruction, where complex skills are broken down into manageable steps, paired with clear guidance, structured practice, and timely feedback. This method builds student confidence and mastery, supporting a seamless journey from foundational learning to independent achievement.
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At OLHC, we believe in fostering a structured and supportive learning environment that nurtures every student’s potential. We provide consistency in teaching practices while creating an inspiring space where critical thinking, creativity, and resilience flourish.
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Our commitment to excellence is further enriched by our partnership with families, who play a vital role in supporting their children’s curiosity and growth. Together, we cultivate a nurturing community where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
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OLHC is more than a school—it’s a place where learning, collaboration, and community come together to inspire a lifelong love of learning in every child.
OUR EXPERT STAFF
Meet the Team
Rudy Vail
Principal
Loretta Marazzato
Office Administrator
Anne Askew
Teacher
Clare Bisby
Teacher & Education in Faith Leader
Alissa Edwards
Learning Support Officer
Michelle Arvanitis
Learning Support Officer
Gloria Fischer
Learning Support Officer
Fr Michael Sierakowski
Parish Priest
Taya Eddy
Learning & Teaching Leader, Literacy Leader
Maree Rofe
Teacher
Maria Wise
Teacher
Sue Wallace
Learning Support Officer
Jo Johnson
PE Teacher
Olivia Tomada
Italian Support Teacher
Liz Cox
Office Administrator
Norah Jacombs
Student Diversity Leader Wellbeing Leader
Emily Ashworth
Teacher
Stephanie Asdagi
Digital Technology
Shellie Drysdale
Learning Support Officer
Andréa Chesterman
Italian Teacher
Jose Blanco
Maintenance
Kathy Toomey
Chaplaincy
History
CONNECTION TO THE ELTHAM
Our Parish
Our Connection with the Risen Christ Parish
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At Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC), we are blessed to share a strong and supportive partnership with the wider Risen Christ Parish. The Parish plays a vital role in enriching the spiritual and community life of our school, providing valuable support to our students, families, and staff.
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This special relationship includes:
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Regular visits to the school by Father Michael Sierakowski, our Parish Priest.
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Parent Faith Formation evenings focusing on the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
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Spiritual guidance and input at staff meetings and reflection days to support the faith journey of our staff.
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School Masses, fostering community connection through shared worship.
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Pastoral care for families experiencing challenges or in need of assistance.
The Parish is at the heart of our community, helping us grow in faith and support one another on life’s journey.
Parish Details
Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church
2 Henry Street, Eltham, VIC 3095
Parish Priest: Father Michael Sierakowski
Weekend Mass Times
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Saturday 6pm – Montmorency
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Sunday 8:30am – Montmorency
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Sunday 10am – Eltham