OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ELTHAM
OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ELTHAM
Principal's Welcome
Welcome to Our Lady Help of Christians, Eltham.
For nearly 100 years, OLHC has been part of the Eltham community, providing Catholic education and supporting generations of local families. I am delighted to welcome you and share what makes our school a special place to learn and grow.
Choosing a school is an important decision. Every family wants their child to feel safe, happy and confident as they learn. At OLHC, our small school community provides a welcoming environment where every child is known, valued and supported.
Our students see familiar faces, know who to turn to for help and learn in calm classrooms and welcoming playgrounds. Our teachers take the time to understand each child’s strengths and provide the support and challenge they need to progress.
We are committed to quality teaching that builds strong foundations in literacy and numeracy and inspires curiosity across the curriculum. Guided by the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading, we help children develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to become successful learners.
Learning and wellbeing go hand in hand. We work closely with families, sharing in each child’s progress and responding together when extra support is needed.
Our Catholic faith guides the way we teach, care for one another and serve our community. As part of Risen Christ Parish, we encourage our students to act with compassion, respect and responsibility.
​
As our students grow, we help them develop the independence and confidence to take their next steps, including the transition to
secondary school.
A small school can provide a strong foundation for a big future.
I warmly invite you to visit OLHC, meet our community and discover what our school can offer your family. I look forward to welcoming you.
Rudy Vail
Principal
​
Rudy Vail
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Who We Are
Why Choose OLHC: A Commitment to Excellence in Learning and Community
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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
Leanne Bradley
Office Administrator
Maria Wise
Teacher
Mary Marotta
Italian Teacher
Kathy Toomey
Chaplaincy
Gloria Fischer
Learning Support Officer
Rachel Diffey
Learning Support Officer
Fr Michael Sierakowski
Parish Priest
Susie Camilleri
Student Wellbeing Leader
Emily Ashworth
Teacher
Jo Johnson
PE Teacher
Learning Support Officer
Alissa Edwards
Learning Support Officer
Jose Blanco
Maintenance
Liz Cox
Office Administrator
Anne Askew
Teacher
Laura Condon
Teacher / Literacy Leader
Stephanie Asdagi
STEAM/ Performing Arts / Digital Technologies
Michelle Arvanitis
Learning Support Officer
Shellie Drysdale
Learning Support Officer
.
CONNECTION TO THE ELTHAM
Our Parish
Our Connection with the Risen Christ Parish
​
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.
​​​
This special relationship includes:
​
-
Regular visits to the school by Father Michael Sierakowski, our Parish Priest.
-
Parent Faith Formation evenings focusing on the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
-
Spiritual guidance and input at staff meetings and reflection days to support the faith journey of our staff.
-
School Masses, fostering community connection through shared worship.
-
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
-
Saturday 6pm – Montmorency
-
Sunday 8:30am – Montmorency
-
Sunday 10am – Eltham
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}