Holy Family Newsletter (Week 4 Term 4, 2023)

Messages from the Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Parishioners,

Mini-Fete

Despite the inclement weather, the Mini-Fete was a great success for Catholic Missions.  Adam Sullivan is to be applauded for coordinating a very successful day for our school community. Also, the staff that stepped up and took on various roles and assisted are all to be commended; a real TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) effort! Well done the Holy Family Staff! In addition, a huge thank you to all the parents and friends who supported the mini-fete, your generosity was greatly appreciated.

What Is Step Up Day?

Step Up Day is the day when the students (current 2023 Kindergarten - Year 5 students) spend some of the morning with their 2024 teacher in their 2024 classroom. This year it will be occurring on Thursday, 14th December from 9.30 am to 10.50 am. The teachers spend considerable time structuring the classes for 2024. Consideration is given to making classes with mixed ability levels, catering for children with individual learning needs and we always endeavour to consider the children’s friendship groups. We feel it is important for the children to spend time with their 2024 teacher so that they can go on holidays and feel excited about coming back in 2024. We also know that whilst we do our very best, children can sometimes be placed in a class when, for a variety of reasons, they would rather be with teacher X or friends A, B and C. We ask that parents be supportive of the school’s decision as to the class your child has been placed in for 2024. We know that life has its twists and turns and that it is important for your child to make the most of every school year. Your positive support is always valued by the teachers, staff and the school.

Parent Representative Body

An invitation is extended to all our Holy Family parents and carers to attend a presentation on Holy Family’s School Community Group by Janita Thomson, Lead, Family Partnership Consultant, Catholic Schools Office on Tuesday, 13th February 2024 at 6.00 p.m. in the staff room at Holy Family School. Please RSVP if you will be attending via the school’s email address: skhp@lism.catholic.edu.au

Rationale

Catholic education is a partnership between schools, families, parishes and the wider community. While schools can utilise a range of different ways and means of engaging with their parents, some form of parent body has often been one of the most visible ways in which to do this. Ideally, these parent bodies are a reflection of the essential partnership between home, school and parish and should exist to build and sustain relationships between the school, parish and families in order to nurture children’s faith formation, learning and wellbeing.

Our Catholic schools are places that understand, respect and value the dignity of each child and their family. As part of their nature and purpose, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore commit to fostering partnership between the parish, school and family. A Parent Representative Body is to be endorsed by the Diocese Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL) and maintained in each diocesan school in order to offer an opportunity for families, school staff and clergy to gather, explore, discuss, imagine, implement, support, encourage and journey together as we work in conjunction with the school community for the benefit of the children and young people enrolled in our schools.
School Community Group

Holy Family School will be using the School Community Group (SCG) model for its meetings.

Executive & Membership

The role of the Chairperson and Secretary is necessary for the effective functioning of meetings. The principal, parish priest and one representative from the parish are members of the School Community Group. Each SCG will also have, as part of its membership, one or more parents who fulfil the role of the Representative at the diocesan peak parent body – the Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly (currently, Gabby Rodgers is Holy Family School’s representative). Holy Family greatly appreciates Gabby taking on this very important role.

Meetings

Meetings are to be held in Week Three of each School term and an invitation to all parents and carers to attend must be advertised to the whole parent community. An agenda template for these meetings will be included in the support material for school communities. The Catholic Schools Office recommend the inclusion of consultation and collaboration around school improvement plans, an educative component beneficial to the parent community and parish reports. Meetings can make use of a variety of dialogue tools including community conversations.

Purpose Statement for  School Community Group

Supports the Mission of the Catholic School
The School Community Group promotes and supports the Mission of the Church, which through the educational project of parish schools, promotes Catholic identity, Christian values and quality education. The SCG is supportive of, and advocates for, each student’s academic outcomes, pastoral needs, spiritual growth and the overall school improvement plan.

Student-Centred & Community-Focused
The School Community Group places at the centre of its efforts, the common good for all students. To do this it seeks to build partnerships with all members of the school community and wider community to meet the faith, academic and wellbeing needs of its students.

Welcoming & Inclusive
The School Community Group acknowledges the diversity of parents and carers within the school community; and recognises the value that each parent/carer can contribute. All parents and carers are invited to be a part of the SCG. Participation will ensure there is an equitable voice for the community.

Authentic Participation & Consultation
The parent representative body seeks to engage parents/carers in ways that empower them to contribute their unique skills, gifts and insights to help the school achieve its mission. The parent body regularly seeks voice from the wider school and parish community and there are clear processes for the parent body to contribute to school decisions where appropriate.

Learning Communities
Participation in the School Community Group will strengthen the relationship between schools and families and improve the connection between learning at school and learning at home. The SCG can also provide opportunities to engage parents in a variety of learning initiatives that support families in achieving children’s educational, spiritual and wellbeing needs.

Communication
The School Community Group will provide opportunities for communication between the school, families and parish and will promote regular, meaningful and ongoing dialogue about children’s educational, spiritual and wellbeing needs. The SCG has a responsibility to ensure inclusive, transparent and clear communication with the wider community and the purposes and role of the SCG are clearly communicated and understood by parents and carers. An annual report from the SCG will be submitted to the Board of the Diocese Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL).

The School will be calling for nominations for the positions of Chairperson and Secretary in 2024.

On behalf of the Holy Family School, I would like to acknowledge and thank the sterling efforts of the outgoing Parent Parish Forum members, Michelle Jones-White, Lisa Campbell, Gerard Rees, Suzie Slingsby, Kylie Hyde, Amie Clarke and Kaitlin Pieper. Each of them is to be applauded for the many contributions that they made during their time on the Forum.  In particular, Michelle Jones-White is to be commended for being an outstanding secretary over several years.

Young Designer Award

We certainly have some very talented students at Holy Family School. On Wednesday night this talent was certainly on display via the ‘Making Art Wearable.’ This extra-curriculum activity was a great success due to the hardworking team of Adam Sullivan, Annette Crawford, Kaitlin Pieper, Amie Clarke and Emma McFadden. Also, well done to our judges, Kaitlin Pieper and Tawney Peachey, who did an outstanding job.  A very big thank you to the Directors of Rapid Media, Vaughan & Katrina O’Connor, for being the very generous sponsor of this prestigious award.

Staff Professional Learning Day

A friendly reminder that Monday, 27th November (Week Eight) is a pupil free day.  The staff will be working on the new English and mathematics syllabuses, which are mandatory from 2024.  I have been very impressed with how the staff at Holy Family School have embraced the new syllabuses with such enthusiasm and rigour. These new syllabuses will have a positive impact on the learning of all our students.

God Bless

Murray 

Principal

Catholic Life

Exuro Retreat Day 2023

“Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be  an example of the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12

On Tuesday, the 17th of October this term, ten Year Five students attended the ‘Exuro’ Retreat at Tullera Hall near Lismore. It was a fantastic opportunity for these young people to come together to learn more about their Catholic faith and to connect with other students from around the region who were also keen to learn more about God, prayer and fellowship. The students particularly enjoyed the leadership and camaraderie of senior students from Trinity Catholic College, Lismore. It was wonderful to witness their leadership, ability to get along with students from other Catholic schools and their willingness to get involved in all aspects of the day. Thank you to the families who brought their children to school early and collected them long after school had finished for the day. I was blessed to be in their company for the day.

During Term 4, these Year 5 Exuro ambassadors will be able to lead their classmates to experience the same inspirational messages of hope and discipleship that the ‘Exuro’ group received on their retreat day through their words and actions. We hope they continue to engage with the Incitare experience in Year 6 and into secondary school with ‘Festa Christi’ and ‘Ignite’.

We look forward to the future development of these students in accepting the challenge to go forth and set the world on fire with Jesus’ message of love for others and to become faith leaders in our Catholic school community. 

Mrs Jenny Melville

Learning and Teaching

Understanding the New Semester 2 Student Report - Information for Parents

Why are there changes to the K-6 Semester Two Student Report?

The NSW Government is reforming the curriculum to streamline and strengthen what is taught in every classroom in NSW, so every student is prepared and ready for their future. The curriculum reform has been informed by consultation with teachers, parents and education experts, and is underpinned by extensive research. Curriculum reform involves changing teaching, learning, assessment and reporting to parents. 

The release of the new syllabuses provides the opportunity to revise aspects of the Student Report to align with current research.

“Parents want to know what was taught and how well their child has learnt it, 

as well as where improvement is needed…….  (NESA, 2023)”

What are the changes to the Student Report Comments for Semester Two?

Student Report Comments reflect the Learning Areas on the Student Report. There will be multiple comments:

• English Comment
• Mathematics Comment
• Key Learning Area Comment 

The English and Mathematics Comments will reflect:

• Areas of achievement and growth
• A Learning Goal

within each Key Learning Area.

The Key Learning Areas Comments will reflect:

• Areas of achievement and growth
• A Learning Goal

across Creative Arts, Science and Technology, History, Geography and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.

Sample Student Report: Your child’s report will include a Learning Goal for English, Mathematics and a Key Learning Area (your child’s student report may look slightly different).

What are the changes to Religious Education for Semester Two?

Religious Education will no longer be reported on by Units of Work. It will now be reported on as Knowledge and Understanding across the Units of Work. This is in alignment with the reporting processes for other Key Learning Areas.

Will there be further changes to the Student Report?

Yes. In 2024, Year 3-6 will have a new English and a new Mathematics syllabus. In 2025, K-6 teachers will teach, assess and report on new syllabuses for the other Key Learning Areas. The release of the new syllabuses provides the opportunity to revise aspects of the Student Report to align with current research. The research, as well as feedback from schools, will guide future changes.  Your child’s school will communicate any further changes to parents prior to the 2024 Semester 1 Student Report. 

 What if I have questions about the changes?

Please contact Emma McFadden (emma.mcfadden@lism.catholic.edu.au).

Semester 2 Reports will be available on Compass from 11:00 am on Friday, December 8, 2023.

Sport

NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival

On Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th October five Holy Family students competed at the NSW PSSA Athletics Championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre. All students did very well against the best primary school athletes in New South Wales. They achieved the following results: 

 Asher Lawler - 15th Boys 9 years 100m

• Amy Roberts - 19th Girls 11 years 1500m & 22nd Girls 11 years 800m
• Tommy Behan - 24th Boys 12 years 1500m
• Riley Cross - 17th Boys 11-13 years Long Jump & 25th Boys 11-13 years 100m (MC)
• Sienna Haag - 7th Girls 11-13 years 100m, 200m & Shot Put (MC)

Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials

Last week twenty-one students from Year 4 & 5 participated at the Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials in Lismore. Congratulations to the following students who were selected in the Richmond Zone teams that will now attend the Lismore Diocesan Trials later this year.

Basketball - Charlie Coster, Alby Zakaras

Tennis - Amelia Agnew, Ayla Peart & Harvey Calnan

Cricket - Paddy Churven

Touch Football - Tia Drikibau, Ellarose Jukes, Cahlu Bond-Sheehan, Stella Murphy, Niamh Spinks, Paddy Churven & Kai Jukes

Wellbeing

Parenting is a wonderful journey filled with moments that shape and influence our children's lives. At school, we recognise the vital role parents play in fostering a positive environment that nurtures their child's learning and development. Let's delve into the power of positive parenting and how it impacts the way children learn and grow.

Role Modelling

Children are like little sponges, absorbing everything around them. They learn by observing and imitating. As parents, you are your child's first and most influential role models. Your actions, attitudes, and behaviours are powerful lessons for your child. If you demonstrate kindness, resilience, and patience, you are teaching these lifelong values.

Communication is Key

Engaging in meaningful conversations with your child is an invaluable way to support their learning. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings. By actively listening and offering guidance, you help them understand the world and develop essential communication skills.

Encouraging Independence and Growth

Fostering independence is crucial for a child's development. Encourage them to take on tasks appropriate for their age, allowing them to learn from their experiences, make decisions, and develop problem-solving skills. Support them as they navigate challenges, allowing them to grow in confidence.

Quality Time

Time spent together as a family is precious and provides numerous opportunities for learning. Whether it's engaging in activities, reading together, or simply sharing stories, these moments create lasting bonds and impart vital life lessons.

Remember, the journey of parenting is unique for every family. Your love, support, and guidance play an essential role in shaping your child's future. By fostering a positive and nurturing environment, you are giving your child the best foundation for their growth and learning.

Thank you for being dedicated and caring parents. Your involvement in your child's life makes a world of difference.

LJ, Janine & Rennae

School Events

Secondhand Uniforms - $5 per item

We have the following unnamed uniform items available for sale at $5 per item.  These items are held in a plastic tub in the staffroom.  Please see a staff member if you wish to purchase any of the following items:-

Jumper - Size 6 x 1; Size 8 x 5; Size 10 x 2; Size 12 x 1

Jacket - Size 6 x 1

Canteen Corner

Canteen Roster - Term 3, 2023

Student Awards

Literacy and Numeracy Award for October

The recipient of the prestigious Literacy and Numeracy Award for the month of October, generously sponsored by the Professionals Real Estate Ballina and Lennox Head, is Alison from Year 6.  Alison is a highly talented and motivated student who has consistently met and exceeded expectations in both Literacy and Numeracy in Year 6. Alison has a natural aptitude for learning, and she is always eager to challenge herself.

In Literacy, Alison is a skilled reader and writer. She is able to comprehend complex storylines, to understand the implied meaning of a text, predict plot development, and enjoy the journey with the novel’s characters. Alison is a highly skilled writer.Her writing is clear, concise, and engaging. She has a strong command of grammar and punctuation and uses extensive vocabulary to keep the reader interested.

In Numeracy, Alison has a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures. She is able to solve complex problems quickly and accurately. She is systematic and logical when solving a maths problem and is not deterred if she doesn’t get something correct the first time. Alison is able to explain mathematical concepts and procedures clearly and concisely and will share her learning with others.

I am confident that Alison will continue to succeed in her academic and personal endeavours as she transitions to High school. Congratulations Alison, on being the Professionals Real Estate Ballina and Lennox Head Literacy and Numeracy Award winner for the month of October.

Principal’s Award October 2023

The very worthy recipient of the Southern Cross Credit Union Principal’s Award for the month of October from 5 Blue is Ellarose.

Ellarose starts every day with a cheery disposition greeting her friends and adults with a delightful smile and a positive attitude.  She is a student who is dedicated to her learning and producing her best work. Ellarose always works on her own initiative and if she is asked to do a job, she does so with enthusiasm and pride. 

Ellarose has a warm nature, is always inviting and does not judge others. Showing outstanding Christian Values, she is always encouraging her classmates and helping them if they need assistance.  Her cheerful and thoughtful nature has contributed to the positive atmosphere of her classroom allowing her to be an outstanding role model to her peers and other students within the school.  

Ellarose is a deserving student who makes valuable contributions to class in any way that she can.  She shows initiative and accepts responsibility, always displaying the most delightful manners and respect towards anyone she encounters.

Congratulations Ellarose, on being a very deserving recipient of the Southern Cross Credit Principal’s Award for the month of October.