Holy Family Newsletter (Week 8 Term 4, 2023)
Messages from the Principal
Dear Parents, Students and Parishioners, 2024 SCHOOL LEADERS Last week we were privileged to hear the impressive speeches of our Year Five students who are contending for leadership for 2024. The high calibre of the speeches made it very difficult to discern between the candidates. We are definitely spoilt for choice and the students can be very proud of their efforts and the positive values and attitudes that they demonstrated. We value student leadership and it is very obvious that our students aspire to serve their school community in so many different ways. Unfortunately, not everyone will be given a badge but it is pleasing to recognise that there is enormous depth in the student body and that they will always serve our school, regardless of whether they wear a badge or not, with pride and distinction. The best understanding of leadership is that a leader knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. They have knowledge, action and inspiration. The ‘way’ in a Catholic School is via Jesus who said He is the Way, the Truth and the Life”. We informed the student body of the results of the election at last Friday’s assembly. Congratulations to those students who were elected as 2024 School Leaders: School Captains - Miliani Tighe and Harvey Calnan White House Captains – Coco Smith and Billy Griffiths Blue House Captains – Eva Corney and Tasman Foster Red House Captains – Ellarose Jukes and Lucas Brown Green House Captains – Mikey Smith and Amy Roberts ADVENT This weekend marks the beginning of Advent. This is the time in the Church’s year when we prepare for Christmas and the coming of our Saviour, the infant Jesus. Advent promises a new life in Christ. Christ’s coming gives us a living picture of God; through Christ, we get to know God. Advent fosters in us the attitude of expectation; it is an essential part of our Christian belief that we should be looking forward, throughout our life, to a life in fullness with God. Jesus told us, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10. For thousands of years, the Hebrew prophets told in the Hebrew Scriptures how they looked forward to the redemption of their people. Now, in the Christian Scriptures, we hear how we have that redemption: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16, 17. Each Advent we renew our expectations and each Christmas we celebrate Christ’s coming and God’s redemption. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING The safety of our students, families and staff is our highest priority. In order to best ensure this, the Holy Family School leadership team and staff, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, plan for a number of possible incidents, emergencies or natural disasters that could take place at school or during the school term. The events of recent years have reinforced how important this planning is and we all have a role to play when it comes to emergency management, including families. Our students participate in various safety drills and staff participate through training and safety drills. We’d like to share with you the role of parents and families in emergency management. School Lockdown A number of the situations we plan for include a school lockdown as one of the immediate safety actions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We understand that some may understand the word ‘lockdown’ to mean there is an immediate safety risk to all students. It is important to understand that when a school initiates a lockdown this may not be the case. Depending on the situation, the purpose of a school lockdown will differ. A school lockdown may be a preparation step for an evacuation, or a school lockdown may allow emergency services access to an area of the school without having to navigate past students. Regardless of the purpose of a school lockdown, no one can be admitted to the school grounds other than emergency services. Should we initiate a school lockdown, parents and families will be informed via text message and the Compass app via notifications. We will also inform parents and families as soon as the school lockdown has been lifted or if there are any actions required of parents and families. It is important that you do not attempt to attend the school during a school lockdown. We understand that you may be concerned, however, attending the school may also add risk to a possible emergency situation, block emergency services or impede an evacuation. Natural Disaster In the event of a natural disaster, such as flood or bushfire, the school leadership team, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it is safe for the school to open. If there is a probability the school may have to close part way through the day, the school will not open for that day as it is extremely difficult to evacuate a school site and ensure all students are able to go directly home safely. In a bush fire or flood event it is important that parents and families have a plan to get your child/ren home from school, or into your care, at short notice. Please be aware that school buses may not be running and the school can not allow your child/ren to go home to an empty house or home with another parent without your permission. Family Preparedness How can you help us prepare for emergency situations? Please ensure that:
It is always our hope that these measures will never be needed but it is also our responsibility to ensure our school community is prepared and informed should the need arise. We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation. Murray Deeps, Principal and Nigel McIntyre, Work Health and Safety Manager, Catholic Schools Office And in all things be kind to yourself and each other. The world could always do with more kindness. God Bless Murray Principal |
Catholic Life
Holy Family Feast Day Art Competition
As a school we are fortunate to have the Holy Family as our patrons. The example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in how they lived their lives are a constant reminder to us on how we live our own lives. At Holy Family we strive to be compassionate, patient, accepting, obedient and faith filled.
To celebrate the Holy Family we have begun an annual art competition where students are allocated an image of the Holy Family to decorate using any medium of their choice.
The students who chose to participate need to have their artwork brought back to school by Tuesday 5th December.
McGrath Estate Agents are generously sponsoring the competition. One winning artwork from each year group will be chosen and they will be awarded a $50 voucher to enjoy a family feast at Shelter Lennox Head.
Holy Family Christmas Concert
Tuesday 5th December
Infants 6:30pm:
Primary 7:15pm
Holy Family / Parish Mass: Saturday 9th of December: 5:30pm
To celebrate the beginning of Advent, all families are warmly invited to attend a special Holy Family parish Mass. This Mass will include a special blessing for all our Year 6 students, an invitation to bring the infant Jesus from the family Nativity set for a special blessing and an invitation to join other families at Cherry Street Bowling Club after Mass for a social dinner.
Parish Blessing for our Year 6 Leaders
During this mass there will be a special blessing for all our Year 6 students as they conclude their primary school journey and begin their secondary schooling. Year 6 families are warmly invited to support this celebration by attending as a family.
Blessing of the Infant Jesus
During this Mass, we also invite all families to bring their baby Jesus from their family Nativity set to our Holy Family Parish Advent Mass for a special blessing. While the baby Jesus traditionally gets placed in the Nativity Scene on Christmas Day, having the baby Jesus at this Mass will be a special way of remembering what we are truly preparing for during this Season of Advent and then into the celebration of Christmas.
This tradition of blessing the infant Jesus was first instituted by St. John Paul II for the children of Rome when he encouraged families to bring their baby Jesus (Bambinelli) from each of their home nativity sets. It became a special way for children to connect to their nativity scene at home to the celebration of Christmas at their church.
Preparing for and remembering the true meaning of Christmas is important during this holy and joyful season.
For families who don’t have a nativity set, you may consider purchasing or even making your own.
Family Social Gathering: Cherry Street Bowling Club
Any families attending our Holy Family Parish Mass are invited to head to Cherry Street Bowling Club after Mass for a social dinner. Families may like to contact Cherry Street Bowling Club and book a table.
Mini Vinnies Christmas Hampers
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. The greatest gift given to the world. It should be a season of happiness and joy, for sharing gifts, food and time with family and friends.
However, Christmas can be a challenging time for those in need in our community.
Each year the Mini Vinnies Team and the Holy Family school community generously displays the Spirit of Jesus by helping St Vincent de Paul to make Christmas brighter for families within our local community through donated items for Christmas Hampers.
We kindly request families donate non-perishable food items, toiletries or small gifts for children that can be given to those in need.
On Friday 24th November, each class received a hamper basket at the school assembly to begin filling over the coming weeks. These hampers will be collected by members of the St Vincent de Paul Society on Friday 8th December 2023.
Families are also invited to give a monetary donation at our Christmas Concert to go towards vouchers to support local families in need.
Parish Schools Day
This week's Parish School’s Day was a wonderful success and greatly enjoyed by all involved. Witnessing our schools gathered as a Parish community was special and the children thoroughly enjoyed the rides and activities.
Learning and Teaching
Semester Two Reports
Semester Two reports will be available on Compass from 11:00 am on Friday, December 8. Please use the links below to access further information about the changes to the reporting template and a guide to accessing the report on Compass.
2024 Professional Learning Dates
The document below outlines school dates for 2024 and whole school professional learning days which are student free days for all K-6 students.
2024 MAI/Best Start Bookings
All 2024 classes and teachers will be announced to students on Thursday, December 14. With regards to the online Mathematical Assessment Interviews and Best Start (Kindergarten only), they will be open on Compass at 11:00 am Thursday, December 14 for you to book your child in for their interview with their 2024 teacher/s. Please use the link below to find further details about the online booking process.
Sport
Todd Woodbridge Cup
On Monday 20th November both our Stage 2 & 3 teams competed at the state finals of the Todd Woodbridge Cup tennis tournament in Sydney. Both teams played really well against some of the best players in New South Wales. A big thank you to Miss Kirk & Jake Hoey for coaching the teams.
Diocesan Summer Sports Trials
The Lismore Diocesan Summer Sports Trials for tennis, basketball, touch football and cricket were held in Lismore last week. We had twelve students participate at the trials. Congratulations to the following students on their selection in the Lismore Diocesan team that will compete at the Polding Trials in their respective sports next year.
Tennis - Ayla Peart
Touch Football - Tia Drikibau & Ellarose Jukes
NSW PSSA Athletics Championships
Sienna Hagg received 3 certificates at assembly last week for her sensational efforts at the NSW PSSA Athletics Championships in Sydney earlier this term. She is now a NSW Primary All School record holder in the Girls F21 11-13 year old 100m, 200m and shot put events. Well done Sienna on this wonderful achievement! Congratulations to Amy, Tommy, Asha and Riley (not pictured) for receiving thier Polding Medals. Well done everyone!!
Wellbeing
School Events
Canteen Corner
Canteen Roster - Term 3, 2023
| Week | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 9 | Bridie Cullinane | Nia Murray Kelly Sproule Last Day for Lunch/Sushi Orders | Narelle Davidson Kimberly Carter Elise Ross Rochelle Hellier Esther Jenkins Meal Deal Day |
| 10 | Snacks - Counter Sales only NO HELPER NEEDED | Snacks - Counter Sales Only NO HELPER NEEDED | Snacks - Counter Sales Only NO HELPER NEEDED |
Student Awards
Numeracy and Literacy Award
The very worthy recipient of the Literacy and Numeracy Award for the month of November is Manny from 4 Blue. Manny is a quiet achiever who approaches learning in a dedicated and conscientious manner. He is a careful and reflective listener who completes all tasks to the very best of his ability.
Manny reads with fluency and accuracy and integrates a variety of strategies to comprehend and critically evaluate complex texts. When writing, he skillfully communicates meaning and demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience and purpose. The number of words that Manny can spell correctly is quite incredible and he uses his knowledge of spelling patterns and rules to work out the spelling of new and unfamiliar words.
Manny particularly enjoys Mathematics. He can recall number facts with automaticity and is flexible in his use of a wide range of mental computation strategies. Using logical, deductive and critical thinking, Manny solves problems by searching for patterns and clearly communicates his thinking and solutions. He always reflects upon his learning and shows a great ability to learn from his mistakes.
Congratulations, Manny. Your attitude, efforts and achievements make you a most deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
