Holy Family Newsletter (Week 2 Term 1, 2024)

Messages from the Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Parishioners,

 Welcome EVERYONE to an exciting new year of learning and growth at Holy Family!

 A year full of promise and possibilities!

A year of deepening our Catholic faith!

A year of diverse, challenging and quality learning!

A year of parents being actively involved in their children’s learning!

A year of us ALL being the best learners and best people we can be!

 I am pleased to report a very smooth start to our school year. We have been very impressed by the way the children have settled back into routine and they have made an encouraging start to their class work. We welcome our new students and their families; you are now all part of the wonderful Holy Family community. We hope and trust the school year has begun well for your family. The interest and encouragement of parents is obvious in the way the children arrive at school, well-groomed, in the correct uniform and with a positive attitude to learning. We will continue to count on your support and appreciate the way you reinforce school values in your families. In addition, I welcome your support in our ongoing partnership of parents, the school and the parish in Catholic Education. Our Kindergarten students started their formal education on Tuesday and we wish them all the very best.

 Staff News

Welcome back to our highly qualified, professional and dedicated staff! (And thank you for all you've already done in your holidays to prepare for the new school year!)  We have a wonderful, hard-working and conscientious staff that looks forward to creating a vibrant learning environment where all will continue to develop creative minds and live Life to the Full in Christ.

 We also welcome our new teaching staff members: Miss Emma Fitzpatrick – 1 Blue, Mr James Bleakley – 4 Blue, Mr Justin Bleakley – 6 Green, Miss Tayla Tullett – Learning Support Aide (Year 1), Mrs Rachelle Shay – Learning Support Aide (Year 2) and Ms Carrie Bickford Learning Support Aide (Year 5). We are truly blessed to have these talented people joining our team and we look forward to working with them.  Also, we welcome back Holy Family’s Leader of Pedagogy, Mrs Sarah McManus. We wish Sienna Jones all the very best who has now received her NESA provisional accreditation to teach and we thank her for the many positive contributions she made to Holy Family during her tenure as a Learning Support Aide.

 During the January holidays, there was a substantial amount of work done in and around our lovely school. Abe Crawford is to be affirmed for overseeing and coordinating all this work. Also, he received great assistance from Justin Bleakley and Jake Hoey.  Abe, Justin and Jake are to be applauded for having the school grounds and buildings looking so good. Below is a summation of some of the work that was undertaken, completed and nearing completion.

• Painting - the inside and outside of all classrooms, withdrawal rooms and the library have been completed.
• Lights – all classroom lights and all other buildings have been upgraded, so too have the outside lights in the back car park and around the outside of school buildings.
• Air Conditioning – All air conditioners have been serviced and upgraded (if needed).
• Carpet – New carpet in the Kindergarten classrooms. The rest of the school will be done in the next few months.
• A new ride-on mower has been purchased to keep our grounds looking sensational.
• New drinking fountains and additional water stations will be installed.
• Four grey exposed aggregate concrete paths have been laid – K Red entrance; behind the Year 2 classrooms; adjacent to the canteen and the pathway to the back car pickup.
• The roller door near the canteen – Will be replaced with a security sliding door.
• Cupboards will be installed in the de la Salle room and a new filing storage system was installed in the room adjacent to the Music room.
• New sports equipment was purchased.
• One hundred new computers were purchased.
• The Ninja course was completed.
• All the concrete areas around the school were pressure-cleaned.
• New studio and coloured lights installed for the hall stage area.

 2024 Goals - School Annual Improvement Plan

It is important that from the outset of a new school year, the school works in partnership with all students’ families. Therefore, it is vital that the school shares with all families the school’s major goals for the year. At the end of last year, with guidance and support from key personnel from the Catholic Schools Office, new targets and goals were set, to continue to improve student outcomes and provide students with a contemporary and engaging curriculum. A school has several worthwhile goals that it wants to achieve each year and will be working at achieving them as the school year unfolds. However, to ensure that the school is successful, its two major goals for 2024 are

Domain: Mission of Jesus Christ. Goal: Student understanding of our faith mission and engagement in Religious Education will improve.

Domain: Learning & Teaching. Goal: Student academic growth in English and Mathematics will improve through embedding evidence-based whole-school agreed pedagogical practices.

 As a team, we are dedicated to ensuring our students receive the best possible learning opportunities at Holy Family. We all know that children receive the best education when parents and teachers work as a team. Parents’ enthusiasm, support and involvement are integral to the success of our school as are the skills, dedication and professionalism of teachers and Learning Support Aides. Together, staff and parents can provide educational excellence for every student, so that they can achieve their personal best.

Attendance

Help your child to have a positive start to the year by building the habit of good attendance.  

 Building the habit of good attendance is crucial for a positive and successful school year. Here are some tips to help your child develop this habit:

• Establish a Routine. Set a consistent daily routine for your child, including wake-up times, breakfast, and a specific time to leave for school. Having a predictable schedule helps your child understand the importance of punctuality.
• Create a Positive Morning Environment. Make mornings enjoyable by creating a positive atmosphere at home. Encourage open communication and express your enthusiasm for the day ahead.
• Establish Clear Expectations. Clearly communicate your expectations regarding attendance and emphasise the importance of being present at school every day unless there's a valid reason for absence.

Help your child establish a positive and consistent attendance habit, setting the foundation for a successful 2024 school year.

 Watch this clip by Michael Hawker for strategies to help an anxious child return to school.

Road Safety is a Back-to-School Essential

As children return to school, it is essential to keep safety in mind. Talk with your children about safely getting to and from school.

Keep children safe getting in and out of the car. Always use the door closest to the kerb.

• Keep children safe getting in and out of the car. Always use the door closest to the kerb.
  
• Keep children safe by walking distraction-free. Expect your child to take off their headphones while walking.
• Keep children safe getting on and off the bus. Wait at the bus stop and stand at least one step back from the road's edge. Always meet your child at the bus stop. Never meet them on the opposite side of the road and call them across. Wait until the bus has gone before crossing the road.
• Keep children safe while using wheeled transport. Children must wear a helmet when riding a bike in any public place – it is the law. Foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders should wear helmets and protective equipment.

 Be a positive role model when you are a pedestrian, passenger and driver. Children learn from what they see, as well as what we say.

School Community Group

An invitation is extended to all our Holy Family parents 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.

 Welcome to the New School Year Picnic

I look forward to seeing you and catching up with you at our Welcome to the New School Year Picnic on Wednesday, 21st February from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm.

Please remember to be kind – no act of kindness is ever wasted and it may just change someone’s day for the better.

God Bless

Murray

Principal

Catholic Life

Ash Wednesday

Holy Family will be celebrating Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Season of Lent with two Ash Wednesday liturgies.

Years 6, 5, K and 1 at 11:50 am

Years 2-4 at 12:50pm 

Parents are warmly invited to join either of these liturgies.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Preparation: Years 4 to 6

Please see the below link to support information and online registration for our Sacrament of Reconciliation for those students in Years 4 to 6 who have previously received their Sacrament of Confirmation and want to continue their sacramental journey in 2024. 

During Term 2 these students will prepare and then celebrate their Sacrament of First Holy Communion.  

In Term 3, students from Years 3 to 6, who would like to begin their sacramental journey, will be invited to prepare and celebrate their Sacrament of Confirmation

Save the Date: Holy Family Whole School Discipleship Retreat Day

On Thursday 21st March Holy Family will take part in a day of social service around the Lennox Head and Ballina communities.  Parents are warmly invited to join us on this day.

Additional information will be shared next week.

Year 6 CSYMI Junior 

Today our Year 6 students took part in a formation retreat.  The aim of the retreat was to support the students in their role as student leaders of Holy Family in 2024.  

The day involved working in small groups to reflect upon ideas presented in videos, journaling and fun games.  During the day’s activities the students were encouraged to invite Jesus on their journey, consider the people, values and attitudes that could help guide them on their journey and understand the importance of receiving and giving forgiveness as we journey through the ups and downs.  The day concluded with each student selecting a CSYMI Junior group that they would like to be a part of and throughout the year the Year 6 students will meet in their Pastoral Care, Social Service and Worship groups to decide upon initiatives to make a difference in our school and community.

Some of the aims of the CSYMI (Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International)  Junior program are:

• To build positive leadership qualities in our students based on faith formation and discipleship.
• To encourage students to assist in acts of social service at the family, school and community levels.
• ​Develop and sustain a personal and living relationship with Jesus and a positive Catholic identity.
• Build bonds of communication and solidarity between Catholic schools at a local and regional level.
• To form post-school youth formation pathways for our students as they transition into high school.

Learning and Teaching

Parent Partnership Meetings 

Online Bookings 

In placing such importance on teachers and parents being in partnership, we will continue to hold Partnership Meetings this year.  These important meetings will take place in a few weeks (commencing Monday, 4th March - Friday, 22nd March). These meetings will involve your child, their classroom teacher/s and you as parents/guardians, all sitting down together and having purposeful conversations about your child’s learning and setting their learning goals together for this semester. It is expected that all students and parents/guardians will attend these meetings, as there will be no set compulsory meetings after the Semester One School reports go home in late June. 

These meetings will take place in your child’s classrooms. They will run for 15 minutes. 

If you have been part of a Personalised Planning meeting for your child this year, you will not need to make a Parent Partnership booking for your child. 

Online bookings will open on at 9:00 am on Monday, February 19. Please go online to Compass and book a Parent Partnership meeting with your child’s classroom teacher by Thursday 29th February at 10:00 am.  Book your meeting in the same way you booked your child’s Best Start/MAI time.

When accessing Compass via a desktop, click on the Conferences link under the Community Icon. Then click on the green ‘My Bookings’ link and follow the instructions to book your Partnership Meeting. 

When using the Compass app, click on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner. A list of options will appear, choose Conferences and follow the prompts to book your meeting. 

For additional Conference support or information, please contact:  

Emma McFadden

emma.mcfadden@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Wellbeing

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to another exciting school year filled with possibilities, growth, and joyful learning!

We hope you had a rejuvenating break and are ready to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.

Getting Back into the Routine: As we step into the new academic year, establishing a positive routine is crucial for your child's success. Encourage a consistent bedtime and morning routine, ensuring that they start each day with a nutritious breakfast and a positive mindset. A well-organised routine not only fosters academic success but also helps in developing overall wellbeing.

Focus on Wellbeing and Family Time: At Holy Family, we prioritise the wellbeing of your child. We believe that a happy, healthy child is more likely to thrive academically. We encourage you to spend quality time together as a family, engaging in activities that promote positive emotions and strengthen your bond. Whether it's a family game night, a nature walk, or simply sharing stories, these moments contribute significantly to your child's overall wellbeing.

Building Resilience and Coping Skills: Life is filled with challenges, and we aim to equip your child with the skills needed to navigate them successfully. It is great when families also focus on activities that foster resilience, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. By teaching coping mechanisms and stress management techniques, we empower children to face life's stressors with confidence and resilience. Remember to check out education.nsw.gov.au link for Parents and carers essential toolkit.

Giving Back to the Community: Giving back is instilling a sense of responsibility and empathy in our children. We believe in the importance of giving back to the community. This year, we will be organising various community service initiatives, and we encourage your family to participate. Whether it's a charity drive, a neighbourhood cleanup, or volunteering at a local organisation, these activities not only benefit the community but also teach your child the importance of compassion and social responsibility.

Here's to a fantastic year of growth, wellbeing, and community at Holy Family!

Warm regards

Holy Family Pastoral Care Team

School Events

Library

Welcome back to another great year at Holy Family.

A big warm welcome also to our new Kinder students and all new families to the school.

All students from Kinder to Year 3 are asked to please bring a library bag. This can even be a plastic shopping bag if you wish. Please note that the bag should be large enough to carry a large picture book. Library books must be returned on the morning of the class library day. If books are overdue, students may not borrow that week.

                                         TERM ONE CLASS LIBRARY TIMETABLE 2024

Canteen Corner

Canteen Roster - Term 3, 2023

Welcome to another great term at Holy Family canteen. We have some new and exciting menu items along with our favourites.

For our Birthday Ice block menu, please place orders at least 1 week prior, and for our Sushi Menu (Thursdays only), please place orders by 8 pm on Wednesday nights prior.

Head over to the Parent Portal canteen tab on our school website for information on everything canteen. Alternatively, check out the menus on Compass ordering and place your orders.

Are you interested in becoming a canteen volunteer? Check out our volunteer form to get started on joining our volunteer team.  Join our canteen WhatsApp group for the latest information. Please have/apply for your Working With Children Check number (WWCC) as this is a requirement.  See the links below.

Need help? Swing by the canteen, email or call for a chat, and we will help you.

hfcanteen@lism.catholic.edu.au

Reminders

Holy Family is on Facebook

Follow us to see what’s happening at our wonderful school

Holy Family Uniform - Buy/Swap/Sell

Do you have uniforms at home that you would like to sell, swap, or give away?

Does your child need a specific uniform item?

Join the Holy Family Uniform Buy/Swap/Sell group on Facebook

Holy Family Catholic Primary School
School Photography Date: 5/03/2024

Dear Parents,

School photography day is coming up soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on school photo day.

2 easy ways to purchase:

1. Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
2. Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: 9HF RB1 87D

School photography information:

• Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
• Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos
• Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery - School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.
• Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Holy Family Catholic Primary School for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

Kind regards,

Lola Ruiz Diaz

Client Coordinator

advancedlife Pty Ltd | Phone: (07)34145157

P.O Box 2213, Mansfield QLD 4122| dolores.r@advancedlife.com.au | www.advancedlife.com.au

Please note if you would prefer to order via an envelope, these are available at the front office at Holy Family Catholic School.

Community Events and Notices

Kindy Parent Catchup

Whilst our 2024 Kindergarten students were having a lovely, positive first day at Holy Family, some of their parents took the opportunity to celebrate this milestone and have a morning catch up. 

How lovely it is to see our Holy Family Community coming together.