Holy Family Newsletter (Week 5 Term 4, 2024)

Messages from the Principal

Acknowledgement of Country

As we gather on this sacred land, let us acknowledge that we are standing on Bundgalung country, for which the members and elders of the local Indigenous community and their forbearers have been custodians for thousands of years, on which they have performed age old ceremonies, celebrations, initiations and renewals. We acknowledge their living culture and unique role in the life of this beautiful country.

Reflecting on a Strong Start to the Final Term

As we reach the halfway mark of Term Four, it’s inspiring to see the exceptional energy, focus, and commitment that both our students and staff have brought to the first five weeks of learning. Across all year levels, students have shown impressive engagement and growth, embracing new challenges and building upon their knowledge and skills with enthusiasm.

Our teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to create dynamic, supportive learning environments, fostering curiosity and resilience as students take these last steps in their 2024 learning journey. Their dedication and adaptability ensure that each student is both encouraged and challenged to reach their fullest potential.

As we continue this final term, let’s maintain this momentum, supporting one another and celebrating the achievements—both big and small—that mark this season of growth. Thank you to everyone for making these first weeks so positive and productive. Let’s look forward to a strong finish to a wonderful year!

Celebrating Grandparents Day at Holy Family School

Holy Family School recently hosted an extraordinary Grandparents Day, a celebration brimming with love, joy, and a deep appreciation for the special bond between our students and their grandparents. This wonderful day offered our students and their grandparents the chance to connect, create, and explore the school together, creating cherished memories.

 Afternoon Tea with Grandma and Grandpa

To begin the day, visiting grandparents enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea, lovingly provided by the local business Bake My Life. This spread of delicious treats added warmth and comfort, allowing grandparents and grandchildren to relax and chat. From sweet and savoury pastries to refreshing water, every detail of the tea made our guests feel welcome and appreciated.

 The festivities continued with an exciting Treasure Hunt, guiding grandparents and their grandchildren around the school grounds. This fun activity encouraged exploration of the classrooms, library, and outdoor spaces, where students proudly showed off their learning environments, making it a delightful journey for everyone.

 Engaging Classroom Activities

Once in the classroom, grandparents were greeted with honour and seated at the front, where they became the guests of honour in front of their grandchild's peers. Students took turns interviewing their grandparents, asking questions thoughtfully prepared in advance. These interactions brought laughter, warmth, and a chance to share family stories that beautifully enriched the classroom environment.

Following the interviews, the day took a high-energy turn with rounds of Kahoot and trivia games. The friendly competition and shared knowledge made this a lively part of the celebration, with students cheering on their grandparents and showcasing teamwork.

The event closed on a creative note with craft activities, including a heartfelt handprint craft, where grandparents and grandchildren worked together to create keepsakes. These little creations, filled with colourful designs and handprints, will surely be treasured reminders of this unforgettable day.

Grandparents Liturgy and School Assembly 

We were deeply grateful for the presence of our grandparents, who joined us in both the liturgy and school assembly. Their steadfast love, wisdom, and example enriched our school community in ways words could not fully express. The reflective and prayerful liturgy prepared by Mrs Kelly Farr and Year Two Green was a heartfelt celebration of the wonderful role grandparents play in our lives. We thanked them for guiding and inspiring us with their stories, laughter, and love. We felt truly blessed to have shared this moment of faith and gratitude together.

This special day reminded us of the importance of family and the lasting impact of our grandparents' presence in our lives.

Grandparents Day at Holy Family School was an inspiring celebration, filled with gratitude and joy. It was an event that allowed us to honour the invaluable role of grandparents in the lives of our students. A heartfelt thanks to Adam Sullivan and Kylie Hyde for organising and coordinating this memorable event.

World Teachers' Day

On Friday, October 25, we joined schools worldwide in celebrating World Teachers' Day—a day devoted to recognizing the remarkable impact teachers have on their students and the broader community.

At Holy Family, we’re privileged to have a dedicated team of teachers who consistently go above and beyond to nurture young minds. They bring learning to life, inspire a passion for knowledge, and encourage students to achieve their full potential.

We invite everyone to continue showing appreciation for our teachers throughout the year. A simple note, email, or card to a teacher who makes a difference can mean so much.

Excursions Enriching the Learning of Our Students

Our recent excursions offered invaluable hands-on experiences that brought classroom learning to life, thanks to the dedication of our exceptional staff.

Year One Excursion to Tropical Fruit World

Congratulations to Nicole Sullivan and Emma Fitzpatrick for their exceptional organisation and planning, which made this immersive learning experience possible. A special thanks to Ellie Jeffrey, Tayla Tullett, Kylie Hyde, and Adam Sullivan for their enthusiasm and commitment in supporting and guiding our Year One students through this adventure. Their teamwork and dedication have left a lasting impact, offering our students a unique and enjoyable way to engage with their learning. Thank you all for your efforts in creating such a memorable experience!

Kindergarten Excursion to Cape Byron

Our Kindergarten students enjoyed an exciting and educational day at Cape Byron, beautifully coordinated by the Kindergarten team. Thank you to Kristina Viel, Cheryl Winkler, Kaitlin Pieper, Matilda Regan, Jodee Bond, and Linda Dahl for your hard work in making this day a great success. Your planning and enthusiasm ensured a meaningful experience that enriched students’ learning and made a memorable impression.

Thank you to everyone involved for your efforts in making these excursions truly enriching for our students!

Recognise and Praise Your Child's Regular Attendance.

Recognising and praising your child's regular attendance is a powerful way to reinforce positive behaviour and encourage a strong commitment to their education. Here are some ways to effectively recognise and praise your child's consistent attendance:

• Verbal Encouragement. Regularly express your appreciation for your child's commitment to attending school. Use positive and encouraging language to let them know you notice and value their efforts.
• Positive Notes or Messages. Write short notes or messages expressing your pride in your child's regular attendance. Slip these notes into their backpack or lunchbox as pleasant surprises during the school day.
• Set Goals Together. Work with your child to set attendance goals for each term or semester. Collaboratively establishing achievable goals can instil a sense of responsibility and motivation.
• Celebrate Milestones. This strategy will be specific to the goals you set together. Acknowledge these achievements and make them special occasions for recognition. Encourage your child to reflect on their own accomplishments related to attendance. Discuss how their commitment contributes to their learning and the positive experiences they have at school.
• Positive Rewards. This does not have to be buying something. It can be a special family activity or extra playtime.

Positive reinforcement alone may not be sufficient to address deeper emotional or psychological factors contributing to school avoidance. Work closely with your child and school to identify the specific reasons for their reluctance to attend school.

Kindness

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

Faith and Mission

Holy Family Mini-Fete

Our Holy Family Mini Fete on Tuesday 3rd December, is a special event in our school calendar for children, family and friends, and parishioners to join in our fun celebration with the important focus of raising money in support of Catholic Missions and our Sister School, St John Bosco in the Solomon Islands.

Celebrated on our Parish Feast Day, our Mini Fete will follow a short liturgy in the hall which begins at 12 noon.  The Mini Fete will run from 12.30 to 2.30pm.

Parents, extended families and parishioners are all invited to join us for our Mini Fete celebration.

Please click the LINK below for Mini Fete Information.

Year 6 CONNECT Gathering

Moving from primary school into a Catholic High School is an exciting time.  It’s also an important time when social circles widens and children make new friends and it's a time when they experience new challenges in their learning, social and faith life.

CONNECT will be a fun and rewarding event for all Year 6’s to help set them up for success as they transition into high school.

With just over 50 Year 6 students across our local school already registered to attend the CONNECT Gathering at Xavier College on Saturday 7th December, excitement is building and registration is still open for those who are still wishing to attend, to join up.

See the LINK BELOW for a Short CONNECT Video promoting just some of the special things you need to know about CONNECT.

Click  LINK BELOW to the CONNECT flyer:- 

Click LINK BELOW to the CONNECT Online Registration:-

Learning and Teaching

Sport

Todd Woodbridge Cup Year 3 & 4

Congratulations to our Year 3 & 4 Todd Woodbridge Cup tennis team for the State finals at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre on Monday 18th November. The team finished 2nd at the FNC Finals Tournament at Byron Bay in Term 4 Week 1. Thank you to Miss Kirk & Jake Hoey for coaching the team.

NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to the following five students who participated at the NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre on Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th October. Well done everyone! 

Asher in 4 Green

• 10 yrs Boys 100m - 17th (13.78)

• 10 yrs Boys 200m - 11th (28.45)
• 10 yrs Boys 800m - 21st (2:34.69)

Amy in 6 Blue

• 12 yrs Girls 800m - 19th (2:40.12)
• 12 yrs Girls 1500m - 26th (5:25.61)

Miliani in 6 Green

• 11 yrs Girls 100m - 16th (13.80)
• 11 yrs Girls 200m - 17th (28.51)

Riley in 6 Green

• 11-13 yrs Boys 100m - 19th (17.52)
• 11-13 yrs Boys Long Jump - 15th      (2.75)

Hendrix in 6 Green

13 yrs Boys 100m - 8th (14.06)

Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials

During Week 4 students from Year 4 & 5 participated at the Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials in Lismore. Congratulations to the following students who were successful in gaining selection in the Richmond Zone team and they will now compete at the Lismore Diocesan Summer Sports Trials later in Term 4. Well done to all the students who participated. 

Basketball - Hawi 5 Blue, Dusty 4 Green, Manny 5 Green & Eddie 4 Blue

Tennis - Frankie 4 Blue, Camilla 4 Blue & Thomas 5 Blue

Touch Football - Ava 5 Blue, Stella 5 Blue, Milla 5 Blue, Sarla 5 Green, Kai 5 Green, Thomas 5 Blue, Nash 5 Green

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

School Events

SAVE THE DATE - HOLY FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL- FUN SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Thursday 28th November 2024 – Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool

Canteen Corner

Canteen Roster - Term 3, 2023

Student Awards

The Southern Cross Credit Union Principal’s Award

The recipient of the Southern Cross Credit Union Principal's Award for the month of September goes to Lily from 6 Blue. She is always compassionate and respectful towards her peers.  She is a student who is dedicated to her learning and producing her best work. Lily has a warm nature, is always inviting and does not judge others.  She always uses her own initiative and if she is asked to do a job, she does so with enthusiasm and pride. Lily is always encouraging her classmates and helping them if they need assistance.  Her cheerful and thoughtful nature has contributed to the positive atmosphere of our class and she displays determination and a genuine desire to do her very best at any given task. Lily is a fair student.  She is reliable, does not rely on her peers to influence her choices, making her a wonderful role model.

Well done Lily on receiving the Southern Cross Credit Union Principal’s Award for the month of September.

Carol Lynch Reading Award Term Three, 2024

The worthy recipient of the Carol Lynch Reading Award for Term Three, 2024 is Layla from 2 Geen.

Layla is an exceptional reader who displays an obvious love of reading. She commences reading tasks enthusiastically and reads with wonderful expression, engaging the audience.

Layla reads text accurately and self-corrects when she has made an error. Layla utilises taught comprehension tools to understand and analyse text at a high standard. Layla’s focus and participation in literacy lessons are outstanding and contributes to her increasing vocabulary use in her writing and speech.

It has been wonderful to watch Layla’s confidence and reading skills grow this year! 

Congratulations Layla, for being the very worthy recipient of the Carol Lynch Reading Award for Term 3, 2024.

The McGrath Estate Agents, Lennox Head, Mary MacKillop Community Service Award

“Never see a need without doing something about it.”

The highly regarded Mary MacKillop, Community Service Award, is generously sponsored by McGrath Estate Agents, Lennox Head. 

The Mary MacKillop Award for Term Three goes to Millie, from Year 5 Green. 

Millie tries to be like Jesus in her everyday actions. Millie is a kind-hearted student who follows Holy Family's code of Safety, Effort, Respect, and Self-Responsibility. Millie has consistently demonstrated her commitment to her school work and the Holy Family School Community.

Millie has been described as compassionate, happy, trustworthy, sensitive, and respectful to the needs of others by her teachers and other students. These characteristics are an example of the fantastic student she is but, more importantly, an outstanding role model who reflects and shares the values of Mary MacKillop.

The Student Forum nominated Millie, that is, students from Kindergarten through to Year Six and the decision to choose Millie was ratified by the School Principal, her teachers and Mr Campbell.

It is with great pleasure that we present the McGrath Estate Agents, Lennox Head Mary MacKillop Community Service Award, for Term Three, 2024, to Millie

Southern Cross Credit Union Principal’s Award 

The very worthy recipient of the Principal’s Award for the month of October is John in 5Blue.

John is always compassionate and respectful towards his peers.  He is a student who is dedicated to his learning and produces his best work. John has a warm nature, is always inviting and does not judge others.  He always works on his own initiative and if this student is asked to do a job, he does so with enthusiasm and pride. John is always encouraging towards his classmates and helping them if they need assistance. His cheerful and thoughtful nature has contributed to the positive atmosphere of our class and he displays determination and a genuine desire to do his very best at any given task. John is a fair and easy-going student. He is reliable, does not rely on peers to influence his choices, making him a wonderful role model. John is a true all-rounder and excels at everything he puts his mind to. 

Congratulations John, on being a very deserving recipient of the Principal’s Award for the month of October. 

Literacy and Numeracy Award

Congratulations to Ollie in K Blue, the recipient of the Literacy and Numeracy award for the month of October.

Ollie is an engaged and enthusiastic member of our K Blue class. He is self-motivated and gives his best effort to all tasks. Ollie is a sponge for knowledge and he is eager to take on new learning.

During his first year of school, Ollie has demonstrated a natural curiosity for sounds and words which has contributed to his exceptional decoding skills. He can now read fluently and he loves the challenge of reading trickier words. Because of his love of reading, Ollie has a broad vocabulary which allows him to thoughtfully contribute to class discussions. 

Ollie demonstrates equal enthusiasm for Mathematics and enjoys skip counting using different number patterns. Ollie is always up for a challenge in maths and enjoys solving mathematical problems. 

Ollie is a great support for his peers and he loves to help others with their learning.

Congradulations Ollie on receiving the Literacy and Numeracy award for October. 

Congratulations to our 2024 Young Designers Award Winner

Overall Winner - Zander from 5 Green

The 2024 Holy Family Young Designer Award Rollercoaster Tower Challenge  provided students with an exciting yet valuable learning opportunity to explore the design process of construction.  Participants were required to design and make a model of a rollercoaster tower ride.  A glass marble was used to represent the rollercoaster carriage.  Over 30 Holy Family Students joined the challenge and using a variety of creative design elements, e.g. jumps, drops, loops, ramps etc, they attempted to have their marble travel for 30 seconds.  Whilst all the designs were amazing, their could only be one overall winner, Zander's design was innovative, creative and well thought out which made it stand out to the judges.  Congratulations Zander on your huge efforts. Zander has won a family day pass for 2 adults and 3 children to either Movie World, Sea World or Wet n Wild.  Thank you to Rapid Media, our major sponsor for our 2024 Young Designers Award.

Reminders

'There are a lot of unnamed items in Lost Property. If your child is missing any drink bottles, plastic containers, jumpers, jackets and even non-school items such as caps, jumpers and a hooded towel, please check in Lost Property before the end of week 7.  All leftover items will be washed and taken to Vinnies in Ballina.'

Community Events and Notices

The Year One Mums’ Catch Up

The Year One mums’ catch up, held on the first weekend in November, was a hit. It was a great way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon.