Holy Family Newsletter (Week 10 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 Bundjalung 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.

2025 School Leaders

As we approach the end of another fantastic year, it is my privilege to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible leadership shown by our students.

First and foremost, I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all the students who put their names forward for School Captain and House Captain positions. Standing for election takes courage, dedication, and a genuine desire to serve, and each of you should be extremely proud of your willingness to lead.

We are delighted to announce the student leaders for 2025:

School Captains

• Luke  – Boy School Captain
• Ava  – Girl School Captain

House Captains

• Blue House: Indy  & Otis 
• Red House: Everly & Kai 
• White House: Thomas & Stella 
• Green House: Niamh & Jude

Leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about serving others, leading by example, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment. True leaders inspire, motivate, and empower those around them. At Holy Family, we encourage our students to see leadership as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our school and beyond.

To our new leaders: your role is both a privilege and a responsibility. You have been chosen not only for your abilities but also for the values you embody. As you step into these roles, remember that leadership is about listening, collaborating, and ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

On behalf of the entire school community, congratulations to our 2025 leaders! We look forward to seeing your enthusiasm, ideas, and kindness shape the year ahead.

 Communication

As we wrap up the school year, I would like to share some important news regarding our communication strategy for 2025.

This edition of our newsletter will be the final one, as we move towards utilising our other platforms—Compass, Seesaw, Facebook, Instagram, and email—to share updates and important information with our community. These platforms have proven to be effective, timely, and engaging ways to keep everyone informed and connected.

Next year, we will trial a no-newsletter approach, focusing on these communication channels to provide a more streamlined and accessible experience. We encourage all families to ensure they are connected to these platforms to stay up-to-date with school news, events, and announcements.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to our newsletters over the years, especially Annette Crawford. They have been a wonderful way to celebrate our community and share our journey, and I am confident that the new approach will continue to strengthen our connection as a school family.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we make this transition.

2024

As 2024 draws to a close, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude as I reflect on the remarkable year we’ve shared. Holy Family School has once again shown why it is such a special place to learn, grow, and belong.

This year has been one of innovation, resilience, and celebration. From our students’ inspiring creativity in the Young Designer Award, that is, the innovation of the rollercoaster design project, generously sponsored by Rapid Media,  to the incredible courage and confidence shown in the Public Speaking Competition, every achievement has reflected the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the enthusiasm of our students.

We began the year by welcoming many new faces to our school community, including our youngest learners in Kindergarten and families who have embraced Holy Family as their new home. Highlights like the inaugural Mum’s Movie Night, the exceptional educational excursions and the amazing overnight senior camps created opportunities for connection and lifelong memories.

Our commitment to wellbeing was evident during events such as R U OK? Day and the "Unplugged" Guitar and Singing evening, where we celebrated not only talent but the joy of being together. The annual Christmas concert, the Year Six Graduation ceremony, and the success of the Todd Woodbridge Cup and the Matt King Cup further showcased our students' teamwork and creativity.

As we navigated the challenges of 2024, we were blessed by the strong partnership between families, staff, and students. This collaboration has ensured that our learning environments remain inclusive, engaging, and focused on the success of every child.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to our staff for their unwavering commitment and passion, to our parents and carers for your steadfast support, and to our students for reminding us daily why we do what we do.

Holy Family School continues to thrive because of the strength of this community. As we look ahead to 2025, I am confident that the foundation we’ve built together will see us reach new heights.

Wishing you all a joyful and restful holiday season, filled with peace and blessings.

God Bless,

Murray

Principal

School Community Groups

Save the Date:

Faith and Mission School Community Group: Parent Meeting: Thursday 13th February: 2:30pm

A special invitation to any parents who connected with our Faith and Mission School Community Group.  We will have a brief, 30 min meeting on Thursday 13th February: 2:30pm to seek feedback in planning ahead for our 2025 Faith and Mission school initiatives and events.

Faith and Mission

Family & Advent: A Season of Togetherness

As we move into the season of Advent this weekend, we remember that Advent is more than just counting down to Christmas — it’s a time to prepare our hearts and homes for the arrival of Christ. What better way to do this than by coming together as a family.

This Advent, one simple way to discover a meaningful way to celebrate, reflect, and grow closer to one another in faith and love is through creating a Family Advent Wreath.

See the attachment below to support you in establishing this special tradition within your family.

Parish Mass Times to celebrate the Season of Advent

All families are also warmly invited to join our parish community in celebrating the Season of Advent by attending one of our weekend parish Masses:

Saturday: 5:30pm - SFX Church in Ballina

Sunday: 7:30am - Holy Family Church in Lennox Head

Sunday: 9:00am - SFX Church in Ballina

Sunday: 9:00am - SFX Church in Ballina

Let’s make this season a time of hope, connection, and shared joy.

Catholic Missions Mini Fete: Fundraising

Our 2024 Catholic Mission’s Mini Fete was a fabulous event enjoyed by our school community.   Special thanks to all our families for supporting this event. 

$3934 was raised to support Catholic Missions and this years focus country, Mongolia

$1290 was raised through the Haunted House to support our Sister School, St John Bosco in the Solomon Islands.

Learning and Teaching

Mathematical Assessment Interviews (MAI) and Best Start (Kindergarten only)

Online Bookings 

All 2025 classes and teachers were announced to students on Tuesday, December 17.  With regards to the online Mathematical Assessment Interviews and Best Start (Kindergarten only), they are now open on Compass for you to book your child in for their interview with their 2025 teacher/s. When booking the interview, your child's 2025 classroom teacher will appear. If two teachers appear, this means both teachers will be taking your child’s class as part of a job share. For example, one teacher might work Monday-Wednesday and the other Thursday-Friday. Regardless of the teacher, choose the booking date and time that works best for you. 

The most effective way to conduct the Mathematics Assessment Interviews and Best Start (Kindergarten only) is during the first week of the new school year. The interview will be conducted by your child’s teacher/s for 2025 and is deliberately timed after the holidays as it measures their conceptual understanding and the learning your child has acquired. 

The interview for Years One-Six (2025) will take place from Friday, 31st  January - Wednesday, 5th February.  Therefore, the first day of Term One for Years One to Six will be Thursday, 6th February.   The interviews will take 60 minutes to complete for Years 1 – 2. After the 40 minute MAI, Years 1-2 students will complete a 20 minute literacy assessment with the Learning Support Assistants. The MAI interview will take 40 minutes for Years 3-6 students. 

The interviews for Kindergarten (2025) will take place from Friday, 31st January - Friday, 7th February. Therefore, the first day of Term One for Kindergarten will be Monday,10th February. The interviews will take 75 minutes to complete for Kindergarten. 

Parents are not required to remain with their child during the interview. Therefore, you can take your child to their new classroom and return after the interview is complete.

You and your child will meet with your child’s 2025 teacher early in Term One at the Partnership meetings, and the results from the Mathematical Assessment Interview and Best Start (Kindergarten only) will be shared with you.

Please go online to Compass and book an interview time for your child by 5:00 pm, Friday 20th December.  For instructions on how to book, please click on the links below.

For additional support or information, please contact:  

Emma McFadden

emma.mcfadden@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Sport

Todd Woodbridge Cup State Finals

On Monday 18th November our Stage 2 and Year 6 tennis teams travelled to Sydney to participate at the State Finals of the Todd Woodbridge Cup. The teams played  well against the best tennis players in NSW with the Year 6 team progressing to the quarter final stage of the competition. A big thank you to Ms Kirk & Jake Hoey for coaching the teams during the year.

Diocesan Summer Sports Trials

During Week 7, fourteen students from Years 4 & 5 participated at the Lismore Diocesan Summer Sports Trials in touch football, basketball and tennis. Congratulations to the following students who made the Diocesan teams and will now attend Polding Trials in 2025. 

Touch Football - Kai & Stella

Tennis - Frankie

Holy Family Swimming Carnival

Our annual Holy Family Swimming Carnival was held at the Ballina Memorial Pool on Thursday 28th November. It was great to see all the students getting in and having fun in the water. See the competitive results below. 

Age Champions 

Overall House Points

1st      Blue House 582 points

2nd    Red House 508 points 

3rd     Green House 504 points

4th     White House 471 points

New Swimming Record

Intersport Ballina Sporting Excellence & Sportsmanship Award

Congratulations to Miliani, from Year 6 who was awarded the Intersport Ballina Sporting Excellence & Sportsmanship Award for Term 4 for her awesome efforts at the NSW PSSA Athletics Championships and State Finals of the Todd Woodbridge Cup. Great work! 

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Some helpful tips for caregivers of year 5 and 6 students who are growing rapidly!

A Thoughtful Festive Season: Reducing Waste and Embracing Giving

As we approach the festive season, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the values we want to instill in our children. The holidays can often be filled with consumerism and waste, but with a little creativity, we can model thoughtful habits that benefit both our families and the planet.

Here are some simple ways to make this festive season meaningful, sustainable, and cost-effective:

Reduce Waste

• Choose Minimal Packaging: Look for gifts with little or no packaging, or opt for recycled and biodegradable materials.
• Reusable Wrapping: Use fabric, newspaper, or decorated brown paper for wrapping. Children will love personalizing these with stamps or drawings!

• Shop Local: Support small businesses and markets where handmade or local products often have a lower carbon footprint.
  

Think About Consumerism

• Give Experiences: Tickets to a local event, a family day out, or a cooking class can create lasting memories without adding to clutter.
• Pre-Loved Treasures: Books, toys, and clothing from second-hand stores are not only affordable but also environmentally friendly.

Give Back

• Charitable Acts: Encourage children to donate toys or clothes they no longer use. Make it a family activity to volunteer at a local charity or participate in a food drive.

• Handmade with Love: Bake treats, create homemade ornaments, or make "coupons" for acts of kindness like helping with chores or offering a movie night at home.
  

Sustainable Gift Ideas

• Plant a Gift: Potted herbs, succulents, or trees are gifts that keep giving.
  
• DIY Kits: Craft or gardening kits provide fun and learning without unnecessary waste.

• Quality Time: Plan a picnic or a hike with loved ones instead of exchanging material items.

By focusing on thoughtful giving, we’re teaching our children the importance of kindness, gratitude, and sustainability. Let’s make this festive season not just joyful but also a time to nurture our community and planet.

Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a season filled with meaning, joy, and generosity!

School Events

Canteen Corner

Another busy second half of the term was spent in our canteen. The Butter Chicken and Rice Meal Deal got the students trying something new and what a success, “This is the best meal deal ever”, “You need to make this every meal deal day”, and “It's so tasty” were just some of the feedback comments from students. Thank you to the year 6 students, Cahlu, Ella Rose, Audrey, Millie and Annie for running the lunch baskets to the classrooms. Thank you to our parent helpers Esther Jenkins, Nia Murray and Rose Mitchell, you are greatly appreciated.

 We are proudly a Healthy Schools canteen and follow the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy, for more information on the strategy, check out our canteen tab on the school website. We look forward to bringing you our canteen menu next year with some new menu items and favourites. Thank you to all our volunteer helpers throughout the year. If you would like to join the canteen volunteer team, head to our canteen tab on our school website and follow the prompts, please have your working with children check available. 

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, your canteen team Liisa and Aime.

Student Awards

The very worthy recipient of the Southern Cross Credit Union Principal’s Award for the month of November is Camilla from 4 Blue.

Camilla is a cheerful and kind classmate in 4 Blue and within the wider school community. 

This year, Camilla has grown in confidence as a learner. She has taken risks in the classroom to achieve great results in all learning areas. This term especially, Camilla has been energetic and curious about all of the ideas explored in class. This year has seen Camilla build her resilience and learn to persevere at school.

Camilla is a collaborative and flexible learner that makes her a pleasure to work with. 

Camilla consistently “Makes Jesus Real” by showing kindness towards her friends and inclusiveness towards others on the playground. She is a wonderful role model of behaviour for those in younger years, setting an example of respect and consideration for others. 

Camilla is a generous student, often sharing a positive and smiling attitude with others. She has a fun sense of humour that makes her a pleasure to be around. 

Congratulations to this month’s Southern Cross Credit Union Principal’s Award recipient, Camilla.

Congratulations to Noah in 6 Green, the recipient of the Literacy and Numeracy award for the month of October.

Noah is an exceptional student who brings energy and creativity to his learning. He has shown significant growth in literacy, in particular his writing. Noah composes imaginative, descriptive and well structured texts that capture the readers’ attention, and he eagerly seeks and applies feedback to improve his work. Noah has a strong passion for reading, regularly making insightful connections between what he reads and class discussions. In mathematics, Noah has a thorough understanding of concepts and shows remarkable persistence when solving challenging word problems. Noah is a dedicated learner who brings enthusiasm and commitment to the classroom, approaching each task with focus, effort and a great sense of humour. 

Congratulations Noah on getting stuck into learning tasks and demonstrating your skills in Literacy and Numeracy from the very start of year 6.

Carol Lynch Reading Award - Term Four, 2024                                                                                                                                      

The worthy recipient of the Carol Lynch Reading Award for Term Four, 2024 is Ruby from 3  Green.

Ruby has participated in a reading program with Mrs Viel since March this year, and has shown very pleasing growth in her reading development during this time. In class, she has demonstrated perseverance when tackling difficult texts and improved confidence, fluency and accuracy.                                                

Ruby is to be commended on her determination and positive attitude towards her reading. She has shown a marked improvement in her ability to monitor her own reading, decode unfamiliar words in a text and read with fluency and expression. Ruby’s regular home reading has also greatly contributed to her success. She has impressed all of her teachers with her achievements this year.                                                                           

Ruby’s dedication to improve her reading is to be applauded. Keep up the outstanding work Ruby and congratulations on being the recipient of the prestigious Carol Lynch Reading Award.

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 Four goes to Milla, from Year 5 Blue. 

Milla is a kind-hearted student who follows Holy Family's code of Safety, Effort, Respect, and Self-Responsibility. Milla has consistently demonstrated her commitment to her school work and the Holy Family School Community.

Milla is always helping and willing to lend a hand, to give friendship to others or a kind smile. She is a friend to children from Kindergarten to Year 6.  Milla is always asking others how their day is going and has mature, kind and empathetic conversations with adults, peers and the younger students.  She is always looking for ways she can help and is very quick to lend a hand when she sees someone in need. Milla, is an outstanding role model who reflects and shares the values of Mary MacKillop.

The Student Forum nominated Milla, that is, students from Kindergarten through to Year Six and the decision to choose Milla was approved 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 Four, 2024, to Milla.

Southern Cross Credit Union - Principal Award

The very worthy recipient of the Southern Cross Credit Union Principal’s Award for the month of December is Sunny  from 3 Blue.

Sunny is the kind of student that every teacher loves having in their classroom. She’s like a little ray of positivity who always has a big smile on her face and something nice to say about the people around her.  She is enthusiastic and conscientious about her class work and she is incredibly mature and responsible at all times. Sunny always follows school rules and is respectful towards the adults that she interacts with daily at Holy Family. She can be trusted to carry out any task asked of her. 

Sunny always strives to do her best.  She enjoys challenges and loves  learning new things.  Sunny encourages and motivates other students through her participation in class and the commitment that she shows towards her learning. She is incredibly independent. 

One of the many impressive qualities that Sunny displays in the classroom, is her compassionate and caring nature. If she has noticed someone that needs her help or support, then she doesn’t hesitate to assist them.

Congratulations and keep up the great work Sunny!

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