Dear Families,

This weekend we acknowledge and give thanks for the 'father' figures in our lives. Above is a photo of Mrs David's dad with his parents.

Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a meaningful opportunity to honor, reflect on, and appreciate the role of fathers and father figures in our lives and society.

1. Recognising Fatherhood

Father’s Day acknowledges the important contributions fathers make:

• Emotionally: Providing love, guidance, support.

• Practically: Offering protection, provision, and care.

• Socially: Modeling behavior, values, and responsibility. It’s a time to say “thank you” to dads for showing up—whether in small everyday ways or through lifelong dedication.

2. Honoring All Father Figures

Not everyone has a biological father in their life, but many have father figures—stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, older brothers, coaches, or family friends—who step into that role. Father’s Day is a reminder that: “Father” is a role, not just a title.

3. Strengthening Family Bonds

The day encourages connection, whether through:

• Quality time spent together

• Words of appreciation

• Acts of service or shared memories

Father’s Day is significant because it celebrates care, commitment, and the lasting impact of male role models. It gives space to gratitude, healing, and deeper connections in families and communities.

We keep all the 'father' figures of students at Holy family in our prayers this week.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Last Friday night our community gathered at St Patrick's Cathedral to witness our students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. We were joined by families from St Christopher's and Emmaus whose children were also receiving this sacrament.

I would like to thank Bishop Thinh, Father Justel, Vicky Pejic, Juliette Foenander and Becc Lark for ensuring that this prayerful celebration would be memorable for families and students in attendance.

Staffing News

Julie David is on Long Service Leave for the remainder of this term. She will return to Holy Family School on Monday 6th October. Eithne King is Acting Principal while Julie is on leave.

Chantelle Santamaria has resigned from her position at Holy Family to accept a position at St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully. It has been a pleasure having Chantelle on staff and we wish her all the best at her new school. We look forward to inviting Chantelle back for a farewell from our school community. We will let you know when this will be.

Last weekend Luisa Cetrola (Year 3C class teacher) resigned from her classroom teaching position at Holy Family School effective immediately. I would like to thank Luisa for supporting our Year 3C students and families during her time with us and wish her all the best.

Julie David and Eithne King spent most of the weekend ensuring that these students and families are cared for and looked after. We thank Mrs Gilbert amd Mrs Davis for stepping in to teach the class for the remainder of the term while we seek to employ a new teacher for this class.

MACSSIS Data

Families have been randomly selected to participate in our School Improvement Survey this year. During this week these families should have received an email with instructions on how to complete the survey. The survey window has opened and will close on Friday 20th September 2024.

Please read the attached letter which includes further information about the survey.

Free Vision Screening at Holy Family

Please read the attached information about 'Free Vision Screening' for your child. Screening will take place at school on Friday 10th October.

Oh What a 'Twisted Night'!

What a fabulously entertaining evening we had at the 3/4 concert, and what twists to stories we saw! The students were amazing, and what great talents we have here at Holy Family. Thank you to Miss Rawlins for all of the incredible planning and preparation to ensure such a wonderful evening.

Book Week Parade

What a community event!

Thank you to our staff and families for joining in with our Book Week celebrations. It was wonderful to see toddlers, students and staff all dressed up and parading around the quadrangle. A great example of buidling connections and engaging with our families. Thank you to Mrs Standfield for all of her creativity and organisation to make this such a wonderful event.

Father's Day (Special Friend) Celebration

Dads or a special friend, you're invited! We look forward to seeing you all on Friday morning. Thank you to those mums who are coming in to help support this event.

Our timetable for this event is as follows-

8:30-9:15am Coffee/tea, treats for dads in The Gathering Space

Dads to move to one of their child's classroom-

9:20am Prayer Service- this will be streamed using our "Out and About' structure to classrooms (from the office).

Once this has finished, dads will be able to visit the rooms of their child/ren until 10:15am. Your children will be looking forward to your visit to their classroom.

Father's Day stall

The Gathering Space was 'buzzing' this morning with the students excited to choose a gift for their dad or special friend at the Father's Day stall. Thank you to the P&F for organising this for our community.

Assembly tomorrow

Due to our Father's Day event tomorrow, there will be no school assembly tomorrow afternoon.

Psychologist/Counsellor Opportunity

I have been investigating mental health/social skills support for our students and families at Holy Family School.

I have met with onPsych to see how this group could support our community.

I am pleased to say that they can offer psychological and/or counselling support.

onPsych is comprised of a team of experienced, qualified, registered and accredited psychologists, mental health social workers and counsellors who specialise in child and adolescent services. OnPsych works in primary, secondary, and special education schools from both public and private sectors. They work with individuals and in group sessions with students, parents and academic staff. In most cases services are provided with no out of pocket expenses and are bulk billed to the school, student or parent. The services are generally provided on site for easy access; noting that telehealth can also be an important part of support delivery.

Please read the attached information and email eking@hfmw.catholic.edu.au if you would like to access this service. We need at least 10 students to have a psychologist onsite.

'Step Into Prep' Sessions

We are looking forward to welcoming 3 and 4 year old children to our 'Step into Prep' sessions this term.

These sessions are for all children in the City of Monash. They can come along and experience some of the wonderful opportunities Holy Family School has to offer.

Please let your local kindergartens, family and friends know about this opportunity.

Prep 2026 Enrolments

If you have a child ready to start school in 2026 please submit your enrolment form to the office as soon as possible. We look forward to welcoming your family to Holy Family School in 2026.

Once you have enrolled your child -

You will be invited to attend and interview with school staff and your child to discuss how to 'best' transition your child to primary school
Your child will be invited to attend 'Step Into Prep' sessions late in Term 3
Your child will attend 5 Transition Sessions in Term 4
You will be invited to attend a Prep Parent Information Session in Term 4
Your child will meet their Year 5 Buddy at their final Transition Session in Term 4

'Footy Colours Day'

On Friday 19th September students may wear their favourite footy colours to school. The Parents and Friends have also organised a special treat for this day- keep your eyes on Operoo for a permission note!

Open Days

Open Days are held every Tuesday at 9:30am. Please go to our website to book a tour.

Our 2025 School Captains (Micah and Georgia) and Vice Captains (Xavier and Sienna) will support these tours.

Soft Plastics Recycling pick up

Thank you to all those families who have already volunteered this year to pick up our soft plastics recycling from school and drop off to the Monash Recycling Depot. Please find this term's roster for pick up.

2025 School Year Dates

Term Three Important Dates

SEPTEMBER

Mon 1 Julie on Long Service Leave

Thur 4 Father's Day Stall

Fri 5 Father's Day Celebration (8:30am - 10am)

Sun 7 Happy Father's Day!

Thur 11 R U OK? Day

Fri 12 District Athletics

Fri 19 Celebrate Term 3 Mass (9:15am)

Fri 19 Final Day of Term 3- "Footy Colours Day" (1pm finish)

Term Four Important Dates

OCTOBER

Mon 6 School Closure Day (Family Connections)

Tues 7 Students return

Wed 8 2026 Prep Information Session (6:30pm)

Fri 10 Vision Screening

Wed 15 Year 3 and 4 Camp (3 days)

Wed 22 Holy Family Video and Photo shoot

Fri 31 World Teacher's Day

NOVEMBER

Mon 3 School Closure Day (Report Preparation)

Tues 4 Melbourne Cup Day (School Closure)

Fri 7 Prep Camp Day

Tues 11 Remembrance Day (Service at 10:45am)

Wed 19 SAC/P&F AGM (5:30pm)

Fri 21 Year 6 Summer Sport Fun Day

Mon 24 Year 1 and 2 Camp Day

Fri 28 School Closure Day (2026 Planning)

DECEMBER

Mon 1 Swimming (Prep-Year 4) 2 weeks

Thurs 4 Community Christmas Carols (6:30pm)

Fri 12 Year 6 'Big Day Out'

Tues 16 Final Assembly (11:30am)

Tues 16 Last day of 2025 for students (1pm finish)

Wed 17 Staff Handover (2025-2026)

What's happening in our community?