Principal's Message

In Loving Memory of Edmond Wong

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is with great sadness that we share the passing ofEdmond Wong, a former Holy Family student, who died last weekend at the age of 19 following a massive brain haemorrhage.

Edmond was a gifted young organist in our parish and touched the lives of many through his faith, kindness and service. We ask you to keep Edmond, his parents Angela and Wenchang, and his sister Sophia in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A Funeral Mass for Edmond will be celebrated on Thursday 29 October at 10.00am at Holy Family Church. We are expecting a large number of family members, friends and parishioners to attend. The Mass will also be live-streamed in MacKillop Hall.

To accommodate visitors attending the service:

• The parish car park will be reserved for family and friends.
• The school undercroft playground and nearby parking on Highfields Road and Coles carpark will be used for additional guests attending the funeral.
• Students will remain at school as normal; however, recess and lunch times will be adjusted on the day to support the smooth running of the funeral and ensure student safety.

As a faith-filled community, we unite in prayer for Edmond and his family. May he rest in the peace of Christ, and may God bring comfort and strength to all who mourn his passing.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Children's Week 2026

From 24 October to 1 November, we celebrate Children's Week 2026, a special time to recognise and celebrate the rights, talents, achievements and contributions of children across Australia. This year's national theme is based on Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child:

"Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion."

This important message reminds us to value and respect the rich diversity within our school community and to ensure every child feels a sense of belonging, identity and pride in who they are. Children's Week reminds us that every child has the right to learn, play, be heard and thrive. It encourages us to reflect on our shared responsibility to nurture, support and empower young people as they grow into confident, compassionate and capable members of society.

At Holy Family, we are privileged to witness the unique gifts of our students each day. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through the arts, leadership opportunities or acts of kindness towards others, our students continually inspire us with their creativity, curiosity and generosity of spirit.

At the heart of Children's Week is Universal Children's Day, which reminds us of the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of all children, particularly those who may face disadvantage or barriers to opportunity. Together, we can help ensure every child feels safe, valued, respected and loved. We thank our parents, carers and staff for the vital role they play in supporting our children and helping them flourish. By working together, we continue to create a community where every child can reach their full potential and experience the joy of childhood.

Welcome Kindy 2027

Over the next few weeks, we will welcome our new Kindergarten families to a Parent Information session and orientation days. It is always exciting to see the next generation of learners beginning their journey with us. Among these young children are future teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists, mathematicians, artists, musicians, creative thinkers, philosophers and perhaps even professionals whose careers have not yet been imagined.

Our Kindergarten students of 2027 will graduate from Holy Family in 2033 and complete Year 12 in 2039. We look forward to partnering with their families as they begin this exciting educational journey and become part of our Holy family community. 

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Message Stick & Smoking Ceremony

In 2027, Catholic Schools Broken Bay is excited to be hosting the Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference.This is a significant honour for our Diocese and an important opportunity to deepen our shared commitment to truth-telling, reconciliation and learning. As part of this, the CSNSW message stick will journey through our whole dioceses over the next 2 years until the conference. 

The Message Stick began its journey at the Diocesan Staff Mass in March, gifted by Aboriginal staff and students of our diocese, marking the start of its travels throughout the diocese. 

Crafted from Red Gum in 2013 by Trevor Clark and painted by Mutthi Mutthi artist Vicki Clark, the Message Stick reflects the rich tradition of Aboriginal peoples, who used message sticks to share invitations, stories and important information between clans and language groups. Traditionally, when a Message Stick is handed to you, you become the messenger, entrusted with carrying the story forward.  

Over the coming months, the Message Stick will travel to schools across our diocese, with its final destination being St Mary's Catholic Primary School at Manly, just prior to the 2027 Conference.  

This journey invites our students, staff and families to reflect on the deep spiritual heritage of this land and the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures enrich Catholic education, reminding us that the Spirit is alive in each and every one of us. 

As part of our commitment to recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, Holy Family Catholic Primary School will host an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Message Stick and Smoking Ceremony. This special event provides an opportunity for our community to come together in a spirit of respect, reflection and reconciliation, acknowledging the rich cultural heritage and continuing contributions of Australia's First Peoples.

All parents, carers and family members are warmly invited to attend.

Date: Wednesday 11 November

Time: 9.00am

Location: School Playground

We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with our community.

Kind regards,

Pauline Dinale

Principal