Dear Families,

As we begin a new school year at Holy Family Primary School, we warmly welcome our students and families back to our community. The start of the year is always a special time—filled with new beginnings, renewed relationships and a shared sense of hope.

It is always aspecial time when we get to share our stories about the summer break. I was fortunate enough to get away and relax by the Ovens River with my family.

At Holy Family, we place great importance on wellbeing, belonging and connection. We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where every child feels known, valued and supported. When children feel secure and connected, they are able to engage positively in learning and grow with confidence.

Learning at Holy Family is grounded in care, high expectations and partnership. Guided by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Vision for Instruction, our teachers work thoughtfully to support each child’s learning journey, recognising that growth looks different for every learner.

As a Catholic faith community, we are guided by the example of Jesus in the way we care for one another. We value our strong partnership with families and thank you for the trust you place in us each day. Together, we look forward to a year of learning, growth and shared moments that strengthen our Holy Family community.

Our school theme for 2026 is 'LEARN'. We look forward to a year of learning, connection and shared success as we continue to grow together as a Holy Family community.

Don't forget to grab your free hot drink

St Francis

POPE Leo XIV has proclaimed a Franciscan Jubilee Year to mark 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi and Brisbane’s Franciscans say it is a great response to renewing peace in a troubled world.

The Special Year of St Francis was inaugurated with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See and will run until January 2027.

By proclaiming the Year of St Francis who passed on October 3, 1226, Pope Leo hoped “the message of peace may find a profound echo in the Church and society today”.

“Peace with God, peace among people, and peace with Creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.”

Pope Leo XIV

School Uniform

All students are to wear their full summer uniform tomorrow for their first day at school in 2026.

Please make sure uniform items are labelled and that students have a school hat, sunscreen and water.

Year 3 Chromebooks

The Year 3 Chromebooks have arrived!

If your family did not order a case for the chromebook please drop in your cover in the next few days.

We will label these devices and hand them to the students next week. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

School Improvement Plan

Our Leadership Team will finalise our School Improvement Plan for the next 4 years and Annual Action Plan for this year in the coming week. This plan is based on data and findings from our Review Process.

Our draft goals for 2026-2029 are -

To improve student achievement in Mathematics, particularly in place value, in Years 1-6.

To improve student achievement in Reading, particularly in reading fluency, in F-6.

To improve student achievement in writing, particularly in building and extending Vocabulary, in F-6.

To strengthen Catholic identity through the student voice of F-6.

To improve student behaviour through embedding a consistent and responsive F-6 framework.

Holy Family Playgroup

Our school and Parish community will be launching 'Holy Family Playgroup' this term. This community opportunity will be held at Holy Family School once a fortnight for one hour and will be run by expereinced educators and volunteers. The sessions will commence on Friday 20th February at 9:30am.

If you have a Working With Children Check and would like to go on a roster to help out please email office@hfmw.catholic.edu.au

Enrol Now

Enjoy your weekend,

Julie David (Principal)

2026 Term 1 Dates

JANUARY

Fri 30 All students resume (Prep-Year 6)

FEBRUARY

Sun 1 Prep Playdate

Wed 4 Prep Rest Day

Fri 6 Parent Welcome Event

Sun 8 Prep Welcome Mass (10am)

Tues 10 Safer Internet Day

P&F Meeting (6:30pm)

Meet the Teacher (Prep-Year 6)

Wed 11 Prep Rest Day

Meet the Teacher (Prep-Year 6)

Thur 12 District Swimming

Fri 13 Interschool Sport (1)

Whole School Mass (9:15am)

FIRE Carrier Induction

Tues 17 Shrove Tuesday

Wed 18 Ash Wednesday (12pm Mass)

Prep Rest Day

Fri 20 Interschool Sport (2)

Mini Vinnies Soccer Event

Play Group commences (9:30am)

World Day of Social Justice

Wed 25 SAC Meeting (5:30pm)

Wed 25 Prep Rest Day

Fri 27 Interschool Sport (3)

MARCH

Wed 4 Prep Rest Day

Division Swimming

P&F Meeting (6:30pm)

Thur 5 Twilight Sports Day

Fri 6 School Closure Day (Vision for Engagement)

Sun 8 International Women’s Day (Give To Gain)

Mon 9 Labour Day Public Holiday (School Closed)

Wed 11 NAPLAN commences

Year 4 Reconciliation/Eucharist Info Night

Fri 13 Year 3-6 Athletic Trials

Sun 15 Catholic Education Week (Christ Beside Me-Walking in the Footsteps of St Patrick)

Tues 17 St Patrick’s Day

Wed 18 Open Day (all day)

Fri 20 Community Colour Run (Major Fundraiser)

Mass of St Patrick (St Patrick’s Cathedral)

Sat 21 Harmony Day

World Down Syndrome Day

Tues 24 Sacrament of Reconciliation (5pm)

Fri 27 Halogen Young Leaders Day

Summer Sport Gala Day (TBC)

Tues 31 EMR Swimming

APRIL

Thur 2 End of Term 1 (1pm finish)

Holy Thursday

Fri 3 Good Friday

Sun 5 Easter Sunday

Holy Family School Newsletter

In Faith, We believe, We belong, We learn, We grow

LEARN · 29 Jan 2026

In this issue