The Exec Address

Executive Principal: Sr Margaret Ghosn

Dear MCHF community,

 As we reach mid-way into term 2, we have had a great deal of events happening that you can read about in this newsletter.

 From a strategic level we have been continuing with ongoing meetings with the architect, project manager and members of the Board to finalise the Masterplan. Our focus is on Stage 2 which is looking into building underground carpark and drop off zone along with a large auditorium to seat 1500 and can be used with 2 basketball courts. There will also be extra classrooms, drama room, science labs and music rooms and outdoor play area. We hope to lodge our plan end of the year and within 2 years we are looking to commence construction. This is a very expensive project we are undertaking so we ask for your support with all our fundraising activities.

Teachers and students are busy at this time of year with assessments, exams, marking and reporting and we ask you to benefit from parent-teacher meetings so that we can work together to ensure students are achieving all outcomes.

We are working towards improving the marketing and branding of the College. We are also invested in teacher professional development especially in the areas of pedagogy and explicit teaching.

This term has seen numerous opportunities for our students to participate in extra-curricular activities including Duke of Ed and Maronite Catholic Society conference as well as breaking with Guinness record for most sandwiches made in the quickest time!

As we travel through the final weeks of this cold term 2, we pray that the Holy Family watches over our families and guide us into fullness of life in all we do.

Sr Margaret Ghosn

Executive Principal

Head of College: Mr Asmar

Dear MCHF Community, 

As we approach midway of another enriching and dynamic term, I take this opportunity to reflect on the many wonderful moments that have shaped our learning journey together. This year, our College theme “Together We Achieve” has continued to inspire us to live out our College value of collaboration - a vital pillar of our community that has been so beautifully demonstrated across all areas of College life. 

Throughout May, our faith life was particularly meaningful as we honoured the Month of Mary. Our statue of Our Lady visited classrooms across the College, offering students a special moment of reflection and reverence. Weekly rosary prayers in the chapel brought students together in quiet devotion. 

We also celebrated a significant faith milestone with our Year 4 students receiving their First Holy Communion. This sacred sacrament marks an important step in their spiritual journey, and we congratulate them and their families on this joyous occasion. 

Our primary students have enjoyed their Athletics program this term. Additionally, our Secondary Athletics Carnival held at Olympic Park was a highlight filled with energy, pride, and spirited performance. 

Another proud sporting achievement was our PDSSSC Cross Country, where both primary and secondary students represented the College with dedication and enthusiasm. Our Duke of Edinburgh students also completed their camp experience, achieving outstanding personal and team outcomes. Their resilience and leadership were truly inspiring. 

In the academic sphere, Years 7–10 commence their Half-Yearly Examinations. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers, trusting that their preparation and hard work will lead to success. Year 11 VET students have also been actively engaged in their mandatory work placements, gaining valuable real-world experience and developing important career skills. 

Among our proudest achievements this term was a record-breaking initiative by our Year 8 students, who participated in the Eat Up and Winder for Hungry Kids event. Together, they made over 15,000 sandwiches in under one hour, contributing to a Guinness World Record and helping to feed other students in need. This was a powerful act of service and a living testament to our theme Together We Achieve. 

Our Mock Trial team has continued to impress, winning their second round and advancing further in this year's competition. Their commitment to excellence and teamwork has been exemplary. 

In the primary department, we held our Parent-Teacher Interviews and Conferences on Monday 26th May. It was wonderful to see so many parents join us to celebrate student progress and identify pathways for continued growth. On the same day, Year 6 students began their transition to secondary with preparation interviews - an exciting first step as they prepare for the next chapter in their educational journey. 

Year 6 also travelled to Canberra on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th May. Their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and I extend heartfelt thanks to the teachers who supported them throughout the experience. 

Our Primary Book Fair was another joyful celebration of reading, sparking curiosity and imagination in our young learners. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to social awareness and community, we marked National Sorry Day with our Year 6 student leaders representing the College at a moving event hosted by the City of Parramatta on Monday 26th May. Their presence was a mark of our respect and commitment to reconciliation. 

We also celebrated Wellbeing Wednesday on 28th May with a Jersey Day. The day brought together our students, staff and parent association to raise awareness and funds through a series of events and initiatives for the Cancer Council.  

The month of May also brought our College community together in love and gratitude through our Parent Association’s Mother’s Day Stall. We also celebrated our Mother’s Day Mass, and Morning Tea on Friday 9th May. It was a joy to honour the mothers and maternal figures who enrich our lives with love, wisdom, and strength. 

On Friday 23rd May, we celebrated our Social Justice Mass, bringing focus to the importance of faith in action and solidarity with those in need. 

Finally, we bid farewell to Ms Maree Eid, who will be taking maternity leave as she prepares to begin the beautiful journey of motherhood. We thank her for her dedicated service and wish her and her growing family abundant blessings. 

As we move into the latter part of the term, I thank each student, staff member, and parent for their continued collaboration. May we carry forward the spirit of unity and achievement that defines us as a community. 

God bless 

Head of Teaching & Learning: Ms. Dettling 

According to Wikipedia, the term ‘Kaizen’ (改善) is a Japanese business philosophy and management approach that emphasises continuous improvement in all aspects of an organisation, including processes, products, and culture. It involves everyone in the improvement process, from top management to front-line workers (that’s everyone from Sr Margaret, to the learners in every classroom at MCHF). The word "kaizen" literally means "good change" or "improvement".

This Term, MCHF teachers began with the mindset of ‘Kaizen’ in that we have been focusing on getting the little things right, so the entire MCHF model can function optimally.

Not only does this mindset place intentional value on the individual contributions of every teacher, student and support staff member in the community, it also means that we focus on things we can change and improve.

In the sphere of teaching and learning, both teachers and students can adopt the mindset of Kaizen to focus on individual overall improvement. When applied to a single lesson, teachers take responsibility for providing engaging, comprehensive and challenging tasks and experiences that are aligned to syllabus mandated content. Students, too then should take responsibility for the behaviour and attitude they bring to class, and the amount of effort they apply to application within lessons.

In this symbiotic process of teaching and learning, improvement is the only outcome which can be expected because of this Kaizen approach to focusing on small, controllable items of behaviour, attitude and application.

So, I wish you all well in the challenge of taking responsibility for the matters which one can individually control in the sphere of learning. If we all do our own bit to Kaizen our learning, the entire community will improve and continue to flourish.

God bless.

Head of Curriculum: Ms Dalla

Dear MCHF community

As we progress through the term, I want to draw your attention to several key academic activities. It's a busy period, and I want to ensure everyone is well-informed and prepared.

Important Assessments and Activities

• Years 7-10 Half-Yearly Examinations: Years 7 to 10 will be undertaking their Half-Yearly Examinations in weeks 5-6). These assessments are a crucial opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and for teachers to provide valuable feedback. 
• Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing: In addition to the Half-Yearly Exams, Year 10 students will also participate in the NESA Minimum Standards Testing. This is a key requirement, and we are committed to supporting our students in achieving these standards. Students cannot study for these exams. For Year 10 students these must be passed between now and them sitting their HSC in 2027. A letter will be sent out with more information.
• HSC Trial Preparation: For our senior students, the focus is intensifying as we lead up to the HSC Trial examinations. Regular exam practice is in place to best prepare students. It is great to see our Year 12 students engaging in their learning and making efforts to improve upon each assessment result
• End of Semester 1 Student-Led Conferences: We will also be holding Student-Led Conferences at the end of Semester 1. These conferences provide a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on their learning, share their progress, and set goals for the future. It is also an opportunity for parents/caregivers to get feedback on how their child is performing

I will be paying close attention to student performance in all these upcoming assessments. These results provide valuable insights into student learning and inform our ongoing efforts to enhance our curriculum and teaching practices.

Year 10 Subject Selection

I'd also like to acknowledge that Year 10 have taken initiative and started thinking about the important process of considering their subject selections for Stage 6. This is an exciting time as they start to shape their academic pathways for the senior years. Both staff and I have been fielding questions about what subjects they should take. The best advice I can give is to make sure that university and TAFE requirements are checked, and students select subjects that they have an interest and/or skill set in. More information will be released early Term 3 on the subject selection process. I encourage Year 10 students to continue to actively engage in this process, seek guidance from teachers and advisors, and continue to ask questions as they explore their options.

Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated parents, teachers, and staff. Your ongoing support and collaboration are essential to the success of our students and the effective delivery of our curriculum. Thank you for your continued commitment to fostering a positive and productive learning environment.

Looking forward to seeing academic growth in Term 2.