Engagement 

Year 11 Pastoral: Providence Program

This morning during pastoral, Year 11 participated in a session that continued the work of the Year 11 Providence Program. The session provided valuable insights into the impact we can have on those who depend on us. Students were also encouraged to reflect on key values such as Faith, Hope, and Charity. We remain committed to supporting Year 11 on their spiritual journey through the Providence Program.

Gardening Club

The Year 2 Gardening Club, led by the ever-passionate Ms Kate, has become a much-loved extra-curricular activity at our school. This club offers students the opportunity to connect with nature, learn practical gardening skills, and enjoy the peacefulness of our school’s garden space. 

Guinness World Record Holders

On Wednesday, May 14th, Year 8 students from Maronite College of the Holy Family will proudly took part in the Eat Up & Wonder Guinness World Record Event—a nationwide initiative to tackle food insecurity in Australia. 

Partnering with students from St Maroun’s College and four other schools, our students became official world record holders as they prepared 14,200 sandwiches in the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay.  

This unique experience provided students a chance to give back to the community. Jacinta Joukhadar, Isabella Abou-hadyar, Jacob Kawaja, Celiene Yousef and David Bou-Habib, appeared on the Today Show, Channel 9, where Jacinta had a chance to share how this was an opportunity to put our Motto, to Know, Love and Serve in action. 

We’re incredibly proud of our students for embracing this opportunity to foster authentic partnerships (Student Wellbeing Framework) serve and make a difference.

Ms Bou-melhem 

Leader of Engagement K-12

 Stage 2 Police Presentation

On Wednesday 14 May, Constable Dean, Cumberland Youth Officer, visited MCHF and shared his knowledge and advice on various safety topics with our Stage 2 students.

The focus of the Year 3 presentation related to Respectful Relationships, while the Year 4 presentation was about Cyber Safety. Of course, the students were so excited and curious, and often had many questions that led the conversation in different directions!

We thank Constable Dean for his time and insight. We also encourage parents/guardians to have a conversation with their child/ren about some of the things they learned during the presentations, especially about safety and respect.

K–2 Learn to Live Safely with Pets

This term, our K–2 students enjoyed a fun and educational visit from the Living Safely with Pets program. Delivered by trained pet educators, the incursion taught students how to safely interact with dogs and become responsible pet owners.

The highlight of the day was meeting Joker, a calm and friendly dog who helped students practise safe greetings and learn when and how to approach animals. Through songs, storytelling, role play, and interactive discussions, students learnt important lessons such as how to recognise a dog’s body language, when dogs should be left alone, and what to do if approached by an unfamiliar or angry dog.

It was a valuable and enjoyable experience for all, helping build confidence, empathy, and awareness around animals.

Life Education: Dangers of Vapes

This week, Life Ed delivered a powerful and eye-opening presentation to our Year 11 and 12 students at the Maronite College of the Holy Family, focusing on the growing concern of vaping among young people.

Students were guided through the hidden dangers of vaping, including its harmful effects on brain development, lung health, and the high risk of nicotine addiction. The session also debunked common myths and highlighted the clever marketing tactics used to target teens. Life Ed’s engaging and informative approach encouraged students to think critically about their choices and empowered them with strategies to make healthier decisions. It was an important reminder that just because something is popular, doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Partnerships and support are a key domain in our Student Wellbeing framework, and we sincerely thank Life Ed for their continued partnership  in educating our youth and fostering a culture of wellbeing at MCHF.

Ms Bou-melhem 

Leader of Engagement K-12

A Journey Through Time: Year 4’s Pioneer Village Adventure

Year 4 recently embarked on an unforgettable journey into the past during their excursion to the Pioneer Village. Students stepped into the shoes of early settlers as they explored the woolshed, enjoyed a scenic tractor ride, met friendly farm animals, and watched a blacksmith in action. They also had the chance to draw water from a traditional well and experience old-fashioned washing by hand.

As they wandered through historic homes and examined pioneer tools, students gained a deeper understanding of how people lived, worked, and built communities in early Australia.

It was a fun, hands-on day filled with discovery and excitement—bringing our History unit to life in the most memorable way!

Year 7 All-Rounder Awards

Duke of Ed triumph 

For the second year in a row, MCHF’s Duke of Edinburgh students have braved the elements and triumphed in their Adventurous Journey at Camp Somerset, nestled at the foothills of the Blue Mountains along the Hawkesbury River.

Over three unforgettable days, our students showcased incredible resilience, teamwork, and spirit as they hiked, paddled, and camped their way through more than 40 combined kilometres of pristine, studding landscapes and rivers. From mastering navigation skills, teamwork, to setting up camp and cooking in the wild, it was a true test of endurance, initiative, and outdoor survival.

We express our deepest thanks to Mr Roy Farah, Miss Rachel Chalhoub, and Mrs Jackie Botros for their unwavering dedication and encouragement throughout the journey. We also give thanks to God for holding back the heavy rainfall and ensuring the safety of all involved.

A special congratulations to our Silver Award participants, on completing their AJ for the second year running! Gold level, here they come!

      •     Jonah Botros

      •     Raphael Semaan

      •     George Esber

      •     Danielle Hobeiche

      •     Daniella Ters

      •     Andrew Khoury

      •     Mary Semaan

      •     Elyse Habak

      •     Maria Elias

And to our amazing  Bronze Award participants:

      •     Charlize Sleiman

      •     Catalina Sleiman

      •     Joseph Tatian

      •     Lynn Nakhoul

      •     Gloria Taouk

      •     Isabella Deeb

Your efforts, enthusiasm, and growth over the course of the journey have made our school community incredibly proud.

And as if that weren’t impressive enough, Jonah Botros and Danielle Hobeiche returned from camp and still found the energy to perform at the Mirath in Mind talent showcase on the very same day! What a phenomenal display of passion and commitment.

Students may join the Duke of Ed at any time! Get your Award started and unlock bonus Atar points, advanced standing in employment and early entry opportunities, and unleash the best version of you!

By Mrs Gahdmar 

Duke of Ed Award Coordinator 

Student testimonies

The Silver Duke of Edinburgh was actually really fun! The hikes were tough, but we had loads of laughs and played many games while canoeing, which passed by time quickly. As a group, I feel like we all have become closer and connected. Camping was a bit rough, but it was nice to learn how to cook with a Trangia and set up the tents. Playing mafia around the campfire was awesome and a great way to end the night. The rain made it a bit more difficult, but that's all part of the journey and experience. The best part was just being outdoors with friends and feeling like we did something hard together - Andrew Khoury

The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh was an unforgettable experience. The hikes were tough, especially for someone like me who isn’t much of a hiker, but the stunning views and wildlife made it worthwhile. Canoeing was exhausting yet fun, filled with games and singing. Camping brought everyone together through marshmallow roasting and intense games of Mafia. The best part was the shared sense of achievement, knowing we pushed ourselves and formed amazing memories and friendships along the way- Isabella Maria Deeb

The Maronite Catholic Society 

The Maronite Catholic Society celebrated the strength and unity of the Maronite Catholic community by inviting our senior leaders to a forum. Led by Bishop Tarabay, it brought together over 15 organisations, key leaders, and supporters.

Students from MCHF were honoured to be part of this special event. Guest speakers shared inspiring stories of faith, resilience, and service. The forum encouraged youth to carry forward the Maronite legacy with pride.

Primary Sorry Day Ceremony

The enthusiastic Primary Leaders attended the Sorry Day ceremony on 26/05/2025, accompanied by Mrs. Dagher. They were highly respectful and engaged wholeheartedly in the day’s activities, demonstrating a wonderful attitude filled with compassion and empathy for the Aboriginal people and the hardships they endured.

It was an eye-opening excursion that deeply enriched all attendees, providing a meaningful understanding of the significance of Sorry Day and why it is commemorated.

Wellbeing Wednesday: Supporting a great cause!

On the 28th of May, our school came together for Wellbeing Wednesday and Jersey Day Mufti, with a special focus on raising awareness and funds for the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea. Students and staff proudly wore their favourite sports jerseys and enjoyed a relaxed, fun-filled day dedicated to promoting mental wellness and community spirit. Thanks to everyone's generosity and participation, we raised valuable funds to support cancer research and those affected by cancer. A huge thank you to our school community for making the day such a success!