Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Safeguarding - Bishop's Breakfast

Last week, I had the privilege of attending Bishop Anthony Randazzo's Breakfast along with CSBB principal colleagues. The theme for the morning "It's everyone's business - building safer communities. 

Steve Kinmond OAM, NSW Children's Guardian was the guest speaker who told us stories about his 40 years of experience working in the child protection sector of government and non-government agencies. Steve has just commenced his five-year term as the New South Wales Children’s Guardian.

It is important to note that the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay recognises Australia's obligations as a signatory to the UN Convention to the Rights of the Child. The Diocese's commitment to the rights of children is underscored by its faith in Jesus Christ who teachers the fundamental sanctity of each human person.  The Diocese has written the Rights of the Child Framework to cement its commitment to engage with children and safeguard the rights of children and protect them from harm.

The Diocese of Broken Bay is committed to ensuring that all of our people are educated and trained in their obligations and accountability in this regard. All members of the diocese are encouraged to reference the framework when considering the development and implementation of child related programs, associated resources and applicable policies and processes.

Christmas Around the World

Planning has commenced for our joint Parish and School Christmas Concert to be held on Friday 1st December. Our theme for 2023 is 'Christmas Around the World".

We are currently working on ideas for our parishioners, students, choir and band to present traditional Christmas songs throughout the concert. 

An International Food Fair will also be available.  I will keep you informed of the plans after our next meeting to be held in the coming weeks. 

Cathedral Precinct 

As advertised in last week's parish bulletin and school newsletter, Father Colin, Mrs Stella and I attended a special meeting at the Cathedral Parish Our Lady of the Rosary, Waitara.

Following a beautiful mass, presided by Bishop Anthony and priests, we made our way to the Light of the Way Centre. The hall was packed with priests, clergy, parishioners, neighbours, CSBB members and school staff. After a presentation, participants were asked to discuss ideas for a Cathedral Precinct including three key themes:

1. Cathedral
2. Facilities and Beauty
3. Relationships and Connectivity  

I'm sure we will be hearing more about the plans in the near future.

Reconciliation Week 

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week are the same each year; 27 May to 3 June.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, and by individuals Australia-wide.

Holy Family Annual Athletics Carnival

Holy Family’s Annual Athletics Carnival at Bannockburn oval was such an enjoyable day. The children had the opportunity to experience teamwork, good sportsmanship and physical activities. Congratulations to all of our students in Polding, Mackillop and Riley colour sports houses. 

A very special thank you to our sports leaders for being such terrific role models for the younger children and for your leadership with the War Cries. Sincere thanks to Miss Ruth Bartos who organised all of the events, logistically this is a massive job. Ruth showed great leadership with her organisational skills and such calmness in the preparation and on the day itself. Also, a huge thank you to our generous and enthusiastic parents who volunteered their time to help in various jobs. The children and staff loved seeing you at the carnival and without your help the carnival would not have been possible. 

Today was another wonderful example of what makes our Holy Family community so special, it is just like a family. Thank you for a brilliant day.

 Kindergarten Enrolments for 2024 

We encourage parents to organise a time to tour our wonderful school to see "Learning In Action" and our "Point of Difference".

• All children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.
• Children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July that year.
• Students should start at the beginning of the year.
• Contact the school office to discuss enrolment procedures.

We encourage any family who is currently connected to Holy Family school who have a child who is coming to school in 2024 to complete and lodge an enrolment form as soon as possible to ensure a place for the new school year. Please contact the school office 9416 7200 or via info@holyfamily.nsw.edu.au

Coles Development Update

A forecast for our works onsite this week includes:

• Continue with detailed excavation, trimming and shotcrete to walls.
• Continue with bulk excavation.
• Continue loading out materials with Truck and Trailers.
• Proceed with foundation piling and continue footing works- Formwork, Reinforcement and Concrete.
• Continue AClass hoarding to replace any Temp fencing remaining around the site perimeter.
• The Crane will not be used this week.

God bless you and your family. Together we can achieve great things.

Pauline Dinale

Principal