Engagement 

Enrich and Engage at MCHF- Save the date

Dear MCHF Community  

It is with great pleasure that we inform you of the fantastic work by students in both primary and secondary who have stepped up to the challenge to extend and enrich themselves through a passion project of their choice.  

The annual enrichment showcase will be held on Tuesday, 2nd September, and has been extended to account for all the great work our students are doing outside of the curriculum, allowing them to express their ideas and interests through various means. Some students have taken on the support of a teacher mentor, while others have decided to pursue a student-driven project.  

From talented musicians to creative crafters, our Enrich and Engage showcase hopes to promote collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving for our participants. We will also showcase various extra-curricular clubs such as the primary dance group and the Providence Program, among others.   

This year, we will be opening a public viewing between 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, with the bonus opportunity for the community to vote in the people’s choice award.  

The college will also welcome a guest speaker from UTS who will address selected students from Years 7-10 about the importance of entrepreneurship. 

Further details including the timing and agenda, will be shared on the parent portal at a later date.  Please join me as we congratulate these students who have stepped up for the challenge: 

We look forward to welcoming you as you enrich and engage at MCHF! 

Ms Claudia Bou-melhem 

Leader of Engagement K-12  

Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 Police visit 

Earlier this month, Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 students enjoyed a special visit from Constable Dean Tonkin, the Cumberland Youth Officer. During the session, students learned important lessons about Stranger Danger, Community Awareness, and Cyber Safety. Officer Tonkin engaged the children with practical tips and friendly advice to help them stay safe in their everyday lives, both in the community and online.

Year 12 History Students Take on USYD! 

Our Modern and Ancient History students had an incredible day at the University of Sydney for the HSC Study Day, hosted by the History Teachers' Association. 

They gained valuable insights from experienced HSC markers and exam creators, picked up top exam tips, and got a real taste of university life! 

A fantastic and inspiring day filled with knowledge, motivation, and resources to help our year 12's smash their upcoming HSC exams!

The Power of Compliments 

In our GEM lesson (primary pastoral program), Jade 2 students learnt about the power of kindness through giving and receiving compliments. They discovered that receiving kind and thoughtful words from others can create feelings of joy, pride, and gratitude, often bringing a smile and lifting our mood. Students also learnt that giving compliments can be just as powerful, as it makes both the giver and receiver feel good. They wrote compliments for a partner, focusing on a character trait or personal strength that would make their partner feel good about themselves. Then, they read their compliments aloud to each other, experiencing the positive impact of sincere and meaningful words. Through this activity, students also discovered that compliments not only help others feel good but also release a happy hormone in our brains called oxytocin, which gives us that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, like a big hug for our brain. The more compliments we give, the more we spread this happy feeling to ourselves and others.

Year 11 and 12 Students Gear Up for the Future at UNSW Gateway Workshops

This term, Year 11 students participated in the UNSW Gateway Strengths for Success workshop. Students explored their strengths and tools for success through thought-provoking conversations and reflective activities. Guided by UNSW Gateway ambassadors, students discussed their “backpack of success”—the tools and strategies that will equip them to navigate future challenges and opportunities.

Year 12, on the other hand, participated in the UNSW Gateway Chatter That Matters workshop. Students explored their values, strengths and post-school aspirations through thought-provoking conversations and reflective activities. Guided by UNSW Gateway ambassadors, students tackled big questions like “Would you rather be liked or respected?”—a great starting point for further conversations at home.

The workshop also introduced students to the UNSW Year 11 and 12 Gateway Programs. Through registering for the UNSW Gateway online program, Maronite College of the Holy Family students can access free HSC support, tutoring, and instant access to the HSC4ME app - featuring practice exams, study notes, videos, and more, all developed by senior teachers and HSC markers. To learn more, visit: Gateway website.

As a UNSW Gateway partner school, Maronite College of the Holy Family students are eligible to apply for early admission through the Gateway Admission Pathway, with a  reduced ATAR requirements and tailored application timelines. Applications are now open! To learn more, visit: Gateway Admission Pathway

Thank a First responder

This week Kindy and Y1 are showing gratitude to our local First Responders as part of Thank a First Responder Day, a special opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible people who help keep our communities safe — often in the most challenging situations.From natural disasters to road accidents, from missing persons searches to emergency rescues, first responders are always there when we need them.

Lifted event 

Year 12 School Captains were invited to a Breakfast with Bishop Vincent. The objective of the day was to provide student leaders with an opportunity to share reflections and insights on their experiences of Catholic Education. 

Year 7 All Rounder Awards

Year 2 excursion to the Farm

On Friday, 13th June, our Year 2 students enjoyed a fun and educational day at Calmsley Hill City Farm. The excursion was packed with exciting hands-on experiences, including a tractor ride, watching a working dog and sheep shearing show, milking a cow, and getting up close with a variety of farm animals. The students loved learning about life on the farm and showed great enthusiasm throughout the day. We are incredibly proud of their respectful and responsible behaviour—it was a pleasure to see them represent our school so positively!

Chess and Games in the Secondary Learning Centre

Midway through this term, we wrapped up our annual chess tournament. Staff and students from Years 7-12 were invited to compete for the title of chess champion in a knockout competition. Congratulations to Ryan Hassoun (Year 11), who claimed bragging rights, after defeating several students from varying grades. Thank you to Christopher Dimassi (Year 12), who helped to manage the matches.

Meanwhile, our students have been seeking the warmth of the indoors, enjoying the board games and collaborative puzzles. 

NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge K-9

The closing date for final entries is fast approaching, with the challenge concluding on September 19. It is an expectation that all students in Years K-9 participate. 

Please encourage your children to read regularly and widely and to log their reading at:

https://online.education.nsw.gov.au/prc/studentExperience.html#/ 

You can help to inspire reading at home by:

1. Talking to your children about what they are reading and what interests them.

2. Having your child read aloud to you or to a sibling.

3. Setting the example.  Take the time to read for pleasure in your spare time, whether this be a newspaper, a magazine, a recipe book, an ebook, or a paperback.

4. Encouraging regular library visits, be it our school library, or your local library. 

Happy Reading!

Learning Centre Staff

Public Speaking Competition 

On 25 June 2025, St Maroun’s College hosted the annual Public Speaking competition. 90 students from Stages 2 to 6 participated, and many family members came along to support them. The schools competing included MCHF, St. Maroun’s, St. Charbel, and Holy Saviour. Staff from different schools adjudicated the night. It was a fantastic event with all students preparing amazing speeches. We look forward to next year’s competition.

Sr Margaret Ghosn

Year 10 NSW Health Hack-a-thon 

On the 18th - 19th of June, students from Year 10 (Danielle Hobeiche, Daniella Ters, Hanna Elias, Tatiyana Kassis, Joy Howley, Giselle Elhady and Sienna Green) under the guidance of Mr Abboud and Mr Fredericks were chosen to participate in a two day intensive workshop held by the Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU) of NSW Health called “Health Hack-a-ton” at Westmead Hospital. Alongside a multitude of other schools, students worked together to discuss issues affecting teenagers in Western Sydney. It was a chance for our students to network and interact with professionals in the health industry and bring to the forefront issues and concerns about health in the Western Sydney region. This all culminated in a group project and presentation where the students had to come up and present an issue that affects them and their school community, and find viable and realistic solutions. 

The students presented effectively and represented the College well as they showcased their teamwork, grit, and practicality in front of a panel of health industry professionals who were impressed by what was presented before them. The students learnt a lot from the experience and saw firsthand the inner workings of NSW Health while looking towards a possible career in the health industry.

Merit Awards Year 7

We continue to highlight the exceptional accomplishments of our Year 7 cohort, with students proudly receiving All Rounder, Bronze and Silver Awards in recognition of their outstanding efforts and achievements.