Principal's Message

Dear Holy Family Parents and Carers, 

First Holy Communion

Last weekend, many of our students celebrated their First Holy Communion after weeks of preparation. The Masses were joyful and meaningful, as the children received the Eucharist for the first time. This sacrament is an important milestone in the Catholic faith, symbolizing their deeper union with Christ and participation in the life of the Church. For the students, it was a culmination of weeks of religious instruction, prayer, and reflection. Their families and the wider parish community gathered in support, filling the church with a sense of warmth and celebration. 

Father Colin shared words of encouragement, wisdom and guidance, reminding the children of the significance of the sacrament and the ongoing importance of faith in their lives. It was a wonderful time for the Holy Family community to come together in celebration. A very special thank you to Maia for her dedication in preparing the children for their special day. A huge "Thank you" to the readers, choir, musicians, families and guests. It was inspiring to witness the children's commitment to their faith.

Shared Mission Principles

This week, the North Shore clergy, principals, and Parent Engagement Coordinators (PECs) gathered at Holy Family Parish for the launch of the Catholic Schools Broken Bay "Shared Mission Principles." This event was an important moment in strengthening the Diocese's commitment to providing an authentic, professional Catholic education that emphasizes care, compassion, and the holistic development of students. The launch also highlighted the importance of collaboration between schools and parishes, as both are integral to the spiritual and educational formation of young people. 

The Shared Mission Principles are a set of guiding values and practices designed to articulate the core mission of Catholic schools within the Diocese of Broken Bay. These principles serve as a foundation for fostering an educational environment that not only focuses on academic excellence but also nurtures the hearts and minds of students, helping them grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

By coming together in this way, the clergy, principals, and PEC members demonstrated a unified commitment to ensuring that Catholic education remains focussed on the values of faith, joy, witness, compassion and courage. These principles aim to ensure that every student is supported in their journey of faith and learning, and that the school community reflects the love and care of Christ in all aspects of school life.

RE Creative Arts Showcase

2024 Religious Education Creative Arts Showcase was a truly memorable event, held at Hornsby RSL! Congratulations again to Noah T for achieving 1st place in the Stage 2 short film category—such an incredible achievement! 

Congratulations to Eleanor M, Amelia T, and Imogen B for taking 1st place in the Stage 2 Drama category—what a fantastic accomplishment! And a big shoutout to Beatrice M and Gabriela O for securing 3rd place in the Stage 2 Dance section with their beautiful piece, "10,000 Reasons." Unfortunately, Amelia was unable to attend the evening.

It’s so inspiring to see our students express themselves through such powerful art forms and to see their talents shine for others. I'm sure everyone in our Holy Family community must feel a deep sense of pride, knowing that the students' work not only reflects their creativity but also their faith and joy.

Here’s a look at what's ahead next week:

Monday:

North Shore Review Project Follow-up Meeting: The follow-up meeting will focus on the progress of the North Shore Review Project, an initiative aimed at improving the overall educational experience across the region. It's a key opportunity to assess feedback, evaluate outcomes, and plan the next steps in the project.

TSA Band Testing for Year 2 Students: Year 2 students will undergo testing for the TSA Band Program, an excellent opportunity to explore and develop their musical talents and experience a taste of the excitement and joy of being part of the school band.

Tuesday:

School Leadership Planning Day for 2025: The School Leadership Team will gather for a strategic planning day focused on reflecting on the achievements of the year and shaping the educational and operational goals for the year 2025. This day will involve setting priorities for the upcoming year, ensuring that the school continues to grow and thrive in alignment with its mission and vision.

Wednesday:

Whole Group Kindy 2025 Transition Morning: This exciting transition event will welcome children starting Kindergarten in 2025. The children will have the opportunity to meet their future classmates and engage in some fun activities as they begin to familiarise themselves with school life.

Special Morning Tea & Information Session for Parents: Parents of Kindy 2025 students will be invited to a morning tea where they can learn more about the upcoming school year, receive helpful information, and connect with the school community. Thank you to our current Kindy parents for your support.

P&F Forum: The Parents and Friends Forum (at 7pm) will provide a chance for parents to come together, discuss school matters, share ideas, and build stronger connections within the school community. Please see the P&F section for details on the executive roles.

Friday:

Fun Friday: Start the day with some fun and excitement! Fun Friday commencing at 8.20am is a great way to bring some energy and joy to the end of the week, with games designed to engage students and parents in some games.

Combined Parish School Christmas Concert Practice: The school will rehearse for the upcoming Combined Parish School Christmas Concert. This will be a special event where students will showcase their talents in retelling the Nativity story and singing Christmas Carols. This will be a festive celebration that brings together the parish and school community.

Sunday:

Welcome to Kindy 2025 & New Families to Holy Family Mass: On Sunday, the parish will celebrate a special Welcome Mass for the families of Kindy 2025 students and any new families joining the Holy Family community. This will be a beautiful occasion to welcome them into the parish and school family, with prayers and blessings for a successful year ahead.

It’s going to be a busy, engaging week with loads of opportunities for both students, parents and staff to connect, collaborate and celebrate.

Kindest regards,

Pauline Dinale 

Principal

Please CLICK HERE to read the Parents Charter from Catholic Schools Broken Bay.

Coles Development 

Last week the site has made some progress, see below items that were achieved:

• Continue with the Internal Stud and Track for Level 4 
• Progressing with the Level 3 Ceiling Works
• Hebel install for Level 4 Tower B
• Coating planter boxes in podium area 
• Continuing of windows install on level 2 & Level 3
• Hebel continuing level 4B 
• Continue the painting to the façade on all elevations
• Continuing the balustrade install throughout the Podium and Level 4 areas
• Continuing coating planter boxes in podium area 

Over the coming week we anticipate the progress of the below:

• Partial road closure on Balfour St on Saturday 16/11 for mobile crane
• Continue of windows install on Level 3 & 4
• Hebel continuing level 4B 
• Continue the painting to the façade on all elevations
• Commence the balustrade install throughout the Podium and Level 4 areas
• Commencing coating planter boxes in podium area 
• Continuing public domain work 
• Continuing floor leveling 2B
• Commencing Tiling on level 2
• Commencing joinery on level 2 
• Commencing substrate on level 2
• Rough-in in 4a
• Commencing timber flooring on level 1
• Commencing water proofing podium and wet areas on level 2B
• Commencing sheeting level 2 lobbies