Dear Holy Family Parents,

Thank You Olwyn

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Olwyn Connolly, who has faithfully served the Holy Family community over the past three years as our P&F President. Olwyn has led with exceptional dedication, encouragement, guiding our parent community with wisdom, creativity, and unwavering support.

Her passion for the Creative Arts has enriched our school in countless ways -from parent workshops and new initiatives to her outstanding leadership in the Lindfield Art Show and Fair. Olwyn has played a central role in our most cherished school events, including Grandparents Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Zing Dance lessons, Band, warmly welcoming new families into our community and the introduction to the Green Team with the Return and Earn collection.

Olwyn, we are deeply grateful for your leadership, your energy, and above all, your friendship. Your contributions have helped strengthen the spirit of Holy Family, and your legacy of service will continue to be felt for years to come. Thank you, Olwyn, for everything you have given to our Holy Family school community.

Congratulations Melissa Overton

This term, our system proudly celebrated the achievements of 36 CSBB Middle Leaders who have graduated from the CSBB Middle Leaders Program, an accredited professional development program designed to strengthen leadership capability and enhance teaching and learning across our system. Through this program, participants build the skills to lead teams with clarity, confidence, and a strong focus on improving student learning outcomes. Their leadership directly supports whole-school improvement by developing collaborative cultures, guiding professional growth, and modelling high-impact practice.

We congratulate Melissa Overton for completing both the Middle Leaders Program and the NESA HALT (Highly Accomplished Lead Teacher) Program. These achievements reflect her deep commitment to professional excellence and her positive impact on teaching and learning within our community. Thank you, Melissa, for your ongoing contribution to excellence in learning and teaching.

2025 Family Partnerships Excellence Awards

I am delighted to share that Holy Family has been recognised in the 2025 Family Partnerships Excellence Awards by the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT. Our initiative, “The Green Team,” has received a Highly Commended Award, acknowledging the strong partnership between our school, families, parish, and local community.

The judging panel were particularly impressed by the depth of connection between our school and parish, especially the intergenerational relationships fostered through The Green Team. They commended how our students have worked to make the front of the church more welcoming by planting and caring for flowering plants—creating a beautiful, inviting space for parishioners to enjoy. This ongoing commitment to tending the gardens strengthens ties with parish members and reflects the strong sense of service within our community.

The panel also praised the sustainability of the project, noting the students’ weekly Earn and Return program each Thursday. Through collecting recyclable bottles and cans, The Green Team raises funds to purchase new plants, seedlings, soil, and pots, ensuring the garden continues to grow and flourish. This thoughtful cycle of stewardship demonstrates responsible environmental care and shows how student-led initiatives can have a meaningful impact on the community.

As part of this recognition, CCSP will visit Holy Family to present a framed certificate and award a $750 prize to further support the development of The Green Team.

A special thank you must be extended to Mr Mitsui, Mrs Edwards, and all the students in The Green Team, who work tirelessly in the garden every week—rain, hail, or shine. Their dedication, strength, and gentleness bring this initiative to life and enrich both our school and parish community. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who contributes to building such vibrant partnerships within our school and parish community.

End of Year Message

As we gather for the final few days of the school year, we pause to reflect on the journey we have travelled together in 2025.

To our wonderful Year 6 students, this marks the end of an important chapter—one filled with learning, growth, and treasured memories. You have shown dedication, resilience, and a genuine love of learning throughout your time at Holy Family. As you prepare for the exciting steps ahead in high school, I encourage you to carry with you the lessons learned here. Be strong in your convictions, gentle in your actions, and always grounded in kindness, respect, and perseverance. We are so proud of you, and we look forward to seeing the remarkable things you will achieve.

We also acknowledge the students from other grades who will be leaving us this year. Although your time with us may have been shorter, the friendships you’ve formed and the contributions you’ve made will remain part of our story. You will be missed, and we send you forward with our warmest wishes. May the spirit of strength and gentleness stay with you wherever you go.

To our families who are leaving Holy Family, thank you for the time you have spent in our community. We know that transitions are both exciting and bittersweet. Your involvement—whether through volunteering, supporting school events, or walking alongside your children has shaped our school in meaningful ways. You will always be part of the Holy Family story, and we hope your memories of this place stay with you fondly.

To all our students, thank you for your energy, your enthusiasm, and your determination. This year, you have grown in so many ways—academically, socially, spiritually—and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you.

To our parents and families, thank you for your unwavering support. Your trust, partnership, and encouragement make Holy Family the warm and welcoming place it is. Your strength and gentleness extend far beyond your own homes and enrich the entire school community.

My sincere thanks to our wonderful Parents and Friends Association, our class parents, and all our volunteers. Your generosity, organisation, and joyful service have strengthened our community and brought life to so many events and initiatives this year. You are an invaluable part of who we are.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Father Colin, Maia, Jean, Michelle and the entire parish team. Father Colin, your leadership, pastoral care, and spiritual guidance have been a true blessing to our school. Thank you for walking with us in faith. May peace fill your hearts this Christmas season.

Lastly, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our School Leadership Team Mrs Edwards, Mrs Stella and Mrs Overton—and to every staff member at Holy Family. Your dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for our students shine through in all that you do. You continue to nurture minds, inspire hearts, and create a safe, enriching environments for all. Thank you for the extraordinary work you do each day.

Next Wednesday, we celebrate our Advent Mass, where we are reminded of the hope, joy, and peace that this season brings. It is a blessing to come together as a community united by our shared values, and by the strength and gentleness that guide us each day. I wish each of you a happy, holy, and safe Christmas.

We look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year as we continue our journey of learning, growing, and living out our school motto of Strength and Gentleness together.

CatholicCare Vacation Care Programs

Enrolments are now open for the CatholicCare – Diocese of Broken Bay December 2025/January 2026 Vacation Care Program at Holy Family Lindfield.

Our Vacation Care programs offer a variety of activities tailored to children of different ages, interests, and abilities. From exciting local excursions to hands-on activities, there is something for every child. Vacation Care provides stimulating and enjoyable experiences that engage children’s interests and strengths, while also offering time for rest and leisure.

For more information, email Ryan on oshc.lindfield@catholiccaredbb.org.au

View the daily holiday plan HERE.

	TERM 4
Week 10
Monday 15 Dec	9am Swimming Carnival Presentation followed by Holy Family's Got Talent Show
Tuesday 16 Dec	9am Meet the Teacher for 2026 Year 6 Special Outing to the movies
Wednesday 17 Dec	9am End of Year Mass Students last day for 2025

Thursday 18 Dec	Staff Development Day (Pupil free)

2026	Term One - Thursday Jan 29 to Thursday April 2
	Term Two - Tuesday 21 April to Thursday July 2
	Term Three - Tuesday July 22 to Thursday September 24
	Term Four - Monday October 12 to Wednesday December 15
Week 1
Tuesday 27 Jan	Staff Development Day
Wed. 28 Jan	Staff Development Day
Thurs 29 Jan	Years 1-6 commence and Kinder SOKS Assessments
Friday 30 Jan	Kindy commences Tea & Tissues for Kindy and new parents

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

Holy Family Newsletter - Tel: 7256 2141 Email: hfl@dbb.org.au

Strength and Gentleness

Term 4 Week 9 · 12 Dec 2025

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