Dear Holy Family Parents and Carers,

Curriculum Reform - Building Teacher Capacity

Our staff experienced an enriching staff development day on Tuesday where we joined with several other North Shore schools in the Broken Bay diocese. The primary focus of the day was to review the principles of a standards-referenced framework, aimed at assessing and reporting student achievement in a comprehensive manner.

One of the key purposes of this collaboration was to foster a consistent approach in awarding grades within and across schools. By aligning our reporting grading practices with a standards-referenced framework, the aim is to provide fair and transparent assessments that accurately reflect the students' progress and achievements.

In addition to discussing assessment practices, our teachers also undertook activities to enhance their professional teaching standards. This was a great opportunity to deepen our culture of continuous school improvement. As we continue to grow, learn and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of education, the teachers are excited about the positive impact their learning will have on student learning and achievement.

SPARK - "Supporting Potential Among Remarkable Kids"

Ethan, Isabella, Yoanna, Emma and Alice showcasing their creativity.

SPARK is a project set to cater for high ability and or gifted students within a domain that they have a proven record of achievement in. The project is called SPARK – Supporting Potential Among Remarkable Kids.

The aim is to bring together high ability and like-minded students in an area that they show enormous potential. There are three separate domains we are looking to cater for through the project - the intellectual, the creative and the social and emotional domains.

This week a group of Stage 2 and 3 students had the opportunity to attend the first of the SPARK Enrichment days. Students from Corpus Christi St Ives, Prouille Wahroonga, OLPS West Pymble, St Bernard's Berowra and Holy Family Lindfield came together for a day immersed in art, exploring the principles of art by creating two unique artworks. They were able to dive into an underwater world with watercolour and acrylic paints, experimenting with texture and colours. Next, they were inspired by the iconic style of Amedeo Modigliani as they created portraits using oil pastels and watercolour paints – the students let their creativity flow in this immersive artistic experience.

The second day at Prouille, Wahroonga to be held next week will be a day of Mathematics.

Five of our Stage 2 and 3 students will participate in an engaging Maths Day filled with fun and thought-provoking activities! From captivating math games to stimulating logic puzzles and open-ended tasks, this event promises to ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking skills. It's a fantastic opportunity for students to explore the wonders of mathematics in a dynamic and supportive environment. We can't wait to see their creativity and problem-solving prowess shine!

Each of the schools have agreed to send just 5 students each and so it has been necessary to develop a strict selection criterion for inclusion in each of the days. If your child's teacher and Mrs McNally, as our Gifted Education teacher have selected your child you will be hearing from us very soon.

These days will be held at no extra cost to parents, all costs being absorbed by the schools involved. Parents will be required to drop off their children at the host school and then will be invited to a small assembly to showcase the achievements and successes of the day.

Holy Family Cross Country Event

Our annual Year 2 to 6 Cross Country event will be taking place next Wednesday at Bannockburn Oval. This event promises to be a day filled with healthy competition as our students showcase their running skills and sportsmanship.

Cross Country is an opportunity to foster a love for physical activity and to encourage our students to challenge themselves while having fun.

Date: Wednesday, 10th April

Location: Bannockburn Oval

Transport: buses leave at 8.30am sharp

Participants: Year 2 to Year 6 students

Schedule: The event will commence at 9.00am. Each race will be tailored to the appropriate distance for the age group.

What to Wear: Sports uniform, sunscreen, hat

What to bring: Students should come prepared with comfortable running attire, appropriate footwear, a water bottle, and plenty of enthusiasm!

Parents are encouraged to join us at Bannockburn Oval to cheer on our young athletes. Your support and encouragement is appreciated and contributes to the positive atmosphere of the event. Let's make it a day to remember!

Staff Development Day - Monday 29th April 2024

Please be advised there is a Staff Development Day (pupil free) on Monday 29th April (First Monday of Week 1 Term 2). Please make a note in your diaries.

Pauline Dinale

Principal

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

Enrolments for Kindergarten 2025

To enquire about sibling enrolments for Kindergarten 2025, please contact the school office or **Click here to ENROL siblings starting in 2025**

Email: hfl@dbb.org.au

Phone: (02) 7256 2141

2024 Important Dates

Term 1
Friday 2nd February	Kindergarten commences
Friday 12th April	Term 1 Ends
Monday 15th April – Sunday 28th April	School Holidays
Term 2
Tuesday 30th April	Term 2 Starts
Thursday 4th July	Term 2 Ends
Monday 8th July – Sunday 21st July	School Holidays
Term 3
Tuesday 23rd July	Term 3 Starts
Thursday 26th September	Term 3 Ends
Monday 30th September – Sunday 13th October	School Holidays
Term 4
Monday 14th October	Term 4 Starts
Wednesday 18th December	ADVENT Mass and Last Day for students

TERM ONE
What's on next week?
Week 10
Monday 8th April	Cross Country at Bannockburn Oval - Years 2-6 The Annunciation
Thursday 4th April	SPARK - Mathematics Gifted Ed. Day at Prouille, Wahroonga Mrs Edwards at Spirituality Retreat Day (1)
Friday 12th April	10am Easter Mass CAPA group will perform ‘Aladdin Trouble’ 2pm Mrs Edwards at Spirituality Retreat Day (2) Last day of Term One

Click here to view our school calendar

Parish News