Dear Families,

Thank you for your engagement over the last couple of weeks.

Our staff valued the opportunities to engage with you at our Parent/Teacher Conversations, Welcome Dinner and Welcome Mass. We aim to strengthen these connections throughout the 2026 School Year.

As I have mentioned previously, a child that sees his/her parents engaged with their school brings many benefits as highlighted by AITSL.

Parental engagement at school boosts student success by improving academic performance, attendance, and behavior across all age levels. Active involvement strengthens the home-school partnership, fostering better social-emotional skills, higher motivation, increased confidence, and enhanced mental health in children, while also creating a supportive community.

Successful Drop Off Routines

I have been impressed by the independence shown by our Prep stduents at morning drop off.

Below are some ideas that could assist you when dropping off your child in the morning.

Key Components of a Successful Drop-Off (Cove Learning)

Consistent Routine: Establish a quick, predictable routine (e.g., a special handshake, hug, or wave) and stick to it to build trust and predictability.
Short and Confident Farewells: Keep goodbyes brief to minimize anxiety, even if the child is upset.
Always say Goodbye: Never sneak away, as this can cause panic and decrease trust.
Acknowledge Emotions: Validate your child's feelings of sadness while staying positive about the day ahead.
Transition Objects: Allow a comfort item, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to help with the transition.
Communication: Communicate with educators about your routine to ensure consistency between home and the center.

Tips for Success

Plan Ahead: Arrive with time to spare to avoid rushing, which can increase stress.
Play Drop-Offs: Rehearse the goodbye routine at home using dolls or toys to make it familiar.
Focus on Positives: Remind children of the fun activities they will do during the day.
Be Patient: Understand that separation anxiety is normal and that consistent, loving, and firm routines will help over time.

Lent – A Family Journey of Faith

Lent is a special time in the life of the Church when families are invited to pause, reflect and prepare their hearts for Easter. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we follow the example of Jesus and grow closer to God and to one another.

For families, Lent can be lived in simple ways—sharing prayer at home, choosing kindness, practising gratitude, and reaching out to help those in need. These small moments help children see that faith is lived each day, not just learned.

As a school community, we walk this Lenten journey together with our families, trusting in God’s love and looking forward with hope to the joy of Easter.

Crossing Stephensons Road

It has been brought to my attention that some parents are running across Stephensons Road and not using the 'manned' pedestrian crossing. Not only is this illegal but it is extremely unsafe for you and your child. Please use the crossing available for the safety of everyone.

Colour Explosion

The excitement is building for our Annual Colour Explosion. Our Sports Leaders went around to classrooms today to commence promoting the incredible event. Watch out for further communication about this event!

Paired Fluency

This week our classes started their day with 'Paired Fluency' for 5-10 minutes. It is crucial that your child is at school on time so that they do not miss this invaluable reading opportunity.

Wellbeing Professional Learning

This year our school is fortunate to have two staff members leading the area of Wellbeing. Miss King is leading our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Framework and Ms Hancke is leading Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS).

I look forward to sharing more about our staff learning and impact on student wellbeing during this year.

School Advisory Council

I am pleased to announce the members of our School Advisory Council for 2026.

Father Justel

Julie David

Eithne King

Mark Petersen

Brooke Banbury

Daniel Trettel

Sandra Filippou

Michael Newman

I look forward to working with this Council to support our community. We have our first meeting on Wednesday 25th February at 5:30pm.

School Closure Days

We have the following School Closure Days this term -

Friday 6th March (TIL Day)

Monday 9th March (Labour Day)

Hopefully you have the opportunity to join your family and friends over this 4 day break.

Information Session

I will be hosting an Information Session for prospective families on Wednesday 4th March at 5pm. Please let your family and friends know.

Holy Family Playgroup

'Holy Family Playgroup' is happening!

This community opportunity will be held at Holy Family School once a fortnight for one hour and will be run by experienced educators and volunteers. The sessions will commence on Friday 20th February at 9:30am.

If you have a Working With Children Check and would like to go on a roster to help out please email office@hfmw.catholic.edu.au

Enrol Now

Soft Plastics Recycling Pick Up

We are looking for volunteers to collect our soft plastics recycling to drop off to the Notting HIll transfer station. If you can assist with this job this term, please email Eithne King at eking@hfmw.catholic.edu.au

Enjoy the sunshine this weekend,

Julie David (Principal)

2026 Term 1 Dates

FEBRUARY

Fri 20 Interschool Sport (2)

Mini Vinnies Soccer Event

Play Group commences (9:30am)

World Day of Social Justice

Wed 25 SAC Meeting (5:30pm)

Wed 25 Prep Rest Day

Fri 27 Interschool Sport (3)

MARCH

Wed 4 Prep Rest Day

Division Swimming

P&F Meeting (6:30pm)

Thur 5 Twilight Sports Day

Fri 6 School Closure Day (Vision for Engagement)

Sun 8 International Women’s Day (Give To Gain)

Mon 9 Labour Day Public Holiday (School Closed)

Wed 11 NAPLAN commences

Year 4 Reconciliation/Eucharist Info Night

Fri 13 Year 3-6 Athletic Trials

Sun 15 Catholic Education Week (Christ Beside Me-Walking in the Footsteps of St Patrick)

Tues 17 St Patrick’s Day

Wed 18 Open Day (all day)

Fri 20 Community Colour Run (Major Fundraiser)

Mass of St Patrick (St Patrick’s Cathedral)

Sat 21 Harmony Day

World Down Syndrome Day

Tues 24 Sacrament of Reconciliation (5pm)

Fri 27 Halogen Young Leaders Day

Summer Sport Gala Day (TBC)

Tues 31 EMR Swimming

APRIL

Thur 2 End of Term 1 (1pm finish)

Holy Thursday

Fri 3 Good Friday

Sun 5 Easter Sunday