Principal's Message

Dear Holy Family Parents,

It was a pleasure to connect with so many families at this week’s P&F meeting, where I had the opportunity to share updates and celebrate the wonderful things happening across our school. For those who were unable to attend, below is a summary of my report from the evening.

It has been a wonderful start to the school year. We began with 301 students across 12 classes, including 20 new students from Years 1 to Year 6. Our new students have settled in extremely well, and it has been pleasing to see new friendships forming so quickly. There was positive feedback from the students at our recent morning tea. We also welcomed four new staff members — Mrs Kemp, Mrs Briggs, Mrs Webb and Mrs Gibbs — who have made a very positive start to the year. 

The term began with two Staff Development Days, allowing teachers to plan and prepare thoroughly for the year ahead. Students in Years 1–6 returned with enthusiasm, and we were delighted to officially welcome our 44 Kindergarten students shortly after. The Tea & Tissues morning and the Kindergarten park meet-up were lovely opportunities for parents to connect and begin building relationships within our community. 

Over the following weeks, school life quickly moved into full swing. Our Parent Information Evening was well attended, and we celebrated St Brigid’s Day with our Commissioning Mass. Stage 3 students participated in their Leadership Week including 3 days at camp, developing confidence and teamwork skills. We also enjoyed opportunities for parent connection through Coffee Connect and our Welcome BBQ for new families. Sincere thanks to Olivia and Lalaine and all the volunteers. It was a wonderful event to build relationships. 

Meet the Teacher meetings strengthened our home–school partnerships, and we gathered as a faith community for our Ash Wednesday Mass and liturgy. Throughout these first weeks, there has been a strong sense of engagement, positivity and purpose across the school. 

This week, as we focus on Wellbeing Week, we continue to prioritise creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for every child. 

Colour Fun Run – Regarding last year’s Colour Fun Run, Miss Trigona’s winning class is still to receive their prize. We would like to acknowledge their achievement by providing students with an ice block and some extra play time on Wednesday 11th March. 

Green Team – last year Holy Family received news that we had been recognised for a Highly Commended award at the 2025 CSSP Excellence Awards for The Green Team project, along with a $750 grant. The award including a certificate and a grant of $750 will be presented at an assembly next Friday with 3 special guests from NSWCSSP.  The Green Team brings together the parish, school and wider community through sustainability initiatives funded by the NSW Return and Earn program. Students help maintain shared garden spaces, fostering environmental stewardship, intergenerational connection and community partnership grounded in Catholic social teaching. Judges praised the citrus garden concept and the strong collaboration between parish and school, noting its positive impact on student engagement, values and active citizenship. 

New Initiative for 2026 – Passion Projects for HPGE Students 

This year, we are excited to introduce a new initiative for our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) students who are working with the support from Mrs Overton and Mrs Briggs. Passion Projects will provide students with the opportunity to explore areas of deep personal interest, extend their learning beyond the classroom, and develop critical thinking, creativity and independent research skills. We look forward to seeing our first group of students challenge themselves, pursue their curiosities, and share their learning journeys with our school community. 

Outside School Hours Care (OSCH)  

I’m pleased to inform the community that our OSCH increase in places has been officially approved, expanding from 75 to 120 places in response to strong and growing demand. This expansion ensures we can better support our families with reliable and accessible care. 

Additionally, opening January holiday places to Kindy students prior to commencing school has been highly successful. This initiative has supported a smooth transition to school, helped children build confidence and familiarity with the environment, and provided reassurance and comfort to parents. Thank you for your continued support and patience through the process. 

Eating Spaces – Trial Update 

We’ve introduced designated eating areas and classrooms to reduce mess, food spillage, and students eating on the ground. Teachers were supportive of the trial, and feedback from staff, students, and parents so far has been positive. The trial will continue as we monitor its effectiveness. 

Future Planning and Learning Spaces 

With increasing student enrolments, our STEAM classes are currently using half of the OSCH room this year. Looking ahead to 2027, we are planning for 13 classes, with two streams from Kindergarten to Year 5. Our first Open Day is next Wednesday, with 60 families registered.  We also anticipating 21 siblings will enrol for Kindy 2027. As we grow, careful planning of our learning spaces will be essential, particularly as the OSCH rooms will continue to operate as shared spaces. We are also introducing a Graduate Program to support student retention and strengthen continuity within our school community. 

Overall, the first five weeks of 2026 have been calm, productive and full of promise. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we move further into the year. 

Kindy and New Families Welcome BBQ 

Siena Catholic College

We are delighted to announce that Catholic Schools Broken Bay is establishing a new K-12 co-educational College in Pymble from 2027.  This new College, Siena Catholic College, will be the existing catholic primary school sites of  Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (OLPS), West Pymble, and Sacred Heart, Pymble. The Siena Junior Campus for students in Years K-4 will be located on the West Pymble site, and the Senior Campus for students in Years 5-12, will be located on the Pymble site. There will be a gradual transition to this structure over the next few years, with the first intake of Year 7 students being welcomed to Siena Catholic College in January 2027. By 2030 Siena will be a full K-12 College.

There will be an annual intake of Yr 7 students into Siena Catholic College, and students in our CSBB primary schools will be given preferential consideration for enrolment in Years 7-12. Students completing Year 6 in any of our CSBB primary schools have always had a pathway into St Leo’s Catholic College in Wahroonga and Mercy Catholic College in Chatswood; Siena offers an additional option in response to community feedback about the need for another Catholic College on the North Shore.  

Families are warmly invited to attend the Siena Catholic College Open Days in March 2026 to meet key staff, hear about the vision for the new College, and explore the facilities and programs that will be available. 

For further information visit the Siena website https://www.sienadbb.catholic.edu.au or email us at sienacatholiccollege@dbb.catholic.edu.au

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