The Exec Address

School resumes for Year 1-12, Thursday 27th Jan 2026

Executive Principal Address

Dear MCHF community,

This is our final newsletter for the year, and I think we are all looking forward to the summer break! It has been a jam-packed year, as always, but with numerous opportunities for our students to excel.

As we come to the close of the 2025 academic year, I extend my thanks to the Board Directors whose focus this year was finalising our Masterplan to be submitted for approval. This was an immense effort with ongoing discussions with the architect and project manager. We are pleased with the final design, and our first stage will involve two levels of carpark, a very large auditorium with two basketball courts, a drama room, four labs, 2 music rooms and 2 art rooms as well as roof playground space. We are excited about this and hope to commence construction late 2027.

A College cannot exist without staff and students and parents. Firstly, I acknowledge the wonderful work our staff do to ensure students are receiving a well-rounded education. It has been a busy year for teachers with new programs, extra professional learning sessions and larger classes. However, they have committed to providing engaging lessons, despite the increasing workload. Next year will see teachers focusing on explicit teaching in all KLA lessons.

To the students I cannot reiterate enough how many opportunities you have and to embrace these. Always try your best and be respectful in all you say and do as it will get you far. For 2026 focus will be on explicit teaching to enable you to better understand content and practice your knowledge.

To our parents, your support is absolutely necessary, and we thank those parents who work hand in hand with teachers to enable better opportunities for the growth of their children. We also thank those parents who have assisted through volunteer work or donations. Everything you do helps further the College.

Thank you also goes to the Parish and the wider community who provide opportunities for our students to engage in real life experiences.

Next year, I will return fulltime to the College and so will be a much more visible presence, as will all Exec members.

I take this opportunity to wish you all a very blessed Christmas with loved ones and a wonderful New Year.

Sr Margaret Ghosn

Executive Principal

Mr Asmar: Head of College 

Dear MCHF Community 

As we come to the close of another remarkable year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Executive Team, dedicated staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive parents. This year has truly been a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. 

TOGETHER WE ACHIEVED!

We have so much to celebrate:

• Sporting triumphs that showcased teamwork and perseverance.
• Mock Trial successes that highlighted critical thinking and collaboration.
• Artistic achievements that inspired creativity and expression.
• Social justice initiatives that reflected our commitment to making a difference.
• Academic excellence across all year levels.
• Faith and wellbeing programs that strengthened our community spirit.

Each of these accomplishments reflects the dedication and passion of our entire College community.

As we celebrate these successes, we also take a moment to farewell valued members of staff who will be leaving us at the end of this year. We thank them for their outstanding service and wish them every blessing in their future endeavors: Sr Juliette Abi Khalil, Mr. Michael Cunningham, Mr. Roy Farah, Ms. Brinda Njeim, Ms. Angelina Portolesi, Ms. Alicia Sukkar, Ms. Rita Delia, Ms. Candace Rozario, Ms. Vanessa Sassine, Ms. Mariana Raffoul, Ms. Grace Youkhana, Mr. Kevin Peng, Ms. Catherine Mathews, Ms. Thomas Fredericks, and Ms. Georgia Deeb.

We look forward to welcoming our new members of staff joining us in 2026 which we will announce in the new year. 

Looking ahead to 2026, we embrace our new theme: “RISE THROUGH CHALLENGES” focusing on the value of resilience. Together, we will continue to grow, learn, and thrive as a community.

On behalf of the College, I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas, a joyful New Year, and a restful holiday break. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2026 for another year of growth and achievement.

God bless

Elie Asmar

Head of College 

2026: Building Strong foundations for Learning and Wellbeing

Introducing MTSS at Maronite College of the Holy Family – A framework for success, guided by our values and vision.

As we step into 2026, Maronite College of the Holy Family is proud to announce the rollout of our Multi-Tiered Support System (M.T.S.S)—a proactive approach designed to create greater opportunities for meaningful student learning. 

What is an M.T.S.S and why does it matter?

This initiative is more than a set of rules, it’s a reflection of our Mission and Vision: to accompany students in realizing their potential, growing in faith, and striving for excellence. 

Aligning with our College Values of —Resilience, Collaboration, Integrity, Compassion, Respect, and Faith, our College M.T.S.S, will ensures that each of our students are afforded the opportunity to flourish, by way of ensuring that every student understands the expectations of our College, which will in turn  foster consistency and clarity across all learning environments.

Phase One focuses

INSIDE the Classroom:

Through structured practices like Enter, Engage, and Exit, students will develop the skills to begin each lesson prepared, engage fully with learning goals, and exit respectfully. 

OUSTSIDE the classroom:

Our M.T.S.S will promote safe play, respect for peers and staff, and pride in representing our College values in every setting.

Collective effort:

As we implement MTSS, we invite our community to join us in this journey, through shared responsibility and collaboration, as we build a culture that values learning, character, and wellbeing.

Regards,

Mr. Andrew Pearn - Head of Wellbeing K-12

Head of Curriculum – End of Year Message

As we draw the curtain on the 2025 academic year, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many achievements that have shaped this year at MCHF. Our students have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and commitment across all stages of learning, and we are proud of the milestones reached together.

This term marked the successful completion of the HSC examinations for our Year 12 students, with results to be released on Thursday, 18 December. We commend our senior students for their dedication and perseverance throughout this rigorous process. Equally, students in Years 7–10 have completed their Yearly Examinations, showcasing growth and progress in their learning journey.

Our Year 6 Transition Program was a highlight, ensuring a smooth and supportive entry into secondary schooling for our incoming Year 7 cohort. In addition, the 2026 Year 11 Taster Lesson Program provided our current Year 10 students with a valuable opportunity to experience Stage 6 learning and begin developing the skills required for success in senior studies.

We are thrilled to celebrate the creative excellence of our students, with nominations for the HSC IT Multimedia SHAPE Showcase and HSC Visual Arts ARTEXPRESS, as well as the vibrant CAPA and TAS Showcase, which reflected the depth of talent and innovation within our College community.

None of these successes would be possible without the unwavering commitment of our teachers. Thank you for your tireless efforts in engaging students, guiding and accompanying them through challenges, and supporting every initiative that enriches curriculum delivery. Your passion and professionalism continue to inspire.

To our parents and carers, we extend heartfelt gratitude for your partnership in supporting the College’s vision and mission. Your collaboration with staff, middle leaders, and the executive team has ensured that every child strives for and achieves their personal best.

As we approach the festive season, I wish all MCHF families a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy, and successful New Year. May 2026 bring continued growth, joy, and achievement for our entire community.

I would like to end the 2025 academic year with a quote that has always resonated with me; “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats. This quote reminds us that learning is a lifelong journey of curiosity and discovery. At MCHF, we are proud to nurture that spark in every student, and we look forward to continuing this shared mission in the year ahead.

Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Ms. Georgette Dalla

Head of Curriculum

Teaching and Learning at MCHF: A Year of Growth and Purpose – 2025

As we draw the 2025 school year to a close, we take this opportunity to reflect with pride, gratitude, and hope on the teaching and learning journey we have shared as a community. At Maronite College of the Holy Family, our mission centres on nurturing young people who grow in faith, knowledge, and character. This year has been a testament to what can be achieved when students, parents, and staff work together with shared purpose and commitment.

Throughout 2025, our classrooms - from Kindergarten through to Year 12 - have been vibrant spaces of curiosity, challenge, and achievement. Teachers have continued to refine and strengthen their practice, embracing and delving deeply into explicit teaching, data-informed instruction, and differentiated learning, to ensure every child experiences success. Our focus on high expectations, strong routines, and quality feedback has helped students take greater ownership of their learning and celebrate the progress they make each day.

Students across the College have shown resilience, creativity, and a willingness to strive for excellence. Whether through academic improvement, leadership, service, or co-curricular involvement, they have demonstrated the values that define our Maronite identity. We are especially proud of the way students have supported one another, embraced new learning opportunities, and upheld the spirit of our College throughout the year.

We also acknowledge the vital partnership we share with our families. Your support—through encouraging strong study habits, communicating with teachers, attending school events, and reinforcing the importance of effort and responsibility—has played a significant role in the success of our learners. Education is a shared endeavor, and we thank you for walking this journey alongside us.

To our dedicated teachers, support and auxiliary staff; thank you for your tireless work, your professionalism, and your unwavering belief in the potential of every student. Your commitment continues to shape the hearts and minds of our young people in meaningful and lasting ways.

As we look ahead to 2026, we remain focused on continuous growth—strengthening our learning culture, harnessing best practice, and ensuring every student is known, valued, and challenged. Explicit Teaching will be the major focus of our professional learning in 2026, and we look forward to sharing our learning journey in strengthening the consistency of practice across the domains of learning and wellbeing, with you. With God at the centre of all we do, we move forward with confidence and renewed purpose.

Thank you for a wonderful year of learning. May the Christmas season bring peace and joy to all our families, and may the year ahead be filled with blessings and success.

Many thanks

Emma Dettling

Head of Teaching and Learning