From Mrs David's Desk
Dear Families,
I hope you all had the opportunity to rest up and recharge for the last few busy weeks of the 2023 school year.
During this year we have had many opportunities to celebrate and be grateful as a community. These celebrations have continued in recent weeks.
Mini Vinnies
Last Thursday our school hosted the Annual Mini Vinnies Conference. Seven other schools attended this Conference including both primary and secondary.
Ten of our incredible Year 4 students presented at this event (the youngest group). They spoke about the link our school has with the St Vincent de Paul Conference in our Parish. It was pleasing to see four of our parishioners (St Vincent de Paul members) joining our students for this event.
Each of our students spoke with confidence and pride about the events they held this year to raise both awareness and money for those in need in our community.
Thank you to Miss Lark for supporting the endeavours of our Mini Vinnies during the year.
Remembrance Day
This weekend we commemorate Remembrance Day.
I invite families to listen to the song 'Tree of Life' by Gen Bryant and think about the following questions:
How can you be a person of peace?
What could you do to bring peace to your community?
What could your community do to make our world a more peaceful place?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNVzr_Uav74
On this day of Remembrance, we remember the courageous men and women who gave their lives in wartime and as a result of war. As we remember the lives that have been lost, let us promise each other to work for the freedom of all who are oppressed in the world today. We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus who taught us how to live.
Vision/Mission Statement
During this year our community has developed our new Mission Statement to support our Vision Statement developed in 2022. Our school theme for the last two years has come from the wording in our Vision Statement. This year our theme is 'We Belong'.
Our Mission statement embodies Holy Family school's direction in the future.
Vision Statement
In faith
We believe
We belong
We learn
We grow
Mission Statement
In faith we are a community that lives our daily lives based on our Catholic traditions and values.
We believe in encountering and deepening our relationship with God.
We belong to an inclusive and nurturing community that embraces all.
We learn to become creative, collaborative, active and informed citizens.
We grow to reach our full potential.
ICAS Medal Winner
Our school community would like to congratulate Mateo Karmawan who was awarded the ICAS Gold Medal for being the Year 3 Spelling Champion in Australia.
Victorian Hurdles Champion
On behalf of our school community I would like to congratulate Jack Beasley on winning the Gold Medal in his Hurdles Finals race last Thursday.
New Families
Yesterday we welcomed more than 24 new students and their families to Holy Family. The majority of these students are joining our school from St Mary Magdalen's School in Chadstone.
This was the first of 3 Transition Sessions for these students in Years 1-6.
Thank you to our staff, students and families for making our new families feel welcome.
Prep Camp Day
Last Friday our Prep students had an amazing day of fun activities including a visit from a few animals for their camp day.
Thank you to Miss King and Mrs Dimovski for planning and organising this memorable day for our students.
Money
At the moment some students are bringing large amounts of money to school ($50/$70).
I am requesting that parents/carers please monitor the amount of money your child is bringing to school?
It would be unfortunate if they lost some of their money.
2024 School Fees
After discussions with our MACS Finance Business Partner (Jacqueline Fan) it has been decided to raise our 2024 School Fees by 3%.
Red Jelly Crystal Donations
Our Parents and Friends Association are making red jelly for our students to celebrate Christmas. It would be great if each family could donate a packet of red jelly crystals in the next couple of weeks. Please drop these off at the office.
Thank You
The front of our Administration Building looks amazing! A BIG thank you to Daniel Trettel and his father-in-law for moving all of the tanbark onto our garden beds.
I would also like to thank the members of our School Advisory Council and Parents and Friends Association for your support this year. Our staff and families are fortunate to have such enthusiastic and dedicated parents working hard behind the scenes at at functions to continue to improve our facilities and the education for our students.
School Closure Day
Friday 24th November (2024 Staff Planning Day)
Term 4 Events
November
Friday 10th - Remembrance Day Service (10:45am) All welcome
Friday 10th - SDSSA Summer Sport
Saturday 11th - Remembrance Day
Tuesday 14th - 2024 Prep Transition
Thursday 16th - Year 3/4 Performing Arts Celebration
Monday 20th - Transition Day (New students Years 1-6)
Tuesday 21st - 2024 Prep Transition
Friday 24th - School Closure Day (2024 Planning)
Friday 24th - Parish Dinner Dance (6:30pm)
Monday 27th - Friday 8th Dec (Prep-Year 4 Swimming Program)
Tuesday 28th - 2024 Prep Transition
Wednesday 29th - Swimming Rest Day
Wednesday 29th - Transition Day (New students Years 1-6)
December
Thursday 7th - Holy Family Community Christmas Carols
Monday 11th - Year 6 Graduation Ceremony (Avila College)
Wednesday 13th - End of Year Mass 9:15am (TBC)
Wednesday 13th - Year 6 Celebration Afternoon
Friday 15th - Final 2023 Assembly (2pm)
Friday 15th - School finishes at 3:15pm
Monday 18th - Staff Planning Day
Tuesday 19th - Staff Planning Day
Wednesday 20th - Staff Time In Lieu Day
2024 School Year
Term 1
January
Monday 29th - Staff Return
Tuesday 30th - Student Testing
Wednesday 31st - Student Testing
February
Thursday 1st - All students commence
Sunday 4th - Prep 2024 Playdate
Friday 9th - Parent Welcome Event (everyone welcome)
Friday 23rd - Athletics Trial Day
Thursday 29th - Prep and New Families Dinner
March
Friday 15th - School Community Colour Run