Dear Families,

I would like to thank the staff who supported our community while Eithne King and I attended the Victorian Association for Catholic School Principals (VACPSP) in Lorne last week.

The focus of the Conference was 'Nourish Your Purpose'. The Conference was for leaders in Victoria to nourish their mind, body and soul, activating a spirit of exceptional leadership, enlivened faith, deep knowledge and professional capacity.

The time away allowed me to reflect on the values I call upon to ensure my daily decisions align with the servant leader I aspire to be.

As Principal, I am guided by honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, courage and humility. These values underpin our shared mission to nurture the full flourishing of every student, recognising the inherent dignity of each person as created in the image of God.

Honesty and integrity calls me to act with truth and consistency, building trust within our community. Kindness and compassion shape a culture of belonging, where every child is known, valued and supported to thrive. Courage enables me to respond with high expectations and clarity, particularly when faced with challenge or growth. Humility invites me to be a reflective learner, open to feedback and committed to continual improvement.

In partnership with families, I am intentionally modelling these values through my commitment to excellence in learning and teaching, student wellbeing, and inclusive practices. In doing so, Holy Family forms young people who are confident, capable and compassionate, equipped to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.

What Do People Experience When They Experience You?

This question was given to us during the Conference last week.

As parents at Holy Family School, I would like you to consider this question in relation to interactions you have with school staff and other parents.

At Holy Family Primary School, we are proud of the strong sense of community that exists between our students, families and staff. This is built on mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to the wellbeing and learning of every child.

From time to time, we need to gently but clearly reaffirm our expectations around how we engage with one another. All members of our community—adults and children alike—are called to act with respect, kindness and care in every interaction. This includes communication with staff, conversations between parents, and the way we speak about and to students.

Behaviours that are aggressive, disrespectful or undermining do not reflect our values and impact the sense of safety and belonging we strive to create. Our staff are deeply committed professionals who deserve to be treated with dignity, just as every child and family does.

We acknowledge that concerns or frustrations can arise. When they do, we ask that they are raised in a way that is calm, respectful and solution-focused, so that we can work together in genuine partnership. Our shared goal is always the same: the growth, wellbeing and flourishing of every child.

Guided by our Catholic faith, we are called to model for our children what it means to be a community of compassion, humility and respect. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring Holy Family remains a place where all feel safe, valued and connected.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Our Year 4 students received the Sacrament of Reconciliation last Tuesday. I would like to thank Miss Luong, Mrs Davis, Mrs Dimovski, Ms Pejic and Father Justel for ensuring this occasion was prayerful and memorable for each child.

Colour Run

I am pleased to announce that our school raised $9,450 in total. Your generosity will go towards improving the learning and social environments for your children.

Award winners -

Highest Fundraisng Class (Prep I) $1,340
Highest Fundraising Student (James Beayni) $780
2nd Highest Fundraising Student (Thomas Beayni) $734
3rd Highest Fundraising Student (Kash Delahunty) $575

Caritas Fundraiser (Kick Poverty Away)

During Lent our students were encouraged to support people in third world countries by bringin in a gold coin donation. Our students raised $519 which Caritas will use to provide fresh drinking water, food, clothes, schooling, ... to those people less fortunate than us.

Year 3V raised the most so they were presented with a World Cup Soccer Ball to use at break times while at school.

Easter Raffle

Congratulations to the following stduents who won our Easter Raffle -

Mili (Year 1F)
Evie (Year 2B)
Dakota (Year 2MK)

Thank you to our families for your delicious donations!

Holy Family School Presence

Thank you to our families who have volunteered to assist with the liturgy at weekend Masses. It is important to note down your family name so I can contact you.

Please complete this form if your family would like to be involved in this initiative.

https://tinyurl.com/bdn3aeye

SIMON- new platform

Two weeks ago you would have received an email from SIMON which is the replacement platform for Operoo.

To set up your account for parent access please click on the link provided and enter your email address as your username. You may need to select 'forgot password' to set a password to enter this platform.

The first task that has been sent is to update the medical profile for your children who currently attend Holy Family School.

Thank you for your prompt response to this as this is a platform that we will rely on to send out notices that require permission from parents.

It is imperative that this task is completed as we are ready to begin sending permissions and notes for some very important activities e.g 3/4 camp in week 6 of Term 2.

Thank you for your attention to this task.

School Closure Day

Our first day back in Term 2 (Monday 20th April) is a School Closure Day for Staff Professional Learning.

Holy Family Playgroup

'Holy Family Playgroup' is happening!

Sessions for the remainder of this Semester are below -

Friday 24th April
Friday 8th May
Friday 22nd May
Friday 5th June
Friday 19th June

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

We are now accepting enrolments for all classes in 2027. Please go to our website and download the enrolment form.

Please ask families in our community why we are their school of choice.

https://hfmw.catholic.edu.au/

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

Wishing everyone a safe and restful break,

Julie David (Principal)

Term 1 Dates

APRIL

Thur 2 End of Term 1 (1pm finish)

Holy Thursday

Fri 3 Good Friday

Sun 5 Easter Sunday

Term 2 Dates

APRIL

Mon 20 School Closure Day (Staff Professional Learning)

Tues 21 Students resume

Thur 23 School Photos

Fri 24 ANZAC Prayer Service

MAY

Fri 1 House Cross Country

Tues 5 Parents and Friends Meeting (6:30pm)

Thur 7 Sacrament of Confirmation

Fri 8 Interschool Sports

Sun 10 Mother's Day

Fri 15 District Cross Country

Wed 20 SAC Meeting

Thurs 21 Year 5 Incursion

Sat 23 National Reconciliation Week

Mon 25 School Closure Day (Staff Time in Lieu)

Wed 27 National Simultaneous Story Time (Luna Roo) Students wear PJs

Wed 27-29 Year 3 and 4 School Camp (Sovereign Hill)

Sat 30 First Eucharist Commitment Mass (5pm)

Sun 31 First Eucharist Commitment Masses (8:30am, 10am)

June

Mon 8 Public Holiday (King's Birthday)

Thur 11 EMR Cross Country

Fri 12 District Soccer Gala

Fri 19 First Eucharist Reflection Day

Fri 19 Summer Sports Gala Day

Sun 21 Sacrament of First Eucharist (10am)

Fri 26 Term 2 concludes (1pm)

Student Awards

(Weeks 8 and 10)