Dear Families,

It has been great coming back to Holy Family after taking my leave. I would like to thank Eithne King, our Leadership Team and staff for supporting our students and families during this time.

While in Japan, Holy Family was never too far away. I met two of our families on holidays while wandering the streets. Funnily enough I even met Johnny who is going to be 'Prinicpal for the Day' this term!

Stepping away from my role gave me time to reflect and consider possibilities for Holy Family School in the coming years. Japan is such a beautiful place to take time to stop, reflect and recharge.

In 2026, I would like to see our school hosting a Play Group once a fortnight. This group could meet in our Gathering Space. I will also be looking for volunteers to be Parent Ambassadors to assist with marketing our school and the excellent opportunities that we provide each student with during their 7 years at Holy Family School.

We will continue to be guided by research when developing our Prep to Year 6 curriculum. I am pleased to say that Dr Nathaniel Swain will continue to be our 'critical friend'. Dr Swain is a teacher, Instructional Coach, and writer. He is passionate about language, literacy and learning, and effective and engaging teaching for all students.

Over his career, he has worked with students and teachers in a primary, secondary and tertiary settings as a teacher and instructional leader.

In 2019, hefounded a community of teachers and other educators committed to the Science of Learning: THINK FORWARD EDUCATORS.

2026 Prep Information Evening

We had a very successful 2026 Prep Information Session last night. I would like to thank our School Captains (Micah and Georgia), Fire Carrier (Joshua) and Liturgy Leaders (Lauren and Alessandra) for presenting at this event. I am always amazed at the poise and confidence our students exhibit when speaking in front of unfamiliar audiences. I am very proud of these leaders.

Thank you also to Eithne King, Di Dimovski and Vicky Pejic for preparing for and also sharing information with our families about our school community and curriculum.

Finally, thank you and welcome to our new families who have chosen Holy Family to educate their child for the next 7 years. What a privelege!

Professional Learning

On Monday 6th October our staff gathered to complete required documentation for our Review. This 'review' occurs every 4 years and sets our School Improvement Plan for 2026-2029 based on data gathered by the reviewer. Each year our Staff Leadership Team set annual targets based on the Improvement Plan.

The person allocated to be our reviewer changed during the holidays. Lorraine Kennedy (National Curriculum Services) is now our reviewer. Joan has just returned from a Leaders Tour looking at schools in Finland and Sweden.

Joan will be at Holy Family four days this term. I have listed the dates below as our staff and Leadership Team will be in meetings with Lorraine on these days.

Initial meeting: Tuesday 14 October
Day 1: Wednesday 22 October
Day 2: Friday 31 October
Dialogue & Engagement: Thursday 4th December

I will approach some of our parents to take part in this review process.

The second half of the day was spent exploring the concept of 'Family Engagement'. Duing the National Catholic Education Conference in Cairns, I was fortunate to listen to Steven Constantino.

Dr. Steve Constantino and Dr. Peggie Constantino have spent their careers helping schools around the world unlock one powerful truth: when educators build strong, trusting relationships with families, students thrive.

The Constantino Group, we believe that relationships—internal and external—are the key to school improvement. Our work is grounded in decades of research and practice in family engagement, school leadership, and systems change. We don’t offer a list of tactics. We offer a philosophy and a framework that puts people and partnerships at the center of your culture.

CULTURE THROUGH CONNECTION

People before programs.

The most powerful driver of school improvement isn’t a product or program—it’s the quality of relationships. The Constantino Group helps schools and districts transform culture through meaningful, lasting connections with families, colleagues, and communities.

An action from this meeting is for staff to call families in our community and thank them for choosing Holy Family for their child's education. This phone call is not an opportunity for a parent/teacher interview. It is a simple act of 'thanks'.

Year 3 and 4 School Camp

Excitement is starting to shine through!

Our Year 3 and 4 stduents are hopping on a bus and heading to Arrabri Lodge in East Warburton next week (Wed 15-Fri 17 October). Myself and Miss King will begoing on this camp to support our staff and students. Jennifer Young will be in charge for the 3 days we are at camp.

Student Achievements

On Wednesday some of our students participated in Division Athletics. It was wonderful hearing about the success of these students but most importantly the way they encouraged and supported each other.

Congratulations Oz for being 1st in 100m, 2nd in shot put and 3rd in long jump! A HUGE thank you to his classmates for supporting and cheering Oz on.

Psychologist/Counsellor Opportunity

Our school psychologist has started!

Dr Alexa works at our school each Thursday. This service is free for your child which is a wonderful opportunity to support mental wellbeing. As a parent I believe this is a fabulous resource to have onsite. All you have to do is go to your GP and they will create a Mental Health Plan for your child. The purpose of this plan is so that you can receive this service at no cost.

So far, we have only received a couple of applications for this service. Please email if you would like to access this service for your child.

Here is a little bio from Dr. Alexa-

Dr Alexa Kambouropoulos holds a Ph.D. in Psychology. Alexa is a very passionate and empathicpsychologist who works with both children and adolescents who are experiencing a range of psychological issues such as anxiety and mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, interpersonal, learning, and behavioural disorders, study/exam stress, and adjustment difficulties (social & situational). Dr Alexa draws on psychological modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centred, play and solution-focused therapy with psycho-education. Dr Alexa firmly believes that a collaborative and parental partnership approach will produce the most successful outcomes for thechild. Given Alexa’s passion is baking and creative crafts, she utilizes these as part of her play therapy inindividual and group sessions. Alexa finds these modalities encourage quieter children to engage in dialogue, develop their confidence and social skills.

Please find below, some brief information regarding the process of therapy:

1.GP referral and the parental consent form needs to be submitted before commencing therapy. The parent, guardian and or the class room teacher can be the referrer.

2. On receiving the above, Alexa meets with the child to introduce herself and build rapport.

3. Point 2 is followed up with a brief parental chat to gather more information about the child. If necessary, Alexa also seeks further insights from the classroom teacher regarding the child.

4. During the 10 sessions, Alexa regularly keeps in touch with the parent(s) and provides feedback regarding the child. Under the MHCP, there is no monetary costs involved to the parent.

5. After the completion of the 10 sessions, if the parent wishes to continue the services, Onpsych invoices the parent the same amount as what Medicare charges which is $124.306. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to call me (0417 011 665) and or email on:AKambouropoulos@onpsych.com.au

Please read the attached information and email jda@hfmw.catholic.edu.au if you would like to access this service.

2026 Prep Transition Program

We are looking forward to welcoming our new Preps for 2026 next term as they begin their transition from kindergarted to school. Be sure to say hello if you see them at our school! The 2026 Prep Information Night is on Wednesday 6th October from 6:30pm in The Gathering Space, followed by children attending transition sessions throughout October and November.

Year Prep-2 Concert- 'When I Grow Up'

On Thursday 23rd October our Year Prep-2 students will be showcasing their Performing Arts talents to our school community. Tickets are now available (limited), so please complete the Operoo note to request tickets for your family.

Prep 2026 Enrolments

If you have a child ready to start school in 2026 please submit your enrolment form to the office as soon as possible. We look forward to welcoming your family to Holy Family School in 2026.

Once you have enrolled your child -

You will be invited to attend and interview with school staff and your child to discuss how to 'best' transition your child to primary school
Your child will attend 5 Transition Sessions in Term 4
You will be invited to attend a Prep Parent Information Session in Term 4
Your child will meet their Year 5 Buddy at their final Transition Session in Term 4

Open Days

Open Days are held every Tuesday at 9:30am. Please go to our website to book a tour.

Our 2025 School Captains (Micah and Georgia) and Vice Captains (Xavier and Sienna) will support these tours.

Soft Plastics Recycling pick up

Thank you to all those families who have already volunteered this year to pick up our soft plastics recycling from school and drop off to the Monash Recycling Depot.

Please see below the roster for Term 4.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Julie David (Principal)

2025 School Year Dates

Term Four Important Dates

(dates as correct on 18/9/2025)

OCTOBER

Fri 10 Vision Screening

Wed 15 Year 3 and 4 Camp (3 days)

Tues 21 Prep Transition Session 1

Wed 22 Holy Family Video and Photo shoot

Tues 28 Prep Transition Session 2

Fri 31 World Teacher's Day

NOVEMBER

Mon 3 School Closure Day (Report Preparation)

Tues 4 Melbourne Cup Day (School Closure)

Fri 7 Prep Camp Day

Tues 11 Remembrance Day (Service at 10:45am)

Tues 11 Prep Transition Session 3

Tues 18 Prep Transition Session 4

Wed 19 SAC/P&F AGM (5:30pm)

Fri 21 Year 6 Summer Sport Fun Day

Mon 24 Year 1 and 2 Camp Day

Tues 25 Prep Transition Session 5

Fri 28 School Closure Day (2026 Planning)

DECEMBER

Mon 1 Swimming (Prep-Year 4) 2 weeks

Thurs 4 Community Christmas Carols (6:30pm)

Wed 10 Year 6 Graduation- Avila College

Fri 12 Year 6 'Big Day Out'

Tues 16 Final Assembly (11:30am)

Tues 16 Last day of 2025 for students (1pm finish)

Wed 17 Staff Handover (2025-2026)

Physical Education News