Dear Families,

Over the last fortnight, I had the opportunity to reflect on our Holy Family School Community and the love, care and educational opportunities our staff provide.

Each member of our school community is valued and acknowledged for their contribution to enable everyone to continue to grow - academically, emotionally, spiritually and faithfully.

Our staff are continually learning to deepen their curriculum knowledge and pedagogy.

This continuous learning has enabled student growth in -

reading (implementation of 'paired fluency' Prep to Year 6)
leadership (leading assembly and our weekly news broadcast 'Out and About at Holy Family')
contributing to a calm, collaborative classroom
recognising the need for a 'brain break'

Choosing Holy Family school is about more than academic results alone. For many families, it is a decision grounded in values, community and the formation of the whole child.

Why Choose A Catholic Education?

VATICAN CITY (Catholic News Service, 2025) -- Catholic education, which has changed over the centuries, must continue to evolve to help young people face the challenges not only of technology but of confusion about the meaning and purpose of life, Pope Leo XIV said.

"I call upon all educational institutions to inaugurate a new season that speaks to the hearts of the younger generations, reuniting knowledge and meaning, competence and responsibility, faith and life," he wrote in an apostolic letter.

Even in the face of the digital revolution and the advent of artificial intelligence, Pope Leo said, Catholic schools and universities show "a surprising resilience."

When they are "guided by the word of Christ, they do not retreat but press forward; they do not raise walls but build bridges. They respond creatively, opening new possibilities for the transmission of knowledge and meaning," he wrote.

Pope Leo asked Catholic educators and educational institutions to focus on "three priorities":

The first regards the interior life: Young people seek depth; they need spaces of silence, discernment and dialogue with their consciences and with God.

The second concerns a humane digital culture: We must educate in the wise use of technology and AI, placing the person before the algorithm, and harmonizing technical, emotional, social, spiritual and ecological forms of intelligence.

The third concerns peace -- unarmed and disarming: Let us educate in nonviolent language, reconciliation and bridge-building rather than wall-building; may 'Blessed are the peacemakers' -- (Mt 5:9) -- become both the method and the content of learning.

At the same time, the pope said, it is obvious that Catholic schools cannot ignore technology or avoid it, but they must be discerning about digital platforms, data protection and fair access for all students.

Parents, as the Second Vatican Council affirmed, are the first and primary educators of their children, the pope said, but "Christian education is a choral work: no one educates alone."

Those who teach in a Catholic institution, he said, "are called to a responsibility that goes beyond the employment contract: their witness is worth as much as their lesson."

Holy Family School Presence

At our School Advisory Council meeting last week Father Justel mentioned that he would like the school children to have greater presence at weekend Masses.

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

https://tinyurl.com/bdn3aeye

NAPLAN

The window for NAPLAN assessments commences on Wednesday 11th March for students in Year 3 and 5.

Our school uses these annual assessments toreview our teaching practice and note what we are doing well in and areas for further improvement. Please keep in mind that this is one assessment in time. If you are concerned about your child's achievement throughout the year, please make a time to speak with his/her teacher.

The information below coulld be helpful when you are speaking with your child about this assessment.

NAPLAN: Calm Hearts, Courageous Minds

1. You are known and loved

In our Catholic school (Holy Family), we believe every child is created by God and loved just as they are. An assessment can never measure your worth.

2. NAPLAN is one small part of learning

NAPLAN shows some learning on one day. It does not show your kindness, creativity, faith, or the many ways you grow each day.

3. Do your best and trust yourself

Doing your best is all God and your teachers ask of you. Your best may look different each day, and that is okay.

4. Breathe, be still, and begin again

When you feel worried, pause, take a slow breath, and ask God to help you feel calm and strong.

5. Take your time

Read each question carefully. If something feels tricky, move on and come back later.

6. Mistakes help us learn

Learning is a journey. Mistakes help us grow in wisdom, resilience, and confidence.

7. You are not alone

Your teachers are with you, and God walks beside you always.

8. Remember who you are

You are a learner, a friend and an important part of our school community.

School Sports

We are having a wonderful day today and can't wait for our families to join us on the oval at 2:30pm!

School Improvement Plan

I am pleased to present our community with Holy Family's School Improvement Plan (2026-2029).

Each year we are guided by this plan to formulate our Annual Action Plan.

Congratulations

I am pleased to share that two of our families have welcomed new babies in the last few weeks.

VanCuylenberg Family (Marcus Year 3V and Anton Year 1F) welcomed Amaya
Cox Family (Hamish Year 2MK) welcomed Rosie Mae

Enjoy your precious moments as a family.

School Closure Days

We have the following School Closure Days this term -

Friday 6th March (TIL Day)

Monday 9th March (Labour Day)

Hopefully you have the opportunity to join your family and friends over this 4 day break.

Holy Family Playgroup

'Holy Family Playgroup' is happening!

It was wonderful to have 3 families join us for our first session. Miss King and I enjoyed interacting with everyone who attended and look forward to this group growing in coming months.

Sessions for the remainder of this Semester are below -

Friday 13th March
Friday 27th March
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

Have a wonderful extra long weekend,

Julie David (Principal)

2026 Term 1 Dates

MARCH

Fri 6 School Closure Day (TIL)

Sun 8 International Women’s Day (Give To Gain)

Mon 9 Labour Day Public Holiday (School Closed)

Wed 11 NAPLAN commences

Year 4 Reconciliation/Eucharist Info Night

Fri 13 Year 3-6 Athletic Trials

Sun 15 Catholic Education Week (Christ Beside Me-Walking in the Footsteps of St Patrick)

Tues 17 St Patrick’s Day

Wed 18 Open Day (all day)

Fri 20 Community Colour Run (Major Fundraiser)

Mass of St Patrick (St Patrick’s Cathedral)

Sat 21 Harmony Day

World Down Syndrome Day

Tues 24 Sacrament of Reconciliation (5pm)

Fri 27 Halogen Young Leaders Day

Summer Sport Gala Day (TBC)

Tues 31 EMR Swimming

APRIL

Thur 2 End of Term 1 (1pm finish)

Holy Thursday

Fri 3 Good Friday

Sun 5 Easter Sunday

Thank you P&F