Principal's Message

Dear Holy Family Parents,

                                                        Post Athletics Carnival Update

We are now working on finalising our age champions for each age group and gender, as well as selecting our zone team for the Zone Carnival on 13 August.

Most shot put, discus, and long jump events were completed during the carnival. However, we still need to finish high jump and a few remaining events during class lessons.

We will announce the date of the awards presentation as soon as possible.

Holy Family School Sports Committee 

We are excited to explore the establishment of a School Sports Committee to support, strengthen and celebrate the growing sporting culture within our community.

Purpose of the Sports Committee 

The Sports Committee provides a forum for shared decision‑making about school sport. The Sports Committee acts in an advisory manner for decisions made at Holy Family about school sport  

It supports the school in making informed decisions about:  

• Sporting events and competitions offered to students 
• Venues and logistics for sports activities 
• Major school sporting events, including:  
• Swimming Carnival 
• Cross Country 
• Athletics Carnival 
• Gala Days 

The committee aims to balance participation, safety, enjoyment, and skill development, ensuring all students have opportunities to engage in physical activity.  

A Sports Committee helps to: 

• Give parents and students a voice in school sport 
• Ensure sporting events are well‑planned and meaningful 
• Reflect the needs and interests of the school community 
• Promote leadership opportunities for students 
• Build a strong, supportive sporting culture 

The committee includes representatives from across our school community: 

• Principal 
• Assistant Principal 
• Sports Teacher 
• Parent Representatives 
• Student Sports Leaders 

This structure ensures that school leadership, professional expertise, parent perspectives, and student voice all contribute to discussions and recommendations. Meetings occur once a term either Face to Face or via Teams. 

Parents are encouraged to contact the school for clarification on events. 

The Role of the Sports Committee 

The committee: 

• Reviews and discusses sporting programs and events 
• Makes recommendations about:  
• Types of events offered 
• Event formats 
• Venues and scheduling 
• Supports inclusive practices so all students can participate 
• Encourages a positive culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play 
• Strengthens partnerships between the school, families, and students 
• Works within NSW Department of Education and Catholic Schools Broken Bay protocols and requirements  

Individual student results and qualifications for school, North Shore and Pathways events will be the responsibility of the school and will not be placed on the agenda for Sports Committee meetings.  All major decisions remain the responsibility of the Principal, informed by committee recommendations. 

We warmly invite parents who are passionate about sport and interested in contributing their time, ideas and enthusiasm to be part of this committee. If you would like to be involved, please email me at pauline.dinale@dbb.catholic.edu.au.

                                                Facilities Update

During the holiday period, all internal balustrades were increased in height to further enhance student safety. The extension has been installed using grey powder coated mesh, which maintains excellent light flow to the stairwells while also being aesthetically pleasing. This upgrade significantly improves safety, particularly in reducing risk should a child attempt to climb the bag racks adjacent to the balustrades. 

Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) has commenced work on  a shade shelter for the playground sandpit to enhance sun safety and student wellbeing. Temporary fencing surrounds the sandpit for the next few weeks as the poles have been erected and we are awaiting the sunshelter. This improvement will ensure students are able to enjoy the sandpit in a safe, shaded environment. Works are expected to commence in the coming weeks. 

Student Retention

We are currently implementing a Student Retention Program, with a strong focus on the Graduate Program. This initiative highlights the distinctive strengths of a Holy Family education and supports families in choosing to remain at our school through to graduation, rather than transitioning to private secondary schools.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

This week's Behaviour Spotlight: Using technology safely and responsibly

Please CLICK HERE to read the Parents Charter from Catholic Schools Broken Bay.