Dear Families,

I hope everyone had a restful break and a happy and Holy Easter.

This week we acknowledge and remember inspirational examples of courage, gratitude, and service shown by Pope Francis and our soldiers.

Pope Francis (Francesca Merlo)

We remember Pope Francis as a Pope of peace through his tireless appeals and constant visits to show his closeness to those suffering the consequences of one of the most unjust human-made disasters: war.

From the first days of his 12-year-long pontificate, Pope Francis spearheaded the global Catholic movement for peace advocacy. Through words, actions, and deeds, he demonstrated his unshakable belief in the power of reconciliation, the importance of dialogue, and the urgency of ending violence in all its forms.

Dubbed “the Pope of the peripheries,” Pope Francis always took the time to remember those suffering from conflict. While praying for peace in areas that gain most of the media attention, he also never failed to channel his prayers to some of the areas most hard-hit, yet most forgotten by the world.

One of his most symbolic gestures, and a particularly striking moment of his pontificate, was in April 2019, when he knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudanese leaders at the head of a country grappling with a horrific civil war. As he greeted President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar in the Vatican, the Pope, in his humility, kissed their feet, urging the leaders to lay down their weapons and pursue paths of peace.

The Pope’s closeness to those who suffer and his advocacy for an end to global violence were always a priority. Even in moments of personal difficulty, Pope Francis remained committed to peace.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Loving God,

we give you thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis.

In him you gave us a man of humility,

one who valued listening to the voices of the voiceless,

compassion for the undervalued,

mercy for sinners and justice for the oppressed.

You gave us a pastor

who led through the example of his love

for your people and your creation,

who was not ashamed to smell like his sheep.

Comfort all who mourn his passing,

and may the angels now lead him to paradise with you

to rest in your peace for eternity.

May your Spirit guide the future successor to your servant Francis

to continue the work you have begun through him,

for the good of the Church and the world.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

ANZAC Day

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Anzac Day falls on the 25th of April each year. The 25th of April was officially named Anzac Day in 1916.

On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day.

The Anzacs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Türkiye out of the war quickly became a stalemate and the campaign dragged on for eight months.

At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed.

The meaning of Anzac Day today includes the remembrance of all Australians killed in military operations.

The Power of Gratitude and Service

In a world that moves fast, taking a moment to reflect on what we are grateful for - and finding ways to give back - can ground us in what truly matters. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful. Service turns that gratitude into action.

Whether it’s saying a heartfelt “thank you,” helping a neighbor, or volunteering time or resources, simple acts of service can spark joy and connection—in our families, our communities, and ourselves.

Over the next few weeks, take time to notice the good. Encourage one another to give thanks, and look for opportunities to serve. Together, gratitude and service can light the way forward—reminding us we’re all part of something bigger.

Pope Francis and our soldiers provided us with great examples of service by the way they lived their lives. We are grateful for these people in our history.

New Families

We have welcomed new families to our community in the last few weeks.

Martin (Braxton Year 6)
Phillips (Acacia Year 5 and Ashton Year 6)
I (Gabriel Year 1, Ezekiel Year 4 and Emmanuel Year 5)
Newlands (Everley Prep and Ashley Year 2)
Taneja (Tejas Year 1)

Please welcome these families if you see them around our school.

New Staff

I would like to thank Rowena Murray-Lee for her support of our teachers and students in her role as a Learning Support Officer. Rowena has resigned from her position and we wish her all the best as she spends time with her family.

Kim Sundstrom has joined our Learning Support Team this term. Kim has expereince as a teacher in Melbourne, Sydney and Sweden. Her most recent educational experience was as a private tutor in Japan. We are very fortunate to have Kim as a member of our Holy Family staff and hope she enjoys her time at our wonderful school.

Mother's Day Event

On Monday 5th May our school community would like to thank the ladies in our community for all you do.

Please join us from 8:30am to enjoy a coffee/tea/hot chocolate and a sweet treat followed by a prayer service in the church.

Don't Forget

Year 3-6 Parent Literacy Information Evening

Come along to this evening to see how literacy is evolving at Holy Family.

This event is open to current and prospective families so please bring your friends along.

Bookings can be made via Operoo or email ndib@hfmw.catholic.edu.au

NO Parking!

Please be mindful that this parking space is a reserved space between the hours of 8am-4pm. The space will be put up for auction each term, so if you would like to reserve this spot bids will be taken soon!

Watch out for more details.

Prep 2026 Enrolments

If you have a child ready to start school in 2026 please submit your enrolment form to the office by the end of April. We already have quite a few enrolments already.

Open Days

Open Days run 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.

2025 School Year

Term Two Important Dates (refer to our Google Calendar as well)

APRIL

Fri 25 ANZAC Day (Public Holiday)

MAY

Fri 2 House Cross Country (9-11am)

Mon 5 Mother's Day Celebration

Wed 7 School Photos

Thurs 8 Mother's Day Stall

Fri 9 School Closure Day (Review Preparation and Religious Education PL)

Sun 11 Mother's Day

Wed 14 Year 3-6 Parent Literacy Information Evening (6:30-8pm)

Fri 16 Walk Safely to School Day

Fri 16 District Cross Country

Wed 21 National Simultaneous Storytime

Mon 26 Year 5/6 Concert

Wed 28-30 Year 5/6 Camp (Anglesea)

Wed 28 Division Cross Country

JUNE

Mon 2 About Real Life Program (Year 5/6)

Wed 4 Maths Family Night

Mon 9 King's Birthday Public Holiday

Tues 10 School Closure Day (Review Preparation)

Thurs 12 EMR Cross Country

Fri 13 District Soccer Round Robin (Year 5/6)

Fri 20 Winter Sport Gala Day (Year 5/6)

Sun 22 Sacrament of First Eucharist (10am)

Fri 27 Winter Sport Gala Day (Year 5/6)

JULY

Fri 4 Last day of Term 2 (1pm finish)

Wishing everyone a relaxing long weekend,

Julie David (Principal)

Literacy News