School Closure Day (Monday 3rd November)

Public Holiday - Melbourne Cup (Tuesday 4th November)

Dear Families,

We have had a busy couple of weeks!

Year 3 and 4 School Camp
Prep 2026 Transition
Prep - Year 2 Concert rehearsals
Senior Student Futsal competition
Division Athletics
Division Basketball
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Video/Photo Shoot onsite
External Review Process

I would like to thank our staff for supporting each of these events.

The Benefits of School Camps

At Holy Family, our vision — In Faith, we believe, we belong, we learn, we grow — comes to life in many ways, and school camps are a wonderful example of this.

Camps give students the chance to step outside the classroom and grow in independence, confidence and friendship. Whether it’s trying a new activity, sharing a cabin, or encouraging a classmate, children learn important life skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Time away from home also strengthens teamwork and builds resilience. Students discover how capable they are when they work together, listen to one another and take on new challenges.

Being outdoors helps children appreciate the beauty of creation, enjoy physical activity and experience the simple joy of connecting with nature.

School camps are always a highlight of the year — full of laughter, learning and lasting memories. They reflect our belief that through shared experiences, our children believe, belong, learn and grow together.

Avila College Youth Ministry Visit

We were delighted to welcome the Avila College Youth Ministry Team to Holy Family, who led an engaging session with our Year 6 students to deepen their understanding of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Through prayer, discussion and interactive activities, students explored how the fruits — including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and gentleness — can be lived out in their everyday lives. The session encouraged them to reflect on how the Holy Spirit guides their actions and helps them contribute positively to our school and wider community.

This faith-filled experience was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from the inspiring young leaders of Avila College, who shared their enthusiasm for living out the Gospel message in practical and meaningful ways.

School Review Process

Our school is currently undergoing an external Review. Every four years Catholic Primary Schools are reviewed by an external agency to set direction for the next four years. Our Reviewer is Lorraine Kennedy from National Curriculum Services.

Yesterday some of our parents and staff had the opportunity to meet with Lorraine. Thank you to those members of our community for supporting this process.

Lorraine will be at our school next Friday 31st October to continue the Review process.

I look forward to sharing her final report with everyone in our community.

Meet our Psychologist

Dr Alexa Kambouropoulos holds a Ph.D. in Psychology. Alexa is a very passionate and empathic psychologist 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 the child.

Given Alexa’s passion is baking and creative crafts, she utilizes these as part of her play therapy in individual 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 parental consent form needs to be submitted before commencing therapy. The parent, guardian and or the class room teacher can refer the child to therapy.

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 $124.30

6. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to call me (0417 011 665) and or email on: AKambouropoulos@onpsych.com.au

World Teacher's Day

On Friday 31st October all students are encouraged to come to school wearing a 'silly' hat to celebrate World Teacher's Day. The theme for the day is 'Hats Off To Our Teachers'.

World Teacher's Day is a chance to celebrate the extraordinary effort and devotion that teachers show in their work every day, empowering learners across Australia with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed.

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

We are looking forward to being entertained by our amazing Prep to Year 2 students at Avila College tonight. These students have spent endless hours rehearsing so I am sure that everyone in attendance will thoroughly enjoy this expereince.

Discovery Tours

Please invite your family, friends and neighbours to go to our website and book a Discovery Tour with myself and our Student Leaders.

It is your 'Word of Mouth' that peaks interest in others to visit and join Holy Family School.

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 everyone a relaxing weekend,

Julie David (Principal)

2025 School Year Dates

Term Four Important Dates

(dates as correct on 18/9/2025)

OCTOBER

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)

Holy Family School

In Faith, We believe, We belong, We learn, We grow

HOPE · 23 Oct 2025

In this issue