Assistant Principal's Page
Play, Hat and Lunch Routines in 2026
As discussed last night we are thrilled to welcome more students and staff to Holy Family in 2026. With these extra enrolments we have needed to make some changes and adapt to our new community needs.
Play Areas and Lunch Clubs-
This year we have opened the hall every lunch time for one grade. Kindergarten will be added to the roster in Term Two. The students can play active games in the back 'grass' area and there are a variety of new games e.g. large Connect Four to play in the hall. So far this has been a great success!
In addition to this please note lunchtime activities we have organised for students this term.
Monday - Library Open for all students
Tuesday- Craft Club (Years 3-4), CAPA (Years 3-6)
Wednesday - SRC (nominated students), Green Team (Years 1-6), Lego Masters (Years 1-2 - 4 weeks of each grade due to high demand), Chess (K - players only, to Year 6 students)
Thursday- Library Open for all students
Friday- Library Open for all students, Fun Friday activities in the playground
Hats
Students will no longer leave their hats at school overnight. They should be worn home daily and worn to school for maximum sun protection. Parents are able to wash hats at any stage of the term.
Lunch Routines
As well as the increased number of students, we are currently trialling new lunch routines due to
- the amount of rubbish that accumulates daily on the playground
- whole lunches thrown in the bin - students not eating - as they feel rushed to play
- increased vermin - pigeons, rats and cockatoos that feed from our playground and bins, creating more mess
- inadequate shelter in the under croft from wet weather, extreme cold and heat.
- inadequate seating for students due to larger numbers - more seating would also reduce the play area
At the beginning of this year, staff decided to trial student eating in the classroom for recess and lunch. This entails -
- students eat at their desk or on the floor of their room
- rubbish goes home in lunchboxes
- uneaten food goes home (you can see exactly how much your child has eaten as there is no thrown out food)
students are allowed to take any small items they haven't finished to the playground if required.
We are still tweaking this system, but we have had some great feedback so far as well as questions. Please be assured that it is only for the ten minutes of eating. The students enjoy their normal playtime outside with friends.
Next week we will survey out teachers and students and make any adjustments needed. Please email me if you wish to share your thoughts or have any questions.
Have a lovely weekend
Sam Edwards
Assistant Principal