Dear Holy Family Parents and Carers,

Pope Leo Calls for Fresh Hope in Catholic Education

Pope Leo XIV has written a new letter called Drawing New Maps of Hope, encouraging Catholic schools to renew their mission in today’s fast-changing world. He reminds us that education isn’t just about grades or technology—it’s about forming the whole person: mind, heart, and spirit.

The Pope points out that while we face challenges like too much screen time, social pressure, and growing inequality, Catholic education can shine as a place of hope. He asks schools to focus on three things: helping students grow in their inner life and faith, using technology wisely, and building a culture of peace through kind and respectful communication.

Pope Leo also calls on schools to stay open and accessible to all families—especially those who struggle financially—and to care for both people and the planet. Inspired by St. John Henry Newman, he reminds us that faith should be part of every subject, giving life and meaning to all learning.

Drawing New Maps of Hope is an invitation to keep our schools grounded in love, community, and the joy of learning—helping young people grow into thoughtful, compassionate leaders for the future.

The Way of the Heart

Last week, I had the privilege of joining The Way of the Heart pilgrimage a the Kincumber Spirituality Centre — a time of reflection, prayer, and encounter that left a deep impression on me both personally and professionally.

Guided by Bishop Anthony Randazzo’s reflection, “Encountering Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,” I was reminded that faith begins in encounter — in allowing ourselves to be seen, loved, and transformed by Christ. The Eucharist, as Bishop Anthony shared, is not only a moment of worship but a meeting that sends us forth renewed, ready to serve others with compassion and humility.

Walking the quiet path at Kincumber, I was struck by the simplicity and peace that come when we make space for God to speak to the heart. As Principal, I am called to carry that same spirit of encounter into my work — to lead with gentleness, to listen deeply, and to create spaces where faith can take root and flourish across our communities.

The Way of the Heart has reminded me that leadership in Catholic education is ultimately about accompaniment: walking together, guided by Christ, toward hope, understanding, and love.

Term 4 P&F Forum & AGM Update

As we near the end of the year, I wish to extend my deepest thanks to the 2025 Parents & Friends (P&F) Team for their incredible service and dedication. Their tireless efforts have helped foster a strong, connected, and vibrant school community.

Thank You to our 2025 P&F Team:

President: Olwyn Connolly

Secretary: Bridget Faure

Treasurers: Nina Hua & Si Yuet Lo

CSP Rep: Shane Norton

Class Parent Coordinators: Anna Roberts, Pip Ling, Stephen Xu

Yearbook Co-ordinator: Olivia Tham and Norelle Jones

Green Team Coordinator: Seichi Mitsui

Uniform Exchange Coordinator: Carolyn Packwood

We especially acknowledge Olwyn Connolly for her outstanding leadership as President over the past three years. Olwyn's contributions and leadership have been invaluable and greatly appreciated. A huge thank you to Pip Ling for her amazing organisation and work this year.

Thanks to your generous support, we’ve funded key Creative Arts programs including Band, Zing Activ Dance, and Musica Viva. These initiatives have enriched the academic and cultural life of our students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We congratulate and welcome the newly appointed 2026 P&F Team:

President: Shahin Soroushian

Vice President: Maya Daniel

Secretary: Bridget Faure (2nd term)

Treasurers: Nina Hua & Si Yuet Lo (2nd term)

CSP Rep: Shane Norton (2nd term)

Class Parent Leads: Anna Roberts, Stephen Xu, and a warm welcome to Carolyn Packwood

Green Team Coordinator: Seichi Mitsui

Uniform Exchange Coordinator: (available)

Yearbook: Olivia Tham

Lindfield Art Show & Fair Team: Anna Roberts, Angel Buchanan, Virginia Smirniotis and Esther Touma

We look forward to another year of collaboration, creativity, and community spirit. Together, we continue to build a stronger Holy Family.

Parent Information Night – Building Resilience Children (P&F Funded)

Date: Wednesday, 19 November (Term 4, Week 6)

Time: 6:00–7:30pm

Venue: School Library

Format: In-person session

We warmly encourage all families to attend and look forward to sharing this enriching experience with our school community. Please CLICK HERE to register

	TERM 4
Friday 14 November	School Disco 5.00-6.30pm Kinder to Year 2 6.30-8.00pm Years 3 to 6
Week 6
Tuesday 18 November	Kindy Transition morning no. 2 2.10pm Assembly
Wednesday 19 November	Parent Engagement - Resilience Workshop 6.00pm
Friday 21 November	Colour Fun Run
Week 7
Sunday 23 November	10.15am Welcome to Holy Family Mass
Monday 24 November Tuesday 25 November	2026 Swimming Carnival - Lane Cove Aquatic Centre 2026 Kindy Transition whole group
Friday 28 November	Volunteers Thank You Morning Tea Stage 3 students - lunchtime at Primula Park
Week 8
Sunday 30 November	Advent Begins Christmas Pudding Making "Stir it Up"
Tuesday 2 December	2.10pm Assembly
Friday 5 December	Christmas Concert Semester Two school reports
Sat. 6 & Sun 7 December	Band Camp at Galston
Week 9
Friday 12 December	1pm Year 6 Graduation Mass & celebration
Week 10
Monday 15 December	Holy Family's Got Talent Show
Tuesday 16 December	9am Meet the Teacher for 2026 Year 6 Special Outing to the movies
Wednesday 17 December	9am End of Year Mass Students last day for 2025
Thursday 18 December	Staff Development Day (Pupil free)

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

Community News

Parent Line NSW: Free Telephone Counselling for Parents and Carers of Children - Council of Catholic School Parents