Dear Holy Family Parents and Carers,

As we gather here on the last day of the school year, we pause to reflect on the journey we’ve all shared this year. Today, as we celebrate the Advent Mass, we are reminded of the hope, joy, and peace that this season brings. We come together as a school community, united by our shared values and the strength and gentleness that guide us each day.

To our wonderful Year 6 students, this day marks the end of a significant chapter in your lives, one full of growth, learning, and memories. You have worked hard and shown incredible dedication throughout your time at this school. As you prepare to move on to new adventures in high school, always remember the lessons you've learned here. Be strong in your convictions, yet gentle in your actions. Carry with you the values of kindness, respect, and perseverance that are at the heart of our school motto. We are so proud of each of you, and we wish you all the very best as you embark on this next step in your journey.

I would also like to acknowledge the students in other grades who will be leaving us and moving on to other schools. You will be missed here at Holy Family, and we want you to know that our best wishes go with you. Your time with us may have been shorter, but the memories you’ve created and the friendships you’ve made will last. We hope that wherever you go, you continue to carry the spirit of strength and gentleness that defines our community.

My heartfelt thanks to the families who will be leaving Holy Family. We understand that transitions can be both exciting and bittersweet, and while we will miss you, we are truly grateful for the time you have spent as part of our school community. Your involvement, support, and commitment have played a vital role in shaping the spirit of our school. Whether it’s through volunteering, attending events, or being there for your children’s growth and development, your contributions have made a lasting impact. You will always be a part of our Holy Family, and we hope that the memories, friendships, and experiences you’ve gained here will stay with you as you move forward.

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to some of our wonderful staff members who will be leaving us. To Mrs Brady, Mrs Chapman and Mrs Stewart, while we are sad to see you go, we are deeply grateful for the dedication, hard work, and passion you have shared with us during your time at Holy Family. Your contributions have helped shape the positive and caring environment we all enjoy here. Whether through your teaching, leadership, or behind-the-scenes support, your commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed, and you will be greatly missed.

To our students—this year has been a time of growth and learning. You have shown tremendous effort in everything you do, from academics to extracurricular activities, and I could not be prouder of each and every one of you. Your resilience and determination are truly inspiring, and I want you to know that your hard work does not go unnoticed.

To our parents and families, your support and dedication to the school have been invaluable. We are grateful for the trust you place in us and for the role you play in making this school such a warm and welcoming place. Your strength and gentleness in supporting not only your own children but the entire community have been truly inspiring.

My deepest gratitude to our incredible Parents and Friends, class parents and volunteers for their unwavering commitment and hard work throughout the year. You have been instrumental in creating a vibrant and supportive community here at Holy Family. From organizing events and fundraisers to providing invaluable support to staff and students, your dedication and energy have enriched our school in so many ways. Your efforts have fostered a sense of connection and togetherness that makes our school such a special place.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Father Colin, Maia, O'Kelly and the entire parish team. Father Colin, your leadership, care, and dedication to our school community have been a great blessing to us. Your presence and support are truly appreciated. Thank you for guiding us spiritually and for always helping us grow in faith. May you and the parish team be filled with peace this Christmas season.

Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and express my heartfelt thanks to our school leadership Team, Mrs Edwards, Mrs Stella and Mrs Overton and the incredible staff here at Holy Family. Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the students and the school community have been truly outstanding. You go above and beyond each day, shaping young minds and nurturing hearts, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. On behalf of the entire school community, I thank you for all that you do to make this school a place of learning, care, and support.

As we close this year, I want to wish each and every one of you a happy, holy and safe Christmas. May it be a time of peace, joy, and togetherness. We look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year, ready to continue the journey of learning, growing, and living out our school motto together.

Kindy and New Families Welcome BBQ

We would like to warmly invite all Kindy and new families to our Welcome BBQ on Friday, February 21, at 5:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow families, connect, and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

To help us with catering, please RSVP using the link

https://forms.office.com/r/Qv7LqG849b

We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate the start of the school year together!

December and January Vacation Care Program

Catholic Care Vacation Care service offer a wide range of activities catering to children of differing ages, interests and needs. They also head out and about on a range of fun local excursions each holiday period.

The environment that they provide are stimulating and enjoyable with activities that harness the children’s interests and strengths, while respecting their need for leisure.

Click here to see the latest program

Request for Testimonials for Our Website

We are in the process of updating our testimonials page on our website and would greatly appreciate your feedback.

If you or your child have had positive experiences with us, we kindly ask you to write and share a brief testimonial that we can include on the page. Your insights will help others understand the value we provide.

Please send your testimonials to patrice.abood@dbb.catholic.edu.au

2025 Term Dates

Kindest regards,

Pauline Dinale

Principal

Click here to view our school calendar

TERM ONE 2025

Monday 13 January	Vacation Care commences
Friday 31 January	Staff commence
Week 1
Monday 3 February	Years 1-6 commence Kindy Best Start
Tuesday 4 February	Kindy Best Start
Wednesday 5 February	Kindergarten commence school Tea & Tissues for Kindy parents 9am
Thursday 6 February	Year 5 & 6 Leadership Day
Friday 7 February	St Brigid’s Day liturgy 9am
Week 2
Tuesday 11 February	Assembly 2.10pm
Wednesday 12 February	Parent Information evening 6pm
Friday 14 February	School Commissioning Mass 10am Census + Curriculum Overviews
Week 3
Monday 17 February	School Swimming Carnival (Yr 2-6)
Tuesday 18 February	Reconciliation Parent Information
Thursday 20 February	School Website Videography
Friday 21 February	Welcome Kindy & new Families BBQ
Week 4
Monday 24 to Wed. 26 Feb.	Meet the Teacher Conferences
Tuesday 25 February	Assembly 2.10pm
Thursday 27 February	North Shore Swim Carnival
Week 5
Tuesday 4 March	Open Day 9am & 6pm
Wednesday 5 March	Ash Wednesday Mass 12pm + Rice Day
Week 6
Sunday 9 March	Synodal Gathering 11.15am -1.30pm
Tuesday 11 March	Broken Bay Swim Carnival Assembly 2.10pm
Wed. 12 to Mon. 24 March	NAPLAN - Years 3 & 5
Week 7
Sunday 16 March	Family Mass Year 4 at 6pm + Pot Luck dinner
Saturday 22 March	Reconciliation 1.30pm + 3.00pm
Sunday 23 March	Family Mass Kinder, Year 5 and 6 at 10.15am
Week 8
Tuesday 25 March	Assembly 2.10pm
Wednesday 26 March	North Shore Stage 3 Touch
Friday 28 March	Lenten Mass 10am
Week 9
Wed. 2 – Fri. 4 March	Stage 3 Leadership Camp at Narrabeen
Week 10
Monday 7 April	School Cross Country Years 2-6
Tuesday 8 April	Assembly 2.10pm
Wednesday 9 April	Open Day 9am
Thursday 10 April	Cross Country Back-up Day + last day of Term One for students
Friday 11 April	Staff Spirituality Day - “Way of the HeART” (Pupil Free Day)

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

Coles Development

Proposed completion date - end of February - mid March

Holy Family Newsletter - Tel: 7256 2141 Email: hfl@dbb.org.au

Strength and Gentleness

Term 4 Week 10 · 18 Dec 2024

In this issue