The Exec Address

Principal Address

Dear MCHF community,

We received wonderful news that the Founder of the Congregation of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, Patriarch Elias Howayek, was declared ‘Blessed’ by the Pope. This acknowledges the holy work of the Patriarch and is one step away from Sainthood. He is remembered as a man of dialogue, pastoral charity and evangelical poverty, widely revered as a Lebanese 'founding father'. One of his many profound quotes shows the humility of Blessed patriarch Elias Howayek:

For if I say, ‘I am a saint’ through my great efforts, it is the language of arrogance and pride. If I say, ‘I am not a saint’, then I am denying the grace and am not grateful. Therefore, you must declare and say that you have obtained talents from God. These talents are not from you, but are given to you through God’s generosity, so it follows you must neither be proud, nor unappreciative. - Letter of Patriarch Elias Howayek

As we approach the end of term 2 and Semester 1, students have been assessed on their learning. Assessments are a form of data gathering to enable teachers to modify the delivery of content for students to better engage with the material. It is important that ongoing formative and summative assessments occur to enable continual improvement. It is also imperative that students attend all classes, actively participate in lessons and complete homework, to ensure their learning continues.

Over the term students had the opportunity to:

- Masses, Reconciliation and reflection days

- receive dental checks

- participate in the Volleyball Gala Day

- Mother’s day stall and Mass celebration

- Primary athletics program

- Book Fair

- Three-way interviews to gather feedback on their progress

- Mock trial

- Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser

- Career’s Expo

- Duke of Ed Camp

- Subject Selection for Y10

- Talent Quest auditions

- Y8 camp

Parents were invited to:

- Mother’s day Mass and morning tea

- Three-way interviews to gather feedback on their children’s progress

- Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser

- Parent Association planning meeting

We celebrated Year 4 Holy Communion on 16 May with Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay presiding. It was a beautiful participation in the Eucharistic Sacrament. May God continue to bless our children abundantly.

Wishing you all a very relaxing term break and I look forward to seeing you all in term 3, ready for another 10 weeks of being challenged.

Sr Margaret Ghosn

Principal

Deputy Principal- Teaching & Learning

Dear MCHF Community,

As we reach the conclusion of another busy and rewarding Term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Maronite College of the Holy Family community for your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to learning. Term 2 is often difficult because it is punctuated by the sting of exams for some, NAPLAN for others, and the general pressure of everyday expectations. Regardless, I believe many in the community have taken this often-burdensome period, to be one where they can shine and demonstrate their learning growth and reset challenges for themselves for the latter half of the year. For this, I commend you!

To our parents and carers, thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. The success of our students is strengthened by the collaboration between home and school. Your encouragement, involvement, and commitment to your children's education play a vital role in helping them achieve their goals and develop into confident, capable young people. Please don’t forget that throughout Term 3, we will continue the Parent Lounge meetings which occur on the first Wednesday of every month, both in-person and online, where guardians are invited into the school setting to solve queries and to find solutions, alongside the Executive representation.

To our dedicated staff, I extend my sincere gratitude for the care, expertise, and professionalism you have brought to your work each day during Term 2. Your commitment to providing engaging learning experiences and supporting the wellbeing of every student is deeply appreciated. The achievements of our students are a direct reflection of your passion and dedication.

As we move into the holiday break, I encourage all students to take time to rest, recharge, and reflect on their accomplishments this Term. While a well-earned break is important, it is also valuable to maintain positive habits by reading regularly, staying curious, and preparing for the opportunities and challenges that await next Term. Year 12, as you enter your final Term as MCHF students, we are both excited for you and sad that your time with us is ending. Regardless, you are now ready to spread your wings and we can’t wait to see the success’ you all become once you spread your wings. Recharge during this break for a final push, and then go and be the people God has put you on this earth to be. We all believe in you!

At MCHF, we remain committed to fostering a culture of learning excellence where every student is encouraged to strive for personal growth and academic success. We look forward to building on the strong foundations established this Term and continuing our journey together in the Term ahead. When the students start their break, the staff will be at school for a further few days to be involved in more professional development focused on Explicit Teaching. We remain entirely focused on delivering highly effective

pedagogy which engages and challenges every student beyond their current realm of learning.

On behalf of the Teaching and Learning team, I wish all members of our community a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break. May this time provide opportunities for family, faith, and renewal. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next Term, refreshed and ready for another exciting chapter in our learning journey.

God bless,

Mrs Emma Dettling