In the Classroom

History and Geography at MCHF

Semester 1 has been an exciting and academically rich period across HSIE at Maronite College of the Holy Family. Students across Years 7–12 have engaged in critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, source analysis, fieldwork and historical investigation through dynamic classroom experiences and authentic learning opportunities.

Our students continue to demonstrate curiosity, resilience and enthusiasm as they develop the skills needed to become informed global citizens and analytical thinkers.

⸻

Geography Highlights

Stage 4 Geography (Years 7–8)

Stage 4 Geography students explored the physical and human world through topics including Landscapes and Landforms, Place and Liveability and Water in the World. Students developed geographical skills through mapping, fieldwork, inquiry activities and the analysis of environmental challenges and sustainability.

⸻

Stage 5 Geography (Years 9–10)

Students investigated Biomes and Food Security and Environmental Change and Management, examining sustainability, ecosystems, food production and the impact of human activity on environments. Students continued to strengthen their research, analytical and evaluation skills through case studies and inquiry learning.

⸻

Stage 6 Geography

Senior Geography students explored natural systems, urban dynamics, people, places and processes through contemporary geographical issues and fieldwork investigations. Students developed advanced geographical inquiry, research and analytical skills in preparation for senior studies and the HSC.

⸻

History Highlights

Stage 5 History (Years 9–10)

Students explored major historical developments including the Industrial Revolution, World War I and Rights and Freedoms. Through source analysis and historical investigation, students examined social change, conflict, civil rights movements and Australia’s place within global history.

⸻

Stage 6 Ancient History

Ancient History students engaged in archaeological inquiry, source analysis and historical interpretation through Investigating Ancient History, ancient societies, case studies and the Historical Investigation Project. Students developed sophisticated research and analytical writing skills.

⸻

Stage 6 Modern History

Modern History students explored The Nature of Modern History, historical contestability and the Historical Investigation Project. Year 12 students also examined National Studies and Conflict in the Pacific, developing advanced skills in historical interpretation, evaluation and essay writing.

⸻

Live History Day Success

One of the highlights of the semester was the outstanding success of our recent Live History Day. Students and staff transformed learning into a vibrant and interactive historical experience, bringing the past to life through displays, artefacts, costumes and immersive activities.

The event showcased the passion, creativity and academic enthusiasm of our HSIE community and was a wonderful celebration of historical learning at Maronite College of the Holy Family.

⸻

MCHF History, Geography and Culture Museum

The continued growth of the MCHF History, Geography and Culture Museum has provided students with exciting opportunities to engage with authentic artefacts, historical objects and cultural displays.

The museum continues to support:

      •     Inquiry learning

      •     Historical interpretation

      •     Student curiosity and engagement

      •     Cross-curricular learning experiences

Students have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the collection and participating in museum-based learning activities throughout the semester.

⸻

Excursions and Fieldwork

This semester, HSIE students participated in a variety of curriculum-focused excursions and fieldwork experiences.

Year 11 Ancient History students visited the Chau Chak Wing Museum at The University of Sydney for source analysis and object-based learning activities.

Year 7 and Year 11 Geography students undertook coastal fieldwork investigations at Watsons Bay, while upcoming excursions include the Year 12 Modern History Lecture Series and mandatory Year 12 Geography fieldwork across Sydney CBD.

These experiences continue to strengthen students’ inquiry, research and analytical skills beyond the classroom.

⸻

Commemorations and Reflection

We proudly marked ANZAC Day 2026 with a meaningful remembrance ceremony featuring an ANZAC display and guest speakers from Parramatta RSL.

Students also reflected on National Sorry Day on 26 May, recognising the importance of reconciliation, remembrance and understanding within Australia’s national story.

⸻

Subject Selection Excitement – Year 10

We are excited to see Year 10 students beginning to explore their Stage 6 subject pathways. HSIE subjects continue to offer students opportunities to develop:

      •     Critical thinking

      •     Research and analytical skills

      •     Communication and essay writing

      •     Understanding of contemporary global issues

We encourage students considering senior History or Geography subjects to speak with their teachers and attend upcoming subject selection and taster opportunities.

We wish all students the very best and congratulate them on their dedication and efforts throughout the semester.

⸻

HSIE at MCHF

Inspiring curiosity, inquiry and academic excellence.

1 Silver Exploring the Past and Present in History

📚✨ 1 Silver has been exploring the past and present in History! Students shared their learning through engaging oral presentations and bringing different time periods to life.

2 Jade Exploring Australian Landmarks

This semester in Geography, Year 2 students have been expanding their knowledge of Australia through an exploration of significant Australian landmarks. In 2 Jade, students have been researching a landmark of their choice, gathering key facts and interesting information. They are presenting their findings in a PowerPoint presentation, which is helping to strengthen their digital technology skills. Students will also share their presentations with the class, providing opportunities to develop their oral language, confidence, and communication skills.

Year 8 Food Technology Task

The B-Block Building was permeated with an array of aromatic flavours! All because our Year 8 Technology students dived right into their food and nutrition assessment with a practical-based task: designing a healthy meal for adolescents.

Working in collaborative groups, students researched dietary needs for teens, analysed nutritional requirements and planned recipes. This task builds critical skills in research, teamwork, and applying scientific concepts to real-world problems.

We’re proud of the thought and creativity they’ve shown and brought to life in the kitchen this week. 

Year 12 Modern History Study Day at the University of Sydney

Our Year 12 Modern History students attended the HTA HSC Study Day at the University of Sydney, participating in expert lectures, revision sessions and HSC exam preparation workshops.

Students explored key topics, including the USA National Study, Civil Rights, and Writing effective Modern History arguments, Interwar Dictatorships, and more, while gaining valuable insights from experienced historians and educators.

The day also provided an opportunity to experience university campus life and connect with students from across NSW as they continue their preparation for the HSC.

Year 10 Participating in the 10:10 Project

In term 2, Year 10 received sessions 3 and 4 of their 10:10 Project with the wonderful Alex and Cecilia from Sydney Catholic Schools. These sessions covered important topics including the sacrament of matrimony, friendship, virtue, and consent. Students were engaged, affirmed, and challenged to live their Christian faith to the full!

Kindy White Writing their names in Arabic

At MCHF, our Kindergarten White students proudly wrote their names in Arabic for the first time.

We are proud to see their enthusiasm as they take their first steps in learning Arabic.

Reading Groups Rotations with 1 Green

Green enjoyed their reading group rotations today! The students worked hard on blending words, building sentences, and developing their reading skills. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm, teamwork, and growing confidence as they participated in the activities.

Year 11 Studies of Religion Excursion

Year 11 Studies of Religion students, accompanied by Sr Margaret and Mr Ellias, visited the Sistine Chapel immersion experience,  the Great Jewish Synagogue and the Anglican Church before ending the day celebrating a Roman Catholic Mass at St Mary's Cathedral. 

InitiaLit Program with Kindy Red

Kindy Red had lots of fun during their InitiaLit literacy block today as they strengthened their phonics skills with a game of Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down! Students listened carefully to words and gave a thumbs-up if the word began with the target phoneme and a thumbs-down if it did not. Their excellent listening skills and growing knowledge of sounds helped them become confident young readers. Well done, Kindy Red!

Year 12 Hospitality Excursion to the Good Food Show in Darling Harbour

Our MCHF hospitality students took their learning off-campus and straight to the Good Food & Wine Show at ICC Darling Harbour. 

They met and spoke with celebrity chefs like Anna Polyviou who together with Justin Schofield, commented on how lucky they were to have teachers like Mrs Botros and Mrs Kumar to support such learning experiences! On the main stage our students watched live cooking demonstrations from top industry names like Miguel Maestre (the crazy bull) and Justine Schofield and put their taste buds to the test. Students worked their way through Taste Testing Alley where they sampled chocolates, artisan cheeses, gourmet foods, desserts, and main meals from leading exhibitors. It was a day of real-world industry exposure, networking, and flavour exploration. They analysed the impact of ambience and met farmers selling their produce from paddock to plate! From watching plating techniques to understanding current industry trends and sustainable ingredient sourcing. Our students brought HSC Hospitality outcomes to life beyond the classroom connecting with the best in the industry.

Year 10 Food Technology - The New Dessert Food Trucks

Mrs Botros and the Year 10 MCHF Food Technology students Dessert Truck menus takeover: Where Creativity Meets the Plate!!!

Move over, food trucks — Year 10 Food Tech just rolled in with their Dessert Truck assessment and the flavours were wild, inventive, and seriously impressive.

Our students designed, costed, and cooked menu highlights. Think bold colour, big flavours, and serious technique. They designed their own company logos and put together packaging ideas to present their dessert in, in accordance with their design brief!

1. *Blue Pancakes* - Stacked high and dyed with natural spirulina, these weren’t just a pretty colour. Students nailed the texture: light, fluffy centres with caramelised edges. Served with all things sugar, chocolate, and ice cream! 

2. *Dubai Chocolate Crepes* - Inspired by the viral “Dubai chocolate bar”, students folded pistachio paste, kataifi pastry crunch, and rich chocolate into paper-thin crepes. Sweet, nutty, and completely on-trend.

3. *Sushi Crepes* - Yes, sushi. But make it a dessert. Savoury crepe wrappers rolled around sweet, clotted-cream-filled brownies and Ferraro Rochers!  It’s fusion, it’s brave, and it worked.

4. *Triple Chocolate Layered Trifle* - Dark, milk, and white chocolate layers stacked with choc sponge, ganache, and mousse. Students showed off their skills in layering, setting, and presentation — spoon-stand-up worthy.

5. *Rainbow Cookies Filled with Ice Cream* - Ice cream sandwiches levelled up. Soft rainbow cookies baked to order, sandwiching homemade ice cream in the middle. Melty, colourful, and 100% Instagram bait.

6. Mini Doughnut Balls, served in pink gingham paper - instant food truck energy with 4 different flavours on show: biscoff drizzle, chocolate drizzle, classic icing sugar + strawberry, and rainbow sprinkles!! 

From colour theory to temperature control, these Year 10s didn’t just follow recipes — they created concepts, problem-solved on the fly, and plated like pros. The “Dessert Truck” theme pushed them to think about speed, service, and how food sells visually as well as on taste.

The result? A classroom full of confidence, creativity, and enough sugar to power a city!

Semester 1 Academic Awards: Secondary

Our Semester 1 Academic Awards Assembly for Years 7–12 was a wonderful celebration of student achievement, dedication, and growth. The ceremony recognised the outstanding academic efforts of our learners across all year groups, highlighting their commitment to excellence and the values that underpin our school community.

We were honoured to welcome Fr Danny Nouh and alumnus Mr Anthony Yacoub, whose presence added a special significance to the occasion. Their ongoing support, encouragement, and connection to our school community remind us of the strong foundations and enduring relationships that continue to shape our students’ journeys.

Congratulations to all award recipients for their hard work and accomplishments. We look forward to seeing their continued success throughout the year.

We thank our student photographers Elyssa W, Laurelle S and Mary S for capturing these images. 

Kindy White and the Healthy Harold Program

Kindy White had a wonderful visit with Healthy Harold, where they learnt about being kind, making friends, and showing respect to others. The children enjoyed participating in engaging activities that taught them the importance of sharing, taking turns, listening carefully, and including everyone in their play. They had lots of fun discussing ways to be a good friend and practising positive social skills together. We are so proud of their growing friendship skills and the kindness they show to one another each day!

Primary End of Term Awards

Our Primary students gathered for the End of Term 2 Awards Assembly, a wonderful opportunity to recognise the many achievements, acts of kindness, and moments of growth shown throughout the term. Awards were presented across key areas including Engagement, College Values, and Academic Excellence, highlighting students who consistently give their best, support their peers, and contribute positively to our learning community.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students continue to demonstrate resilience, curiosity, and respect in their daily learning. Their efforts reflect the strong partnership between home and school, and the shared commitment to nurturing confident, capable, and compassionate learners.

Congratulations to all award recipients, and well done to every student for the hard work and enthusiasm you have shown this term. We look forward to an exciting and productive Term 3 as we continue to learn and grow together.