The MCHF Newsletter

The Exec Address

From the desks of Sr Margaret, Mr Asmar & Mr Pearn

Executive Principal 

Dear MCHF Community,

 

As we draw to the end of term 3, I take this opportunity to thank all staff, parents and students for their dedication to MCHF. It has been a busy term and most recently we farewelled Yr 12 students. In the coming weeks they will be preparing for their final exams and we wish them the Holy Spirit’s gifts of wisdom, knowledge and understanding so that they can perform to the best of their ability.

 

We have exciting news with 19 students from both MCHF and St Maroun’s College who have chosen to take up the offer of traveling to NASA in Florida to learn more about space. This STEM based tour is an excellent opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and skill set. Myself, along with two staff from St Maroun’s College will accompany students on this first ever student tour. We ask that God keep us safe and it will be a beneficial experience for all. With the excitement of the NASA tour, we are also offering in 2025 a trip to Italy to visit historical sites. This is suitable for Years 9 to 11 students who are history buffs.

 

Further exciting news include:

  • The U16’s boys Parramatta Eels Cup rugby league team have had a great 2024 competition. This competition is for non-elite sporting schools. After 10 rounds, MCHF finished 1st with 9 wins and 1 draw. They competed in the Grand Final on 3rd September bringing home the trophy with a 18-10 win against Freeman Catholic College. 
  • HSC drama had three nominations for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE which is an annual showcase the best HSC drama performances held at Seymour Centre.
  • Group Performance ‘And so dies the book’ performed by Simon Bazouni, Tiana Bou Melhem, Hannah Habib, Sienna Mekary and Angeline Wehbe.
  • Hannah Habib for her monologue ‘Waiting for Gouda’
  • Sienna Mekary for her monologue ‘Dog anxiety’
  • Tatijana Tannous was nominated for SHAPE, recognising her outstanding Industrial Technology Multimedia major project 
  • Ella Marie Kalache nominated for HSC music performance for HSC Encore. A first ever in music at our College. 

Regarding our MasterPlan we have had numerous meetings with our architect and project manager. H block should be ready for use by late October. Kindy and Year 1 will be moving in there. We then plan to revamp the D block classrooms and create music rooms and a Primary art room. Over at the back towards Weston St we are hoping to expand the playground and have it ready early term 4. Our Masterplan will be finalised soon and lodged. This is a 20 year project which will cater for the ever increasing number of students at the College.

 

We also would like to keep our Year 12 students in our thoughts and prayers as they commence their HSC Examinations on October 15th, 2024. 

 

As we enter the term break, I wish you all an enjoyable time and make most of the beautiful weather. I look forward to working with you all in term 4.

 

Sr Margaret Ghosn

Executive Principal 

Head of College

“Unfolding Horizons: Continuing Our Journey of Growth”

 

Dear MCHF Community, 

As we head towards the end of Term 3, we take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and look forward to the possibilities ahead. Our theme this year, Journey of Growth, is a continuous process, and we are excited to support our students as they navigate new challenges and opportunities. This is what our mission is all about, to accompany our students in the realisation of their potential. We do this through the inspiration of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family. 

 

Encouraging resilience, curiosity, and a love for learning will help our children flourish. Let’s continue to work together to foster an environment where our students are challenged to grow in faith, strive for excellence and transform the future. This is our vision at MCHF!

 

In the month of September, we celebrate the following achievements and successes:

  • Year 12 students completing the HSC course and graduating. HSC major works all completed and submitted. 
  • 16s Rugby League team winning the Parramatta Eels Cup and will now represent Parramatta against Penrith. 
  • U11 and U12 Girls Netball Gala Day with our U12 girls achieving overall second place!
  • An amazing day at our first Colour Run!
  • Year 8 and 10 students completing their subject selections for 2025. 
  • Year 9 Commerce students hosting their first Market Day with various food and drink stalls. 
  • R U Ok Day celebrated on Thursday 12th September. 
  • Year 11 students completing their Preliminary HSC Exams. 
  • Kindy 2025 orientation day held on Friday 20th September. 
  • Year 6 students participating in their first transition to secondary session on Friday 20th September. 
  • Our Bunnings Sausage Sizzle held on Saturday 21st September at Bunnings, Lidcombe. 
  • Primary End of Term Awards held on Friday 27th September. 

Colour Run

Our inaugural Colour Run was held on Wednesday 11th September. Overall, the day was a success and enjoyed by everyone. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the organising committee led by Ms Bou-Melhem. I also extend my gratitude to the Parent Association and the volunteers who assisted on the day with the sausage sizzle and the obstacle courses. After all expenses, the College raised $43,142.60 which will go towards our new playground. Thank you to all students who contributed and fundraised. Prizes will be delivered to the College and distributed to students in Term 4.

 

2025 Student Leadership Team

We are currently assessing all student applications and reviewing the staff and student voting results. We will be finalizing the student leaders in the first week of Term 4. We will also be inducting our new leaders on Friday 15th November 2024 at our Leaders Induction Mass. 

 

Term 4 – New Staff

Next term, we welcome the following staff members to the MCHF community:

  • Ms Mariam Tannous will be joining our College as the new Secondary Psychologist. Ms Jasmin Matouk will be transitioning to our Secondary Learning Support department. 
  • Ms Sandra Bousleiman will be retuning from leave. 
  • Ms Alicia Sukkar will be joining our College as our Secondary HSIE teacher replacing Ms Silvana Azar who will be preparing for her journey towards motherhood. 

End of Term……Thank You!

Thank you, parents, for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we can ensure that this journey remains vibrant and fulfilling as we head towards Term 4. 

 

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our staff. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work has made this term truly exceptional. 

 

To our students, your curiosity and determination have shone brightly this term. Your willingness to learn and grow is what makes our school community so vibrant.

 

Let’s celebrate our achievements this term and we look forward to more exciting adventures in Term 4. Have a happy, safe, and relaxing term break. 

 

Term 3 concludes on Friday 27th September 2024

Term 4 commences for students on Tuesday 15th October 2024

All students are to be in Summer Uniform ensuring that the College’s grooming expectations are adhered to.

 

Mr Elie Asmar

Head of College 

Head of Wellbeing (K-12) 

Anti-Bullying Education - A proactive approach.

As a College, like many educational institutions, we pride ourselves on creating a ‘Safe and Supportive Environment’ for all our students, underpinned by pastoral programs and initiatives that look to not only educate but also empower.

In the wake of the recent tragedy that involved a school-age student in the inner west, I wanted to take a moment to speak candidly and respectfully about the importance of Anti-Bullying Education and the need for a Proactive approach to Wellbeing, both in school and at home.

 

What is Bullying and how it can it impact students?

  • Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical or social behaviour.
  • Often, these actions can cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. 

Where can Bullying occur?

  • Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). 
  • It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

What is MCHF doing to combat Bullying?

As a College, MCHF takes the following approaches to combat incidence of Bullying;

Pastoral Approach (Common sense approach)

  • Education through both Curriculum (PDHPE) and Pastoral sessions, around what Bullying is, and the impacts that it can have.
  • Creation of an environment that encourages students to ‘speak up’ in support of both their wellbeing and the wellbeing of their friends, who may be feeling affected by incidence of bullying.
  • Provision of avenues and opportunities for students to work with Teachers, Year Advisers and College Executives to address incidents of bullying quickly.

Polices and Procedures

The College has clear and concise policies that focus on supporting Student Wellbeing, including:

  • Student Welfare Policy and Procedures
  • Anti-Bullying Policy and Procedures
  • Student Behaviour Management Policy and Procedures

 (All accessible via the MCHF Website - https://www.mchf.nsw.edu.au/mchf-policies/) 

 

What can you do if you or your child has a concern?

We acknowledge that Parents and Guardians are instrumental in supporting the ‘Holistic Wellbeing’ of students within our College, and value positive interactions and conversations that support all students in the College.

If there are instances in which your child may be experiencing a form of Bullying, can I please ask that you take the following steps to assist the College in addressing these concerns.

  1. Initially inform College staff of the incident or encourage your child to ‘Speak Up’ and let a staff member know as soon as possible.
    1. Primary – Classroom teacher or Stage Adviser
    2. Secondary – Classroom teacher or Year Adviser
  2. Once College staff have been informed and acknowledged your concern, allow the key staff members time to address this concern, in consultation with yourself and where required, members of the College Executive.
  3. Once the incidence has been investigated and addressed, a College representative (Stage or Year Adviser) will be in contact with you to follow up, inclusive of implementing further measures and or strategies to support your child moving forward.

Would you like further information?

If you would like further information regarding Bullying, including the warning signs to look for, please see below a link to ‘Bullying No Way’. 

This is an Australian Government website that has been created as a comprehensive tool for both schools and parents, in not just ‘Responding’ to, but also ‘Preventing’ Bullying and Harassment.

Regards, 

Mr Andrew Pearn 

Head of Wellbeing K-12