Dear Parents/Carers,

As I write this newsletter, I am reflecting on the impact that written communication can have on staff and families at Holy Family. When I met with parents this morning I explained that I would much prefer to have a conversation with them about their concerns than receive an email late at night. I have also reflected on my communication after parent discussions and will continue to welcome feedback in this area.

In the section below, I am asking all families to work with our staff to continue to build or rebuild a community of trust.

Please come and speak with our staff or a member of Leadership if you have a concern. If we work together, we can achieve anything.

A Community Built on Trust

Our school is grounded in the belief that every child deserves dignity,to be known, valued and supported to flourish. As educators and parents, we share the privilege and responsibility of nurturing our children so they may grow in faith, learning and wellbeing.

Each day, our staff teach, guide and care for more than 220 students. They bring professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment to their work, striving to understand the unique strengths and needs of every child. Every decision is made thoughtfully and with the best interests of students at its heart.

We also recognise that every family has its own story. There are often circumstances, challenges and experiences that occur beyond the school gates which influence a child's wellbeing and learning. While we are committed to working alongside families and providing the best possible support during the school day, there are aspects of a child's life that are beyond the school's influence. We can only shape what happens within our learning community, while families remain the most significant influence in a child's life.

Thank you for the trust you place in our staff each day.

Together, inspired by our faith, we can continue to provide a safe, nurturing and enriching environment where every child is encouraged to become the 'best' person s/he can be.

Feast of St Mary of the Cross

Each year, the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop invites us to reflect on the life of Australia's first saint and the enduring message she leaves for all who work and learn in Catholic education.

Mary MacKillop believed that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserved access to a quality education grounded in faith, hope and love. Her vision was not simply about academic success; it was about recognising the dignity of every person and nurturing each child's God-given gifts. Her unwavering commitment to serving those most in need continues to inspire Catholic schools across Australia.

Mary's words, "Never see a need without doing something about it," challenge us to be people of action. In our daily lives, this means showing kindness to someone who feels alone, offering encouragement when others are struggling, forgiving generously and standing up for what is right. It also reminds us that the small acts of love, patience and compassion we show each day can make a profound difference in the lives of others.

Like Mary MacKillop, we are called to place our trust in God, especially during times of uncertainty. She faced many hardships and setbacks with remarkable courage, believing that God would continue to guide her mission. Her example encourages us to persevere with hope, to care deeply for one another and to remain faithful in our service to others.

As a Catholic school community, may we continue to live Mary's legacy by creating a place where every child is welcomed, valued and encouraged to flourish in faith, learning and life.

Loving God,

We thank You for the life and witness of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, whose faith, courage and compassion continue to inspire us.

Help us to see the needs of others with hearts full of kindness and to respond with generosity and love.

Give us the strength to persevere through challenges, the wisdom to make good choices and the courage to stand up for what is right.

Bless our students, families and staff, that together we may build a community of welcome, respect and hope.

May we follow Mary's example by trusting in Your guidance and serving others with humility and joy.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop,

Pray for us.

Amen

Supporting our Staff While Planning for the Future

Currently, all Catholic schools are working through planning and budgeting activities for 2027 to ensure we are well placed to support our staff, students and school communities in the coming year. This includes looking at how we can accommodate the changes likely to flow from a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with school staff.

We recognise the significant financial pressures many households are facing, and we are making a conscious effort to ensure these costs are not passed on through significant fee increases.

We will continue to keep our parent community informed throughout this process. As always, our focus remains on maintaining strong school communities and continuing to deliver a high-quality Catholic education for every student. (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools)

Anne Kertz Kernion Visit

Our Prep to Year 2 students had the privilege to learn with Anne Kertz Kernion last week. Anne was a keynote speaker at the recent MACS Religious Education Symposium in Melbourne.

She is a dynamic speaker and wellness teacher, drawing from several areas of research to provide tools to help us live healthier, happier lives. Her writings offer simple, practical ways to decrease stress, increase awareness and joy, and boost our physical, mental, and cognitive health. She is an enthusiastic practitioner with a diverse academic background, frequently presenting workshops and weekend retreats on the intersection of neuroscience, positive psychology and spirituality to groups around the United States and Australia.

Anne introduced our students to different ways to pray - humming, walking and Taize.

Learning Together

Holy Family hosted staff from MACS and Literacy Leaders from other Catholic Primary Schools last week.

While at our school these people went to classrooms to see our students engaged in -

Paired Fluency
Quick Write
Knowledge Rich Curriculum

They also worked on developing a Prep - 6 Writing Scope and Sequence during the day.

Mini Vinnies

I would like to thank everyone for your generosity to support those in need in our community.

Last Friday the Mount Waverley Conference came to accept our donations. They were very appreciative!

Division Soccer

Congratulations to our boy's Soccer Team who competed in the Division Finals last week. Your school community is proud of the way each of you played and conducted yourselves on the field in torrential rain.

Staff News

Miss King is on leave for another week.
Mrs Pejic is on leave until late this term. Thank you to Mrs Burman and Mrs Marks for supporting Year 5 PB while Vicky is on leave.
Mrs Kelly will be on leave until next term

Thank You

I would like to thank our Parents and Friends core group of parents for organising what promises to be a fun 'Trivia Night' this Saturday. Don't forget your Country and Western outfits,

Doors open at 6pm.

Step Into Prep

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next session which will be held in our Art Room on Friday 7th August.

MACSSIS surveys

In 2026, our school is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings that students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

One of the main goals of the family survey is to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in our school. MACSSIS data benefits everyone within our school and provides valuable community insights on areas that each school can focus on. Our school believes it is important to encourage families to have a voice and contribute to shaping the ongoing improvement of the school.

The survey will be able to be accessed from Monday 31 August and needs to be completed by Friday 18 September 2026, and we would like as many families as possible to complete it.

A letter outlining how to access and complete the survey will come home in the coming weeks. We will let you know as soon as it has been sent home, so you can look out for it.

Holy Family Playgroup

'Holy Family Playgroup' is continuing!

Please phone our office to book in 9807 3300.

If you have a Working With Children Check and would like to go on a roster to help out please email office@hfmw.catholic.edu.au

Enrol Now

Enrolments for 2027 are strong. Please go to our website and download the enrolment form. Don't miss out!

https://hfmw.catholic.edu.au/

2027 Classes

Please notify the office if your family will not be returning to Holy Family in 2027.

office@hfmw.catholic.edu.au

Parents/Carers are also invited to email me if you have any student requests for 2027 by the end of this term.

jdavid@hfmw.catholic.edu.au

Term 3 Soft Plastics

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Julie David (Principal)

Term 3 Dates

August

Sat 8 Feast of St Mary of the Cross

Sat 8 Parents and Friends Trivia Night

Fri 21 School Closure Day (Religious Education PL for staff)

Mon 24 Book Week Dress Up Parade (9:15am)

Wed 26 Year 5 and 6 Camp (Alexandra) 3 days

September

Tues 1 Father's Day Stall

Fri 5 Magnificent Men in Our Community Morning (Father's Day Celebration)

Sun 6 Father's Day

Fri 11 District Basketball (Year 5 and 6)

Wed 16 District Athletics (Year 3-6)

Thurs 17 School Disco - Year Prep-2 (5:30-6:45pm), Year 3-6 (7-8:30pm)

Fri 18 Term 3 concludes (1pm)

Visual Arts