NEWSLETTER NO. 5 - 8.4.2025

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Week 10
7-9.4.25        Annual P & T Interviews (Classrooms)
7.4.25            Care Group Session
8.4.25            Polding AFL (Newcastle)
10-11.4.25    PSSA Swimming (Homebush)
10.4.25          9.30am Year 3 Easter Liturgy (Hall) – Year 5 leading
11.4.25          Last day of lessons for Term 1

TERM 2
Week 1
28.4.25            Pupil-free day (no lessons)
29.4.25            Classes resume K-6
29.4.25            9.30am Resurrection Liturgy (Hall) – Year 6 leading
29.4.25            10.50am ANZAC Day Prayer (Hall) – Year 6 leading
30.4.25            11.45am HFS Athletics:  1500m Track Event (HFS school grounds) 
30.4.25            CPS Boys Softball (Blacktown)
1.5.25               HFS Spelling Bee – Years 3, 4, 5 & 6
2.5.25              Polding Winter Trials (Bathurst) 

In 2025 our parents have access to the Google HFS Parent Calendar.  
Click on the link below to access the Google Calendar.

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Finding Joy in the Journey – End-of-Term Reflection

As Term 1 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the moments of growth, joy, learning and challenges that have filled our classrooms and playgrounds. Last week, our Years 4–6 students had the wonderful opportunity to experience the Stannies/Mackillop production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. Charlie has a lot to teach us about life, friendship and happiness – reminding us that it’s often the simple things that make life meaningful, like a kind word or a shared laugh.

It’s also a beautiful reminder that happiness is often found in small, everyday moments—a message that deeply resonates with the experiences our students have shared this term. Whether learning a new skill, helping a friend, or simply laughing together, we celebrate these simple joys that build our sense of community.

In our final week of school, our parent/teacher interviews have allowed us to recognise and celebrate our students and their successes this term. They’re a chance to pause, give thanks, and set shared goals for continued growth as we look ahead to the rest of the year. In Charlie Brown’s words, “In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.” We are still learning, still growing – and that journey we take together. We’re not there yet, but with shared support between home and school, we keep moving forward. This is essential for our students and our community to truly thrive.

As the term draws to a close, I would like to wish all our families a restful and refreshing break. May this time provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with yourselves, loved ones, and the spirit of Lent.

Mrs Alison Curtin - Acting Principal

REC NEWS

Lord, as we prepare to journey through Holy Week, we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, Jesus, and humbly ask for your grace and guidance.

May we not forget the love and mercy He showed to all, even in the face of immense suffering. We seek a deeper understanding of your love and a renewed commitment to following in the footsteps of Jesus. Help us live lives reflecting His compassion, service, and unwavering faith. May we be instruments of your peace, justice, and love in a world that often struggles with darkness and despair.

We pray for the healing of our world, the forgiveness of our sins, and the unity of all people in your name, for those who are suffering, the marginalised, and the oppressed, that they may find comfort and hope in the love of Jesus.

Lord, may we always remember the meaning of Holy Week and strive to live lives worthy of your love and service. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you Thank you Thank you
It is hard to believe that we are in Week 10 and that Term One is nearly complete -10 weeks of learning, a quarter of the way through the year! It has been a wonderful term, and we have come together and celebrated some fabulous feast days and school gatherings. As we continue to ‘gather in love,’  holding all families in our hearts with concern, gratitude and the overall desire for the well-being of all, I take this opportunity to wish all our beautiful and diverse HFS families a happy, holy and peaceful Easter season and holiday break with your loved ones.

Our Holy Week Liturgy is on Thursday at 9:30 am in our School Hall. Our Year 5 Classes have organised this very special liturgy. I sincerely thank Miss Grace, Mr Dennis, Mrs Brown and Miss Paula for their time preparing the children for this important liturgical calendar week.

Our students have been especially reverent and prayerful during our Masses and liturgies this Term. Our Kindergarten, Year One and Year 5 students will be seated differently to begin the Liturgy as they have a special role. We ask that you try not to get their attention or distract them if they are seated beside you.

At the end of the liturgy, all classes will leave in silence. Parents are asked to wait for all children to go before exiting the hall. Please refrain from clapping throughout our Holy Week liturgy, as this is the most important and solemn liturgy we participate in throughout the year.

Click here to download a copy of the latest Parish Mass Bulletin which contains the Holy Week Ceremonies.

Special Dates to Remember in Term 2:

Tuesday 29th April
- 9:30 am Resurrection Liturgy - Yr 6M leading. School Hall
- 10:50 am ANZAC DAY Prayer - Yr 6B leading. Lunch area near Flagpole

Monday 12th May
- 9:30am Mothers Day Liturgy - Infants ( Kinder - Year 2) - School Hall. Followed by morning tea with children.

Sunday 18th May - Catholic Schools Week 2025
A special Mass will be held on Sunday, May 18, at the Cathedral, starting at 10 am, to kick off Catholic Schools Week. We invite all our school and parish community members to join us for this occasion, celebrated at Cathedral St. Michael & St. John. If you plan to attend this special Mass, we are looking for 3-4 Primary children to be the HFS representatives welcoming the congregation to the Cathedral and handing out song sheets. We also need 2 HFS students for the Procession of the Gifts. Please email me or contact the school if your children can fulfil either of these ministeries as representatives of HFS at the Catholic Schools Mass.

Friday 23rd May - 9:30 am Our Lady Help of Christians Mass - Patroness of Australia Year 2 Leading
The feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, is observed every year on May 24th. In the Church's early years in Australia, facing numerous challenges, the faithful sought Mary's guidance and support, and the Catholic community there has remained devoted to her ever since. Mary is recognised as a powerful intercessor and a model of virtue, as we see in the Gospels.

Caritas 2025
We have so much to be grateful for, and I would like to congratulate and thank the students, staff, and broader school community for your support of Project Compassion throughout the season of Lent this year. If anyone would like to add to our balance over the holidays, please go the link below.
We have raised almost $1500 on Shrove Tuesday and St. Patrick’s Day, and individual and class contributions are still being tallied. If you still want to donate, please send it in by Friday morning, 11 April — every contribution makes a difference, no matter how small.

For more information on Project Compassion, please visit https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/

Reminder of Confirmation Dates:
Bishop McKenna has set the following dates, times and places to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for 2025.
The dates are:

• Sat 7th June 5.00pm Cathedral
• Sun 8th June (Pentecost Sunday) 10.00am Cathedral
• Sun 29th June 8.00am Assumption
• Sun 29th June 6.00pm Assumption
• Sat 9th August 5.00pm Cathedral
• Sun 10th August 10.00am Cathedral

Mass Times
For the latest up-to-date Mass times, please click below:  

Mrs Louise Davies - Acting REC

SPORTS REPORT with Mrs Blaire Clarke

CPS Swimming: Last Wednesday our swimmers Zane Waterford, Rydah Cronin, Patrick Gillies and Tyler Cafe travelled to Homebush for the CPS Swimming Championships, with our senior boys placing 10th in the relay with a time of 2:31.44. Well done boys!

Zane competed in the individual events placing 3rd in the 100m freestyle, 4th in 50m backstroke, 4th in 50m breastroke and 8th in 50m freestyle. We congratulate Zane on these achievements and wish him success in the 100m freestyle at the PSSA Swimming Championships at Homebush on Thursday.

Thank you to our dedicated parents for transporting our talented swimmers to these events.

Diocesan Winter Sports Trials: Recently many students in Year 5 and 6 from Holy Family competed at the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials. We congratulate all of these students on their efforts and wish the following students all the best at Polding Winter Trials next term.

• Hockey: Halle Cafe, Ella Bohanna, Matilda Robins, Zoe Gunning, Farrah Johnson, Maya Wilsmore-Smith, Jett Thornberry and Caedan Edwards.
• Rugby League: Tate Jenner (12s), Jack Booth (11s), Rydah Cronin (11s) and Chase Barwick (11s).
• Soccer: Harry Dawson and Isaac Price

Rugby Union Trials will be held in Bathurst on Friday 16th May (Week 3).

AFL/Paul Kelly Cup: Last Thursday, Holy Family took 5 teams from Year 5 and Year 6 to Learmonth Park for the Paul Kelly Cup. It was great to see excellent participation and enthusiasm from our students with two of our teams advancing to the next level. This will be held in Orange on Monday 26th May.
Thank you to Mr Hartmann, Mr Dennis, Miss Grace and Mr Taylor for all your help with coaching and taking teams on the day.

Polding AFL: Today Year 6 students Charlie Robinson and Jack Humphreys are competing at the AFL Polding trials in Newcastle. This is a huge effort from both of these boys and we wish them all the best tomorrow.

Polding Softball: Tyler Cafe and Joe Borg will compete in the CPS Softball Trials in Blacktown on the 30th of April. This event has been a long time coming for these boys. All the best boys and safe travels.

Upcoming Events in Term 2: 
Polding Winter Trials - May 2nd
Bathurst Dio Cross Country Coolah - May 6th
NRL Stage 2 and Stage 3 League Stars Gala Day - May 13th
Holy Family School Athletics Carnival - May 15th
Diocesan Rugby Trials - May 16th

Mrs Blaire Clarke - Sports Coordinator

Infants Cross Country
Congratulations to our Infants Students on your fantastic spirit and fast running at last Friday’s K-2 Cross Country event. You all put 100% into the event, and your smiles and sportsmanship shone through. It was great to see Father Thao run a few races and reveal his competitive side to us all! He has certainly been training hard!
Each class ran a boys and girls race. Students placing 1st - 4th are listed below:

K Blue:

K Maroon:

K White:

1 Blue:

1 Maroon:

1 White:

2 Blue:

2 Maroon:

2 White:

Well done to all our competitors!
Mrs Alison Smith - Primary Coordinator

LIBRARY NEWS

This term has been filled with excitement and growth in the library, as students eagerly embraced various learning opportunities. Each day brought new discoveries, and we are proud of how students engaged with the events and activities on the calendar. From cultural celebrations to moments of reflection, this term has been about expanding knowledge, sparking curiosity, and strengthening our community.

The Lunar/Chinese New Year celebrations marked a vibrant start, where students explored traditions and the symbolism of the holiday. Library Lovers Day on February 14 celebrated the heart of our school—the library.

On Dr. Seuss Day, the library came alive with creativity as students embraced the messages of imagination, kindness, and thinking outside the box. Our Clean Up Australia Day activities emphasised environmental responsibility, teaching students valuable lessons in sustainability and stewardship.

Harmony Week was a moving reminder of the power of diversity and inclusion. Students engaged in discussions and activities celebrating different cultures, fostering empathy and a shared sense of humanity. It was a week filled with heart, emphasising the importance of unity and building a welcoming community.

Our lunchtime activities continue to provide students with a creative outlet and a chance to unwind while still engaging with learning. From puzzles and LEGO building to drawing and construction of paper planes, the library buzzed with the energy of students exploring their creativity and honing their problem-solving skills. The chess games offered a moment of strategy and friendly competition, while the quiet reading corners gave students the perfect place to escape into new worlds.

The focus in Years 3-6 library lessons during Term 1 has been using World Book Online to research given topics and complete mini projects. Year 3 have been learning about animals, Year 4 about countries of the world, Year 5 about timelines of people and events and Year 6 about the skill of summarising and paragraphing information about famous people. Working towards achieving individual goals in the Renaissance Reading Program has also been a key focal point in our library lessons.

The library continues to be a place of exploration, connection, and growth. As we reflect on the term, we can see how every event, activity, and moment has helped shape our students into better learners and citizens of the world. Witnessing their curiosity, joy, and commitment to learning and growing together has been inspiring as they explore and utilise the learning platforms of World Book, Clickview and Storybox Hub during lessons.

The library is not just a space filled with books—it is a sanctuary for inspiration, creativity, and endless possibilities. Let’s continue to build on this momentum, fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime and reminding ourselves that every day is a new opportunity to explore, to imagine, and to grow.

Premier's Reading Challenge 2025: A Journey of Discovery and Imagination
Exciting news! Many of our students are already making wonderful progress toward their reading goals for 2025. Throughout the school, classrooms are filled with students eagerly diving into the books that have been carefully selected and shared across our school. The Premiers Reading Challenge is designed to ignite a passion for reading—not as a competition, but as a personal journey for each student. It encourages them to read more, read widely, and embrace the joy of discovering new worlds through literature.

This challenge is not just about finishing a list of books; it’s about fostering a lifelong love of reading for pleasure and growth. It’s about exploring quality literature, expanding imaginations, and building skills that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming story, or a fascinating non-fiction read, the goal is simple: to read, to read more, and to read with curiosity.

2025 Challenge Dates:  The Challenge opened on Monday, 24 February 2025 and now closes on Friday, 19 September 2025 (Week 9, Term 3). We encourage every student to embrace this opportunity to explore the endless worlds that books offer, and we can’t wait to celebrate their progress along the way!

Mrs Louise Davies & Mrs Katrina Windsor - Teacher Librarians

WHS NEWS

REPEATED MESSAGES: 

Car Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures

Morning- Car Drop Off:

• Procedure: In the morning, it is a "3 cars in, 3 cars out" system. 
• Step 1: The first three cars will pull into the drop-off zone.
• Step 2: Students will exit the vehicles promptly and safely.
• Step 3: Once all three cars have exited, the next three cars will pull in
• Safety Notes & Tips: 
•  Children should be ready to exit the car quickly to maintain traffic flow.
• The driver should remain in the car- “Kiss and Go”
• Students should exit the car, by stepping straight onto the curb (not the road)
• Do not wait in the queue alongside a bus- this is double parking and illegal
• Families using the Visitor’s Carpark-  please drive slowly and give way to buses and cars using the Car drop-off.

8.25-9.00 am: A staff member is present to welcome your child, and those arriving by bus who use the pedestrian crossing.

Afternoon- Car Pick Up:

• Procedure: In the afternoon, we use a "5 cars in, 5 cars out" system to manage the higher volume of pickups.
• Step 1: The first five cars will pull into the pick-up zone
• Step 2: Students will be directed to their respective cars using a numbered system (1-5) 
• Step 3: Once all five cars have exited, the next five cars will pull in
• Safety Notes & Tips: 
•  Please remain in your vehicle at all times. Staff will assist students as needed
• Please remind your children to stay attentive, sit together as a family, and be prepared to enter the car quickly when it arrives.
• Do not wait in the queue alongside a bus- this is double parking and illegal
• Families using the Visitor’s Carpark-  please drive slowly and give way to buses and cars using the Car Pick Up

3.15-3.30pm: Staff are present to guide and support families using Car Pick-up. Please be guided by the staff member at the Front Gate, who directs the traffic flow for Car Pick-up and vehicles exiting from the Visitor’s Car Park.

Bike Safety @ HFS
We are working together to teach our children about the importance of safe riding to and from school. Helmets must always be worn and fitted correctly to protect young heads. Encourage your child to walk their bikes across roads and intersections for added safety. Riders should stick to the left-hand side, travel at a safe speed, and stay alert to traffic and pedestrians. 

Let’s work together to ensure every child arrives at school and home safely!

Mrs McGinnes  - WHS Committee Voice

CLASS IN REVIEW - 1 White

P & F NEWS

Our P & F have been very busy lately organising events and fundraising activities.

Disco:  A huge thank you to the large number of parent volunteers and HFS staff who helped with last week's disco.  Your generosity of time and energy were much appreciated by all.  Our children had a wonderful time!

Upcoming Events:
Term 2:  Cookie Dough Drive 
Term 3:  Disco
Term 4:  Bunnings BBQ (November 9th) and a Colour Fun Run (date TBC)
More details next term for the above events.

Next Meeting:. Tuesday, 6 May @ 7.30pm (Staffroom)

ON-SITE AFTER SCHOOL CARE

This is a continuing service available to our families. Care is available from 3.15pm - 6.00pm (or part thereof). Centacare is our provider and you can express interest by contacting:
• Sam 0456 711 150 or 0491 147 453
• Email at: holyfamilyoshc@centacarebathurst.com.au
Sam and the team can answer any questions you may have.

CANTEEN

LUNCH ORDERS:  Download the ‘Flexischools’ app to order your child’s lunch online.  Full instructions can be found on our website and are also available via the link below.
Parents must order online for their child’s lunch order.

Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Closed: Tuesday & Friday

No ice blocks or slushies to be ordered with lunch orders - thank you.  If you have any queries please phone Vikki on 0439 964 462.

PHOTO ALBUM

Charlie Brown Musical - SSC & MKC

Year 3 Excursion - Chifley House

AFL - Paul Kelly Cup

K-2 Cross Country

P & F Disco!

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
 

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use .