Holy Family Catholic Primary School Kelso eNewsletter

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Week 8
10.9.25 - Denison College Transition Day. Kelso and Bathurst Campus
10.9.25 - 8.00am-9.15am Little Vintage Blends Coffee Van on-site
10.9.25 - 2.15pm-2.45pm Stage 3 Liturgy in the Chapel
11.9.25 - RU OK Day. Wear Yellow with Uniform and bring a Gold Coin donation
11.9.25 - 9.45am-2.15pm Year 6 Faith and Fellowship Day including Burke Cup. Cathedral Church and School
12.9.25 - Polding Athletics. Newcastle
12.9.25 - Year 4 Dubbo excursion
12.9.25 - 10.15-1.30pm Christmas Story Art Exhibition - Cathedral School
12.9.25 - 2.15pm School Assembly (Hall) All welcome

Week 9
16.9.25 - Year 6 Canberra medications due to the school office
18.9.25 - Year 4 Discovery Day at MacKillop and St Stanislaus Colleges
18-19.9.25 - Year 6 Canberra excursion

Week 10
23.9.25 - 10am Catherine McAuley Mercy Performance (Hall): Show 1 - 10am (3-6), Show 2 - 11:40 (K-2)
24.9.25 - 10am Mercy Day Mass - Srs of Mercy
25.9.25 - 2.15pm Special Assembly: K-6 (Hall)

Note: Pupil-free day Wednesday, 17 December 2025 (last day of lessons for 2025 will be on Tuesday, 16 December 2025).

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

Please click here to access our Google Calendar!

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Gathered in Love – Living the Mercy Charism

Last week’s Father’s Day Breakfast was more than just a celebration—it was a living expression of our school’s Mercy charism. We saw fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and fatherly figures gathered in love, sharing a meal, a laugh, and a moment of connection. Behind the scenes, staff rose before dawn to prepare food, welcome families, and create a space of joy. These quiet acts of service reflect the heart of our Mercy tradition: responding to others with compassion, dignity, and presence.

The Mercy charism, inspired by Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, is not simply a legacy; it’s a living spirit that moves through our school in everyday moments. Catherine believed deeply in practical kindness, hospitality, and education as a path to dignity and transformation. Her mission was rooted in humility, serving others not for recognition, but out of love. That same spirit lives on here at Holy Family, where we strive to form men and women for others: individuals who lead with empathy, act with integrity, and serve with joy.

Last week we also celebrated Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, honouring our incredible Learning Support Officers. These staff members are the hearts and hands of our school. They gently guide students, offering encouragement and creating safe spaces for learning. Their work may be quiet, but it is deeply transformative. They embody Mercy through patience, care, and unwavering commitment, through humble service.

These moments, whether around a barbecue or in the quiet corners of a classroom, remind us that our school is more than a place of learning. It is a sanctuary of care. A community gathered in love, where every person is seen, valued, and supported. May we continue to live the Mercy charism not only in words, but in the way we serve, celebrate, and walk gently with one another.

Mrs Alison Curtin
Principal

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Celebrating Our Learning Support Officers: The Unsung Heroes Behind Student Success

Last week, we proudly celebrated Teacher’s Aide Appreciation Week- a moment to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible work of our Learning Support Officers (LSOs). These dedicated professionals are the quiet force behind so much of our students’ growth, providing essential support that empowers learners across every stage of their educational journey.

From the very first day of Kindergarten, our LSOs play a pivotal role in helping our youngest students transition into school life with confidence. Whether it's guiding early literacy routines, supporting social-emotional development, or simply being a reassuring presence, their work lays the foundation for a successful start.

Across the school, our LSOs are deeply involved in curriculum delivery, especially in the areas of literacy and numeracy. Their work includes:

Reading Group Support in K–2: In the crucial early years, our LSOs play a hands-on role in small-group reading instruction. They work closely with teachers to deliver differentiated support, helping students develop decoding skills, fluency, and comprehension. Whether guiding phonemic awareness activities or reinforcing sight word recognition, our LSOs ensure that every child receives the attention they need to become confident readers.
Direct Instruction in Spelling: our LSOs support the Spelling Mastery program, a structured, research-based approach that builds spelling skills through explicit instruction and cumulative review. This ensures students develop strong foundational knowledge and confidence in written communication.
QuickSmart Numeracy Program: Through this evidence-based intervention, our LSOs help students improve automaticity and fluency in core mathematical operations.
Progress Monitoring: our LSOs play a key role in tracking student growth. Through regular assessments—including the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) testing—they help monitor reading development, fluency, and comprehension. These insights allow for timely, data-informed adjustments to instruction and support.
Large Class Support: In bustling classrooms, our LSOs offer individualised attention, helping students stay engaged and on task.
Learning Support Based on Funding: They deliver tailored assistance to students with additional needs, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities.

Their work is not only academic, it’s relational. Our LSOs build trust, offer encouragement, and create safe spaces for learning. They are the quiet champions behind every breakthrough moment, every small victory, and every smile of understanding.

To our LSOs: thank you for your tireless dedication, your deep care, and your unwavering belief in every student’s potential. You are the heartbeat of our school.

Mrs Amanda McGinnes
Principal

REC NEWS

Father's Day was the focus for our Staff Prayer organised by Miss George on Wednesday morning…

Loving God,
We thank You for the gift of community and the opportunity to care for one another.
Open our hearts to listen with compassion and speak with kindness,
So that we may truly connect with those around us.

Help us to notice when someone is struggling
And to have the courage to ask, "Are you OK?"
Guide our words and actions,
So that they may bring comfort, hope, and healing.

Lord, bless our school community during this Wellbeing Week.
Grant us the wisdom to nurture our own wellbeing
And the grace to support others in theirs.

May we reflect Your love in all we do,
And may our care for one another
Build a world of understanding, empathy, and peace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

This week, we reflect on two meaningful occasions: Father’s Day and R U OK? Day, both remind us of the importance of love, connection, and care in our lives.

On Father’s Day, we celebrated the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who guide us with love and wisdom. As we honour them, we also look to St Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, as a model of faith, humility, and selfless devotion. St Joseph cared for Jesus with great tenderness and strength, teaching us the importance of being present for those entrusted to our care. We pray that all fathers and father figures may be inspired by his example as they continue to shape and nurture the lives of those they love.

As we move into R U OK? Day on Thursday, we are reminded of the importance of caring for one another, just as St Joseph cared for his family. In the spirit of his quiet strength and compassion, let us take the time to check in on those around us. A simple question—“Are you OK?”—can be a powerful way to show love, support, and solidarity, especially to someone who may be struggling.

During this Wellbeing Week, may we carry the values of kindness, gratitude, and connection in our hearts. Let us honour the fathers in our lives by striving to reflect the love and care of St Joseph in our relationships with family, friends, and our wider community.

May God bless our fathers, families, and school community, and may St Joseph intercede for us as we continue to grow in faith, love, and service to one another.

Stage 3 - Liturgy: Parents of our Year 5 and Year 6 students are welcome to join our R U Ok? Day Liturgy to be held in the Chapel at 2:15 pm on Wednesday, 10th September.

Faith, Fellowship & Burke Cup Day - We extend our gratitude to the Cathedral School for inviting our Year 6 students to participate in their Faith, Fellowship & Burke Cup Day on Thursday, 11th September, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This special event will bring together students from Cathedral, St Phil’s, and Holy Family for a day filled with meaningful activities, including Mass, a Recess Social Gathering, Seminarian Testimonials, Soccer Matches, and a delicious pizza lunch.

We sincerely thank the Cathedral staff for their generous invitation and look forward to a day of faith, fellowship, and sportsmanship that will strengthen the bonds within our wider Catholic school community.

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

Cathedral Parish Mass Times

Mrs Louise Davies - REC

LIBRARY NEWS

Premiers Reading Challenge

We are on a reading ‘push’ to have all children complete this fantastic reading event. The last day is September 19th, extending the previous August date! I have validated 342 student Reading Records across the school so far, and need to validate approximately another 124 student records this week. Congratulations to our winners for 2025: Year One Maroon and Year 5 Maroon, who have all completed the challenge and logged their books—well done on this outstanding achievement, you will receive your award during Week 10 this term.

New Books in the Library Mrs Windsor and I are constantly ordering and receiving new books for the HFS library. This week, we have purchased another 22 books focusing on Dads, Grandpas, and special father figures in our students' lives for Father's Day. We have areas in the library that allow students to select new books once they have been accessioned, covered, and put on display, ready to read!

Mrs Louise Davies & Mrs Katrina Windsor
Teacher Librarians

SPORTS REPORT

Polding Athletics Carnival: All the best to our athletes who will be attending the Polding Athletics Carnival being held in Newcastle on September 12: Sonny Anderson, Bronte Booth, Keira Bosianek, Hudson Cronin, Rydah Cronin, Xavier Curtin, Harry Dawson, Milla Dennis, Mark Hunter, Hugh Hutton, Kalesita Kaufusi, Cruz-Izak Peters and Jett Thornberry. A big thank you to Mrs Curtin who will be representing the Diocese as an Official on the day and also to our wonderful parents for their transport and support.

Mrs Blaire Clarke
Sports Coordinator

PUPIL-FREE DAY - Wednesday, 17 December

At the end of this year, our staff will take part in a professional learning day focused on first aid training. At HFS, we have an increasing number of students with significant medical needs, and this training will ensure our staff are well prepared to support them both at school and on excursions.

The last day of lessons for students will be Tuesday, 16 December 2025, followed by a pupil-free day on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 for staff training.

We sincerely thank our HFS community for supporting these valuable professional learning opportunities for our staff.

SCHOOL FEES

The final School Fee instalment for 2025 was due in August. Thank you to our parents who are paying by part payments or to those families who have paid their accounts in full.

For parents having genuine financial difficulty, please call the school office to arrange an appointment with our Principal.

We thank everyone for their attention to their school fee account.

School fees may be paid via:

BPay (details on the bottom of your statement)
Compass Pay via your Compass portal
EFTPOS in the office, or over the phone
CASH at the school office
Direct Debit - Please contact the office for forms

IGNATIUS PLACE

We kindly remind our parents and students to be respectful of the residential properties along Ignatius Place, Kelso. At the end of the school day, this area becomes very busy for both our families and local residents. If you or your child use Ignatius Place, please help us by ensuring that you:

Do not park across driveways
Do not walk through gardens
Do not touch houses or knock on windows

Your support helps us maintain positive relationships with our neighbours and keeps this area safe for everyone.

CLASS IN REVIEW - 2W

This term, 2 White have been diving headfirst into the exciting world of science! Our focus has been on exploring how the physical world works, and what better way to learn than through hands-on experiments. The students have loved becoming “mini scientists,” testing ideas, making predictions, and observing what happens.

One of the highlights has been our static electricity investigations. Using balloons, the class discovered how simple rubbing can create an invisible force. There was plenty of laughter as hair stood on end, paper clung to walls, and balloons “magically” stuck to surfaces. The children were fascinated to see how something they couldn’t see could have such a strong effect!

Another favourite activity was the “can races.” Students charged their balloons and then used static electricity to roll aluminium cans across the classroom floor. It was a wonderful way to see science in action, with plenty of cheering as the cans raced ahead.

These experiments not only deepened students’ understanding of forces but also encouraged teamwork, curiosity, and problem solving. 2 White are proving that learning science is not just about reading and writing—it’s about discovering the world around us in fun and creative ways!

CLASS IN REVIEW - KW

100 Days of Wonder in Kindergarten White!

Kindergarten White has reached a fantastic milestone — 100 days of learning, growing, and exploring!

This term, our young learners have:

Built strong literacy foundations through the DRA Phonics Program
Gained confidence in reading and phonics
Explored number combinations and addition in maths
Expressed creativity through art, inspired by Claude Monet and Sally Morgan

What a joyful journey it’s been — here’s to many more learning adventures ahead!

MERIT AWARDS - Week 4 Assembly

Congratulations to our Week 6 Merit Award Recipients - Kolby Whitby, Georgia Morgan, Bear Englert, Dominic McGinnes, Lucas Strachan, Sayan Suchand, Zayne Fearnley, Gurveer Singh, Riley Beckers, Oliver Ross, Harper Weal, Ava Cummings, Ivy Harper, Harry Fogarty, Georgia Johnson, Alexander Phillp, Benson Comerford, Aubree Curry, Jensen Rimmer, Clara Davis, Bowen Pleming, Angus Smith, Aubrey Waters, Amelie Dundas, Mason Watts, Hunter Beckers, James Ballantine, Levi Morgan, Savannah Smith, Murphy Jones, Alopa Nair, Sophie Moore, Hugo Bourgeot, Jordan Eves, Preston McLean, Spencer Marks, Harper Edwards, Karsten Myers, Max Fahey, Tate Morgan, Austin Williams, Fletcher Smith, Saatchi Wright, Sienna Howe, Penny Hewitt, Logan McGregor, Ryder Rimmer, Jack Strachan.

RUOK DAY @ HFS

P & F NEWS

Save the date for upcoming events in Term 4:

17^th Oct. Colour Run
9^th Nov. Bunnings BBQ (Volunteers needed)
14^th Nov. Disco (Volunteers needed)

Keep an eye out on socials and school announcements for more details and events.

Our next P&F meeting will be held on Tuesday, 14 October in the staffroom. We would love to see you there.

Colour Run Fundraiser

The kids had such a great time last year that we have arranged for the P&F Colour Run fundraiser to be held again this year on Friday, 17th October. Money raised from this fundraiser will help purchase Amplify for our school. A fun and exciting creative arts curriculum that our kids will enjoy. Let's get registered and start fundraising, lots of prizes and fun guaranteed.
Charley Fearnley

CANTEEN

Canteen Money: We request that any money sent to school for Canteen over counter sales be a maximum of a $10 note as our ability to provide change is limited. Thank you for your understanding.

Sushi Dates for Term 3: Sushi is supplied by Sushia and is only available for order via Flexischools (not available over the counter)

Thursday, 25th September (Week Ten)

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. Please do not forget to order sauce along with the order.

Parents must order online for their child’s lunch order.

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

If you have any queries or would like to Volunteer please phone Vikki on 0439 964 462.

SUPERVISION AND PICK UP REMINDER

Supervision and Pick-Up Reminder

This is a reminder to families that school supervision begins at 8:35 a.m. each morning. Students arriving before this time must remain seated in the courtyard until staff on duty arrive. This is an important part of ensuring student safety.

The school day concludes at 3:15 pm, and there are several options available for student pick-up:

Walkers 1: Students walking home or being collected on foot from the front gate.
Walkers 2: Students collected from the bottom of the hill near the CEDB building (Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst) are escorted to this designated collection point.
Car Pick-Up: This is a drive-through option. Please note that drivers must remain in their vehicles at all times. In the afternoon, this is especially important as we operate on a 5 cars in, 5 cars out system to ensure safety and efficiency.
Park and Collect: Families may park in the Visitors’ Car Park and collect their child from the Multi-Sports Area.

Staff fully supervise students catching the country bus each afternoon until the last bus departs and all students are safely on board.

Thank you for your cooperation in supporting the safety and well-being of all our students.

ON-SITE AFTER SCHOOL CARE - Contact Details.

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:
• Mobile: 0491 147 453
• Email at: holyfamilyoshc@centacarebathurst.com.au
The team can answer any questions you may have.

Expressions of interest for 2026 are now being taken!