Holy Family Catholic Primary School Kelso eNewsletter

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Week 8
16.6.25 Care Group Session
18.6.25 8.00am-9.15am Little Vintage Blends Coffee Van.
18.6.25 9.30am-2.30pm Denison College Transition Day. Bathurst and Kelso Campuses
19.6.25 1.30pm-3.00pm K-2 Athletics Carnival. School Ovals. All welcome
20.6.25 Soccer Gala Day

Week 9
23.6.25 Care Group Session
24.6.25 Bathurst Dio Rugby 10's. Orange
27.6.25 9.30am-10.30am Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass. Hall. All welcome
27.6.25 12.45pm Rosie Fearnley Wigs 4 Kids haircut. Hall. All welcome

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

I am deeply grateful for the kind words and generous support following the announcement of my appointment as Principal. It is a profound honour to lead a school that holds such a special place in my heart.

Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of journeying with this incredible community as a parent, teacher, Assistant Principal, and now Principal. Each role has deepened my appreciation for what makes Holy Family truly special: our shared faith, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment to our children.

I look forward to continuing this journey together, building upon our strengths, and shaping an even brighter future for our students.

Farewell to Father Paul Devitt and Father Thao

Today, as a school community gathered in love, we pause to give thanks and farewell two much-loved priests: Fr Paul Devitt and Fr Thao, who will be leaving the Bathurst community at the end of this month.

For nearly 12 years, Fr Paul has served our Diocese with a listening ear, a caring heart, and a deep commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships within our community. He led the restoration of the Cathedral—a lasting symbol of faith—but even more importantly, he has been a steady pastoral presence. He has supported individuals and families through everyday life with warmth, compassion, and his trademark sense of humour.

At his farewell on Sunday, Fr Paul spoke about how God calls us to love — not just in theory, but in the way we live, speak, and treat one another. He reminded us that our love must be shown in our words and actions, a message that sits right at the heart of who we are as a school community. ‘Gathered in Love’ isn’t just our motto; it’s a daily invitation to live like Jesus, Mary and Joseph. To trust in God, care for one another, and act with kindness.

Fr Paul also shared that God has a way of gently leading us to where we need to be. Even when we can’t see the whole plan, we are called to trust that God is with us, guiding each step. It’s a reminder we all need, especially in times of change. As Fr Paul prepares for the next part of his ministry in Mudgee, we thank him sincerely for all he has given to our community and our Diocese. His presence will be missed.

We also prepare to farewell Fr Thao, our much-loved school chaplain, who will lead us in his final Mass on Friday, 27th June, as we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Fr Thao has become an integral part of the Holy Family community. He has a special way of connecting with students, not from above, but right beside them: in the playground, the classroom, or during whole school events. He has shared his faith in a real, joyful, and deeply relational way. His love for our students and community has been evident in every interaction. Fr Thao, we thank you for your student-centred heart, your quiet leadership, and your ever-present willingness to walk with us in both faith and fun. You’ve shown us what love in action really looks like.

As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the symbol of Christ’s love for all, may we be inspired by Fr Paul and Fr Thao to live with open hearts, trusting in God and loving one another deeply.

May God bless you both in the journeys ahead.

Amen.

Mrs Alison Curtin - Principal

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

Semester One Reports – A Celebration of Learning and Growth
Semester One Reports are a celebration of each student’s learning and growth over the first half of 2025. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of your child’s learning journey across all Key Learning Areas (KLAs), highlighting their academic progress, strengths, and areas for future development. They are a valuable tool in recognising the effort, perseverance, and personal achievements of each child.

In Week 10, the Semester One Reports will be released with a Compass notification sent when they are available, and you can access them through your Compass portal. If you have any issues with your login, now is the time to contact our office team.

In Years 1–6, grades are allocated using the five-point A to E scale, reflecting your child’s performance based on what they’ve been taught. Kindergarten students are assessed according to the three-point scale of Working Towards, Working At and Working Beyond.

Effort and overall achievement are also reported in each KLA. Effort is described using phrases such as Outstanding, Commendable, Satisfactory, or Inconsistent, while overall achievement uses terms aligned with grades: Outstanding, High, Sound, Basic, and Limited

As you read through your child’s report, we encourage you to reflect together on the learning experiences, milestones reached, and the goals that lie ahead. Reports are not just about grades—they tell the story of growth, curiosity, and commitment to learning.

This reflection is beautifully echoed in the words of Jesus: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Each report captures how students are letting their light shine—through their talents, kindness, determination, and contributions to their school community. It is a reminder that each child has been gifted with unique abilities and potential, and that using these gifts brings glory not only to themselves but to God.

We thank our staff for their thoughtful reflections and ongoing commitment to supporting every student to grow in confidence, knowledge, and faith.

Mrs Amanda McGinnes - Acting Assistant Principal

REC NEWS

A Prayer for Refugee Week
Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching

God of our journey, You were once a refugee,
seeking safety in a foreign land.
We remember all those who flee conflict, persecution, and despair,
in search of peace, freedom, and hope.

Open our hearts, that we may welcome the stranger with compassion,
offer shelter to those in need, and walk alongside those displaced.
Help us to see Your face in every person seeking refuge.

May we work together for a world where justice reigns,
communities are open and diverse, and every person is treated with dignity.

Lord, give us courage to live out our faith with its boots on—
grounded in action, rooted in love.
Amen.

Refugee Week 2025 runs from June 15–21, coinciding with World Refugee Day on June 20. This year’s theme, "Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community," invites us to reflect on the courage of those seeking refuge and the rich contributions they make to our shared life. It also marks 50 years since the arrival of Vietnamese refugees in Australia—an enduring example of resilience, welcome, and the power of community.

Last week, I had the opportunity to step back for a time of prayer, learning, and reflection with Phil Glendenning, a long-time advocate for justice and former President of the Refugee Council of Australia. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, we were reminded that social justice is faith with its boots on—a call to live our beliefs through action, compassion, and solidarity.

As we continue this important work, let us ask: What gives you hope? What sustains you?
In Refugee Week and beyond, may we be inspired by the strength of those we serve, the commitment of our community, and the shared mission that unites us.

Feast Day of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - 27th June
Observed on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost, this feast honours the physical heart of Jesus Christ as a symbol of his boundless and passionate love for all of humanity. This will be the last school Mass with Fr Thao before he moves to Cowra to take up his new role. Please join us in our school hall to celebrate this special Mass on Friday, 27th June at 9:30am.

Sacraments:
Thank you to the families in our Year 5 and Year 6 classes who are of the Catholic faith and took the time to complete our Sacrament Survey. Your responses have been incredibly helpful in supporting HFS to work in partnership with families as we nurture each child’s faith journey and connection with God through the sacraments.

It has been wonderful to hear that many families have recently joined our parish community as their children receive the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist. I encourage any remaining families who wish to participate to contact Cathy Brien at the Presbytery to arrange the necessary paperwork and schedule a date for the Sacrament.

Sacrament of Confirmation for 2025 dates coming up:

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:

Cathedral Parish Mass Times

Mrs Louise Davies - Acting REC

LIBRARY NEWS

Book Week 2025 - This year’s theme, Book an Adventure, captures the spirit of exploration reflected in the work of featured artist Jess McGeachin and marks the celebration of 80 years of Children’s Book Week. In 2025, we’re invited to journey through lands, across time, and into cherished memories through the pages of a book.

At Holy Family School, our Book Week adventure will take us across our amazing country—exploring Australia’s states and territories, favourite holiday spots, and the unique flora and fauna of each region. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to get creative and come dressed as something inspired by their travels or discoveries.

We look forward to celebrating Book Week 2025 from 17–23 August and can’t wait to see the imaginative ways our students bring this theme to life!

Our special celebration day at Holy Family School will be Thursday, 21st August.

SCHOOL FEES

Please be advised that the second instalment of School Fees are now overdue.

We appreciate your prompt attention to the school fees.

SPORTS REPORT with Mrs Blaire Clarke

Kalesita Kaufusi: In Week 6, Year 6 student Kalesita Kaufusi travelled to Sydney for the NSWPSSA Australian Football Championships and NSWPSSA Girls Rugby 7’s Championships. It’s an incredible achievement to be selected for these high level competitions. Well done Kale on all your hard work and dedication to these sports. May these experiences lead to further success for you.

Polding Cross Country: Last Wednesday Harry Dawson, Thomas Montgomerie, Patrick Montgomerie, Hugh Hutton, Hamish Adair, Leo Windsor and Quinn Ross travelled to Sydney for the NSWCPS Cross Country Championships held at Sydney International Equestrian Centre. The boys ran well and gained valuable experience from the event. We are proud of their efforts and commitment to doing their best on the day. Well done boys!

Rugby 10’s: Next Tuesday 24th of June, Holy Family will have two teams competing at the Rugby 10's Gala Day at the Orange Emus Rugby Club. The winner of this day will determine the school team to represent the Bathurst Diocese at the NSWCPS 10 a side Inter Diocese Knockout to be held on Monday 18th August at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill. We thank Mr Hardy and Mr Dennis for all their work training and preparing the students for the competition. All the best!

Netball Gala Day: Last week 18 teams from Holy Family School proudly represented our school at the NSW Netball Schools Cup held in Bathurst. We competed with great sportsmanship and teamwork, as our teams showcased their skills against schools from Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Millthorpe and Oberon. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their skills, for some to learn the rules of netball and enjoy a day of competition. Thank you to Mrs Bowman for coordinating the day and our teachers and our parents who volunteered as coaches. A big thank you to Shelley Ovenstone, Lisa Twigg, Dominique Windsor, Natalie Nixon and Danielle Ballinger for their help on the day.

Soccer Gala Day: This Friday 20th June is the Soccer Gala Day hosted by Assumption School at Proctor Park. Students will travel to this event by a bus provided by the school. The students will be having a meeting this week with Mrs Price regarding the teams they will be in on the day. Students will need to have a pair of shin pads, HFS football socks (available at the office $15/pair), joggers or football boots. The draws for this event will be available closer to the event. The bus will depart Holy Family at 9.05am, so students will need to be punctual to school. Soccer games will end by 2.30pm and the bus will depart at 2.40pm, to return to school. There is a canteen available on the day, but children are encouraged to also bring recess and lunch as wait times for the canteen can be long.

MERIT AWARDS - Week 7 Assembly

Congratulations to our Week 7 Merit Award Recipients - June DeMaere, Sophia Auhl, Gordon Costelloe, Ebony Marks, Harlow Myers, Tex Hardy, Marlow Richards, Pranshi Pathak, Teddy Walker, Koby Stair, Archie Woods, Arham Ali, Georgia Johnson, Ivy Arnold, Audrey Francis, Violet McLean, Emily Rehling, Memphis Robinson, Bobby Lewis, Isabella Johnson, Jenson Berrington, Miranda Stapleton, Samuel Adams, Chloe Bartlett, Jazz Mann, Benjamin Mannix, Reagan West, Tye Johnson, Callie Hart, Isla Baillie, Shea Irwin, Michael Turner, Olivia Betts, Sophie Coleman, Eli Ekert, Levi Campbell, Violet Geelan, Maggie Pratley, Hamish Adair, Lewis Curran, Jordan Eves, Makenna Moss, Heath Teal, Harry Francis, Ivy Lutener, Autumn Botham, James Swan, Harry Dawson, Jack Humphreys, Zane Waterford

ENROL NOW!

COMPASS EVENTS

The majority of our excursions and events for permission are requested via the Compass Parent Portal under the ‘Events’ section. On the rare occasion, for example Eastern Region where payment is required, will you be sent home a paper note.

As the school community grows bigger and our events become larger with more students and the convenience of families, we request your attention to providing permission via Compass by the closing date. You are also able to ‘Decline’ permission in the case you are away or have other commitments. Moving forward please note that events will cut off for permission strictly on the due date and the student will be automatically marked as declined.

Some screenshots below may help you navigate Compass if you are unsure.

CANTEEN

SUSHI DATES for TERM 2: Sushi is supplied by Sushia and is only available for order via Flexischools (not available over the counter) Orders must be in by 9am on the day (no late orders)

Thursday, 3rd July

HOT DOGS & NEW MENU ITEMS: Within the Student Representative Council the students have requested the return of Hot Dogs! Moving forward they will be a regular menu item for Thursdays. There are also a few new other menu items including Pizza Rounder, Mac and Cheese, and Nuggets for the lunch menu and Hash Browns available at Recess.

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

No ice blocks or slushies to be ordered with lunch orders - thank you. If you have any queries or would like to Volunteer please phone Vikki on 0439 964 462. (Please note, Marianne no longer works at Holy Family and Vikki is the current contact)

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.

MISS PAULA - MUSIC TUITION

Unfortunately there are no vacancies for private instrument tuition, Miss Paula is not taking a waiting list.
Miss Paula’s books are permanently closed.

P & F NEWS

Upcoming Events:
Term 3: Disco
Term 4: Bunnings BBQ (November 9th) and a Colour Fun Run (date TBC)

Next Meeting: Tuesday, 5th August @ 7.30pm (Staffroom) All Welcome

BOOK CLUB

Orders and money and due by TOMORROW! Wednesday, 18 June either via the LOOP online ordering system or drop off orders with cash to the School Office!

ON-SITE AFTER SCHOOL CARE - Updated 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:
• Noemi 0481 792 489 (Text until 2pm) and then 0491 147 453 after 2pm
• Email at: holyfamilyoshc@centacarebathurst.com.au
Noemi and the team can answer any questions you may have.

CCSP FREE WEBINARS

PLEASE JOIN CCSP’S FREE WEBINARS IN TERM 2 Register using the link - see you online!

Parents and carers of tweenagers and teenagers, these two webinars are for you!
PLEASE JOIN CCSP’S FREE WEBINARS IN TERM 2 Register using the link - see you online!

PARENTING TWEENS: WHAT KIDS NEED NOW, BEFORE THE TEEN YEARS
For parents and carers of primary school students 8+
Presented by Michelle Mitchell
Tuesday 24 June
7pm - 8pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PARENTING TWEENS

PARENTING TEENS: STAYING CONNECTED THROUGH THE TEEN YEARS
Parents of high school kids 12+
Presented by Michelle Mitchell
Wednesday 25 June
7pm - 8pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PARENTING TEENS

STUDENT NEWS

WIGS FOR KIDS AUSTRALIA - Rosie

Rosie is aiming to donate approximately 40cm (35cm is needed to actually make a wig), but she is aiming to raise enough funds to cover the entire cost of making a custom wig. Each wig provided by Wigs4Kids changes the life of a child facing medical hair loss, helping them feel more confident, comfortable and like themselves again.

Along with her friends, teachers and family cheering her on, the big CHOP will be on Friday, 27th June at 12:45pm here at Holy Family School.

In support of this great cause please bring a GOLD COIN donation on the day, with the students wearing their favourite hat or beanie as a way of support!!

If you can spare some support in helping Rosie achieve her dream please use the link below. Every dollar donated brings her closer to fully funding the making of a wig - a beautiful, lasting gift.

https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/s/8184/8267/e