NEWSLETTER NO. 16 - 22.10.25

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Week 2
21.10.25 - Basketball Tournament. Years 5 and 6. Bathurst Indoor Sports Stadium
22-23.10.25 - PSSA Athletics. Homebush
23.10.25 - Year 6 Orientation for MacKillop and Stannies
23-24.10.25 - Year 5 Lake Burrendong Camp
23.10.25 5.00pm-6.00pm - K-2, 6.30pm-7.30pm 3-6. Assumption School NAIDOC Disco
24.10.25 - Years 1 and 2 Rugby League Clinic
24.10.25 - 2.15pm-3.00pm School Assembly. Hall. All welcome

Week 3 NAIDOC Week - Bathurst Schools
27.10.25 - NAIDOC Week March. 9.15am-12.45pm. Parents welcome to meet at Red Rooster at 9.30am
29.10.25 - 9.15am-9.45am NAIDOC Week Liturgy. HFS Aboriginal Garden. All welcome
30.10.25 - 11.30am-1.00pm Year 6 Minifete in conjunction with Socktober. Wear some crazy socks with uniform and bring a Gold Coin donation
31.10.25 - World Teachers Day!
31.10.25 - Years 1 and 2 Rugby League Clinic
31.10.25 - Year 5 Leadership Day with MacKillop College students
31.10.25 - 9.15am-10.15am All Saints Day Liturgy. Hall. All welcome

Week 4
4.11.25 - 7.30pm-8.30pm P&F Meeting. Staffroom. All welcome
4.11.25 - 3.30pm AFL Auskick after school program
7.11.25 - Years 1 and 2 Rugby League Clinic
7.11.25 - 2.15pm-3.00pm School Assembly. Hall. All welcome

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

Click on the link below to access the HFS Parent Google Calendar.

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

P & F Colour Run Celebration

What a bright start to Term 4! Last week’s P & F Colour Run, coordinated by Jackie Booth and our hardworking P & F Committee, was a fantastic way to begin the term. Thank you to the many parent volunteers who set up, sprayed, and joined in to support our students.

Throughout the morning, we closely monitored weather apps, unsure if the event could go ahead. Thankfully, the skies held long enough for an enjoyable afternoon. From Kindy to Year 6, students encouraged one another, bringing terrific enthusiasm to the course. Their behaviour was exemplary, especially given the hot conditions.

A highlight was seeing our 2026 Kindergarten students, who were invited and came along to join the celebration. We have loved watching many of you grow throughout the year, and we look forward to welcoming you again on 12th November for the Kindy Meet and Greet as you prepare to join our community next year.

Special thanks to our Year 6 helpers, our mascot “Chuck,” and every parent who came along to support. Your presence made the day. This event was more than colour and laughter; it was our community working and laughing together under the banner of Gathered in Love. Our fundraising and teamwork embody solidarity and generosity. Thank you for making it a colourful first week back.

Mrs Alison Curtin
Principal

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Welcome back to Term 4, traditionally one of our busiest and most vibrant terms of the year! With celebrations, transitions, and deep learning ahead, we’re already seeing students return with focus, energy, and a readiness to embrace every opportunity. Across all year levels, students have returned with enthusiasm, diving into rich learning experiences, from daily reading groups and phonics instruction to rich learning tasks to build mathematical thinking and hands-on science experiments. Our teachers are guiding students through meaningful challenges, and the buzz of learning is unmistakable in every corner of the school.

🎶 Music in K–2: Building Foundations with Miss Taylor 🎶

This semester, our K–2 students have been immersed in the joy of music through our Creative Arts Program, led by Miss Taylor. She has been trialling the Amplify platform to support music education in the early years, and the results have been wonderful. The lessons are interactive and engaging, blending singing, movement, and musical exploration to build strong foundations in rhythm, pitch, and expression.

Students are developing confidence and creativity as they explore musical concepts in playful and purposeful ways. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand the use of Amplify across K–6 in 2026, aligning with the rollout of the new Creative Arts Syllabus. This marks an exciting step forward in delivering consistent, high-quality music education to all students.

🌞 Message from our Student Representative Council (SRC): Hats On, Plays On! 🌞

As the warmer weather returns, our Student Representative Council reminds us of the importance of sun safety. Please ensure that students bring their hats to school each day—Hats On, Plays On! Let’s keep our community safe while enjoying the sunshine.

As we journey through Term 4, may we continue to support one another, celebrate our achievements, and finish the year with the same energy and unity that marked our colourful beginning.

Mrs Amanda McGinnes
Assistant Principal

REC NEWS

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of our faith and the call to share Your love with others.
Bless those who dedicate their lives to missionary work,

bringing hope and healing to communities in need.
Help us to be mindful of our role as missionary disciples,
Living out the Gospel through our prayers, generosity, and acts of kindness.
May our school and families be a light of Your love in the world,
Spreading compassion, justice, and peace wherever we go.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Welcome back for our final term of 2025! It is looking to be another busy yet wonderful term ahead! On Sunday, 19th October, we celebrated Mission Sunday, a special day in the Catholic Church's calendar that reminds us of our shared responsibility to support missionary work worldwide. It is a time to reflect on how we can live out the Gospel through prayer, generosity, and acts of service to those in need.

As families in our school community, we encourage you to:

• Pray together for missionaries and the communities they serve.
• Support missions through small acts of charity or donations to organisations like Catholic Mission.
• Live the Gospel through kindness, compassion, and acts of service in your daily lives.

Let us come together as a school community to foster a spirit of faith, solidarity, and generosity, answering the call to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. Thank you for your continued support in nurturing these values within our families.

On Thursday, 30th October, Year 6 will hold their 2025 Mini Fete, and as part of this wonderful initiative, we ask all children to wear a crazy pair of socks for our Socktober event. I have organised a pair of crazy snakes and ladders socks with 2 Metro 5 Movie Tickets for children, a $10 HFS Canteen voucher and a $20 Scholastic Book Club Voucher to be raffled. Raffle tickets will be sold each day outside the Canteen area for 50c a ticket, and the tickets will also be sold during the Mini Fete on Thursday, 30th October. The winning ticket will be drawn just before lunchtime toward the end of the mini-fete.

PLEASE don’t go and buy a pair of crazy socks, just encourage children to wear odd socks or a pair they already have - put the cost of the socks toward raffle tickets or donating on the day! 

All money goes to support…….

Zambia, a country of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, lies in the heart of southern Africa. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the wildlife-filled plains and warm-hearted people, Zambia is a land of beauty and resilience. Despite its natural wealth and strong spirit, many families face daily challenges, especially in rural areas. Today, one of the most urgent issues is the severe hunger crisis that threatens the well-being of millions.    https://www.socktober.org.au/about/zambia

More information may be found by clicking here:    Socktober 2025

Liturgies and Masses this Term: We hope you can join us for the following……

Wednesday 29th October - Naidoc Week Liturgy 9:15 am in the front Garden at HFS
Tuesday 4th Nov. - Stage 2 (year 3 and 4) Creation Liturgy in the Chapel at 9:15am
Thursday 6th Nov - Kinder Liturgy in the Chapel at 9:15am
Tuesday 11th Nov. - Remembrance Day Prayer in Courtyard 10:45am
Thursday 13th November - Year Two Liturgy at 9:15am in Chapel
Monday 24th November - Feast of Christ the King Whole School Mass at 9:15am in School Hall
Monday 1st December - Advent Week One Whole School Prayer in School Hall at 9:10am
Monday 8th December - Advent Week 2 Whole School Prayer in Hall at 9:10am
Friday 12th December - Closing School Mass for 2025 in School Hall at 9:30am
Monday 15th December - Advent Week 3 Whole School Prayer in School Hall at 9:10am
Tuesday 16th December - Year 6 Graduation Liturgy in School Hall at 12noon.

Year 5 Leadership Day

Next Friday, 31st October, our Year Five students will participate in a Leadership day, led by students from MacKillop College. The day will focus on:

• What is Leadership?

• Who and What makes a good leader

• What does Jesus teach us about leadership?

• How did Jesus lead others?

• My Leadership!

This is a wonderful way to begin the leadership program that has begun in classes. It will provide our students with a solid foundation for understanding the qualities and responsibilities of leadership. Through engaging activities, meaningful discussions, and reflection, students will explore how they can apply Jesus' teachings and the characteristics of effective leadership in their own lives.

This day will not only help our Year Five students develop confidence in their ability to lead but also encourage them to embrace leadership as a way to serve others, inspired by the example of Jesus. It is an invaluable opportunity for students to grow in their faith, build relationships, and step into their roles as compassionate and capable leaders in our school and wider community.

We are grateful to the Year Ten students from MacKillop College and Dr Amber Calleja for guiding and mentoring our students during this special day. Please keep our Year Five students in your prayers as they embark on this important journey of leadership development.

The children will need to bring a packed morning tea but will be provided a BBQ sausage sizzle and popper for lunch.

Sacraments

It has been wonderful to receive notification from the presbytery and photos of children who have made their Sacrament of Penance and/or Eucharist over the holidays and past weeks! A gentle reminder to families to register with Cathy O’Brien at the presbytery and ensure all necessary paperwork and payment are completed, as the final weekend for bookings to receive the Sacraments will be 16th November. Please note that the Priest Retreat will take place the following week, leading to the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King.

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

Mrs Louise Davies - REC

SPORTS REPORT

P.S.S.A Athletics Championships

This week the P.S.S.A Athletics Championships are held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. Holy Family School will be represented by Harry Dawson (Yr 6), Xavier Curtin  (Yr 5) and Hudson Cronin (Yr 2).  The boys will compete in the following events;

• Xavier Curtin: 100m & 200m
• Harry Dawson: 800m
• Hudson Cronin: 100m

We wish the boys every success today and tomorrow at the Championships. 

Summer Sports Trials 2025 - Diocesan Selections 

Last week Year 4 and 5 students trialled for the Summer Sports Trials which were held at school. We congratulate the following students who were selected to attend the Diocesan trials in Dubbo in Week 6.

Basketball (Girls): Lara Baldi, Milla Dennis, Sophie Moore, Matilda Burke, Piper Oakley
Basketball (Boys): Leo Windsor, Hamish Adair, Oliver Clancy, Hugo Bourgeot
Softball: Joe Borg, Tate Morgan, Austin Williams, Jett Thornberry
Touch Football (Girls): Issa Peters, Matilda Robins, Ellie Rogers, Olivia Cummings, Farrah Johnson
Touch Football (Boys):  Jack Booth, Rydah Cronin, Xavier Curtin, Chase Barwick, Mark Hunter
Cricket: Isaac Price, Maggie Pratley, Spencer Marks

The Diocesan Trials Dates:
Touch:  Thursday, 20th November 2025 (backup Wednesday, 26^th November). 
Cricket & Softball: Thursday 20th November 2025 (backup Wednesday, 26^th November). 
Basketball:  Friday, 21st November 2025 (no back up date event will go ahead on 21st)

Basketball NSW Schools Tournament

On Tuesday, four Stage 3 teams from Holy Family School participated in the Basketball NSW Schools Tournament. They faced strong competition from schools across the region, including Lithgow, Mudgee, Bathurst, and Dubbo. It was a fantastic experience for our students, who had the opportunity to showcase their skills, build teamwork, and represent our school with pride. Thank you to Mr Hartmann and Mr Dennis for your work coaching our teams leading up to the tournament and on the day. Thank you to Mrs Barnes for her assistance coaching our girls’ team.

Girls’ Polding Rugby League

This Friday, Year 6 student Kalesita Kaufusi will attend the Polding Girls’ Rugby League Trials in Sydney. We wish you all the best Kale at this pathway event.

NRL League Stars Clinic (Stage 1)

Year 1 and Year 2 students will participate in a NRL League Stars Rugby League clinic over the next 4 weeks as part of their P.E lessons. These sessions will be facilitated by NRL development staff, which were made possible with a grant secured from Sporting Schools. Year 1 and 2 students will then participate in a league tag gala morning which will be held at Holy Family on Friday 21st of November. We will have more information on this event in the next newsletter.

Mrs Blaire Clarke
Sports Coordinator

CANTEEN UPDATE

Thank you Term Three Volunteers!
Dominique Windsor, Emma Smith, Emma Lewis, Donna Martin, Sally Lanagan, Samara Pringle and Danielle Ballinger.

Canteen Price Update
Please note that there has been a small increase in canteen prices. This is the first price adjustment in a few years and reflects rising supplier costs. We’ve worked to keep increases to a minimum while continuing to offer quality and affordable options for students. The updated price list is attached below.

Canteen Lunch Orders
As our school continues to grow, we kindly remind families that no late lunch orders can be placed directly through the school or canteen. Lunch orders must be submitted by 9:00am using Flexischools. Please note, if you forget to order in time, we do have sandwiches (fresh or toasted) available to be ordered up until 10:45am using Flexischools. Thank you for helping us keep everything running smoothly!

Sushi Dates for Term 4: Sushi is supplied by Sushia and is only available for order via Flexischools app
Week 4 - Thursday 6th November
Week 7 - Thursday 27th November
Week 9 - Thursday 11th December

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. 

CLASS IN REVIEW - 4 BLUE

4 Blue has had a busy start to Term 4! We have started our new English unit based on the book '200 Minutes of Danger' by Jack Heath. We have also been learning how to use a thesaurus. In PDHPE we looked at how to be responsible with money and students had to plan a 24 hour trip with a budget of $350. We have been researching the jobs of convicts and how they contributed to the establishment of new settlements. In Music we have been focusing on body percussion. We played bocce for sport and students also participated in the summer sports trials. 4 Blue were also eager participants in the colour run.

MERIT AWARDS - Term 3, Week 10 Assembly

Congratulations to our Week 10 Merit Award Recipients - Willow Andrews, Harper Reilly, Suprina Adhikari, Nate Barwick, Charlotte Conroy, Parker Fairbrother, Austin Seaman, Harlow Myers, Mia Ballantine, Harry Little, Swalha Shafeeq, Kaihden Goodworth, Jack Fearnley, Lachlan Maguire, Reuben De Maere, Dulcie Grives, Penelope Arrow, Hallie Eves, Harry Collins, Demi Grogan, Phoenix Richards, Sofia-Rose Faljoun, Zoe Nelson, Annabel Locke, Hamish Ford, Quinton Marks, Phoebe Worswick, Lyla Denmead, Jazz Mann, Lucy Ballinger, Jake Lawson, Isla Nixon, Ruby Aberley, Jett Jennings, Silas Richter, Tye Johnson, Nahly Gibbons, Patrick Montgomerie, Scotty Stokes, Maggie Pratley, Leo Windsor, Abbi Tickle, Darcy Plenderleith, Eli Ekert, Nevaeh Robinson, Luke Bowman, Ella Charlton, Sophie Fogarty, Willow Lavelle, Michaela Rodrigo, Mark Hunter, Jett Thornberry, Brooklyn Milligan, Jesse Martin, Grace Olayemi, Max Borg, Seraphina Malfroy, Halle Cafe

Congratulations to our Week 10 Principal Award Recipients - Hudson Glover, Adaline Press, Corben Fitzpatrick, Phoebe Toole, Felix Windsor, Iylah Inwood, Cassie Heinz, Younus Younus, Harry Fogarty, Hazel Schumacher, Hannah Irwin, Hayden Earsman, Asher King, Audrey Francis, Harper Randall, Harry Conroy, Izabella Thorn, Ashley Vella, Matilda Dwyer, Alexandra Sinton, Rosie Fearnley, Mackenzie Evans, Sophie Head, Archie Barrett, Neveah Robinson, Lachlan Fahey, Hunter Unicomb, Scarlett Kelly, Jax McClintock, Ella Conroy, Charlie Robinson, Adeline Chenhall, Jack Strachan, Koa Bowman

P & F NEWS

 P&F Upcoming School Events – Get Involved! 

 Bunnings BBQ – Sunday 9th November We’re firing up the grill at Bunnings for a sizzling fundraiser! Come down, grab a snag, and support our school. We’re looking for volunteers to help on the day—whether you can flip sausages or greet customers, we’d love your help.  Sign up now via 

 Christmas Disco – Friday 14th November Get ready to jingle and mingle at our festive Christmas-themed disco! It’s going to be a night of music, dancing, and holiday cheer.  Parent helpers needed! If you’re able to assist on the night, please let us know when the permission notes are sent home. A valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required for all volunteers. 

 Family Night Raffle – Prize Donations Welcome We’re preparing a spectacular raffle for Family Night and would love contributions from our community. If you or your business can donate a prize—big or small—it would be greatly appreciated.  We especially love to showcase businesses owned by families within our school—it's a great way to support and celebrate our community and we will promote your business on our P&F socials!

If you haven't already joined our Facebook page, search for Holy Family School, Kelso Parents & Friends. This page will keep you up to date with all our events and meeting dates.

Contact P&F President, Charley Fearnley via the Facebook page or text message 0409 576 485 for any information.

Let’s make these events unforgettable with your support. Thank you for being such an amazing school community!

NAIDOC DISCO

Get ready to dance!

Assumption Primary School, Bathurst is excited to once again host the Primary School NAIDOC Disco. ALL primary-aged students are warmly invited to join in the fun! This special event celebrates friendship and connection, strengthening the ties between our schools, families and the wider community, while also providing fun, positive experiences for our students.

Support will be provided from St Stanislaus College and MacKillop College students who’ll help make the night extra memorable for everyone.

BOOK CLUB

Book Club order booklets were sent home last week.  Orders (optional) are due by Thursday, 23 October.  Please remember to write your child's name and class on the order forms.

PRIVATE MUSIC TUITION - Miss Paula

Just a little message from Miss Paula that her books remained closed, and there is no waiting list.

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!

LOST & FOUND

We have the following at the office.

1. Purse with coins that has been found
2. Mercat's Sparkle Surprise book 
3. Ring featuring a sleeping Koala 
4. Keys 
5. Wireless ear buds
6. Spiderman Hat
7. Beaded necklace
8. Glasses

Please call the office if these are your items - 63313279

Found Items

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Centacare OSHC Positions available

Centacare Central West & Orana is currently seeking enthusiastic Educators and Coordinators to join our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) teams in the Orange and Bathurst Diocesan primary schools.  These roles offer flexible, family-friendly hours, above-award pay, and 95% off the gap fees for staff with children attending the service.
We are reaching out to our school communities for support — our OSHC services rely on committed and engaged employees to help keep these vital programs running for our children and families.

If you know someone who would love to work with children, or if you’d like to apply please see the link below:
For more information and to apply now:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a8d7fd9a41314ecea1bb219c22c9d67d