Last Sunday’s Gospel…
Peter famously recognized Jesus as Christ when Jesus asked “Who do you say I am?”. When
Jesus went on to tell His disciples about the things He was going to go through, Peter gave the
very human response of telling Jesus not to go through with it. Jesus rebuked Peter knowing
that His Mission had a higher purpose – God’s purpose. Often we don’t see God’s purpose in
some of the things that happen to us or our world either. We have to have faith that God is in
everything and is always with us. It can be hard to remember sometimes.

From the Principal...
We come to the end of a truly unique term! I am sure you are all very ready for a break from
the rigours of remote learning.
I am very pleased to be able to announce the house names. The most popular choices after
quite and extensive process of consultation and voting are – Benedict (being a Benedictine
school), Caruana (Fr Peter Parish Priest her for nearly 40 years), MacKillop (St Mary of the
Cross Australia’s first saint and Teresa (St Mother Teresa of Calcutta). We are still to look at
colours and other symbols for the houses and will keep you posted.
To go along with this, we are looking at the process of including House Captains as well as
School and Vice Captains for 2022. I will be speaking via Zoom to Year 5 students, parents and
staff via Zoom early in Term 4 about the voting procedures. If we can finalise the House
Captains procedure as well we will include them. We have to make some decisions about
choosing from the house only, which can be problematic if the numbers are low, or to choose
the top 12 students and then reassign a house if there is a clash. Please have a think about that
and let me know if you have strong ideas either way. I will share a model with you soon.

October is Mission Month. We usually collect for Catholic Missions in October. I am very aware
that many of you are struggling financially so want to make sure this doesn’t put too much
pressure on you. Mrs David will be providing links but we will not be putting as big a focus on
it this year as we usually do. If you feel you can donate please do. There are a lot of people
struggling in the world.
We have just completed a significant recruiting process to replace teachers who have retired,
are moving to another school or require a significant amount of leave. While we still need to
finalise a few positions, and I have to wait for some announcements to be made at other
schools, we are well on the way to having a strong team in place for 2022 even though it will
look quite different with some new faces. We hope to be able to pay a fitting tribute to all who
have retired after many years of service to both holy Family and catholic Education in general.
I hope to be able to give you a staff list early next term.

Both I and individual teachers have, during this term, received emails from a number of you
telling me, or them, about how much you have appreciated the effort they have made with
teaching this term. This might seem like a small gesture on your part but it has meant a
tremendous amount to teachers and staff who are usually surrounded by people in their work
and are very used to constant feedback. If you would like to send a message, please feel free to
do so to their email or to the school one and I will pass them on. It means so much more to
them when you, or the students, tell them they are doing a good job than when I do!
I hope you all stay safe during the break and are able to enjoy some easing of restriction. If I
hear any further news you need to know about regards schooling during the break for next
term, I will keep you posted.

God Bless

Michelle Rolfe

Principal