From the Acting Assistant Principal: Holy Land Reflection

As I sit to write my last-ever newsletter article for our community at Holy Family, Ingleburn, I reflect on all the experiences that I have had since September/October this year on my once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Holy Land. So much has changed in our world over these last ten weeks and so much has changed in my world. 

The photo below was taken on my visit to Nazareth and shows the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph above the words:

ET VENIENS HABITAVIT IN CIVITATE NAZARETH, A DIMPLERETUR, QUOD DICTUM EST PER PROPHETAS: NAZARAEUS VOCABITUR.

Translating the Latin gives us these words:

He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarean” (Matthew 2:23).

An understanding of the world in which the Gospels were written suggests that Jesus was from one of the lower economic classes. Rather than the sanitised ‘movie version’ of Jesus’ life where we picture him living a simple but comfortable daily life, here the Son of God walked humbly amongst us, living a meagre existence. So great was His love for us.

Our King and Saviour was born in a town, which when translated from the Hebrew ‘Bet Leḥem’ means ‘House of Bread.’ How fitting that the bread of life was born in such a place. This particular town felt welcoming, humbling and I felt a deep sense of connection to the place on this part of my pilgrimage.

I have told anyone who has asked about my trip of the profound impact this experience has had on my spiritual life. As a Catholic school teacher, I have always been confident in my knowledge of the bible and its messages. I understand now how important geography, culture, history and traditions are for relating to these sacred texts. I have a better appreciation of all that Jesus sacrificed for us because His love for us is so great. I have a better appreciation of life beyond material things. After all the Son of God lived a poor existence for us. He multiplied food that had been shared with him, fished from borrowed boats and with borrowed nets on the sea of Galilee, He accepted hospitality from His followers and was buried in a borrowed tomb. Like Jesus modelled for us, I hope that the people I connect with can value what is important, time and positive relationships.

Just as my time in Israel and Palestine has impacted my spiritual life and changed my worldviews, so too my time at Holy Family has left an indelible mark on my person.  I am grateful for the happy good morning and God bless from our students as they walk into the school gates. I am proud of the graduates that we have farewelled this week. I am thrilled at the students who stepped outside their comfort zones and tried something new and challenging. I leave with a strong sense of hope for the future of the teaching profession as I have witnessed countless times teachers, school support officers and our office staff go above and beyond in service of our Holy Family Community. I am overjoyed at the encouragement, guidance and tireless commitment that our Parish Priest has for this beautiful community and I am grateful for the parents who work with us to provide a quality, faith-filled education to our students. Finally, I am indebted to your current principal Mrs Amy Smith for allowing me the opportunity to serve this school. As Mrs Rolfe mentioned in the final mass, once you are part of Holy Family you will always be a part of Holy Family. I welcome this idea.

I see in Holy Family Ingleburn a vibrant Catholic community that will continue to flourish and excel. Thank you to you,  our parents and carers for entrusting me this term with the education of your most precious children. It has been an absolute privilege.

Mrs Bridgeen Pritchard

Year 6 Parents & Families leaving Holy Family in 2023

Any Year 6 students and students in other grades who will be leaving at the end of 2023, please take note of the following: 

Access to School Reports:  After your child leaves the school, you will not be able access your child's school reports through the Compass Parent portal.

Action Required:  If you wish to retain copies of your child's school reports for future reference, it is important to download and print them before Friday, 15 December, 2023. This will ensure you have access to this valuable information after your child's departure from the school.

Fee Instalment

If you would like to change your existing Instalment amount and or frequency, please complete the attached Fee Instalment form. If you would like to continue with your existing arrangement there is no need for you to do anything.

Information regarding Student Image Consent 

The safety and wellbeing of students is always our first priority. This includes protecting their privacy and respecting the wishes of parents and carers regarding the use of student photos, images, and works at all times. 

At the start of each school year, you are asked to complete a form to provide your consent for images of your child to appear in various places (e.g., in school newsletters, social media, and promotional material). 

In 2023, this form became digital, and you were asked to consent to an event in Compass. 

In the same way that you provided consent for your child in 2023, you will still be able to simply reply in the Compass app; however, in 2024, this consent will be provided in a new app feature called Compass Insight. Compass’ Insights module is a tool for gathering information from staff, students and parents that can be used for a variety of purposes.

What do you need to do?

During the Christmas vacation period, you will receive a new image consent Insight in the Compass app. Please click on the link provided and read the details of the Insight carefully, discuss it with your child, and once you have made your decision, answer the question to either provide or decline consent.

To ensure that no child misses out on having their photo taken as part of school life, we will occasionally send reminders to parents and carers who have yet to complete the Insight. 

If you have any questions about this change or the image consent form in general, please contact the school, and we will be happy to discuss this further with you.

Please remember it is cash only - no EFTPOS facilities are available.

Please Note: The Clothing shop will be open

Wednesday & Thursday (7th & 8th Feb 2024)