Dear Parents/Carers,

Although we are already in our second week of Term 3, I take this opportunity to welcome you all back to the routines of school. I hope that the transition from being in 'holiday mode' to 'school mode' was smooth for your family. I have noticed that the children certainly seemed more energised compared to the end of Term 2, so the holiday period must have given them a good opportunity to focus on different things in a more relaxed manner.

On the first day back for this term, our staff were engaged in a day of Spiritual Formation. This annual opportunity is vital for our staff to focus on what is critical to our work as Catholic educators - our connection to our faith. On the day, we had the chance to reflect on the Gospel story of Martha and Mary. The two women were hosts to Jesus and his disciples, with Martha focusing on the jobs that needed to be done while Mary focused on sitting with and listening to Jesus. Martha became resentful of Mary and challenged Jesus to chastise Mary for not doing the 'right' thing.

In reflecting on this Gospel story, we were reminded that it is important for all of us to find the right balance in our lives between the jobs and tasks that need to be done (cleaning, cooking, gardening, driving children to events etc) and the moments when we can focus on relationships with others and our own personal needs (praying, playing games with our children, sitting and listening to others who need support, having time for personal relaxation). If you are like me, you might never get the balance right. If you have got the balance right, please let me know your secret! This Gospel story is a good reminder for us to be aware that there are occasions when we need to be 'Martha' and occasions when we need to be 'Mary', and that it is through a relationship with Jesus that we gain fulfilment in life.

Thank you to the many parents who took up the opportunity to have a meeting with their child's classroom teacher during the last week of Term 2. Along with the reports, the interviews hopefully provided you with valuable information about your child's progress and how we are planning to support their continued growth. 

The student reports being made available via the Compass app seemed to be succesful. Your feedback would be helpful if you experienced any issues so that we can rectify them before reports are distributed again in Term 4. During this term we will be rolling out more features of the app so please keep up to date with any information we provide.

Wishing you a safe and happy fortnight,

Paul Moroney

It’s time for our annual Book Parade in celebration of Book Week!

 Friday 16 August at 12.00pm in the Hall

Each grade will dress to represent a particular story. Please do not feel the need to purchase costumes for the parade. You are encouraged to use clothing and accessories you already have at home in a creative way!

Kindergarten – Winnie the Pooh series by A.A Milne                        

Grade 1 – Madeline series by Ludwig Bemelmans

Grade 2  - Elves and the Shoemaker    (fairytale)

Grade 3 – The Little Mermaid (fairytale)

Grade 4 – Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda

Grade 5 – James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl 

Grade 6 –  The Lorax by Dr Seuss

Costumes are to be worn to school on the day in place of school uniform. Parents and friends are welcome to attend our Book Parade. Please note that the hall will not be open until 11.45am.

Our school thanks the P & F (especially Mrs Parker) for supporting some gardening next to the basketball court. This work has tidied up a hedge which was making it difficult for the children to retrieve handballs and basketballs.

You may have also noticed new gardens in Koala Park. These have been created by Campbelltown Council and include a variety of eucalyptus plants which will be used to feed sick and injured koalas. Staff from the Council are planning to teach our students about these plants and their use. These gardens will be a great source of learning for our students - a wonderful resource right in our 'backyard.'

Lilly Roach and Christian Gad represented Holy Family School when they attended the annual Campbelltown Catholic Club Mass last Sunday.  Our school is very grateful for the financial support provided by the Club which assists in building projects within the school such as the refurbishment of the hall.