Reflection

As we enter the Lenten season, we are called to a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Lent began yesterday with Ash Wednesday, marking the 40-day journey toward Easter, a season that invites us to deepen our relationship with God. The ashes placed on our foreheads serve as a reminder of our mortality, humbling us before the Creator and calling us to remember the fleeting nature of life.

Lent is a period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, where we are invited to let go of distractions and focus on what truly matters. It’s a time to reorient our hearts toward God, to purify our minds, and to seek the grace that transforms us. Through self-examination, we acknowledge our weaknesses, yet we also find strength in the promise of God’s mercy and love.

As we walk through the next 40 days, let us be intentional in seeking holiness and renewal, looking ahead to the joy of Easter, knowing that through sacrifice and surrender, we are drawn closer to the heart of Christ.

Annual Improvement Plan

In all things at Holy Family, Give Thanks.

Mrs Amy Smith

Principal

Ice-blocks are available for purchase at Break 2 for 50 cents.

Belonging in a Connected Community

Belonging in a connected community is important to us at Holy Family. We work hard to live out our vision to be a welcoming Catholic school community that endeavours to bear Christ to all. We aim to do this through the many opportunities for faith formation, high quality teaching and learning and robust PB4L (positive behaviours for learning) structures that are built on positive relationships and underpinned by Catholic Social Teaching. Our wonderful community celebrations involving our parents and carers, as well as our school’s Parents and Friends all help connect us as a community. 

In addition to this, we know that many of our students participate in a number of extra curricular activities outside of school and we would like to celebrate some of these great achievements! These could include achievements in their Parish, music, sport, dance, drama, community service and community awards, to name a few.

If your child has recently achieved something in an outside school area, please let us know! Details can be sent to info@hfidow.catholic.edu.au with the email subject ‘Belonging in a Connected Community’. We can then showcase their achievement in this section of our newsletter. 

The Carney's are kicking off our showcase achievements this year.  Well done boys.

Vasefanua Carney shines in TFW9s Grand Final Victory

Over the school holidays, Vasefanua Carney (4W) competed in The Final Whistle 9’s (TFW9’s) Rugby League tackle competition as part of the Under 9’s NxGen Weapons team. The team, made up of players from Central Coast and Camden, fought hard throughout the 2 day tournament.

After finishing third in the pool stage, they advanced to the semi-finals and then the Grand Final. Facing a tough opponent they had lost to earlier, the boys dug deep. Vasefanua was instrumental, making a crucial try-saving tackle and scoring a hat trick. His final try on the buzzer secured a thrilling 22-21 victory.

For his outstanding performance, Vasefanua earned the Players’ Player award and multiple ‘Big Hits’ awards (money value). The entire team, including his father, who assisted with crowd control, proudly received Championship Rings.

Congratulations to Vase for his incredible achievement and sportsmanship!

Cash Carney trains hard for two tournaments over school holidays

Cash Carney (6W) trained over the school holidays for two tournaments:

1. Rugby League tackle competition - The Final Whistle 9’s (TWF9’s) on the Central Coast, representing the Southwest All Stars under 11’s team.
2. NSW Oztag State Cup representing Macarthur Mustangs Under 11’s Oztag team

TFW9s tournament was a tough competition for Cash’s team paired with wind, rain and eventually sunshine in their Grand Final match. Despite the boys best efforts, they fell short in the Grand Final to become Runners Up. The boys walked away humble in defeat and with greater bonds in friendship.

NSW State Cup took place on February 7^th to February 9^th. Day 1 of competition, Cash’s team started strong winning all three of their matches against Razorback, Inner West and Ryde. Day 2 presented tougher competition and despite their best efforts, they lost all three remaining matches against Sutherland, Camden and Tamworth. Macarthur Mustangs finished 5^th in their pool and did not make finals. They finished 15^th in the state out of 30 teams. Cash was honoured to be selected as team captain, providing him with invaluable leadership experience in this tournament.

Overall, Cash trained hard all summer and should be commended for his dedication to his training for these tournaments.

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