Reflection

As we approach the final days of Lent and enter into the sacred journey of Holy Week, we pause to reflect on the profound significance of this time. Holy Week is a week that invites us into the story of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, a story that transforms the lives of all who encounter it.

During this week, we remember the triumph of Palm Sunday, when the people greeted Jesus as their King, and we are challenged to reflect on the difference between the expectations of a worldly king and the humility of the King of Heaven. As we walk through the week, we witness the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, where Jesus gives us the gift of His body and blood in the Eucharist and shows us the call to serve one another with love and humility.

Good Friday marks the darkest and most sorrowful day, where we stand in awe and reverence at the cross, where Jesus freely chose to lay down His life for the salvation of all. The silence of this day invites us to reflect deeply on the love that led Jesus to endure such suffering for each of us.

Finally, Easter Sunday brings the glorious and victorious resurrection of Jesus. His rising from the dead brings hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life for all who believe. Easter is a reminder that, no matter how dark our struggles may seem, God’s love is stronger and will bring about new life.

As a school community, this Holy Week invites us to pause, reflect, and respond to God’s love by growing in kindness, compassion, and service to one another. Let us carry the message of Easter in our hearts and actions, sharing the joy of the resurrection with those around us.

May this Holy Week bring us closer to Christ, and may His resurrection fill us with hope, peace, and the strength to face each new day with faith.

Wishing all of our students, staff, and families a blessed Holy Week and a joyful Easter season.

Vision Moments

As noted in the last school newsletter, Holy Family is embedding the principles of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness throughout school life as we believe that they support our school vision which is to be a ‘A welcoming Catholic school community that endeavours to bear Christ to all’.  We want Holy Family to be more than just a school focused on excellence in learning. We aspire for it to be a place that works in partnership with parents to shape beautiful children that are ultimately empowered to become the best version of themselves. One of my favourite parts of being principal is being in the classrooms and on the playground to connect with our staff and students and be inspired by their words and actions. It fills me with hope to witness the love, connection and respect displayed by our wonderful students and staff. Please see below some beautiful moments that I am grateful for over the past fortnight:

• Year 6 Buddies - providing guidance, support, and even cuddles for our Kindergarten students. Their kindness and patience is really wonderful. 

• Demiana (2 Blue) - for going out of her way to support a Year 1 student who was feeling a little sad and needed some extra support.

• Noah L (3 Blue) - for showing compassion and care for a fellow student. 

• Mr Natoli for his inspiring vision for the Young Samaritan group and sharing his faith with everyone.

• To you, our families - for your generous support of our cake stall last week

I could spend all day listing similar moments like this within our community. Like Christ, these students have inspired many others to work towards becoming the bearers of Christ’s love.

Annual Improvement Plan

As previously communicated, our Annual Improvement Plan goal is focused on reading. Throughout the term our staff has engaged in professional learning that has built their knowledge of the latest research-based quality instruction aligned to the new English Syllabus. Weekly Professional Learning Team meetings have also provided an opportunity for our teams to work collaboratively to use this knowledge to inform teaching and learning programs. 

The Leadership Team has been engaging in Learning Walks. Learning walks are purposeful classroom visits, allowing school leaders and staff to observe teaching and learning practices, gather insights, and foster a shared understanding of school-wide goals, ultimately improving instruction and student outcomes. The results of these visits have helped shape the professional learning for Term 2.

It is wonderful to work with such passionate and hardworking teachers and support staff who want to improve their practice for the best outcomes for our children.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Over the last four weeks many of our Year 3 students and parents have engaged in the Parish preparation program for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It has been wonderful for me to be part of the program and witness the growth in faith of our students under Father Henry’s leadership. The program concluded last week and our students received the Sacrament last Friday night at the Holy Family Church. 

Holy Week 

Holy Week itself occurs during the first week of the school holidays this year so we marked this very important time in the Church’s this week at school. Sacred spaces were set up throughout the library and classes were taken through prayerful sessions with their teachers throughout this week. Today’s Holy Week Liturgy was also very special. Please see below our Parish Holy Week and Easter schedule.

In all things at Holy Family, Give Thanks.