Dear Parents/Carers,

I recently came across a speech by Pope Francis that he gave to participants at an International Youth Forum. In it, he reminded the young people that they "are the today of God, the today of the Church! Not just the future, but the today."  While it was directed at the youth, I feel that this statement can be equally relevant to us as adults, reminding us that we cannot be complacent in our approach to the Church's future and that we must contribute to it. I recommend to you the next round of opportunities to contribute to the Plenary Council 2020. Pope Francis continued in the speech: "You need one another, if you are to make a difference in a world increasingly tempted to divisiveness. You have to be a message of unity. With Christ, the Bread of Life who gives us strength for the journey, let us bring his fire to light up the darkness of this world!" Once again, words that speak to anyone of any age, and they implore us to strive together for the future of our world, our children and our church.

We had two wonderful celebrations recently - the Book Week Parade and St Benedict's Feast Day. Both days were such joyful occasions and highlighted the fantastic and talented community that we have at Holy Family. The parade was vibrant and colourful, and brought out the creativity of staff and students (and, of course, our secret actors!). St Benedict's Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on our school's history and its connection to the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. Each year we also use it as an opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause. This year, the "Colour Run" was such a fun way to raise these funds. I would like to thank the many parents who assisted on the day - at times it was difficult working out who was having more fun, the adults or children! The funds raised this year will be forwarded to: CatholicCare (via Mr Dodds) who are supporting young people who transition out of juvenile detention by providing them with a 'release pack' that contains some essential items to assist in their rehabilitation; the Campbelltown Arts Centre to support their education and arts programs for local Aboriginal people; and the Warin Warin childhood centre that supports the early learning of Aboriginal children.

Thank you to the parents who were able to contribute to yesterday's workshops that will assist in reviewing our school's Vision. If you were unable to attend, you can still contribute via a digital survey. A link to this survey will be available soon.

Wishing you a great fortnight,

Paul Moroney

Year 5 Camp is on from Wednesday 4 September to Friday 6 September.  

Parents are asked to drop their children to Teen Ranch, Cobbitty on Wednesday between 9 and 9.30am and pick them up on Friday at 2pm. Please remember children are not permitted to bring their devices or any money. Teen Ranch is located at 352 Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty 2570.

Students are Required to Bring:

• All bedding, bottom sheet and pillow, plus either sleeping bag or doona.
• Enclosed shoes (2 pairs are advisable)
• Casual clothes including T-shirts (not singlets)
• Old clothes and footwear for canoeing
• Long pants for horse riding
• Swimmers and a rash shirt or T-shirt for canoeing
• Warm jumper for evenings and rain wear (if required)
• Towel and toiletries
• Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat
• Torch

As the students prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 8 September, we acknowledge the gifts of the Spirit the work of Father Peter, Miss Winarczyk, Miss Pogson and Mr Leibrandt.   

The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control

Thank you to all our parents who have downloaded the new Compass App.  If you haven't as yet carried out this process please ensure you have installed and logged on to our school's Compass Portal.  Each parent has been given their own personalised letter.  If you have misplaced your letter, please contact the office and a new letter will be provided.  On the school website (www.hfidow.catholic.edu.au) there is an image to assist you to login to the Compass Portal.

As from next Monday 2 September if a child is absent without notification we will be sending an SMS text to the Primary Parent in the main househould. You will get a link to explain this absence.

Compass is the system of accessing your child's Student Absences, consent to excursions/events, accessing your child's Academic Reports, paying school fees, booking teacher/parent interviews.

Please only use the following 'reason' selections when advising of your child's absence:

• Medical - Illness
• Medical Appointment
• Other Explained Absence

Do not use the "Holiday" option as approval is required prior to leave after submitting a "Student Leave Application" to our Principal, Mr Moroney.

Recently, our diocese launched a Social Media Policy. The creation of this policy arose out of the need to inform all members of school communities (staff, students and parents) of the responsibility we all have in using social media in a way that respects the dignity of others and does not promote perspectives that are contrary to the Catholic faith. To read the policy in full you can visit https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/policies/social-media-policy/

Parent sessions have now been organised for further information in relation to the implementation of this Policy.  Two workshops will be conducted with the assistance of representatives from Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) and Police Liaison Officers.  They will be held in the hall on Wednesday 11 September, 2019:

1.45pm - 2.45pm and 6pm - 7pm

Enjoy some of the photos from our Book Parade!!

    

            

                 

What a wonderful celebration of St Benedict's Feast with a whole school Mass and the joy of the colour run4fun.