Dear Parents/Carers,

Sunday's Gospel reading was the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who climbed a tree in order to get a better glimpse of Jesus. I love this story because it highlights how much Jesus looks beyond what everyone else assumes about someone. When the people looked at Zacchaeus in the tree, they saw a hated enemy, to be laughed at with scorn. When Jesus looked at Zacchaeus in the tree, he saw a soul with potential, to be called with love. Jesus’ ability to read hearts enabled him to see the whole picture of Zacchaeus. Yes, money had been his driving motivation, but there was an openness in his heart that would be good soil for the seed. Jesus invited himself over for dinner; Zacchaeus would have never imagined doing it himself. The Lord was not embarrassed by Zacchaeus, and like the privileged souls of his closest disciples, he called him by name. He wants to call us, too!

I would like to thank those of you who have passed on congratulations to me following the announcement of my Principalship at St John's, Campbelltown from the start of 2020. It has also been humbling to hear that some of you will miss me at Holy Family. The decision for me to apply for this new position came after much discernment and with the knowledge that it will be hard to leave this wonderful community. However, moving on was made with two main thoughts in mind. Firstly, I firmly believe that a school community benefits from new and fresh ideas from its leadership and, after six years at Holy Family, I feel that the school is now ready to have someone new as its Principal. Secondly, for my own professional growth and development, I believe that a new and different school community would provide me with challenges to ensure that I do not become complacent and, therefore, not serve a school to the best of my ability. I have learnt so much from my time at Holy Family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of being a part of your community. The new Principal will be fortunate to become part of such a caring, trusting and faith-filled community.

Last Wednesday, Mrs Smith and I attended a professional learning day with other staff from every primary school in our diocese. The purpose of the day was for each school to present to a small group some of the work that has been done over the last two years in relation to supporting the learning of the students. Our school has had a specific focus on writing, with attention being given to teachers using data that they collect to specifically target the needs of the students in their class. The delivery of lessons in writing has then been done in a way that students are clear on the learning intentions, and structures are put in place so that they know how to improve their own writing. Much of this work has been based on the work of Dr Lyn Sharratt who has done research on how schools can promote improvement in student learning. Dr Sharratt has been working closely with our diocese over the last four years, and Mrs Smith and I noticed that all schools presented using similar theories and practices. The data we collect is showing an improvement in student writing, and this was supported by the NAPLAN data which has also shown a growth in writing results for Years 3 & 5.

Congratulations to our students who competed in the swimming carnival on Monday. Although the weather was a little inconsistent, the students gave of their best and were very well behaved. Thank you also to the parents who were able to help on the day. I also congratulate the senior girls' cricket team for their success at the recent regional gala day competition. They made the final on the day and won by 1 run! They were deservedly very excited and proud of their achievements.

Wishing you a safe and happy fortnight,

Paul Moroney

November is the month when our church remembers in a special way those who have died.  The names of our deceased loved ones form part of a rememberance display in the office foyer.

The Catholic Church in Australia is dedicating the month of November as a time to pray for those affected by crippling drought conditions and to pray for the gift of rain. Parishes, schools, families and other Catholic communities across the country are being encouraged to participate in the National Prayer Campaign for Drought, which also invites people to provide assistance to those most in need. 

A Prayer for Rain to Our Eternal God:

In wisdom and love
you created our earth
to sustain us and give us life.

We turn to you now
in faith, hope and love,
asking you to look with favour
on our drought-stricken land,
on our starving animals,
on our failing crops.

Strengthen, sustain and give new heart
to our farmers and to all who are affected by
drought;
be with those who support them.

In your loving providence,
send abundant rain and restore our parched earth.
Father of all compassion, hear our prayer
through Jesus Christ your Son,
in whom the promise of new life
has dawned, and through the power
of the Holy Spirit,
the Lord the giver of life:
Renew your faithful people;
Renew the face of the earth.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross,
Mary, help of Christians –
Pray for us.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop –
Pray for us.

The new finance system for payments is very 'user friendly' and we encourage parents to utilise the service. With the introduction of the new finance system you are now able to view your fee balance and pay by card online. 

To do this - 

• Go to the Organisation Tab (which is the 9 dots) and go to Events
• This will show your current balance 
• To make a payment click on General Payments and enter card details, amount to be paid and Process

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What a great day at the swimming carnival.  Thank you to everyone that assisted and the students for their participation.

RAFTER (GOLD) HOUSE was the winner.

Age Champions:

Junior Girl   Chloe Poll

Junior Boy   Ethan De Guzman

Senior Girls  Daisy Robertson, Monique Pleadin

Senior Boy   Sean Sullivan

Our students and staff have been getting their hands dirty and showing off their gardening skills in a bid to beautify their school environment whilst also helping to create habitats for local birdlife and koalas. The Student Ecology Team comprising of students from Years 5 and 6, together with Ms Coffey, Mrs Jones and some very enthusiastic parent volunteers (Mrs Parker, Mrs Wydmuch & Mrs Wood) spent a day planting seedlings in two separate garden spaces in the school grounds.

The planting was led and assisted by Michaela Beattie, the Environmental Education Officer with Campbelltown City Council. The Council generously provided 130 seedlings that are native to the area for planting. Michaela's work is part of a Council project that aims to provide endangered native birds with a food source as well as shelter and breeding sites.

The school community is also participating in the Hollows as Homes project which is helping to provide habitats for koalas in the local area. The Koala Campaign is part of a Year 2 topic on 'Creation' and HSIE topic 'My Place in Space', which looks at the local area and conservation issues. 

The Girls won the South West Woolworths Blast Cricket last Thursday at Bankstown. The team consisted of Scarlett Ring, Jessica Forde, Sienna Pavoncelli, Kealey Lound, Angelina Wood, Olivia Webster and Hannah Casey.

The girls won all their round robin games easily and then the final by 1 run. They had lots of fun and their behaviour and sportsmanship was fantastic. This was the first time any Holy Family side has made this final let alone win it. A huge effort, well done girls.