Last Sunday’s Gospel...

We heard the story about the beginning of Jesus’ teaching. He taught in the temple but not in the way the people were used to. Jesus taught with authority meaning He got to the essence of the message and they could understand it. It would have been a teaching they heard before but the way He taught it was different. That word ‘authority’ is connected to the word ‘author’.  The texts he was teaching about came from God as the author through the prophets so it is little wonder He could explain them well being God Himself.

Did you know...

Jews gathered in temples each week much like we do in churches – and still do, to hear scripture and the teaching about what it means. Our traditions are very connected with Jewish tradition.

From the Principal...

It has been lovely seeing you all again for 2021! We pray this year may be a little smoother than 2020 but as with all challenges we have grown, so some good comes from difficult times. 

We have again had new families join us at Holy Family. A number are starting in the next few days too. I know you will make them feel welcome along with our new staff. Miss Alana Stroligo joins the Leadership Team as Middle Leader 2 and is teaching Year 6, Miss Jacinta Vella returns but as a class teacher on Year 5. Miss Sarah Florio is teaching Year 1 and Mr Harrison Yates is providing executive release time in Years 5 and 6. Mr Stephen Zamroz is joining us for the first part of Term 1 on Year 4 and Mrs Cassie Miranda joins us from the CEO as our Instructional coach. We also welcome back Miss Dianne Winarczyk after her leave in Term 4.

CatholicCare has provided us with a new School Counsellor. Her name is Sarah Bailey. She will be with us every Thursday and Friday along with alternate Tuesdays. She has already met with key staff and has an exciting range of proactive programs regarding mental health and wellbeing  we can access should we need to. She will of course provide private counselling services as usual. If you would like your child to see the school counsellor, please contact Mrs Smith or I and we will arrange a referral for you. You will see a new section in the newsletter from her this week. She will be having a regular contribution so keep watch for that. If there is something you think would benefit many of the parents, please let us know as she is happy to tailor her information to our needs.  

Curriculum Notes will be out in the next couple of days if you haven’t already received them. I have had good feedback from you – you find them informative and helpful. Please let us know of any tips you might have to improve them.

You will have the chance to meet your child’s classroom teacher in Week 4 to pass on any information you want the teacher to know about your child. More details about this will follow.

I would like to remind you about the modifications to our reward system. We have had so many students reaching the Principal’s Award for 200 stickers in the younger grades that we now have a Platinum Award for the 200, a Principal’s Award for 250 and a Principal’s Medallion for 300 stickers. What a great achievement on the part of our students that we have had to extend the system!

We are in the process of moving the clothing pool to one of the rooms at the back of the hall. This will make it accessible to you despite restrictions in accessing the school grounds. We think it will be a more sustainable and convenient option. If you are in need of some items and can’t wait – you have been very patient, please send a list or make contact with the office and we will see if we can fulfill what you require.

Students are again permitted to use the bubblers at school. They are still encouraged to drink from their own drink bottle as a preference and teachers will still make them available to students at play times but use of bubblers is again allowed.

Please continue to feel free to come and see me at any time. If I am unavailable, the office staff will make an alternative appointment time for you or give me a message to ring you. We make Holy Family the best school we can when we all work together and contribute all our talents to making it so. We the staff, can’t do it without you!

I look forward to another happy year with you all.

God Bless,

Michelle Rolfe

Principal

Supplier:      Lowes —Minto —10 Brookfield Road, Minto, 486 2566 (02) 9820 1611

HOW TO WEAR YOUR UNIFORM

Change from Summer to Winter uniform occurs beginning May (after the Mothers' Day weekend) and change from Winter to Summer uniform occurs from the beginning of Term 4 (after the Fathers' Day weekend) - changes to these times may be made due to unseasonal weather conditions.

Every family enrolling students at HFI receives a uniform list.  Here’s how to wear it!!

School Hat

Must be worn to and from school each day and when students are attending excursions or school activities, unless directed otherwise.

Hair should be styled so that the hat sits properly on the student’s head.

NO HAT, NO PLAY.

Socks

Girls—Summer and Sport:   Worn above the ankle.

Girls—Winter:  If wearing socks, pulled to just below the knee

Boys—Sport:  Worn above the ankle

Boys—Summer and Winter:  Worn above the ankle

NO anklet socks—no brand names

Jewellery / Make Up

Small silver or gold studs (without a stone) /sleepers (small only that can twist fully through an ear and open easily).

Piercings to be on girls only—one piercing on the ear lobe only

Small watches may be worn but no “loud” coloured straps/bands so as not to draw attention to them

Religious medal on a thin chain (no leather).  Chain to be tucked under shirt.

Rings and bracelets, of any description, may not be worn

No make up of any description is to be worn—this includes nail polish 

Hair

The emphasis is on “neat” and “tidy”.

Girls hair below the shoulder is to be tied back

Girls may wear hair accessories to match the uniform

Boys’ hair is to be no longer than eyebrow or collar length

Extremes of hair cuts are not permitted—hair must be evenly cut—no rat’s tails or shaved

sections/lines

Colouring of hair is not permitted 

Sports Uniform

To be worn to and from school on the days designated by the class teacher

On carnival days—Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming your child’s house colour polo shirt may be worn in place of the normal sport shirt.

Shoes

Summer and Winter:  Plain, standard black leather lace up traditional school shoes. Low heels—No deck shoes or boots.  Girls may wear shoes with a buckle.

Sport:  Predominantly white joggers that finish below the ankle (no basketball or slip on styles)with white laces only.

General

Students must wear full uniform to school every day.

All uniform items should be clean, in good repair and wrinkle free.

Names are to be marked on all items of clothing.

Full uniform, including hat, to be worn when appearing in public.

Boys’ school shirts must be tucked in (Winter only)

Sports shirts are worn over shorts

No brand names to be seen on any part of the uniform

The jumper is the first item for warmth.  Outer jackets (Parkas) may be worn but must be removed when in the classroom.

The uniform is to be worn in such a way as to invite positive comment only

Umbrellas do not form part of the uniform policy and are not to be used at school

Parenting in Primary School: How to manage your child's emotions

Starting school and making new friends can lead to whole range of emotions in your child. Here are some simple tips on managing these new experiences.

Primary school can be an intense time for children. In the early days of school, children are learning new rules and routines, both at school and at home. Although it can be a confusing time, it can also be one of positive new beginnings as your child starts to make friends and learn new behaviours.

As a parent, you can help your child navigate these experiences, assisting them to go to school feeling calm, confident and ready to learn.

Naming your feelings

Talking about your feelings and naming them is a way for children to begin using vocabulary to express their emotions. Encouraging children to say, for example, ‘I feel sad today’, gives you a starting point for exploring the cause of the problem. You can encourage this language by using it yourself, for example naming your own emotions ‘I feel very happy today because…’, ‘I feel a bit sad today because…’.

Play games

Using games to explore feelings is a great way to teach children about emotions. Try games with picture cards – i.e. asking the child to name the correct feeling from facial expressions – is one example. Alternatively, you could get the whole family involved by taking pictures of them displaying different emotions.

Activities

When your child is feeling sad, angry or frustrated, have some activities planned to help them express themselves. For example, painting, playing in the sand, using playdough or encouraging them to dance to their favourite music.

Mindfulness

Explore mindfulness techniques to quieten their busy minds. Teach them breathing techniques to use when they are angry or upset. You could also try joining a yoga for kids class in your area.

Learning together

Another option to consider is checking to see how you’re feeling as a parent. Children learn their behaviours primarily from looking to their parents as role models. Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed? It’s worth considering what messages your facial expression and body language are sending to your child.

As you consider some of the above techniques for your child, think about whether you could do them together, so you can both benefit.

If you are still concerned about your child’s stress levels after trying the above suggestions, remember that you’re not alone. An excellent place to start is talking with their teacher. There are also local services that can help, for example, Catholiccare Campbelltown offers parenting courses such as "Seeing Red," "Circle of Security" and "Black Box Parenting" http://www.catholiccare.dow.org.au/index.php/calendar.

If you need more immediate help, our experts are just a phone call away at Parent Line NSW (free for any parent of a child under 18 in NSW)

Sources:

Kids Matter

Raising Children Network

The Schools Parenting Resource is put together by our family specialists who work with families across Sydney everyday.   You can call our professional Parent Line NSW counsellors on 1300 1300 52 for individual advice.

Disclaimer: This article does not give professional advice.  The contents constitute general information of a summary nature of interest and relevance at the time of publication. You should not rely on the contents as professional advice but should seek, formal advice in particular matters relevant to your particular situation.

Circle of Security Term 1

Monday, 01 February 2021 10:00 AM

For Parents/Carers

A must for all parents. Children who feel secure have empathy, greater self-esteem, better relationships and increased capacity to handle their emotions. Understand your child's world by learning to ready your child's emotional needs.

Sessions: 5 x 2 hours weekly at Catholiccare Campbelltown (35a Cordreaux St.)

Cost: $75

Monday 1, 8, 15, 22 Feb, 1 Mar 10:00am-12:00pm

To enquire about enrolling in this course please email intakeservices@catholiccare.dow.org.au with your name, email address and phone number along with the course you wish to attend.

Seeing Red Term 1

Wednesday, 03 February 2021 10:00 AM

For all Parents/Carers

Strong emotions are natural and are felt by everyone. Learn to recognise, communicate and listen to your feelings and others feelings. Learn to express these feelings in an assertive way

Sessions: 5 x 2 hours weekly at Catholiccare Campbelltown (35a Cordreaux St.)

Cost: $75

Wednesday 3, 10, 17, 24 Feb, 3 Mar 10:00am-12:00pm

To enquire about enrolling in this course please email enquiries@catholiccare.dow.org.au with your name, email address and phone number along with the course you wish to attend.

Black Box Parenting Term 1

Tuesday, 02 February 2021 10:00 AM

For Parents / Carers

Parents explore how previous life events and experiences influence their parenting and how they interact with their children. Parents are provided with a non-judgmental environment to help build social and emotional wellbeing throughout their parenting journey.

Sessions: 6 x 2.5 hours weekly at Catholiccare Campbelltown (35a Cordreaux St.)

Cost: FREE

Tuesday 2, 9, 16, 23 Feb, 2, 9 Mar 10:00am-12:30pm

To enquire about enrolling in this course please email intakeservices@catholiccare.dow.org.au with your name, email address and phone number along with the course you wish to attend.