Last Sunday’s Gospel...
Last Sunday was the feast of Corpus Christi – the Body and Blood of Christ. It is central to our Catholic Faith that when Jesus said when breaking the bread – “This is my body” and later when He took the cup of wine and said “This is my blood” that he was truly giving us His body and blood in the form of bread and wine. We continue to do this, as He said, “in memory of Him”.

Did you know...
In many countries very large processions are still conducted through the streets of cities and towns where the Blessed Sacrament is taken out of the tabernacle and paraded for all to see Him.

From the Principal...
As you would have been aware, we had to abandon the Athletics Carnival due to the weather.
We have been very fortunate in being able to secure another booking on only one available date – the first day back next term. We thought that better than cancelling it altogether seeing as how we didn’t have one last year either. We will send out a Compass alert to remind you before the first day back. New permission forms will be sent home shortly. Thank you very much for ensuring the forms were back before the day. We had 100% returned!
Year 6 are off to Canberra tomorrow. It will be cold, but they are well prepared. It is a very exciting opportunity for them to visit our nation’s capital and see particularly how our federal parliament works. I am very grateful to the teachers who are going with them for giving up their time happily.
The plaques for the trees are completed. Those children whose families planted a tree will be putting their plaque with it in the next day or two. It has been very exciting to see some of them change colour in the autumn and lose their leaves. Hopefully we will have a lot of flowers to enjoy in the spring and summer.
There have been a huge number of jackets in lost property lately but none of them have names on them. Please label your child’s jackets! We are very happy to sort through and return them to the children, but we can’t if they don’t have a name on them.
Parent teacher interview are coming up so please make sure you have booked in a time with your child’s classroom teacher. It is when we work together that we achieve the best education for our children. The teachers are offering a variety of days and times for your convenience. I am currently reading every student report before they are sent out to you next week.
The Director of Schools, Peter Hill, will be visiting us for the day next Wednesday. He will be seeing all classes too so that students can share their learning with him. It will be a good opportunity for us to show what beautiful students we have and what a wonderful community we are blessed with at Holy Family.

God Bless,

Michelle Rolfe

Principal

Term 2 - Week 8

Our current fortnightly focus has been focusing on how students can be safe, respectful and responsible during afternoon dismissal. Teachers have taken the time to explicitly teach students about procedures with buses and after school care. We greatly appreciate all your cooperation when picking up your child and would like to thank all of you for ensuring you are entering and exiting the stage blocks through the correct door.  

Social and Emotional Learning

As I mentioned previously some grades have been using Smiling Mind and Mindful Breathing.            

Another strategy that can be used is mindful colour or creating zentangles. 

Both mindful colouring and zentangles allows students to tap into their creativity and increase focus. Students are able to put all their attention on what they are doing and their mind begins to settle down.

Uniform

Just a reminder that earrings can only be a silver/gold ball stud (no stones) or sleeper/hoop earrings that can be rotated through the ear (no clips). Please see the image below or contact your child’s classroom teacher if you have any further questions. We have been working extremely hard on ensuring all students are in the correct uniform and appreciate all your support.

COMPETITION

Remember your bread bags, bread bags!!

And don’t forget your bread tags, bread tags!!

Over the fortnight students and teachers have been extremely busy collecting recycled bread bags and bread tags. Just a reminder that this competition ends on the last day of Term 2 so please continue collecting empty bread bags and bread tags. 

Over the last few weeks 6 White have been collecting each class’ bread bags and collating this data. In Week 5 1 Blue had 153 bread bags and in Week 6 1 Blue won again with 213 bread bags. Last week 1 Blue’s bread bags went missing and students were sent on a treasure hunt around the school where they had to solve clues and riddles in order to locate them. Students have a few more weeks to collect as many bread bags and tags. Remember all the collected plastic will be used to create wonderful things like play equipment! PLUS all registered schools are in the draw to WIN one of five exercise circuits made from the recycled plastic we collect. 

Keep up all the great work!!

Thank you for all your support with this special competition and all matters related to PB4L.

Regards,

Alana Stroligo

Mrs Deanna  David

Greetings and many blessings to you all. The month of June is a special month in the life of the Church. I invite you all to talk to your children about how they are celebrating the special liturgical celebrations at school.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (From LiturgyHelp)

On Sunday we celebrated the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. 

Jesus told us of God's special promise. We have to be very careful with promises, because if we make promises we have to carry through on something. God's promises are not broken. God loves us, no matter what, and because that gift is given to us, we must try to share the same gift of love with other people.

Every time we come to Mass, we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Jesus made a promise that no matter what, we are always called to eat and drink and to take part in this meal. He told the apostles that he would have to die so that he could rise again. A sign that Jesus could overcome death. The promise of Jesus is that he is always with us and will always be our friend.

When we go to communion, we are saying that we agree with the promises of Christ. When we say ‘Amen’ we are saying ‘Yes’ to God. We try to follow the promise of God – to love ourselves and to love other people.

Sacrament Dates

Year 6 parents and carers - Sunday 25th July at 11am our children will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Brian. 

Sunday 20th June - 9.30am Mass students collect their Confirmation medals. 

Thursday 22nd July- Year 6 Confirmation Retreat and practice in school hall 

Tuesday 13th July - Parent prayer session option A : For parents who have children in Year 6 involved in the sacramental program. We will also make a small gift for our children. More information to follow. *** This will only go ahead if 5 or more parents return forms *** 

Thursday 15th July 9.15am - Parent prayer session option B for parents who have children in Year 6 involved in the sacramental program. We will also make a small gift for our children. More information to follow. 

Mass

Please see the calendar on the newsletter for Parish Mass times that each grade is invited to attend. 

This week - Thursday 10th June Year 4 Parish Mass 930am

Thursday 17th June - Kindy and year 1 Parish Mass 930am

St Benedict Feast Day

During Week 10 of this term, we will celebrate St Benedict Feast Day at school. We are currently deciding on our activities. We will have a Whole School Mass but unfortunately we cannot invite parents due to COVID restrictions. 

Podcast: Ripples

Ripples is a PODCAST developed for staff and parents on-going spiritual formation. It seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. See the link - you can either download the files as podcasts or listen to them directly from the website.

Catholic Diocese of Wollongong - Home -

Don’t forget to check out the Diocese of Wollongong Facebook page!

Waste Free Wednesday coming up soon… keep an eye out for the date!

Cross Country

On Tuesday 8th June, Hudson Prenter represented the Wollongong Diocese at the NSW Catholic Cross Country Championship.

The day was hosted at Eastern Creek and he was required to run 3km. Overall he placed 20th out of 57 other competitors. 

We would like to congratulate Hudson for his achievements.

Netball Gala Day

Next Thursday 17th June some of our Primary students will be attending the Western Region Netball Gala Day. We wish them all the best on the day.

As we head towards the school holiday break, put family time back on the agenda with these ideas for entertaining the kids from toddlers through to teenagers.

It can be easy to let time get away from you when you’re busy with work, chores and everything in between. But it’s important not to let the meaningful things slide like spending quality time with your family.

Creating happy memories for your children as they’re growing up is something that will stay with them into adulthood. No matter how busy everyone is, it’s essential for every member of your household to feel important, included and loved.

We’ve put together a list of suggestions for how you can reclaim some dedicated family time, from toddlers to teenagers. See which ones work best for you and your family.

Toddlers

• Play outside - take the family to the park or beach and play simple ball games - it’s good exercise and allows kids to practice new skills.
• Go to the local park - slides, swings, climbing apparatus; letting your toddler loose in the local park is excellent exercise - for you and your little one.
• Car journeys - non-driving parents can play games such as ‘I Spy’ or have sing-alongs to their favourite songs in the car.

School-age

• Board games - simple card games, snakes and ladders or dominoes - these games teach children the importance of playing fair.
• Astronomy - go outside on a clear night, look at the moon and stars, and learn the constellations together.
• Individual activities - if you have more than one child, set aside some time every week for an activity with each of them. It could be a trip to the cinema, baking a cake together or, better still, let them choose

Teenage

• Reduce screen time - this article from the ABC reports that we spend eight times more hours per week looking at screens than with loved ones. To combat this behaviour in teens, try setting some time aside when the whole family has to turn off their device, perhaps at meal-times and at least a couple of hours at the weekend.
• Set routines to reduce arguments - once you have teenagers in the house, it can be difficult to organise around schedules. Making sure that the whole family has the same time set aside in their diaries for family time to reduce the fuss of getting everyone together.
• Family dinners - cooking, sharing and eating food can really bring a family together, if only for an hour or so. It gives everyone a chance to talk about what has been going on in their lives.

Taking the time to connect with your family is helpful for everyone; it strengthens bonds, creates happy memories and encourages everyone to feel loved and supported. 

The resources in our Parenting HUB are put together by our family specialists who work with families across Sydney every day.  If you would like to know more about this topic, please fill in our 'Contact Us' form and we'll get in touch.  You can also 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.

Activity Ideas for School Holidays

Amazing Monster Arts & Crafts - Ingleburn Library

Come and join us for some school holiday fun! It’s a monster mash at the Library during the school holidays. Unleash your inner monster and make some fantastic monster crafts.

Date and time                                                        

Monday 28 June 2021 / 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Suitable for

Ages: 5 - 12 years                                                

This is a free event.

Booking Information

Bookings are essential as places are limited.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/school-holiday-activity-amazing-monster-arts-crafts-tickets-156456073327 

Make box from Campbelltown Arts Centre

The MAKE BOX is a new program from Campbelltown Arts Centre that allows children and their carers to create together at home. SANPO is the first edition of a series of take home boxes that are fully equipped with materials and instructions to take C-A-C creative play home. 

Discover your 5 senses and unleash the creativity inside you with local artist Machiko Motoi. The MAKE BOX | SANPO Edition is a take home art box opening up to 5 smaller boxes, each containing new art making materials and new creative activities inspired by one of the 5 senses and a space in your home.

Meaning walking in Japanese, SANPO is a creative adventure through the 5 senses guided by Machiko, with step-by-step instructions where children will create individual artworks using a variety of materials including clay, watercolour and much more.

Children and their carers will learn a new making techniques in each box, with each adventure building up to a SANPO celebration of all the artworks created along the way. 

Artist: Machiko Motoi
Cost: SANPO Edition is $100 plus $15 for postage (NSW only).
Your Service NSW Creative Kids ($100 per child) OR Dine & Discover Vouchers can also go towards the MAKE BOX | SANPO Edition
Ages: 5+

https://c-a-c.com.au/make-box-sanpo-edition/ 

Chill Fest 2021                                        

25 June-11 July

Chill Fest brings winter fun to Koshigaya Park with an array of fun activities and entertainment for the whole family including amusement rides, an open-aired ice skating rink, light shows, marshmallow toasting, food trucks, Alpine Winter Markets, roving performers, open fires, realistic snow fall and much more.

Friday and Saturdays - 11am to 11pm            

Every other day - 11am to 10pm.               

Ticket Cost                                                         

Entry to the event is free, however there is a cost for skating, rides and food.

Skate Price

Child (3-4): $5 + (Kanga Skating Aid)

Kanga Skating Aid: $10

Youth (5-13 years): $19

Adult (14+): $25

Family (2 adults, 2 children): $70

Family (1 adult, 2 children): $58

Ice Slide

1 slide: $4

3 slides: $10

Rides

Pricing to come shortly.

http://chillfest.com.au/ 

Pool Inflatable Days- Macquarie Fields Leisure Centre

Bring the kids along to Macquarie Fields Leisure Centre for some pool inflatable fun this holidays.

Monday 28 June 2021 / 12.00pm - 2.00pm

Thursday 01 July 2021 / 12.00pm - 2.00pm

Monday 05 July 2021 / 12.00pm - 2.00pm

Thursday 08 July 2021 / 12.00pm - 2.00pm

School Holiday Activity: Open Days - Bicycle Education Centre

28 June-9 July

King Street Campbelltown

Head to the centre for free school holiday fun. Bring your own bikes and helmets, and make a day of it with a picnic lunch, or take advantage of our powered BBQ facilities.

Children must bring their own helmet and bicycle. NO HELMET, NO RIDE!

All children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Please note: ball games, skateboards, ripstiks, rollerskates, rollerblades, green machines, powerwings and motorised devices are not permitted. The centre is closed on Saturdays, public holidays and in extreme wet weather conditions.

Animal Scratch Board Art - Ingleburn Library

Come and join us for some school holiday fun! Learn scratch board art to make fantastic animal crafts these school holidays.

Date and time

Thursday 08 July 2021 / 10.30am - 11.30am

Ages: 5 -12 years

Cost

This is a free event.

Booking Information

Bookings are essential as places are limited.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/school-holiday-activity-animal-scratch-board-art-tickets-156809859511 

The NRL would like to invite your children this school holidays to participate in the exciting League Stars Holiday Clinic at Stromferry Reserve, St Andrews.

Participants will have the opportunity of over 2 hours to participate in fun games that will challenge, promote team work, and that will be inclusive for all involved.

WHEN: Thursday 1^st July, 2021

WHERE: Stromferry Reserve, St Andrews

TIME: 10am – Midday

AGES: 5 – 12 Years

COST: $49

PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE: Football, Hat and Bag

For Further Information please contact Jake Brightwell ( Game Development Officer)  0417210975