Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your care and support of your children through this very sad and difficult time. Our school community has been praying for the Hodgess and Golden families and their friends and especially for Vann and Lenix who we send our love to as they recover. Today at assembly we prayed as a whole school group in a special service for the families, led by Year 5. We lit candles to remind us to be beacons of strength, kindness, courage, optimism, compassion, peace and love to those around us who are in need, who may have reached their limits, who are overwhelmed, who are uncertain, who are in grief and feeling sorrow. May we reach out with open hearts and open hands. School counselling is available for any student needing to talk to someone at this time. Please contact your child’s teacher or the office to organise permissions.

Term Four has gotten underway with a flurry of activity. The past fortnight has seen our new Kinders commence their transition to school journey and so far we’ve had very few tears, which is terrific. Year 5 Buddies are doing an amazing job with their Kinder friends by making them feel very welcome at Holy Name. Transition will continue for the next three weeks, after which, all classes will have a time of transition into the grade above once all final assessments have been completed.

At this week’s staff meeting we celebrated our data. Sean Hassett presented the growth made in Term 3 reading progressions from Kinder to Year 6, with all grades tracking to achieve 80% of their target benchmark or above by the next assessment period. Why not 100% you might ask? Whilst we aim at having 100% of students make one years’ growth in one year, we know that not all students have the capability or at this point in time, to be at benchmark, some for reasons such as cognitive ability, school attendance, illness or life events.

I would like to congratulate Sean on his accomplishment as a Highly Accomplished Lead Teacher. HALT status is difficult to achieve and Sean is in Sydney today receiving his certificate of achievement from NESA. Sean is a pedagogical mentor along with Suzie Monks and between them they do an amazing job of leading staff professional learning and keeping track of student performance data.

Thank you to Genevieve Williams for her work in preparing our prayers this week as well as the Walk for the Homeless…. Your generosity and support for this event has seen Holy Name raise $1000 of funds for the poor in Mongolia. We are very proud of this effort, and I loved walking along Pebbly with the students and watching the waves crash over the rocks and the whales frolic not too far from the shore… It was a beautiful day, in a gorgeous spot, made even more meaningful by participating in an act of service. Thank you to our staff walkers and BBQ shopper and cooks and everyone else who helped in any way.

Congratulations to Arden and Hafsa for presenting terrific grand final speeches yesterday at St Aloysius, Chisholm. Topics of screen time, courage and determination were presented by a very talented group of students from around the diocese. Arden and Hafsa held their own and I was very proud of their efforts.

Thank you to our Stage Three students and teachers who scrubbed our hall chairs today in preparation for the Parish Mass to be held in our school hall this weekend. Community Service is an important part of living in communion with others and not seeing a need without doing something about it. Thank you to the families who have pledged to attend the Mass and be part of the choir, reading and offertory. Please come along at 10am if you can and stay for a cuppa afterwards.

We recently received a letter from local member Tanya Thompson who sent us a letter telling us she had spoken in parliament about our NAIDOC celebrations earlier in the year. She included the extract from the NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard. In the extract she thanked Lara Went, Des who played the didgeridoo for us and teachers and students for such a wonderful celebration of history, culture and achievement. Another proud moment for us to enjoy.

Last Tuesday, Mr Ben Doyle, the incoming principal for 2025, visited our school. I took Mr Doyle to each class to introduce him to the children and staff. He was met with some very enthusiastic students – some quite excited to have a male principal. Mr Doyle could see some similarities between Holy Name and his current school but was also pointed out some of the differences. Mr Doyle is very happy to be coming to Holy Name and I’m sure you will make him feel welcome as you have me, in due course. I did joke with staff that I might invoke ‘squatter’s rights’ as I am loving being here and will be very sad to leave at the end of the year.

I trust that all our new students and their families are enjoying their new school environment and have been made to feel welcome by their peers and others. I look forward to seeing you at the P&F meeting next Tuesday evening and would like to discuss how we might formalise welcoming families into our school community so that new families have a parent point of contact.

Have a blessed weekend.

Niamh

PB4L

Our PB4L focus for the first 2 weeks of Term has again been Listening to the Speaker. The Class award winners for the fortnight were:

Our focus for the next fortnight will be I can Walk on the concrete areas.

Our Principal Award recipients were:

A huge congratulations to Charlotte Allan who has reached her 120 surfboards and was awarded a gold badge!

Technology

It has come to the attention of the staff that several children are wearing SMART watches to school. In accordance with our cybersafety policy, no devices are to be at school that are capable of connecting to the internet. Any SMART devices must be handed in at the office when students arrive at school and can be collected at dismissal time.

Thanks, in advance for your support in this area.

Uniform

The students should now be in full Summer uniform at school. A school hat is a compulsory item and must be worn when outside. Please ensure your children have plain black socks and black leather joggers as footwear. Jewellery is limited to plain studs or sleepers, a watch and a signet ring.

ICAS

The remaining ICAS certificates were handed out at assembly this morning.

Garden

The HNS garden is bearing much fruit, so to speak. Mrs Amato and her merry band of assistants work during second lunch each day to keep our garden filled with healthy veges and lovely companion plants. On Monday mornings, they take the harvest across to our Parish Community Kitchen, where it is used in the preparation of meals for those in need.

Polding Athletics

Harrison Mills from 5S was awarded his Polding Athletics certificate for his participation in Shot Put. Well done Harrison!

Upcoming Events

Walking for the Homeless

On Wednesday Holy Name 'Walked for the Homeless' at Pebbly Beach. Dressed in silly socks, Kindergarten to Yr 6 walked between 1-5km with the Holy Name staff and families. The students showed our school community what young changemakers can do by raising $1000! What an incredible impact this will have to the children of Mongolia. Our funds will go towards providing a home that is safe, nutritious meals to help children grow up healthy and strong, and warm clothing for the cold Mongolian winters. Congratulations to all our students, their efforts will make a difference to the lives of homeless children in Mongolia. After the walk classes enjoyed playing in the playground and returning to school to have their BBQ lunch. Thank you to Yr 3 for organising this event as part of their grade Catholic Social Teaching Action Plan "Care for the Common Good" and to Mrs Marzol who explained the course and led each grade on their walk for the homeless. A special thanks to Mrs Monkley who purchased all the BBQ food and zooper doopers for us and who was our First Aid Officer on the day of the walk.

Classes Attending the Friday Parish Mass

This Term has seen the return of classes to celebrate Friday's Parish Mass with parishioners of Forster Tuncurry. Last week, Mrs Quilter and Mrs Harrison took Yr 4 to the church and today Miss Spinks walked Yr 2S over to celebrate mass led by Fr John. The following classes will be attending Friday Mass at 9:30am this term. Families and friends are welcome to join their children's class.

Friday 1 November Yr 3

Friday 8 November Yr 1

Friday 15 November Yr 6

Friday 29 November Yr 5

Parish News

Inviation to Join us to Celebrate this Sunday's Parish Mass at Holy Name School

Everyone is welcome to join us to celebrate Mass this Sunday at Holy Name School Hall commencing at 10am. An initiaitve by our Parish Council was for parishoners  to celebrate Mass once a term on our school grounds, to strengthen connections between Church and School. Fr John Vo Vein will lead this mass, the parish musicians and school choir will lead us in song. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Enrolment for the Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry is opening its enrolment for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance/ Confession) to children in Yr 3.  

The Sacrament of Reconciliation preparation is on Monday 18th November in the Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall, commencing at 3:30pm till 5pm. Holy Name School students will walk from school at 3:00pm to the Parish Hall and have afternoon tea before the lesson begins. 

The preparation lesson is designed to help your child prepare for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Candidates will learn how the Church celebrates the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the steps they will follow to receive the sacrament. Candidates begin by understanding right and wrong and choosing what is right. They will be given time to reflect together and individually examine their conscience, understand their sin and confess it, say a prayer of sorrow and receive the forgiveness which God’s mercy bestows.  

Reconciliation candidates will be given a Penance Booklet on Monday 18th November which they will work through with Mrs Williamson. Children are asked to bring something to eat and drink for their afternoon tea and are welcome to use their own pencils and textas if they wish, otherwise these are provided on the day. 

Following this preparation lesson, candidates will receive the Sacrament of Penance on Wednesday 20 November in the Holy Name of Jesus Church. Fr John Vo Vien, Parish Priest and Administrator of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 5:30pm.  

We understand families work and we have set this as a starting time. Children individually sit inside the Church with Fr John and move through the ceremony steps to make their first reconciliation with Fr John. All other Reconciliation Candidates and their families wait outside. Once each candidate has received the sacrament, they are able to then leave the church with their family. 

Please click the link to register your child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Click next on the Tab- Sacraments and scroll down to then click on Sacramental Preparation Enrolment Form to complete and submit. 

https://forstertuncurrycatholic.org.au/ 

Any further queries, please contact Jade Le Parish Secretary of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry on 0475242695. Office Open Hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9-3:30pm.  

Transitions @ Holy Name School

Our Transition program is into it’s second week and we couldn’t be happier with how successful it has been. During the first 5 weeks of term 4 we invite our new Kindergarten 2025 students to come to our school for the morning session to get to know each other but also to become familiar with the school setting and routines. This year, when the new Kinder students visit, our current Kinder and Year 1 students have transitioned to their new grade and worked in the classrooms that they will be in, for the following year. We have noticed over the years, but in particular this year, that this process is extremely beneficial for all students involved as it reduces the possible anxiety that comes with moving up to the next grade. We have a consistent structure to our English Block in our K-2 classes so this allows teachers to effectively follow the lessons for the grade that is visiting their class, and ensures that the transition visits are not only beneficial for student well-being but that the learning continues as normal during the transition visits. Here are some photos from our transition visits this week.

Our Kindergarten 2025 students have transitioned so beautifully over the past 2 weeks. The highlight for the students has definitely been meeting their Year 5 (soon to be Year 6) buddies. The buddies have been amazing, showing the new Kinder students around the school, helping them to complete tasks and interacting with them during playtime.

This week was a particular highlight as we had a visit from Mrs Loring who read us the story, ‘Room on a Broom’. We are looking forward to the next three visits where the students will meet the other Holy Name teachers and have a tour around the school. Check out these photos!

Mrs Suzie Monks

Primary Coordinator

Kicking and running while looking stunning!

The Holy Heroes are back for Season 2 of six-a-side, with new outfits and new players but the same determination to go all the way!

The Summer six-a-side football series began on 17th October and the Holy Heroes were ready to make their mark on the field as serious contenders for the season. After last year’s semi-final controversy, the Holy Heroes have made it their “goal” to ensure the ball goes directly into the net, not (by some miracle of the big man himself) outside or rather, next to the post, at least a metre off the ground mind you, and travel back around the corner and over the white line. No sir, the Heroes have learned that lesson and let me tell you, they are off to a promising start.

It was off the left boot of ‘twinkle-toes’ Lauren Lupton that the Heroes were able to secure their first goal of the season against BM Steel. This goal has been talked about by various members of the community since it happened, and it is said to be a good sign of what’s to come for the team. The enthusiasm continued last night, with the exceptionally timed and beautifully executed, LIGHTENING blast from the ‘Golden Boot’ herself, Rose Loring who got the Heroes on the board in the last 10 seconds of the game against the Winter season GF winners, the Savvauge Strikers. Not even the torrential rain could stop this gal from getting it done!

A very special and well-deserved mention must go to the new recruits, Macy Moy and Lara Went who’s grit and determination has led to some massive hits and tumbles (taken by themselves) and strengthened our defence in the mid, the back and even in the goals. Keep at it ‘Wentinator’ and ‘Mad-Dog Macy’!

If you want to see a masterpiece in football, come on down to Boronia Park on Thursday nights – look out for times on Facebook. Remember, “Some days you’re the striker, some days you’re the ball.”