Dear Parents and Caregivers

Firstly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Greg Haire. Although I only had the opportunity to meet Greg twice, it was clear that his commitment and contributions to the lives of students, staff, and families over 40 years in Catholic Education were truly remarkable.

We all have teachers who leave a lasting impression, and hearing the stories shared about Greg fills me with joy. It’s evident that his positive impact touched the lives of many students and helped shape the community we cherish today.

As a faith community, we continue to pray for Greg, and for the family and friends he leaves behind.

Change

Barack Obama once said, “Change is never easy, but always possible.” As we begin the new school term at Holy Name, both students and staff have experienced change firsthand.

As your children may have mentioned, we’ve adjusted our break time routine: students now play first and eat second. This shift was prompted partly by the building project, which has temporarily reduced our play spaces, and partly by contemporary research supporting this approach.

Since implementing the change, staff have observed several positive outcomes:

• Students return to class more regulated, settled, and ready to learn.
• Children are resolving conflicts independently before re-entering the classroom.
• More children are eating their lunch, resulting in less food waste.
• There is noticeably less litter in the playground.

As the term progresses, I look forward to sharing further changes planned for 2026. Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to helping students Belong, Learn, and Serve, and to strengthening our school community.

As the quote reminds us, change can be challenging—but with our shared focus on the students, I know Holy Name will continue to deliver the quality Catholic education we are all proud to be part of.

Kind regards

Ben Doyle
Principal

The year has flown by, and we are now well into our final Term of learning for 2025. Is it because of my age, or does time seem to fly by quicker each year? There are lots of events happening this Term as we move towards the ever busy Christmas season.

PB4L

Our PB4L focus for the first 2 weeks of term was I Can Follow the New School Routines.

The following students were awarded Class Award certificates for displaying this skill:

Our focus for Weeks 3 & 4 is I Can Keep our Environment Clean and Tidy.

These students received Principal’s Awards

Attendance at school a legal requirement and unless students are sick, or you have applied for leave, they should be at school by 8.50 each morning. Many of our students have an attendance rate of below 90% which equates to a student missing over 4 weeks of school annually. This can leave gaps in your child’s learning and social development.

Another big problem at HNS is that many families do not contact the school when their child is unwell. Please ensure that you notify us either through the Compass app or by contacting the school office. If we are not notified of absences within 7 days, the student is marked with an unexplained absence. These unexplained absences are flagged and then we have to follow the Diocesan procedure around non-attendance. Please be vigilant in this area.

Uniform

We have started the Term calmly and it is wonderful to see most students abiding by our uniform policy. The biggest issue is shoes and socks. Students are to wear black socks (not ankle socks) and black leather joggers each day to school. Socks with logos and coloured shoes are unacceptable. Thank you for your support in this area.

Upcoming events

Lots of events are happening this Term, so keep your eye on the Compass calendar.

Here is an outline:

Take Care,

Kyla Loring

Assistant Principal

Holy Name are "Walking for the Hungry" of Zambia

What is Socktober?  

This World Mission Month, Pope Francis called us to be “missionaries of hope among all peoples”, and Pope Leo XIV echoes this call, inviting us to step out in faith, to walk with those on the margins and share the hope of Christ through acts of love.  

Socktober is an exciting way to bring communities together and make a real impact on global issues. By participating, you not only help those in need but also foster a sense of empathy and social responsibility. It's a chance to engage in meaningful activities, learn about important causes, and see the difference your efforts can make.  

Socktober 2025 focus is on Zambia  

This year Holy Name is raising awareness and funds for communities in Zambia, to help ensure children have access to food and education, giving them the chance to build a brighter future.  

Zambia, a country of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, lies in the heart of southern Africa. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the wildlife-filled plains and warm-hearted people, Zambia is a land of beauty and resilience. Despite its natural wealth and strong spirit, many families face daily challenges, especially in rural areas. Today, one of the most urgent issues is the severe hunger crisis that threatens the wellbeing of millions.  

By supporting this year’s project, you will provide families and communities with vital resources to help them overcome the challenges of hunger and poverty. Your support will ensure access to regular, nutritious food, create opportunities for sustainable farming, and help parents earn a stable income. Most importantly, it will give their children the chance to stay in school, grow up healthy, and build a brighter future.  

Zambia Walking for the Hungry 2025                                     Yr 3 CST Care for the Common Good Action  

Yr 3 invite all students and parents to join with them in “Walking for the Homeless” in Week 4 on Thursday 6th November following the Mission Day Liturgy at 11:30am. We welcome donations up to $5 and all children will be given a zooper-dooper once they have finished walking back at school as a thank you.  

Kinder and Yr 6 will begin walking 1km at approximately 12:30pm with Yr 5 starting shortly after. Yr5 and Yr6 will continue on to complete another 4km and will walk Kinder back to school. Year 1 and 2 will begin their 2 km walk at 1:35pm, then Yrs 3 and 4 will walk 3km around 2:00pm.  

Preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist begins on Monday 3rd November and continues the following Monday 10th November. There are 17 children from the parish who are preparing for the sacrament in 2025.  These children will receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday 15th November at 5:30pm mass. 

Please keep the following children in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist: Mackenzie Quilter, Sophia Clifton, Aaron Huynh, Arthur Cooper, Christopher Azzopardi, Enrico Azzopardi, Saoirse Sheridan, Charbel Andary, John Andary, Emmanuel Shibu, Sophia Seiman, Georgia Levick, Summer-Rose Jinks, Anna Brooks.

Genevieve Williamson

Religious Education Coordinator.

Term 4 is always a busy and emotional time at Holy Name, as our new Kindergarten students begin their exciting transition to school while our Year 6 students prepare to farewell us for their next adventure in high school. It has been wonderful to see that, amidst all the excitement, it’s business as usual in our classrooms. Students have settled into a focused rhythm, working hard to achieve their Semester 2 academic goals and finish the year on a high note.

Transition Time: Stepping Up with Excitement!

Over the past three weeks, our students have been busy taking part in their transition sessions, preparing for the exciting step into their 2026 school year. At Holy Name, we believe supporting students in the transition to another grade is very important, especially in the early years. These sessions help build confidence, familiarity, and excitement for the year ahead.

Our new Kindergarten cohort absolutely loved receiving their special transition shirts on their first visit, proudly wearing them as they explored their new school. A highlight of their visit was meeting their Year 5 buddies, who will guide and support them as they learn all about “big school” life. The children have enjoyed singing songs, learning through play, touring the school, and taking part in fun and creative craft activities.

Our current Kindergarten students have been visiting the Year 1 classrooms, where they’ve met their future teachers and had a taste of what’s to come. They loved listening to Room on the Broom and creating their very own Halloween-inspired witches, a perfect mix of clever learning and creativity!

Meanwhile, our Year 1 students have been busy stepping up to Year 2 life, spending time with Mrs Loring and Mrs Tull. They tackled some tricky and imaginative activities, including designing their own “calm gardens.”

We hope the parents of our Kindergarten and Year 1 students have enjoyed hearing all about their child’s transition experiences. The excitement, confidence, and smiles seen across all sessions show just how ready our students are for the next step in their learning journey!

Yours in Learning,

Mrs Suzie Monks

Primary Coordinator

Term 4 in the HNS Garden has already been busy with the planting of tomatoes, beetroot, more lettuces and cucumbers.  An abundance of fresh and chemical free produce has been proudly delivered by the students to the Community Kitchen, Forster.

This term interested HNS Gardeners have been allocated their own Garden Bed to be nurtured solely by them.  The autonomy and responsibility of which has been accepted with much enthusiasm and appreciation.  The students know that they do not have to attend the garden every day, as playing with their friends is also important, but at least every 2 days to ensure watering and weeding is maintained for the healthy growth of produce for the Community Kitchen. 

It was wonderful to watch the Mini-Vinnies team enjoying collecting fresh lavender flowers from the HNS Garden to create lavender bags.   The lavender plants will thrive from this tip pruning.

Some students have been enjoying their lunchtime in the garden, just sitting on chairs or sitting on a blanket on the grass and chatting with their friends, all in the shade of the sweet-smelling scented orange and lemon trees.  

Kind regards.

Mrs Jackie Amato

Learning Support Assistant/Garden Supervisor

It is with much sadness that we farewelled a member of our HNS family this week. Greg began working with us at Holy Name in 2000 and retired from full time teaching at the end of 2021. He and his wife Pam raised their 3 children in the area after moving from Wagga Wagga. He remained on staff as a casual teacher until earlier this year. Greg suffered a short and devastating illness. He passed away last week peacefully surrounded by those he loved the most. The words spoken at Greg's funeral were a testament to the wonderful man that Greg was - words of love, kindness, compassion and a genuinely good bloke!

A great life cut short. Rest in Peace Greg.

Wiyabu – Hello

This Term Crystal and I have been running our Cultural Immersion groups on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays. Our theme for Term 3 and 4 this year is ‘Country and Place’. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been connecting with Country and Place through stories that bring the Traditions to life e.g. Rainbow Serpent Story and the Mullet Run story. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from kindergarten have been using natural materials to make driftwood Rainbow Serpents, clay beads, clay pots and clay echidnas. The Year 1 and 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been learning all about the Mullet Run story and the Rainbow Serpent and have been working hard on their own canvas artworks to tell the stories. Our girls group from Year 3, 4, 5, and 6 have been learning about traditional weaving using lomandra and have now moved on to weaving their own headpieces for dance. Our boys group from Year 3, 4, ,5, 6 have been learning about hunting and traditional tools used on Country. The boys have been working hard painting their boomerang and are moving on to making their own clapsticks and designs.

Crystal and I have also been working on getting our Yarning Circle/garden and mural completed at the back of our school. A big thank you to Mrs. McKinnon for all her hard work bringing all the sea creatures to life- they look amazing!

Marrungbu- thank you and warm wishes

Lara Went and Crystal Simon

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Workers