There was a true sense of joy in the air when Holy Family Primary, East Granville celebrated its 80th anniversary on the same day as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was remembered for establishing the first Catholic school in Australia.
The celebrations began with an inspiring Mass and included a special blessing of a new learning space at the school.
Diocese of Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD reflected on some of the famous sayings of St Mary MacKillop including “never see a need without doing something about it”, “we are but travellers here” and “find happiness in making others happy.”
He said St Mary MacKillop saw a need to serve the poor and from that she founded the first Catholic school in rural Penola in South Australia and so Catholic education was born.
Australia’s Catholic education story includes the establishment in 1938 of Holy Family Primary East Granville Trongate Hall, newly purchased by Fr Halpin.
Holy Family’s Principal Yvette Baird said Fr Halpin asked the Sisters of St Joseph to look after the new school, and they did so for 50 years before the first lay principal Carmel Cannon took over the reigns.
Other past principals include Bernard Holland, Kevin Etherington and Sue Guilfoyle.
“However a school would be just bricks and mortar without one essential and valuable asset: the children who walk through the gates each morning with a smile on their face ready to live, love and learn,” Mrs Baird said.
“This has been our school motto - to live with hope, to love in hope and to learn for the hope of our world.”
In the spirit of the occasion Mrs Baird, along with her wonderful team of teachers, took to the church podium to add a splash of colour, music and song.
Following the Mass, Bishop Vincent blessed the school’s new learning space with the assistance of Holy Family Parish Priest Fr Andrew Bass.
Mrs Baird said she is very grateful of the new learning space which has already provided new possibilities and opportunities to cater for the learning needs of all the students.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
29 Oct 2026
From Facebook
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐BLUEY SCORES 5 STARS FOR SAFETY! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good news, parents: the best helmet doesn't have to cost the most! Under the NSW Government's Helmet STAR ratings, the $22 Bluey toddler helmet earned the top 5-star safety rating. All helmets sold in Australia meet the safety standard, but not all protect equally. A 5-star helmet gives far better protection in a crash than a 1-star one. Before you buy, check the star rating. Then make sure it fits: ✅ Sits level, two fingers above the eyebrows ✅ Side straps form a "V" under each ear ✅ Chin strap buckled, with one finger of space Right helmet. Right fit. Every ride. #RoadSafety #HelmetSTAR #ParramattaCatholicSchools #RideSafe28 Oct 2026
From Facebook
🧦🌈 CRAZY SOCK DAY FOR SOCKTOBER! 🌈🧦 What a HOT day to rock our craziest socks! ☀️🧦 Our Holy Family students brought the colour, creativity and kindness as we supported Catholic Mission’s Socktober appeal, raising funds to support communities in Malawi. 💛🇲🇼 ⚽ We also enjoyed some exciting Soccer Shootout activities! Soccer is a universal game that brings people together, reminding us that sport can unite people across communities and cultures. 🌍🤝 🍦 With the temperatures soaring, our Zooper Dooper sale was the perfect way to cool down while supporting a great cause! A huge thank you to our wonderful families and students for getting involved. Together, we put our faith into action and show that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a BIG difference! ❤️🙏
More News
29 Oct 2026
From Facebook
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐BLUEY SCORES 5 STARS FOR SAFETY! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good news, parents: the best helmet doesn't have to cost the most! Under the NSW Government's Helmet STAR ratings, the $22 Bluey toddler helmet earned the top 5-star safety rating. All helmets sold in Australia meet the safety standard, but not all protect equally. A 5-star helmet gives far better protection in a crash than a 1-star one. Before you buy, check the star rating. Then make sure it fits: ✅ Sits level, two fingers above the eyebrows ✅ Side straps form a "V" under each ear ✅ Chin strap buckled, with one finger of space Right helmet. Right fit. Every ride. #RoadSafety #HelmetSTAR #ParramattaCatholicSchools #RideSafe
28 Oct 2026
From Facebook
🧦🌈 CRAZY SOCK DAY FOR SOCKTOBER! 🌈🧦 What a HOT day to rock our craziest socks! ☀️🧦 Our Holy Family students brought the colour, creativity and kindness as we supported Catholic Mission’s Socktober appeal, raising funds to support communities in Malawi. 💛🇲🇼 ⚽ We also enjoyed some exciting Soccer Shootout activities! Soccer is a universal game that brings people together, reminding us that sport can unite people across communities and cultures. 🌍🤝 🍦 With the temperatures soaring, our Zooper Dooper sale was the perfect way to cool down while supporting a great cause! A huge thank you to our wonderful families and students for getting involved. Together, we put our faith into action and show that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a BIG difference! ❤️🙏
26 Oct 2026
From Facebook
❤️🪢 Jump Rope for Heart! 🏃♀️🏃♂️ Our students have been jumping, skipping and having lots of fun as part of Jump Rope for Heart! ❤️ We were excited to welcome Jarryd from the Heart Foundation, who joined us at assembly to introduce the program and inspire our students to get active and keep their hearts healthy! 💪✨ Through this fantastic initiative, students are developing their skipping skills, building confidence and learning about the importance of physical activity. Families and friends are also encouraged to support our students by making a donation to the Heart Foundation, helping to raise vital funds for heart health research and education. ❤️ We look forward to seeing our students continue to skip, have fun and make a difference, one jump at a time! 🌟👏 @jumprope
26 Oct 2026
From Facebook
📐✨ Angles are everywhere! 🔍 Our Year 3 students have been busy exploring the wonderful world of angles! 📏 Through fun, hands-on activities, students created their very own angle rulers to help identify and compare different types of angles. They loved putting their new skills to the test by discovering angles in shapes and the world around them! 🌟👏
23 Oct 2026
From Facebook
🙏 October – Month of the Holy Rosary 💙 Our school community came together in faith and prayer to honour Mary during the Month of the Holy Rosary. Through praying the Rosary, we reflected on the life of Jesus and the importance of showing love, kindness and compassion to others. 💙✨ It was a beautiful opportunity for our school community to unite in faith, prayer and reflection. 🌹 We warmly invite all families and members of our wider school community to join us again next Thursday at 8:20 am as we continue praying the Holy Rosary together. 🙏💙
21 Oct 2026
From Facebook
🐠🌊 Year 1’s underwater adventure! 🐢💙 Our Year 1 students had a fantastic time exploring SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium! 🐟✨ We learnt all about the amazing Great Barrier Reef and discovered ways we can help keep our oceans safe, including reducing plastic waste and protecting marine life. 🪸🐬 What a wonderful day of learning, discovery and ocean-sized fun! 💙🌏
19 Oct 2026
From Facebook
🏀 Basketball Gala Day! 🏀 Our Year 5 and 6 boys are having a fantastic day representing Holy Family at the Basketball Gala Day! The boys are demonstrating great teamwork, determination and sportsmanship as they compete in their games, supporting and encouraging one another both on and off the court. We are so proud of the effort and enthusiasm they are showing as they give their best in every game. Keep up the great work, boys! 👏🏀
16 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Today, our school community gathered to celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi through a beautiful Liturgy of the Word. 🕊️🌿 We reflected on St Francis’ example of kindness, peace and care for all of God’s creation. Through his beautiful Canticle of the Creatures, we were reminded of Brother Sun and Sister Moon and the importance of recognising the beauty of God’s creation and caring for the world around us. ☀️🌙🌎 May we continue to follow in St Francis’ footsteps by spreading peace, showing compassion and being grateful for the wonderful world God has given us. St Francis of Assisi, pray for us! 🙏💚
11 Oct 2026
From Facebook
ONE LAST TERM FOR 2026. LET’S MAKE IT AMAZING! The countdown is on! We’re ready to welcome our Holy Family community back for a fantastic final term of learning, celebrations and making memories! There’s so much to look forward to, and we can’t wait to see everyone back! Term 4, we’re ready for you! ✨
29 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Once again, we're inviting you to design our next Catholic Outlook Magazine front cover! Last year's competition was won by Samantha, with her beautiful entry "The birth of our Saviour", with several others who were highly commended. All ages are welcome. Let your artwork reflect the true meaning of Christmas during this Special Year of Saint Francis. Submit your entry by Friday 6 November 2026 via parracatholic.org/artcomp Let's make this Advent and Christmas season a canvas of faith and joy together!
28 Sep 2026
Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice
Six Year 6 students from 58 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Primary schools came together at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens on 22 September for the Voice of Youth Grand Final, showcasing their public speaking skills through a series of thoughtful and engaging speeches.
27 Sep 2026
From Facebook
2027 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form (Expression of Interest) - Sport Trials (Basketball, Cricket & Tennis) - Session 1 (November 2026) AFL (Boys & Girls -trials in early 2027) Expression of Interest (EOI) Nominations are now open for students wishing to trial for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Teams. Parents and guardians are invited to complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form for their child to be considered for selection trials. Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee attendance at a trial. All nominations are subject to school approval. 1. Sports Currently Open for Nominations The following sports are accepting nominations for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Teams. Cricket – Boys & Girls (closing date 26 October 2026) Basketball – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) Tennis – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) AFL – Boys & Girls (closing date 28th January 2027) Cricket, Basketball and Tennis trials will be held in November 2026. AFL trials will take place in early February 2027. 2. Upcoming Nominations – Term 1 and Term 2 Trials Nominations for the following sports will open on 23 November 2026 and close on Friday, 5 February 2027. Trials will be held during Term 1 and Term 2 of 2027. Hockey Football Netball Rugby League Rugby Union Softball Touch Football 3. Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria Students nominated for diocesan trials must demonstrate an above-average to high level of skill in their chosen sport. Students should have experience playing in regular competitions outside of school. For some sports, representative playing experience may also be required. Year Level Eligibility Students must generally be in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2027 to be eligible for nomination. Students entering Year 4 in 2027 who demonstrate exceptional skill and ability may also be nominated. This is open age and will compete against Year 5 & 6 students for the following sports: Hockey Softball Tennis Touch Football All nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant sport. 4. School Approval and Trial Selection All Expressions of Interest are subject to approval by the student's school principal and sports coordinator. Each sport has specific eligibility and selection criteria that schools must follow when considering nominations. Submitting an EOI does not automatically qualify a student to attend a diocesan trial. Schools have final discretion over which students are approved to attend. Students selected by their school will receive the relevant Parramatta Diocesan Team trial information directly from their school. 5. How to Submit an Expression of Interest Parents and guardians may complete this form on behalf of their child. A separate EOI form must be submitted for each child and each sport. Once all required information has been completed, click SUBMIT to register your child's Expression of Interest. https://forms.gle/22MBb12d7cZgeTzo8 6. Additional Team Sports (MacKillop level only) – CSNSW Sport Portal Nominations for the following sports will open in early 2027 and must be completed through the CSNSW Sport Portal: Diving Golf Netball – Boys Rugby 7s – Girls These sports are not included in this EOI form. 7. Further Information For further information about eligibility, nomination requirements or selection trials, please contact your school's sports coordinator. Important reminder: This registration is an Expression of Interest only. Participation in Parramatta Diocesan Team trials is subject to school approval.
24 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations Holy Family on achieving your whole school reward for Term 3! 🎉🏆 Students celebrated today with a session of Putt Party! ⛳️ It was wonderful to see all our students using their grit and teamwork to cheer each other on as they completed different themed courses. 👏 This day was to celebrate the way the students have worked hard to live safely, learn daily and love respect while navigating such a busy term. 🌟📚 Keep up the good work Holy Family! 🙌✨
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
💻🔐 Learning to Be Safe Online! 📱🌐 Today, Stage 1 students took part in an engaging Digital Safety incursion, exploring how to stay safe, respectful and responsible when using technology and navigating the online world. 🛡️✨ Students learnt about making safe choices online, protecting their personal information and recognising situations where they may need to ask a trusted adult for help. 👩🏫💬 It was a valuable and interactive day, helping our students build the knowledge and confidence they need to become safe and responsible digital citizens! 🌟💻
11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🌏 Global Environments | Year 6 🐚🌿 On Tuesday, Year 6 embarked on a hands-on “Global Environments” excursion to Clifton Gardens, exploring how climate, vegetation and human impact shape our world. 🌱🌊 Throughout the day, students discovered the cultural and ecological importance of World Heritage sites and learned how deeply humans depend on natural environments for essential food and resources. 🌍💚 Students put their learning into practice through a range of hands-on experiences, including building beach shelters 🏖️, trying hand-reel fishing 🎣, experimenting with waterworks 💧, and catching bugs 🐛 to investigate local biodiversity. It was a fantastic day of learning, exploration and discovery! 🔎🌿🌊