Ben Munday with students reading at Holy Family Primary
Do you remember learning to drive? Even if you’ve never learned, you can probably imagine the process.
At first, there is SO much to remember and it can seem overwhelming. When you try to focus on getting the clutch right, you forget about putting on your indicator. Just when you feel you’ve got the hang of second gear, your teacher says “Now shift into third”.
If you had professional lessons, your instructor’s car had a second set of pedals on their side of the car. This way, they could share some of the control just in case you were about to drive them into a wall.
So what does all this have to do with reading?
Good readers are like good drivers. We use many, many different skills and processes all at the same time without even noticing. And just like you learn to change gears and steer so you can use the car to get somewhere, when we read we use all the different skills for a higher purpose – to make meaning from written words. In other words, to understand, or comprehend what we read. ‘Getting all the words right’ is less important than understanding what we read.
Just like driving teachers, school teachers use a ‘gradual release of responsibility’ model when teaching reading.
- In Modelled Reading, the teacher is in control.
- In Shared Reading, the teacher leads and the children join in.
- In Guided Reading, the children lead and the teacher joins in if necessary.
- In Independent Reading, the child leads and is in control.
- Read to your children every day in any language – even five minutes is a good start
- Talk about what you have read
- Talk about movies and games and compare them to stories you know
- Listen to your children read their home readers to you
- Have books available for your children to read for pleasure
- Take your children to the library to borrow books, magazines, books on CDs, anything!
- Teach your children to read a menu, a shopping list, a catalogue, a bus timetable, anything!
Mr Benjamin Munday
Assistant Principal
Holy Family East Granville
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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28 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌍 E A R T H • H O U R 🌍 A Call to Care for Our Common Home Tonight, as we switch off our lights for Earth Hour, we are invited to do more than sit in darkness, we are called to shine as stewards of God’s creation. In this special year dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, we remember his deep love for all that God has made. He saw creation not as something to use, but as a gift to cherish, our brothers and sisters in creation: Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Water. We are reminded through Laudato Si’ that caring for our common home is not optional, it is part of our faith. It is an act of love, justice, and responsibility. 🕯️ So tonight, let Earth Hour be more than a moment, let it be a movement. ✔️ Turn off your lights ✔️ Pause and pray in gratitude for creation ✔️ Commit to one action that protects our planet Because caring for the Earth is caring for each other.Because creation is a reflection of God’s love.Because our faith calls us to act. Let us follow St Francis and be instruments of peace, for the Earth and for all who call it home. 🌿
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Year 5 struck gold on their excursion to the Goldfields today! ⛏️✨ Students began their journey as shepherds before stepping into 1851, when the gold rush began. They formed syndicates and worked together to purchase everything they needed to survive on the fields. Some were lucky enough to strike gold and shout “Eureka!” while others experienced the reality of leaving empty-handed. Through hands-on activities, students explored what life was like during the gold rush, building teamwork, resilience and a deeper understanding of Australia’s history. A truly golden learning experience that brought the past to life! 🌟
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28 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌍 E A R T H • H O U R 🌍 A Call to Care for Our Common Home Tonight, as we switch off our lights for Earth Hour, we are invited to do more than sit in darkness, we are called to shine as stewards of God’s creation. In this special year dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, we remember his deep love for all that God has made. He saw creation not as something to use, but as a gift to cherish, our brothers and sisters in creation: Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Water. We are reminded through Laudato Si’ that caring for our common home is not optional, it is part of our faith. It is an act of love, justice, and responsibility. 🕯️ So tonight, let Earth Hour be more than a moment, let it be a movement. ✔️ Turn off your lights ✔️ Pause and pray in gratitude for creation ✔️ Commit to one action that protects our planet Because caring for the Earth is caring for each other.Because creation is a reflection of God’s love.Because our faith calls us to act. Let us follow St Francis and be instruments of peace, for the Earth and for all who call it home. 🌿
26 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Year 5 struck gold on their excursion to the Goldfields today! ⛏️✨ Students began their journey as shepherds before stepping into 1851, when the gold rush began. They formed syndicates and worked together to purchase everything they needed to survive on the fields. Some were lucky enough to strike gold and shout “Eureka!” while others experienced the reality of leaving empty-handed. Through hands-on activities, students explored what life was like during the gold rush, building teamwork, resilience and a deeper understanding of Australia’s history. A truly golden learning experience that brought the past to life! 🌟
25 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord — a special moment when Mary said “yes” to God with courage and trust. 💙 Inspired by Mary’s example, our students also said “yes” today by taking part in Caritas Australia’s Big Walk for Water 🚶♀️💧 Walking in solidarity, we showed care for others and put our faith into action. We also read about Sisilia’s story and walked with empathy as we reflected on her experience. 🌏✨ We are so proud of the way our community lives out compassion and kindness each day. Thank you for all of your generous donations to help support Project Compassion this Lenten season. #faithinactioncspd
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
💧🚶♀️ Big Walk for Water is coming TOMORROW! 🚶♂️💧 Get ready for a meaningful and fun day as we walk together in solidarity for those who don’t have easy access to clean water 💙💜 👕 Students are invited to come dressed in blue or purple 💰Please bring a gold coin donation to support the cause 🙏 Parents are warmly invited to join us for our morning liturgy on P2 Let’s walk with purpose and make a difference together! 🌍✨ #faithinactioncspd
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
24 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Celebrating our latest rewards across the school! 🎉 Year 1 enjoyed a relaxing movie afternoon and mufti day 🍿👕 Year 4 got creative with crazy hair and had a blast with Kahoot 🤪💻 Year 5 also rocked mufti and showed off their skills in Kahoot 🎮👏 A fantastic effort from everyone for Living Safely, Loving Respectfully and Learning Daily! 🌟
21 Mar 2026
From Facebook
We promised more photos… and here they are! 📸✨ Yesterday’s Harmony Day celebrations were too special not to share a little more of the story behind the smiles. Students were incredibly fortunate to learn from Lyndal and Ayoola from CSPD’s Jarara Cultural Centre, who brought culture, stories and deep knowledge to life in such an engaging way. Our school was bursting with colour as students created vibrant handprints, which is a powerful symbol of unity and belonging. Students also worked collaboratively in their classes to research different countries and continents, proudly showcasing their learning through beautifully decorated class maps. After reading I’m Australian Too by Mem Fox, students thoughtfully reflected on what Harmony Day looks like in our community. Their responses spoke of inclusion, respect, kindness and celebrating the rich diversity that surrounds us each day. Swipe through to see more moments from a day filled with connection, learning and joy! 🌏🧡 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
20 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🎉🕺 School Disco Fun! 💃🎶 What an incredible night at our school disco! The hall was filled with energy, laughter, and some seriously impressive dance moves. From classic hits to current favourites, our students danced the night away and made memories that will last a long time. A big thank you to our staff and families for helping make the evening such a success. Your support and enthusiasm are what bring our community together. We’re already looking forward to the next one! 🪩✨
20 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🧡🌍 Harmony Day at Holy Family 🌍🧡 Today we celebrated Harmony Day, recognising the beauty of diversity and the strength of belonging in our school community. Together, we are reminded that everyone belongs, and each person brings something unique and valuable to our shared life. As people of faith, we are called to see Christ in one another and to build a community of love, respect and inclusion: “For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) It was wonderful to see our students engaging in a range of activities that celebrated culture, connection and unity, including working alongside CSPD’s Jarara team. 📸 Keep an eye out tomorrow for more photos capturing all the fun and learning from today! Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
19 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Tonight we celebrate a beautiful milestone in the vocation of teaching. Congratulations to Miss Yu on being commissioned, alongside fellow Early Career Teachers in the Parramatta Diocese. In the Catholic tradition, education is far more than the sharing of knowledge, it is a calling to nurture the whole person: mind, heart, and spirit. As educators, we are entrusted with the sacred task of forming young people in truth, compassion, and hope, reflecting Christ in all that we do. Miss Yu, may your journey in education be filled with purpose and joy as you inspire your students to grow, learn, and become the people God calls them to be 💛
18 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🌟 Year 5 Assembly Invitation 🌟 Our Year 5 students are excited to lead our upcoming assembly and share their learning with our school community! 🎤✨ We warmly invite all families to join us as we gather in prayer and celebrate our Student of the Week recipients 👏 We hope to see you there! 💛
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Kindergarten and Year 3 enjoyed celebrating their well-earned reward days! 🌟 Kindergarten loved bringing in their favourite toys, sharing and playing together with big smiles all around 🧸🚗🪀 Year 3 had a fantastic time wearing their favourite hats and enjoying a fun sports afternoon full of teamwork and energy 🧢⚽🏃♂️ A wonderful way to celebrate students who continue to Live Safely, Love Respectfully and Learn Daily. We are so proud of you all! 👏✨
15 Mar 2026
From Facebook
🪩 Get those dancing shoes ready! 💃🕺 Holy Family Primary is the place to be on Friday 20th March 2026 for our much-anticipated Holy Family Disco Night! With special guest DJ Bobo bringing the beats, it’s sure to be a night full of music, dancing and fun for our students. 🕺 K–2: 5:00pm – 6:00pm 💃 Years 3–6: 6:30pm – 7:30pm Parents and carers are warmly invited to socialise outside on P1, and our canteen will be open for snacks and treats throughout the evening. We can’t wait to see our students lighting up the dance floor!
13 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Year 2 had a fantastic time celebrating their reward with a Mufti Day and movie afternoon! 🎬🍿 They earned this special treat by consistently showing our school expectations of being SAFE, RESPECTFUL and READY TO LEARN. 👏 It was wonderful to see so many smiles as they relaxed, enjoyed a movie together and celebrated their hard work. Well done, Year 2! ⭐🎉
13 Mar 2026
From Facebook
✝️ FIAT Fridays ✝️ Our FIAT group has been learning about Saint Francis of Assisi and how he lived our Catholic faith by loving God, caring for others and looking after creation. 🌿 Inspired by his life, students wrote acrostic poems filled with words about faith, kindness and peace. ✨ Come and see them! Our poems are on display in the library for everyone to enjoy. 📚 #faithinactioncspd