These two women have been a part of Holy Family Primary School East Granville for a combined total of more than 50 years. Home Liaison Officer Fadia Rizk has worked at the school for 31 years, while Teacher’s Aide Sue Issa is about to clock up 24 years!
They are at the heart of a school community that is soon to celebrate its 80th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, a day of celebrations is being held on Wednesday, August 8 beginning at 9.30am with a special Mass and blessing of its new learning studio.
Mrs Rizk said she started at the school as a Bilingual Assistant.
"This role saw me interacting with parents on a number of different levels from having a casual chat to assisting them with filling out forms or sitting in on meetings with them and their children’s teachers,’’ Mrs Rizk said.
For six years, she also ran a playgroup for families attached to the school. “I enjoy helping families and if I need to go out and visit a family who needs some extra help, I am happy to do that,” Mrs Rizk said.
Mrs Rizk has two sons - George, 35 and Andre, 32. She can relate to a the challenges the school’s parent community faces, which makes her the perfect fit for her role at Holy Family.
Teacher’s Aide Sue Issa’s main role is helping students with their learning.
“All four of my children went to this school and I used to volunteer to help in the classrooms,’’ Mrs Issa said.
“Then one day the Principal asked if I would like to become a Teacher’s Aide, because at the time we had a lot of people who didn’t speak English.”
Mrs Issa said she is driven by the enjoyment she gets from working with infants as well as students with special needs.
“To me, this school community feels like one big family and I really do feel like I am making a difference in these kids’ lives.”
Mrs Issa, former student of Holy Family, is the mother of four children: Tania, 38, Steven, 36, Natalie, 33 and Pierre, 29 and grandmother to seven children. She never thought she would still be working at the school for this long but can’t see herself doing anything else. She hopes to continue in her role at the school for as long as her health will allow it.
Both Mrs Issa and Mrs Rizk have been part of the close-knit school community for so long, some of their former students have returned to the school as parents!
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
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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! 💙🌏
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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! 🔎🌿🌊
09 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Year 2 has been exploring time in Maths! ⏰ We looked at clocks 🕰️ learning how to read o'clock, half past, quarter-to, and quarter-past times. 🕘 Halfway through, we switched gears! ⚙️ Now we are looking at the duration of different events ⏱️ and will be exploring a calendar 📅 to countdown to different events... we might start with working out how many school days until the holidays!! 🎒➡️🏖️ 🎭 Year 3 Drama Literacy 🎭 During Drama Literacy, Year 3 explored the idea of accidents through the familiar story of Humpty Dumpty 🥚✨. Students used their bodies to embody different types of accidents, thinking creatively about how each situation might look and feel. They then explored the emotions of shock, determination, terror and pride 😲💪😱🌟, using facial expressions, body movements and poses to communicate each feeling — all without saying a word! 🎭👏
06 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Heavenly Father, You entrusted Your Son Jesus to the care of Joseph, an earthly father. Bless all fathers and father figures as they care for their families. Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience. Support them in their daily work, and let Your face shine upon them with grace and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏻 Wishing all the special men in the Holy Family community a happy Father’s Day⭐️💙⭐️
04 Sep 2026
From Facebook
💙 A special morning celebrating all the incredible people who take on the role of a father in our children’s lives! 💙 We started our morning with a delicious Father’s Day Breakfast, bringing our school community together for smiles, laughter and precious moments shared with the special dads, grandfathers, stepdads and father figures who mean so much to our students. 🍳☕️👨👧👦 We then gathered for a beautiful Father’s Day Mass, giving thanks for the love, guidance, support and encouragement our dads and father figures provide each day. 🙏✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our morning so special. 💙 Happy Father’s Day to all our amazing dads and father figures! 🌟💙 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
02 Sep 2026
From Facebook
🐠🦘 Year 2 Goes WILD! 🐊🐧 Today, our Year 2 students headed off on an exciting adventure to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo! 🌊🦁 From discovering incredible underwater creatures 🐟🐢 to getting up close with some of Australia’s amazing wildlife 🦘🐨, our students had a fantastic day of learning, exploring and making memories together! 💙✨ What a WILD day for Year 2! 🌏🐾🎉