Marco Quintao Visit | Holy Family Luddenham

When it comes to having a disability isn’t it good to know a NRL football team has your back?!

The West Tigers’ ‘Varying Abilities Program’ is an initiative aimed at providing support and assistance to students with a disability.

Holy Family Primary, Luddenham were lucky to have Marco Quintao from the West Tigers Physical Disability Rugby League team and West Tigers Community and Fan Engagement manager Shaun Spence come and visit.

“The program has been designed to reduce the prevalence of bullying towards students with a disability while encouraging students to recognise and celebrate differences in each other,’’ Mr Spence said.

The program allows all students to learn about the talent and potential of individuals living with a disability, while also opening their minds to accepting them as positive role models.

Students were made aware that sometimes people with a disability may communicate using a variety of modes.

Students participate in challenges and ice-breakers

Students learnt about different ways to communicate including through sign language, body language, visual cards and text.

“Having a physical disability may also affect the way some people do things; however, it does not necessarily mean they can’t achieve the same outcome,’’ Mr Spence said.

Students Matthew and Claudia were invited to experience what it would be like not to see and then maneuver their way through a small obstacle course.

Students attempt an obstacle course blind-folded

Matthew was blindfolded, while Claudia had to guide him through the obstacle course without falling over or hitting a traffic cone.

Students were also challenged to try and tie their shoelaces with one hand held behind their backs.

“We take for granted that it takes us a few seconds to tie our shoelaces; however, it is a struggle some people have everyday,’’ Mr Spence said.

Students collaborating on various activities

“It is important to make sure everyone is included. Some simple steps everybody can take is to invite everyone participate, asking ‘Do you need help?’, recognising differences and being accepting of varied abilities.

Mr Spence said we all have ability, it is just varied. We all can do the same thing just a little differently. In fact, celebrating difference and working as a team is what makes our communities great!

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
What a fantastic day at the Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day! ⚽️ Congratulations to all of our boys and girls who represented Holy Family with great sportsmanship, teamwork and enthusiasm. A huge thank you to our volunteers who helped coach throughout the day, and to all the parents who came along to support our students. ⚽️🥅🏆

11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
📝Super Writers! 🍎 In Year 1, we have been learning to write persuasive opinion texts! Last week, students wrote about their favourite fruit and provided reasons to support their opinions. Their goal was to convince Mrs McFadzean to add their chosen fruit to her shopping list for our Crunch and Sip party. Throughout the writing process, students focused on using precise noun groups, Tier 2 vocabulary, and high-modality words to make their writing more convincing. They also practised recrafting and improving their work, ensuring their ideas were clear, precise, and aligned with the success criteria. We are so proud of the effort our young writers put into strengthening their arguments and developing their persuasive writing skills! 📸Check out some photos from our party and some samples of our amazing writing! ✍️