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 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.
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.
“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!
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
More photos and highlight reel from last weeks Mental Fitness Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase where Charlotte, Annalise and Natalia presented their idea for the Buddy Bench. - Gotcha4Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpiW5LXkQgU![412906884192908_1257125086437746-1]()
16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase – University of Western Sydney, Kingswood October 15, 2025 Yesterday, three Year 5 students, Annalise, Charlotte and Natalia, represented Holy Family Luddenham at the Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase presented by Gotcha4Life Foundation. Last term, Mentally Fit Primary Schools launched the Student Voice Project, with the goal of empowering students to become mental fitness leaders within their school community. In partnership with Gotcha4Life, students were encouraged to promote mental fitness (to build your emotional muscle, to never worry alone, and embrace your village). The students designed a wonderful initiative called the Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench aims to reduce loneliness and provide a safe space for students in the playground. It signals that a student is feeling lonely and that student would like someone to play or talk with. To further support peer connection, the team developed Conversation Cards with thoughtful prompts to help students start positive discussions while at the bench. The staff and students at Holy Family are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students for their creativity, compassion, and leadership. The Gotcha4Life Foundation extend their thanks to all the Year5 students for their inspiring contributions and for the enthusiasm displayed during this project. Special thanks to the Year 5 students who presented at the Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase. Thank you for your dedication and hard work in preparing for this showcase — you should be extremely proud of yourselves and the positive impact your project will have on our school community. At the event, Gus Worland spoke passionately about the importance of teaching young people about mental fitness and breaking the negative stigma surrounding mental health. Let’s continue to work together to Build a Mentally Fit School and Community — Build your emotional muscle. Never worry alone. Embrace your village. Let's Build Mental Fitness For more information, visit https://www.gotcha4life.org/programs/primaryschools
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21 Oct 2025
From Facebook
More photos and highlight reel from last weeks Mental Fitness Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase where Charlotte, Annalise and Natalia presented their idea for the Buddy Bench. - Gotcha4Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpiW5LXkQgU
16 Oct 2025
From Facebook
Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase – University of Western Sydney, Kingswood October 15, 2025 Yesterday, three Year 5 students, Annalise, Charlotte and Natalia, represented Holy Family Luddenham at the Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase presented by Gotcha4Life Foundation. Last term, Mentally Fit Primary Schools launched the Student Voice Project, with the goal of empowering students to become mental fitness leaders within their school community. In partnership with Gotcha4Life, students were encouraged to promote mental fitness (to build your emotional muscle, to never worry alone, and embrace your village). The students designed a wonderful initiative called the Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench aims to reduce loneliness and provide a safe space for students in the playground. It signals that a student is feeling lonely and that student would like someone to play or talk with. To further support peer connection, the team developed Conversation Cards with thoughtful prompts to help students start positive discussions while at the bench. The staff and students at Holy Family are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students for their creativity, compassion, and leadership. The Gotcha4Life Foundation extend their thanks to all the Year5 students for their inspiring contributions and for the enthusiasm displayed during this project. Special thanks to the Year 5 students who presented at the Leaders of Tomorrow Showcase. Thank you for your dedication and hard work in preparing for this showcase — you should be extremely proud of yourselves and the positive impact your project will have on our school community. At the event, Gus Worland spoke passionately about the importance of teaching young people about mental fitness and breaking the negative stigma surrounding mental health. Let’s continue to work together to Build a Mentally Fit School and Community — Build your emotional muscle. Never worry alone. Embrace your village. Let's Build Mental Fitness For more information, visit https://www.gotcha4life.org/programs/primaryschools
02 Oct 2025
From Facebook
28 Sep 2025
From Facebook
📣 A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY for Catholic school parents to upskill! The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) Conference 2025 is coming soon, and we encourage all parents and carers from our school communities to attend. Parenting in today’s world is tough - don’t walk the journey alone. 🤝 🗓️ Saturday 25 October, 8:30am-3:30pm 📍Novotel Parramatta, 350 Church Street, Parramatta This is a statewide event organised by the Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP), with inspiring speakers and valuable insights for families. It’s a chance to gather, eat, learn and connect! ✨ You’ll even score a goodie bag on the day! Learn more & register here 👉 https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/2025-conference
27 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Stage One students presented their generous hamper donations to the Jesuit Society at Emerton, supporting the ‘Ignite Food Program’ last Friday. This Faith In Action project connected their ‘heart, head and hands’ learning in Religious Education this term. Our students were asked to participate in ‘mission’ actions at home such as washing up, setting the dinner table etc to earn their group contributions. Thank you to all our families and school community that helped make such a significant donation. ❤️🙏
11 Sep 2025
From Facebook
Today is #ruokday, but life happens EVERY day. Look out for signs someone might need you to check in and ask, 'are you OK?'. Because a conversation could change a life.
02 Sep 2025
From Facebook
This week is Australia’s Teacher Aide Appreciation week. Today we celebrated all of our wonderful TA’s and support staff that help our students and keep the school running. Without these wonderful faces our school would not be the same so, THANK YOU !!
01 Sep 2025
From Facebook
31 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese mourns the loss of former Executive Director of Schools Greg Whitby AM KSG. Diocese of Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long has shared a moving tribute to Greg here: https://catholicoutlook.org/vale-to-greg-whitby-am-former-executive-director-of-catholic-education/ Greg led our organisation, then known as Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, from 2006 to 2022. He will be remembered fondly, including for his dedication to making a difference to the lives of children and young people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains through education. Not only was Greg our leader, he was also one of our own: a graduate of St Monica's North Parramatta as well as a former Principal of Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek. A larger-than-life character, his championship of change and innovation was a source of inspiration. He leaves an extraordinary legacy of thought-leadership and advocacy that continues to serve Catholic schools in the Parramatta Diocese today. CSPD gives thanks for Greg’s life and leadership. He will be remembered for his courage, vision and passion, which will live on through the generations of educators he has inspired. We share our sincerest sympathies with Greg’s wife Sue, their children Matthew, Alexandra and Sophie, his grandchildren, and extended family at this very sad time. Eternal rest grant unto Greg, O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
25 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Please take some time to watch the video about our new Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures.
