Term 2 Week 10

Weekly 5 with Leadership

Trusting Teachers' Judgement: The Key to Educational Success

One of the cornerstones of a successful educational system is the trust that exists between teachers and parents. At St Francis Catholic Primary School, we believe that trusting teachers' judgment is crucial to the academic and personal growth of our students. Teachers are the experts in the classroom. They spend hours each day with your children, getting to know their strengths, weaknesses, and individual learning styles. They apply adjustments to break down barriers to children's engagement in learning. They are well-equipped to assess your child's progress and provide valuable feedback on their academic performance.

When parents trust teachers' judgments, they are acknowledging the expertise and dedication that educators bring to their roles. It is important to remember that teachers have your child's best interests at heart and are committed to helping them reach their full potential. By trusting teachers' judgments, parents can form a strong partnership with the school. This partnership is essential in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for students to thrive. When parents and teachers work together harmoniously, students benefit from a cohesive approach to their education. It is important to recognize that teachers are not just educators; they are mentors, role models, and advocates for your child's success. By trusting their judgments, parents empower teachers to make informed decisions that benefit the academic and personal growth of students.

As we navigate through the school year, I urge all parents and guardians to trust the judgments of our dedicated teachers. Your trust and support are invaluable in ensuring that every child receives the best possible education and opportunities for success. Together, we can create a nurturing and empowering environment where every student can flourish. Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education and well-being. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and help them achieve their full potential.

I am very grateful for our staff this semester. We encourage our students to go over and above as learners and their teachers are the perfect role models - going over and above as educators. Ensuring consistent and predictable routines are embedded by consistent predictable adults ensures our children know what to do and what to expect.

This week we farewell Mrs Christine Hicks, who has been with us as an Educational Support Officer in classrooms and Outside School Hours Care. Christine and her family are moving to Brisbane. We give thanks to Mrs Kerry Huth who has been studying and working in Year 1B this year. Kerry has been invaluable in providing support to Mrs. Leann Hansen and the Year 1B students. Mrs. Megan Pesci has been in a team-teaching role in Year 5 this year. We say farewell to Megan who is making a change to suit her family circumstances. Mrs. Laura Farrell will replace Megan in 5A on Thursdays and Fridays for Semester Two. Our OSHC is operating over the holidays and we welcome a new staff member, Mr Nicholas Gallagher. Nick is an enthusiastic and gentle young man who is looking forward to supporting our OSHC community. Miss Grace Penhaligon and Miss Pearl Penhaligon will also join our OSHC team for the vacation program. 

Have a safe and restful break. Regular routines such as daily reading, exploring our world, and connecting with others through play are important to maintain through holiday periods. Please ensure you access Parent Lounge to download your child's academic record. Reach out to the office staff if you require assistance downloading the new Parent Orbit app. So far we have 60% of our parent community connected. 

Pax et bonum,

Kylie Linforth
Acting Principal 

Art Competition 'A Night at the Gallery'

Premiers Reading Challenge

Uniform Shop Hours

The Gladstone store will be continuing normal trading hours over the  winter school holidays.

Parent & Friends group news

We’re looking forward to Term 3 and have some fun ideas that are gathering momentum, ready to roll out next term. We want to build a school community where we know our fellow parents and carers, and in order to do so, we’re organising a Meet and Greet Coffee. A simple get together after drop off to have a chat and get to know others, see details in the flyer below.

The very popular Family Movie Night is coming your way again in Term 3! As well as Father’s Day activities and a yummy fundraising opportunity..

Lots to look forward to, but as always, these events will need your support to make them happen. Please keep an eye out for a “Sign Up Genius” email coming out in Week 1 of next term, where you can put to your name down to help out at a range of events and activities planned for Term 3. Big or small contributions, it all helps.

P&F Meetings

It was good to see those who attended the P&F meeting held on Monday this week. Please see below links to the Minutes and the responses received from the Parent Survey that were presented at the meeting.

Please remember, you can contact us at any time via the P&F email SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au, and the feedback & suggestions box at the school office.  

We appreciate and encourage your thoughts and involvement which nourish the St Francis community.

Parents & Friends Group

In and around our Community ...

Gladstone Basketball Holiday Camp

Gladstone Basketball will be running a basketball clinic in the first week of the holidays. 

Engineering, Robotics & Electronics Workshop

The Manufacturing Hub has kindly sponsored some of our programs these school holidays (so normally priced programs at $180, are now only $22).

This time we are hosting a 1-Day event in Boyne Island/Tannum Sands in the Community Centre, which is conveniently located for your school community. The Manufacturing Hub set up registration pages for the subsidised programs (Robo Bricks for the Yr3-5 and the Inventor Kit for Yr 6-9) and we are promoting them along side our regular Junior program for Prep-Yr 2.

As the programs are priced to overcome any barriers parents might have, and as they are hosted in your own locality at the local Community Centre, I thought it would be worth bringing it to your attention even at such a late point in the term.

The link is https://www.trybooking.com/CSIBB

2024 NAIDOC Colouring Competition

NAIDOC is fast approaching and Gladstone Region Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service Ltd T/A Nhulundu Health Service are running a colouring-in competition for all primary school students; and we would love for you to be involved!

There will 12 deadly prize packs to be won and winners will be notified on Friday 12th July. 

Please print out the competition below or collect a copy from the office.