Term 3 week 4
Weekly 5 with Leadership
Gullarn ngheeree - Welcome to this beautiful place,
With the chilliness of this last week, I hope that you have stayed close to heaters, reached for scarves and had a chance to walk outside to find warmth in the sun’s rays.
Daily school attendance is vital to the learning journey of our children. The Queensland government, along with Catholic Education affirm that there are two reasons for a child to be away from school, the first being natural disasters (which a chilly morning is not defined by) and the second being if they are unwell. With the Winter season well and truly lived in our region this week and the arrival of viral and flu infections, it is essential that our children remain at home when they have flu symptoms. Not only are their bodies getting the rest needed to recover, it minimises the spread of infection across our school community.
Whole of School assemblies occur at St Francis Catholic primary on every even Wednesday of the school term from 8.30-9.00 am providing an opportunity for messages to be shared and affirmation given to our students. This week, we welcomed Executive General Manager, Mr Richard Horwood, along with Curtis the Turtle who shared information on the upcoming Port to Park Run. With registration monies for this event donated back to our school, we are grateful for this industry partnership and to the families who participate in this community event.
Students, staff and families had the opportunity to meet with the Assistant Director: Mission, Ms Kellie Jenkinson, and her team yesterday through our Catholic Identity conversations. Catholic education has always been, and is called to remain aligned to the mission of the Catholic church whilst responding to the ever-growing, complex social, political and governance requirements of contemporary Australian society. The defining features outlined below reflect our hopes and aspirations for Catholic education and our commitment to providing excellent teaching and learning in a faith-based environment.
Catholic schools
- Have a clear Catholic identity
- Are open and accessible to all who seek our values
- Are communities of care and safety
- Offer a relevant and holistic curriculum of quality teaching and learning
- Give witness to the message of Jesus and the mission of the Church
- Are characterised by inclusive partnerships within a community of faith
(Defining features of Catholic Schools in the 21st Century)
God’s blessings upon your weekend,
PAX et bonum - Peace and all goodness,
Meredith Grove
(Principal 2024)
From Kylie's desk - APC
Every year, Gladstone Ports Corporation sponsors a wonderful community Fun Run where a local charity receives a generous donation. Every entry from registrations, when nominating a school, provides some money for sporting equipment to our school. Last year, we received $285 from the event. This year, it would be wonderful to receive over $500 for St Francis. We had a visit from GPC's Executive General Manager, Mr Richard Haward, Curtis the Turtle and Ms Maddy Larson at assembly this week. Mr Haward explained how the 110th anniversary this year will see the GPC donate $110 ooo to the local community.
Please go to this link to register your family today.
HOMEWORK, HOME READING AND LIBRARY BORROWING
At St Francis Catholic Primary School, we value family time. According to the latest research, copious amounts of homework do not improve student learning. Our Homework policy expects all students to do daily home reading. Optional homework tasks are on Seesaw.
As a parent, we often have to 'pick our battles'. Home reading should not be one of those battles. Screen time, tv time, playdates, yes, but not reading. Reading at home every day should be a non-negotiable routine. Students who read a large range of texts every day, often are more successful at school.
For students to borrow and bring books home from the school library, they must be using a waterproof portfolio. St Francis portfolios are available through the uniform shop, online or through this order form. Our "no portfolio, no borrowing" is in place to protect the books. Library books and home readers are very expensive and travel a lot of distance in their lifetime. If your child has misplaced their portfolio, we would appreciate it being replaced ASAP.
Another great resource that is free to access is Sora. Many students currently use this online library. The login details are above. Choose ACEN (Australian Catholic Education Network) and students will need their school login (younger grades have this in their school diary). If you require this, please email kylie_linforth@rok.atholic.edu.au
We are hiring
LOTE Teacher 2025
The opportunity exists to join our team of educators! Applications are open for a LOTE teacher commencing 2025. https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1063
OSCH Educator
Currently a 2-year University student living in our area (various fields of study accepted)? Looking to join a vibrant team? We need you! Apply now, 25+hours negotiable. https://applynow.net.au/jobs/CER1070
Instrumental Music - Student Vacancies
Thank you for supporting our Book Fair
Award Affirmations
P & F News
Welcome to Term 3, week 4
We wanted to again say a massive thank you to all who supported The Night at the Gallery last week. Together, we had a great night AND raised $678 for our school community! This fundraising effort will go towards funding future school improvements and other events that will bring our community together. If you'd like to have a say on what these projects are, contact us via the P&F email or keep an eye out for the next P&F meeting - the date will be communicated next week.
Speaking of future events, remember to save the date for this year’s Family Movie Night - Friday 6th September. Helping out at this event is a great way to get to know other parents, and all assistance helps to make these fun events possible. If you’re able to join in, sign up via the Sign Up Genius or by emailing SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au. We appreciate all support, big or small.
Please remember, you can contact us at any time via the P&F email SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au, the feedback & suggestions box at the school office, or by attending the general meetings.
We appreciate and encourage your thoughts and involvement which nourish the St Francis community.
Parents & Friends Group
Fee Advice #4
Please find for your information, Advice #4, developed to inform our Catholic Education families of the school fee structure, from 2025 onwards. Previous Advice pieces outlined the new Federal Government Funding model (Gonski model), the impact on School Fees for Catholic Schools, and the need to align with the Federal Government’s means-tested Capacity to Contribute assessment of the school community. As outlined in Advice #4, CEDR School Fees will be presented as an “All-Inclusive Fee”, rather than the previous school fees model of Tuition Fees, plus several school-based levies and charges.
School Dental Clinic
The School Dental Service is offering free dental care for children and adolescents of St Francis Catholic Primary School.
If you would like your child to be seen by the dental team, please complete the medical consent form as soon as possible. This consent form can be completed online using the QR code or link below. Alternatively see the school office for a paper copy.
Gladstone Community News
