Term 3 Week 9

Weekly 5 with Leadership

Gullarn ngheeree - Welcome to this beautiful place,

What a delightful and colourful beginning to our Friday with our Prep-Yr 2 bush dance showcase. To see the confidence and joy on each little person’s face was affirming of the Performing Arts program offered here at St Francis Catholic Primary under the expert guidance of Mrs Sharyn Dicker.

Our ‘fluoro’ accessory day also provided a visual reminder for the message across National Child Protection Week - that our children are important every second of every day and our responsibility as educators, parents, grandparents and safe adults is to ensure that their voice matters and is heard.  At School Life this week, conversations occurred about conversations!  With the theme of ‘Every Conversation Matters’ for Child Protection Week, our children reflected on how our conversations with another can have a really positive impact on a person’s day, and to be careful that our words do not hurt or harm (either intentionally or otherwise) another.

Importantly, through our Child Protection lessons over these last few weeks, the message of conversations with our ‘5 safe adults’ when there is a worry is super important. Conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well.

Conversations can help us understand issues, craft solutions, value community knowledge, and build the brains and social connections of children and young people.

Conversations between
…children and their caregivers matter (from the very earliest days)
…children and their peers matter
…families with teachers, doctors, and other professionals matter
…friends or neighbours matter
…decision-makers and the communities they serve matter.
And, of course, conversations in the public realm and media matter…

So this National Child Protection Week we are all invited to speak up – and speak together – about the wellbeing, safety and to give our children the skills to thrive in our world today.

God’s blessings upon your weekend,
PAX et bonum - Peace and all goodness,

Meredith Grove
(Principal 2024)

From Kylie's Desk - APC

At St Francis Catholic Primary School , our vision statement is a guiding light for our community's daily activities and interactions. Inspired by our Franciscan values—peace, love, and acceptance—our school thrives on the foundation of these core principles, with Christ at the center of everything we do.

How do we foster Resilience?
Resilience is more than just bouncing back; it’s about teaching our students to face challenges with courage and determination. Many school activities are designed to help our children build resilience, whether through collaborative problem-solving exercises in the classroom or participating in sports that encourage teamwork and individual growth. In nurturing resilience, we prepare our students to tackle not only academic challenges but life’s unpredictability.

How do we encourage Participation?
We believe that active participation is key to a vibrant school culture. Our classrooms are alive with discussions, projects, and initiatives where every voice matters. Whether it’s through our lunchtime clubs: art, singing, book or robotics, efforts to promote sustainability with our Mission Explorers’ involvement, we encourage our students to engage with their peers and contribute positively to our school environment. This unified participation helps each child recognize their role within our community.

How do we celebrate Diversity?
Diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Our students come from various backgrounds, each bringing unique traditions, perspectives, and talents. To foster an understanding and appreciation among classmates, we encourage our school to be a true representation of acceptance and inclusion.

How are we building a Sense of Belonging?
Creating a nurturing environment where every student feels they belong is paramount. We continue to implement programs aimed at building relationships through mentorship, buddy systems, and peer support groups. Our dedicated staff work diligently to ensure that every child feels valued and accepted, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity.

How are we instilling a Love for Life-long Learning?
Education is a lifelong journey. We strive to ignite a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Our extracurricular activities, workshops, and guest speaker events cater to a wide variety of interests, inspiring curiosity and encouraging our teachers and students to explore new learning. This foundational love for learning will serve them well throughout their lives.

As we continue to embody our vision statement, we invite parents, staff, and students to engage in this journey together. Let us be role models of peace, love, and acceptance, guiding our children toward becoming resilient, participative, diverse individuals who belong in a community they cherish. Together, we can instill in them not just the skills to succeed academically, but also the values that will guide them throughout their lives.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. We look forward to your continued support as we navigate this educational journey together.

Kylie Linforth

Assistant Principal Curriculum

2025 School Fees

Parents received information regarding 2025 School Fees earlier this week.  Catholic Education and St Francis Catholic Primary remain committed to offering excellent teaching and learning in a faith-based environment, supporting families who seek this for their children.  Our Principal, Mrs Meredith Grove, welcomes parent queries and conversations.

Parent and Friends News

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT – TONIGHT!
arrive from 6pm,
movie starts 6:30pm 

See you tonight at our annual Family Movie Night, screening Despicable Me 4!
Arrive from 6pm, with movie screening to start at 6:30pm. 
What to Bring: Bring your pillows and cuddly toys to snuggle up with, picnic rugs or camp chairs. Gold coin donation. Your own dinner or purchase food from the tuckshop. Insect repellent is highly recommended.
Food and Drinks: We will have hot dogs ($4), soft drinks ($2.50) and delicious hot chocolate ($3) for sale from the tuckshop, or families are welcome to bring their own dinner to eat. Cash and EFTPOS will be available for purchases at the tuckshop. To finish off with some sweet treats, Poppa’Licious Sisters will be selling popcorn and fairy floss. 
Sponsors: A massive thank you to our sponsors for this event; Elevate Real Estate, Brooks Leathercraft, and Electroco. We hope that you support these local businesses that support our school community. 

Please note that children must be supervised by parents/guardians at all times. Movie Etiquette has been discussed with students this week.  Thank you for your support in guiding your children.

PARENTS & FRIENDS GROUP MEETING 

Minutes from our last P&F meeting, held Tuesday 27th August 2024 are available below.  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

Child Protection Week 01/09 - 07/09

St Francis Feast Day

Scooter Track - Tues 10/09

Tuckshop News

NACHO TUESDAY - Place your order with FlexiSchools

Volunteers needed particularly for this day, thanks for your help!

Eisteddfod Assembly - Term 4 Week 2

We are hiring ...

Our OSHC service is recruiting for an OSHC Assistant (minimum 2 years qualified) to join our dynamic team. Please share!

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Star of the Sea Parish Centenary Celebrations

Our Parish celebrates 100 years this year with wonderful celebrations planned. All are welcome!

Community Events ...