Term 1 Week 4
From Mrs Suthers' Desk - Principal
A huge thank you to all the parents and grandparents who attended our Open Classrooms this week. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with you and share the exciting learning journeys our students are on. Your involvement and support make all the difference to our school community.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated teachers for their hard work and for taking the time to engage with families during these events. Your openness and willingness to discuss how the students' have settled into their first term of learning, is a vital part of fostering a strong partnership between school and home.
At St Francis, we truly believe in the power of community. The success of our school hinges on the collaborative efforts of students, staff, families, and the wider community. When we work together, we create a vibrant, supportive environment where our children can thrive.
This sense of community and partnership is deeply rooted in our faith. In the Gospel of Matthew (7:24-25), Jesus teaches us about the importance of building on strong foundations:
"Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
Just as a house built on rock withstands the storms, a school community built on faith, love, and shared commitment provides a strong foundation for our children’s growth. By working together—families, teachers, and students—we ensure that St Francis remains a place where every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
As we continue to build this community, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to share your feedback on how we can further strengthen our partnership and make St Francis an even more connected and inclusive school for all. Your thoughts and ideas are always appreciated as we work together to create the best possible learning environment for our students.
Thank you once again for your continued support!
Open Classrooms
From Mrs Linforth's Desk - Assistant Principal Curriculum
NAPLAN: Years 3 & 5 from 12th March
Every year, all Australian primary schools have Years 3 and 5 undertake NAPLAN testing.
Year 3's writing test is done with pencil and paper, however, all other tests are completed on our school Chromebooks, using a lockdown browser.
All classes have already started their preparation and Year 3 have begun using Chromebooks to become familiar with the devices.
The public demonstration site can be found here. Students can practice navigating the tests and become familiar with the type of questions that may be asked. Please see your class teacher as soon as possible with any questions you may have regarding NAPLAN.
When NAPLAN results are released later in the year, it is important for Year 5 parents to keep these in a safe spot as high schools request them with enrolment.
Reflection- Sr Kym Harris osb
How do you assess?
We are not numbering or counting but ripening like a tree. - Rainer Maria Rilke
We live in a society that is almost obsessed with measuring things by numbers. Too easily this can spill into our lives in the wrong way. We weigh ourselves, track our fitness constantly, use our paycheck to measure our ‘worth’ at work. These things have a place but what we really need to do is to ask ourselves how the things we do affect our heart and ripen our soul. Do you see beauty on your walk and rejoice? Do you take pleasure in a job well done? Does a fitness session make you love breathing, breathing with your whole body?
Our child/ren learn how to assess themselves by seeing how we assess life. So, we need to ask ourselves what we treasure and what do we praise while they are around.
There is an old Catholic practice of Examination of Conscience. Last thing at night, during night prayers, a person would go over their day and notice what they had done wrong and ask forgiveness. This practice had its uses but I suggest a tweak. At night take time to recall your day and remember when your heart ripened. When did you see beauty, show kindness, have patience, enjoy another’s presence, delight? As you recall these things, know that God delights in you.
Loving God, open the eyes of my heart and mind that I may realise what makes me grow into the richness of love and life. I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.
Sr Kym Harris osb
Parent Orbit 'Make-Over'
Parent Orbit is our main form of communication, and we’re excited to share that it has had a makeover to become a true ‘one-stop shop’ for all school news, events, and important updates. We encourage all families to take a moment to explore the new features and ensure you’re making the most of this valuable tool.
To stay informed, please turn on notifications in the app. This will allow you to receive ‘text message’ style alerts, ensuring you never miss an important event, deadline, or school update.
We want to make communication as easy and effective as possible for our school community. If you have any feedback on Parent Orbit or need assistance, please let us know—we’re here to help!
Affirmation Awards
A huge congratulations to our Affirmation Award recipients this week! These awards recognise students who consistently demonstrate our St Francis school expectations:
✨ Be Respectful – Showing kindness, listening to others, and treating everyone with care.
📚 Be a Learner – Embracing challenges, staying curious, and striving for excellence.
🛡️ Be Safe – Making responsible choices to keep themselves and others protected.
🙏 Be Thankful – Showing gratitude for the opportunities, people, and experiences around them.
We are incredibly proud of these students for living out our school expectations each and every day. Keep up the great work!
Shrove Tuesday - 4th March
Ash Wednesday - 5th March
From the Sports' desk:
Jump Rope For Heart
CROSS COUNTRY
In Week 9 of this term, our whole school is involved in the Cross Country Carnival. The track loops around the school grounds, over grass, hills, gravel, and low gulleys. Age Champions are awarded in the 9-12 year old categories and Port Curtis trials (next term) are for the top four runners in the 10-12 year categories.
Distances:
Preps, Year 1 and Year 2 students: one lap (approximately one kilometre)
Year 3 and students up to 10 year olds (born 2015): two laps (2 km)
11 and 12-year-olds (born 2013 & 2014): three laps (3 km).
Parents and Friends News
School Disco - 28th March
Get ready for a fantastic night of music, dancing and fun at our upcoming Neon-Themed School Disco!
It’s going to be a fun night for parents and kids alike.
We’re looking for parents to help with selling snacks and drinks on the night.
Term 1 Sign Up Genius
Please clink on the below link for the Term 1 Sign Up Genius
Sign Up Genius is how our families can find out what help is needed at P&F events, and volunteer to help out. It’s a handy website that breaks down the what and when, so you can sign up in advance knowing what suits your schedule and commitments.
Please have a look at this Term’s Sign Up Genius and consider putting your name down to help out where you can. We hope to hold events that bring fun and memories for our students, while building a sense of school community – but they won’t happen without your help!
P&F Term 1 General Meeting Minutes
The P&F holds a general meeting once per term, and everyone is welcome!
It’s a great way to stay informed and have your say in what is happening at school.
Please use the below link to view the meeting minutes.
Interested in Getting Involved?
Getting involved in the P&F is a great way to connect with other parents, support our school, and make a real difference in our community. Whether you can spare a little time or a lot, your help is always valued and appreciated.
We still have vacant committee positions so we ask that you consider taking up a role. Please have a read through the below role descriptions, some are event specific while others require a small contribution throughout the year.
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
Community News
The Gladstone Region Communities for Children
Play and Social Groups Calendar
Please use the below link to view the 2025 Calendar
Gladstone Family Carnival
