Term 1 Week 8

From Samantha Suthers' Desk- Principal

As we come together to celebrate Harmony Week, it is an ideal time to reflect on one of our key school improvement priorities this year: to sustain and deepen a culture characterised by positive and caring relationships, high expectations, strong mutual support, and a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive.

At the heart of this goal is our commitment to creating a school where all students feel valued and respected for who they are, and where diversity is not only recognised but celebrated- honouring student diversity. We believe that a setting where learners feel safe, respected, and included is a setting where they will thrive. When students feel seen and heard, they can fully engage in learning and become the best versions of themselves.

As we celebrate the rich variety of cultures and backgrounds within our school this week, let us remember that these differences are a strength. Each student’s unique identity adds to the beauty and depth of our community, and through mutual respect and understanding, we can build a stronger, more harmonious school environment.

As we are reminded in the Bible, from 1 Corinthians 12:14-18:
"For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,' is it therefore not of the body? If the ear should say, 'Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,' is it therefore not of the body?"
This verse speaks to the importance of each individual, and how our unique gifts and differences come together to make our community whole. Just as every part of the body is essential to its function, so too is every student essential to the vibrancy and success of our school.

During Harmony Week, we will continue to honour and celebrate the diversity of our school community through various activities and reflections. These moments give us the opportunity to learn from one another, appreciate different cultures, and commit ourselves to a school culture where everyone feels welcomed and supported.

Together, we will continue to build a learning environment that fosters positive relationships, high expectations, and a deep sense of inclusion. Let’s embrace our differences, celebrate what makes us unique, and create a community where every student is happy, optimistic, and ready to thrive.

From Kylie's Desk - APC

As we wrap up another season of NAPLAN (National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy) testing, I would like to share my gratitude to all stakeholders involved in this process. Your dedication, commitment, and support have been integral to our success.

To our Year 3 and 5 students,

You showed perseverance and hard work. You did your best and this is commendable. Testing can be stressful, but you were determined to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Remember, NAPLAN is just one way of showcasing your learning journey. We are all so proud of each one of you.

To our Families,

Your support in the partnership between home and school is always appreciated. Thank you for encouraging your children to do their best and instil in them the importance of education. Sending students to school on time, with full bellies, calm and prepared for NAPLAN testing over four days, made a big difference. When results are sent later in the year, please file them safely as High School request them for Year 7 enrolments.

To our P&F Committee,

Thank you for providing icy-cool Super Doopers after completing NAPLAN - this was a lovely surprise for our Year 3 and 5 students on a hot day.

To our Educators,

It is a challenging time with the beginning of year routines, but you worked tirelessly to prepare your students and classrooms for NAPLAN. Your passion for teaching, and for your students to achieve excellence was not unnoticed. A huge thank you to our Principal, Mrs Samantha Suthers, for your support in class during NAPLAN testing to ensure the testing conditions comply and our students are provided with optimal conditions.

Building stamina and resilience is so valuable. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phillippians 4:13).

Yours in education,

Kylie Linforth

Assistant Principal Curriculum

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris osb

Just what is Lent for?

Difficult times come. When they do, we can find ourselves grumpy, out of sorts, self-centred, small-hearted or maybe we may even find ourselves lost in a seriously dark time of our lives. In this time of Lent, we are given the opportunity to prepare for such times. And no, it is not to run away, seek diversions or even to embrace positive things to negate the negative.

In Lent, the Church advises us to practice self-denial, to pray more and to give generously to those in need. What! This seems to go against the ‘common sense’ of our society that recommends we foster at all times a positive sense of self. Often our ‘self’ isn’t very positive and the practices of self-denial, prayer and almsgiving actually challenge who we think we are. In making us uncomfortable, they invite us to look at ourselves in a different way and we may not like what we find. In this, we have begun the journey out of our self-centredness to become the person God wants us to be, and that can feel, especially in the early stages, like a cross on our backs. If we take it up, with the person of Jesus, we discover that God can radically transform the difficult times of our lives in ways we could not imagine – no, not by taking them away but by transforming them from within with divine grace. We become a person we could not imagine our self to be.

Loving God,
Show me how to enter into the journey of self-denial, prayer and almsgiving this Lent,
so that I may become fully alive, the person you desire me to be.
I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Mrs Suthers Away

Mrs Suthers will be away next week at the annual Principal's Gathering in Rockhampton. During her absence, Mrs Grove will be the acting principal. Mrs Suthers will be available via email but for any immediate questions or concerns, please reach out to the office or Mrs Grove.

Holy Week

Holy Week at St Francis

For Christians, the anchor of our faith is Jesus Christ and his teachings of love and compassion.  Our students will gather in class groupings in our final week of term to reflect on Holy Week and the joy of Easter.  Families are welcome to join us.

Sacramental Information

Affirmation Awards Week 8

Project Compassion Lenten Appeal

Parent Teacher Conversations - bookings open

Bookings are open via Parent Orbit for families to book Parent Parent-Teacher conversations for Week 9 of Term 1. 

Whole school Cross Country - Tuesday 1st April

Classes have started training on the Cross-Country track during brain breaks and in PE lessons.

The track runs around the school grounds, over grass, gravel, and dirt.

The whole school Jump Rope for Heart has begun, so skipping is helping our runners prepare. You may also wish to join in the Tannum Sands Park Run on Saturdays at 7 AM from Canoe Point. Arrive from 6:45 AM for briefings.

Any parents wishing to help out on the day, please email kylie_linforth@rok.catholic.edu.au

A program will be released in the weeks leading up to the event.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART - register now

Over the coming weeks, your child will learn new skills, increase their physical activity, and learn about heart health. And the program will end with our school-wide ‘Jump Off Day’ on 21/3/25, where your child gets to show off their new skipping skills to their friends.

When you register your child online, you’ll get access to additional skipping resources to help give your child a great reason to get away from the screens and get outdoors. Register and create your secure webpage at www.jumprope.org.au/parents. 

By signing up online, you and your child/ren can:

• Easily raise funds online.
• Track your progress in skipping skills and earn virtual badges along the way.
• Post updates to your page so family and friends can follow their progress.
• Access additional skipping resources.

Your child should have a ‘Parent and Guardian Guide’ flyer to take home, which includes further information on the program. If you didn’t receive this, visit www.jumprope.org.au/parents for all the information that you need.

Thank you for getting involved in Jump Rope for Heart!

Kylie Linforth

Creepy Crawlies at St Francis

Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss

In times of grief and loss, it can be difficult to know how best to support our children. The following are some fundamental ways in which we can help:

• Grieving children need most of all to be loved, listened to and understood.

• Children need to be told the truth in language that is simple and direct, and in an age appropriate Before answering questions check in and explore what your child already understands and knows. You can use questions such as “what do you understand/know about…”. You can then directly answer the question, build on what your child already knows and address any major misunderstandings.

• Don’t be afraid to use words such as “death” and “died”. Try to avoid using euphemisms such as “gone to sleep”, “passed away”, “gone to a better place”, “lost” etc. The reason for this is that it can be confusing for children: they think literally, so they may become fearful of going to sleep or getting lost, or they may think it is simply a matter of the person being found or returning.

• We are role models to our children in all aspects of life and perhaps especially so when it comes to They need us to show our feelings, and they need us to label/name our feelings and their intensity. For example, “I’m feeling really sad because...” It is reassuring for children to know that strong feeling are OK, to see us experience them and be able to process or work them through. It is also important to acknowledge that our own grief experiences can impact our capacity to support our children. Being aware of, and accepting, our own vulnerabilities is important. As adults there will be times when we too may need to accept help and allows ourselves to be nurtured.

• In the aftermath of a death, children may need reassurance that they and their family members are safe and It is also important to maintain normal boundaries and familiar routines and rules. This provides children with a sense of security and comfort.

• In most cases children who are grieving do not require counselling intervention, particularly if they are supported to process their feelings in the family context and are in a stable, safe and predictable environment. In instances where counselling support is needed, our school counsellor, Melissa Davey, is here to provide this support and care.

The above information has been taken from “Grieving Children: Guidelines for Adults who Care” published by the National Centre for Childhood Grief (also known as “A Friend’s Place). Their website can be found below, along with other useful websites.

School Uniforms

St Francis Uniform Shop

Did you know that Wearitto comes to St Francis every Tuesday?

The shop is open 8:30am -10:30am in Green Pod the room beside the Hub.

Please sign in through the QR code in the office or on the uniform shop door. When prompted for organisation please type 'visitor'.

Alternatively, you can order online and items can be picked up from the office in the afternoon of the next Tuesday after the order is placed:

https://www.wearitto.com.au/schools/st-francis-catholic-primary-school-ts 

Gladstone Trading Hours:

You can also order by using the Parent Orbit App, by clicking on 'Uniforms' on the Orbit's home page. Please see the images below.

Second Hand Pre Loved Uniforms

Parents and Friends News

NEON Disco

Get Ready to Glow! The NEON disco is happening next Friday the 28th of March and the countdown is on. Wear your brightest neon outfits and get ready for a night of music, dancing and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food & Drinks: Small packets of chips, lollies, soft drinks and juice poppers will be available for purchase via cash or EFTPOS. No dinner items available and the tuck shop will not be open, so please arrange your dinner plans accordingly to best suit your family. You are welcome to bring food if you wish. We ask that all children are sitting while eating and drinking.

Supervision: All children are to be supervised by their parent/care giver for the duration of the disco.

Younger Siblings: are welcome, however must be supervised at all times. A Toddler Space will be set up with colouring and age-appropriate games.

If you have children in both the first and second sessions: At the completion of the first session, students are to leave the hall with their caregiver. If they have older siblings staying on for the second session, the younger siblings can dance on the basketball court supervised by their caregivers. This is to reduce the risk of children being injured on the dance floor.

Please reach out to the P&F if you have any questions via email  SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au or the St Francis Tannum Sands P&F Facebook Page.

Parents & Friends Facebook Page

If you haven’t checked it out yet, take a look at the new P&F Facebook Page. Like and follow us to stay connected to P&F events and initiatives. Link below or search “St Francis Tannum Sands P&F” in Facebook to find us.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573112566338

NAPLAN Testing Recognition

The P&F was pleased to support our Year 3 and 5’s by surprising them with zooper doopers today to recognise their efforts with the NAPLAN testing over the last two weeks. Our thanks to Liri Ashtar for organising and distributing them.

Mr Paul (Tomo) Thompson Contribution

A number of local clubs are contributing funds towards the cost of Mr Paul (Tomo) Thompson’s wake, and our St Francis community has also offered their support.

If you would like to donate towards food for the wake, you can make a direct deposit into the following account. The P&F will collect and pass on all donations.

 Upcoming P&F meetings

All are welcome at P&F General Meeting and we’d love you to attend. Younger siblings are welcome. The next meeting dates are:

Term 2: Friday 9th May 2025, 8:30am – 9:30am, staffroom

Term 3: Friday 25th July 2025, 8:30am – 9:30am, staffroom

Community News

Gladstone Regional School Bus - CDC

CDC Gladstone provides the school bus services for the Gladstone region.

For Bus Timetables and Bus Route Schedules please use the below link to the Gladstone CDC website.

https://cdcqueensland.com.au/school-services/gladstone-schools/

The Gladstone CDC office's address is - 9 Lyons Street, South Gladstone and their contact number is (07) 4972 1670

Hydrogen Community Information Centre Open Day – Come and Explore!

Join CQUniversity’s Hydrogen Central Community Open Day for a hands-on experience with interactive exhibits, renewable energy experiments, and virtual hydrogen production!

Date: Saturday, 29th March 2025
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM

Location: Hydrogen Central, CQUniversity Gladstone, 43 Bryan Jordan Drive, Leo Zussino Building

🔹 Meet industry and government experts
🔹 Explore cutting-edge renewable energy tech
🔹 Build molecular models & take home a craft atom!
🔹 Experience virtual hydrogen production in our immersive theatre
🔹 Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages!

This event is free and open to the whole community – a great opportunity for students to learn about the future of energy!

📩 More info: h2central@cqu.edu.au | 🌐 www.cqu.edu.au/h2central

📌 Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/168fTsgNft/

Gladstone Council - Moonlight Movie Event

Goals Football Development - April School Holiday Clinics

⚽️ April school holiday soccer clinics are back with Goals Football Development!! Very limited places remaining                   🥅 Run by A-Diploma candidate coach! 
 Links for booking below:
💚 https://www.trybooking.com/CUVFB
🧡 https://www.trybooking.com/CUVFM
❤️ https://www.trybooking.com/CUVIP

Young Engineers Workshops - Central Queensland University

Easter In Gladstone - 17th to 21st April 2025

There are a variety of free and ticketed events across the long weekend throughout the region. All event details can be found here:

www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/easter

Gladstone Harbour Festival Fun Run - 18th April

Strong Communities Term 2 Parenting Support Programs

Circle of Security Parenting & Turning In To Kids - Now open for registrations

Mother's Day Classic Walk/Run