Term 2 Week 2
A Message from Leadership
Uniform Reminder
As we head into Term 2, we would like to remind all students and parents of our uniform expectations. Maintaining a consistent and neat uniform standard helps promote a sense of belonging and school pride. Here are some key reminders:
- Earrings: Only simple gold or silver studs or sleepers are permitted.
- Make-up: No make-up is allowed.
- Hair: Long hair (on the collar and longer) must be worn tied back. All ribbons, headbands, and other hair accessories must be in school colours: black, white, navy blue, or green.
- Nail Polish: Nail polish is not allowed.
- Smart Watches and Mobile Phones: Smart watches are not permitted. Mobile phones must be handed into the office upon arrival and collected when leaving the school site.
If students are not in the correct uniform, an email will be sent home to parents indicating what the issue is. Parents are asked to attend to the issue promptly. If there is a specific reason why a child is not in the correct uniform, a written explanation from parents to the class teacher is required. For exceptions to the uniform expectations (e.g for medical reasons), please make contact with me via the ladies in the office.
Your cooperation in ensuring that all students adhere to these guidelines is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your ongoing support in upholding our school's standards and values.
Happy fishing over the long weekend! I am looking forward to hearing all the stories next week.
Mrs Samantha Suthers
Mary Help of Christians & Year 5 Leadership Badges
On Friday 16 May, we celebrate the feast day of Mary Help of Christians, the patron saint of Australia. Year 4A will be hosting our mass at 1.30 pm for students in Year 2 to Year 6. Our Year 5 leaders will also receive their student leadership badges at this mass.
Mrs Meredith Grove
Weekly Reflection
Leadership
Leadership is very much in the news. The world has been reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis and many are pondering what type of leader the next Pope could be. We are also choosing leadership for our country.
So, this is a good time to ask not only what type of leader we each want but also, how are we to act as leaders. As parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, we lead – whether we feel up to it or not. There are so many different aspects to leadership of our child/ren: giving direction, offering comfort, correcting, affirming, challenging – all the while providing for the needs of daily life, while looking after the whole family (or class) and our own selves. Feeling swamped?
This is a good space to ponder what type of leadership do we want from God, and how we could reflect that love to the needs of our family. Take some time each day, perhaps a minute or two, to rest in God’s love before the day begins and ask for direction for the tasks you are facing that day. Ask for the wisdom and grace that will give you the perspective to lead in love. Then trust that loving guidance will follow you through the day.
Loving God, you know how I can feel overwhelmed with the demands that are made on me in loving my child/ren. Give me the time and space to draw my strength and wisdom from you. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.
Sr Kym Harris osb
Monday 5th May - Public Holiday
No school today!
Enjoy your long weekend! Good luck to all the fishermen and fisherwomen who may be spending a lot of time on the water over the weekend. Remember to Slip, Slop and Slap!
Tuesday 6th May
Cross Country
1:30pm - 2:30pm Prep to Year 2 Cross Country Races.
Please Note: Due to the carnival being postponed last term because of the weather, we have had to split this year's cross country carnival. Thank you for your support.
Physical Education Lessons
All students will participate in PE lessons today with Mrs Kylie Linforth. This term's focus is on athletics in preparation for:
- 9-12 years Field Events on Friday 23rd May.
- Whole school Athletics Carnival on Friday 30th May.
Children are to wear their sports shirts today.
Digital Technologies Lessons
Students from Prep to Year 2 will participate in Digi Tech lessons today with Mrs Meredith Grove. Through guided exploration and learning tasks, Prep to Year 2 students create simple pathways/instructions to move Beebot robots through a series of challenges.
Lunch Club
Robotics Club this term is for the Year 4 to 6 students who are participating in the Robocup Junior Challenge on Thursday, 19th of June.
Private Music Lessons
Instrumental music lessons today with Miss Erin Moynihan. Great news - the school band will be putting an entry into the 2025 Gladstone Eisteddfod, well done team!
Piano lessons today with Liping- it is delightful to hear that some of Liping's students will also be participating in the 2025 Gladstone Eisteddfod.
If you would like any information regarding our instrumental music or piano lessons, please contact Mrs Meredith Grove.
After School Soccer Workshop
Football Queensland & Brisbane Roar
St Francis Catholic Primary School is excited to announce that the Football Queensland & Brisbane Roar After School Program is coming to our school!
Key program details can be found in the attached flyer. All participants must be registered prior to the clinic starting, using the link below.
For any questions, please contact the FQ x Roar team at community@footballqueensland.com.au.
School Board Meeting for May
Tonight, our School Board will convene to begin developing the Mobile Phone Guidelines for St Francis Catholic Primary School.
Wednesday 7th May
Chanel Day Year 6
Year 6 students are heading to Chanel to take part in the 'Carni Hour' festivities, beginning at 10:50am. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in a variety of activities and experience the welcoming spirit of our College.
Students are welcome to bring their own lunch or purchase food on the day. Each student will receive ten free tickets for activities and food, with additional tickets available for $1 each. A limited tuckshop menu will also be available for cash purchases.
The College has arranged buses for the event. Departing St Francis at 9:30am and departing Chanel at 2pm. In the event of wet weather, alternative activities will be provided at the College.
Lunch Club
Private Music Lessons
Piano lessons today with Liping- it is delightful to hear that some of Liping's students will be participating in the 2025 Gladstone Eisteddfod.
Guitar lessons today with Wayne will be on Friday, 9th May, as per the published timetable. This is due to Chanel Day.
If you would like any information regarding our piano lessons, please contact Mrs Meredith Grove. If you would like any information regarding our guitar lessons, please contact Mrs Kylie Linforth.
Thursday 8th May
Mother's Day Stall
Students will be given time to collect their pre-paid gifts from the Mother Day Stall today. This will be done in class time, and the timetable is below:
8:30-9:00 1A, 4A
9:00-9:30 1/2, 3A
9:30-10:00 3B, 5A
10:00-10:30 Prep A, 6A
11:15-11:45 Prep B, 2A, 4/5
If your child(ren) are purchasing, prepayment must be made via Parent Orbit "Events& Payments". One payment for each sibling. Prepayments close 11pm Tuesday 6th May.
If you’re able to help out on the stall (Thursday 8th May) or setting up the stall (Wednesday 7th May), please let us know via the Sign Up Genius (link below), or message the St Francis Tannum Sands P&F Facebook page.
Visual Arts Lessons
Students from Prep to Year 2 will participate in Visual Arts lessons today with Mrs Mel Harstorn. Children will eagerly experiment with a variety of materials to create their own unique pieces of art.
Performing Arts Lessons
Students from Year 3 to Year 6 will participate in Performing Arts lessons today with Mrs Sharyn Dicker. Children are learning drama and dance this term.
Our Year 3 to 6 Dance Showcase will be on Friday, 13th June at 9am.
Lunch Club
Private Music Lessons
Piano lessons today with Liping- it is delightful to hear that some of Liping's students will be participating in the 2025 Gladstone Eisteddfod.
If you would like any information regarding our piano lessons, please contact Mrs Meredith Grove.
Confirmation Formation Session 3:30pm
We hold in our prayers the candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation who meet at 3.30 pm today, as they prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Friday 9th May
School Promotional Photos
Last term, our school promotional photos had to be postponed due to the availability of the photographer and videographer.
Today we have a photographer from the Catholic Education Office coming to St Francis to take some promotional photos and videos. This is a timely reminder to check your child's media consents so that we are able to include/ not include them in school promotional social media/ website materials.
You can do this easily through the Parent Orbit app:
Year 1/2 Prayer Celebration
Year 1/2B students join with Fr Peter for a special prayer celebration. Parents and friends most welcome to join us at 8:40am in the Contmplation Circle
Years 3-6 Afternoon Sport
Students in Years 3-6 participate in a 'round robin' team sports afternoon. Children are invited to wear their house colour shirt today.
Lunch Club
Private Music Lessons
Piano lessons today with Liping- it is delightful to hear that some of Liping's students will be participating in the 2025 Gladstone Eisteddfod.
Guitar lessons today with Wayne
If you would like any information regarding our piano lessons, please contact Mrs Meredith Grove. If you would like any information regarding our guitar lessons, please contact Mrs Kylie Linforth.
P&F Meeting 8:30am-9:30am
The P&F Committee is chasing nominations for several roles, including Vice President and Diocese Delegate. Please consider if you’re able to contribute to the P&F by filling one of these roles. Attendance at meetings is not required and the roles have plenty of flexibility to suit the nominee. Reach out to the committee via email or P&F Facebook page if you’re interested or have any questions.
Mark is Retiring!
Our fantastic Groundsman, Mr Keane has decided it is time to retire! We thank Mark for his commitment over the years and wish him all the best for his retirement.
If you or you know of anyone who would be interested in the Groundsperson position. Please apply.
Parents & Friends Association
Lots of great Parents & Friends activities are underway this term – but we need your help to make them happen!
Please have a look at the Sign Up Genius for Term 2 to see the opportunities to help out: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44ACAB23A6FCC61-56501735-term
PEDDLE POWER - Monday 12th May to Wednesday 14th May
The P&F is excited to sponsor the Peddle Power program for our Year 2-6's for Road Safety Week 2025! Run by CTC Queensland, this 2 hour program includes:
The fundamentals of riding
Safety measures and helmet use
Traffic rules and road safety
Manage distractions and anxiety
Focus on fun, engagement and safety
Students are encouraged to bring their bike and helmet to school on their allocated day, however spares will be available. Any students not able to ride a bike will be assisted and are still able to participate.
Catholic Schools Parents Queensland – Parent Mini Conference
Catholic Schools Parents Queensland have a free Parent Mini Conference on Anxiety Resilience available to parents of St Francis Tannum Sands. It will be held on Saturday 24th May, Rockhampton. A free event to support our children’s learning and wellbeing. Register: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/cspq-miniconf2025-rok
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - SAVE THE DATE
A favourite event of the school calendar, but we need volunteers to make it happen. Please check the Sign Up Genius (link above) to put your name down to help out.
STAY IN CONTACT
The P&F Committee is always willing to hear from you. We can be contacted via email SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au or by messaging the St Francis Tannum Sands P&F facebook page.
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
Second Hand Pre Loved Uniforms
Community News
Parent Engagement - Mini Conference
Chanel College - Year 7 for 2026 Open Night
Mother's Day Classic Walk or Run - Tannum Sands
EcoFest
Gladstone Regional Council Project Update For Turtleway Pedestrian Bridge Replacement - Canoe Point, Tannum Sands and Stirling Park, Boyne Island.
Stirling Park footbridge: Expected completion early May
- Works have been progressing well and are tracking for completion earlier than anticipated.
- Final stages of bridge install works are currently occurring, to be followed by concrete pathway tie-ins.
Canoe Point footbridge: From Mon 7 Apr to Mon 30 Jun
- Bridge removal works are progressing.
- Piling works (extensive noise associated) are scheduled from Tues 6 May to Weds 14 May. No work will occur on Sun 11 May.
- A specialised piling subcontractor will install the precast concrete bridge piles.
- Extensive noise and vibration will be associated with the works.
- Work will occur from 6.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and between 6.30am-4.30pm on Saturdays.
Above dates are a guide only. Due to the nature of construction projects and unforeseen delays, works and timeframes may vary.
It would be appreciated if you could help us inform your school community and staff of footbridge disruptions. Project information will be updated on Council’s website.
We appreciate your co-operation and patience during works. Please follow signs and directions near the work sites.
If you have any questions about these works, please contact Council on 4970 0700.
The Turtleway Bridges Replacement project is proudly funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program - Phase 4.