Term 2 Week 3
A Message from Leadership
Happy Mother's Day to All Women
“Mum.” It’s a three letter name packed full of unique and powerful meaning for each of us. She’s the one who read us inspiring stories as a child. She taught us to walk—physically, but also how to stride toward who we were meant to be in this world. She’s the one whose words and deeds remind us of God’s unconditional love. She encourages, challenges, forgives, uplifts, empathises, protects, and gives. Every mother is her own unique mix of gifts and qualities that make her “Mum” to us.
Mothers are unique and dedicated women but the ‘mum’ title does not have to be restricted to the woman who gave birth to you. I have been very fortunate to have had three strong and dedicated ‘mothers’ in my time who I have looked up to through different stages in my life.
The first is my mother. She was the one who read me the stories as a child, who taught me to walk and gave me unconditional love. Unfortunately, when I was 13, she was diagnosed with Pick’s Disease. She was only 49. Her brain deterioration was rapid and it wasn’t long before she had to move into a nursing home and her memories of us faded in and out, but more frequently out.
The second was my grandmother, my father’s mother. Nan Munro was the one who taught me to stride toward who I was meant to be. She insisted on good manners and honesty. Nan taught us to cook and to always take pride in everything that we did. She was an amazing woman, who lived a hard life from rural property isolation, to a husband who went to war and never returned the same man that he was when he left. She was 98 when she passed in 2018 and was the strongest and kindest person I have ever met.
The third is my stepmother, Adele. She is the one who encourages, challenges and uplifts me. As a retired teacher and principal, she is also the one who can empathise with me. Not having children herself, doesn’t make her any less of a mother. She is the ‘Grandma’ to our children. She loves and supports my father and there is nothing more a daughter could ask for.
The word ‘Mum’ is a three letter name that we usually associate with the one person, but there shouldn’t be a limitation to this word. This Mother’s Day we celebrate all women who have had a positive impact on our lives. The ones that are there for us when we need them, the ones that guide and support us. Happy Mother’s Day to all Mums, Grandmothers, Stepmothers, Aunties and Sisters. May you all recognise the positive impact that you have on the lives around you.
Mrs Samantha Suthers
Junior Cross Country Carnival
It was so disappointing to have to postpone the junior cross-country carnival again. How wonderful has the rain been, though? These disappointments are learning opportunities for our children.
To begin the whole school athletics carnival on Friday 23rd of May, our juniors will get the chance to run their races with the whole school community cheering them on!
Programs of the carnival will be shared in next week's newsletter. The canteen is looking for helpers throughout the day - please see Anne if you can volunteer - even for a little bit of time.
Mrs Kylie Linforth
Mary Help of Christians Mass and Year 5 Leadership
On Friday 16 May students from Year 2 to Year 6 will attend mass to celebrate Mary Help of Christians feast day, hosted by Year 4A. Mary is the patron saint of Australia to whom prayers of intercessions are said for peace, love and support in our lives, our communities, our country and our world. Our Year 5 students will receive their leadership badges. All welcome!
Mrs Meredith Grove
Weekly Reflection
Dear God
We thank you for blessing us with the incredible women we call "Mum, Grandma, Nanna." They fill our lives with laughter, love, and the occasional eye-roll-inducing joke.
Please grant them continued patience when we forget to take out the rubbish, understanding when we raid the fridge without their knowledge, and a sense of humour when we try to cook them breakfast (even if it resembles more of a science experiment gone wrong).
May they always find joy in the chaos, strength in the challenges, and a moment of peace in the midst of the madness. And when all else fails, may they remember that a good cup of coffee and a healthy dose of sarcasm can solve almost anything.
Amen... and pass the chocolate!
Happy Mother's Day
Monday 12th May
Prep Mother's Day Morning
Pedal Power Bike Workshops - Yr 3 & 4
Bring your bike and helmet to school for a two-hour workshop.
Robotics Club Additional Practice Day
In preparation for the upcoming Robocup Junior Challenge on Thursday, 19th of June- children will have an additional Robotics Club today.
Awards Assembly
Please join us for our first whole school assembly day today at 2.10pm in the School Hall.
Lunch Club
Tuesday 13th May
Pedal Power Bike Workshops - Yr 2 & 5
Bring your bike and helmet to school for a two-hour road safety workshop.
Adopt-A-Cop Scooter and Road Safety - Prep & Yr 1
Bring your scooter and helmet to school today for a workshop with our local Police Officer.
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. Hats and water bottles are essential.
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.
Wednesday 14th May
Pedal Power Bike Workshops - Yr 6
Bring your bike and helmet to school today for a two-hour workshop.
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 on Wednesday 14th May have been cancelled.
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 15th May
Mass Protocols Practice
Mrs Grove will have a quick meet with Year 2, 3A & 3B students to refresh mass protocols in preparation for 'Mary Help of Christians' mass.
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 16th May
Walk Safely to School Day
St Francis Catholic Primary school proudly supports the 'Walk Safely to School Day'. How blessed we are with amazing weather our natural coastal surrounds! Students who walk will receive a sticker and a smile upon arrival.
Year 1 Prayer Celebration
Year 1A students join with Fr Peter for a special prayer celebration. Parents and friends most welcome to join us at 8:40am in the Contemplation 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. Today from 11:15, students will be running 100m/200m heats in preparation for athletics day on the 23rd May.
Net Team Visiting
We welcome the NET team, Nathan, Hannah, Sarah, Zali and Craig to St Francis today. A delightful group of young adult Christians, the team will spend time with our Year 5 and 6 students and join us in our mass celebrations.
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.
2025 Premier's Reading Challenge
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! Next events we need help with:
Under 8’s Day on Wednesday 28th May, from 8:30-10:30am. Face painters needed! No artistic talent required. This a really fun morning to be involved in and the kids love getting their faces painted. Paints and stencils provided.
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
Mother's Day Gift Stall 2025
We hope our Mother Figures enjoy their gifts chosen for them by our students. It was a lot of fun helping our kids to shop, as they tried hard to decide what their special Mother Figures would like.
If you have any feedback on the Mother’s Day Gift Stall, please let us know via email or message the P&F Facebook page so that we can continue to improve the experience for future stalls. Thanks.
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.
GETTING INVOLVED
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.
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
Shop for Schools Rewards Campaign
St Francis School has signed up to be involved with the Shop for School Rewards Campaign, which commences this coming Monday, 12 May.
This is a fantastic opportunity for your school to earn rewards while our school community shops at Gladstone Centre Plaza.
To get involved please scan the QR code on the below flyer and register online.
Parent Engagement - Mini Conference
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.
Benaraby Community Forum