Term 2 Week 4

A Message from Leadership

Parent Survey - We Appreciate Your Feedback

In the coming weeks we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Francis Catholic Primary School.

The survey is:
 ✅ Anonymous
 ✅ Takes around 20 minutes to complete
 ✅ Available on both computers and mobile devices

To complete the survey, please visit: http://tellthemfromme.com/405sf2025

Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your feedback. Your voice matters and helps us grow stronger together as a school community.

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

New Approach to Athletics Carnival Explained

This year, we have made changes to our athletics carnival to ensure it is more accessible for families and maximise participation for all students. In previous years, field events were held over multiple weeks during Friday afternoon sport time. This format posed several challenges, including difficulties for parents to attend multiple afternoons and student absences due to the extended schedule.

After considerable deliberation, we explored various options for our 2025 carnival. While consolidating all events into a single day was considered, it was ultimately deemed unfeasible. The primary reason is the importance of delivering quality events, especially for our 10-12-year-old students who have the potential to advance and represent Port Curtis at higher levels. Additionally, the staffing requirements for each event would be overwhelming if confined to a single day, compromising the quality and safety of the carnival.

With these factors in mind, we decided to host the carnival over two days. We understand that this may create some logistical challenges for families. However, we believe this new format will provide a better opportunity for parents to attend and support their children, as opposed to the previous model where many parents missed out on the field events. 

Additionally, this approach ensures maximum participation for all students, allowing every child to engage fully in the carnival experience.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we strive to create a more inclusive and enjoyable athletics carnival for everyone involved.

Please see the Bulletin below for further information.

Mrs Samantha Suthers, Mrs Meredith Grove and Mrs Kylie Linforth

Weekly Reflection

Would you buy salvation from this person?

I am old enough to remember a question placed with a picture of Richard Nixon that went: would you buy a used car from this man?  It underlined the questions about his honesty.  I have tweaked the question over the years and sometimes ask myself when I see a Church figure, would I buy salvation from this person?  When Pope Leo stepped out onto the balcony, his calm peace and gentle smile reassured me.  He knows what challenges the Church and the world faces.  Why the Cardinals had been discussing them for days. But Pope Leo did not step out as though he had the world on his shoulders.  He stepped out as a person who puts his faith in God, a God who had shown the depths of love in the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, a person who knows what salvation is about.

That question, we can ask about ourselves.  When people look at our lives as Christians, do they think, “I’d buy salvation from them,” or do we look like we are burdened with our problems.  Everyone has troubles and challenges, and at times, they can seem almost insurmountable. But the essential core of our faith is to believe that God is with us, working in and through every situation.  We have been given grace and hope in Jesus Christ.  It is there waiting for us to accept it.  And one thing we can be sure of, we will be surprised by God’s answer to our problems.  Just as we were by the choice of this person as Pope.

Loving Father, your offer of salvation is with me in each moment, every situation.  Under the guidance of your Spirit, may I accept the life, love and wisdom that Jesus is offering to me.  I ask this in his name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Affirmation Awards Week 4

Monday 19th May

Lunch Club

STOP THE PRESS!!! 

Our singing students have the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Gladstone Eisteddfod in Term 3. This is a fantastic chance for them to showcase their talents and gain valuable performance experience.

If you would like your child to be involved in this event, please have a discussion with them about their interest and commitment. Once decided, kindly contact the school office to express your interest and be added to the communication list.

Let's support our talented students on this exciting journey! 🎶

Tuesday 20th May

School Photo Day

The photo order packs for our school photos were sent home with students on Wednesday, 14th May. 

We ask that orders be placed and paid for online via the information in the pack before next Tuesday. Any cash payments can be placed in the envelope and delivered to the office by next Tuesday at the latest. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any late photo packs through the office after this date. It is very important that you specify if you would like sibling photos taken, as they will only be taking ones that have been ordered.

As photos are on a Tuesday, we ask:
-  Children in Prep to Year 5 to wear their striped shirts
- Year 6 children to wear their senior shirts

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.

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 21st May

Student Wellbeing Gathering

Mrs Samantha Suthers, Mrs Kylie Linforth and Mrs Sharon Romagnolo will be attending the Student Wellbeing Gathering in Rockhampton today. Some of the learnings will include:

Bridging Policy and Practice: Insights on Student Wellbeing - Hannah Orchard – QCEC 

“This presentation will explore the real-world impact of national education policies on teachers and offer valuable insights into contemporary policy developments concerning student wellbeing. This presentation provides a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of how policy influences the educational landscape and impacts student outcomes.” 

Restorative Practices in the Catholic School Setting - Maurizio Vespa - Education Consultant

“Maurizio’s keynote address will provide a practical perspective on restorative practices, empowering teachers and leadership in Catholic schools to implement these strategies effectively. His approach will align with the school’s mission, vision, and procedural fairness processes. It will also highlight why restorative practices are a valuable addition to other behaviour development frameworks, including the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework.
As part of the keynote address, examples of restorative language and relational tools that inform actions and demonstrate effective teaching and learning practices will be shared and practised, positively influencing the development of pro-social student behaviour. 
This keynote address will be highly interactive, engaging participants and providing practical tools to take away and implement in their schools. The address will also emphasise a strength-based and trauma-informed approach, offering a supportive framework for addressing student needs.” 

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.

Thursday 22nd May

Student Wellbeing Gathering

Mrs Samantha Suthers, Mrs Kylie Linforth and Mrs Sharon Romagnolo will be attending the Student Wellbeing Gathering in Rockhampton today. Some of the learnings will include:

Wellbeing in a Digital Age - Daniel Sih - Spacemakers 
“This session will help staff understand the impacts of early interactive technology and social media on student wellbeing and learning. Aligned with the parenting seminar held on the previous evening, this presentation offers 
insights and practical strategies. Attendees will also gain access to follow-up growth opportunities through "Raising Tech-Healthy Humans" eLearning video resources and handouts.” 

We are all Brain Builders - Michelle Cole and Dr Veronica Graham - Thriving Kids Queensland and QLD Brain Institute 
“Enabling neuro-informed knowledge translation in education maximises health, development and learning outcomes – as well as supporting educator wellbeing. So how do we apply learnings from neuroscience evidence and initiatives, along with educator wisdom, to an already overcrowded education system, moving from ‘the knowing to the doing?’ 
In this presentation we will explore how neuroscience and resilience have been translated from evidence into practice. Including sharing learnings from Enabling Workforces and Organisations for Thriving Kids and Brain Health in Schools initiatives which are connecting existing resources, catalysing conversations and supporting implementation strategies to build collective capability and brain building for all.”

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.

Sacrament of Confirmation Retreat Session 3:30pm

A retreat afternoon for Confirmation candidates is on at Star of the Sea church in Gladstone.

Friday 23rd May

Field Event Finals: 9 - 12 year olds - 8:30am-1:10pm

Hourly rotations for field event finals will take place on the school oval today:

Parents are welcome to attend - help appreciated.

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. 

Sacrament of Confirmation Session 5.30pm

Bishop Michael will preside over the Sacrament of Confirmation for our candidates at Star of the Sea Church in Gladstone.

Athletics Carnival Bulletin

FIELD EVENT FINALS 9- 12 years: Friday 23rd May 8:30-1:10

In age groups, students rotate for one-hour timeslots at high jump, discus, long jump and shot put. Parent helpers are required. 

9-12 year olds will receive ribbons for 1st/2nd/3rd.

Permission is required for high jump and discus via Parent Orbit “Events and Payments” tab - Sporting Carnival Permission.

There will be no make-up sessions for absent students on this day.

Shoes are to be worn for all events (as required at Zone Athletics).

High Jump: scissors kick only where feet must contact the mat before any other body part. Students have 30 seconds from when their name is called to attempt the jump. Three jumps are permitted per height.

Starting heights 5 cm below Zone athletics:

WHOLE SCHOOL CARNIVAL - Friday 30th May

Prep - Year 2 Cross Country races start the day from 8:30 AM.

Prep students make a participation ribbon during their inside quiet time.

Students in Years 1, 2 and 8-year-old Yr 3s receive 1st/2nd/3rd for their sprint.

9-12 year olds will run heats for 100m. The fastest 8 runners by time will go through to the finals. Ribbons will be awarded for heats and finals. Only finalist placeholders receive Age Championship points.

200 m and 800m races are nomination only - see Parent Orbit event open from 19/5/25 - 29/5/25. We appreciate that all parents accept or decline these events after consultation with your child at home.

Ball games and novelty events do not receive ribbons.

The top two in 10-12 year old age groups qualify for the Zone Athletics (hosted by St Francis) trials on the 20th June.

Any parent concerns: Please report to Samantha Suthers via the scoring table (outdoor classroom) within 15 minutes of the event.

Age Champions 9- 12 years: medallions will be presented on Monday 2nd June at 8:30 AM. 

2026 onwards will see Cross Country races contribute to Age Championship for Athletics. This will no longer be a separate medallion.

A program will be in next week's newsletter.

Tuckshop orders will be available through Flexischools - a limited menu of hot dogs and zooper doopers will be available at first break only. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic to share with their children during the regular lunch times of 10:30-11:10 and 1:10-1:30PM.

2025 Premier's Reading Challenge

Parents & Friends Association

Peddle Power

A big thanks to all our parents and carers who helped our students get their bikes to and from school this week for the Peddle Power program. The P&F was grateful to be able to sponsor this program for our kids, and it was inspiring to see so many kids riding their bikes home after school using their new skills. 

Family Movie Night

Planning is under way for the Family Movie Night on Friday 20^th June. We are asking for businesses that may be willing to sponsor this big event? Your branding will be displayed on posters and communications for the Movie Night, on the big screen before the start of the movie, as well as mentions throughout the evening. Contact the P&F via email or the Facebook page if you'd like more information.

Under 8’s Day on Wednesday 28th May, morning. 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.

Woolworths Free Fruit Collection – students who forget their fruit break really appreciate being able to grab a piece of fruit from the front office. We need a parent to collect the fruit on a weekly basis from Woolworths on their way to school to make this possible. This is just for this term 😊

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

P&F Meeting Minutes

Thank you to those who attended the P&F meeting last Friday 9th May. Please see below link to minutes.

Missed this one? The next P&F Meeting will be held on Friday 25^th July, 8:30am-9:30am, in the staffroom. 

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

EcoFest

Benaraby Community Forum

Trinity College Gladstone is proud to announce that we will be performing the Musical Peter Pan Jr! 

As part of our commitment to community, we would love to offer your students an early showing of the musical as a matinee performance on Wednesday 23 July 2025 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Ticket prices are a very low $5 each. 

If you’re interested, please use the link below to book your tickets. 

https://www.trybooking.com/DBPRC

Anglicare Gladstone