Term 2 Week 5
A Message from Leadership
Raising Tech-Healthy Humans
Over the past two days, Mrs Sharon Romagnolo, Mrs Kylie Linforth, and I had the privilege of attending the Student Wellbeing Gathering in Rockhampton. The experience was truly inspiring, and we came away with a wealth of knowledge and insights to continue supporting the wellbeing of our students and families at St Francis.
One particularly memorable highlight was hearing from Daniel Sih, an award-winning speaker and author, who presented both an education workshop during the day and a parent session on Wednesday evening. His engaging parent workshop, "Raising Tech-Healthy Humans," addressed some of the most pressing questions for parents in today’s digital age:
- When should I give my child a smartphone?
- How do I encourage screen-time limits?
- What types of media are better for my child's brain?
- How do I engage in relationship-forming tech conversations?
- What can I do to get my kids outdoors having fun?
Daniel’s research-based insights were both enlightening and practical, and his passion for the topic was truly captivating. As parents and educators, we know the challenges of guiding our children through a world dominated by technology, and Daniel’s approach offered hope and practical tools to navigate these challenges.
As I work my way through his book, I look forward to sharing some of his tips and strategies with you in future newsletters. Together, we can explore ways to raise tech-healthy children, fostering a balance between technology use and the essential joys of connection, play, and outdoor adventures.
In this journey, the concept of "The Village" is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in parenting. It takes a whole community to support and guide our children, and I invite you to join me as I delve deeper into this important topic. Let us continue to work together to raise children who are confident, resilient, and tech-savvy in a way that nurtures their wellbeing.
Stay tuned for more insights and practical tips in the coming weeks!
Mrs Samantha Suthers - Principal
Reporting on the Australian Curriculum
At St Francis Catholic Primary School, we are proud to teach the Australian Curriculum in all classes, ensuring our students engage with high-quality learning experiences.
As we approach Week 10, when academic reports will be shared, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the progress and activities happening in your child’s class. In addition to the core subjects, our specialist lessons include The Arts, Physical Education (PE), and Digital Technologies, which are assessed and reported on by our specialist teachers.
As a Catholic school, we also teach our Religious Education (RE) curriculum. This week, during our staff meeting, teachers collaborated to moderate student assessments in Religion, ensuring consistent and fair judgments across all classes. Moderation is a vital process that helps maintain high standards and alignment with curriculum expectations.
Next week’s staff meeting will focus on moderating English and Mathematics student evidence, guided by the Australian Curriculum's Standard Elaborations.
Kylie Linforth - Assistant Principal Curriculum
Sacrament of Confirmation
This week, we hold in our prayers and congratulate Alistair Ariens, Patrick Ariens, Matilda Boyle and Connor Farrell. These students are continuing their Catholic faith journey and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend. Bishop Michael presides over this joyous occasion.
The Sacrament of Confirmation invites candidates to strongly and confidently commit to being a follower of Jesus. The sacrament links strongly to Jesus' first disciples, who were tasked with the spreading of the Gospel teachings of Jesus following Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven. The disciples drew strength and guidance through a very strong presence of God in their lives, the Holy Spirit. For Catholics, the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the essence of our faith of a God walking tenderly and always with us.
Meredith Grove - Assistant Principal Religious Education
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.
Weekly Reflection
On the day that you read this, you or your family have probably been on the receiving end of the work of a volunteer: the Meals on Wheels couple who took your parent a meal, the Lollipop Person at the school crossing, the older person who comes to the school to hear the children’s reading, the people who work at the community nursery preparing the plants you might buy. With a few minutes thought, you can identify a myriad of people offering their services for free, or maybe just a little payment, to make our society a pleasant place to live.
And think of yourself – most likely there is something that you volunteer to do: coach netball, sell raffle tickets, look in on an old neighbour. Our nation has a very high rate of volunteering, and this makes a significant difference in our way of life.
And why do we do it? Because it needs to be done, but also because giving selflessly is its own reward. It makes us feel good. We are made to give generously in love, just as we are made to receive generously as well. We are made in the image and likeness of God – Father, Son and Spirit – who are giving fully of themselves to each other. This is the ground of their being: a Love moving to give to the Beloved. It is meant to be the ground of our being. Isn’t it wonderful that we live in a society that so favours volunteering?
The best way we can celebrate volunteers is by acknowledging and celebrating our own experiences with volunteers. This week, recognise and thank those who are making a difference in your life. And take the time to enjoy the good feeling you have when serving others. In short, acknowledge the God in whose image you have been made and who is at work in our midst.
Loving God, give me the wisdom to know that when I am served and when I am serving, I am entering into your very life. I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you hear me.
Sr Kym
Monday 26th May
Awards Assembly - 2.10pm
Please join us at 2:10pm for our fortnightly awards assembly.
National Sorry Day
Please join us at today's assembly to hear from our newly appointed Regional First Nations Education Liaison Officer- Mandy Hamilton.
Dear Parents and Carers,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as I begin my role as Southern Region First Nations Education Liaison Officer. My name is Mandy Hamilton, and I am a proud Aboriginal woman, descended from the Kunja people of South/West Queensland. I look forward to supporting your children and working alongside your family and the wider community.
In my role, I’ll be focusing on supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, as well as helping the school build empathy, knowledge, and understanding when integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and perspectives into the curriculum. I will also be available to assist with any questions or needs that may arise.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if I can support your family in any way.
Mandy Hamilton
Year 2 BIEEC 'Save Planet Earth' Excursion
The Year 2 students will be attending the 'Save Planet Earth Program' Excursions at the Boyne Island Environmental Centre - parents to transport to and from BIEEC
Lunch Club
Robotics Club - Additional Practice Day - 10.30am - 11.10am
This term is for the Year 4 to 6 students who are participating in the Robocup Junior Challenge on Thursday, 19th of June.
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 27th May
Finance Gathering
Mrs Ashlee Armfiled is attending the Finance Gathering in Rockhampton today. Please direct any urgent enquiries to the office or info@sftsrok.catholic.edu.au . Any non-urgent matters Ash will attend to on her return.
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:
- Whole school Athletics Carnival on Friday 30th May.
Students to wear their sports shirts. 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.
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 28th May
Under 8's Day - All Welcome
Finance Gathering
Mrs Ashlee Armfiled is attending the Finance Gathering in Rockhampton today. Please direct any urgent enquiries to the office or info@sftsrok.catholic.edu.au . Any non-urgent matters Ash will attend to on her return.
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 29th May
Finance Gathering
Mrs Ashlee Armfiled is attending the Finance Gathering in Rockhampton today. Please direct any urgent enquiries to the office or info@sftsrok.catholic.edu.au . Any non-urgent matters Ash will attend to on her return.
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.
Friday 30th May
Athletics Carnival
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.
School Photos Information
Tuckshop News
Our School Tuckshop is needing volunteers for the following dates:
- Friday 6th June
- Friday 13th June
- Friday 20th June
- Friday 27th June
If anyone is able to assist, please call the school office on (07) 49 733 600.
2025 Premier's Reading Challenge
Parents & Friends Association
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTDrumroll please…….. This year’s movie night will feature Moana 2 on the big screen under the stars!
More details on the evening to come - keep an eye on the St Francis P&F Facebook page and the school newsletter for all the information as we get closer to the day.
A massive thank you to our sponsors who are helping to keep this an affordable event for the whole family. Please consider supporting these businesses who are supporting our school community.
We also need parent help to bring this evening together.
- Set up of decorations, picnic rugs and tables, etc. This happens from 2:45pm on Friday 20th June, so if you’re at school for pick up, please consider hanging around for a short while to pitch in.
- Helping during the evening. We need volunteers in the tuckshop where we’ll be selling drinks and snacks (no food prep required), manning the welcome table, etc.
- Pack up afterwards. Many hands make light work. Please consider hanging around after the movie finishes to help.
Let us know via the Sign Up Genius, email or P&F Facebook page if you’re able to help with any of the above. Thank you!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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
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
St Francis School Open Day - 5th June
Parent Engagement - Mini Conference
Chanel College School Musical - SpongeBob
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.
Moonlight Movies - Bray Park
When: 5pm to late, Friday, 23 May
Where: Bray Park, Boyne Island
🎬 Junior Movie: Migration (G rated), playing from 6pm
🎬 Senior Movie: Twisters (M rated), playing from 7.30pm
National Reconciliation Week Walk - "Bridging Now to Next"
· Time: 9:00 AM
· Starting Point: Marina Stage Area
· Walk with us as we reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. We invite all community members to join in!
· The walk will conclude at the Nyarla Playgroup area within Marina Parkland.
Followed by our Pop-Up Playgroup!
· Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
· Location: Marina Parkland (Nyarla Playgroup area)
· Walkers are invited to stay and enjoy a cold drink, early lunch, and a yarn.
· Our Pop-Up Playgroup will feature all the usual fun: face painting, an exciting obstacle course, interactive story time, a petting zoo with adorable animals, fun games, and a tasty lunch!
Please let us know if you will be attending.
EcoFest
Parents Supporting Readers Workshop
