Term 2 Week 7
A Message from Leadership
Raising Tech-Healthy Humans: Continue the Journey with Me.
Reading the latest chapter of Daniel Sih's book Raising Tech-Healthy Humans reminded me of a conversation I had with a parent a few weeks ago. We were discussing the impact of technology on children and were discussing what we referred to as the "cycle" of technology adoption.
When technology first became widespread, many of us were excited to embrace the next best device. At the time, research and media often highlighted the benefits of technology, and we felt confident that we were doing the right thing for ourselves and our families. But years on, as more detailed research emerges, the narrative is beginning to shift. We are beginning to see the evidence of technology's negative effects on young, developing brains.
Daniel draws a striking parallel between this and the "health cigarette" phase our grandparents lived through. Back then, smoking was marketed as beneficial, even healthy—a stark contrast to what we know now. He poses a powerful question: "When future generations look back at how we gave toddlers iPads, I do wonder whether they might shake their heads in a similar way."
We already know (no surprises here) that a child’s brain is very different from an adult’s brain. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of hearing Nathan Wallis speak about the importance of the first 1000 days in a child's life. In his presentation, he emphasised the detrimental impact that technology can have during this critical period of brain development.
Nathan shared a story about his daughter asking for advice on how to create the best environment for her unborn child. Out of all the topics he presents on, his number one recommendation was simple: “Do not touch an electronic device in the presence of your child during their first 1000 days.”
To make this more achievable, Nathan’s daughter chose to use a "dumb phone", a basic device with minimal capabilities, so she wouldn’t be tempted by endless scrolling or having the world at her fingertips. A bold sacrifice for the sake of her child’s development!
Brain development in children is profound and shapes who they will become as adults. Daniel Sih explores the idea of the "upstairs brain" and "downstairs brain" in his book.
- The upstairs brain is responsible for higher-order thinking: planning, imagining, and problem-solving.
- The downstairs brain is our primitive brain, managing basic functions and emotional reactions such as fight, flight, or freeze.
When the downstairs brain is in charge, we act before we think. This can be helpful in situations like pulling your hand away from a hot surface, but it also governs how we respond to strong emotions like anger. For children, whose brains are still developing, the downstairs brain often takes control. This explains those moments of heightened impulsivity or tantrums in emotionally charged situations.
As parents, educators, and caregivers, it’s crucial to remember that a child’s brain is underdeveloped and still learning to regulate emotions and impulses.
Next week, I’ll dive deeper into how technology overstimulates the brain and the implications this overstimulation can have on our children. The brain is truly an incredible organ, and its development has always fascinated me. Perhaps I was a neuroscientist in another life!
Until then, let us reflect on the ways we can foster a healthy, balanced relationship with technology in our homes and schools. After all, what we do today shapes the future of our children and their ability to thrive in this ever-evolving digital world.
Mrs Samantha Suthers- Principal
Weekly Reflection
Bodied Spirits
“I am a spiritual person but I don’t ….” Fill in the blank with whatever religious practice you have heard someone refer to. It bothers me this statement – not so much because of the religious practice the person says he or she is not doing – but because of their idea of ‘being spiritual’. I find myself wondering, “Does this person have something against the body?” Our Christian religion, because we believe in a God who became flesh in Jesus Christ, has a very big and very positive appreciation of the body.
The body is where we experience the life of the Spirit. For us, the experience of the Spirit is not of a warm, fuzzy, gentle presence remote from ordinary life. Rather the Spirit is like a good, strong, practical woman who rolls up her sleeves and gives love, attention and practical help - in just the way the people need it. For us to practise our faith, we have to use our bodies – in prayer, alone and together – but also in showing love, care and support to those around us. This coming Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost. In the Scripture reading, we see the disciples transformed from a frightening, cowering group of people to a confident, joyful group prepared to meet the world and offer it salvation. Jesus has told us that that transformation can happen to us also. If we try to live by the teachings of Jesus, we will find the Spirit there working within us, guiding what we do, say and think. Our spirituality will then embrace all of life – body, soul spirit – in our actions.
Loving Jesus, send me your Spirit that I might live by your teachings and have my life transformed. May the people with whom I live know, through me, in practical ways the power of your love. I ask this in your name confident that you will hear me.
Sr Kym Harris osb
Monday 9th June
St Vincent De Paul Winter Warmth Appeal Begins
Donations can be given to the school office for our annual Winter Warmth Appeal from Monday 9th June.
Donations are open until Monday 23rd June.
Visual Art Lessons - Prep to Yr 2
Students from Prep to Year 2 will participate in Visual Arts lessons today with Mrs Mel Harstorn. This lesson is replacing week 10.
Lunch Club
Robotics Club - Additional Practice Day (1st Break 10.30am - 11.10am) for the Year 4 to 6 students who are participating in the Robocup Junior Challenge on Thursday, 19th of June.
Tuesday 10th June
NCCD Moderation
Mrs Amanda Riccardi, Mrs Kylie Hennessy and Mrs Rebecca Ross are attending in Rockhampton. All schools in the Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton participate annually in both within-school and across-school moderation. Their involvement is designed to support consistent, well-informed, valid and reliable decision-making about the level of support students receive.
Physical Education Lessons
All students will participate in PE lessons today with Mrs Rebecca Spencer. AFL coaches from AFL Queensland will be running PE sessions.
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.
Tuckshop Day
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 11th June
Southern Principal's Cluster Meeting
Mrs Samantha Suthers will be attending the Southern Principals Meeting today in Bundaberg.
Visual Art Lessons - Yr 3 to 6
Students from Year 3 to 6 will participate in Visual Arts lessons today with Mrs Mel Harstorn. This lesson is replacing week 1 Term 3.
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.
Lunch Club
Thursday 12th June
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 13th June
Pyjama Day At St Francis
Please wear Sun Smart Pyjamas to School Today! This awareness day encourages our families to donate to our St Vincent DePaul Winter Warmth Appeal.
Please bring along something to donate for this great cause!
Dance Showcase
Students from Year 3 to Year 6 will be performing 'Dancing Through the Decades'.
Commencing at 9am in the school hall.
Program for Dance Showcase
Costume Suggestions/Ideas
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.
Lunch Club
Tuckshop
Tuckshop News
Our School Tuckshop is needing volunteers for the following dates:
- 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 NIGHT
See you in two weeks at our annual Family Movie Night, screening Moana 2! Arrive from 5:30pm, with movie screening to start at 6pm.
What to Bring: Bring your pillows, cuddly toys and blankets to snuggle up with, picnic rugs or camp chairs. Please note we ask camp chairs to be placed at the back in the undercover area, leaving the grassy slope towards the screen for the picnic rugs. Gold coin donation, and money to purchase something from the food truck or tuckshop. Picnic dinner.
Food and Drinks: Families are welcome to bring their own dinner to eat. We will have soft drinks, chips, lolly bags, and delicious warming hot chocolate and chai for sale from the tuckshop. Poppa’Licious food truck will be onsite selling K-Style corndogs, hot chips, popcorn, and fairy floss. Cash and EFTPOS will be available for purchases at the tuckshop and Poppa’Licious.
Please note that children must be supervised by parents/guardians at all times.
A big 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!
Sign Up Genius for Term 2: 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
Chanel College School Musical - SpongeBob
Tickets to the three shows being performed are still available.
There is a family pass to giveaway which can be won by commenting on the Chanel School's Facebook post.
Shop for Schools Rewards Campaign
St Francis School has signed up to be involved with the Shop for School Rewards Campaign, which commences this 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.
Parents Supporting Readers Workshop
Goals Football Development - Winter Holiday Clinics
⚽️ June 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/DCGAA
🧡 https://www.trybooking.com/DCGAN
❤️ https://www.trybooking.com/DCGAT
2025 CQ Health Sport & Recreation Expo
Are you ready to take the first step toward a healthier and happier you?
The 2025 CQ Health, Sport & Recreation Expo is just around the corner, and it promises to be an event you won’t want to miss! This year’s expo is a fantastic opportunity to access a wide range of local health and wellbeing services.
What’s on offer:
- Meet local health and wellbeing providers and learn about the services available in your community.
- Get complimentary health, blood pressure, and skin checks to stay on top of your wellbeing.
- Enjoy a variety of fun activities designed for all ages and abilities, making it a perfect day out for the whole family.
- Treat yourself to tasty food, healthy options, and freshly brewed coffees as you explore the expo.
- Participate in our exciting Health Passport Game for a chance to win fantastic prizes!
This event is about more than just health – it’s about community, fun, and taking the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle together. Bring your family and friends along and make a day of it! Event Details:📅 Saturday June 21st
🕘 9 am – 1 pm
📍 Maxine Brushe Community Meeting Place, Philip St Precinct
Brought to you by CQ Health and My Health for Life.
Stallholder Registration:
Stallholder registration is still open, so if any local health or fitness providers are interested in joining the expo, please contact Renarta at CQ Public Health on 07 4920 6989 to reserve your spot!
Young Engineers Workshops in Gladstone
Strong Communities - Free Parenting Programs
