Term 2 Week 9

A Message from Leadership

Navigating Homework at St Francis: A New Approach

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know I’ve been sharing my journey as a mother, reflecting on screen time and student wellbeing. Inspired by Daniel Sih’s Raising Tech-Healthy Humans and insights from our Diocese Student Wellbeing Gathering earlier in the term, I have been exploring how we can continue to support our students’ development at St Francis. This has led to some deep conversations among our staff about how we approach homework.

As Maya Angelou famously said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” With this as our guiding principle, we’ve been reviewing our approach to homework at St Francis to ensure it aligns with what we now know about brain development, wellbeing, and effective learning practices.

The Importance of Reading

One non-negotiable element of our homework that will remain is reading each night for a minimum of 15 minutes. Research consistently shows that regular reading has a profound impact on children’s literacy, language development, and cognitive growth. Reading each night not only strengthens foundational skills but also fosters a love of learning and imagination. For our youngest students, this also includes consolidating key skills like sight words and phonemic (letter/sound) awareness, which are critical for early literacy development.

Year 6- Preparing for High School 

For our Year 6 students, homework looks a little different from that of the other year levels, as we continue to prepare them for high school expectations. This purposeful approach helps them develop the independence, organisation, and responsibility needed for the next phase of their education.

Introducing the Term Homework Grid

In addition to these foundational expectations, we are excited to introduce a Term Homework Grid. This grid reflects the six key domains of our Diocese Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework:

• Physical
• Cognitive
• Social/Emotional
• Spiritual
• Cultural
• Personal

The grid offers a variety of enriching activities connected to the classroom curriculum and topics. These activities are designed to help students:

• Connect with their environment and significant others,
• Apply what they are learning in class, and
• Master their skills in meaningful ways.

The Homework Grid is an optional activity, meaning it will not be marked by teachers. However, students are strongly encouraged to engage and participate as a way to consolidate their learnings and deepen their understanding. Students can choose activities from the grid over the term, and they are encouraged to share their learnings during our morning Welcome Circles. This approach not only promotes self-directed learning but also nurtures a sense of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among students.

The Role of Seesaw

Seesaw will continue to be an important communication tool, but with a renewed focus. It will be used to:

• Celebrate student learning,
• Share connections to the classroom curriculum, and
• Facilitate meaningful conversations at home.

Rather than being a platform for homework submissions, Seesaw will focus on strengthening home-school partnerships and fostering a shared sense of joy in learning.

At St Francis, we are committed to supporting the holistic development of every child- mind, body, and spirit. By rethinking homework and embedding it within a framework of wellbeing and connection, we aim to ensure that our students thrive both academically and personally.

Thank you for your continued support as we journey together in growing our children into lifelong learners and compassionate individuals.

 Mrs Samatha Suthers - Principal

RACQ Street Ahead Road 

The RACQ Community and Education Team will be delivering the RACQ Streets Ahead road safety lessons to Year 3 to Year 6 students on Wednesday 16th July.

If you would like to reinforce and extend your child’s learning of pedestrian, passenger and riding safety, you can access Resource Packs with different age-appropriate activities in each. In addition to these packs, there are also four educational videos demonstrating the strategies taught for Prep – Year Two students. These resources
will assist you to continue teaching road safety, implementing the strategies your children will learn, and applying them to your everyday lives.

https://www.racq.com.au/streetsahead

Mrs Meredith Grove - Assistant Principal

Weekly Reflection - Small things

Anyone who has lived and grown in any relationship knows that small things can mean so much.  The ‘just right’ tiny present, the kind word, the helping gesture, given just when we need it, convey an understanding and sensitivity for which we crave.  Forget the big flashy things – what we really want is something that speaks to the heart and says, ‘I know who you are and I love you.’  But to be alive to giving and receiving them, we have to train our minds and hearts to appreciate the small.

Next Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of the Lord.  One of the things that continues to amaze me when I go to Mass is that Jesus chose bread and wine to convey his own self.  In his society, these were so ordinary.  Yes, bread is to us but wine? In Jesus’ time, it was the common beverage – like tea and coffee is to us. Jesus took what was the most ordinary food and said over them, ‘This is my Body, This is my Blood, - these convey me.’  Then when we receive them, we only get a little bit – a small piece of bread, a sip of wine.  And, hopefully, we adore….and are changed into what we consume.  Then in the power and love that we receive, we are to go out and give from God’s love to those we met…in the small presents, words and gestures of daily life. Yes, in our tiny actions the grace and love of God are revealed.

Loving God, let me realise how important are the small thing in the way of love.  May my words, gestures and gifts carry with them your abounding love.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb   

Monday 23rd June

Combined Schools Musical 2026 Auditions

Mrs Dicker will be holding auditions from 12.30pm - 2.30pm for the students who have nominated for the Combined Schools Musical.

Notes to be returned before students can particpate- if you have lost your note, you can find it on Parent Orbit through the school calendar. 

AFL Gala Day - Year 5 & 6 Students

Selected Year 5 & 6 Students will be representing St Francis School for the AFL Gala Day. This is being held at the BITS football oval.

Lunch Club

Awards Assembly - 2.10pm

All welcome to the fortnightly assembly.

Tuesday 24th June

Scooter Track for Physical Education Lessons

All students will participate in Scooter Track for PE lessons today with Mrs Kylie Linforth. Please bring your scooter and helmet to school today.

Students to wear their sports shirts. Hats and water bottles are essential.

GISMA Workshops - Intermediate

Students in the school's instrumental music programme have been invited to participate in the GISMA workshops.

The Intermediate GISMA Workshops will be held on Tuesday 24th June.

Information for registration was emailed to parents on Monday 28/04/2025.

Digital Technologies Lessons

Students from Prep to Year 2 will participate in Digi Tech lessons today with Mrs Meredith Grove.

Lunch Club

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.

Private Music Lessons

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.

School Board Meeting

Board Meeting at 6:30pm. Our members will be discussing St Francis' mobile phone and electronics guidelines. 

Wednesday 25th June

GISMA Workshops - Beginners

Students in the school's instrumental music programme have been invited to participate in the GISMA workshops.

The Beginners GISMA Workshops and the Concert will be held on Wednesday 25th June.

Information for registration was emailed to parents on Monday 28/04/2025.

Lunch Club

Thursday 26th 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. 

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 27th June - Last Day of Term

STEM Meets Symphony Workshop

Workshop for students in Year 4 - 6 who are in the instrumental music group with Miss Erin being held at CQ University Marina Campus, Gladstone.

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 Day

2026 Prep Enrolments

Prep 2026 Enrolments Are Open!

Interviews have started- don't miss the opportunity to secure a place for your child in our welcoming and nurturing school environment.

Contact us today on 49 948 320 or enrol online via:-

https://www.rok.catholic.edu.au/st-francis-catholic-primary-school-tannum-sands/

Winter Warmth Appeal

St Vincent De Paul Winter Warmth Appeal

Donations can be given to the school office for our annual Winter Warmth Appeal until Monday 23rd June.

Tuckshop News

Our School Tuckshop is urgently needing volunteers for the following dates:

-    Friday 27^th 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 tonight at our annual Family Movie Night, screening Moana 2! Arrive from 5:30pm, with movie screening to start at 6pm. 

Where: Movie will be screened under the stars on the grass area next to the undercover area. Picnic rugs can be set up on the grassy slope, camp chairs on the basketball court only please. 

What to Bring: Bring your pillows, cuddly toys and blankets to snuggle up with, picnic rugs or camp chairs. 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.

P&F ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR

Hard to believe we’re half way through 2025 – here’s a snapshot of all the things the Parents & Friends Group have been supporting our school community with this year:

NEXT P&F MEETING – Friday 25th July from 8:30am

All welcome! The P&F Committee is looking for 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 is on from  Monday, 12th May until Sunday, 22nd June.

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.

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

Autism Workshops

Strong Communities - Free Parenting Programs

Inspire Allied Health and Education Group - QLD Outreach Program

Boyne Library Activities

Wearitto Job Vacancy

Sharks Volleyball Holiday Camp