St Francis Catholic Primary School - Tannum Sands eNewsletter

A Message from Leadership

Wow, What a Week!

This week has truly been a testament to the incredible spirit of our St Francis community, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone. After a burst water main disrupted our school operations, we tried every possible avenue to keep the school running smoothly. However, after careful consideration, we made the difficult decision to close for the day on Tuesday. Our priority is always to provide a safe environment for your children and our staff, and without running water, this was simply not feasible.

Through what could have been a chaotic situation, what shone through instead was calmness, unity, and cooperation from every corner of our school community. Remarkably, we also had four reviewers onsite for our School Improvement Review on Tuesday. While their review was delayed by a day, they witnessed first-hand the strength of our St Francis community. These reviewers sat with our leadership team that afternoon and, unprompted, they commended the extraordinary teamwork, resilience, and support they observed in action. It’s moments like these that highlight what makes St Francis so special.

To Our Parents:
When that email went out, I knew the challenges it could create for our families. Yet, when I was out connecting children with parents, I was met with nothing but smiles, understanding, and grace. Comments like “It’s out of your hands” and “You’re doing your best” were so heartening. Your patience and support did not go unnoticed, and I cannot thank you enough for your cooperation.

To Our Students:
While the news of an unexpected half-day brought cheers from many, our students were respectful, calm, and listened to their teachers. They ensured that the process of leaving the school grounds was safe and orderly. Their maturity and understanding during the event were truly commendable.

To Our Staff:
Where do I begin? From Mrs Owen, Mr Potter, and Miss Suriya on the shovels trying to clean up the mess, to Mrs Armfield and Mrs Wilkings tirelessly calling parents and searching for alternative solutions, every single staff member displayed grace under pressure. Teachers and ESOs maintained consistent routines, ensuring a sense of normalcy for our students until they were safely collected. Everyone went above and beyond, working with calmness and compassion.

To Our Leadership Team:
There’s a saying, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about caring for those in your charge.” This could not have been truer on Tuesday. Your quick thinking, steady presence, and servant leadership ensured that what could have been a chaotic day remained calm and organised.

Reflecting on the events of Tuesday, once again, I’m reminded of Mary MacKillop’s words: “Never see a need without doing something about it.” In the face of the unexpected, every member of our community- parents, staff, and students alike- stepped in to support one another, demonstrating the values of service, care, and unity that are at the very heart of our Catholic faith and the charism of St Francis.

And what a reminder this is as we head into Catholic Education Week! This week has been a living example of what Catholic education is all about—service, compassion, community, and faith in action. At St Francis, we don’t just teach these values; we live them every day. Tuesday was a shining example of how our school community comes together, guided by Gospel values, to support one another in times of challenge.

At St Francis, we are more than a school; we are a community that lives out our mission to nurture hearts, minds, and spirits. Thank you once again to everyone- parents, students, staff, and leadership- who came together and shone brightly during a challenging time. What a blessing it is to be part of this incredible community.

Mrs Samantha Suthers- Principal

Catholic Education Week - ANGELS NETWORK

Families are the foundations through which a person experiences life; a human’s need for a family transcends cultures and time. Families nurture, support, cajole, set limits and in doing so, set moral compasses. When love is received unconditionally, we know we are accepted despite our flaws and vulnerabilities; we know that we are not alone when life throws the ‘curveballs’. Families have distinctive idiosyncrasies; they can be the source of our greatest joy and perhaps at times, our greatest frustrations! Families come in all shapes and sizes, each individual with their own stories.

At St Francis we ‘journey as family in peace through love’. Each word in our school motto is packed with meaning about what we stand for as a community. The word ‘journey’ reminds us that every day won’t always be brilliant, there will be ordinary days, tough days. The word ‘family’ is an invitation to be a part of a community that is more than simply the education of a child. The word ‘peace’ is lived through the message of St Francis whose actions to humanity and ecology bore witness to this concept. The word ‘love’, for simply ‘God is love’.

As we walk together as a Christian community, we are invited to respond to the needs of others with compassion and acceptance. The word ‘family’ in our school motto reminds us that there are others around us who we can turn to when times are tough.

‘So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.’
(Romans 12:5)

An Angels network has flown ‘under the radar’ at St Francis for many years responding to needs of families within our ‘school family’. Angels is a way of offering a hand in family emergencies and challenging times. The group supports in practical ways: at times it has provided meal packages, other times assisting with school ‘drop-offs’ and ‘pick-ups’, or an invitation for a coffee and a chat; whatever is needed to support a family within our community. The anonymity of the Angels has been a considered choice, acknowledging that accepting help can sometimes be difficult. Through parent conversations with our class teachers, members of Leadership and our Office team, we look to offer assistance to our families.

We are seeking to reenergise our Angels network and seek parent volunteers. If you would like to know more about how you can offer practical support and be a part of our Angels network, please speak with Sam or myself.

‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ (Galatians 6:2)

Next week, we join with our larger Queensland Catholic School family to celebrate Catholic Education Week – ‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love’. We look forward to welcoming you to the many activities that are planned.

PAX et bonum,

Meredith

Weekly Reflection - Marvellous Moments

I am a procrastinator. Indeed, they can put on my tombstone, ‘She put the pro in procrastination.’ Of course, putting things off inevitably leads to a situation when I am overwhelmed by what needs to be done. One trick I have found helpful is to do an ‘hour of power’. I commit myself to work with energy and concentration for one hour at something of what needs to be done, be it housework, gardening, writing. In manageable doses, I can face even the unpalatable. The trick is to break down the overwhelming task to manageable size.

The wisdom behind this is that we can only deal with life one moment at a time, and if we focus our energy, wit and wisdom into that moment, we can face tasks that might otherwise seem intimidating. This is how AA counsels alcoholics: one drink at a time, one day at a time. One situation, one moment at a time is what we are often reduced to in dealing with fractious children or difficult people. We cannot control or change the whole situation but, only moment by moment, can we give loving attention. Indeed, this is how St Benedict teaches us to pray: keep it short. What God wants and what we need to give is a moment of attentive love that truly expresses what our heart feels. Here, now, moment by moment are challenges to be faces, are we given opportunities to love, are we given the gift of prayer.

Loving God,
you know how easily life can whizz by and I hardly know where it has gone.
Give me an attentive heart that I may live in your love
and show your life to those with whom I live.
I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.
Amen

Sr Kym Harris osb

Affirmation Awards - Week 2

Monday 28th July

Lego World

Bookfair - 8am till 9am & 1.30pm till 3.30pm

Sr Noreen Visits with Year 3

In preparation for our Rosary and shared morning tea on Wednesday, Sr Noreen will spend time with our Year 3 students from 8.30am to 9am, reflecting on how prayer is integral to her life in the light of 'hope, faith and love'.

Tuesday 29th July

Bookfair - 8am till 9am & 1.30pm till 3.30pm

Physical Education Lessons

All students will participate in PE today with Mrs Kylie Linforth today.

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

Private Music Lessons

Great news - the school band will be putting an entry into the 2025 Gladstone Eisteddfod, well done team!

If you would like any information regarding our instrumental music or piano lessons, please contact Mrs Meredith Grove.

Digital Technologies Lessons

Students from Years 3 to 6 will participate in Digi Tech lessons today with Mrs Jan Arthur. They are learning all about Digital Citizenship and how to stay safe online.

Tuckshop Day

Wednesday 30th July

Bookfair - 8am till 9am & 1.30pm till 3.30pm

Communities of Wisdom Grandparents & Elders Morning

Communities of Wisdom Rosary Group

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.

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.

Lunch Club

Thursday 31st July

Communities of Wisdom Visit to Bindaree Aged Care

Communities of Wisdom Time with Fr Peter

Specialist Lessons today:

Performing Arts Lessons

Students from Prep to Year 2 will participate in Performing Arts lessons today with Mrs Sharyn Dicker.

Visual Arts Lessons:

Students from Years 3-6 will participate in Visual Arts lessons today with Mrs Melissa Hartsorn.

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

St Francis Catholic Primary Playgroup

Exciting News from St Francis Catholic Primary School!

We are thrilled to announce that our new Playgroup is starting this term.

When - Every Thursday from 8.45am till 10.15am

Why - A wonderful opportunity for parents to connect and for children to play, learn, and grow together.

Who - Everyone is welcome!

A huge thank you to one of our amazing parents, Chloe, who will be leading this exciting initiative. She is looking forward to meeting you and making this a fun and welcoming space for all.

Come along and join the fun - we can't wait to see you there!

Friday 1st August

Angels Day

Catholic Education Week Liturgy - 9.45am

Parents and friends are most welcome to join us for this liturgy as students from Prep to Year 6 celebrate Catholic Education Week. Our liturgy will be hosted by the students from Year 3A. Catholic Education Week awards for students and staff will be celebrated. Winners of the Lego World exhibition congratulated.

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

Parent Webinar - 6th August

Circular_2025_147_Attachment_1_BSEM_Parent_webinar_flyer.PDF

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://enrol.sftsrok.catholic.edu.au/primary-school-enrolment/start

St Francis Enrolments

Tuckshop News

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

- Friday 1st August

- Friday 8th August

- Friday 15th August

If anyone is able to assist on any of these dates, please call the school office on (07) 49 733 600 or send email to infosfts@rok.catholic.edu.au

Our tuckshop relies on volunteers to operate, therefore, your help is very much essential and valued!

We thought we would try our Class Roster System that we were using last year - Our 4/5B & 4A Classes will be responsible for volunteering in the Tuckshop in Week 2 if possible. If anyone is able to help please contact the school office.