Term 3 Week 6

A Message from Leadership

Celebrating Our Eisteddfod Performing Choir

This week, I’m stepping off my ‘technology soap box’ to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our incredible Eisteddfod Performing Choir. What an extraordinary example of how important extra-curricular activities are in shaping and enriching the lives of our students!

The courage and determination our choir members displayed were truly inspiring. Despite the inevitable pre-performance nerves, they rose to the occasion and delivered a stunning performance that left the audience in awe. The parents who came along to support were visibly proud, and rightly so - our students absolutely smashed it!

A heartfelt thank you goes to Miss Erin and Mrs Prichard, whose dedication and passion have been instrumental in preparing the children for this moment. Their hard work and encouragement have not only helped the students hit the right notes but also instilled confidence and resilience, qualities that will serve them well long after the last song is sung.

Music plays such a vital role in educating the whole child. It nurtures creativity, builds teamwork, and fosters discipline and focus. Beyond these skills, participating in music and performing arts provides a unique outlet for self-expression and brings joy to both performers and their audiences. It’s a reminder of the beauty and richness of God’s gifts in the talents and abilities of every child.

At St Francis, we are committed to nurturing the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - and opportunities like the Eisteddfod are a testament to this. These experiences help our students grow not just academically but also socially and emotionally, providing them with the tools to thrive in all areas of life.

Congratulations once again to our choir and their amazing teachers. Thank you for reminding us all of the power of music and the importance of celebrating every child’s unique gifts.

Let us continue to encourage and support these valuable experiences for our students, knowing that they contribute to their growth as well-rounded individuals created in the image of God.

Mrs Samantha Suthers- Principal

Reflection- Sr Kym Harris

“Book an Adventure”

If you looked at my life from the outside, I’d forgive you for thinking that it was boring.  But when I take the opportunity to tell its stories, that’s a different matter.  I’m still baffled by the confused, crazy, good and challenging life that God has dished up for me and the best way I have found to understand something of this ride is by retelling the events of my life.  Simply put, stories are nearly always the best way we can come to understand ourselves and others.

Jesus understood the power of story.  He didn’t leave a rule book for us to live by but rather commissioned a group of disciples to go out to the world and tell his story.  And he made his mark as a preacher by the stories he told.  Not that his listeners understood them.  The parables baffled the people of his time as much as they baffle us.  They are stories that only reveal their meaning when we try to live by them.

Telling our stories is one of the most powerful ways we can influence our children.  Telling our stories lets them come to know and understand what it means for them to be members of a family, of a community and indeed of a nation.  But we need to take care.  My Mum had a shocker of a childhood and I think she recounted those stories too early for me.  On the other hand, Dad loved his mother dearly and I wish I knew more about what inspired such a passion in him.

As your children celebrate Book Week with its motto, “Book an Adventure”, this could be a good time for you to celebrate the adventure of your life with them.

Loving Father,
open our minds and hearts to the power and wonder of story-telling. 
Inspired by Jesus’ stories may we tell our own to our children
and lead them into the deep bonds that make community.
We ask this in his name, confident that you will hear us.  
Amen

Sr Kym Harris osb

Star of the Sea Parish Bulletin

Parent Teacher Conversations

Parent Teacher Conversation bookings on Parent Orbit are open till Friday 22nd August at 3pm (today).

Please book a time to meet with class teachers if you haven't already.

Affirmation Awards - Week 6

Thursday 28th August

Personal Social Development Education Sessions - Yr 5/6

Each year the students of St Francis engage with important lessons to assist with their Personal and Social Development. Both the Health and Physical Education Learning Area from the Australian Curriculum and the mandatory Child Safety Curriculum support these lessons.

In Years 5 and 6, there are specific connections to managing changes and transitions associated with puberty and the reproductive system, investigating ways to seek help about health, safety and wellbeing and knowledge about private body parts and body ownership.

Please contact Mrs Samantha Suthers if you would like any further information.

Friday 29th August

Prep B Prayer Celebration

Prep B students join with Fr Peter for a special prayer celebration in the contemplation circle in front of the school office. Parents and friends most welcome to join us.

Netball Gala Day

Our St Francis Challenge Cup team will compete in the Netball Gala Day at the Boyne Island Netball Courts.

Own transport is required.

River Time

During the last few weeks of Term 3, we bring our focus to our Franciscan traditions, culminating in our Feast Day celebration at Canoe Point Parklands on Friday 19 September.  In the coming weeks, our students are invited into this Season of Creation through River-Time.

Term 3 Specialist Lessons

Digital Technologies Lessons- Tuesdays

Students from Years 3 to 6 are enjoying Digital Technologies Lessons with Mrs Meredith Grove. This term, they have been learning about Cybersafety and digital phot. 

Physical Education Lessons- Tuesdays

Students from Prep to Year 6 are thriving in their Physical Education lessons with Mrs Kylie Linforth. This term, they’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of visiting specialists. Most recently, they’ve been developing their skills in OzTag. Students are to wear their sports shirts. Hats and water bottles are essential.

Years 3-6 also participate in a range of sports every Friday afternoon, including pickle ball, handball, soccer and netball. 

Performing Arts Lessons- Thursdays

Students from Prep to Year 2 are enjoying Performing Arts lessons with Mrs Sharyn Dicker, as they prepare for their exciting showcase.

Visual Arts Lessons- Thursdays

Students from Years 3 to 5 are enjoying Visual Arts lessons with Mrs Mel Hartsorn, with the Year 6 students completing two Project Art days across the Term. We can't wait to see what they create. 

Term 3 Lunch Clubs

Private Music Tutor Offerings

Instrumental with Miss Erin- Tuesdays

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

Piano with Liping- Tuesdays to Fridays

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

Guitar with Wayne - Wednesdays

If you would like any information regarding our guitar lessons, please contact Mrs Kylie Linforth.

Playgroup with Chloe!

St Francis Catholic Primary Playgroup

We are thrilled to announce our new Playgroup has commenced.

When - Every Thursday from 8.45am to 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!

Pupil Free Day - Friday 5th September

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

Tuckshop News

Our School Tuckshop is needing volunteers for the following dates:

-        Friday 29th August

-        Friday 12th September

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

Please see below the Tuckshop Roster for the rest of Term 3. Our tuckshop relies on volunteers to operate, therefore, your help is very much essential and valued! Our Prep A & Prep B Classes will be responsible for volunteering in the Tuckshop in Week 7.

Due to rising operational and supply costs, the St Francis Tuckshop has begun to implement small price increases on some items. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

2025 Premier's Reading Challenge

Parents & Friends Association

Father's Day Gift Stall

Our much-loved Father’s Day Gift Stall is coming up on Thursday , 4th September.

 If you are available to help with set up on Wednesday the 3^rd of September , or with assisting students with their gift shopping on the day of the stall we would love to hear from you.

Class Schedule for the Father's Day Stall

8.30am - 9am           -    1A & 4A

9am - 9.30am           -    1/2B & 3A

9.30am - 10am         -    3B & 5A

10am - 10.30am       -     Prep A & 6A

11.15am - 11.45am   -      Prep B, 2A & 4/5B

Stay In Contact

The P&F Committee are always happy 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 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573112566338

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

Tannum Sands Surf Lifesaving Club - Sign on Day

St Mark's Anglican Bargain Shop

Gladstone Ports - Port to Park Fun Run

Book launch - Teacher Wellbeing Transformed

Out of the Box Video Series

Strong Communities Family Fun Day

Swooping Bird Season - Gladstone Council

Gladstone Regional Council writes to provide information regarding the upcoming swooping bird season. Families and children may encounter swooping birds on their way to and from your establishment and whilst out in the community and on private properties. While being swooped can be scary, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce safety risks to young children and the community.

Some native bird species, including magpies, plovers, butcherbirds, and crows, are well known to swoop during the spring breeding season. Swooping may occur from July to November, peaking between August and October. When native bird species have eggs or young in their nest, a small percentage can become protective and may swoop people entering their nesting territory. Research suggests aggressive swooping occurs when the birds have had previous negative interactions with humans, for example, had stones or sticks thrown at them, their chicks, or their nests.

Some ways to manage swooping bird interactions during the breeding season are to:

• Avoid swooping hotspots and find an alternative route by consulting the ‘Gladstone Regional Council Swooping bird hotspot web map’ (https://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/wildlife) Or https://www.magpiealert.com/
• Ensure children wear appropriate headwear (helmets, hats, umbrellas), eyewear (glasses, sunglasses) and clothing to help protect them from unwanted swooping risks.  
• Ensure children avoid threatening or scaring nesting birds, as this will increase the intensity of swooping.
• For more information about swooping birds and tips to avoid being swooped, a ‘Living with Magpies’ fact sheet and an interactive swooping bird hotspot map, jump on Council’s website https://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/wildlife#swooping.

Additionally, Council manages swooping birds by providing community awareness and information, undertaking swooping bird assessments, and implementing an appropriate response on Council-controlled land. If your establishment has a problem with a swooping bird, you may contact a licensed wildlife contractor to assess the bird for relocation. Please note that Council is unable to respond to swooping bird complaints on private or state-controlled land.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please contact the Environment & Conservation team on 07 4970 0700.

Information Evening - Protect Your Kids Online