Term 4 Week 5

A Message from Leadership

As we approach Remembrance Day, we are called to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many men and women in service to our country. This occasion reminds us of the profound value of peace, unity, and gratitude. It is a time for us to remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today and to pray for peace in our world. 

This year, our Year 6 students will have the special opportunity to attend the community Remembrance Day service, representing our school with reverence and respect. This experience not only allows our students to honour the fallen but also to reflect on how we are called to be peacemakers in our own lives, living out the Gospel values of love, respect, and compassion. 

In the midst of these reflections, we are reminded that encounters with God often come in moments of stillness and contemplation. This week, I had the privilege of attending the Southern Principals' Retreat, where the theme was 'Spiritual Leadership.' Together, we explored the importance of being present, reconnecting ourselves, our students, and our staff to our faith, and meeting each person where they are on their spiritual journey. 

During the retreat, we were particularly inspired by the recent words of Pope Leo in his message on Catholic Education, issued on 28th October. His reflections encouraged us to consider thought-provoking questions about our mission and purpose in nurturing the spiritual and intellectual growth of our students. This deeply resonated with me, reminding me of my recent travels to Italy during the Franciscan Schools Australia Pilgrimage. Pope Leo’s reflections on faith and education continue to inspire and challenge us, calling us to lead with humility, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. 

As we commemorate Remembrance Day, let us also take a moment to encounter God in our own lives- whether in acts of service, moments of prayer, or through the people we meet each day. Let us guide our students to see the hand of God in all things, to appreciate the beauty of creation, and to be instruments of peace in their communities. 

Together, as a school and as a faith-filled community, we honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward with hope to a future shaped by God’s love and grace. 

Mrs Samantha Suthers - Principal

Gullarn ngheeree - Welcome to this beautiful place, 

As we enter the season of Advent, a time of hope, joy, and giving, we are reminded of the importance of sharing Christ’s love with those in need. This year, St Francis Catholic Primary is proud to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal, a meaningful initiative that brings comfort and hope to families in our local community.  

We invite you to join us in this act of generosity by donating non-perishable food items, toiletries, or small gifts that will bring joy to those who may be struggling during the Christmas season. Donations can be dropped off at the school office by Tuesday, 18 November,  and included in our Celebration Assembly on Wednesday, 19 November.  
Through this act of giving, we reflect the Gospel message of love and compassion, ensuring that no family feels forgotten or alone. Thank you for your kindness and for helping make Christmas brighter for others.  

PAX et bonum - Peace and all goodness

Meredith Grove (APRE)

Reflection - Sr Kym Harris

Christmas Presence

As we turn towards Christmas, the St Vincent De Paul Society is beginning its Christmas Appeal through the parishes and schools. We expect this every year, just as we expect the Christmas frenzy but, in the rush and bustle, we too often forget what this time is about…and Christmas Day is a bit late to catch up.

At the core of our celebration is Presence. (That is what the presents are about.) Humanity was in a mess…humanity is still in a mess. One would think that God should intervene like a stern schoolmaster and come and pull us into line, or like an indulgent nanny bribe us into doing the right thing. But no, God respects our free will. God allows to us mess things up…but does not abandon us. In Jesus, God became human and says, “I am with you.” He came as a helpless baby seeking a gentle way into our hearts and lives. In short, we offered us his Presence.

So, is that what the Presents are about? What we really do when we give a present is tell someone that we are ‘with them’ – if we give a ‘good’ present. In a ‘good’ present, we put thought and heart into our choosing. We ask ourselves; how will this gift fill the needs and best wants of the person to whom we are giving. We do this even when we are giving anonymously through organisations like the St Vincent de Paul. As you offer items for their Christmas hampers, ask yourself what would be the best gift for those receiving. In the thinking, the choosing and the giving, you are ‘with’ the ones receiving. At such times, such gift-giving is really a form of prayer. Inspired by God’s presence, your present shares the divine love and grace.

Loving God, you are close to me at all times. In the messes and difficulties of my life, may I seek your presence. As I have known your love, may I offer your love to others. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

School Calendar of Events

Please check the school calendar in Parent Orbit to keep up to date with all the events for this term. 

Monday 10th November

Swimming Lessons

St Francis Students will be attending Swimming Lessons at the John Dahl Pool in Gladstone. Bus will be transporting students to & from school.

Prep students - 11am till 12.30pm. Bus leaves school at 10:20 AM sharp.

Year 3 students - 12.30pm till 2pm. Bus leaves school at 12:20 PM sharp.

Awards Assembly - 2.10pm

All are welcome to attend the fortnightly Award Assembly. Will be held in the school hall. 

Tuesday 11th November

Remembrance Day

The Year 6 students have been invited to attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony on Tuesday 11th November at Stirling Park, Boyne Island. Family members are also welcome to attend the service to commemorate Australians who served in all wars and conflicts.

Teachers and students will walk from school to the park for commencement of services at 10.30am. Students are reminded to be in their full school uniform including hat and to bring a water bottle.

Band Captain 2026 Speeches

Year 5 students nominating for Band Captains for 2026 will present their speech to their fellow instrumental band members.

Thursday 13th November

APRE Southern Meeting

Mrs Grove will be attending the APRE Southern Cluster meeting in Biloela.

Swimming Lessons

St Francis Students will be attending Swimming Lessons at the John Dahl Pool in Gladstone. Bus will be transporting students to & from school.

Prep students - 11am till 12.30pm. Bus leaves school at 10:20 AM sharp.

Year 3 students - 12.30pm till 2pm. Bus leaves school at 12:20 PM sharp.

Tuckshop Day

Tuckshop will be open on Thursday 13th Nov not Friday 14th Nov, due to St Francis's Swimming Carnival.

Friday 14th November

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Candidates will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this afternoon at St Peter Chanel Church from 5.30pm till 6.30pm.

School Swimming Carnival

St Francis Students will be attending the School Swimming Carnival at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre. An Outlined Program is below.

Important Reminders / Notices

Bag Keyrings

We have noticed that some students are bringing decorative keyrings to school to personalise their bags. While these items can be a fun way to identify students' bags, we would like to remind families that it is the responsibility of students to look after their belongings.

Teachers will not be monitoring or taking responsibility for these items if they are lost, misplaced, or stolen. We encourage you to consider the potential risks and to discuss with your child the importance of caring for their personal items if they choose to bring them to school.

Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter.

Preparing for the 2026 School Year

As we begin planning for the 2026 school year at St Francis, we ask families to email Samantha Suthers at samantha_suthers@rok.catholic.edu.au if there are specific considerations you feel should be taken into account during the class list allocation process. While we will carefully review any information provided, it is important to note that there are many factors involved in formulating class lists, and decisions are ultimately made by the classroom teachers, who are best placed to determine what is in the best interests of all students.

Requests for specific teachers will not be considered. Teacher placements for 2026 have not yet been decided, and as such, we cannot accommodate preferences for particular teachers.

The structure for next year will include composite classes, as it does in 2025. While we understand that some families may have concerns, we assure you that the Australian Curriculum is delivered effectively across all classes. Being in a composite class does not negatively affect a child’s learning or achievements. St Francis is fortunate to have experienced and dedicated teachers who are already meeting the individual needs of our students, and this commitment remains unchanged in composite classes.

We appreciate your understanding as we work through this process. If you have any pressing considerations to share, please do so by Friday, 14th November. Unfortunately, no requests can be accepted after this date.

Active Mornings - Kickstart on the Oval - Before School

Once students arrive at school after 8:10 am, they will make their way to the whole-school games on the oval with a member of the Leadership Team.

Students from Prep to Year 6 will have the opportunity to participate in simple and engaging games such as Stuck in the Mud and Tag. For those who prefer a more relaxed start to the day, a quiet space will be available in the Outdoor Learning Area, offering a calming environment to enjoy the morning view. Additionally, students can join in dancing to music on the grassed area outside the sports shed.

Please note that there will be no supervision in the undercover area during this time. Parents are warmly invited to come down, join in the games, and share in the fun.

This initiative reflects our understanding that every child is unique, and a balanced morning routine can help meet their diverse needs. Whether it’s through movement, social play, or quiet time, we aim to nurture the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our students, allowing them to grow as confident, compassionate, and engaged learners.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we implement this whole-child approach to morning routines

Term 4 Specialist Lessons

Digital Technologies Lessons- Tuesdays

Students from Years Prep to Year 2 are enjoying Digital Technologies Lessons, learning how data is represented and and organised.

Physical Education Lessons- Tuesdays

Students from Prep to Year 6 are thriving in their Physical Education lessons. Students are to wear their sports shirts. Hats and water bottles are essential. This week, the students will be participating in a NRL Rugby League Clinic with Coach Connor from NRL. 

Performing Arts Lessons- Thursdays

Students from Years 3 to 6 are enjoying Performing Arts lessons with Mrs Sharyn Dicker.

Visual Arts Lessons- Thursdays

Students from Years Prep to 2 are enjoying Visual Arts lessons with Mrs Melissa Hartsorn. Discovering how the Elements of Art are included makes our artwork more effective. 

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 Jed - Wednesdays

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

Upcoming Term 4 Events at St Francis

Celebration Assembly - 19/11/25, 8.45 am - 10.30 am

Parents and friends are warmly invited to join us as we give thanks for the blessings, growth, and achievements of our students in 2025.

Carols Evening - 2/12/25 - 5.30 pm Start

Parents and friends are welcome to join us on this special occasion as we look forward to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Carols take place in our school hall and undercovered area, with families invited to bring a blanket and picnic dinner to enjoy before the carols start.

Yr 6 Graduation Liturgy and Dinner - 3/12/25, 5.30 pm

A night of special celebrations for our graduating Year 6 class. All are welcome to the liturgy at St. Peter Chanel Church, commencing at 5.30 pm. Parents are then invited to join with their graduating child at a meal at the Tannum Sands Hotel Motel.  

Mass of Advent and Thanksgiving - 5/12/25, 9am - 10am

Parents and friends are most welcome to join students from Prep - Year 6 for a Mass of Advent and Thanksgiving. This will be held in the school hall.

Celebration Assembly

All families are invited to attend our Celebration Assembly. We'll be celebrating our students' journeys across 2025 and our Year 6 School Leaders for 2026 will be announced!

Year 6 Graduation Dinner

Year 6 Parents, please RSVP and pay through the Parent Orbit App via the events and payments tab for the Year 6 Graduation Dinner by Thursday 27th November - 12:00pm noon to secure your seat at the Tannum Sands Hotel for Dinner. 

After School League Stars Program

St Francis Catholic Primary School will be hosting the After School League Stars Program on the 24^th and 25^th of November commencing at 3.30pm. 

If you would like to book your child in to attend these sessions, please use the below link to register.

Playgroup with Chloe!

St Francis Catholic Primary Playgroup

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 parent, 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!

Exciting News!! No Forks Given Coffee Van will be onsite at St Francis from 8.10am on Thursday Morning 13th November for all your Coffee & snack needs!! 

2026 Prep Enrolments

Prep 2026 Enrolments

Don’t miss the opportunity to secure a place for your child in our welcoming and nurturing school community.

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

https://www.stfrancis.qld.edu.au/blank-8

Tuckshop News

Please see below the Tuckshop Roster Term 4. Our tuckshop relies on volunteers to operate, therefore, your help is very much essential and valued! Our 4A & 3B Classes will be responsible for volunteering in the Tuckshop next week in Week 6.

* Please note that the Tuckshop will be Open on Thursday 13th Nov not Friday 14th Nov, due to St Francis's Swimming Carnival.

If anyone is able to assist on any of these dates, please let the school office know on (07) 49 948 320 or email  infosfts@rok.catholic.edu.au

Parents & Friends Association

Christmas Fundraiser Raffle

The P&F will be holding a Christmas fundraising raffle at the upcoming Carols Evening on Tuesday 2nd December. If any of our wonderful school community would like to support the fundraising efforts by donating prizes, please let us know by emailing SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au. 

School Uniforms

St Francis Uniform Shop

The uniform will be CLOSED for the next 2 weeks, and will reopen on Tuesday 11th November from 8:30am -10:30am

Please place your uniform order online (link below) or through Parent Orbit App,  and your items will be delivered to the school office on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the closure period. 

https://www.wearitto.com.au/schools/st-francis-catholic-primary-school-ts 

*Please Note Additional Day Opening* - Friday 23^rd January 2026 – 10am till 1pm

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Second Hand Pre Loved Uniforms

Community News

Reef Guardian School

St Francis Catholic Primary School is proud to be a Reef Guardian School – where our students take meaningful action that directly supports Reef protection and resilience. 🪸

And now, we’re joining the Reef Authority in support of the Lifetime of Greatness campaign – alongside the hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and families also part of the Reef Guardian School program – to back the Reef’s nomination for the United Nations Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award.🎖️

The campaign is part of the Lifetime of Greatness Project, developed by Tourism Tropical North Queensland in collaboration with the Reef Authority, Reef Guardian Councils, Traditional Owners, Master Reef Guides, and the tourism industry. Already, it has reached over five billion people and attracted more than 1.3 million supporters worldwide! 😮

If successful, the Reef would become the first living entity (and non-human!) recipient of the highest environmental honour awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme – this would be history made! 🥳

Join us in backing a lifetime of greatness: https://alifetimeofgreatness.com/#supporter

Thank you for your support on this important action!

The Reef Guardian School team.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Wulgurukaba Country | 235 Stanley Street, Townsville | PO Box 1379 Townsville QLD 4810

www.reefed.edu.au | www.gbrmpa.gov.au  

The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) 

The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) provides financial assistance for families transporting students to non-state schools in Queensland. The Scheme has two programs:

• Bus Fare Assistance: assisting families who pay more than the weekly threshold in bus or ferry fares.
• Students with Disability: supporting students with a disability who have demonstrably different transport needs from other students of the same age. 

Applications for Semester 2 2025 opened on 1 October. To learn more about the Scheme, including eligibility for both programs, visit https://www.schooltransport.com.au. NSSTAS is a joint initiative of QCEC and Independent Schools Queensland, and is funded by the Queensland Government.

Gladstone's Junior Cricket Season

Gladstone Council News

Peer CARE Companion in Community - Gladstone

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

Wellways Carer Gateway Gladstone

The Carer Gateway is a free national service that provides practical advice, support, and resources for people who look after a family member or friend. Whether you’re caring for an older person, someone with disability, a mental health condition, or a chronic illness—support is available for you.
🌟Services include:

• Free counselling and peer support groups
• Respite care to give you a break
• Practical help with navigating services and government supports
• Workshops, skills training, and tailored resources

📍 Visit Your Local Carer HubWe now have a Carer Hub conveniently located at 1 Buller Street, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
👉Here, you can:

• Register with the Carer Gateway
• Speak directly with friendly staff who understand the challenges of being a carer
• Access personalised advice and information
• Connect with other carers in a supportive environment

Strong Communities - Adults Grief Program

Roseberry Qld Dignity Hub - Volunteer Drive

The Smith Family - Saver Plus – Helping Families Access Support

This is a great opportunity to remind families about Saver Plus and the $500 they can receive to support their child’s education costs. The program not only provides matched savings but also equips families with budgeting skills that help ensure children are prepared for school with the resources they need—contributing to long-term financial wellbeing.

As families move through different school stages, such as transitioning from Year 6 to high school, now is an ideal time for families with students in Year 5 to join Saver Plus and use the matched funds to help with upcoming education expenses when they commence Year 7 in 2027.

Below , you’ll find:

• The new Referral Form
• A social media short video explainer 

Families can still enquire directly by calling our free number 1300 610 355, or by clicking the ‘Enquire Now’ button on The Smith Family website under the Saver Plus financial literacy program.