Term 3 Week 5

A Message from Leadership

Social Media Restrictions and Tackling Screen Addiction: A Parent’s Perspective

The Australian Government’s upcoming social media age restrictions have been a topic of much discussion recently. From 10 December 2025, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube will be required to restrict Australians under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. While the focus is on protecting kids from the risks of social media, it also highlights a bigger challenge many families face daily: managing screen time.

As a mum of two primary school aged girls, I know how tricky it can be to strike the right balance with technology. Sometimes, screens can be a lifesaver - especially during long drives. But they can also come with challenges that many of us are all too familiar with.

When Screens Save the Day (and Then Don’t)

I remember one particular trip - a 12-hour drive from Blackall to Tamworth to visit my parents. As you can imagine, keeping two kids entertained for that long in the back seat is no easy task. So, we armed them with iPads, preloaded with movies, games, and audiobooks, and hit the road. For hours, the car was peaceful. No “Are we there yet?” or arguments over a never-ending game of eye-spy. It was bliss.

But then we arrived. When I told the girls it was time to put the iPads away and go inside, that’s when the real adventure began! You’d think I’d asked them to hand over their most prized possessions. One of my daughters sighed so dramatically she could’ve won an Oscar, while the other declared she “needed just five more minutes” as if her very survival depended on it. My husband and I exchanged knowing looks - screens had done their job on the road, but now we were paying the price.

The Risks of Excessive Screen Time

As amusing (and frustrating) as moments like this are, they highlight a larger issue: the tendency for children to become overly reliant on screens. Whether it’s watching movies, playing games, or scrolling social media, excessive screen time can have real consequences for kids, such as:

• Mood swings and tantrums when asked to disconnect.
• Sleep disruptions, especially when screens are used close to bedtime.
• Reduced physical activity, with screens replacing outdoor play.
• Social withdrawal, where online interactions take the place of real-world friendships.

For younger kids, too much screen time can also make it harder for them to engage in slower-paced activities like reading, drawing, or imaginative play. It’s not just about the time spent on screens - it’s the habits and behaviours that can form as a result.

Social Media Restrictions: A Positive Step

The new social media restrictions aim to address some of these concerns for older children by delaying their exposure to platforms that can be addictive and harmful. Social media often uses algorithms designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible, exposing them to risks like cyberbullying, comparison pressures, and harmful content.

By preventing children under 16 from accessing social media, the Government is taking a proactive step to protect young Australians. However, for younger kids who aren’t on social media yet, it’s still important for us as parents to consider how we manage their overall screen use.

The upcoming social media restrictions are a step in the right direction, but they’re not the whole solution. As parents, we remain the key players in teaching our children how to use technology responsibly. Whether it’s through setting boundaries, encouraging offline activities, or simply being present, we can help them develop healthy habits that will serve them well throughout their lives.

And as for those long drives like the one from Blackall to Tamworth? I still pack the iPads, but I also make sure we have plenty of offline options ready to go - and I always prepare myself for the inevitable “but Mum!” protests when screen time is over. Finding balance isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.

Mrs Samantha Suthers- Principal 

Reflection- Sr Kym Harris

Feast of the Assumption

We want to honour our parents. You saw (and hopefully still see) that desire in the eyes of your young children, as they looked to you with such trust, offering the flower, the shell or the picture they drew. As we grow older, conflicts can arise with our own parents but the deep-seated urge is still there, which is why such conflict is so painful.

Jesus honoured his parents – both God his Father and Mary his human mother. Even beyond death he honoured her. This Friday is the Feast of the Assumption in which we recall and celebrate that Mary’s body, after death, was taken to heaven to be with Jesus in his risen and glorious state. Our heads find it hard to get around the meaning of this Feast but our hearts understand: Jesus wants to continue to honour his mother, who had shown him such honour here on earth. This glory that he gives to her is a sign to us of the ultimate glory he wishes to give us. We are made for glory, we are made to give and receive honour.

Aside from Jesus and Mary, there is no perfect parent-child relationship but the desire for a deep, rich and trusting relationship with our parents remains with us. Let us pray to Jesus and Mary, that through the maze of life, we may find, in the coming days, ways honour and love our parents. And, if we are parents, may we love our children in a way that draws out their honour.

Loving Father, as we celebrate the honour Jesus gave to Mary his mother, show us how we can celebrate and honour each other within our families. We ask this in his name, confident that you will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Star of the Sea Parish Bulletin

Parent Teacher Conversations

Parent Teacher Conversation bookings on Parent Orbit open on Monday 11th August at 8am and close on Friday 22nd August at 3pm.

Please book a time to meet with class teachers.

Affirmation Awards - Week 4

Monday 18th August

Award Assembly - 2.10pm

All welcome to the fortnightly assembly.

Tuesday 19th August

Southern Principal's Cluster Meeting

Mrs Samantha Suthers will be attending the Southern Principals' Cluster Meeting at Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in Gladstone. 

Wednesday 20th August

Book Week Parade

Come dressed as your favourite book character.

Book Week Parade from 8.30am till 9am in the School Hall.  All welcome!

📚✨ Book Week Fun at St Francis Catholic Primary School! ✨📚

Parents, it’s time to get creative and cheer,
Our favourite week of the school year is here! 🎉
This year’s theme is “Book an Adventure”,
So let’s make it amazing, fun, and full of wonder! 🌟

📅 Wednesday, 20th August, is the day,
When costumes and characters will come out to play.
From pirates to explorers, or a story that’s cool,
Let’s celebrate books at St Francis Catholic Primary School! 📖💕

We can’t wait to see the kids’ delight,
As they bring their favourite stories to life.
So grab your craft supplies and prepare to share,
Our Book Week parade will be beyond compare!

Friday 22nd August

School Choir - Eisteddfod

The school choir will perform this morning at the Gladstone Eisteddfod at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre,  with the program commencing at 9.00 am.

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 later this term.

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 22nd August

-        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 1A & 1/2B Classes will be responsible for volunteering in the Tuckshop in Week 6.

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

Gladstone Art Science Innovation Fest - Friday 15th August

Tannum Sands Surf Lifesaving Club - Sign on Day

St Mark's Anglican Bargain Shop

A Better Choice Conference 2025

Teacher Wellbeing Workshop

Gladstone Ports - Port to Park Fun Run

Out of the Box Video Series