St Francis Catholic Primary School - Tannum Sands eNewsletter

A Message from Leadership

This week has been truly extraordinary, filled with excitement, achievements, and reflection. It began with a group of 57 enthusiastic Year 5/6 students and 6 dedicated staff members embarking on an unforgettable journey to Chaverim for our much-anticipated camp.

The students amazed us all with their courage and determination as they embraced challenges they had never faced before. From the thrill of ziplining and navigating high ropes courses to the focus required in orienteering and the teamwork needed for canoeing, every activity brought out their best. The way they supported one another, working together to ensure everyone felt safe and included, was a testament to the strength of our school community.

But the learning didn’t stop at the adventure activities! Our students showed us just how capable they are in managing daily responsibilities. From setting up and cleaning after meals to maintaining the cleanliness of their cabins, they displayed maturity, teamwork, and an admirable sense of responsibility. These skills are just as important as the physical challenges, and it was wonderful to see their growth in these areas.

Today, we came together as a school community to celebrate a very special milestone: 20 years of St Francis Catholic Primary School. We marked this occasion with a beautiful service at Canoe Point, reflecting on the rich history and the blessings we have experienced over the past two decades. This was a moment to acknowledge and thank all those who have been part of our journey- past and present students, parents, staff, and parishioners- who have contributed to making St Francis the nurturing and vibrant school it is today.

A special thank you goes to the Lions Club for their generosity in providing a delicious sausage sizzle for our celebration. Their ongoing support reminds us of the strength of our wider community and the importance of coming together in faith and fellowship.

As we head into the well-deserved school holidays, I am personally preparing for a meaningful journey of my own. I will be travelling to Italy to undertake the St Francis Pilgrimage, where I will have the opportunity to deepen my understanding of St Francis and his charism. This experience will allow me to reflect on his values of humility, service, and care for creation- values that are central to the mission of our school. I look forward to bringing back new insights to share with our community upon my return at the end of Week 2 in Term 4. During this time, I extend my thanks to Mrs Kylie Linforth for stepping into the role of Acting Principal.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our students, staff, and families for their contributions to another successful and fulfilling term. It is a privilege to witness the growth, learning, and joy that happen every day at St Francis.

May you all enjoy a safe, restful, and happy holiday. Take this time to relax, recharge, and spend time with loved ones. Thank you for being part of our wonderful school community, and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 4 for another exciting chapter in our journey together.

Mrs Samantha Suthers- Principal

Feast Day Celebrations - Friday 19 September

Gullarn ngheeree - Welcome to this beautiful place,

Laudato Si’, written by Pope Francis, is a heartfelt call to protect our common home and to live in harmony with all creation. Its title, meaning “Praise be to you,” is drawn from the Canticle of the Creatures written by St Francis of Assisi, whose profound love for creation inspires us to see God’s presence in every part of the natural world. St Francis praised “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon,” celebrating the interconnectedness of all life—a vision echoed in Laudato Si’.

An encyclical is a formal letter written by the Pope to guide and inspire people of faith. This year marks 10 years since Laudato Si’ was published, and what makes it particularly unique is that it is addressed not just to Catholics but to all people around the world. Pope Francis begins with the words: “I wish to address every person living on this planet” (Laudato Si’, 3), inviting everyone to join in caring for our common home.

One of the greatest gifts we can share with our children today is the opportunity to encounter the natural world in all its beauty and wonder. These moments spark curiosity, foster connection, and invite them to experience the presence of a transcendent God—a God who is all around us and revealed through the marvels of creation.

Pope Francis encourages us to embrace ecological conversion, recognising our responsibility to care for the Earth. He invites us to take practical actions: reducing waste, conserving water, protecting biodiversity, and standing in solidarity with vulnerable communities affected by environmental harm.

Together, as stewards of creation, we can answer this call by honouring God’s gift of nature and working towards a sustainable, just future for all.

PAX et bonum,

Mrs Meredith Grove- APRE

Reflection- Sr Kym Harris

The Paradox of the Cross

If you have anything to do with Catholics, you see crosses everywhere. It wasn’t always like that. For the first few centuries, Christians didn’t use the image of the cross at all. In fact, in the first depiction of the Crucifixion, the cross isn’t there at all. Jesus and the two thieves are just hanging mid-air (see https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crucifixion-Christ-Church-Santa-Sabina-Rome-716123.jpg ). Such was the horror of this instrument of torture that the artist couldn’t bring himself to depict it, even though it had ceased to be a way of killing people. Eventually when the cross was depicted in art, it was often loaded with rich and sumptuous symbolism of the glorious life that came through this terrible death. The mosaic from San Clemente in Rome is a prime example (see https://www.christianiconography.info/sanClemente/apse.html . The explanation here is well worth the read.)

I can understand the aversion of those early Christians to displaying the cross. The places where we meet the cross in our own lives are usually places of failure, shame and pain. Too often, we don’t want to go there….and with good reason. We are overwhelmed. Yet when Jesus became human, suffering his terrible Death, he was one with us in the dark and difficult places of our lives…one with us, so he could share with us the grace to turn those situations into places of grace and life. For us to realise this we need to invite him to be with us in our pain and suffering so we can experience his transforming grace. This Sunday the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross. This is a good time to ponder on those dark places in our lives and be open to the transformation Jesus could bring.

Loving Father,
Jesus experienced our life and suffered our death,
that he might offer us the fullness of love.
Give me the courage to face the difficult places of my life
that I might be a channel of your life in them.
I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Star of the Sea Parish Bulletin

Parish Bulletin

Monday 6th October

King's Birthday Public Holiday

Term 4 commences Tuesday, 7th October

Sandpit Donations

Term 4 Specialist Lessons

Digital Technologies Lessons- Tuesdays

Students from Years Prep to Year 2 are enjoying Digital Technologies Lessons with Mrs Meredith Grove.

Physical Education Lessons- Tuesdays

Students from Prep to Year 6 are thriving in their Physical Education lessons with Mrs Kylie Linforth. 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 pickleball, handball, soccer and netball.

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.

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

Swimming Carnival - 14/11/25

Swimming Carnival will be held at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre.

Celebration Assembly - 19/11/25, 8.30am till 10.30am

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

Carols Evening - 2/12/25, 6pm till 7.30pm

Parents and friends are welcome to join a most beautiful occasion as we look forward to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Carols takes place in our school hall and under covered area with families invited to bring a blanket and picnic dinner.

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

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 Surf Club. Ticket allocation: Two family members per student.

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

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!

2026 Prep Enrolments

Prep 2026 Enrolments – First Round Offers Issued!

The first round of offers for Prep 2026 has been issued! 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

St Francis Online Enrolment

Tuckshop News

Tuckshop will be closed on Tuesday 7th October (1st day back), but will be open on Friday 10th October

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 3A & 2A Classes will be responsible for volunteering in the Tuckshop in Term 4 Week 1

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

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.

OSHC

St Francis OSHC School Holidays Vacation Care Program

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
Want to Enrol?
WEBSITE: //www.stfrancis.qld.edu.au/
EMAIL: SFTS_OSHC@rok.catholic.edu.au
CONTACT NUMBERS OSHC MOBILE: 0400 701 721

September_VC_Program.pdf

Parents & Friends Association

The P&F was pleased to support today's Feast Day Celebrations by providing zooper doopers to cool off and refresh our students after walking back to school from Canoe Point.

We've got lots of activities planned for Term 4, supporting both our teachers and our students, and building our school community at the same time. One event we'd love some help with is celebrating our wonderful teaching staff on World Educators Day, coming up on Friday 31^st October. Please reach out via the P&F email if you'd like to be involved in these celebrations.
Enjoy the holidays!

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

Pre_loved_Uniforms_Flyer.pdf

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

Running for Natalia and for Autism Awareness. Help us reach our goal

Why we’re running for Autism 🧡#TeamNatalia🧡

Natalia's parent's Hela & Daniel are running this October for their daughter Natalia, who lives with Autism, ADHD, and a learning disability. Since she was just one, our family has been in and out of specialist appointments, facing daily challenges while trying to give her the support she needs. Natalia has a heart of gold, but she truly struggles with the realities of the world around her.

This run is our way of raising awareness and creating more support not just for Natalia, but for all Autistic Australians.

Why we're running 70km this October? Because 70% of Autistic people face mental health challenges.
We're running towards a more inclusive world where Autistic Australians have the opportunity to thrive.
Please donate now and show your support to our fundraiser and help provide early diagnosis, autism-specific education, and better mental health services—so that more Autistic people can access the support they need to realise their different brilliant®
You’ll also give us the motivation we need to log our kilometres as we go the distance throughout October.

To show your support, Please donate through the below link.

Link to Natalia's Fundraising page : https://www.runforautism.org.au/st/6883/s

Thanks so much,

Hela and Daniel Neves