Term 2 Week 6
A Message from Leadership
Raising Tech-Healthy Humans: Come Journey With Me.
Last weekend, our family travelled to a netball carnival in Rockhampton, and I made a bold decision: no iPads for the trip. Inspired by my new motto, “now that I know better, I need to do better,” I left the devices at home.
On Friday night, as I eagerly waited to watch my beloved Parramatta Eels take the field, my daughters asked if they could use their iPads. Their disappointment was clearly evident when I proudly replied, “Sorry… they didn’t get packed.” After some initial grumbles and eye rolls, something wonderful happened. My younger daughter grabbed some colouring pens and began to draw, while my Year 6 daughter wandered over and started reading over my shoulder as I delved into "Raising Tech-Healthy Humans" by Daniel Sih.
Since then, this journey of raising tech-healthy humans has become a shared experience. When I picked up the book to take to the board meeting earlier this week, my eldest exclaimed, “Where are you taking that? You can’t read it without me!” It’s been heartening to see us learning together and reflecting on how we can navigate technology as a family.
The introduction of Daniel’s book reminds us that parenting is full of ups and downs. He doesn’t claim to be a perfect parent but instead challenges us with a profound truth: “The role of a parent is to raise an adult, not a child.” It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of raising children, but it’s crucial to keep the bigger picture in mind. At the end of the day, we want to nurture resilient, self-reliant, and well-rounded adults who can thrive in an ever-changing world.
Daniel emphasises the importance of “tough love” in parenting, particularly when it comes to technology. He writes, "our always-easy society is promoting the opposite to tough love. We are coddling our kids and protecting them from real-world challenges like hard work and perseverance- and at the same time, giving them almost everything they ask online." Easy is not always better, and 'yes' is not always right.
As parents, we may fall into the trap of wanting to be our children’s friends. But as Daniel points out, “That is not our job.” Our responsibility is to prepare our children for a world that is evolving rapidly, especially when it comes to technology.
Daniel's approach to technology is underpinned by the principle of tough love. It’s not about being harsh but about making intentional decisions that build resilience, perseverance, and self-discipline. Leaving the iPads at home last weekend wasn’t just about setting limits—it was about creating space for creativity, connection, and shared learning.
As we continue reading the book, I encourage you to reflect on your own approach to parenting in a tech-driven world. Ask yourself:
- Do I want to be my child’s friend, or do I want to raise them to be an independent adult?
- What small steps can I take to create a tech-healthy environment at home?
Next week, we’ll dive deeper into Daniel's practical suggestions for navigating technology in family life. Until then, let’s consider how we can model the behaviours and boundaries that will help our children thrive, not just as kids, but as the adults they’re destined to become.
Let’s raise tech-healthy humans together!
Mrs Samantha Suthers- Principal
Parent Survey - We Appreciate Your Feedback
Last days! We have now received 54 responses - thank you. There is still time to have your voice heard!
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Francis Catholic Primary School.
The survey is:
✅ Anonymous
✅ Takes around 20 minutes to complete
✅ Available on both computers and mobile devices
To complete the survey, please visit: http://tellthemfromme.com/405sf2025
Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your feedback. Your voice matters and helps us grow stronger together as a school community.
Weekly Reflection
Stop the Press!
Have You Heard the News? Mr Pitt is heading to the Holy Land to meet Pope Leo!
Well… that’s what we’re telling everyone! In reality, Mr Pitt will be travelling to witness an extraordinary event—his brother, Keith Pitt, being officially commissioned as the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See. What an incredible honour for their family and our community!
As part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, our teachers and students have been working hard to create a special gift for the Pope. A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs Farrell for her amazing sewing skills in bringing it all together, and of course, to Mr Pitt for his initiative in organising this gift and for taking a little piece of St Francis with him on this journey.
We can’t wait to hear all the stories and see the photos when Mr Pitt returns. Safe travels, and may this experience be truly unforgettable!
APRE NEWS
Yesterday, students received the latest edition of the 'Australian Catholics' magazine to bring home to their families. A beautiful article around the legacy of Pope Francis reminds us of the foundational messages of the Christian faith in recognising the incredible importance of human dignity and of God's immense love for all people. Pope Francis' call for justice and peace with a strong message of advocacy for people who live in marginalised situations, and of care for the Earth were foundational throughout his papacy.
With the recent Confirmation of some of our students at St Francis, the article around the prayer of the Nicene Creed shares the core beliefs of the Catholic faith and links to this wonderful celebration.
Affirmation Awards
Monday 2nd June
Lunch Club
Tuesday 3rd June
Physical Education Lessons
All students will participate in PE lessons today with Mrs Kylie Linforth. This term's focus is on athletics in preparation for:
- AFL Coaches will be running PE Sessions Today.
Students to wear their sports shirts. Hats and water bottles are essential.
Digital Technologies Lessons
Students from Prep to Year 2 will participate in Digi Tech lessons today with Mrs Meredith Grove.
Lunch Club
Robotics Club this term is for the Year 4 to 6 students who are participating in the Robocup Junior Challenge on Thursday, 19th of June.
Tuckshop Day
Private Music Lessons
Instrumental music lessons today with Miss Erin Moynihan. Great news - the school band will be putting an entry into the 2025 Gladstone Eisteddfod, well done team!
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.
Wednesday 4th June
Athletics Carnival
Staff First Aid Training - 3pm
St Francis Staff (including OSHC staff) will complete their First Aid Training this afternoon.
REMINDER: OSHC is closed this afternoon for this important training.
Special Tuckshop Day - Hot Dogs
Please have your orders in by Monday 1st June 7am, so there is enough preparation time.
Thursday 5th June
Open Day - All Welcome
Visual Arts Lessons
Students from Prep to Year 2 will participate in Visual Arts lessons today with Mrs Mel Harstorn. Children will eagerly experiment with a variety of materials to create their own unique pieces of art.
Performing Arts Lessons
Students from Year 3 to Year 6 will participate in Performing Arts lessons today with Mrs Sharyn Dicker. Children are learning drama and dance this term.
Our Year 3 to 6 Dance Showcase will be on Friday, 13th June at 9am.
Lunch Club
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.
Friday 6th June
Assembly 2:10pm in the Hall- All Welcome!
We will have our Week 8 assembly today so that Age Champions can be announced and awarded their trophies from the Athletics Carnival!
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
School Photos Information
Tuckshop News
Our School Tuckshop is needing volunteers for the following dates:
- Friday 6th June
- Friday 13th June
- Friday 20th June
- Friday 27th June
If anyone is able to assist, please call the school office on (07) 49 733 600.
2025 Premier's Reading Challenge
Parents & Friends Association
UNDER 8’s DAY
A big thank you to the wonderful parents and volunteers who helped to create a little face painting magic at the Under 8’s Day this week. Hats off to Mrs Pritchard and Mrs Whitfield for organising a fun morning for our Under 8’s!
SCHOOL OPEN DAY
Do you remember attending a St Francis Open Day years ago, and being made to feel welcome by the friendly face of another parent? Now’s your chance to return the welcome to new prospective families.
The School Open Day is on this coming Thursday 5th June and we’d love some volunteers to help set up a light morning tea and chat with prospective families, 8:30am – 10:30am. Let us know via the Sign Up Genius, email or P&F Facebook page if you’re able to help.
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
This year’s movie night will feature Moana 2 on the big screen under the stars!
A big thank you to our sponsors who are helping to keep this an affordable event for the whole family.
Please consider supporting these businesses who are supporting our school community.
We also need parent help to bring this evening together.
- Set up of decorations, picnic rugs and tables, etc. This happens from 2:45pm on Friday 20th June, so if you’re at school for pick up, please consider hanging around for a short while to pitch in.
- Helping during the evening. We need volunteers in the tuckshop where we’ll be selling drinks and snacks (no food prep required), manning the welcome table, etc.
- Pack up afterwards. Many hands make light work. Please consider hanging around after the movie finishes to help.
Let us know via the Sign Up Genius, email or P&F Facebook page if you’re able to help with any of the above. Thank you!
Sign Up Genius for Term 2: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44ACAB23A6FCC61-56501735-term
STAY IN CONTACT
The P&F Committee is always willing 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.
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
St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal
Thank you for bringing donations to the school office for our annual Winter Warmth Appeal.
Donations are open until the end of this term.
Chanel College School Musical - SpongeBob
Shop for Schools Rewards Campaign
St Francis School has signed up to be involved with the Shop for School Rewards Campaign, which commences this coming Monday, 12 May.
This is a fantastic opportunity for your school to earn rewards while our school community shops at Gladstone Centre Plaza.
To get involved please scan the QR code on the below flyer and register online.
EcoFest
Parents Supporting Readers Workshop
