Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of Term 3, I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to our staff, students and families for your wonderful support of the programmes and opportunities offered to the students throughout this term. It certainly has been a busy one.
When I look back over our calendar for the term, we have had so many highlights in faith, learning and wellbeing. The opportunity for our parents and families to be back in the school engaging with their children has been something to celebrate. As a whole school community, the Year 5 and 6 Camp, Grandparents Day, Year 6 Mass with the Bishop and Activate, Book Fair and Book Parade, Masses and Liturgies, K, 1 and 2 Excursions, Father’s Day, R U OK? Day, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Catholic Mission Launch, St Francis of Assisi Feast Day Celebrations, and celebration of Learning Assemblies. These are just some of the wonderful reflections of how we have come together as one community.
Congratulations to our students who have represented the school in so many ways at the South Coast and Diocesan Carnivals, Girls Rugby League Competition, Paul Kelly Cup, NSW Touch Gala Day and Soccer Gala Day with St Patrick’s Port Kembla.
I would like to acknowledge and thank our dedicated staff. Thank you for all you do for our students and their families; as mentioned, we have had some very significant events in our school this term. It takes a team effort from staff, parents and students for these events to be successful. Great team effort, everyone!

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced that Thursday 22 September 2022, will be a public holiday for the National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At St Francis of Assisi, we join with our worldwide community in appreciation of the remarkable life and service of Queen Elizabeth II, who throughout her 70-year reign was steadfast in her faith, in her prayers and worship. She spoke openly and often of her devotion to God and to the Christian message of respect and the value of people, of all faiths and none. May she rest in peace.

I hope everyone has a chance to relax a little during these holidays. If you are travelling, please take care on the road. I look forward to seeing you all again for our last term. Enjoy the break!

Students return to school on Monday 10 October 2022, in their summer uniform.