Student Absences
As part of our new student information system, Compass, we have released a new feature to support parents in notifying the school about student absences. If your child is marked absent by the teacher, you will receive a text message at 10 am. This will contain a link where you can quickly and easily mark a reason for your child's absence.

We are hoping this will greatly reduce the number of unexplained absences, as well as being a fast and convenient option for you to use. Please note if your child has been entered as an explained absence (eg. prolonged illness, holiday, etc.) you will not receive a message.

Afternoon Dismissal - Safety
Recently Mrs Brabender and I met with Wollongong Council to discuss some of our concerns. Being, the path at the front of the school, street signage and general safety issues during the afternoon pick up. Our school endeavors to keep all our students and their families safe at all times. We understand that there is some traffic congestion in the afternoon. Just a reminder to parents that we do have a car pick up at the front and in the back lane of the school. For those parents using the back lane for car pick, it is recommended where possible to turn right at the end of the lane and go around the block to allow an easier flow of traffic at the front of the school. For those parents who pick up at the front of the school please keep the driveways in Bruce Road clear, especially the one exciting the back lane.
We would like to thank Wollongong Council for making it a priority to meet with us and look forward to hearing the answers to our requests.

Welcome the Borcher family
On Monday we welcomed Damien to St Francis of Assisi. Damien and his family have just recently moved to Australia from South Africa. We know the students in Year 2 Gold were excited to meet you. We hope you all enjoy your time in Australia.

Get well wishes
Please continue to keep Sienna Farrugia (1 Gold) and her family in your thoughts and prayers. It was great to see Sienna last week, we all missed seeing your beautiful smile around the school. Our school community sends all its love and best wishes to you Sienna. 

Boy Voyage Mrs Gerada
Our school community would like to take the opportunity to say best wishes to Mrs Jane Gerada who will be taking a well deserved holiday with her family. We appreciate all Jane does to keep our canteen running so smoothly. Thank you for everything you do and have a safe and enjoyable break. 

Condolences
I ask that you please keep Mrs Burrows and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Mrs Burrows is grieving the loss of her much-loved father who passed away last week. May they know the peace and strength of God’s compassionate and consoling presence at this time of loss and sadness.