ENROLMENTS OPEN FOR KINDERGARTEN 2020

Dear Parent and Carers

As you read this newsletter you will have noticed that we have changed to a new digital format, known as Schoolzine. The benefit of the change is that it is now interactive, easy to read, has links to key newsletter items and includes a language translator. This newsletter can be read in over one hundred languages. As we make a few changes to the way we communicate with parents and the wider community it is important that parents fill in the annual photo permission note. Your feedback is always welcome; we hope you enjoy the many benefits of this new format.

Last Friday I had the opportunity to celebrate Mass with Father Martin, Mrs Briscoe, our Year 6 students and parishioners. I congratulate them for not only the way they have settled into their learning this year but also for their leadership of other students at St Francis of Assisi. They have all embraced their role with energy and commitment.

Parent Information Sessions

Thank you to the parents who attended our Information sessions for Years 1-6. It was wonderful to see so many parents taking the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher. This is an important first step in forming the integral partnership between parents and teachers to support student learning. We also thank the teachers for their preparation and delivery of these sessions. 

Kindergarten Students

Our Kindergarten students have made a great start to the year, they have embraced their new surroundings and have connected really well with their Year 5 buddies. Thank you to Mrs Beckhaus for setting up routines and preparing the students so well for learning. Well done boys and girls!

Opening School Mass

On Friday 8 February we celebrated our opening School Mass. Thank you to Mrs Madaschi and her team for preparing our Mass. It was great to see our families join us as we celebrated the start of a new school year. The Mass was a joyous celebration and highlighted just what a fabulous community we have at St Francis of Assisi. Father Leonard spoke to us about being on a journey, he encouraged us to remember that while we are on that journey we need to continue to build our relationship with God and with each other.

Catholic Schools Week – 3-9 March 2019

In 2019 Catholic Schools Week will be held from Sunday 3 March to Saturday 9 March.  Catholic Schools Week is a wonderful occasion for students, teachers, families and parishes to acknowledge the strengths and distinctiveness of Catholic schools. The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong theme is ‘The future has a name, and that name is Hope’. “We are called to act with: Hope, Integrity, Justice and Compassion”.

Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to share with the broader community the great things that take place in our schools every day. Above all, Catholic Schools Week is about celebration. Our school is planning a number of activities during Catholic Schools Week that showcase the wonderful teaching and learning that takes place, as well as the many other exciting opportunities that St Francis of Assisi provides for our students.

Listed below is a schedule of events for the week that families, parents and friends are invited to attend:

St Francis of Assisi Celebrates Catholic Schools Week:

• Friday 1 March – 9am – Catholic Schools Week Mass –    In the Church
• Friday 1 March – 2pm – Principal and Values Awards –     In the Hall
• Monday 4 March – 9am-10.30 – Open Classrooms – Celebrate learning in the classrooms
• Monday 4 March – 10.30am – Morning Tea
• Wednesday 6 March – 9am – Ash Wednesday Mass

This is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of our school community. We would also like to celebrate with members of our parish and the wider Catholic community. We encourage you to participate in this spirit of celebration.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to seeing you during Catholic Schools Week 2019.

Mrs Vicky Davidson
Principal