St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Primary School Warrawong eNewsletter

From the Principal's Desk

Staff Farewells
As the year concludes, we say farewell to the following staff members.

Mrs Patricia Burrows
After more than 17 years of dedicated service at St Francis of Assisi, Mrs Patricia Burrows has been appointed to a permanent position as teacher and Instructional Coach at St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Unanderra. Patricia has been an integral member of our leadership team, serving as an Instructional Coach for seven years and this year as a Middle Leader. Her passion for education has been evident in everything she does, and we are deeply grateful for her significant contributions to our school community. Patricia’s warmth, care, and unwavering dedication have had a profound impact on the lives of countless staff, students and families. We are going to miss you, Trish, but we know the legacy of your passion and commitment will continue to inspire our school community for years to come.

Mr Kyle Smith

This year, we welcomed Mr Kyle Smith into the temporary role of Creative Arts, PE and STEM Teacher at St Francis of Assisi. Kyle has brought incredible enthusiasm, energy, and creativity to our school community. As we prepare for the much-anticipated Christmas Concert, we extend our thanks to Kyle for all the work he has put into organising this special event. Kyle has been appointed to a temporary teaching position at Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour, in 2025. Thank you, for everything you have contributed to our school community this year, Kyle!

Please join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks and extending our warmest wishes to Mrs Burrows and Mr Smith as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their careers. We wish them every success in the future.

Welcome to St Francis of Assisi
After a substantive recruitment process, we welcome to St Francis of Assisi, Mr Shayne Smith and Miss Celeste Muvceska. Mr Shayne Smith joins our leadership team as Middle Leader and Instructional Coach, and Miss Muvceska as a highly valued classroom teacher.

2025 Staff
On Monday 16 December, the students will have the opportunity to visit their classrooms for 2025 and spend time with their teachers. This is always a wonderful afternoon where the students and teachers have an opportunity to meet each other.

Principal	Mrs Vicky Davidson
Assistant Principal	Mr Brett Murphy
Kindergarten Blue	Ms Melissa Beckhaus
Year 1 Gold	Mrs Karen Agius and Mrs Glenda Grey
Year 2 Blue	Mrs Maria Matos and Mrs Sandra Briscoe
Year 3 Gold	Ms Marita Maloney REC and Mrs Kathy Zaffonato (Wed)
Year 4 Blue	Mr Rich Gilmore
Year 5 Gold	Ms Mia Maitland and Mr Shayne Smith (Friday)
Year 6 Blue	Miss Celeste Muvceska
Literacy and Numeracy Support	Mrs Rebecca Mansbridge
Instructional Coach and ML	Mr Shayne Smith
EALD Teacher	Mrs Julie Johannesen
PPT	Mrs Karen Agius and Mr Shayne Smith
Senior School Support Officer	Mrs Tracie Brabender
School Support Officers	Mrs Jimenez, Ms Martins, Mrs Staffiero, Mrs Adams, Mrs George, Mrs Kinnas, Mrs Logue, Mrs Stewart, Miss Ivancevic and Mrs Christodoulou.

Student Leaders 2025
Recently, our Year 5 students have been considering their call to leadership for 2025. While each of the students at St Francis of Assisi is called to leadership and the service of others, each year, our Year 6 students have a particular responsibility to be positive role models for the younger students by demonstrating our school values - Faith, Respect, Honesty, Acceptance, Forgiveness, and Stewardship. As a Catholic community, we have a wonderful role model for leadership in Jesus. His life provides an example of how to live and interact within our school community, our families and the wider world. Student leadership, therefore, needs to be seen as an opportunity for our young people to use their gifts and talents to serve the community. I ask that you keep all the students in your prayers as they reflect on their own and others' leadership capacities and capabilities.
Today, our Year 5 candidates presented their speeches to their peers. Staff and students will have the opportunity to nominate students for these leadership roles. All the best, Year 5!

Year 6 Graduation and End of Year Celebrations (Whole School)

Please find below the dates for the Year 6 Graduation and End of Year celebrations.

10 December	Year 6 Graduation Mass and Celebration - 6 pm	Year 6
11 December	Semester Two Reports Home on Compass - 4 pm	K - 6
12 December	Whole School Talent Quest - 12 pm-1.15 pm Christmas Concert - 2 pm	K- 6
17 December	Year 6 Fun Day - Port Kembla Pool	K- 6
18 December	Whole School End of Year Mass - 9 am Year 6 Guard of Honour - 2.30 pm	K - 6