From the Principal Desk
Parent Engagement
As a Catholic learning community, St Francis of Assisi strives to be welcoming and connected, supporting the engagement of parents as partners in their children’s faith, learning and wellbeing, and their involvement in the life and community of the school and parish. We encourage your active engagement with the school to support your child's learning. While the Meet and Greets are a formal opportunity to share information about your child, you are always welcome to arrange with the school office an informal meeting or phone call with your child's teacher throughout the year. Sometimes, you might just want to touch base with a teacher to see how your child is progressing and how you can support their learning. Please don't hesitate to contact the teachers.
Active engagement is one of the five principles in 'The Lighting the Way Together Parent-School Partnership Framework.' Please see a copy of the framework below.
17th Anniversary of the National Apology to Australia's Stolen Generations
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offered a formal apology to Australia’s Stolen Generations, those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who had been removed as children from their families and their culture.
On this date each year, we remember the apology that was made to all those whose lives continue to be impacted and deeply traumatised by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation. Although the apology could not take away the pain of the past, many felt it was a necessary first step in the healing process.
As 2025 has been declared a Year of Jubilee by Pope Francis, with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, let us all join in walking alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sisters and Brothers with HOPE in our hearts. We pray for healing and reconciliation for all Australians as we journey together as pilgrims of Hope.
School Emergency Management Plan
Safety in schools is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for students, staff and visitors. Each year, the staff reviews and update the school emergency management plan. In line with this plan, we must carry out practice drills to ensure we are ready for emergencies. Regular school drills are critical in preparing everyone to respond effectively to various emergencies. In Australia, schools are mandated to hold certain drills throughout the year. These drills help instil a sense of preparedness and calm during potential emergencies.
Fire drills are one of the most essential school drills, teaching students and staff how to evacuate the building quickly and safely in case of a fire. This drill ensures everyone is familiar with the escape routes and procedures for exiting the school site. Today, our students had the opportunity to practice a fire drill. The staff and children are to be commended for their prompt movement and cooperation during the drill. During the term, we will also have the opportunity to practice the lockdown and lockout drills.