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Dear Parents and Carers
Last Sunday, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. This sacred day holds great significance within the Catholic Church as we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper.
The Eucharist is a sacrament that lies at the heart of our faith. The feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ invites us to reflect upon the deep meaning behind this sacrament. It reminds us of Jesus' self-giving love, as He willingly offered His body and blood for the salvation of humanity. In receiving the Eucharist, we are called to imitate Christ's selflessness by serving others and striving for justice and compassion in our daily lives.
This celebration also emphasizes the power of unity and community. The Eucharist unites us not only with Christ but also with one another as members of the body of Christ. It is a powerful reminder that we are called to live in harmony, love, and support for each other.
In our school, the Eucharist holds a central place. It is through the celebration of Mass that we gather as a community, offering our prayers, singing hymns of praise, and receiving the Eucharist as a source of spiritual nourishment. As we observe the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, let us remember the transformative power of the Eucharist in our lives. May it inspire us to live as Christ's disciples, to love one another, and to actively work for a more just and compassionate world.
I am delighted to take a moment and acknowledge the exemplary behaviour demonstrated by our students during recent school excursions. One of the many goals at St Francis of Assisi is to foster a positive and respectful learning environment that extends beyond the school gates, and we are proud to see our students embodying these values during excursions. During our recent excursions to Sydney Aquarium and Sea Life (Years 1 and 2) and Cockatoo Island (Years 3 and 4), our students showcased remarkable behaviour that truly deserves recognition. Both venues took the time to contact the school via email and phone.
"We just wanted to let you know how fantastic the students were today. They were very well-behaved, curious, and asked and answered lots of questions. They were a pleasure to be with and represented St Francis so well." (Cockatoo Island)
"Congratulations, St Francis of Assisi, you are the best school we have ever had at Sydney Wildlife Zoo!"
We are immensely proud of our students for their outstanding behaviour and positive representation of St Francis of Assisi. Their conduct serves as a testament to the values we strive to instil in our students and the strong sense of community we foster at our school. Thank you again to our staff who accompanied the students on these excursions. Their guidance, supervision, and positive role modelling have undoubtedly played a crucial role in nurturing these exemplary behaviours.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
This year, Naplan results will be reported using proficiency standards, which replace the previous reporting of student results that used numerical bands and national minimum standards. Students’ results will be measured against four levels of proficiency:
• Exceeding • Strong • Developing • Needs additional support.
Printed copies of individual student reports are expected to be sent to schools for distribution to parents and carers early in Term 3.
Over the past month, the teachers have been engaged in the extensive process of writing your child’s half-yearly report. Throughout this process, teachers review the data they have gathered about your child throughout the first semester to form an overall picture of their progress in their current year. As teachers, we observe, interact and analyse your child’s performance, and an overall grade will be given for each learning area. Having read through each of these reports and knowing about the progress students have made since the beginning of this year, there is a great deal to celebrate. Thank you to the teachers for preparing these reports. Semester 1 student reports for Years 1 to Year 6 will be sent home to parents and carers via the Compass Parent Portal on Friday 23 June.
Semester 1 - Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
Thank you to our families who have booked their meeting times. These meetings will run until the end of the term. Below is the current breakdown of our bookings. It would be wonderful if we could reach 100% by the end of the term.
“Parents and families are recognised as integral members of the school community and partners in their child’s education.”
Australian Council for Educational Research National School Improvement Tool, 2016
2023 Semester One Reports - Year 1-6
Semester One Reports for Years 1-6 will be released via Compass on Friday 23 June (Week 9). Instructions on how to access your child's report on Compass can be found below.
Please note, Kindergarten students do not receive a formal, written report in Semester One. However, parents and carers will have the opportunity to meet with the teacher to discuss their child's learning.
In conjunction with Semester One reports, 3-way conferences with students, teachers and parents/carers are being held to discuss their learning to date.
These commenced this week and will continue up until Week 10. Bookings can still be made through the Compass portal. Details of how to create a booking are attached below. Please contact your child's teacher if you are having difficulty organising a booking.
Your child is encouraged to attend these meetings with you to have an input into their learning so far and be a part of planning learning goals for Semester Two.
It is a requirement of national legislation for Primary schools to provide twice-yearly written reports for students in Years 1-6 to parents. These reports are to be standards-referenced, which in NSW means reporting based on the Common Grade Scale. Standards-referenced reporting requires teachers to consider the performance of each student according to the standard detailed at each level (A-E) of the Common Grade Scale for each Key Learning Area (KLA).
Students are then awarded a grade based on the evidence teachers have of their learning in that particular Key Learning Area and the standard it reflects.
According to the Common Grade Scale, a ‘C’ grade is considered sound. That is, if awarded a C in a particular Key Learning Area, the student has demonstrated that they have gained the knowledge, skills and understanding expected of them at that point in time.
The Common Grade Scale
The Common Grade Scale describes performance at each of the five grade levels.
|
A |
The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. |
|
B |
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations. |
|
C |
The student has sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. |
|
D |
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. |
|
E |
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills. |
Other Report features include:
Overall grades
Each Key Learning Area has an overall grade that is determined by the teacher by considering the evidence of each student’s learning and the standard on the Common Grade Scale it reflects. Overall grades are not determined by averaging performance on strands within a KLA. In many cases, more time has been dedicated to learning in one strand over others, and this contributes significantly to the balanced judgement a teacher is required to make in order to award an overall grade.
It is not unusual for a student’s overall grade to change from one reporting period to the next as the knowledge, skills and understanding they encounter in each Key Learning Area will vary from one reporting period to the next.
Commitment to Learning
Commitment to Learning captures the student’s attitude to the particular KLA and their skills in managing their work, persisting when challenged and working to their potential. A scale explaining the three standards used in Commitment to Learning is included on the front of the report.
Strands
The term ‘strands’ refers to the breakdown of learning within each KLA that is presented in a grid with the options Extensive, Thorough, Sound, Limited, and Basic for teachers to indicate the performance of the student within each strand. Over a reporting period, some strands will have a greater focus than others, which will impact the overall grade for the KLA. In some KLAs, not every strand will be covered in each reporting period; those that are not covered will not appear on the report.
PB4L - Positive Behaviours for Learning
Our PB4L focus for Weeks 9 and 10 is Respecting our School Environment.
Ways we can Respect our School Environment:
- Put our rubbish in the correct bin
- Packing up the equipment we use
- Put our lunch box and drink bottle on the seats in our class area
- Using designated play areas as instructed
- Cleaning up any mess we make
- Assisting others to clean up where we see the need
- Littering - dropping or leaving rubbish on the ground
- Leaving equipment out on the playground or untidy
- Leaving our lunch box or drink bottle on the ground or in unsafe areas
- Using play areas inappropriately
St Francis of Assisi will participate in the ICAS competition this year. These competitions will be available to Year 3-6 students.
Please note these competitions are completely optional and have a cost associated with them. Please see the attached information sheet and contact Mr Murphy if you have any questions. The closing date to order these assessments is Monday 31 July 2023. The tests will be held at school during August, and further information will be provided to students and families who have opted to take part.
Please continue to keep in your prayers the children in our school and parish who are preparing to be confirmed in the Catholic faith. We are less than one week away! Our candidates gathered this afternoon for their rehearsal. Special thanks to Mrs Briscoe and Mrs Eady for leading the workshops for this sacrament.
The candidates will be presenting their saint posters and receiving their medals at this weekend’s Masses.
Confirmation will be celebrated in our parish next Wednesday, 21 June. Our gratitude is extended to Mrs Burns and the parish choir for generously offering their talents to enhance our celebration.
Year Six Mass with the Bishop
Our Year Six students were great ambassadors for our school in the way they welcomed our visitors and conducted themselves prayerfully in the church. Some of our Year Five students also performed special leadership roles on Friday, welcoming visitors and attending to the various jobs that our Year Six students normally do. Great job, Year Five! Special thanks also to Claudia from Year Four for assisting at Mass by altar serving.
Following Mass, there was an opportunity for the students to socialise on the playground and the dance floor. Gratitude is extended to all of the staff who contributed to the smooth running of the day, especially those who organised things behind the scenes. A special mention must go out to Mr Gilmore for being a world class DJ!
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
Today, our school community celebrated Pyjama Day as our way of supporting the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.
In exchange for the luxury and comfort of being able to stay in pyjamas all day, many people brought in donations of food and winter accessories to help support those affected by poverty in our local area. Thank you for supporting our Mini Vinnies initiative. Thank you also to those who were able to bring in towels and blankets - these are in great demand in our local area. Thank you for helping us bring the love of God to those in need.
Upcoming 9am Parish Masses - Whole School Attending
- Friday 16 June - Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Thursday 29 June - Solemnity of Ss Peter & Paul
All are warmly invited to join us and our parish community.
Ms Marita Maloney
Religious Education Coordinator
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us that we are loved deeply by God. We all know what Fr Damien would say:
“Loved by God: All the time!
All the time: Loved by God!”
Have you ever seen religious artworks depicting Jesus and Mary where their hearts are visible? If so, these were probably depictions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Following the observance of the Sacred Heart, the Church will celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Saturday. Twice, St Luke’s Gospel mentions that Mary ‘kept all these things in her heart’, pondering the Word of God. Mary shows us not only how to listen to the words the Holy Spirit speaks to us in the depths of our hearts, but how to respond to them in faith.
The following infographics from CatholicLink explain the symbolism of the Immaculate Heart image:
St Peter & St Paul
Next Thursday, our Church celebrates the Solemnity of Ss Peter and Paul - two saints that offer us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be ‘Church’. Both remind us that whilst a building can be a church, the Church is made up of people.
St Peter’s theology describes the Church as being composed of ‘living stones’. ‘You are like living stones being built into a spiritual house.’ (1 Peter 2:5) St Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, describes the Church as being ‘many parts making up the one body in Christ’. ‘Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.’ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)
Whether you prefer to think of yourself as a living stone or a part that makes up the body of Christ, both saints remind us that our faith should be a living faith lived in relationship with others.
The other lesson we can take from these two saints from very different backgrounds is that we are all called to holiness. As is noted below:
| Date | Event | Attending | Venue |
| Tuesday 20 June | Netball Gala Day | Selected 3-6 students | Fred Finch Park, Berkeley |
| Term 3 Friday 28 July |
Soccer Gala Day | Selected Years 3 - 6 | Various venues - see details below |
Thanks to all of our students for your participation. It was evident that you were demonstrating wonderful sportsmanship and genuinely celebrating each other's achievements. Congratulations.
Our staff should also be celebrated for their hard work, dedication and professionalism in running all aspects of the carnival.
Whilst we, unfortunately, were not able to hold our 100m finals, the highlight of the day was certainly the 2nd Annual Parent vs Teachers vs Students Ball Relay. The parents were the inaugural winners in 2022, and were out to defend their title. However, it wasn't to be this year, with the Year 6 students being less focused on 'bending the rules' and getting the victory. Well done!
Mr Murphy is still busy reading through the complaints from the parent team. There were many laughs between teachers and parents, Mrs Davidson might need to give our staff some PB4L expectations next year.
Netball Gala Day
| Age Groups | Location |
| Juniors (Years 3 and 4 boys and girls) | Lyrebird Park, Nowra |
| Senior Boys (Years 5 and 6) | Terry Reserve, Albion Park |
| Senior Girls (Years 5 and 6) | Darcy Wentworth Oval, Warrawong |
| Friday 16 June, 2.15 pm | School Assembly |
| Friday 23 June, 2.15 pm | School Assembly |
| Friday 30 June, 2.00 pm | Year 2 Celebration of Learning Principal & Value Awards |
* Reminder texts are automatically issued by the System *
* Weekly BPay Payments are Required *
SAVE THE DATE!
Monday 17 July - Day 1 Term 3
PUPIL FREE DAY
Students do not attend school. The school will be closed while staff attend their Staff Development. 
The 5 symptoms that mean your child should stay home from school...
Over the past two weeks, we have had a number of staff and students quite unwell.
It is a decision every parent faces regularly, whether or not to keep a sick child home from school.
Here are symptoms that mean your child should stay home:
1. Fever - this is a sign of infection and while giving them medicine might bring the fever down, it won't stop them from being contagious.
2. Vomiting or diarrhea - it is unfair all around - to the child and the school - to send a child with vomiting or diarrhea no matter how well they might look to you. Please allow at least 24 hours and check with your doctor for advice. Some viruses can be contagious for an extra day or so.
3. Bad pain - if your child has any pain that is more than mild, keep them home and check with your doctor.
4. Cough/Flu - this too is a sign of infection and medicine won't stop them from being contagious to others.
5. Illness Medication - If your child has an illness that is being treated with antibiotics, they often need a minimum of at least 24 hours of treatment before returning to school. Medication should be administered by parents at home.
While it is important for children not to be absent from school, it is also important for them to be well enough to learn and not share contagious illnesses for others to get sick. It is best to seek medical advice and allow your child time to rest and recover. Please always notify the school and where possible provide a medical certificate when they are well enough to return.
Please do not bring your child to school if uncertain and "See how they go. Let the teacher know" as children usually tell the teacher and the school will contact you. As a school we need to consider your child's wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. When it comes to your child's health and the health of students and staff, it is better to be safe than sorry.
An explanation is required on Compass or provide the medical certificate to the class teacher.
All absences must be explained and recorded. Thank you!
When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“The data shows that NSW students who develop positive attendance behaviour in Year 7 are, on average, three months ahead in their learning by Year 9.”
The NSW Government has recently launched a campaign to increase student attendance rates and bring the number of students in classrooms back to pre-COVID levels. CCSP highlighted the importance of school attendance in Parent Talk Issue 1 2023, sharing a fact sheet produced by Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Lismore. Parents and carers can help foster positive school attendance habits by:
- helping their child learn the importance of punctuality and routine
- ensuring their child arrives on time from the start of the school day, ready to participate in learning
- reducing disruption to school by planning any necessary appointments outside of school time
- promptly communicating any absence to the school
- planning holidays during school holidays
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Dear Parents/Carers
The NSW Education Act (1990) and the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) require Parents/Carers to ensure that children of compulsory school age attend school on each day. If children are absent from school, Parents/Carers are required to provide the school with an acceptable explanation, within seven (7) days of the absence. Explanations are required to be entered by Parents on the Compass Portal as follows:
Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you require further information or assistance.
Read Less
During the school holidays please check and relabel your child/ren's items so that we can return these when misplaced ie jackets, jumpers, hats, lunchboxes, and drink bottles.
Please feel free to donate your preloved and outgrown school uniforms to the School Office. Thank you
Please let your family and friends know,
limited places are available.
