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- From the Acting Assistant Principal
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- Book Week and Book Parade
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- Father's Day Invitation & Stall
- Principal & Value Awards
- Celebration of Learning Assembly
- Edmund Rice Band
- Public Speaking
- Kindergarten Excursion
- National Child Protection Week
- Child Safety Handbook
- CatholicCare
- Jump Rope for Heart
- Kinder 2024 Playgroup
- Canteen Menu
- Reminders ....
- Summer Uniform
- Pupil Free Day Term 3
- Parenting News | Invitation
- Screen time affects childrens sleep
- Lunchbox Program | Swap it
- Enrol Kindergarten 2024
- School Fees & Payments
- Bearer's of Christ Love
- Before & After School Care ~ Available
- Health in Motion for Parents
- Community News
Dear Parents and Carers
Scripture Reflection
Last Sunday’s Gospel passage was Matthew 15:21-28. This can be a challenging passage, but one with a powerful message. Throughout the gospels, Jesus is challenged in battles of wit by a number of formidable opponents. Often, these challengers attempt to trap Jesus by having him say something that would see him in trouble with the authorities, Jewish or Roman.
In this passage, Jesus sees a Canaanite woman who begs him to save her daughter from illness. In ancient times, Canaanites were seen as outsiders to the Jewish community; they were often regarded with suspicion and prejudice due to historical conflicts and differences in beliefs. Yet, this particular Canaanite woman, driven by her love for her daughter and her desperation for a cure, approached Jesus, stepping beyond the cultural barriers that separated them. In what seems like a heartless move, Jesus initially refuses to help the woman’s daughter. However, she persists and pleads with Jesus, offering a strong argument in support of her position. Jesus, seeing the depth of her faith, cures her daughter. For us today, this story is a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength found in determination and persistence. The Canaanite woman’s courage to challenge societal norms and even engage in a profound exchange with Jesus underscores that meaningful change can arise from dialogue and steadfastness, even in the face of seeming rejections.
Thank you to our P&F, who will coordinate our Father's Day stall and afternoon tea next week. Please see the flyer in the newsletter for times.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
Confidentiality
At times there may be incidents within the school that involve certain students and you may hear about them through other parents. These may relate to another child’s progress and learning or their behaviour. It is most important that the confidentiality of that student and of his or her family is protected. Always treat such incidents with empathy – no one would like their own child to be the topic of discussion among parents. If you have some specific concerns that relate to your own child, please do not hesitate to address these through the appropriate channels.
Lost Property
Parents and carers, we have a large number of jumpers and jackets in the lost property tub. If your child has misplaced any of these items, could you please let your teacher know? Any items not collected by the end of Term 3 will be washed and placed in the clothing pool.
Welcome to St Francis of AssisiThis week, we have welcomed the Nanneththi family into our school community. Welcome Omin (Kindergarten) and Kemin (Year 3). The staff and students have enjoyed meeting you. We look forward to working in partnership with you and your family.
On behalf of the school community, we congratulate the Folinio-Gallo family on the birth of their beautiful baby boy. A brother for Amelia (Kindergarten) and Jordan. Welcome, baby Luca.
Safety around our School
Student safety is paramount at all times in our school, and I remind parents and family members who collect children from school to observe parking restrictions that are in place in local streets. Please observe all speed limits in place around the school. I also remind parents and caregivers to use the assigned school crossing if you park on the opposite side of the road. The local council enforces parking restrictions and safe practices around our school. Thank you for keeping our children safe.
Just a reminderAs we head into the final month of Term 3, please check your Compass and Seesaw notifications, social media posts and newsletter for upcoming events. Thank you for all your support.
St Francis of Assisi celebrates the Matildas
- Following instructions
- Being supportive and encouraging of others
- Taking care of our belongings and the belongings of the school and others
- Cooperating with others
- Being a positive role model to our peers
- Using technology appropriately
Did you know? Research has shown that 93% of communication is non-verbal or paraverbal. Only 7% of our communication is verbal - the words we choose and use. Given this, we realise the importance of teaching our students about how to communicate effectively using non-verbal and paraverbal skills.
- Focusing on choice of words, pitch, volume, speed and other vocal features.
- Tone of voice can affect how the listener perceives and responds to the speaker.
- It is important to find the right tone of voice when communicating.
- Soft tones, as opposed to harsh or angry tones, make people feel safe.
- Motivational tone keeps people engaged and inspired.
In this digital age, ensuring the safety of our children online is an essential responsibility. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment, but it also comes with potential risks that we must be vigilant about. Here are a few important reminders and suggestions to help protect our children while they navigate the online world:
Open Communication: Maintain open and non-judgmental communication with your children about their online activities. Encourage them to talk about their experiences, concerns, and anything that makes them uncomfortable online. Let them know that they can always come to you for guidance and support.
Education: Teach your children about the potential dangers of sharing personal information online. Help them understand the importance of not sharing their full name, address, school name, or any other sensitive details with strangers online.
Privacy Settings: Familiarise yourself and your children with the privacy settings of the platforms they use. Make sure their profiles are set to private and that they are only sharing information with trusted friends and family.
Screen Time Management: Set healthy limits on screen time to ensure a balance between online and offline activities. Excessive screen time can negatively impact their well-being and physical health.
Parental Controls: Utilise parental control tools and software to filter out inappropriate content and monitor your child's online activities. These tools can help you keep an eye on what your child is accessing and provide necessary restrictions.
Cyberbullying Awareness: Talk to your children about cyberbullying and its consequences. Encourage them to treat others with kindness and respect online, and let them know that they should report any instances of bullying they encounter.
Lead by Example: Be a positive role model when it comes to online behaviour. Show them how to engage respectfully and responsibly online through your own actions.
Critical Thinking: Teach your children to critically evaluate information they come across online. Help them understand that not everything they see is accurate or reliable.
Safe Online Friendships: Advise your children to only accept friend requests and engage with people they know in real life. Online friendships should be treated with caution.
Report Suspicious Activity: Make sure your children know how to report any suspicious or uncomfortable encounters online, whether it's through social media platforms, gaming sites, or other online spaces.
Remember that staying involved and informed about your child's online activities is key. It's not about restricting their access, but rather empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely. By working together and fostering a culture of open communication, we can help our children make the most of the internet while staying protected from its potential risks.
Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Tuesday 15 August, it was the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, body and soul. Along with Christmas Day, it is a holy day of obligation in which all Catholic communities are called to come together to celebrate Mass. We acknowledge the important role Mary has and continues to play in our lives. Mary’s belief in God was expressed in her acceptance of God’s invitation to be the mother of Jesus. We pray that we may be faithful in our own ‘Yes’ to God.
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and The Season of Creation
In 2015, Pope Francis established The Season of Creation which is an annual event that runs from 1 September to, 4 October. It is an opportunity for us to pray, reflect and act to care for God’s creation. During this time Catholics unite with others in the global family to pray and protect every creature in God’s beautifully complex web of creation. The theme of this year’s Season of Creation celebration is “Let justice and peace flow”.
The Season of Creation begins with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on the 1 September, which we will highlight at school with an afternoon prayer on Monday 4 September. You may like to use the following prayer at home during the Season of Creation.
Creator of All,
From your communion of love
life sprung forth like a mighty river and the whole cosmos came into being.
On this Earth of overflowing love,
the Word was made flesh and went forth with the life-giving waters
proclaiming peace and justice for all creation.
You called human beings to till and keep your garden.
You placed us into right relationship with each creature,
but we failed to listen to the cries of the Earth and the cries of the most vulnerable.
We broke with the flowing communion of love and sinned against you
by not safeguarding the conditions for life.
We lament the loss of our fellow species and their habitats,
we grieve the loss of human cultures,
along with the lives and livelihoods that have been displaced or perished,
and we ache at the sight of an economy of death, war and violence
that we have inflicted on ourselves and on the Earth.
Open our ears to your creative, reconciling and sustaining Word
that calls to us through the book of Scripture and the book of creation.
Bless us once again with your life-giving waters
so that the Creator Spirit may let justice and peace flow in our hearts
and overflow into all creation.
Open our hearts to receive the living waters of God’s justice and peace,
and to share it with our suffering brothers and sisters,
all creatures around us, and all creation.
Bless us to walk together with all people of good will
so that the many streams of the living waters of God’s justice and peace
may become a mighty river all over the Earth.
In the name of the One who came
to proclaim good news to all creation, Jesus Christ. Amen
On Thursday 31 August, we will be celebrating our fathers, grandfathers and father figures with an afternoon tea and liturgy in the hall. Afternoon tea will begin at 1:30pm and our liturgy will commence at 2pm. For catering purposes, please RSVP to info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au by 30 August.
Ms Marita Maloney
Religious Education Coordinator
| Date | Event | Attending | Venue |
|
Thursday 24 August |
NRL Gala Day - Girls League Tag, Boys Tackle | Selected Year 5-6 students | Croome Road Sporting Complex |
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Thursday 14 September |
Junior Basketball Gala Day | Selected Year 3-4 students | Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley |
|
Friday 15 September |
Senior Basketball Gala Day | Selected Year 5-6 students | Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley |
NRL Gala Day
Congratulations to our students who today participated in the NRL Gala Day at Croome Road. The focus of this day is on enjoyment and participation, with non-competitive games resulting in the opportunity to enjoy sports and learn new skills. Thanks to all of our staff who supported the students on the day, and our wonderful parents who came along to spectate and encourage the students.
Bishop Brian will be ordaining Lawrie on Saturday 2nd September 2023 at 10.30am at St Francis Xavier Cathedral. Light refreshments will be available at the conclusion of the ceremony in the Xavier Conference Room. All are welcome to attend.
For catering purposes, RSVP by 25 August via: Ordination of Lawrence Burns
There will also be a combined parishes celebration for Lawrie at the Portuguese Association (127-129 Flagstaff Rd, Warrawong) on Saturday 2 September, from 6 pm ’til late.
For catering purposes, this event requires a ticket. Please contact Ms Maloney by 25 August to arrange a ticket if you would like to attend.
Who We Are | Catholic Diocese of Wollongong
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Book Week at St Francis of Assisi Each year since 1945, the Children's Book Council of Australia has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. During this time, schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children's authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians create colourful displays, develop activities, run competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading. You will often see parades with students dressed as their favourite book character. |
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(It is not compulsory for students to dress up).
EAL/D - English an Additional Language or Dialect 
At St Francis, Mrs Johannesen and Mrs Kinnas provide extra support and teaching to help students to further develop their literacy and English language skills. They support students in a number of subject areas across the curriculum. They also support teachers in developing learning programs and teaching practices suited to EAL/D students. Here is some news of some of the students learning this week.
Did you know that learning to read and write in your child’s first language helps their literacy development in English? This term our clever Kindergarten students who speak English as a Second or Additional Language (EALD) went on a nature hunt at school. We discovered 5 animals that live around our playground as well as what a ‘rough rock’ and ‘fuzzy feather’ feels like. The students also listened to different bird songs and found a plant that smells good and they even found their very own treasure. The group recorded this experience in words and pictures and then discussed how to say some of these items in their own language. Maybe your family might like to try this nature hunt in your backyard or at the park this week. We would LOVE to celebrate your findings with your child and the class in English and in your home language.
Last Friday, Year 5 shared their Celebration of Learning assembly with us all. Congratulations to Year 5 who did an amazing job of leading the assembly, and sharing their learning with us. They shared amazing writing and research through their biographies, incredible artworks, and scientific and prayerful learnings from their recent overnight excursion. To top it all off, they even won the Caring for Our Common Home Award! Thank you students and teachers for all of your hard work in preparing the Celebration of Learning assembly.
On Friday we were fortunate to have a visit from the Edmund Rice band. The highly interactive performance included hit songs, dancing, and games. All students really enjoyed the show and we give thanks to the Edmund Rice teachers and students for coming to visit us.
Year 5 called on the expertise of their Year 6 leader, Marco, to support them with their public speaking preparation today. Marco, a Diocesan finalist last year, was more than happy to share some tips and advice.
Kindergarten will be attending an excursion to Shoalhaven Zoo on Friday 15 September. The excursion includes exclusive lessons with a ranger and a guided tour of the zoo. The students will explore many native and exotic species in their custom-designed enclosures to mimic their native environment. Students will explore environments from wetlands, water lagoons, and bushland to beaches, how each is special, and why we should care for them. In the Farmyard, children will hand-feed animals and investigate where food comes from and discuss the ways we care for animals.
Excursion details are:
On: Friday 15 September
Time: 8.30 am-3.30 pm
Bring: Small backpack with recess, lunch, water, school hat, raincoat, and jumper.
Permission: Parents to complete the Compass online permission for children to attend.
3rd September - 9th September
This year National Child Protection Week will continue to champion the message ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’. This message captures the essence of National Child Protection Week which aims to promote a safe and supported life for every child, now and into the future.
The aim of Child Protection Week is to bring together partners to focus on addressing the significant harms being experienced by children in Australia. By working collectively to change the trajectory of these children and families, we can reduce the number of children who may come in contact with the child protection system. The time to act is now.
The "NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook" is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents, carers, and teachers on a range of topics essential to child safety. The Handbook's emphasis is on prevention. Our children are precious and all of us who live and work with them will find information in the Handbook useful to keep them safe.
Child Protection Week | Parent Information Sessions available
CatholicCare is running Parent Information sessions on various topics during Child Protection Week. Locally at St John's Dapto and St Patrick's Port Kembla have sessions that the parents of St Francis are invited to attend. Please see the flyers below for more information and registration.
St Johns Dapto - 6 September 6pm -7pm
Supporting your child to develop resilience.
St Patricks Port Kembla - 7 September 6pm- 7 pm
Supporting your child in managing big emotions.
Jump Rope for Heart
We are skipping at St Francis of Assisi School!
It is so exciting to watch students practising their new skills in the playground. Whether they are skipping by themselves or in groups they have shown improvement and are exercising. Our school has 64% of registered students actively fundraising on
the Jump Rope for Heart portal. We have raised $2 371 and logged in 14.5 hours of skipping practice. Great job everyone!
If you would like to register your child, just go to www.jumprope.org.au/parents.
Try this week’s Skipping Challenges:
- Side Swing Criss Cross
- Teacher
Thank you for all your support.
Please contact Mrs Briscoe if you have any questions.
Dont' forget your HAT, DRINK BOTTLE and put your NAME on your property.
Term 4 Week 1
The official date for the children to change over to summer uniform is Monday 9 October (Term 4 Week 1). If there is an extra warmer day towards the end of term, parents are advised to use discretion, and summer uniform will be acceptable on these warmer days only, otherwise winter school uniform is compulsory. Full summer uniform is to be worn by all students from the beginning of Term 4.
Parents, can you please ensure all uniform pieces are relabeled clearly with your child’s name using a permanent marker. Students should know where their name is marked for easy checking. Please encourage your child to place all items straight into their bag rather than leaving them on the playground or in the classroom.
School Uniforms are available for purchase online via Lowes online, the link below. Please order with enough time for the current delivery delays. Lowes uniform price list is below.
These costs are included in the school fee account and payment is required. Please check your account and ensure payment is being made. Thank you.
* Reminder texts are automatically issued by the Catholic Education Office *
* Weekly BPay Payments are Required *
The Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev. Brian Mascord DD, has published a new document on the nature and purpose of Catholic schools in our diocese. Titled Bearers of Christ’s Love — Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong, this document is the first of its type in our diocese since the 1970s. In it, Bishop Brian explores the purpose of Catholic schools as an expression of the Church experience, as well as the vital connection between schools, parents/carers, parishes, and the diocese itself.
Throughout the document, Bishop Brian reiterates:
- The significant role Catholic schools play in the evangelising mission of the Church and the nurturing of students’ faith.
- The commitment of Catholic educators to complement and support the educational rights and duties of parents as their child’s first educator.
- The essential requirement for Catholic schools to be places of educational excellence, where learning, wellbeing and actions of outreach and service are integrated in a holistic educational vision and practice.
- That Catholic schools are places where those seeking a Catholic education are welcome, reflecting the diverse mix of cultures, nationalities and religious traditions that currently make up our school communities.
I encourage you to take the time to watch the short video from Bishop Brian and read this important document on the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong website.
Read LessASPIRE OSHC
Before & After school care
AVAILABLE at St Francis School
$500 Government Vouchers available to use
Visit Website: www.aspire-oshc.com.au/st-francis-of-assisi-warrawong
Book Now online here
Hello everyone
My name is Chloe and I am the Program Manager at Aspire OSHC St Francis of Assisi. I have been thrilled working at our service here in Warrawong and loving every second of spending time with our kids here at before and after school care. Moving forward we will be providing vacation care combined with our sister service Kemblawarra providing school holiday care from 7 am until 6 pm. I can’t wait to hopefully meet some new faces! Our official program will be coming out in the coming weeks, I can't wait to share it with all of you. Please do not hesitate to contact me on the above-mentioned mobile number or email.
Chloe Newman
Program Manager
ASPIRE OSHC
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