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Dear Parents and Carers
Scripture Reflection - Jesus teaches about forgiveness: Matthew 18:21-35.
May we be willing to forgive others as generously as God forgives us? From the heart!
I would like to acknowledge and thank the leadership team and our staff. Thank you for all you do for our students and their families; as mentioned, we have had some very significant events in our school this term. It takes a team effort from staff, parents and students for these events to be successful. Thank you, everyone!
Students return to school on Monday 9 Monday 2023.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
Thank you, Mr Murphy
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Mr Murphy for stepping into the role of Acting Assistant Principal in Mr Green's absence.
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, leadership and commitment to our school community. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. Thank you for stepping into this important role. Mr Green will return from leave in Term 4. A special thank you also to Mrs Agius for working in partnership with Mr Murphy in 5 Blue this term.
NSWPSSA Golf
While we are acknowledging Mr Murphy, we would like to congratulate him on his selection as the MacKillop official at the NSWPSSA Golf Championships last week. The MacKillop Team won the Ambrose event, as well as the team Nett event. Mr Murphy also received a Service Award from the NSW School Sport Unit for 10 years of service to the sport. Well done, Mr Murphy!
Catholic Mission Launch
Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying our school vice captains, Tahlia and Samuel, at the annual launch of Catholic Mission Month, led by Bishop Brian Mascord at Holy Spirit College Bellambi. We look forward to working with our school community early next term to support the work of Catholic Mission. May we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope and love to those who need it most.
Holiday Reading
Over the holiday break, all our students are encouraged to read every day. Reading is a very important and necessary skill that we use every day. It is a skill that we use when reading books and magazines, watching TV, shopping and playing games.
By reading every day, your child will be reinforcing good reading habits. Parents and carers are encouraged to help their children find fun and interesting books, fiction and non-fiction. It is important for your child to read aloud to someone and just as important for them to listen and enjoy stories being read to them. We all know that reading is one of the most important fundamental skills children must master to succeed; almost everything we do involves reading of some form. Happy reading!
Return in summer uniform on Monday 9 October
Students will return in Term 4 wearing their summer school uniform. Please note students' hair, uniform, and appearance should be in such a condition so as to invite only positive comments. Haircuts must be neat and tidy. Long hair is to be tied back. When your child grows out of their shoes, please be reminded the students are required to wear the correct black leather school shoes and predominately white school joggers for sport. Some students are wearing black shoes with white soles instead of the correct black leather school shoes with their summer uniform. Thank you for supporting our uniform policy. Please ensure students return to school next term following all school uniform expectations. Thank you.
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Lost Property
Parents and carers, we have a large number of jumpers and jackets in the lost property tub. Please let your teacher know if your child has misplaced any of these items. Any items not collected by the end of Term 3 will be washed and placed in the clothing pool.
PB4L
In Weeks 9 and 10, we have been focusing on 'Being Safe - Ensuring our behaviours are considerate of the safety of ourselves and others' and 'Being Responsible - Making the right choices'.
Students have been learning about the importance of making decisions which positively support them and others. They have identified safe behaviours and how they can take care of themselves and others. Students have learned that our choices have consequences, both positive and negative, and that considering the consequences before making a decision will guide them in making positive, life-giving choices.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Our Social and Emotional Learning focus for Week 9 and 10 this term has been Teamwork and Conflict Resolution. Students have been learning about how they can effectively work with their peers in different team environments, to achieve desired outcomes. Students have also enjoyed learning skills in dealing with potential conflict that can arise, particualrly with their peer groups. As a school, we are proud when we observe students putting these skills in place in the school environment.
ICAS
Congratulations to Adam (Year 3) who received a Credit in the ICAS English Assessment. This is a terrific result, and places him in the top 35% of all students Year 3 who completed this assessment.
Congratulations also goes to Adam (Year 3) and Ali (Year 5) for receiving Participation awards in the ICAS Science Assessments.
Congratulations, Adam and Ali!
Thank you
I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past two terms in Mr Green's absence. We are looking forward to his return next term.
Wishing everyone in our school community a safe and enjoyable pupil vacation period. We look forward with earnest to a busy and exciting Term 4 ahead.
Feast of St Francis of Assisi - Warrawong Parish Feast Day
As a school community, we will be celebrating our patron’s feast day on Friday 13 October. Our day will involve engaging in prayer and activities about St Francis and having a sausage sizzle lunch. As part of the day’s activities, the sisters are looking forward to showing the students what their convent looks like and sharing with them a little more about what the Daughters of Our Lady of the Visitation sisters do. (Sr Anna tells me there will be a celebratory cupcake for everyone, too!)
First Holy Communion Program
As advertised at the beginning of the year, preparation for the First Holy Communion program will take place during Term 4. Please be aware of the upcoming dates regarding this year’s program:
- Information Night:
Tues 10 Oct @ 6pm (St Francis of Assisi Church) - Commitment Masses:
14 Oct (4pm Berkeley)
15 Oct (10:30am Warrawong) - Workshops Begin:
Week beginning 16 Oct - Workshop times will be advised at the information night.
The Bishop's Annual Appeal 2023
To learn more about the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and/or to donate to this year’s appeal, visit the website here.
Ms Marita Maloney
Religious Education Coordinator
What an amazing way to finish the end of Week 9 with a visit to Shoalhaven Zoo. Kindergarten, you should be congratulated on the way you engaged in our excursion. The excitement and smiles on your faces were infectious. Kindy had the best time!
On Thursday 14 September, we acknowledged R U OK? Day. A day where we are reminded to check in with our friends and family. The simple question means so much. R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through life’s ups and downs. At St Francis, we support students in learning how to start a conversation with their peers and to build the social and emotional skills of children by helping them develop the skills they need to support each other and be good friends.
Congratulations to Linda (Year 5) and Marco (Year 6), who today competed in the Southern Region Public Speaking finals at Fairy Meadow. Both students were terrific representatives of our school and should be extremely proud of how they spoke. Congratulations to both Linda and Marco.
| Mateo | Levi | Antonio | Eunique | Manee | Tahlia |
The exhibition will remain open from 6 October through to 29 October at the Wollongong City Art Gallery, Corner Kembla and Burelli Streets, Wollongong. Artworks can be viewed over the holiday period. Art Gallery opening details: Tues - Fri 10 am-5 pm and Weekends 12-4 pm.
Staff and Student Birthdays
Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthdays in October:
Daniel. F, Quinten.B, Fatima.A, Fatima.H, Andre.T, Serena, Ahmad, Manee, Ace, Ali.H and Ms Maloney
P&F General Meeting
Tuesday 24 October (Term 4 Week 3) 9:00am
P&F AGM
Tuesday 27 February 2024 (Term 1 Week 5) Time TBC
All parents, grandparents and carers are welcome to come along to these meetings. Join in the conversation on what is happening at St Francis, join the committee and help make a difference to our school community.
Our school takes part in the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment. This will take place from Wednesday 31 January to Tuesday 6 February, and your child will be rostered to attend a 1-hour session during this time. Due to the Best Start Assessment schedule, all Kindergarten students will commence their first day of school on Wednesday 7 February 2024. Information about Best Start, including a letter and handouts, will be provided at Orientation. We look forward to meeting with you again and sharing your child’s educational journey. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office.
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.
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Parents, can you please ensure all uniform pieces are labelled 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 at the link below. Please order with enough time for the current delivery delays. Lowes uniform price list is below.
Whom to Contact
We know that when parents have a concern that relates to their child at school, whether it is pastoral, academic, or staffing in nature, they may be unsure of who to approach.
- Communications of classroom concerns should be directed at first to your child’s teacher. In our experience, any of these concerns can often be most quickly resolved by talking to the class teacher as they know your child best.
- If you have an issue with a particular staff member, first try to address those concerns with that staff member directly.
- If you have discussed with your child’s teacher and the issue has not been addressed to your satisfaction, then please speak to the Office and make an appointment to speak a member of the school leadership team.
- Please recognise that as a school, we operate with openness, collaboration and the shared best interest for every student.
How we communicate
As a school, we communicate with parents in a range of ways:
- Compass Parent Portal News
- Compass App notifications
- Weekly planner
- Facebook notifications
- Fortnightly newsletters
- School website
- Weekly assemblies each Friday afternoon
- Weekly Flag Raising each Monday morning
- Hard copy notes
- Emails
- Absences via Compass
How to Communicate
The clearest form of communication is a discussion. Our classroom teachers are more than happy to make a time to meet with you to discuss your child. Please be aware, the teacher's time is limited as they must attend to their class during the school day and attend professional learning meetings on Wednesday afternoons. Emails are also an acceptable form of communication, please read further details below.
Emails and/or SeeSaw Communication
Email is seen as an effective form of communication between the school and parents/carers. By communicating via email and/or SeeSaw all users agree to adhere to the following expectations.
- To ensure the use of email communication between teachers and parents/carers is carried out in a mutually respectful manner.
- To ensure all email communication is treated in a confidential, legal, and ethical manner.
- Appreciate that using email to communicate does not result in an immediate response; however, acknowledgment of receipt will be responded to within 24-48 hours (workdays). Actual response to an email query may take up to 2 more days depending on the request.
- All email communication will be carried out in a professional and appropriate format and tone.
Time to Respond to Communication
- Teachers will make every effort to respond as soon as possible to parent communications, with the understanding that the teaching day precludes immediate responses.
- Teachers and staff may need some time to collect relevant information before responding.
- Teachers are teaching during school hours and a response will be acknowledged within 24-48 hours.
- Digital communication does not result in an immediate response, an acknowledgment of receipt will be responded within 24-48 hours (workdays).
Seesaw
Seesaw is an app that is used by our teachers and students. It is centred around the creation of personal student portfolios and student and family engagement.
Seesaw is a great way for parents to keep in touch with what their child has learned, how they express their ideas in the classroom, and, most importantly, how proud they are to show their work. Students are able to share what they know using photos, videos, drawings, text, PDFs, and links. Seesaw also provides an alternative means of communication between home and school.
We value our parent volunteers who kindly support and assist the school in school events and activities. We are required to update our Parent Volunteer Declarations for Child Protection in Schools. This form was sent home last week and we would appreciate it if you could please complete both sides of the form and return this for school records. Thank you for your assistance.
The Year 7, 2024 Orientation days will be held in Term 4. Please get in touch with the relevant high school to confirm and for further details.
| Holy Spirit College | 10 November 2023 |
| Corpus Christi High School | 14 November 2023 |
| St Joseph's High School | TBA |
| St Mary's Star of the Sea College | Contact the High School |
| Edmund Rice College | Contact the High School |
| State High Schools | Contact the High Schools |
The transition from primary to secondary school is an exciting but often nerve-wracking experience for students and their families.
Here are practical ways that parents and carers can assist with preparing their Year 6 student for secondary school:
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share helpful family stories about change (moving schools, new job, new lifestyle), particularly where there are examples of feeling nervous, making mistakes, and asking for help.
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practise travelling to the new school together during the holidays, so students feel confident doing it on their own when the school year begins.
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look at the high school’s website and social media pages together to see what sort of information you can find. Follow up with the school if you or your child have questions.
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check in with your new school about what orientation activities might be planned. And talk to your existing school: do they have any transition activities?
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importantly, talk with your young person about how they and their classmates are feeling about the move to secondary school. What are their challenges? What could help?
From The Conversation: ‘It makes me nervous: how to help your child prepare for high school'
A helpful guide for parents and carers who have a child moving into Year 7 is Starting Secondary School by renowned psychologist and author Michael Carr-Gregg and Sharon Witt.
This invaluable resource for Australian families provides all the tools and information parents and carers need for facing this major milestone in their child's life, with the latest advice on:
· Choosing the right school
· Settling into secondary school
· Homework, study tips and tricks
· Coping with stress, anxiety, and depression
· Social issues such as bullying and friendships
· Health and wellbeing, including the importance of sleep and diet
· Latest advice on mobile phones and technology
Published by Penguin Books, available from all major book retailers.
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Feast of St Francis of Assisi - Warrawong Parish Feast Day
St Francis of Assisi’s feast day is Wednesday 4 October which falls during the school holidays. Our parish community at Warrawong will be celebrating his feast day with 9 am Mass followed by a cup of tea. The parish will also hold a morning tea on Sunday 8 October after the 10:30 am Mass as an additional opportunity to celebrate our parish’s patronal feast. If you are around on the 4th or 8th, please feel most welcome to join the parish community.
Who We Are | Catholic Diocese of Wollongong
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