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- Holiday Vacation Care | Available
- Enrolling now 2024
- Year 6 Compass | Closing
- 2024 Photo Consent
- Parent Guide to Use Compass
- School Fees due by 30 November
- 2024 Fees & Instalment Payments
- 2024 Student Responsible Technology Agreement
- Parent Volunteer Declarations
- 2024 Term Dates
- Parish News
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Dear Parents and Carers
Reflection: Last Sunday, we celebrated the solemnity of Christ the King. This marks the last week of our liturgical year before we move into the new liturgical year, with the first week of Advent commencing next Sunday. In the Gospel last Sunday, Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus speaks of the final judgement, emphasising the importance of compassion and service to others, especially the least among us. Christ's kingship is not about power or dominance but about serving with love, kindness, and humility. In our daily school life, we strive to promote these values, recognising Christ in each person we meet and serve. As we celebrate Christ as our King, let us also commit to being His faithful servants in our community. Let's encourage our children to act with compassion and kindness, understanding that every act of love and service is an encounter with Jesus Himself. May the message of the Gospel inspire us to live out our faith with renewed commitment, seeing and serving Christ in everyone around us.
Congratulations, Mantineekran, from Year 6 Blue, who was selected to progress to the next stage of the Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition to be held at the University of Notre Dame Australia this Sunday 3 December. Manee's artworks will be judged alongside students from Wollongong, Bathurst and Sydney Archdiocese. All the best, Mantineekran.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
First Holy Communion
Year 6 Graduation and End of Year Celebrations (Whole School)
| Date | Time | Event | Grade |
| 1 December | 11.15 am | Year 6 2024 Leadership Speeches | Year 5 |
| 1 December | 6 - 8 pm | P&F Christmas Disco | K-6 |
| 5 December | 11.30 am | School Talent Quest | K-6 |
| 6 December | 9 - 1.30 pm | Year 6 Fun Day | Year 6 |
| 7 December | 9.30 am | 2024 Kindergarten Orientation | K2024 |
| 8 December | 9 am | Whole School End of Year Mass | K-6 |
| 8 December | 11.30 am | Christmas Concert and Raffle Draw | K-6 |
| 12 December | 6 pm | Year 6 Graduation | Year 6 |
| 15 December | 3 pm | Last Day of 2023 for students | K-6 |
Student Leaders 2024
Recently, our Year 5 students have been considering their call to leadership for 2024. 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 - Respect, Honesty, Acceptance, Forgiveness, Faith, Care 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 for the service of 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.
Tomorrow, our Year 5 candidates will present their speeches to their peers. Staff and students will have the opportunity to nominate students for these leadership roles. All the best, Year 5!
2024 Compulsory School Uniform requirements
When returning to school for the 2024 school year, all students will be required to be in the correct school uniform, including wearing the correct black leather school shoes and predominately white school joggers for sport. Parents are requested to purchase predominately white joggers at the start of the 2024 school year or when your child requires new shoes.
Examples of appropriate sports shoes for 2024.
2024 - Sports shoes do not need to be expensive; they can have some colour on them but must be predominately white. Thank you for your continued support.
The last day of school for students this year is Friday 15 December.
Please continue to read your Compass notifications regarding upcoming events and important end-of-year information.
School dates for 2024
Please note that students in Years 1 - 6 return for the 2024 school year on Wednesday 31 January. Kindergarten commences school on Wednesday 7 February.
Please remind your children, that school our school rules BE RESPONSIBLE, BE RESPECTFUL, BE SAFE are especially important as we approach the end of the term. As extra incentive, you can let them know that Santa is watching to see who’s naughty or nice!!
Maths Games
Playing games with family members is a fun and enjoyable way to explore mathematical concepts, strategies, engage in logical thought, and problem-solve. Games teach collaboration and help students and their families develop perseverance. Families who experience the games played in school at home with their children witness first-hand the utility of games as a vehicle for promoting mathematical thinking.
Families can play strategy games, such as, Connect 4, Junior Monopoly, Monopoly, Pass the Pigs, noughts and crosses, Mastermind, Guess Who, battleships, checkers, and chess, Mancala, card games (Set, Spot it) and dice games (Yahtzee). Families can make their own games, see 20 games for 5-8-year-olds or find games online.
You can also find fabulous online games at ABC games. Try Building Site, Photo Hunt, Spinners, Dice duels, Scatterplots, Graph Investigator, and many more.
As we come to the end of the school year, it is a time to celebrate each student's achievements and learning during the second half of the year. Student learning progress was formally reported to parents and carers on Friday 8 December. The Kindergarten to Year 6 Semester two reports are 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 KLA 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 KLA 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 an 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 a 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 KLA 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 judgment 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 KLA will vary from one reporting period to the next. The Common Grade Scale is included on the front of the report.
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 at the front of the report.
It is not unusual for a student’s overall grade to change from one reporting period to the next as the knowledge, skills, and understandings they learn in each KLA will vary from one reporting period to the next.
Important Dates
Semester two reports will be sent to parents, via the Compass Parent Portal on the afternoon of Friday 8 December. Parent/Teacher meetings are available upon request.
First Holy Communion
In this mosaic, we see only four loaves of bread in the basket.
Special thanks to Fr Gerard for the time and effort he invested into revising our current preparation program and for working closely with our parents during the preparation period. Thanks also to Fr Damien, Deacon Mick, Mrs Matos, Mrs Madaschi, and the Sisters for their contributions to the successful running of the program.
Thanks also to the Legion of Mary - a lay Catholic organisation in our church - who provided Rosary beads for all of the children, Mrs Sherrell for assisting Ms Maloney with compiling reflection books from the program, to Elise, Serefina and the parish choir for ensuring our ceremonies had quality music and to Deacon Mick for making sure we had cake at both of our gatherings!
Christmas Hampers for St Vincent de Paul
Our food items will be collected by representatives from the St Vincent de Paul society next Friday so they can be arranged into hampers and passed on to families in need in preparation for Christmas. Thanks again!
Caritas Australia - Appeals for Tonga, Sudan and Gaza
You may be familiar with the work of Caritas Australia as we support their humanitarian efforts during the Season of Lent with our Project Compassion boxes. There are currently 3 appeals being run by Caritas - one for Tonga, following last year’s volcanic eruption, one for Sudan, following violent clashes that began in April this year and one for Gaza, following the sudden escalation of hostilities in Israel and Gaza since early October. If you would like to donate to any of these appeals, the links can be found on the Caritas website: https://www.caritas.org.au/
End of Year Mass & Christmas Concert - Friday 8 December
Next Friday, the whole school will be joining the parish community to celebrate our End of Year Mass at 9 am. Kindergarten certificates will be presented at this Mass. Following recess, our Christmas concert will take place at 11:30 am. The classes have been preparing their performances all term and are looking forward to sharing them with the wider school community. Parents, carers, and families are warmly invited to join us for both of these events next Friday.
Advent - Happy New Year … Almost!
It may seem early to be considering New Year’s resolutions, however, in our Church, the new liturgical year begins this weekend with the First Sunday of Advent. With that in mind, now is as good a time as any to be thinking about making some New Year’s resolutions around our spiritual life and well-being. These 10 Attitudes for Advent from CatholicLink might be a good place to start.
Arguably, one of the most widely recognised symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. The Advent wreath symbolises our spiritual preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. During Advent, we prepare our hearts to receive the Good News that God has blessed our world with the birth of Jesus by allowing our loving God - who is with us always - to enter our hearts. It is a time of watching, waiting, hoping and praying. Perhaps one of your New Year’s resolutions could be to invest in your family’s prayer life. You may like to set up an Advent wreath in your home and use it when you pray together as a family.
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The Advent Wreath’s evergreen, circular shape reminds us of God’s endless love for us.
- The three violet (purple) candles remind us of our waiting, longing and preparation for Jesus’ coming at Christmas.
- The rose (pink) candle reminds us of the joy and hope that will replace our longing, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
- The white candle, if included, is the sign of Jesus’ birth and the new life that comes to us through his death and resurrection.
Lighting the candles of the Advent wreath:
- First Sunday & week of Advent: light only 1 violet candle.
- Second Sunday & week of Advent: light 2 violet candles.
- Third Sunday & week of Advent: light 2 violet candles and the rose candle.
- Fourth Sunday & week of Advent: light 3 violet candles and the rose candle.
- Christmas Day – light all candles.
Parish Sacramental Programs for 2024
A letter went home from the parish last week regarding the Sacramental programs being offered in our parish next year. This letter was given to children in Years 2 and 5 who have been baptised in the Catholic faith. If your child did not receive a note and you would like one, please let Ms Maloney know.
Term 1 - Reconciliation program- Term 2 - Confirmation program
- Term 4 - First Communion program
Please note: We are not collecting enrolment forms at school. These are to be returned to Fr Damien, Deacon Mick or Deacon Lawrie at our weekend Masses.
Wishing you a blessed Advent and a happy liturgical new year!
Ms Marita Maloney
Religious Education Coordinator
| Date | Event | Attending | Venue |
| Friday 16 February | Swimming Carnival | Year 2-6 | Berkeley Pool |
| Friday 22 March | School Cross Country Carnival | K-6 | Integral Energy Park, Kembla Grange |
| Friday 14 June | School Athletics Carnival | K-6 | Myimbarr Oval, Shellharbour |
Year 6 will celebrate the end of their primary education with a fun day at Port Kembla Pools on Wednesday 6 December, 8.45 am - 1.30 pm. Parents are required to make transport arrangements for their child to be taken to and from the venue. Please see more details in the attached note. Permission to attend is required on the Parent Compass Portal. Please contact the School Office if you require assistance. Thank you.
We are proud of our students who received Principal & Value Awards at the Week 7 Celebration of Learning Assembly, Congratulations.
Last Friday Kindergarten had an opportunity to share their learning with our school community. During the assembly, the students led us in prayer with a beautiful song called "One Family". They presented their stories, shared their artworks, and captivated us with a song and video capturing their learning this year. Well done Kindergarten, congratulations on your commitment to your faith, learning and wellbeing.
Last week, Kindergarten students attended the Pevan and Sarah show at the IPAC in Wollongong. It was a wonderful performance of educational and entertaining songs and dances.
For many children, it was their first time experiencing a concert. It was so much fun! The students enjoyed singing and dancing to familiar songs with Pevan and Sarah "in real life".
A special thank you to all of the staff involved for organising such a fun excursion, driving us there and back, and for supporting us, and singing and dancing with us too!
The Kindergarten 2024 Orientation meeting will be held on Thursday 7 December from 9.30-10.30 in the School Hall. Please note all families are required to attend this meeting where important information in preparation for your child starting school next year will be provided. The Kindergarten 2024 students are also to attend as they will be visiting their classroom.
Please contact the School Office if you have any questions. Thank you.
Staff and Student Birthdays
Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthdays in December:
Mikayla.R, Karem, Mohamad.J, George, Samuel, Genevieve, Sophie, Joy, Joshua.C, Batoul.S, Braedyn.S, Hudson, Aya.H, Roman.P, Fatima.K,
Mrs George and Mr Murphy
Christmas Raffle ~ Class Prizes
Some of the class prizes on offer this year.
INVITATION P&F AGM
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 in our school community.
Tuesday 27 February 2024, 3.00 pm (Term 1 Week 5)
A friendly reminder the Compass account for Year 6 students will automatically close at the end of the school year. Please remember to log in and download your child's school reports for your own records before Friday 16 December 2022.
Annual digital form for student image consent
The safety and well-being of students are always our first priority. This includes protecting their privacy and respecting the wishes of parents and carers regarding the use of student photos, images, and work at all times. At the start of each school year, you are asked to complete a paper form to provide your consent for images of your child to appear in various places (e.g., in school newsletters, social media, and promotional material). From 2023, this form will become digital and will be shared with you as an event in Compass. In the same way that you provide consent for your child to attend an excursion, you will now be able to simply reply to a Compass event to provide (or decline) consent related to the use of your child’s image or works.
What do you need to do? follow the below information:
A friendly reminder to please check your Fee Account on Compass to ensure your payments are being made and the account will be paid by 30th November. If you require any assistance or are having any financial difficulty, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office.
and
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 *
PLEASE RETURN FORM
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 term 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.
| Term 1 | Tuesday 30 January - Friday 12 April | |
| Tuesday 30 January | PUPIL FREE DAY | |
| Wednesday 31 January | 1st Day of School Years 1 - 6 | |
| Wednesday 7 February | 1st Day for Kindergarten | |
| Wednesday 13 March | NAPLAN begins for Years 3 and 5 | |
| Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April | Easter | |
| TBA | PUPIL FREE DAY | |
| Term 2 | Monday 29 April - Friday 5 July | |
| TBA | PUPIL FREE DAY | |
| Term 3 | Monday 22 July - Friday 27 September | |
| TBA | PUPIL FREE DAY | |
| Term 4 | Monday 14 October - Friday 20 December | |
| Wednesday 18 December | Last day for Students | |
| Thursday 19 & Friday 20 December | PUPIL FREE DAYS |
Baubles for our Parish Christmas Trees
You may have noticed some cardboard Christmas baubles being distributed in our parish churches last weekend for children and/or families to take home, colour, cut out and turn into an ornament for our parish Christmas trees.
Who We Are | Catholic Diocese of Wollongong
