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Dear Parents and Carers,
On Sunday, we celebrated PENTECOST - the birthday of the church and the feast of the Holy Spirit. The body of Christ is made up of many diverse persons with diverse gifts, all to be used to build up the church by sharing our gifts. We are given the task of bridging the gaps and bringing down the barriers that separate people.
After Pentecost, the disciples' mindsets dramatically and dynamically changed. Instead of being self-centred, they became Christ-centred. Their deepest desire was to lift up and exalt the name of Jesus. No longer were they driven to seek status and prestige; they were now concerned about the plight of others. 
We are called to embody the Spirit as beacons of light, hope, and healing for the world. Let us:
~ not be afraid to embrace the call of the Holy Spirit as we move into a more critical world and more challenging environment.
~ equip ourselves with a faithful discipleship that unites us into a witnessing community. Then, guided by the Holy Spirit and open to a world of complexity, we can live up to our prophetic call to be a model and a beacon of hope for humanity.
~ go forward and become the sign of hope and reconciliation for all people.
~ continue to show the world that we can move from fear to perfect love.
During May, we have been thinking and praying to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. In Mary, we admire the work of God’s love and joyfully contemplate the fullness of grace to which we are all called.
During this month of devotion to Mary, we also celebrate the Church’s first World Children’s Day (25-26 May), when thousands of boys and girls will meet the Pope in Rome. Let us ask Mary, our Mother, to pray for children.
In his message to children on World Children's Day, Pope Francis reminds all children they are precious in God’s eyes and they “are a source of joy” for their parents, families, and the Church. The theme Pope Francis has chosen for the World Day for Children is “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5). We make things new, the Pope explains, by taking little steps “like saying hello to others, asking permission, begging pardon, and saying thank you.”
In reminding children that God “looks upon us with the eyes of a loving father and a gentle mother” who never forgets us, Pope Francis gives us a tender prayer we can say for all children as we look forward to the Church’s First World Children’s Day:
Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty reflected in the faces of children all over the world. Come, Jesus, you who make all things newThB who are the way that leads us to the Father, come and remain with us always. Amen.
We are all beloved children of God. Therefore let us pray with Pope Francis and ask the Holy Spirit to help us see how we can more deeply accept and love children in our families, school and parish community.
Welcome to the Miners family
This week we welcome the Miners family into our school community. Welcome Lorrayne (Kindergarten). The staff and students have enjoyed meeting you. We look forward to working in partnership with you and your family.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
Semester One Reports - Kindergarten- Year 6
As you may be aware, the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) have undertaken a comprehensive review of the NSW Curriculum, leading to curriculum reform and subsequent implementation of a reformed curriculum which commenced in 2023. In response to the curriculum changes, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has made significant modifications to student semester reports for Primary schools to better reflect your child's academic progress at key points throughout the year and provide parents and carers with a clear picture of their child’s strengths and areas for improvement in specific subject areas.
The following changes will be evident in your child’s semester report from Semester 1 2024:
- A ‘new look’ report format released via Compass reflecting the outcomes of the new K-10 English and Mathematics syllabuses providing a descriptor for each of the focus areas found in the respective syllabuses
- All Kindergarten students will now receive a written report in Semester 1 and Semester 2 with a three-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:
- Thorough
- Sound
- Basic
- Students in Year 1 - Year 6 will continue to receive semester reports twice a year with a five-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:
- Extensive
- Thorough
- Sound
- Basic
- Elementary
Report formats are also available for students who are working towards outcomes by which a graded report will not accurately represent their learning progress. As an alternative to a graded report, a comment is provided for each Key Learning Area in line with the student’s goals identified in their Personalised Plan. These reports are only used following consultation between school and parents/carers.
We look forward to this positive shift in our reporting system and appreciate your continued support in your child's educational journey.
Reports will be made available via Compass on Friday 28 June - Week 9. Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences (K-Year 5) will be held from Week 8-10. More information will be shared via Compass when these are available to book in times.
Year 6 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences will be held early in Term 3.
The video below is also very helpful in understanding the changes made to reporting this year.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about student reporting.
PB4L
This fortnight, our focus has been:
Be Responsible - Looking after our playground space. We have been focusing on keeping our eating areas tidy. After each break, students are reminded to check their areas. Being responsible means taking care of each area, and picking up rubbish even if it is not your own, without needing to be asked. Teachers also support this by encouraging students and modelling responsible behaviours.
Our Social and Emotional Learning focus has been making effort. Students have been encouraged to concentrate on making their best effort at all times - in learning, friendships, and interactions with others. By trying their best and making an effort, students are showing that they care about and value themselves and those around them.
Playground Equipment - Request for donations
As part of our review of playground areas, we are kindly asking for any donations of pre-loved play equipment from your homes if your children no longer use it.
Some of the donation items could include:
- Matchbox cars, mini monster trucks, car mats, etc.
- Puzzles, board games, card games for wet weather
- Buckets, spades, sand toys for the sand area
- Lego or blocks
- Basketballs, soccer balls, handballs
- Marbles, marble run equipment
- Wool, craft items
Thank you in advance for your support. If you have an item and are unsure if it could be used please contact Mr Murphy to check.
Thank you to the Stoikovski, Molter, Sherrell and Di Fazio families for their generous donations so far, we all greatly appreciate it.
Tell Them From Me (TTFM) ~ Partners in Learning Survey
A reminder that this survey closes tomorrow. We would greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey, if you are able.
These surveys are an important part of our school evaluation and planning process.
We value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student faith, learning, and wellbeing at St Francis of Assisi.
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:
* Survey closes Friday 24 May 4:30 pm *
Assembly Dates Term 2
As you may have noticed, we have moved many of our Friday assemblies to the mornings. We will continue to trial this during Term 2 and ask for your feedback, if any, for improvements that could be made.
There are some clashes on the calendar and other events that have been previously booked. Please see below for the assembly dates and times for Term 2.
| Week | Type | Date / Time |
| 4 | Award Assembly | Friday 24 May 2:20pm |
| 5 | Celebration of Learning - Year 2 | Friday 31 May 2:10pm |
| 6 | Award Assembly | Thursday 6 June 8:45am |
| 7 | Award Assembly | Thursday 13 June 2:20pm |
| 8 | Award Assembly | Friday 21 June 8:45am |
| 9 | Award Assembly | Friday 28 June 8:45am |
| 10 | Celebration of Learning - Year 1 | Thursday 4 July 2:10pm |
Reminder about special achievements for assemblies
A reminder that this form is available if you would like us to recognise your child's achievement at our Friday assembly. This could be a sporting achievement, dancing, singing, performing achievement, martial arts, etc. Anything that your child has achieved outside of school. We would love to share the good news stories of our students.
AEDC
Playground Equipment
We are very excited to have the installation of new playground equipment, seating and storage for our grass and concrete playgrounds. The students are very excited about using the new equipment, and we hope it will improve their well-being and social skills.
All classes will be going through explicit lessons with their teachers to outline the expectations for using the new equipment safely and responsibly.
Mr Brett Murphy
Acting Assistant Principal
Laudato Si’ Week
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
Pentecost Sunday
Thank you to all those who attended our Pentecost celebrations last Sunday. Special thanks to those who had key roles during the Mass - our flag bearers, our readers, and those involved in the gospel procession. It was lovely to see some of our families at the multicultural lunch in the hall after Mass, too.
Our Lady Help of Christians
Tomorrow, 24 May, our school will be attending the 9 am parish Mass for the Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians - patroness of Australia and the Military Ordinariate. The early Church in Australia was mostly priestless and it was largely the Rosary that kept the faith alive. During the Opening Prayer on Friday, the Church will pray that through Our Lady’s intercession, God will “grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens”, so that “under her protection, Australia may be granted harmony, justice and peace”. As always, all are welcome to join us at Mass on Friday.
National Sorry Day (26 May) & Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June)
Reconciliation Week follows National Sorry Day which is celebrated on the 26th May. National Sorry Day is a day to pause and remember the Stolen Generations of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples. On Monday morning, we will gather in the hall for a liturgy to commemorate Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. All are welcome to join us. Later in the day, Uncle Kev - a survivor of the Stolen Generations - will speak with the children.
Our School Values
As communicated in our previous newsletter, the value we have been focusing on this term is faith. At St Francis of Assisi, we value faith because the ethos of a Catholic school is centered on the person of Jesus and we want others to know Him. At our Principal and Values Award Assembly next Friday, the value award for faith will be presented to one student from each class.
The Feast of the Visitation
The Church celebrates the feast of the Visitation each year on May 31. As our Sisters are Daughters of Our Lady of the Visitation, this is their feast day, too. You may recall that around this time last year, Bishop Brian Mascord celebrated Mass at Warrawong as part of opening a Holy Year to mark the Centenary of their Congregation in Vietnam. Well, this year a special Mass will be celebrated in Vietnam to celebrate the closing of theirJubilee Year.
Sr Anna, Sr Lucy, Sr Mary, and Sr Elizabeth are already over in Vietnam, preparing to celebrate their convent’s 100-year anniversary. We thank the sisters for their vocation and service to our school and parish communities. Next week, Fr Damien, Deacon Lawrie, myself, and a group of parishioners from Berkeley and Warrawong will be heading over to Vietnam to join the sisters for their centenary celebrations. Please keep the sisters and all of those travelling to Vietnam in your prayers.
Upcoming Feasts - Trinity Sunday & Corpus Christi
This weekend, our Church will celebrate Trinity Sunday. Whilst the concept of a ‘3 in 1’ God is a bit of a ‘mystery’, the doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most fundamental in our Christian faith. We express our belief in a Trinitarian God every time we make the sign of the cross. It is important to note that we don’t believe in three gods but rather three “persons” or “forms” of the one God: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. The term ‘consubstantial’, which is used in the Nicene Creed, aims to express that all three “forms” come from the same source or substance. Perhaps one of the most useful analogies for this otherwise complex teaching could be to consider water, ice and steam. Whilst their forms are different, they are composed of the same substance. Regardless of our understanding of the Trinity, what really matters is that we have a God who loves us and desires to be in a relationship with us.
Next weekend, our Church will celebrate Corpus Christi. The name “Corpus Christi” is a Latin phrase that refers to the body of Christ. The Catholic Church teaches that the bread and wine offered on the altar at Mass, is transformed and really becomes Christ’s Body and Blood.
“Every year, the feast of Corpus Christi invites us to renew the wonder and joy for this wonderful gift of the Lord, which is the Eucharist.” - Pope Francis
Ms Marita Maloney
Religious Coordinator
Alpha No. 2 - 4 June 2024
Our parish has teamed up with St Patrick’s, Port Kembla to run the next Alpha program. Alpha is a series that explores Christianity, which includes a meal, great video input, and small-group conversation, in a welcoming and relaxed space.
The first Alpha session in the new series will be held at the St Patrick's Catholic Parish Hall in Port Kembla on Tuesday 4th June, starting at 7:00 pm with dinner.
REGISTER HERE FOR ALPHA
(Please complete one registration per person)
| Date | Event | Attending | Venue |
|
Tuesday 28 May |
Diocesan Cross Country | Selected Students | Willandra Farm, Nowra |
| Friday 14 June | School Athletics Carnival | K-6 | Myimbarr Oval, Shellharbour |
| Tuesday 18 June | Sam Bremner Girls Tackle Rugby League Gala Day | Selected Year 5-6 girls | Croome Rd Sporting Complex |
| Tuesday 25 June | Netball Gala Day | Selected Year 3-6 students | Fred Finch Park, Berkeley |
| Term 2 | Sporting Schools - Volleyball | Year 2-6 | School |
On Wednesday 22 May at noon our school participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centers, family homes, bookshops, and many other places around the country. 2024's chosen book was Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker
This picture book from Aurea Parker stars a beautiful bowerbird on the search for blue! It's a moving story of longing and connection, that unfolds as the bowerbird's search sends him soaring across the sea, sky, and city.
Hi St Francis of Assisi Community! My name is Mel Jennison (Miss Mel to the kids) and I am the new Student Wellbeing Officer with CatholicCare. I have been enjoying getting to know the wonderful students and staff at St Francis. You may hear about me bringing sensory toys for passive play, tending to our garden with some enthusiastic helpers, running girl's groups, boy's groups or I might be taking students for brain breaks, helping in classrooms, or delivering other social and emotional learning programs. Our school counsellor Catriona and I have been very impressed by Year 3 and their thoughtful engagement in learning about feelings and superpowers. Did you know that all feelings are ok? That was a big moment for us all to realise. Our girls group showed some wonderful examples of being assertive this week, and how this communication style can be used. As for me, I work in wellbeing across three of our Diocese schools now, and I am very blessed to be able to support students in this way. I am a mum of two, I have a very cute new puppy, and I love to go for a nice beach walk whenever I can. Thanks to all the beautiful students and staff for being so welcoming.
Exciting News: Introducing Our New Library Reward System!
Attention all bookworms and knowledge seekers! We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new reward system at the library. Say hello to the "Best Borrowing Class" title and trophy!
Here's how it works: Throughout the term, we'll be keeping a keen eye on the borrowing habits of each class. The class with the highest percentage of students actively borrowing books will earn the prestigious title of "Best Borrowing Class" along with a shiny trophy to display in your classroom.
Why participate? Not only will you be promoting a culture of reading and learning within your class, but you'll also have the chance to showcase your class's commitment to knowledge exploration and academic curiosity.
So, rally your classmates, dive into our extensive collection, and let the borrowing begin! Who will emerge as the ultimate champions of the library? The race is on!
Happy borrowing
Ms Martins & Mrs Burrows
CANTEEN OPEN
Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
ONLINE ORDERS PREFERRED
We thank you and our parent helper for your support to enable the Canteen to be open on a Friday for the children. The Menu has lots of options and to assist with lunch orders, the online ordering the night before is preferred to assist with stock supplies. Simply set up an account with School Connect, see details below, it is quick and easy. Cash orders are also available on the day, although some items may not be in stock and an alternative will be offered. The Canteen is also open for children to purchase over the counter at Recess and Lunch.
- New Menu - lots of healthy yummy options
- Online Ordering
- Recess lunch orders available
- Birthday buckets
- New Canteen items for children to purchase at Recess and Lunch
School photo day was held last week. Online ordering will be closing soon. If you have not ordered your child/ren's 2024 school photos, this is available following the information below.
Before & After school care
AVAILABLE at St Francis School
Visit Website: www.aspire-oshc.com.au/st-francis-of-assisi-warrawong
Book Now online here
School Fee Payments
Check your instalment schedule and adjust your payment amounts as per the due dates.
Attention Parents, 2024 Fee Invoices have been issued and statements are emailed monthly. This is an Annual amount for 2024, if you have nominated to pay by instalments this payment schedule will be on the second page of the statement. Please check the instalment schedule amounts and due dates. You need to check this and make adjustments to your payments as needed.
The Parent Compass Portal has your school fee account information by clicking the Payments Centre green box above "My News". Payments can be paid online by clicking "School Fees Action Required". Full payment is due by 28 February unless the below instalment form has been submitted and you have set up these payments on your Compass portal or Bpay using the details on the Fee Statement emailed. Fee instalments set up last year will roll over and continue automatically this year. The pay instalment schedule is listed on page 2 of the fee statement. See further details below.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
▪ The invoicing of school fees and the distribution of school fee statements each month, is now a function carried out by the Catholic Education Office.
▪ Payment of fees, whether as an annual payment or payment by instalments is due on the date/s provided on your school fee statement.
▪ If an amendment is made to your school fee account eg your child changes subjects in a secondary school, etc. you will be emailed a statement which will provide a new schedule of payments and due dates. Please review this schedule to make any changes to your payments that are necessary.
Primary school families will note on their 2024 school fee statements a change in name in relation to the "SEDSO Levy". This levy has now been renamed and will be known as "Primary Building Levy". This is not an additional fee, merely a name change and funds are still used to provide capital grants to schools for new facilities and to meet loan payments for school buildings. We are currently in the process of amending all documentation and websites to reflect this variation.
REMINDERS FOR LATE PAYMENTS
SMS and email reminders are automatically generated by our accounting software based on the number of days a payment is overdue and are distributed by the Catholic Education Office. For those families that may have difficulty in paying their school fees, these reminders may cause some distress. This is not our intention. Our intention is to support the collection of school fee accounts centrally and in so doing,
alleviate some of the administrative work of our schools.
SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES
Please note, despite the centralisation of various functions, your school/s will always be your point of contact for matters pertaining to fees. If you wish to discuss your school fee account, please contact your school office. The role of the Catholic Education Office is to action centralised tasks on behalf of schools.
IF YOU WISH TO PAY BY INSTALMENTS
Many families have already elected to pay their school fees by instalments. If you wish to avail yourself of this option please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on your school’s website or at your school’s office. On completion of the request either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit at your school’s office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your account and a schedule of payments and due dates will be provided on your next school fee statement. Please note it is only necessary to complete this form once during the period of child/children’s enrolment unless you wish to amend your payment frequency.
DIFFICULTY WITH PAYMENT
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, we encourage you to contact the school in which your child/children are enrolled to discuss an arrangement that will assist you meet your commitments. This may include the completion of a Diocesan Application for Fee Concession which is available from the administration office of each school. Be reassured that your situation will be treated with strict confidentiality and respect for your circumstances. If you wish to submit an application, please do so at your child’s school. Please note, if you have children in more than one school, it will only be necessary to submit one application. For those families that received a Fee Concession in 2022, you will receive an email prior to your annual review date attaching a further Application for Fee Concession. You may also initiate an earlier review if you wish to do so by contacting your school office. For further information regarding school fees, please access the Diocesan School Fee Management
Policy and Frequently Asked Questions which is available on your school’s website.
All school information is available on the Parent Compass Portal. Please regularly visit your portal to keep up to date with your child's education including Parent permissions, Sport carnivals and excurions, school fee account, attendance and absences, school reports, school events and more. Do not hesitate to contact the School Office if you have any questions or require assistance to access your parent portal. Thank you.
Police visited our school at dismissal on Monday and noticed vehicles not obeying the road rules. The front of the school is a 'No Parking' area. You can stop for less than 2 minutes to drop off or pick up only. You cannot park here and cannot leave your vehicle during 8.00 - 9.30 and 2.30-4.00 as indicated on the sign. There is also a 'No Stopping' sign on the corner approaching the front of the school. This sign means you must not stop at any point on the road or kerb in the direction of the arrow. When using this area to drop off or collect your children from school, the line must be moving. These rules are enforced by the NSW Government and must be followed. If you need to help your child put on their seat belt:
- Leave pick-up to a later time
- Use pickup from the back lane
- Find parking and collect students from the front gate
The NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents and carers on a range of topics essential to child safety. The updated digital edition (link below) includes important content updates from Fire and Rescue NSW (home fire safety), Transport NSW (school bus and seat belt safety), NSW Department of Communities and Justice (keeping children safe), eSafety Commissioner and NSW Rural Fire.
