St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Primary School Warrawong eNewsletter

Dear Parents and Carers

Scripture Reflection

Last Sunday's Gospel focused on our faith in Jesus' presence in the Eucharist. Jesus is the bread of life.
In John 6:41-51, Jesus declares, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever." This passage invites us to recognise the profound spiritual nourishment Jesus offers, especially through the Eucharist. As parents, we are reminded that our role goes beyond providing for our children's physical and emotional needs; we are also called to nurture their spiritual lives. The Eucharist offers us the nourishment we need. We celebrate this gift of Jesus each time we gather for Mass.

Year 6 Mass with the Bishop
The annual Year 6 Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord is an opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist and remind students how they can foster their relationships with Jesus through compassionate actions and loving words as they grow. It was a very prayerful celebration of the Eucharist. Following the Mass, the students were able to enjoy entertainment provided by the staff at St John's. Students had the opportunity to mingle, sing and dance together. Thank you to Ms Maloney and Mr Gilmore, who supported our Year 6 students on the day.

Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL

St Francis of Assisi acknowledges and respects the Dharawal people, past and present, the traditional custodians on whose land we educate our students.

Our school calendar is filled with many learning opportunities this term. Please keep an eye on Compass, the Parent Calendar, and other communication platforms for information on these events.

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 in place. 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.

Year 5 and 6 overnight Excursion to Canberra

Congratulations to our Year 5 and 6 students and staff on a fantastic trip to Canberra! We appreciate the support from our Year 5 and 6 parents and carers leading up to the overnight excursion. The students had a fantastic time and created lasting memories. Thank you to Mr Murphy, Mrs Burrows, Ms Maitland, and Mr Gilmore for all their meticulous organisation and for dedicating their time away from their families to make this opportunity possible for our students.

Book Fair
Thank you to the students and their families for their fabulous support of our Book Fair. Through your generosity, we have also earned Scholastic Rewards to purchase more reading books for our library. What a fantastic result. Special thanks to Ms Martins, Mrs Burrows and the staff for co-ordinating our Book Fair.

Leadership Retreats

Each year, school leaders attend School Leadership Retreats. This year’s retreats are entitled “Come and See, Go and Make." These retreats are an opportunity for Leadership teams to come together to pray, reflect, ponder, discover, and discuss.
Our school leaders will be attending these retreats on the following days:
Principals Retreat: Thursday 22 and Friday 23 August - Mrs Davidson

Assistant Principals: Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 August - Mr Murphy

Religious Coordinators: Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 September - Ms Maloney.

If we are to be “Bearers of Christ’s love”, it stands to reason that we must see through his eyes, love with his heart, and be driven by his mission. Bishop Brian Mascord.

PB4L
Many thanks to our amazing PB4L team who have worked tirelessly to begin this year, reviewing all of our major policies and procedures, in consultation with staff and students. The team also used feedback from parents and families in recently completed surveys and other data points.
These changes have now come into effect and are going well so far. The full updated version of the Student Positive Behaviour Support Policy was shared via Compass. We will be holding a Parent Workshop focusing on PB4L on Monday 26 August at 2 pm in the School Hall.
Please see me if you have any questions about anything PB4L related.

Bullying No Way Week
This year St Francis of Assisi participated in the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, 12 to 16 August 2024.
Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity;
* to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention, and
* to connect with students, staff, and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.
The new hero colour for the campaign is purple – symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour.
The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone Belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.
Students have been learning about bullying and how we can continue to create a positive sense of belonging and inclusion in our school community this week.
“Positive school climates that value diversity and inclusion can foster a sense of belonging and provide a protective factor against negative peer relationships and reduce bullying.” (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023).

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

Assembly Dates Term 3
Thank you for your support as we have been flexible in our assembly times this term. We will continue to attempt to schedule our assemblies on Friday mornings at 8:45 am, however, this may not always be possible due to other calendar events. Please see below for the full details of Term 3 assembly dates and times.

Week	Type	Date / Time
4	Celebration of Learning - Kindy	Friday 16 August 2:10 pm
5	Award Assembly	Thursday 22 August 8:45 am
6	Father's Day Celebration & Assembly	Thursday 29 August 2.00 pm
7	Awards Assembly	Friday 6 September 8:45 am
8	Awards Assembly	Thursday 12 September 8:45 am
9	Awards Assembly	Thursday 19 September 8:45 am
10	Celebration of Learning - Year 6	Friday 27 September 2:10 pm

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.

NOTE: All forms completed by the Monday of the week of the Friday assembly will be included. Any forms received after that will be included in the following assembly.

Recognition of Student Achievement Nomination Form

Mr Brett Murphy
Acting Assistant Principal

Our School Values

As communicated in our previous newsletter, the value we have been focussing on this term is acceptance. At St Francis of Assisi, we value acceptance because Jesus teaches us to love one another and wants us to build a community where everyone belongs. At our Principal and Values Award Assembly tomorrow, the value award for acceptance will be presented to one student from each class.

Solemnity of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The whole school attended the 9 am parish Mass today to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast is a celebration of God’s special love for Mary, who was so faithful to the will of God, that when her time on earth ended, she was received into heaven.
Mary was an ordinary woman who, by placing her trust in God, was able to do the extraordinary. She offers us such a good model for faith as through her life, we see the great blessings that can come to us when we maintain our trust in God and remain open to God’s will. It is a reminder to each of us to put our trust in God, who promises to be with us as we journey through life. Like Mary, we are called to make room for God in our lives.

Thank You, Sisters!
Yesterday, Sr Lucy, Sr Elizabeth, and Sr Mary visited our school to deliver some key rings to the students. They were key rings that were made especially for their congregation’s 100-year celebrations. One side of the key rings shows Mary visiting Elizabeth from the Bible story of The Visitation and the other side shows the convent of the Daughters of the Visitation, in Hue, Vietnam.

Alpha - New Opportunity Beginning Soon!

Once again, our parish has teamed up with St Patrick’s, Port Kembla to run Alpha. Alpha is an opportunity to explore life, faith and God in a friendly, open and informal environment. It is held once/week over a series of weeks and involves gathering for a meal, great video input and small-group conversation.
The next Alpha will begin on Tuesday 17 September. If you are interested in seeing what it’s all about prior to then, there is a ‘Come and See’ evening on Tuesday 27 August at 7pm in the hall of St Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Port Kembla. The Alpha ‘Come and See’ evening is designed for those interested in knowing ‘Is there more to life than this?’ It includes a meal, a video presentation and a discussion session. For catering purposes, please register if you are going to attend the Come and See evening via the QR code or by emailing the parish offices of Berkeley & Warrawong or Port Kembla.

Berkeley / Warrawong: berkeleywarrawong@dow.org.au

Port Kembla: portkembla@dow.org.au

Ms Marita Maloney
Religion Coordinator

Parish Bulletin 11 August 2024

Representative and Gala Day Sports Costs

Thank you to our P&F for supporting the payment of the 2024 sporting costs. There have been significant increases in expenses for children to participate in Representative Sports and Gala Days. Due to the increased cost, the P&F will support half payment in 2025 to reduce the cost to students to participate. These fees are charged by the venues to cover their costs. These fees will be minimal per student, approximately under $10, and will paid at the time of the gala day via Compass.

Sporting Schools Term 3

This term, we were successful in being awarded a Sporting Schools grant. Students from Years 1-6 will be participating in the sport of Soccer for 4 weeks this term. We know soccer is a very popular sport at our school and hope the students enjoy this program and gain some valuable skills as part of it.

Term 3 Sport Dates

Date	Event	Attending	Venue
Tuesday 20 August	Diocesan Athletics Selection Trials	Selected Year 2-6 students	Beaton Park
Friday 23 August	Soccer Gala Days	Selected Year 3-6 students	Unanderra Oval
Thursday 19 September	Junior Basketball Gala Day	Selected Year 3-4 students	Illawarra Sports Stadium Berkeley
Friday 20 September	Senior Basketball Gala Day	Selected Year 5-6 students	Illawarra Sports Stadium Berkeley

Soccer Gala Day

This year, CEDoW has reviewed the structure of the Soccer Gala Days. As a result, all of our students from Years 3-6 will be at the one venue - Unanderra Oval - this year. There will also be fewer schools at each venue, hopefully leading to increased time on the field for every student on the day.

If your child indicated they were interested in attending, please see Compass for further details. The draws and further information are now available in the resources section on Compass.

South Coast Athletics Carnival

A wet day at Beaton Park did not dampen the spirits of our students as they gave their all at the South Coast Athletics Carnival on Tuesday.
Congratulations to all students for their participation and sportsmanship. Thanks to all of our families who supported the students, not just their own, but a real community of supporters for all the St Francis of Assisi students.
Special mention to Olivia B who finished 2nd in the Junior Girls Discus event, and will now compete at the Diocesan Selection Trials next week.

Mr Murphy

Sports Coordinator

Canteen_Lunchbox_Express_Change_of_Days_Week_5_Term_3_2024.jpg

My name is Ms Victoria Andrievski and I’m thrilled to be joining your school as an intern teacher for the next six weeks. I am currently in my final year of study, completing a Bachelor of Primary Education with the University of Wollongong. I will be working with 5 Gold, alongside Mr Brett Murphy, and Ms Mia Maitland. I look forward to learning and growing alongside all students and staff at St Francis of Assisi Warrawong. I am passionate about learning and community, and can’t wait to contribute to the school, and get to know each of you!

BOOK WEEK PARADE
Wednesday 21 August ~ 9:15 am

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.

We marked a fantastic milestone for our Kindergarten students: 100 days of learning, faith, fun and friendship! Congratulations to our Kindergarten students on this milestone and to Ms Beckhaus and Mrs Logue for all you do for our students. We are incredibly proud of our Kindergarten Class of 2024.

Year 5 and 6 students had a wonderful time on their overnight excursion to Canberra last week. Congratulations to the students on their wonderful participation in a number of lifelong learning experiences and memories, they were a fantastic group to take away.

Thank you to Scott from Premier Motor Services for leading the tour with his knowledge and care for the students. Thank you to all the venues we visited for their welcoming hospitality and engaging learning opportunities.

Finally, thanks to our amazing staff who gave up their time to ensure the students had this opportunity, were cared for, and enjoyed their time away.

At St Francis, we turned Green and Gold in support of our Aussie athletes in Paris, who have made us all proud with their efforts against the best in the world.

Thanks to our students, families, and staff for organising green and gold outfits for the day.

We always love having the Edmund Rice College Wollong Stage Bank visit our school—wonderful talent for our students to experience.

This week is National Science Week, and we celebrated with a Science Day on Monday. The school was buzzing with energy, curiosity, and some unforgettable reactions—both from our experiments and our students! From building bridges that stood tall to launching cotton balls with homemade launchers, our young scientists truly shone. And those DNA extractions? It was like unlocking secret codes from strawberries!

Thanks to Mr Smith and all the teachers for their hard work and organisation in preparing these hands on learning experiences for the students.

Reflections from Year 4

For Science Week, one of the activities was building a cotton ball launcher. The materials we needed were cotton balls, two rubber bands, two cardboard paper rolls, one paddle pop stick and tape. The first step we needed to do was cut the paper roll in half. Next, we had to roll the cardboard that we cut in half and tape it so it stayed tight. With the other paper roll, we needed to cut slits on opposite sides of the roll and put two elastic bands in the slits. Then we cut two holes for the paddle pop stick. We put the paper roll that we rolled up into the bigger roll. Then we put the cotton ball in the launcher and we pulled it back on the paddle pop stick and then released it. We liked creating the cotton ball launcher and playing with it.
(Fatima H, Aya, Ali, Hudson & Sara - Yr 4)

For Science Week, we collected DNA from strawberries! We used salt, dish soap, rubbing alcohol, ziplock bags and strawberries. We put some strawberries in a ziploc bag and smashed them. When we were finished, we added dish soap and salt. We then mixed it by shaking the bag. After that, we added rubbing alcohol and then put the bag on an angle in a cup and waited for a bit. Then we put a little wooden stick in it to collect the strands of DNA. FYI: DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. We liked this experiment because we learnt a lot and enjoyed the experience. At the end of the rotations, Mr Smith collected some of the DNA that had been extracted from the strawberries and let us see what it looked like under the microscope.
(Fatima A, Chiara, Kemin & Adam)

For Science Week, one of the experiments we did was ‘Bridge Building’. To build a bridge, we used popsicle sticks, string, scissors and tape. There were different types of models that we could use to build our bridge. We had to make it strong so it could hold weights. We had to make it 30 centimetres long. We made a roof, the bottom and the sides all out of popsicle sticks and tape. We only tested one bridge and that was the bridge Isla’s group made. Bridge Building was our favourite experiment because it was a crafty activity, we had to make it with our hands and there was teamwork. The bridges were fun to build and it was like engineering. We also drew some sketches of what models there were and what we did to make our bridges.
(Alivia, Ayva, Ahmad & Zeinab)

Our favourite science experiment for Science Week was ‘Secret Messages’. We used paper, cotton buds, rubbing alcohol, a turmeric mix and bicarb soda. First we mixed bicarb soda with water and wrote our secret message. Then we let it dry and it slowly disappeared. Some of us wrote our names, some drew love hearts or patterns and some wrote their friends' names. After a few minutes, we carefully painted over it with turmeric and rubbing alcohol and the secret message slowly revealed itself. This was our favourite experiment for Science Week because it was fun, cool revealing the messages, interactive and interesting.
(Ruby, Ariam, Nicholas & Max

Shoalhaven Zoo - Friday 6 September

Kindergarten will be attending an excursion to Shoalhaven Zoo on Friday 6 September. Further information and parent permission will be available closer to the date on Compass.

The excursion includes an exclusive lesson with the Ranger and a guided tour of the Zoo. Students will explore many native and exotic species in their custom-designed enclosures to mimic their native environment. They will explore environments from wetlands, water lagoons, bushland to beaches, how each is special, and why we should care for them. In the farmyard, students will hand-feed animals investigate where food comes from, and discuss the ways we care for animals.

Travel will by coach leaving school at 8.30 am and returning at approximately 3.30 pm.

YEAR 2 PARENT MEETING
1:1 2025 iPad Program
Tuesday 3 September 2024
8.45am or 2.15pm in the Hall

Dear Year 2 Parents and Carers,

You are requested to attend a brief meeting on Tuesday 3 September in the hall at either 8.45 am or 2.15 pm regarding the 2025 iPad Program.

As you are aware St Francis of Assisi has been running the 1:1 iPad initiative for several years. Each year the school has recommended that parents purchase an iPad for use at school. This has been called BYODD or Bring Your Own Designated Device. For the last few years, we have implemented the School Managed iPad system, with many great benefits and positive feedback from parents, staff, and students.

Technology is constantly changing and there are many pros and cons to the BYODD model. We will be holding information sessions next term to provide some information on the School Managed iPad system and allow you to ask any questions you may have.

St Francis of Assisi takes the responsibility of teaching students to be responsible and respectful users of technology seriously. We need to ensure we can support the management of technology to support the educational benefits of the iPad.

In the meantime, could we please ask that you:
Hold off on buying a new iPad for next year, the above parent meeting session will provide further information which will be a cheaper option.

UOW Science Space Excursion - Friday 20 September

Students in Years 3 and 4 will attend an excursion later this term to the University of Wollongong Science Centre as part of their science unit and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) inquiry learning experiences. The Science Space gallery has over 90 hands-on exhibits demonstrating STEM in action. The majority of the exhibits are aligned with the NSW Curriculum and support students to engage in STEM activities through the use of the center's interactive exhibits. In addition, the students will view a live science show and explore the digital planetarium show. More information and permission on Compass will be provided closer to the date.

Applications for Kindergarten 2025 placement offers have been emailed. Please complete the acceptance of the offer via the link in the email. Enrolment applications are open ONLINE. Please submit your application online on our school website, www.sfawdow.catholic.edu.au, and click ENROL NOW. Please do not hesitate to contact the School Office with any questions.

CANTEEN OPEN

Monday, Wednesday & Friday
ONLINE Orders preferred.

Lunchbox Express Menu has lots of options. Online ordering the night before is preferred to assist in preparing orders and stock. 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 be open for children to purchase over the counter at Recess and Lunch.

Link to My School Connect - Online Ordering

What is NEW?

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
Contact Nicole at 0415 548 899

Lunchbox_Express_Canteen_Menu_Term_2_2024.pdf

SCHOOL_CONNECT_REGISTRATION.pdf

Lunchbox_Express_Canteen_amp_Online_Ordering_Term_2_2024_1_.pdf

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Parenting Insight -Giving kids scripts for social and school success

Read Less

Dont' forget your HAT, DRINK BOTTLE and put your NAME on your property.

Morning Checklist_SunSmart Snippet_Term 2 Week 6 2023.pdf

5006955_24_BG_nature_shake_poster_v4.pdf

2024 Port Kembla Youth Project Term 3 Programs

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FSA_Cool_Kids_Flyer.pdf

HealthTextMsgPoster_1_.pdf

School_Health_Postcard_1_.pdf

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30 Jun	Athletics Ribbons presented at Morning Assembly - 100m + 5-7 Years All day

30 Jun	Maths and HSIE workbooks returned to school All day

1 Jul	P&F Snack Canteen Open - Recess & Lunch (no lunch orders) All day

1 Jul	Athletics Ribbons presented at Morning Assembly - 200m, 800m All day

2 Jul	Canteen Closed remainder of Term 2 02 Jul 2025 - 03 Jul 2025

2 Jul	Athletics Ribbons presented at Morning Assembly - Shot Put, Discus All day

2 Jul	Pyjama Day - St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal \| Donations appreciated All day

3 Jul	Newsletter home today All day

3 Jul	P&F Snack Canteen Open - Recess & Lunch (no lunch orders) All day

3 Jul	Athletics Ribbons presented at Morning Assembly - High Jump, Long Jump All day

3 Jul	Year 5 attending St Joey's Performance All day

3 Jul	NAIDOC Week Celebration 2:10 PM - 2:50 PM

4 Jul	Awards Assembly including Athletics Age Champion Medallions and House Champion Trophy + Soccer/Handball Certificates 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM

4 Jul	Last day of term All day

7 Jul	Term 2 Pupil Vacation Period 07 Jul 2025 - 18 Jul 2025

21 Jul	Pupil Free Day All day

22 Jul	Book Fair OPEN 8:15 AM - 8:30 AM

22 Jul	Students return to school for Term 3 All day

22 Jul	Book Fair OPEN 22 Jul 2025 - 25 Jul 2025

22 Jul	Book Fair OPEN 2:50 PM - 3:20 PM

23 Jul	Book Fair OPEN 8:15 AM - 8:30 AM

23 Jul	Book Fair OPEN 2:50 PM - 3:20 PM

24 Jul	Book Fair OPEN 8:15 AM - 8:30 AM

24 Jul	Book Fair OPEN 2:50 PM - 3:20 PM

25 Jul	Book Fair OPEN 9:45 AM - 11:30 AM

25 Jul	Grandparent's Day Celebrations All day

7 Aug	Year 1 & 2 Excursion at SeaLife Aquarium & Wildlife Zoo All day

15 Aug	Celebration of Learning Assembly - 2 Blue 2:10 PM - 2:55 PM

21 Aug	Year 3 2026 Parent iPad Information Session 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM

21 Aug	Year 3 2026 Parent iPad Information Session 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM

26 Aug	Year 3 & 4 Excursion All day

28 Aug	Holy Spirit Concert for Year 4 All day

5 Sep	Kindergarten Excursion Shoalhaven Zoo All day

12 Sep	Celebration of Learning Assembly - K Blue (including St Francis of Assisi Awards) 2:10 PM - 2:55 PM

25 Sep	Last day of Term 3 for students All day

26 Sep	Pupil Free Day All day

29 Sep	Term 3 Pupil Vacation Period 29 Sep 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

13 Oct	PUPIL FREE DAY All day

14 Oct	Term 4 Begins All day

25 Oct	Happy World Teachers Day All day Recurring event

1 Nov	All Saints Day All day Recurring event

2 Nov	All Souls Day All day Recurring event

14 Nov	Celebration of Learning Assembly - 6 Blue 2:10 PM - 2:55 PM

BOOK WEEK PARADEWednesday 21 August ~ 9:15 am

BOOK WEEK PARADE
Wednesday 21 August ~ 9:15 am