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- Principal's Message
- Announcement from the Executive Director of Schools
- Assistant Principal
- Religious Education News
- Parish News
- Sports News
- Father's Day Invitation & Stall
- Principal & Value Awards
- Parents & Friends News
- Stage 2 Excursion - Stanwell Park
- Kindergarten Excursion
- Kinder 2026 Transition Program
- Year 2 - iPad Program 2026
- Lowes 20% Sale
- Book Week
- Lego Interest Group - Donations requested
- The Art of Us
- Edmund Rice College Band Visit
- Canteen - Wednesday only
- Pizza Meal Deal
- Pupil Free Day
- Aspire Vacation Care
- Summer Uniform
- Enrolment Applications Kindergarten 2026
- Digital only - Permission & Payments
- Student Absence notes
- Extended Leave requirements
- Aspire OSHC - Available
- 2025 School Term dates
- Community News
Dear Parents and Carers
In last Sunday’s Gospel from Luke 13:22-30, Jesus speaks about the importance of striving to enter through the "narrow door". He reminds us that being part of God’s kingdom is not something that happens automatically; it is a decision we must make and a path we are invited to follow.
This invitation calls us to open our hearts to God, to be attentive to the opportunities He places before us, and to respond with intention. It asks us to consider: How will I respond to God’s call in my life?
Sometimes, the “narrow door” is found in the small choices we make each day—sharing with a friend, showing patience in frustration, or offering understanding instead of reacting in anger. These simple, kind actions are ways of responding to God’s call and living in His kingdom here and now.
As parents and educators, we are entrusted with guiding our children not only in their learning, but in helping them recognise and embrace God’s invitation in the choices they make. Encouraging them to reflect on their actions, live with honesty and kindness, and nurture their relationship with God can help them grow in faith and purpose.
May this week be a reminder for all of us to walk with courage and openness, striving to enter through the narrow door and following the path Jesus shows us.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
2025 Celebration of Learning Timetable - Assembly starts 2:10 pm
| Term/Week | Date | Class |
| Term 3 Week 8 | Friday 12 September | K Blue |
| Term 4 Week 5 |
Friday 14 November | 6 Blue |
| Term 4 Week 9 | Friday 12 December |
Principal and Value Awards Only |
Please see the table below for the Assembly Dates and times. These can also be found on the calendar available on Compass. Parents/Carers of students receiving awards will be notified if their child is receiving an award each week.
| Week | Date | Time |
| 7 |
Thursday 4 September - Father's Day Drawing and Sketching Interest Group Showcase |
2:10 pm |
| 8 | Friday 12 September - Kindergarten Celebration of Learning | 2:10 pm |
| 9 | Friday 19 September | 8:45 am |
| 10 | Thursday 25 September | 8:45 am |
Stage Leaders 2025
For any issues regarding your child that cannot be handled by contacting the class teacher, please contact the relevant stage leaders below.
Early Stage 1 / Stage 1 (K-2) - Mr Gilmore
Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4) - Mr Murphy
Stage 3 (Year 5 and 6) - Mr Smith
St Clare of Assisi Awards
Please be reminded that these awards started in 2024. Any Merit, RE or PB4L awards achieved from this time on will count towards the St Clare of Assisi merit awards (but can only be used once).
Process:
5 x Class Awards (Merit, RE or PB4L) = St Clare of Assisi Award - please bring the 5 awards to school. These will be recorded, and a St Clare of Assisi Merit Award will be presented at the next assembly.
3 x St Clare of Assisi Awards = 1 St Francis Medallion
Please let me know if you have any questions about the awards system.
PB4L Term 3 Overview
Each week in our school, we have a schoolwide focus on an aspect of PB4L (Being Respectful, Responsible or Safe) and an aspect of SEL (Social and Emotional Learning).
Please see the table below for an overview of the focus areas ahead in Term 3.
| Week | PB4L Focus | SEL Focus |
| 6 | Be Respectful - Positive body language | Forgiveness |
| 7 | Be Responsible - Environment | Self Compassion |
| 8 | Be Safe - Sun Protection | Apologising |
| 9 | Be Respectful - Eye Contact | Making mistakes |
| 10 | Be Responsible - Care of belongings | Reflection |
Mr Brett Murphy
Assistant Principal
Our School Values
This week, the teachers began explicitly teaching the value of forgiveness, and this will be our values focus for the remainder of this term.
At St Francis of Assisi, we value forgiveness because Jesus taught us that this leads to healing and peace in our relationships with God and others.
At St Francis of Assisi, we show that we are a community that values forgiveness by:
- accepting responsibility for our choices
- listening to and accepting the opinions of others
- showing we are sorry through words and actions
- promoting the Sacrament of Penance
The value award for forgiveness will be presented to one student from each class at our Principal and Values Award Assembly at the end of this term.
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and the Season of the 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 for the 2025 Season of Creation is Peace with Creation, inspired by the biblical passage Isaiah 32:14-18. This theme encourages Christians to focus on healing environmental degradation and injustice by working towards a unified harmony with God, other people, and the natural world. It calls for comprehensive transformation in hearts, lifestyles, and public policy to bring about a just and peaceful Earth.
During Week 7, the school community will pray the Season of Creation prayer at the start of each day. You are invited to join us.
| Date | Event | Attending | Venue |
| Friday 5 September | South Coast Soccer Gala Day |
Selected Year 3-6 students | Unanderra Park, Unanderra |
| Thursday 18 September | South Coast Junior Basketball Gala Day | Selected Year 3-4 students | Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley |
| Friday 19 September | South Coast Senior Basketball Gala Day | Selected Year 5-6 students | Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley |
Father's Day Volunteers
We are excited to be holding our Father's Day Stall and Afternoon Tea on Thursday, 4 September, and would love your support. We are seeking volunteers to help with:
- Father's Day Stall - assisting students with their purchases and helping set up and pack up the stall.
- Afternoon Tea - set up, serving, and welcoming families.
If you can assist, even for a short time, please let us know by emailing info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au or contacting the school office. Your help makes a significant difference, and these events are always wonderful opportunities to celebrate as a community. Thank you in advance for your generosity of time and spirit.
P&F General Meeting
You are warmly invited to attend our upcoming P&F General Meeting on Tuesday, 9 September at 3.00 pm.
We look forward to seeing you there - everyone is welcome!
2026 iPad Purchase Ageement form
to be returned
Dear Year 2 Parents and Carers,
A parent meeting was held last Thursday regarding the 2026 iPad Program.
As you are aware St Francis of Assisi has been running the 1:1 iPad initiative for a number of 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 past two years, we have implemented the School Managed iPad system, with many great benefits and positive feedback from parents, staff and students.
Last Wednesday, our staff, students, and their families stepped straight out of the pages of their favourite books into a magical, memorable adventure. From magical wizards to mischievous animals, brave heroes to curious explorers, the creativity and enthusiasm on display were outstanding. A special thanks to Ms Martins, Mr Gilmore, Ms Beckhaus, and our staff for all their organisation and to the families who helped bring these literacy legends to life with such incredible costumes and imagination. Your support made the day truly unforgettable, a wonderful celebration for everyone who loves a good story. Until the next chapter... keep reading, keep dreaming, and keep dressing up!
Dear Parents and Carers,
Our Lego Interest Group is enjoying creating and discovering, and the student interest is growing in the group. As a result, we are experiencing a shortage of Lego resources to accommodate the growing numbers. If any families have any Lego that they would be able to donate, this would be greatly appreciated. Please see Mr Gilmore if you have any questions or can assist with any donations. Thank you for your ongoing support.
St Francis of Assisi Warrawong presented "The Art of Us". Thank you to the local artists for donating their artworks and to our school community for making this event possible.
What a treat! Last week, we had the incredible privilege of hosting the talented band from Edmund Rice College! Their performance had us all clapping, singing, and dancing along—students and teachers alike were absolutely captivated!
A huge thank you to the amazing students and staff from Edmund Rice College for sharing your talent and energy with us. Your visit reminded us of the joy that music brings to our community.
We hope to see you again soon—keep making music that inspires!
Canteen Open for Pizza Meal Deal pre-orders
Term 4 Week 1
The official date for the children to change over to the summer uniform is Tuesday, 14 October (Term 4 Week 1). If there is an extra warm 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 relabelled 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.
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ATTENTION PARENTS - IMPORTANT REMINDER
Please note that for school excursions and sporting events, all permission and payment must be submitted online via Parents Compass. The system is paperless, cashless and digital only. No paper forms will be supplied; all permissions must be submitted digitally on the Parent Compass.
Please note that if these are not submitted by the relevant due dates, the students will automatically be removed from the event as non-attendees. If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the School Office or Class Teacher.
Students will automatically be removed from events as non-attendees if permission and payment are not submitted digitally
online by the due date.
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Dear Parents
It is by law that when your children are absent from school an explanation is provided. Please respond to the text notification or log in to your Parent Compass and submit the absence. Many absences are unexplained and we require parents to check Compass and complete. Please see the attached instructions for your information. Thank you.
