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- Pupil Free Days
- Kindergarten visit the Zoo
- Father's Day
- Surf Sense Water Safety Education Program
- Year 2 - iPad Program 2026
- Pizza Meal Deal
- Kinder 2026 Transition Program
- Summer Uniform
- Aspire Vacation Care
- Staff Professional Learning Update
- Keeping Kids Safe Online Webinar
- Digital only - Permission & Payments
- Student Absence notes
- Extended Leave requirements
- Aspire OSHC - Available
Dear Parents and Carers
On Monday, we shared the very sad news of the passing of one of our staff members, Mrs Rebecca Mansbridge (Bec). Rebecca passed away peacefully on Saturday night, surrounded by her loving family, after facing an extended period of illness with remarkable strength and grace.
Mrs Mansbridge has been a devoted part of the St Francis of Assisi school community since 2003. As a teacher, Rebecca was a beloved and dedicated part of our school community. She touched the lives of so many through her passion for education, unwavering kindness, and genuine care for every student, colleague and family member.
Her presence, care, and dedication have left a lasting impact on generations of students, staff, and families. This news will come as a shock and will no doubt bring great sorrow to many.
As a Catholic school, we find comfort in our faith, trusting that Rebecca is now at peace in God’s loving embrace. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.
As we will come together to honour the life and legacy of our beloved Rebecca, we wish to inform our families that the school will be closed on Thursday 18 September, to allow our community the opportunity to pay their respects and support one another during this time of loss. Thank you for your understanding and support.
The loss of a loved one is always difficult. Grief is a personal journey, experienced and expressed differently by everyone. There is no set timeline—it takes as long as it takes. For those seeking more information on dealing with grief within their own life, please refer to the Beyond Blue resource attached below.
We are holding you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mrs Vicky DavidsonPRINCIPAL
Last week’s Gospel (Luke 14:25-33) challenges us to reflect on what it means to be true disciples of Christ. At its heart, it calls us to place Jesus at the centre of our lives.
We are reminded to be present in the Eucharist, where we encounter Jesus most fully. The Eucharist strengthens us to carry His love into the world. In the way we act, smile, and respond to others, we bring Jesus to life in our daily encounters. This Jubilee Year of Hope invites us to deepen that relationship with Christ and share His light with others. Like St Carlo Acutis, the young saint who called the Eucharist his "highway to heaven," we are reminded of the transformative power of God’s presence. St Carlo lived with joy and simplicity, reflecting Christ in all he did—an example we can all follow.
As we move forward together, may we draw strength from the Eucharist, trust in God's mercy, and be a source of hope for those around us.
I am pleased to announce that, following a recruitment process, Mr Rich Gilmore has been appointed Acting Religious Education Coordinator for the remainder of the year.
Following this appointment, I am also pleased to announce that Miss Emily Rostankovski has been successfully appointed to the temporary teaching position (0.6 FTE) until the end of the year. Miss Rostankovski is known to the students, having previously worked at the school on a casual basis.
Miss Rostankovski will teach Year 3 on Mondays and Tuesdays, while Mrs Zaffonato will teach Year 3 from Wednesday to Friday.
We would like to extend special thanks to Mrs Zaffonato for her dedication and commitment to Year 3; she has done an outstanding job teaching the students full-time this term. Thank you also to Mrs Adams and Mrs George (School Support Officers), who have supported Mrs Zaffonato and ensured continuity of learning for Year 3 during this time.
Additionally, Miss Rostankovski will teach Year 4 on Wednesdays, enabling Mr Gilmore to fulfil his responsibilities as Acting Religious Education Coordinator.
Please join me in congratulating Mr Gilmore and Miss Rostankovski on their appointments. We wish them every success in their new roles.
National Child Protection Week
The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) is urging Australians to take action to keep children and young people safe, with this year’s National Child Protection Week (7-13 September 2025) a reminder that child protection is a whole-of-community responsibility.
The 2025 theme for National Child Protection Week – ‘Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action’, was developed on the back of feedback from NAPCAN’s youth council that, while conversations are important, children and young people want to know the adults in their lives understand how to step up and take tangible action to keep them safe from harm.
“No matter whether you’re a parent, a childcare worker, a shop owner, a health practitioner, an aunt, uncle, friend or neighbour – you can make a difference. National Child Protection Week is a chance for everyone to ask, ‘What can I do today to make a child’s world safer?’”
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 |
| 8 | Friday 12 September - Kindergarten Celebration of Learning | 2:10 pm |
| 9 | Friday 19 September | 8:45 am |
| 10 | Thursday 25 September - St Francis of Assisi Awards, Library Borrowing Award, Mini Vinnies Badges, Care for Common Home Award | 10 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 |
| 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
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and The Season of Creation
Last week, we acknowledged the beginning of the Season of Creation, which runs from 1 September to 4 October and the feast of St Francis of Assisi. Throughout September, we will begin each day with a prayer, inviting us to reflect on and celebrate this sacred time dedicated to caring for God’s creation.
Sacraments - Congratulations
Over the past few weeks, three of our Year 3 students have taken significant steps in their faith journey. We warmly congratulate Liliana and Mia on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the very first time. This sacrament is a profound and transformative moment, offering them the opportunity to encounter God's boundless mercy and forgiveness.
We also extend our congratulations to Nicholas, who received his First Holy Communion. This milestone is a sacred occasion where he received the Body and Blood of Jesus for the first time, deepening his relationship with Christ.
All three students have opened their hearts to God's grace, which strengthens them and reminds them of His unconditional love. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to their faith and pray that this special time marks the beginning of a lifelong journey with God, filled with peace, joy, and grace.
Feast Day Celebrations for St Francis of Assisi
As St Francis of Assisi’s feast day falls during the school holidays, our school community will celebrate this special occasion in Week 10, on Thursday, 25 September.
The day will begin with a Votive Mass for St Francis of Assisi, celebrated by Fr Mark at 9.00 am. Following the Mass, we will gather in the hall for our weekly awards assembly. Families and friends are warmly invited to join us for both of these events as we honour St Francis together.
For the remainder of the school day, students will participate in engaging learning experiences focused on the life and teachings of St Francis, deepening their understanding of his example of faith, humility, and care for creation.
Our School Values
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 our Principal and Values Award Assembly tomorrow, the value award for forgiveness will be presented to one student from each class.
St Carlo Acutis and St Giorgio Frassati
Last Sunday, Pope Leo XIV solemnly declared Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as saints of the Church. Their canonisation invites us to celebrate the two young men whose lives, though separated by time and circumstance, remain a radiant witness to the power of faith.
Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), a teenager of our time devoted to the Holy Eucharist, used his gifts in technology to spread the Gospel and highlight the beauty of Eucharistic miracles. His life reminds us that holiness is possible in the midst of contemporary life.
Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925), often called the “Man of the Beatitudes,” was a young Italian layman known for his love of the poor, his dedication to justice, and his joyful spirit. He showed that authentic discipleship is lived out in service, prayer, and courage.
Let us give thanks for the gift of these new saints and ask through their intercession that we, too, may live with courage, hope, and joy as faithful disciples of Christ.
This week, each child received a prayer card dedicated to the life of St Carlo Acutis.
Staff Spirituality Day
As families and students would be aware, the last day for students this term is Thursday 25 September. On Friday, 26 September, staff will gather at Kiama for a Staff Spirituality Day. During the day, staff will reflect on and journey through The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10). This passage contains Jesus’ teachings on the attitudes and characteristics that lead to spiritual and eternal blessings, such as being poor in spirit, merciful, and pure in heart. This special day offers staff the opportunity to deepen their faith and come together in prayerful reflection, guided by the wisdom of these teachings.
Mr Rich Gilmore
Acting Religious Education Coordinator
| Date | Event | Attending | Venue |
| 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 |
For selected students, all details can be found on Compass. Draws and further information will be added to the Compass event when it becomes available.
South Coast Soccer Gala Day
Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
Thursday 11 September is R U OK? Day but we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague, the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and ask R U OK? Any Day.
St Francis wore yellow today and participated in mindfulness and wellbeing activities to focus on their own wellbeing and raise awareness of how we can be supportive friends and check in on the wellbeing of our friends and others.
Fundraising is well underway for the 2025 Year 6 Graduation. We thank all of our families who have supported the fundraising efforts. The next fundraiser will be the Cake Sale tomorrow, Friday 12 September, followed by a Lolly Bag Sale on the last day of Term 3, Thursday 25 September.
Donations - Thank you
We give thanks to JB Metropolitan Distributors, South Coast, for their generous donation of lollies to support this cause, as well as the dedication of the Year 6 parents in preparing lolly bags for sale. Thank you!
We have received a donation from AA Automotive and Tyres, and we thank them for their kind donation.
Thank you also to Mr Konowalczyk and Neighbours Master Painters for your donation towards the Year 6 Graduation fundraising. This is very much appreciated.
Dear Year 6 Parents,
Images can be viewed and ordered online at www.advancedlife.com.au, entering the code: CZF PZ6 2FX and clicking on “Group Photos”.
Kindergarten had an amazing day at Shoalhaven Zoo last Friday. They saw all things furry and slimy, got up close and personal with some of the cuddliest and scariest animals. They even had the chance to feed the farmyard animals. Thank you to the staff for looking after the students and helping create memories that will last a lifetime.
Celebrating Our Amazing Dads!
What a joyful day it was last Thursday, as we celebrated our Father’s Day festivities!
Our Father’s Day Stall was a huge success, with students finding the perfect gifts to show their love and appreciation. Thank you to our wonderful P&F team for their hard work in setting up the stall and creating such a special experience for our students.
In the afternoon, we gathered for a beautiful Father’s Day Liturgy and Assembly, where we reflected on the important role fathers, grandfathers, and father figures play in our lives. It was heartwarming to see so many dads, grandpas, and families join us—your presence made the day truly special.
We also enjoyed a delicious Afternoon Tea, another fabulous initiative by our P&F team—thank you again for your generosity and dedication to our school community.
To all the dads, grandfathers, and father figures, we hope you feel the love and gratitude not just today, but every day. Thank you for all that you do!
Happy Father’s Day!
Attention Year 2 Parents
Please return completed 1:1 iPad Purchase Agreement 2026-27
Dear Year 2 Parents and Carers,
A parent meeting was held recently regarding the 2026 iPad Program. The iPad Purchase Agreement form below has been provided and is required to be completed and returned.
As you are aware, St Francis of Assisi has been running the 1:1 iPad initiative for a number of years. For the past couple of years, we have implemented the School Managed iPad system, with many great benefits and positive feedback from parents, staff, and students.
Please return the completed iPad Purchase Agreement for your order to be placed.
Term 4 Week 1
The official date for the children to change over to summer uniform is Tuesday, 14 October (Term 4 Week 1). Full summer uniform is to be worn by all students from the beginning of Term 4.
Parents, 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.
Read LessOur staff have been, and will be, engaging in lots of professional learning during Week 6-10 this term. This professional learning is imperative for staff to maintain current, research based, knowledge in many areas, to continue to improve the learning and teaching outcomes for all students in our school.
Please see below for details.
| What | Focus | Who |
| Staff Spirituality Day | Staff Spiritual Formation | All Staff |
| Students with Diverse Learning Needs | Responsible and strategic resourcing | Mrs Davidson, Mr Murphy |
| Staff Meetings | Annual Improvement Plan - Assessment Religious Literacy Student Support |
All Teachers |
| Collaborative Data and Planning Day | Data Analysis, Collaborative Planning | All Teachers |
| Learning in Leadership | Leading Learning and Teaching | Mr Murphy |
| Community of Practice | Collaborating with other schools around learning and teaching in Mathematics | Mr Gilmore |
| EAL/D |
Phasing of students Collaborative Planning |
Mrs Johannesen, All Teachers |
| Instructional Coach Day | Learning and Teaching Professional Learning | Mr Smith |
| Principal's Overnight Retreat | Spiritual Formation | Mrs Davidson |
| Courage to Continue Overnight Retreat | Spiritual Formation | Mrs Staffiero |
| Aspiring Leaders | Professional Learning for Aspiring Leaders | Miss Muvceska |
| Curriculum | Preparation for the Implementation of the new PDHPE and Science and Technology syllabuses | Mr Smith |
| Primary Curriculum Focus Day | Compliance and quality of teaching and learning programs | Mr Murphy, Miss Muvceska |
| Mental Health Awareness | Professional Learning | Mrs Davidson |
As part of National Child Protection Week, Catholic Care is excited to offer a free, informative Zoom session for parents and carers titled “Keeping Kids Safe Online”, taking place on Thursday, 11th September from 6 pm - 7 pm.
This session provides an easy and accessible way for families to gain valuable insights into online safety and how to better protect their children in today’s digital world. It’s a practical and supportive resource that aligns perfectly with our shared commitment to child safety and wellbeing.
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.
Read Less
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.
