Dear Parent and Carers

At St. Francis of Assisi, we aim to build a supportive school environment where positive behaviour is promoted. One of our school rules is to ‘Be Respectful’. A few weeks ago I asked the students to think of ways they can continue to be respectful at school and home. There are so many ways we can do this; here are just a few:

• Listen - Listening to what another person has to say, respect begins with listening.
• Encourage - A smile and uplifting word can truly brighten someone's day.
• Congratulate - If someone does a great job, let them know about it. Let everyone know about it.
• Be Helpful - Offering some advice or giving a bit of your time will mean a lot.
• Say Thank You - Make sure people know you appreciate them and their actions.

We all know that mutual respect is fundamental in any human relationship. In this way, sincere and lasting friendship can grow. All people are created in the image and likeness of God and, therefore, everyone is entitled to be treated with love, dignity and respect.

Today we celebrated Harmony Day. A special time to acknowledge Australia’s cultural diversity. It is wonderful to be in a school community which encourages inclusivity, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

I encourage you to continue to care deeply for the dignity and wellbeing of others and welcome all with love, respect and mercy.

Kind Regards

Mrs Vicky Davidson
Principal

Thank you for joining our Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) schools across the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands, and Catholic school communities across NSW, in celebrating Catholic Schools Week for 2019. It's been a wonderful week of open days, activities, masses, liturgies and other special events - including the Diocesan Education Mass, which was a significant highlight of CSW. Read more about the Mass and listen to Director of Schools, Peter Turner's speech here.

Catholic Schools Week has showcased some of the fantastic things happening in our schools every day, and has very much highlighted our local Catholic schools - including yours! - as vibrant places of learning, faith, hope and opportunity. Thank you for your involvement.

We'd like to share with you our small Catholic Schools Week video that has been promoted throughout last week. Can you spot the students from your school in this video?

Parish Sacraments Program 2019
For those who have children in Years 3 and 6 and anyone who would like to participate in the sacramental programs this year we now advise the dates for 2019.

• Confirmation for Year 6 and above -  Tuesday 2nd July at 7.30pm at St Francis of Assisi Warrawong.
• Reconciliation for Year 3 and above- Tuesday  10th September 7pm at St Mary's Berkeley for Year 3 and above- Saturday 23rd November 10am at     St Francis of Assisi Warrawong, and Sunday 24th November at the morning Mass at St Mary's Berkeley (time to be advised). Enrolment letters for all sacraments will be sent out later this week.

South Coast Swimming Carnival

On Thursday, 7 March, fourteen students represented our school at the South Coast Swimming Carnival in Corrimal. For some, this was their competition, it was tough, but the students challenged themselves and were very satisfied with their achievements. Mrs Briscoe and the parents were also very proud of their sportsmanship and support to one another. Personal times were improved, and they all acknowledged that it was a fun experience. Congratulations to the St Francis of Assisi swim team. A big thank you to Mr Dzajkoski who volunteered to assist as a marshall.

Congratulations to Eva G (Year 3) who placed 3rd in the nine years 50m race. An outstanding result on the day. Eva attended the Diocesan Swimming Selection Trials on Monday 11 March. The fastest eight swimmers in the Diocese competed at Corrimal, and Eva again improved her time and placed a credible 7th. It was a very close race. Well done Eva. You are a swimmer to watch in the future.

Diocesan Football Trials

On Friday 8 March, six of our students attended the Football Selection trials in Unanderra; all students were vying for a position on the Diocesan Football team. Choosing a team is always a difficult task for the convenors. We are very proud to announce that Tianna T (Year 5), Samantha S (Year 6) and Khaled H (Year 6) were chosen to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the upcoming NSW MacKillop Trials in Canberra on Friday10 May. Congratulations to all those who competed on the day.

School Cross Country

This Friday, the 22 March, the whole school will participate in the school Cross Country Carnival at Integral Energy Park, Darkes Road, Kembla Grange. Students from 8 to 12 years will compete in a 2 km run while students from 5 to 7 years will run an 800m race. PRIMARY STUDENTS who place in the TOP 3 in their Age Group (8/9 years through to 12/13 years) will progress to represent St. Francis of Assisi at the Diocese of Wollongong Cross Country Carnival held at “Willandra Farm”, Nowra on Tuesday 7th May, (Term 2, Week 2). Thank you to all those parents who have nominated to assist at the carnival as course marshalls. Parents, you are very welcome to come and support the students. After the carnival, parents are welcome to take their child/children once their names are marked off by the class teacher.

Other news!

Congratulations to Savannah D (Year 6) who competed at the State Athletic Championships on the weekend. Savannah participated in the high jump and the 60m hurdles, placing 4th in the high jump. Well done!

We are very excited to announce that we have recently purchased some new furniture for our School Library. The inclusion of some little couches, beanbags and a bench seat on wheels, aswell as some comfy cushions and lap desks help to make our reading time during Library much more relaxing. We also purchased an Apple T.V to assist in some exciting Library Lessons. 

Mrs Burrows
Library Teacher

Digital Citizenship is defined as appropriate, responsible and ethical behaviour with regard to the way we use and interact with technology.

Self-protection through education and empowerment is the key for children to protect themselves against threatening or harmful situations online.

For more information on what young people do online, the challenges they may face, what they can do and who they can talk to if something goes wrong, please visit www.thinkuknow.org.au

“The interactive nature of many of the new media facilitates more dynamic forms of learning and communication, thereby contributing to social progress" and as educators we should... "encourage all people of good will who are active in the emerging environment of digital communication to commit themselves to promoting a culture of respect, dialogue and friendship.” Pope Benedict XVI, 2008.

Parents are asked to be aware of some highly inappropriate videos circulating online at present. The video clips are appearing on many social media sites and YouTube, including (Kids YouTube). One of the videos starts innocently, like a Peppa Pig episode but quickly turns into an altered version with violence and offensive language. Another of the video clips by the name of ‘MoMo’ shows a character in a warped white mask. This material can be highly distressing for children to view. We encourage you to be vigilant and supervise your child if using devices and viewing videos. We strongly discourage students from promoting such material to other students.

Mr Murphy
Co-Ordinator

Kindergarten has been exploring lots of topics during their Play Based Learning time each morning. In History, we are developing our knowledge and understanding of 'Special places' and how we care for those places. In Geography, we have been exploring different kinds of maps and learning about their purpose - the children just love creating treasure maps! Within our Literacy play, the children have enjoyed using the beach and camping area and exploring concepts from our Shared Reading texts through art and hands on experiences. We love to use the Mathematics area to learn numbers and show our understanding of numbers. We are having so much fun playing with each other but we are also learning so much while we are playing!

Mrs Beckhaus
Kindergarten Teacher

Key Message 1: Adults Matter!

Adults matter when children are being asked to behave in a safe, consistent and respectful way. Your positive relationship with the school is an essential element of this message. Critical to the success of SPB4L is having everyone on board.

As parent/carer you model the behaviour you expect from the children. Do not underestimate the importance of:

• Role modelling appropriate behaviour

• Supporting, by following, the systems, procedures and processes of the school eg: arriving at school on time, supporting your child to be ready for learning, following personalised plans (academic and behavioural)

• Promoting a ‘growth’ mindset in your child – mistakes are an opportunity to grow and learn

Key Message 2: Behaviour is learnt

Explicit teaching of expected behaviours is a key component of SPB4L. The school has developed a range of expected behaviours in non-classroom settings eg: playground, and in the classrooms.

• Asking your child questions that will elicit a positive response regarding their day at school (as mentioned in previous newsletter)

• Being familiar with the expectations of the school and classroom

• Teaching your child your own expectations at home eg: appropriate manners, greetings etc…

Key Message 3: We cannot make students behave

As adults, we interact and encounter many systems every day in order to function positively in society. A school environment is no different. Systems must be put in place consistently across the school environment for all students to experience success at school. So, effective and positive systems and environments matter.

As parent/carer your modelling of adhering to school expectations enables your child to interact positively within the school and classroom context. Do not underestimate the importance of:

• Following school procedures eg: adhering to parent/school communication procedure, regular reading of the school newsletter

• Not becoming involved in playground incidents but rather alerting a staff member to your concern

Mrs Matos
SPB4L Co-ordinator

NAPLAN will move to an online assessment this year. The assessment will be held over 4 days in the time from May 14th to 23rd. NAPLAN Online will provide better assessment, more precise results and faster turnaround of information. The assessments are run through a real-time internet connection.

NAPLAN Online features ‘tailored testing’ which gives students questions that are more suited to their ability – resulting in better assessment and more precise results. Significant planning, development, research and trialling has been carried out to make sure we are all ready to move NAPLAN online.

We will hold a practise test on Tuesday March 26th to check that our network and iPads are ready for the assessment. No results are provided for this assessment, as it is only to test the NAP App and our school internet network.

Mr Green
Assistant Principal

Each year we provide the opportunity for students in Years 3-6 to participate in the University of New South Wales / ICAS Competitions. This is an independent assessment program for Australian schools, which has been conducted for over 35 years. They are not compulsory.

These online competitions are for students who wish to experience extension and further challenge. The cost is $14.50 for each competition and is open to all students in Years 3-6. If you would like your child to participate in any of the competitions, please complete the form which was sent home last week. The assessments will all be held in September.

Mr Green
Assistant Principal

In caring for children and young people we must act in their best interest and take all reasonable steps to ensure their protection.

The dignity of the human person is a central truth of the Gospel message of Jesus.  In respecting the dignity of all human persons, Catholic School communities are called to ensure the welfare and safety of all of its members.  The protection of the students entrusted to our care, then, is a very serious responsibility.  In taking up this responsibility along with parents, who are recognised as the primary educators and carers of their children, Catholic School communities are committed to:

• ensuring that Catholic Schools have at their centre the total care of the whole student
• developing appropriate responses to individuals or families in crisis
• working collaboratively with other agencies involved in the care and protection of children
• inspiring hope and a positive vision for the future

Whilst all agencies that deal with children have particular responsibilities for the protection of the children in their care, child protection is essentially the responsibility of everybody.

The NSW Government has adopted a policy that requires agencies that deal with children, including Catholic Schools, to work in cooperation with each other for the overall protection of children, taking reasonable steps consistent with their function and expertise to coordinate child/family assistance.

Our child protection policy 

• is based on NSW law
• meets the current professional expectation
• reflects the pastoral responsibility of those who work in Catholic Schools

Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong have a history of working collaboratively with CatholicCare, the social services agency of the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong. The Child Protection initiatives and joint endeavours of Catholic Education and CatholicCare, reflect the spirit of partnership that is essential to help ensure the protection of children and young people in our care. 

From Information for School Communities About Child Wellbeing and Child Protection in Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Wollongong 

Dear Parents

Please join us at the next P&F General Meeting on Friday 10 May, after the Mother's Day breakfast.

We will be organising the Easter Raffle again this year. The children are always very excited. Each child is asked to donate an Easter Egg towards their class hamper basket. Raffle tickets will be sent home to each child and will be drawn at the Easter Liturgy on Friday 12 April.

Tickets are $1.00 each or $10.00 per book, for your chance to win 1st, 2nd & 3rd class prizes and three major prizes.

All tickets sold, or unsold must be returned to the class teacher by Monday 8 April.

We are seeking parent volunteers to help with the wrapping of the prizes. If you are interested, please email your details to info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au.

Please ensure you are making correct amounts for weekly payments.  To check, please use the school fee calculator link attached or visit our school website.

In accordance with the Diocesan School Fee Management Policy, school fee accounts are issued as an annual invoice, which is due 30 days from the invoice date.

However, families may continue to or commence paying periodically.  To access this payment flexibility, families must complete a School Fee Agreement and return it to the school office prior to the expiry of 30 days.  If you have an existing Agreement, you are required to send in an updated School Fee Agreement.

The Diocesan School Fee Management Policy and School Fee Agreements are available on the school’s website.  Alternatively. You may access these documents from the school’s administration office.  A School Fee Calculator on the school’s website can assist with calculation of the payment required to meet your fee commitment.

Please note the 2019 School Fee statement includes all expenses, ie excursion fees, sport and carnival levies, transport expenses and visiting shows.  Permission notes will still be required for your child to attend these events and payment of your fees must be up to date to cover these expenses. It is no longer required to send cash to school.  

All permission notes must be handed to the class teacher by the students.

If you require to pay the account by instalments, it is your responsibility to setup regularly weekly payments by Bpay using the details on your fee statement ie $100.00 per week.  Please ensure you setup payments to have the account paid in full by 30^th November 2019.

Families who are experiencing financial hardship may apply for Fee concession by telephoning the school office to obtain an Application.

Creator God, You are our constant hope! 

In the season of Lent, you call us to prayer, fasting and love of
those most marginalised.

As a community of faith and courage, let our gifts to Project Compassion be symbols of hope and solidarity with our one human family.

It is always a joy to hear the wonderful news about our students and to see what they are up to after leaving St Francis of Assisi.

Rosette Ruzunga who is currently in Year 12, was elected as the 2019 school captain at St Mary’s College Wollongong. It is always a great achievement to be nominated by your peers. Congratulations on this significant leadership role. Well done Rosette!

Last week, our 2018 school captain, Lily Rose Clare challenged herself by performing in the production of Les Miserables at the WIN Entertainment Centre playing the role of the young Cosette. At our school talent quests, we were always impressed by her singing and the tone of her voice. Ms Foldes, Mrs Briscoe and Ms Maitland had the privilege of watching Lily Rose perform. We were in awe of her presence and the beautiful sound of her voice. We wish Lily Rose all the best and can't wait to see her perform in the future, displaying her talent on the stage. The Clare family were also blessed to have big brother Jack in the ensemble of the production. Congratulations to Lily Rose and Jack!

We are taking enrolments for Kindergarten 2020.

The Enrolment Application is attached herewith or can be collected from the School Office. Interviews are taking place this term.

Please let your family and friends know, as limited places are available.

Please be reminded that the student photo and work consent form includings all digital articles including Newsletter, Website, Facebook, Twitter.  

This Consent form is attached, and every child is required to have this form returned.  

Please indicate on this form if you do not give consent or complete a new form if you would like to update your consent.

SIBS – Family & Sibling Support Program
CATHOLICCARE

Do you have a brother or a sister with a disability?

Disability impacts everyone in the family – most of the time this is an intensely positive and rewarding experience but sometimes it can also be really challenging! We understand caring for someone in your family can be hard at times; having a friend that knows what its like and understands disability can make all the difference.

SIBS is a social respite initiative designed to give the siblings of children with additional needs some time-out to relax, have fun, and just be kids. Fun days out, workshops, and an annual camp are just some of the things we do to build a network of support and friendship for young people aged 5-12 years (Saturday SIBSClub) and 12-16 years (TeenSIBS).

To find out more contact:

Kath Walsh on Mondays and Fridays

Phone: 4254 9332 or kathw@catholiccare.dow.org.au

Free ESafety training from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner

The Permanency Support Program has organised two e-Safety training sessions for foster carers this term. This free training is presented by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and provides current information on empowering children, carers and parents to  manage online issues.  We have found this session to be very informative, engaging and to provide great practical advice on keeping children and young people safe online.

We currently have spaces left for extra participants, so I would like to invite expressions of interest from school staff members who would like to be better informed about this important subject. Areas that will be explored include how our young people are using social media and technology, how to make a complaint about child cyberbullying and how we can help remove serious cyberbullying material.

Feel free to also include the flyers in your school newsletter as parent/carers are also welcome to attend.

Please find attached flyers for  the e-Safety training sessions at:

CatholicCare Wollongong, Auburn St office

Thursday 21 Feb, 10am-12pm

CatholicCare Campbelltown, Cordeaux St office

Tuesday March 26, 6-8pm

Please send your RSVP to Lisa Condon 0436 008 976 or at lisa.condon@catholiccare.dow.org.au