Dear Parents and Carers
Congratulations to all our families on the wonderful collaboration in transitioning all the students back to face to face learning last week. All students have settled back into class routines and it was terrific to see students happy and engaged in their classrooms. The staff have worked tirelessly to make this as smooth a process as possible and continue to ensure that the students are feeling safe and happy. Thank you to every parent for adapting to the changes regarding access to the school. Our priority is to keep the school community as healthy as possible.

We are barely grasping the nature of  COVID-19 across the globe. We have witnessed a spirit of compassion, generosity, ingenuity and creativity. That is exactly what happened two thousand years ago when a small group of Jesus’ disciples gathered despondently in a room, wondering about their future. It was the Holy Spirit that united them in purpose. It was the Holy Spirit that gave them ‘the gift of tongues’ to be able to reach out to others in love and with peace. Unfortunate events often unite people and can bring out the best in them. 
Pentecost enables us to recognise what is good, what is right, what is ethical, what is true and of lasting worth that guides us on our lives’ journey to God. It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to recognise and celebrate our connectedness to God and to one another. We are called to not just celebrate Pentecost; we must live it!

May the presence of the Spirit help us to be people of love and service, bringing the hope-filled message of Jesus into our world.

Mrs Vicky Davidson

In these unprecedented times in education, classroom instruction as we have previously known has been altered due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Determining levels of academic achievement has been a challenge in remote learning environments as conversations, observations, and assessments are limited. Therefore an Interim Semester 1 Report has been developed to reflect student engagement in learning undertaken, during both classroom and remote learning, over the course of Term 1 and up to the middle of Term 2, 2020. The Key Learning Areas (KLAs) of Religious Education, English, and Mathematics have been the key focus for classroom and remote learning experiences delivered during Terms 1 and 2. 

Previously, schools have reported to parents/carers twice per year, reporting on student progress and achievement levels (A-E) of the Common Grade Scale for each Key Learning Area (KLA). Due to the need for schools to teach remotely, valid assessment of student learning has been challenging. Therefore in semester one, teachers will report to parents/carers on each child's 'effort' level and 'engagement' for Religious Education, English and Mathematics only and include five comments for each KLA. Please note, there will be no general comment or record of student attendance on the report.

Any parent or carer who would prefer a telephone conversation during this time, please contact your child's class teacher.

Kindergarten students only receive a Semester 2 Report. Learning Engagement Conversations will still be held for Kindergarten parents and carers this term.

Pentecost Sunday
Last Sunday 31May was the feast of Pentecost. Our parish would normally celebrate with a big multicultural feast, with prayers and hymns in other languages and then the sharing of multicultural foods. Unfortunately, this was not to be in these trying times.

The Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost fifty days after Easter Sunday. Pentecost Sunday ends the season of Easter.

Before he returned to his Father in Heaven, the risen Jesus visited his disciples and promised to send the Holy Spirit to help them. We read in Scripture that one morning when the disciples were gathered together with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and some other women, they suddenly heard a noise like a strong wind. Then they saw what looked to be flames of fire over each of them. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts of the Apostles, 2:4)

The Holy Spirit filled the disciples with courage and faith, empowering them to share the Good News with others. They began to tell others about Jesus, and that he died for us and rose to new life. On this day, the gift of the Spirit allowed the disciples to communicate even with those who spoke different languages.

On Pentecost, the Apostle Peter spoke to a gathered crowd. He asked the people to be baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Many people were baptized that day. The Apostles continued to baptize many people. They laid their hands on them so that they might receive the Holy Spirit, giving them strength and courage.

The Holy Spirit came to the disciples on Pentecost. God the Father and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help and guide the Church. The event of Pentecost changed the world and gave rise to today’s Church. The Holy Spirit is still with us today.

This feast is particularly relevant for those children who receive Confirmation this year. At this stage, we still have no decision on Sacraments and we will keep you informed as changes happen.

Masses
At this stage, churches will be open for 50 worshippers from this Sunday. Most parishes are setting up a register for those who wish to attend. Please contact the parish office if you would like to register your interest to attend Sunday Mass. Parish Office Hours are 9.00 am to 1.30 pm Tuesday to Friday. Phone - 4276 3565.

Prayer
As a school, we are unable to assemble, but as a Catholic School, we continue to pray each day. Morning prayer is said over the microphone and other prayers are prayed in the classroom. Last Friday we had a National Reconciliation Liturgy over the microphone led by Mrs Mansbridge and Year 3. In this time it is important we continue to pray for our needs and the needs of our community and our world.

This is my favourite prayer that always helps me:

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints
It was then that I carried you."

Announcement from the Bishop regarding the Friars in our parishes of
Warrawong and Berkeley

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27th May to 3rd June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. In 2020, the theme is “In This Together”.

To commemorate this event, last Friday the Year 3 students presented a Reconciliation liturgy prior to the presentation of the assembly awards. Students were able to listen to this Liturgy in their classrooms. Thank you Mia D, Daniel R, Kylar L, Thomas W, Charlie M, Brock M and Jasmin H who read the prayers.

Mrs Mansbridge

In all the turmoil associated with COVID-19, our school continues to maintain a sense of normality and stability for students. Exercise and participation in sport remain an important part of physical and mental health for everyone. We want our students to continue to be active by engaging in exercise and playing sports.

However, the safety and welfare of our students are paramount and changes have been made in relation to sport and physical activity at St Francis of Assisi School.

• Shared equipment used during Physical Education lessons will be wiped down or sprayed at the end of each lesson.
• Contact sports such as rugby league, football/soccer, basketball, and netball are not allowed in their standard format. Small-sided modified games, for example, kick tennis, passing games, shooting games are encouraged.
• Equipment will be provided (e.g. soccer balls, basketballs, hoops, skipping ropes, handballs, etc.) to students at recess and lunch breaks and will be cleaned after use. Students are not to use their own equipment from home e.g. handballs.
• Students can play handball at lunch and recess. However, students are to play with a ball provided by the school and cleaning protocols have been implemented.
• Students will wash hands before and after engaging in handball games.

School bubblers are not to be used, so it is important that all students fill and clearly label their own water bottle to be used during and after sporting activities. 

• Schools were advised that:
  ALL Term 2 Diocesan Sporting Trials and Events were cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
• Term 3 – Diocesan Soccer Gala Days and Athletics Carnivals have been cancelled, on advice from CEDoW leadership and current government advice and restrictions.

School Sport Australia advised that due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent restriction on school sport programs, they have cancelled all National Championships for 2020.

Book Club is available to order online. Visit the link below.

World Environment Day - Friday 5 June
On Friday it is World Environment Day, which is a United Nations-led event that is celebrated each year. Since it began in 1972, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated across the globe. World Environment Day is a day for everyone around the world to take ownership of their environment and to actively engage in the protection of our earth. It is a day that strives to raise awareness and encourage action for the environment, offering an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments and renew our resolve in overcoming the environmental challenges facing the world today.

We pray that we take seriously our call to be carers of our precious Earth, that we value the amazing gifts of our natural wonders and that we thank God for this great gift – our mighty Earth.

Together we can act #ForNature

A special thank you to Bunnings Warrawong for presenting our school with a gift card. 

Given the presence of COVID-19 coupled with the commencement of the influenza (flu) season, we wanted to brief you on what to expect if your child presents unwell at school. The first symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are similar, in that they both can cause fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat and shortness of breath.

Throughout this period, we ask that you keep your child at home if they are unwell. In the event your child is unwell at school the normal processes apply: Your child will be cared for at school in the sick bay by a qualified first aid officer, while they await collection from an appropriate parent/guardian/carer.  

Schools have Personal Protective Equipment in order to support students and staff. The student will be provided with a medical mask to reduce the risk of transmitting droplets or respiratory fluids. The first aid officer who is assisting the student will also be wearing a medical mask and gloves. The student’s temperature will be taken using a non-contact thermometer to assess the severity of presenting symptoms (note that regardless of the child’s temperature, all students who present unwell will be sent home). 

When the parent/guardian/carer of the student collects their child from school, a letter will be provided to them, which outlines the steps required for the student to be able to return to school. These steps include gaining a medical clearance certificate (where possible) and only returning to school once the student has fully recovered.  

We are advising you of these measures in advance so that you may discuss them with your child in the event this situation arises. 

We thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe. 

COVID-19 Information Link
Please be assured as we work together to respond to COVID-19 the health and safety of our school community is the priority.

DoW COVID-19 Information Centre.

Morning Drop Off:

• Students to say goodbye to parents at the front gate.
• Students sanitize their hands as they enter the school playground using the sanitiser provided.
• Parents to remain in your cars and adhere to signage in these areas.
• Parent walkers are required to immediately leave the front of the school premises and are discouraged from gatherings in groups.
• Please do not enter the playground.

Afternoon Pick Up:

• Dismissal will commence at 3.00 pm via the front gate and the back lane.
• Parents to remain in your cars and adhere to signage in these areas.
• Parents walking to school are required to practice social distancing and not arrive before 3.00 pm. Parents are discouraged from gatherings in groups while waiting for their child/ren.
• Please do not enter the playground
  

Back Lane Pick Up:
This is another option when collecting your children from school and practices social distancing. To avoid the traffic on Flagstaff Road at this busy time, we ask parents when exiting the back lane to turn right on to Bruce Road and then right onto Oxlade Street.  This will miss the traffic on Flagstaff Road. The back lane is supervised by staff and allows a more consistent traffic flow.  Please see the diagram below.