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- Principal Message
- From the Principal Desk
- Assistant Principal
- Religious Education & Parish News
- R U Ok? Day
- Tune In
- Year 5 Christmas Art
- Diocesan Christmas Art Story Competition and Exhibition 2020
- Thanks and Good Luck Mrs Norrie!
- Kindergarten News
- Learning in Year 3
- Book Week
- Technology Information
- Birthday's to Celebrate
- Canteen
- Summer Uniform
- Clothing Pool
- School Photo Day
- Community Notices
Dear Parents and Carers
It is hard to believe we have come to the end of Term 3. Our Kindergarten students reminded me at the beginning of the week that they have completed ten straight weeks of learning at school, with Terms 1 and 2 being a combination of learning at school and home.
Firstly, thank you for your support this term amidst what has been a challenging year for everyone. We acknowledge and thank you for your ongoing patience and support throughout the term as we continued to provide a COVID safe and supportive school community. I am very grateful to all our staff and students for their efforts this term. They have worked collaboratively while adapting to the current restrictions. As challenging as this has been for us, we have continued to provide experiences where the students have been able to grow in faith and improve learning outcomes. There is much to be celebrated. It is in partnership that we can achieve great things for our children.
I hope everyone has a chance to refresh and relax a little these holidays, and take time out with your family. If you are travelling, please take care on the road. I look forward to seeing you all again for our last term. Enjoy the break!
Students resume in summer uniform on Monday 12 October 2020.
On 4 October we celebrate the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis will sign his new encyclical (Papal document) in Assisi on 3 October. Pope Francis is inspired by St Francis of Assisi who, in following Jesus, lived in mutual and loving service, expressed in a fulfilled and happy humanity. The encyclical is expected to echo many of the themes Pope Francis has been discussing in his general audience talks on Catholic Social Teaching in light of the pandemic: human fraternity, the equal dignity of all people, the preferential option for the poor, the universal destination of goods and the obligation of solidarity. Care for the environment, and the virtue of peacemaking also are expected to be part of the encyclical.
After Pope Francis signs the document on the eve of the feast of St. Francis, the text is expected to be published in a variety of languages the first week of October.
PRAYER OF ST FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
For your mercy and for your truth's sake.
Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
In forgiving that we are forgiven;
And in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Principal
Proposed Building Works at St Francis of Assisi
At St Francis of Assisi, we are always working on ways to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement and this includes our facilities and resources. Over the past two years, we have been in consultation with the Catholic Education Office about the refurbishment of some spaces in the school. The scope of the work will include a major refurbishment of our office area, major painting in some areas and the installation of a lift and disabled access to the school.
During Term 4, we will keep the school community updated on the timeline, scope of the work and the start date for the project. This is a new and very exciting time for St Francis of Assisi.
Below are two early concept designs for the frontage of the school and refurbishment of the office space. Designs and colours are still under review.
Return in summer uniform on Monday 12 October
Students will return in Term 4 wearing their summer school uniform. Please note students hair, uniform and appearance should be in such a condition so as to invite only positive comment. Hair cuts must be neat and tidy. Long hair is to be tied back. Extreme hair cuts and coloured hair are not permitted. The emphasis is on evenly cut hair. Please ensure students return to school next term following all school uniform expectations.
COVID-19 Communication and Information Link
We thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe. If you have any concerns during the holidays please email the school: info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au.
Please be assured as we work together to respond to COVID-19 the health and safety of our school community is the priority.
Ice Cream Fundraiser
On Wednesday 16 September, Year 6 held an "Ice cream day" to raise funds to support their end of year Graduation. Thank you to the staff, School Support Officers and Year 6 students who helped serve on the day. A big thank you to all the students who bought in over 250 ice creams and raised $350.
A few reminders around Recess and Lunch. Remember to practise good hygiene habits.
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CyberSafety News
Reconciliation Congratulations
On Tuesday 22 September, fifteen of our Year 3 students celebrated their First Reconciliation. Thank you to Fr Martin and Fr Francis (Dapto Parish) who were our celebrants. Also a big thank you to the catechists, teachers and parents who lead the program with their children. We congratulate our Year 3 students Makedde, Samuel, Marco, Mia D, Brock F, Mia F, Jaxen, Claudia, Charlie, Manuel, Lucas, Zelia, Braedyn, Ace and Tom on a new step in their Sacramental Journey.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by Fr Martin this year on Wednesday 4November at 7 pm. A letter has been sent home with details that needs to be returned. Week 1 Term 4). Our students will be monitored for their lessons at school.
Feast of St Francis of Assisi
The feast of St Francis of Assisi 4 October always falls in our school holidays, so we are very lucky to always have a holiday.
We are celebrating our feast this Friday 25September with some fun rotations, a barbecue lunch and a special liturgy. After the liturgy, each class will be presented with a Principal and Values award as well as two Franciscan Awards.
Stage 2 will be preparing and presenting the liturgy to classes via Zoom.
Mass register
Just a reminder that if you wish to attend Mass on the weekend at either 6 pm Saturday night or 10 am Sunday morning you need to register your names at the parish office between 9 am and 1.30 pm from Tuesday to Friday.
First Communion
As you would be aware First Communion will take place on Saturday 28 November at 10 am. Details for parents and guardians will be sent out early in Term 4.
Parish Sacraments
Please see the dates for the 2020 Sacraments.
| Sacrament | Date | Time | Church |
| Confirmation | Wednesday 4 November | 7 pm | Warrawong |
| First Communion | Saturday 28 November | 10 am | Warrawong |
Mrs Madaschi
Religious Education Coordinator
Last Thursday was R U OK? Day - a day about checking in on those around you. Staff began the day with prayer, breakfast, and a chat with each other. Students looked great in their Mufti yellow and received some special yellow treats to top off their day. A well-needed boost for our students who have been amazing in dealing with the many changes this year.
We would like to keep the great messages from "R U OK" day alive by acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Month in October 2020 with the theme of "Tune In". It is important to highlight any issues with class teachers early so that we can help your child/ren. Please do not hesitate to contact the school for an appointment to have a discussion.
October 2020 is Mental Health Awareness Month which aims to promote awareness across all groups in our communities about mental health and wellbeing. The excerpt below from Wayahead's website provides some detail about the Mental Health Awareness Month theme.
http://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/about-mental-health-month/
Tuning In means being present, being aware of what’s happening within you, and in the world around you.
Tune In to your senses – what can you sense right now? What can you feel?
Tune In to your communities – what’s happening that you can be part of, or that you can help others be part of?
Tune In to stigma – how do attitudes and understandings of mental health and wellbeing impact people’s ability to live the lives they want?
Taking a moment to Tune In can help still and focus your mind, it can help you understand what’s going on for you and others. Tuning in can help you find a new perspective, and it can help you reflect and be present.
Tuning In has been shown to help build self-awareness, help make effective choices, reduce the impact of worry, and build positive connections. Tuning In to communities and the impact of mental health stigma can help ensure that people who need support have safe places to talk about their experiences and reach out.
Tune In to Mental Health Month and help create a world we can all Tune In to.
During the term, Year 5 has been busily and creatively exploring the Christmas Story as part of the Diocesan Christmas Art Story Competition and Exhibition. After they completed their artworks they wrote their reflections about the techniques, inspirations and adaptations of their chosen scripture passage. A fantastic effort by all students and we’re proud of their achievements.
Mrs Matos
Year 5 Teacher
Last week, Shelby, Grace, Ben A (Year 5) Paige, Ana Marija and Daunte (Year 6) were selected as the St Francis of Assisi representatives in the Wollongong Diocesan Christmas Story Art Competition. Their entries were sent into the Catholic Education Office, where 52 artworks were selected from across the Diocese for exhibition in the Wollongong Art Gallery. The judges commented that "the quality of the students' artworks and descriptions were outstanding this year. The students have demonstrated a wonderful interpretation of the scriptures." This year we were fortunate enough to have three students selected for the exhibition, with Shelby, Paige and Ana Marija making it through to the next level. Congratulations to all of the students involved.
Over the last three weeks, 1 Gold has had the pleasure of University of New England teaching student, Mrs Kim Norrie, working in our class. We have enjoyed our time getting to know you and working together with you. Thank you for all of your efforts and generosity. We will greatly miss you and wish you all the best for your future teaching career. From all of the St Francis of Assisi community, especially 1 Gold!
This term we have learnt so much about ourselves, our learning and the world around us. I am incredibly proud of Kindergarten for being so resilient this year despite many changes and challenges along the way. We have focused on Reading, Writing and Mathematics this term but we have also loved learning about Living things, Weather, God's Creation, Music, Art and much much more!
I wish to thank all our wonderful Kindergarten parents and families for their support and important role in educating their children. I also thank Mrs Davidson for all her encouragement and support in Kindergarten's learning. Last but not least, a BIG thank you to our amazing support teachers Mrs Martins, Mrs Burrows, Mrs Phillips, Mrs Andraos and Mrs Welch for all their help with our learning this term.
This term in Year 3, the students have been learning to write explanation texts. They have learnt about the structure and language features of this particular text type. Over the last two weeks the students have been learning about how a kite works. To enhance their understanding of vocabulary and technical language, they made a kite. The students were able to use a variety of oral language to explore vocabulary and apply the technical language while constructing the kite. They will then have the opportunity to independently construct an explanation text about how a kite works.
Mrs Mansbridge
Year 3 Teacher
Book Week
will be taking place in
Week 2 of Term 4 – Friday 23rd October.
We invite our wonderful students to come to school dressed as their favourite book character,
or under the theme of “Curious Creatures, Wild Minds”. Some ideas are below.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions currently in place, more information regarding the day will be made
available as the time approaches.
Mrs Burrows
Staff and Student Birthdays
Happy Birthday to the following students and
staff who are celebrating their birthdays in October:
Christian.M, Jessica.S, Fatima, Phillip, Melek, Emilia.P, Max, Ali, Ahmad, Faith, Manee, Ace, Julian, Ali.H and Mrs Lyons.
Term 4 Canteen Open
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY
REMINDER - the Canteen is CLOSED tomorrow for our Feast Day
The official date for the children to change over to summer uniform is Monday 12 October (Term 4 - Week 1).
With the holidays fast approaching this period is a wonderful opportunity to renewal labels on all pieces of your child’s uniform. Please ensure all uniform pieces are clearly labeled 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.
Please donate pre-loved school uniform items to the School Office. These are in need for the school Clothing Pool. Thank you.
School photo day will be held on Wednesday 4 November. Students are to wear their full summer school uniform (no sports uniform). Please note, hair must be neat and tidy and the girl's hair tied back.
Orders previously placed in Term 1 will carry over. Orders can be placed online as follows:
Visit: - www.advancedlife.com.au
St Francis of Assisi Advancedlife online order code is CZF PZ6 2FX
