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Pope Francis offers a grand yet simple vision of human interconnectedness. “We’re all connected to each other in ways we scarcely imagine. Our task now is to work out what this means in practice as we look beyond the pandemic.’’
While we are still not connected by our physical presence with each other as we are used to, the St Francis of Assisi school community has demonstrated great resilience, adaptability and flexibility throughout 2020 and has found new and creative ways of supporting each other. I know we all look forward to living out Pope Francis vision for “connecting with each other.” The staff and I look forward to another term with the students as we continue to be inspired by the Franciscan spirit, to empower all learners to reach their full potential.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
Principal
All the very best for the months ahead.
Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition
This year, Year 5 and 6 students from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Wollongong were invited to take part in the annual Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition.
The Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition is an initiative of the Catholic Education Offices in Wollongong and Sydney, designed to celebrate and explore children’s creative and artistic ability in illustrating the Christmas story. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Official Opening of the Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition for this year was a virtual event.
Thank Your Cleaner Day
Yesterday we had the opportunity to thank our amazing cleaner Lucy on "Thank Your Cleaner Day". Thank you cleaner day is time to thank and recognise the hard work our cleaners do. This year Lucy has continued to go above and beyond to make the health and safety of our school community a priority. Thank you also to Marco (Lucy’s husband) who steps in to help when required. The staff and students enjoyed presenting Lucy with some cards and gifts of appreciation.
Some Additional Dates for Term 4
| DATE | EVENT | CLASSES |
| Friday 23 October | Book Week Celebration | K - 6 |
| Wed 28 - Fri 6 Nov | Book Fair - Students can buy books | K - 6 |
| Friday 30 October | World Teachers' Day | |
| Wednesday 4 November | SCHOOL PHOTOS | K - 6 |
| Friday 6 November | Catholic Missions - Crazy Sock Day | K - 6 |
| Thursday 12 November | Kindergarten Orientation - Day 1 | 2021 Kindy |
School Calendar & Events
The school calendar and events are listed on the school website. Please visit the link below. These dates are also summarised in the School Newsletter fortnightly, at the top left-hand column.
COVID-19 Communication and Information Link
We thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe. If you have any concerns, please email the school:info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au.
World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank teachers for the important role they play inside our classrooms and out in the community. Celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide, World Teacher's Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1994 to recognise the role of teachers in society.
Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L)
Our PB4L focus for Week 2 of Term 4 was Be Responsible.
This involves completing work to the best of your ability and;
- Following the school rules
- Accepting responsibility for your actions
- Being honest
- Learning from your mistakes
Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Other people include:
- Not trying my best
- Not following the school rules
- Being dishonest
- Blaming others for my behaviour
- Minding someone else’s business
We would very much appreciate you discussing this weekly focus with your children and reviewing the expected behaviours at our school.
Congratulations and thank you, everyone, for your start to this term.
Please continue to act respectfully, responsibly and safely.
Confirmation
Confirmation will be celebrated in our Church on Wednesday 4 November at 7.00pm. This year due to COVID-19 restrictions Bishop Brian has asked all Parish Priests to confer Confirmation on his behalf. We have 23 candidates and 1 blessing, and each candidate will only be allowed a sponsor and 2 others to accompany them on the night. Please keep these students and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this sacrament.
First Communion
First Communion will be held on Saturday 28 November. At this stage, due to restrictions changing for churches, we are not sure about numbers. A note with more information about First Communion will be available in the next couple of weeks.
Confirmation and Communion Gifts
Are you looking for something special to give as a gift for Confirmation or First Communion? The piety shop in the church has a great selection of new gifts for these occasions. The piety shop is open after the 6.00 pm, and 10.00 am Masses each weekend. Please have a look. There is also a great selection of statues, rosary beads, cards, and other religious products.
Thanksgiving Mass for the Friars
At the end of the year, the Franciscan Friars will be leaving the parishes of Warrawong and Berkeley. On Sunday 22November the 10.00 am Sunday Mass will be celebrated as a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Franciscan Friars. Due to limited numbers because of COVID-19, the Mass will be by invitation only. The Parish Councils are taking up a collection to present to the Franciscan Community to support new seminarians and the work of the friars. If you would like to donate, please send it to school in an envelope marked with Franciscan Donation. Hopefully, as a school, we will be able to have some sort of liturgy or celebration towards the end of the year to say thank you for all the work the friars have done over many years.
Mission Month
October is Mission Month. During this time, we focus on and support those around the world and in Australia who are less fortunate than us. This year the focus is on Children in Cambodia. On Friday 6 November each stage will participate in a liturgy in the hall. As a fundraiser, we ask all students to wear crazy socks and donate a gold coin to the Children’s Mission. Please support us to help this worthy cause.
Children's Mission ~ Gold Coin Donation
Crazy Sock Day ~ Friday 6 November
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.
Parish Dates
| Date | Time | Church | |
| Confirmation | Wednesday 4 November | 7 pm | Warrawong |
| First Communion | Saturday 28 November | TBC | Warrawong |
Mrs Madaschi
Religious Education Coordinator
Book Week Parade
Tomorrow - Friday 23 October
We invite our students to come to school dressed as their favourite book character, or under the theme of “Curious Creatures, Wild Minds". Some ideas are below.
Thursday 29 October to Wednesday 11 November
(Week 3 - Week 5)
Our Book Fair will be a little different this year, due to current restrictions, however we hope to make it just as amazing.
This is how it will work:
STEP 1: Students browse Book Fair during their Library session in Weeks 3 or 4. They will complete a Wish List and take a catalogue home- eldest in the family only.
STEP 2: Decide which books you would like to purchase, complete the Wish List including title and price per book and add up the total cost.
STEP 3: All credit card payments are to be made online this year as parents are unable to visit the Book Fair. Otherwise, students may purchase using cash. If paying by cash, still complete the wish list and seal in and clearly labeled envelope with the money. Return this to the class teacher.
STEP 4: If paying by credit card, visit https://parentpayments.scholastic.com.au/.
STEP 5: Choose Book Fair.
STEP 6: Complete the details for our school (St Francis of Assisi School: Warrawong) and your name and total payment amount. Note: book titles are not recorded on this online form- just on the wish list.
STEP 7: Pay online and then note the receipt number on the back of the Wish List or Catalogue.
STEP 8: Student brings receipt number into the Book Fair to collect the books.
STEP 9: Receipt number is checked with Scholastic and books are given.
Unfortunately, due to current Covid-19 restrictions, we are unable to allow parents and guests to come onto school grounds to view the Book Fair this year. A catalogue will be sent via Compass, when the Book Fair is displayed, to allow parents to view the books.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Martins or Mrs Burrows.
Thank you.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office.
Please see the attached letter that was distributed to 2021 Kindergarten Parents and Carers at the beginning of this week.
Term 4 Canteen Open
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY
Please donate pre-loved school uniform items to the School Office. These are in need for the school Clothing Pool. Thank you.
The Year 7, 2021 Orientation days are being held this term. Please contact the relevant high school for further details.
| St Mary's of the Sea College | 11 November |
| Holy Spirit College | 13 November |
| Corpus Christi High School | 20 November |
| State High Schools | 1 December |
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.
Know someone who could use some support to achieve positive change in their life right now? They may find what they are looking for in a CatholicCare group session. These face to face group sessions are available to adults who would like to strengthen relationships, support children's development, and build resilience within a supportive environment, alongside others who share similar life experiences.
All of the Term 4 courses are listed on the website link or as listed below.
