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- Principal Message
- From the Principal Desk
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- Year 6 - Class of 2020
- Principal & Value Awards
- Vinnies Food Drive - Christmas Appeal
- School Counsellor
- Circus of Life
- Look what has been happening in our classrooms!
- NAIDOC Celebrations
- Book Club
- Year 6 Leadership Photos
- After School Care
- Some class vacancies available in 2021
- Canteen 2021
- Medications & Action Plans
- School Fees
- COVID-19 Directive Update
- Supporting the Wellbeing of your child
- School Travel 2021
- School Zone Parking
- CatholicCare Courses
- Community Notices
“The gifts God has given us can bring hope to others.”
In the Gospel reading for last Sunday’s Mass (Matthew 25: 14-30), Jesus uses the Parable of the Talents to educate his disciples. Even at the most basic of interpretations, this story has significant meaning to all those who are part of our school community.
In the parable, a rich man delegates the management of his wealth to his servants, much as investors in today’s markets do. He gives five talents (a large unit of money) to the first servant, two talents to the second, and one talent to the third. Two of the servants earn 100 percent returns by trading with the funds, but the third servant hides the money in the ground and earns nothing. The rich man returns, rewards the two who made money but severely punishes the servant who did nothing. As we reflect on this parable, God has given each one of us talents. It is not always easy for us to acknowledge our talents or have them paraded about the place, yet Jesus tells us that we should see our talents as a gift from God; a gift from God that needs to be acknowledged, celebrated and shared amongst our family, friends and the wider community. Our talents that come from within are far too special to bury. Our greatness lies not in the greatness of our talents in themselves but in the greatness of our love to use them to build the Kingdom of God in our time and place. This week, spend some time reflecting on how best you can use the talents you have been entrusted with... let your light shine.
Principal
Kindergarten Class of 2021
Last week and again today, we welcomed our Kindergarten class of 2021 for their Kindergarten Transition to School Orientation. Over the next few weeks, we will have the opportunity to welcome the Kindergarten 2021 students, at two more orientation sessions.
A 'Welcome to Kindergarten' eBook will be made available at the end of next week, for all our Kindergarten 2021 students. Ready Set School Bags have been prepared and will be handed out to each child at their final orientation session. We are all very excited to meet our newest students. Special thanks to Mrs Beckhaus and our School Support Officers for supporting the students during their visit.
| Upcoming sessions: | |
| Thursday 26 November | Session 3 - 1.30 - 2.30 pm |
| Tuesday 1 December | Session 4 - 1.30 - 2.30 pm Students will receive their 'Ready Set School Bag' at this session. |
Parent-School Partnership
This year has been a little more challenging, and we haven't been able to have less formal catch-ups with your child's class teacher due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please know that you are always welcome to speak with your child's teacher either over the phone, email or make an appointment. Your communication with your child's teacher is important, so please do not hesitate to make time to speak with them.
“Parents and families are recognised as integral members of the school
community and partners in their child’s education.”
Friendships - Relationships with others - Inappropriate Behaviour
Over the past few weeks, we have been having discussions with students about the natural changes that may occur in friendships as they grow and develop. At times students will exhibit behaviours that are unacceptable at school. We have discussed how changes in relationships are normal and have encouraged students to continue to be respectful, safe and responsible. Any physical contact, name-calling, inappropriate facial expressions, spreading rumours, yelling at others, excluding others are examples of some of the behaviours that we do not accept. I strongly believe that in the midst of the many challenges we are facing, we can be strategic in the way we respond to difficulties, to learn and to grow, to show kindness and generosity, and create new and unexpected opportunities. Our school is all about learning, and with this, I am acutely aware of the power and importance of what we as adults model to our children. Our children watch us, and they learn from what they see. So often their fears and worries are mirrored by what they observe in the significant adults in their lives. Please continue to speak to your child about their behaviour and the way they treat others. Please encourage your child to chat with their teacher if they need extra support and guidance, to help to navigate their way when faced with challenging friendship situations and social interactions.
School Calendar & Events
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.
Year 6 Excursion to The Tops
First Communion
Those students making their First Communion this year are currently working through the First Communion program with their parents. This program is aligned with the Year 3 unit on the Eucharist that the students are completing in class. First Communion will be celebrated on Saturday 28 November with two Masses at 9.00 am, and 10.30 am. Please keep the students, parents and teachers in your prayers during this preparation time.
Remembrance Day
Last Wednesday 11 November we gathered to remember all those who fought to keep our country safe. November 11 marked the end of World War 1 over a hundred years ago. Although it was a long time ago, it was an opportunity to remember all those who have died in wars and conflicts since then. During our Remembrance Day prayer, we reflected and valued the freedoms that we enjoy today, and made a commitment to continue to create peace in our world by recognising that peace begins in our own families, classrooms, schools and communities, and with us. Each one of us can make a peaceful world.
The flag was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect. A wreath of rosemary was placed at the base of the flagpole and poppies made by the students were placed in the garden. The Flanders poppy was one of the first plants to grow on the blood-soaked battlefields of France and Belgium. Finally, the flag was raised as the National Anthem was played.
Mission Liturgy and Crazy Sock Day
On Friday 6 November each stage celebrated a Liturgy for Mission Month in the hall. This year Children’s Mission is focusing on Cambodia, especially the disabled children. The prayers and video provided a very powerful message to the students about helping those in need. As a fundraiser staff and students wore crazy socks and for this fun activity they donated a gold coin. We raised over $200 for Children’s Mission. Thank you for your contributions.
Thanksgiving Mass for the Friars
This Sunday Bishop Brian will celebrate Mass at 10 am, during this Mass we farewell the Friars from the diocese after 65 years of dedicated ministry and leadership. This Mass is by invitation only due to COVID-19 restrictions. Fr Martin will be here until early next year when we will have a Diocesan Priest replace the friars. We welcome Fr Damien Ellis, who is currently in the role of Australian Army Chaplain. We are very grateful for all the work the Franciscans have done in our parish. Please keep all members of the Franciscan Order in your prayers.
Mrs Madaschi
Religious Education Coordinator
Particularly in this pandemic year, the Year 6 students have been called upon to demonstrate strength, courage, leadership, hope and mateship as they have experienced the loss of many of the usual school activities that they have looked forward to as school leaders. It has been their resilience, faith and the support of their teachers and parents that has seen them work through the year. After such a challenging year we are delighted that our Year 6 students will be able to attend an excursion to the Tops Conference Centre, take part in the Activate Fire Retreat Day and have their Graduation Mass and celebration afterwards. These are all important experiences that we have been hoping and praying that we would be able to give our 2020 Graduating Students. We are truly thankful to the Year 6 teachers and parents for all their support. Early next week a note will go home regarding the Year 6 Graduation Mass.
YEAR 6 'ACTIVATE FIRE'
On Wednesday 2 December, our Year 6 students will be involved in an Immersive Spiritual Experience. It is based on the Year 6 Religious Education unit, Confirmation: Celebrating the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The day has been organised for all Wollongong Diocesan Schools by the Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the day will be held at St Francis of Assisi in our school hall. Year 6 students are allowed to come in mufti clothes and will be supplied a sausage sizzle lunch.
Congratulations to those students who received the Principal and Value Awards at our assembly on Friday 13 November. Unfortunately, we are still unable to have family and friends attend our awards due to the COVID-19 restrictions. This is always a special time for our school community. We look forward to the time when we all can gather to celebrate these achievements.
| CLASS | Principal's Award | Value - Acceptance |
| Kindy Blue | Ahmad H | Gizel C W |
| Year 1 Gold | Natinee P | Jasmin H R |
| Year 2 Blue | Genevieve U | Abdul-Karim M |
| Year 3 Gold | Mia De A | Thomas W |
| Year 3 Blue | Zelia S | Jaeda Y |
| Year 4 Gold | Evan K | Jessica S |
| Year 5 Blue | Nicholas C | Aleya E |
| Year 6 Gold | Alexia B | Sophie C |
| Year 6 Blue | Ruben S | Mohammed R |
This year we are asking our school community to help make a local family’s Christmas a little happier. If your family could donate one item it would be greatly appreciated.
We would love your help with these donations:
| Kindergarten | Jam and Sweet Biscuits |
| Year 1 | Tinned fruit and Long life custard |
| Year 2 | Christmas cake, Christmas puddings |
| Year 3 | Packets of chips, lollies |
| Year 4 | Chocolates and Savoury biscuits |
| Year 5 | Soft drink and Cordial |
| Year 6 | Canned meats and pasta |
My name is Kirsty and I am the School Counsellor at St Francis of Assisi Primary school.
I am employed by CatholicCare’s School Student and Family Program which aims to promote the wellbeing and development of students. I provide counselling support to students for issues such as anxiety, friendship issues, anger and behaviour management, sleep problems, support through family breakdown, grief and loss, or any other concerns you may have for your child.
At times I may also run groups on social skills, dealing with anxiety or coping with family separation. I am also able to provide information in relation to referrals for other CatholicCare services. If you would like to refer your child for counselling, please contact your child's class teacher to discuss. I am at the school every Tuesday.
Year 2 Sizzling Starts
In Year 2 this term, we have been learning how to write SIZZLING STARTS in our narratives to hook the readers in. We are doing a wonderful job using our imaginations. Here is a sample of some of our SIZZLING STARTS based on the picture below.
The ship sailed slowly through the water. Everything was silent until - BOOM! CRASH!
A wave of water thrashed against the ship.
“A mossy bridge up ahead,” shouted the captain. “We’re going to have to put the sails down”. It was too late! The ship crashed against the mossy bridge. The sails dropped off the ship. The ropes got tangled and water splashed into the wooden windows. The boat started to sink.
Lucas O
As the pirate ship cautiously approached the tunnel, the pirates closed the sails. They went to the lower deck but then the sails ripped and crashed into the water. Rocks fell on the boat. Wood busted…
Yehia S
The fog had surrounded the ship and people were feeling seasick. A little girl was squeezing her favourite teddy bear. Her mother told her not to panic, but she was scared.
Kendall L
The boat was pushed by the strong wind.
“No! We are going to crash into those rocks,” said the captain of the pirate crew.
“What are we going to do now, Captain?” said the worried pirate.
The pirates needed to do something.
“BOOM! BOOM!” The rocks fell. The boat stopped.
Tyrese B
“Low rocks ahead! Some of these dusty sails may have to be lowered!”
“Move to the front! Hurry up, you scallywags!” yelled the captain.
All of the pirates felt nervous, scared and really worried.
The pirates dived off the boat before it crashed into the hole in the rock.
Aidan O
Stage 2 - Year 3 and 4 - Geography
Year 3 and 4 have been learning about the earth’s environment in Geography. As part of our work, we have been learning about the excessive rubbish in the world, especially plastic. The students all had to find some plastic rubbish and make it into a piece of creative artwork. The students made some excellent creations and shared them with the class.
Our Learning in 4 Gold
The students in 4 Gold had a focus during Religion in Week 4 on Catholic Mission and the people of Cambodia who we are supporting in 2020. After watching some videos from the Catholic Mission website, and some whole-class discussions, students had the opportunity to reflect and respond in writing.
“...they had no beds. The stuff all around them was old. Nothing was green. It makes me feel happy that we’re donating to them…” by Ryan
“...We should help Dara and children like him by raising money. I
am so happy we are doing crazy sock day so we can do gold coin donations…” by
Jessica
“...On Friday we are having crazy sock day to raise money for all these people in poverty…” by Joseph
“...watching these videos reminded me to put money in the mission box…” by Tevita
“...we should appreciate the things we have because people in Cambodia don’t have what we have…” by Monica
’’...they had no electricity...they had no digital things...I felt sorry for them because they were disabled with hardly any medical help…” by Ali
“...the video made me feel very bad that the kid lost a hand…” by Evan
“...me losing my tooth is nothing, but losing an arm...that’s life changing!...” by Stefan
“...Dara lost his arm. When I heard this, I felt devastated. This is one of the saddest stories I have ever heard. This reminded me...not everyone has the same physical capability as others…” by Max
“...it made me think I should be grateful for what we have…” by Lara
“...I have a bit of a connection because Vietnam is kind of like Cambodia, but not as bad…” by Phillip
“...I feel bad for the people that are disabled...the video made me feel really sad…” by Dominic
“...crazy sock day is important to me a lot this year because I wonder how you would feel if you lived there. I also feel terrible for Dara since he lost his hand from the landmine…” by Sekne
“...it made me feel sad because people like them don’t have what we have and I don’t think that is very fair…” by Chanel
“...people there suffer with how little stuff they have...but we can make a difference in many ways...putting money in the mission box...praying to God for them...trying to think of them when you are about to buy something…” by Celina
“...watching the two videos made me think again about what to be thankful for, and not waste money on the things I don’t need and on things I do need…” by Savannah
“...God will help them throughout their hard journey through life…” by Eva
Last week NAIDOC Week celebrations were held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities but by Australians from all walks of life.
Tomorrow St Francis of Assisi will celebrate NAIDOC. This will be an opportunity for our students and staff to participate in a range of activities and a liturgy. Photos of our NAIDOC celebrations will be shared on our Facebook page and in our next newsletter. A special thank you to Mrs Mansbridge for her organisation of this event.
Book Club is available to order online. Visit the link below.
Orders due by Monday 23 November.
Year 6 leadership photos were taken and are now available to order online. Group images ordered before the 26th November will receive a 20% discount by using the link below.
Group photos available to order are:
2020 Student Leadership team, 2020 House Captains,
and 2020 Captains and Vice Captains.
Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: 9YM AT4 77X
Important Information:
- These group photos can only be purchased online, DO NOT return payment to your school
- Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are ordered
Casual or permanent after school care bookings are available. This service is available in the school hall.
CatholicCare OSHC - St Francis of Assisi is staffed by a dedicated team of education professionals who are university trained early childhood teachers or TAFE trained Diploma educators who support and respect the uniqueness and individuality of children and their families. Our goal is to ensure that educators support and facilitate children’s social skills and self-confidence.
Our educators collaborate with children to provide play and leisure opportunities that are meaningful to them and that support their wellbeing, learning and personal development. Children in school-age care settings are challenged to be curious about what is of interest to them while at the same time developing self-identity and social competencies (taken from MY TIME, OUR PLACE Framework for School Age Care in Australia).
The day to day operations of St Francis of Assisi OSHC is managed by a Coordinator and supported by CatholicCare OSHC Leadership Team.
Melissa Farrell
OOSH Coordinator
0447 623 580
warrawongoosh@catholiccare.dow.org.au
Unfortunately due to the difficult year of 2020, Fresh Start Canteens will not be continuing to manage the school canteen next year. In these circumstances, we are taking expressions of interest of anyone interested in tendering the management of the canteen in 2021.
School Canteen Manager
St Francis of Assisi is seeking expressions of interest from suitable candidates for the role of Canteen Manager for the tender of the school canteen, commencing 2021 with school enrolments of approximately 200.
In this role, we are looking for someone who is creative and able to work collaboratively with the school community and have a 'students first' focus. Duties include supervising, maintaining and delivering school canteen services.
Please email your expression of interest to info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au by Friday 27 November or contact 4274 3386 for further information.
MEDICAL ACTION PLANS
If your child is at risk of anaphylaxis, asthma or has a medical condition, it is important that the school is provided with a current Action Plan by the doctor. This plan provides up-to-date information for the school regarding the medical management of your child's condition and must be updated every year. If there are any changes to your child's health care needs, please inform the school as soon as possible.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
If your child requires staff to administer prescription medication at school, you will need to complete a Request to Administer form.
School staff can only administer prescription medication: -
- That has been prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner (doctor, dentist).
- Is in its original container
- Has an attached pharmacy label to the container
- Has been delivered to the school by the parent/carer and is accompanied completed Request to Administer Medication Form including the signature and stamp from a qualified medical practitioner.
If your child is unwell and requires antibiotics, they should remain at home until they have recovered and they are well enough to return to school.
2020 School Fees are required to be paid in full by the end of the year. Please contact the School Office if you require an extension or if you are having financial difficulty. A fee Concession Application form can be provided for you to complete and return.
The Catholic Education Office Wollongong manages the school fee accounts and they also send the monthly statements via email. Your school fee account can be viewed by logging into your Compass Parent Portal.
Please do not hesitate to contact the School Office if we can be of any assistance.
The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has joined with CatholicCare to provide simple tips and strategies to help you support your child to cope with change and anxiety. The disruption and uncertainty we have been experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic has created both challenges and opportunities. Find out what you can do and where you can find support for you and your child.
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.
Practicing gratitude as part of life rhythms can have a significant effect on our world view—growing evidence suggests gratitude reinforces thinking pathways, which supports a growth mindset and releases hormones such as oxytocin, helping to increase the positive feedback loop in the body. It can help us understand and prepare for change and support the development of resilience and healthy coping strategies for when things become difficult.
The more often we practice gratitude, the deeper the impact is on the child’s life. As educators, you might like to invite families to practice gratitude with you at drop-off or pick-up times, and encourage families to form their own gratitude habits at home as they prepare and move through the school transition. Practicing gratitude may be a small action but it can create an incredible outcome.
Rod Soper's webinar Playing with Gratitude examines the science of gratitude and how combining it with the powerful influence of co-play enables positive change in the wellbeing of children from birth up to the age of five.
