Filter Content
- Principal Message
- Religious Education Coordinator Announcement
- From the Principal Desk
- Assistant Principal
- Religious Education & Parish News
- Diocesan Sport Trial Nominations for 2022
- Welcome back to school - Year 2 to 6
- Canteen - Lunch Orders
- School Photo Day
- School Fees
- October Mental Health Month
- Vacancies Available 2022 - Enrol now
- Community Notices
Dear Parents and Carers
The wait was finally over! It was wonderful to welcome back our Kindergarten and Year One last week and our Years 2-6 students on Monday. The silence was broken with the hum of excited and happy children. A highlight of this week has been the huge smiles on the children's faces, particularly when they first entered the school gate. The students have brightened up our week as they eased back into the routines of school.
Over the coming weeks, we want our students to feel comfortable and secure. So we will continue to focus on the emotional and social needs of the students. They will be engaged in lots of activities that encourage playing together and putting into practice the social skills they learn in class. Thank you again to the staff for their preparation for the return to face to face learning.
World Teachers Day
Australia will celebrate and thank the teaching profession on World Teachers' Day, Friday 29 October. Teachers (with support from parents and carers) have ensured education continues across the country this year, despite significant challenges. It has reinforced the significant role teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families and communities.
On Friday 29 October, we say a big thank you to all teachers and celebrate the bright future of teaching. We encourage students to reach out to their teacher on Friday by sending them a message of appreciation or by writing a thank you card or note.
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap
if we do not grow weary” (Gal 6:9)
Have a wonderful World Teachers' Day
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mrs Davidson
PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Carers
As previously communicated in our Week 10 newsletter in Term 3. Mrs Mandy Madaschi will be retiring from her leadership position at the conclusion of this school year.
Following a recruitment process, Ms Marita Maloney-Muller was the successful applicant for the substantive position of Religious Education Coordinator (REC) at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Warrawong, in 2022. Marita has been teaching and leading in the Diocese of Wollongong for a number of years and is currently the Religious Education Coordinator at St Clare’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Narellan Vale.
On behalf of Father Damien, the staff and the school community we take this opportunity to congratulate Marita and wish her every success and fulfilment in this new appointment.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your cooperation in adhering to these times is greatly appreciated.
Summer Uniform
A reminder that all students should be in full summer uniform. If you have any uniforms that your child has outgrown and you would like to donate to the clothing pool these can be brought to the school office. Thank you!
Prayers
Please keep in your prayers Tori Farinella and family on the passing of little Luca who was due to commence school this year in Kindergarten. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
We also pray for those in our community who may be unwell. We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Welcome back to all students. It was wonderful to reconnect with you this week.
Water Bottles
A reminder again that as the weather is now warming up, all students need to bring a water bottle to school every day. There are a number of students coming to school without a water bottle. Students are able to refill their drink bottles at the drink stations. Thank you for your assistance.
Merit and Religious Education Awards
Congratulations to the following students who are receiving Merit or Religious Education Awards during Weeks 3 and 4.
| Class | Merit Awards | Religious Education Award | PB4L Award Being Safe |
| Kindergarten | Gus, Harrison, Joy, Oliver | Lexie, Andrea | Batoul |
| Year 1 | Stefan, Emma, Azalea, Gizel | Ruby, Fatima | Ahmad |
| Year 2 | Abigail, Mia, Melek, Christian | Roman, Rocco | Angelina |
| Year 3 | Mateo, Lucinda, Mia, Mois | Genevieve, Layla | Aidan |
| Year 4B | Manee, Samuel, Brock, Eunique | Kylar, Jasmin | Mia |
| Year 4G | Lucas, Zelia, Marco, Tahlia | Monique, Eva | Braedyn |
| Year 5 | Julian, Tevita, Isabella, Stefan | Monica, Sara | Razan |
| Year 6 | Adrian, Shelby, Cruz, Christian | Nicholas, Grace | Cam Ly |
Here is a maths challenge for you to do at home.
Target Game
Miss Cotton’s class has been playing number games with dice, dominoes and cards.
Then one day, when she wasn’t very well, she asked the class to work quietly using the 5 dice or 4 dominoes or 3 cards and see what different ways they could find to make a target number. What was the target number? What different ways can you find to make the target number with 5 dice or 4 dominoes or 3 cards?
Mr Green
Assistant Principal
Mission Month
Socktober is, first and foremost, a means through which schools and students can celebrate World Mission Month in October. An important component of this celebration is to reflect on the efforts of mission partners around the world, to pray for them and the communities they serve.
We will be holding a Mission Fundraiser on Friday 12 November. Students are asked to wear crazy socks and donate a gold coin for the missions. The students will be learning about missions over the next couple of weeks.
Students will also celebrate a liturgy in their classes on this day.
All Saints’ Day
November 1 is a special day called the feast of All Saints. It is a day to remember and honor the saints. This is a day to celebrate members of our family, our friends, and our neighbours who have entered heaven.
When we think of the saints in heaven, we think of saints who are special to us. Many people are named after special saints, for example, if someone’s name is Elizabeth or Francis, his or her patron saint would be Saint Elizabeth or Saint Francis.
Year 6 will lead prayer for All Saints Day on Monday 1 November.
A Prayer to say at Home.
On November 2 we celebrate All Souls Day, and we remember all who are part of the Church – those who have died and are with God, and those of us still here on earth. We especially remember all those we know whom we have loved and who have died. We ask God to bring us comfort and peace through the love and support of family and friends. Year 5 will lead prayer for All Souls’ Day on Tuesday 2 November.
A Prayer to say at home for All Souls’ Day.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is celebrated on 11 November. This day marks the end of World War 1 over a hundred years ago. Although it was a long time ago, it is an opportunity to remember all those who have died in wars and conflicts. In our world today, life is difficult and there is still conflict, but we can help by committing ourselves to creating peace in our own world. We can recognise that peace begins in our own families, classrooms, schools and communities, and it begins with us.
Each one of us can make a peaceful world if we really try. A prayer service will be held in classrooms on 11 November to commemorate this special day.
Reconciliation and First Communion
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer these Sacraments this year. Even though restrictions are easing, Diocesan procedures to return to full participation in all church activities do not allow us to resume sacramental preparation. As each of these sacraments require a minimum of 4 weeks preparation, including meetings and ceremonies, this is not possible. These sacraments are too important to be rushed.
Fr Damien and the sacramental team have met and decided that the children from Year 3 and 4 will be combined next year to complete these programs.
At this stage Reconciliation will be offered in Term 2 and First Communion in Term 4.
We know this is disappointing and your children were looking forward to this, hopefully everything will be back to normal next year and the sacraments will be able to be celebrated as planned.
Confirmation
This year Confirmation will be celebrated with two ceremonies. Both ceremonies will take place at St Francis of Assisi Warrawong Church on Tuesday 9 November and Thursday 11 November at 6.30 pm. The parents have received an email with the final groupings. Please remember this weekend the candidates are to present their Saint projects at Mass. The weekend of the 6-7 November, candidates will be presented to the Parish at Mass. Candidates are to wear their stoles at these Masses and for Confirmation. Please make sure they have been washed and ironed. Thank you
Parish Weekend Masses
Berkeley 5.00 pm Saturdays
Warrawong 8.30am and 10.00am Sundays.
Mrs Madaschi
Religious Education Coordinator
Dear Year 4 and Year 5 Parents,
Every year the Diocese of Wollongong conducts trials for a variety of sports for students in Years 5 and 6. Students who are successful during these trials represent the Diocese of Wollongong at MacKillop Level (against elite students from Wagga, Canberra/Goulburn, Sydney & Parramatta) and if selected, may represent at the NSWPSSA State level as a member of the MacKillop team.
Students are required to be experienced players and extremely talented at their chosen sport. These trials are not gala days or school-based carnivals. They have not been designed for students “to come and try or for the experience”. They are for students who are elite at their sport and expect to make it to the next level.
Please refer to CEO sports web for specific event details and criteria (https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/events-primary/)
Base criteria need to be met to attend these trials. Below is the background information you should specify in your nomination:
- years played
- representative experience and teams (preferred not essential)
- any outstanding achievements in the sport
All student nominations are sent to trial conveners for approval. Students who have been nominated for a sport will then be informed if they have been successful or unsuccessful to attend the Wollongong trials. Successful students will receive a letter from the school detailing the trial, times, gear requirements etc...
More information including nomination forms for 2022 trials has been sent on Compass and forms are due to be returned by Monday 1 November.
Any questions, please let Mr Murphy know.
This week saw the long awaited return of face-to-face teaching in the classroom for Years 2-11 students. It is wonderful to have everyone back onsite.
CANTEEN OPEN
Lunch Orders only
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
At this time there will be no over-the-counter sales. The Canteen will be open for lunch orders only, in line with the Covid guidelines.
This will commence in Week 5 from Wednesday 3 November.
Please see the Lunch Order Menu below.
HOW TO ORDER
On a brown paper lunch bag, neatly write on the lower half of the bag your child's name and class, the order, and the cost. Enclose the correct payment in the bag to minimise cash handling. Students will place their orders in the class lunch basket when they arrive at their classroom in the morning.
Thursday 9 December - Term 4 Week 10
School photo day will be held on Thursday 9 December. 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 can be placed online as follows:
Visit: - www.advancedlife.com.au
St Francis of Assisi Advancedlife online order code is CZF PZ6 2FX
Please check and ensure your school account will be paid in full by 30th November. If you require an extension or have any concerns, please contact the School Office.
We advise the Catholic Education Office has processed crediting school fee accounts for activities the students, unfortunately, have not been able to participate in due to COVID. The credits applicable will be shown on your account in the Compass Parent Portal. Please do not hesitate to contact the School Office if you have any questions.
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) have made available support to families, conscious of the significant financial impact that many may be experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. Please find below detailed information regarding support for families through COVID-19 restrictions and school fee payments. As always, please do not hesitate to contact the school about any matters you wish to discuss, especially those related to financial hardship.
Enrolments are OPEN for 2022. Please let your family and friends know. The enrolment application form is available from the School Office or can be downloaded from the link below.
