Filter Content
- Principal Message
- From the Principal Desk
- Assistant Principal
- Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
- Religious Education & Parish News
- Sports News
- Thank you - School Support Officers
- Kindergarten Music
- Year 2 - Living Things
- Kindergarten 2023
- Mini Vinnies
- Birthday's to Celebrate
- ASPIRE OSHC
- Canteen News
- School Counsellor
- Pupil Free Day
- School Photo orders
- Compulsory School Attendance
- Student Leave Applications
- CatholicCare
- Helping Kids Thrive Online
- Community News
Dear Parents and Carers
We are called not just to celebrate Pentecost but to spread the Good News of Jesus and continue to realise his message in the world.
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.
Thank you for another great week of learning. Whilst the current weather conditions continue to place daily changes to our play spaces, I do need to commend our students and staff for their resilience and tolerance. Thank you also to our parents and carers who continue to keep our students safe during drop off and pick up during this unpredictable weather.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Take care, and stay safe.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
Each year the staff participate in professional development to support them in their roles as educators. The focus of our Staff Development Day this term aligns with our annual school improvement plan in the area of Mathematics. This Staff Development Day is a pupil-free day. Thank you to our parents and carers for organising care for their children on this day.It is important that our schools conduct Evacuation and Lockdown drills every term. The purpose of these drills is to ensure that in case of an emergency, our students, teachers and staff remain calm and know the procedure of where to go and what to do in the unlikely event that an evacuation or a lockdown occurs. Last term, we completed a successful Lockdown drill. Later this term, staff and students will be involved in an Evacuation drill.
Canteen helpers
Thank you so much to those parents who have volunteered to help in our canteen. Please let the Office know if you are able to lend a hand. Thank you.
Lost Property
Our lost property basket is overflowing. Items with names are returned. Items without names usually remain in the lost property basket. At the moment, we have unclaimed jackets, hats and drink bottles. Please ensure every item your child brings to school is labelled. Also, please take a few minutes to check your child's items, at times, the students can pick up another child's jacket, hat etc.
Farewell Sr Grace Cini
After five years at St Patrick's Parish Port Kembla and more than fifty years teaching thousands of children at St Francis of Assisi, Sr Grace will be moving to Adelaide, where she will enter into retirement and receive some additional care. The parish of Port Kembla will acknowledge her contribution to their parish at the 9.30 am Mass on Sunday 5 June. Sr Grace will visit our school on Wednesday 7 June, where she will join us for morning tea. We wish Sr Grace all the best as she prepares for this new chapter in her life. Best wishes, Sr Grace!
COVID-19 Updates
In recent weeks we have had some members of the community test positive to COVID-19. Please continue to monitor your children for symptoms and keep them at home if they are unwell. As we enter the winter months and flu season, please be vigilant about the early signs of influenza. Thank you for your ongoing support and vigilance.
|
Thank you from the Gouveia family Dear Staff, Students, Parents and Carers,
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, messages, kind gestures, and support.
|
Semester 1 Reports
Semester 1 reports will be available on the Compass Parent Portal on Friday 18 June for students in Years 1–6. Kindergarten only receive an end-of-year report (Semester 2).
It is a requirement of national legislation for Primary schools to provide twice-yearly written reports for students in Years 1-6. These reports are standards-referenced, which in NSW means reporting based on the Common Grade Scale. Standards-referenced reporting requires teachers to consider the performance of each student according to the standard detailed at each level (A-E) of the Common Grade Scale for each Key Learning Area (KLA).
Students are then awarded a grade based on the evidence teachers have of their learning in that particular Key Learning Area and the standard it reflects. According to the Common Grade Scale, a ‘C’ grade is considered sound. That is, if awarded a C in a particular Key Learning Area, the student has demonstrated that they have gained the knowledge, skills and understanding expected of them at that point in time.
The Common Grade Scale
The Common Grade Scale describes performance at each of the five grade levels.
|
A |
The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. |
|
B |
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations. |
|
C |
The student has sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. |
|
D |
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. |
|
E |
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills. |
Other Report features include:
Overall grades
Each Key Learning Area has an overall grade that is determined by the teacher by considering the evidence of each student’s learning and the standard on the Common Grade Scale it reflects. Overall grades are not determined by averaging performance on strands within a KLA. In many cases, more time has been dedicated to learning in one strand over others, and this contributes significantly to the balanced judgement a teacher is required to make in order to award an overall grade.
It is not unusual for a student’s overall grade to change from one reporting period to the next as the knowledge, skills and understanding they encounter in each Key Learning Area will vary from one reporting period to the next.
Commitment to Learning
Commitment to Learning captures the student’s attitude to the particular KLA and their skills in managing their work, persisting when challenged and working to their potential. A scale explaining the three standards used in Commitment to Learning is included on the front of the report.
Strands
The term ‘strands’ refers to the breakdown of learning within each KLA that is presented in a grid with the options Extensive, Thorough, Sound, Limited, and Basic for teachers to indicate the performance of the student within each strand. Over a reporting period, some strands will have a greater focus than others, which will impact the overall grade for the KLA. In some KLAs, not every strand will be covered in each reporting period; those that are not covered will not appear on the report.
Parent Workshop ~ Semester 1 Reports ~ Thursday 16 June
On Thursday, 16 June I will be running some workshops to explain the features of the Year 1-6 Semester 1 Reports. This will include an explanation of the format of the report, as well as A-E grades. If you would like to attend one of the workshops, please register on the link below.
| Thursday 16 June | 9.00 am, 2.15 pm or 6.00 pm | ||
NSW Government Everyday Maths Club-Campaign Resources
The NSW Government has announced a campaign to change perceptions of mathematics among young people. The new resources have been launched within the Everyday Maths hub on the NSW Government website, providing students and parents with new maths solutions, challenges, games, and fun experiences. These new resources encourage and support parents, carers, and students to think and act mathematically. The NSW Government resources can be accessed below
ICAS / UNSW Assessments for Years 3-6 
The window to sit the English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, or Digital Technologies Assessment is about to close. Participation is voluntary. The price of most of the assessments is $19.25, with Writing costing $23.65. They can be ordered online at https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps, after entering the code TDJ765. Assessments need to be ordered no later than 8 June with online sitting dates of 8 August - 2 September.
Physical Education and Sports lessons
We have some feedback from staff that students are mentioning that they have injuries that are preventing them from participating in some physical activities. e.g. sore foot, arm etc. If your child has an injury that may prevent them from participating in PE or sports lessons could you please send in a note or contact the teacher via Seesaw or email. Thank you.
PB4L
No Hat Play In The Shade: At St Francis of Assisi we support students to be sun smart. In doing so we encourage students to wear their hats when outdoors from the time they enter the school gate each morning until they are dismissed each afternoon. We ask parents to support us by reminding their child/children to put their hats on as part of their uniform each day, even during the winter months.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the following students, who received Playground Awards at the Week 4 Assembly.
| Citizenship Bronze Award | Antonio.F, Nicholas.G, Marco.C |
| Citizenship Silver Award | Manee.P |
Assistant Principal
In conjunction with Semester One reports, we will be holding 3-way conferences with students, teachers and parents invited to discuss their learning so far this year.
These will take place in Weeks 8, 9, and 10 of this term. Bookings will be made through the Compass portal. Details of how to create a booking were sent out today, and bookings are Now Open. If you are having issues creating a booking, please contact your child's class teacher or Mr Murphy for support.
Your child is encouraged to attend these meetings with you to have an input into their learning so far and be a part of planning learning goals for Semester Two.
S
ignificant Feasts - The Ascension and Pentecost
Last weekend, our Church celebrated the Ascension of our Lord into Heaven, which is commemorated 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection (Easter). We state our belief in the Ascension in both creeds used at Mass when we say, ‘He ascended into heaven’. Whilst the 40 day mark would technically be on a Thursday, the celebration of the Ascension is often observed on the seventh Sunday of Easter.
The same Holy Spirit that transformed the apostles is still with us today. Just as Jesus instructed his disciples to go out and make his love known throughout the world, so too are we sent out with the same mission. Through Baptism, we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us with the task of being disciples of Jesus. The challenge after Baptism is for us to continue to nurture our faith and attune our hearts to how the Holy Spirit is calling us to live in relationship with others.
As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of the Church, let us pray that we may all be open to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit and reflect on how we are being called to help bring the love and peace of Jesus to our homes, our school, our community and our world.
As noted in our last newsletter, the celebration of the 10am Mass for Pentecost at Warrawong is particularly beautiful due to the multicultural nature of our parish. As with all parish Masses, you are warmly invited to join us. After Mass, the celebrations will continue with a multicultural meal and opportunities to win prizes. If you intend to stay for lunch, please bring along a plate of food to share. If you have traditional costumes, please feel most welcome to wear these as well.2022 Confirmation Candidates
Please keep in your prayers the children in our parish who are preparing to be confirmed in the Catholic faith. Last weekend, they attended their commitment Masses and this week they have begun their lessons. During the Pentecost Masses this weekend, the candidates will be presenting their Confirmation posters which will then be displayed in our churches for the remainder of the period of preparation.
Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week follows National Sorry Day which was celebrated last Thursday, on the 26th May. The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme is Be Brave. Make Change. It is a challenge to individuals, families, communities, organisations and government - to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians. To view Reconciliation Australia’s video, ‘State of Reconciliation in Australia’ click here.
We are highlighting Reconciliation Week at tomorrow’s Principal’s and Values Awards Assembly.
World Environment Day
World Environment Day is a United Nations Environment-led global event, which takes place each year on June 5th and is celebrated by thousands of communities worldwide. It is a day for everyone around the world to take ownership of their environment and to actively engage in the protection of our earth. The theme for World Environment Day 2022 is Only One Earth. This theme calls for transformative changes to policies and choices to enable cleaner, greener, and sustainable living in harmony with nature. Its focus is on the need to live sustainably in harmony with nature, and our possibilities for shifting to a greener lifestyle through national policies and individual choices. We will be highlighting World Environment Day at our Monday morning assembly.
Loving God and Creator of all,
you have given us this one, wonderful world for our home.
We are the ones who can make peace with nature
and restore her former glory.
Help us to work together to create a greener, cleaner world
by being conscious of the little changes we can make every day.
Teach us how to love our planet
and treat it with respect and reverence.
We ask this prayer through Jesus, your Son. Amen.
Ms Marita Maloney
Religious Education Coordinator
Term 2 Sporting Events
| Date | Event | Attending |
| Friday 10 June | Paul Kelly Cup | Selected Year 5 & 6 students |
| Friday 17 June | Athletics Carnival | Whole School |
Diocesan Cross Country Selection Trials
Congratulations to our students who represented St Francis of Assisi at the Diocesan Cross Country Selection Trials last week at Narellan. We are very proud of the team who all ran well, and it was great to see our parents out supporting all of the students. Thanks to Mrs Davidson for her attendance on the day, the students really enjoyed and appreciated this.
Team - Alivia G, Olivia B, Fatima H, Rocco M, Antonio F, Savannah G, Ali H
Paul Kelly Cup - AFL Gala Day
The Paul Kelly Cup - AFL Gala Day that was previously postponed is now being held on Friday 10 June. Please see Compass events to give consent for your child to attend if they have been selected. There are both competitive and non-competitive teams and we will be holding training sessions at school to prepare the students for the day.
Netball Gala Day
Unfortunately, due to changes in circumstances, the Netball Gala Day will not take place this term. Further information will be communicated should this event be rescheduled.
Athletics Carnival
Our whole school Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 17 June at Myimbarr Oval, Shellharbour. Please check your Compass Portal for all details and to give permission for your child/ren to attend. Lunch orders from the venue are available and an order form will be sent home. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's teacher or Mr Murphy.
On Monday 16 May we celebrated World Support Staff Day. We had the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our Support Staff at St Francis of Assisi. This includes all of our Office Staff, Learning Support Officers and Pastoral Support Worker. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and all you do for our staff, students and school community. We hope you enjoyed your special day.
During Term 2, Kindergarten students have very much enjoyed their Music lessons, which have seen us sing, dance and play various instruments to a range of music. Together, we have explored the musical concepts of beat, fast and slow (tempo), loud and soft (dynamics) and high and low (pitch). We have also had a look at a range of instruments including string, wind and percussion instruments. Our favourite songs to sing include Come on In, A Ram-Sam-Sam and our absolute favourite, Twinkle, Twinkle Rock Guitar. We also love playing games to show the difference between high and low pitch sounds, and using our bodies and a range of instruments to keep a beat. Music is great - you definitely can't beat it!
Don't miss out! Places are filling fast.
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
Everyone has the power to make a positive difference in the world and in the lives of others. In conjunction with the St Vincent de Paul Society, our Mini Vinnies Team will be helping those in need during this year's Winter Appeal. Vinnies continue to provide vital services to those people in need.
Our Mini Vinnies Team has enjoyed the first fundraiser activity for the year. Thank you to all our families who have donated canned soups and jars of jam. Our Mini Vinnies Team will distribute these donations to the St Vincent de Paul Society. The last day for donations is Friday 3 June.
We are passionate about providing our young people with a deep understanding of the issues of poverty and injustice so that are empowered to change the world.
Staff and Student Birthdays
Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthdays in June: Nicholas. G, Ellie.K, Nicholas.B, Isla.B, Marcus.D, Antonio.F, Lucinda.F, Mia.O, Monique.D, Mia.F, Razan.H, Dominic.G, Abigail.R, Kylar.L, Hussein.S, Aleksander.C and Mrs Mansbridge.
GOOD NEWS!
Aspire OSHC
Have additional services including
Before school, After school & Vacation Care
$500 Government Vouchers available to use
TERM 2 Canteen OPEN
Recess & Lunch
Wednesdays & Fridays
Can you help in the Canteen? We are in need of helpers on
Friday 10 June, Wednesday 15 June and Wednesday 22 June
Please contact the School Office.
TUESDAY 14 JUNE
Save the date
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY
Students do not attend school on this day.
Our staff will be attending a professional learning day on Mathematics.
School photo orders are being processed and will be issued before the end of the term. Advancedlife apologises for the delay due to a shortage of staff at this time with Covid. Thank you for your understanding.
Parents & Caregivers
Appointments
Please make appointments outside of school hours where possible. If it is necessary for your child to leave school early for an appointment, the teacher must be notified in writing on the morning of the appointment to avoid disruption to the class and their learning.
Absent Compass Notifications
Please respond to the absent notifications with an explanation for your child's absence.
Punctuality
It is important for children to learn punctuality and arrive to school on time by 8.30 am.
When families are taking holidays during the school term for 10 days or more, an Application for Leave must be completed, with notice, and submitted at the School Office. This application is required to be approved by the School Principal prior to the leave commencing and a Certificate of Extended Leave will be issued for the parents to have with them during their travels. Please see the attached form for further information.
FREE Parent Webinar on Online Safety on Wednesday 8 June at 7.30 pm
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT has arranged to hold a free webinar with the eSafety Commissioner for parents and carers of children aged 5-12 years.
The title of this year’s seminar is: Helping Kids Thrive Online.
This Term 2 webinar offers tips on how to support young people to socialise, learn and have fun online in a safe manner. It explains how to access information, use technology safely and navigate new online platforms.
It will cover:
- how to talk to young people about online risks on different social media platforms and games
- how to help young people develop skills to protect themselves when they are online
- where to go for help if things go wrong and how to access mental health support and information through eSafety.
Who should attend? Suitable for parents and carers of children aged 5-12 years
Date/Time: Wednesday 8 June at 7:30 pm
