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- Principal's Message
- From the Principal Desk
- Religious Education News
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- Sports News
- Mother's Day Stall
- Anzac Day
- VEX Go Robotics
- Learning in Kindy
- Happy Mothers Day
- Year 3 Learning
- Celebration of Learning Assembly
- Principal and Value Awards
- Walk Safely to School Day - Friday 19 May
- Easter Raffle
- Birthdays to Celebrate
- School Photos
- Student Leave Applications
- Lost Property
- Pre-Loved Uniforms
- Lowes 20% Sale
- Canteen News
- Enrol Kindergarten 2024
- Parenting Insights
- NSW Government Vouchers
- School Zone Road Safety
- Community News
Dear Parents and Carers
It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back for Term 2. I trust you have had a safe and restful break, especially over the Easter Triduum. The students returned to school with many stories about their holiday adventures and were eager to reconnect with their friends and teachers. Thank you to the staff for the work they have put in to prepare for Term 2. We are all looking forward to a fabulous term ahead.
In last Sunday’s Gospel, we listen to the parable of the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is one of the first significant pieces of scripture our Kindergarten students are introduced to in their Religious Education Unit called 'Welcome.' The Good Shepherd introduces the students to the person of Jesus. The students will relate to the security and safety provided by the Good Shepherd and the sheepfold. Through the power of the parable, foundations are laid for students to enter the story, encounter the love of God and build a relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd who loves all people. In this parable, Jesus wanted to teach the people that we are like sheep. ‘I come that they may have life and have it to the full." The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A shepherd who will do anything for his flock so that they are nurtured, allowed to grow and live, knowing that they belong to God’s loving family.
We are all called to be shepherds. Just as Jesus was the Good Shepherd, we are called to be shepherds to others. Bringing them comfort and bringing them closer to God.
Mother's Day
On Sunday 14 May, we celebrate Mother’s Day. Whilst Mother's Day is celebrated on different days in many countries around the world, the central idea of honouring mothers is universal. On Mother’s Day, we remember mothers who inspire, devote and never stop looking after us no matter our age or ability. Our school community will be celebrating Mother’s Day on Friday 12 May at 9.30 am. Please see the flyer in this newsletter for more details. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you. Enjoy this special day! You deserve it!
On behalf of the staff, we wish the mothers, grandmothers and mother figures in our community a Happy Mother’s Day.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
PRINCIPAL
Welcome back
2024 Kindergarten Enrolment Interviews
This week we commenced our Kindergarten enrolment interviews for 2024. This enrolment period is an exciting time for these children, their families and our school community. We ask that you continue to keep them in your prayers.
If you have a sibling commencing school in 2024 but have not completed an application form, please do so as soon as possible. We are still accepting enrolment applications; please contact the office. Enrolment packs are available from the school office or our website.
Welcome to St Francis of Assisi
This term, we have welcomed the Botiki family into our school community. Welcome Arianna (AJ) to our Kindergarten class. Ms Beckhaus and the students have enjoyed meeting you. We look forward to working in partnership with you and your family.
Winter School Uniform - Changeover
Thank you to parents and carers for the high standards you expect of your children regarding the school uniform. Our school uniform is an integral part of our identity as a school and each student's sense of belonging. Students may transition to Winter school uniforms from next week as the days become cooler. All students must wear full winter uniform from Monday 15 May, after the Mother's Day weekend.
Parking around the school
Thank you to our families who are parking correctly in the streets around the school and for using the car pick-up safely. We still have a number of vehicles blocking driveways and double parking in no-stopping zones in Bruce Road. Please be mindful of our road rules to keep the local residents and our school community safe.
Tell them from me Survey
Thank you for sharing your voice to help us guide our school forward. These surveys will be sent to you via our Compass portal.
2023 Confirmation Program
As indicated earlier in the year when enrolment information was sent home regarding this year's sacramental programs. Next Tuesday 9 May at 6 pm an information evening is being held for those enrolled in the Confirmation program. This meeting will be held in our parish Church, commencing at 6 pm.
The commitment Masses will be celebrated the following weekend (13 & 14 May). Workshops for this program will begin in Week 4.
- Commitment Mass at St Mary of the Rosary, Berkeley:
- Saturday 13 May @ 4 pm
- Commitment Mass at St Francis of Assisi, Warrawong:
- Sunday 14 May @ 10:30 am
Celebrating the Month of Mary
The Church has long had a devotion to Mary, Mother of God. In fact, this devotion would be considered a hallmark of our Catholic identity. The Rosary is a biblically inspired Catholic prayer devotion that draws us closer to Jesus and Mary by reflecting on key moments in their lives.
It is important to note that we don’t worship Mary, but we honour her. That is, we hold her in high esteem and recognise her role in our salvation history. The Church honours Mary in many ways – through specific feast days, prayers, devotions, hymns, art and even recognising her as the Mother of the Church. As our spiritual mother – given to us by Jesus on Good Friday – she is an example of a committed “Yes” to the will of God and therefore an excellent example of discipleship for the rest of us. This month, let us pray that, like Mary, we will be open to the will of God in our lives.
For the month of May, a month traditionally dedicated to Mary, you may like to reflect on the mysteries of the Rosary at home. If you don’t have time to say a whole Rosary every day, you might like to focus on one set of Mysteries per week; reflecting on one story per day and praying the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be.
If you would like to know more about the Rosary, Busted Halo has a 2 minute summary that you might find useful: The Rosary in 2 Minutes
Ms Marita Maloney
Religious Education Coordinator
Pentecost Sunday - Save the Date!
On Sunday 28 May, our parish will be celebrating the Feast of Pentecost - the end of the Easter season and the birthday of the Church. The celebration of Pentecost in our parish is particularly beautiful due to our cultural diversity. After the celebration of the 10:30 am Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church, the celebrations will continue with a multicultural meal and opportunities to win prizes.
| Date | Event | Attending | Venue |
| Thursday 8 June | School Athletics Carnival | K-6 | Myimbarr Oval, Shellharbour |
| Tuesday 20 June | Netball Gala Day | Selected 3-6 students | Fred Finch Park, Berkeley |
| Term 2 | Sporting Schools - Golf | Year 2-6 | School |
Congratulations to our students who attended the NRL Catholic Legends Gala Day in Week 10 last term at Reed Park. It was a fun day in the sun, with lots of new skills and friendships made. Many students had never played rugby league before, so we acknowledge their enthusiasm to have a go and try something new. Thanks to the NRL for their organisation, and to the staff, parents and families who supported the students in various ways, allowing them to fully benefit from their participation in the day.
Congratulations to our school Cross Country team who will represent St Francis of Assisi at the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival. This will be held at Willandra Farm, Nowra. The rescheduled carnival will be held on Tuesday 23 May.
Term 2 Sporting Schools
We have been successful in securing a Sporting Schools grant for Term 2. Students in Year 2 - Year 6 will have 4 sessions of skill development, games and participation in the sport of Golf this term. We are looking forward to a great program with lots of fun and new learning. The first session begins tomorrow.
Last Thursday, we gathered as a school community to commemorate ANZAC Day with a special prayer service.
This term, Mr Gilmore will be working with the students and the focus of the lunchtime MakerSpace session will be VEX Go. Students have the opportunity to explore teamwork and collaboration, trial and error, compromise, and conflict resolution, in the process of building some amazing robots. Students will then learn how to code them.
Towards the end of Term 2, some students will have the opportunity to share with the school community their experience with VEX Go. These students will also become mentors for the next 18 months, supporting both staff and students in their use across the school.
Mr Gilmore
In 3 Gold we read the text "Anzac Biscuits" by Phil Cummings. It is a wonderful book with two stories being told simultaneously. A young girl and her Mum make Anzac biscuits for her Dad who is a soldier in the war. We learn about what life was like in the war and how cherished the notes and gifts from home were for those who served in the war.
Following this, we made our own Anzac biscuits (yummy!) which we shared, and kept some to put as part of our tribute to those that served our country in the war in the Azac Day Liturgy. Mrs Matos thinks we are master chefs in the making!!
Well done to our students who received Principal and Value awards at our Celebration of Learning Assembly at the end of last term. Congratulations on their application to faith, learning, and well-being, we are proud of you all.
You are encouraged to walk to school on this day, or park a distance from school and walk the remainder of the way. For those who are unable to do this, Mrs Briscoe and other staff will lead any students on a local walk around the block at 8:20am on this day. All students and families are invited and welcome to join this walk.
Thank you to our families for your support and generous donations towards the Easter Raffle last term. The students were very excited at the raffle draw. A special thanks to our P&F and volunteers who organised and wrapped all the prizes. Please see some of our happy raffle winners below.
Staff and Student Birthdays
Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthdays in May:
Fatima.M, Zander.P, Roman.C, Olivia.B, Noah. L, Max.S, Seth.P, Lucas.G, Zara.P, Elem.B, Jake.P, Fatima.A, Amelia.F, Daniel.R, Batoul.R, Christian.G,
Mrs Briscoe and Ms Maitland.
School photo day was held today. Orders can still be placed online using the details below.
ORDER SCHOOL PHOTOS ONLINE
Visit: - www.advancedlife.com.au
Enter online order code
CZF PZ6 2FX
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.
At the end of Term 1, we had a large number of lost property items. These items do not have any names on them. Please check your child/ren's items are all clearly labeled so that we can return these when misplaced ie jackets, jumpers, hats, lunchbox, and drink bottles.
Please feel free to donate your preloved and outgrown school uniforms to the
School Office. Thank you
Please let your family and friends know,
limited places are available.
Reminder there are vouchers to assist families in NSW
There are several vouchers available for parents and carers to assist families with school-aged children.
The Premier's Back to School NSW Vouchers program provides 3 x $50 vouchers, totalling $150 for each eligible student.
The vouchers can be used:
- towards the cost of school uniforms, shoes, bags, technology, textbooks and other eligible expenses
- before 30 June 2023.
- to apply click here
The $100 Creative Kids voucher may be used with a registered activity provider for registration, participation and tuition costs for a range of creative activities, including arts, drama, dance, digital design, coding, and music lessons. For more information Click here for more information and to apply for the voucher.
The Active Kids $100 voucher is for parents and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year. Voucher 1 is valid January to December and Voucher 2 is valid July to December. For more information click here.
The $100 First Lap voucher is for children aged 3 to 6 years who are not enrolled in school. The voucher can be used for a structured swimming lesson program with an approved First Lap provider. The voucher is valid until 30 June 2023. Details of the First Lap program
CCSP thanks the NSW Government for creating these programs and suggests families use the vouchers to help reduce their living costs.
