Dear families,
Kia Ora! Greetings from Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. This week, I have had the privilege of being involved in the Trans Tasman Principals Association conference, through my role as a board member of the Australian Primary Principals Association. The conference so far has been an illuminating and inspiring experience, where there has been a significant focus on Māori culture and language. There has been a deep level of respect and an embrace of First Nations, and all New Zealand based presenters have spoken fluently in Māori as part of their presentations. Earlier in the week, we were invited to a Marae, which is a communal Sacred Space in Māori culture, for what we in Australia would describe as a Welcome to Country. It was a beautiful and moving experience and I was struck by how much more we need to do in Australia to embrace our First Nations history and cultures.
There has also been significant learning as part of the conference, with prominent Australian futurist and Engineer Dr Jordan Nguyen a particularly inspiring presenter. If you aren’t yet familiar with Dr Nguyen, I’d encourage you to ‘google’ him. His story and contribution to the Australian community is amazing, particularly his work in making life easier for those living with disabilities.
While I have been here immersed in this wonderful experience, I am particularly grateful for the support and efforts of all those back at St Francis, especially Nives Kresevic and Angela DeNadai who have been steering the ship in my absence. I know all of the teaching and support staff are also working purposefully as we approach a well deserved term 3 break at the end of next week. I know all of the children will be looking forward to next Friday’s colour run! Sincere thanks to the P&F colour run committee for their hard work in getting the event going once again.
Last Friday, we celebrated the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, after whom our school is named and whose charism inspires us every day. The actual feast day is October 4, however that is during our holidays. Children have learnt about Francis, his life and his story, and participated in a whole school Mass, followed by afternoon activities. Thanks to Angela DeNadai for coordinating the celebrations.
As term 4 approaches, as a school community we will begin preparations for the 2025 school year, with staffing appointments being finalised, and some further classroom renovations commencing during the holiday period. While the initial work won’t impact on day-to day school operations, as the term progresses, there will be some classes impacted. There will be further information available in a timely manner, once we are ready to proceed. These renovations will bring the school into line with the new building in terms of form and flexibility, and enable each teacher and class to have their own room, while remaining flexible enough to still collaborate where appropriate.
Term 4 will also be a time for celebrating all that is good at St Francis, with our annual Sports Carnival in week 2, our annual tennis tournament kicking off, and our end of year concert celebration in week 8. Teachers will be working hard to ensure students have the opportunity to meet their achievement standards for the year, preparing reports and planning for student learning for 2025.
I hope all families have the opportunity to enjoy some family time when holidays arrive, and to rest and recharge ready for the last term of the school year. I look forward to seeing you all upon my return.
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