Week 9 - Term 1

Dear families,

We are fast approaching the end of the first term for 2025. I am immensely proud of the students for their efforts in learning and I am very grateful for the outstanding work of our teachers, support staff and admin team as they strive to ensure children and families have the best possible school experience.

Celebrating Reconciliation

A heartfelt congratulations to our Year 4 students who recently celebrated the sacrament of reconciliation. This important milestone reflects their spiritual journey and growth, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication. A sincere thank you to Angela De Nadai for her unwavering support and outstanding work in preparing both our students and their families for this sacred occasion.

Parent-Teacher Interviews This Week

This week brings a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to come together and discuss student progress and wellbeing. These interviews are an essential part of ensuring the best outcomes for our students, and we deeply appreciate the commitment and dedication of our teaching staff. Their preparation and time spent conducting these interviews demonstrate their devotion to fostering each student's growth and success.

A Productive Parents and Friends Meeting

Our Parents and Friends meeting last week proved to be an exciting and fruitful discussion. Plans for community events in 2025 are underway, and we can't wait to share the details with you soon! Be on the lookout for a "Save the Date" flyer coming your way—mark your calendars and join us in building an even stronger community.

Gather Round Football Competition

The Gather Round football competition has kicked off on Monday nights, and it's a fantastic opportunity for our older students to represent the school. Under the skilled coaching of James Daley, we're confident our teams will make us proud. Let’s cheer them on as they show off their talent, sportsmanship, and school spirit.

Harmony Day Success

Last Friday, our school celebrated Harmony Day, a wonderful event that highlighted the beauty of our nation's cultural diversity. The students engaged in meaningful activities and gained a deeper insight into the importance of inclusion and unity. It was truly inspiring to see their enthusiasm and understanding grow through this celebration.

Caritas Long Walk for Water

On Friday, we embraced the Caritas Long Walk for Water, standing in solidarity with vulnerable communities who struggle to access clean drinking water. This event is part of our Lenten commitment to Project Compassion and our mission as a Franciscan school to promote social justice. It was an enriching experience for all involved, demonstrating the power of compassion and action in creating a better world.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our school community. Let's keep striving to make 2025 a year full of growth, learning, and positive change.

God bless,
Phil Schultz

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD - 25th MARCH

This feast originated in the East during the sixth century and gained universal observance in the West during the eighth century.  The feast of the Annunciation of the Lord celebrates the angel Gabriel's appearance to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38), his announcement that the Blessed Virgin had been chosen to be the Mother of Our Lord, and Mary's fiat—her willing acceptance of God's holy plan.

Lenten Habits

Praying Daily

If you make a habit of saying a little prayer whenever someone irritates you, cuts you off in traffic, or makes life difficult; when someone does you a favour, you experience great and friendly service, or when something joyful happens to you—you will soon find yourself praying your way through the day. 

A Different Type of Fasting

There are many ways to fast. Why not fast from criticism, gossip, judging others, or passing on rumours? Why not abstain from unwarranted fear and anxiety? You can also tell that inner voice inside your head that criticizes you to abstain from eroding your ability to be the confident, blessed person God calls you to be.

Give of Yourself

Daily life also offers countless opportunities to give of yourself to others (alms), and most don’t involve dipping into your wallet. Give encouragement to the doubting, give a word of praise to the insecure, show kindness to someone who could use a friend, and offer a word of thanks to those whose service of others often goes unappreciated. Give the gift of your attention to someone who simply wants to be noticed. Tell your children stories about people whose values you admire when you gather at mealtime. Don’t be stingy with your smiles—give them freely to everyone you meet. And most important, give your love to those close to you. Hug them, hold them, and tell them what they mean to you. In this way you open your heart to God and others.

So no matter how busy you are in life, with some greater awareness and new perspectives you can consciously pray, fast, and give of yourself this Lent—and you will be ready to celebrate when a joyful dawn breaks upon you Easter morning. 
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Rite of Reconciliation

The Rite of Reconciliation for sacramental candidates and their families will take place this Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Wednesday 25th - 27th of March, in the Christ the King Church. Please keep these families in your prayers.

Project Compassion - The Big Walk for Water

This Friday, March 28th, students are being asked to “live out their faith through action and compassion” by participating in a Big Water Walk.

Students will walk a minimum of 1 kilometre, which is equivalent to 3 laps around the oval, for a gold coin donation. While walking, students will carry their drink bottles as a reminder of the many children who walk long distances for water each day. All money raised will go towards Project Compassion.

 Watch Toefuata’iga’s story

Baptism

Congratulations to Harlow (4FB) and brother Billy(1ND) who were baptised at Christ the King church last weekend.  We welcome them to God’s family.

God Bless & God guide

SAPSASA Softball Representation

This week we have a number of students off representing not only St Francis school but the Airport District at the Softball Carnival Days. Congratulations for Jack Bullen, Bella Qualmann and Annabelle Koldenhof. We hope you are having a fantastic week and wish you and your teams the best of luck.

SAPSASA Swimming Representation

Congratulations to our students who have qualified and will be part of the Airport District team at next Friday’s Metro Swimming Championship Day. Well done and good luck to Bella Bosio, Isla Sharman, Jude Leikas, Sydney Sparrow and Anastasia Robertson.

SACPSSA Swimming Team

Congratulations to our students from years 3-6 who will participate at Mondays SACPSSA Swimming Carnival, we wish you all the best of luck in your events and know that you will proudly represent our school as we take on the other Catholic schools in Section 3.

School Soccer

The School Soccer nominations are now officially closed. Any late nominations can only be accepted if there are still places left in the age level team for your child/ren. I will now be finalising all teams, players and coaches and will be sending home the information you require for the start of the 2025 season. Students won’t be receiving their soccer tops until the beginning of term 2. A reminder that we wear our school shorts or other Navy blue short, navy blue socks and soccer boots. 

Term 2 Outline of Sport

If you haven’t done so already, please open Seesaw to view the Term 2 outline of sporting events that are coming up in term 2, a lot of these are based around our carnivals and are only offered to certain year levels so please read carefully what the target age is for the particular event.

Auskick and Superkick Programs

Please view the flyers sent home via Seesaw regarding the programs on offer for both Auskick (Rec-Yr2) and Superkick (Yr3-Yr6). Both of these will begin in the early weeks of Term 2 so sign up now so you don’t miss out.

James Daley
Sports Coordinator