Dear families,
Week 6 already! It does feel like a significant amount has been achieved over the past 6 weeks here at St Francis. It is so exciting to finally have our oval space and playground areas fully available again. The children are certainly appreciative of the extra space, and the new play equipment. We have turned our attention to the Nature play area now, and we are developing some ideas, resources and strategies for effective play in this area. We have closed the area off temporarily, and very much hope to re-open it very soon-watch this space.
Last week’s Arts exhibition was a fantastic celebration of our students artistic gifts, and our teachers dedication, creativity and commitment to excellence. It was wonderful to have so many families come through during the evening, to view the art work and to stop and have a drink and a chat with other community members. Many of you have commented on the all-round positive ‘vibe’ of the evening (channelling my best Dennis Denuto there!) I am so grateful to all the staff and particularly the Art show committee, whose vision for the evening was such an important part of its success.
Over the past 6 weeks, St Francis students have been heavily involved in a range of co- and extra-curricula sporting opportunities. These opportunities are one of the strengths and features of being a part of the St Francis family and it is always a delight to witness our students involved in tryouts and carnivals. My sincere thanks to James Daley and James Goldy for their untiring commitment to sports at St Francis. This term, their commitments have been ‘through the roof’ in terms of planning, coaching, selecting and managing multiple carnivals, as well as overseeing SAPSASA selections etc. It is a huge commitment!
Next Thursday, we will be celebrating instrumental music at St Francis with our annual Instrumental evening. Music is a gift, and is food for the soul. It contributes so positively to our all-round well-being. Additionally, learning to play music and sing, switches our brains on in different ways, which leads to better learning outcomes for all! My sincere thanks to Olivia Bozzon, who oversees our Arts program, and to all of our music tutors who nurture your children’s love of music every day!
While on the performing arts, after our stellar performance at Wakakirri recently, our students have had the ongoing opportunity to take part in the Footsteps Dance sport program this term!
Last weekend, our year 4 students celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and first Eucharist. This is such a special moment of initiation into full communion with the Catholic church. The 2 Masses on Saturday and Sunday were joyous occasions, and we were blessed to have Arch-Bishop O’Reagan celebrate these masses with us. Congratulations to all who received these sacraments and sincere thanks to Angela DeNadai, and the parish team led by Fr Michael Joan Walsh for their leadership of the preparation program.
While speaking of Fr Michael, this week he celebrates 50 years of ordained ministry. We are indeed blessed to have Fr Michael as our parish priest and we thank and congratulate him on 50 years of dedicated and selfless ministry to the church, wider and world communities. After Mass on Sunday there was a very special celebration for Fr Michael.
Over the past few weeks, and continuing into term 4, our teaching and ESO staff have been engaging with Playberry Laser Phonology to strengthen our Literacy teaching. The Playberry team have been conducting demonstration lessons, and then observing our teachers teaching, providing rich feedback to them. This cycle of continuous improvement is so important in ensuring the best possible outcomes for your children. I am so grateful for the willingness of our teaching and ESO staff to engage in this process. I am also indebted to Sarah Battistella, our amazing Literacy Improvement leader for her coordination of this process-she’s also providing demos and observations!
Today, we celebrated Fathers with our annual Father’s Day breakfast. Earlier in the week the children had the chance to buy a special gift for dad for Sunday’s celebration of father’s Day. Sincere thanks to our P&F for coordinating these activities. Wishing all dads, grandads, uncles and other male role models a very happy day on Sunday.
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