Term 3 Week 4 2025
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
At St Francis, we are proud to follow our PATH : Persist with Learning; Act Safely; Treat All with Respect and Help Your Neighbour. A simple but powerful reminder of how we do things here. These values guide us in our classrooms, on the playground, and in our relationships with one another. Over the past week, we’ve had a few reports of unkind words and mean-on-purpose behaviour. This isn’t what we want for our community, and it’s not who we are.
We are continuing to speak with students about the importance of their words and actions, and encouraging them to THINK before they speak:
T – Is it Thoughtful?
H – Is it Helpful?
I – Is it Interesting?
N – Is it Necessary?
K – Is it Kind?
We ask for your support at home in reinforcing these messages. A quick conversation at the dinner table or in the car can go a long way in helping our children grow into kind, respectful and responsible young people.
Let’s continue to walk the PATH together — in partnership, in faith, and in love.
I also need to share some sad news this week with the passing of Rita Cranitch’s husband Brian. Whilst it was unexpected Brian passed away peacefully in his sleep. We keep Rita and her family in our prayers during this difficult time.
Eternal rest grant unto Brian, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
God Bless,
Lisa Fitzsimmons
Religious Life of the School
Dear families,
Today our school community gathered for Christian Meditation to acknowledge the feast day of St Mary MacKillop. The students showed great reverence as they entered, participated in, and left the prayer space, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, perfect for listening to God. Thank you to all students and their teachers for their thoughtful preparation.
We look forward to continuing our celebrations on Monday, when 5B will lead a special liturgy honouring the life and legacy of St Mary MacKillop. Through prayer, reflection, and storytelling, we will remember her inspiring example of faith, service, and compassion.
Mary MacKillop
Mary MacKillop was Australia’s first saint and is remembered for her deep faith, compassion, and commitment to education. Born in Melbourne in 1842, she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, dedicating her life to helping the poor and providing schooling for children in rural and disadvantaged communities. Despite many challenges, Mary remained strong in her trust in God and lived by her famous words, “Never see a need without doing something about it.” She was canonised as a saint in 2010 and continues to inspire people across Australia and beyond.
Change of Date – Term 3 Youth Mass
Please note the change of date for our Term 3 Youth Mass. We will now be celebrating together on Sunday, 31st August at 5:30 pm. We look forward to joining with BCH to celebrate this special Mass as a faith community.
Save The Dates - Term 3
Mary MacKillop Liturgy - Monday 11 August 2:15pm
Sacramental Masses - Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August
Years 3, 4 & 5 Class Mass - Thursday 21 August 9am
Prep & Year 6 Class Mass - Thursday 28 August 9am
Youth Mass - change of date - Sunday 31 August 5:30pm
Years 1 & 2 Class Mass - Thursday 4 September 9am
Samaritan Day - Friday 19 September
Prayer to St Mary MacKillop
Loving God,
We thank you for the life and example of St Mary MacKillop.
She showed us how to have courage, trust in You, and serve others with compassion.
May we follow her example by being kind, generous, and always ready to help those in need.
Help us to live with faith and make a difference in our world, just as Mary did.
St Mary MacKillop, pray for us.
Amen.
God bless,
Maria
Learning Corner
LEARNING and TEACHING
Every minute counts!
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE
1/2B has read 1224 books
5B has read 590 books
1A has read 404 books
3/4B has read 312 books
3A has read 162 books
PB has read 140 books
6A has read 90 books
4/5A has read 73 books
2A has read 69 books
PA has read 40 books
Keep up the book sharing and reading and remember to bring your reading records to the library.
Enjoy the week ahead
Rita
Guidance Counsellor
SchoolTV has a free Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part III) Webinar for parents on Tuesday 2 September at 7:30pm. Please follow this link if you wish to register.
Depression
Students of the Week
Lilliana Reilly, Mila Biffanti, Hendrix Quagliata, Manu Westcott, Noah Ready,
Michaela Adcock, Lacey Ainsworth, Eli Davis, Parker Dal Bello, Claire Dal Bello,
Andy Bunyan, Ella Quagliata, Tom Chandler, Mia Pappalardo, Caydence Turner, Bentley Favero,
Joey Ahern, Jace Coleman-Blakoe, Aria Fiamingo, Koa Wight, Xavier Minuzzo,
Emmie Vener, Annabel Papale, Royce Cohen, Olivia Barbagallo, Scarlette-Rose Roberts,
Ted Alford, Macey Bevilacqua, Charlize Dal Bello, Charlotte Condon, Seiarah Turner,
Milla Fiamingo, Jaxsen Tonion-Smith, Grace Escriva, Arlo Lewis, Willow Melville,
Sienna Ryder, Macey Bevilacqua, Ravenna Davies, Liam Roveglia, Xavier Totorica.
Class in the Spotlight - 6A
We’ve hit the ground running this term in 6A. We have not stopped since day one and cannot believe we’re nearly halfway through the term.
In English, we have been learning about information texts and what needs to be included to make it informative.
In Science, we are learning all about adaptations; structural or behavioural and how they allow for an animal or plant to survive in different environments.
We are also lucky enough to have Lisa and John Furnell training us in First Aid. This week we covered bandaging and CPR. Whilst it is a skill we hope we never have to do in real life, it is great to know what to do in an emergency.
On Tuesday, Courtney, Kate and Zandi from Townsville Fire visited us to run through some drills and have a shoot around. We loved having the ladies visit and cannot wait to watch them in their 2025/2026 season.
Book Week
Parents and younger siblings are invited to join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
Community
