Term 3 Week 8 2025
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
It is a bittersweet time to share that my time at the end of this year comes to an end at St Francis and we welcome the new Principal, Ms Tegahn Maitland to our community. I am confident she will feel very welcomed as I have this year. Next term we will have the opportunity to meet Tegahn in person and look forward to sharing the amazing place that St Francis is with her.
Last week marked National Awareness Against Bullying however we know that this is a topic that needs to be addressed regularly. To know what it is when we use this word, what it isn’t and ways to work together to ensure a safe place at school.
One resource we haven’t spoken about but is certainly one worth sharing is Kids Helpline. An organisation that is supportive of children contacting them when they are worried or just need someone else to talk to, Kids Helpline are certified counsellors available to chat. This is free support and counselling that is well worth accessing if you feel it could benefit your child.
Every Minute does Count
We can often find ourselves lured into starting holidays early or getting back late, who doesn’t love a good holiday. However, the curriculum requirements of schooling are only possible to meet when students are present each day.
Being at school to start the day on time also benefits our students and can make a big impact in the overall time students miss in a year when it becomes a habit. 10mins every day adds up to 500mins over a term. By the end of the year they have missed around 2000mins or approximately 30hrs.
This time is important. It is time for students to have a chance to chat with their friends before they start their day, get themselves organised and hear all of the messages in the morning. The morning is the best time for learning and often they will have work to start upon arrival that allows for the repetition of key learning concepts. I thought the table below may share some insight into what that time can add up to in the life of a student.
God Bless,
Lisa Fitzsimmons
Religious Life of the School
Dear families,
Last Sunday, we celebrated our Youth Parish Mass. This term, we combined with BCH. It was a beautiful celebration. Thank you to the families who joined us and the students who volunteered their time to help us.
Canonisation of Carlo Acutis – A Modern Saint for Our Children
On 7 September 2025, Carlo Acutis will be canonised as the first millennial saint. Known as the “Saint in Sneakers,” Carlo was a teenager who lived his Catholic faith with joy and simplicity. He attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary, and used his love of technology to create a website sharing Eucharistic miracles. Carlo passed away from leukemia at just 15, but his life continues to inspire young people to embrace faith in everyday ways. His canonisation reminds us that holiness isn’t distant or unreachable—it’s something our children can live out with courage, kindness, and curiosity.
LOOM Bands for Missions
We are proud of a group of Year 6 girls who have taken the initiative to make and sell loom bands during their own time at lunch breaks. Their creativity and generosity have led to great sales so far, and they plan to continue this wonderful effort into next Term. All money raised will go directly to support the Missions. October is Mission Month, and this year our focus will be on Zambia. We will share more details in Term 4. It is inspiring to see our students living out the values of compassion and global awareness in such a hands on way.
Well done to 1A who led our Assembly this week.
We loved seeing our own St Francis Travel Guides tell us all about their excursion to Billabong Sanctuary.
Save The Dates - Term 3
Samaritan Day Liturgy - Friday 19 September 9am
All families are invited to join us.
Father’s Day Prayer
Loving God, we thank You for the gift of fathers—those who guide, protect, and nurture with strength and gentleness. Bless all dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures in our school community. May they be filled with wisdom, patience, and love as they support their families and help shape young lives. Give them courage in times of challenge, joy in moments of connection and peace in their hearts. May we honour them not just today, but every day, with gratitude and respect.
Amen.
Every blessing for a wonderful week,
Maria
Learning Corner
LEARNING and TEACHING
Every minute counts!
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE FINAL TOTALS:
5B has read 2531 books
1/2B has read 2159 books
1A has read 816 books
2A has read 551 books
3/4B has read 547 books
PB has read 270 books
3A has read 203 books
6A has read 120 books
PA has read 80 books
4/5A has read 53 books
Have a wonderful week ahead
Rita
Celebrating Father's Day
P.A.T.H.
Henry, Ella and Ryan
Students of the Week
Charlotte Elton, Archie Minuti, Darcie Mottin, Sienna Ryder, Dean Tuffin, Hugh Lowing,
April Tanner, Michael Thorley, Ramsey Corradi, Zoe Federici, Rhett Nicol, Willow Pennisi,
Elliott Papale, Arlo Oar, Jack Davison, Tate Allen, Taylor Davison, Henry Cohen,
Raquel Rodrigo, Peyton Butler, William Chandler, Aalia Vallbadass, Finn Roncato,
Holly Hawkins, Eloise Grant, Flynn Sullivan, Lachlan Westwood, Connor Hutchesson,
Violet Farr, Netty Mial, Elsie Wright, Shaela Reilly, Sayain Wegollage, Lachlan Elton,
Kayan Johnson, Billy Bethel
Birthdays
Zola Oar, Mia Fiamingo, Bentley Favero, Henry Condon, Rylan Rayner, Reece Di Lullo,
Mila Bunyan, Tom O'Shea, Noah Ready, Parker Dal Bello, Claire Dal Bello, Nate Pucciarmati
Under 8's Day
