Term 2 Week 10 2025
From the Principal
Good day families and friends,
It’s hard to believe, but Semester 1 has already come to a close and what a wonderful way to finish, with our vibrant NAIDOC activities today. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Tracie Duthie and Mrs Jaki Nicol for their thoughtful planning of the liturgy and today’s events. It was a meaningful way to come together as a school community.
This week, we also say farewell to two cherished members of our St Francis family: Miss Emily Arthur and Mrs Felicity Griggs.
Emily has been a much loved part of our school for an incredible 15 years. Her gentle nature and commitment to supporting others have left a lasting mark on our students, families, and staff. While we’ll miss her dearly, we’re excited for the new adventures that await her.
Felicity, who has been with us at St Francis for the past few years and a part of the Townsville Catholic Education team for 12 years, has been a source of support, positivity, and encouragement for so many in our community. Her warmth and dedication have truly enriched our school.
We were fortunate to celebrate both Emily and Felicity with a special farewell lunch today, and we send them off with all our gratitude and best wishes for the next chapter in their journeys.
To all our families, thank you for your ongoing support throughout the term. We hope these holidays bring a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy some quality time together. Stay safe if you’re travelling, and we look forward to welcoming you back for Semester 2!
God Bless,
Lisa Fitzsimmons
Religious Life of the School
Dear families,
It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the end of Term 2 and the first half of the school year. We’ve had a busy and meaningful term, filled with special moments where we’ve come together in prayer, learning, and celebration.
Thank you to all the families who joined us for our school events and supported our students along the way. I hope the holiday break gives you the chance to rest, enjoy some family time, and recharge for the term ahead.
Assembly Prep B
A big thank you to our Prep B class who led our Assembly this week. What an amazing job you did for your very first time. You spoke clearly, confidently, and shared your message so beautifully and all without any help from our senior students. Well done, Prep B. We are so proud of you.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This is a special and meaningful day in our Church calendar, and it’s even more significant for our parish community, as our local church in Ayr is named Sacred Heart.
The Sacred Heart is a symbol of Jesus’ deep love and compassion for all people. It reminds us of his kindness, his willingness to forgive, and the way he gave everything for others. This devotion has been part of the Church for many centuries, and it became especially well known through the story of St. Margaret Mary, a French nun who shared messages she received from Jesus about his loving heart.
As we mark this feast, it’s a beautiful time to reflect on how we can live with love and compassion in our own lives—at home, at school, and in our community. Let us take inspiration from the Sacred Heart and remember how much we are loved.
Save The Dates - Term 3
Sacred Heart Parish - 100 year celebration - Sunday 27 July 9am followed by lunch at Samaritan Centre
Founders' Day - Friday 1 August BCHS
Whole School Christian Meditation - St Mary of the Cross Feast Day - Friday 8 August 8:45am
Sacramental Masses - Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August
Years 3, 4 & 5 Class Mass - Thursday 21 August 9am
Youth Mass - Sunday 24 August 5:30pm
Prep & Year 6 Class Mass - Thursday 28 August 9am
Years 1 & 2 Class Mass - Thursday 4 September 9am
Samaritan Day - Friday 19 September
A Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Loving Jesus,
Your Sacred Heart is full of love, mercy, and compassion.
Help us to open our hearts to others,
to show kindness, forgiveness, and care
In all that we say and do.
May our school be a place where your love is felt and shared,
where every person is welcomed, respected, and valued.
Guide us to follow your example each day
and to grow in love, just as you love us.
Amen.
Wishing all our families a safe and restful holiday. May this time bring you peace, joy, and special moments with your loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a fresh and exciting Term 3.
God bless,
Maria
Learning Corner
LEARNING and TEACHING
Every minute counts!
Celebrate Achievements Set Goals
Yesterday afternoon, children took home their work folios for all subjects except English and Mathematics. You are welcome to view your child's English and Mathematics folios in their classroom. The English and Mathematics folios are sent home at the end of the year, as the concepts are reviewed, extended and assessed throughout the year.
This afternoon, Semester 1 reports will be released.
You will notice the following changes:
- The learning statements are presented as a list. The first word in each statement in the list names the focus of the assessment, e.g., describe, list, analyse, and compare. Children are not assessed solely on their knowledge, but on what and how well they can use and apply the knowledge taught or researched.
- The Prep report includes Religion, English, Mathematics and HPE. These are the priority areas for growth in children's first year of formal schooling. They are provided with experiences in other subjects, but these are not assessed. This change aligns with the expectations outlined in the Australian Curriculum Version 9.
- The added feature, which was optional for Primary schools, was ‘Interview’, which could either be ‘Welcome’ or ‘Requested’ by the class teacher. Welcome means the teacher does not see a need for an interview but parents have the option for an interview if they need it.
These changes will be seen in all Semester Reports for Catholic schools in the Townsville Diocese.
As you view your child’s report with them, do focus on what they have achieved. What accomplishments gave them a sense of success? What will they work on to improve next term? Attitude and effort are as important as, if not more important than, the result.
What goal will you set together to work towards next term? Write and display the goal to use as a regular reference point to monitor progress and growth next term.
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE
This week, congratulations to:
3/4B for reading 146 books (30.42% of the target of 480)
5B for reading 25 books (6.67% of the target of 375)
1/2B for reading 15 books (3.13% of the target of 480)
I look forward to the updated tally after the holidays.
Happy Holiday times as you share and read books together!!!
Rita
Guidance Counsellor
The time has come in my professional journey to move on from Townsville Catholic Education. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the St Francis Catholic School community for providing such a supportive environment for students. It has been a pleasure working with the students, staff and parents during my time here, and I will miss you all. I am confident the school will continue to achieve great things.
A new Guidance Counsellor will be appointed in the near future to ensure the school continues to be supported.
Felicity
Library
P.A.T.H.
Ella and Eva
Andy
Students of the Week
Lydia Sherlock, Yuvain Wegollage, Hunter Blakoe, Darcie Mottin, Boyd Galvin, Seiarah Turner,
Noah Ready, Jax Blakoe, Ramsey Corradi, Elsie Wright, Georgiana Torrisi, Darren Robson,
Nicholas Marrinan, Heidi Lace, Mikayla Roveglia, Ruben Minuzzo, Caydence Turner,
Ayden Truong, Audrey Rickards, Oscar Escriva, Tate Allen, Josh Klaka, Mia Fiamingo,
Paige Davison, Opal Allen, Eva Rickards, Chuck Vidler, Grace Vardanega, Harrison Dwyer,
Dean Tuffin, Rhett Nicol, Charlotte Elton, Aeizel Anoop.
NAIDOC Day
Book Fair
Athletics Carnival
Community
