Dear Parents and Carers,

 “…you might remember where God started in loving you. It wasn’t that you were brilliant, beautiful and the best thing since sliced bread, but that you were someone in need. If you don’t… recognise someone in need of your loving contribution, chances are that you are not listening enough.”

Peter Steele SJ, ‘The Mind’s Guests’

I quote these wise and pertinent words in the light of Easter, as we move towards the great feast of Pentecost on Sunday. Steele’s point is, simply, that love is gratuitous, and where we experience God’s love is where we are in need, within ourselves, of God’s healing. Love is merited. It is given unconditionally. Steele urges us to consider what need we might recognise and try to meet in others – our children and families most obviously, but also the person across the street, the person who makes us a coffee, the homeless man in Civic, our work colleagues.

Fittingly, our Yr 6 students attended their Confirmation retreat day on Wednesday this week, where they continued their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please pray for these students, who will be confirmed later this term.

Assessment and Reporting

It is the midpoint of the school term, and our staff are busily compiling assessments and beginning the process of writing reports. This is no small task, with every student assessed using multiple instruments and assignments across all subject areas and finally moderated against other grade teachers to arrive at the overall grade. I thank the Leadership team for their input and facilitation of whole school moderation of assessment pieces which they have led during staff meetings over the last two weeks.

‘Catholic Education Canberra-Goulburn (CECG) has communicated to schools regarding reporting to parents/guardians. CE has advised schools that general comments will not be required on Semester 1, 2023 reports but to prioritise Parent/Teacher Conferences for every family. Mrs Annie McArthur is currently working on scheduling these and they will be available to book via the Compass portal shortly. She will communicate with parents once this is open for bookings.

These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, their strengths, challenges and future areas of focus. A Semester Report will still be sent home as in previous Semesters providing A-E grading and attendance information via Compass.

CE has advised schools that Semester 2, 2023 reports will require a general comment for all children. This general comment will provide a summative comment for the year, areas of achievement and areas to focus on for the following year. A-E grading and attendance information will remain as normal. We would encourage all parents/guardians to engage regularly with their child/ren’s learning, connecting with their class teacher/s regularly to discuss learning progress.’

Camp

Last week our Yr. 5 students attended their camp in Sydney visiting some historic places. The students had an excellent time and enjoyed the opportunity to getaway with their peers.

We know a camp is a beneficial event in the school calendar where we can strengthen bonds between the cohort, build resilience and independence as well as try new things previously thought impossible. A huge thank you to the teachers who took time out of their busy lives and spent time away from their families to support this activity.

The Tell Them From Me

The Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey tool went live to our families today via Compass. You would have received a Compass message from me inviting you to please take some time to complete the survey. The survey is the same tool that was used last year and is an opportunity for the school to gather some valuable data about our core business as a school, the Teaching and Learning of children. The survey is completed by staff, parents, and students in Yrs. 4-6. The data gathered from this survey is used to inform our school improvement agenda and evaluate progress on our strategic goals. Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.

Official Enrolment Period Closing

The official Catholic Education enrolment period closes today. We held our last open day last week and I offer a big thank you to all our Yr. 6 leaders who volunteered to take interested families on tours of the school.  A reminder that all enrolment is completed online, and links to the portal can be found on or school website or via this link Primary ACT | St Francis of Assisi Primary School (stfa.act.edu.au)

Being a part of a Catholic system allows our school to illustrate our holistic approach to educating children who personify Catholic values and serve their communities. At St Francis, we are extremely fortunate to have strong connections with Catholic Secondary Colleges creating a complete P-12 Catholic education pathway. 

We can accommodate people outside our open days for tours and to answer any questions. Please encourage those interested to contact the office to arrange a time to come in and see us.

Resignation of Michelle Aiken

Last week I received Michelle’s letter of resignation effective 30th May 2023. Michelle has been with us at St Francis for more than 20 years in various capacities as a student, prac student parent and teacher. I have included some of Michelle’s incredible journey below. We will have an opportunity to farewell Michelle later in the year.

After a period of consideration, I have decided to continue working in my two current roles; as a business support administrator in my brother’s company and as a children’s pastor and family discipleship coordinator at my local church.

I am truly grateful for my tenure at St Francis of Assisi; as a student here from 1991-1994, a 4th-year practicum student in 2004, then appointed as a Kindergarten teacher from 2005, followed by varied teaching roles, between three stints of maternity leave, up until my final position in the Learning Support Team in 2022. I have enjoyed so many positive relationships with students, their families, colleagues, and school leaders during this time, and it has been incredibly rewarding to work together to watch students learn, grow and flourish.

I thank Michelle for her contributions to the St. Francis community and wish her continued success in these and future endeavours.

BASCA Accounts Manager

After a successful recruitment campaign, we are please to announce that Mrs Elizabeth Poynter is the successful applicant to replace Kurt in the BASCA Team. Liz is well known to the school community and is currently employed as a Classroom Support Assistant and Admin officer in the school. Liz will continue in these roles but in a reduced capacity. I thank Kurt for his support in transitioning into the role over the next few weeks.

Pick-up Arrangements

Thank you for your support with the changes to our afternoon pickup arrangements. We continue to refine this process to support the renovation works and ease of pick-up. The entry via front gate and exit through the Music room gate seems to be working well and supports ease students and parents to leave the school safely. We will continue to refine these procedures over the next few weeks. Any feedback on these arrangements is welcome.

Police Presence

You might have noticed an increase police presence in the area after a child approach last week which I wrote to all parents about. I thank ACT policing for having a visible presence in the community and working to support us to keep all kids safe.

Blessings and good wishes

Sean Rutledge

Principal