Dear Valued StFA Community,

Welcome to Week 5, the mid-point of our term, and what a week it has been! Baby news, staff returning from overseas, the Feast of the Assumption, a dress up day to celebrate the history making Matildas and yes, I have even watched a game of soccer or two this week.

As a Catholic school the Feast of the Assumption is a celebrated occasion. This Feast Day is when we remember how at the end of her life Mary was taken up to heaven to be with God. Mary is very special because she was chosen by God to be the mother of God’s son, Jesus. And Mary says 'yes' to all that God asks of her. This week we are reminded to be more like Mary, remembering to praise God for all the wonderful things He has done and given to us.

Staffing News

We are so excited to announce that Orla, Sean's wife, gave birth to another beautiful, healthy boy on the weekend. Oisín Murphy Rusty Rutledge (pronounced Oh-Sheen; Meaning: little deer). Due to our little bundle of joy arriving a little early, I have stepped into the shoes of Principal from the beginning of this week, Sharee Thomas will be acting Assistant Principal and the new REC will be appointed early next week.

We also welcomed back Mrs Sharee Thomas from her leadership duties at World Youth Day. She has returned with a renewed sense of purpose and leadership skills. Luckily, because she has stepped into the Assistant Principal role nearly straight away. We are hoping to announce the acting Religious Education Coordinator early next week to fill Sharee's role whilst everyone is acting up in Mr Sean Rutledge's absence.

I would like to thank Mrs Amanda Ducker for all of her excellent work in RE in Sharee's absence. She achieved many goals whilst working in the role and implemented some great inititatives for the school. Her work around the Assumption Mass allowed the school to celebrate in a very special way. Thank you Amanda.

Green & Gold Dress Up

As a school we celebrated the history making Matildas on Wednesday and hoped, along with the Nation, that they would win their way through to the Final of the World Cup Soccer. Unfortunately, this wasn't to be.

We should all be proud of their efforts and learn a lesson from their gallant effort. They were gracious in defeat and are now looking forward to their 3rd place playoff. We will continue to celebrate them, support them, and hopefully learn many valuable lessons from them. If the students gain anything from this team's effort, I hope it is to be resilient when things don't always go their way. Being able to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, learn from the experience and move forward in a positive way is a great skill to be working towards. Even we, as adults, can use this as a reminder and inspiration often.

Key Leaders Day

Next Friday, along with our Assistant Priest Fr Namora and our acting REC, I will attend the Key Leaders Day. This day is held annually and is an opportunity for Principals, Priests, and RECs to come together to celebrate Faith in Learning. The facilitator this year is Professor Peta Goldburg who is an expert in her field. This will be my first experience and hope to return to school renewed with discipleship and mission.

ACT HALT NETWORK SHARESPACE

Yesterday afternoon many of the staff went to the above network ShareSpace. This was hosted by the ACT Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers, one of which was our very own Kristy Everding. We were able to network with other schools and learn about new initiatives and effective teaching practices to use in our classrooms. 

Book Week

Book Week begins on Monday, this year's theme is 'Read, Grow, Inspire'. Mrs Alison Bond has prepared a wonderful week, filled with many activities, performances, author visits, a book fair and the culmination being Friday's annual dress up day. Our first activity was yesterday for Yr 4, 5 & 6 with an author visit. We had some lovely feedback from Katrina Nannestad who said: "I so enjoyed my time at your school. The kids were great - really one of the loveliest school visits." What lovely feedback that was to receive.

Please consider dropping into the book fair to purchase your child a book and support the school library. I thank Mrs Bond in advance for all her hard work to ensure that reading is celebrated here at St Francis, as we all know just how important it is. In the famous words of Dr Seuss 'Reading can take you places you have never been before'.

Tuggeranong Track and Field

We wish all the students who are representing StFA at the carnival on Monday. Thanks to Miss Laura Hay for all her organisation of the event and team. Thanks to Mrs Tabatha Way who will be with the team on the day. Good luck all!

Year 6 Debating

Our Year 6 students begin their interschool debating next Wednesday against the local schools in the Valley. We wish these students all the best and hope they have their argumentative skills at the ready.

Building Update

I am excited to announce that the 3/4 classroom renovations are currently in full swing. It is close to lock up stage. The plastering should be completed within a week and the sides are close to done. 

The ELC steel has arrived and been craned into the site. Structures to be going up within the next week or so. Please see photos.