Principal's News
Dear Parents and Carers,
"Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible, and suddenly, you are doing the impossible." ~ St. Francis of Assisi
This quote from St Francis resonates deeply with the student's learning and growth journey this semester. Today, as student semester reports go live on Compass, we celebrate our students' hard work and dedication to learning. I am immensely proud of the students and their learning, and it has been pleasing to see our students' growth while reading through the reports this week.
As previously advertised, there will be no comments on these reports but rather 10-minute parent-teacher interviews next week, which can be booked through the Compass Parent Portal. The teachers will focus on areas of strength, opportunities for growth and future goals. Students are not required to attend this interview, which will be conducted in your child's classroom. If you cannot make an appointment time, please contact your classroom teacher directly to organise an alternative arrangement. We appreciate your ongoing support and involvement in your child's education.
Resignation of Sharon Aksila
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Sharon Aksila for her incredible hard work and dedication as our School Office Manager over the past 15 years. Sharon has been an essential part of our school family, consistently going above and beyond to support students, staff, and parents with her unwavering commitment and kindness. Her contributions have greatly enriched our community, and her positive impact will be felt for many years to come. Thank you, Sharon, for your outstanding service to the St. Francis Primary School community, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Today, I will be offsite interviewing for our new Office Manager. Next week, I hope to be able to announce the successful candidate who will begin in Term 3.
Incorporation Update
Earlier this year, Archbishop Christopher announced changes to the governance arrangements for Catholic Education within the Archdiocese from 2025. This will result in a change to the proprietor of each Catholic School in the ACT but will not otherwise materially impact school operations. If you would like further information about this change, or you would like to provide feedback about the change in proprietor, please contact governance@cg.catholic.edu.au by 19 July 2024.
School and Carpark Works
Today, line marking will be conducted in the car park to hopefully create 12-15 new car parks and disability parking for the ELC. Over the school holidays, the car park will have remedial work to fill potholes and resolve other maintenance issues.
Also, the Yrs 3/4 toilet block will be completely renovated over the school holidays, delivering some much-needed upgrades to these bathrooms. I will have some visuals of the layout in the newsletter next term. This program of work will take approx. 12 weeks. I thank the Catholic Education Office for a generous investment in this project through the Catholic Schools Building Fund.
You will notice some directional drilling occurring on Casey Cres. This is for the upgraded electrical connection we need in the school to support the ELC and the recent renovations, which have seen us remove old gas heating and electrify many of the blocks. These works should be completed by the beginning of Term 3.
Pupil Free Day
The first day of Term 3, Monday, July 22nd, is a designated pupil-free day. The day is a dedicated staff Professional Learning Day. The first day for students is Tuesday, July 23rd. This is a system-wide practice for all Catholic schools. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Enrolment update
We have had a very successful enrolment period and will have a waitlist for several grade levels and the ELC in 2025. There are still some places available in some year levels for 2025. Please contact the office at 62924500 if you or someone you know is interested in touring the school or ELC.
Staff Leave
Mrs Lauren MacDonald is currently on planned leave and will be back at the beginning of Term 3. Congratulations to Natalie Radanovich, who has replaced Lauren as Acting Yrs 1/2 and Literacy Coordinator. While Lauren is on leave, please contact Kristy Everding at kristy.everding@cg.catholic.edu.au if you have any specific intervention enquiries.
Blessings and best wishes
Sean Rutledge
Principal