Principal's News Week 5
Dear Families,
REMEMBRANCE DAY
This year, Year 3 led our school in a very reverent and somber Remembrance Day liturgy. With the school assembled on the hard top, we paid our respects to those who have served by observing the 1 minute’s silence. As a Principal, I could not have been prouder of our students and the way in which they conducted themselves through this ceremony. Year 3 have also put together a Remembrance Day assembly video which can be viewed on our Facebook page. A big thank you to Miss Gillan, Miss Barr and Mrs Southwell.
PRAYERS PLEASE
Charli Conway (Year 4N) and Scarlett Saaghy (Year 6 2019) and their family lost their older sister last week very unexpectedly. Losing a family member, especially a sister at such a young age is very tragic. I ask that you keep Charli, her mother Claire, Scarlett and the rest of her family in your prayers. We are asking our school community to rally together and provide care meals for Charli and her family. If you are able to help, please call the office for more details. Otherwise donations can be dropped off at school and we will deliver them on your behalf. I am always very proud of being the leader of such a caring and supportive community.
We will have a fundraising day to Support the ‘Blue Datto Foundation’ later in the term.
KINDER ORIENTATION
This morning we welcomed 62 Kindergarten students for 2021. This was an exciting day for our current Pre-Schoolers who spent time with their new classmates and the kinder team. Although it was a little different this year due to Covid restrictions, the children had a very fun day and took home a library bag full of exciting things to make next year’s transition more manageable. This is an exciting time for these students. I thank the Kinder teachers for their work in making this a memorable day for all our new students and their families.
CLASS ALLOCATIONS CONCERNS ARE NOW CLOSED
Thank you to the parents who have written to me to share concerns for class placements for next year. This has now closed as teachers begin putting classes together for 2021. This is a huge job with all teachers considering gender, friendships, behaviour and academic abilities when placing students.
STAFFING NEWS
Next year, Catholic Education has allocated St Francis of Assisi 21 classes. We are currently working on the make-up of this classes. More information regarding this will be made available as soon as decisions have been made.
At the end of this year we farewell a number of staff. Sarah Ciuffetelli and Emma Gillan will take up positions in the Government sector. Katie Brook and Sarah Lehmensich will be on maternity leave. Peter Collins has accepted a Leadership Position at St Thomas Aquinas West Belconnen. We wish all these staff members all the best in their new endeavours.
BYOD Meeting
Due to Covid restrictions, we will be unable to hold the scheduled BYOD information evening next Monday. Mrs Cossettini has put together a comprehensive information booklet for Year 3 families and for students who are new to our school next year. The BYOD booklet is available further on in this newsletter.
If you have any specific questions about our BYOD program please send Mrs Cossettini an email debbie.cossettini@cg.catholic.edu.au and she will be able to help you with the relevant information.
PRINCIPAL'S LUNCH
Last Friday, I hosted the first of 2 Principal’s lunches to congratulate those children who have worked really hard during the year to follow our 4 school rules. Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be a Learner. It was great to see so many happy and cheery students enjoying the movies and eating popcorn. I look forward to our second lunch later this term for those students who are almost eligible.
COLOUR RUN
We are getting very excited in the lead up to our Colour Run on Friday 27th November. Mr Collins and his team have been working really hard to ensure the day is a big success. Although it is not a fundraiser this year, the children will be working hard to earn incentive prizes along the way by displaying positive behaviours and earning ‘gotchas’. I am looking forward to a fun day out. More information about the day will come home shortly.
THANK YOU
A very big thank you to Jess Cotton from Community Council who recently organised our Cookie Dough fundraiser. It was a big task and I am very grateful to all the hard work that went in to this. Through Jess’ efforts the school raised $3 262. Thank you so much Jess. Cookie Dough and prizes will be available shortly.
Peace and Best Wishes
Kate Markcrow
Principal