Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome back for Term 2. The weather was fantastic over the break and I hope you all had a good opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. Staff were busy here at school planning and preparing for the term.

PUPIL FREE DAY

On the Pupil Free Day on Monday, all staff engaged in professional learning focused on High Impact Teaching Practices as part of the Catalyst initiative that has been implemented this year across our whole Archdiocese. We spent time looking at theories on how the brain retains information and how this impacts our teaching. Lots of great discussion and ideas were generated from this day.

We also spent time learning about the new system in place for marking the roll using the Compass live application. This new application is being rolled out across all schools in the system and will have various applications including reporting and communication with parents. At this stage, we are just using the new roll making system. More information about this will be sent to parents as we add on the new applications.

ANZAC DAY

This weekend we will commemorate ANZAC Day. During ANZAC Day we remember all of the Australian and New Zealand men and women who have served their country and continue to serve their country so that we can live in peace and security today. Many have suffered severe injuries or trauma from war or paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their life for their country. As today’s generation we remember them. Lest we forget.

A reminder that Monday 26 April is a public holiday. 

On Tuesday 27 April at 2.00pm, Year 4 will lead a very poignant ANZAC Day service. Thanks to our Year 4 team for planning this important service. Unfortunately due to social distancing requirements, only parents of our Year 4 students may attend. For those parents, you will need to register your attendance by contacting the Front office before Friday.  Please email office.stfranciscalwell@cg.catholic.edu.au.  Numbers are strictly limited so get in early. All visitors on the day will need to check in using the ‘Check-in Canberra’ app. 

We have many upcoming events and our newsletter is one of our best forms of communication. By reading our newsletter you will ensure that you are getting the most accurate information about attendance requirements at these events.

2021 OPEN DAYS

Our St Francis of Assisi Primary School Open Days will be held on Monday 3 May and Thursday 27 May from 9:30am-11.00am and 4.00pm-6.00pm. We have advertised these days and really hope for a great turn-out. Please let interested people know about our Open Days.  Enrolment packs are available from the Front Office. If you have siblings, you will need to collect one of these from the Front Office and complete an online enrolment by 28 May 2021 to secure a place for 2022.

Enrolment time for all Catholic schools is from Monday 3 May until Friday 28 May. This includes St Mary MacKillop College, Merici College and St Clare’s College for our Year Six students enrolling in high school for 2022.

A reminder our local parish Early Learning Centre is also taking enrolment enquiries for preschool students in 2022.

The Holy Family ELC is holding two open days that you are most welcome to attend:

• Tuesday 4 May 4.00-5.30pm
• Thursday 20 May 4.00-5.30pm

YEAR 5 CAMP

Next week, I am looking forward to attending camp with our Year 5 students. We will be visiting many exciting places in Sydney which align with the units of work that the children will be exploring over the year. I am sure the students will represent our school with pride by ensuring they are cooperative, respectful and happy.  

EARLY MORNING DROP OFF

I would like to remind parents about the hours of supervision for students. Supervision of students begins at 8:30 every morning. The teachers’ day begins at 8:30am each day and those who are on duty are not required to start until this time.

As the cold weather approaches please think about your child as they wait outside in the cold and wet for 15-30 min for supervision to arrive. I understand that some parents begin work before 8:30am which is why we offer an excellent before school facilities. Louise and her team offer a fantastic service where children can come, have a delicious breakfast and participate in activities. The children love being at BASCA.

Many parents do the right thing and pay for their child/ren to be cared for. If you need to have your child at school before 8.30am please contact BASCA on 6292 8034. If children are found to be on school grounds before 8:30am, they will be directed to BASCA and parents will be billed accordingly.

WINTER UNIFORMS

You are reminded that all students are required to wear winter uniforms in Terms 2 and 3. Thanks for your support in this matter. Please ensure that children are not mix/matching Summer and Winter uniform items.  Hats are still required for outside play.  

NAPLAN ONLINE

NAPLAN will be conducted in the Online format for all assessments apart from Year 3 writing which will remain a paper-based test. The students have all been given an opportunity to complete a familiarisation test to gain experience with the platform. The test schedule is roughly as set out below provided we do not have technical difficulties during these times. We do have a window of 9 school days to complete the online assessments. If your child is absent on a day, they will complete the missed assessment when they return to school. We encourage all students to participate, and the platform certainly accommodates this, however if you do not wish for your child to participate in any of the NAPLAN assessments you will need to contact Tiffany Reedy to obtain a withdrawal application that must be completed and submitted to Kate Markcrow well before NAPLAN commences.

It would be very helpful for Year 3 and Year 5 students to bring along their own headphones if they have a set a home. 

Proposed timetable- any changes will be communicated to parents.

CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL

Our annual Cross Country Carnival will be held on Tuesday 4 May at Calwell Playing fields. All students will participate, leaving school at 9:30am and returning at 1:15pm. There will be plenty of fun activities for all students including fitness sessions, novelty sports as well as cross country running. There will be a canteen red food day lunch as well. The children will return to school for a pre-ordered sausage sizzle. Please see the 'Canteen News' section of this newsletter - orders open tomorrow and close at 9.00am next Friday 30 April.  Please order before the cutoff time to avoid disappointment.

As with the swimming carnival this year, parents may attend in a volunteer capacity only. There will be many easy jobs that you might like to volunteer for. We would love to see parents assist at this event.

SCHOOL DISCO

We are all looking forward to our disco to be held on Friday 14 May. This year the disco will be held a bit earlier to try and avoid the really cold weather. At this stage we are looking for parents who would be happy to help organise this event. Please let the Front Office know if you are able to help. More information from our Community Council will become available next week.

Peace and Best Wishes,

Kate Markcrow

Principal