Dear Families,

It was wonderful to have the whole school back almost as normal from Monday this week! It was a delight to see the excitement on the children’s faces and when I visited classes, everyone agreed that they were happy to be back amongst their friends and classmates and to be learning in their own classrooms again. All the staff really missed the children and were equally excited to see them all back at school.

SACRAMENTS OF RECONCILIATION AND EUCHARIST

Yesterday our students in Year 4 participated in a retreat in preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The children had a terrific day with the final session being a mass with Fr Josh. We thank Ms Conroy, Ms Gowen, Mr Keating and Fr Josh for the preparation and participation in this very important event.

The children will be celebrating the Sacrament next Tuesday 9 November at Holy Family Church.

Our students in Year 5 will be able to celebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist on the evening of Thursday 25 November at Holy Family Church.  After it being cancelled through the lockdown, it is wonderful to know that we can celebrate as a Catholic community together.

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 process is now closed as teachers begin putting classes together for 2022. This is a huge job with all teachers considering gender, friendships, behaviour and academic abilities when placing students into classes.

STAFFING NEWS

Next year, Catholic Education has allocated St Francis of Assisi 21 classes. We are currently working on the make-up of these classes. More information regarding this will be made available as soon as decisions have been made.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Next Thursday, Year 3 will host a very reverent and sombre Remembrance Day liturgy. This will be recorded and shown to the school via video, which will then be uploaded to the St Francis of Assisi School Facebook page for parents to view. I thank Miss Barr, Mr Hargraves and Mrs Ducker for ensuring that our students still get to celebrate such an important occasion.

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. 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. 

CANCELLED EVENTS

Due to the current restrictions, we have had to cancel a number of scheduled events that were in the calendar for this term. Please know that whilst we do not want to disappoint anyone, the practicalities have left us with no other option. Below is the list of cancellations.

• The first session of Kinder Orientation scheduled for 9 November – we hope to be able to run the second session on Thursday 25 November
• All assemblies – these will be video recorded and available for parents to view at a later stage
• Swimming Lessons scheduled for Week 7 and Week 8 – all families with students in K-4 who have been charged the swimming levy this year will have a credit processed to their account shortly
• Grandparents Day
• Family Twilight Carnival
• Principal’s Lunch – we hope to have something later in December if restrictions for schools ease.

We are still awaiting advice regarding our Farewell Mass, Kinder Nativity, Graduation Dinner and Candle Ceremonies.

We will advise as soon as we know more.

CATHOLIC LEADERS’ DAY

Last Thursday, I met, virtually, with members of the Catholic Education Office and all Principals in our Archdiocese. We gathered to pray and to learn more about the approach to teaching and learning through the Catalyst program initiative of Catholic Education. We heard from our Director, Ross Fox and from guest speakers  - E.D. Hirsch Jr, Natalie Wexler and Dr Jenny Donovan. I extend my thanks to our Catholic Education Directorate for offering valuable opportunities, such as this, to its school and system leaders.

Peace and Best Wishes

Kate Markcrow

Principal