Dear families

I would like to end the year by saying thank you to all our wonderful families in this great school community. Your messages of thanks and well wishes have been very touching. I have had quite a few tears this week, knowing that my time here is coming to an end.

See you for my last wave this afternoon.

Kate

FAREWELLS

Today we say farewell to some of our other staff members for the last time.

Marie Taylor

Marie has been a Learning Support Assistant at the school for more than 22 years. Her dedication and devotion to the students in her care has been second to none. We have been very blessed to have someone who is interested in supporting our students, ensuring they have access to the best possible support. Thank you, Marie, you will be dearly missed.

Susan Rowell

Susan announced this week that she was successful in application for a position at Merici College. Susan has been an invaluable member of our Front Office Team for the last 7 years. I am sure each and everyone of you have had conversations with Susan be it around fees, finances, fetes or even student well-being. This is a huge loss to our school community. She will be very hard to replace.

Sean will start a recruitment campaign during the Summer break.

Thank you, Susan, for all you have done for the St Francis of Assisi School Community.

Holly Haling

Holly is making the brave decision to re-locate to Brisbane. She has been appointed as classroom teacher at St Ignatius Primary School, Toowong. Holly has given some our students a fantastic start to their Primary School years. We thank her for her warm and gentle approach to the younger students at St Francis.

Steve Joyce

Steve came to us for 12 months to spend more time with his family. He has been a real presence in the school and has made such a positive impact to the students in Year 6. I thank Steve for his calm and caring nature to the older students in our school. St Joseph’s at Cooma are very happy to welcome Steve back into his Assistant Principal role from 2022.

Tianna Cossettini

Tianna has been a bright and bubbly member of our Learning Support team. She has worked very closely with our Year 3 students and has gotten to know a lot more during our remote teaching period. Her vivacious and bubbly nature has been infectious amongst the Learning Support Team. Thanks, Tianna, for your support of our students.

Jacob Wilson

Jacob is another member of our Learning Support team who is leaving us, he is moving to Sydney at the end of this year. Jacob too, has been an invaluable member of the team. His calm presence has given students the ability to feel safe and confident when facing challenges. We will miss his smile and friendly nature. We wish Jacob all the best as he finishes his teaching degree. He will be a great teacher in the not-so-distant future.

To all our staff leaving, thank you for your wonderful contributions.

2022 SCHOOL YEAR

The school will be open in 2022 from Tuesday 25 January at 9.00am. The first day of school for students (Years 1-6) will be Monday 31 January. Kindergarten will commence on Tuesday 1 February.

CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH CHRISTMAS MASSES

This year I encourage you and your families attend one of our parish masses during the Christmas season. During this time, it is important to remember and celebrate the reason for this season. Mass time can be found below.

Christmas Eve

- 6pm at St Francis of Assisi Primary School Calwell (outside)

- 9pm Holy Family Church Gowrie

- Midnight Holy Family Church Gowrie

Christmas Day

- 8am Holy Family Church Gowrie

- 10am Holy Family Church Gowrie

SCHOOL SECURITY DURING THE BREAK

School grounds are particularly vulnerable during the summer holiday break so we rely heavily on our local residents and families to keep a watchful eye out for any unwelcome visitors.

Please drive past or walk through the school during the holidays if you get a chance. If you see anything suspicious, please do not hesitate to contact the Police on 131 444. Thank you.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and peace filled Christmas. My prayer is that all families get to spend quality, happy time together, relaxing and reconnecting. I trust that everyone has safe break and returns, reinvigorated ready to start again in 2022.

Have a happy and Holy Christmas.

Kate Markcrow

Principal