Dear Families

At a time when restrictions are being eased across the community, in schools we are still obliged to function under some very restrictive measures. Masks are still to be worn indoors for all staff and visitors as we are identified as a ‘high-risk setting’.

We do so, however, with a positive mindset, knowing it is for the safety of all our students, families, and staff. Parents are reminded, that as in all schools in the ACT, visitors are not permitted unless for essential purposes. If you wish to meet with a teacher, please contact the front office to arrange a mutually convenient time and method.

So many parents are patiently and responsibly working with us to ensure children are safely delivered to and from school each day. Please continue to be patient and vigilant in our carparks and streets around the school.

The process of safely managing this for 480 children, while keeping year levels separated, is not a small one, and I thank most parents who help us to do this with patience and good humour. Thank you.

Reminder - no students are to attend school if they are showing any COVID-like symptoms. They must remain at home and follow all ACT Health Directions in relation to testing and/or quarantine instructions, and can only return to school when cleared to do so. Students who present as unwell or with symptoms will be required to go home.

FIRST RECONCILIATION

Last week our Year 4 students made the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was a reverent celebration at Holy Family Church with both Fr James and Fr Josh. We congratulate all our students. They demonstrated a clear understanding of the meaning within the Sacrament and how this brings them closer to God.

A big thank you to Fr James and Fr Josh, Anne Gowan, Lisa Conroy and our Year 4 teachers, Mrs Maruskanic, Ms Gatt and Mr O’Brien for preparing the students for this special day.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Last Thursday we acknowledged those who who died while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Remembrance Day is held on 11 November each year. This is the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I. People in Australia, and many other countries, observe 1 minute's silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month because that's when the Armistice came into effect. It is a time to honour our service personnel who died in service of Australia.

A huge thank you to our Year 3 students and their teachers, Mr Hargraves, Miss Barr and Mrs Ducker for their outstanding work in guiding us through such an important event. Even though this was done via video it was such a moving service.

REPORTING SCHEDULE

Due to the disruption to the children’s learning this Semester, we have revised our reporting schedule to ensure the children get enough time to complete the relevant learnings and assessment that is taking place in the classrooms. As such, please be aware for the following timeline.

• Parent/Teacher Interviews – Monday 29 & Tuesday 30 November

These interviews will take place before reports go home. Children in Year 3 – 6 are encouraged to attend these interviews and participate in the conversation about their learning. These meetings will occur remotely, via Microsoft Teams. 

Bookings for appointments are open now through the Compass Parent Portal. Please click the link on your news feed in the Compass Parent Portal to make a booking.  Or if using the app you can book under 'Conferences'.

Please know that 5 Kanbi students with Miss Archie will be having their interviews on Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 December instead.

• Reports will be made available on Monday 13 December

Please know that reports will not be printed and sent home this year. Access to your child's report will be through the Compass Parent Portal. 

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION

Kinder orientation will proceed in Week 9 in a modified format. Pre-school groups will visit their new classrooms and get to meet their teacher in an after-school session. We are really looking forward to welcoming our new students to our school. 

SCHOOL FEES 2022

The Community Council will meet on Monday night for the last time for 2021 to discuss school fees and the budget for 2022.  We will publish the breakdown of School Fees for 2022 in next week’s memo.

CRAZY SOCK DAY

A reminder that tomorrow is Crazy Sock Day - please see our newsletter article for more information on how you can donate to support Catholic Missions. 

On Friday 19 November we are having a Crazy Sock Day!

Come to school in your uniform but with crazy socks...we’re talking tie-dye, face socks, shoelace or fuzzy, any kind you want!!

Crazy Sock Day is a fundraiser for Catholic Mission for kids in countries who need our support.

Click on this link to donate and help us reach our $500 goal!

https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/stfrancisofassisiprimaryschoolcalwell

With the end of Term 4 fast approaching, please take a moment to check your 2021 school fee account to ensure it is up to date by the end of Term.

Leaving Families
If your family will be leaving St Francis of Assisi and not returning in 2022, please finalise your school fee account prior to the end of term 4, Friday 17 December 2021. Please contact me at the front office on 6292 4500 if you foresee any issues settling your account prior to the end of term.

I have already been in touch with families who are leaving and have a Direct Debit in place, to ensure the Direct Debit is cancelled after the final payment is made.

Change to Direct Debit for 2022
Around Week 8, the 2022 school fees will be communicated to all families following the Community Council's approval of the 2022 school budget.

If you are currently paying your school fees by Direct Debit it is important to amend your regular payments to keep your school fee account up to date in 2022.

During Week 1 Term 1 2022 please email me susan.rowell@cg.catholic.edu.au and I will assist with the calculations to adjust your Direct Debit amount for 2022 fees.

Reminder
A reminder that Term 4 school fees are due for payment by Friday 26 November 2021 unless paying by regular instalments. Payments may be made by Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS, BPay, QKR, or you may phone the front office on 6292 4500 to pay over the phone with your credit card details.

Please email me with any school fee queries and I'll respond as soon as possible.

Kind regards

Susan Rowell

A sibling discount of 20% will apply next year to the CEO Tuition Fee for the eldest child attending an ACT systemic primary school where they have an older sibling in a systemic secondary school.

We ask that you please complete the attached form detailing your students enrolled in systemic secondary and primary schools in 2022.

Sytemic_Letter_2022.pdf

Please return your form to school or email it to susan.rowell@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday 10 December.

Please see below the term dates for the 2022 school year.

We have these Star Wars student glasses at the front office - please let us know if these belong to your child and we'll return them as soon as possible.

Support your kids through the ups and downs of 2021 with our FREE Care Packs for Families. Featuring worksheets, activities and more, these downloadable packs explore topics such as managing worries and self-care for parents. 

Please like and follow St Francis of Assisi Primary School on Facebook and Instagram to receive updates, reminders and much more.