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Dear Families
This is our final newsletter for the year and as the 2020 school year draws to a close, I would like to thank you for all you do, for the children at school. This year has been a particularly challenging year. We have really missed the parent involvement and the community events that make this school such a great place to be. Although we have been limited by the number of parents who can attend the school, we have still managed to keep our community spirit alive. I am hopeful that next year will bring us together stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Our students have shone throughout the year, taking on the challenge of remote learning, saying goodbye to parents in the car park, dealing with the changes to routine and overcoming the disappointment of missing certain events. I have been so proud of the children at our school. Seeing their smiling faces each day, brings to joy to my role as Principal. Parents, you have done an amazing job in raising such wonderful children.
A big thank you to our wonderful staff here at St Francis Calwell. I am sure you agree with me that they are the most dedicated bunch of teachers who have gone above and beyond this year. Their love and support for your children is visible every single day. How blessed we are in having a group of enthusiastic professionals who contribute so much to St Francis of Assisi Primary School.
I thank the Community Council who have worked tirelessly for the school during the year. Although we have not been able to meet face-to-face the council has still introduced new initiatives that have benefited out school, to name a few, the Fantastic 5 and the cookie dough fundraiser.
Thank you also to Father James and Father Andrew for their work in supporting our families, students and staff. This week we farewelled many staff members who go on to other adventures.
2021 SCHOOL YEAR
The school will be open in 2021 from Wednesday 27 January at 9.00am. The first day of school for students (Years 1-6) will be Monday 1 February.
Kindergarten will commence on Tuesday 2 February.
If you have any queries during the school holidays, please email me at kate.markcrow@cg.catholic.edu.au.
CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH CHRISTMAS MASSES
If you wish to attend any mass you are most welcome but must have booked in prior to attending as there are strict number limits due to the current ACT COVID restrictions.
The parish is using the “Check In CBR” app to record attendees in line with the ACT COVID safe requirements. To speed up the process of checking into mass on the day please download the app prior to attending mass. It can be downloaded from https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/business-and-work/check-in-cbr#Check-In-CBR-App
Christmas Mass bookings need to be made using the following link: https://corpus-christi-parish-gowrie-christmas-masses.eventbrite.com.au
Christmas Eve
- 6pm at St Francis of Assisi Primary School Calwell (500)
- 6pm outside Holy Family Church Gowrie (500)
- 9pm Holy Family Church Gowrie (120)
- Midnight Holy Family Church Gowrie (120)
Christmas Day
- 8am Holy Family Church Gowrie (120)
- 10am outside Holy Family Church Gowrie (500)
Christmas Mass online
Online mass will be available to watch from 6pm Christmas Eve at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAdf8aNPK5Vczl0GPLHixw
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.
THANK YOU
I would like to publically acknowledge the volunteer work of Cheryl Jorritsma, Pam Crawford and Belinda Stewart for their volunteer work at the school this year.
Thank you to Cheryl who runs our clothing pool, and Pam and Belinda for running our school banking, and to Belinda who regularly supports Kathy in the canteen. It would be great if we could get some more of our parent community involved next year and share some of the load. These are completely voluntary roles and we could not have these services without the support of these ladies.
CLOTHING POOL
Cheryl has offered to open the clothing pool before school resumes, from 10.00-11.00am on Friday 29 January. Parents are welcome to use this service, but due to Covid, parents will be asked to line up and adhere to social distancing protocols. One family at a time will be served.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
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 2021.
Peace and Best Wishes
Kate Markcrow
Principal
Please find below the term dates for the 2021 school year:
| 2021 | Term Begins | Term Ends |
| Term 1 | Monday 1 February | Thursday 1 April |
| Term 2 | Monday 19 April | Friday 25 June |
| Term 3 | Monday 12 July | Friday 17 September |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 5 October | Friday 17 December |
Please note that our kindergarten students do not attend school on the following dates:
- Monday 1 February
- Friday 5 February
- Wednesday 10 February
Thank you to all families who have settled their Term 4 school fee accounts. Term 4 fees are now overdue and payment as soon as possible is much appreciated.
Direct Debits will continue over the school holidays unless you have cancelled or made other arrangements. Payments may continue to be made by Bpay and QKR! over the holidays.
Term 1 fee statements will be issued early in Term 1. A copy of next year's school fees and a calculation sheet is attached for your information:
2021_School_Fee_Information.pdf
School_fee_calculation_sheet_2021.pdf
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday break.
Kind regards
Susan Rowell
The canteen will reopen in Week 1 Term 1 next year. The canteen will be open from Wednesday to Friday each week.
The preferred method of ordering is through the QKR! app - please download and start using this app if you haven't already! Online orders must be placed by 9.00am each day.
If you would like to volunteer your time to help Kathy in the canteen, please get in touch.
Congratulations to Mitchell Slingsby in Year 5 who has been selected in the Under 12 Boys Basketball ACT Representative Squad.
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