St. Francis of Assisi School Newsletter St. Francis of Assisi Primary School email: [email protected]312 Childs Road, Mill Park. 3082 Telephone: 9407 3100 17th February, 2020 Newsletter No. 4 Dear Parents, SCHOOL PHOTO DAYS It is full steam ahead for the next two days (Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th February) as we attempt to photograph 43 classes, 1,171 individual photos and 815 family photos. The children will need to wear full Summer school uniform on these days even if they have sport or PMP on one of them. Students will bring home a unique code once their individual and class photo have been taken. If you require sibling photos please ensure that you register for this. Some often asked questions regarding photos: Question: If my child’s photo has already been taken do they need to be in full uniform on Tuesday? Answer: Yes, as many children will still need to have family photos taken or if any photos need to be retaken. Question: Do I send my child to school with their school jumper? Answer: Yes, the photographer will most likely have the children remove their jumper for the photo but the children can put it back on after the photo. Question: I have not registered online — will my child’s photo still be taken? Answer: Yes, the photographer takes a snapshot of all children at the school. Payment can be made online for up to 10 days after the photos have been taken. PARENT / TEACHER MEETINGS These will take place on Thursday, 27th February (11 am — 8 pm). Booking information has been sent home. Bookings were opened last week. Please note: We have organised a school closure on this day. The school event code can be found within this newsletter. (djs6n) OSHC OPERATING ON SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY The Out of School Hours Program will be operating on the school closure day (Thursday 27th February) from 6.40 am to 6 pm. Children must be registered to attend. Please contact OSHC directly if you wish to use the program on this day. Phone: 9407 3170. Special Points of Interest: School Photos Parent / Teacher Meetings OSHC Operating on School Closure Day School Photo Registration Moorhead Drive Drop-Off Parents’ Association Year 3 Reconciliation Family Evening Nut Allergies! Year 4 Cyber Safety Evening 2020 Prep Information Evening 2021 Prep Enrolments Working Bee / Open Day Plain Clothes Day Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Masses Hot Food Days Prep PMP Assemblies Sunsmart Junior Athletics Carnival Parish Fair 22 March Parent Helpers Meeting School Fees & Payment Plans CSEF Pets At School Instrumental Music Program Return of Forms Passion Projects Pep & Year 1 Gate Music At St Francis 2020 Sacramental Dates Catholic Secondary College Enrolment Also included in this Newsletter Badges Calendar Dates Learning & Teaching Snap! RE News eLearning News Music News Parents’ Association News Community News Parish Bulletin Awards
Transcript
St. Francis of Assisi School
Newsletter St. Francis of Assisi Primary School email: [email protected] 312 Childs Road, Mill Park. 3082 Telephone: 9407 3100
17th February, 2020 Newsletter No. 4
Dear Parents,
SCHOOL PHOTO DAYS It is full steam ahead for the next two days (Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th
February) as we attempt to photograph 43 classes, 1,171 individual photos and
815 family photos. The children will need to wear full Summer school uniform on
these days even if they have sport or PMP on one of them. Students will bring
home a unique code once their individual and class photo have been taken. If you
require sibling photos please ensure that you register for this. Some often asked
questions regarding photos:
Question: If my child’s photo has already been taken do they need to be in
full uniform on Tuesday?
Answer: Yes, as many children will still need to have family photos taken
or if any photos need to be retaken.
Question: Do I send my child to school with their school jumper?
Answer: Yes, the photographer will most likely have the children remove
their jumper for the photo but the children can put it back on
after the photo.
Question: I have not registered online — will my child’s photo still be
taken?
Answer: Yes, the photographer takes a snapshot of all children at the
school. Payment can be made online for up to 10 days after the
photos have been taken.
PARENT / TEACHER MEETINGS These will take place on Thursday, 27th February (11 am — 8 pm). Booking
information has been sent home. Bookings were opened last week.
Please note: We have organised a school closure on this day. The school event
code can be found within this newsletter. (djs6n)
OSHC OPERATING ON SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY The Out of School Hours Program will be operating on the school closure day
(Thursday 27th February) from 6.40 am to 6 pm. Children must be registered to
attend. Please contact OSHC directly if you wish to use the program on this day.
Phone: 9407 3170.
Special Points of Interest:
School Photos
Parent / Teacher Meetings
OSHC Operating on School
Closure Day
School Photo Registration
Moorhead Drive Drop-Off
Parents’ Association
Year 3 Reconciliation
Family Evening
Nut Allergies!
Year 4 Cyber Safety Evening
2020 Prep Information
Evening
2021 Prep Enrolments
Working Bee / Open Day
Plain Clothes Day
Shrove Tuesday
Ash Wednesday Masses
Hot Food Days
Prep PMP
Assemblies
Sunsmart
Junior Athletics Carnival
Parish Fair 22 March
Parent Helpers Meeting
School Fees & Payment
Plans
CSEF
Pets At School
Instrumental Music
Program
Return of Forms
Passion Projects
Pep & Year 1 Gate
Music At St Francis
2020 Sacramental Dates
Catholic Secondary College
Enrolment
Also included in this Newsletter
Badges
Calendar Dates
Learning & Teaching
Snap!
RE News
eLearning News
Music News
Parents’ Association News
Community News
Parish Bulletin
Awards
School Photos 2020 - St Francis of Assisi School Annual school photos are being taken on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th February.
To be able to view the images of your child and order photos, you will need to register online.
Go to https://order.arphotos.com.au
Enter the 2020 image code for your child (from their personalized flyer). They will receive this once their
photo has been taken.Fill in your email and mobile details
That’s it! You’ll be notified by email/SMS when images are ready to view and purchase.
In the webshop you can view photos and customize your photo package; Choose ANY layout, ANY image plus
purchase digital image downloads.
Even if you registered last year, you still need to register again this year to link your child’s images for the current
year with your details.
To be notified when images are ready to view – Register Online Now.
YEAR 3 RECONCILIATION FAMILY EVENING—TUESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY This will take place this Tuesday 18th February (6.45 pm for a 7 pm start) in the School Hall. The evening will be
led by Fr. Anthony and Mr. John Dwyer. Parents and the Year 3 child are required to attend.
NUT ALLERGIES!!!!!!!!! We have many children that suffer severe reactions to nut based products. The consequences of these allergies
are life threatening. Consequently, we ask that no nut based products (especially Peanut Butter and Nutella
sandwiches) are brought to school. Due to these allergies and the health of our children we have made the
decision that children are not to share food at school. This means that families are not to send along birthday
cakes, lolly bags or treats for children’s birthdays. Alternately parents may send stickers, pencils, erasers etc., to
celebrate their child’s birthday. I realise this can be inconvenient for parents and children but I am pleading to all
parents to support us in ensuring the safety of our students.
YEAR 4 CYBER SAFETY EVENING – THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY, 7PM Year 4 students will soon receive their new laptop for use at school and home. In order to ensure the students are
ready for the responsibility that comes from having a personal laptop, the Year 4 teachers are currently running
lessons on cyber safety in their classrooms.
We have also booked a parents only information session in the school hall
Thursday 20th February at 7pm.
The session will be hosted by the team from Inform & Empower and is co-presented by an experienced Primary
Teacher and a Child Psychologist. They will discuss topics such as current trends in child/teen online behaviour,
cyber bullying, unsafe apps and social media, managing devices in the home, balancing screen time and much
more. They are a fantastic duo and it is sure to be an engaging and informative session.
Year 4 parents are expected to attend this information session and the laptops will be handed out on the night to
those parents who are in attendance. Any laptops not collected on the night will be handed out to students at
school on Monday 24th February.
This is a parent only event, please make other arrangements for your children.
2020 PREP INFORMATION EVENING This will be held this Thursday, 20th February commencing at 6 pm. The evening will be held in the Prep
classrooms. We ask that parents make alternate arrangements for their children. A note has been sent home
explaining the evening.
2021 PREP ENROLMENTS Enrolment Forms are available from the School Office for Prep 2021. Current families are asked to collect your
enrolment package from the office or phone them to have one sent home. New families can contact the office and
an enrolment pack will be mailed. To assist our planning it would be appreciated if existing families can lodge
enrolments over the next couple of weeks. Our first Open Day is set to coincide with the upcoming Working Bee
this Saturday, 22nd February.
It is exciting to see siblings for Prep 2021 receiving their “I’m going to St. Francis” t-shirts. Please make sure to
remind the office staff for a t-shirt when handing in your enrolment.
WORKING BEE / OPEN DAY Our first Working Bee has been scheduled for this Saturday 22nd February. Mark this day in your
calendar as it is a good way to come and meet a few families and complete some productive
maintenance tasks. As in previous years on this day we also invite prospective families to come
and view our facilities and to chat with members of our school community.
EARLY NOTICE—PLAIN CLOTHES DAY—TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY Our first Plain Clothes Day for the year will be on Tuesday 25th February. Each family is asked to
donate a multi pack of chocolates for the Parish/School Fair which will be held on 22nd March. (If
possible could I ask when purchasing a multi pack of chocolates that you avoid Snickers and Picnic
bars due to their elements of nuts?)
SHROVE TUESDAY Tuesday 25th February is Shrove Tuesday. The Parents’ Association will be providing a pancake for each child.
Order forms were sent home last week. The Parents’ Association are also in need of parents to assist with the
cooking and distribution of pancakes. If you could give some time on this day it would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact Nicole Meyer 0466 821 228, if you can assist.
ASH WEDNESDAY MASSES Wednesday, 26th February is Ash Wednesday. The Year 1, Year 2 & Year 5 children will be
attending Mass at 9.15 am and the Year 3, Year 4 & Year 6 children will be attending Mass at
12.15 pm. Our Prep children will be will be having their own paraliturgy at 10.30 am on Friday
28th February. Parents are welcome to join us.
HOT FOOD DAYS This year we are aiming to streamline our Hot Food Day procedures. Order forms for both planned hot food days (2
per term) will be sent home at the beginning of each term. (There will only be one hot food day in Term 1). Forms
for both hot food days will need to be returned at the beginning of the term. This will make it easier for the
Parents’ Association as they will only need to count and collate orders once a term. Our first Hot Food Day will be
on Shrove Tuesday (February 25th) and our second Hot Food Day is scheduled for Thursday, 12th March and
Friday 13th March (Pizza & Icy Poles). Please Note; Shrove Tuesday pancakes will be donated by the Parents’
Association so there will be no charge for the pancakes.
PREP - PMP What is PMP? PMP stands for Perceptual Motor Program. It is a Program that aims to develop children's fine and
gross motor skills through a range of movement activities. The Program will run for our Preps on Mondays in Terms
1 and 2 and will be overseen by our Sports Coordinator Mr. Brett McCarthy. The prep children will be required to
wear their sports uniform each Monday and Friday to coincide with PMP (Monday) and PE (Friday).
ASSEMBLIES Assemblies have been scheduled for Monday afternoons at 2.40 pm in the big hall. See below for Term 1
Assembly schedule. Please Note: Prep students will have their assemblies on a Thursday afternoon.
Monday 24th February Year 3 & 4 Assembly (Year 3R & Year 3S presenting)
Monday 2nd March Year 5 & 6 Assembly (Year 5C & Year 5T presenting)
Monday 16th March Year 1 & 2 Assembly (Year 2B & Year 2H presenting)
Thursday 19th March Prep Assembly (Prep C & Prep N presenting)
Monday 23rd March Year 3 & 4 Assembly (Year 3D & Year 3N presenting)
SUNSMART We are a Sunsmart school which means that we have a “NO HAT NO PLAY” policy. School hats are to be worn
outside at all times during Terms 1.
JUNIOR ATHLETICS CARNIVAL Our Prep – Year 2 Athletics Carnival has been scheduled for Tuesday 10th March. The Athletics
Carnival will take place on the school oval early in the school day. (9.30 am – 11 am).
FAIR - STALL HOLDERS (MARCH 22, 2020) As you are aware we have the St Francis Fair on the 22nd March, 2020. If you are interested in setting up a stall at
the Fair, please contact Ruth Lees at the following email address: [email protected]. Please note that the
Stall Fee for 1 Trestle Table is: $40 if located in the Hall or $50 if located outside in the school courtyard.
CAN YOU HELP? We are asking for donations of empty plant pots for the Fair. If you have any to spare please leave them at the
PARENT HELPERS MEETING Do you enjoy helping children with their reading, writing and mathematics? Do you enjoy working with children in
their classroom? If so, you are welcome to come along to a Parent Helper Meeting and become a part of a team of
Parent Helpers in Years Prep to Six.
The Meeting will be held on Friday 13th March from 9 am to 10 am in the Community Room
You will need to attend this session before working in classrooms. Parent Helpers who have attended this session
previously need not attend, although you are most welcome, and can begin to work in classrooms. Please see the
class teacher to make suitable arrangements. (Please note, parents are required to have a current Working With
Children Check to be a parent helper in the classrooms). If you are unable to make this meeting there will be
another training session held in Term 2.
SCHOOL FEES & PAYMENT PLANS School Fees have been sent home. Statements will be sent to all families.
If you opt to pay your fees via instalments:
Instalment 1 is due by 13/3/2020
Instalment 2 is due by 29/5/2020
Instalment 3 is due by 28/8/2020
If you have arranged a payment plan for 2020—these fees are covered by your payment plan.
Thank you to all families who have already made arrangements to pay via direct debit or automatic credit card
payments. Parents wishing to complete a payment plan are asked to send the completed paperwork to the school
office as soon as possible. It is preferred that payments commence before the end of February and are finalised
by November. Payments may be made by cash, cheque or EFT at the school office from 8 am to 4 pm. If you are
unable to come to the school, direct transfer payments may be made to our school fee account (BSB 083 347
A/C 528755292). Please include your child’s surname in the reference. If you have any queries, please contact
Anne Coleiro or Mary Milione at the school office or email [email protected].
CSEF (CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSION FUND) If you hold a valid means tested health care card or are a foster parent, you may be eligible for Camps, Sports &
Excursion Fund (CSEF). The annual CSEF amount for primary school students is $125.00. The CSEF is paid directly
to your child's school to be used towards camps, sports and excursion expenses for the benefit of eligible students.
The card must be valid as at 28th January 2020. Parents can obtain a form from the school office or download a
form from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef. The school can accept applications up to 24th June 2020 however
parents are encouraged to lodge their form early. We are unable to accept late applications. The school also
requires a copy of your current health care card.
PETS AT SCHOOL It has come to my attention that some parents are bringing their dogs onto the school grounds when
dropping off and collecting children before or after school. Unfortunately for the safety of the children
I cannot allow dogs onto the school property. It would be appreciated if parents could adhere to this
request.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM In 2020 we will again be facilitating instrumental music lessons. We have a team of 10 instrumental music
teachers who are on staff here at St. Francis. We are offering piano, guitar, keyboard, drums, violin and singing.
Lessons will begin during this week beginning 4th February. Enrolment forms are available from the school office.
Please Note: The Instrumental Music Program is offered to students from Year 1 – 6.
If you have any questions regarding the program please speak to either Pina Fusillo or myself.
RETURN OF FORMS The beginning of any new school year requires us to seek information from parents in many areas. Over the next
few days numerous notes will be sent home to parents. I realise it can be very difficult to keep up with them all. It
would be appreciated if all forms be returned ASAP.
THE FOLLOWING NOTES NEED TO BE RETURNED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THANK YOU:
Asthma Note - Please complete and return to your classroom teacher even if your child does not suffer from
asthma. Please return by Wednesday, 19th February.
Family Verification Report – Please check and update all the details and return to the classroom teacher.
PASSION PROJECTS – (YEAR 5 & YEAR 6) Music Performance, Visual Arts, Creator/Maker: Building Billy Carts, Photography, Robotics, Kitchen Garden,
Science and Health and Fitness. Each of the Year 5 & 6 classes have now had their first session with their chosen
Passion Project. Both students and teachers were extremely positive after this first session – there was such a
buzz in the air. Each fortnight the students have a substantive amount of time (3 hours) to focus on their particular
Passion.
There will be an expo at the end of Semester 1 where children will showcase their learning to the community.
PREP & YEAR 1 GATE AREA This gate will be opened after school and it is ONLY for Prep and Year 1 families.
Please ensure that the following steps are taken to ensure safety for all:
Hold children’s hands at all times.
Reverse park into parking spaces.
Walk along the very side of the road no more than 2 abreast.
Do not cross from or to the corner of the Savers building. Visibility on this corner is limited.
No student is to exit without the presence of an adult.
MUSIC AT ST. FRANCIS Here at St. Francis we offer many opportunities for our students to extend themselves in the field of music or
singing. Please encourage your child/ren to get involved in one of our musical groups. Details are elsewhere in the
Newsletter.
2020 SACRAMENTAL DATES I would like to advise parents that we have set dates for 2020 First Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist and
Confirmation. Below is a schedule of these for your reference.
FIRST RECONCILIATION—2020 Year 3A Tuesday 17th March at 10 am
Year 3D Wednesday 18th March at 10 am
Year 3N Wednesday 18th March at 12 noon
Year 3P Thursday 19th March at 10 am
Year 3R Thursday 19th March at 12 noon
Year 3S Friday 20th March at 10 am
FIRST EUCHARIST—2020 Year 3P Saturday 13th June at 11.30 am
Year 3D Sunday 14th June at 1 pm
Year 3N Sunday 14th June at 3 pm
Year 3A Saturday 20th June at 11 am
Year 3R Sunday 21st June at 1 pm
Year 3S Sunday 21st June at 3 pm
CONFIRMATION 2020 Year 6C Friday 28th August at 7 pm
Year 6J Friday 28th August at 7 pm
Year 6M Sunday 30th August at 1 pm
Year 6H Sunday 30th August at 1 pm
Year 6F Sunday 30th August at 3 pm
Year 6W Sunday 30th August at 3 pm
CATHOLIC SECONDARY COLLEGE ENROLMENT (STUDENTS STARTING YEAR 7 IN 2022) If your child is currently in Year 5 (2020), now is the time to enrol for a place at a CATHOLIC secondary college
for the 2022 academic year. Below are some important dates to be aware of:
Key enrolment dates for our current Year 5 students in 2020 starting Year 7 in 2022
Critical Dates
Term 1 – 28 January 2020: Applications for Year 5 students commencing Year 7 in 2022 open.
Term 3 – 21 August 2020: Applications close.
Term 4 – 15 October 2020: Offers posted to prospective Year 7, 2022 applicants.
Term 4 – 6 November 2020: Final date for families to accept offer made by school.
Should you wish to enrol your child in a government secondary school, this will be facilitated through the transition
coordinator in 2021 when your child is in Year 6. For transition enquiries please email (Brooke Brennan, Transition
The first Year 6 Science Passion Project session for the year went off with a bang! We established classroom rules
to keep us safe and set up a station for students to write any scientific queries on sticky notes. The class then
created amazing front covers and of course the best bit, we got straight into experiments. In this lesson we
explored the effects of inertia and surface tension. Mrs Bagas and Mrs Tartaggia are looking forward to the next
lesson.
1...2...3...Say "SCIENCE!": We had a fabulous first Science Passion Project, the grade 6 class were particularly
enthusiastic to explore the periodic table and create colourful and inventive front covers for their Science
Journals.
Peter and Paul exploring inertia Tessia and Kaitlin celebrating after flicking
with the coin drop experiment. a record number of coins in the coin drop
experiment.
Dante and Noah exploring the effects of surface tension in the paperclip float experiment.
Learning and Teaching
Goal Setting
Individual learning goals aim to improve students’ learning and
achievement and build students’ capacity to learn. They motivate
students to:
become more active participants in the learning process
become independent learners
identify what is important to their own learning
achieve their full potential
Each term begins with new goals for learning. When planning a powerful
Unit of Inquiry, we attend to Five Learning Assets that are essential for
lifelong learning. These Learning Assets prepare students to be active
citizens in the 21st century. These skills and dispositions transfer across
learning domains and into the future. The greatest assets we can help
build in young learners are the ability to think deeply and creatively, to
communicate effectively in a wide range of ways, to research critically
and efficiently, to collaborate with others and to manage all this with
initiative, confidence and independence.
It was great to spend some time in Year 5C & Year 5T unpacking how
each of these assets can be applied when learning about social, emotional and physical health.
I encourage you to ask your children
about their learning goals this term.
Christina Rafael
Leader of Learning and Teaching
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to another new and exciting year! I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas break with your
families and enjoyed the company of friends. 2020 promises to be another year filled with many wonderful
opportunities to continue our collective journey in faith. It will be an especially special year for students in Year 3
as they prepare for and receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist as well as those
students in Year 6 who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in August.
First Reconciliation
Towards the end of this term the Year 3 students will be receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first
time. The teachers will be preparing the children for this sacrament during the term, and like last year, the
celebration of First Reconciliation will be held during the school day. It is not necessary for parents to be present
during this sacrament; however, parents are warmly invited and encouraged to attend if they would like to share
this special event with their child.
In order to assist families to begin preparing their child for the reception of this life-giving sacrament, there will
be a Reconciliation reflection evening for all Year 3 parents & their children on Tuesday 18th February at 7 pm.
Fr Anthony and myself will address the parents in the school hall while the children will participate in an art
based activity session with their teachers in the Year 6 classrooms (Building 8 which is located at the rear of the
hall). Parents are asked to accompany their children to Building 8 to meet their teachers before making their way
to the hall for a 7 pm start. During the evening we will speak about the history, traditions and rituals associated
with the sacrament and there will be an opportunity to clarify details regarding the celebration of First
Reconciliation in March. Our evening will conclude at 8pm.
Preparing for the reception of Reconciliation is an opportunity for the whole family to experience the joy of
forgiveness and as such, parents can play a key role. Parents can support their children’s preparation for this
sacrament by explaining the structure of the sacrament (outlined below), practising the Act of Contrition and
helping them evaluate the choices they make every day in light of gospel values.
Structure of First Reconciliation:
1. Introduce yourself to Father by name
2. Say “ Bless me Father this is my First Confession”
3. Make the Sign of the Cross with Father
4. Share ‘sins’ (the things for which I want to tell God I am sorry)
5. When finished say “ For these sins I am sorry”
6. Say Act of Contrition prayer (below)
7. Father will give a penance (a prayer or act to help you become closer to God)
8. Father will say prayer of absolution
9. Make the Sign of the Cross with Father
10. Return to seat and silently complete your penance.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you
Because you are so good and with your help I will not sin again.
Time to Pray Dear Lord, Please bless the thousands of families who have lost their homes or livelihoods, may they look to you in their hope to start over. We also pray for the families that lost loved ones to these fires, may they be surrounded by your peace at this time. Lord Hear Us. God Bless, John Dwyer Deputy Principal/Religious Education Leader
RE News
This year Safer Internet Day was celebrated worldwide on Tuesday 11th February. The theme was
‘Together for a better internet’.
At St Francis of Assisi Primary School we have spent the past two weeks focusing on cyber safety in our
classrooms. The students have discussed topics such as what you want your digital footprint to look
like, how we can respond proactively to cyber bullying and how to keep ourselves safe online by using
non-identifying usernames and keeping our passwords private.
Below are a few examples of some of the work the students have created in Year 3 & Year 5.
I highly recommend you visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website esafety.gov.au to have a look at some
of the fantastic parent resources available that may assist you in continuing the conversation about
online safety at home.
Kind Regards,
Andrea Dato
eLearning Leader
Dear Parents and Music students,
Why studying Music is important ......
Studying Music assists in the development of language and reasoning skills, memorisation and persistence and
infuses the student with a desire to become better at all their pursuits. At St Francis the choice is enormous:
violin, piano, keyboard, guitar, percussion and voice. We have been delighted with the new enrolments we are
continuing to receive for instrumental lessons. It is fabulous to see that so many of you understand the value of
Music in your lives and in your learning.
A Word on Singing …..
For those of you who don’t currently study an instrument, it is important not to forget that we all have our own
portable instrument in our body, I speak of the voice. Remember, It’s never too late to start to develop your voice.
The ability to sing with confidence and freedom is a source of lifelong joy.
Singing is meant to be a shared experience and SFOA offers plenty of opportunities to practise and develop your
skills. Choir is available to Years 1 - 6. There is no need to enrol, just come along at first break on Tuesdays. In
recent years, the senior students have opted out of this valuable resource, which is a pity as it provides them
with a chance to interact with the younger members of the SFOA community and to show leadership. I highly
recommend this group to all students (Tuesday first half of first lunch).
Vocal Harmony is a group offered to students in Year 4, 5 & 6. If you love to sing around the house or in the
shower or you are currently undertaking vocal lessons, you should seriously consider this group. We sing a variety
of different styles and work on developing our aural skills, looking for accurate intonation and the ability to hold
harmonic lines. It is a great way to start your day: 8 am Thursdays.
A word on buying an instrument……
If your child is starting an instrument for the first time, discuss your purchase with the instrumental teacher first.
Most instruments come in various sizes so it’s best to purchase the one that best fits your child to ensure their
experience is a positive one.
A word on practise…….
Success on your child’s chosen instrument comes from consistent practise. Even if it’s only 5 mins per night it
will make a difference. Remember: it has been said that it took 10,000 hours of rehearsal for the Beatles to
become masters!
Ensembles
♪ Rock Band (Year 5 & 6) - Tuesday mornings at 8 am.
♪ Intermediate Band: (Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 ) - Wednesday mornings at 8 am. - All instruments including strings!
♪ Choir: All year levels (except Prep) Tuesday Lunchtime (first half only)
I continue to encourage everyone to become actively involved in the musical life at St Francis of Assisi. It is a
great way to expand your friendship groups and to support your school community.
Instruments for Sale:
We have some instruments for sale if you are thinking of purchasing one. Please give me a call if you are
interested.
3/4 Violin, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet. All are in excellent condition.
Kind regards
Chris Grey
Music News
Parents’ Association Meeting Out first Parents’ Association meeting for 2020 was held on Friday 14th February in the Community Room. I
would like to thank everyone who attended, in particular the new parents. Our PA meetings are open to everyone
to attend. Feel free to bring younger children.
Our next Parents’ Association meeting will be held on Friday 20th March at 9.15 am in the Community Room.
Shrove Tuesday The Parents’ Association are making pancakes for the students on Tuesday 25th
February. There is no charge for these pancakes.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS (WWCC) A reminder to our helpers, please ensure yours is up to date. It is valid for 4 years.
All parents assisting are required to have a Working with Children Check. If you need to apply or need to renew
your Working with Children Check you can log onto the following link and complete your application on-line:
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Once you receive your WWCC card, please bring it into the school office as they need to have a copy on file.
If you have not yet been issued with your WWCC photo ID, your receipt is sufficient.
Do you want to help the Parents’ Association or find out more about it? There is no requirement to sit on the Parents’ Association Committee or run an event, however if you are
interested in getting more involved, we have great team of committed parents and a fabulous support network.
No one works on their own, we all help each other to do the best for our students.
A little bit goes a long way.
Do you have a comment or would like to contact us? Our email address is [email protected]
Katy Weng
On behalf of the St Francis of Assisi Parents’ Association
By appointment with a Priest. Contact Parish Office
BAPTISMS:
By appointment with a priest. Contact Parish Office
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD:
Sundays 10.30 am Mass during school term.
VIGIL MASS:
1st Friday of the month 7 pm to 1 am.
FILIPINO MASS:
2nd Sunday of the month at 12 noon.
ITALIAN MASS:
2nd Tuesday of the month 11.30 am.
MALTESE MASS:
3rd Sat. of the month at 4pm (chapel).
Confessions: 3.30 pm; Rosary: 3.40 pm.
YOUNG ADULTS MERCY NIGHT:
Last Friday of the month 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
ST ANTHONY’S PRAYER GROUP MASS:
1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm.
INDONESIAN FAMILY GROUP MASS:
3rd Saturday of the month at 7 pm.
JESUS YOUTH PRAYER GROUP:
3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:45 pm (chapel).
HEALING MASS:
2nd Saturday of the month 6:30 pm.
LIFETEEN:
Sunday after 5:00 pm Mass.
Contact Carmel on 9407 6705.
DIVINE MERCY NOVENA:
2nd Fri of the month 7:30 pm in (chapel) .
NOVENA TO ST ANTHONY (MALAYALAM):
Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm.
LEGION OF MARY:
Every Thursday at 10:15 am in the parish nook.
JUNIOR LEGION OF MARY:
Every Thursday during school term at 3:45 pm in
the Church foyer. Contact Jackie - 0422 443 324.
17th February 2020
ROSARY WITH CHILDREN At the Chapel every Saturday at 10:30 am under adult
supervision. All children are invited and encouraged to learn how to say the Rosary.
ALTAR SERVERS PRACTICES FOR NEW AND EXISTING SERVERS
There will be Altar Server practices in the Church, on Saturdays 22nd and 29th of
February from 2 pm to 3 pm.
PRAYER COMPANIONS
Our Parish is offering prayers for people after 9 am & 10:30 am Masses. If you need prayer for you or your family, come to the Chapel after Mass today and someone will
pray for your needs. Your confidentiality will be respected.
CLERGY APPOINTMENTS
Fr Cruz has been promoted to
Administrator of the Belgrave Parish. He will
be leaving us on Monday 24th February. We
will give him a morning tea farewell after the
10:30 am Mass on Sunday 23rd February.
We welcome Fr Jose Mathew who will join us
on Tuesday 25th February. Let us pray for
both of these priests as they begin new
ministerial duties.
Prep C Thomas V for eagerly participating in activities and displaying a great attitude towards learning! Prep F Julian H for a fantastic start to Prep. Well done! Prep N Levi G for his friendly nature and his positive outlook towards starting school! Prep S Macen N for settling well into Prep S. Well done! Prep T Ava I for an amazing start to Prep. Great job! Prep U Ariana M for showing great confidence in starting school and always trying her best in all tasks. Well done, Ariana! Prep W Mia T for being a good friend to others. Well done Mia! Year 1A Daniel H for a great start to Year One. Well done Daniel! Year 1B Nathaniel S for always volunteering to help others in 1B and participating in all class activities. Year 1F Sylis S for being a good listener and a cheerful helper. Well done! Year 1H Carina M for making a fantastic start to the year by working hard and showing kindness. Well done Carina! Year 1K Mila B for using excellent manners in the classroom and on the yard. Well done, Mila! Year 1S Caitlin D for making wonderful contributions during classroom discussions. Year 2B Michael M for settling into SFOA so quickly. Year 2G Deeya B for being a fantastic worker! Year 2H Eva J for making an amazing start to Year 2! Year 2I Xavier R for being an active and helpful member of class. Well done! Year 2P Brooklyn G for always demonstrating excellent effort in class activities. Well done! Year 2V Bianca I for being a responsible learner. Well done, Bianca! Year 3A Olivia T for being a respectful role model in Year 3A. Keep it up! Year 3D Jacob A for demonstrating great stamina reading. Well done Jacob! Year 3N Lucas T for being a respectful and helpful member of 3N. Keep it up! Year 3P Jaxon B for settling in well and for being a cooperative member of his class. Year 3R Zac B for showing great responsibility with his classroom job. Well done! Year 3S Jake Z for demonstrating confidence during class discussions. Year 4A Evelyn M for sharing her ideas in class discussions. Year 4D Lex C for demonstrating resilience and confidence. Well done! Year 4K Katherine C for always following instructions and persisting with tasks. Year 4M Lucas S for starting the year off with a positive and productive work ethic. Year 4N Eve C for always being willing to help out when required. Year 4S Andrea P for always paying attention in class and following instructions. Year 5C Dean M for having a positive start to Year 5. Keep it up! Year 5F Zoe G for a Five Star start up on Ten Star Attitude scale. Well done! Year 5H Bridgit K for being a kind and helpful member of 5H! Year 5N Isaac S for having a fantastic start to the year in 5N! Year 5P Chantelle K for being so enthusiastic about learning and being a helpful class member in 5P. Year 5T Fadi A for always using amazing manners during class time and on the playground. Year 6C Gabrielle C for her exceptional enthusiasm to read in Mass and during reading sessions. Year 6F Shona O for displaying exceptional work ethic during class time. Keep it up! Year 6H Judd S for a fantastic and positive beginning to Grade 6, keep it up! Year 6J Theo D for being helpful, focused and responsible. What a great start to Year 6! Year 6M Dion M for a positive and productive start to the year. Well done! Year 6W Kristian M for a great start to his new school. Well done!
AWARDS
Pupil of the Week
Prep Jacob M (PS) Year 1 Zara K (1S) Year 2 Ruby E (2I) Year 3 Alyssa B (3R) Year 4 Angelina Y (4D) Year 5 Xander R (5C) Year 6 Allegra F (6W)
Keys To Life Award
Prep Victoria G (PS) for Confidence Year 1 Levi M (1S) for Organisation Year 2 Joshua T (2I) for Organisation Year 3 Eva C (3R) for Confidence Year 4 Ritu A (4M) for Getting Along Year 5 Ruby H (5C) for Resilience Year 6 Abia A (6W) for Organisation
