Term 3 Newsletter, 2nd September 2024
Acting Principal's Message
Father’s Day
On Thursday morning last week, our students and staff acknowledged our father figures and the contributions they make to our communities. I would like to thank Mrs. Angela Skillington for organising the Father’s Day celebration and liturgy. The Prep/1/2/3 class spoke beautifully during the liturgy. Our Year 6 students were wonderful chefs and waitstaff who ensured everyone was fed.
Each father figure is central to the development of every young person. I hope you all had a lovely time as a family. Students were encouraged to take the time to say thank you to the fathers in their lives. We remember those who we have loved but are no longer with us.
We pray:
Bless our fathers, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. In moments of joy, rejoice with them. In times of struggle, give them your courage and perseverance.
Book Week
Wow, what a week! Book Week is over, and it was a blast.
As we wrap up our enchanting Book Week with the theme “Reading is Magic,” we reflect on the wonderful journey we’ve shared. This week has been a testament to the transformative power of books and the joy they bring into our lives.
Reading for pleasure is not just an enjoyable pastime; it’s a gateway to lifelong learning and personal growth. It enhances creativity, empathy, and critical thinking skills. We encourage all our students to continue exploring the vast universe of books, finding stories that inspire and captivate them.
Learner Quality – Confidence.
Confidence is one of our four Learner Qualities at St Francis. When explaining this attribute to the students, we say to Confidence means to:
- Be willing to have a go
- Believe in myself
- Showing my learning
Helping primary school-aged children grow in confidence is crucial for their development. One effective way is through positive reinforcement. Celebrating their efforts, no matter how small, encourages them to take on new challenges. Praising specific actions, like completing a difficult task or showing kindness, helps them understand their strengths.
Providing opportunities for independence also boosts confidence. Letting children make age-appropriate choices, such as picking out their clothes or deciding on an after-school activity, empowers them to trust their judgment. This autonomy fosters a sense of responsibility and self-assurance.
Another key approach is creating a supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves. Encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment helps build their self-esteem. Listening actively and validating their experiences reinforces that their opinions are valued.
Engaging in activities that align with their interests can also build confidence. Whether it’s sports, arts, or academic pursuits, excelling in something they enjoy gives them a sense of accomplishment. This success often translates to other areas of their lives.
Lastly, teaching resilience through coping strategies for setbacks can help children see challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than failures, further enhancing their self-confidence.
Mrs. Busiko
Prep/ 1/2/3 News
During math we have been learning about fractions. We have quickly picked up representing fractions as shapes, in collections, common fractions and fractions on a number line. We are beginning to explore equivalent fractions and decimal fractions.
Throughout learning about the Old Testament, we have investigated the story of Jacob and Esau. This promoted us to go all the way back to the story of Sarah and Abraham. We learnt that God keeps His promises.
When we prepared for Father's Day, some of the student's words really touched my heart so I thought I would share some quotes with you. As you know I love a tradition, so we made our huge batch of rocky road for Father's Day gifts. I'm very pleased with the student's confidence to speak to our community during the Father's Day liturgy.
Father's Day Quotes
Skyler- My Dad loved to tickle my sister and I.
Zarah- My Dad is a superhero because he works so hard.
James- I love my Dad because he does woodwork, metal work, mustering and burning.
Chase- My Dad is the greatest because he helps me with my 7 x tables, homework and tricky words.
Tommy- If I could by my Dad anything I would buy him a lottery ticket.
Hunter O- I think my Dad looks handsome when God looks at him.
Mrs. Skillington
Yr 4/5/6 News
I cannot believe how fast this term has flown by. We, in the Year 4/5/6 class, have had a wonderful couple of weeks. Bookweek, last Tuesday, was an absolute highlight. I loved seeing all the kids dressed up, so imaginatively, as all their favourite characters. Having all the neighbouring schools come for the day was very special as well.
The students have been very busy creating their healthy smoothie or cereal for HASS. Additionally, they are working with partners to come up with a persuasive advertisment and making a ‘claymation’ using the Stop Motion app. Movies like Chicken Run, Wallace and Gromit and Flushed Away are made with Stop Motion, so we might have some budding movie makers in our midst. In the last couple of weeks of the term, we are hoping to even get to try these amazing smoothies or cereals.
We are on the count down for the last two weeks of term. It’s been a big term and we are finishing off assessments and consolidating learning. Because of this, the only homework for the last two weeks will be to read every night. Encourage your children to expand their reading experiences by reading chapter books rather than graphic novels only.
Onwards and upwards!
Mrs. Green
HASS
Middle Leader News
Parent Teacher interviews will go from Week 9 to Week 10 of this term. If you have missed the window to book your interview, please email your classroom teacher and they will be happy to help you to book an interview.
Empire Theatre Visit
Last week, St Francis students went on an excursion to the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. The students enjoyed this interesting and whacky show, not knowing what was going to happen next! The younger students thoroughly enjoyed the bus ride, the seats that move in the theatre and the funny show.
Taking students to cultural experiences like the theatre offers numerous benefits. It stimulates creativity and imagination, allowing children to see stories come to life in ways that books or screens can't replicate. Theatre exposes them to diverse perspectives and cultures, fostering empathy and understanding. It enhances their critical thinking skills as they interpret and discuss performances. Additionally, attending theatre can improve language skills and concentration. These experiences also create lasting memories and can inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Overall, cultural outings enrich children's education by broadening their horizons and nurturing their emotional and intellectual growth.
Mrs. Busiko
P.E with Mrs. Malbon
During P.E. students have been practicing their ball games for the upcoming trip on Friday. In small groups, they have also been choreographing a snippet of the song ‘Footloose’. We will then film their groovy moves and stitch them altogether to make a new school dance video! The song ‘Footloose’ was presented by the students of SFDS 12 years ago. So, we felt it was time for an update. I am looking forward viewing the students' dances.