Welcome to Week 7. I hope you and your family were able to enjoy some quality time together over the last few days. Our staff gathered on Friday to participate in a Reflection Day focused on Franciscan spirituality and well-being. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together and reflect on what it means to be part of a Catholic school with our Franciscan heritage at the centre of all we do. Quality time spent together as a staff in community is critical to maintaining a positive work environment and this time was greatly valued by our staff.

You may have noticed that we are beginning to return to a more ‘normal’ way of being in our schools with the return of assemblies, class liturgies and whole school gatherings. This is equally important for our families to be able to share in school-based experiences and celebrate the life of your children in their school setting, beyond the classroom. Our staff are also particularly keen to rekindle the community experience and last week we had a brain-storming session for staff on ways to re-energise community events that we offer. Stay tuned for some opportunities to participate more actively in the school community over the second half of the school year. Opportunities to be a volunteer may be required.

How to Volunteer in our School

At St Francis of Assisi, we are always grateful for the support given by our volunteers.  Volunteering applies to a wide range of activities in the school including attending excursions, coaching sports teams, reading in the classroom, helping in the many committees and many other school-related activities. 

If you would like to act as a volunteer in the school, you are required to have a 6-point check.  Please provide the school with copies of the following:

• Completed CESA Volunteer Registration pack - available from the school office
• A Catholic Police Check Clearance or Working With Children Check (WWCC from the Department of Human Services (if you need to obtain this clearance please come to the school office)
• A RRHAN-EC (Responding to Harm, Abuse and Neglect in Education and Care) training Certificate
• Work Health and Safety Induction for Volunteers 
• Work Health and Safety signed form
• COVID Status Certification

Please note: that all these processes are mandatory and must be completed in order to volunteer/continue to volunteer.  This requirement is designed to ensure our children are protected and safe at school.

Have a great week.

James Meiksans

Staff Retreat Day

On Friday our staff engaged in a Staff Retreat Day to deepen our understanding of Franciscan spirituality and explore the concept of fraternity.​ We were led by executive members of Franciscan Schools Australia, Alison Stone and Fr Stephen Bliss OFM. Fr James was also present and all staff were presented with Tau Crosses direct from Assisi, that were blessed at our liturgy. Gathering as a staff to explore our Franciscan Charism was a blessing as we learnt, reflected, prayed and engaged in meaningful discussion about what we believe as Franciscan educators. 

On Friday we also heard from Madhavi Nawana Parker, CEO of Positive Minds Australia. Madhavi spoke to us about practical research based wellbeing tools to implement in our workplace to feel better, think sharper and avoid burnout. Teachers are often juggling many pressures and dealing with the emotional demands of working with young minds all day, every day. Madhavi reminded us of the simple things such as taking time out for ourselves, daily gratitude, taking care of our own wellbeing and practising mindfulness. Madhavi offers great wellbeing resources for free at  https://positivemindsaustralia.com.au/

The Most Holy Trinity

On Sunday it was The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity is the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as one God made up of 3 persons. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in full communion, communication and relationship with each other. The Trinity declares that relationships are at the very centre of God. To know Jesus is to know the Father and the Spirit and vice versa. They are one. The Trinity is present every day in our classrooms as we begin our daily prayer with the Sign of the Cross and just like the Trinity, relationships are at the centre of our school community where God is ever present.

Class Liturgies

Last week we held our first class liturgy with 3/4Z. Fr James visited the class and unpacked the Gospel message with the students who had many interesting questions. Class liturgies will occur every 2 weeks and each class will have one liturgy throughout the year. Following the class liturgy parents are invited to have a coffee and chat. Community Prayer will continue on alternate weeks in the Piazza or MPF.

Sacramental Program

Next week (Wk 8) there will be a parent information session held for any parents who are interested in enrolling their child in the Sacramental Program for 2022/2023. A separate invite will be sent out this week to all eligible families. The Sacramental Program is parish-based, school and family supported and is approximately a year long process where students can receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. It is open to all children from age 7 years and above.

Melissa Canil

Please follow the link to the latest issue of the Southern Cross Newsletter 17/05/2022

The Southern Cross Today's News.

The Carnevale Mask Parade will be held in the MPF on Friday 8th July at 9.10am. Students are encouraged to wear casual clothes in the colours of the Italian Flag, green, white and red. Parents are welcome to attend.

Following the parade Parents are invited to stay and enjoy coffee and cake.

There also will be a special Gelati order if children are interested. (please order via the QKR app only)

Please see the attached paperwork for more information about the parade and for ordering gelati.

Carnevale Parade

Carnevale Gelati order

Norwood Football club are bringing back the School Holiday Programme to Norwood Oval in the July holidays.

The school holiday clinic is designed for school aged children from 5 - 13 years of age. No football experience required.

Please see the attached for more information.

Redlegs Holiday clinic information

Bookings