St Francis of Assisi school Newsletter 18th June 2025

From the Principal

Dear Families,

We head into the middle point of the year and somehow, we are close to the halfway mark of the school year. It’s been a great term and it’s wonderful to see the learning programs in full swing and the development made by our children across their subjects.

Retreat Reflection

Two weeks ago, close to 30 of our staff from across our school, teachers, ESO’s and admin took part in a retreat to Penola, the birthplace of Mary MacKillop and Catholic Education in Australia. It was a time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and reconnection with the mission that underpins our vocation as educators.

I’ll start by saying that in my 15 years in education it was as profound experience as I’ve been on with staff. The work we do with children relies on all of us together, and a retreat away allows time to chat, to connect, and to understand each other more deeply. This makes the work we do with the children in our school easier to do, having understood each other’s stories more deeply.

One of the most amazing things we did was share a beautiful moment in the original stone schoolhouse , where Mary’s first school began. The whole centre is staffed by volunteers, and one volunteer took the time to sing acapella, a beautiful song about Mary’s journey. After the retreat I asked staff to write a reflection. Many were moved by being physically present in the original schoolhouse, where St Mary began her courageous mission. One reflection described the moment: “It brought tears to my eyes… to think about the very beginning of Catholic Education starting in a small stable is just unbelievable.”

This year is a jubilee year in the Church, a time to reflect and ask God for renewal. At the end of Mass we attended in the morning, Sister Loretta read out the prayers that had been left for all of those that had made a pilgrimage to Penola over the past two weeks. People had travelled from around Australia to Penola to ask for St Mary’s intercession in their lives. A particularly personal prayer came from someone who had travelled to ask Mary’s intercession to support her and her husband to have a child. Another prayer asked for Mary’s intercession to support her family following the sudden death of their son. Desperate farmers prayed for rain to support their livelihoods. There was something particularly meaningful in hearing these prayers, in such holy ground in Penola, and hoping that our combined prayer to St Mary would have some impact.

There was also a shared sense of challenge and renewal: A staff member wrote in their reflection “The retreat reminded me to approach each student with care, respect, and purpose.” Another staff member reflected, “It challenged me to think about how faith doesn’t always have to be expressed in big, dramatic ways… sometimes it’s found in quiet consistency, service, and presence.”

The retreat was an opportunity for a profound encounter with the spirit of Mary MacKillop, the power of community, and the quiet call to continue her work in our own time.

Music Program

2025 has seen a dramatic transformation of our music program at St Francis of Assisi School. Instrumental enrolments are up over 300%, with nearly 15% of students now participating in private music tuition, a number we expect to grow closer to 20% by year’s end.

As St Augustine said, "To sing is to pray twice." Music gives our students a voice that transcends words, building confidence, discipline, and community.

This afternoon, we were privileged to witness a moving musical moment as our Festival Choir, Junior Choir, and String Ensemble performed together. The piece they chose was first sung at the 25th Anniversary celebrations in 1990, a nod to our rich history and the enduring power of song to connect generations.

Reports

Reports will be delivered on SEQTA engage during Week 10. Please see the Audiri post or chat to Mrs Page if you require any Tech support in this space.

God Bless,

Scott March

Principal

APRIM News

APRIM News Week 8 Term 2 2025

The Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass

Wednesday, 2^nd of July, we will gather as a whole school for The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass. We warmly invite you to join us for Mass at 9:30am in the Church.

Kildare Transition Visit

Students and teachers from Kildare College visited the Year 6 girls who will be starting at the college next year. During their visit, they shared their experiences and spoke about how it's normal to feel both excited and a little nervous when starting high school.

They discussed a range of topics, including different subjects offered at the college, how lockers work, and the rules around mobile phone use. The visit helped the Year 6 girls feel more prepared and gave them a chance to ask questions about their transition to high school.

Mini-Vinnies

The Mini-Vinnies and Social Justice Leaders launched out Vinnies Winter appeal. You will see the large blue bins around the school which are for donations of blankets, clothes and toys. Each class also has a tub for donations of non-perishable food. Some examples of non-perishable items that you can donate are, pasta, noodles, rice, long-life milk, tinned soup, tinned tuna, baked beans, tinned fruit and vegetables, tea and coffee, milo, cereal boxes, jars of jam or spreads, tomato sauce, meal bases, fruit juice, nuts, lollies, packets of biscuits and jelly packets.

The last day of Term 2 in week 10 Friday the 4^th of July, we will be having a fundraiser to raise money for the Winter Appeal with a gold coin donation. Students will be able to wear their sports uniform with a beanie, scarf, and gloves. Thank you for your continued support of St Vincent De Paul.

Well- Being

Take a moment to check-in with yourself.

What emotions am I feeling right now?
What’s been weighing on my mind the most?
What thoughts keep repeating in my head?

When life feels heavy and some things seem hard, it's important to remember that being gentle with yourself isn't weakness—it's wisdom. Here’s some advice to help you navigate those tough moments with compassion:

🌿 Be Your Own Safe Place

Speak to yourself the way you would to a dear friend. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself: “It’s okay to feel this way. I’m doing the best I can.”

🕊️ Let Go of Perfection

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Progress isn’t always linear, and healing doesn’t follow a schedule. Allow yourself to be imperfect and still worthy of love and rest.

🌧️ Honour Your Feelings

Don’t rush to “fix” your emotions. Sit with them. Acknowledge them. Let them pass through like a storm—temporary, but real.

🌱 Rest is Productive

Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a requirement. When things feel too much, give yourself permission to pause. You’re not falling behind; you’re refuelling.

🧩 Small Steps Count

Even the tiniest step forward is still movement. Celebrate the small wins: getting out of bed, sending that email, taking a deep breath.

💬 Ask for Help

You don’t have to carry everything alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let others support you the way you would support them.

Go gently and kindly on your yourself today.