St Francis of Assisi News
Term 2 - Issue 7 19th May 2022
PRAYER
PRINCIPAL'S POST
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
It's been an interrupted couple of weeks as COVID+ cases continue to impact our staffing and the children in attendance. For those parents who saw the recent 60 Minutes story on Sunday, you would be aware there is a significant shortage of teachers across Australia. This has a huge impact when we have a number of staff absent due to isolation requirements. We are committed to ensuring that face-to-face learning continues effectively, therefore, always prioritise the delivery of the curriculum in the classroom. This can mean that children may be exposed to a number of relief teachers in a week, as we try to cover absences. Our focus is always on making sure the children feel safe, belong and are engaged with their learning. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all parents as we try to navigate the coming months of sharply rising infections and its direct impact on our children.
A reminder to parents that should your child test positive, please register the result with https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/ratregister and also upload a confirmation photo from WA Health and register via our CEWA Self-Reporting Portal https://cewa-collections.powerappsportals.com/COVID-19-Self-Reporting-Form/
RECONCILIATION WEEK 2022
Next Thursday, 26th May marks National Sorry Day, and the beginning of Reconciliation Week, 2022. This year's theme is Be Brave, Make Change. Change begins with action. As Australians, we are challenged to continue reconciliation so there is a meaningful change in our country.
On Thursday, 26th May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. This day marks the date in which we officially acknowledge the wrongs of the past and begin the journey of reconciliation.
National Reconciliation Week takes place on the same dates every year as they mark two significant events in the reconciliation journey:
- May 27, 1967 - The date the referendum saw over 90% of people vote for the Australian Govt to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them on the census.
- June 3, 1992 - delivery of the high court Mabo decision, which lead to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands.
While we spend the week acknowledging and celebrating these two dates, this conversation continues throughout the year in our curriculum and classrooms.
STAFFING
There have been some staffing announcements within the school over the past week that affect some classes. In wonderful news, Mrs Caitlin Evans (1B) is expecting her first child with her husband Brendan, and therefore will be taking parental leave later this year. We are very excited for Mrs Evans and have begun discussions around a suitable replacement. This will be communicated to parents closer to the date.
Our Science Teacher, Mrs Vescovi has also extended her leave until the conclusion 2022 due to family reasons. Fortunately, Mrs Coker has agreed to continue on in the role for the remainder of the year meaning no disruption to the Science program for our children.
Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, Miss Murphy (KW) will be concluding her time with SFOA at the end of this term. Mrs Richardson (5B) will also, unfortunately, be finishing at SFOA at the conclusion of Week 5, as she focuses on her health. We are currently finalising applicants to replace both Miss Murphy and Mrs Richardson and will notify parents accordingly. We wish both Miss Murphy and Mrs Richardson well as they continue to undertake the next phase of their journey. Both have made short, but important contributions to our community as teachers.
KINDY ENROLMENTS 2023
We have officially begun our Kindy enrolment process for 2023. If you have a sibling wanting to enrol for 2023, they are guaranteed a place, but you MUST still complete an application form and submit to the office.
SIBLINGS Complete this link: https://forms.office.com/r/1rtekSyhqf
If you know of any other parent who wishes to apply for a position in our Kindy 2023 Program, please direct them to complete an application form from our website. Places are filling fast.
NEW FAMILIES are to complete this link: https://bit.ly/37VmDmg
SCHOOL CLIMATE SURVEY - PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
Thank you to those parents who have completed the School Climate survey emailed out last week - currently, we have over 80 responses which is a great start. A reminder for those parents who have yet to complete the survey, the details are below. Parents who complete the survey will be asked to fill in their name and details (we realise the survey doesn't ask for these details) to go into the draw to receive one of three vouchers.
https://www.nsipartnerships.com.au
Click: Start Questionnaire
Enter Code: SFPACS
The prizes are gift vouchers for The Beach House in Eden Beach.
1st Prize: $75 Voucher
2nd Prize: $50 Voucher
3rd Prize: $25 Voucher
NAPLAN 2022
What a fantastic effort by our Year 3 and 5 children last week in undertaking the annual NAPLAN testing. Those children who were in isolation had the opportunity to complete the tests this week. Thank you to Mr Clarke for coordinating the delivery of this platform and all Year 3/5 staff for their preparation of the children. Results will be available later in Term 3.
CONNOLLY DRIVE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
At a meeting held this week with the Children's Crossing & Road Safety Committee meeting, there was a review of the Children’s Crossing located on Connolly Drive (near McCormack Boulevard). The crossing was demonstrated as being well utilised (great news) but the following feedback was provided:
- More than 12 students crossed north of the crossing (at the roundabout) and more than 15 students crossed south of the crossing.
The committee has asked for parents and children to please use the designated approved crosswalk, to improve safety before and after school. Your cooperation in this is greatly appreciated.
MAYFLOWER MASS - SUN 29th MAY @ 9am
All parents and children are invited to attend the Mayflower Mass on Sunday 29th May @ 9am. We are trying to work with the parish this year to get our whole school to mass at the parish to celebrate at least once this year. Children and parents are invited to attend on Sunday 29th May. Children DO NOT need to wear school uniform and they will receive a FREE sausage sizzle after the mass. We believe it is really important to gather together as a community at the parish and would love to see as many parents and families there as possible.
You'll notice the lack of references to football and West Coast in recent weeks. Not a great time to be a West Coast Eagles supporter! From all reports, there's apparently a few willing top-up players available in the U10 Brighton Seahawks! Luckily, the NBA Conference Finals are providing some sporting entertainment. Good luck to your teams over the weekend.
Best wishes
Jason Baker
Principal
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Dear Families
SACRAMENT OF FIRST COMMUNION (EUCHARIST) WORKSHOP
Preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion is underway. Parents please make sure you attend the workshop next week with your child (Wednesday 25th May). The workshop will take place in the School Hall from 6pm.
Please make sure you know the number of guests you are inviting to First Communion
Please keep the children preparing to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in your prayers.
FIRST COMMUNION COMMITMENT MASSES
If you were not able to attend one of the masses last weekend at ST Andrew's Parish, please contact me by email. dee.campbell@cewa.edu.au
McCormack Feast Day
McCormack Feast Day - the day we celebrate the life and good work of Sister Irene McCormack is on tomorrow. Sister Irene was a Western Australian, born in a small country town called Trayning. She gave up her life in Australia to care for the people of HuasiHuasa in Peru.
Parents are welcome to stay after the merit assembly and join us for a short liturgy celebrating Sister Irene. The children in McCormack faction will take part in team building games and activities, and enjoy a sausage sizzle for lunch.
Mayflower Mass - Sunday 29th May (9am)
Invitations have been sent out on SEESAW, Instagram and Facebook. We would love as many families as possible to join with staff and the Parish at the annual Mayflower Mass at St Andrew's Church, Clarkson on Sunday 29th May at 9am. Children can wear free dress. A sausage sizzle will be provided after the Mass.
God Bless
Miss Dee Campbell
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Our school photo days are Tuesday 24 May and Wednesday 25 May. Every student will have their photo taken whether they are purchasing photos or not. Every child would have now be given an on-line ordering instruction slip and a unique student shootkey. The shootkey will be needed to place an order.
Students in Kindy, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 will have their photo taken on Tuesday 24 May.
Students in Pre-Primary and Year 6 will have their photo taken on Wednesday 25 May.
SPORT NEWS
Term 2 Before and After School Activities
Please see the table below for information and what is available. If you have any questions please contact the Association directly. AFL started last week if your child is attending please organise payment at the office before the next session.
School Holiday Athletics Clinic
School Holiday Athletics Clinic for boys and girls aged 8 to 16 years. Tues 5th & Wed 6th July 2022 . WA Athletics Stadium. 9am-3pm. $95 per day. Or $170 for both days. Includes a T-Shirt or Shoe Bag or Cap and also a certificate. CHOOSE ANY 4 EVENTS PER DAY! More Info: http://sprintingfast.com/
Regards,
Amanda Hamilton
Teacher
SCHOOL FEE INFORMATION
Dear Parents,
If you have not paid your school fees, please attend to these ASAP.
Could all families on Health Care Card (HCC) please check their expiry dates and provide the school with an updated HCC. If your card expires any time during this year and we do not receive your updated card, your school fees will be calculated pro-rata.
Kind regards,
Geneve Bastian
P&F NEWS
SFOA BREAKFAST CLUB (Supported by Bakers Delight Ocean Keys, Clarkson)
When: Every Tuesday/Thursday
Time: 8:00am - 8:20am
Where: Hall
Come in and grab some toast with vegemite or jam and start your day right!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday to the following students who are celebrating a birthday over the next two weeks:
Nyankur Baguoot, Nathan Beaven-Davis, Lois McSheffrey, Eleanor Jarvis, Kaden Keen, Indiana Kingsley, Rylan Hitchcock, Misa Nguyen, Paige Hansen, Brady Edwards, Sanchez Raj, Lucas Pereira, Abigail Leahy, Harrison Clark, Ava Clinton, Balen Rudduck, Conor Durer-Jones, Koby Whitehead, Quinn Dennis, Jack O'Hare, Georgia Unthank, Serena Williams, Taicia Ashley, Armaan Virdi.
We wish you all a wonderful day!!
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday 20 May - McCormack Feast Day/Merit Assembly 8:45am
Monday 23 May - Year 5 excursion
Tuesday 24 May - School Photo Day (Kindy, Yr 1, Yr 2, Yr 3, Yr 4 & Yr 5)
Wednesday 25 May - School Photo Day (PP & Yr 6)
Thursday 26 May - National Sorry Day
Friday 27 May - P&F cake Stall
Sunday 29 May - Mayflower Mass at St Andrew's Church, Clarkson (9:00am)
Thursday 2 June - Year 6 Winter Carnival
Friday 3 June - Year 2 Class Mass (8:45am)
Monday 6 June - WA Day Public Holiday - no school for students
Tuesday 7 June - P&F Meeting (8:45am)
Thursday 9 June - First Communion Retreat
Friday 10 June - Merit Assembly (8:45am)
UNIFORM SHOP
Monday: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Where: NEW LOCATION - Operating out of the demountable at the rear of the school!
Ph: (08) 9204 1701
Address: 1/85 Guthrie St, Osborne Park 6017
Email: mailto:sales@jfe.net.au
CONTACT US
Mon-Thur: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 3:30pm
Email: admin@stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au
Location: 1051 Connolly Drive, Butler WA, Australia
Phone: (08) 9562 9500
Facebook: facebook.com/stfrancisbutler
ST ANDREW'S CATHOLIC PARISH
Email: standrewsclarkson@gmail.com
Website: http://www.standrewsclarkson.com/
Location: 53 Belleville Gardens, Clarkson WA, Australia
Phone: (08) 9407 7512
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standrewsclarkson/