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St Francis of Assisi News
Term 1 Issue 4 21st March 2024
TERM 2 BEGINS MONDAY 15th APRIL
NOONGAR SEASON OF BUNURU (FEB-MAR)
PRINCIPAL'S POST
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
It's been a very busy last two weeks with our Year 3 and 5 children completing the NAPLAN assessments of Writing, Reading, Language Conventions & Grammar and Numeracy. Thank you to the children for their persistence and resilience over the last fortnight. Although it is only a snapshot and one single test, we realise children place undue pressure on themselves despite staff and parents' trying to minimise this occurring. They did an outstanding job and should be congratulated on their efforts. A big thank you to Mr Clarke (Assistant Principal) and the Year 3 and 5 teachers for their preparation of the children and coordination of the testing platform.
STATE GOVERNMENT WA STUDENT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT
Parents may have seen the recent announcement from the WA State Government regarding an assistance payment to help with cost of living pressures. The payment will involve a $150 payment for each primary or Kindergarten student or $250 payment for secondary students. A message was sent to all parents yesterday to notify them that you can access your WASN number in your SEQTA ENGAGE account under Reports. If you cannot access your child's WASN please email admin@stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au.
INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL - YEAR 4-6
Congratulations to our Year 4-6 children who participated in the Interschool Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. Due to the unavailability of HBF Joondalup, the children competed at HBF Stadium in Claremont where they tested themselves against a number of other Catholic schools. The children were outstanding with their effort and resilience despite the daunting nature of an interschool swim. Thank you to our parent volunteers Rebecca Guelfi, Alannah Flick and Kerry McSheffery for volunteering to support our kids. Also, a big thanks to Miss K for her smooth coordination of the event. It was a great day with some outstanding individual and team performances but most of all, a lot of fun!
LUNCH WITH LEADERSHIP - FRIDAY (Tomorrow)
Congratulations to those children who will be joining the leadership for lunch with leadership tomorrow. They have won the Friends of Francis Raffle for this term and will enjoy some quality time with Mr Clarke, Miss Campbell and myself. Parents, please check the list below and remember not to send your child with lunch!
STAFFING
For the keen eyed parent, you will have noticed Mrs Kinder's growing baby bump over this term! Mr and Mrs Kinder are expecting a new addition to their family in the middle of the year and as a result, Mrs Kinder will be taking a mix of long service leave and parental leave beginning in Week 4 of Term 2. Therefore, we have appointed Mrs Rhonda Landers to undertake the role of Health teacher for Year 3-6. Rhonda is an experienced teacher that was most recently employed at St Emilie's Canningvale in 2023. We wish Mr and Mrs Kinder all the best next term as they add to their growing family!
SCHOOL NURSE TERM 2
Beginning in Term 2, we have appointed a School Nurse to support the care of our children between the hours of 10am-2pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. Mrs Kym Stanley is a registered nurse and midwife who currently works part-time at Francis Jordan, Currambine as well as St John of God, Subiaco.
The role of the school nurse will encompass a number of priorities, including general first aid, liaising with parents, administering medication and following up on health care plans whilst also supporting staff development in first aid and care. Kym is extremely excited to be starting at our school and is looking forward to working with staff and parents to create the safest possible environment for our children. Please keep an eye out for Kym in our front office in Week 1 of Term 2 and make her feel welcome.
TERM 2 WINTER UNIFORM
In Term 2, we move into the colder months and we allow a two-week transition into our Winter Uniform. Our winter uniform policy is found on our website at this address:
https://www.stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au/uniforms
The uniform shop is open on Tuesday mornings before school for any parents wishing to purchase new winter uniform items.
TERM 2 IMPORTANT DATES
Please take note of the important religious, sporting and school events taking place in Term 2. The list below provides a fairly comprehensive list so please diarise any relevant significant dates for your children or the school. As always, the most up to date and accurate list of events is found on our 'Live Calendar' link below and on our school website.
SOCIAL REPORTS - WEEK 9
A reminder that next Tuesday, social reports will be sent home in a sealed envelope for children in PP-6. This is a snapshot of your child's transition and work habits in their new year level this year. A formal academic report and meetings are scheduled in Term 2. Please contact the classroom teacher should you wish to discuss your child's social report or academic progress.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS & COMMUNITY LUNCH - Thursday 28th March
Next Thursday, 28th March is the final day of Term 1. To signify the beginning of the Easter Weekend, the children will be leading the school through the Stations of the Cross at 12pm, which will be followed by the end of term Community Lunch run by the P&F. Easter weekend is one of the most significant times for Catholics as it marks the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is considered the most important event in the Christian faith as it symbolises the victory of life over death and the hope of eternal life for believers.
Easter weekend begins with Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross. This is a solemn day of reflection and prayer, as Catholics we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for the redemption of humanity. While on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, which is considered the cornerstone of our Christian faith. It is a time of renewal and hope, as we reflect on the significance of Jesus' resurrection in own lives.
On Thursday, the Stations of the Cross is a wonderful opportunity for parents to come along and share in the faith journey of our children. We would love to see our hall filled with parents for this event before finishing the day with a community celebration and shared lunch. Parents may take their children home after the lunch, but please remember to sign out via one of the iPads from leadership when exiting the school.
A sincere thanks to parents, staff and children for their efforts throughout Term 1. Being a short term of 9 weeks, it has been extremely busy but filled with lots of learning and fun with our children starting the year in a very positive manner. We wish all our families a safe, holy and happy Easter holiday break and look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 15th April.
Happy holidays!
Jason Baker
Principal
Mrs Rhonda Landers
3-6 Health Teacher (Tues/Wed)
Mrs Kym Stanley
School Nurse (Tue/Wed/Thu)
Year 4-6 Interschool Swimming Team
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
CRAZY HAIR DAY
Last week we held Crazy Hair Day as our major fundraiser for Project Compassion. Thank you to all the families and staff who participated so enthusiastically! We raised over $400 dollars on the day!
PROJECT COMPASSION CHAMPIONS
We have had a small group of Yr 5 children who wanted to do something special for Project Compassion this year. A special shout out to Elora, Ava V, Elsie, Myriam and Abbey (see photo above) who have been making items to sell at recess and lunch for the last few weeks. Thank you girls for your generosity and kindness - you are truly following the way of Jesus - St Francis would be proud of you!
SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will take place in Term 2. An information pack will come home next week to all Catholic children in Yr 4. If your child is Catholic, in Yr 5 or Yr 6 and has NOT already received First Communion, please contact me at dee.campbell@cewa.edu.au
BENEDICT FEAST DAY
What a wonderful Benedict Feast Day we had last Friday! Our Yr 6 Benedict leaders and Mrs Carroll lead us beautifully in the Liturgy, a yummy pizza lunch & an afternoon of fun games and activities.
LENTEN (EASTER) RECONCILIATION
Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 who are baptised Catholic, received Reconciliation today in preparation for Easter. Special thanks go to Fr Darek, Fr Marian and the visiting priests who came to SFoA today.
Year 2 CLASS LITURGY
The Year 2 Class Liturgy will take place in the school hall on tomorrow at 8:45am. Parents and relatives are welcome to join us - we look forward to seeing you there.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
On Thursday 28th March (the last day of school) The Year 6s will lead us in a re-enactment of Holy Week, culminating in the Stations of the Cross. We encourage all families to join us at 11:55am, and then stay for the Community Lunch.
"Holy Week is a privileged time when we are called to draw near to Jesus: friendship with him is shown in times of difficulty." Pope Francis.
Have a blessed week.
Dee Campbell
Assistant Principal
SYNERGY SOLAR CHALLENGE
On Tuesday the 12th of March our school was represented by Harrison Clark, Atheena Harper, Sebastian Galang and Leon Gilsenan at the Synergy Solar Challenge (North of the River Division). The team competed in the Year 6 section of the annual competition in which teams had to build a solar powered car. The cars of around 20 different primary schools then competed against each other in a series of races. Our team's car won every race that it entered and the team was announced as the overall winners. The team will now compete at the State Grand Final next Tuesday (26th of March) at Murdoch University. We wish the team the best of luck and know they will do us proud.
Geoff Clarke
Assistant Principal
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
This week's staff spotlight is on our Year 4W teacher, Miss Sian Cruse. Miss Cruse has been at our school for the past two and a half years and has taught Year 3 previously. Miss Cruse has shared some of her personal insights for this week's newsletter:
1.If we were to look through your Spotify playlist, what music are we likely to find?
Lots of Indie Pop music like Dermot Kennedy, Dean Lewis and The Kooks.
2. Favourite comfort food?
My comfort food is pasta...lots of it!
3. Most commonly used app on your phone?
Instagram - I love watching dog reels!!
4. What is your proudest moment to date?
My proudest moment would have to be finishing my degree as a Primary Teacher and having my whole family there to celebrate this with me, as this has always been a huge passion and something I have always wanted to do.
5. Toilet roll - under or over?
Toilet roll absolutely goes OVER!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to José Luiz Pires-Gil who participated in the Joondalup Little Athletics Centre Championships for 2023/2024. Jose came away with a swag of medals for the Under 7 category including:
1st place - 70m
2nd place - Long Jump
2nd place - 100m
3rd place - 60m mini hurdles
I hope the chiropractor bill isn't too large for carrying all those medals around your neck! Well done, Jose.
ST ANDREW'S CARE
St Andrew’s Care is the Pastoral Care Program of St Andrew’s Catholic Parish, Clarkson. The program is operated by Parishioners who volunteer their time to help others in short term need. If you would like to access this program or volunteer your help or services, please read the attached below.
SPORT NEWS
Congratulations to the following students for achieving 25 laps at Miss K's Kilometres so far this term:
Year 1- Cooper Benton, Nate Goldie, Elijah Richards, Marcus Tangifua, Tatenda Mandirahwe.
Year 2- Awan Awan, Ethan Canzirri, Camdyn De Swardt, Theory Saggers, Ace Scott, Janak Singh, Mack Lynton, Marlee Pinkerton, Jesse Smith.
Year 3- Paige Goldie, Toby Whitehouse.
Year 4- Lauren Clark, Ava Flick, Jae Ireland, Charlie Jones, Kian Prasad, Daisy Pull, Poppy Hicks, Rylan Hitchcock, Zachary Nilson, Ashlee Schulz.
Year 5- Jaxon Canzirri, Teddy Pallister, Taj Pinkerton, Noah Robertson, Kamron Makawa, Corey Morrison, Alexandra Tangifua, Oliver Whitehouse, Evelyn Witham.
Year 6- Harrison Clark, Liam Empeigne, Isabela Gadzambo, Sebastian Galang, Leon Gilsenan, Jason Modi, Aria Blake-Hains, Zaire Fernandez, Sadie Garrigan, Liam Piwowarczyk.
Multi-Sports Holiday Camp are running April holiday programs at Irene McCormack Catholic College. For more information please see the flyer below.
Miss Meagan Kruenert
Sports Teacher
P&F NEWS
First of all, thank you to everyone who has taken part in the Cadbury Easter egg fundraiser. We have distributed over 100 boxes to our families and friends at the school. Please bring the money for those boxes by Friday 22nd March. You can pay by EFTPOS, Cash or Quickcliqs.
The Cadbury Easter boxes will raise just over $3000 for the P & F.
Then, we have the Easter Hampers and raffle tickets. Our school Easter bunny helpers will use your donations to fill the hampers that will be the prizes for the Raffle. They will also give some hampers to St Andrews Parish for Easter Sunday. Please keep donating and remember the deadline is Monday 25th March. There are donation boxes for each classroom.
As the end of term is near, you would have received a letter about our Community Lunch on Thursday 28th March. Cash orders are due by tomorrow (Friday 22nd March) and Quickcliqs orders by 6am on Monday 25th March.
Quiz Night – SAVE THE DATE – Friday 15th June, more details to come and yes there is a theme!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday to the following students who are celebrating their birthday over the next month:
Cohan Prunster, Matilda Ladner, Landon Thompson, Elijah Gauvain, Grace Seneque, River Simm, Joaquin (Keon) Austria, Summer Ireland, Darcy Morrison, Isabella Burnett, Luisa Freitas Libardi, Harley Murphy, Noah Thompson, Logan Scott, Isabella Banghi Lago, Keira Drummond, Tatenda Mandirahwe, Louis Odongo, Shivay Deswal, Harrison Moffatt, Leo Hunt, Adau Chol, Jose Luiz Pires Gil, Cleo Underwood, Malika Magistro, Aazarnah Farmer, Brandon Durer-Jones, Emma Kovac, Vittoria Scalisi, Aria Everest Pearson, Katie Everest Pearson, Daniel Deng, Oliver Smith, Samara Makawa, Benjamin Ennis, Evelyn Witham, Logan Bakker, Leah Thomas, Samuel Thistlethwaite, Mckinleigh Watson, Lily Bassanelli, Liam Empeigne, Zayden Evans, Noah Stone, Braxton Stankevicius, Anna Peters.
We wish you all a wonderful day!!
SCHOOL FEE INFORMATION
Dear Parents,
Thank you to those families who have set up their payment plans. Can I please request families on Direct Debits to check if their payments have started coming out from the month of March. Those families who have not as yet sent in their payment option plan please do so ASAP.
All families on Centrelink Health Care Card (HCC) need to provide the school with their current card to continue receiving the discount for 2024. If your card has expired, please bring in your new card to the school office ASAP. If we do not receive your HCC you will be charged the full fees.
Kind regards,
Geneve Bastian
IMPORTANT DATES
Friday 22 March - Year 2 Liturgy (8:45am) / Lunch with Leadership
Monday 25 March - Yr 2 Easter Hat Parade (8:45am) / Easter hampers (P&F)
Tuesday 26 March - Social Reports go home (PP to Yr 6)
Wednesday 27 March - Year 5 Whadjuk Gift excursion
Thursday 28 March - Easter raffle drawn / Stations of the Cross (12:00pm) / Community Lunch/Last day of Term 1
Friday 29 March - Good Friday (no school for students)
Sunday 31 March - Easter Sunday
Monday 1 April - Easter Monday
**School holidays Friday 29 March to Friday 12 April
Monday 15 April - Students (PP to Yr 6) commence back at school for Term 2.
Friday 19 April - Year 5 class mass (8:45am)
Tuesday 23 April - P&F Meeting
Wednesday 24 April - ANZAC Liturgy
Thursday 25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday (no school for students)
Friday 26 April - Pupil Free Day (no school for students)
CAMP AUSTRALIA
Please see the flyer below to read Camp Australia's latest newsletter.
IRENE MCCORMACK CATHOLIC COLLEGE
2025 Year 7 Academic Scholarships
Applications are now open for 2025 Year 7 scholarships. For more information, please see the flyer below.
UNIFORM SHOP
** Please note: the Uniform Shop is closed over the April school holidays.
The Uniform shop will resume on Tuesday 16th April 8:00am - 9:00am.
There will be an extended opening on Monday 22nd April between 2:30pm-4:30pm.
Normal shop Tuesday 23rd April 8am-9am
Where: Operating out of the demountable at the rear of the school!
Ph: (08) 9204 1701
Email: mailto:sales@jfe.net.au
Address: 1/85 Guthrie St, Osborne Park 6017
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
Instagram: https://instagram.com/stfrancisbutler
ST ANDREW'S CATHOLIC PARISH
Holy Week and Easter Celebrations
Palm Sunday (23/24 March):
6pm - Vigil Mass
7:30am, 9am & 5pm Mass
Holy Monday (25 March):
8am Mass
Holy Tuesday (26 March):
8am Mass
7pm Chrism Mass at the Cathedral
Holy Wednesday (27 March):
8am Mass
Holy Thursday (28 March):
7pm - The Lord's Supper Mass
8pm - 10pm; Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Good Friday (29 March):
10am - Stations of the Cross
3pm - The Lord's Passion Celebration
Holy Saturday (30 March):
10am - Blessing of the Food
7pm - Easter Vigil Mass
Easter Sunday (31 March):
7:30am, 9:30am & 5pm Mass
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/