From the Principal
School Community Engagement
We value the importance of parent partnerships and community engagement.
Wednesday 29 March was a wonderful opportunity embraced by parents, students and teachers to develop a vital partnership to support the learning and development of students. Parent/ Teacher/Student conferences or interviews were a great way to open the important dialogue as students were able to reflect on their current learning, look at the achievement and discuss the strategies to support them on their next learning.
At St Francis de Sales we pride our self on the personalised curriculum and pedagogy offered that is responsive to the learning needs of each student. Our teachers draw on clear evidence to identify where students are at in their learning and target what they need to learn next. Having individual goals set for English and Mathematics are some of the key ways we ensure children are engaged in meaningful learning, on what matters and are making the best use of their learning time.
Our consistent and rigorous framework ensures targeted teaching with
- Clear expectations for success.
- Clinics in English and Mathematics targeting next learning.
- Focus groups to challenge and extend to the next learning stage.
- Individual goals in Reading, Writing and Mathematics
- Extra staffing during the Literacy time to reduce staff/student ratio
Age and grade are not barriers for learning. We do not waste time on teaching what the child already knows!! Teaching is targeted, meaningful and timely. As a result we are a high performing school, with a proven record of accomplishment in learning and teaching. We can all be proud of what we are achieving together and we can continue to raise the bar.
Obtaining NAPLAN results in 2022 that are the BEST in our local area from Lynbrook to nearly all of the City of Casey, is not by chance.
I thank our staff and parents for their engagement and investment in learning and ensuring that we maintain positive and constructive communication that is supportive of the child, the teacher and the school.
Enrolment Interviews for 2024 have Commenced
This week, we have commenced enrolment interviews for siblings commencing school at St Francis de Sales in 2024. Students who have completed their interviews have already received their acceptance letter for 2024.
If you have a child commencing in 2024, please ensure your enrolment application is received before the end of this Term. We will book you into an enrolment interview for the start of Term 2.
Interviews for new families will also be commencing in May. If you know anyone with a child eligible to commence school in 2024, please encourage them to apply.
We ask for your support in recommending and promoting our school.
Please share our Facebook ads, and let friends and family know about our new website. From our website you can now book a tour, and very soon be able to complete an enrolment application. There will be the ability to do this in a number of different languages as well.
We thank parents in advance for their positive commentary and support of our school. During Parent/Teacher Interviews and also at the Prep 2024 interviews it made my heart soar to hear the very positive feedback from parents about our school.
Farewell and Thanks to Fr Des
On Tuesday our school gathered to pray and say a BIG thank you to Fr Des. Fr Des will be leaving our Parish in early Term 2 as he moves to his new role as Parish Priest at St Mary's, Ascot Vale and to the appointment by the Archbishop as a member of the Clergy Life and Ministry Office responsible for ongoing formation.
Rozeta and Ange presented Fr Des with a beautiful Heart with messages form each Home Group and quotes for St Francis de Sales, Brooke Mole our School Advisory Council President spoke on behalf of the school community and made a presentation and there was also a presentation and gift from the staff which I made. Our students and choir made the service extra special with their prayers and singing. It was wonderful that some parents were able to join us as well for the afternoon gathering in LS 3.
We thanked Fr Des for his support and friendship for our St Francis de Sales staff, students, and families. He has been a beacon of light that has enriched our school and parish. We thank him for walking beside us in partnership to live our vision to be an animated faith community committed to forming lives of faith, hope and love. It has been wonderful working with Fr Des Moloney and we shall miss you. May God bless Fr Des and the important work he does and always hold him in the palm of his hand.
School Closure
Please note the following Staff professional learning closure dates for Term 2, 2023.
- Monday 24th April (Week 1, Term 2)
- Friday 9th June ( Week 7, Term 2)
School Photo Day
Staff News - Bride to Be!!
The staff and students join together to wish Imasha the very BEST as she prepares for her very special day. During the holidays on the 16 April Imasha will be getting married. Our school choir will be singing at her wedding. Best wishes to Imasha and to Shawn on their wedding. We wish them love and happiness on their special day and always. Imasha will be taking next week on leave as she prepares for her special day.
Let's go Magpies!!! Have a great weekend.
Regards,
Christine White
Principal