An update from the Principal

Dear Parents, Care givers, Staff, Students and Friends of St Francis,

Welcome to the first edition of our fortnightly newsletter for 2025. A warm welcome to everybody who is new to our community: staff, students and families and an equally warm welcome back to the existing members of our St Francis community. In particular, welcome to the 16 Foundation students and their families who are beginning their educational journey with us on Friday. We certainly look forward to 2025 with hope, joy and optimism. The staff at school have been back on deck for a few days now and I am pleased to report that we have begun with a great sense of fun, energy, passion and enthusiasm.

To begin our school year please take an opportunity to recite and become re-acquainted with our school prayer:

St Francis Primary School Prayer:

Dear God,

Help us live as St Francis did.

Make every act in our lives an act of love.

We all have wonderful gifts given by God.

When we recognize these gifts, we will do all the things you dreamed us doing.

We pray for:

Our families,

Our Friends,

Our teachers and support staff

And all who make our school a happy and welcoming place.

Amen

New Staff:

As well as welcoming our new Foundation students and their families I also extend a warm welcome to our new staff:

Miss Chanice Condrit (Grade 6)
Mrs Rose Nihill (Health and PE specialist)
Miss Georgia Carkeek (Grade 4-5 LSO)
Mr Kynan Bethell (Grade 4-5 LSO)

Welcome Breakfast:

To kick off the new year, St Francis is holding a welcome breakfast next Friday morning February 7. The breakfast will kick off at 8:15am and we encourage everybody to come along with your children to enjoy some breakfast, meet your teachers and have a look around the classrooms. Furthermore, following breakfast and once the students are sorted in their classrooms for the day, we will be conducting a short information session for parents to become more familiar with Magnify Sandhurst. Magnify Sandhurst places teachers and support staff at the forefront of your children’s educational journey, emphasizing their role in delivering a knowledge rich curriculum to enhance your child’s educational outcomes.

Magnify Sandhurst has partnered highly reputed educational experts to help deliver these desired outcomes. These include:

Multi Lit – Improved literacy outcomes for all students
Knowledge Society – A new behaviour curriculum to support safe, calm and peaceful classrooms
OCHRE – To provide a low variance, knowledge rich curriculum
Step Lab – Instructional Coaching Program for staff
LME Global – For staff to understand the neuroscience of learning and improve the learning experience

Finally, at the end of last year Sarah Gillespie (LSO) accepted a position at Cobram and District Specialist School for 12 months. Sarah has been a valuable member of our school community for the past couple of years. We wish Sarah every success in Cobram throughout 2025 and look forward to her return to St Francis in 2026.

With Peace and Goodwill,

Matt Carver

School Principal

WELCOME TO 2025

As partners in your child's education, we understand the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. Together, we can create a supportive and enriching environment that fosters academic success, personal development, and a love for learning.

Here are a few key points to kick off the school year:

Communication is Key: We believe in open and transparent communication. Please feel free to reach out to your child's teachers with any questions, concerns, or feedback. Regular updates will be shared through newsletters and school communication platforms.

Engage in Your Child's Education: Stay involved in your child's learning journey. You are invited to participate in school events and join parent committees or the school board. Your active involvement makes a significant impact on your child's educational experience.

Establish a Routine: A consistent daily routine at home can greatly contribute to your child's success in school. A well-balanced routine supports their overall well-being and academic performance.

Encourage a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Encourage your child to view mistakes as part of the learning process and to persist in the face of difficulties. A positive attitude towards learning can enhance their resilience and confidence.

Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about school policies, important dates, and school expectations. This year we will be using Facebook, PAM and the Simon Everywhere app as our primary communication tool - please check these platforms for updates.

We are excited to partner with you in shaping a positive and enriching educational experience for your child. Here's to a fantastic school year filled with joy, growth, and achievement! If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can make this school year a remarkable journey for your child.

Photos

Foundation Students First Day