Learning and Teaching
Senior DT Update
This term, our Senior students have been diving into the exciting world of STEM with a special focus on biodiversity and the important role living things play in our environment. Students have explored how ecosystems work and why every living thing is essential in helping our world thrive.
As part of their learning, students have been using the 3D design program Tinkercad to create models of important features found in a community ecosystem. From hospitals and schools to parks, lakes and housing, their creativity and problem-solving skills have been on full display! Each design is being built on a hexagonal base so that, when printed, all of the pieces can connect together to form one large community model.
The Seniors have also been investigating ways to improve biodiversity at SFS by supporting native plants and animals within our school environment. Students brainstormed ideas, created their own Google Forms and surveyed their peers to discover which ideas would best benefit our school.
In Week 6, students will collect and analyse their data before turning their results into graphs and using the information to design their final biodiversity project.
We are incredibly excited to see the amazing ideas and creative solutions our students develop!
Taryn Bartlett
Digital Technology Teacher
tbartlett@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
“2D Shapes: Exploring Shapes Around Us!”
This week, our LS1 Junior Clinic 1 students have been exploring the wonderful world of two-dimensional (2D) shapes . This unit has helped children sort, describe and name familiar shapes they see in their everyday environment, building strong foundations for geometry learning in later years.
A hand-on suncatcher sorting activity helped to engage students by encouraging collaboration, communication and critical thinking as they worked with shapes in meaningful ways. As part of their learning, students learned to identify 2D shapes, sort and classify them based on their features. It has been wonderful to see students actively engaged and curious as they explore the world of shapes.
Aubrey Lugtu
LS1 Junior Team Teacher
alugtugogulanath@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
Our visit to St Patrick's Cathedral and Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre
On Tuesday the 19th of May, our Senior students travelled by train to Melbourne to visit the iconic St Patrick's Cathedral for a rich and engaging learning experience. During the visit, Father Fabian generously guided students through the cathedral, sharing his extensive knowledge about its history and significance within the Catholic faith. Students learned about the beautiful stained-glass windows, sacred symbols, important religious traditions, and the role the cathedral plays in the wider community.
The excursion also included a visit to the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, where students explored the inspiring life of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. Students viewed important belongings and artefacts connected to her life, gaining a deeper understanding of her compassion, dedication and lasting impact on Catholic education in Australia.
To conclude the day, students enthusiastically participated in a fun and interactive scavenger hunt around the cathedral, allowing them to further explore and appreciate the many unique features of this historic landmark. It was a wonderful day of learning, reflection and discovery for all involved.
Daniel: I learned from Father Fabian that the stones used in St Patrick’s Cathedral was known as “poor man’s stone”.
Dionne: I learned that Mary Mackillop was a teacher and cared for her students that could not afford school.
Zoe: I learned that Mary Mackillop had a difficult childhood, but she didn’t let that stop her from achieving the things she wanted.
Kayla: I learned that Mary Mackillop was excommunicated from the church, but that didn’t stop her from being a good person to others.
Michael Putinja
LS1 Senior Team Teacher
mputinja@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
Fr Antony Visits LS1
On Thursday the 21st of May, Homegroup PM had the privilege of welcoming Father Anthony into the learning space for a meaningful and engaging learning experience. During his visit, Father Antony guided students through the Nicene Creed, carefully explaining the meaning behind each verse and helping students develop a deeper understanding of the beliefs shared within the Catholic faith.
Father Antony also made thoughtful connections to our current Inquiry and Religious Education focus on systems, explaining how faith, community, and the Church all work together as interconnected systems that support and guide people in their daily lives. Students were particularly interested in hearing about Father Anthony’s personal journey to becoming a priest, as he shared stories and experiences that inspired reflection and curiosity among the class.
The students greatly valued the opportunity to learn from Father Anthony’s knowledge, wisdom, and experiences, making it a truly memorable and enriching visit for everyone involved.
Fr Antony visited the Junior Home group MR this week in Learning Space 1. The students were very enthusiastic to learn about Fr Antony and asked many interesting questions about his pathway to becoming a priest. They learnt that he studied at university in Canberra and that it took him a total of nine years to become a priest.
The students also shared their learning with Fr Antony and spoke proudly about the special prayers they had created. They discussed the importance of praying for their families, teachers, friends, and those in need within our community. The students made thoughtful connections to the Bible and reflected on how God calls us to love and care for one another, just as Jesus teaches us.
They also explored the importance of caring for God’s creation by showing kindness to animals, looking after the environment, and respecting the world God has made for us. Students shared ways they can care for creation in their everyday lives, including recycling, saving water, and helping others. This learning helped students deepen their understanding of stewardship and how we can live out God’s message through our actions and prayers.
SENIOR SPORTS
GRADE 5/6 SPORT
The senior students are actively engaging in their sports practice and gaining a deeper understanding of the associated rules and expectations. They are demonstrating commendable sportsmanship towards one another and are also helping their peers comprehend the game rules. It is truly gratifying to witness the growth and maturity of our students at St. Francis DeSales Primary School. The focus extends beyond merely winning; it encompasses the enjoyment derived from participating in physical activities.
GRADE 3/4 SPORT
We have progressed with our sports rotations, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the rules of various sports. They are gaining a clear understanding of the regulations and expectations associated with representing our school in interschool competitions. The students are not only enjoying the experience but are also acquiring knowledge about a different sport.
INTER-SCHOOL SPORT
The schools we are playing, dates and locations for these events are as follows:
- Friday May 29th, Lyndhurst Primary School - Away Game.
- Friday June 5th, Coral Park Primary School - Home Game.
- Friday June 12th, Kilberry Valley Primary School-Home Game..
- Friday June 19th, Summer Lightning Premiership
Venues for each sport are as follows for Lightning Premiership:
- Soccer - Melbourne City Synthetic Pitches (Casey Fields)
- AFL 9’s - Oval 2 (Casey Fields)
- Netball - Casey Stadium
- Volleystars - Casey Stadium
- Teeball - Oval 3 (Casey Fields)
Lulli Barbakos
Physical Education Teacher
Senior Sports Coordinator
lbarbakos@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
JUNIOR SPORTING EVENTS
SPORTING SCHOOLS - TAEKWONDO CLINICS
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What a great clinic the Juniors had today. We would really like to thank the Melbourne Taekwondo Centre for providing this opportunity for our students. Some interesting comments from our students today about their clinic:
MY FAVOURITE SPORTING SCHOOL MOMENT WAS……
WILL
- When I learnt how to do the kicks in taekwondo.
- Having fun and trying new sports.
- Doing volleyball because it helps your arms become stronger and get more muscles.
- I get to try new sports and now I do some out of school.
EMANUEL
- Learning how to do the sprints in Athletics.
- Becoming stronger and fit doing the sports.
Students will have 2 more clinics. Below are the days the Taekwondo Clinics will be held so that you ensure your child is wearing their sports uniform for the day. This term all Juniors will have their clinics on the same day. Reminders will also be placed in Morning Gathering as well as in the Newsletter.
Week 7
Monday 1st June
Week 10
Monday 22nd June
If your child is enjoying the Taekwondo Clinics and you are looking at enrolling them into an after-school club, details for Melbourne Taekwondo Centre have been included.
SENIOR SPORTING EVENTS
DIVISIONAL CROSS COUNTRY
We are very proud of our Divisional Cross-Country Team who have been training very hard not only at school but in their own time. We wish them all the best at the Divisional Competition next Wednesday May 27th.
Students will need to bring a water proof jacket and dress warmly in case of inclement weather. A change of clothes, especially socks and shoes are recommended in case of rain. Students will need to bring their snack, lunch and water bottle with them.
Good luck Divisional Cross-Country Team!!!
WHOLE SCHOOL SPORTING EVENTS
SFS LEAGUE STARS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM RETURNS IN TERM 2- NOW FREE!!!
What a great time the students had on Wednesday in our first League Stars After School Clinic!!! Vaughn an NRL coach kept the students engaged throughout the session with a variety of activities. They learnt how to pass, how to do a try. Lots of new skills were learnt.
Parents it’s not too late to register your child if they would like to attend the League Stars After School FREE Program. There are still 5 sessions left. Please use the links below to register your child. Registration is completed through NRL who will also be running the clinics. You will need to create an account with NRL and then search the programs for Lynbrook to find the program, Term 2 – 2026 – League Stars After School Program – St Francis de Sales, Lynbrook then click on register.’
League Stars – St Francis De Sales Primary School, Lynbrook (5-8 Year Olds) | FREE
League Stars – St Francis De Sales Primary School, Lynbrook (9-12 Year Olds) | FREE
Ali is happy to organise students to be returned to After School Care once the program finishes at 4.00 pm.
To pick up your child on Wednesdays after the League Stars Clinic, the door to the hall will be open so you can enter there and students will be in the Hall. Please ensure you are there by 3.55pm to collect your child.
Any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Giuliana
Extra-Curricular Coordinator