Principal Update

An update from our Principal

Loving God, You are with us in every season of life—in times of certainty and in moments of change. As our school community grows, learns, and adapts, help us to welcome new beginnings with open hearts.

Grant us the courage to step forward in faith, the wisdom to see Your hand in all things, and the grace to support one another as we journey together.

May we trust that change brings new opportunities to love, to serve, and to become more like You. Bless our students, staff, and families with peace, resilience, and hope.

Amen.

Dear Parents, Care Givers, Students, Staff and Friends of St Francis Primary School,

Welcome to Term 4! It is such a privilege for me to join the St Francis Primary School community as the Acting Executive Principal while Matt Carver takes personal leave. I have held the role of Deputy Principal at St Mary of the Angels Secondary College for the past ten years, overseeing the learning and teaching programs, and have worked closely with Matt for all of this time, standing in for him as Acting Principal when required. My background is as a secondary Science and senior Chemistry teacher, and I still teach a Year 11 Chemistry class. I immensely enjoy this direct involvement with the students, and I look forward to getting involved with our younger student cohort.

We also welcome Mr Dominic Izzard to the St Francis team as joint deputy principal with Mrs Rosina Gemmill. While your classroom teachers and the deputy principals of Rosina and Dom will be your primary contacts at the school, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via the Office if you would like to speak with me with any queries, concerns or ideas for the school. Rosina, Dom and I will work closely together, and this leadership structure will continue to guide our school through this year and next.  

I am currently researching mango recipes in anticipation of the tray of mangoes ordered through the P&F fundraising efforts. It was very exciting to meet some of these vibrant and busy parents and the integral role that they provide in supporting the students and the school. What a creative and exciting fundraising opportunity! They are also planning a Colour Run for later in the year which, from what I have heard, sounds like a lot of fun for everyone. I am extremely grateful for the involvement of our parents and carers and look forward to meeting more of our parent community through the Advisory Council.  

Term 4 is a transition period as our Grade 6 students finalise their primary schooling and participate in pre-enrolment interviews for secondary school. They will attend Orientation Day in December, and we look forward to celebrating their Graduation later in the year. The school also welcomes our upcoming 2026 Foundation students through a series of kindergarten transition visits. Thank you to our wonderful staff for the support they provide to ensure that our students are ready for the next stage in their learning journey, at all grades. As I am getting to know our staff, I am impressed by the way they have integrated the Catholic Education Sandhurst Magnify initiatives and the positive impact this is having on the learning of our students. We look forward to seeing the ongoing impact of these programs as we continue to consolidate them into our learning programs.

I look forward to joining the St Francis community and getting to know you all!

Peace and blessings,

Bev Thorp

Acting Executive Principal