Principal's Update

Dear Families, 

Loving God, 

As we journey through this week, we thank You for the gift of learning, friendship, and community within our school. 

Help us to approach each day with open hearts and curious minds. Guide our students to grow in knowledge, kindness, and resilience. Bless our teachers with patience, wisdom, and creativity, that they may inspire and encourage every child in their care. 

May we treat one another with respect and compassion, choosing words and actions that build others up. In moments of challenge, remind us of our strength and the support we share as a community. 

We give thanks for the opportunities before us and ask for Your presence in all that we do. 

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 

Loving God, 

we also lift up our parents and families. Bless them with strength, patience, and understanding as they support their children each day. 

May their homes be filled with peace, encouragement, and love. 

Help them to feel connected to our school community 

and confident in the important role they play in their children’s growth. 

Amen. 

Mother’s Day Celebrations 

What a special and joy-filled week it was at St Francis of the Fields as we celebrated the mothers, grandmothers, aunties and special women who play such an important role in the lives of our students. Across the school, it was wonderful to see the thoughtful and creative ways our classes honoured these important relationships. 

A particular highlight was our Mother’s Day Breakfast and Mass last Friday morning, where we paid tribute to the incredible women in our community. The morning began with a fantastic breakfast for our guests, generously organised and prepared by our team of teachers, superbly led by Dave Waters.  

Thank you to everyone in our community who came along and supported the event, and to those who assisted with the organisation and preparation. Your contribution helped make the morning so special for all involved. 

Staff on leave during Term 2 

It is wonderful to be back on deck this week! I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Dave Waters and Luke Freeman, who have shared the role of Acting Deputy Principal during this time. I also extend my thanks to Margaret Brohm, who has taken on the role of Acting Principal for the first four weeks of the term. 

Together, they have led the school with great care and professionalism, providing strong support to our staff and community while both Tim and I have been away. 

As Tim continues his Principal Enrichment for a further four weeks, Margaret Brohm will move into the role of Acting Deputy Principal, while I will take on the role of Acting Principal. 

If you have any concerns while Tim is away, please feel free to contact me via email or phone. 

2027 Enrolment Process – what happens next... 

Enrolments for our 2027 Foundation students will close tomorrow, Friday, 22 May. 

Enrolment offers will be sent to families on Friday 29 May at 4pm. 

Families must either Accept or Decline the enrolment offer by Friday 5 June. 

If we have families who decline an enrolment offer, those who have chosen to be on the waiting list, according to the diocesan criteria, will be offered a position. 

These dates are the same for all Bendigo Catholic schools.  

Parents will be notified if they have been successful in their enrolment by Friday 29 May.  

Enquiries:  School Office (03) 5439 3191

See our website www.sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au for our Information Booklet

and enrolment application forms. 

Visit from Catholic Education Sandhurst (CESL) 

Today, we were pleased to welcome staff from Catholic Education Sandhurst (CESL), who visited St Francis of the Fields to gain a deeper understanding of our teaching and learning practices, and how both staff and students are embracing the ongoing Magnify changes. 

Each day, I continue to witness the high-quality learning environment our students experience. Our staff are deeply committed to continually improving their practice, ensuring that every student is supported to make meaningful progress. This whole-school commitment to growth and improvement is led exceptionally well by our Learning and Teaching Team alongside our Leadership Team. 

Both groups demonstrate thoughtful leadership, strong expertise, and a genuine commitment to supporting all staff. Their work is building confidence and capability across the school, ultimately strengthening learning outcomes for every student.  I sincerely thank our wonderful staff for their ongoing commitment to growth and continuous improvement for every child every day. 

Winter Uniform 

Our students are looking very smart in their winter uniforms. The change to cooler weather has certainly arrived at the perfect time. 

All students are now expected to be in full winter uniform.  

If you have any concerns or need support, please feel free to email or call Grace Scalora to discuss. 

Debutante Balls 

Last weekend, we held our first two debutante balls. These events continue to be a wonderful highlight for our school community, especially as we welcome many past St Francis students back to take part. It is always a joy to reconnect with our past students and see them involved in such a special tradition. 

The debutante balls are also a major fundraiser for our Parents and Friends Committee. The funds raised go directly towards supporting our students’ educational needs, including English and Mathematics resources, sporting equipment, contributions towards playground loans, and much more. 

If you are able to assist, please see the roster on the P&F News page for spots which need filling.

Finally, a very big thank you to Michelle Janssen, Donna Stebbins, Deb Breene, Emma Jensen, Bec Stratton and Marni Pollock for your coordination of the most wonderful evenings for our Year 11 & 12 past students and friends. 

Term 2 & 3 Public Holidays & Pupil Free Days 

Just letting all families know that St. Francis of the Fields Primary School will be closed on the following dates in Term 2: 

• Friday 5 June - Student Wellbeing & Safeguarding PD (Pupil Free Day)  

• Monday 8 June - King’s Birthday Holiday

• Wednesday 5 August - Staff Spirituality Day

Shed Unavailability

The shed will be unavailable for training use on the following dates in Term 2 & :

• Monday 11 May - Sunday 31 May - Deb Balls
• Tuesday 4 August (afterschool) - Set up for Staff Spirituality Day
• Wednesday 5 August (all day and afterschool) - Staff Spirituality Day

No Assembly  

Please note there will be no assembly tomorrow due to set-up for the Debutante Balls. 

Whole school assemblies will resume once all six Debutante Balls have been completed. 

Kind Regards,

Grace Scalora

Acting Principal

National Reconciliation Week

Wednesday 27th May to Wednesday 3rd June 2026

As we approach National Reconciliation Week, our school community comes together to acknowledge the past, celebrate the world’s oldest living cultures, and commit to building a future grounded in respect and unity.

This year’s theme, All In, reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility — every student, teacher, family, and community member has a role to play.

Throughout the week, students will explore First Nations histories and cultures, engage in meaningful conversations about reconciliation, and participate in activities that foster understanding and connection. Together, we commit to being all in for reconciliation, now and always.

All students are invited to dress in RED, YELLOW & BLACK to show their commitment to reconciliation on 

Wednesday 3rd June.

We encourage families to continue these important conversations at home, helping to build a future strengthened by respect, understanding, and unity.

With thanks,

Alicia Mansfield & Natalie Shearer

Aboriginal Education Leaders