From the Principal
World Teachers' Day History
World Teachers’ Day, also known as International Teachers’ Day, was established by UNESCO in 1994 to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
This day honours the contributions of teachers around the world and highlights the important role they play in shaping the future through education. World Teachers’ Day serves as a vital reminder of the profound impact teachers have on our societies. It is a day to honour their dedication, passion, and commitment to nurturing young minds and shaping the future. This day is not only about celebrating teachers but also about advocating for their rights, improving their working conditions, and acknowledging their essential role in building a better, more educated world.
Hats Off to our Staff
We will be acknowledging the significant contribution of our staff make to the education and lives of our children at St Francis de Sales with a morning tea on Wednesday 30 October. Our staff give above and beyond to ensuring the BEST outcomes for our students. It is a great honour and privilege to have them all as part of our 2024 staff team. We thank them for their passion and commitment to our school and for going the extra mile to make a difference. I encourage families to take a minute to express your gratitude to a teacher that works with your child helping them learn and flourish.
Thank you teachers and LSOs
Have a wonderful World Teachers’ Day 2024!
STEM Family Night - 30 October 7-8:30pm
Meet Our 2024 School Advisory Council Members
Check out the profile our our members. Join in some FUN at our STEM night with some SFS Advisory Board Trivia and win a Prize!!!!
Brooke Mole - The Chair
I have been part of the SFS community for 11 years. It was in 2013 that we became part of the community. I have 4 children (Tate 17, Archie, 16, Remi, 11 and Andison, 11) who have all completed their primary years at St Francis de Sales. It was the community that made our decision easy when deciding where to send our first son. I have held many positions over the years from general member of PFA, President of the PFA and now Chairperson of the Advisory Council. I am currently completing my Bachelor of Primary Education. It is a pleasure to watch our children grow up and enjoy their passions. I work at a school as an education support worker. In my spare time I love to get out and walk along the beach.
Dwij Senaratne
As a new member of the SFS School Advisory Council, I’m excited to contribute to our school community in any way I can. I have two boys—one in Grade 1 and the other in 3-year kinder, who will hopefully be part of the SFS family soon. With a professional background in financial technology within capital markets, I’m eager to use my experience to contribute by bringing fresh perspectives and supporting initiatives that benefit both the students and the wider school community. I hope to collaborate with fellow board members to drive positive changes and create an even stronger foundation for the school’s future success. In my free time, I enjoy playing music, staying active with sports, and traveling with my family.
Brad Jackson
I have been part of the SFS Community for the last 12 years, since my eldest daughter started Foundation in 2013. The Open Learning concept of the classrooms and the amazing community feel, were two of the most prominent reasons we gravitated towards St Francis when looking for a Primary School for our 3 girls. I have been part of the Maintenance Committee since we started here and have been the head of the Maintenance Team and on the Advisory Council for the last seven years. I love that I am able to give back to the school. My youngest daughter is in her last year, so my SFS journey is nearly at its end after 12 years. Whilst being at the mowing roster every couple of weeks for years has hampered my fishing time (my wife is not unhappy about that), it has been a great experience getting to know all the parents, teachers and students at the school. We wish everyone at St Francis de Sales the best in the future!
Tristan Patton
I am new member of the SFS School Advisory Council, however, I have been an active part of the school community since 2019. I am a proud father of three daughters; Evangeline (11), Paloma (8), and Clementine (6). I have worked in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry for over 20 years, working across many areas, from compliance of new products to releasing a range of medicines to the market. In my spare time, I enjoy trying new cuisines and exploring with my family, immersing myself in all the amazing culture and heritage Melbourne has to offer. I am passionate about making a difference in my local community and look forward to contributing to our school’s future success. Through the Advisory Council, I hope we can enhance communication between parents and the school, building supportive and inclusive initiatives that benefit the growth of our students and the broader school community.
Courtney Thursfield - Secretary
I am coming into my 5th year on the SFS School Advisory Council. I have been the Parents and Friends representative whilst I was Vice President and President of the PFA, and am now a parent representative. I have one child at St Francis de Sales, Zoe in grade 5, and have been lucky enough to be involved in a lot of different facets of the school through that time. SFS has always stood out to me as a wonderful school because of the wonderful community feel. In my spare time I enjoy playing and watching netball, and spending time with my family. We love to get outside and see what is around us - rock pools are some of our favourite things to explore. Over the school holidays you’ll find us feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs.
Sharon McNulty
Length of time on the School Advisory Council: I am in my 9th year (been on this journey since Charlotte was in year 1 I think.) Wonder if I get long service leave after 10 years!! I have two girls aged 15 and 11.
Why do I enjoy being part of the SFS community - As a full time working parent I am not able to attend many day time events and I wanted to contribute to the school community so I joined the SFS School Advisory Board. Every member of our board brings their own individual experience and skills which contribute to the overall school community and direction enhancing the overall community spirit and direction of the school.
One positive thing about the school – I love the diversity of learning and the experiences which are tailored for each individual student. The open learning environment is suited to all students and enables the students to learn and grow at a pace that works for them.
Fun Fact - My husband and I were once part owners of a race horse that won at Flemington race course. No it wasn’t a Melbourne Cup winner but none the less very exciting!
Shivanthi Perera
I have been a part of the SFS community for the past 7 years. It was the open learning concept that attracted us to put our son at SFS. My son Rehan is now 12 years old. In my time at SFS, apart from being a board member I have also been the parents and friends committee treasurer for a couple of years and currently help as a general member. As a cafe owner I struggle to find time to help as much as I used to. But, I always try my best to assist in any way I can. I have met so many amazing parents by getting involved.
When I have spare time I like to restore old furniture. I love giving a new life to old, unloved objects. It's very therapeutic. I'm also an amateur photographer.
Kiru Vaiithilingam
I’m new to the SFS community and Advisory Council. Being on the advisory board, I endeavor to return something back to school which is providing a pathway of our kids' upbringing. I have two kids - one in prep and second at Kinder. I am always excited to be in any social service and being a member of the SFS team is a new experience. I hope to share and contribute to my kids' school in a positive way. SFS has a brilliant team focused on every student's growth and I’m proud to be one supporting them.
More about me - I love playing any team sports particularly Soccer and Futsal. Enjoy being the chauffeur for my kids - from dropping them to school, tuition and sports practice. Love taking any challenge and feel accomplished after a solution. I am a staunch believer that outdoor activities and good laughs with friends and family is essential everyday and cannot be ignored.
School Advisory Councils are advisory bodies which form an important expression of the educational partnership that exists between parents, schools, parishes and the wider community to support all students. This partnership is reflected in the ex-officio membership of both the principal and the parish priest on the council. What the council does is directed by the MACS board through the Terms of Reference for School Advisory Councils. The School Advisory Council provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where parent voice and community perspective are available to influence and support the decisions made by the principal and parish priest for the good of school and parish where students’ wellbeing and outcomes are paramount.
For further details about the role of the Advisory Council Please see The School Advisory Council Manual. Our SFS School Advisory Council generally meets twice each term on the second Tuesday of each month. If you are interested in joining the Advisory Council in 2025, please send an expression of interest to the Principal.
A BIG thank you to our current School Advisory Council members for participating in this vital role. Their active participation, perspectives and support for our School is highly valued and helps with our continuous school improvement.
Have a great weekend.
Christine White
Principal