Learning and Teaching

BOOK WEEK 2025

We kicked off our Book Week celebrations this week with a visit from Perform Education on Monday. 

Students across F-6 had the opportunity to participate in and watch a live performance of Perform's Book Week play for this year, the action packed and interactive adventure 'TREASURE HUNT'.

The play took students on a 'treasure hunt', exploring themes of sustainability and our relationship with the natural environment, as well as celebrating how books and reading create understanding and bring people of different backgrounds together.

It was a wonderful experience enjoyed by all and a great way to begin exploring this year's theme 'BOOK AN ADVENTURE' as we count down to our own SFS celebration day on Monday 25th August. 

We hope you are all busily organising your costume creations and look forward to many more fun activities in the weeks to come. 

Joanna Forbes

Learning and Teaching Leader

LS3 Juniors

Our LS3 Juniors have had a wonderful week filled with learning and creativity.

In Writing Clinics 2 and 3, we focused on developing our procedural writing skills. Students enjoyed making their own kites and then writing clear, step-by-step instructions on how to create one.

Inquiry and Religious Education

What a fantastic term it's been as we’ve explored the theme of transformation! A highlight was our “bread in a bag” experiment—students mixed flour, yeast, warm water, and sugar, and watched as the ingredients transformed into delicious bread. We also tested what happens when yeast is omitted, giving us a clear example of how one small ingredient can make a big difference.

This hands-on activity aligns beautifully with the Victorian Curriculum for Foundation to Level 2, particularly in science:

• Exploring how everyday materials can be physically changed or combined for a

purpose (VCSSU045)

• Planning and conducting guided investigations, making observations, and comparing results (VCSIS051, VCSIS054)

In Religious Education, this experience connects with the Parable of the Yeast Matthew 13:33 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman used in making bread. Even though she put a little yeast in the three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” In the coming weeks we will be exploring this Parable and making connections.

Here are some of the pictures we took whilst making our bread:

Nuri Gil

ngil@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

LS3 Junior Team Teacher

LS3 Seniors - Our Young Historians Are Mapping Our School's Story!

It's amazing to see how our school has grown over the years, and our LS3 Seniors became historical mapmakers to tell that very story!  This week, we've been on a fantastic journey through time, exploring how our school has changed since it first opened.

To kick things off, we became detectives, looking at old photos of the school to spot the biggest changes and notice what's stayed the same. It was so much fun hearing the children's observations, like, "WOW our school was tiny" or "Ange has been here since before I was born".

This week's big learning goal was to create a map that shows how our school has grown and changed over time.

What Did We Do?

We went on an exciting walk around the school, looking at the original buildings and pointing out all the wonderful new additions but also stopping Rob and Lucas (After school Care team) and listening to them share their experiences of what they saw when they first started at St Francis de Sales doing the Afterschool program. The children then got to create their own maps - they were given the original map of the school and what was present in 2010 and after our walk they had to add to their map. 

They had to:

• Identify and label at least two features that were part of the school from the very beginning.

• Draw or label at least two new features that have been added over time.

• Create a simple map key to show what has changed and what has stayed the same. 

The most exciting part was hearing the children reflect on the changes. They loved discussing which new things they were most grateful for, like the new multipurpose hall or the long jump pit. It was a great opportunity for them to think about how these changes have made our school even better. 

Some of our young cartographers even took on an extra challenge, adding the specific years when new buildings or features were added. This project was a brilliant way for students to learn that maps aren't just for finding your way—they can also tell a story and help us understand the history of a place. 

Thanks for reading,

Rosie Joseph

rjoseph@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

LS3 Senior Team Teacher

WHAT WE HAVE BEEN LEARNING IN ITALIAN

Buongiorno a tutti,

In the corridor, leading to the hall, there are various displays. Two of these show works completed by some junior and senior students, in Italian lessons, that relate to cultural continuity. Talking about our cultural background and the traditions therein helps to foster tolerance and acceptance of others, bringing us closer as a multicultural community.

The juniors made connections between their identity and their family’s cultural background. They created a flower where each petal symbolises an aspect of their life, family, a tradition, special memory, favourite foods and the country in which they were born. They have drawn their own face as the centre of the flower and they wrote where their parents were born in the stem. 

All these aspects help keep our cultural heritage alive so that we can pass it on.

Within the roots, trunk and branches of a tree, senior students wrote traditions, values and customs that have been passed down through generations, helping them stay connected to their roots. 

Special memories, traditional foods, family customs, and one’s country of birth all play a vital role in shaping identity and giving us a sense of belonging.

Ciao, 

Filomena Erdely

ferdely@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

Italian Teacher

SENIOR SPORT

Grade 5/6 Sport

Today, our Grade 5/6 students competed against Lyndhurst Primary School. They performed admirably and demonstrated commendable sportsmanship throughout their various sports. Congratulations to all the participants from Grade 5/6 for their efforts today. They are enhancing their understanding of strategies to improve their gameplay, which will contribute to their confidence and preparedness for the upcoming Lightning Prem later this term.

Interschool Sport

The schools we are playing, dates and locations for these events are as follows

• Hampton Park Primary School – Friday 22nd of August-Home Game
• St Kevin's Primary School – Friday-Friday 29th of August-Home Game

WINTER LIGHTNING PREM- TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH

BASKETBALL-CASEY INDOOR STADIUM

TENNIS – CRANBOURNE TENNIS CENTRE

CRICKET, SOFTBALL – LIVINGSTONE RESERVE

EUROPEAN HANDBALL – MELBOURNE CITY SOCCER PITCHES

DISTRICT ATHLETICS

 A total of 43 students were selected to join the St. Francis de Sales Athletics Team. Their enthusiasm to compete against fellow students for a place on the District Athletics Team was clearly visible. Trials took place throughout Term 2, specifically on Thursday afternoons. Once they secured their positions on the team, their joy was unmistakable. Training sessions were conducted weekly throughout Term 3, culminating in the event on Wednesday, August 13th where our students competed against other schools in the district at the Casey Fields Athletics Track in Cranbourne. 

For some participants, this was their inaugural competition, and they exhibited a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was stationed at the score table, and those students who received ribbons for their placements expressed great satisfaction with their accomplishments. Although I endeavoured to contain my enthusiasm, there were moments when it was simply unavoidable. Regardless of whether they secured First, Second, or Third place, the paramount lesson was to relish the experience, and I am confident that each student did just that.  To all our students! St. Francis de Sales Primary School achieved an impressive eighth place overall, competing against ten schools in our district. Well done, and let us commend their dedication and perseverance in giving their best effort.

A huge thank you to parents Louise, Kathryn, Courtney and Jennifer for assisting on the day and helping with the students. It's also good to see them supporting our students. We have 10 students that will progress to the next stage of Athletics, which is Divisional.

CASEY SOUTH DIVISION 

TRACK AND FIELD

CARNIVAL 2025

Wednesday 8th October 2025

 Casey Fields Athletics Centre

      Cranbourne

Lulli Barbakos

Physical Education Teacher

lbarbakos@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

JUNIOR SPORTS

SPORT CLINICS 

Thank you to the parents that have offered to run sport clinics for our Juniors this term. If the office does not have a photocopy of your WWCC please take it to the office so that Lorenza or Viv can photocopy it.

If you have not completed the Operoo but you or a family member can run a sporting clinic on any of the following days, please contact me at school on a Monday or email me at gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

Monday 25 August 11.35-3.10

Monday 8 September 11.35-3.10

Parents we ask you to acknowledge the Operoo that has been posted. The dates for the clinics so you can ensure your child is wearing their sports uniform are:

WHOLE SCHOOL EVENTS

SFS AFTER SCHOOL AUSKICK PROGRAM TERM 3

Remember our SFS Auskick Clinics begin next Wednesday August 20th from 3.20 pm – 4.20 pm.  Tyler is happy to run a separate group for the girls if we have enough enrolments. There will be 5 sessions and the cost will be $55. Like last year students who enrol will also receive a pack sent to their home.

If you would like your child to attend, please use the QR Code on the flyer to register your child. Spots are limited so please enrol your child now so they don’t miss out! COME & TRY! If your child would like to come and try the first session they are most welcome but parents will need to accompany them. There will be FREE GIVEAWAYS next Wednesday for the students who are registered. Parents can register their child during the session if your child is not yet registered.

I have also sent information via Operoo but remember confirming Operoo does not register your child. You need to register your child with AFL for them to be involved.

TERM 4 SWIMMING

Thank you to all the parents who have completed the swimming Operoo form. If parents who have not completed it, could please do so as soon as possible as I will need to provide Casey Race with final numbers. A swimming ability form will be sent home for all prep students and any new students enrolled this year. Casey Race has records for the students that attended last year. If you receive an ability form please complete this form and return to your child’s home group teacher as soon as possible. These will be passed onto the pool so that students can be placed into their initial groups. Students will be further assessed in their first swimming lesson.

Parents who have volunteered to assist the juniors, I will be checking that your Working with Children Check is current and registered with the school office. I will then be in contact with you prior to swimming beginning.

Swimming timetables have been uploaded onto the Operoo permission form as an attachment. Please print it off and ensure you have it available at home. Parents please note you are welcome to attend Casey Race to view your child’s lesson but photographs and videos are not allowed and only parents I have contacted will be able to assist in the junior change rooms. 

A reminder to parents that swimming is an important part of the PE curriculum and all students are expected to attend. It’s imperative that students know how to keep themselves safe around water. If there is a medical reason your child cannot attend, you will need to provide a medical certificate for your child to be exempt. They will then remain at school in another Learning Space.

MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB AFLW – ALL GIRLS SUPERKICK CNTRE

Another fantastic AFL program for girls aged 7-12. AFL have partnered with the Melbourne Football Club to deliver a special All-Girls Superkick Program held before four Melbourne AFLW home games at Casey Fields during the 2025 season.

Each session will run for 45 minutes, kicking off two hours before the first bounce of each AFLW match.

What’s Included:

• 4 x Superkick sessions facilitated by AFL Victoria coaches
• Matchday entry for participants + 2 x parents/guardians
• Playing t-shirt
• Brand new footy
• Game day perks – including giveaways, prizes & other exciting activities

Program Dates:

• Round 2 – Sat 23rd Aug vs St Kilda @ 1:05 pm
• Round 4 – Sat 6th Sep vs Richmond @ 10:35 am
• Round 6 – Sun 21st Sep vs West Coast @ 11:05 am
• Round 10 – Sat 18th Oct vs Sydney @ 11:05 am

Cost:         Usually $55, but with our exclusive discount code, registration is just $20!

How to Register:

• Link: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/0c8fed
• Discount Code: AA030A05

Any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Giuliana

Extra-Curricular Coordinator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au