Saint Francis of Assisi is known for his profound wisdom and compassion, with many of his sayings emphasizing love, peace, and the beauty of creation.

One of his simplest sayings simply asks us to live out the gospel.

"Do all you can to preach the gospel and if necessary, use words!"

Dear Parents,

It's great to be back after having spent time in Italy walking a Pilgrimage following the footsteps of St. Francis and visiting the Holy Doors in Rome for the Jubilee year.

The Way of St. Francis is described as a tough, quite solitary route with several stages surpassing 1000 metres of elevation gain on rough hiking trails through the mountains.

The hike required carrying a full backpack and often walking on very rocky surfaces with significant ascents and descents. We visited several very significant sites in the life of St. Francis, most notably the Sanctuary of La Verna.

It was a wonderfully spiritual experience that challenged me physically, leading to personal growth and faith.

I thank Kate Bevan our Deputy who assumed the role of Principal whilst I was away. She capably led the school in my absence with the support of our whole staff. It was reassuring to know that our school was left in such capable hands. Thanks also to Colleen McIntosh for stepping into the Deputy role and for her support of Kate.

World Teachers Day

This Friday 31st of October is World Teachers Day, a celebration and appreciation of teachers and everything they do for our children.

ART EXHIBITION

Over the weekend of 7th, 8th and 9th of November, we have our Art Exhibition with the Opening night on Friday 7th November.

This is a child-free event as there will be alcohol served.

If you haven't already organised a ticket for this great event, then get a few friends together and come along and enjoy a lovely evening viewing the artworks, listening to the judge announce the winners and enjoying the company of others.

The exhibition will be open for the entire weekend with the added bonus of a maker's market on the Saturday and an acrylic workshop for 13 and overs.

Foundation Orientation

Our Foundation Orientation dates have been advertised for quite some time.

On each of the Orientation days, we will have two sessions ensuring that the teachers have a good opportunity to meet each child and get to know them more intimately. Then after consulting the kindergarten teachers, various reports and our teachers' own professional observations we will be wisely placed and informed to enable us to create well balanced groupings for the class of 2026.

Families have been placed in either session one or two to enable balanced group sessions. The first session is 9.15am session and the second session 11.45 am session.

The two sessions will follow the same format. This will be communicated with greater detail to each family who has a child starting in Foundation 2026.

The first orientation will be on Wednesday 12th November

1st session 9.15am -10.30am

2nd session 11.45 am - 1.00pm

The second orientation will be on Thursday 20th November

1st session 9.15am -10.30am

2nd session 11.45 am - 1.00pm

The third orientation will be on Tuesday 9th December

One session beginning at 9.15am -12.30pm

Parent information session for all families in Foundation 2026 is on the evening of Tuesday 25th November at 6.00pm in the Foundation building.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Reconciliation preparation begins this week for our baptised children who are in Grade 3.

If there are any other families in the school from Grades 4-6 who wish their baptised child to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation of Penance, please contact the office to complete a sacramental enrolment form.

Preparation begins this week, and the reception of the Sacrament will be on Wednesday 26th November. On Tuesday 11th November there will be a parent meeting held at school at 6.00pm in St. Bernard's Chapel.

Pupil Free Days

Monday 3rd of November is a normal school day.

Tuesday 4th is the Melbourne Cup Holiday staff and children do not attend school.

Friday 14th November Report writing day no students attend school

Friday 5th December Professional Learning Day for staff -no students attend school.

Thank you

Particia Boak

Principal

IMPORTANT INFORMATION