Dear Families,

Sometimes we complicate prayer. At its heart, prayer is about conversation with God. Sometimes when we talk to friends, we have very long, in-depth discussions. Sometimes we have the simplest and shortest of chats. So it is in our relationship with God. Prayer can be just a few sentences to God, or even just a few words.

When Stephen, one of the early disciples of Christ, was martyred for his faith, the bible records him uttering just five words: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" (Acts 7:59)

I share with you a simple prayer for healing:

Father in heaven,

I ask for your gentle touch upon my life

That your healing hands may hold me.

Lift me up, restore me

That I may know your hand is upon my life

I trust in you.

Amen.

Blessing of the Animals & St. Francis of Assisi Awards

A special thank you to our parents who brought along their family pets to be blessed last Friday - we very much appreciate your support.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Assisi Awards. They are listed below for your benefit.

Foundation Joel Coultas Ruby Flood

Year 1 Harry St Clair Scottie Newbold

Year 2 Trevor Chandra Thio Maddi Gleeson

Year 3 Will Clarke Mireya Mendoza

Year 4 Riley Harkin Violet Francis

Year 5 Xavier Cotter Adior Malual

Year 6 Oscar Higginbottom Makayla Jackson

Bushfire Management

St. Francis of the Fields primary School is in an area considered to be at risk of bushfire.

As a Category 3 school, our school and Assisi Kindergarten must close on days forecast as ‘Catastrophic’ by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) in our designated fire district.

Fire danger Days

‘Catastrophic’ fire danger days will be issued by the BOM using the Australian Fire Danger Rating

System. The fire danger ratings are the trigger for our pre-emptive action plans.

Our school will work with Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL) to support our closure of the school on ‘catastrophic days’.

Where possible, three (3) days notice of a planned closure will be provided. However, experience indicates that a Catastrophic fire danger rating day may be forecast at short notice. Parents and guardians should expect that in some instances less than three days notice may be provided.

Once the final decision to close is confirmed at 12 noon the day prior, this decision will not change – regardless of any changes in the weather forecast. This will help limit confusion and help families plan for how their children will be cared for when their school is closed.

When a school is closed in response to bushfire risk, no one, including staff, contractors and other users, will be permitted on site. This includes any school sporting teams such as basketball or netball.

Please note that schools and services not on the Bushfire At-Risk Register will remain open, unless directly threatened by fire or another emergency.

Instrumental Concert

All families are invited to attend the 3 Instrumental Concerts that will be held on Wednesday 5 November.

Fdn/1/2 concert will be held from 9.30 -11.00am
Year 3/4 concert will be held from 11.45 - 1.30pm
Year 5/6 concert will be held from 6.00 - 8.00pm

It is a wonderful celebration of the grit and determination displayed by our students and instrumental teachers. I hope you can join us in the shed for these celebrations.

Foundation Transition Sessions

Our kinder students will be able to enjoy hour long transition sessions on:

Tuesday 28 October
Friday 14 November

All families know their times as they have been sent their time slots.

We look forward to learning more with our new and existing families.

Bendigo Cup Holiday

Please note that our school will be closed on Wednesday 29 October for the Bendigo Cup. I hope you enjoy a lovely break!!

Summer Uniform

All children are now required to be in their full summer uniform. As part of enrolling your child at St. Francis of the Fields P.S. it is expected that all children will wear the prescribed school uniform.

Please note that all students and teachers must wear hats when outside at recess and lunch, and during sporting activities.

Term School Closure Days & Public Holidays

Please note that our school will be closed on the following days:

Wednesday 29 October - Bendigo Cup Holiday
Monday 24 November – Report Writing Day
Tuesday 25 November - 2026 Planning Day
Wednesday 17 December - 2025 Planning Day (Last day of the school year for teachers)

This means the last day of the school year for our children will be Tuesday 16 December. The school will finish at 3.20pm on this day.

2026 Pupil Free Days

We have received, from Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL), the Student Free days for the commencement of Term 1, 2026. I share them with you now to help you plan:

Tuesday 27th January First Day for CESL School Staff (no students)
Wednesday 28th January Staff Planning & CESL Induction process (no students)
Thursday 29th January Staff Planning
Friday 30th January Students Commence

Parents & Friends and Advisory Council - End of Year Meal & Gathering

All parents, who have contributed to our Parents & Friends Community and our School Advisory Council, are invited to attend a meal on Thursday 27 November to celebrate all that has been achieved in 2025.

Where: School meeting room

When: Thursday 27 November @ 6.30 - 8.30pm

BYO: Own drinks

Meal will be provided by Fiona Thompson

Please let the school know if you would like to attend so we can cater appropriately.

Please email on office@sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au to clarify numbers attending and any dietary requirements.

Please note that there will be no further P & F meetings or Advisory Council meetings for 2025.

Assemblies

Our Term 4 assemblies will be held on:

Friday 24 Oct @ 2.45pm - 1R & 1M presenting (Mr Ryan and Miss Shanahan’s classes)
Friday 14 Nov @ 2.45pm - 1W & 1SF presenting (Miss Wade and Mrs Simpson/Mrs Floods classes)
Friday 28 Nov @ 2.45pm - Fdn M & Fdn D presenting (Miss Maud and Mrs McNamara’s classes)
Friday 5 Dec @ 2.45pm - Fdn W & Fdn B presenting (Mrs Williams and Mrs Burns/Miss Barbetti's classes)

All family members are invited to attend each of our assemblies.

Shed Unavailability

The shed will be unavailable for training use on the following dates:

Wednesday 5 Nov - Instrumental Concerts
Thursday 27 Nov - St Kilian's School Concert
Thursday 11 Dec - Yr 6 Graduation Mass

Christ has no hands but yours.

Tim Moloney

Principal

Community News....