From the Principal
The Wizard of OZ
On Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th October it will be Lights, Camera and ACTION as our entire school steps on stage for the St Francis de Sales production of the Wizard of Oz!!! Judging by all the rehearsals it will be a great night for our school. Our students from Foundation to Year 6 are so excited and are looking forward to performing on our stage in front of an audience. The children and staff have put in an enormous effort and we look forward to seeing all our STARS shine on stage.
The experience of performing improves communication skills, develops their ability to receive and respond to feedback, work in a team, collaborate and learn effective time management skills. The unpredictable nature of live performance helps students develop the ability to think quickly and improvise when things do not go to plan, and to stay calm in difficult situations. There are life-long benefits from experiences gained from opportunities to perform on a stage.
I thank Maddison for her fantastic work with our children teaching them the choreography for the many dances and working with our lead roles and children so they can step into character and bring to life the story of the, 'Wonderful wizard of OZ!! Thanks also to the wonderful specialist team that have supported the production, Kristy and Sarah with the singing, Rachel with the choir, Taryn with the AV, Katherine with the backdrops, Melissa with the art work along with Anju, Peacelyne and Joanna who have added to extra special displays. When you walk down the corridor to the hall you are transported to the Emerald City. Thanks also to the staff across our Learning Spaces that have supported the production and prepared the children for our production. It has been a team effort. The collaboration is what our staff do incredibly well and with positive energy. A MASSIVE thank you.
As there are two performances we do still have tickets for sale. Please consider inviting family if you have not already done this. It would be great to get to a FULL House and make the effort worthwhile for our children.
Some alerts to keep in mind:
It is vital that all children attend both nights. Early dismissals are not possible.
It is vital that all members of the audience take their seat promptly so that we can commence the concert on time at 6:30pm.
No food or drink is permitted once you take your seat.
The concert will be recorded and it is important that we ensure that theater etiquette is maintain at all times. Audience participation by clapping and cheering is definitely encouraged. However, please do not disturb the performance or distract the audience with unnecessary noise or movement. Mobile phones must be switched off.
Toddlers and children must be supervised.
No one can play in or around the hall.
This year we have a liquor licence and there will be drinks on sale from 5 to 6pm.
Come and enjoy a beer or wine for a pre-show drink
Staff News
At the end of each year, occasionally there are a few changes in staff. This is good for the staff member seeking a change and with that change new opportunities arise as new staff join our great team adding new perspectives and bringing their strengths and talents to complement those of our team.
At the end of this school year Kevin McKee will be moving to St Catherine's Berwick. We thank Kevin for his great work with our senior students in LS1 and wish him well as he commences his new role in 2026.
We are also delighted to announce that we have three experienced teachers joining our team in 2026.
We look forward to Michael Putinja joining us at St Francis de Sales. Michael has recently moved closer to our school and is looking forward to a much shorter commute to work in 2026. He currently travels all the way to Craigieburn!!
- We also look forward to Michelle Murphy joining our team next year. Michelle has recently completed her Masters in Learning Diversity and Intervention. She has a wealth of experience across many different countries and school in Catholic Education in Melbourne.
Dimitri Willenberg will be joining us as our Performing Art - Music teacher in 2026. Dimitri has taught in both Primary and Secondary schools. He is an accomplished musician and performer. He plays the trumpet in orchestral, jazz and wind ensembles. Dimitri is a highly experienced music arranger. We look forward to Dimitri joining our staff team.
Michael, Dimitri and Michelle will bring skills, experience and talents that will be a great asset to our school.
STEP into SFS
Our 2026 Foundation students were very excited to take a BIG step as they gathered on Thursday 23rd October for our Step into SFS party. They came all dressed up in their party best and many in special costumes to join in the FUN!!
We were very impressed as they sang songs and joined in with staff and family members with great confidence. It was a wonderful celebration as the children were introduced to our specialists staff. They joined in some PMP fun, showed off their art skills and enjoyed some music experiences.
The party finished like all parties with some party food and drinks. The children went home very happy with their lolly bag and a SFS balloon.
The orientation program has now commenced for Foundation 2026. The program will conclude in December when all students meet their 2026 Home Group teacher on the 16 December. We look forward to these little STARS joining our school with their families. We look forward to working together in partnership to ensure the very BEST outcomes for each child.
School Uniform
In Term 4, we move to wearing our summer uniform. Children are reminded to wear a hat when playing out side and add sun cream to protect them from harmful UV rays. The P&F have a second hand uniform shop that is available at school and open on Thursday mornings or afternoons. All items are $5 and support the P&F fundraising for the school. Alternatively new items of uniform can be purchased from Beleza in Hallam.
Getting children to school and home safely is everyone’s job!
- Think before you park, drive, drop off and pick up.
- Be careful around schools, follow signs and obey the road rules.
- Slow down and be alert! Children can be unpredictable.
- DO NOT reverse on to nature strips.
- Be respectful of our neighboring properties.
Christine White
Principal