Principal's Update
Dear Families,
Two thousand years ago, Jesus was condemned despite being a person of profound vision, compassion, commitment, and faith. It is difficult to comprehend how such qualities could lead to His rejection. Yet Jesus was persecuted not only by the leaders He challenged—such as Pontius Pilate and King Herod—but also betrayed by those who professed loyalty to Him.
The rumours and misunderstandings circulating at the time created an atmosphere of fear and instability. Even those closest to Jesus struggled to remain steadfast. We remember Peter—who would become the first leader of our Church—faltering under pressure and denying Jesus three times when confronted by the hostile crowd.
As the situation worsened, the people were asked to choose between freeing a known criminal, Barabbas, or a man who taught love, mercy, and forgiveness. Influenced by a small group of agitators, the crowd cried out for Barabbas, demonstrating how easily fear can distort judgment.
Yet even in this moment of darkness, we see a glimpse of humanity’s capacity for repentance and God’s boundless mercy. As Jesus hung on the cross, a repentant thief asked for forgiveness. Jesus’ response—promising him a place at His side—reminds us that transformation is always possible, and that God’s grace is never withheld from a sincere heart.
The Easter story calls us to celebrate the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Empowered by the Spirit, the apostles moved beyond their fear and became courageous witnesses to the Gospel. Their example encourages us today to live with similar conviction—sharing hope, living with integrity, and spreading the Good News.
Some two thousand years later, this remains our challenge: to live each day as Christ calls us to live. We are invited to recognise the gifts within our parish and school communities, to honour the goodness in one another, and to build a community grounded in faith, compassion, and unity.
I wish you a happy, holy, and safe Easter. May this sacred season fill your homes and hearts with peace and renewed hope.
Teachers on leave during Term 2
The following staff will spend some time away during Term 2:
Marg Brohm will be away for the first week.
Alicia Mansfield will be away for the first 2 weeks of term.
Grace Scalora will be away for the first 4 weeks of term.
Tim Moloney will be away for the first 8 weeks of term with Principal Enrichment.
Whilst Tim and Grace are away, Marg Brohm will be Acting Principal from Week 2-4.
Dave Waters and Luke Freeman will be Acting Principals during Week 1 of Term 2.
When Grace returns, she will take over as Acting Principal and Marg Brohm will take over as Acting Deputy Principal.
Tim Moloney will travel to England to visit several academies and schools to learn about systemic change processes. It should prove to be a wonderful learning opportunity.
2027 Enrolment
It has been a wonderful week since we have been able to show our classrooms and school to many new families through the principal led tours and our Parent Information evening. It really is a blessing to be able to support parents in their enrolment decision making.
Parents and students can view our school from the 4th - 8th May with our student-led tours. Our students will offer their unique perspective about our school.
Please note that enrolments will be open from Tuesday 21 April and will close on Friday 22 May. These dates are the same for all Bendigo Catholic schools.
Parents will be notified if they have been successful in their enrolment by Friday 29 May.
Enquiries: School Office (03) 5439 3191
See our website www.sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au for our Information Booklet
and enrolment application forms.
School Photographs
Our annual school photos, taken last week by Arthur Reed Photos, will soon be available to order.
Arthur Reed Photos uses an online ordering system, allowing families to view and purchase images after photo day.
To access your child’s photos, you will need to register online using the unique ordering code included on the flyer that will be sent home with students today. Please note that each student will receive their own unique flyer / code, meaning that families with multiple children at the school will have separate codes for each child.
To Register:
Enter your unique ordering code
Select “Add Another Child” to include siblings
Enter your contact details and confirm your registration
Once the images are available in the webshop, registered families will be notified by SMS and email that they are ready to view and order.
All orders are mailed directly to families by Arthur Reed Photos.
For any enquiries, please contact Arthur Reed Photos Customer Service directly:
customerservice@arphotos.com.au
5243 4390 (option 1)
Prepare to change over to winter uniform
The weather, over the next few weeks, can vary greatly in temperature. Subsequently, for the first four weeks of Term 2 students can wear either summer or winter uniform. However, all students are required to be in the Winter uniform by Monday 18 May.
Term 1 Holidays
Please note that Term 1 ends today at 2.30pm.
Term 2 resumes on Tuesday 21 April as our diocese is holding a professional learning day on Monday 20 April.
Term 2 Public Holidays & Pupil Free Days
Just letting all families know that St. Francis of the Fields Primary School will be closed on the following dates in Term 2:
Monday 20 April - Learning & Teaching PD (Pupil Free Day)
Friday 5 June - Student Wellbeing & Safeguarding PD (Pupil Free Day)
Monday 8 June - King’s Birthday Holiday
Cross Country
A shout out to Danielle Coates and Luke Freeman in coordinating a wonderful School Cross Country yesterday. I was proud of all students who aimed for personal best times, as well as those who encouraged and congratulated others so respectfully. Great sportsmanship!
Car Parking concerns
Please do not park across the driveway of the residence at the end of our school entry (at the rock). Many times, the homeowners have needed to leave their property during pick up times but have been blocked in due to our school parents parking in their driveway.
We are hopeful our school community can abide by these rules and refrain from blocking the driveway in the future.
Shed Unavailability
The shed will be unavailable for training use on the following dates in Term 2:
- Thursday 7 May (afterschool) - Set up for Mass on Friday 8 May
- Monday 11 May - Sunday 31 May - Deb Balls
- Thursday 18 June (afterschool) - Set up for Mass on Friday 19 June
Assembly
There will be no assembly tomorrow as this will be Good Friday!
Christ has no hands but yours.
Tim Moloney
Principal
Congratulations
Tilly Moore (6Z) managed to take out 1st and 3rd place for the Grade 6 arts competition at the recent Axedale Quick Sheer.
The old barn took out 1st and her Rooster took out 3rd.
