Dear Families,

Tomorrow, we get the chance, at school, to celebrate our Mothers, the incredible women in our lives and acknowledge them for the kind and wonderful people they are. Mother’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to pause and celebrate the incredible women God has placed in our lives.

Over the years, I’ve learned that motherhood isn’t just about biology. It’s about the care we give, the love we share and the way we show up for others – whether we’re mothers, grandmothers, caregivers or simply nurturers by nature. The other thing that I have learned is that when we honour our mothers, we honour family. We strengthen our family bonds when we celebrate together and it creates a sense of belonging, safety, happiness, security and identity. What an amazing opportunity this is to spend time with the people we love.

At this time, we also pause and think of Mary, the Mother of God, whose life wasn’t easy or Facebook worthy. She lived quietly, with faithfulness and love. She pondered things in her heart, and her example reminds us that God is found in simplicity and honesty, not spectacle. Mother Mary is with us, gently guiding us, embracing us with her motherly and loving mantle, one breath at a time.

For those we love....

Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return,

not perfectly, but humanly.

Give them the faithful support of family and friends

as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of others.

Give them joy and delight to sustain them through the trials of life.

Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to God for help when they need it most.

I wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day weekend and hope that you all get to spend some special time with those nearest and dearest to you.

Leadership staff on leave during Term 2

The following staff will spend some time away during Term 2:

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.

When Grace returns, she will take over as Acting Principal and Marg Brohm will take over as Acting Deputy Principal.

Mother's Day Breakfast and Mass

Our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast will be held tomorrow, Friday 8th May, from 8:00am, providing a lovely opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate the special women in our lives. All mothers are welcome to come and enjoy the Mother's Day Breakfast.

This will be followed by a Mass at 9:15am for students in Years 3–6, led by Fr Henry.

Families are warmly invited to join us for both the breakfast and the Mass as we give thanks and celebrate together.

Mother's Day Stall - Thank you

A huge thank to the P&F for holding the Mother's Day Stall today. All the children have had a wonderful time choosing the perfect gift for that special person in their life. Particular thank you's to Nic Emmerson, Kate Fraser, Megan Merrett and all the helpers for making the stall run so smoothly.

2027 Enrolment

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 are open now 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.

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.

Hats are not required to be worn in Terms 2 & 3, as per our uniform policy. However, it is recommended that children wear hats on other warm days throughout the year.

Learning Conversations - Week 4, Term 2

These will take place next week and bookings are now open online. I would encourage all families to attend as these conversations provide valuable information about your child’s development and learning journey.

As parents, you play a crucial role in shaping your child’s academic success and attitude towards learning. Bookings will close tomorrow, so please find the attached information about accessing our online booking system.

Please click on this link and use the code 3adxn to make your bookings.

School Interviews Online

Bookings will CLOSE on Friday 8 May @ 11.00am.

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:

Friday 5 June - Student Wellbeing & Safeguarding PD (Pupil Free Day)
Monday 8 June - King’s Birthday Holiday

2026 Debutante Balls

It’s a busy few weeks coming up for our Debutante committee. This year, we have six deb balls in total, starting next weekend and we wish all the debutantes a wonderful and memorable night.

We take this opportunity to thank our amazing committee for all the work they have done so far and their commitment in the weeks ahead. These events are a great support for our school so thank you for all involved.

There is still an opportunity to come and lend a hand on any of the nights of the balls. Please see the roster located in the P&F section of this newsletter

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

Kind Regards,

Marg Brohm

Acting Principal

P & F News

Deb Ball Helpers