Principal's Update

Dear Families

This week we are celebrating Book Week with several wonderful opportunities for our children. 

Our Book Fair remains open all week so that our children and parents can purchase beautiful books to read. Sale times are: 

• Friday 22 Aug – 8.15-8.50am & 3.20-3.45pm 
• Monday 25 Aug – 8.15-8.50am & 3.20-3.45pm 
• Tuesday 26 Aug – 8.15-8.50am & 3.20-3.45pm 

On Friday 22 August we will hold our Dress Up Book Parade at 9.15am on the basketball courts.  Assisi Kindergarten will also join us for the Book Parade. 

Children will also be voting for their favorite books with prizes to be won.  

None of this could have been possible without the tireless work of Sue Johns our librarian. Thank you, Sue!! 

Book Week Prayer 

Loving God, 

Thank You for the gift of stories that inspire, teach, and bring joy. 

Bless our students, teachers, and families as we celebrate Book Week. 

May the books we read open our hearts to Your wisdom, 

ignite our imaginations, and deepen our love for learning. 

Help us to see Your presence in every story— in courage, kindness, and truth. 

Guide us to be storytellers of Your love in our words and actions. 

May this week be filled with wonder, laughter, and grace. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

Spirituality Day 

Our staff came together with the rest of the staff in the Sandhurst Diocese to enjoy a Spirituality Day together. Whilst I was initially skeptical about the use of an online platform for the day, our presenters managed to engage our staff exceptionally well.  

Fr. Jake Mudge’s opening address emphasized viewing life as a pilgrimage—a personal journey of faith. He encouraged openness to daily encounters with God and highlighted the pilgrim’s role in spiritual growth. His message set the tone for a day of reflection, where staff explored Catholic mystics like Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa, and St Francis of Assisi, deepening their understanding of faith and contemplation. 

Our thanks to Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited for providing our staff with the time to reflect upon and deepen their own spirituality and faith.  

Principal away 

I have been asked by CESL to mentor another principal in another town over the coming weeks. This will mean that I will be away from school on the following days: 

• 20, 21, 22 August 
• 2, 3, 4, 5 September 

During this time, Grace Scalora will be Acting Principal.   

Important Message: Student Safety Before and After School 

Over the past month, we’ve become increasingly concerned about student safety during drop-off and pick-up times. Unfortunately, we have observed a growing number of parents and carers speeding into our school grounds and disregarding the clearly posted speed limits. 

There have already been several near-misses, and we are deeply worried that it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. 

We are asking – pleading – with our school community to take this seriously. Please slow down, be respectful of others, and follow all traffic rules when entering and exiting the school grounds. Your actions have a direct impact on the safety of our students, staff, and families. 

Let’s work together to ensure that our school remains a safe environment for everyone. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Finalising 2026 school numbers 

It is at this time of year that we begin to forecast how many students will be attending our school in 2026. These forecasts are very important as they tell our Advisory Council how many classes will be required for 2026. This of course impacts on how many teachers are required. 

Subsequently, I ask that all parents advise Tim Moloney if children will be leaving St. Francis of the Fields. Thank you. 

Parents & Friends Meeting 

Our Parents & Friends will next meet on Thursday 4 September at 7.30pm in the Staffroom. All parents are most welcome to attend.  

School Disco 

Thanks to Nicole Emmerson, Kate Fraser and Megan Merrett for coordinating the recently held school disco. 

Thanks also to all parents who helped throughout the evening.  

Shed Unavailability 

The shed will be unavailable for training use on the following dates in Term 3:

• Thursday 4 Sept - Father's Day Mass setup (afterschool training affected)

Assembly  

3GB and 3M will lead our next school assembly on Friday 22 August from 2.45pm in the Shed.  All parents, grandparents and guardians are most welcome to attend.  

Christ has no hands but yours.  

Tim Moloney 

Principal