From the Principal

Engaging in STEM

What is STEM?

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics - STEM

STEM covers a wide range of disciplines and skills, which are increasingly in demand in our rapidly changing world. Our national strategy supports a long-term change agenda aiming to ensure that students have a stronger foundation in STEM and are inspired to take on more challenging STEM subjects in their secondary and tertiary education.

At St Francis de Sales we are building this foundation with engagement in STEM activities in our learning. Parents can work in partnership to support engagement in STEM . By showing your child that you have a positive attitude to STEM and you see the great possibilities it presents, you can have an impact on how your child feels.

STEM Family Night

On Wednesday 30th October we had a great opportunity to engage in STEM activities as a family. It was sensational that over 83 families took up the opportunity provided to come and engage in some after school learning. After a brief introduction to STEM by Joanna our Learning & Teaching Leader, parents set off to the learning spaces. Our teachers were all set and ready to greet families with a wide assortment of STEM activities to explore. There were activities to engage all ages...even the adults!! There was time to give a number of different activities a go. In addition, there were some challenges and prizes awarded to the ones who could find the solution.

The school was a hive of activity and there was an exciting buzz everywhere. Everyone was engaged and it was great to see the interaction between students and with their parents and with teachers. By all reports it was an excellent night of FUN.

The Advisory Council was present and they ran a quiz as well. The winners of the quiz will be announced at our next assembly on Friday 15 November. There was a junior prize - a Robot and a senior prize - a drone to be won. Dwij from the council also organised a feedback form and our first use of a QR code to get online replies. Thanks to the many families who have provide us with your feedback. It will be looked at during our next Advisory Council meeting on Tuesday 12 November.

A huge thank you to families who attended and a massive thanks to our teachers for working after hours to make this a special family night. The key organiser of the event was Joanna our Learning & Teaching leader. Joanna goes above and beyond in everything she does to ensure our students have the best learning opportunities possible. Joanna has put hours of work into the preparation for the event. I am so grateful for all that Joanna does for our school. If you missed this event, you did miss something special. Look out for our 2025 family activity night and lock it into your calendar. In 2025, we will explore a different area but you can be sure it will be equally exciting and engaging.

School Closed on the Following Days

Monday 4 November - Staff Time in Lieu Day
Tuesday 5 November - Public Holiday Melbourne Cup

Enjoy the long weekend.

Christine White

Principal