From the Principal

 Amazing Transformation

As they say, 'Many hands, make light work.' This is what occurred last Saturday, when a team of parents set to work on our gardens. The community garden's veggie beds were weeded and soil turned ready for planting, the grass was mowed, the new garden by the hall was tidied up, trees were trimmed and low branches that were a becoming a hazard were removed. The autumn leaves were removed and the tables cleaned, areas were freshened up and rubbish was removed. The skip was filled to the brim. 

A BIG thanks to all the parents who participated. A huge thanks to Brad for his coordination and on-going support to ensuring our grounds are maintained throughout the year. Our school saves money as a result that can then be used on other school improvements to benefit our children. We are so appreciative of the great community we have and the support provided. These events also help build connections between our families. A little bit of rain did not stops us for too long. The sun was soon out and the jobs all got completed. We finished with our traditional BBQ cooked by our P&F, with sausages sizzling for a delicious treat for all the hard workers.

The Fish are Biting

Thanks to the Victorian Governments's Little Anglers Initiative, all our Year 5 students will be receiving a special gift. Each child will be receiving a kit to take home. The kit will include a fishing rod , reel with line, tackle box with some hooks, sinkers, swivels and a lure, as well as a Kids Guide to Fishing - all FREE!!

The kits are targeted to Year 5 and to the Victorian Curriculum area of focus, movement and motor development and safety consideration. A lovely early Christmas present and just in time for some FUN over the summer holidays.

Staff News

At the end of this year we will be sadly farewelling Shehani.  Shehani has been with us for the past seven years and started her teaching career with us as a graduate. We congratulate Shehani on her new appointment that will be so much closer to her new home. We will farewell Shehani on the last day of school on Friday 15 December. 

We are delighted to announce that we have a number of staff returning to St Francis de Sales in 2024. We will be welcoming back Claire after her maternity leave, Aoife who is returning to our school after a few years at a different school and Andrea returning after a year away. In addition, we will be welcoming new staff members who will be joining our amazing staff team in 2024. We look forward to Sarah and Ashleigh joining our team. Sarah and Ashleigh are both currently teaching in Catholic schools close by and will be part of our 2024 staff team as home group teachers.

We have been very fortunate to have teachers who have been with us for a considerable time. We understand that for convenience or for career opportunities staff will change. This is healthy and good for the teacher and for the school. 

Student placements for 2024 have now been finalised. This is a very complex process. Your child's Home Group will be announced in the school report that will go home next week.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Christine White

Principal