From the Principal
READ, READ READ......
The more you READ the more you KNOW!
On Wednesday 21st February our Prep/Foundation parents gathered for a Reading Night. The evening began with drinks and nibbles in the staffroom. This was a nice time to gather and connect. It was great to see parents take up this opportunity to learn about our reading strategies and the way we get children started on their reading journey at St Francis de Sales. Parents gathered in the Community Room to hear from Joanna our Learning & Teaching coordinator about reading at SFS.
The Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) launched their Vision for Instruction this week. The Vision for Reading Instruction states," The MACS vision for reading instruction is for every student to commence school with access to a high-quality, evidence-based literacy program, made up of the following core areas:'
Joanna explained how we are a BEST practice school with all 5 pillars of Literacy well supported and embedded in our school. Best practice evidence based teaching has been in place at our school since the school commenced. We know that targeted, explicit teaching at the child's point of need gets results. We have a track record of consistently great literacy results to prove our success. If you missed this evening and would like to learn more, please contact Joanna or see your Home Group teacher.
The 2024 Target is AIR-CONDITIONING !!!
YES!!! That's RIGHT!!
The 2024 Target is AIR-CONDITIONING !!!
This is a high possibility for 2024 but we need a BIG effort from our families.
The cost to air-condition three large Learning Spaces is not cheap. We will need at least 15+ ceiling 14KW cassette air-conditioners.
We are currently in the process of obtaining quotes. We need at least three quotes. I have one already and will have a second by next week and I am working on the third.
We need our families to get behind our P&F fundraising this year so we can make this happen. If the P&F can raise a third of the costs we can achieve this in 2024. The P&F have $20000 already but we need to double this and aim for $30000 in 2024 to make it happen. The school on the back of our 2022/2023 $4M project despite spiraling costs of the build, has kept to a plan and still managed to set aside substantial funds from our budget for this BIG expense item. However to get there this year we need parent help in achieving the target.
So let's start by achieving a record target for our first fund raiser for 2024. Sponsor your child and get sponsors for the Colour Explosion at the end of the Term.
If you have a fund raising idea we would love to hear from you. This is the year to join our P&F - many hands will make light work of this target. If you have business connections and can get a prize for a raffle or obtain a donation that would be sensational. Let's make it happen. We need everyone involved. Come to our next P&F meeting on Tuesday 5th March at 6 pm. Get EXCITED!!
We are excited to make this a reality as soon as possible!!
2024 Camp Mt EVELYN - FUN...FUN....FUN!!!
Car Park and Drop Off
A reminder to parents that the car park in the school grounds is ONLY for staff use. We just have enough parking places for our staff.
The Drop off Zone is just a Kiss and Go Zone. Parents are asked NOT to get out of the car so that the traffic can move and children can be safely dropped or picked up without unnecessary delay.
Parent parking is only available in the Drop Off Zone before 8am,
between 9:30 am - 2:30 pm and after 4pm.
2024 School Fees
Statements / Invoice were sent home this week.
Please check your child's school bag.
Do you have one of these cards?
CSEF—Camp, Sports and Excursion Fund)
If you do, you may be eligible for $150 for each of your children from the government to go towards your swimming fees, excursion fees or camp fees.
It’s easy—just fill out the CSEF form available from the school office and present your current Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and we will do the rest for you.
Applications should be completed and lodged with us as soon as possible in Term 1. If you hold a valid means-tested concession card, you may be eligible for CSEF. This allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
Catholic Schools Guide
To assist your decision making in relation to your child's Secondary Education, please find below a link to the March 2024edition of the Catholic Education Guide.
Enjoy a wonderful weekend. Register for the Colour Explosion!! Get sponsors!!
Christine White
Principal