From the Principal
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
We congratulate our Class of 2025 who graduated from St Francis de Sales on Thursday 11 December. We had a packed hall with staff and families filled with pride and joy as we celebrated the completion of Primary school of our Year 6 students. A lovely Mass celebrated by Fr. Fabian was followed by the presentation of awards and Graduation certificates. The celebrations included a dance item by our Year 6 students and concluded with a delicious supper.
Look at us on our first day at SFS - Foundation 2019!!
We pray for each of our Year 6 students on their graduation that their unique light radiates like a beacon. That they continue to be Pilgrims of Hope. We pray that God bless them as they journey forward to new frontiers and that they continue to soar, continue boldly step forward and remain open to all the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Go make a difference”
For some parents this is their last year with us. We thank them for sharing the dream and we are grateful for their generous support over the years. We especially acknowledged Sharon McNulty for taking on the key role of chairperson of the School Advisory Council for the past year and stepping up as a member of the SAC for several years. Thanks to Courtney Thursfield for her contribution to our school as a ember of the SAC for several years as well and for taking care of our chickens over many holiday breaks over the past years. Thanks to parents who have been on the P&F executive and P&F committee for your generous contribution to our school community and for raising valuable funds to help us get the little extras that are so appreciated by students and staff.
Congratulations to our 2025 Award winners:
St Francis de Sales Academic Award -
This year’s St Francis de Sales Academic Award is presented to a student who has shown academic excellence in all curriculum areas and achieved fantastic results throughout their time at SFS. This student gives their best at all times, willingly takes on feedback and thrives when given a challenge. They are dedicated to their learning and always determined to achieve their personal best. They have been a great role model to others and have willingly shared their knowledge and skills while also supporting their peers. It is my pleasure to present this year’s Academic Award to Julian Payot.
HOLT Leadership Award -
Once again this year we were able to nominate two students for the the HOLT Academic/Leadership Awards. The Holt School Leadership Awards recognises and celebrates students who have demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding leadership of Year 6 students in schools across the Division of HOLT. Both our recipients this year have performed very well across all curriculum areas during their time at SFS and shown fantastic leadership skills.
Our first recipient was described to me by a teacher as being simply a ‘SUPERSTAR’. Their calm and composed demeanour speaks volumes, showing maturity beyond their years. This student inspires those around them to follow their example of respect, responsibility and integrity. They engage with their peers with kindness, showing humour when necessary and care when needed to listen and nurture others. They have displayed wonderful leadership skills, always saying yes when needed and completing tasks responsibility and with
dedication. The first recipient of the Holt Academic/Leadership Award is Curtis Leach.
Our second recipient consistently demonstrates a level of responsibility that goes above and beyond their years. One of their most admirable qualities is the way in which they greet their peers and teachers, showing a genuine care and interest for how they are feeling and what they are doing. They are polite, respectful and a positive role model who encourages and guides others, always striving to do their best and volunteering their time to help wherever needed. This student is humble, always putting others first while not taking the time to stop and realise how wonderful they actually are and how much everyone else around them values them. The second recipient of the Holt Academic/Leadership Award is Rania George.
St Francis de Sales Sports Award -
The St Francis de Sales Primary Sporting Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated excellent sporting skills, not only in Physical Education Lessons but also across the school, district and divisional levels over the years at SFS particularly from year 4 onwards. This student always tries their best to excel in sporting activities, showing great sportsmanship and being a great role model to other students. The recipient of this award in 2025 is Eli Vydelingum
The School Sports Victoria Academic/Sport Award
The School Sports Victoria Academic/Sport Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated excellence across all areas of their schooling. The student has participated in a variety of sports and has shown good sportsmanship and fair play. This student has also achieved excellent academic achievements, as well as demonstrated social and community involvement. The recipient of this award in 2025 is Evangeline Patton
St Francis de Sales Arts Award
The SFS Arts Award is presented to a student who has shown excellence in the curriculum areas of Visual Arts,Music, Dance and Drama. This student always puts thought and care in their work and always strives for and demonstrates a high standard. They always display a positive attitude and display consistently our school expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Kindness. They have been a role model to others and enthusiastically participated in numerous extra-curricular activities, whether it be CHOIR, Production, or ART CLUB, sharing their artistic and performing flair with their peers and the wider school community. We are so proud of this student and all they have achieved this year. The recipient of this years The Arts Award is Ghezana Mrock.
St Francis de Sales Community Spirit and Leadership Award
The Community Spirit and Leadership Award is presented to a student who during their time at SFS has been a wonderful role model to her peers. They have contributed to the school and wider community through their actions and by volunteering for a range of school activities. This student embodies the school values of respect, responsibility and kindness. They are always there to support and assist their peers, teachers and school, accepting others and being inclusive of all. This year the Community Spirit and Leadership Award is presented to Zoe Thursfield.
Each student was given a trophy to keep as a memory along with a certificate. Their names have also been engraved on our school trophy for each award. The trophies are on display in the showcase in our foyer.
Reports
Reports will be available on the NForma Parent Portal after 4 pm on Friday 12th December.
nForma nParent PORTAL FOR PARENTS - Instructions
We recommend that you check out the Parent Portal prior to Thursday 11 December so you are ready to receive the end of semester two report and information regarding your child's Home Group teacher for 2026.
As expressed in earlier newsletters the organisation of groups is a complex process and teachers have considered multiple factors. Our children were asked to name three friends. Each child has been placed with at least one of the three friends they nominated in their Learning Space. Parent input received by 24th October in writing as required based strictly on student learning needs, was also considered but not guaranteed. Understandably, Parent request for particular teachers are not accepted. Our school processes are most comprehensive and professional with decisions always made in the best interest of our students.
Medical Alert - 29 still PENDING!!
No Medical Plan = No Excursions in 2026
Please complete the form on NForma app to notify us that you have checked and corrected emergency contacts for your child
This is OVERDUE!
Orientation for 2026
On Tuesday 16th December from 9:30 am to 10:30 am is our official orientation session for all 2026 students from Foundation to Year 6. Students will attend a session with their new Home Group teacher for 2026. This provides an opportunity for students to be prepared for the following school year.
Testing Dates for 2026
At the start of the 2026 school year we will be conducting required testing with our students from Foundation to Year 6 across Literacy and Numeracy.
The tests administered will not only provide teachers at SFS with important diagnostic information but are required by MACS for system wide data collection. Starting the year with testing completed before students officially begin, allows teachers to ensure that learning for students is personalised and meets their needs.
Parents of students from Year 1 to 6 for 2026 will be able to book an appointment time for their child's testing via a School Interviews link. A letter containing a code to book your appointment will be sent out next Wednesday 17th December 2025. Parents will need to book an appointment before 26 January 2026. Prep students for 2026 will be able to book their appointment next Tuesday at the whole school orientation.
Testing interview appointments are on
Wednesday 28 January or Thursday 29 January 2026 for Yr 1 to 6
Wednesday 27 January for Foundation.
It is very important that every child attends a testing appointment prior to the children commencing the 2026 school year. If your family will be overseas at this time, please contact the school office.
IMPORTANT Events to Finish the 2025 School Year
- Sunday 14th December 6pm - St Kevin's Parish Carols our SFS choir is singing.
- December 2025 - Whole School Orientation 9:30 am.
- Wednesday 17th December 2025 - Christmas Concert 9:30 am in the hall
- Wednesday 17th December 2025 - End of Year Mass and Farewells 11:30 am
- Wednesday 17th December 2025 - Last day for students school finishes at 1 pm
School Crossing Supervision
On Wednesday 17 December schools will close at 1 pm for the Christmas and Summer holidays. Please note as this is an early finish, there will be no School Crossing Supervisor at the crossing on Paterson Road.
Have a great weekend
Christine White
Principal