Principal's Update
Dear Families,
Each year from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week invites us to honour, listen deeply, and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a time to reflect on our shared history, to tell the truth about the past, and to recommit ourselves to justice and right relationship.
This year’s theme is ‘All In: Reciprocity as Reconciliation’ – an invitation to step off the sidelines and commit wholeheartedly to the shared work of reconciliation
All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.
The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long. Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.
Creator God,
You are present in this land, in its stories, and in its people.
We give thanks for the wisdom, strength, and enduring cultures
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
who have cared for this Country since time immemorial.
As we gather in this spirit of reconciliation, we hear the call to be all in,
not halfway, not sometimes, but fully present and committed.
All in with our hearts, to listen deeply and respectfully.
All in with our minds, to learn truthfully and grow in understanding.
All in with our voices, to speak up for justice and dignity.
All in with our hands, to walk alongside one another in genuine relationship.
God of truth, guide us to acknowledge the past with honesty,
to stand with courage in the present,
and to shape a future grounded in respect, healing, and hope.
May we be people who do not turn away but lean in with humility and care.
May we honour First Nations voices,
and recognise the strength that comes when we walk together.
Let reconciliation live not only in our words, but in our actions each day.
We place this journey in your care, and commit ourselves wholeheartedly, all in.
Amen.
National Reconciliation Week – Thank you.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Nat Shearer for her leadership and dedication during National Reconciliation Week at our school. Nat has guided both students and staff in meaningful engagement, helping us deepen our understanding of this year’s theme, ‘All In’.
She has reminded us that reconciliation is not a one-off event, but an ongoing commitment — one that our school is proud to embrace and uphold.
Thank you, Nat, for your leadership throughout the week and for your work in coordinating the whole-school art project. Your efforts have made a lasting impact on our community.
Foundation W news
I wish to let you know that, at the end of Term 2, Kate Williams will be taking personal leave for the remainder of the year, during which she will be enjoying time with her family.
We are pleased to share that Will Edwards will be joining Foundation W for the rest of the year. Will is a highly capable teacher who has spent several years at St Francis of the Fields teaching Year 2. He brings a strong understanding of the Magnify curriculum, including InitiaLit and Ochre, and we are confident he will provide continuity and support for your children’s learning.
We thank Kate for her dedication and care, and we wish her all the very best as she begins her leave. We also warmly welcome Will to the Foundation team and look forward to him joining us at the beginning of Term 3.
2027 Enrolment Process – What Happens Next
On Friday, 29 May, letters of offer were sent to our prospective 2027 Foundation families.
The next step in the enrolment process is for families to accept their offer by Friday, 5 June.
If any families choose to decline their offer, positions will then be offered to those on the waiting list, in accordance with Diocesan enrolment criteria.
If you have any questions or require further information about enrolments, please contact the school office using the details below.
Enquiries: School Office (03) 5439 3191
See our website www.sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au for our Information Booklet
and enrolment application forms.
P & F Committee Meeting – change of date
I wish to inform our parent community that our next P & F Meeting will be held on Thursday, 11 June via Microsoft Teams. All parents are warmly welcome to attend.
See link attached. for the online meeting
During the winter months, we will be trialing online meetings to make it easier for families to join without needing to leave home.
We extend our sincere thanks to our P & F Committee for their ongoing support of our school and students.
School Fees
This is a friendly reminder of our School Fee Payment Policy. We ask that all parents and carers actively support our school through the payment of annual school fees, which play an important role in maintaining the financial viability of St Francis of the Fields Primary School and supporting the programs and opportunities we offer our students.
Our preferred payment options are as follows:
Direct Debit (monthly, fortnightly, or weekly)
Three equal payments over Terms 1,2 & 3 (one-third of the annual total)
Payment by regular instalments via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
All fees are to be paid in full each year and not carried forward to future years unless arrangements are made with Tim Moloney (Principal).
Financial assistance through fee concession will be provided to families in need and those experiencing difficult circumstances. In this instance, a request can be made in writing to the Principal by email to: - debtors@sfstrathfieldsaye.catholic.edu.au
Debutante Balls
Our Deb Balls have become a treasured tradition over the years, with many past students returning to take part. It is always a pleasure to see these students come back to their primary school with such excitement to celebrate this special occasion.
The Deb Balls are also a significant fundraiser for our school, enabling the P & F to contribute to the purchase of valuable resources and support future projects. These events would not be possible without the ongoing dedication and hard work of our Deb Ball Committee: Michelle Janssen, Donna Stebbins, Deb Breene, Emma Jensen, Bec Stratton and Marni Pollock. We sincerely thank them for their tireless efforts.
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marg Brohm and Rhys Zera for stepping in to MC the evenings while Tim and I have been on leave.
We also thank all of our volunteers who assist on the nights—clearing tables, supporting with car parking, and helping in so many ways behind the scenes. We simply would not be able to run these large events without your invaluable help and support.
This year, the Bendigo Lighthouse generously loaned us a stunning chandelier to feature on our stage. We are incredibly grateful to now share that they have donated this beautiful piece to our school for use at our Debutante Ball functions.
Valued at $2,200, this chandelier is a truly remarkable gift, and we are overwhelmed by their generosity and support. It will add something very special to our future events for years to come.
Term 2 & 3 Public Holidays & Pupil Free Days
I would like to inform all families that St Francis of the Fields Primary School will be closed on the following dates in Term 2 & 3 due to professional learning days, as directed by Catholic Education Sandhurst (CESL).
These days provide valuable opportunities for our staff to engage in professional learning and continue to strengthen their teaching practice for the benefit of all students.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Friday 5 June - Student Wellbeing & Safeguarding PD (Pupil Free Day)
Monday 8 June - King’s Birthday Holiday
Wednesday 5 August - Staff Spirituality Day
Shed Unavailability
The shed will be unavailable for training use on the following dates in Term 3:
- Tuesday 4 August (afterschool) - Set up for Staff Spirituality Day
- Wednesday 5 August (all day and afterschool) - Staff Spirituality Day
Assembly - Week 8
We will resume our school assemblies on Friday, 12 June at 2:45pm, where 5M and 5F will lead us in their presentation.
During this assembly, Elliot Ramm will also be shaving his head to raise funds for ‘Shave for a Cure’ in loving memory of his Nana
All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend.
Kind Regards,
Grace Scalora
Acting Principal