From the Principal

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We have concluded the year with an exciting last day. The whole school gathered for Christmas Carols in our hall.

Everyone got dressed up with splashes of Christmas colours. It was very exciting to see each Home Group perform.

It was great to see many parents join us for this special annual gathering.

At the end of our carols we said farewell and a BIG thank you to four of our staff members who will be leaving us at the end of this year. Melissa , Sue and Nicole have made a valuable contribution since joining our team at the start of this year. Kathy has been part of our team for seven years as a Learning Support Officer and has made such a difference in countless ways giving so generously of her time and skills. We shall miss all of them and wish them the very best for the future.

We concluded the year with our End of Year Mass led by Fr. Fabian. It was great to see the many new altar servers at our final Mass for 2024. The choir sang beautifully as they led our singing and it was a very special end to the 2024 school year. Fr Fabian blessed all our Year 6 students, our staff and students.

To conclude our Final day of 2024, our marvelous P&F announced the winners of our Christmas raffle. There were numerous prizes awarded. We thank Lourdes our P&F president and the P&F team for all their efforts during 2024. They have not just built community but added lots of FUN to our year with many exciting events. The money raised in semester two will result in a new long jump to be installed over the holidays and a new gym mat so we can also commence high jump training. Thank you P&F.

Congratulations also to Patrick who won the Community Spirit Shield for 2024. Thanks to our SFS community for giving so generously to our Christmas hamper appeal. The Mini Vinnies vehicles were filled to the max with all the hampers and gifts donated. What great community spirit. The goods will be shared with families in need in our local area.

As we end the 2024 school year, I thank each one of our amazing staff for their immense and valuable contribution to ensuring we are a school of excellence constantly providing the very BEST learning opportunities for our students.

We wish all our families a Merry Christmas and thank you for your partnership and contribution big or small that enhances our school community in countless ways. We wish you and all our students a sensational summer holiday.

We are Going to the Chapel & Going to get Married!

Congratulations to Kristy and Adam who will be getting married in January over the holidays. We wish them the very BEST as they start their married life together. We pray for God's blessing for them now and always.

All are welcome to attend the wedding ceremony :)

Divine Mercy Shrine, Keysborough

343-337 Greens Rd,

Keysborough VIC 3173

1pm Ceremony

Announcing our Specialist Team for 2025

Performing Arts Music - Kristy Kawa
Performing Arts Drama/Dance and Wellbeing - Maddison Jewiss
Visual Arts - Katherine Slater
Physical Education - Lulli Barbakos
Italian - Filomena Erdely
Digital Technology - Taryn Bartlett

Wellbeing and Mental Health in School Leader - Rachel Lenko

Literacy Support - Femia Labutte

Start of the School Year in 2025

Wednesday 29th January - Year 3 to 6 will commence school
Friday 31st January - Grade 1 and 2 will commence school .
Monday 3 February - Foundation students will commence.

Junior Testing 2025

Wednesday 29 January - Foundations students have an appointment with their Home Group Teacher for a 45 minute appointment to complete testing.
Thursday 30 January Grade 1 students Have been emailed an appointment to attend a testing interview .
Grade 2 students will be tested during week 1 and week 2 of Term 1.

It is important that parents keep their appointment.

Starting the year with testing completed ensure the learning for your child is personalised and learning opportunities meet their needs.

You are Invited.....

To the SFS School Picnic on Friday 7 February at 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Join us for FUN activities to celebrating St Francis de Sales Feast Day

The FUN evening will commence with Kaboom Kids family activities.

BYO picnic to celebrate the start of the 2025 year.

Requisites for 2025

On behalf of the staff of St Francis de Sales, I wish you a blessed and holy Christmas with family and friends. We wish you a safe , health and very Happy New Year.

Happy New Year!

Christine White

Principal