Issue #2 - Term 3, 2021

CONDOLENCES... I start this Newsletter, on behalf of the SFX community, extending our sincere condolences to the Kilpatrick family. As many of you would be aware, Tim, proud father of Catherine in Year 6, and husband of Diane, sadly passed on Father's Day. To Diane, Catherine and extended family, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

It has been another busy term, with the children working hard in all curriculum areas. With COVID-19 restrictions slowly lifting, it has been pleasing to see volunteers welcomed back into the school to help in classrooms and on excursions. Your support during these uncertain times has been very much appreciated.

This week we have seen the Senior Festival Choir perform at the Entertainment Centre. What a pleasure it was to see the children perform on the big stage! Well done to Sarah Wildy and all of the performers - you should be very proud of yourselves.

The Year 5 and Year 6 STEM Exhibition was also held this week, and it was brilliant! The children displayed their work for families and the wider community, and it was clear how much effort was put into their designs. The Year 5 STEM Design Challenge - Design and make a living pod to support a human colony and withstand environmental conditions; The Year 6 STEM Design Challenge - To create a driverless vehicle using a Sphero Robot that can enter a Global crisis situation.

If that wasn't enough happening in the last week of term, the Reception to Year 5 students also had their school disco and casual day!  

INDEPENDENCE DAY will be on a Thursday next term, and we encourage families to not come into the grounds on this day. The children have responded well to entering and leaving the school by themselves, and it has been wonderful to see this growth in independence and resilience.

The CITY TO BAY is on Sunday, 7th November, and we are entering a school team. We would love as many people as possible from the SFX community to join us for a fun day! Please register your interest and complete payment. Happy Running!

DATES: The following are some key Term 4 dates. Please refer to our 2021 Calendar & Parent Handbook for additions and amendments, and where required, further details will be communicated via email / Seesaw:

Have a wonderful holiday break with your family and friends, and we will see you all back at school on Tuesday, 12th October.

We have noticed an increase in the number of children getting picked up early from school each day, and in addition, a number of children that regularly arrive late. 

Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between attendance and achievement. Those students who are in attendance are more likely to experience success at school. Did you know… 

• Missing one day a week of school from Reception to Year 10 means missing two years and one term of schooling. 
• Being half an hour late to school each day from Reception to Year 10 equals missing one year and one and a half terms of schooling. 
• Patterns of attendance/absence are set up in the early years of schooling. 
• Students who are frequently absent from school are over represented in the juvenile justice system. 
• Poor attendance makes it difficult for students to form positive relationships with their peers. 
• Research shows that students who are often absent from school are likely to earn less than their peers as adults. 

 (Source: Information for Parents/Caregivers- Attendance Improvement Package) 

Whilst we understand that there are some occasions that cannot be avoided, please help us in ensuring your child arrives at school in ample time to commence their learning at 8:50am, and remains at school until learning concludes each day at 3:15pm. 

On the first Friday back next term, Friday, 15th October, we will be having a day called 'Socking it for Poverty'.

Students can come to school wearing odd socks to support Catholic Mission, and we ask that students wearing odd socks please bring in a gold coin donation.

Liturgical Events and Celebrations

October is World Mission Month. Inspired by Acts 4:20, ‘For we cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard’, Pope Francis encourages us this World Mission Month to “be actively engaged in this mission.”