St Francis of Assisi News

PRINCIPAL'S POST

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Welcome back to Term Three to all our children, families, staff and wider community. With the fresh start to the term, the children have come back smiling and eager to learn. We were very excited to welcome back the school community to begin a busy Term Three.

NAIDOC WEEK 2026

Last week, we began the term by celebrating NAIDOC Week, with activities and learning experiences centred around the theme "50 Years of Deadly." Throughout the week, students engaged in meaningful opportunities to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander cultures, histories and achievements. We concluded the week with a special NAIDOC Liturgy, bringing our community together in reflection and celebration.

Thank you to Mr Gorman and the Cultural Engagement Team for their support, organisation and coordination of the many events and activities held across the school. Their efforts helped make the week both engaging and memorable for our students and staff.

STUDENT SUPPORT PAYMENT

The West Australian Government have once again initiated the West Australian Student Assistant Payment (WASAP) for families with school-aged children. The program will commence on Monday 20 July until Friday 25 September 2026.

Per previous, the initiative will see eligible parents and caregivers claim:

• $150 for every child enrolled in kindergarten and primary school.

• $250 for every child enrolled in secondary school.

To submit your claim, you will need your child's WA Student Number (WASN). This information was provided in a recent SEQTA message sent to families. Please refer to that message when completing your application.

FREE FLU VACCINES

The free influzena vaccines have been extended for all Western Australians, aged six months and older, until 31 July 20026, providing an additional opportunity for families who have not yet been vaccinated.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSESSMENT

Next week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will participate in the Religious Education Assessment (REA). The REA provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Religious Education curriculum and helps schools reflect on the effectiveness of teaching and learning in this important area. We encourage students to approach the assessment with confidence, remembering that it is a chance to showcase what they have learned through their Religious Education journey. We keep our students in our prayers this week and wish them every success as they undertake the assessment.

2027 ENROLMENTS

If your child will not be returning to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School in 2027, please notify the Administration Office as soon as possible, as we currently have a significant number of families waiting for places. Thank you for your assistance.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School photos have not arrived yet, but we expect them to be available soon, and you will be notified when they arrive. Holy Communion families will be sent a link via Seesaw as soon as the photos are available to view.

KISS AND DRIVE SAFETY REMINDER

We would like to remind all families of the importance of following safe drop-off procedures in our Kiss & Drive area. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant when moving through the queue and to ensure their vehicle has come to a complete stop before children exit. Students should remain seated until directed by their parent and, where possible, exit from the passenger side directly onto the footpath.

To ensure the safety and efficiency of the drop-off zone, vehicles must remain in the queue and follow the designated traffic flow. Cars are not permitted to cut through the car park to exit. In addition, parents are asked not to leave their vehicle while in the Kiss & Drive queue. If your child requires assistance getting into their seat, please park in a designated parking bay and walk to collect them. Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping keep our students safe.

TERM 3 EVENTS AND DATES

Please see the attachment below for a range of religious, sporting and school events (including P&F) scheduled for Term 3. Please be aware that changes to these dates are ALWAYS communicated early and adjusted on the live calendar.

Best wishes,

Sarah Kavanagh

Short-Term Principal

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Term 3 2026 - Important Dates.pdf

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LIVE CALENDAR

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (REA)

Yesterday, children from Year 3 and 5 completed the practice online Religious Education Assessment. Next week the official test will take place for Year 3 and 5 on Tuesday the 4th of August.

The purpose of the REA is to measure the student learning of the mandated content in the Religious Education Curriculum. The test items consist of multiple choice, short and extended response. Please note the students faith is not assessed.

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

On Tuesday, the students in Year 6, along with their sponsors and parents attended the parent workshop. It was a wonderful evening learning about the importance of this final primary school sacrament and showcased the significance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A special thank you to Mrs Bond, Mrs Bowden, Mr Clarke and Mr Gorman for their contribution to this night.

Yesterday, our Year 6 students enjoyed a faith-filled and engaging day at their Confirmation Retreat, led by the team from 24:7 Ministry, as they reflected on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and continued their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

On Tuesday, the 6th August, Bishop Don Sproxton will be visiting our Year Six candidates, as he will conducting our ceremony alongside Father Darek and Father Marion on the 12th August. All Year Six students will also be attending a whole day retreat day presented by 24:7 on the 6th August in the school hall.

Let us continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this important time and especially on their sacrament day, the 12th August 2026.

UPCOMING DATES:

6th August: Confirmation Rehearsal 10am-12 at St Andrew's Parish

6th August: Special visit to Year Six from Bishop Don Sproxton

7th August: Mary MacKillop Liturgy @IMCC

12th August: Sacrament of Confirmation 6pm

Sarah Kavanagh

800 YEARS OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Did You Know? This year marks 800 years since St Francis of Assisi composed the Canticle of the Creatures, a beautiful prayer praising God for thegifts of creation and reminding us to care for our common home.

Sarah Kavanagh

R.U.L.E.R in ACTION

This term, we will continue to explore the Yellow Quadrant of the Mood Meter. The Yellow Quadrant represents emotions that are pleasant and high energy, such as excited, joyful, proud, enthusiastic and hopeful.

Students have been developing their emotional vocabulary and learning how recognising these feelings can help them make positive choices, build relationships and engage in their learning. Through class discussions, literature, and daily check-ins, students have practised identifying when they are in the Yellow Quadrant and reflecting on how these emotions can support motivation, creativity and collaboration.

Families can support our RULER learning by talking about Yellow Quadrant emotions (pleasant, high-energy feelings) at home. Try some of these conversation starters:

What was something that made you feel excited today?
When did you feel proud of yourself this week?
What are you looking forward to and feeling hopeful about?
Who helped you feel happy or included today?
What is something that gives you lots of positive energy?
How do you know your body is feeling enthusiastic or joyful?
What is one way you can help someone else feel a Yellow Quadrant emotion?
When was a time you felt excited but still stayed focused and respectful?
What achievement or effort are you most proud of recently?
How can our family celebrate moments of joy and success together?

By strengthening emotional awareness and language, we are helping students develop the skills to understand, express and manage their emotions effectively.

Social Worker Tips

Let's talk about sleep!

I hear a lot from children and parents about sleep and sleep routine worries. Over the next few newsletters, I will be providing some info that may be helpful.

For many families, sleep problems begin before their child is in bed. It is not unusual for children to have nighttime worries or fears that stop them from falling asleep easily. Preschool and primary-aged children may use excuses to avoid going to bed, like needing to go to the toilet or wanting to talk about something. Older children and teens may lie awake at night for a range of reasons, such as being uncomfortable in their sleep environment or stressed about school or friendships.

· SSSleep is a key part of healthy growth and development for children and teens.

·TTThere are average ranges for how much sleep children need at different ages, but every child has individual sleep needs.

· Factors like caffeine and screens can lead to poorer quality sleep and delay your child falling asleep.

· Follow a consistent and predictable bedtime routine and be clear with your child about acceptable behaviour.

· Try not to negotiate with your child at bedtime and aim to remain calm and consistent.

· Positive reinforcement is an important part of behaviour change. Praise and reward your child for their healthy bedtime habits when they wake up the next morning.

· If your child has nighttime worries, assure them you are confident in their ability to deal with them and that they are safe. If these worries are ongoing or severe, see a mental health professional for review and support.

Strategies to help bedtime behaviour and habits

· Decide what acceptable bedtime behaviour is and be clear with your child about your expectations.

· Talk with your child about bedtime habits and make plans for any changes during the day – try not to wait until you are getting them into bed.

· Focus on explaining the benefits of sleep to your child, such as growing up to be strong and having energy for exciting activities.

· Expect some resistance. Your child will probably not want to change their habits, so their behaviour may worsen in the short term before it gets better.

Good Luck!!

Miss Julie

Social Worker

YOUR MOVE @ SFOA

YOUR MOVE PROGRAM

Walking Wednesday's and Feel Good Friday's are well underway. Be sure to look out and receive a special star charts to record our active travellers.

Get excited for our Term Three Active Travel Event- Friday 14th August

Active Travel Morning – Warm Milo for Participants

Students who walk, ride or scoot to school for our Feel Good Friday event will be able to enjoy a warm Milo for free on arrival as a reward for making a healthy and active choice. We encourage all students to participate and help promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable travel habits.

SPORTS NEWS

Before and After School Activities have commenced this week. If your child is interested in participating in an activity, please see the attachment below.

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Term 3 2026 Before & After School Activities form.pdf

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BOOK WEEK NEWS

Some important dates to mark in your calender as we celebrate Book Week 2026 !!

Book Week 24th -28th August

Book Week Parade - Friday 28 August

Book Fair - Tuesday 25 August to Friday 28 August

Grand opening Tuesday 25th August afternoon, then opening before and after school, closing Friday morning before the Parade

Year 6 students can come unaccompanied or bring younger sibling otherwise all

students must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

Bookmark Competition - closing Thursday 20th August

NURSING NOTES: STAYING WELL THIS WINTER

Winter is a time when coughs, colds and flu can spread more easily. Help keep our school community healthy by:

• Washing hands regularly with soap and water

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow

• Staying home when unwell

• Eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated

• Getting plenty of sleep and keeping active

Small daily habits can make a big difference in keeping everyone healthy this winter. ❄️💙

SCHOOL FEE INFORMATION

Dear Parents,

There are still several families that have not commenced their school fee payment, your attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated.

For families on Direct Debits, please check your bank statements regularly to ensure that your payments are going through and not rejecting.

If you wish to discuss your school fees or are experiencing financial difficulty, please feel free to come and see me in the school office from 8:00am-2:45pm. Alternatively you can email me on finance@stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au

If your Concession Card has expired please send an updated copy to the school.

Kind regards,

Geneve Bastian

P&F NEWS

Welcome back for Term 3! We hope all our families enjoyed a restful break and are feeling refreshed for another exciting term ahead. After a successful Term 2, the P&F has a fantastic line-up events planned throughout the term, and we look forward to bringing our school community together. Thank you for your continued support, generosity and involvement in our school community! We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Term 3 events:

2/9 Father’s Day stall
4/9 Father’s Day raffle (at Father’s Day breakfast)
11/9 Disco night
14-17/9 Sports carnival merchandise stall
25/9 Community lunch

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to the following students who are celebrating their birthday over the next two weeks:

Elijah Suckling, Nakira Brennan-Fernandez, Isla Stevens, Kiran Santos-Swift, Sophie Rubio Kobayashi, Marie Rattew, Arya Dangwal, Mia Reynolds, Rueben Smith, Sienna Morgan, Juvontino Raj, Kian Prasad, Isabelle Kinsey, Indigo Farrelly, Riak Chol.

We wish you all a wonderful day!!