St Francis of Assisi News

Dear Families,

Welcome to the Week 4 newsletter! The term is quickly passing and getting busier as we head towards the final weeks of the school year.

YEAR 6 CAMP

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Year 6 children and families for the way they managed the recent camp at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp last week. Our children were exceptional and a credit to their families. A massive thanks to Mr Gorman, Miss O'Callaghan, Mr Rebeiro, Nurse Kym and Mr Clarke who gave up significant time with their loved ones, human and furry, to support the experience of your children. It was wonderful to hear that so many of the parents expressed their gratitude when collecting their children on Friday. Staff never participate in these events for any other reason than the benefit of the children and the appreciation and thanks goes a long way!

WORLD TEACHERS DAY

Last Friday, we joined schools across Australia in celebrating World Teachers’ Day, recognising the extraordinary contribution teachers make to the lives of young people every day. At St Francis of Assisi, we are blessed with a dedicated and talented staff who bring passion, professionalism and care to their work. Their commitment to nurturing each child's faith, learning and wellbeing creates the positive and supportive environment that our students experience each day.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all members of our teaching staff for the countless ways they inspire, challenge and encourage our students to grow. Whether leading learning in the classroom, supporting students through challenges, or going the extra mile behind the scenes, their impact reaches far beyond academic achievement. We thank our teachers for their unwavering dedication and for the positive difference they make in the lives of our students and families.

P&F NOMINATIONS 2027: Be Part of Building Our Community

A reminder that we are still seeking nominations for the P&F Executive in 2027.

Nominations are invited for the four Executive positions:

• Chairperson
• Vice Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer

We also warmly encourage parents and caregivers to nominate to become a P&F Committee Member. Committee members and volunteers are essential in supporting events, contributing ideas and helping bring our school community together.

Serving on the P&F Executive is a vital and highly valued role within our school community. Executive members give their time, energy and leadership for the benefit of our children, and their contribution will be appropriately recognised by the school. We strongly encourage parents and caregivers to consider nominating for 2027. You do not need to do everything or have previous P&F experience. Should you wish to nominate yourself for one of the four executive positions or simply a committee member, please use the link below:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/QP8CFgjXgd

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC) NOMINATIONS 2027

Our SAC is also seeking nominations for 2027. If you are interested in supporting the strategic and financial direction of the school please follow the link below:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/rJeDhH830J

CLASS PLACEMENTS & TEACHER REQUESTS 2027

In preparation for the 2027 school year, discussions and meetings are taking place with teachers, students, support staff and leadership. Many hours are spent taking a very measured and balanced approach when preparing class lists and placing children in classes. Classes are always evenly distributed according to academic, social and emotional needs.

Processes are in place across the school so that each child nominates five 'smart partners' and we guarantee at least one smart partner is placed with your child. The discussion with children is not about choosing only 'friends', but other children in the year group that they believe they work well with or may be a good role model. This may not necessarily be the children they play with at recess or lunch. Every child's personality, learning and social needs are taken into account and we balance the classes accordingly. With over 500 children in the school in 2027 and only two classes in each year level to choose from, it is impossible to accommodate all parent requests. I appreciate parents know their child and want the best possible outcome for them, but please trust that we are striving for the same outcome for the needs of every individual child in the school. I ask that parents please do not contact teachers to make class or teacher requests. If teachers have had that discussion with parents, that information is passed directly onto leadership and will be taken into consideration. Even if requests have been accommodated in the past, there is no guarantee requests can be accommodated the following year.

Each year, given the opportunity and conditions, the children flourish, adapt and grow to their classroom environment and manage their friendships both within and outside the classroom. With every year, children grow in maturity and become more effective in regulating their emotions and navigating different social situations. We encourage parents to place the focus firmly on the classroom space being for learning and trust that their child (and others') positively grow each year.

INSTRUMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS 2027 - YEAR 3-6

Thanks to our new partnership with Keyed Up Music, we will once again be offering two families the opportunity to have 12 months of music tuition provided free of charge for their child to learn an instrument. Our instrumental program runs once per week in small groups and is open for any child in Year 3-6 in 2026. The scholarships are funded by both Keyed Up Music and the SFOA and aims to support families in financial distress whose child would like to learn an instrument. Should you be interested, please complete the attached application form and send to Mr Cunniffe at mark.cunniffe@cewa.edu.au Applications close on Friday the 20th November.

SCHOOL FEES

A reminder to parents who are not on direct debits or payment plans that outstanding school fees need to be addressed by the end of November. If you are experiencing financial difficulty and require support from the school, please make contact with the office to organise a time to discuss over the phone. As per the Catholic Education School Fee Directive, any financial discussions are confidential and require families to provide evidence of financial position to support any further concessions.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

As a Catholic school community, we value respectful, positive and collaborative relationships between students, staff and families. We kindly remind all parents and caregivers of our Parent Code of Conduct, which outlines the expectations for communication and interactions within our school community.

This week, I'd like parents to focus on Statement 6: You treat personal information about members of the school community as private and confidential. It is important to respect the privacy of students, staff and other families. Personal information should not be shared without consent and we should be mindful of confidentiality in all communications.

In any strong community, care for one another often inspires questions and conversations. While seeking support and connection with other parents is an important part of building a welcoming school community, it is equally important to respect the privacy and confidentiality of others. Conversations between families and the school, particularly those relating to a child, are private and should remain confidential. By respecting these boundaries, we help foster trust, dignity and positive relationships across our community. Please read the attached for a detailed outline of the Parent Code of Conduct and expectations.

2027 TERM DATES

Finally, a reminder to parents that in 2027, CEWA has implemented a three-week mid-year break for all CEWA schools. These term dates are now available on our website with associated pupil free days for 2027. If you are planning on any holidays, please refer to the term dates and pupil free days listed on our website.

Best wishes for the fortnight ahead.

Jason Baker

Principal

YEAR FOUR MASS

A big thank you to our amazing Year Four staff for your thoughtful preparation and flexibility in leading last week’s celebration. We are especially grateful to the students who served as readers and to our talented choir for helping create a prayerful and uplifting atmosphere. Thank you also to the parents who joined us—your presence and support are always appreciated and help make these moments even more special for our students.

AGNES FEAST DAY

On Tuesday 10th November, our school community will come together to honour St Agnes, a young saint known for her courage and unwavering faith. After lunch, the whole school will celebrate a liturgy, reflecting on her life and the example she sets for us to live with strength and devotion.

After the liturgy, the excitement will continue with a delicious pizza lunch and team games. The children in Agnes faction will then finish off the day with a refreshing icy pole. Thank you to Mr Haydon for organising this special day. St Agnes reminds us to live with courage and faith every day.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Our annual Christmas Hamper Appeal will begin in Week 7 on Monday 16th November. Please check upcoming newsletters, SEESAW and Facebook for more details as we get closer to Week 7.

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” St Francis of Assisi

UPCOMING DATES

Agnes Feast Day - Tuesday 10th November

Remembrance Day - Wednesday 11th November

Advent Reconciliation (Yrs 3-6) Thursday 3rd December

Whole School Thanksgiving Mass- Friday 4th December 8:45am

Year 6 Graduation Liturgy- Wednesday 9th December 8:45am

Sarah Kavanagh

Assistant Principal

Your Move Recognition

Congratulations to our first official your move certificates winners Zac, Paige G, Logan and Riley. We look forward to congratulating more of our active movers at the assembly tomorrow.

Why teach our students emotional literacy?

Emotional literacy is the foundation of both learning and wellbeing. By explicitly teaching emotional literacy, we are equipping our children with skills that will support their academic success, mental health and personal growth long beyond their primary school years.

Why it matters:

1. Improves learning When students can recognise and regulate emotions such as anxiety, frustration or disappointment, they are better able to focus, persist with challenges and engage in learning.

2. Strengthens relationships Emotional literacy helps students communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and develop positive relationships with peers and teachers.

3. Supports wellbeing and mental health Students with a strong emotional vocabulary are more likely to seek support, develop healthy coping strategies and navigate life's challenges successfully.

4. Builds resilience Emotionally literate children learn that all emotions are valid and that difficult feelings can be managed. This develops confidence and perseverance when facing setbacks.

5. Creates positive classroom cultures When students understand their own emotions and recognise emotions in others, classrooms become safer, calmer and more inclusive places where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Liz Ward

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Nursing Notes: Water is Wonderful! 💧 As the weather warms up, remember to pack a water bottle each day. Staying hydrated helps with energy, concentration and overall wellbeing.

Fun Fact: About 60% of the human body is made up of water!

Dear Parents,

Just a reminder that all school fees need to be finalised by 30 November 2026.

If you wish to discuss your school fees or are experiencing financial difficulty, please feel free to come 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 ASAP to ensure you continue getting your discount.

Kind regards,

Geneve Bastian

Christmas Hamper Appeal

Our school's annual Christmas Hamper Appeal will be underway shortly! We'll be getting together on Tuesday 8 December, straight after school drop-off, to help put the hampers together. We'll be looking for volunteers to lend a hand, so keep an eye out for more details!

Colour Run Prizes

There's still some Colour Run excitement to come, with prizes on their way to our lucky participants! We can't wait for everyone to receive their goodies.

Slime a Teacher!

And finally, the big question… who will be getting the chance to slime a teacher? 👀 Watch this space to find out!

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

Francesca Tonna, Sylas Moerua, Ollie Foster, Lennon Ryan, Harper Mungall, Skye Schulz, Aviana Chauhan, Luiza Vaz Duffy, Frankie Biggs, Rayan Javadi, Hope Angela Brecio, Olyvh Milton, Ethan Canzirri, Flynn Richards, Lilly Smith, Chloe King, Jack Witham, Hollie Keogh, Eden Stipinovich, Logan Marais, Lola Jones.

We wish you all a wonderful day!!

Friday 6 November - Merit Assembly (8:45am)

Monday 9 November - Yr 3 swimming lessons / Yr 5 Leadership Workshop Day

Tuesday 10 November - Agnes Feast Day / SAC Meeting (6:00pm)

Wednesday 11 November - Remembrance Day / Yr 4 Bike Education

Thursday 12 November - Yr 5 & Yr 6 'Armed for Life' presentation

Friday 13 November - Yr 1 Liturgy (8:30am) / Yr 3 'Birds of Prey' incusion

Monday 16 November - Yr 3 swimming lessons / Waterwise incursion

Wednesday 18 November - Yr 4 Travel Expo

Thursday 19 November - Waterwise incursion

Friday 20 November - PP Assembly (8:45am) / Yr 6 Summer Carnival

Please see below to find out what is currently happening in Camp Australia and to view the Summer Holiday Program. School Summer holiday bookings are now open.

Uniform Concepts

1 Sarasota Pass, Clarkson

Ph: 08 9270 4656

Open: Monday to Fridays 9:00am - 5:00pm

Saturdays 9:00am - 1:00pm.

**To avoid big queues in January, please come and visit the Clarkson store this term.

Mon-Thur: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Friday: 8:00am - 3:30pm

Email: admin@stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au
Location: 1051 Connolly Drive, Butler WA, Australia
Phone: (08) 9562 9500
Facebook: facebook.com/stfrancisbutler

Instagram: https://instagram.com/stfrancisbutler

Please find below St Andrew's Parish Holy Week and Easter Celebrations 2026 schedule.

Email: standrewsclarkson@gmail.com

Website: http://www.standrewsclarkson.com/
Location: 53 Belleville Gardens, Clarkson WA, Australia
Phone: (08) 9407 7512
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standrewsclarkson/