St Francis of Assisi News

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Last Friday we had an exceptional turn out at our annual Family Fun Night, This is a FREE event put on by the P&F which is a wonderful way to begin our school year. Thank you to all the volunteers, especially Mel Benton, Rose Canzirri and Stephanie Kunder who oversaw most of the night's coordination. A big thanks also to the IMCC students who volunteered for their service hours manning the barbecue and selling items on the night. The children had a great time and it was a warm way to welcome new and existing families into our community.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS

Thank you to those parents who attended the Parent Information Sessions prior to the Family Fun Night on Friday. These were positively received and for those parents who were unable to attend, or were attending for multiple children, the information booklets were sent home earlier this week via SeeSaw. From the teacher feedback, we had roughly 50% of our families in attendance. As always, please contact the classroom teacher should you have any specific questions.

EVACUATION DRILL

Yesterday, we conducted the first of our emergency evacuation drills for the year. These are an important part of ensuring our processes and procedures are compliant and reviewed regularly, allowing us to ensure the safest possible environment for our children. I am pleased to advise that the drill was a success with all children moving to the safe location (oval) in the event of an evacuation in an efficient, timely and safe manner.

DRIVE THROUGH REMINDER YEAR 1-6

A reminder to parents that the kiss and drive relies on continual movement and flow. Only children from Year 1-6 can use the Kiss and Drive and it is an expectation that the children can put on their own seatbelt and enter/exit the vehicle independently. Please DO NOT get out of your car to assist your child as this slows down the flow of cars - which in turn impacts the traffic all the way out to Connolly Drive. If your child cannot independently enter/exit the vehicle, then please park close by and walk them in. We appreciate your cooperation in supporting all parents in our community.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

As we move into Week 4, I am noticing a number of children with 'dangly' earrings. A reminder to parents that the school jewellery policy for uniform is one simple sleeper or a single stud. I will be asking children to comply where necessary. If you are unsure, please visit the link below:

https://www.stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au/uniforms

SCHOOL TIE SURVEY

In respect to uniforms, we have been having conversations with our children regarding wearing the school tie as part of the Winter uniform. As part of our Student Engagement Strategy, our Year 4/5/6 children were surveyed about the winter tie and the impact it has on comfort when learning at school. The children were given the chance to express their opinion and the early data suggests that children enjoying looking smart, but would prefer not to have to wear ties. Once the data is finalised we will advise parents and discussions regarding the tie and winter uniform will be finalised. In the meantime, please hold off from purchasing a winter tie until all our data is collected and a final decision is made.

YOUR MOVE CONNECTING SCHOOLS GRANT

Thanks to the efforts of Mrs Kavanagh and our Sustainability Leaders we have again been successful in securing a 2026 Connecting Schools Grant. In great news, this will allow us to purchase some new balance bikes and early childhood bikes. In the past we have added 10 senior bikes, bike education and two new bike shelters. We're looking forward to continuing our partnership with Your Move and this initiative to increase children walking and riding to school. For more information, please see this news article:

https://yourmove.org.au/resources/connecting-schools-grant?utm_source=CSG&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=25-26announcement

Footy season kicks off next week so good luck to whoever you support (unless it's Collingwood). Hopefully a good year ahead for West Coast and Freo! Enjoy your long weekend and we look forward to seeing families back on Tuesday.

Best wishes

Jason Baker

Principal

LIVE CALENDAR

YEAR 6 CLASS MASS

This Friday the 27th February, our Year 5 and 6 classes will be celebrating a class mass organised by the Year Six team. Parents are warmly welcomed to attend.

CARITAS PROJECT COMPASSION 2026

Our Project Compassion campaign is continuing with money boxes being provided to each classroom. The Caritas theme for 2026 is Unite Against Poverty. Together with Catholic schools and Church networks, we continue to work with all people, with shared hope and compassion, towards a world where we can all thrive and reach our full potential. There will be a prize for the class that raises the most money and also a 'crazy hair day' on the 2nd April where all gold coin donations will go towards Project Compassion.

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION

If your child is baptised Catholic and is in Year 4 and above and has missed a sacrament, please contact myself and we can begin the process of ensuring they attend all commitments this year to ensure they are eligible to receive future sacraments.

Just a reminder for all students receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the reconciliation workshop will take place on the 10th March at 6pm in the school hall, for both child and parent.

Lenten Reflection

Even the smallest movement toward forgiveness can have a profound effect—often transforming us even more than the one we forgive.

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Did you know… In 2026, for the first time in history, the body of St Francis will be displayed publicly until the 22nd March in Assisi.

Sarah Kavanagh

Assistant Principal

We will be introducing the Mood Meter tool in our classrooms. The Mood Meter is a simple tool that helps children notice, understand, and name their emotions. It teaches them how feelings affect their thinking and behaviour, and helps them make thoughtful choices.

Mood Meter Basics: The Mood Meter is made up of four different coloured quadrants, each representing different types of feelings.

Blue – lower energy, degree of unpleasantness (like sad or lonely)

Red – higher energy, degree of unpleasantness (like anger or fear)

Yellow – higher energy, degree of pleasantness (like joy or excited)

Green – lower energy, degree of pleasantness (like included or relaxed)

Working Together

The Mood Meter teaches children that all feelings are okay. By recognising their emotions and learning strategies to manage them, children build emotional intelligence. This supports healthy relationships, better decision‑making, and a stronger sense of wellbeing—both at school and at home.

Mrs Liz Ward

Leader of Teaching and Learning

This fortnight, we introduce Mrs Alanah Worthington our new PPW Education Assistant. Mrs Worthington previously worked at Our Lady of Grace, North Beach and has loved moving closer to home with our exceptional children and families!

Book or podcast I am currently reading or listening to? Podcast Diary of a CEO Book - Dry by Jane Harper.
If I wasn't working with children, I would be? A Paramedic - I actually have my Cert IV in health care and fire rescue.
My favourite meal to choose when I am out to dinner? Something with steak in it.
Hidden or special talent that people may not know about me? I can still manage to do a really good cartwheel 🤣.
Peanut butter - crunchy or smooth? Crunchy.

Dear Parents,

Payment Option forms are due tomorrow 27th February. Even if you are on Direct Debit payments or are paying by Bpay for 2026 we still need you to sign and return the Payment Option form.

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

Kind regards,

Geneve Bastian

It is important that our student records are kept up to date throughout the year. Should there be any changes to your address, contact details, emergency contacts, medical or access restrictions, please advise the school as soon as possible on:

admin@stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au or call 9562 9500.

Family Fun Night

Our annual Family Fun Night was a huge success!! It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, with students, families and staff all coming together to celebrate our community.

A huge thank you to the amazing students from Irene McCormack Catholic College for generously giving up their time to help on the night.

We are also grateful to all of the businesses and vendors who partnered with us to support the evening. Their generosity and energy helped create such a fun, memorable night.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the night such a success — we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Cadbury Fundraiser

Earlier this week, information regarding our Cadbury Chocolate Fundraiser was sent home with students. We would like to remind families that there are three options available to support the school:

Freddo and Caramello Koala Mix Chocolate Box
Goody Chocolate Box (Cadbury favourites mix)
$20 Contribution Option

Please note that only the completed participation form needs to be returned by 3rd March. Payments are not required at this time and can be submitted by 30th March.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community.

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

Parker Smith, Paddy Bradley, Jack Seddon, Ryan Pervan, Louis Benton, Daniel Susini Da Cunha, Hetvik Vyas, Damiano Dako, Luka Kovac, Leo Watson, Nicholas Donatti, Ajok Domkoc, Savannah Diaz, Savannah Smith, Gabriell Donio, Jamie Hayman, Semerra George, Charlie Rasheed, Gabriela Hampson-Villalobos, Sophia Hopwood.

We wish you all a wonderful day!!

Fri 27 Feb - Y5 6 Class Mass (8.30am)

Mon 2 March - Labour Day Public Holiday

Tues 3 March - SAC Meeting (6:00pm)

Wed 4 March - Year 6 excursion to Parliament House

Thurs 5 March - Year 6 Beach Safety

Fri 6 March - Merit Assembly (8:45am)

Mon 9 March - Year 4 City of Wanneroo excursion

Tues 10 March - Reconciliation Workshop (6:00pm)

Wed 11 March to Mon 23 March - NAPLAN Testing Window

Fri 13 March - Year 4 Perfomance Assembly (8:45am) / Reconciliation Retreat

Mon 16 March - Years 4-6 Swimming Carnival

Tues 17 March - St Patrick's Day

Sunset Tours

Join IMCC for a Sunset Tour!

Date: Thursday, 12th March
Time: 4:30 PM

Experience the vibrant spirit of Irene McCormack Catholic College!
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the IMCC campus, meet their passionate staff and discover the exciting programs and activities that make IMCC a dynamic place to learn and grow.

Secure your spot today!

Register via - Book a Tour – Irene McCormack Catholic College