Dear Families and Caregivers,
This term is certainly flying by, and we now have only three weeks to go. Hold on tight because it is a busy run home.
Our staff are working tirelessly to ensure that our students finish the year on a high and are equipped with all the tools they need as they step into a new classroom next year. We haven't switched off or taken our foot off the accelerator, and we need your support to ensure that children stay focused on their learning and come to school every day ready to learn and follow our Francis Five. We can all change gears once the holidays have arrived....but not yet!
ANNUAL COMMUNITY MEETING - TUESDAY 25th NOV 3pm
Each year, we hold our annual community meeting of the School Advisory Council and P&F Executive in the school hall to conclude the year. Parents are encouraged to attend and recap the school year, both financially and academically. Reports are prepared and delivered by both executive committees, and we also announce the class teachers for 2026, along with associated school fees. The meeting will take place at 3pm in the hall. All are welcome. For those unable to attend but wishing to watch a live stream of the event, it can be accessed here:
https://youtube.com/live/yDIazn6EevQ?feature=share
BOOKLISTS 2026
Two years ago, we introduced a Book Fee levy for our parents in order to reduce the burden on parents over the summer period. There was a very favourable response by parents to not only the reduction in cost, but also the benefits to their family and children. This will again be applied in 2026 where parents DO NOT need to source stationery, rather parents pay a book fee levy and the materials are delivered in bulk to the school and sorted for your child to access. The associated school fees and levies will be communicated at the Annual Community Meeting on Tuesday 25th November at 3pm.
CLASS LISTS & TEACHER REQUESTS 2026
In preparation for the 2026 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 480 children in the school in 2026 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 to 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. I kindly ask that any requests come to myself no later than the 24th of November geoff.clarke@cewa.edu.au
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.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT - WEDS 3rd DEC (from 4:30pm for a 6pm start)
Our children have been super excited preparing with Make A Move Performance Program for our annual Christmas Concert. A lot of creativity and rehearsals have taken place to ensure a polished performance on the night. To make a community night of it, we have organised two food trucks to be on site from 4:30pm. Last orders will be taken at 7pm to ensure there is plenty of time to pack up.
- The Pitch Inn - Burgers
- Passaporola Pizza - Pizza
Parents are encouraged to come with their families early and find a spot on the grass or under the new covered area to enjoy some non-alcoholic beverages and delicious food from the two food vans. Doors to the hall will only open from 5:45pm to avoid families saving seats and give everyone an opportunity to view the concert. For those unable to attend but wishing to watch a live stream of the event, it can be accessed here:
https://youtube.com/live/4j6x8Oe1ReA?feature=share
THANKSGIVING MASS - FRIDAY 5th DEC at 8:45am
Our final mass for the year will take place on Friday 5th December. Traditionally, this is our whole school mass to give thanks for the year we have enjoyed and all of our successes. We welcome all of you to this event celebrated by Father Marian. This year, we have separated our Thanksgiving Mass and Graduation Liturgy into two different events occurring on two separate dates. For those unable to attend but wishing to watch a live stream of the mass, it can be accessed here:
https://youtube.com/live/Mlcu6lm83xg?feature=share
GRADUATION LITURGY - WEDS 10th DEC at 8:45am
As previously mentioned, this year we have decided to hold a Year Six Graduation Liturgy as a separate event due to the length of the traditional combined celebration. The Graduation Liturgy will allow us to focus on celebrating and saying goodbye to the Year Six class of 2025. The liturgy will include a student award ceremony and allow us to reflect on what has been an incredible educational journey for all of your Year Six students. This will be immediately followed by a morning tea hosted by the P&F (approximately 9:45am). For those unable to attend but wishing to watch a live stream of the liturgy, it can be accessed here:
https://youtube.com/live/KsY-dfy71rk?feature=share
SEQTA ENGAGE REPORTING - S2 ACADEMIC REPORTS 11th Dec
A reminder that our Semester Two academic reports will once again be released via SEQTA Engage at the conclusion of the school year. Please ensure you have your username and password and can access the SEQTA ENGAGE app. If you have any difficulties, feel free to email mailto:ithelp@stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au
INSTRUMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS 2026 - YEAR 3-6
Thanks to Polygon 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 either drums, guitar, electric guitar or keyboard. 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 Polygon Music and SFOA and aim 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 the 20th November.
PARENT-CHILD COMMUNICATION
Parents and children are reminded that for multiple child safety and protection issues, communication during school hours between the two parties should only be facilitated by the front office. The use of digital devices, such as iPads or smart watches, for example, to contact either party directly is not the school's protocol and is not a safe practice. Any communication during school hours must first go via the administration team so that we can ensure child safety. We appreciate your support on this and thank you for your understanding.
Best wishes
Geoff Clarke
Acting Principal
