St Francis of Assisi News

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Welcome to the Week 6 newsletter for Term 3! It has been a busy and productive couple of weeks at St Francis of Assisi, and we hope all families enjoyed the extra-long weekend made possible by the two pupil-free days in Weeks 5 and 6. A break in the middle of the term provides a valuable opportunity for everyone to rest, recharge, and reconnect before we turn our attention to the exciting learning and events planned for the final five weeks of the term. We look forward to sharing some of the many highlights from around our school community in this edition.

THREE WEEK MID-YEAR HOLIDAY BREAK 2027

I am pleased to communicate to our families that CEWA has confirmed the Three Week Mid-Year Holiday break in 2027. After plenty of consultation with schools, families and parents, this initiative is being introduced to support:

• Increased wellbeing
• Improved staff retention
• Improved academic learning outcomes
• Increased attendance

The Three Week Mid-Year break will begin at the end of Term Two (Friday 25th June) and conclude when students return on Monday 19th July. The following dates will be uploaded to our school's website in the coming days. The school's Leadership Team is currently working on finalising the pupil-free days for 2027. These will be announced in the coming weeks.

2027 TERM DATES

TERM 2

TERM 3

TERM 4

BOOK WEEK 2026

The Book Fair has been a tremendous success so far this week. Mrs Howell and Mrs Bowden have been run off their feet in the Library, selling books by the truckload! There has been a real buzz around the school before and after school, with students and parents eagerly purchasing this year's most popular literary titles. Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, paperback or hardback, comics or classic whodunnits, books have been flying off the shelves.

Nothing makes us happier than seeing our students so excited to get their hands on a new book and discover the joy of reading. Thank you for your wonderful support of the Book Fair and for encouraging your child to develop a love of books and reading. Your support helps foster a lifelong passion for learning and literacy.

A massive congratulations to Mrs Howell and Mrs Bowden for their unwavering commitment to our Book Fair and Book Week celebrations. Their enthusiasm, dedication and expertise know no bounds, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them leading our school's drive to foster a love of reading and strengthen literacy engagement across our community.

EA APPRECIATION WEEK - MONDAY 31st to FRIDAY 4th SEP

Australian Teacher Aide (Support Staff) Appreciation Week will be celebrated from Monday 31st August to Friday 4th September 2026. This special week provides an opportunity to acknowledge and thank our Education Assistants and Support Staff, including our Administration, Finance and Social Work teams, for the invaluable role they play in supporting students, staff and families across our school.

At St Francis of Assisi, we are blessed to have a dedicated team of support staff who consistently go above and beyond each day. Through their care, commitment, professionalism and generosity, they make a positive difference in the lives of those they support and serve. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and proudly recognise the exceptional individuals listed below.

• PreK/K - Mrs Carinna Porter-Rudd, Mrs Odette Taylor, Mrs Dot Pawlowski, Mrs Sharon Gonzalez
• PP - Mrs Alanah Worthington and Mrs Sonia Goor
• Year 1 - Mrs Julie Gannaway
• Year 2 - Mrs Lisa Kerr
• Year 3/4 - Mrs Gemma Nanovich
• Year 5/6 - Ms Jodie Dux
• Student Support - Mrs Nicole Miller, Mrs Suzie Baker, Mrs Linda Howell
• Social Worker - Mrs Julie Daintith (nee Ford)
• Administration & Enrolments - Mrs Deb Brunton
• Finance - Mrs Geneve Bastian
• Grounds and Maintenance - Mr Mark Hughes, Mr Jim Gullen and Mr Karl Glenn
• School Nurses - Mrs Kym Stanley and Mrs Alex Peers

On behalf of our school community, thank you to all of the above at St Francis of Assisi - our school would not be the place it is without you!

FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST AND ASSEMBLY - FRIDAY 4th SEP

Our annual Father's Day Breakfast will be held on Friday, 4 September, commencing at 7:45am.

We warmly invite all fathers and father figures to join us for a coffee, conversation and some quality time with their child, while connecting with other father figures in our school community. Following the breakfast, our Year 1 students will present their special Father's Day assembly item starting at around 8:40am. We look forward to welcoming a packed house and celebrating the wonderful fathers and father figures who play such an important role in the lives of our students. We hope to see you there!

SFOA ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

The SFOA Athletics carnival is fast approaching, so please ensure you put these dates into your calendar:

• Wednesday 16th Sep - Year 3-6 Jumps and Throws (8:45 - 1pm)
• Friday 18th Sep - PP-6 Athletics Carnival (8:40 - 2:40pm)

For the second year running, our Athletics Carnival will be held on the school’s top oval. As in previous years, the Jumps and Throws events will take place on the IMCC Oval on Wednesday. On Friday, the 200m and 100m races, along with all team games, will be conducted on our school oval. This decision has been made to reduce the need for children to travel to and from toilet facilities and to improve the overall flow and efficiency of the day.

We are also excited to introduce electronic timing gates this year. These will provide greater accuracy for race times and finishing positions, while helping to keep events running smoothly and on schedule.

For safety and convenience, portable toilets will be available for parents, while students will continue to access the school’s regular toilet facilities. Parents can also enjoy food and coffee from the on-site van at lunchtime. A big thank you to The Pitch Inn for once again supporting our school community events. Now all we need is some cracking weather!

CATHOLIC PERFORMING ARTS

Congratulations to our Junior and Senior Choirs who performed at the Vasto Club earlier this week as part of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. They were both outstanding and didn't suffer any stage fright in front of the bright lights! Thank you to Mr Cunniffe for all his support of the children in choirs, as well as those individual children who have nominated in individual categories and who will perform over the coming days. Both choirs, along with solo and duet performers, will be formally recognised later this year once the festival has been completed and certificates allocated. Stay tuned!

IMCC BURSARY APPLICATIONS - CLOSES 23rd SEPTEMBER

A reminder that applications for the 2027 IMCC Bursaries close at 4pm on the 23rd of September. Please see below for more information on how to apply.

R U OK? DAY

On Thursday the 10th September, our school community will come together to acknowledge R U OK? Day 2026, a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone to check in with those around them and ask a simple but powerful question: “Are you OK?” At St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, we believe in nurturing not just the academic growth of our students, but also their emotional and social wellbeing. R U OK? Day gives us a meaningful opportunity to reinforce the importance of connection, kindness, and mental health awareness.

Throughout the day, students will engage in age-appropriate activities that encourage empathy, active listening, and the value of speaking up when things feel tough. Our staff will lead discussions in classrooms, share stories, and create safe spaces for students to express their feelings and support for one another.

Students can wear yellow to show their support, and our school will be filled with positive messages and reminders that a conversation can change a life.

As a Catholic school, we are guided by the values of compassion and community. R U OK? Day aligns beautifully with our mission to care for one another and to be a light in someone’s life, especially when they may be struggling silently. Let’s continue to ask, listen, and support—because every day is a good day to ask R U OK?

TERM 3 EVENTS AND DATES

Please see the attachment below for a range of religious, sporting and school events (including P&F) scheduled for the remainder of Term 3. Father's Day, the athletics carnival and P&F Merchandise stall, and Community Lunch are just some of the notable events to diarise. Please be aware that changes to these dates are ALWAYS communicated early and adjusted on the live calendar.

Happy Father's Day on Sunday 6th September to all our father figures! We hope you have a brilliant day!

Best wishes,

Geoff Clarke

Short-Term Principal

YEAR THREE CLASS MASS

Thank you to Mrs Anderson, Miss McLean and Mrs Kinder for organising a lovely class Mass last Thursday. The Year 3 and 4 students were all reverent and reflective, and it was great to see so many parents and family members there too. Thanks to Father Marian, Mark C and the choir, and also to Mr Haydon and the wonderful altar servers.

IMCC SEASON LITURGY

On Tuesday 1st September at 8.40am, our Year 3, 5 and 6 students have been invited to attend a liturgy with Bishop Donald Sproxton and the IMCC students in the IMCC hall. Parents and community members are invited to join the celebration. Some of our Year 6 sustainability team members will present a short passage about the Make a Move program and how it supports the local environment. Some selected Year 6 students will also be involved in reading the Prayers of the Faithful. Thanks to Mr Haydon and to Mrs Bowden for coordinating this with IMCC.

FEAST DAY OF KOLBE

On Tuesday the 8th September, we will be celebrating the feast day of St Maximilian Kolbe, a courageous and selfless saint who reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice, and faith. To mark this special occasion, the whole school will participate in a liturgy at 1:45pm. Then, students in Kolbe Faction will enjoy a fun-filled celebration including delicious pizza, exciting games, and a refreshing icy pole! It’s a wonderful opportunity for our Kolbe students to come together in community, honour their patron saint, and enjoy a well-deserved treat.

UPCOMING DATES:

1st September - IMCC Seasons Liturgy

8th September - Kolbe Feast Day

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 the gifts of creation and reminding us to care for our common home.

Geoff Clarke

As part of our learning about the Blue Quadrant, students have been exploring how emotions can feel in our bodies. Emotions that belong in the blue quadrant often make our bodies feel tired, heavy, slow, droopy, or low in energy. Recognising these body clues helps children understand their emotions and choose strategies that support their wellbeing.

Here are some activities you can try at home to reinforce your child’s learning.

• Blue Quadrant Toolbox: Decorate a small box and fill it with things that help them feel better when they are sad, tired, or low on energy, such as a favourite book, colouring pages, family photos, a stress ball, positive notes, or a list of comforting activities.
• Energy Detective: Ask your child to be an "energy detective" and notice what helps them feel more awake, happy, and ready to learn. Make a list together of activities that boost their energy.
• Feelings Check-In: At dinner or bedtime, take turns sharing which quadrant best matches your day and why. This helps children build emotional awareness and vocabulary.
• Blue to Green Challenge: If your child is feeling in the Blue Quadrant, brainstorm and try one small action that might help them move towards the Green Quadrant, such as a walk outside, a cuddle, a healthy snack, or some stretching.
• Comfort Card Collection: Create a set of cards with favourite calming activities written or drawn on them. When your child is feeling blue, they can pick a card and give it a try.
• Gratitude Jar: Decorate a jar and add notes about things that make your family smile. Reading the notes together can be a great mood booster.
• Nature Walk: Head outside for a "blue mood boost" walk. Encourage your child to spot five things they can see, four things they can hear, and three things they can touch.
• Mindful Colouring: Spend 10 minutes colouring, drawing, or creating art together while chatting about feelings and what helps when we're tired or sad.
• Family Dance Break: Put on a favourite song and have a quick dance party. Movement can help increase energy and improve mood.
• Kindness Mission: Challenge your child to do one kind thing for someone else. Helping others often helps us feel more connected and positive.
• Cosy Reading Corner: Create a special spot with cushions and books where your child can relax and recharge when they need a quiet moment.

Let's talk more about sleep!

A soothing bedtime script

Get snuggly in your bed and lie on your back. Make sure you are comfortable and that everything feels “just right”. Let’s do a “big body squeeze" to help your whole body feel relaxed and floppy.

Take a big breath in through your nose and, at the same time, squeeze your whole body tight. Squeeze your hands into fists, tighten your legs, arms and bottom, screw up your face to make a funny face!

Now, as you breathe out through your mouth, release the tension and let everything go soft. Feel as though your arms and legs are soft and floppy, liked cooked spaghetti floating in the pot. Do any extra wriggles that you need to now, so you can be completely comfortable for our special adventure.

Now, notice the feeling of your bed underneath you. Notice how warm and comfy it is. Feel the heaviness of your body and imagine the weight of your body sinking down into the bed.

Imagine now that your bed has magically grown wings and can fly! Imagine you and your bed gently lifting up, out of this room and outside. See yourself hovering above our house. Check out the roof! You feel safe, warm and happy as you start to drift above our neighbourhood and higher up into the sky. What can you see around you? Perhaps birds flying past giving you a friendly wave, aeroplanes, a hot-air balloon, a rocket ship!

What can you see below you? Rooftops, rivers, mountains, a beach?

Let your imagination wander and take in all the sights.

(Pause for a minute.)

Now imagine seeing the most beautiful rainbow. A special rainbow, just for you! Your bed floats so close to the rainbow that you can reach out and touch it! What does it feel like?

Now, you drift over to float through the colour red. Imagine the red of the rainbow moving through you, colouring you in from the inside out! What does it feel like to be red? Picture yourself full of red, shining and glowing. Think about your favourite thing that is red: a toy, a food, maybe a flower.

Now you shift to move through the colour … (Guide your little one through the same prompts for each of the colours, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.)

(Pause for a minute.)

Now, choose your very favourite rainbow colour. Imagine you are a blank sheet of paper, and you can completely colour yourself in with this colour! Pick your favourite pencils or texta's or use paint! This is your special artwork. Colour your whole body: fingers, toes, your belly and back. Imagine colouring in your face!

Finish up with your colouring in. It’s time to float back down from the sky and into this room. Notice your breathing. Notice your belly moving up and down with your breath. Feel into your body and notice the bed underneath you and the blankets over you.

Our rainbow meditation is finished. It’s time for your sleep now.

Miss Julie

Social Worker

What an amazing response we had to the Make a Move Milo morning last Thursday. Just under 200 milos were enjoyed by our students. Thank you for supporting this worthwhile initiative.

🩺🦴 Building Strong Bones! 🦴🩺

Growing children need strong bones to help them run, jump, play and learn! Childhood is an important time for building healthy bones that will last a lifetime. Foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yoghurt, cheese and leafy green vegetables, help bones grow strong and healthy. Regular physical activity, especially running, jumping, skipping and playing sport, also helps strengthen bones and muscles.

Parents can support bone health by encouraging healthy eating, active play and ensuring children get enough vitamin D from safe sun exposure.

🌟 Fun Fact: Babies are born with around 300 bones, but adults only have 206 bones because some bones join together as we grow!

💪 Bone-Building Tips:

🥛 Drink milk or enjoy dairy foods every day

🧀 Choose calcium-rich snacks

🏃 Stay active with plenty of outdoor play

☀️ Get safe sun exposure for vitamin D

😴 Get enough sleep to support growth and development

Healthy Bones = Happy Bodies! 🦴✨😊

Dear Parents,

Reminder school fee statements have been sent out to families. Families who still haven't commenced any school fee payment for the 2026 year will be contacted next week.

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 ASAP.

Kind regards,

Geneve Bastian

Father’s Day stall

A quick follow-up regarding our Father’s Day Stall. Celebrate the dads, granddads, and all special father figures by purchasing a gift from the stall, which will be held on Wednesday 2 September.

Orders via cash or the Spriggy School App close at 9am Monday 31 August.

School Disco

Get ready for a Tropical Beach Party!

Following the information sent home last week, our school disco is happening on Friday 11 September! Get ready to turn up the music, hit the dance floor and enjoy a fun-filled evening of tropical vibes!

Please remember to complete your child’s permission slip and return it to the P&F box by Monday 7 September.

To keep everyone fuelled for the fun, a sausage sizzle and coffee cart will be available on the night. We’ll also have an accessories stall where students can grab some fun tropical accessories to add a little extra fun to their disco look!

Want to help make the night a success? Parents who would like to volunteer are asked to complete the volunteer form and return it to the P&F box by Monday 7 September. We’d love your help!

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

Maja Firych, Rose Arthur, Maia Smith, Haleina Prasad, Ahsoka Holmes, Kyden Smith, Eloise Ross, Theodore Miranda-Becker, Anahi Brennan-Fernandez, Dakota Radosevich, Rachel Van Wees, Ethan Gismondi, Lucas Gismondi, Cooper Benton, Aubrey Lawrence, Paige Goldie, Atuer Kuach, Riley Thorp

We wish you all a wonderful day!!

Friday 28 August - Book Week Parade

Tuesday 1 September - IMCC Seasons Liturgy (Yr 3,5 & 6) / Yr 4 Shipwreck Museum excursion / Yrs 1 & 2 Story Teller incursion

Wednesday 2 September - P&F Fathers Day stall / Kindy & PP Story Teller incursion / EA Appreciation Day

Thursday 3 September - Kindy Fathers' Day Boot Camp / Yr 6 Spring Carnival

Friday 4 September - Fathers' Day Breakfast / Yr 1 Performance Assembly / Yr 3 Constable Care excursion / Yr 6 excursion to Parliament House

Sunday 6 September - Fathers' Day

Tuesday 8 September - Kolbe Feast Day

Thursday 10 September - R U OK Day / PP WA Museum excursion / Yr 1 Caversham Wildlife excursion

Friday 11 September - Yr 6 Performance Assembly (8:45am) / P&F Disco

Monday 14 September to Thursday 17 September - P&F Sports Carnival Merchandise

Monday 14 September - Yr 2 Art incursion

Tuesday 15 September - Dental Screening PP, Yr 3 & Yr 6

Wednesday 16 September - Jumps & Throws Day (Yrs 3-6)

Thursday 17 September - Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm incursion

Friday 18 September - SFOA Athletics Carnival

Camp Australia (Rocketeers Club) are taking bookings for the upcoming school holidays. Bookings are essential.

Please see below to see what activities are on offer each day.

Every year Dental Health Services (DHS) offers parents and carers the chance to register their kids for free dental care at the School Dental Service (SDS). The offer is open to every student from the year they turn 5 until their 17th birthday and includes check-ups, fillings, and simple extractions.

Your child will soon bring home an envelope with an enrolment form, Frequently Asked Questions, and reply-paid envelope from DHS. Just fill in the enrolment form, pop it in the reply-paid envelope, and put it in your nearest post box.

Once the form is received at DHS their team will register your child and arrange for you to receive an appointment in the mail. If you would like further information on DHS services and the SDS please visit our website: www.dental.wa.gov.au

Irene McCormack Catholic College has introduced a new Sports Panthers Academy Bursary for students with a passion for sport and a commitment to excellence.

For more information about this bursary and to explore other scholarship and bursary opportunities, please visit:
https://imcc.wa.edu.au/enrolments/scholarships-bursaries/

If you have any questions regarding the bursary, please contact IMCC Head of Sport, Jeremy Carbone, at Jeremy.Carbone@cewa.edu.au.

Uniform Concepts

1 Sarasota Pass, Clarkson

Ph: 08 9270 4656

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

Saturdays 9:00am - 1:00pm.

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/