| NEWSLETTER
25 February
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Lord our God You alone do we worship, Only Your Word gives life. Sustain Your Church on its Lenten journey. When our faith is tested by doubt, illumine our hearts with Easters bright promise. We ask this through Christ our Lord Amen | |
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Two very special and different events last week enabled our community to shine, the Commencement and Commissioning Mass and the Swimming Sports.
The Mass was a wonderful celebration of our school community. Our students proudly participated in the Mass through their quiet listening to the beautiful homily from Father Dennis, the pride they exhibited as they presented the symbols representing our new name and the confidence with which they read the prayers and readings. Everyday we come to understand more about who St Francis of Assisi was and how we can follow in his footsteps. Thank you to all the staff who helped make this Mass very special, especially to Mrs Pierce whose leadership brought everything together meaningfully and seamlessly.
Last Friday the Swimming Sports was an amazing day for both students and staff. I have heard stories of great swimming achievements, abundant encouragement of one another and fine sportsmanship by all. Many hours of work by staff in particular Mrs Hehir, made the day a wonderful success and provided opportunity for students to challenge themselves in the pool and support one another in their swimming and water confidence.
Mrs Jennyne Wilkinson
Principal
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| FEB 25 | St. Francis Forum -
7 - 8.15pm - The Gathering Place |
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| FEB 26 | Sorbet Day Fundraiser |
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| MAR 3 | Baranduda Store Lunch Day |
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| MAR 3 | Parents and Friends Network Meeting -
7 - 8.15pm - Staff Room |
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| MAR 10 | Pupil Free Day -
School Closed |
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| MAR 14 | Labour Day -
School Closed |
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| MAR 18 | Special Persons Day & Morning Tea |
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| MAR 24 | Good Start Morning Tea -
10am |
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| Commissioning Mass |
On Thursday 18th of February we embarked on a very important milestone, the commencement and commissioning mass of St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Wodonga. Fr. Dennis Crameri celebrated a beautiful mass and commissioned the new school name.
The new school name, along with the theme Walk with the Lord, coincides with the Jubilee Year of Mercy as announced by Pope Francis and the Sandhurst theme Reviewing and Renewing the Mission.
We were joined by the Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Mr Paul Desmond, Assistant to the Director, Mr Phil Bretherton, Sister Eileen, the Catholic Education Wodonga Principals, Mr Joe Quinn from St Augustine’s and Mrs Jacqui Partington from St Monica’s, local parishioners, new families and new Foundation students who enter the St Francis of Assisi school community.
View more on Facebook >
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| Starting School |
Starting school for your child for the first time or starting at a new school, means huge change and adjustment.
For all of us dealing with change means managing losses,( all old familiar activities) and fronting up to new experiences – and of this takes lots of energy and because we are all different we will all respond to this in different ways. Children because they are not yet mature, may express their experience through their behaviour ie be more reactive, tearful, grumpy, they may be extra tired or need more down time or time to run off nervous energy and so on. Understanding this and remembering your own experience of managing times of change can help you put yourself in your child’s shoes. Your child will feel your empathy and understanding.
They can really benefit from you:
Continuing to create opportunities to connect
Providing a routine that is not rigid but reflects their changing needs - this will help them have a sense that life is predictable and encourage healthy lifestyle routines and patterns in the long run
Celebrating any successes and especially noticing the effort they put in - however small both instances. This helps your child feel seen and acknowledged and will support growing your relationship with them
Most of all have fun with then - delight in their uniqueness and special qualities.
Paula Mobach School Counsellor
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| Swimming Carnival |
On Friday, 19th of February the Years 3-6 students headed to Yackandandah pool for our annual swimming carnival. The weather was magnificent and the atmosphere was electric. The sunscreen was flowing all day as we cheered on all competitors from 10.30 - 2.30pm.
We had the usual freestyle, backstroke, breast stroke, butterfly and relays. We also had a few new events; the kick board race, Mob relay and funniest entrance into the pool. The novelty races were a hit and it was great to hear the Mob cheer squads motivating and encouraging their teams.
A huge thank you to Mrs Zoe Hehir for all her organisation and ensuring our carnival ran smoothly. Thank you to our parent helpers, particularly, Kelly Dickinson and Rhonda Fergus who ensured our races were timed and recorded. Thank you to our mob leaders Jack Lenihan, Tayla Bownds, Julia Wolfenden, Noah Hamilton, Eamon Fergus, Lily Hynes, Izac Fiske and Larissa Sunde who were great role models and helpers in ensuring the day ran smoothly and all students got to race in events they wanted too.
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| Division Swimming |
Congratulations to the students who achieved competitive swim times Sienna Scalzo, Joe Rattray, Izac Fiske, Tayla Bownds, Georgia Bownds, Lily Nicklin, Fern Hynes and Lochie Rotherham.
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| Back to School Interviews |
This term, Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held in classrooms during Week 7:
Tuesday 8th March - Friday 11th March
Interview times are available before or after school to meet the needs of busy families. You can now book an interview time which suits your family best.
Book a time now >
Bookings are NOW OPEN.
Bookings close - Sunday 6th March
For families that do not have Internet access at home, at work or on their mobile phones, manual bookings can be made through the school office, so that parents can still make their own bookings.
Parents are invited to come into the school, or phone the school on (02) 6020 9100. Interviews are 15 minutes. If you require a longer interview, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to
arrange an alternate time.
Event Code: vz3mf
Download more information on how to book >
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| YEARS 1/2
Our Year 1 and 2 students sitting around the campfire reading.
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| YEAR 3/4
Here are some photos of the YR.3/4 students taking part in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.
They have been harvesting Tommy Toe tomatoes, purple beans and potatoes.
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Foundation and 1/2 students have just completed their first rotation of French Language, The Arts and Environment for Sustainability (EFS). This is a 3 week rotation with each class having 2 lessons a week - on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The rotation has been working well, seeing the students twice a week has meant we can quickly develop routines and follow up/build on the learning from the previous day.
Year 1/2 Unsworth have been very productive during their Art rotation, some of their work, a still-life pastel drawing and a painted and pastel collage are on display in the Art Space. The students, and I, love working in the new Art Space; it is roomy and bright with loads of display, cupboard and shelving space. We usually start each lesson by looking at some inspiring visuals on the smart board and enjoy listening to music as we work. Students have a clean-up routine with tasks allocated to the different coloured table groups - students have been very responsible when completing their jobs. Please feel free to call into the Art Space at any time.
Year 1/2 Thompson will be having Art for the next rotation, Year 1/2 Unsworth will be having French and Foundation will be having EFS.
Above Image: Year 1/2 Unsworth – ART
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| The Art Lab |
Do you have an aspiring young artist in your family?
Kat & Fox are offering a fantastic term of after-school art workshops for late primary school students. Our classes encourage creativity and artistic exploration using a variety of mediums and techniques. Class tutor Kath Rattray is both a talented artist and an experienced teacher who is passionate about inspiring her students.
Dates: Wednesday 13th April to Wednesday 15th June (10 classes) - 3.45 to 5.15pm
School years: 4 to 6 Venue: St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Baranduda Blvd
Contact: 0424 504 284
Visit The Art Lab website >
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| Yoga Classes |
Dru yoga classes commencing at the St Francis School Hall (previously Frayne College).
Date: Tuesdays commencing the 1st March 2016
Time: 6pm until 7.15pm
Investment options:
Casual rate $15 per class, $48 for 1st term=$12 per class or 20 class pass $200=$10 per class.
What to bring: Water bottle yoga mat and light blanket for guided relaxation at the end.
Dru yoga is a therapeutic style of yoga and recommended therapy for those experiencing stress, depression and/or anxiety or come along just for some additional exercise and relaxation. Perfect for beginners all the way up to advanced. Hope to see you on the mat.
Contact Ella for more details 0438 021 157
Send an email >
Visit Breathe & Bend on Facebook >
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| Guitar Tuition in 2016 |
As part of the St Francis Music Tuition Program, well known local guitarist Phil Quirk is available for guitar lesson on Thursdays at school. If you are considering guitar tuition for your child at school, please contact the Instrumental teacher directly to discuss the arrangement of lesson times and fee arrangements.
IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the student and their parents to let the Instrumental teacher know if your child will not be at school for a lesson so as to make alternative arrangements.
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| Photo Competition |
Mountain to Wetlands Photographic Competition
To celebrate the beauty of North East Victoria and Wooragee in particular, Wooragee Landcare owuld like to invite adults, primary and secondary students to participate in a photography competition.
Section for Adults Primary & Secondary students include:
Landscape, Biodiversity & Human Interest
Prize money for each section: At $100, Second $75, Third $50
Entries close: 15th August 2016
Entry fee: $2.00 per photo
Winners announced: September 2016
Contact Maureen Cooper for more details 03 5728 1311
Send an email >
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| Community of Global Friendship |
Join a community of global friendship and learn about yourself!
As Abraham Lincoln once wrote : “ the best way to predict the future is to create it.” Volunteer to host an international high school student from France arriving into Australia in May 2016 through Southern Cross Cultural Exchange and prepare to be amazed at the way this unique and rewarding opportunity helps your family to become closer, to understand themselves better and see the world in a new light.You’ll have fun learning about cultural differences and language.
Carefully selected students from France will arrive in mid May for one term. With excellent English language skills, they will attend a local Secondary High School, arrive, with their own spending money and comprehensive health insurance cover – all arranged by Southern Cross Cultural Exchange.
Enquire about becoming a volunteer host family >
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| Albury FRC |
Join our committee Albury RFC - volunteer members needed
Country Hope Albury Wodonga is seeking new fundraising committee members to assist with the ongoing planning of fundraising events. To apply or find out how you can get involved contact the Country Hope Albury Office.
Send an email >
Visit Country Hope website >
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| Yoga with Lanice in the Gathering Place |
When: Wednesday nights from 7pm until 8.15pm
Date: Feb 17th until March 23rd
Contact Lanice for more details 0427 708 113
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