Term 3 Newsletter, 19th September 2025

Principal's Message

Spending Quality Time as a Family: Building Stronger Bonds 

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Between work, school, extracurricular activities, and technology, it can sometimes feel like there's very little time left for what matters most – spending quality time together as a family. However, it's crucial to prioritise these. 

Spending quality time as a family offers a myriad of benefits. It not only strengthens the bonds between family members but also creates lasting memories and provides a sense of security and belonging for children. Here are some reasons why family time is so essential: 

• Connection: Family time allows you to connect on a deeper level. It's an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts, and feelings, fostering open communication within the family. 

• Emotional Well-being: Quality family time can boost everyone's emotional well-being. It provides a safe space for expressing emotions, seeking support, and finding comfort during challenging times. 

• Building Values: Family activities can instill and reinforce important values and life skills, such as empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving, in your children. 

• Memories: The memories created during family outings or activities can be cherished for a lifetime. These moments can shape your children's understanding of what a loving and supportive family should be. We all remember those holidays, when we were younger, when mum/dad or our relatives would take us on those unforgettable trips (some we want to forget). For me, it was “The White Horse” at Burleigh Heads, now I think is has been knocked down as a car park.  

Some practical ways to make it happen: 

• Family Game Nights: Gather around the table for board games, card games, or even video games that the whole family can enjoy. 

• Outdoor Adventures: Explore nature by going for hikes, picnics, bike rides, or simply spending time at a local park. 

• Cook Together: Involve your children in meal preparation. It's a fun way to bond and teach them valuable life skills. 

• Arts and Crafts: Set up an art station where everyone can get creative. This is a great way to encourage self-expression and creativity. 

• Read Aloud: Choose a book to read aloud as a family. It's a wonderful way to bond and share stories. 

• Volunteer Together: Giving back to the community as a family not only strengthens your bond but also teaches your children the value of empathy and helping others. 

• Tech-Free Time: Set aside specific times when you disconnect from screens and focus on each other. This can be during meals, before bedtime, or on weekends. 

While it's clear that family time is essential, it can sometimes be a challenge to make it a regular part of your routine. Here are some tips to help you prioritize it: 

• Schedule It: Just like you schedule work meetings or appointments, schedule family time on your calendar. 

• Set Boundaries: Establish technology-free zones or times to minimise distractions. 

• Be Present: When you're spending time with your family, be fully present. Put away your phone and give your full attention to your loved ones. 

• Flexibility: Be flexible with your plans. Sometimes the best moments happen when you least expect them. 

• Make It a Tradition: Create family traditions that everyone can look forward to, like a monthly movie night or a yearly camping trip. 

Spending quality time as a family is not just an option; it's a necessity for building stronger bonds and creating a loving and supportive home environment. Make a commitment to prioritise family time in your busy lives, and you'll reap the rewards of happier, more connected family relationships. Here's to the beautiful moments and memories you'll create together as a family! 

Upcoming Fundraiser – Family Fun Day Footy Grand Final and the Show ‘n’ Shine  

Please continue to support these fundraisers at school and promote them to the wider community – if not attending please support by buying a raffle ticket (use the QR code) – have a look at the great prizes that are on offer – if you have any questions if need to please contact Ms. Kylie Hay or Mr. Red. 

It is Not Goodbye but See You Later  

It’s not every day we farewell someone who’s been a curriculum coordinator, deputy principal, and classroom teacher—basically the Swiss Army knife of education! Your leadership, wisdom, and ability to juggle a million things (often before lunch break) have been nothing short of legendary. You’ve shaped minds, guided staff, and somehow survived countless meetings with a smile. We’ll miss your calm presence, sharp wit, and uncanny ability to find the one missing resource. Thank you for everything—you’ve left a mark that even the whiteboard eraser can’t remove. Allison, wishing you all the best in your next adventure! 

All The Best for the Upcoming Holidays and We Look Forward to Seeing You Again in Term 4. 

Wow, what a term. It has been fast paced and flown by so quickly. I just wanted to say thank you to you, our families of St Francis de Sales, for your understanding and patience. St Francis de Sales really appreciates the sacrifices that you make and the effort you put into making this a great little school. Thank you for understanding around the decisions that we make and your support in enabling us to be the very best it can be. A massive thank also to our staff that work here. Without you, our school wouldn’t be the place it is. Thank you for all the little extras that you do and for the dedication and commitment you show. We are truly blessed to have a wonderful community here at St Frannies. We also welcome Mrs. Rachael Burrows (please refer to your emails) for Term 4.  

Navigating Change Together 

Change is a constant in schools, whether it’s new staff, updated curriculum, or evolving student needs. While it can bring uncertainty, it also opens the door to growth and innovation. At St Francis de Sales, we’re committed to supporting our community through transitions with clear communication, collaboration, and care. We encourage staff, students, and families to stay connected, ask questions, and share feedback. Together, we can turn change into opportunity and continue building a positive, resilient learning environment for all. 

Please enjoy the next two weeks, in whatever it may bring, and we look forward to continuing a positive and enjoyable relationship next term.  

Upcoming dates for Term 4 

Week 1 

Sun 5 Oct – Grand Final Fundraiser – 5pm School Grounds  

Mon 6 Oct – King’s Birthday – no school  

Tues 7 Oct – School Resumes – Yr 6 Graduation Meeting Bowls Club 4pm 

Wed 8 Oct – Show ‘n’ Shine (4.30pm) and Camp (5.00pm) Meeting – Yr5/6 

Week 2 

Mon 13-15 Oct – Qld State Athletic Titles – Good luck Joseph Ramsey  

Thurs 16 Oct – Yr 6 Clifton High School Transition 

Sat 18 Oct – Show n Shine Car Show at St Francis and the beginning of Country Week  

Week 3  

Thurs 23 Oct – Prep 2026 transitions 

Sat 25 Oct – Clifton Races  

Sun 26 Oct – Family Sunday Mass – 9:30am  

Week 4 

Fri 31 Oct – World Teacher’s Day; St Francis de Speech Competition  

Fri 7 Nov – Back Plains Speech Festival  

God bless and thanks for reading… 

Regards, 

Brendan

Middle Leader News

As we wrap up another term, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all the parents who attended our recent Parent-Teacher Interviews. Your presence and ongoing support play such a vital role in the learning journey of our students. These conversations are a strong partnership between home and school. 

As I prepare to say ‘see you later’ to the wonderful community of St Francis de Sales, I do so with a full heart. It has been an incredible honour to serve as Curriculum Coordinator for nearly four years. This role has allowed me to work alongside amazing teachers, curious students, and supportive families.  

To the parents of St Francis de Sales: thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your kindness. Wishing you all continued joy and success for the remainder of the year. I will see you all in 2027. 

Mrs. Busiko

Prep/1/2 News

This fortnight, we have been diving into the world of fractions in Mathematics, exploring halves, quarters, and wholes through hands-on activities and visual models. In English, we’ve been enjoying the classic Australian tale Wombat Stew, using it to inspire rich discussions, sequencing tasks, reader's theatre and prcedural writing. The students have loved acting out scenes and imagining their own bush recipes!

Excitement is building as we prepare for Clifton Country Week. Our class is busy creating themed artwork for the window display. This year's theme is "Windmills and Sunsets". 

We’re also supporting students as they craft and rehearse speeches for the upcoming school speaking competition early next term. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they share their ideas and stories.

We’re proud of the enthusiasm and effort our students bring to every activity. Thank you for your continued support in helping them thrive! All best for a beautiful Spring holiday. 

Mrs. Skillington

Yr 3/4 News

As Term Three comes to an end, I’d like to congratulate our Year 3/4 students on their efforts, curiosity, and creativity throughout the term. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support, your encouragement and involvement.  

In our English unit, titled ‘The Moral of the Story’, students have explored the classic fables The Ant and the Grasshopper and The Hare and the Tortoise. Students then crafted their own story, weaving together imaginative plots with meaningful morals such as “slow and steady wins the race” and “cheating doesn’t pay.” 

In visual arts, students began preparing their artwork for Country Week. Students explored themes of nature and landscape through a special sunset artwork using warm tones, layering techniques, and sketching simple country-themed shapes: trees, fences, animals, windmills and farmhouses. Below are the students completed sunset country landscapes. 

Mrs. Malbon

Yr 5/6 News

This week, Year 5/6 concluded our Religion unit on Jesus’s New Law, exploring how love, compassion, and forgiveness guide our actions. A special focus was placed on the Lord’s Prayer and we unpacked the meaning behind each line and thoughtfully rewrote it in our own words, deepening our understanding of its message and relevance in our lives today. 

In English, we celebrated the completion of our class novel, The Greatest Bookstore in the World. It was a captivating read that sparked imagination and discussion. Along the way, we discovered a multitude of new vocabulary and strengthened our comprehension skills. 

Looking ahead to Term 4, we’re excited to welcome Mrs Burrows to the 5/6 classroom. Having worked with her previously, I know the class is in excellent hands. She even taught two of my own children! Her warmth and experience will be a wonderful addition to our learning journey. 

As I prepare to step away, I want to thank each student and family for a fantastic term. Wishing you all the very best for Term 4. I’ll see you at the Awards Night. 

Mrs. Busiko

Library News

Why Home Reading Matters: Building Lifelong Learners

At school, we see firsthand how regular reading at home can transform a child’s confidence, vocabulary, and imagination. Just 10–15 minutes of shared reading each day can make a powerful difference—not only in literacy skills but in fostering a love of stories, learning, and curiosity.

Whether it’s a bedtime story, a comic strip, or a recipe read aloud, every word counts. Encourage your child to choose books that spark their interest—and don’t worry if they want to re-read favourites. Repetition builds fluency and comfort.

If your child is in the early years of schooling you will have noticed that there has been a change in the type of home readers that children are bringing home.  This is in line with the new Australian curriculum.  We are very proud of the way our prep/1 students have progressed in their reading using these decodables.

It is also important though, that children read and hear examples of good quality literature, this is why we encourage them to borrow a variety of books from the library.  We call these books Read with me Books or Read to me Books because it is important that you read these books with your children to foster a love of reading and books.  Beginner readers do not have the necessary skills to read these books on their own, just yet! 

Good quality books that you share with your child are essential in building your child’s literacy skills because they:

• Enhance Thinking Skills – beautifully written stories encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, and explore cause and effect. Important for building their comprehension skills.
• Build Language & Literacy - Exposure to rich vocabulary and varied sentence structures strengthens oral language and early reading skills.
• Fuel Imagination - Vivid illustrations and engaging narratives spark creativity and support storytelling skills.
• Support Emotional Growth - Relatable characters help children explore feelings, develop empathy, and understand social situations.
• Promote Cultural Awareness - Quality literature introduces diverse perspectives, including First Nations stories, helping children appreciate different cultures and traditions.
• Encourage Meaningful Conversations - Books become springboards for discussion—about words, pictures, ideas, and emotions.

Thank you for being valuable partners in your child’s learning journey!

As well as sharing physical books with your child, you also have access to ebooks through our Library Management System Accessit.  You can go on to Accessit at home by following this link:  St Francis de Sales Clifton.  This will prompt the user with their username (their school email address) and password. Our Yr 3-6 students are familiar with theirs. Next term we can provide these to our P-Yr 2 parents to support our younger readers.

Children are familiar with signing in to Accessit using the blue SSO bar which will appear when you press the arrow next to Guest on the top right-hand side of the screen.  On your home computer, this might take you to a TCSO sign in screen, where children will be required to put in their school email address and password (as above).  Once you are in Accessit look for the Wheelers icon to go to the ebooks.   The Year 3-6 class have been shown how to do this.

You can search for books by author, subject or title to borrow the books click on the borrow button, you can return books at any time by pressing “return” or books will automatically expire after 2 weeks.

There is a good range of book titles and subjects on Wheelers and for our younger students the range of decodables and early readers is quite extensive.

Mrs. Groombridge

P.E. with Mr. Red

All the students really enjoyed the Ball Games and Sports Expo last week. A massive thank you to Mr Barry Healy (PE teacher at the State School Cluster) for all his organisation and to our amazing mums for the fabulous food. We are finishing off with Frisbee Golf this week, focusing on team work, passing, catching and the fundamentals (and rules) of the game.  

Next term will see the students begin Cricket Skills and Swimming with our Swimming Carnival on Thursday 27 November. 

Stay tuned for more sporting news and events next term.  

Yours in all things sporty, 

Mr. Red  

2026 Prep Transition Day-23/10/25