Term 4 Newsletter, 5th December 2024
Principal's Message
The year has come to an end and what a year it has been…
As this is the last newsletter of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of our community for their support, dedication and commitment to St Francis de Sales. We are fortunate to have devoted, committed and amazing staff that have worked tirelessly to assist your children to achieve academic growth and getting to know Jesus better. For this I say a big thank you to all the staff and to all the students for their efforts this year. I am very grateful to have a great team, and I sincerely appreciate all that you do!
I am so proud of our staff for their valuable contributions, love and desire that they have for this school and what they bring to each role across our school. We have been very blessed to have amazing staff in these roles and we look forward to a wonderful 2025!
This time of year, brings some sadness as we say goodbye to parents and students who have helped us throughout the year. All the very best with what adventures you take and may God’s blessings be upon you always.
St Francis is very lucky to have the support of many generous families who will pitch in to lend a hand whenever it is needed. This has not been an easy year (as we know) however, despite our challenges we have been able to come together and support one another. For the energy and passion of our families, I say thank you to you.
To the graduation class of 2024, our warmest congratulations and well done. As you grow into young ladies and gentlemen, we trust that the skills, values and attributes you have learnt and developed at St Francis will stand you in good stead for a bright, happy and successful future.
One of the best parts of the holiday season is the opportunity to take a break - however brief - from regular day-to-day affairs. I hope this year that you can use this time to reflect on items that are most important, rather than on what is most urgent. As an educator now for nearly twenty years, I have grown to appreciate how easily the urgent can push aside the important, but I strive daily to focus on the important – our children, families and friends! I hope that, during the holiday break, you will also be able step back and focus on the important topics in your professional and personal lives. Best wishes for a peaceful and joyful holiday.
Report Cards and Booklists
These will be distributed via email on Thursday 5 December and booklists have been email out. Booklists will also be posted on our website. 3 reams of paper will be placed on your term one fees so please do not purchase this. Please ensure that the necessary items on this booklist are all purchased. Please be careful when purchasing items especially stationery items, so that they are not distracting to your child and others learning opportunities.
Outstanding School Fees
It is most important that your prompt attention to ensure all outstanding school fee invoices are paid by the end of school term. This is an extremely busy time of year and chasing up overdue accounts draws precious time and effort away from other school initiatives and activities. The school too, has many financial commitments to fulfil by the end of the year and over the school holidays. Your support in paying your fees and levies in full will greatly assist the school to continue to provide and upgrade school and classroom resources.
Upcoming Dates and Welcome 2025 Letter
I will email and send an SMS when next year’s calendar has been finalised on our school’s website https://sfdssclifton.schoolzineplus.com/calendar
Many richest Christmas blessing and thanks for reading this year…
Mr. Red
Middle Leader News
As the school year draws to a close, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for making 2024 a truly memorable year at St Francis de Sales. Your unwavering support, enthusiasm, and involvement have been instrumental in creating a vibrant, nurturing, and faith-filled community for our students.
This week has been particularly special as we celebrated milestones and achievements together. The school musical was a triumph, showcasing the incredible talents and hard work of our students. Thank you for bringing the production to life.
Our Year 6 Graduation was a bittersweet moment, filled with pride for our graduating students and gratitude for the memories we’ve shared. We pray for blessings and success as they move on to the next exciting chapter of their lives.
The End of School Mass was a beautiful reflection of our shared journey this year. It was a time to give thanks, celebrate our accomplishments, and reaffirm our commitment to the values that unite us as a community.
To all our families, thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your contributions throughout the year. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and the love of family and friends. Please be aware, that the Semester Two Report Cards will be on the Parent Portal today. Please email the school if you are unable to access your child's report card.
We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for another year of growth, learning, and community.
Mrs. Busiko
Prep/1/2/3 News
As we approach the end of the year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support. This year has been filled with incredible learning, growth, and success for our students. Your dedication has played a crucial role in these achievements.
During the past few weeks, we've enjoyed delightful Christmas crafting activities, creating important memories for all our primary school students. These moments of creativity and joy have been a highlight of the season.
We wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a joyful holiday season. May the coming year bring even more opportunities for learning and growth. Thank you once again for being an essential part of our community.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Skillington
Yr 4/5/6 News
As we reach the end of a fantastic school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared in the 4/5/6 classroom. It has been a privilege to teach such a talented, kind, and enthusiastic group of students. Thank you for your support, trust, and partnership—it has made all the difference in creating a positive and productive learning environment.
To our amazing Year 6 students—Bryce, Theo, Emmett, Marly, Katherine, Harvey, Jackson, Lexi, Hope, and Chloe—this is not goodbye but a heartfelt "see you soon." Each of you has brought something special to our class, and we are so proud of all that you’ve achieved. As you step into high school, take with you the memories, friendships, and lessons from St Francis de Sales. Dream big, stay kind, and never stop learning.
The Year 6 Farewell Poem
Bryce the wanderer, never staying in his seat,
Rocking on his chair, no rhythm to beat.
With a grin and a gaze, he's never at rest,
A free spirit at heart, he truly is blessed.
Theo the thinker, so quick and so smart,
With a voice for justice and a kind, bold heart.
His words weave meaning, his logic shines bright,
In any debate, he fights for what's right.
Hope the creator, with crafts and her art,
A growing mathematician with a colourful heart.
Her hands bring beauty, her numbers make sense,
In all that she does, her talents are immense.
Marly the stylish, her nails always shine,
With jewellery and cricket, her skills intertwine.
A bowler so steady, a fashion queen too,
She dazzles us all with her vibrant hue.
Harvey the joker, his humour’s a gift,
Always on the bell, he gives spirits a lift.
With a sly little smirk and a playful quip,
He turns any moment into a fun trip.
Lexi, the kind one, a friend to us all,
With a heart that’s open and always on call.
Her warmth and her care are gifts she brings,
She shows us the joy in the simplest things.
Chloe, the helper, to young ones a guide,
Her kindness and patience, a light far and wide.
Always lending a hand, spreading love as she goes,
A heart full of gold, as everyone knows.
Jackson, the athlete, a champ in the game,
From soccer to cricket, he earns his name.
With speed and with strength, he gives it his all,
On every field, he's destined to soar.
Katherine who gallops with laughter and cheer,
Her hobby horse rides bring joy to the year.
With imagination that’s wild and free,
She brings life to playtimes for all to see.
Emmett the techie, with tricks up his sleeve,
If it’s wired or plugged, he’ll make it achieve.
A wizard with gadgets, his knowledge so vast,
He’s the one we’ll call when tech troubles last.
Together they shine, this Year 6 crew,
Each one unique, with their talents so true.
As they step forward, their futures so bright,
We bid them farewell with love and delight.
Mrs. Busiko