Term 4

Thursday 16th December

Last day for students

Wednesday 2nd February

School returns for 2022

Dear Families and Friends,

We have reached the end of our 2021 school year and it is time to say happy holidays to families and friends. A year that saw us not knowing whether we were being locked down, locked out or locked in; we were still able to achieve so much.

Obviously the highlight for the year was our biannual We Are One concert with families and friends able to gather together under the stars and be thoroughly entertained by the students and staff of St Francis.

Other highlights included our Harmony Day walk around the streets of Humpty Doo with Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO, Administrator of the Northern Territory.

We were also able to host our other Primary Schools from the Top End in the Combined Catholic Primary School Public Speaking Competition.

And obviously, the utmost highlight at St Francis, was the introduction of the most valued staff member, Buddah, the play therapy dog.

These events are only but a few that I have named, there is really too much to list them all.

This week also saw our Gardening Club in collaboration with Mick the Gardner from Northern Ground Maintenance, complete our project from the Woolworths Landcare grant with the revitalisation of our

St Francis of Assisi reflection space. For those who have have been able to already enjoy, you will agree that it is a beautiful space, that once it matures will be a wonderful addition as a learning space for staff and students.

It might also become an ideal space for families and friends to utilise as a place to be mindful and find some peace and calmness in their busy lives.

Yesterday we farewelled our 2021 Year 6 Graduates at the whole school end of year mass, with an evening celebration including families and staff at the Humpty Doo Golf Club. It was a wonderful send-off and we wish all our Year 6 students all the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives. We also farewelled the families who are leaving us at the end of the year and asked that they will keep us updated about their events and achievements in the future.

Thank you to those who were able to join us for our final school mass for the year and award ceremony. Congratulations to all those students who received Chief Minister’s Literacy Achievement Awards, Indonesian Awards and Education Minister STEM Awards. It was good to see that your hard work and leadership in your learning being recognised. We also congratulate those Year 6 students who received awards.

Thank you to all those who were able to support our Youth St Vinnies Appeal. The CEO, Rob Lutter, who was at our celebration, was very impressed by your generosity.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School. They all work so tirelessly to ensure that all our students are successful. Your passion and enthusiasm invigorates me and strengthens my resolve to always reach for the stars.

And so my family of St Francis of Assisi, I say farewell to you and thank you.

Being the Principal of St Francis has been the most rewarding experience ever. I have been able to watch hundreds of children grow up, graduate, move onto secondary school, go onto university and get jobs. And I have been a very small part of that journey.

Thank you for your support and trust.

My prayer, for all of you, is to continue to be leaders of your learning and be passionate in everything you do.

For my final time; may you all continue to grow in wisdom and love.

Happy Christmas and New Year to everyone.

Wishing you all a very safe and happy holidays.