Term 1

Dates to remember

6th April to 9th April

Holy Week Assembly

Thursday 9th April

Last day of Term 1

Monday 20th April

Students return for Term 2

Dear Families and Friends,

As we continue to make adjustments and changes to our normal routines and way of life I want to thank our families and staff for their continued support and care. Coronavirus - COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the globe, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

I was pleased to see that our Harmony Day celebrations were still able to go ahead last Friday. The message 'Everybody Belongs' was reinforced with the annual observance of the day which aimed to encourage inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural background, while celebrating core Australian values.

Thank you to Rachel our P&F President and the parents who supported her along with the Humpty Doo Tavern, who provided meals for the children to enjoy. We also thank the staff at St Francis who ensured everyone was fed in a timely manner.

Our Easter Raffle is also still planned to go ahead. We ask if families could support this by sending contributions to the office as well as by purchasing tickets - which were sent home this week. Together we can make this the best raffle ever!

Sadly, as we saw our Prime Minister announce, the closure of many events and places have occurred. This includes our Friday assemblies and the Sacramental program, which was meant to begin this Sunday, have been postponed until further notice. However, people and organisations have begun to really think outside the box. This includes our own Parish Priest Father Giovanni who will stream mass live from the Parish YouTube account St Francis of Assisi Parish or if you miss the live feed, watch anytime at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWTFLvI4d3K4bq76ZExbnQ?view_as=subscriber

The NT Government has informed parents that they may choose to not send their children to school at this time. This is a decision for families to make, however, it is essential that families contact the office to inform us of any absences. Schoolwork will not be sent home for students at this stage as the teaching and learning program is being delivered in the classroom context. However, let me assure families that the teaching staff at St Francis have begun preparations to support students in teaching and learning if schools are closed.

As a school, we continue to follow the recommendations from the Catholic Education Office which are updated regularly. We thank you again for your patience and support as these changes occur.

I wish good health to all families, friends and our wider community. May we stay strong and united together.

Mel

Melanie Bolwell

Principal