St Francis of Assisi College - Term 2 Week 6 - 2023

REMEMBER If you are reading this newsletter from your email don't forget to click 'read more' to expand your view and access all of our feature photos!

Student Free Day – Professional Development

On Friday June 9, the St Francis of Assisi staff gathered for a professional development day focusing on using assessment data to inform teaching and learning. This day was facilitated by Jarrod Carter, Educational Data Analyst from Catholic Education SA. At the College wellbeing and academic data is collected regularly. This day provided time to analyse and reflect upon data collected, as this can collectively provide a great impact on student learning. Jarrod worked with staff around building capacity to analyse and interpret data from a range of sources to inform learning and teaching, to identify student and school progress over time. Staff firstly unpacked the components of the newly released Literacy and Numeracy Strategy from CESA. This strategy focusses on developing literate, numerate and effective communicators within Catholic Education. Staff then examined the College’s Student Dashboard. This assisted with the overall understanding of students’ progress using both academic and wellbeing data. Using this data, staff worked collaboratively in cohorts to identify students who are exceeding, and students needing additional support. Staff then focused on academic planning and programming for differentiated teaching interventions based on student literacy and numeracy data. We are grateful for Jarrod’s expertise in supporting and guiding our staff to develop and implement, intentional and informed strategies to improve learning outcomes for all students.

Natalie Meuret, Leader of Learning

Student Transitions

This week we welcomed Year 5/6 students from Our Lady of the River School, Berri for the first Immersion Day of Term 2. The students were well-hosted by our student leaders and engaged in Science, PE, and Digital Technology lessons.

We look forward to welcoming St Joseph’s School, Renmark next week!

The College will share further communication via your child’s classroom teacher at all four catholic primary schools. If your child is enrolled at a non-Catholic school, please contact the College on (08) 8585 4500 or via email info@assisi.catholic.edu.au 

 This term, the Wellbeing Hub has a focus on Women’s Health. So far, students have engaged in Strength and Conditioning, Breathwork & Meditation, and making energy boosting lunches!

Upcoming sessions

Friday June 29^th – Nutrition with Holly Ranson (Mind, Body and Bowl Health Coaching – Dietician)

Sign up sheet is on the student notice board.

Fundraisers

The Student Leadership Council are proud to present the College’s first walkathon to fundraise goods and cash donations to the St Vincent de Paul Society.

 Date:          Friday 23rd June

Where:        St Francis of Assisi College

Time:           8:55am – 10:55am

Students are encouraged to seek sponsorship donations from family, friends, and local businesses by using the link to Sponsor Form. Sponsorship Form 

As well, students can also donate non-perishable items (e.g. soup cans, soup packets, spaghetti, baked beans, pasta, rice etc.) for the St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Our aim is to have all our donated goods placed end to end and complete at least 1 lap of the oval on Friday 23rd June.

Laudato Si’ Action Group

The Laudato Si Action Group are seeking to gauge interest for a Chess Club. If you would like a Chess Club at the College, please complete the form using the QR code below or click here: Chess Club Form

“Every person on this earth is full of great possibilities that can be realised through imagination, effort and perseverance.” – Scott Kaufman

Anxious & Depressive Patterns

Welcome to the first of a 5-part series on Anxiety & Depression in teenagers brought to you by Open Parachute (Wellbeing and Health Partner). Part 1 consists of how to notice Anxious and Depressive Patterns in teenagers.

You can access a video and reflections the below link.

Open Parachute (openparachuteschools.com)

Just enter in your email address to log in for free and select ‘Parent Resources’. Navigate to the ‘Teenager’ tab and view the fifth lesson.

Anxiety and depression are very common in teenagers. It is helpful to notice anxious and depression patterns in teens so that we can assist them in supporting themselves.

Reflect:

• In what ways does your teen exhibit anxious patterns? (e.g. Doubting themselves, avoiding things, getting overwhelmed easily, getting angry easily etc.)
• In what ways does your teen exhibit depressive patterns? (e.g. Isolating, disengagement, low self-esteem, aggression etc.)

If this has raised any concerns for you or your child, you can contact LifeLine on 13 11 14.

At St Francis of Assisi College, we have a well-rounded Wellbeing team with broader access to professional support. Please get in touch with Mr. Luke Cotter (Leader of Wellbeing) if you wish to seek support for your child.

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
– C. S. Lewis

Wellbeing Webinar: Phone Addiction & Social Media

In exciting news, we have partnered with Wellio this year to support student wellbeing through the delivery of lessons in Pastoral Care.

Wellio helps students proactively improve their mental wellbeing using research-backed habits and techniques. Their programme supports students in improving their sleep, managing social media use, building healthy relationships, improving physical well-being, and reducing anxiety. 

Alongside their work with students, Wellio will be delivering a webinar each term to parents. The upcoming webinar next term is titled “Phone Addiction & Social Media”. Drawing on the latest psychological science, this webinar helps you guide your child to better habits and beat back phone addiction.

If you would like to attend, you can register here: https://www.wellioeducation.com/en_au/webinars. 

Wellio will record the event, so please register if you can't attend but want access to the recording.

Luke Cotter, Leader of Wellbeing

Enjoy our Catholic Education Week Celebration 2023

VIDEO LINK

Year 8 and 9 students have been creating models to show their understanding of concepts. The Year 8’s are learning about cells so they created labelled models of the cell using modelling clay. They were encouraged to look at models made by other students in order to improve them.

The Year 9’s are learning about atoms so each student used pompoms to create a different atom, showing the number of protons, neutrons and electrons. These are displayed in the classroom in the format of the Periodic Table of Elements.

Jean Booysen, Science Teacher

Custom hand carved spatulas drying in the afternoon sun.

Group 7A have been working on their hand carved spatulas finishing them off with a coat of olive oil. The Planter Boxes created in 9A Sustainable solutions last term are performing well with winter herbs, vegetables and flowers blooming.

On Wednesday of Week 6, Mr Sampson, Mr Hayes and Miss Stavrou took the Year 7/8 boys and girls basketball teams to Tanunda to compete against Nuriootpa HS, Kadina HS and Faith Lutheran College.

The girls team were very inexperienced in comparison to their opposition, but improved drastically throughout the day with their skills and stayed positive despite the scores.

The boys team lost their first game narrowly to Kadina HS, but won their next two games. The boys impressed with their team chemistry and ability to match it with often bigger opponents. 

All students represented the College well and should be very proud of their efforts. Thanks to Mr Hayes and Miss Stavrou for coaching the two sides, and Jodie Clark for assisting with scoring.

Fraser Sampson, HPE Teacher

On Thursday, students braved the muddy, wet conditions to participate in the State Cross Country Championships at Oakbank. They all did a fantastic job and represented the College well!

A special mention to Sebastian C placing 13th out of over 200 competitors. Well done Seb!

Congratulations to all competitors of the St Francis of Assisi College Cross Country, Riverland Interschools Cross Country and the State Cross Country Championships.

United Chemists Renmark are recruiting for two junior pharmacy assistant positions available to start immediately.

We are seeking applicants from 14 yrs with a positive and friendly and mature outlook to join our team.

The role will include customer service, stock maintenance and general housekeeping duties.

Industry training will be provided.

The role includes after school and will include weekend shifts averaging approx. 12 hours or 2-3 shifts per week.

Yates Menswear supply our College uniforms directly to families.  Jenny, from Yates, has let us know they have the following knitwear and softshell jackets available:

Softshell jackets sizes: 10, 12,14,16, XS, S, M and L

Rugby knit jumper sizes: XS, S,M,L,XL and XXL

Knit jumper sizes: 12, 16, 18, 20 and 22

A number of other winter uniform items are due for delivery to Yates in two - three weeks time.