St Francis of Assisi College - Term 4 Week 2 - 2023

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Hats off to teachers! – World Teachers Day October 27

This Friday we celebrate Australia’s teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring, and supporting our students.

At St Francis of Assisi College, we have an outstanding team of highly committed educators, providing a whole range of education opportunities for our students.

Thank you!

2024 Enrolments

The College continues to experience significant demand in relation to enrolments. Our two year 7 classes are nearing capacity and parents planning to enrol their child are encouraged to do so. 

To assist with our medium and long-term planning I encourage parents to lodge an enrolment form with the school as soon as they have decided to enrol their child at the school.

There remain places for enrolment open in years 8, 9 and 10 for 2024.

Should you wish to discuss this further please contact our College Registrar, Claire Smith (phone 8595 4500, or email claire.smith@assisi.catholic.edu.au).

2024 Core Class Groups

We are about to begin the important task of reviewing Year 8 to 10 core class groups for 2024. In doing so we consider several factors to ensure the best possible learning environment for your child. These include a balance of males and females and a full range of abilities and needs, including educational and behavioural.

Should you have any specific educational or behavioural information that would assist in the process of creating classes, please email Luke Cotter (luke.cotter@assisi.catholic.edu.au) by no later than Friday November 3rd. Please note that this is not an opportunity to request that your child be with specific students or teachers.

Classes will be carefully constructed after Friday 3rd November, and therefore any relevant information you want to share must be emailed prior to this date for consideration. Parents will only be contacted if requests are unable to be accommodated.

We thank you for observing this advice and the timeframe set, and I am very much looking forward to setting up the best learning environments for the 2024 school year.

2024 Key Dates

To assist with planning for families, below are the key dates for the beginning of the 2024 school year, and subsequent pupil free days scheduled for each term.

Week 0:

Tuesday 23^rd January - College Leadership Planning, new Staff Induction

Wednesday 24^th January - All Teaching Staff Planning

Thursday 25^th January - All Teaching Staff Planning

Week 1:

Monday 29^th January - All students commence

2024 Pupil Free Days

Term 1:

Friday 8^th March 

Term 2:

Friday 7^th June

Term 3:

Friday 6th September – Staff Retreat

Term 4:

Thursday 12^th  and Friday 13^th  December 

Nathan Hayes, Principal 

PAT Testing

In week 3, all students will complete the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT). There are two tests: PAT-R (reading) and PAT-M (Numeracy). These are diagnostic assessments conducted to measure student’s growth throughout the year. They provide valuable information to teachers about your child’s learning strengths and needs.  The tests will indicate what skills students have mastered, what skills they are consolidating and even more importantly what skills they need to be educationally stretched. It will also provide teachers with objective information for setting realistic learning goals and enables them to better plan learning programs as students’ progress through the college.

If you have any questions about PAT Testing, please contact the college.

Maths Pathway 2024

At St Francis of Assisi College, we believe that all students can succeed in mathematics. We also understand that each student is unique. That’s why we use a “differentiated” approach to mathematics instruction up to Year 9, where each student learns the maths that’s right for them. We're excited to announce that from 2024, Year 7 and 8 students will embark on a balanced, integrated course which blends the best of explicit exposure teaching with differentiated mastery instruction - using the new “Maths Pathway Flex” platform to power this. Students will spend some time learning age-appropriate material with the whole class, with a light exposure approach ensuring all students can succeed. Students will also spend some time mastering mathematics at their level with high rigour, with teachers monitoring their trajectories to keep mastery on track for later mathematics courses.

We look forward to 2024 having a fresh approach. If questions arise during Term 1, please reach out to your child’s mathematics teacher.

Natalie Meuret, Leader of Learning

Student Transitions

We look forward to meeting our 2024 Year 7 cohort at our two formal transition days held on Thursday November 30^th and Friday December 1^st.

If you are interested to reserve a place for your child or to book a tour, please contact the College on (08) 8585 4500 or via email info@assisi.catholic.edu.au 

Today, our student leaders engaged in a full-day retreat held at the Barmera Club. The day was facilitated by Mr Luke Cotter with guest speakers including The Honourable Nicola Centofanti (Member of the Legislative Council of SA), and Kieran Bridger (LifeChanger).

Nicola delivered a workshop to the group highlighting her own path into a leadership position, the skills required for public speaking and addressing the challenges women have needed to overcome to enter positions of leadership.

Kieran, working alongside Caitlin McKeough, challenged students to identify how they have used their influence this year and how they lead through their values.

The students gave feedback on and suggestions to how the school can improve in a range of areas including teaching and learning, wellbeing, and community connections. Additionally, they were focussed on reflecting upon their own leadership journey and shaping their future steps as a leader in the community.

Student Leadership Council - Applications for 2024

We are accepting applications from our students to fill the positions on the Student Leadership Council. The College has the following leadership positions to be filled by appointed members from the student body for 2024 in each of the four houses:

These positions will be held by the successful students for the entire school year and will involve responsibilities such as:

• Regular (weekly or fortnightly) student leader meetings
• Rotating Attendance at College events (e.g. tours, ceremonies, fundraisers etc.)
• Rotating Attendance at Community events (e.g. ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Riverland Field Days, Rose and Garden Festival etc.)
• Master of Ceremonies for Term Assemblies
• Participation in Student Action Groups
• Other duties as invited by the Leader of Wellbeing or Principal

The process adopted by the College allows for multiple inputs into the decision making process by the College leadership team. Each applicant’s application is reviewed and a shortlist of applicants are invited to an interview. Additionally, shortlisted applicants are also listed in a democratic voting system and voted upon by the student body. All aspects of this process are treated equally and give guidance to the selection panel in their decision making.

This morning, our classes were hosted by the Sammy D Foundation for Pastoral Care. The Year 7/8’s engaged in a workshop on Violence Prevention. It is aimed at changing student’s attitudes towards violence by educating them about the negative impacts and providing them with strategies to keep themselves and their mates safe.

The Year 9 cohort were engaged in the Party Wise program. It was an engaging and interactive alcohol and other drugs education presentation that takes a harm minimisation approach to exploring the following topics:

• Types and categories of drugs
• Short and long term effects of drugs
• Current trends and drinking culture
• Understanding standard drink measurements
• Driving under the influence

The Year 9 female students were visited by Sarah from the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia as part of our Pastoral Care program. The session, lasting one hour, focussed on delivering information to the students on Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis and how to best manage these conditions.

The Foundation have also offered to students the Next Steps Program which is available via an online webinar. Please see further details below.

Families can enrol to receive more information for the PPEP Talk Next Steps online webinar with Dr. Susan Evans via their website, via email (ppeptalk@pelvicpain.org.au) or via phone (8291 7923).

Ongoing Support

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.

                                                     “I believe in living in the present and making each day count.”
                                                                                                              - Matthew McConaughey

Luke Cotter, Leader of Wellbeing 

St Francis of Assisi College are committed to providing students within our College community an opportunity to try the sport of rowing. Through HPE, they will be exposed to the sport and learn to row. From here, students can then choose to follow a pathway, within our Rowing Program, to develop and potentially excel in the sport.

The below outlines the opportunities available to students from Learn to Row through to our Senior Squad. This format will be rolled out in 2024.

Learn to Row – Phase 1 (Year 7)

For our Learn to Row – Phase 1 cohort, we will encourage:

• Introduction to the sport of rowing
• Enjoyment
• Participation
• Exposure to on-water experience

Rowing will be available during HPE in Term 2

Learn to Row – Phase 2 (Year 8)

For our Learn to Row – Phase 2 cohort, we will encourage:

• Enjoyment
• Skill development
• Team building
• Commitment

The Strength & Conditioning focus for this cohort will be:

• Fundamental movement patterns
• Circuits

Rowing will be available during HPE in Term 1

Additional Learn to Row sessions will be available during Term 2, for those considering joining our College Rowing Program: Tuesday’s 3:30 – 5:30pm

Entry into Rowing Program (Terms 3 & 4). Trainings will occur at the following times:

Monday 3:20 – 4:45pm | Ergo, Strength & Conditioning - College MP Room

Tuesday 3:30-5:30pm | On-water training - Renmark Rowing Club

Junior Squad (Year 9)

For our Junior Squad, we will encourage:

• Enjoyment
• Team building
• Further skill development
• Technical understanding
• Competitive opportunities (1000m races)

The Strength & Conditioning focus for this cohort will be:

• Generic strength program

Additional Learn to Row sessions will be available during Term 2, for those not previously involved and considering joining our College Rowing Program: Monday’s or Tuesday’s 3:30 – 5:30pm *dependent on numbers                              

Rowing Program (Terms 3 & 4). Trainings will occur at the following times:

Monday 3:30–5:30pm | On-water training - Renmark Rowing Club

Tuesday 1:20-1:40pm (lunchtime) | Ergo training - College MP Room

Wednesday 3:30-5:30pm | On-water training - Renmark Rowing Club

Thursday 7:00-8:30am | Ergo, Strength & Conditioning – College MP Room

Regattas | Held on Saturday’s during Term 3 & Term 4, travel is required

Day Camp | Day Camps will be held at the start of Term 3 & Term 4 at Renmark Rowing Club

Senior Squad (Year 10+)

For our Senior Squad, we will encourage:

• Enjoyment
• Crew and individual goals
• Further skill and technical development
• Development of leadership, mentoring and coaching skills
• Increased competitive opportunities (1500m/2000m races)
• Promote future pathways

The Strength & Conditioning focus for this cohort will be:

• Personalised programs tailored to rowing specific technical goals
• Promote independent (supervised) training

Additional Learn to Row sessions will be available during Term 2, for those not previously involved and considering joining our College Rowing Program: Monday’s or Tuesday’s 3:30 – 5:30pm *dependent on numbers                                 

Rowing Program (Terms 4 & 1). Trainings will occur at the following times:

Pre-season commences Term 3, Wk 7-10. Trainings will occur at the following times:

Wednesday 7:00-8:30am | Ergo, Strength & Conditioning – College MP Room

Thursday 3:30-5:30pm | On-water training - Renmark Rowing Club

Rowing Program (Terms 4 & 1). Trainings will occur at the following times:

Monday 3:30-5:30pm *Term 1 ONLY* | On-water training - Renmark Rowing Club

Tuesday 6:45-8:30am | On-water training - Renmark Rowing Club

Wednesday 3:30-5:30pm | On-water training - Renmark Rowing Club

Thursday 7:00-8:30am | Ergo, Strength & Conditioning – College MP Room

Friday 1:20-1:40pm (lunchtime) | Ergo training - College MP Room

Regattas | Held on Saturday’s during Term 4 & Term 1, travel is required

Rowing Camp | Seniors will participate in 2 rowing camps during their competitive season. Held during the Term 3 holidays and summer holidays. These camps will run for 2-3 days.

Please note, there may be modifications to the above due to time, equipment or staffing requirements.

Stephanie Turnbull, Rowing Program Coordinator & Rowing Coach

Congratulations to Hugh R - Hugh was awarded Gold in Swimming Australia’s Pho3nix Junior Excellence program (11 - 14 years). As a result of his hard work and talent in the pool Hugh was invited to Pho3nix Junior Excellence Gold Level Clinic, held on Saturday 14th October at SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Adelaide.

Olympian, Matt Temple and Australia National swimmer, Brittany Castelluzzo were among the  coaches that supported the Junior Excellence Gold Level Clinic. Hugh was the only swimmer invited from the Riverland, he proudly represented Vitor Renmark Amateur Swimming Club and St Francis of Assisi College at the top level of his age group.

Congratulations also to Louis B for being awarded Blue in Swimming Australia’s Pho3nix Junior Excellence program.

Over the weekend our Relay for Life team walked for 19 hours straight, raising funds for Cancer Council SA. It was a very fun, emotional, and moving weekend with all students and staff engaging in 300+ laps.  Our Teams fund raising totaled  $10,359.

Mrs Trudgian put together a wonderful video of the event, enjoy:  Relay for Life - Team SFoAC

Thank you to Mrs Trudgian, Miss Newman, Miss Camp, Mrs Burgess and all the students who participated. And a huge thank you to our sponsors!! Amazing effort by all :)

Mrs Burgess, Coordinator for Relay for Life - TEAM SFoAC

Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey is undertaken every four (4) years with an aim to understand community satisfaction with Council, highlight areas for improvement and to benchmark against the local government sector.

To participate in the Survey, individuals can scan the QR code on the promotional material or alternatively, they can request a phone interview by calling 1800 077 789 (free call) or emailing hello@actionresearch.com.au or by completing a hard copy survey at the library or civic centre.

The Survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes and everyone who participates in the Survey will go into the running to win 1 of 4 $250 vouchers.

All responses will remain confidential, and results will be represented without any personally identifying information.

Participation in the Survey is available for Renmark, Paringa and Lyrup residents (18+) only and is open for three weeks commencing Monday 23 October to COB Sunday 12 November 2023.

Old Glossop High School are holding a school reunion on October 28th and 29th athe the Glossop High School 

For more information contact:  Marie Flavel  marieflavel@outlook.com

We are missing a number of the College's sports tops used by students when they are representing the College for a range of different sporting events.

Can we please ask both parents & students to have a good look at home for any St Francis Sports tops.

These can be returned (preferably laundered) to either Mr Sampson or Mr Prokopec in the Staff Office.

With several events coming up these missing tops will be needed.

Any help with this is greatly appreciated.

Could your  family use an extra $500? Learn about Saver Plus.

If you save up to $50 a month for 10 months, Saver Plus will double it.

$500 saved + $500 matched = $1000 (in 10 months)

Participants can put that money towards education expenses for themselves or their children, including:

• Computers, laptops, and tablets
• Books, uniforms & shoes
• Sports & music, camps, excursions, and more…

What is Saver Plus?

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about boosting their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.

At its heart, Saver Plus is about steering people towards sustainable, life-changing savings habits that set them up for a brighter future.

Holiday Swim is a Royal Life Saving Society South Australia initiative bringing affordable and educational swimming and water safety lessons to pools and inland waterway locations across Metro and Regional South Australia since the 1950’s. The aim of the program is to teach children critical life saving skills and basic swimming skills, to equip them with the knowledge to stay safe in, on and around the water.

The aim of keeping the program affordable, is to reach families and communities that might otherwise miss out on the opportunity to participate in swimming lessons, and as we approach the busy Summer months now is the time to equip them with the knowledge to save a life.

The program will be returning in December 2023 and January 2024 with the newly adapted Royal Life Saving Swim & Survive program.

Royal Life Saving also offer pathways into the aquatic industry with their ICONIC Bronze Awards. The Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross , Award of Merit and Distinction levels are designed for those wanting to further their knowledge and skill set, before moving into the aquatic industry as Lifeguards and Swim Teachers within the local communities.

SANFL is excited to announce the new format for girls footy in the Riverland.

Starting on October 21, the SANFL will run FREE U16, U13 & U10 competitions and training squads, plus an All-Girls Auskick at the discounted price of $50!

The exciting new format will give girls of all skill levels - including newcomers - the chance to play in an all girls format.

The 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗙𝗟 𝗫 competition will see girls placed into one of four teams (not club-based) at U16 and U13 level and coached by some of the Riverland's top coaches.

The six-week program on Saturday mornings will see the players train and then play at a central RFL venue each week.

Best players, goal kickers and ladders will be recorded too!

Register via the QR codes on the flyers below or here: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/210e8c

The 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗙𝗟 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 program will see U10s come together under the eye of newly appointed SANFL staff member Kayla Mudge, to learn the fundamentals, rules and nuances of footy, but most of all to have fun!

Register via the QR codes on the flyers below or here: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/210e8c

And the 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸 will be headed up by local goal kicking superstar Stacey Geyer.

The first 24 girls to register will also get to take part in the AFLW half time experience at the Adelaide v North Melbourne game in October.

Registrations for All-Girls Auskick will open at a later date so keep your eyes peeled for that information.

If you or your child would like to get involved in any of these programs, please don't hesitate to contact the SANFL staff below:

Nick Dillon | 0479 016 854

Kayla Mudge | 0429 626 885

Our partners, LinkSA are currently recruiting bus drivers for permanent positions!  LinkSA would like to employ someone from our College community and are also open to applications from the broader community.  Driving hours are between 7am-9am and 3pm-5pm and the role would suit a semi-retired person.  Support will be provided to the right applicant to obtain accreditation and extensive training will be provided.

Requirements –

• As a minimum a MR licence is required
• Applicants need to be willing to get bus accreditation
• Working with Children Check is required

Please contact Paul on 08 85322633 or 0437 860 539