Dear Parents & Caregivers,
Tomorrow, we celebrate ANZAC Day and it was commemorated today as a school by the Year 4's leading us through a reverent and respectful service. The significance of this lies in its reflection on the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of the ANZAC soldiers who fought and died in defense of their countries. It is a day where we honour and remember all servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions, and recognise their contributions to their countries.
ANZAC Day is also a time for reflection and gratitude for the freedoms and privileges that we enjoy today, which have been earned through the sacrifices of those who have served in the military. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, strength, and resilience in times of adversity, and encourages a spirit of national pride and remembrance.
Thank you to Ms Campbell, Miss Cruse and Mr Haydon for coordinating the ANZAC Day service this morning. The Year 4's were exceptional in leading us through a reflection that should hold deep significance in the hearts of all within our school community.
PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY 26th APRIL
A reminder to parents that this Friday 26th April is a scheduled pupil free day and students are not at school. Staff will be onsite conducting further professional learning around the RULER Framework, which is a school approach to social and emotional regulation. This evidence-based framework has its foundations at Yale University and supports the importance of emotions. For interested parents, more information can be found on their website https://www.rulerapproach.org/
KINDY 2025
We will begin the process of interviews in the coming weeks for Kindy 2025. If you are yet to advise the office of your child starting Kindy next year, please do so as a matter of urgency as places are filling fast with siblings and new children.
STATE GOVERNMENT WA STUDENT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT
This opened last week and many parents have already been paid their WA Student Assistance Payment. If you are yet to claim for your child/children, please do so as I am sure it will assist parents with relevant costs of living.
TERM 2 WINTER UNIFORM
From Monday 29th, the expectation is that all students are in full winter uniform. Our winter uniform policy is found on our website at this address. Please ensure you are familiar with all uniform requirements including earrings, hair colours/ties, shoes and jewellery. There are photo examples of acceptable uniform on our website. I have spoken to the children today that from Monday, I expect children to have the top button of their shirts done up with their ties. Unless there is a medically approved reason, the expectation is that shirts are buttoned to the top with ties. For those parents or children who have difficulty with ties, staff are happy to assist the children in making sure they are neat and correct. I have attached a photo for reference.
https://www.stfrancisbutler.wa.edu.au/uniforms
SCHOOL PHOTO DAY - TUESDAY 30th APRIL & WEDNESDAY 1st MAY
Next week will be our annual student photos on Tuesday and Wednesday. Full winter uniform is required so please ensure uniform requirements are adhered too. Please take note of the relevant photo day as well as anyone wishing to get family photos (parents must bring their own children to the hall if they would like a family photo taken):
Tuesday 30th April
8am Family Photos (A-K)
PPB/PPW
4B/4W
5B/5W
1B/1W
3W/3B
Wednesday 1st May
8:15am Family Photos (L-Z)
2W/2B
KB/KW
6W/6B
Year 6 Leadership Groups
NUMERACY WEEK - WEEK 3
In Week 3, we will be holding our second annual Numeracy Week! Our focus as a school has been on the teaching and learning practices in the area of numeracy and Numeracy Week emphasises that Maths can be fun! There will be a World of Maths Incursion, along with problem solving riddles and games. Thank you to Mrs Bond and the Numeracy Team for coordinating an array of resources and activities to engage our children.
BIKE SHELTERS
As outlined in the return to school communications, the Your Move Community Grant successfully achieved by our school in 2023, has now been actioned with our two new bike shelters. The $20000 grant was awarded through the promotion of walking and riding to school and required a social media campaign that was headed by Mrs Kavanagh from KB. The two new shelters look amazing and will hopefully encourage children to ride or scooter to school and safely leave their transport out of the elements. Thank you to Mrs Kavanagh for her diligent work in promoting this initiaitve and stay tuned for more communications around Your Move this year.
NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY - 17th MAY
Mayor Linda Aitken will be officially opening the new Bike Shelters at our school and speaking to our children on Friday 17th May, which is National Walk to School Day. There will be some free fruit and breakfast on offer for children as they arrive to school so it would be great to see as many as possible walking should the weather permit.
Well, it's not often I get to crow about a West Coast win, let alone a win against our cross town rivals! Given West Coast has had a very lean few years, I think enough said.
Best wishes
Jason Baker
Principal
