St Francis of Assisi | eNewsletter

From the Principal

Dear Families,

Camp Reflection

Last week, I was fortunate enough to head to Swan Reach for the Year 5/6 school camp. Outside of Sports Day, it’s close to my favourite time on the school calendar.

This year, we travelled to a camp on the river at Illawonga, just outside of Swan Reach. The activities our children took part in were fantastic—kayaking, fishing, paddle boating, and caving, all alongside their friends and teachers.

I was so impressed by the way our children approached these experiences.

Courage comes in many forms, and we saw it displayed in so many ways. For some, it was stepping outside their comfort zone and trying something new. Many had never been near the Murray River before and were initially hesitant even to dip their feet in. I grew up on the river and, like my parents, was always cautious around it. We would ski, kneeboard, and swim, but always with adult supervision and the right safety gear. Teaching our children how to safely enjoy the river—wearing life jackets, avoiding diving, and protecting their feet—will benefit them in the future. They embraced the challenge, and when they hesitated, they were met with unwavering support from their peers and teachers.

For many, the courage they displayed extended beyond just the activities. We know that in 2025, fewer children regularly sleep away from home at sleepovers. Being away from home and out of their routine for the first time is a big step—not just for the children, but for their parents as well. I was so proud of those who felt anxious yet, with the support of their teachers and families, pushed through and embraced the experience.

The ability to persevere through discomfort is one of the most valuable lessons we can teach our children. It’s not always easy to watch them struggle, but seeing them develop resilience, independence, and confidence makes it all worthwhile. These moments—both big and small—shape their growth and prepare them for the challenges ahead.

School camp is so much more than just a few days away. It’s an opportunity to build lifelong memories, strengthen friendships, and learn lessons that will stay with them for years to come. I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of it.

60^th Anniversary celebrations

Last week on Audiri and on our Social Media platforms we released tickets to our 60^th Anniversary Gala. This is held on the 21^st of June in at the Wine Centre in Adelaide. It will be a sensational night we dive back into the past, explore the present and look into the future ahead for SFOA. Entertainment will be provided by Entertainment Adelaide throughout the night and there will be as series of presentations, guest speakers and video presentations throughout the evening.

Tickets are available through the link below: https://events.humanitix.com/st-francis-of-assisi-60th-anniversary-gala

Later in the year we will celebrate further with a week of celebrations in Term 4 which will be driven by our Year 6 cohort.

God Bless,

Scott March

APRIM News

APRIM News Week 9 Term 1 2025

This morning we had a whole school Mass for the Annunciation of the Lord. Fr Anthoni spoke to the children about how happy Mary was when the angel told her she was having a son. He asked to children to spread joy and listen to God just like Mary did.

Project Compassion

As we journey through this season of Lent, we invite you to make this year’s Project Compassion fundraising extra special. Your donation makes a difference. With your support, communities in need can access vital resources, build sustainable futures, and create lasting change. In a year where the world is experiencing record rates of food and water insecurity, conflict and rising poverty, this is our chance to rally our community and make a difference. Creating a better world is a task that needs all of us to play our part. Let’s consider how we can love our neighbours and serve Christ in one another today. Each child has brought home a Project Compassion box, inviting families and friends to support this important cause. Every donation - big or small - helps transform lives. We invite you to give what you can and return the box to school by the end of Term 1 or when it is full. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Let’s work together to build a thriving future for all and unite against poverty this Lent. Thank you for your generosity and for walking this Lenten journey with us in faith and action.

Harmony Day

Last week classes reflected on Harmony Day which was celebrated on Friday 21^st of March. Australia first observed ‘Harmony Day’ on 21 March 1999, carrying the message ‘Everyone belongs’, Harmony Day encourages Australians of all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds to participate in their community, get to know one other, and understand and trust each other, respecting our cultural and religious differences. Acknowledging each other and our diversity helps us to grow as a community and as individuals, and in appreciating the world in which we live. As Catholics we support this vision.

Holy Week

This year Holy Week and Easter falls in the school holidays. As a school we will commemorate the events of Holy Week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning of Week 11 at 9am in the MPF with Community Prayer.

Tuesday – 1/2VS will lead Palm Sunday

Wednesday – 3/4C will lead The Last Supper

Thursday – 6V will lead Stations of the Cross

Melissa Canil

APRIM