Term 2: Week 11

As Term 2 draws to a close, it's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the incredible achievements of our students and staff. We've certainly had a busy and productive few months!
A real highlight was the buzz during Learning Conversations at the end of Week 8, where families connected with teachers to celebrate student progress. We also completed another round of Parent Program Support Group (PSG) Meetings, with Angela and Emily W doing a fantastic job reflecting on the supports and achievements for our students with specific needs.
Our Year 6 students had a momentous term, making the Sacrament of Confirmation and enjoying several fun opportunities on the sports field. Beyond the classroom, there have been a broad range of excursions this term. These valuable experiences are only possible thanks to the meticulous planning and organisation of our teachers, and the generous support of our parent volunteers – thank you all!
We're bursting with pride over the outstanding presentation given by Michelle, Denice, and Tom at the Core Knowledge Conference in Florida last week. They captivated a full audience and were thrilled (and perhaps a little nervous!) to discover that E.D. Hirsch himself chose to attend their talk. The feedback on the approach we take here at SFA was overwhelmingly positive, and our team certainly made friends by sharing Tim Tams and Koalas during their presentation!
A huge thank you to all families for your incredibly positive response to our first swimming program at SFA. This initiative has been particularly valuable, offering a vital introduction to water safety and survival skills for children who might not otherwise have had the opportunity for private lessons. We've received multiple reports from the staff at Westbourne Aquatic Centre praising the excellent behaviour of SFA students and their respectful, cooperative approach in following instructor directions. Well done, everyone!
It has been a privilege to serve as Acting Principal for the past fortnight. I hope you all enjoy a safe and relaxing break, and I look forward to seeing many smiling faces back at SFA after the holidays!
Warmly,
Gill Butcher

4 JUL, 2025 - 12pm Term 2 Ends

21 JUL, 2025 - No Students - School Closure Day

22 JUL, 2025 - Term 3 Begins

29 JUL, 2025 - Eucharist Immersion Day for Yr 4 Students

30 JUL, 2025 - 5:30 - 7pm Family Workshop for Sacrament of Eucharist

23 AUG, 2025 - 10:30 - 11:30am Sacrament of Eucharist Celebration

25 AUG, 2025 - 9 - 10am Book Parade

29 AUG, 2025 - Father's Day Stall

5 SEPT, 2025 - 7:30 - 8:30am Father's Day Breakfast

19 SEPT, 2025 - 12pm Term 3 Ends

6 OCT, 2025 - No Students - School Closure Day

7 OCT, 2025 - Term 4 Begins

The first day of Term 3, Monday 21st July is a Student Free Day

BE A TITAN DAY - At Thomas Carr College

Our Year 5 students spent a day at Thomas Carr last week as an opportunity to explore the college and find out a little bit about what the school offers.

We remind all Year 5 families that this is the time that you need to be applying for Year 7 enrolment at the secondary school of your choice.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Congratulations to our Newly Confirmed Year 6 students and to those students in Year 6 who attended our celebration to receive a special blessing from Bishop Martin Ashe. May the Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to be your guide.

Please mark these key dates in your calendars for the Sacrament of First Eucharist:

Eucharist Immersion Day for Students: - Tuesday, July 29th, 2025
Compulsory Eucharist Presentation Masses:
- Attend any weekend Mass at St. James the Apostle Church on either:
  - The weekend of August 2nd & 3rd, 2025, OR
  - The weekend of August 9th & 10th, 2025
Compulsory Eucharist Family Workshop: - Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at 5:30 PM
- Held at SFA
Sacrament of First Eucharist: - Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, at 10:30 AM
- Held at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, Hoppers Crossing

This Monday, our Year 5 students set off for their highly anticipated camp at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. They've been having a fantastic time exploring the historical attractions, immersing themselves in the past by dressing in period clothes and experiencing what school was like in days gone by.

Students have been immersed in life of 1884. The have attended Wesleyan Baptist school and St. Peter’s School. They have learnt about the role of boys and girls, the different classes (rich and poor), etiquette and what learning was like back then. They played traditional games, used ink and pen to write and discovered what the “3R’s” were -Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.

Navigating Social Media and YouTube:

The recent Australian government proposal to include YouTube in a potential social media ban for children under 16 highlights growing concerns about online safety. While discussions continue, it's a timely reminder for parents of 5-12 year olds to understand the digital landscape their children encounter.

Many social media platforms, including the main YouTube site, have a minimum age of 13. Even age-appropriate apps like YouTube Kids require parental awareness. The eSafety Commissioner is concerned that features like autoplay and infinite scroll can lead to excessive use and exposure to harmful content, including misogynistic material, dangerous challenges, or violent videos.

Key Considerations for Parents:

Utilise YouTube Kids: For younger children, ensure they are using YouTube Kids, designed with stricter content filters and parental controls. Regularly check its settings.
Open Communication: Talk to your child often about what they're watching online. Encourage them to tell you if anything makes them uncomfortable.
Set Clear Boundaries: Establish family rules for screen time, including when and where devices can be used.
Use Parental Controls: Activate parental control features on devices and within apps. Remember, these are helpful tools but don't replace active supervision.
Understand the Risks: Be aware of common online risks for this age group, such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns. The design of many platforms can also lead to excessive screen time.
Stay Informed: The online world changes quickly. Keep up-to-date with the platforms your children use and new safety advice from resources like the Australian eSafety Commissioner.