Dear Parents and Carers,

You would have all heard about the news, after a short conclave, of the appointment of Pope Leo XIV last week. Pope Leo's appointment represents a continued commitment to unity, compassion, and a deep care for the dignity of all people. His appointment signals a clear continuation of Pope Francis's agenda to bring the church into the modern world, moving with the people and the times. We pray for Pope Leo as he undertakes his ministry that he will be blessed with good health to carry out his mission with courage and conviction. Please see below a statement from Archbishop Christopher regarding the Pope’s appointment.

We held a successful Open Community Council meeting last week, which several parents attended. We discussed the strategic planning process and began collecting our dreams of the future to help create our strategic plan for 2026-2028. We will work on the Strategic plan over the next two terms and will be able to showcase it to the community in Term 4.

Changes to some Medication Storage

You should have received a letter this week regarding the changes to the storage of asthma puffers and epipens in the school. This has been done to ensure they are readily available and easily accessible for students if they need them. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions related to the changes.

Mother’s/Special Person Day

A big thank you to our wonderful organising committee for hosting such a fantastic Mother’s/Special Person Day breakfast last week. It was heartwarming to see 800 RSVPs for the event—what an incredible show of support from our community!

Enrolment Update

We will hold our second Open Day next Wednesday, 21^st of May. We will host school and ELC tours from 9:30-11 am and 3:30-6 pm. You do not need to book an appointment on these days and times. Just turn up for a tour and an information pack. We can also accommodate tours outside these times by calling the school office.

We have already received many enrolment enquiries and applications for Kinder 2026, which have been submitted through our school website Enrol Now! @ St Francis of Assisi Primary School - Calwell.

I strongly encourage all, especially families with siblings looking to enrol in kindergarten for 2026 to ensure we receive your applications ASAP so you don't miss out. If you are currently enrolled in a Catholic ELC, you must complete a new Kindergarten 2026 enrolment through the above link.

If you want to enrol in our Early Learning Centre for 2026, the enrolment forms can be found here: St Francis of Assisi Primary School ELC - Calwell.

Kindergarten Interviews

This year, I’ve changed how I conduct enrolment interviews for 2026. I will be meeting with new families this term to get to know you and understand your child's individual needs. In Term 3, I will meet with families with siblings already at the school, following offers being sent out and accepted in June. This new approach will allow me to connect with more families in the school community and help your child prepare for their journey into Kindergarten.

Blessings and best wishes

Sean Rutledge

Principal

Gospel Reflection: Third Sunday of Easter John 13:31-35

Today’s three scripture readings show us different faces of Christian faith. The Acts of the Apostles tells of Paul and Barnabus returning home to Antioch after completing their first missionary journey around south east Asia Minor (present day Turkey). The Christians in Antioch rejoice, hearing about all the wonderful things God has done through this missionary work. 

In the Book of Apocalypse we see a symbolic vision of what Christian life hopes for: union with God, in peace, where there will be no more tears and pain, and death will have vanished. 

The Gospel reading shows us a crucial moment when the vision of salvation was being worked out in the life of Jesus. The passage opens with the words, ‘When he had gone out’. Who is this ‘he’? It is Judas Incariot. Just before this, the Gospel has shown us that Jesus knows Judas is going to betray him and that it is night, the time when darkness triumphs. Against this wretchedness. Jesus speaks in an extraordinary way. First, he declares that in this very betrayal, God is glorifying him. Second, he chooses this moment to command his disciples to love one another in the way Jesus has loved them. 

From God’s Word, Daily Reflections, 2025

CONFIRMATION COMMITMENT MASSES

A reminder that all children who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on June 10th need to attend one of the weekend Commitment Masses. Children and their families can attend any of the weekend masses (Sat 6pm, Sun 8am, 10am or 6pm). 

At each of the masses, a table will be set up in the foyer with a card box, Commitment Mass Cards and markers.

Each Confirmation Candidate will be asked to write their name on two prayer cards. They are to place one prayer card in the box for attendance purposes and take one prayer card to the altar with them after they make their commitment.

The other card if to be handed to a parishioner of their choice on the way back to their seat so that person can pray for them. Please encourage your children to choose someone who is not a member of their own family. 

Please continue to pray for our children and their families as they prepare to receive this wonderful Sacrament.  

All in Year 5 & 6 are welcome. Please see details in attahced flyer.

Last week, year three went on an excursion to the War Memorial. It was an amazing opportunity to learn a bit more about the stories of the men, women and even animals that served during war time. Here is what year three had to say: 

I saw the clothing that people wore in World War I, such as uniforms for soldiers and nurses. Sophie W

We learn about the people in war now so that we can remember them. The tomb of the unknown soldier is a way to commemorate. Angus B

We learned that they didn't have ambulances in the war, so they used camels to carry hurt and sick people.  Chloe W