Term 2 Newsletter 2nd May, 2025
Principal's Message
UPHOLDING THE ANZAC IDEAL – CLIFTON CELEBRATES THE ANZAC LEGACY
Friday just gone, we as a nation, celebrated one of the most significant days for our country. This was a special occasion to acknowledge the sacrifice and pay our respect to those who have defended our country and are continuing to do so. I was extremely proud to see that every student that was able, made the effort to commemorate the ANZAC spirit, in marching with our community attending the dawn service. This is a true measure of what this day means to our community. Lest we forget.
As I prepare to write the principal’s column, I have found the below article always interesting and very thought-provoking reading. I hope you enjoy…
Enjoying great peace and prosperity, Australians are keen to contemplate the ANZAC legacy. So there has been a vast resurgence of interest in dawn services and the number of Australians spending Anzac Day at Gallipoli grew from 200 (in 1988) to 20,000 (in 2005). Further, in 1995 a tradition commenced as Essendon and Collingwood clashed at the first AFL ANZAC Day game. At those matches, a brief period of silence is kept by the crowd of over 90,000 supporters - as preceded by the Last Post and followed by the Rouse. A flag ceremony is held; war veterans are recognised. Similar to the AFL, the rugby league community as also embraced the tradition (in 2002) with the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons, along with the Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors, participating in a sporting match. The ANZAC Day Medal is awarded after the match to the player who best exemplifies the ANZAC spirit: skill, courage, self-sacrifice, teamwork and fair play. Though it has led to negative responses in the media, these games are consistent with the view of the original ANZACs who in 1916 held a sports event on the first ANZAC Day.
Finally, we may describe how heroes such as John Simpson Kirkpatrick (1892-1915) reflect Jesus Christ. Simpson and his donkey saved perhaps hundreds of ANZACs at Gallipoli. Giving no thought to his own safety, Simpson lasted for only 24 days. His life and action illustrate the ideal described by Jesus: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13 KJV), and "I am among you as one who serves." (Luke 22:27). Killed at the age of 22, he was regarded by colleague as "like Christ".
The Everyday Heroes: How Parents Shape Their Children's Lives
In a world filled with superheroes on screens and in stories, the greatest heroes often live right at home—parents, that’s right, you! You may not wear capes or leap tall buildings in a single bound, but you possess a strength far greater: the ability to shape, support, and inspire your children every day.
From the moment a child is born, parents step into the role of protector, guide, and mentor. They possess the power of patience, standing by their children through tantrums, teenage struggles, and self-discovery. Their ability to give unwavering support in moments of doubt, and unconditional love in times of success or failure, makes them real-life superheroes.
One of the greatest gifts you give your children is the ability to learn through your example. Whether it's resilience in difficult times, kindness toward others, or determination to achieve a goal, children watch, absorb, and emulate these qualities from you. Every lesson taught—whether spoken or shown through actions—becomes a foundation for your child’s character and future. So, keep being the hero in your child’s lives – the rewards will be far greater than a leading role in a superhero movie. It will be the development of a well-rounded, confident, compassionate and responsible individual that is resilient and empathic having strong moral values.
SUPPORTERS OF THE SCHOOL
A massive shout out to our families that support our school. If it is helping with maintaining the school grounds, assisting in the tuckshop, installing and building electrical works, building works, volunteering your time with fundraising events or just general maintenance around the school, I would like to say a massive thank you to these families. If you would like to advertise your business, we might be able to assist and help out through our communication mediums. Please get in contact with the school.
CHANGES TO CALENDAR EVENTS:
The list of school events is located on the school’s webpage – https://sfdssclifton.schoolzineplus.com/calendar
This is a great way of keeping up to date with upcoming events. Emails, notifications and Facebook posts will also occur throughout the year to inform and remind you of upcoming events etc. Please see the next couple of events happening very soon: -
Term 2 – Week 3
Mon 5 May – Labour Day Holiday
Fri 9 May – Mother’s Day Liturgy and Afternoon Tea – 2pm, Warwick SD Cross Country
Week 4
Fri 16 May – Gala Day
Week 5
Mon 19 May – Empire Theatre Visit
Thurs 22 May – National Simultaneous Reading event with Treasure Island – 9:30am
Fri 23 May – Pick up Pie Drive Orders; Walk to School morning
Sun 25 May – Family Sunday Mass
Week 6
Thurs 29 May – Be a preppie morning
Fri 30 May – Under 8s and Gala Day
Week 7
Fri 6 June – Reconciliation Week Liturgy
Week 8
Tues 10 June – High Jump 9-12yrs – 10:15am start (weather depending)
Wed 11 June – School Officer thank you day
Thurs 12 – Be a preppie morning. 9:00-10:00 am
Week 9
Wed 18 June - 800/200m/ball games events at St Francis – just our school
Fri 20 June – Athletics Carnival combined with St Francis and St Patrick’s at St Francis
Week 10
Fri 27 June – NAIDOC Celebrations and Semester One Report Cards emailed out to families
Thanks for reading…
Regards,
Mr. Red
Middle Leader News
The Power of Sleep: Why It Matters for Primary-Aged Children
This week, I had the opportunity to partake in a professional development session and one part was of the session explored the impact sleep has on our bodies. The insights were eye-opening—especially when it comes to children in their primary years.
Sleep is far more than just rest; it’s the foundation for growth, learning, and emotional well-being. Primary-aged children need 9–11 hours of sleep each night to support brain development, memory retention, and overall health. When children don’t get enough sleep, they can struggle with concentration, mood regulation, and even physical health issues.
Studies have shown that well-rested children are more attentive in class, retain information better, and approach learning with enthusiasm. Conversely, sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, difficulty managing emotions, and a reduced ability to problem-solve.
To help your child establish healthy sleep habits, try consistent bedtime routines, limit screen time before bed, and create a calm, distraction-free sleep environment.
As parents, prioritizing sleep is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child—it sets them up for success both in school and in life. A well-rested child is a thriving child!
Here are three practical tips for parents to support their child's well-being and learning:
- Prioritise Sleep & Routines – A well-rested child is a happy and focused learner. Establish a consistent bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and create a calming sleep environment. Good sleep habits help with emotional regulation, concentration, and overall health.
- Encourage a Love for Learning – Make learning engaging beyond the classroom. Ask about their day, show interest in their projects, and create opportunities for real-world learning. Whether it's visiting a museum, reading together, or discussing current events, fostering curiosity helps them stay excited about education.
- Model Positive Communication – Children absorb behaviors from the adults around them. Encourage open discussions, active listening, and respectful conversations. Providing a safe space for children to express themselves builds their confidence and helps them develop strong interpersonal skills.
Mrs. Busiko
Prep/1/2 News
Welcome back to Term 2! We hope everyone had a restful break and is ready for another exciting term of learning.
Recently, we commemorated ANZAC Day, reflecting on the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served our country. It was a valuable opportunity for students to develop a deeper understanding of this significant event in Australian history.
Our prep students continue to make great progress in learning and consolidating their single sounds, with fantastic support from families at home. This foundational knowledge is setting them up for success as they develop their reading skills.
In HASS, we are diving into Australian Geography, exploring the landscapes, landmarks, and diverse regions that make our country unique.
In Religion, we are learning about God's Creation, appreciating the beauty of the world around us and reflecting on the wonders of nature.
We're looking forward to a fantastic term ahead!
Mrs. Skillington
Yr. 3/4 News
In our Year 3/4 classroom, the exciting world of maths comes alive as learners dive into the art of estimation and measurement using metres, centimetres, millimetres, litres and millilitres.
Through searching for objects in their environment and completing an outdoor ‘Looking for Length’ Scavenger Hunt, students further developed their estimating and measuring skills. Additionally, students were introduced to converting metres to centimetres, centimetres to millimetres. Students continued their estimation and measuring skills by measuring liquids and converting litres to millilitres. A mix of outdoor exploration and classroom learning not only reinforced the student’s measurement skills but also nurtured critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
In English, our students began using informative texts to revise their comprehension skills while learning incredible facts about one of the world’s most unique animals, the giraffe from sub-Saharan Africa. Using a nonfiction text, dedicated to these towering creatures, students learnt many interesting facts while working on understanding key vocabulary from the text. Did you know that both the female and male giraffe have horns known as ossicones? As students defined specific vocabulary from the text, they also visualised and created a drawing to match the vocabulary, helping to deepen their connection to the information.
Mrs. Malbon
Yr. 5/6 News
This fortnight, students have been diving into thought-provoking topics across all subjects!
In Religion, we're exploring the life and teachings of Jesus, uncovering who He was and how His message shaped history. Through discussion and reflection, students are deepening their understanding of His influence on faith and society.
In Maths, we're tackling perimeter and area, learning how to calculate the space within different shapes. We're also working online and column graphs, which will help students interpret and present data effectively—a crucial skill in real-world problem-solving.
English has been exciting as students embark on their movie review journey! They'll be analyzing a film, crafting engaging critiques, and honing their presentation skills in preparation for their term presentations, starting in Week 5.
Meanwhile, HASS is more relevant than ever as we explore Australian democracy and how rules are formed. With the upcoming election this weekend, students are learning about the democratic process and the impact of laws on society. It's a timely and insightful discussion that connects classroom learning with real-world events.
We're looking forward to a fantastic week ahead! Keep up the great work, everyone.
Mrs. Busiko
P.E with Mr. Red
PE with Mr. Red
We have begun our unit on Athletics for this term. The students will be partaking and developing their skills in shot put, discus, high jump, long jump, 800/200/100/80/60m and ball games. If you would not like your children to participate this these events, please let me know by Tuesday 6 May 2025. If I don’t hear from you, this will be taken as acceptance of these skills.
Starting in Week 6, before school Athletics practice will begin at 8am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. All students are able to join in and practice. We will culminate these activities with our athletics carnivals (please see dates above).
Upcoming dates: -
- Tuesday 10 June, all 9-12 years Boys and Girls will participate in the St Francis de Sales High Jump Trials.
- Wednesday 18 June – 800/200m events at St Francis – just our school
- Friday 20 June – Athletics Carnival combined with St Francis and St Patrick’s at our school
Recent Representative Sporting Events – 10 to 12 years students
Congratulations to Rhys Gascoyne in his selection into the Darling Downs rugby league side. A massive achievement to Rhys and a reward for his hard work. A special mention to Henry Johnson who tried his best on the day.
On Wednesday. Sophie Joppich, Natalie Patterson, Matilda Skillington, Joseph Ramsey, Henry Johnson, James Patterson, Chaz Daley and Charlie Harrigan represented St Francis at the Central Downs Cross Country Event at Pilton. All tried extremely hard and gave their best efforts. A special congratulations goes to Henry, Sophie and James for making the CD cross country team (and will compete at the SD trials in Warwick on Friday) and to Joseph who will compete at the DD Cross Country event in early May.
Training has begun for the Gala Day competitions for soccer, netball and rugby league. Please encourage your child (if over the age of 8) to attend these important training sessions.
Please look out for correspondence around the upcoming Gala Days…
Yours in sport,
Mr. Red
Central Downs Cross Country Pilton
School Fees
Term 2 school fees will be issued next week. Please keep an eye out for these in your inbox. If there are any issues with your statement or you have not received them, please call the office on 07 46124000.
Ms. Petrie
Anzac Day
Be A Preppie Morning - 29/5/25
'Be A Preppie Morning 'is on again. If your family or you know of a family who has a little one starting Prep in 2026 come along to a fun filled morning with games and activities.