Term 2 Newsletter 13th June, 2025
Principal's Message
SAFETY FOR PARENTS: PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
As children grow up in a world filled with smartphones, tablets, and online learning, cyber safety has become a crucial part of parenting. The internet offers amazing opportunities for education and connection—but it also comes with risks that parents need to understand and manage.
Why Cyber Safety Matters for Families
- Children Are Vulnerable: Kids and teens may not recognize online dangers like scams, predators, or inappropriate content.
- Digital Footprints Are Permanent: What your child posts today could impact their future education or job opportunities.
- Cyberbullying Is Real: Online harassment can have serious emotional and psychological effects.
- Screen Time Can Be Addictive: Without boundaries, excessive use of devices can affect sleep, learning, and relationships.
How Parents Can Help
- Start the Conversation Early - Talk to your children about online safety, privacy, and respectful behaviour. Make it a regular, open dialogue.
- Set Clear Rules and Boundaries - Establish screen time limits, approved apps, and guidelines for social media use.
- Use Parental Controls - Take advantage of built-in tools on devices and apps to filter content and monitor activity.
- Model Good Behaviour - Kids learn by example. Practice healthy digital habits yourself.
- Stay Informed - Keep up with the latest apps, games, and online trends your child might be using.
A Team Effort - Cyber safety isn’t about spying—it’s about guiding. By staying involved and informed, parents can help their children build a safe, respectful, and responsible digital life.
Let’s raise a generation of smart, safe digital citizens—starting at home.
– We have been blessed to have Senior Constable Tim Read to help presented a Cyber Safety Presentation on Thursday 26 June at 5:15pm in our MPC. Light refreshments will be provided.
READING THE REPORT CARD
As we begin to enter the final few weeks of Semester 1 and the ever-anticipated wait for the distribution of the mid-year reports cards, it is good to stop and reflect on what the meaning of the judgements provided mean for us and our children.
I know that when I was attending school and even when I first began my teaching career, the ultimate goal was to achieve that ever-inspiring A. This would often mean that we had completed a task to an exceptional standard with no criteria to tell us how or why we received such a good mark. The Australian Curriculum provides a detailed explanation of what content understanding and application of skills are required to be successful in each Key Learning Area (KLA) or subject in each year level. This expected standard of success is what we will see on the report cards as a C.
If a C is obtained, then this should be a cause for celebration as this means that your child has shown evidence to achieve the conceptual understanding and the ability to use the necessary skills for a particular area of learning. There would also be evidence that they can transfer this learned understanding and skills to other familiar or similar situations.
Students at St Francis de Sales are given opportunities to demonstrate their conceptual understanding and applied skills in tasks which extends their thinking, creativity and problem solving in new or unfamiliar situations. This transfer of learning could be using their understanding of parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs to create a piece of quality writing or using their understanding of mixed fractions in a real-world scenario or using their learned knowledge and skills in a science experiment to hypothesise and evaluate on an outcome which has not yet been proven.
Students who are beginning to show evidence that their thinking, creativity and problem solving is being transferred to new situations demonstrate the ability for a B and those who have can demonstrate this transfer in all new situations that they are provided will be provided an A.
It is important to remember that sometimes judgements on a page does not always reflect the hard work students have demonstrated within the classroom. Our goal is always for self-improvement of the individual.
CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOL OFFICERS
Yesterday we celebrated School Officer Day, a time to recognise and express our gratitude for the hard work and dedication of our amazing support staff. Our School Officers deserve to have their contributions acknowledged, including our library aide, teacher aides, grounds staff and administrative staff. As dedicated professionals, they all provide amazing support to our school. With them being the best in their roles, allows us, the teaching staff, to the best in ours. On behalf of the parents, teachers and the students, our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to every one of our School Officers.
NIRVANA COMMUNITY HEALTH VISITS
Starting next term, the students of St Francis de Sales will visit the local aged care facility called Nirvana Community Health Centre. This allows students to develop and form relationships with the older members of Clifton. Service learning is a vital part of showing compassion and kindness to others, something we hold dear to our hearts at St Francis. I am sure that this will again be of great joy for the students and residents the in the age care facility.
SCHOOL FEES
Thank you to all the families who maintain a regular financial commitment to the school. Your ongoing support by paying school fees goes a long way to assist the school to meet its financial responsibilities and continuously provide contemporary resources for the students. Families who have fallen behind in payments will be contacted by the school over the next fortnight. Please take the necessary steps to bring yourself up to date with school fees before the amount owed accumulates to an unacceptable level.
Please check your spam/junk mail, as sometimes statements are being sent to this folder.
APMI NEWS
On Sunday 8 June, we celebrated Pentecost. Pentecost Sunday is like the Church’s birthday. Pentecost is a Greek word which means 50th. Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter Sunday where we celebrate the Holy Spirit coming to the Apostles and their followers. Just like a birthday where we receive gifts from our loved ones, the Apostles received gifts from God who loved them. He sent these gifts through the Holy Spirit to help them begin Jesus’ ministry here on earth. There are seven gifts - wisdom, understanding, knowledge, right judgement, reverence, courage and spirit of wonder. Each gift with a unique purpose.
Understanding to help us show caring and compassion to others,
Knowledge to help us use what we learn about to help others
Wisdom to help us help others with advice and suggestions when things aren’t going so well for them
Courage to help us be brave when things do not go quite right and to stand up for people who are not being treated with equality
Right judgement to help us make sure we include everyone and speak to everyone nicely even if they are not our best friends
Reverence to help us spend time praying to God and asking him for help and thanking him for what he has given us
Spirit of Wonder to help us show respect to God and to others
The people who received these gifts were the very first members of the Christian Church.
One of the apostles present when the Holy Spirit came was Peter who became our very first Pope. As we celebrate the Church’s birthday, we ask that those same gifts fill our hearts so that through our words and deeds we may be shining examples of Jesus’ love, bringing hope to the world.
PREP AND ENROLMENTS FOR 2026
A number of interviews have taken place for Prep 2026. Please continue to promote and talk about our beautiful school within the community. If you know of any families with Prep aged children, please encourage them to make contact with Jennifer in the front office or visit our website https://www.clifton.catholic.edu.au/
CHANGES TO CALENDAR EVENTS:
The list of school events are 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:-
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
Sat 28 June – Clifton turning 150 years – Museum
Term 3: Week 1
Mon 14 July – Pupil Free Day – no school for students (staff only)
Thurs 17 July – Prep Vision Screening – please submit permission forms (refer to previous emails)
Week 2
Wed 23 July – Allora Track and Field – Central Downs – 5-12 years
Fri 25 July – Allora Track and Field – Central Downs – 9-12 years
Week 3
Mon 28 July – Catholic Education Week Mass – 9:00am – perception survey sent out
Wed 30 July – 1500m event – please see Mr Red if interested – 10-12yrs
Fri 1 Aug – Bishop’s Inservice Day – No school for students (staff only)
Week 4
Mon 4 Aug – Southern Downs Track and Field Allora
Fri 8 Aug – St Mary MacKillop Assembly – 2:00pm
Week 5
Fri 15 Aug – Assumption of Mary
Week 6
Tues 19 Aug – Book Week celebrations and dress up
Sun 24 Aug – Family Sunday Mass – 9:30am
Week 7
Thurs 28 Aug – DD Track and Field
Week 8
Mon 1 Sept - Feast Mass
Thurs 4 Sept – Father’s Day Breakfast, BBQ and Liturgy
Fri 5 Sept – CTJ Moderation – Student Free Day – staff only
Week 9 – Student Protection Week
Fri 12 Sept – Ball Games – Clifton – we are hosting the tuck-shop.
Week 10
Fri 19 Sept – Last Day of school
Thanks for reading…
Regards,
Mr. Red
Middle Leader News
Report cards are now being constructed by your students teacher/s. To clarify, please remember, the following this is the criteria used for determining your child’s/children’s marks. In 2025, we don’t give an ‘A’ if they get ‘everything right’, there is a little more to the criteria now, as listed below:
Overall Subject Marks
A | Evidence in the student's work typically demonstrates that the student has the targeted knowledge and - a deep and broad conceptual understanding - an excellent application of skills - the ability to transfer the above to new situations |
B | Evidence in the student's work typically demonstrates that the student has the targeted knowledge and - is developing a deep and broad conceptual understanding - a strong application of skills - they are beginning to transfer the above to new situations |
C | Evidence in the student's work typically demonstrates that the student has the targeted knowledge and - expected conceptual understanding - expected application of skills - they can transfer the above to familiar situations |
D | Evidence in the student's work typically demonstrates that the student is - developing the targeted knowledge and conceptual understanding - developing the application of skills - beginning to transfer the above to familiar situations |
N | Insufficient evidence received to make a true academic judgement |
If your child is going to receive a D or an E on their report card, your child’s teacher will be in contact with you. If at any time, you would like to discuss your child’s progress, please email your child’s teachers and arrange a meeting. We are in partnership with you! We love to see the growth each, and every child is making, and we understand the importance of sharing this growth with you.
Effort Marks
This Year, the Effort Standards have aligned across all Toowoomba Catholic Schools. The Effort rating for each subject will appear on the report cards as:
| Excellent | The student exemplifies and demonstrates the traits of an effective learner. They always show personal commitment, persistence, adaptability and take responsibility for their learning. The student actively seeks and responds to feedback and is always prepared for and engaged in learning. |
| Commendable | The student consistently demonstrates personal commitment, persistence, adaptability and takes responsibility for learning. They seek and respond to feedback and are consistently prepared for and engage in learning. |
| Satisfactory | The student generally demonstrates commitment, persistence and takes responsibility for their learning. They act on feedback and are prepared for and engage in learning some of the time. |
| Developing | The student requires support to demonstrate commitment and persistence in their learning. They are developing the skills to take responsibility for their learning and to be prepared for and engage in learning. |
| Unsatisfactory | The student required significant support and encouragement to engage in and persist with learning. |
Mrs. Busiko
P/1/2
Over the past fortnight, our students explored digital systems, discovering how technology helps us connect and share. They loved learning about hardware and software, even designing their own digital devices inspired by smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and iPads.
In religion lessons, we studied St. Francis of Assisi, who gave up his wealth to serve Christ with love and humility. His deep care for nature and animals inspired discussions on kindness, gratitude, and stewardship.
As we approach the final weeks of term, we are also learning about First Nations People of Australia, reflecting on their rich culture and deep connection to land, language, and community. We are exploring the significance of NAIDOC Week—a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and achievements—and Sorry Day, which acknowledges the history and resilience of First Nations peoples.
Mrs. Skillington
Yrs. 3/4
This term, our Year 3/4 students have been diving into the fascinating world of Australian biomes—from deserts to rainforests! They’ve explored how plants and animals adapt to their environments and the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems. Alongside this, students have been learning about rubbish, recycling, and sustainable practices to help care for our planet. Their enthusiasm for reducing waste and making eco-friendly choices has been inspiring! Don’t forget your materials for biome constructions are due Monday.
In Religion, students have been exploring the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Through stories, discussions, and creative activities, they’ve learned how these sacraments welcome us into the Church and help us grow in faith. Students reflected on the symbols and meaning of each sacrament and shared their own experiences and understandings. It’s been a thoughtful and faith-filled journey. Congratulations to Roy and Charlie who will be experiencing their First Reconciliation next Monday – all the best boys.
In Digital Technology, students have been learning about cyber safety, exploring different online systems, and understanding the basics of computer hardware and software. They’ve developed important digital skills while learning how to stay safe and responsible online.
Mr. Red, Mrs. Malbon, Mrs. Groombridge
Yrs. 5/6
Our movie reports have been both engaging to listen to and to read. The students have completed their Speaking Presentation as part of their homework, and they have created an additional review in class. These are now displaying proudly in the classroom.
In HASS, we are about to vote for a class president. The students will use all their have learnt about persuasive language and the government to create a campaign. This is just for fun. Don’t worry, we won’t be taking over the school.
In Mathematics, the Year 6 students have completed their learning about statistics and data by learning about bias and misconceptions. There have been many conversations about bias in reporting and why companies would use data with bias in their advertising and reports. The Year 5 students have been learning about factors and multiples, as well as inverse operations and balanced equations.
Mrs. Busiko
P.E. with Mr. Red
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Our annual athletics carnival will look slightly different this year with Day 1 (Wednesday 18 June) being held at St Francis de Sales and Day 2 (Friday 20 June) being held here at St Franci de Sales.
Day 1 (Prep to Year 6) is on Wednesday 18 June and Day 2 will be on Friday 20 June.
Day 1 will consist of 5yrs – 12yrs running a 200m and 8-12 yrs running a 800m.
Day 2 will consist of sprint races for all students including relays, field events for 8yrs to 12yrs (not high jump as it will be run here at St Franics on Tuesday 10 June (8-12yrs Boys and Girls). There will also be ball games for the students as well at the start of the day.
A more detailed information letter will go out next week which will have further explanations of what is happening on these two days.
High Jump Results for 2025
8 years girls
- 1st – Zarah Daley (McKenna) 80cm - New record
- 2nd – Nell Skillington 70cm (Cosgrove)
8 years boys
- 1st – Roy Johnson (McKenna) 91cm – New record
- 2nd – Chase Johnstone (McKenna) 80cm
- 3rd – Hain Babu (McKenna) – 60cm
9 years boys
- 1st – James Johnson (Cosgrove) 1.00m
- 2nd – Hunter Gault (Cosgrove) 91cm
- 3rd – Blake Newman (McKenna) 85cm
10 years girls
- 1st – Olive Newman (McKenna) 90cm
- 2nd – Cynthia McKean (Cosgrove) 80cm
- 3rd – Skyler Moss (Cosgrove)
10 years boys
- 1st – James Patterson (Cosgrove) 1.03cm
- 2nd – Chaz Daley (McKenna) 90cm
- 3rd – Charlie Harrigan (McKenna) 90cm
11 years girls
- 1st – Matilda Skillington (Cosgrove) 1.00m
- 2nd – Shaneil Escalona (Cosgrove) – 90cm
- 3rd Charlotte Trimingham (Cosgrove)
11 years boys
- 1st – Rhys Gascoyne (Cosgrove) 1.23m – New record
- 2nd – Henry Johnson (Cosgrove) 1.15m
- 3rd – Joseph Ramsey (McKenna) – 1.00m
12 years girls
- 1st – Sophie Joppich (McKenna) – 1.10m
- 2nd – Natalie Patterson (Cosgrove) – 80cm
Yours in sport,
Mr. Red
Class Act Visit
Zeke
On Wednesday morning, Terry and Paul came to St Francis. They sang songs and played instruments.
Nell
On Wednesday morning, Paul and Terry came to St Francis de Sales. Paul played the guitar. They were outstanding. I played the castinet. Terry played the tambourine. I loved them.
Zarah
On Wednesday morning, Terry and Paul came to St Francis. Paul played the guitar, and he was amazing. Terry played tambourine and he was fantastic.
Grayson
On Wednesday morning, Terry and Paul came to St Francis. They were funny. They were really funny. They were outstanding and incredible. It was the best.
Oscar
On Wednesday morning, Terry and Paul sang five songs, and they played guitar, shakers at our school. They came to St Francis to sing songs to people to make them happy.
Billy
On Wednesday morning musicians came to our school. Their names were Terry and Paul. They sung songs and said jokes. Their jokes were funny.
