Dear Parents and Community Members

It has been an absolute pleasure to lead such an engaged community, and I am truly enjoying every moment of working alongside our dedicated staff, passionate parents, and amazing students. Together, we are creating an environment where every student can thrive, and I am excited about the future we are building.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. I look forward to continuing our work together to make Whitefriars the best it can be.

After School Supervision

It's wonderful to see children enjoying the school grounds after school. However, parents should be aware that they are responsible for supervising their children during this time, as teachers are not on duty. The only teachers on duty are those stationed at the exit gates to ensure safe departures.

Parents and Friends (P&F)

Our Parents and Friends (P&F) group is an incredible team of committed parents who significantly contribute to our school community through a range of events, fundraisers, and initiatives. Coming up, we have our Father’s Day Stall and Breakfast on Friday, August 30th. These events are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and connect with our school community.

Being a part of P&F offers a great chance to meet other parents, enrich our students' experiences, and positively influence our school. If you're interested in joining the P&F, please email pandf-chair@whitefriars.catholic.edu.au.

Mater Dei Church

Thank you to all the families who use the Kiss and Drop area for your continued patience and commitment to safety. I spoke with Father Charles on Friday, and he informed me that there have been some unexpected challenges with the roof replacement, which will unfortunately take longer than anticipated.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Update Policies

We are dedicated to maintaining strong and positive relationships with parents and carers. By working together, we can ensure the best educational outcomes for all our students. In consultation with appropriate stakeholders, Whitefriars has recently updated the Resolution Procedure for Parents and Caregivers.

 Resolution Procedure for Parents and Caregivers v1.pdf

Yours faithfully,

Catia Frasca

This term, our Year 4 students have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of coding! Using the program Code.org, the students have been learning the basics of computer programming in a fun and interactive way. They've explored how to create sequences, loops, and even basic algorithms, building the foundation for more complex coding tasks.

As the students continue to hone their coding skills, they are eagerly looking forward to their next challenge: creating a short animation that tells a story. This project will allow them to showcase their creativity and apply what they've learned in a meaningful and engaging way.

THANK YOU!               THANK YOU!                 THANK YOU!                   THANK YOU!              THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the families that donated to the Great Book Swap.  We raised $205 which will be supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to provide books and learning resources to children living in remote Communities across Australia.  

Welcome Back to another week in Parent Corner.

The Quest for Independence and Identity

Letting go and allowing our children to make their own choices, even with the risk of missteps, can be one of the hardest yet most rewarding parts of parenting. By offering support, guidance, and unwavering belief in their potential, you empower your child to forge their own path and become a confident, independent individual.

In this week’s Insights article ‘The Quest for Independence and Identity’, Justin talks about the importance of setting a balance between setting limits and control.  Our kids are wired to test boundaries, and that’s actually a good thing! Their defiance is often a sign of a healthy desire for autonomy and independence.

For more parenting information, visit the Happy Families website: https://happyfamilies.com.au./

Thank you.

Grace Loizos Wellbeing Leader gloizos@whitefriars.catholic.edu.au

• Week 7 - TERM 3
• Monday - 2nd September - Help needed
• Tuesday - 3rd September - Anne Vu
• Wednesday - 4th September - Help needed
• Thursday - 5th September - Tina Bodjo/Helen Burns-Clarke
• Friday - 6th September - PUPIL FREE DAY

• Week 8 - TERM 3
• Monday - 9th September -Help needed
• Tuesday - 10th September -Anne Vu
• Wednesday - 11th September - No help needed
• Thursday - 12th September - Tino Bodjo/Helen Burns-Clarke
• Friday - 13th September - Help needed

We have over 280 registered volunteers who help our school in so many different ways, contributing to our school and supporting children and staff.  Registered volunteers contribute to the school community in just some of the following ways:

• School Board 
• Parents & Friends events
• After School Sports (Coaches and Team Managers)
• Canteen
• Learning Assistance Program (LAP)
• Reading with children
• Assisting at excursions

All volunteers are required to obtain appropriate clearances, including a Department of Human Services (DHS) Clearance and Catholic Clearance.

Once submitted, clearances may take up to 6 weeks to process.

When you receive your clearance or card please bring this into the office for us to update to the Volunteer Register.

If you would like to volunteer, please see staff in the front office for a Volunteer Information Pack and support in registering as a volunteer.

Please see below for current volunteers wanted in our school.

Join us for a retreat on Discerning God's Will in your life, when making big and everyday decisions.

WHEN: Saturday 14th September 2024 

TIME: 9:15 am to 3:30 pm

WHERE: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 420 Seaview Road, Henley Beach.

WHAT TO BRING: Attendees are asked to bring their own lunch; however, tea and coffee will be provided.

The speaker for the event will be Fr. Manu Kumbidiyamackal MSFS.

For enquiries and bookings, please contact Pauline Cotton at 0403 002 240 by the 12th of September. The cost is by donation, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Dear Parents,

School Photo envelopes will be sent home on Tuesday 2nd September.

·         Please ensure you receive this from your child, and it is kept in a safe place until Photo Day as it contains a student’s individual number.

·         Please return the envelope on School Photo Day to be handed to the photographers.

·         Please do not hand these into the Front Office.

·         Family (sibling) envelopes can be collected from the Front Office after the 2nd of September.

A schedule for the day will be sent to all teachers but please be advised these times are subject to change. Please note most student photos are expected to be completed by lunchtime.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL PHOTO DAY

All children are required to wear their full winter school uniform, regardless if your child has Physical Education or Performing Arts on this day.

• Term 3 Reception students are exempted from this as they wear their Sports Uniform.

Please note the following:

The Winter Uniform includes:

·         Blue tartan tunic (Rec-Yr3),

·         Blue tartan skirt (Yr4-6)

·         Navy pleat front pants with navy socks or navy tights

·         Long sleeve blue shirt, with navy striped tie

·         Navy wool jumper (Yr 6 Senior Jumper instead)

·         Grey blocker pants or grey blocker shorts* with grey socks

·          Black school shoes

Please refer to the School Uniform Policy attached

All Year 6 students are required to wear their Year 6 Seniors Top.

A CATCH UP DAY IS SCHEDULED FOR:

• FRIDAY 13th SEPTEMBER AT 9am IN THE HALL 

Thank you for your anticipated support with this.

If you child/children will not be attending school for an extended time (more than 5 days) please complete the below form and email back to us at info@whitefriars.catholic.edu.au in advance.

Please note a form must be completed for each child.

Thank you 

Dear Families,

We are currently conducting Term 3, 2026 student enrolment interviews.

Term 1, 2027 interviews will be scheduled in Term 1, 2025.

All interviews are usually scheduled 2 years before commencement date.

PLEASE ENSURE ALL SIBLINGS ARE ENROLLED FOR ALL FUTURE YEARS.

Thank you 

We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Kaurna people as the traditional owners of the land of Mikawomma on which Whitefriars Catholic School is located.  We come with open hearts and minds to listen and learn from Elders - past, present and emerging.