Dear St Francis College Family

A very warm greeting to you at the beginning of 2019. As I write this, it is Sunday morning. You, I imagine, might be contemplating the week ahead and the start of the school year. I am planning for my visit to St Francis College and all the interactions which I will have with staff, pupils and parents. Mel and I are also busy packing boxes and getting ready for our move at the end of the month. At the same time we are working hard at our current schools where we have already completed a full week of school.

By the time you read this, I will have paid a visit to St Francis College, had a day with the staff and been present for the beginning of the year and returned to King William's Town to complete the month, as is required of me. This is a really testing time of transition, but the reward in the end is the fact that we will be establishing ourselves in the most amazingly beautiful place and teaching at a unique and prestigious school. I look forward to leading St Francis College and helping to shape a generation of young people who will be a credit to their town and country.

I count it a privilege that soon we will call ourselves 'residents of St Francis Bay'. I look forward to being part of a community that celebrates a pristine environment. I want to join with like-minded people in exploring and enjoying that environment while teaching our children how to protect and respect our natural heritage. I look forward to meeting you all and establishing friendships. 

My theme for the year is: 'happiness' is not a verb ... but we are doing it in 2019. We are not looking for a momentary state of 'being happy', but rather a long term goal of establishing an environment and a community with which, and in which, people are happy. This requires action and interaction, mutual respect and teamwork towards achieving common goals. I look forward to doing this with you. 

See you in February!

Warwick Osmond

New times for 2019 for Grade 3 – 7 children

As noted in the December 2018 newsletter please note that all Grade 3 to 7 children will have class / academic times until 2pm.  Grade 3 – 7 sport will be held between 2 and 3pm.  This will be to allow the teachers more class time with the pupils. 

Welcome

We would like to welcome all new pupils and staff to the St Francis College and hope they will enjoy being a part of our wonderful school.  Seen below are some of our new pupils and staff.
Mr. Warwick Osmond (Headmaster) Mrs. Sharon Slabbert (Grade 4), Mrs. Kath Kopke (Grade 6 Mathematics and Library) Nathan Harcus (Grade 7) Daniel Ellis (Grade 5), Jake Ellis (Grade 3), Danielle Browers (Grade 1) Liyahluma Williams (Grade 1)

Nursery School News

A very big welcome back to all you little ones!  Welcome to all our new Nursery School children and of course welcome to all our parents.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and happy Christmas and we are looking forward to a great 2019.

The staff and I at the Nursery School are ready and excited to get the year started, lots of learning through fun to be had.

Just one date at the moment to diarise.  We will be enjoying an outing to the Cove on the 21^st February for the whole of the Nursery School.  Letters will be going out closer to the time with all the details.

All the best

Teacher Jane.

A happy heart makes a face cheerful

Dates for Term 1 2019

Monday 21 January – Extra-mural activities begin Grade 2 - 7
Tuesday 22 January - Swimming at Liquid Lines starts today Grade 0 - 7
Monday 28 January - Extra-mural activities begin for Grade 0 and 1
Friday 18 January - Grade 7 Leadership Group 1pm - 4pm
Saturday 2 February - C Age Group Gala, Port Elizabeth
Wednesday 6 February – AGM 6pm School Hall
Friday 8 February – Family Braai
Wednesday 13 February - Grade 3 Outing 
Thursday 14 February - Grade 2 Valentines Market
Thursday 14 February - Grade 1 Outing
Friday 15 February - Friendship Social
Thursday 21 February – Beach Fun Day.  Break up for half term
Saturday 23 February - C Age Group Gala, Port Elizabeth
Monday 25 February - School re opens after half term
Friday 1 March – Greenwood Bay Sports Tour (away) cricket 
Saturday 2 March - Greenwood Bay Sports Tour (away) swimming
Friday 8 March - PA Golf Day
Wednesday 13 March - Grade 7 leave school for Wacky Woods Camp
Thursday 14 March - Grade 4-6 leave school for Wacky Woods Camp
Friday 15 March - Grade 4-7 return to school from camp
Thursday 21 March - Public Holiday school closed 
Friday 12^th April – Term 1 ends

Term 1 2019 Extra Mural Timetable

Sport to start on Monday 21^st January Grade 2-7
Monday 28^th January sport starts for Grade 0 -1
Swimming will start for all grade 0-7 pupils on Tuesday 22nd January

Monday

1:15 to 2:00                         Grade 1 to 2 Girls     Tennis                     

1:15 to 2:00                         Grade 1 to 2 Boys     Cricket                   

2:00 to 3:00                         Grade 3 to 7 Girls     Tennis                     

2:00 to 3:00                         Grade 3 to 7 Boys     Cricket                   

Tuesday

1:30 to 2:30                         Grade 0 – 2 Swimming    

2:30 to 3:30                         Grade 3 – 7 Swimming      

Wednesday

1:15 to 1:45                         Grade 0 Ball Skills                            

1:15 to 2:00                         Grade 1 and 2 Ball skills                           

2:30 to 3:00                         Grade 0 and 1 Water sport         Liquid Lines (optional)  

2:00 to 2:45                         Grade 2 to 7 choir (optional)     

2:00 to 2:45                         Grade 3 to 7 chess (optional)       

3:00 to 4:00                         Grade 2 to 7 Water sport            Liquid Lines (optional)

Children from Grade 2 – 7 may audition for the choir

Children from Grade 3 – 7 must either participate in the choir or in chess practices  

Thursday

1:15 to 2:00                         Grade 1 to 2 Boys Cricket              

1:15 to 2:00                         Grade 1 to 2 Girls Netball                       

2:00 to 3:00                         Grade 3 to 7 Cricket/ Netball     

2:00 to 3:00                         SFC Tennis League (CSF)