Newsletter-Term 3-Week 10-Friday 23rd September 2022

Principal's News...

Dear Parents,

We have certainly had a fantastic term in being able to reconnect more personally with our community. Thank you to all who have supported our school in our celebrations this term – the experience of community for our children becomes all the richer for your involvement. In addition to strengthening our parent community this term, many of our students engaged with our wider community as they learned about our local environment and local services, and further developed their personal faith through engagement in our Parish Sacramental programs. I am sure that most of these experiences will have created life long memories for our children and I thank all those who contributed to organising and facilitating these events.

We will be holding our annual 100 Seconds Times Tables Challenge on Tuesday afternoon, October 18^th at 2:30pm. Our top 3 students from Years 4, 5 and 6 respectively have been selected to represent the students as they take on the teachers and parents in what is set to be a very competitive event. We are currently seeking confirmation from interested parents who have very fast recall of all times tables up to 12 x 12 to form the parent team (consisting of 6 parents). Please nominate your interest via this link. Please watch the promotional video, showcasing our 2022 student team.

A big thanks to all our distant grandparents who have emailed me “surprise videos” for their unsuspecting grandchildren in preparation for our Grandparents Day celebration on October 28^th. I know this is a while away, but it’s important to collect these as soon as possible in order to create an effective video compilation. If you know your parents will not be able to attend and you would like them to contribute a video, please arrange for this before Monday, 10^th October.

In recent times, we have found the need to provide creative solutions to support a number of students in our school. Today we had a School Support Dog, Barkley, assessed for suitability and he passed with flying colours. He will be housed in our Learning Support Centre and will be available as a calming influence for certain children to help them refocus. As you would appreciate, there are very strict protocols and policies that dictate the presence and use of animals on school grounds. Barkley will not have free reign of the school and will be supervised and cared for appropriately at all times.

On Wednesday, along with Zali and Kaden (our school vice captains), I had the privilege of representing our school at the Xavier Catholic College Graduation Ceremony. It was a beautiful Mass with just over 30 former SFX students celebrating their graduation from high school. We will continue to pray for them as they prepare for their final exams and venture off into their respective futures.

I pray that you all have a lovely and safe holiday and I look forward to seeing everyone at the start of Term 4, Monday, 12^th October.

Peace in Christ,

Dan Gubby.

School Calendar-Term 4

Assistant Principal Mission...

Term 3 Sacramental Program 

On Sunday our sacramental students received their First Holy Communion. Our students' behaviour was exceptional for this very special Mass and a huge thank you to our school choir led by Mr Hosie and Mrs Niland. After Mass, we celebrated this wonderful event together with our students, families and parishioners by holding a bbq at the school. We pray for these students and welcome them into the joy of the Holy Eucharist.

Altar Servers

With the COVID-19 restrictions the Catholic Church has not used Altar Servers over the last two years. I am happy to announce that Altar Servers will return in Term 4. John Kearney, our Parish Associate, will be running training sessions with interested students early next term. If your child is interested in participating, please contact the Parish Office

School Walkathon

Our school walkathon has been rescheduled to Friday, 21st October. (Week 2-Term 4)

Happy Holidays and God Bless,

Matthew Ritchie

AP Mission

Parish News...

Revised NSW Government Restrictions for Places of Worship

• Hand sanitiser is provided at entrances to our Churches
• Masks are not mandatory, personal choice can be made if you prefer to wear a mask
• Receival of Holy Communion in the hand only
• Singing is allowed
• Social distancing not mandatory, but encouraged
• Density limits are not mandatory
• If unwell please stay home until you feel well again

Parish Mass Times

Learning & Teaching News...

NORPA WORKSHOP

Last Monday a group of Stage 3 students were involved in a full day drama incursion facilitated by representatives from Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA). Students were lead through various character development activities to assist them to sustain role when performing.

Engagement in the activities required the participants to create a character profile and deeply analyse traits and characteristics of their character. Students improvised whilst exploring values such as respect and responsibility as they encountered other characters in interesting situations.

Such scenarios allow students to develop confidence as they explore voice, movement, body language, gestures and facial expressions in front of an audience. 

At the end of the workshop our talented actors left the space feeling energised as they walked away with an expanded repertoire of skills and theatre tips and tricks.

Well done to all of the students who were involved on the day and many thanks to Lisa and Frauke who planned and delivered the workshop!

Hallie Watt

Creative Arts Teacher

The Catholic Schools Office have been in partnership with NORPA since 2015. The partnership aims to provide our students with access to high quality theatre experiences and drama & performance workshops to enhance the curriculum and teacher professional learning.

NORPA Workshop Gallery

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Sports News...

Polding Athletics Championships

On Friday, 9th September, Alexandra Dogan and Luke Dogan travelled to Glendale Stadium in Newcastle for the Polding Athletics Championships which sees all of the Catholic Primary Schools from North of the Sydney Harbour Bridge all the way up to the Queensland border competing in Track and Field events.

Both Alexandra & Luke ran beautifully with Alexandra coming 1st in the 1500m in a Polding Record of 5:12 (previous record 5:23). Congratulations Alexandra! She also came 2nd in the 800m which sees her qualify for State in both events.

Luke came 4th in the 1500m and he will be first reserve for State. A great effort considering he was running against older competitors in the Junior Division.

We wish Alexandra the best of luck at the NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday, 19th October.

Rugby League Gala Day - Casino

Last Thursday, we took a Stage 2 and Stage 3 Rugby League Team to the Matt King Cup Rugby League Gala Day in Casino. The students had a lot of fun and played schools from all over the region. Stage 2 won one and lost two, and Stage three won two and lost one. Well done boys & girls. 

Paddy Wilde

Sports Coordinator

Canteen News...

We Need Volunteers for our School Canteen

Tammy is looking for volunteers for the canteen. If you are able to spare a couple of hours, between 9am and 11:30, once a month please contact the school office on 66863370 or contact Tammy in the canteen and let her know what day suits you.  

Canteen Roster-Term 4

Week 1 

Monday, 10th October- Friday, 14th October

Week 2

Monday, 17th October- Friday, 21st October

Tuesday Sushi Day

All Sushi Orders need to be placed via the QKR App by 8:30am Monday morning prior to Sushi Day

Week 3	Tuesday, 25th November
Week 5	Tuesday, 8th November
Week 7	Tuesday, 22nd November
Week 9	Tuesday, 6th December

Student Awards...

Term 3-Week 10

Congratulations to all of our students who received an award this week. 

Happy Birthday...

Friday, 23rd September to Thursday, 20th October 2022

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!

Parent Assembly News...

Parent Information...

Newsletter Update

We will now be publishing our School Newsletter on a fortnightly basis. The newsletter will be published in Week Two, Four, Six, Eight and Ten of each Term. All important notices and events will be communicated via Compass on a regular basis. Our school Facebook page will be updated regulary with exciting events that have happened at school.

School Assembly Update

School Assemblies are now on a fortnightly basis. 

Notification of Extended Leave

Travel outside of the school holiday period is counted as an absence for statistical purposes.  If your child/ren are absent for 10 to 100 days, please ensure that you complete a Form A4 Notification Extended Leave Travel (available at the School Office or click on the link Extended Leave Form).  An absence in this case will be recorded using the Code ‘A’ (Unjustified Leave).

In exceptional circumstances parents may complete a Form A1 Application for Extended Leave-Travel for consideration, explaining why an absence for extended leave is in the best educational interest of the student.  The Principal may accept or decline this application. 

Please note relevant travel documentation such as an e ticket or itinerary (in the case of non-flight bound travel within Australia only) must be attached to these applications.

Please note, a return text message notification will NOT be accepted for Extended Leave. 

Compass Events-School Excursions

The Compass Event Module will be where you will receive all the information about an excursion. It will also be where you are required to give consent and make payment. 

The Event Module has replaced the hard copy note that would normally be sent home.  If you receive an event notification or email, this means your child/ren are required to participate in the event. Please do not disregard the notification or email. If you have any questions about an event, please contact the class teacher or the school office.

Parents are required to action the Excursion Event in Compass prior to the due by date that is stated in the event, unfortunately if you miss the due date your child/ren may miss out on attending. Event notifications will come via email and Compass notification on your Compass App. 

A kindly reminder that this is a new process for everyone, parents, teachers and administration staff, we are all learning together.

School Uniform

With the warmer weather upon us, please make sure your child/ren are in our summer uniform.

Community News...