Newsletter-Term 1-Week 8-Friday 24th March 2023

Principal's News...

Dear Parents,

School Improvement: In 2021, our school began a process of whole-school improvement with a specific focus on raising the standard of writing throughout all year levels. Our focus was established after analysing extensive data from a number of assessment processes and coincided with a Catholic Schools Office initiative in collaboration with Dr Lyn Sharratt, an educational consultant from Ontario, Canada. We have worked closely with Dr Sharratt over the last couple of years to incorporate her strategies into our teaching and learning processes here at school. Through the incorporation of strategic processes and physical resources, and a shared understanding around expectations and capabilities of our students, we have seen great improvement already throughout the school. By supporting the children to become more independent and consequently more engaged in their learning, we are helping them to develop habits in all curriculum areas that will serve them well throughout their years of formal education.

On Monday this week, seven Principals and five Catholic Schools Office personnel visited our school to observe the progress we have made over the last couple of years. The feedback we received from our guests was overwhelmingly positive and a testament to the amazing work of our whole community. Whilst we were happy to receive ideas on how we could further improve our practices, we were certainly left feeling very proud of the accolades for the achievements of both our staff and students.  Key to all of this is a concerted focus on employing feedback strategies that help children improve their understanding and, in turn, the quality of their work.

Here are two comments from our visitors:

“Just a very quick email to say well done today.........it was excellent, and you should all feel very proud of how far you have come as a school and how you have led it to be where it is. Well-done!”

“I loved seeing what you are all doing around the Sharratt work and it has certainly inspired me on how to move forward.”

Confirmation: This week we held our second Confirmation preparation session for parents and students. I look forward to sharing in the celebration of the reception of this Blessed Sacrament with our candidates next Thursday night.

Interviews: Thank you to everyone who participated in the parent-student-teacher interviews this week. By supporting our children to establish achievable goals, and maintaining strong communication lines with your class teachers, we create a culture that encourages children to aspire to find success.

Cross Country: On Monday we will be holding our school Cross Country Carnival here at school. Please be sure to read Mr Wilde’s news so you are well aware of the expectations and schedule for the day.

Peace in Christ

Dan Gubby

School Calendar-Term 1...

School Calendar-Term 2

Pupil Free Days Term 2

Monday, 24th April 2023

Wednesday, 31st May 2023

Friday, 30th June 2023

Assistant Principal Mission News...

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place next Thursday, 30th March beginning with Bishop Greg’s talk at 5:30pm.

We congratulate the students who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next week:

Joy Meany, Sienna Suffolk, Ella Piercy, Lottie Lubrano, Scott Nguyen, Josie Davy, Georgia Rule, Grace Hosie, Ruby Siviour, Honor Hodges, Darcy McDermott, Pip Schirmer, Isabella Briggs, Aurelia Houghton, Kace Peachey, Dakota Bostock, Mabel George, Oliver Seymour, Albie Mather, Mac Downie, Flynn McKay, Jaxon Farrell, Alice Lett, Savannah Mathers, Archie Scott

Project Compassion

This week through Project Compassion we learn about Thu, who lives in Vietnam. When Thu was 12 years old, he stepped on an unexploded land mine and lost his leg.

Living with a disability in rural Vietnam presented many challenges for Thu, who worked mainly as a rice farmer. Thu also took on the role of caring for his wife, Linh, after she suffered a stroke.

Determined to turn their lives around, Thu and Linh joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, run by Caritas Australia’s local partner in Vietnam, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).   

For Thu, the greatest impact the program has had is enabling the change in Linh’s physical and mental wellbeing. With the support of a physiotherapist, Linh can now walk short distances with the aid of a walking stick. 

Project Compassion is a demonstration of the faith, empathy and generosity of our supporters. It is the lifeblood of Caritas Australia – without it, we could not do the vital work we do. Thank you for helping transform lives today and for all future generations.

Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

Holy Week and Stations of the Cross

Our Holy Week Liturgy will take place on Thursday, 6th April. All are welcome to join us for this Liturgy in the Hall beginning at 10:15am.

The Stations of the Cross will be a static display this year. The display will be set up around the inside of the Hall with staff and students visiting at chosen times.

Parents, Guardians and Parishioners are welcome to visit the display throughout the week. The Stations of the Cross will be available for viewing from Tuesday, 4th April - Thursday, 6th April. If you wish to visit the Stations, please sign in via the front office then make your way to the Hall.

Light of Jesus Tickets

Congratulations to the following students on being awarded a Light of Jesus ticket last fortnight.

• Gurvardaan Dhall - Kindergarten
• Aaliyah-Ann White - Kindergarten
• Tyler Smith - Yr 2
• Joshuah Jacobsen - Yr 2
• Louis Rosenbaum - Yr 6

Congratulations to the following students on receiving 10 Light of Jesus Tickets. They now receive a certificate and blue arm band.

• Tao Stewart - Kindergarten
• Mason Hordern - Yr 2

Wildfire Visit

Next Tuesday, we are fortunate to have Wildfire visit for sessions with each of our classes. These sessions include worship/dancing, games and learning songs to finish the day with a Liturgy.

We look forward to sharing the learning and fun we have with Wildfire in our next newsletter.

Kasey Miles

Assitant Principal Mission

Parish News...

St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish of Ballina

• St Francis Xavier Church-47 Cherry Street, Ballina
• Holy Family Church-94 Ballina Street, Lennox Head 

Parish Mass Times

Learning & Teaching News...

Dear Parents and Families,

In Mathematics, our Year 6 students have been learning about how to calculate the perimeter and area of triangles and converting between common measurement units. As part of that learning, in small groups students had to draw and label a triangle, determine the perimeter and area and calculate the area in two different ways. After achieving this, they used the spheros and block coding to demonstrate their triangle and its measurements. There was a lot of trial and error as students had to use their knowledge of measurement and angles and think critically to accurately code their sphero.

Sports News...

Diocesan Winter Sports Trials

On Friday, 10th March, St Francis Xavier had five students attend the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials at various venues across Grafton. Well done to the following students who were selected to attend the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials in Grafton. Rugby Union - Rab Downie, League 11’s -  Jacob Richardson & Archie Scott, Football Boys - Callan Ross & Gali Amit

Congratulations to Rab Downie who obviously impressed selectors in the final Probables/Possibles game and was selected in the Diocesan Rugby Union Team to compete at the Polding Winter Sports Trials in Forbes. Well done Rab and good luck!

Catch-up Rugby League Clinics

Over the last few weeks the Year 5 classes have been participating in catch up sessions of Rugby League with Northern NSW Game Development Officer, Kel Menchin. The Year 5 students missed their sessions last year so we are extremely grateful that Kel was able to run these one off sessions with the students this Term. Thanks Kel!

St Francis Xavier Cross Country

St Francis Xavier’s annual Cross Country Carnival is on next Monday, 27th March in the St Francis Xavier School Grounds. Although this is not ideal we have attempted to source other venues but due to either transport costs or time to walk to and from the venue across major roads influenced our final decision. Thank you for your understanding regarding this.

Students are to wear their school shirt and shorts but can bring running shoes to change into. Girls and boys may also wish to change into bike pants/running shorts prior to running.

The first five place getters in each age group from 8yrs and up are invited to compete at the Richmond Zone Cross Country Carnival at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah on Wednesday, 3rd May.

• Students who are turning 11 or older this year run:           3 km = 6 laps
• Students turning 8,9,10 this year run:                                   2 km = 4 laps
• Students younger than this age run:                                       1km = 2 laps

Timetable for the Day

(Approximate times only)

School Holiday Program

Canteen News...

We Need Volunteers for our School Canteen

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

Lent Special Term 1

Wednesday, 22nd February to Wednesday 5th April

Crumbed Fish Burger-$5.00 each

Student Awards...

Congratulations to all of our student's who received an award this week.

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all our student's a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 24th March to Thursday, 6th April 2023

Parent Information...

School Fees

Please note that Term 1 school fees are overdue and payable immediately, unless you have returned a Fee Payment Arrangement for 2023 school year. 

Below are some Compass Workflows to help parents pay their fees via the Compass App and or computer desktop. 

Newsletter 

We publish 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

School Assemblies are on a fortnightly basis, in line with our Newsletter. 

Student Absences

Parents are reminded that if your child/ren are absent from school you must follow the following steps:

• Reply to the text message that is sent via Compass before 3pm, or
• Email the school office on balp@lism.catholic.edu.au

All absences must be received in writing. 

Student Partial Absences

Parents are reminded not to enter a partial attendance note for their child/ren. To be compliant with the attendance SOP, we need to ensure that child safety is maintained as far as possible. Parents are to come to the school office to drop/collect the student. This gives the parent the opportunity to provide the reason for the early departure/late arrival at that time. 

Notification of Extended Leave

All notification of extended leave MUST be submitted prior to the  leave commencing. 

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/Events

The Compass Event Module is where you receive all the information about an excursion or an event. 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 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. 

Medical Plans 2023

Parents/Guardians who have indicated on their child’s Enrolment that they suffer from Asthma or allergies/anaphylaxis/seizures – Please note that plans are sent home at the start of every year to be completed and signed by your GP.  Please return the completed plan to our school office with all required medication as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please contact our school office on 66863370.

Student Messages…

If you need to contact the school to give your child/children a message regarding a change to arrangements for after school transport, please ensure you phone the school office prior to 1:45pm to ensure the message can be delivered in time. Unless it is an absolute emergency, we are unable to ensure messages can be delivered at such short notice and PLEASE NO EMAILS to notify your child/children of any changes, as we cannot guarantee that the message will be delivered in time to your child.

All after school care arrangements should be relayed to your child/children prior to arriving at school and in the case of infant’s children, the teacher should also be notified of any change to arrangements, particularly in relation to bus travel, by a written note/email.

As you can appreciate the school is a very busy place at home time, so your assistance and consideration in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

Parent Sign In

All parents are reminded that if they are entering the school grounds, for what ever the reason, you MUST sign into the school via the Ipad in the front office or via the QR codes at our gates. There are no exceptions. 

Student Travel to and from School

Students are supervised at school from 8:30am. If your child/ren are walking, riding or being dropped off, they should not arrive before 8:30am. When they do arrive at school they are to sit under the Shelter Shed until instructed by the teacher on duty. 

When leaving school, students depart in one of four ways:

Bus - Children are to sit in bus lines and wait for teachers’ instructions to board their bus.  Bus pass forms are available online.

Bike - Students are to move quickly to their bikes or scooters and walk these to the gate at the front of the school.  They must not ride these on school premises and they should take the shortest and safest route home.

Walking - These children should leave through the front school gate without delay.  Any child needing to cross Swift Street should wait at the crossing and be directed by the Crossing Supervisor.

Pick up - Children being picked up should wait in the School Hall with the supervising teacher until collected and then leave with their parent or guardian. Students should be collected no later than 3:20pm. 

Parents are reminded not to ask their child/ren to wait outside the school fence or in an unsupervised area. This is for the safety of the child/ren. All students MUST be collected from the School Hall or Martin Street Gate.  

Road Safety Around the School

In order to keep our students safe, please adhere to the road safety rules around St. Francis Xavier when dropping off or collecting your child.

All roads surrounding and adjoining our school are signed and subject to School Zone Road Restrictions from 8am to 9:30am in the morning and 2:30pm to 4pm in the afternoon on all school days. Ballina Shire Council enforces these road rules and does issue penalties, particularly for double-parking.

There are two private residences, one on the corner of Swift St and Martin St, and one on the corner of Martin St and Crane St. Please ensure you are not parking in these driveways. These driveways need to be kept clear at all times for resident access. 

K2024 Information...

Community News...

An invitation to Grandcarers

If you are a Grandcarer who looks after your grandchildren fulltime, DAISI Services is here to support you in your important role of helping your grandchild or grandchildren reach their potential.

The Grandcarer Project, an established group, is ready to welcome you. 

Frequency: The first Monday of every month. 

• The dates are: 6/3/23, 3/4/23, 1/5/23 ,5/6/23 ,7/8/23, 4/9/23, 6/11/23
• Time: 11.30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., with lunch provided
• Venue: Ballina Masonic Hall, 56 Cherry St, Ballina

Please contact Sue Hetherington on 0491 065 906 or gc.sue@daisi.asn.au for more information.

Lennox Head Netball Club Information

Ballina Information Centre News