Newsletter-Term 1-Week 10- Thursday 6th April 2023

Principal's News...

Dear Parents,

Holy Week commenced with Palm Sunday last weekend and concludes with our Easter celebrations
this weekend. Many traditions help us to engage more fully in the seasons of the Church, and the
seasons of Lent and Easter, being central to our faith are certainly rich with tradition. Some of our
families will have observed a traditional Lent and look forward to enacting the various Catholic
traditions over Easter. Other families may be less familiar with these traditions and celebrate these
events in their own ways. Whilst my experiences lie with traditional Catholic practices, I have always been intrigued by the traditions of such other denominations as the Greek Orthodox. These days we have greater access to observing and understanding the traditions of other cultures through the internet. Maybe over the holidays your children might have the opportunity to explore Easter traditions of other Christian denominations. In recent times we have seen such an intense
commercialisation of our key religious events that we could easily lose focus on their very significance to our faith. I pray that you will be filled with the Spirit of Christ this Easter season. May you stay safe and enjoy some quality family time.

We have already received a considerable number of enrolment applications for our Kinder 2024
cohort. Next term we will hold an information session on the evening of Tuesday, May 2nd . Following this evening and the receipt of more enrolment applications, we will commence the interview process to create our Kinder 2024 classes. If you have a child coming into this class, please ensure you complete your enrolment form early to secure your place. Additionally, if you have any friends or neighbours who might be looking for a 2024 Kinder placement, please ensure they are aware of our information night. We would love to see them.

On April 25th , I will accompany our school captains in an abridged version of the ANZAC Day march from the courthouse down to RSL Memorial Park. Although the number of participants in the march itself has been limited, the Ballina RSL sub-Branch welcome all other students to view the March from the sidelines of River Street, and to then attend the commemoration service in the Memorial Park at 1055hrs. Our Captains will lay a wreath on behalf of our school community.

All students will return to school on Wednesday, 26th April.

We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful school community and I thank those who have
contributed to this and supported the school in your respective ways. May God watch over you and
keep you and your families safe over the Easter break. I look forward to celebrating the glory of the
Risen Lord on our return in Term 2.

Peace in Christ,
Dan Gubby.

School Calendar-Term 2

Pupil Free Days Term 2

Monday, 24th April 2023

Friday, 30th June 2023

Assistant Principal Mission News...

Sacrament of Confirmation

We congratulate the Confirmation candidates on receiving the Sacrament last Thursday evening. It was wonderful to see so many families in the Church supporting the candidates. Bishop Greg Homeming was pleased with the candidates preparation and how the evening went overall. We thank the staff, students, Parish and Bishop Greg for their support during this time.

Term 2 upcoming Liturgies and Masses

We will begin Term 2 with our ANZAC Day Liturgy on Wednesday, 26th April at 10:15am in the Hall. All are welcome to join us for this Commemoration.

As a school, we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week in Week 2 of Term 2. The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year is “Living our Mission”. We will celebrate with a whole school Mass Thursday, 4th May at 2:30pm in the Church (TBC).

The Sacrament of Reconciliation for our Year 4 students (and those in Years 5 and 6 who are yet to complete the Sacrament) will take place on Tuesday, 23rd May. More information regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available early next term.

Our Staff Proclaim Day that was scheduled for Wednesday, 31st May will now be postponed until 2024. Wednesday, 31st May 2023 will now be a normal school day for all staff and students. 

Light of Jesus Tickets

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

• Archie Hanrahan - Yr 1
• Ruby O’Donnell - Yr 1
• Joshua Jacobsen - Yr 2
• Tate Creighton - Yr 2
• Flynn McKay - Yr 4

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

• Hannah Morley - Yr 1
• Ruby O’Donnell - Yr 1
• Owen Williams - Yr 1
• Chase Jesberg - Yr 2

Easter Blessing from the Presentation Sisters

Wishing all our families a safe and restful Easter break.

Kasey Miles

Assistant 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

Catholic School Week News...

Catholic Schools Week 2023 

Our school will join with more than 620 Catholic schools across NSW and the ACT to celebrate the annual Catholic Schools Week (CSW). This will take place in Term 2.

 This year’s theme “Living our Mission’’ highlights the mission of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lismore. The Catholic school community has a co-responsibility in the service of mission through sharing Jesus’ messages of love and forgiveness, peace, hope and joy as revealed in the Gospels. The transforming power of mission ensures our students experience the fullness of life (John 10:10). 

We are immensely proud of the important role the Catholic school has alongside our Bishop, Parish Priest, school staff, parishioners and families in the missionary activity of bringing the ‘Good News' to the world. This week provides us with the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the missionary activities of our Catholic schools as well as the quality education we offer.

Learning & Teaching News...

KINDERGARTEN PLAY

In Kindergarten, students have been catching ‘imaginitis’. They read the book entitled ‘The Box Boy’ by Mal Webster about a little boy who turned boxes into amazing creations that were exhibited in an art gallery. This week we challenged our Kindergarten students to work in teams and design and make box creations. There was great team work, cooperation and negotiation skills. They designed houses, helmets, baskets, dog bags, swimming pools and cars etc. Their imaginations were incredible, check them out!

Kindergarten Play Gallery

KINDERGARTEN PICNIC

Unfortunately due to the weather this week we had to postpone our Kindergarten family picnic. We look forward to rescheduling to Wednesday, 3rd May 2023 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, in Week 2 of Term 2 for an afternoon tea under the big tree on the playground (near the parent pick up gate on Crane Street).

Please bring along a plate of food and a rug as you get to know other Kinder families in a relaxed, social setting. The Kinder teachers will be present and will have some games for the children to play. They can also access the play equipment under supervision.

We hope to see you there!

EASTER HAT PARADE

In the holidays don’t forget to create an easter bonnet for your child’s K-2 Easter Hat Parade. This event will be held on Thursday, 27th April 2023 from 9am in the Hall. Please join us in celebrating this eggciting annual event.

PE

In PE with Mr Wilde,  Year One have been learning about volleyball and the skills required to play. There was much excitement and skill development!

Lisa Conte

Leader of Pedagogy

Sports News...

St Francis Xavier Cross Country

St Francis Xavier’s annual Cross Country Carnival was held last Monday, 27th March in the St Francis Xavier School Grounds. Although this was not ideal we had attempted to source other venues (including Ballina Coast High) but due to either lack of availability, transport costs or time to walk to and from the venue across major roads/intersections influenced our final decision. Thank you again for your understanding regarding this.

The day ended up being quite warm and humid making the course that little bit extra challenging. It was great to see so many parents and spectators come and watch the different age groups race.

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. Please note: The 8 years age groups DO NOT progress to the Diocesan Cross Country.

Congratulations to Murphy house who won the day overall.

The final points were:

• 1st Murphy - 185
• 2nd Power - 173
• 3rd Doyle - 140
• 4th Cole - 137

Congratulations to the following students:  

Facilities at Richmond Zone Cross Country

• Parking - There are limited parking spaces at the venue. On the venue map there is a designated area marked for bus parking. Please do not park in bus drop off/parking areas (indicated on the map) as these are safe areas for children to disembark.
• Toilets/change rooms - There are toilets and change rooms at the facility.
• Canteen - Westpac Rescue Helicopter BBQ van will be available at the ground. There will also be a coffee van available for adults.

 NSWCPS Polding Swimming

Last week Thomas Briggs travelled south to compete at the NSWCPS Swimming Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Thomas came 5th in the 11 years breaststroke heat and 15th overall. He had a great day in Sydney and whilst he was disappointed with his time, he was happy and so proud to have made it to Polding to represent not only the Lismore Diocese but also St Francis Xavier and the Richmond Zone. Well done Thomas!

Paddy Wilde

Sports Coordinator

Japanese News...

Students across all grades have worked extremely well in their Japanese lessons this term.  Year 1 have been finishing their unit on greetings, and this week began learning to read and write some of the Japanese alphabet sounds (see pictures) which they will build on throughout the year.   Year 5 and 6 are continuing their work on their Family rap preparations, while still having fun revising basics such as counting, with one of the year 5 classes enjoying an impromptu sing-a long in class, a short snippet of which can be seen in the video.  Japanese club members have had a creative and competitive term with Sumo challenges and mini Daruma making happening in the last couple of weeks.  

Next Term we are excited to be welcoming a Japanese Assistant to our classroom Miss Chikako. If you see Chikako sensei at school, please make sure you help her to feel welcome and offer her a big smile and a Konnichi wa!

Japanese Gallery

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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.  

Sushi Specials Term 2

$3.90 each Chicken, Tuna, Avocado or Vegetarian-Sauce 20c each.

Week 3	Tuesday, 9th May
Week 5	Tuesday, 23rd May
Week 7	Tuesday, 6th June
Week 9	Tuesday, 20th June

Student Awards...

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

We welcome the following students and their families to our school community.

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 7th April  to Thursday, 4th May

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. 

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. 

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...

Ballina Shire Council Road Works

Ballina Shire Council will commence road reconstruction works at the intersection of Crane and
Martin Streets, Ballina from Wednesday 12 April 2023. This project, which is part of Council’s ongoing Road Reconstruction program, will involve a full dig out of the existing roadway, laying of new bitumen seal, minor kerb replacements, and refreshed line markings.

These works will take approximately six weeks to complete (weather permitting).

Traffic arrangements

The intersection will be closed to through traffic throughout the school holidays. Motorists will
need to detour via Swift Street and Cherry Streets. When school returns, one lane will be open with
traffic control in place during work hours from 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

Parking

Street parking around the intersection will be reduced. Motorists dropping off and picking up
students from school are encouraged to access Crane Street via Cherry Street.

Council thanks the school community for their patience and understanding as these essential works are completed.

If you have any enquiries regarding this matter, please contact Council’s Civil Services Division on
1300 864 444