Newsletter-Term 3- Week 8-Friday 8th September 2023
Principal's News...
Dear Parents,
Our inaugural St Francis Xavier School – Whole School Retreat Day was held last Thursday. The event, titled “Crescente Simul” (Growing together), guided the children in mixed age groups through the exploration of our school’s five key values: Education, Prayer, Justice, Compassion and Hospitality. Each activity session required the children to delve more deeply into the relevance of the specific value in their own life and explore how it could be promoted in our school community. In addition to the rich activities, we joined in a shared sausage sizzle. We were blessed to have been supported by our Xavier Catholic College CSYMA students and Youth Ministry Officers. I extend our school’s thanks to these students and school officers for their outstanding efforts in guiding our children through the activities. Special thanks also to the organising committee and our parent helpers.
Earlier this week I was in attendance at a Principals’ conference in Yamba, facilitated by senior leaders from the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited, and a number of specialists. The content covered included Child Safe Standards, the Governance restructure of our Catholic Education system here in the Lismore Diocese, exploration of our new system data analysis website, and future planning in the Strategic Directions Framework.
At our last Parent Forum Meeting, we were very pleased to make the appointments of our new President, Mrs Stacey Briggs and Vice President, Ms Kate Brentin. I thank both ladies for accepting these roles and look forward to working with you and our other parent representatives in future meetings. We did discuss possibilities for a change to the actual structure of the meetings and consequently have arranged for Mrs Janita Thompson from the Catholic Schools Office to present to us on Tuesday night September 12th, a number of possible formats we could consider. I encourage all parents to come along to engage in discussion around the possibilities as we aim to strengthen our family-school partnerships. I look forward to seeing you there.
Peace in Christ
Dan Gubby.
School Calendar....
Term 3
| Week 9 | Wednesday, 13th September | K2024 Transition Day 2 |
| Thursday, 14th September | Whole School Mass-2:15 pm to 3 pm | |
| Week 10 | Thursday, 21st September | Last Day of Term 3 for Students |
| Whole School Assembly-2:30 pm (Year 2 Prayer) | ||
| Friday, 22nd September | Pupil Free Day-Staff Development |
Pupil Free Day
(Staff Development)
Friday, 22nd September 2023
Term 4
| Week 1 | Monday, 9th October | First Day Term 4 |
| Week 2 | Wednesday, 18th October | K2024 Transition Day 3 |
| Week 3 | Tuesday, 24th October | Parent Forum Meeting-5:30pm |
| Wednesday, 25th October | K2024 Transition Day 4 | |
| Friday, 27th October | Accendere-Year 4 | |
| Week 4 | Wednesday, 1st November | K2024 Transition Day 5 |
| Thursday, 2nd November | Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials-4pm to 5:30pm | |
| Friday, 3rd November | Grandparent's Day-1pm to 3pm | |
| Intensive swimming payment & consent due | ||
| Week 5 | Monday, 6th November | Intensive Swimming K-6
|
| Tuesday, 7th November | Intensive Swimming K-6 | |
| Wednesday, 8th November | Intensive Swimming K-6 | |
| K2024 Transition Day 6 (last day) | ||
| Thursday, 9th November | Intensive Swimming K-6 | |
| Friday, 10th November | Intensive Swimming K-6 | |
| Week 6 | Monday, 13th November | Intensive Swimming K-6 |
| Tuesday, 14th November | Intensive Swimming K-2 only
| |
| Wednesday, 15th November | Intensive Swimming K-2 only
| |
| Week 7 | Tuesday, 21st Novemvber | Nano Nagle Feast Day |
| Friday, 22nd November | Diocesan Summer Sports Trials | |
| Week 8 | Wednesday, 29th November | Parish Schools Day |
| Thursday, 30th November | School Swimming Carnival (Ballina Memorial Pool) | |
| Friday, 1st December | PUPIL FREE DAY | |
| Week 9 | Tuesday, 5th December | Carols on the Green-5:30 pm to 7:30 pm |
| Thursday, 7th December | Step Up Day | |
| Week 10 | Wednesday, 13th December | Year 6 Graduation Day |
| Thursday, 14th December | Whole School Assembly-2:30 pm to 3:15 pm | |
| Last Day of Term 4 for students | ||
| Friday, 15th December | PUPIL FREE DAY |
Pupil Free Days
(Staff Development)
Friday, 1st December 2023
&
Friday, 15th December 2023
Assistant Principal Mission News...
The Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
This coming weekend's reading is from Matthew 18:15-20 - Jesus teaches his disciples how to settle disputes in the Church. Conflict and disagreements are part of life. Within our own family we have the opportunity to learn how to resolve arguments fairly by treating people with love and respect.
As you gather as a family this week, talk about how you resolve disagreements. How do you respond to those who disagree? Jesus promises that he will help those who pray to him with their needs. As a family, pray together for Jesus’ guidance and support when faced with resolving disagreements.
Source: https://www.loyolapress.com
Parent Night - Tuesday, 12 September
We invite you to attend our next Parent Forum meeting on Tuesday, 12th September from 5:30 - 6:30pm.
At St Francis Xavier Primary School we value family school partnerships and want to strengthen the way our families and school work together for the good of all our students.
Please note: this is not a meeting where parents are asked to fill roles or take on tasks. It is a chance to learn and chat together.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Whole School Retreat - Crescente Simul - Growing Together
Our first whole school retreat was a great success. The staff and students were engaged in activities based on our 5 school values: Prayer, Education, Justice, Hospitality and Compassion.
The students were grouped from Kindergarten to Year 6 and it was wonderful to see them engaging and mixing with students and staff from across the school as they participated in the various activities.
A day like this is not possible without the help and support of many. We say thank you to the following:
The Retreat Team: Miss Ninness, Mrs Darke, Miss Kearney, Mrs Niland and Mrs Gubby
Xavier Catholic College: Mr Eyles, the CSYMA students as well as the Ministry Officers Eliza and Maya.
Our Lunch team: Mrs Moran, Mr Kliese and Mr and Mrs Davy.
And finally to our staff and students for their participation and enthusiasm throughout the day.
A very big thank you to all those who made the day possible.
SFX Retreat Day 2023
Exuro
Exuro (Latin for “on fire”) is a student discipleship formation program for Year 5 students that will strengthen the lives of practising Catholic students and keep the fire and passion of Proclaim Lismore Students alive in parish primary schools.
Exuro is a one-day faith retreat experience using various prayer methods, group processes and student-led discussions to equip students to be faith leaders in their parish school communities.
A Compass Event will be sent to Year 5 parents. Those who wish to participate please complete the expression of interest form and return to Kasey Miles (kasey.miles@lism.catholic.edu.au) no later than Wednesday, 13th September.
Exuro will take place on Tuesday, 17th October at Tullera Hall, Lismore.
Light of Jesus Awards
Congratulations to the following students on receiving 10 or 25 Light of Jesus Tickets. They now receive a certificate and a blue or green arm band.
- Phoebe Black - Kinder
- Isla Bottom-Clayton - Kinder x 25
- Lewis Chapman - Kinder
- Joshua Rose - Kinder
- Macey Buchan - Year 1
- Archie Hanrahan - Year 1
- Marcel Messager - Year 1
- Kai Oke - Year 1
- Oliver Siviour - Year 1
- Jaxon Smith - Year 1
- Monty Zhou-Roberts - Year 1
- Henry Hall - Year 2
Kasey Miles - Assistant Principal Mission
Whole School Mass
A reminder, our whole school Mass for this term will be on Thursday, 14th September. This Mass will begin at 2:15pm in the Church. We welcome our families to join us for this whole school Mass.
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
| St Francis Xavier Church Ballina |
Saturday Vigil Mass-5:30pm |
Sunday Mass-9am & 11am |
Weekday Masses-12 Noon (Tuesday to Friday) |
| Holy Family Church Lennox Head |
| Sunday Mass-7:30am |
Learning & Teaching News...
TOURMAMENT OF MINDS (TOM)
Congratulations to both of our tournament of minds teams and their teachers for participating in the Tournament of Minds competition at Southern Cross University. We thank both Miss Beecher and Mr Kliese for their commitment in offering this learning opportunity each lunchtime. Congratulations to the Social Science SFX team who won the Spirit of TOM award for demonstrating great teamwork when problem solving. We are very proud of you
BAND
Congratulations to the SFX band for winning the Stage 3 Band category at the Lismore Eistedfodd last week. We are very proud of you for sharing your gift of music. A big thank you to Mr Hosie and Mrs Ons for providing this extra curricular opportunity for our students.
YEAR THREE SCIENCE
In Year Three Science the students were learning about how they can use their knowledge of solids, liquids and gases to design and create a container that reduces melting. Using a maximum of 2 materials, the brief was to design and make a container that will keep 3 ice blocks frozen for 20 minutes. At the conclusion of the 20 minutes, they cut the top off, poured the liquid into a cup, measured the amount of liquid and recorded the data in order to ascertain the most effective container. There were some very creative ideas and a range of materials were use.
Science
Sports News...
Missing SFX Athletics Carnival Shirts
Unfortunately there are approximately 20 SFX singlets that have still not been returned from the Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival. If your child/ren attended the Carnival at Woodlawn, could you please return the singlet to school if you haven’t already done so. Thanking you in anticipation.
Paralympian David Johnson Visits Year 5
On Thursday of this week Year 5 were fortunate enough to have a classroom visit from Paralympian David (DJ) Johnson. During his visit David engaged the students with his achievements as an elite athlete and stories from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, spoke about bullying and inclusion, and taught key skills in custom designed sports wheelchairs.
The students were encouraged to ask lots of questions with the aim of removing awkwardness, break down assumptions and misconceptions, and open avenues for understanding and respect. Programs such as Sports Ability have been shown to increase awareness, foster inclusion and improve attitudes toward disability. Thanks David for your visit. We hope that some other classes will benefit from his program next year.
SFX Intensive Swimming Program
Our Intensive Swimming Program for all classes will be commencing next Term. The following dates and times have been locked in with Francis Quinn at Ballina Memorial Pool. We thank Francis, once again, for being so accommodating for our school. Students will be taught by qualified swimming instructors and supervised by class teachers. They will be walking with school staff to and from the pool each day.
A Compass Event will be sent out before the end of the Term 3. Payment and Consent will need to be completed by the end of Week 4 of Term 4 (Friday, 3rd November).
K to 2 (8 sessions)
Monday, 6th November - Friday, 10th November (5 days)
and
Monday, 13th November - Wednesday, 15th November (3 days)
Kinder-12:00 Noon-1:00pm
Years 1 & 2-1:00pm - 2:00pm
___________________________________________________________
Years 3-6 (6 sessions)
Monday, 6th November - Friday, 10th November
and
Monday, 13th November
Years 5 & 6-9:30am -10:30am
Years 3 & 4-10:30am -11:30am
Paddy Wilde-Sports Coordinator
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 - Monday to Thursday, 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.
____________________________________________________________________________
Canteen Roster-Term 3
Week 9
Monday,11th September - Friday, 15th September
| Monday, 11th September | Kelly Parsons, HELP NEEDED |
| Tuesday, 12th September | Ali Hall & Phil Morgan |
| Wednesday, 13th September | HELP NEEDED |
| Thursday, 14th September | Barbara Jones, HELP NEEDED |
| Friday, 15th September | Sue Keough, Tamara Ward |
Canteen Roster-Term 3
Week 10
Monday, 18th September -Thursday, 21st September
| Monday, 18th September | Amanda Sullivan & Sue Sheaffe |
| Tuesday, 19th September | HELP NEEDED |
| Wednesday, 20th September | Amiee Mattinson, HELP NEEDED |
| Thursday, 21st September | Barbara Jones, HELP NEEDED |
| Friday, 22nd September | PUPIL FREE DAY |
Please click on the link to view the QKR App instructions
Wednesday Specials-Term 3
| Week 9 | Wednesday, 13th September | Pulled Beef & Gravy Roll-$5.50 |
| Week 10 | Wednesday, 20th September | Sausage Sizzle-$4.00 |
Sushi Specials Term 3
$3.90 each Chicken, Tuna, Avocado or Vegetarian-Sauce 20c each.
| Week 9 | Tuesday, 12th September |
Student Awards...
Congratulations to all of our students who received an award.
| Mishka Patel | Aaliyah-Ann White | Jaxon Farrell |
| Maya Hordern | Nathan Szinai | Isla Wilcox |
| Kai Oke | Lily Ross | Charlie Downs |
| Jaxten Swansborough | Mason Hordern | Henry Hall |
| Coen Loughrey | Archie Tozer | Kaydence Lindsay |
| Benjie Love | Esther Currie | Rae McGuiness-Francis |
| Halen Rogers | Jett Jones | Callan Ross |
| Alexis Simpson | Oliver Church | Olivia Harry |
| Kai Colegate | Courtney Chenhamo |
Welcome Awards
We welcome the following student and family to our school community.
| Kyro Harris |
Happy Birthday...
Wishing all our students a wonderful birthday!!
Friday, 8th September to Thursday, 21st September
| Elliot Rohn | Benji Simpson | Albie Mather |
| Charlie Clarson | Braxton Whitton | Alexis Simpson |
| Luke Maguire | Jaxon Farrell | Vinnie Girardi Paciello |
| Cody Prowse | Cooper Base | Florence Pickford |
| Thomas Goswell |
Parent Information...
School Fees
Please note that Term 3 Fees for 2023 are overdue and payable now. Statements are sent each month via email from our Head Office.
If you have a current payment arrangement with the school office for the 2023 school year, please continue with your payments as per that arrangement.
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 are not to 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.
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 in Compass 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.
Kinder 2024 Information...
TRANSITION TO SCHOOL
This week we welcomed our new students and their families to our school family. Our 2024 Kindergarten students commenced their 6-week transition program. The students engaged in play-based learning as they became familiar with their new classroom space both indoors and outdoors. It was a wonderful way for them to explore and discover their new space and begin to develop new relationships with their teachers, teacher aides and their peers. Parents were welcomed into our school family and joined us as a class family community for morning tea. It was wonderful to see so many familiar parent faces welcoming our new parents. Thank you for your support, we can't wait for your family to join our school family in 2024.
Kinder Transition Program 2024
The schedule for the enrolment program is as follows:
Date | Arrive | Depart | Activity |
Wednesday, 13th September Week 9 (Term 3) | 8.50am – Children go straight to the school hall via our Crane Street entry. | 10.50am Pick up from Hall |
|
Wednesday, 18th October Week 2 (Term 4) | 8.50am – Children go straight to the school hall via our Crane Street entry. | 10.50am Pick up from Hall | Play Based Learning Activities |
Wednesday, 25th October Week 3 (Term 4) | 8.50am – Children go straight to the school hall via our Crane Street entry. | 10.50am Pick up from Hall | Play Based Learning Activities |
Wednesday, 1st November Week 4 (Term 4) | 8.50am – Children go straight to the school hall via our Crane Street entry. | 10.50am Pick up from Hall | Play Based Learning Activities |
Wednesday, 8th November Week 5 (Term 4) | 8.50am – Children go straight to the school hall via our Crane Street entry. | 10.50am Pick up from Hall | Play Based Learning Activities |