Newsletter-Term 4-Week 4-Friday 3rd November 2023
Principal's News...
Dear Parents,
With the recent news of Matt Ritchie being successful in his appointment to the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Mission Services team, we engaged in the recruitment process for his replacement as our Assistant Principal – Mission. This year Kasey Miles served in this role and last week, following a thorough recruiting process, Kasey was appointed formally to the role. I congratulate Kasey on this appointment and look forward to continuing to work with her in her capacity as Assistant Principal –Mission.
Today we celebrated one of our most treasured days of the year, Grandparents’ Day. It is always a pleasure to host our grandparents, to invite them into our learning environments and to share afternoon tea with them. Our Liturgy is a celebration of our love for them and their love for us. I thank all those who were able to join with us in person today, and our distant grandparents who were able to send in video messages for our children. We remember all those grandparents who are no longer here, but always in our hearts.
I was so proud of our students from Years 3, 4 and 6 who attended our parish All Saints Day Mass on Wednesday. Your reverence was exemplary and acknowledged by many of our parishioners. As always, the standard of presentation from our students is something we should all be proud of.
Our connections with the Japanese community often provide opportunities for cultural immersion activities. On Thursday next week, Ms Maya Tanaka (from Tokyo, but via Southern Cross University) will be performing the traditional Japanese dance, Nihonbuyo at 2:30pm in the school hall. All parents are welcome to attend this performance.
Have a great week.
Peace in Christ
Dan Gubby
School Calendar-Term 4
Term 4
| Week 5 | Monday, 6th November | Intensive Swimming K-6
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| Tuesday, 7th November | Intensive Swimming K-6 | |
| Wednesday, 8th November | Intensive Swimming K-6 | |
| K2024 Transition Day 6 (last day) | ||
| Parent Forum Meeting (TTFM Data)-5:30 pm to 6:30 pm | ||
| 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
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Taiko Performance & Worshops | ||
| Wednesday, 15th November | Intensive Swimming K-2 only
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XCC Year 7 2024 Transition Day | ||
Taiko Workshops | ||
| Thursday, 16th November | 100 Second Times Table Challenge | |
| Friday, 17th November | Whole School Assembly-Year 6 Prayer-2:30 pm | |
| Week 7 | Monday, 20th November | Socktober/Crazy Sock Day-Kicking Goals for Good in 2023 |
| Tuesday, 21st Novemvber | Nano Nagle Feast Day | |
| Thursday, 23rd November | Whole School Mass-2:30 pm | |
| Friday, 24th November | Diocesan Summer Sports Trials | |
| Week 8 | Wednesday, 29th November | Parish Schools Day |
| Thursday, 30th November | School Swimming Carnival for 2024 (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-9:30 am start |
| Thursday, 14th December | Whole School Assembly-Year 5 prayer-2:30 pm | |
| Last Day of Term 4 for students | ||
| Friday, 15th December | PUPIL FREE DAY |
2024 Term 1 Dates
| Tuesday, 30th January | Administration Day (STAFF ONLY) |
Wednesday, 31st January |
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| Thursday, 1st February |
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| Friday, 2nd February |
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| Monday, 5th February | First Full Day of School for Years 1-6 |
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| Tuesday, 6th February |
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| Wednesday, 7th February | First Full Day of School for Kindergarten |
Assistant Principal Mission News...
The Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
This coming weekend's reading is from Matthew 23:1-12 - Jesus warns against following the example of the scribes and the Pharisees and teaches that those who would be great must be servants.
In this Gospel reading, we hear Jesus’ reply as “Practice what you preach”. For those who know us best - they can identify the inconsistencies between what we want to teach and the examples that we give. Jesus talks about the importance of acting in ways that are consistent with our faith. What is an action you could take that shows your faith in action?
As you gather as a family, discuss what it means to ‘practice what you preach’. Can you give some examples of people you know who practice what they preach? What do you admire about these people?
Source: https://www.loyolapress.com
Parent Forum Meeting
Next Wednesday, 8th November we welcome Janita Thompson from the Catholic Schools Office to again lead our Parent Forum Meeting. In this meeting, we will be analysing and discussing our Parent data from the Tell Them From Me survey conducted earlier this year.
This meeting is open to all parents and will begin at 5:30pm in the School Library.
Whole school Mass for Term 4
Our whole school Mass for Term 4 will be held on Thursday, 23rd November at 2:30pm in the Church. All are welcome to attend this Mass.
Our Year 6 Graduation from St Francis Xavier School will take place on Wednesday, 13th December. Our Liturgy will begin at 9:30am in the Church, followed by the Awards presentation.
Socktober/Crazy Sock Day
Each year, we support Catholic Missions with their continued involvement with families overseas who are less fortunate.
This year’s theme is Kicking Goals for Good in 2023. By raising funds we are supporting children and their families in Timor-Leste to have a brighter future by providing vital medicines and health care support.
This year, we will be kicking goals - literally, to raise much needed funds to support Timor-Leste.
On Monday, 20th November students are invited to wear their crazy socks and kick goals to raise funds for Catholic Mission. Students will participate in a Socktober Shootout, with some of our staff acting as the goalies.
How to play:
- Each student will have 5 attempts at scoring a goal.
- Students can be sponsored by friends and family for each attempt at a penalty goal or sponsored for an overall amount. How much money for each goal / overall is up to the sponsor.
- Our SRC students will collect the sponsor forms to tally the goals and assist in giving a sweet treat at the end of the day.
A school-wide (not year level) prize and certificate will go to the boy and the girl who raises the most money for Catholic Missions.
More information on class times for the Socktober Shootout to be advised in the Week 6 newsletter.
We thank you for your support of Catholic Missions and our Socktober event.
Light of Jesus Awards
Congratulations to the students who were awarded a Light of Jesus ticket at our last Assembly.
Congratulations to the following students on receiving 10 or 25 Light of Jesus Tickets. They now receive a certificate and a blue or green armband plus a free drink voucher from Zarraffa's Coffee Ballina.
- Charlie Downs - Year 1
- Winnie Gordon - Year 2
- Mason Hordern - Year 2 (yellow band)
- Benji Simpson - Year 2 (yellow band)
- Xavier Andrews - Year 4
- Hugo Leturgie - Year 4
- Indi Williams - Year 4
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 |
Sports News...
All students should come to school with their swimmers underneath their school uniform, they will need to take a towel, wet shirt (rash shirt) and a pair of thongs to the pool with them. They will return to school after they have dried off and will change at school into their school uniform. Please ensure that you have packed goggles, a towel, underwear and a bag for wet towels and swimmers. All clothing MUST be marked with your child’s name.
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 4
Week 5
Monday, 6th November - Friday, 10th November
| Monday, 6th November | HELP NEEDED |
| Tuesday, 7th November | HELP NEEDED |
| Wednesday, 8th November | HELP NEEDED |
| Thursday, 9th November | Barbara Jones, HELP NEEDED |
| Friday, 10th November | Sharyn & Glenn Black |
Canteen Roster-Term 4
Week 6
Monday, 13th November -Friday, 17th November
| Monday, 13th November | Amanda Sullivan & Sue Sheaffe |
| Tuesday, 14th November | HELP NEEDED |
| Wednesday,15th November | HELP NEEDED |
| Thursday, 16th November | Barbara Jones, HELP NEEDED |
| Friday, 17th November | Sharyn & Glenn Black |
Wednesday Specials-Term 4
PLEASE NOTE THAT ON OUR WEDNESDAY SPECIAL DAYS STUDENTS CANNOT ORDER ANY OTHER FOOD ITEM FROM THE LUNCH MENU
Week 5 | Wednesday, 8th November | Chicken Kebab Sticks (Honey Soy or BBQ) with Rice - $5.50 |
Week 6 | Wednesday, 15th November | Pasta Day (Homemade Spaghetti Bolognese) - $5.50 |
Week 7 | Wednesday, 22nd November | Nachos Day (Seasoned Beef Mince, Sour Cream & Salsa) - $5.50 |
Week 8 | Wednesday, 29th November | PARISH SCHOOLS DAY- Canteen Closed |
Week 9 | Wednesday, 6th December | Butter Chicken & Rice - $6.00 |
Week 10 | Wednesday, 13th December | Sausage Sizzle Day (Sausage on Long Roll) - $4.00 |
Sushi Specials Term 4
$3.90 each Chicken, Tuna, Avocado or Vegetarian-Sauce 20c each.
| Week 5 | Tuesday, 7th November |
| Week 7 | Tuesday, 21st November |
| Week 9 | Tuesday, 5th December |
Happy Birthday...
Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!
Friday, 3rd November to Thursday, 16th November
| Ravjot Bhangu | Eleanor Hosie | Sienna Pearson |
| Oscar Booy | Darcy McDermott | Indi Williams |
| Chelsea De'Leede | Jesse Moreira-McLean | Indigo Ansell |
Kinder 2024 Information...
The schedule for the remainder of our transition program is as follows:
Date | Arrive | Depart | Activity |
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 |
Parent Reminders...
Students NOT Returning in 2024
As we have a number of perspective students on our wait list, parents of current students NOT intending to return to St Francis Xavier Primary School in 2024 are asked to notify the school in writing as soon as possible.
We are currently in the process of planning our 2024 classes and this information is essential.
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 (preferred method), or
- Email the school office on balp@lism.catholic.edu.au
All absences must be received in writing. If your child/ren are absent for 3 days or more due to a medical illness, you are asked to supply a medical certificate. This can be uploaded onto Compass or emailed to our school office.
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.
Community News...
