Newsletter-Term 4-Week 8-Friday 1st December 2023

Principal's News...

Dear Parents,

With mixed emotions, we say farewell to two of our staff members at the end of this year, Mrs Tammy Moran and Ms Jada Williams. Whilst we are very pleased for these ladies and wish them well for the adventures that lie ahead, we are sad to say goodbye and thank them both respectively for the wonderful work they have done in our school community. We wish Tammy all the best in her new role as Teacher Assistant at St Joseph’s, Alstonville and we wish Jada all the best, having been scouted out by Brisbane North Rugby Union Club, as she relocates to Brisbane in the new year. Congratulations ladies and best wishes.

We recently received news that our Regional Service Leader, Mr John Wilson was successful in his application to the position of Director, School Services with Catholic Education, Tasmania. I thank John for his support of our school over the last two years and wish him all the best in his new role. Our new RSL for 2024 is Mr Aaron Beach. Aaron served as Principal of St Mary’s College, Casino and has been seconded to this role from his current position as Principal of St John’s College, Woodlawn. We welcome Aaron to the role of RSL and look forward to working with him throughout 2024.

Our Parish Schools Day on Wednesdy this week was a wonderful success and a celebration that undoubtedly created lasting memories for our children. Festive food, a range of entertaining activities and rides and a closing liturgy and concert all contributed to the amazing atmosphere of the day. Special thanks to the school leaders of Xavier Catholic College, SFX and Holy Family who planned the day, and to the legendary Year 11 students of XCC for their facilitation of the activities and encouragement of the younger children throughout the day. 

On Monday this week, our Year 5 nominees for 2024 captaincy roles presented their speeches to our Year 3 to 5 children before the big vote. From a great field of applicants, two boys and two girls have been elected. These children will be announced at our Carols on the Green next Tuesday night. 

Congratulations to all our swimmers who competed yesterday at our Competitive Swimming Carnival. Big thanks to Mr Wilde and Miss Miles for their preparations and to all staff and parents who helped out during the day. We are planning for a whole school carnival next year to embrace the opportunity to build more school team spirit.

This Sunday we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. As we journey through this period in preparation for Christmas, we reflect on four key themes, each represented by a specific candle. The first theme is Hope as we anticipate the birth of Jesus. This theme is reflected in the first (purple) candle in our Advent Wreath. The second theme, Peace, reminds us of the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem - it is also represented by a purple candle. The third theme which is symbolised by a pink candle represents the Joy of the shepherds in anticipation of the coming saviour. The final Advent theme is Love, the ultimate love of God - it is coloured purple.

I hope you all enjoy the Advent season with your children as we prepare for Christmas. 

Peace in Christ,

Dan Gubby.

School Calendar...

Term 4-2023

Term 1-2024

Assistant Principal Mission News...

First Sunday of Advent

This coming weekend's reading is from Mark 13:33-37 - Jesus warns his disciples to be watchful so that they will be ready when the Son of Man comes.

This weekend we begin the season of Advent, which marks the start of a new liturgical year for the Church. Our readings at Mass are arranged on a three year cycle. Each year features readings from a different Gospel - Matthew, Mark or Luke. Readings from the Gospel of John are spread throughout the year. 

This week and next week, the readings are from the Gospel of Mark. These readings present two important themes during Advent: the Lord’s return at the end of time and John the Baptist’s preparation for Jesus. 

This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us that Advent is about more than our preparation for the Church’s celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas. Advent is also about preparing ourselves for Christ’s return in glory at the end of time. 

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

Carols on the Green

Carols on the Green will take place on Tuesday, 5th December from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Classes, along with our school choir and band will present two Christmas songs. 

Please note: there will be NO canteen facilities at this event. All food and drinks will be BYO for the evening. 

Bring your picnic blankets and baskets and enjoy the carols on the green!

Friday Fun Day!

Our Friday Fun Day will take place next Friday, 8th December. On this day, staff and students will participate in the following activities: 

• 9:45 - 10:45am - 100 Seconds Time Table Challenge
• 11:45 - 12:45pm - Teacher vs Student Activities 
• 12:45 - 1:45pm - K-2 Disco
• 2:15 - 3:10pm - 3-6 Disco

Snacks will be available during the disco along with usual canteen facilities. 

Students are able to wear casual dress on this day, Please ensure this includes sunsmart clothing with covered shoulders and shoes. 

Parish Schools Day

Parish Schools Day was held on Wednesday, 29th November at Xavier Catholic College Skennars Head. Along with students from Xavier Catholic College, we joined Holy Family Catholic Primary School for a day of fun and celebration. 

Students were asked what their favourite part of the day was, with an overwhelming response being the rides and snow cones as being the best part of the day. 

Again, we thank Xavier Catholic College and Holy Family for a wonderful day and look forward to Parish Schools Day again next year. 

Kick it for Good - Socktober Shootout / Crazy Sock Day

A big thank you to everyone who donated money towards this year's Catholic Mission fundraiser. 

As a school community, we raised $2912.85 for those who are less fortunate than us. 

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Card Competition

The St Vincent de Paul Christmas Card competition is on again. If you would like to create a Christmas card, scan the QR Code (see flyer) or visit this webpage for more information and to submit your student’s entries. Winners will be announced before the end of Term 4.

Registration via the website https://youthnsw.vinnies.org.au/christmascardcompetition/ 

Entries due by Monday 4 December. 

Parish School Advent Mass

We warmly welcome our school families and our Year 6 students to join us for our Parish Mass on Saturday, 9th December. We will join with Holy Family Catholic Primary School and our Parish community to celebrate the beginning of Advent and bless our Year 6 students as they conclude their primary schooling.

Please see flyer for more information.

Year 6 Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony

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. 

Light of Jesus Awards

Congratulations to the students who were awarded a Light of Jesus ticket at our last Assembly.

• Benjamin Girardi-Paciello - Year 2
• Ryan Piercy - Year 2
• Mabel George - Year 3
• Luke Dogan - Year 4
• Nash Whitton - Year 4

Congratulations to the following students on receiving 10 or 25 Light of Jesus Tickets. They now receive a certificate and a blue or yellow armband plus a free drink voucher from Zarraffa's Coffee Ballina. These awards will be handed out at our Week 10 Assembly. 

• Kace Peachey - Year 3
• Marley Harrison - Year 4
• London McGregor - Year 4
• Isla Parker - Year 4
• Nash Whitton - Year 4
• Evie Whitty - 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

Learning & Teaching News...

Dear Parents and Families,

Semester Two Student Reports

Semester Two student reports will be published on Friday, 8th December, and can be accessed via Compass. Diocesan-wide changes have been made to student reports with the release of the new syllabuses and to align with current research. One of these changes is that there will be multiple comments: 

• English Comment 
• Mathematics Comment 
• Key Learning Area Comment and 
• General Comment

For further information regarding these changes, please see the Compass News Feed sent on the 13th November.

You are both encouraged and welcome to contact your child’s class teacher directly if you wish to schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s achievement and/or progress during Semester Two.

MAI (K-6) & Best Start (Kindergarten ONLY) Assessments 2024

Mathematical Assessment Interviews and the Best Start Assessment are an important component of understanding your child’s mathematical and Literacy ability. These assessments support teaching teams to develop learning and teaching experiences to support your child’s next steps in learning.

In Week 10, step by step instructions will be shared with you, enabling you to book a time and date for your child’s MAI and/or Best Start Assessment in 2024.

STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy 

Inquiry learning, through a STEM or PBL approach, has been a focus this year on our Annual School Improvement Plan to improve student engagement in key learning areas. This has involved our Stage 2 team engaging with professional learning throughout the year and then designing actions and projects to apply their learning in the classroom.

Last week, Year 3 and 4 teachers Wendy Bateman, Amelia Kearney, Danielle Niland and Kelly Ons, presented their engaging and rigourous classroom STEM learning experiences to 12 local primary schools. The quality of these tasks was very evident as was the high level of student engagement and application of learning to meaningful contexts during their implementation with our Year 3 and 4 students. Well done to these teachers who we are very fortunate to have as part of our knowledgeable and skilled staff.

Year 1 - STEM: The Turtles Are Talking

Last week our Year 1 students participated in a STEM challenge using the ipads and spheros. After veiwing a short video about the life cycle of turtles and some of the challenges they face, students were required to sketch an aerial-view map of a space in the classroom and determine a pathway for their robot turtle to move from the nest on the beach, down to the water, without being caught in any of the rubbish along the way. The students thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and could be found picking up rubbish in the playground the next day (Colbie Chason collecting a sandwich bag full of small plastics) in order to protect the turtles! Well done Year 1.

My New Gallery

Year 5 Slam Poetry

In Year 5 English the students have been writing slam poetry. Slam poetry is a form of spoken word poetry, which incorporates elements of creative writing, performance, audience participation, and competition. 

                                                          Grey

                                         Grey. What is grey?

                       Grey is the moment when night meets day.

           The confusion you feel when deciding if you want to stay.

            The world of colour can surround you until your life stops.

                    But grey will always be the colour of the rocks.

                           The colour of creatures, so very tall.

                         The colour of rodents, extremely small.

              Grey is the colour of the cupboard by the kitchen bench.

 The colour of the stone path you danced on when you got drenched.

                     The colour of the moon in the dark night sky.

             The numbness after losing what makes you feel so high.

                  That feeling that consumes you when you leave.

                       The feeling when all you want is to grieve.

                                          Despair. That's it.

                        Life kinda stops like you’ve just been hit.

                         But grey also represents the world.

                    All the pretty girls who get their hair curled.

                           But what do those girls feel inside?

                      Do they just want to run away and hide?

                                 That feeling I know is grey.

                    Makes my stomach churn and my knees sway.

                      That feeling makes your mind feel very slow.

      And it will stay with you forever no matter how much you grow

                          You know what is even more grey.

                      The fact we grow old why can’t we stay?

                                We were given life just to die.

                         And life is shortened for those who lie.

                                  So I will tell the truth today.                                                                                                                                                                            

                                I will tell the truth about grey.

                                  Really, grey is everywhere.

                                     It’s definitely not rare.

                      Grey is all around us each and everyday.

              I just might not notice it because grey is so… Grey!

By Adelaide Boronski

 Pollution                                       
                                       
  We need a solution for pollution so we can start a whole new revolution.
  More than eight million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans every year.
  We need to make this stop and it must disappear.
  Lots of sea life mistake plastic for prey. 
  We can't betray our oceans, we need to make them stay.
  Pollution is a problem in the big deep sea.
  It's killing our sea life and it upsets me. 
  Don't use plastic, be more fantastic. 
  We need to stop littering and start reconsidering.
  Pollution is taking over our oceans and it really needs to stop.
  If pollution keeps happening our world is going down the drop. 
  Let's make a solution for pollution, let's start now, let's start a revolution.
  
  We need a solution for pollution By Willow.G

Kristie Coster

Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Sports News...

Diocesan Summer Sports Trials

The Diocesan Summer Sports Trials were held last week at various venues across Lismore. The trials were run on different days for the first time ever. St Francis Xavier had nine students participating in two sports.

• Gali Amit - Boys Tennis
• Remi Nathan-Costigan - Girls Tennis
• Luke Bell - Boys Touch Football
• Thomas Briggs - Boys Touch Football
• Conrad Short - Boys Touch Football
• Fletcher Bernardes-Skelton - Boys Touch Football
• Beau Bruncke - Boys Touch Football
• Ella Rule - Girls Touch Football
• London McGregor - Girls Touch Football

The Diocesan Sports Trials are always highly competitive and to reach this level on the Catholic representative pathway is a fantastic effort. Congratulations to Gali Amit who was selected in the Boys Tennis to compete at the Polding Summer Sports Trials next year. Well done Gali!

Sporting School Grant - Hockey

Last Term St Francis Xavier successfully applied for a Term 4 Sporting School Grant. Stage 2 and 3  participated in hockey for 5 weeks (weeks 2-6) this Term which was run by a Hockey NSW Development Officer. We were extremely grateful that Hockey NSW were so flexible with their days and session times. The Hockey NSW Development Officers taught the Stage 2 and 3 students the game of hockey and all of the skills involved. Mr Wilde has applied for a Sporting School Grant in Term 1 2024. If the application is successful, St Francis Xavier will be participating in Touch Football.Lets keep our fingers crossed!

Intensive Swimming Program

The students completed the  Intensive Swimming Program conducted in Weeks 5 and 6. A big thank you to Francis Quinn who was, once again, extremely accommodating for our school community. Thank you Francis and the “Swimming With Francis” Swim Coaches. We are already looking forward to participating next year.  

Lismore Diocese Polding Representatives

Congratulations to Luke and Alexandra Dogan who were awarded medallions for representing Polding during the year. Luke and Alexandra had outstanding Cross Country results from school level right up to Polding. Congratulations Luke and Alexandra.

St Francis Xavier Swimming Carnival

The St Francis Xavier Swimming Carnival was held yesterday at Ballina Memorial Pool. The competitive swimmers were blessed with sunny weather and warm conditions throughout the day.

A big thank you to the parents who were able to assist with Timekeeping. Your assistance was greatly appreciated.

Thank you also to the Year 6 leaders who did an outstanding job assisting the Marshalls and Timekeepers. Well done boys and girls.

Congratulations to Power who were the eventual winner on the day.

• Power - 362 points
• Murphy - 286 points
• Doyle - 229 points
• Cole - 189 points

Congratulations also to the Age Champions and Runner-up Age Champions. Well done boys and girls.

• Junior Girl Champion - Mila Bernardes Skelton
• Junior Girl Runner-Up - Ruby Hernage
• Junior Boy Champion - Charlie Clarson
• Junior Boy Runner-Up - Koah Matheson
• 11 Yrs Girl Champion - Madeleine Druzynski
• 11 Yrs Girl Runner-Up - London McGregor
• 11 Yrs Boy Champion - Luke Dogan
• 11 Yrs Boy Runner-Up - Fletcher Bernardes Skelton
• Senior Girl Champion - Isabel Hudson
• Senior Girl Runner-Up - Sophia Davy
• Senior Boy Champion - Thomas Briggs
• Senior Boy Runner-Up - Luke Bell

A Compass Event will be set up in the next week for the Richmond Zone Swimming Carnival at Lismore Memorial Baths on Tuesday, 13th February 2024.

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 9

Monday, 4th December - Friday, 8th December

Canteen Roster-Term 4

Week 10

Monday, 11th December -Thursday, 14th December

Wednesday Specials-Term 4

PLEASE NOTE THAT ON OUR WEDNESDAY SPECIAL DAYS STUDENTS CANNOT ORDER ANY OTHER FOOD ITEM FROM THE LUNCH MENU

Sushi Specials Term 4

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

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 1st December to Thursday, 14th December

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. 

• 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. 

Xavier Catholic College-Year 7 2024...

Please click on the link below to view the

Requirements List for Year 7 2024

Community News...