Newsletter-Term 1-Week 10-Friday 5th April 2024

Principal's News...

Dear Parents,

The Easter Triduum is the three day period that traces the final days of Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection. It commences on Holy Thursday night with the Mass of the Last Supper. On Good Friday we recall the 14 Stations of the Cross as we travel through the last physical journey of Christ on earth. This is followed by the Service of the Lord’s Passion at 3pm. Traditionally following this service we eat Hot Cross Buns. On the Saturday evening we celebrate the Paschal Vigil Mass. At this Mass our Priest or Bishop lights the Paschal candle, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. This represents the risen Christ, as a symbol of light (life) dispelling darkness (death). Bishop Greg likes to teach the congregation the Greek phrase, Christós anésti, which means “Christ is Risen”. The gift of eggs, rabbits, bilbies, plants or any other symbol of new life reflects the new life that Christ brought to us all in his sacrifice. I appreciate that the diverse perspectives of our school community will mean that many of our families will have celebrated Easter in different ways, but from a Catholic perspective, it is a time of mixed emotions in a very short timeframe. I hope everyone had a lovely Easter break, acknowledging the celebration of the Risen Christ.

We were blessed to have the story of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection enacted by our Year 6 students. Before and after the Easter weekend. Well done to our students for their reverent performance.

We received the lovely news earlier this week of the arrival of Ms Beecher’s little boy Ronnie Bruce.
A big congratulations to Abbie and Jordan and of course little Ronnie. We wish you the very best as you venture through the wonderful experiences that will come with starting your little family.

Thank you to those who were able to attend our Welcome BBQ for new school families. It was a lovely occasion for all involved and I thank Fr Peter for joining us as well. We look forward to building on this next year.

The whole school was treated to the premier of the Xavier Catholic College 90’s musical, Popstars. It
was a great experience for all and an outstanding performance by the XCC students. Congratulations
to all involved in the production.

Next week we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week. You have all made the choice to send your children to a Catholic school and for this, there is much to celebrate. Please see Miss Miles’s report for more details.

Thank you all for your continued support of our wonderful school. Although we still have a week to go (finishing up next Thursday, 11 th April) I would like to wish everyone a safe and restful break. The Easter weekend was a small reprieve in what has otherwise been a long term.

Peace in Christ

Dan Gubby

School Calendar...

Term 1

Term 2

Assistant Principal Mission News...

Second Sunday of Easter

This coming weekend's reading is from John 20:19-31 - Thomas believes because he sees Jesus. Jesus gave us the gifts of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation so that we could reduce conflict. Filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, we ask Jesus to help us to bring peace and forgiveness to situations of conflict in our families.

As you gather as a family, take this opportunity to reflect on how you as a family resolve conflict. Was the conflict peaceful, in the spirit of Jesus. Recall that we have each received Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit helps us to be people who forgive others and seek peace. 

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

Catholic Education Week 2024 

Our school will join with more than 45 schools across the Lismore Diocese to celebrate Catholic Education Week (CEW). This will take place in Week 11, Term 1 from Monday, 8th - Friday, 12th  April. 

 This year’s theme is “Innovation and Faith’. The transforming power of innovation and faith working in unison to ensure our students experience the fullness of life (John 10:10). 

For many of the great innovators throughout history, their faith motivated them to explore and understand the wonders of the universe. Our Catholic schools walk alongside clergy, parishioners and families to prepare and nurture our future innovators and faith leaders on their journey. 

 I would like to extend a warm invitation for you to participate in our Catholic Education Week events and faith celebrations. Please take the opportunity with members of our parish and wider community, to experience innovation and faith in our Catholic school. 

Below is a schedule of events for the week that you are invited to attend:

 Catholic Education Week events at St Francis Xavier Ballina

• Tuesday, 9th April - Dress Up as a Teacher day. Parade at 9:30am in the undercover / basketball court area. 
• Thursday, 11th April - Whole School Mass at 12pm in the Church. All families are welcome to attend this Mass as we launch our new song schools as the Recessional Hymn. 

Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you during our celebrations for Catholic Education Week 

Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey

The Tell Them From Me survey window will again be open in Term 2. This survey gives staff, parents and students the opportunity to… 

All staff along with students and parents from Year 4 to 6 will have the opportunity to complete the survey this year. More information on the survey will be available early Term 2. 

SRC Report

The SRC are working hard to reduce waste here at school. We look forward to working with Ballina Council in Term 2 in regards to reducing our waste. 

Light of Jesus Awards

Congratulations to the students who were awarded a Light of Jesus ticket at our last Assembly. They now receive a canteen voucher. 

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

Learning & Teaching News...

Year Four

In Year Four the students have been learning about characterisation and creating character profiles. Their goal was to create a description of the character image they chose. To succeed, they needed to start with action, describing their character’s personality, thoughts and appearance. They must use simple, compound and complex sentences using noun groups (tall, slender woman) and adverbs (He walked suspiciously/cautiously/quickly). Check out some of our budding authors below.

Zoe by Ella 

A girl cautiously walked into the tattoo parlour and sat down with fear, her slender legs were shaking….” Ouch!” she said as the jet-black ink reached her soft skin. Zoe, a 19-year-old girl had just gotten her second tattoo. She’s a tall girl with long brown hair, big brown eyes and a long neck. Zoe’s passion is arts, she has created over 10 paintings most on display and really enjoys it. Zoe also likes music, you would see her wearing ear pods 24/7. She has thin brown eyebrows to match her hair, and big glasses to match her eyes. Zoe never smiles but she has a small grin, she has a tiny forehead along with a big chin and blushy cheeks. Even though she is a kind girl she has no friends. Zoe is very imaginative and dreamy, she is often thinking about art or what she is going to do for a living. Zoe’s house is by the lake so she usually walks there to study, Zoe loves her life!

Lucas by Isabella

Lucas was a brave nine-year-old! He brushed his long wavy hair to the side of his head and was ready to shine. He put on his rolled-up jeans and his brown striped shirt. Lucas swung his green jacket onto his shoulders. As he walked out to get his red shoes, which he absolutely adored, he squealed excitedly. He was ready to show everyone how it is done. Since Lucas was little he had always wanted to play guitar. Today was his chance. He had been practising for a year now. He tied his shoelaces up and crossed his fingers so that they wouldn’t come untied. Lucas is a kind caring and helpful person to have in your life. He absolutely loves music. His favourite colour is red and he has a maroonish, reddish guitar case.  He is the main leader of his music team. He always has a smile on his face that goes from ear to ear. He hopped in the car and was ready to stand on the stage in front of a huge crowd.  His Mum, Dad and baby brother were all sitting in the car with him. Suddenly thoughts started going through his mind. What if I messed up? What if nobody liked the music? But as soon as they arrived all of the nerves disappeared. He was ready to show everyone how it is done!

Henry by Ruby

Henry was ready. As he tossed the white light ball up into the air, the ball went under his hair and his light brown hair curled around the table tennis ball. The ball came back down and Henry smacked it back to the other side of the table tennis table. Henry is a kind and loving boy. Henry has brown messy hair that curls down and across his eyebrows like a messy fringe. Henry knows the answer to every question like 7000 times 4 and 3456+1935. He is nine years old and would do anything for his family.  Henry has a loving and supportive personality. When action calls, Henry is there. He loves the Avengers. When Henry grows up he wants to be a table tennis champion. He would die for it! He is always ready. He is like a cheetah ready to pounce. Henry has two really good friends called Tommy and Chace. He loves playing with friends and they always get along. When Henry plays table tennis he uses his lucky table tennis bat. It is red in the centre, orange on the ring of it and light brown where he holds it. His table tennis bat means everything to him, his life depends on that bat! Henry has big round glasses that are as round as his face. He also has large round ears and nice pale smooth skin. Henry is a small person with skinny arms and legs. He has large round dark brown eyes, the same dark brown colour as his messy hair.

Year Three

In Year Three in English, the students are learning about different genres. Whilst studying Icebergs they have learned about and co-created Tier One, Two and Three words. By displaying these words in the classroom it is a word bank of relevant vocabulary for the students to access when writing. We call this our ‘third teacher’ when students’ thinking is displayed around the classroom. Immersing their learning environment with co-created learning is meaningful and supportive. Check out some of their learning displayed this Term.

Lisa Conte

Leader of Pedagogy

Compass-Online Enrolments...

Our school has moved from paper-based enrolment applications to online enrolments using Compass.  As an existing user of Compass, you will find a new tile in the Compass app called Family and Enrolments, found under the “More” icon in the Compass app or under the Cog icon in your preferred browser.  As a parent, you can update your contact details at any time.  We strongly encourage you to log in to confirm your details.  If you update your details, they will update across all schools where you have a child enrolled.

See our website for more details on how to enrol and where to get assistance if you need it.

Online applications for Kinder 2025 are now open!

Asthma In Schools Information...

All parents are reminded that Asthma Plans need to updated for 2024. These plans can be collected from the school office. These plans will need to be signed by your GP. 

Sports News...

Richmond Zone Cross Country Carnival

A reminder that the Richmond Zone Cross Country Carnival will be held at the beginning of Term 2 on Tuesday, 7th May (Week 2) at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah. If your child is competing please ensure that payment and consent on Compass is completed prior to the holidays commencing. -SFX Cross Country Age Champions

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded their Age Champion medallions at assembly today:

• 8 Years Boys Age Champion - Monty Zhou-Roberts
• 8 Years Girls Age Champion - Victoria Reddan
• 9 Years Boys Age Champion - Maxon Andrews
• 9 Years Girls Age Champion - Madison Aslin
• 10 Years Boys Age Champion - Teo Amit
• 10 Years Girls Age Champion - Mila Bernardes Skelton
• 11 Years Boys Age Champion - Luke Dogan
• 11 Years Girls Age Champion - Jessica Aslin
• 12/13 Years Boys Age Champion - Thomas Briggs
• 12/13 Years Girls Age Champion - Isabel Hudson

Brian Kelly Cup 

Next Tuesday, 9th April Stage 2 and 3 boys will be participating in the Brian Kelly Cup Rugby League Gala Day.

This event is a non-progressional development competition which will be 7 a side, with the day having a focus on enjoyment and participation. We look forward to hearing how the day went next Term.

Paddy Wilde

Sports Coordinator

Canteen News...

We Need Volunteers for our School Canteen

We are looking for volunteers for the canteen. If you are able to spare a couple of hours, between 9am and 11:30am -Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, once a month please contact the school office or Kristie on 66863370  and let us know what day suits you.  Volunteers MUST sign into the school via the school office.

Canteen Roster-Term 1

Week 11

Monday, 8th April - Friday, 12th April

Canteen Roster-Term 2

Week 1

Monday, 29th April - Friday, 3rd May

Week 2

Monday, 6th May - Friday, 10th May

Canteen Special Day-Thursday

Thursdays will now have normal menu available as well as special. 

Sushi Day-Thursday

All special orders need to be placed by Tuesday at 8:45 am. 

                                           REMINDER

Canteen is  CLOSED on Wednesday's

Student Awards...

Congratulations to all of our students who received a

Learning or Class Award!

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 5th April March  to Thursday, 10th May 2024

Parent Reminders...

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.  tOur 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. 

School Bell Times

Please note- Supervision of students begins at 8:30am and finishes at 3:30pm.  Please do not drop your child earlier than this and remember that after school care arrangements need to be made if your child cannot be picked up before 3:30pm.

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)
• Add an attendance note via Compass; 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. 

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. 

Xavier Catholic College News...

Parent Assembly News...

Community News...

Ballina Tourism School Holiday Activities