Newsletter-Term 2-Week 8-Friday 21st June 2024

Assistant Principal Mission News...

The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This coming weekend's reading is from Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus calms the storm. 

Worries and concerns are a part of life. Jesus teaches us that we ought to not let our worries and concerns consume us, rather, let our faith lead us to trust in God’s protection and love. 

Like the Disciples, we can bring our worries and concerns to Jesus in prayer. As you gather as a family, invite each member to talk about something that might be worrying them. Discuss how it’s important to discuss our worries and concerns with each other. When we do this, we learn to see our worries from a different perspective. Conclude in prayer together by praying The Lord’s Prayer. 

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

Spiritual Conversations

I was fortunate this week to participate in Spiritual Conversations offered by the Catholic Schools Office. During the three day retreat I was gifted the time and space to focus on and learn deeply how to Pray. I thank the Catholic Schools Office for this wonderful opportunity to enhance my prayer life. I look forward to sharing my learnings with the staff, students and parents here at St Francis Xavier Primary School. 

Parent Workshop - Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills

Thank you to the parents and carers who were able to join us on Tuesday evening to learn more about emotional intelligence (EQ) and social skills. The workshop was developed in response to parent feedback from last year's Tell Them From Me survey. 

We thank Leanne Robbins and the Parent Assembly for providing dinner, to Janita Thomson (Lead, Family Partnerships) and Karen Evans (Lead, Pastoral Care) for the presentation and resources which we can utilise at home and school. 

Karen Evans (Lead, Pastoral Care) also encouraged those in attendance to download the ‘Smiling Mind’ app to support mindfulness and meditation within the home setting. 

https://smilingmind.com.au 

Sports House Patron’s Day - COLE

The first of our Sports House Patron Days took place on Friday 14 June. Students in Cole along with our Sports Captains learnt about Sr June Cole (the Patron of the House) and participated in team building activities. Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 joined together for an afternoon of learning and fun! 

Did you know, Sr June Cole loved sport! 

She would often talk about cricket and rugby league - her favourite sports.  Sr June taught at St Francis in the 1970’s and 1980’s. During this time she was the Assistant Principal and Librarian. She was a mentor to many teachers during her time here at St Francis Xavier.  We remember Sr June as Cole House Patron for her love of sport! 

Sport House Patron’s Day - DOYLE

Our next Sports House Patron Day will be on Monday 24 June for students in Doyle House. 

We look forward to our Sports Captains sharing the experiences of Doyle house with the school at our Assembly in Week 10 as well as the Week 10 newsletter. 

Sacrament of Confirmation

The second of our Initiation Sacraments, Confirmation, will take place on Thursday 15 August at St Francis Xavier Parish Church. This Sacrament is for students in Years 3 and above who have been Baptised and would like to make their Sacrament of Confirmation. A registration form will be sent to families via Compass in the coming weeks. 

Please note the following important dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation:

• Welcoming Mass for Confirmation Candidates Saturday 27 July at 5:30pm / Sunday 28 July at 9:00am or 11:00am
• First Family session Tuesday 30 July at 5:30pm in the school library
• Weekend Parish Mass for Confirmation Candidates Saturday 3 August at 5:30pm / Sunday 4 August at 9:00am or 11:00am
• Second Family session Tuesday 6 August at 5:30pm in the Year 3 classroom
• Weekend Parish Mass for Confirmation Candidates Saturday 10 August at 5:30pm / Sunday 11 August at 9:00am or 11:00am
• Confirmation Reflection Day Thursday 15 August at St Francis Xavier School
• Sacrament of Confirmation Thursday 15 August (time to be confirmed)

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. 

• Mason Curry - Kindergarten
• Nathan Hoang - Year 4
• Mila Laranjeira Miranda - Year 4
• Jaxon Farrell - Year 5
• London McGregor - Year 5

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. 

• Brandon Butcher - Year 1
• Eli Pattison - Year 1 (green band)
• Ariana Stock - Year 3
• Aurelia Houghton - Year 4
• Xavier Andrews - Year 5 (green band)
• Jaxon Farrell - Year 5
• Lincoln Lockwood - Year 5
• Nash Whitton - Year 5 (green band)

Assistant Principal Mission

Kasey Miles

School Calendar...

Term 2

Term 3

Term 3

Pupil Free Days

Staff Professional Learning Days

Monday, 22nd July 2024

                        Friday, 23rd August 2024   

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...

REPORTING - Semester One Reports

The reporting process is one avenue for teachers to provide feedback to parents about their child’s progress. Semester One reports will be made available via Compass on Friday 28th June. 

How are achievement grades determined?

Kindergarten Achievement Grades are identified on a three-point scale using the following descriptors: 

• Working towards 
• Working at 
• Working beyond expected achievement

Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2), Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4) and Stage 3 (Year 5 and Year 6) 

Achievement Grades in Year 1 to Year 6 are identified on a 5-point scale using the descriptors from the Common Grade Scale: The Common Grade Scale describes the performance of students in Year 1 to Year 6 at each of the five grade levels A-E using the following descriptors: 

1. Extensive (A) - The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. 
2. Thorough (B) - The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations. 
3. Sound (C) - The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. 
4. Basic (D) - The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.
5. Elementary (E) - The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills

The A to E grading scale allows teachers to report student academic achievements at any point in time using clear standards. Teachers make a professional on-balance judgement to decide which grade best matches the standards your child has achieved, based on assessment information collected. 

Our formal Parent-Student-Teacher conferences were held in Term 1 for students in Kindergarten to Year 6; therefore there will be no formal booking system this term. However, you are encouraged and most welcome to contact your child’s teacher directly to arrange a meeting to discuss your child’s progress.

Kristie Coster

Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

KINDERGARTEN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

In Science and Technology, the Kindergarten students worked in pairs and designed and created a model of an animal shelter for an animal of their choice, that has lost its home due to a natural disaster such as a flood or bushfire. After studying materials and their properties the students needed to choose a range of suitable materials to incorporate into their model. Over the next couple of weeks, the students will be presenting their models to the class and justifying the material choices they have made. Check out some of their amazing creations. 

Public Speaking

Parent Information

Dear Parents and Carers,

As part of our English Syllabus, each child from Kinder to Year 6 is encouraged to speak in front of his or her peers. This is to give the children a purpose and an audience for speaking and listening, as well as to further develop their confidence and self-esteem.

Students are asked to prepare a speech at home using the tips provided below and the marking criteria. The speeches in each Stage are required to go for the following amount of time:

• Kindy: 1-1½ minutes
• Stage 1: 1-1½ minutes
• Stage 2: 2-2½ minutes
• Stage 3: 3-3½ minutes

Time-line for Public Speaking Term 2 2024

• Weeks 5 - 8: students prepare and rehearse speeches at home.
• Week 6 - 9: students can rehearse their speeches in the Hall at lunchtime on Thursdays and receive feedback and support from Mrs Conte.
• Week 9 (Monday, 24th June - Friday, 28th June). Class heats occur and five students across each Year level will be chosen to go in the finals.

• Monday 1st July 2024 - School Finals held in the Hall from 9-9.30am (K-2) & 9.30-11am (Years 3-6). Two students from each Stage will go on to the Diocesan Coastal Public Speaking Finals in Tweed Heads on the 8th of August 2024 in Week 3 of Term 3. Eg: 2 Kindergarten finalists; 2 finalists from Stage 1 in either Years 1 or 2; 2 finalists from Stage 2 in either Years 3 or 4; 2 finalists in Stage 3 in either Years 5 or 6. Parents will need to transport their students to this event and I will meet them there.

Please guide your child to choose a topic that they feel confident talking about.

Speeches should begin with the appropriate introduction – either with a simple introduction (a thought-provoking statement or humour) and then acknowledging the Chairperson and audience OR begin with Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls. We encourage students to know their speech by heart, but palm cards may be used.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information.

Judging Score Sheet and Criteria                                     

Public Speaking Tips:

• Try and grab your audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds. To begin you could use either of these strategies:
  • A quote.
  • An imagined scenario.
  • What if scenario.
  • A question.
  • A statistic.
  • A powerful statement.
  • Silence.
  • Humour.
• Write your speech down.
• Put it on palm cards. Early Years could use picture cue cards.
• Memorise one part at a time.
• Nervous is normal, practice and prepare.
• Practice in front of the mirror.
• Practice in front of a friend.
• Practice on the stage with a teacher at lunchtime on Thursdays.
• Video yourself and watch it back. Give yourself feedback.
• Use your voice and hands effectively, by using expression, pauses and gestures when needed.
• Stand confidently tall and still.
• Smile.
• Be confident.

Year 4 Camp...

Sports News...

St Francis Xavier Athletics Carnival

St Francis Xavier’s Athletics Carnival was, unfortunately postponed due to the wet condition of Chickiba Park. Our new Athletics Carnival date is now Thursday, 4th July. A number of changes were made to the timetable and these will be published closer to the day.

Our competitive races rely on parental assistance for timing. Please consider helping out on the new Week 10 date. Your assistance on the day will be greatly appreciated.

Brian Kelly Rugby League Cup 2024

New date for the Brian Kelly Rugby League Cup is Wednesday, 26th June 2024. The students will be provided with a Rugby League jersey, a pair of socks and shorts to wear on the day. Please ensure students have their own mouth guards, boots and other gear they require. We will provide the uniform the day prior so the students can come to school dressed and ready to go. If they have not received their uniform allocation, they will arrive in their school uniform and they will be allocated this upon their arrival to school. Please check the Compass Event for details. 

The students will be walking to Kingsford Smith Park with Mr Rob Cook and parent volunteer, Mr Brad Richardson. Students will be leaving the school at 8:30 am. 

Please make sure that students have their school hat, water bottle, lunch, fruit break and snacks. 

Mr Wilde

Sports Coordinator

Musical Showcase...

You are invited to attend a musical concert in Week 10 to showcase our School Choir and the musical talents of the students in our school who learn an instrument.

• Date: Wednesday 3rd, July (Week 10)
• Time: 2:15pm
• Where: School Hall

If your child is learning a musical instrument, please encourage them to consider performing for the school.

If your child would like to perform, they should talk to their teacher, Mrs Loadsman, Mr Hosie or Mrs Ons.

Please direct any questions to Mrs Halyey Loadsman

hayley.loadsman@lism.catholic.edu.au

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 2

Week 9

Monday, 24th June to Friday, 28th June

Canteen Roster-Term 2

Week 10

Monday, 1st July- Friday, 5th July

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, 21st June to Thursday, 4th July 2024

Parent FAQ's...

• Q-When should a parent/visitor sign into the school?
• A-All parents/visitors when entering the school grounds, for what ever the reason, MUST sign into the school via the iPad in the front office or via the QR codes at our gates. There are no exceptions. This is to ensure we are keeping our students safe whilst at school.

• Q-Where do I find my School Fee Account details?
• A-Parents are emailed a statement from Catholic Schools Office at the end of each month with all account details. Or alternatively you can access your Compass account to check your fees. 

• Q-When does the School Newsletter come out?
• A-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 regularly with exciting events that have happened at school.

• Q-What are the 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.

• Q-What do I need to do if my child is late to school?
• A-Parents MUST come into the school office to drop their child off. This gives the parent the opportunity to provide the reason for the late arrival at that time.  Your child needs to collect a late slip from the office. Parents are reminded not to enter a late note in Compass for their child. To be compliant with the attendance SOP, we need to ensure that child safety is maintained as far as possible. 

Student Travel...

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.