Newsletter-Term 1-Week 8-Friday 25th March 2022

Principal's News...

Dear Parents and Families,

Last week Pope Francis sent us a message, “Having learned of the loss of life and destruction of property caused by the heavy flooding in Lismore, I assure you of my heartfelt solidarity and closeness in prayer to all those affected by this tragedy.”

At Mass on Sunday in Ballina, Bishop Greg spoke of the need to maintain the solidarity of care and resist the urge to blame. Both these pastoral leaders encourage us toward a presence with those suffering, especially our students, families and staff whose mental health is affected.

Pastoral Care Lead at the Catholic Schools Office, Karen Evans, writes this week, “During times of uncertainty, it is natural to have feelings of helplessness and disengagement. Spirituality can be an important aspect of building resilience as it contributes to adaptive coping as well as interior growth following a traumatic event. It is important that the students know that they have the skills to make a difference when there are challenges and to find strength in their relationship with God through prayer.”

She goes on, “According to Emerging Minds, the majority of children will be fine. You can expect most children to recover over time from some initial sadness, worry and distress. Students may need continued reassurance, stability and support from you and those around them. Some children will need extra support. All students need time, love, patience, care and a stable routine in the months following a traumatic event.”

Next week, our school community Family Night will offer some supportive, encouraging and helpful information for parents in a face-to-face setting. This will be followed by dinner, provided by Parent Assembly. It will also be a great opportunity to connect socially with other school families.

COVID-19

To minimise and reduce transmission of COVID-19, please keep your child/ren at home if they are unwell. This is to support the health and wellness of everyone in our school community.

Take care and have a lovely weekend.

Kristie Coster

Acting Principal

School Calendar-Term 1

School Calendar-Term 2

Assistant Principal Mission News...

Flood Support for our School Families

Thank you to everyone who has donated vouchers over the last two weeks. We have raised in excess of $4500.00. What an amazing effort! The school wellbeing team will begin the process of distributing these vouchers to our families in need next week.

The Diocese Of Lismore 2022 Flood Appeal

The Bishop of Lismore has set up the Bishop’s Flood Appeal. You may choose for funds to be shared according to needs or for funds to go to a particular school community. Deposit details for the fund are below.

https://www.lismorediocese.org/

BSB: 037-889

Account No: 1061 5829

Account Name: DOL Flood Appeal

Transaction Details: If you wish your donation to go to a particular school, please include the school name in the transaction details (ie. for St Francis Xavier Ballina).

School Mass

On Thursday afternoon we celebrated our first School Mass for the year with Year 6, Year 4 and Kindergarten. It has been a very long time since we have been able to have mixed year levels in the church and it was wonderful to see everyone together again. This was also the very first time that our Kindergarten students have attended school Mass. The Year 6 buddies were there to look after their kinder friends and to help them with the prayers.

Next Thursday 31st March at 2.30 pm we will celebrate the same school Mass with our Year 5, Year 3, Year 2 and Year 1 students. Parents are welcome to attend.

2022 Student Representative Council Members

During Friday’s Assembly, our 2022 Student Representative Council Members (SRC) received their badges and certificates. The role of the SRC at St Francis Xavier is to be the voice of the student population and to live out our school values by helping to plan and organise the mission and social justice events for the school. Congratulations to Spencer, Isabella, Luke, Maddie, Indiana, Max, Alana and Nash.

Matthew Ritchie

Assistant Principal Mission

Parish News...

Parish Mass Times

Parish Information

Revised NSW Government Restrictions for Places of Worship

• Hand sanitiser is provided at entrances to our Churches
• Masks are not mandatory, personal choice can be made if you prefer to wear a mask
• Receival of Holy Communion in the hand only
• Singing is allowed
• Social distancing may be maintained if practical
• Density limits are not mandatory
• If unwell please stay home until you feel well again

Sports News...

Diocesan Winter Sports Trials

Most Diocesan Winter Sports Trials went ahead last Friday, 18th March with Netball at Westward Park Grafton, Hockey at Fisher Park, Grafton and Rugby League U11s and U12s at Frank McGurran Field, Grafton. Congratulations to Zali Raudonikis and Jye Miller on their selection in Netball and Hockey respectively. Both students will now compete in the Polding Winter Sports Trials at Bathurst on Friday, 29th April.

The Diocesan Soccer (Football) Trials were held on Wednesday, 23rd March this week at the Hockey Complex, Oliver Street, Grafton. Due to the poor condition of the local grounds after  the recent weather event in the region, the trial had to be held on synthetic grass. Jett Haley, who has had experience on this playing surface through his involvement in the Liverpool Football Academy, performed well but, unfortunately, wasn’t selected. Lillian Bruncke also performed well, she made it through to possible and probables selection but, unfortunately missed out on being selected for the polding team. Well done to both students. 

CPS Polding Swimming Trials

On Tuesday, 22nd March, Mya Poptie travelled down to Sydney to compete in the Polding Swimming Carnival at Sydney International Olympic Aquatic Centre, Homebush. Mya was only competing in the one event (12yrs Backstroke) but always gives 100% and tries to beat her P.B. with every swim. Mya placed 11th in her event.

Well done Mya on reaching this level on the representative pathway.

School Cross Country

St Francis Xavier’s annual Cross Country Carnival will be held in Week 10 of this Term on Monday, 4th April. Venue to be confirmed. Students are to wear their school shirt and shorts but can bring running shoes to change into. Girls and boys may also wish to change into bike pants/running shorts prior to running.

Students who are turning 11 or older this year run:                  3 km = 3 laps

Students turning 8,9,10 this year run:                                           2 km = 2 laps

Students younger than this age run:                                               1km = 1 lap

A Compass Event will be sent home early next week with further details.

Richmond Zone Cross Country Carnival

The first five place getters in each age group from 8yrs and up are invited to compete at the Richmond Zone Cross Country Carnival at Lismore Turf Club on Wednesday, 27th April 2022 (First day back at school in Term 2)

Paddy Wilde

Sports Coordinator

Canteen News...

We Need Volunteers for our School Canteen

Tammy is looking for volunteers for the canteen. If you are able to spare a couple of hours, between 9am and 11:30, once a month please contact the school office on 66863370 or contact Tammy in the Canteen and let her know what day suits you.  Please note: to volunteer in the canteen, you will need to be double vaccinated and upon signing into the school, the office staff will need to sight your COVID vaccination certificate.

Canteen Roster - Week 9

Monday, 28th March to Friday, 1st April

Canteen Specials - Term 1

Please note, the paper version of our specials will no longer be sent home with students. The Weekly Specials and Price List went home in Week 3 this term for your reference. Our preferred method of ordering and payment is through our Qkr App, however cash is still accepted.

Orders need to be placed by 8:30am on the day prior.

Wednesday Special

BLT Day

$4.90

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LENT SPECIAL

Wednesday, 2nd March to Wednesday 6th April

Crumbed Fish Burger-$4.90 each

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Sushi Special Day-Term 1

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

Week 9

Tuesday, 29th March

Student Awards...

 Term 1 - Week 8

Happy Birthday...

Week 5 Birthdays

4th March to 10th March 2022

We would like to wish all students a very happy birthday-we apologise for missing you in last week's newsletter.

25th March to 31st March 2022

Wishing you a fabulous birthday!

Kinder 2023 Information Night...