Newsletter-Term 3-Week 4-Friday 16th August 2024

Principal's News...

Dear Parents,

Last week our school participated in our 3 yearly School Review.  The review is a formal process that appraises schools on the 9 Domains of the Australian Council for Educational Research as outlined in their School Improvement Tool.  On the conclusion of the three-day review, our staff was presented with draft feedback which indicated great results across the board, with recommendations to improve further.  Many of the areas that require some refinements are practices that are well underway, but evidently not yet fully embedded.  Once we receive the formal review report we will be able to share specific elements of the report with our school community.

One key area that we will be focusing on is Domain 9: Building school-community partnerships, with emphasis on strengthening our families’ engagement in our school.  Whilst families can connect with the school in various ways, not all of these will suit due to work and other family commitments.  We certainly appreciate that strengthening this partnership requires effort both ways, so we need to determine collectively how best to facilitate opportunities for family engagement.

Late last year, through the facilitation of Mrs Janita Thompson from the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools office, our school’s parent body nominated to operate as a “School Community Group” moving forward.  Our parent group meetings have traditionally been held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30pm to 6:30pm – a time slot that unfortunately attracts very few parents.  Conversely, we have such amazing attendance at special events like our Carols Night, Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day breakfasts and liturgies, Grandparents’ Day, Japanese Nights and Book Week events.  In order to help us provide more tailored opportunities for our families to engage, we would really appreciate some feedback on three specific things:

1) times that would suit for our School Community Group meetings, 2) specific topics you are interested in learning about, and 3) events or activities for families to engage in the life of the school.  As each of our families will have different interests and availabilities, it would be great to collect as much feedback on these topics as possible via our Family Engagement Feedback Form.

A big congratulations to our 16 Confirmation candidates who engaged in the celebration of the Blessed Sacrament last night.  It was lovely to see families from across our parish, (Holy Family and a couple of our local public schools) join us in this celebration for our children.  Please see Miss Miles’s report for more information about last night’s Confirmation celebration.

Today we presented our successful athletes with their ribbons and age champion medals.  I congratulate all of these boys and girls and wish all those representing us at the Diocesan carnival next Tuesday (20th August) all the very best.  Please see Mr Wilde’s report for full details.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend finalising costumes for our Book Week Dress-up on Monday morning. All family members are welcome to join us for the parade in the Hall at 9am as we kick start our action-packed Book Week activities.

Peace in Christ
Dan Gubby.

School Calendar...

Term 3

Assistant Principal Mission News...

The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This coming weekend's reading is from John 6:51-58 - Jesus teaches that whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever. 

Our faith teaches us that when we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, Jesus himself is present to us.  Through the Eucharist the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus.  Jesus makes himself present to all who receive the Eucharist. 

If your children have already completed the Sacrament of Holy Communion, recall their memories of this day. Parents, you may also share your memories of your First Holy Communion too. 

As you remember and pray together as a family, thank God for the gift of Holy Communion.  Conclude in praying the Lord’s Prayer together.   

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

Sacrament of Confirmation

Last night, 16 students completed their second Initiation Sacrament into the Catholic Faith - Confirmation. 

We congratulate Ambria, Aria, Benjamin, Billy, Emerson, Jack, Joshuah, Koah, Mabel, Madison, Marlee, Mia, Mila, Nate, Ryan and Winnie on completing the Sacrament of Confirmation and look forward to sharing with them next year in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. 

Sacrament of Baptism

If you or your child are interested in joining us in the Catholic Faith, we welcome you to be Baptised through the St Francis Xavier Catholic Church. 

Please contact the Parish Office on 6681 1048 for further information on being welcomed into the Church through Baptism. 

Altar Servers

• Have you completed the Sacrament of Holy Communion?
• Are you in Year 4 or above?
• Are you interested in becoming an Altar Server?

If you answered yes to these above questions and are interested in becoming an Altar Server, please see Miss Miles or contact the Parish Office on 6681 1048. 

Music program at St Francis Xavier Ballina

Earlier this year, we asked families to complete an expression of interest form in regards to learning a musical instrument. 

We are lucky to have secured three tutors for guitar, keyboard / piano and trumpet lessons here at St Francis Xavier. 

We welcome Sangeeta Lee Jones for guitar, Anna Honeychurch for keyboard / piano and Brendan Flanagan for trumpet. 

If you did not get the chance to complete the expression of interest form to learn an instrument and are interested, please contact Kasey Miles (kasey.miles@lism.catholic.edu.au) for Sangeeta, Anna and Brendan's  contact details. 

About Sangeeta

Sangeeta Lee Jones has taught piano and singing for 18 Years. She has lectured at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium and the South Thames College in London.  Sangeeta has vast performing and recording experience, which flows into her lessons.

Sangeeta has a great skill for finding and bringing out her students’ inner talents and her original compositions for piano have been toured with her band throughout Australia, Greece and the UK.  This includes a residency at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

About Anna

Anna Honeychurch, a Northern Rivers-based musician, teaches piano, keyboard, vocals and music theory.  She holds an Associate Degree in Music (Jazz focus) and a Trinity College of London teaching certificate in Classical music.  Anna is also a skilled songwriter, music arranger, and choral director with over 30 years of industry experience.

Anna has worked as a musician in various settings, one of those venues being a piano residency at the Launceston Casino in Tasmania.  She's also performed as a solo vocalist/pianist, duo and band member for many years.

Anna teaches all music styles to students of all ages, aiming to nurture everyone’s musical goals and combines both ear training and reading skills in her approach.

Anna provides several performance opportunities for her students and the local community throughout the year through her music performance and workshop creation WILD.

She brings enthusiasm, skills, intuition, imagination, and the ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds to her lessons.  Anna emphasises fun, skill development, goal setting, and above all, fostering a love and enjoyment of music.

About Brendan 

Brendan has over 35 years of musical experience. He is passionate about all Brass instruments, particularly the trumpet! Having played in Concert Bands, Jazz Big Bands, Brass Bands and Orchestras, he also enjoys conducting amateur Musical productions. Brendan looks forward to sharing his extensive knowledge of Brass instruments with SFX students this year.

Watch It Together Event - School Anxiety

The Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly is providing parents of our school with FREE access to the webinar School Anxiety with experts Michelle Mitchell and Karen Young.

We wil be hosting a Watch It Together Event here at school on the following dates:

• Wednesday 28 August - 2:00 - 3:30pm in the school Library (afternoon tea provided)
• Thursday 29 August - 5:30 - 7:30pm in the school Library (light supper provided at 5:30, viewing at 6:00pm)

An updated flyer to RSVP for this event will be sent home next week. We look forward to watching this webinar with our school community. 

Attendance Information - Expect your child to be at school every day. 

Setting the expectation for your child to be at school every day is a fundamental aspect of fostering a positive attitude toward education and establishing good attendance habits. 

Clearly communicate to your child that attending school regularly is a top priority.  If your child faces challenges related to attendance, such as reluctance or anxiety about going to school, address these issues promptly.  Open communication with the school can help identify and resolve any underlying concerns.

You can seek advice free from NSW ParentLine 1300 1300 52.

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. 

• Penny Base - Kindergarten
• Arabella Batson - Year 1
• Eli Bogetti - Year 3
• Koah Matheson - Year 3
• Willow Stacey - Year 3

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. 

• Charlotte Hosie - Kindergarten
• Sienna Gannon - Kindergarten
• Leo Lang - Kindergarten
• Arabella Batson - Year 1 (x 25 tickets green band)
• Rosie Bogetti - Year 1
• Ekam Dhillon - Year 1
• Riley Hall - Year 1 (x 25 tickets green band)
• Neika Writer - Year 1
• Alejandra Gonzalez - Year 2
• Frankie George - Year 5

Parish News...

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

Teaching & Learning News...

YEAR FOUR MATHS

In Year 4 the students have been learning about symmetry, tessellation, rotations, reflections, and translations in Mathematics.  They explored the work of artist M.C. Escher whose work is famous for its intricate tessellations and impossible constructions.  His prints, such as "Reptiles" or "Sky and Water," show how repeating patterns and transformations can create fascinating visual effects. 

KINDERGARTEN WRITING

In Kindergarten the students have been using their bump-it-up walls to give peer, self and TAG feedback.  The students analyse their writing against the success criteria and determine where they are at and how they can improve.  Freya identified she was at work sample number three because she has finger spaces, a capital letter, and a full stop, and she created a compound sentence.  Her writing goal was to include an adjective and gracea describing word, in her sentence next time.

Book Week News...

Sports News...

NSWPSSA Cross Country

On Tuesday, 23rd July, Luke Dogan travelled to Sydney to compete at the NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships.  The event was held at the International Equestrian Centre and saw the best Primary School runners from across the state compete for a spot in the New South Wales Team.

Luke’s dedication and commitment to his running saw him reap the benefits, finishing fifth place and securing a place in the NSW Team to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships in Melbourne next week.  Congratulations Luke on an outstanding achievement! 

SFX Athletics Carnival

In Week One of this Term, students who were nominated in the competitive track events, ran at Xavier Catholic College on Wednesday, 24th July and Thursday, 25th July. A big thank you to parents who were able to transport their child/ren to the venue after school hours.

Students who placed in the top two or three in track and field events were selected to compete at the Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival.  Congratulations to the following students who competed consistently across the track and field events and were awarded Age Champion or Age Champion Runner-Up for their respective Age Groups:

• Junior Boys Age Champion: Teo Amit
• Junior Boys Runner-Up Age Champion: Braxton Whitton
• Junior Girls Age Champion: Ruby Hernage
• Junior Girls Runner-Up Age Champion: Winnie Gordon
• 11 Years Girls Age Champion: Isla Parker
• 11 Years Girls Runner-Up Age Champion: Madeleine Druzynski
• 11 Years Boys Age Champion: Vance Gisen
• 11 Years Boys Runner-Up Age Champion: Luke Dogan
• Senior Boys Age Champion: Thomas Briggs
• Senior Boys Runner-Up Age Champion: Gali Amit
• Senior Girls Age Champion: Isabel Hudson
• Senior Girls Runner-Up Age Champion: Willow Gordon

Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival

The Richmond Zone Athletics carnival was held at St John’s College Woodlawn on Thursday, 1st August. St Francis Xavier took a large contingent of 53 students.  A big thank you to Danielle Bagraith and Lynlee Turner for assisting on the day.

Beautiful weather greeted our athletes upon their arrival at Woodlawn and it was a pleasant sight to see a dry running track.  A number of students excelled on the day and achieved some outstanding individual results.

Students who placed in the top three in track and field events were invited to attend the Diocesan Athletics Championships at Coffs International Stadium on Tuesday, 20th August. 

Congratulations to Isla Parker who was awarded Richmond Zone Runner-Up Age Champion for the 11 Years Girls.  Well done Isla!

Top 3 Track & Field

Special Mention

Stage Three Netball and Football Gala Day

In Week 6 of this Term the Year 6 students will be competing in the annual Richmond Zone Football and Netball Gala Day which is being held in Goonellabah and Lismore on Friday, 30th August.  The Richmond Zone Gala Day is an annual event on the Richmond Zone sports calendar.

The Paul Wilson Memorial Football Challenge, Netball Challenge and Multi-Sports are played with the other eight Richmond Zone Catholic Primary Schools.  The day is a fantastic opportunity to bring our school communities together and allow students to mix with other schools in the area and hopefully forge new friendships.

The winning school at Football and Netball will represent Richmond Zone at the Diocesan Gala Day in Grafton at the end of Term 3 (Wednesday, 25th September) and compete against the other three Lismore Diocese Sports Zones - Tweed, Clarence and Hastings.   The winning schools at this event will be crowned Diocesan Champions.

Tennis - Term 3 PE Lessons

The students have started the Term learning about tennis in PE lessons.  They are slowly understanding that it is necessary to learn the skills before jumping straight into a game situation.

The various drills and fun games assist students in developing their balance, hand-eye co-ordination, timing and concentration skills.  The students are also learning the importance of appropriate force when striking the tennis ball particularly when the aim is to land the ball in the court.

Stage 2 & Stage 3 Netball Gala Days

On Thursday, 1st August and Friday, 2nd August, Stage 2 and Stage 3 students participated in a Netball NSW Schools Cup Gala Day being held at Ballina Netball Courts.  The teams competed in social and competitive games against other schools in the region.

Congratulations to our Year 6 Competitive team who won their pool and will now compete in Phase Two of the competition in Lismore on Wednesday, 4th September.  The students represented SFX beautifully and need to be commended for their participation, sportsmanship and consistent encouragement of others.

A big thank you to Mrs Katrina Miles for organising the teams.

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 - on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or 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 3

Week 5

Monday, 19th August  to Friday, 23rd August

Canteen Roster-Term 3

Week 6

Monday, 26th August to Friday, 30th August

REMINDER

Canteen is  CLOSED on Wednesday's

Sushi Day-Thursday

Chicken, Tuna, Avocado or Vegetarian-$3.90

Week 5	Thursday, 22nd August
Week 7	Thursday, 5th September
Week 9	Thursday, 19th September

The School Photographer News...

Student Awards...

Congratulations to all of our students who received a

Learning or Class Award!

We would like to welcome all of our new students and their families to our school community.

All the students have made a great, confident start and have made our classrooms brighter!

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 16th August to Thursday, 29th August 2024

Freddy Pitt	Jasper O'Rourke	Scarlett Sellen
Egodi Ezeanata	Daisy Tozer	Rosie Bogetti
Joshuah Jacobsen	Luna-Rose Davidson	Isabella Briggs
Manveer Jattana	Mason McMahon	Hugo Leturgie
Frankie George	Jack Hughes	Adelaide Boronski

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 is 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.

Community News...