Newsletter-Term 3-Week 6-Friday 30th August 2024

Happy Father's Day...

School Calendar...

Term 3

Pupil Free Day

Term 4

Monday, 14th October 2024

Term 4

Please note-Dates and Events are subject to change.

Assistant Principal Mission News...

The Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

This coming weekend's reading is from Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23 - Jesus teaches that it is that which comes from our hearts that defiles us.

Children have learnt the importance of following rules. Like in this weekend’s Gospel, they bring our attention to the infractions of others. 

We establish and enforce rules both at home and at school with the intention of helping our children grow to be healthy, mature adults. 

As you gather as a family, list some of the important rules you have as a family. Remember the essential elements behind these rules - rules help us be the good people that Jesus wants us to be. 

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com

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. 

Ministry Club fun!

We are fortunate to have Regional Ministry Assistants (RMAs) Oliver and Eliza in our school each week. 

During this time, they share their wisdom and knowledge of Religion with our classes and also run a Ministry Club during lunch on Tuesday’s. 

All students are welcome to attend Ministry Club and it’s great to see a mix of students from Kindergarten to Year 6 coming along each week. 

This week, the students played games, listened to a Scripture reading from Exodus and concluded with Prayer. 

Exodus 14:14

Reminds Us of the Power of God

Sports House Patron’s Day - MURPHY

The final Patron Day for 2024 will take place on Monday, 2 September for students in MURPHY House.

We look forward to our Sports Captains sharing the experiences of Power House and Murphy House with the school at our Assembly in Week 8 as well as the Week 8 newsletter. 

Accendere Retreat - Year 4

Accendere - to ‘switch on’, kindle to catch fire, spark the flame.  Our Year 4 students will participate in a retreat here at school on Monday, 9 September to learn more about ‘what makes a good friend?’ and ‘how to be a good friend?’ 

The theme for the day is based on Scripture from the Year 4 Religious Education Unit - ‘Living The Law of Love’ 

‘And now I give you a new commandment: love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 

If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.’ John 13: 34-35

We look forward to the day and to hearing from our Year 4 students on what makes a good friend?

Attendance Information - Being at school regularly helps children develop positive friendships.

School attendance is not only about academic growth but also social and emotional development. Here are several ways in which consistent attendance contributes to the formation of meaningful and supportive peer relationships:

• Shared Experiences. Regular attendance allows children to share common experiences with their peers. Being present in class provides opportunities for shared learning, activities, and interactions, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Consistent Social Interaction. Attending school every day provides consistent opportunities for social interaction with classmates. Regular face-to-face interactions contribute to the development of communication skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
• Building Trust and Reliability. Being present on a regular basis helps children build trust and reliability within their peer group. Dependable attendance creates a sense of predictability, and peers can rely on each other for mutual support and collaboration.

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 Music Tutors for guitar, keyboard / piano, trumpet and drum lessons here at St Francis Xavier. 

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 the Music Tutors details. 

Light of Jesus Awards

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. 

• Lulu Lawrence - Kindergarten
• Luan Lang - Year 1 (x 25 tickets green band)
• Aaliyah-Ann White - Year 1
• Oliver O’Donnell - Year 2 (x 25 tickets green band)
• Charlie Clarson - Year 4
• Ayla Eggleton - Year 4
• Shubham Singh - Year 5 (x 25 tickets green band)
• Samantha Turnbull - Year 5
• Evie Whitty - Year 5 (x 25 tickets green band)

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

Learning & Teaching News...

BOOK WEEK

What a wonderful week of literacy celebrations we experienced last week!  On Monday our students dressed up as their favourite book characters.  The level of effort was outstanding and we thank our parents for their dedication and support!  We had an overwhelming level of attendance during the Book Week Parade.  It was wonderful to see families, friends, grandparents and carers supporting this event.  Prizes were given to a male and female from each year level.  We thank the judges for their difficult decisions!

SPELLING BEE

Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the Spelling Bee classroom heats.  We had 35 finalists across K-6 compete in the 2024 Spelling Bee finals.  In Years K-2 we congratulate the following finalists:

2024 K-2 Spelling Bee Finalists

It was a nail biting finish between Locklan and Jinda going back and forth repeatedly.  A big congratulations to Locklan Creighton our overall K-2 winner for 2024!

In Years 3-6 we congratulate the following finalists:

2024 3-6 Spelling Bee Finalists

In another extremely close finish, we congratulate Max Jarzynski our overall Years 3-6 Spelling Bee winner for 2024.

OPEN CLASSROOMS
On Tuesday, after our picnic lunch, we welcomed many parents, grandparents and carers into our class families to showcase the learning at St Francis Xavier Primary School.  It was wonderful for the students to show and share their learning with their special visitors.  Many of our parents participated in games, stories, writing and maths challenges!  Thank you for your support, it means the world to your child and to us as partners in your child’s learning.

WRITING INSPIRATION STATIONS

What a wonderful and exciting day for our students to wander the school grounds being inspired by carefully curated inspirational writing stations.  This year we invited interested leaders, in both Years 5 & 6, to become members of the 2024 Book Week Committee.  We had 12 student volunteers and as a team they devised 4 writing inspiration stations.  A big thanks to Mrs Niland and Mrs Ons for co-ordinating their participation and to the students for their endless lunch times and recess plays that they gave up for this event.  We truly appreciate their student voice, creativity and leadership in our school family.  We celebrated their commitment with a surprise pizza party to say thank you.  A big thank you to all of our teachers for their participation and dedication to this annual event.  We love your creativity and enthusiasm.  Can’t wait for 2025, the ideas are already flowing!

KINDERGARTEN WRITING

As a result of the writing inspiration stations all students were inspired to write a piece of writing.  Check out our Kindergarten authors and what they independently wrote.

AUTHOR ZOOM

During Book Week our Kindergarten White students participated in a zoom with author Jacinta Froud.  She is the author of the texts entitled, ‘The Perfect Book’, ‘What Noise does a Baby Make?’ and ‘Jingle Bells’.  The students listened to stories, authors perspectives and ideas on how to write books.  Our students sent in numerous questions that the author answered.  Jacinta was very impressed with our questions.

Lisa Conte

Leader of Pedagogy

Japanese News...

Last Tuesday morning 10 of our Stage 3 students engaged in a Japanese cultural immersion session.  The students were privileged to participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony presented by guest visitor Yoshie Nakayama.  The children enjoyed this opportunity, learning the etiquette of preparing, offering and receiving Green Tea in the customary way.

We thank Nakayama sensei and her team for the wonderful experience. 

Sports News...

National Cross Country Championships

On Tuesday, 20th August Luke Dogan travelled interstate to Victoria to compete at the National Cross Country Championships.  Melbourne weather created muddy and slippery conditions at the Yarra Glen Racecourse Venue, which proved challenging for the runners competing.  Overall, Luke was pleased with his race and finished 10th place.  His NSW Team came 1st with five boys finishing in the Top 10.

Luke has shown tremendous dedication and hard work to progress this far. Congratulations Luke on an amazing result!  The St Francis Xavier School community and particularly his Year 5 classmates are extremely proud of what you have achieved.

Diocesan Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday, 20th August St Francis Xavier had seven students compete at the rescheduled Diocesan Athletics Championships which were held at Coffs International Stadium.  Once again, the students were outstanding ambassadors for St Francis Xavier and put in their best effort in all of the track and field events they competed in.  Congratulations to Isla Parker and Mila Bomba who placed in the top three in their respective track and field events and will now progress to the Polding Athletics Carnival at Glendale Stadium in Newcastle on Friday, 13th September.  Congratulations to Isla Parker who was also awarded the 11 Years Girls Diocesan Athletics Age Champion.  Well done Isla on an outstanding achievement.

• 1st-Girls 11 Years 100m Final - Isla Parker
• 1st-Girls 11 Years 200m Final - Isla Parker
• 1st-Girls 11 Years Long Jump - Isla Parker
• 3rd-Girls 11 Years Discus - Mila Bomba
• 4th-Boys 13 Years 100m Final - Javier Houghton
• 5th-Girls 11 Years High Jump - Isla Parker
• 6th-Girls 11 Years Long Jump - Indi Williams
• 6th-Girls 11 Years 1500m - London McGregor
• 8th-Girls 8 Years 100m Final - Victoria Reddan
• 8th-Boys Junior 800m - Braxton Whitton

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 7

Monday, 2nd September  to Friday, 6th September

Canteen Roster-Term 3

Week 8

Monday, 9th September to Friday, 13th September

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!

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 30th August to Thursday, 12th September 2024

Lulu Lawrence	Isabella Peters-Serrato	Isla Muldoon
Victoria Reddan	Ryan Piercy	Benji Simpson
Albie Mather	Lincoln Lockwood	Olivia Harry
Luke Maguire	Isabelle Comin	Evie Whitty
Xavier Andrews	George Boyle

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.

Helpful Tips for Parents...

• 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. 

Community News...