Newsletter-Term 3-Week 8-Friday 13th September 2024

Principal's News...

Dear Parents,

We held our first Kinder 2025 Transition Day on Tuesday this week. In addition to a many existing families, we welcomed just over 20 new families to our school community. Whilst the Kinder 2025 teaching team took the children for their 2 hour session, their parents met in the library for a brief presentation from our school leadership team, before engaging in a social morning tea to get to know each other. We value the opportunity to facilitate such community building activities as the more welcome you, our parents feel in communicating with each other and our school staff, the stronger our community becomes. Our transition program gives us the opportunity to meet our new Kinders in the context of their new learning space, and to see how they engage with each other and the school staff. By meeting their big buddies (current Year 5 children) and becoming familiar with our school setting, the children find the transition to ‘Big School’ at the start of the new year to be
far less daunting. We look forward to seeing our new Kinders again next week and then for 4 further sessions next term.

Although the weather has fluctuated between sensational and pretty average over the last few weeks, our staff and students have managed to navigate the changes with minimal fuss. We appreciate your understanding as we have needed to make decisions at short notice on occasion during this time, such as closing the Martin Street afternoon pick up. It’s great to see that many students have their own umbrellas. If your child doesn’t have one, it might be a good idea to purchase a compact umbrella that fits discretely in his / her school bag for such occasions as it might be needed.

Over the last few weeks many of our children have engaged in extra-curricular activities within our local community. Whilst many of these activities have been sport-related such as our Year 6 Gala Day in Lismore and our Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Grafton, our Year 3 and 4 children have also engaged in an intergeneration program with the patrons of St Andrew’s Aged Care Facility. We look towards building a stronger connection with St Andrew’s to see a whole school connection throughout next year that will be mutually beneficial to both parties. In all of these events, as is always the case, our children have received great praise for their conduct as delegates of our school. Well done boys and girls – you have done us proud!

Peace in Christ
Dan Gubby.

School Calendar...

Term 3

Pupil Free Days

Term 4

Monday, 14th October 2024

Wednesday, 18th December 2024

Term 4

Please note-Dates and Events are subject to change.

Assistant Principal Mission News...

The Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This coming weekend's reading is from Mark 8:27-35 - Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, and Jesus teaches that those who would follow him must take up his or her cross.

Peter had expectations on what it would mean to call Jesus, Messiah. Jesus was indeed the Messiah, but his life and death would show a different understanding of what it means to be the Messiah. 

We, too, have expectations of God and our own ideas about what we think God ought to be doing in our world.

We need to remember that God's plan is always more than we could ever imagine. 

As you gather as a family, talk about what you expect God to be doing in our world and in your life. Do we sometimes forget to let God be God in our lives and for us? Pray together and remember that God is always working for the world's salvation in ways that are beyond our imagination.

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

Parish Schools Day - Feast of St Francis Xavier - Tuesday 3 December

This year, the format for Parish Schools Day as we know it has changed. As a school we will not be travelling to Xavier Catholic College instead, our Year 6 students have been invited to celebrate Mass with Holy Family Year 6 students and students from Xavier at Xavier Catholic College. 

Upon the Year 6’s return, along with Year 11 students from Xavier, the whole school, including our school community will participate in a Mini Fair. 

Each class will be responsible for a stall at the Mini Fair and all monies raised will be donated to Catholic Missions.

We look forward to sharing more information with you regarding our Parish Schools Celebration in Term 4. 

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. 

Accendere Retreat wrap up =  Accendere - to ‘switch on’, kindle to catch fire, spark the flame. 

On Monday 9 September our Year 4 students participated in a retreat here at school to learn more about ‘what makes a good friend?’ and ‘how to be a good friend?’ 

Here’s what they had to say:

• Joy - “It was fun, interesting and I definitely made some new friends”
• Grace - “It was an eye opening experience”
• Ella - “I learnt alot and had fun hanging out with people I don’t usually hang out with”
• Charlie - “Fun activities”
• Braxton - “We got to play different games that help us make new friends”

Sports House Patron’s Day 

Our Patron Days for 2024 were a huge success! A very big thank you to the Sports Captains for all their work and leadership in making these days a success - Esther and Luke, Willow and Chase, Edee and Beau, Indiana and Archie.

Our Sports Captains are now seeking feedback from our students to see what they liked about the Patron Days and what we could do differently in 2025. 

Police Youth Liaison Officer visit

This week, we had the Richmond Police Youth Liaison Officer visit our Year 5 students. During this visit, he discussed cyber safety and online bullying through varying social media platforms. Below is some information on how negative interactions online can lead to school avoidance. 

Monitor your child’s online activities. Negative interactions can lead to school avoidance. 

Monitoring your child’s online activities is a crucial aspect of parenting in the digital age, and it can indeed play a role in addressing and preventing issues like school avoidance. Here are some reasons why monitoring online activities is important and how it can help prevent negative interactions that may contribute to school avoidance:

• Early Detection of Issues. Regular monitoring allows you to detect any early signs of negative online interactions, such as cyberbullying or social media conflicts. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent them from escalating and negatively impacting your child's well-being.
• Understanding Social Dynamics. By staying informed about your child's online interactions, you gain insights into their social dynamics and relationships. Understanding the online environment helps you identify positive and negative influences on your child's emotional and social wellbeing.
• Communication and Trust. Open communication about online activities fosters trust between you and your child. When children know that their online experiences are open for discussion, they are more likely to share concerns or challenges they may be facing.
• Setting Boundaries. Establishing clear expectations and boundaries for online behaviour is essential. By monitoring your child's activities, you can ensure that they are adhering to these boundaries and engaging in positive online interactions.
• Providing Guidance on Conflict Resolution. If negative interactions do occur, use them as teachable moments to guide your child on conflict resolution and appropriate ways to handle disagreements. This skill is valuable both online and offline.

By actively engaging in their digital world, you can create a safer online environment and contribute to their emotional and social resilience.

Recycled Art Competition - Ballina Salvage Shed

The Student Representative Council (SRC) have been working closely this year with Ballina Shire Council to reduce the amount of waste we produce at school. 

The Ballina Salvage Shed are hosting a competition to create a letterbox or backyard animal habitat out of recycled materials. 

If you would like to participate in this competition, please see the flyer in this newsletter or the glass doors at the Hall. Entry form available here or from the School Office. 

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. 

• Mila Wilson - Kindergarten
• Lucy McConnell - Year 1
• Oscar McElroy - Year 2
• Tegvir Mangat - Year 2
• Xavier Andrews - Year 5
• Billy McOmish - Year 6

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. 

• Zac Frawley - Kindergarten
• Hudson McGregor - Kindergarten
• Isabella Peters-Serrato - Kindergarten
• Lucy McConnell - Year 1
• Harley Thompson - Year 1 (x 25 tickets green band)
• Lucas O’Brien - Year 6
• Makayla Washington - Year 6

Student Attendance Information...

Catholic Schools Information for Parents

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools have updated the procedures for monitoring and supporting schools to promote student attendance. Every school day builds upon the previous one, making it essential for students to attend regularly. Regular attendance is crucial as it fosters resilience and enables students to form vital social connections. Across all NSW education systems the expected level of student attendance is above 95%, and we aim to support all of our students to achieve this. 

If your child’s attendance is below 90% you may receive a COMPASS communication in the coming weeks. We acknowledge that there may be many reasons for absences and you may have already provided information to the school about why your child has been away. However, this communication is to ensure all parents are aware that their child’s attendance is currently at or under 90%.  

We believe that by working together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Please ensure you contact the school if you would like any support with your child’s attendance. 

Attendance Information - Learning growth can occur when your child attends school every day.

By attending school every day, students maximise their exposure to educational opportunities, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and lay the foundation for continuous academic progress. Regular attendance provides students with the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification, and collaborate with others, enhancing their understanding of the material.

Parents and educators play important roles in fostering an environment that promotes and values regular attendance, contributing to the overall success and well being of students.

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...

Kinder 2025 TRANSITION 

We welcomed our 2025 Kindergarten students and parents to St Francis Xavier this week. It was wonderful to see their smiling faces as they entered the school gates on Tuesday morning. We commenced the first of our six transition sessions. Their teachers, Mrs Cotes, Mrs Darke and Mrs Gubby, had a wonderful morning getting to know their students. Mr Gubby, Ms Miles, and Mrs Conte welcomed the parents and new families to an information session followed by a morning tea. The transition program allows us to build quality relationships with our students whilst they become familiar with our context, routines, and high expectations. Having this opportunity sets our students up for success when they commence school in 2025 already knowing their teacher, Year 6 buddies, classroom and the school.

K2025 Transition Photos

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YEAR FOUR WRITING

In Year Four the students have been composing the beginning paragraph, or two, of the 13th Chapter of the text entitled, The Callers by Kiah Thomas. They needed to write it from the perspective of one character and what they saw and felt. They also needed to use a variety of sentences ranging from simple, to compound and complex and it must contain figurative language (eg similes and personification) and language features (eg tier 2 adjectives,  adverbs & use past tense). It may also contain a rhetorical question.

Lisa Conte

Leader of Pedagogy

Sports News...

Richmond Zone Gala Day 

On Friday, 30th August the Year 6 students participated in the annual Richmond Zone Football, Netball and Multi-Sports Gala Day which was held at venues in Goonellabah and Lismore. 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 St Francis Xavier Ballina Football Team took a strong squad of 14 players. When Luke Bell scored in the first minute of the first match against Holy Family, it set the tone for dominant performances in all the Pool matches defeating Holy Family 5 to 1, and convincing victories against St Joseph’s Woodburn and St Brigid’s Kyogle. The Final saw the boys take on defending Richmond Zone & Diocesan champions St Carthages. After a nail-biting last few minutes St Francis Xavier managed to hold off a final assault from the blue and yellow and won the Final 2 to 1. Gali Amit was instrumental in the victory, scoring twice. Congratulations boys on an amazing effort!

St Francis Xavier Ballina will now represent Richmond Zone at the Diocesan Gala Day in Grafton on 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.

The Netball Team played some outstanding netball on the day and only went down in one game and narrowly missed out on a place in the finals. Well done girls!

At the Multi-Sports held at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah, the students were exposed to a variety of sports such as AFL, Rugby Union, Futsal, Hockey, table Tennis, Tennis and Rugby League. A big thank you to the Development Officers for facilitating the skills sessions.

Alex Wunsch Memorial Cup

Today at our school assembly Thomas Briggs and Ella Rule were presented with their medallions for being the fastest Year 6 boy and girl in the school from our 100m races held at Xavier Catholic College at the beginning of this Term. Ian Wunsch presented the students with their awards. We are extremely grateful that Ian is able to present these each year in remembrance of his son. Thanks Ian!

Tackle Ready Program

On Tuesday, 10th September this week fourteen boys in Stage One participated in a tackle ready program run on the school grounds by NRL Game Development Officer Maxwell Bear.

It is an important skill to learn when playing contact sport and the boys who have experienced tackle football gained a few extra tips.

Mini Roos Holiday Clinic

 There is an upcoming Coles MiniRoos Holiday Clinic in Ballina that will be run by Football Australiacoaches in the Far North Coast area these upcoming October School Holidays!

• These events are open to everyone turning 4-12 years old this year.
• It is simply an extra day of football fun and a great way to stay active in the school holidays.
• All registered participants will receive a bag of MiniRoos goodies on the day of the clinic.
• When registering on Play Football via the link below, participants will need to select from a drop-down menu the individual event day that they wish to attend.
• Children will be expected to bring their own water and snacks along.
• There will be access to toilets at each venue.

Ballina MiniRoos Holiday Clinic-1 day Clinic

• Venue: Saunders Oval, 125 Swift Street Ballina NSW 2478
• Date-Thursday, 3rd October 2024
• Time: 9am to 12 Noon
• Gender: Mixed
• Ages: 4-12 years
• Cost: $40.00
• Registration Link: Register here

School Holiday Program-Auskick 

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 9

Monday, 16th September  to Friday, 20th September

Canteen Roster-Term 3

Week 10

Monday, 23rd September to Friday, 27th September

REMINDER

Canteen is  CLOSED on Wednesday's

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, 13th September to Thursday, 26th September 2024

Kyro Harris	Cooper Base	Florence Pickford
Elliot Rohn	Ariana Stock	Charlie Clarson
Braxton Whitton	Jaxon Farrell	Alexis Simpson
Remi Nathan-Costigan

Student Travel...

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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...