Newsletter-Term 1-Week 10-Thursday 7th April 2022

Principal's News...

Dear Families and Friends,

As Term 1 is coming to an end, I would like to acknowledge the challenges experienced by our school community, and the efforts made by all, during what has been quite an extraordinary term. From the beginning, we were uncertain about the return to school and how COVID would affect our community.  When it seemed as though we were on track for a mostly settled term, we experienced not one but two flood events. These impacted so many in our school community in different and devastating ways. In light of all of these events, we witnessed the faith in our community through the demonstration of compassion, hospitality and justice, as people responded to the needs of others through clean-up help, provision of food and other donations, well-being check-ins and the incredible donation of over $5000 in gift cards for those families in need.

We can proudly reflect upon the resilience shown in responding to these challenges and changes, and the effort of the St Francis Xavier staff and parents in ensuring our students continued to be supported spiritually, academically and emotionally throughout a turbulent term. I feel privileged to be part of our school community.

On a more positive note, it has been a joy to welcome our Kindergarten students to St Francis Xavier and watch them grow and learn throughout Term 1. We have been blessed with a cohort that is full of life and confidence and we thank their Year 6 buddies, and leaders, for supporting their transition to school and learning.

ANZAC Day

On Monday, 25th April at 10:15am,  our School Captains, Lillian Bruncke and Lennox Molyneux, will represent St Francis Xavier at the ANZAC Day March and Wreath Laying Ceremony to follow. This year the Ballina RSL is limiting the numbers in the March to these two school representatives only; however, all students are welcome to view the March from the sidelines of River Street and then attend the commemorative service in the Memorial Park at 10:55am.

Staffing

Sadly we farewell Danielle Kinkead, Additional Needs Teacher, who will begin her maternity leave at the end of this term. We thank her for supporting our students and teachers with her knowledge, professionalism and advocacy. We wish Danielle, and her partner Luke, joy and love as they welcome their first child. Laurel Newton will be replacing Danielle as Additional Needs Teacher for the remainder of 2022. Laurel will be replaced in Kindergarten by Lucy Grant.

Welcome back to Tamara Gubby, our Japanese teacher, who returns in Term 2. The students have missed their language learning with Sensei Gubby and they’ll be very happy to see her.

We also look forward to Dan’s return in Term 2. I will be resuming the role of Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching. I would like to thank you for your support throughout Term 1 and I wish you all a joyous and relaxing Easter break!

In the final moments of this Lenten season, please hold in your thoughts and prayers the members of our school community who have had their lives impacted by the numerous recent challenges. I hope that we may have some time to stop, breathe and reflect on the true messages of Christ’s death and resurrection at a time when we are most in need of hope.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a less eventful Term 2 full of faith, learning and community!

Sincerely,

Kristie Coster

School Calendar-Term 2...

Assistant Principal Mission News...

To celebrate the coming of Easter we held a special School Easter Mass on Wednesday afternoon. This was the first time we have had the whole school together in the church for a very long time. The theme of the Mass was Palm Sunday, which is this weekend. Thank you to our School Captains for reading. You all read beautifully and reverently.

The Palm Sunday reflection below is adapted from Oblate Priest Michael Moore’s Palm Sunday reflection.

The story begins on Palm Sunday and sees Jesus enter the city under a huge wave of optimism, joy and hope. The people line the streets; they wave palms, they put their cloaks and garments on the ground and they shout out his name. This was an ancient Roman tradition used to welcome soldiers and armies home after their success in battle. The crowd welcome Jesus in a similar way as they shout out, Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Yet, how quickly the crowd changed and turned on Jesus. The same people who were happy to welcome him with shouts of joy will soon begin to shout ‘Crucify him, Crucify him.’ Jesus is even betrayed and denied by his closest friends. The rest of them run and desert him. He is left alone.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday and begin our journey through Holy Week, we are called to ask ourselves who and where we are in the crowd. This is a week to pray and then decide what kind of followers of Christ we are and are going to be. During this busy week of prayer, liturgies and ceremonies, let us not lose sight of what we are remembering, celebrating and taking part in.

Regards and God Bless,

Matthew Ritchie

Assistant Principal Mission

Parish News...

Parish Mass Times

Holy Week & Easter 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...

School Cross Country

Our annual Cross Country Carnival will be held in Week 1 of Term 2 on Thursday, 28th April with the back-up date on Friday, 29th April. Venue still to be confirmed and will be dependent on weather and condition of the grounds. We are hoping to utilise Kingsford Smith Park again this year.

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.

Richmond Zone Cross Country

The Richmond Zone Cross Country will now be held on Monday, 2nd May in Week 2 at Wollongbar Sporting Facility, Elvery Lane, Wollongbar. The date was changed due to the continued wet weather, consideration of displaced schools within our zone and the potential difficulty of completing a school Cross Country event this Term.

The new back-up dates for Richmond Zone Cross Country are - Wednesday the 4th of May and Thursday the 5th of May.

Polding Touch Football

Last Friday, 1st of April Zali Raudonikis and Lillian Bruncke travelled to Tamworth for the Polding Touch Football selection trials. Despite flooding and very wet weather conditions throughout the Lismore Diocese, parents were able to transport their children to the venue. Well done to all Lismore Diocesan students who performed very well and did themselves, their parents and the Lismore Diocese proud in the way they conducted themselves both on and off the field.

A huge congratulations to Zali who was selected in the Polding Girls Touch Team to compete at the NSWPSSA State Touch Football Championships at Tuggerah (18 -20 May). Well done Zali!!

Unfortunately, Lillian was not selected for the Polding Girls Touch Team but deserves recognition for reaching this high level on the representative pathway. Great work Lillian!!

Diocesan Rugby Union Trials

The Diocesan Winter Sports Trials for Rugby Union will be held on Friday, 16th May (Week 2 Term 2)  from 9am - 2.30pm at Hay Street Rugby Union Fields, South Grafton. We wish Rab Downie the best of luck at these trials.

Ballina Pool Entry Money Still Outstanding

There are still a number of students who have not paid Mr Wilde the cost of entry into Ballina Pool from our school swimming carnival last month. If you are yet to make this payment of $5.50, could you please do so as soon as possible. Thanking you in anticipation.

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.

Pie & Sausage Roll Day

Wednesday, 11th May 2022

We will be having a Pie & Sausage Roll Day on Wednesday, 11th May 2022. Please order via the QKR app no later than Tuesday 10th May 2022 at 8:30am. NO LATE ORDERS ACCEPTED.

Please note Canteen will not be open for any other food on Wednesday, 11th May 2022. 

Please note, the paper version of our specials will no longer be sent home with students.  Our preferred method of ordering and payment is through our Qkr App, however cash is still accepted.

Sushi Day Special-Term 2

$3.90 each Chicken, Tuna, Avocado or Vegetarian

Week 3	Tuesday, 10th May
Week 5	Tuesday, 24th May
Week 7	Tuesday, 7th June
Week 9	Tuesday, 21st June

Student Awards...

Term 1 - Week 9

Happy Birthday...

25th March to 5th May

Wishing all our students a fabulous birthday!!

Xavier Catholic College News...

Easter Hat Parade...

Easter Hat Parade 

Kinder to Year 2

Wednesday, 27th April 2022 at 9am