Newsletter-Term 2-Week 4-Friday 23rd May 2025

Principal's News...

OUR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
We want to keep everyone in the loop! Our fortnightly newsletter is here to update you on school activities and important information. By reading it each fortnight, you can better support your child and help them stay prepared for events like excursions or special dress days. The newsletter is sent out every fortnight on a Friday during term time and can be referred to anytime, as past newsletters are archived on our website and available through your Compass notifications.

FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Over the past fortnight, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with many new families who have applied to enrol their child in Kindergarten at St Francis Xavier for 2026. One of the most consistent and heartening messages I’ve heard during these conversations is just how deeply our school’s Catholic, nurturing, loving, and caring environment
resonates with them.

Many of these families shared that they had spoken with current parents in our school community who warmly recommended St Francis Xavier as a place where their child would be known, supported, and inspired. It is incredibly affirming to hear that the lived experience of our existing families is what draws new families to choose us as their first school of choice.

Thank you to our wonderful school community for continuing to make St Francis
Xavier a place where faith, learning, and belonging thrive.

SCHOOL DISCO – TONIGHT: Our much-anticipated School Disco is on today in the School Hall, and we can’t wait to see everyone there!

Kindergarten to Year 2: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Year 3 to Year 6: 5:45pm – 6:45pm

Entry is just $2, which includes a sausage sandwich, popper and a glow stick for each child. Music will be pumping thanks to DJ Statik, so come ready to dance and have a great time!

We are extremely grateful to our School Community Group for organising this fantastic event and making it available to all students of St Francis Xavier. Let the fun begin! ✨

GRANDPARENTS DAY: Please mark the date of Friday the 25th of July as we will be celebrating Grandparents Day here at St Francis Xavier. We would love to see as many grandparents as possible. If grandparents are unable to join us they may like to send a video message of no longer than 10 seconds to their grandchildren here which will be shown at our special Grandparents Liturgy. Please forward videos to Mrs Loadsman at hayley.loadsman@lism.catholic.edu.au Please watch upcoming newsletters for further information.

TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEYS: Currently, we are inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using a online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole-school evaluation and planning process. We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to continue our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Francis Xavier Primary School. The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Note that most responses are multiple-choice using a scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. It can be quite easy to mix this scale up when completing the survey. Please take your time to read the questions carefully, so we have the most accurate data we can attain. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using this URL: http://tellthemfromme.com/sfx2025 

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR UPDATE: Our School Counsellor, Pam Kirkley, will be taking a well-deserved three-month leave shortly to visit her family in England. We wish Pam a safe and enjoyable trip as she reconnects with her loved ones abroad. In Pam’s absence, we have advertised for a temporary School Counsellor to ensure continuity of support for our students. Interviews for this position will be held on Monday, 2nd June, and we hope to announce the successful applicant shortly thereafter. We thank Pam for her ongoing care and commitment to our school community and look forward to welcoming her back later in the year.

PRINCIPAL APPOINTMENT PROCESS: Advertising has commenced for the position of Principal at St Francis Xavier Primary School from the beginning of the 2026 school year. Applications close this Tuesday 27th May with interviews to take place in early June. Mr Aaron Beach, the Regional Services Leader for the Richmond Region cordially invites all staff and families to have the opportunity to provide feedback to the selection panel regarding unique aspects of the school community and the personal attributes which you feel are important for the new Principal to possess. All feedback provided will be de-identified. Should you wish to provide feedback, please complete the  Community Survey by today Friday 23rd of May.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING: The next meeting of our School Community Group will be held on Tuesday 10 th June in the School Library from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. All parents and carers of our school are warmly invited to this meeting to have input and find out more about our school.

Have a wonderful week ahead!
Tony

School Calendar...

Assistant Principal Mission News...

Our Lady Help of Christians

This Saturday 24 May, we celebrate the feast day of Our Lady Help of Christians. Our Lady Help of Christians is the Patron Saint of Australia invoked for protection and guidance. She symbolises hope, faith and unity and her intercession is deeply cherished in the spiritual life of our nation.

Sacrament of Holy Communion - Welcoming  and Blessing Mass

This Saturday 31 May we welcome the Candidates who are completing their Sacrament of Holy Communion to Mass as we bless and pray over them as they complete their initiation into the Catholic Church. 

We welcome our Candidates and their families to the Saturday Night Vigil beginning at 5:30pm in the St Francis Xavier Church. 

National Reconciliation Week

As a school we will recognise National Reconciliation Week with a whole school Liturgy on Monday 2 June at 2:45pm in the school hall. We welcome families to join us for this Liturgy.

National Reconciliation Week runs from Tuesday 27 May through to Tuesday 3 June. 

Tell Them From Me Survey

The Tell Them From Me survey will be conducted again this year. This is an opportunity for our staff, students (in Years 4, 5 and 6) and parents to provide us with feedback. Your feedback is vital in supporting us with our learning and wellbeing goals here at school.

So far, 46% of our parents have completed the survey. We would love for this to be 100%

The survey window will close next Friday 30 May. We appreciate your time in completing the survey for us. 

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. 

• Leo Lang - Year 1
• Maci Whitton - Year 1
• Rosie Bogetti - Year 2
• Olivia Rosewarn - Reed - Year 2
• Amy Sharpe - Year 6

Congratulations to the following students on receiving 10, 25 or 50 Light of Jesus Tickets. They now receive a certificate and a blue, green or yellow armband. 

• Luan Lang - Year 2
• Jasper O’Rourke - Year 2
• Coco Atkinson - Year 3
• Jaylene Chenhamo - Year 3 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Sophie Dorey - Year 3 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Rhona De Heer - Year 3
• Samuel Goodlet - Year 3 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Flynn Haysom - Year 3 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Lea Leturgie - Year 3 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Polly Meany - Year 3 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Marisa Williams - Year 3
• Amy Sharpe - Year 6 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Taylah Wooldridge - Year 6 x 25 tickets (green band)

Kasey Miles

Assistant Principal Mission

Parish News...

Learning & Teaching News...

🎨 Staff Professional Learning Day – Friday 30th May

Next Friday, 30th May, our teaching staff will be participating in a Professional Learning Day with a focus on the new Creative Arts (CAPA) syllabus set to be implemented across NSW schools in 2026.

This dedicated day of training and collaboration will allow our teachers to explore the updated curriculum, which places a strong emphasis on engaging students in authentic, creative experiences across the key art forms: visual arts, music, dance, and drama.

During the day, staff will:

• Unpack the structure and content of the new syllabus
  
  
• Explore innovative teaching strategies that inspire creativity and critical thinking

Please note: Students are not required to attend school on this pupil-free day.

Thank you for your support as we continue to invest in the professional growth of our staff and the future learning of your children.

EXTENSION ENGLISH

In Year Six Extension English, the students have been learning about the fantasy genre, which typically includes imaginative and magical elements that go beyond the real world. They have been exploring how to use more descriptive language so the reader can paint a picture in their heads. Check out some of their writing below:

I’m walking down the hallway, my eyes struggling to adjust to the dim lighting. I shouldn’t be here, I should be in a field full of dandelions with my family. But no, I said the wrong thing. Turn to the wrong side. Believed in something I shouldn’t have. So here I am in a dusty hallway, in the middle of nowhere, planted in a castle, half planning my escape, half panicking. I’m close to the window, so close, but then I see something, a shadow…By Lilla

The portal looms over him, a massive quest, a tiny fish. Terry holds 400 kg on his shoulders. Mermaids and Krakens pass by like a glittering swirl of invisibility. He swims slowly towards his destiny, death reaps around the corner. He takes a deep, deep, deep breath and barges through it. His heart drums. Life holds its breath. Time stops to watch. By Hugo

KINDERGARTEN 2026 STUDENT & PARENT INTERVIEWS

We are excited to begin welcoming our Kindergarten 2026 families as they prepare to join our school community next year! Over the past week, the leadership team have begun conducting Kindergarten interviews with our new students and their parents — a special opportunity to get to know each child and help make their transition into "big school" a smooth and positive experience.

During the interviews, our teachers and staff take time to chat with each child and their parent or carer. These friendly conversations allow us to learn more about each child's interests, strengths, and any areas where they may need extra support. We also provide helpful information about what to expect in Kindergarten, daily routines, and how parents can best support their child’s learning at home.

It’s a wonderful way to build early connections between families and the school, and to ensure each child feels confident and welcomed from day one.

We’ve loved meeting our future Kindergarten students, and we thank our parents for taking the time to attend these important interviews. Your partnership helps lay the foundation for a successful start to school life!

We can’t wait to welcome our 2026 Kindy kids next year!

📚 The Power of Home Reading in the Early Years

At our school, we believe that the foundations of strong literacy are built not only in the classroom, but also in the everyday moments shared at home. One of the most powerful ways to support your child’s learning is through regular home reading — especially in the early years of schooling.

Why is home reading so important?

1. Builds Confidence and Fluency
   Regular reading at home helps children become more confident with recognising words, reading with expression, and understanding what they read.
   
   
2. Strengthens Vocabulary and Language Skills
   The more children are exposed to different words and sentence structures, the more their vocabulary and language skills grow — essential for speaking, writing, and learning across all subjects.
   
   
3. Develops a Love of Reading
   Reading with a parent or carer can be a comforting and enjoyable routine. These positive experiences help children see reading not just as schoolwork, but as something to love and enjoy.
   
   
4. Reinforces What’s Learned at School
   Home reading allows children to practise the skills they’ve been taught in class and apply them in a safe and supportive environment.
   

Tips for home reading success:

• Make it part of the daily routine – even 10–15 minutes a day can make a big difference.
  
  
• Choose a quiet, cosy spot to read together without distractions.
  
  
• Encourage, don’t correct too quickly – let your child try, and support them when needed.
  
  
• Talk about the book – ask questions, make predictions, and celebrate their efforts.
  
  

Whether your child is sounding out letters, reading simple sentences, or just enjoying a story being read aloud, every moment counts. Thank you for being partners in your child’s reading journey — together, we are building lifelong readers.

YEAR 6 ENGLISH: EXPLORING IMAGERY, SYMBOLISM AND GENRE THROUGH LITERATURE

In Year 6 English this term, students have been deeply engaged in analysing imagery, symbolism, connotation, and genre through the powerful mentor text Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad. This evocative novel has provided rich opportunities for students to explore how literature can cross genres and express profound meaning through both words and illustrations.

Students discovered that texts don’t always fit neatly into one genre, and that symbols can powerfully convey emotion, theme, and perspective — especially in stories about war and childhood. Through close reading and discussion, they examined the realities of war from a child’s perspective, reflecting on what children their own age may have experienced in times of conflict.

To bring this exploration to life, Mrs Niland left the classroom and transformed the Hall into a dark, sombre art gallery, featuring thought-provoking images and videos. The immersive experience was enhanced with reflective prompts that encouraged students to think deeply, respond personally, and make connections between literature, history, and empathy.

The level of engagement, insight, and emotional maturity shown in the students’ responses was nothing short of outstanding. This experience not only strengthened their understanding of literary techniques but also nurtured compassion and critical thinking, key traits for young readers and global citizens.

Lisa Conte

Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Learning and Teaching-Leader of Pedagogy - Hayley Loadsman

Spotlight on Year 1 Writing

In Writing, Year 1 students are learning to create persuasive texts. This includes learning about the  language, punctuation, and illustrations that persuade a reader. In this task students were asked to pretend that they were the pigeon and then the bus driver. They needed to write using persuasive language and punctuation to explain why the pigeon should be allowed to drive the bus and then explain why the pigeon should not be allowed to drive the bus. 

With feedback from their teachers, the students can identify what their writing goal is to improve their work. Year 1 students are working hard to achieve their writing goals and should be congratulated on their growth and achievement.

Sienna: “I am working on adding more punctuation like an exclamation mark to convince the bus driver.”

Isla: “I am working on using words that I don’t know how to spell yet and have a go at stretching them out.”

Kenzie: “I am working on saying in my head what I am thinking about writing down, so when I go to write it, I know what I want to say.”

Mason: “I am working on adding speech marks to my writing when someone is talking out loud.”

Math Olympiad Competition One Results

Congratulations to the Year 6 Math Olympiad Team on the fantastic results from their first competition. Their team average was 67.5%, which is very impressive in this high level competition! Special mention to Jessica Aslin who scored 100%.

Annual Musical Showcase 

Coming up in Week 9 - Friday, 27th June at 12pm in the Hall

Our school musical showcase is an opportunity for students who learn an instrument (including voice) to perform a piece or two in front of our school family. Last year we were blessed to have 9 students from Kindergarten to Year 6 showcase their musical talents with a range of instruments. The school choir also dazzled us with 3 contemporary pieces. 

Who: 

Any student learning an instrument will benefit from performance experience, no matter where they are on their musical journey.

Next steps:

Interested students talk to their music tutor about selecting and preparing a musical performance piece.

During Weeks 6, 7 and 8, Mrs Loadsman will provide rehearsal time in the Hall during lunch times to assist the students to be performance ready.

Now is the time to email or talk to Mrs Loadsman if you are interested in performing. 

Please also email me with any questions about the event.

hayley.loadsman@lism.catholic.edu.au

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 2

Week 5

Monday 26th May to Friday, 30th May

Canteen Roster-Term 2

Week 6

Monday, 2nd June to Friday, 6th June

Canteen Online Ordering App

Please click on the link below to view the QKR app instructions.

Sports News...

NSWPSSA Tennis Championships

During Week 2 of this term, Teo Amit travelled to Bathurst to participate in the NSWPSSA Tennis Championships as part of the Polding Tennis Team. He was the number one seeded boy for the Team and is to be commended for the fantastic way that he played and the excellent sportsmanship he showed. Teo’s efforts helped the Polding team achieve the excellent result of 4th place overall out of the 13 regional teams that participated. Congratulations Teo on a fantastic tournament!

NSWPSSA Basketball

Last week, Vinnie Benfield participated in the NSWPSSA Basketball trials as a member of the Polding team. Games were held in Bankstown. At the end of the week-long carnival Vinnie was named as MVP for his team. What a wonderful experience for Vinnie in his hectic sporting life of late and a fabulous acknowledgement of his skills and sportsmanship. Congratulations Vinnie!

NSWPSSA Hockey

This week Oscar Donald is participating in the NSWPSSA Hockey Trials, as a member of the Polding Hockey Team. The trials are being held in Newcastle. We wish Oscar all the very best and look forward to hearing about his week. Good luck Oscar!

Diocesan Cross Country

Next Thursday we have ten talented cross country runners participating in the Diocesan Cross Country carnival in Woolgoolga. Good luck to Isla Clements, Luke Dogan, Oscar Donald, Ruby Hernage, Hugo Letugie, London McGregor, Max Mitchell, Victoria Reddan, Braxton Whitton and Monty Zhou Roberts. We wish you all the very best of luck!

Rugby Union Diocesan Winter Sport Trials

After all the postponements due to weather events, the Diocesan Rugby Union trials will finally take place on Friday 30th May at Hay St fields in Grafton. We wish Vinnie Benfield, Millar McElroy and Maverix Thomas all the very best when they travel to Grafton to compete. Good luck boys!

Brian Kelly Cup Rugby League

Next Wednesday a selection of Year 5 and 6 students will participate in the Brian Kelly Cup – Rugby League and Oz Tag carnival. The carnival will be held at the Kingsford Smith fields in Ballina. Fingers crossed for sunshine! Have fun and we look forward to hearing how the day goes.

Katrina Miles & Abbie Beecher-Sports Coordinators

Student Awards...

Congratulations to all of our students who received a Learning or Class Award!

Amara Webster	Archie Warnick	Iggy Whiting
Zoe Patterson	Kurt Chapman	Ted Melville
Lottie Loughrey	Ellie Booy	Scarlett Sellen
Maliah Cotes	Luan Lang	Indigo Ansell
Tarah Winkler	Macey Buchan	Tegvir Mangat
Charlie Downs	Flynn Haysom	Knox Thomas
Jack Geddes	Jaxten Swansborough	Elliot Rohn
Jaden Chenhamo	Georgia Rule	Mila Bernardes Skelton
Lottie Lubrano	Flynn McKay	Samantha TUrnbull
Mason McMahon	Indi Williams	George Schmidt
Nixon Stewart	Hendrix White

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

Lexi Beacham

Mia Beacham

Anna Bui

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 23rd May 2025  to Thursday, 5th June 2025

Student Medical Plans...

Please note that Student Medical Health Plans, such as an Asthma Plan, Allergy Plan, Epilepsy Plan or an Anaphylaxis Plan, are now due to be reviewed by your GP and updated at the school office. If you have any questions, please come and see our staff in the school office for more information. 

Medication Administered Forms 2025- We have a new electronic form for any student who requires to have medication administered during school hours. Please click on the link below or follow the directions below to complete the form. Please note this form MUST be completed for all Medical Plans for 2025. 

Instructions on where to find the form on Compass:

1. Open your Compass App
2. Click on the more button on the bottom right hand corner of the screen
3. Click on School Documents
4. Click on Parent Resources
5. Click on School Forms
6. Click on Medication Form and complete
7. This form will then be sent directly to our school email account

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.

Parent Reminders...

• 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...