Newsletter-Term 4-Week 4-Friday 8th November 2024

Assistant Principal Mission News...

Swimming Carnival - Friday 15 November

The whole school swimming carnival will take place on Friday 15 November. The carnival will have competitive races along with fun activities for those who are non-competitive swimmers. Those choosing not to participate in the carnival will cheer on their peers from the House areas. 

Students who are non-competitive will arrive at the Ballina Memorial Pool around 10am to begin their day's proceedings and return to school around 2:30pm. 

Please ensure your child/ren have sunsmart clothing, their school hat and sunscreen for the day to avoid sunburn. 

A Compass Event will be published to all families on Monday 11 November. Consent and payment for the swimming carnival is due no later than Thursday 14 November. Students who DO NOT have consent to attend the pool on Friday 15 November will remain at school with a teacher. 

Nominations for the competitive events are due today (Friday 8 November). 

Parish Schools Celebration

Our Parish Schools celebration for the Feast of St Francis Xavier will take place on Tuesday 3 December. 

Our staff are preparing for an afternoon of fun and excitement as we finalise the organisation for the Mini Fair. 

We invite our families and Parish community to join us for our Mini Fair and to assist us in raising much needed funds for Catholic Missions. 

A map of the school where each stall is located will be supplied in the week 6 newsletter along with start times and sign in information for visitors. 

Ballina Shire Council - Water main renewal works - Martin and Burnet Streets

Ballina Shire Council has advised they are completing water main renewal works along Martin Street beginning 4 November. These works may cause interruptions to parking on Martin street during this period.

The works are scheduled to last 14 weeks with hopefully minimal disruption to us here at school this year.

We will keep our school community informed of any disruption or change during this time via Compass.

School Uniform Reminders

As we move towards the end of the year, we are beginning to notice some students not adhering to the school uniform policy. Student Uniform Policy

We are seeing an increase in jewellery, including earrings with charms; hair accessories which are not school colours; incorrect shoes and on occasion, incorrect shorts. 

If your child is unable to wear the correct shoes, shorts etc for any particular reason, please inform the classroom teachers. 

We understand that purchasing new shoes and uniforms close to the end of the school year is not ideal, however, we do expect our students to be in full school uniform each day and we thank you for your assistance with this matter. 

Remembrance Day

On 11 November at 11am we stop to remember those who sacrificed their lives so we can live the life we do today.

Due to the intensive swimming program we will be unable to hold a whole school Liturgy this year, however, classes will recognise and remember in their classrooms throughout the day.    

Kindergarten Transition

Our Kindergarten Transition program concludes next week, with our new Kindergarten students for 2025 having completed 6 transition sessions. We thank Mrs Chantelle Cotes, Mrs Rosie Darke and Mrs Melinda Smith for the running of transition this year.

The Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

This coming weekend's reading is from Mark 12:38-44 (shorter form, Mark 12:41-44) - Jesus notices a poor widow’s offering and commends her great sacrifice.

This weekend's Gospel invites us to think about stewardship and the contributions we make in society, to the Church and to charitable organisations. Good stewardship calls us to share our treasures as well as our time and talent. 

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus observes the generosity of the poor widow. We too are called to be generous like the widow. Sometimes, we may feel we have very little to give. As he did with the widow, Jesus tells us that what is most important to God, is to give what we have with a generous heart.  

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

CONNECT Gathering - for Year 6 students

CONNECT is an opportunity for our Year 6 students who are attending Xavier Catholic College (or not) to connect with other Year 6 students from our local area. This Youth event is designed to assist the students in a successful  transition to high school.

Our Year 6 students are invited to attend on Saturday 7 December from 3:30 - 8:00pm at Xavier Catholic College, Skennars Head. 

What can students expect at CONNECT? An afternoon of fun, food, games, music, hearing advice from older high school students and meeting new friends from other local schools. 

Information for this event has been shared to the Year 6 families via Compass. Please use the QR code on the flyer below to register for this wonderful event.

Attendance Information - Teach your child the essential skill of being organised. Start with assisting them to pack their bag and lay out their uniform the night before. You are helping them on the path to self-responsibility.

Teaching your child organisational skills is a valuable and empowering endeavour that sets the foundation for self-responsibility and a sense of control over their own lives. Here are some tips to help your child develop organisational skills, starting with preparing for school:

• Establish a Routine. Create a consistent daily routine that includes specific times for waking up, getting ready, and leaving for school. A structured routine provides predictability and helps your child develop a sense of time management.
• Prepare the Night Before. Encourage your child to pack their school bag and lay out their uniform the night before. This proactive approach reduces morning stress and ensures that everything needed for the school day is ready to go.
• Use Checklists. Create checklists for morning and evening tasks. Checklists provide a visual guide for your child to follow and help reinforce the habit of being organised. As their skills improve, they may not need the checklist.
• Model Organisation. Lead by example. Children often learn by observing, so showcasing organisational habits reinforces the importance of being well-prepared.
• Adjust and Adapt. Recognise that organisational needs may change over time. Be flexible and willing to adjust strategies based on your child's evolving responsibilities and needs.

Light of Jesus Awards

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

• Indigo Bungate - Year 1
• Maliah Cotes - Year 1 x 25 tickets
• Pham (Moon) Nguyen - Year 1 x 50 tickets
• Tao Stewart - Year 1 x 50 tickets
• Marlee McMahon - Year 3
• Violet Bogetti - Year 5
• Jack Hughes - Year 5 x 25 tickets
• Amy Sharpe - Year 5
  
• Maddie Sommerfeld - Year 5 x 25 tickets

Kasey Miles

Assistant Principal Mission

Students NOT Returning in 2025

As we have a number of perspective students on our wait list, parents of current students NOT intending to return to St Francis Xavier Primary School in 2025 are asked to notify the school in writing as soon as possible.

We are currently in the process of planning our 2025 classes and this information is essential.

School Calendar...

Term 4

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...

KINDERGARTEN MATHEMATICS

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

In Kindergarten this term, we’re diving into the concept of mass through hands-on and playful activities. Our latest project is all about understanding weight, using floating foil boats as an exciting way to explore how heavy or light objects can affect floating and sinking.

Our young learners began by creating small boats from aluminium foil and then estimated which items might float or sink when placed inside. They tested objects of different weight, some light and some heavy, to observe what happens. This hands-on experiment encouraged students to think about mass in a way they can see and feel while making predictions and testing them out in a fun, interactive way. 

Through this activity, students are not only learning about mass, but also developing skills in estimation, problem-solving, and teamwork. The lesson has sparked some fantastic discussions, and our little mathematicians are excited to share their new knowledge with you at home!

YEAR FIVE WRITING

Our Year 5 students have recently embarked on an inspiring reading adventure with the book August and Jones by Pip Harry. This heartwarming novel follows the story of two unlikely friends—August, a boy who is gradually losing his sight, and Jones, a girl who struggles with her own challenges. Through their unique bond, they learn valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the true meaning of friendship. Year Five then researched people who inspired them and why. They then wrote a letter comparing them to either Jones or Auguste, transferring their knowledge of the characters to another context. 

Dear Stephen Hawking,

Hello, my name is Lilla and I am 11 years old, in Year Five, with the BEST teachers ever! I am writing to you because I am intrigued by your theories of black holes in Science. I love science and space is one of my favourite subjects!

I am astonished by your extraordinary ideas that have changed people’s perspectives on science which led to different investigations and studies about space. I too believe that there is more to a black hole than most think.

You remind me of my friend Jones who has gone through some difficulties lately, because you both have very confident personalities and you don't let your disability stop you from achieving your goals. You have inspired me to never give up!

Jones and I are influenced - that we are capable of more than we think - by you, because you don't take “no” for an answer. You have also shown us that we can strive to be anything we want to be and do anything we want to do.

I want to thank you for your consistent perseverance. Your amazing ideas and dedication to being successful in your studies have encouraged Jones and I that we can always do it, we just need to try that little bit harder. You were truly an extraordinary soul! 

Yours sincerely, 

Lilla

Dear Brodie Moss,

My name is Maverix and l am eleven years old. I live in amazing Ballina, NSW where the water is dead glassy. I am writing this letter to you for a project for school, to say how much l like your work and how much you’ve inspired me to keep going in life.

 You and your YouTube group have reached over 8 million subscribers. You have a successful clothing line. You do what you like and what you want no matter what people think. You are extremely brave for swimming with sharks. You work with some of the most deadliest animals. You make me want to fish, swim with sharks and sea snakes and find different fish and make me want to try hard and do what l like and inspire me with spearfishing. 

You inspire Jones because you can still do it even though you don’t know it. l think you’ve done a very good job this year and you’ve done amazingly on YouTube. 

From 

Maverix

Dear Alexa Leary,

Hi, my name is Nash and I am eleven years old. I am writing to you to tell you how much you inspired me to keep on going and trying in life.

I admired the way that you won two gold medals at the 2024 Paralympics. This is super inspiring for the people in Australia and around the world for people not only with disabilities but just everybody.

We are reading a book called August and Jones. Jones is a girl with eye cancer and has another tumour in her other eye she is brave like you because you had to go through lots of surgeries and learn how to walk and swim again. That must take lots of braveness and courage.

You're inspiring because after you had that bad accident, you never gave up and you kept on pushing and now you're a Paralympic gold medalist. You inspire me to push forward if I ever get injured in the future. I like the quote you say that goes like this “I just think the life I'm living now is my second life, I'm loving it”.

Alexa, I hope you continue your dreams and achievements and you can keep on recovering and win those medals for Australia and make your country and family proud.

Yours sincerely,

Nash

ST ANDREW’S VISIT

Last week I was blessed to visit St Andrews with Year Four students and staff for the third time. This was a wonderful opportunity to build relationships within our aged care community. A big thank you to Kellie McGregor, from St Andrews, and the Year Four teachers for creating this mutually beneficial partnership. The joy and laughter from both the students and the residents were overwhelmingly special. They interviewed the residents, getting to know them even better, played games and sat and talked with them. We can’t wait to see them again next year!

Lisa Conte

Leader of Pedagogy

Sports News...

Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials

The Richmond Zone Summer Sports Trials were held at various venues across Lismore this week. Congratulations to the following students who were selected and will now compete at the Diocesan Summer Sports Trials in Lismore. Well done boys and girls!!

• Boys Tennis - Gali Amit
• Girls Tennis - Ruby Hernage
• Boys Basketball - Vincent Benfield
• Boys Cricket - Vincent Benfield

The Boys Touch Football & Girls Touch Football trials are being held today at St John’s College Woodlawn. A full report on the trials will be in the next edition of the school newsletter.

Emerson White

Emerson White in Year Three recently attended an assessment day with Swimming NSW so that she could be assessed for her swimming classification.  

It was a long and tiring weekend for Emerson who had to travel to Grafton for the assessment which in itself was very exhausting physically & mentally as the testing is quite full on physically.

Then on the following day, Emerson participated in a Para Training & Information Day held in Grafton by Swimming North Coast.  

Emerson was also able to meet Maddie McTernan Para Olympian who also attended the day.

Congratulations Emerson on achieving your swimming classification!!

Polding & NSW Representatives

Congratulations to the following students from SFX Ballina who represented Polding this year. The students will receive a Polding medallion at one of our last school assemblies this Term. Well done boys and girls on your outstanding achievements on the sporting field this year!

• Gali Amit - Boys Tennis
• Reef Molyneux - 11 Years Boys Rugby League
• Luke Dogan - Cross Country
• Isla Parker - Athletics
• Luke Dogan - Athletics

SFX Competitive Swimming Carnival

Fun Swimming Carnival

Any students who did not nominate in a competitive race will receive a Compass Event to attend the Fun Swimming Carnival which is also on the same day. Consent will also need to be completed prior to next Thursday 14th November.

Whilst our competitive swimmers are competing in the 50m pool, non-competitive swimmers will be participating in Novelty Events in the middle sized pool. There are many logistical challenges associated with 350 students in attendance and only two pools. With large cohort numbers, time in the middle size pool will be limited.

Novelty events will run from 11am - 2:30pm.

Students who are not given consent for either Carnival will remain at school and complete work under full teacher supervision.

Gali and Teo Amit Tennis Achievements

Teo Amit recently represented the North-East Region in the 10 Years NSW State Teams Championships. Teo and his team performed well on the day.

Gali and Teo also represented North-East Region in the recent Tennis Champions of Champions Event in Inverell. Gali won the 12 Years and Teo won the 10 Years. Both boys also qualified for the National Tournament in Sydney from 22nd - 24th November. Congratulations to both boys on their recent success on the court and best of luck for their upcoming events.

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 4

Week 5

Monday, 11th November  to Friday, 15th November

Canteen Roster-Term 4

Week 6

Monday, 18th November to Friday, 22nd November

REMINDER

Canteen is  CLOSED on Wednesday's

Student Awards...

Congratulations to all of our students who received a

Learning or Class Award!

Tahlo Makin	Harley Thompson	Neika Writer
Evie Williams	Sophie Dorey	Lily Ross
Ethan Kealy	Lea Leturgie	Koan Matheson
Stella McOmish	Jack Geddes	Maxon Andrews
Edie Taylor	Harry Dayman	Scott Nguyen
Joy Meany	Josie Davy	Grace Hosie
Lily Hancock	Ivy Taylor	Vincent Benfield
Hugo Leturgie	Oscar Tyrrell	Amelia Whalan
Noah Green	Isla Noble	Carlos Gonzalez

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 8th November to Thursday, 21st November 2024

Rosie Goodlet	Tommy McDermott	Harli Brandscheid
Ellie Harrison-Lewry	Charlie Zhou-Roberts	Neika Writer
Jesse Moreira-McLean	Oscar Booy	Eleanor Hosie
Van Hogden	Sienna Pearson	Kai Oke
Frankie Daenerys Valdellon	Darcy McDermott	Dakota Bostock
Nathan Hoang	Indi Williams	Conrad Short

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.

School student travel information for parents and students-2025

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.