2021 Term 2 Week 10 Newsletter

Prayer Focus

From the Principal

THANK YOU - Have a great break

I am writing to express my heartfelt thank you during this time of uncertainty and change. Whilst I am very much, on a personal level, looking forward to a new challenge, the messages of support have been overwhelming. 

Next Semester we welcome back Mrs Hannah Haworth from maternity leave in a part time capacity in Stage 2. We also welcome some familiar faces back into different roles with Mrs Laura George (3 days per week), Mrs Michelle Henry (3 days per week) and Mrs Amy Livingstone (2 days per week) continuing their journey with our amazing team.

This is such a great community that we can all be very proud of and I wish every family the safest and happiest of holidays in the coming weeks. Stay safe and recharge for what promises to be a very busy and exciting Semester 2. 

School Holiday Travel to Hotspots - Students and Families

Communication to parents and caregivers:

Should you enter a known hotspot during the school holiday period or if a hotspot has been declared while you were travelling in a particular area or following your return home, students and staff will be required to adhere to requirements of the Public Health Order in place at the commencement of Term 3.

Please be reminded that it is your responsibility to stay informed of COVID-19 hotspots, particularly during this school holiday period. St Francis Xavier will communicate with you prior to the commencement of Term 3 with any changes to the current requirements or restrictions that may impact the school.

All Things Learning & Teaching

Important Dates for Term 3

Monday 12th July -  The first day of Term 3 for students and staff

Wednesday 14th July - Confirmation Parent Information Evening

Thursday 12th August - Confirmation at St Augustine's Church

A note from the teachers

Dear Parents and Carers,

Student reports provide students, teachers and parents with a clear and concise picture of a student’s achievement and progress at a point in time. Teachers make informed and consistent decisions about student progress against the learning outcomes using a variety of assessments and observations to inform their judgement. 

There are some key points that as a staff we would like to share with you as you read these reports and celebrate your child's learning:

• Effort is often overlooked but is a very important part of the learning.
• Please note that when referring to learning outcomes, the language of the curriculum is used.
• Each report has been written with the student at the centre. There has been significant time invested in trying to capture the learning as well as celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.
• Communication is key to future goal setting and progress.

We look forward to continuing the learning journey into Semester 2. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Have a happy and safe break.

Research Presentation

Last week we shared some of the amazing learning that has been undertaken by our students in the Science and Technology key learning area. Survival of the Fittest was the focus for Stage 3 students. In transferring their learning students undertook a study, investigating what physical features animals might need to help them adapt and survive in their environment. 

Take a look at Isabella’s presentation, this is an example of what Stage 3 has been presenting. Great work Stage 3!

Faith & Mission

NAIDOC Week 2021

On Wednesday this week, the whole school came together in honour of NAIDOC Week to celebrate Mass. Thank you to all the students who performed special roles on the day: readers, altar servers, musicians and those who carried forward symbols and gifts. It was a wonderful celebration recognising the contribution of indigenous people to our nation and also our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and healing for past injustices. 

Please take some time to enjoy the beautiful ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ video that has been filmed and shared by the Lismore Diocese Catholic Schools Office. 

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Today marks the first St Francis Xavier whole school PBS Wellbeing Day!

Everyone enjoyed our school-wide activities this morning. Congratulations on a successful Semester everyone! We can’t wait to see what fun Semester Two will bring!

Sporting Roundup

Important Dates

Tuesday 13th July - Zone Athletics Carnival

Friday 13th August - Diocesan Athletics Carnival

Get Into Rugby

The program finished this week. A big thanks to our local NSW Rugby Union Development Officer, Gary Wilson and to Will the NSW Rugby Union coach for running this program at our school. Below are some pictures of yesterday’s session that was held in the shelter area due to the rain.

Running Club

A big congratulations and well done to a number of students who have reached the big milestone of 10km in running club. These students will be recognised at the Term 3, Week 1 assembly. 

Polding Rugby 

Well done to Jed Cruickshanks who trialled for Rugby Union at Polding this week in Forbes. We are very proud of your efforts.

Rebel Sport

Thank you to families for your continued support by nominating our school when you buy sports equipment at Rebel Sport. This enables us to buy new equipment regularly for playground use.

Gold Token Winners