2021 Term 3 Week 2 Newsletter

Prayer Focus

From the Principal

Farewell Letter to Families

Dear Parents and Carers,

A week or two ago, I announced my intention to move into a new role at the Catholic Schools Office beginning on 26 July 2021. In my role as School Service Consultant there will fortunately still be opportunities to work with the wonderful community of St Francis Xavier, Woolgoolga. I offer my welcome to the new Principal who will be appointed following interviews next week and I wish them every blessing and success during their appointment. 

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, I am writing to communicate my deep gratitude for the support and guidance offered by the amazing parent community. In particular, I would like to thank the dedicated and hardworking Parent Forum and volunteers that offer so much. Without such support, it is very difficult to develop the relationships and trust that have grown over the past six years. I wish each and every family all the best into the future and look forward to connecting with you all in a different capacity.

I have also been very fortunate to have worked with a hardworking, dedicated and professional staff. My Assistant Principals, both past and present, have been the bedrock upon which our faith and educational outcomes have been built and thrived. Their collective passion for a student centred approach to decision making has been pivotal to our success. It is with a sense of confidence that I announce that Mrs Sharon de Dassel will step into the role of Acting Principal until a more permanent appointment is finalised, ensuring a smooth transition period. I would also like to thank the teachers and learning assistants who deliver our learning programs and always strive to be the difference for every child, ‘Serving Every Learner’. 

At the last Assembly, I mentioned to the children that it was them who made the decision to take another direction most difficult. Over the past six years, I have looked forward to each and every day primarily because of the kids. The most precious gift for me as an educator is the opportunity to be an important part of your children's lives and this responsibility is not taken lightly. I have been fortunate at St Francis Xavier to lead a school filled with appreciative, generous and hardworking students who fill every day with fun and laughter. I will miss each of them and look forward to watching them grow over the coming years, albeit in a new role. 

Finally, thanks to the parish community of Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour. We have been blessed with amazing Clergy and a faith-filled community that has made this connection strong and prosperous. 

St Francis Xavier School has given me so much over the last six years and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work in such a wonderful school.  I thank you all for my time here, God bless and best wishes.

Kind regards
Troy Baker
Principal

All Things Learning & Teaching

COVID-19 Updates

Please continue being vigilant in regards to following the requirements set out by NSW Health and ensure that we all continue to work together for the safety of the community.

If I were A Wizard…..

Students in Year 5 and Stage 2 participated in a book reading by author Paul Hamilton today. The reading was conducted via Zoom and was certainly engaging and entertaining. 

Afterwards the students were able to work through a digital technology task using Google Drawings, Slides and Scratch. The task was led by Mrs Tracey Catling, a Digital Coach from the Catholic Schools Office and was a wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in.

Thank you to Miss Walsh, St Francis Xavier’s Digital Innovator, for facilitating the opportunity. 

PDHPE Term 3

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) is a key learning area in the school’s curriculum. St Francis Xavier follows the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) K-10 PDHPE syllabus. 

Learning in PDHPE reflects the dynamic nature of health, safety, wellbeing and participation in physical activity. Learning in this area seeks to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes in the context of a diverse and rapidly changing society. As a result the learning experiences in PDHPE provide students with a foundation to actively contribute to, and advocate for, the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others in the community and beyond school.

The content in this key learning area can be sensitive and the school recognises this by teaching about such issues within the context of Catholic values and a developmentally appropriate K-6 PDHPE program.

The PDHPE unit which has a focus on knowing the body will be taught in Term 3.  Our school values the role that parents have in the education of their children, especially in matters relating to sexual health. A note detailing the specific content to be covered in each stage has been sent out to all. Please take the time to read this note and talk to your child if you feel this is necessary.  

Faith & Mission

Mini Vinnies would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone for supporting both our Jumper Drive last Term and Pyjama Day this week. These two events supported the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. 

We raised $353.00 on Pyjama Day which will be given to the St Vincent de Paul Conference in Woolgoolga to go towards helping to keep people warm this winter. 

Nude Food Day

Our first official Nude Food Day for this year was well supported, with lots of children packing plastic free lunch boxes. Thanks to everyone for helping us to care for our common home. You are contributing to saving the world, one lunch box at a time!

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Our whole school Wellbeing Day was such a huge success last Term, we have decided to have one again at the end of Term 3! Here’s what that students had to say about Wellbeing Day:

“I liked meditation.” Mikaela (Kinder)

“I liked dancing and disco things.” Lahni (Kinder)

“I liked the disco and doing fun things with friends.” Olivia (Year 1)

“We got to do games and you could play with friends from Year 3.” Mia (Year 1)

“How we go to build sandcastles.” Kirra (Year 3)

“I loved going to the beach and having chip sandwiches.” Trinity (Year 4)

“It was quite fun because I got to hang out with friends all day and didn’t have to do school work.” Carter (Year 5)

“I enjoyed it because we could play with our friends.” Jett (Year 5)

“It was good because the kids controlled it and if you wanted to play something you got to do it.” Ashton (Year 5)

“There was a big variety of things to do.” Lucas (Year 5)

“It was relaxing because you could play with your friends.” Matthew (Year 5)

“It gave you a chance to hang out with some different people.” Archie (Year 6)

“I liked playing at the beach, building a giant volcano city with friends and getting to vote on the winner.” Sam (Year 6)

Sporting Roundup

Zone Athletics Carnival

After being postponed due to COVID restrictions the new Zone Athletics Carnival date is Tuesday, 3 August (Week 4).  We will advise parents if this date is also postponed due to continuing restrictions.

NetSetGo

This Term we have been lucky enough to receive funding to run a netball program with a netball coach at school. Each class will participate in four sessions. Kindergarten and Stage 1 began the program this week.

Rebel Sport

Thank you to families for your continued support in nominating our school when shopping at Rebel Sport. This enables us to buy new equipment regularly for playground use. Below are some pictures of the new equipment we have acquired this week.

Running Club

Quite a few students have reached the 10km milestone recently. Well done and keep up the great work!

Parent Assembly Gathering

Gold Token winners