2021 Term 3 Week 9 Newsletter

Prayer Focus

From the Principal

RUOK? Day

This week in both the school and wider communities, there was an important focus on RUOK? Day. The Day encourages us to focus on how we can reach out to others and communicate that they are valued, cared for and loved no matter their circumstances. Again, this connects seamlessly with our school’s motto "Love, Peace, Knowledge" as well as Jesus’ commandment to love God and to love your neighbour as yourself. I am quite positive that the love of serving others in a Christ-like way, especially our students, has been instrumental in how well parents and staff have met the challenges of Blended Learning over the past weeks.

Lifting of Stay at Home Order & Level 3 Restrictions

Late yesterday afternoon families have received a letter and guidelines from our Director, Dr Sally Towns via email and a Facebook post that on Monday, 13 September the school will be moving from Level 4 to Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions. It is important we all adhere to the Level 3 restrictions to ensure everyone’s ongoing safety.  I have included this letter and guidelines in this week’s school newsletter in case anyone has missed this information. Please take the time to carefully read this information as to allay any unnecessary confusion next week.

Yours in Faith,
Warren Niethe
Principal

All Things Learning & Teaching

Week 9 Snapshot

What a wonderful compilation of learning and sharing again this week. New focuses including Unique Places and Connections as well as a new Family Fun Grid, have really shone a light on our amazing students. Thank you for sharing. Here is just a snapshot of some of the sharing that has taken place this week

Week 10 Return

We are very excited to be welcoming all students back Monday, 13 September. Looking forward to big smiles and exciting learning in our last week of Term.

Regional Speech Competition

Congratulations to our finalists who represented St Francis Xavier Primary School in the Regional Public Speaking competition:

Year 3 - Ava Hunter and Sanford Bullock

Year 4 - Bonnie Hammond and Jiri Cooke

Year 5 - Eshaani Atwal and Niamh Walsh

These students were selected from a high standard of entries, congratulations to all who participated.

Final judging of the videoed speeches was completed today and we are pleased and proud to announce the following students' achievements in the regional judging.

Congratulations to:

Year 4 Winner - Bonnie Hammond

Year 3 Runner Up - Ava Hunter

Year 5 Dual Runner Up - Eshaani Atwal

Faith & Mission

RUOK? Day

Today we recognised RUOK? Day both at school and at home. Students dressed in bright colours and completed some fun activities around the themes of wellbeing and friendship. Check out Facebook for more photos.

Sunday Parish Mass

Due to the Stay at Home Order lifting, Parish Masses will resume this weekend.  Restrictions do apply, please abide by the following:
*Sign in upon arrival using the Service NSW QR Code
*Social distancing and sanitising
*Adults must wear a mask at all times, children are encouraged to wear masks
*One person per 4sqm rule
*No singing allowed

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Many families share a similar sentiment when it comes to children and devices. We understand the value of technological literacy but we also know the importance of limiting our child’s screen time for overall health and wellbeing. If you’re looking for some new fun activities or wish to revisit some old favourites, check out the link below for ideas to ‘unplug’ these holidays!

Sporting Roundup

Due to the Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions placed on schools within the Diocese of Lismore, not permitting interschool or interregional sporting events, unfortunately the Zone Athletics Carnival and the Diocesan Athletics Carnival for 2021 have been cancelled.
The School Office will refund the payments made by families in due course.

National Child Protection Week

The 2021 National Child Protection Week theme is:
‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth have launched a book for families called ‘God gave Elizabeth Grace the Right to Feel Safe’. The book, targeted towards children aged 5 to 11, tells the story of a girl named Elizabeth Grace, whose encounter with an adolescent boy has left her feeling unsafe and uncomfortable. The book also tells the journey that she takes to be able to disclose her experience to her parents. This book can be used by families to discuss a sensitive topic with children.

Anxiety in your Child Seminar

We hope the 53 St Francis Xavier parents who joined the Dr Justin Coulson 'Anxiety in your Child' Seminar enjoyed and got a lot out of the presentation.  All parents who signed up have been sent a direct email with the link to the recording, which is accessible for 7 days. 

For those who wish to view the presentation please click on the link below to access the recording: 

Date Saver