2021 Term 4 Week 7 Newsletter

Prayer Focus

From the Principal

Do these words resonate with you, especially considering the unprecedented challenges this year has presented - burned out, overworked or depressed? I know from first-hand experience within my own family and close circle of friends that at times these words can take hold. In this week’s edition of The Soul (link below) some solace can be gained by the knowledge that Pope Francis has asked the world to join him in praying for people with depression for the month of November, drawing a connection between depression, overwork and burnout. “Overwork and work-related stress cause many people to experience extreme exhaustion,” the Pope writes. “Sadness, apathy, and spiritual tiredness end up dominating people’s lives, who are overloaded due to the rhythm of life today.” 

As well as prayer there are some surprisingly simple steps that can assist in seeing the positives in the rhythm of everyday life. Lisa McInnes Smith is a motivational speaker who has worked in the Diocese of Lismore in recent years. Click on the link below to access Lisa's 25 Top Tips To Flourish.

As a school community I ask that we go gently and focus on the attributes of kindness and goodness as we navigate the end of a somewhat stressful year.

Yours in Faith,
Warren Niethe
Principal

All Things Learning & Teaching

Year 6 Reflect

"When you think back on your time here at St Francis Xavier what are some of your most memorable learning experiences?" This was the question Year 6 reflected on this week.  Take a look at a small sample of the collection they came up with:

• How important it is to care for others less fortunate than ourselves
• Learning to read and write
• Science experiments
• Respect for our environment
• Opportunities to become a confident public speaker
• Learning BODMAS and the song that went with it

• To be Christ-like in words and actions
• Spelling (Sound Waves)
• 3D Printing
• Holy Rollers band
• Lock Box Activities
• Oz Tag
• Camp
• Typing 
• St Francis Xavier Day
• Kinder Buddies
• Choir 

And the list goes on...

Thank you for sharing Year 6.

Sharon de Dassel
Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Faith & Mission

Feast Day of Christ the King

Every year on the last Sunday of the liturgical year and the last Sunday before Advent, we celebrate the feast day of Christ the King. On this day, it is important to remember that Christ is King not only of the universe but also of our hearts and homes.  He is a just King, but He is also loving and merciful and will be with us until the end of time.  Jesus is the king that came to save us from our sins.  During Advent we await the coming of the infant King – the son of God born in Bethlehem to free us from our sins.  He is a king of love, mercy, peace, and forgiveness who comes to lead us to the truth and to eternal life.  Jesus is a King who teaches us to serve with humility and gentleness – “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).

Katrina Ryan
Leader of Evangelisation

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Positive Behaviour Support at St Francis Xavier is a culture that permeates all we do. Just taking a walk around the school grounds, we can see evidence of our positive attitudes at play.

Sporting Roundup

Elective Sport for Stages 2 and 3 began last week and runs through to 3 December. This year the students are participating in Basketball/Volleyball, Dance, Ultimate Frisbee and Surfing. 

Mini Vinnies

Festive Hampers

This year Mini Vinnies will again be putting together festive hampers for the local St Vincent de Paul conference. These hampers are given to people in need in our local community for Christmas. 

We would appreciate it if you could donate the following items for the festive hampers:

bon bons, chocolates, small puddings, UHD custards, jelly, chocolate coated nuts and sultanas,
christmas lollies, chips, crackers, biscuits, nuts, soft drinks 

The office and each classroom will have a tub to collect any items you send in.

Thank you for your generosity.

St Francis Xavier Mini Vinnies

Uniform List

Gold Token winners

Well done to all Token recipients this week and congratulations to the Gold Token winners!
Keep up the great work everyone.

Parish Schools Office reminders

Each year the Parish Schools Office have a prize draw for all families who have their school fee payment plan up to date. The next prize draw will take place in January 2022.

If there are any families who will not be returning to St Francis Xavier Primary School in 2022 please advise the school office on 6654 1981 as soon as possible.

Parent Assembly

Seasonal Activities for your Family

Parent Assembly are providing free activity kits to help your family get into the seasonal spirit. Scan the QR code or click on the link in the pdf to select which kit or kits you would like to have posted to your family.

After School Aboriginal Program

Giinagay, 
Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC) is a non-profit organisation supporting our youth and wider community with cultural programs and educational needs. BMNAC run a number of free after-school Goori Learning Centres (GLC). BMNAC believe that with a strong education, our future generations can achieve at the same rate and level as Non-Aboriginal students. For the Northern GLC, the program runs on Tuesday afternoons 3.15pm-4.30pm.  Students are picked up from Mullaway Primary school and St Francis Xavier Primary School by bus.  If you are interested in this program for your child please call Ashleigh Moore, Education Officer, BMNAC on 6652 5080 or 0402 639 565.