2020 Term 4 Week 9 Newsletter
Prayer Focus
From the Principal's desk...
Welcome to our new newsletter format. Our aim is to continue to improve our methods of communication and improve home-school relationships. If you have any feedback or wish to see something different that would make the newsletter more informative, please contact me at the school office on 6654 1981.
St Francis Xavier Staff - 2021
Kindergarten: Fiona Jupp and Jacqui Walsh
Stage 1: Tiffany Wishart, Laura Flack and Laura Cooke
Stage 2: Colette Harris, Lexie Jensen and Elyse Stuart
Year 5: Charlie O’Sullivan and Janet Mayes
Year 6: Alex Speirs
Learning Support: Di Benefield, Mel Stearn, Gail Seymour and Kylie Munro
Administration: Robyn Parker and Lainie Barselaar
Groundsman: Dave Mifsud
Canteen Supervisor: Tracie Paton
High Potential Learning: Suzie Coster
Additional Needs Support: Alison Hammond
RFF: Alison Hammond, Ellie Stretton and Katrina Ryan
Wellbeing: Helen Hunt and Denise Andrade (School Counsellor)
Leader of Evangelisation: Katrina Ryan
Assistant Principal: Sharon de Dassel
Principal: Troy Baker
Semester 2 Reports
Please be advised the Semester 2 Reports are now available for viewing or for download on the Parent Portal. The format of these Reports is as normal. Any families finishing up at the school at the end of the Term (including Year 6) are required to download their children's Reports before 9am on Wednesday, as Reports will be archived and unavailable after that time.
Date Saver
Monday, 14 December - Year 6 Graduation Liturgy & Dinner
Wednesday, 16 December - Last day Term 4 for students
Mathematics Assessment Interviews - 28 & 29 January (Years 1-6)
Best Start Assessments - 28 January - 2 February (Kindergarten)
Monday, 1 February - First day Term 1 for students Years 1-6
Wednesday, 3 February - First day Term 1 for Kindergarten
Parish Schools Office notice
Christmas Concerts
Under the easing of some strict COVID restrictions we were able to go ahead with our Christmas Concert in a two part show. I think you will all agree it was a fabulous night, showcasing some of the wonderful singers, dancers, musicians and actors we have here at St Francis Xavier Primary School.
Year 6 Camp
The idea was formulated and we camped last night on the school playground to ensure the kids in Year 6 had an enduring memory to take with them as they finish primary school. It is now 3:07am, I am probably delirious, and there is nothing left to do except report on the events that transpired. The weary campers moved rain sodden tents into some type of makeshift shanty town under the COLA to escape the rain.
Earlier in the day, our Year 6 adventurers were rueing their lack of preparation and camping knowledge, and the following could be heard echoing across the parched field… (these are direct quotes that gave us a laugh)
Wait, I need pegs?
Our mattress doesn’t fit!
Our tent doesn’t need a fly does it?
It’s funny looking but unique!
I’ve seen three pop-up tents blow away.
Roy can do more than us and he has never camped in his life.
Why are the girls already finished?
You could tie it to the post.
Make sure you line the door up… what door? Is there a door?
Can I call mum to get a pop-up tent?
I am never going camping again.
And you said I couldn’t do it, but it’s done.
It is now 3:15am and I have a wry smile whilst writing the last thoughts on Year 6 camp. Success is an interesting thing, I think we achieved it, there will certainly be memories. It will be interesting to see how we all shape up in the morning.
Yesterday, as part of their camp experience, the Year 6 students were guided through an art experience by Mr David Ogg, a local artist who has taught for many years at St John Paul College and McAuley Catholic College.
The students engaged in a range of artistic techniques, including silk screen printing, ink line drawing using bamboo and watercolour blending. David spent the session weaving narratives about faith and being truly known and loved by God, your family, teachers and others.
Year Group of the Term Rewards Day
The Positive Behaviour Support Year Group of the Term is Year 2!
Year 2 celebrated with some time on the inflatable Obstacle Course yesterday.
Certificates of Recognition
Congratulations to our Kindergarten and Stage 1 Certificate of Recognition recipients for Week 9
Congratulations to our Stage 2 and Stage 3 Certificate of Recognition recipients for Week 9.
Mini Vinnies Christmas Hampers
Exuro - Year 5 Retreat
On Wednesday the Year 5 students spent the day in retreat for Exuro. Exuro is latin for ‘on fire’. St Ignatius of Loyola told St Francis Xavier to, “Go set the world on fire,” and we are called to do the same- to set the world on fire with love, peace and knowledge. The students spent the day reflecting on what it means to be a disciple and ways to show God’s love to others.
Once again, the Year 5 students demonstrated outstanding effort, engagement and participation throughout the day and we are all looking forward to watching them grow as they embrace their new leadership roles.
2021 Student Leaders
Congratulations to our 2021 Student Leaders as voted by their Stage 3 and Stage 2 peers and staff. Cooper Mifsud, Bonnie Plunkett, Eli Nalder, and Alexis Smith, pictured here with their very proud parents. We look forward to seeing some great work from these leaders next year.
Christmas Masses
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES: With all of the ups and downs of 2020 it will be wonderful to be graced with the opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, with our families this Christmas. COVID regulations restrict the numbers of worshippers at Christmas Mass. For this reason the Parish is providing four Masses at St Francis Xavier Church. Two Christmas Vigil Masses will be celebrated on December 24 at 5.30pm and 7.00pm and two Masses will be celebrated on Christmas Day (December 25) at 8.00am and 9.30am. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL to avoid disappointment. Please take the time to plan ahead and book a Mass for your family. Masses at Woolgoolga can be booked using this link. Bookings using the link are currently capped.
Alternatively, you can book for either the Woolgoolga or Coffs Harbour Christmas Masses using the sign up sheets at the back of the Church or by contacting the St Augustine’s Parish Office on 6651 0000.
