2021 Term 4 Week 8 Newsletter
Prayer Focus
From the Principal
2022 Staffing Announcements
At this time of the school year staffing for the following year occurs. We are fortunate not to have many changes in our 2022 staffing model which should ensure consistency and a less complex transition for the majority of the students. However, over the next few weeks a transition plan will be implemented for those families and students who need extra support for a smooth start to the 2022 school year. In next week’s edition of the school newsletter I plan to share more details about teachers and their Stage teams. Please note, students will find out who their 2022 class teachers are at the commencement of next school year when they attend their Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI).
We have two long term staff members retiring at the end of this year - Mr Charlie O’Sullivan and Ms Gail Seymour. On behalf of the entire school community I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr O’Sullivan and Ms Seymour for their years of service, dedication and invaluable contribution to the education of countless students. Ms Seymour has worked tirelessly at St Francis Xavier for 25 years! I would like to wish Mr O’Sullivan and Ms Seymour all the very best as they embark on a new and exciting chapter in their lives.
This week Mrs Sarah Jennings was appointed as a teacher to St Francis Xavier commencing next year. On behalf of the entire school community I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Mrs Jennings.
Sadly, we will be bidding farewell to our school counsellor, Miss Denise Andrade, at the close of this year. I would like to sincerely thank Miss Andrade for her professional expertise and commitment to improving student wellbeing.
Yours in Faith
Warren Niethe
Principal
All Things Learning & Teaching
Kindergarten Reflect on 2021
Last week we heard from the leaders of the school, Year 6, as they reflected on their time at St Francis Xavier. This week we have asked our Kindergarten students what their thoughts are on the first year of ‘big school’. Take a look at some of what Kindergarten have shared:
- I love reading
- God loves everybody
- Investigations are great
- We love our Buddies
- Canteen days are fun. I love jelly cups
- Our teachers are fun
- Playing on the nature playground with my friends is my favourite
- Prayers are important. It is when I talk to God
- Everyone is super nice
- I love Meal Deals on Friday
- Drawing is good fun
- I know heaps now
- I love playing on the equipment
- The teachers are very kind
- We have fun learning
Mathematics Assessment Interviews (MAIs)
Mathematics Assessment Interviews (MAIs) are conducted with all our students from Kindergarten through to Year 6 at the start of every year. Information has been emailed to all families today regarding when these will take place. Further information will be emailed next week in regards to how to book an interview time.
Here is an article of interest that may change the way we talk about Maths at home. It is important to build positive Mathematical experiences as a school community.
Sharon de Dassel
Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching
Faith & Mission
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent: the beginning of the new Liturgical year and the journey towards the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. As the shops begin to fill with the sights and sounds of the ‘festive season’, we are encouraged to not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas - a celebration of the day when God became man among us. Students this week have made Advent wreaths, an important Christian symbol in Advent. This Sunday, we will light the first Advent candle, symbolising HOPE.
High Potential Learning (HPL)
TinkerCad
Over the past few weeks, Stage 2 and Stage 3 HPL students have been working on designing and making a 3D model using TinkerCad.
Breakout Boxes
Stage 3 HPL students rolled out the Breakout Box activities they created with the Year 6 students last Tuesday. Everyone successfully completed all the challenges and most importantly, had lots of fun! Next Tuesday will be the final Breakout Box activity for the year.
Suzie Coster
Leader of Literacy
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
This week’s PBS focus is:
Respect Others: I use appropriate language and tone of voice. I can be fair and kind.
When asked what we can say to others that is appropriate, fair and kind, students had this to say:
"Please be nice to other people."- George, Year 1
"You can say a compliment like, I like your hair today." - Josie, Year 2
"Do you want to play with me?" - Elka, Year 2
"Hi, do you want to play with me?" - Balkeerat, Year 2
"Maybe in the playground if you see anyone not feeling right just include them and try and make their day." - Oliver, Year 6
"Do you want to join us? Because they might feel lonely and left out." - Taylor, Year 6
"You can greet staff and students with a hello or a wave and a smile." - Matilda, Year 6
This week's Psalm is:
Psalm 117 'Lord, hear me begging for fairness; listen to my cry for help. You will judge that I am right; your eyes can see what is true.'
Laura Cooke
Leader of Postive Behaviour Support
Sporting Roundup
2022 Diocesan AFL Trials
Boys Diocesan AFL Trials will take place on Friday, 18 February 2022. If your child is of representative standard, in Years 4 or 5 and would like to participate in the Diocesan AFL Trials please ask them to see Miss Wishart for registration details. Registration must be completed by 10 February 2022. Girls Diocesan AFL Trials will occur later in 2022.
Elective Sport
Elective Sport for Stages 2 and 3 continued this week despite the wet weather with the surfing group particpating in indoor sporting activities instead of ocean activities. Below are some photos from last week's session.
Stage 1 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Stage 1 students have enjoyed learning how to throw, bounce (dribble), catch basketballs and play mini games in PDHPE this week.
Tiffany Wishart
Leader of Sport
Additional Needs
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on 3 December each year.
IDPwD is a United Nations observed day aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
We celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability and promote inclusion.
Information about how you can get involved and help break down barriers (both structural and attitudinal) for people with disability can be found on this website.
Take the time to watch this video about disabilities that are not visible.
Fiona Jupp
Leader of Additional Needs
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
Parish Schools Office reminder
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.
Kids & Traffic Free Online Workshops
Kids & Traffic Early Childhood Road Safety Program have some free online workshops coming up.
Monday, 29 November: Starting School Safely (6.00pm to 7.30pm)
Tuesday, 30 November: Out & About: Safe Journeys with Kids (4.00pm to 5.30pm)
Wednesday, 1 December: An Early Childhood Framework for Road Safety Education (10.30am to 12.00pm)
Thursday, 2 December: Supporting Early Language & Literacy through Road Safety Education (2.00pm to 3.30pm)
Click on the link below to register online.
Kind regards,
Di Weekes
Community Safety Programs Officer
Community Programs, Coffs Harbour City Council