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2022 Term 2 Week 5 Newsletter

Prayer Focus

From the Principal

Canteen Survey

Thank you to the families who responded to the Canteen Survey that was shared a fortnight ago. With the retirement of long serving staff member and canteen coordinator Tracie Paton, it was a good opportunity to gather some community voice before deciding how to proceed. Of the 92 families who responded, 87 are keen to see the canteen continue to operate as per the current format. With this in mind, I will be advertising for a new canteen coordinator as soon as possible. More information will be communicated once the advertisement becomes available.

Long Service Leave

I have been away on Long Service Leave this week and have been able to do so with confidence, due to the strong team of professionals we have here at St Francis Xavier, who collaborate so effectively and never hesitate to ‘step up’ when a need arises. I am looking forward to being back on deck next week.

Yours in Faith
Warren Niethe
Principal

All Things Learning & Teaching

Spotlight on Mathematics

“Talking to children about how Maths is important in their everyday life makes it relevant and real.” Assoc Prof Janette Bobis, University of Sydney

We use Maths everyday of our lives, so it is important that we develop strong basic skills that are relevant to our everyday lives. A positive mindset is important in being able to tackle everyday problems. Parents play an important role in developing a love of Maths. Today we are sharing some ideas and suggestions that may help you as you work with your child/children in fostering a positive approach to learning.

Supporting_Your_Child_with_Mathematics.pdf

Parent Engagement - Mathematics

Community Connections in Stage 3

The Stage 3 Science and Music units this Term have been supported by a range of community members. The opportunity to invite people into the school now has allowed for some amazing learning to happen. Students are making connections with what they are learning and how it is applied. Take a look at recent guest speakers Ranger David and Sol using Garageband. Engagement plus!

Mario Kart Championship

On Wednesday our I.T team participated in a Diocese of Lismore eSports competition - Primary eSports Mario Kart online. This competition was age appropriate using Nintendo Switch games that are exclusively non-violent. No fighting or shooting games were part of this competition. The host school was St Augustine’s Primary who created a room in online Mario Kart for the teams racing. By all accounts it was very exciting and while the team didn’t walk away winners, they certainly had fun participating. Thanks to Mr Dustin Kerr, Technical Support and Lismore Digital Technologies for organising. We look forward to the next friendly challenge.

Sharon de Dassel
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Faith & Mission

Feast of the Ascension

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension, when Jesus entered Heaven. His followers at that time must have been very confused. They had witnessed the terrible suffering and death of their friend and teacher, who then rose from the dead three days later. There was much doubt among the group, however after several sightings they believed that their friend had in fact returned from the dead. And now, Jesus was preparing to leave them again. They had already lost him once and now it was happening again. But Jesus is not leaving them alone. Before he leaves, he entrusts the mission of the church to this ordinary group of men and women, promising to send a helper (which they are yet to comprehend). This of course we know, turns out to be the Holy Spirit.

Even though we are celebrating the Ascension of Jesus, he has not left, deserted or abandoned us. He is with us when we gather to break bread with each other. He is with us when we reach out to help and support each other. These are the signs that Jesus is in us and with us, today and forever.

Ever wondered what the Emmaus Story is all about?

Stage 2 has been learning about this story in Religion which happened just after Jesus’ death. We even have a room at school named after it (the one to the right just inside the front gate). Take a look at Seb Nimmo’s recount to learn more about it.

Biggest Morning Tea

All families are welcome to come and support the Community Cake Stall and Family Cake Stall next Tuesday, May 31. Students are also encouraged to bring a $1 donation for a muffin during recess. If you are able to support by providing baked goods for the cake stalls or succulent cuttings for the plant stall, that would be fantastic. Please refer to your email for more details.

Reconciliation Week

All families are encouraged to come along and participate as we recognise Reconciliation Week with a special Liturgy on Wednesday next week. The children have been preparing some special items to share with the community. We hope to see you there!

Katrina Ryan
Assistant Principal Mission

Spotlight on High Potential Learning

National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 22nd year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using Australian children's books and aims to do the following:

promote the value of reading and literacy,
promote the value and fun of books,
promote an Australian writer and publisher,
promote storytime activities in libraries and communities around the country

This year the book chosen was "Family Tree", a sweet story written by Josh Pyke and illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh.

Suzie Coster
Leader of Learning HPL

Communicating Diversity

Reconciliation Week

Stage 2 students treated us to a special Acknowledgement of Country at last week’s assembly. As we move into Reconciliation Week, taking the time to reflect on the importance of our Indigenous culture is a priority.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

National Reconciliation Week website

Thursday, 26 May was Sorry Day and students across the school engaged in learning about how reconciliation can live in our hearts, minds and actions.

Laura Cooke
Leader of EAL/D

A Focus on Inclusion

Disability Links

Fiona Jupp
Leader of Inclusion

Sporting Roundup

Diocesan Cross Country

Well done to all students who represented Clarence Zone at the Diocesan Cross Country in Grafton on Tuesday, 24 May. Congratulations to Rune, Ellie, Ava and Bonnie who will now represent the Lismore Diocese at Eastern Creek in Sydney on Tuesday, 7 June at the Polding trials. Registration for the Polding trials will need to be completed by Tuesday, 31 May by parents.