2022 Term 3 Week 9 Newsletter

Prayer Focus

Communication

We are always looking to improve here at St Francis Xavier, with increased COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS something we have been working on. The roll out of the new COMPASS platform has been a learning curve for everyone - staff and parents! However, we are all starting to get the hang of it now. There are a number of platforms in use for sharing information with the school community and the infographic below explains the purpose of each. The most important message is that COMPASS is a MUST (not optional) for all families and the newsletter is your go-to for the most up to date information.

Date Savers

Disclaimer: Please be sure to check the school calendar regularly for the most up to date information and for new additions. The school calendar can be accessed via the website, the newsletter and on the Compass App.

All Things Learning & Teaching

Speech Competition

Students in Stages 2 and 3 prepared and participated in a school-based speech competition. All students had the opportunity to present to their peers and were adjudicated by class teachers and Mrs de Dassel. A number of students were chosen to compete in school-based finals from which a representative from each year level was selected. The winners will go on to compete against other neighbouring catholic schools early next term. Well done to all students and good luck to our finalists. 

Stage 2: Georgia Winn (Yr 3) and Ava Hunter (Yr 4)

Stage 3: Maggie Winn (Yr 5) and Eshaani Atwal (Yr 6)

Bus Safety

Ensuring the safety of our students travelling between home and school is a responsibility the bus companies do not take lightly. With that in mind, it has come to the attention of the school that some students are ‘bus hopping’ to connect with friends. This means that they are getting off at an interchange stop and changing buses when their actual bus goes directly to school. All students, who travel on buses, have been reminded by school staff to stay on their designated buses at all times and we ask that parents check in with their child/children to ensure they are clear with their travel arrangements. 

Sharon de Dassel
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Faith & Mission

At St Francis Xavier we encourage everyone to be a ‘good friend.’ Our PBS Token Focus for last week focussed on friendship. Checking in regularly is one of the ways we can show that we are good friends and RUOK? DAY is a great opportunity to reinforce this. Last Friday, students and staff recognised this important day by participating in activities that promote the message of RUOK? Day. The choir had their debut performance at Assembly, with a moving rendition of a song well-known for its positive message of friendship, ‘True Colours’.

Wellbeing Day

On Wednesday next week we will celebrate our Wellbeing Day. Students may wear mufti and will participate in a range of fun activities aimed at promoting a sense of wellbeing, belonging and team building. This term the prize for the YEAR GROUP OF THE TERM will be some extra play and a special treat. The winning year group will be announced on Tuesday. 

Sacrament of Confirmation

These students have been preparing for this important Sacrament and are very excited to be receiving Confirmation on Wednesday evening at St Augustines Church, at a special liturgy with Bishop Gregory Homeming. Congratulations and best wishes to these students.

Katrina Ryan
Assistant Principal Mission

Spotlight on High Potential Learning

Break-Out Box Challenge

This term, High Potential Learning (HPL) students in Stage 2 and Stage 3 were given the challenge to create break-out boxes for their stage in the area of Australia and its history. 

The students trialled each activity created by the other HPL group and gave them feedback. They will then use this feedback to modify their activities before challenging their own stage to break out of the boxes. 

Suzie Coster
Leader of Learning HPL

Communicating Diversity

Last week Stage 1 enjoyed an action-packed excursion starting at the Arrawarra Fish traps where we were met by Garby Elders, who taught us about Indigenous customs in our local area. We learned how nature provides the tools used to survive and enjoyed experimenting with ochre.  Next, we headed to the Sikh Museum and Temples in Woolgoolga where we were warmly welcomed and taught about the Sikh faith through some fun hands-on activities and knowledgeable community members. We were treated to traditional Indian music and indulged in a delicious curry. We are so grateful to live in this area rich with diversity and beautiful people.

Thank you to our Kindergarten students who sang the Acknowledgement of Country at last week’s assembly.

Laura Cooke
Leader of EAL / D

Sporting Roundup

Elective Sports for Stages 2 and 3 in Term 4

Stages 2 and 3 are looking forward to Elective Sports in Term 4.

Tiffany Wishart
Leader of Sport

Free eSafety Webinar

The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting an eSafety webinar designed for parents and carers of young people aged 11 - 18 years, on Cyberbullying and online drama on Tuesday, 20 September at 7.30pm.

Cyberbullying is sending or sharing seriously threatening, seriously intimidating, seriously harassing or humiliating online content to or about someone under 18. The behaviour might include abusive texts and emails, hurtful messages or creating fake accounts to trick someone or humiliate them.

To register for the webinar please click on the link below:

School Fees Reminder

Direct Debit Requests ceased on 30th June, 2022. If you have not already done so, please commence school fee payments using BPAY (preferred option) or via your Compass App. You can check how much is owing on your account by tapping on 'School Fees' in your Compass App. If you have any questions regarding your account, please contact the school on 66541981.

Canteen Volunteers

Thank you to the volunteers who have helped out over the last couple of weeks in the school Canteen. We need more volunteers and we need volunteers more often.

If you would like to volunteer in the Canteen on a Wednesday or a Friday from 9am-11am or even just for an hour after school drop off, please contact the school office on 66541981.

Caroline Burbridge
Canteen Supervisor

Gold Token winners

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