2023 Term 3 Week 5 Newsletter
Prayer Focus
From the Principal
Feast of the Assumption
Tuesday, 15 August was the Feast of the Assumption. This day is one of only two days in the year which Catholics are required to attend Mass on days which don't fall on a Sunday. The Feast or Solemnity celebrates the tradition that on her death Mary, Jesus’ mother, was taken to heaven, body and soul.
Mary occupies a special place in the Church. She was wholly human and not divine. As the person chosen to be the mother of Jesus this humanity makes her an example which all of us can aspire. When we pray we often ask Mary to intercede with Jesus for us, to speak on our behalf with her son.
What are Holy days of obligation?
"On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God." Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 2185
(i.e. You should attend mass.)
In Australia, the Catholic faithful should observe as holy days of obligation:
- Christmas Day (December 25 – the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ)
- The Assumption (August 15 – the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
- All Sundays of the year
National Bullying Prevention Week, 14th-20th August 2023
The National Bullying Prevention Week serves as a vital platform to amplify awareness regarding bullying and its reverberations across individuals and communities.
Bullying has a significant impact on People. More than 2 million Australians annually, affecting diverse groups including young students, employees in workplaces, and individuals of all ages online. These individuals often grapple with the profound consequences of being targeted by bullying behaviours.
Research findings indicate that victims of bullying frequently report more pronounced symptoms which frequently persists into adulthood and escalates the likelihood of developing personality disorders. The repercussions extend to depression, potentially culminating in thoughts of suicide and even suicide attempts.
Bullying leaves enduring imprints on those subjected to and witnesses of its harm. However, by harnessing our collective influence we can collaboratively diminish the prevalence of bullying.
Here at St Francis Xavier we adhere to Positive Behaviour Support in which we teach and reinforce expectations. We also undertake restorative practices to empower our students to understand how their actions impact others. Bullying will not however be tolerated.
Caroline Lewis
Principal
Faith & Mission
Staff Spirituality
At St Francis Xavier, we believe the spiritual growth of our staff is an important part of our development as educators in a Catholic school. Staff are provided with many opportunities to explore their faith and deepen their relationship with God, in turn equipping them to lead the spiritual growth of students.
Last night, we participated in a Spirituality Retreat based on the theme of WORK, prepared by Bishop Gregory Homeming. We spent time reflecting on our work as a vocation, which in the Lismore Diocese is epitomised by the mission to lead students to achieve the ‘fullness of life’ (John 10:10). Through Bishop Greg’s spiritual direction, scripture and prayer, we explored the importance of sharing our gifts, building relationships and seeing the face of Christ in all, as a way to deepen our own relationship with God so that we may in turn share God’s love with others. Bishop Greg tells us that when we see God in others, our ‘work becomes part of our prayer and our prayer becomes part of our work’.
In the busyness of our ‘work’ it is always wonderful to take time to stop, listen and be totally in God’s presence and to enjoy the company of this wonderful group of people.
Father’s Day Breakfast
Calling all Dad’s and special blokes! The annual Father’s Day Breakfast is coming up on Friday, September 1. Brekkie for adults and kids will be served from 7.45am with barista-made coffee available for purchase from the canteen.
In addition to celebrating our male role models, everyone is encouraged to wear their team colours for Jersey Day, raising awareness for organ donation.
RSVPs are required for catering purposes. Please purchase a ticket for each child and each adult attending via Flexischools at a cost of $1 per head by midday August 30. Tickets will be sent home on Thursday and will be required to be presented at the Breakfast as proof of purchase.
Congratulations to Seb Nimmo who recently completed his very first Australian Music Examinations Board exam for First Grade piano. He's been working hard all year practising and perfecting his repertoire of songs, technical work and general knowledge in order to prepare for his exam. He received an A+ (High Distinction).
All Things Learning & Teaching
Supporting the Learning
Over the last few weeks we have had the wonderful opportunity to connect with many parents and carers during Parent-Teacher Conferences. The link between school and home is a vital one, ensuring that our students needs are met. At St Francis Xavier we endeavour to provide opportunities for each child's individual learning journey and we are grateful to share such an enriching experience with families.
Below are parent-carer support documents explaining the Numeracy and Literacy areas of the school curriculum and what you can do to support your child.
Together we are better!
Supporting your child:
Science Week
This week is National Science Week and the theme for 2023 is Innovation: Powering Future Industries. So many exciting opportunities for learning have been created by our team of teachers who deliver the Science across the school. Thank you for all the innovation Ms Henry, Mrs Coster, Mrs Hughes, Mrs Hunt and Mrs Jensen.
Book Week
Excitement is building for the annual Book Week parade. The theme for Children's Book Week in 2023 is Read, Grow, Inspire. We can’t wait to be inspired!
Book Fair open times for families:
8.30am-8.50am - Monday - Friday
3.00pm-3.30pm - Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Purchasing from the Book Fair:
Students will visit the Book Fair in class time and complete a 'Wish List' and bring it home. The preferred method of payment is online pre-payment.
Three easy steps to make an online pre-payment:
1. Find your school's Book Fair by selecting your state and then entering the school name or suburb or scan the QR code on the "Wish List'.
2. Enter your details and the total value of the books you wish to pre-pay for.
3. Complete the 'Wish List', by filling in the receipt number and amount paid. This form must be returned to the school during the Book Fair and the books that have been paid for will be given to the student.
2023 CBCA Book of the Year Award shortlisted books:
Sharon de Dassel
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Communicating Diversity
Last week our Stage 3 students enjoyed a trip to our local Sikh Heritage Museum and Gurdwara Temple. Aside from gaining a deeper insight into our local culture, we connected our excursion to our Religion studies, learning more about the story of creation from the Sikh perspective. A huge thank you to our welcoming and generous Sikh community.
Laura Cooke
Leader of EAL / D
Epidermolysis Bullosa
One of our students in Kindergarten, Henry Anderson has a condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa. Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic skin disease. People with EB are missing a gene in one of the layers of their skin that normally helps to glue their skin together effectively. People living with EB can develop blistering and wounds from friction from everyday activities. Henry loves to play with his friends on the playground. Sometimes Henry needs to take things a bit easy and he needs to play games in the library or in a quiet play space. Students are encouraged to join Henry in quiet play so that he doesn't feel lonely.
Parents, please take the time to watch this video which provides more details about the difficulties that people with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) face each day.
Fiona Jupp
Leader of Inclusion
Sporting Roundup
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
This week, a team of 14 students represented the Clarence Zone at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival at Coffs Harbour International Stadium. It was a great day with fierce competition. All competitors tried their best and showed great sportsmanship. We have 3 students who were lucky enough to qualify for the next round and many students with results just outside of the top 3. Congratulations to all competitors and good luck to Mia Brown, Lani Sarvari and Georgia Winn who are off the Polding Athletics Carnival in early Term 4.
Barney Barselaar Cup
The 13th Barney Barselaar Cup will be held on Friday, 18 August, at the High Street Fields Woolgoolga. Seven local schools are participating this year. Spectators are welcome! Kickoff is at 9.30am.
Sarah Jennings
Leader of Sport
Parent Forum
Meeting
The next Parent Forum Meeting is on Monday, 28 August, 6.30pm in the school library. The Zoom link below is for those who can't attend in person. On the agenda for this meeting is the school fete.
School Fete News
The St Francis Xavier School Fete is fast approaching and it's time to start sharing all the exciting things we have planned!
Make sure you have marked the date on your calendar: Saturday, October 21 from 1pm-5pm.
There will be loads of rides, games, stalls, yummy food and entertainment, including dance performances by all classes. There will also be a raffle in the lead up to the Fete, with some amazing prizes to be won.
The Fete is a great way to celebrate as a school community and to raise funds for a new playground. Over the coming weeks we will be asking for donations and volunteers to help make the 2023 School Fete the best ever. The Parent Forum has been working away busily since Term 1 but we can’t do it alone - we need your help! Keep your eyes on your email next week for a list of stalls and how you can contribute. We will also include a ‘Fete News’ spot in the newsletter each fortnight to keep you up to date with all the need-to-know information.
Canteen News
Canteen Roster
If you would like to volunteer in the Canteen on a Wednesday or a Friday from 9am-10.15am or 10.15am-11.30am please contact the school office on 66541981 or click on the link below.
All volunteers will receive a free morning tea and coffee!
Coffee & Conversation
The topic of conversation this week is "Input into School Vision" survey. Coffee & Conversation will take place on Friday, 18 August (8.45am-9.15am).
Open Day for Prospective Parents
Webinar Replays
School Fees Reminder
Gold Token winners
Well done to all token recipients this week and congratulations to our Gold Token winners. Keep up the great work everyone!
