2023 Term 4 Week 5 Newsletter
Prayer Focus
From the Principal
Playground update
Thank you kindly to all those who provided feedback around the fete, especially our Parent Forum president Yarrow and her team which included Katrina Ryan. We raised around $13,500. We are pleased to announce that we will be using the proceeds towards installing a new matrix, which has been successfully installed this week. I know that our senior students are going to be very happy.
Extended Family Leave
In recent times, there has been an increase in requests from families desiring time off for family getaways. We fully understand the value of spending quality time with one's family and acknowledge that there are circumstances when the timing and dates of such trips are beyond one's control. Furthermore, we acknowledge that these experiences can offer unique educational opportunities outside of the traditional school framework.
The Education Act unambiguously states that students must be present in school on all days when it is open for instructional purposes. As a result, it is crucial to clarify that the Notification of Extended Leave does not constitute a request for authorisation from the Principal. The Catholic Schools Office, functioning as our Registering Authority, has established that Principals do not possess the authority to grant approval for extended holidays. The Notification of Extended Leave is a statutory requirement to explain the student's absence, but it does not indicate the school's sanction for the leave. It is important to emphasise that we lack the authority to dictate when families may or may not take leave; that decision is entirely at your discretion.
Permission for extended leave may only be considered in specific situations:
Attending 'Elite Sporting' events, which may encompass state and/or national representation.
Engaging in 'Entertainment Industry' activities, such as participation in movies or TV series.
In the case of a serious illness or injury, where alternative educational opportunities and Special Consideration may be granted.
Caroline Lewis
Principal
Faith & Mission
Socktober
A heartfelt thank you to all families who supported our annual Catholic Mission Socktober fundraiser. Together we raised $237.65. What a fantastic effort!
Year 5 Exuro Retreat
Last week Year 5 students participated in the Exuro Retreat, led by the Year 5 student who attended the recent regional Exuro day. The retreat theme, Be an example in your words and in your actions is based on scripture from Timothy: “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity.” The students spent the day reflecting on this theme, discussing what it means to be a disciple, the challenges of living a Christian life in today’s modern society and exploring ways to live out Jesus’ mission
Christmas Concert
Katrina Ryan
Assistant Principal Mission
All Things Learning & Teaching
Kindergarten Orientations
Over the last two weeks we have held our Parent Kindergarten Information Evening and welcomed our 2024 Kindergarten cohort to Orientation sessions.
The Orientations have been a great success and we look forward to welcoming many new families to our wonderful school community in 2024.
Year 6 Camp
By all accounts the Year 6 students had an amazing time at camp. Lazer tag once again was a highlight for many, as was the opportunity to bond as a year group. Thank you to Ms Alex Speirs, Mrs Penny Crawford, Mrs Katrina Ryan and Mrs Fiona Jupp whose dedication ensured that our students were not only supervised but cared for 24/7, going above and beyond. How blessed we are here at St Francis Xavier.
Year 5 Leadership Week
Year 5 have also had an amazing time while Year 6 were on camp. Leadership week was a busy week of speech writing, service to the parish, Exuro retreat, running assembly and in general just stepping up to be the leaders of the school. Thank you to Mrs Jennings and Mrs Stojic who supported the students throughout the week.
Congratulations Year 5, you all were ‘an example in your words and in your actions'.
We look forward to listening to your amazing speeches on Friday 10th November from 9:15am in the hall.
Upcoming SJPC Transition Day
What a busy time it is for our Year 6 students!
On Tuesday, 14th November our students are heading to St John Paul College will participate in a Transition Day. The bus will leave from St Francis Xavier and students will need to be at school by 8:15am prior to departure. On returning students will be able to access usual travel arrangements for that afternoon.
Sharon de Dassel
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Spotlight on High Potential Learning
We are delighted to let you know about an educational resource that is available to your child at home as part of our subscription to Story Box Library.
Your child can enjoy favourite stories, read aloud by fabulous storytellers, at home.
Reading aloud to children, in particular by diverse and engaging storytellers, greatly improves language and literacy skills, especially in the early years of a child’s development. Story Box Library is committed to supporting and engaging the practice of storytelling. It is intended for use as a complementary form of delivering the precious experience of being read aloud to, in order to improve children’s lives. Connecting children with literature through the complementary medium of film, provides a vibrant, interactive experience via a diverse range of storytellers sharing the best of our local children’s picture books.
To access Story Box Library at home:
1) Visit www.storyboxlibrary.com.au
2) Choose Log In from the top right corner of the screen
3) Log in using the username and password provided
Username: lismore26
Password: sbl213
4) Enjoy the library of stories on any device with internet connection
5) Alternatively, you can also download the free App version for Apple and Android devices
Story Box Library has the following features:
- Regularly adds new stories, so is an ever-growing library
- Wide range of stories for 3 to 5-year olds, as well as stories for primary-aged students
- Resources accompany each story, including Activity Time - providing creative opportunities that further engage children with stories
- Captions can be turned on or off for each story
- Includes a growing collection of Auslan-translated stories
- Is a safe online space free from advertising
Suzie Coster
Leader of Learning HPL
A Focus on Inclusion
During our Year 6 camp we were lucky enough to have a visit from an ex-student of St Francis Xavier School, Maddie McTernan. Maddie is an Australian Paralympian who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics where she claimed a silver medal in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay. A Paralympian is an athlete who competes in the Paralympic games. They're athletes that have bodily differences and different types of disabilities.
Maddie is a member of the The Australian Dolphins team which competed at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester, UK from 31 July to 6 August this year. At these recent championships Maddie and her relay team broke a World Record and received a gold medal for winning the Mixed 4 x 100m Medley Relay.
The Year 6 children had lots of questions for Maddie and she answered them beautifully. What an inspiration it was for our current Year 6 students (and their teachers) to see a person with disability overcoming obstacles to reach her dreams in world class swimming.
Maddie’s favourite quote is: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" - Winston Churchill
Here is a video that was made about Maddie when she was 18.
Fiona Jupp
Leader of Inclusion
Sporting Roundup
School Fee Payment Reminder
Gold Token winners
Well done to all token recipients over the last fortnight. Congratulations to the Gold Token winners! Keep up the great work everyone!
Free Webinar
Getting Started with Social Media
All parents are encouraged to register for a free 30-minute webinar to be held on Thursday, 9 November, from 7.30 to 8.00 pm. The webinar facilitated by the e-Safety Commissioner will cover:
- creating a positive digital identity
- privacy and sharing online
- managing what you see online
- good practices in group chats
- help-seeking.
Read the attached flyer for more details and to register.
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.
All volunteers will receive a free morning tea and coffee!
