2023 Term 4 Week 9 Newsletter

Prayer Focus

From the Principal

Homework Policy update

We are currently in the process of updating our Homework Policy for 2024 and we would like to receive parental input.  We would therefore be grateful if you could answer the questions in the Google form, link below.

2024 Dates

All dates for 2024 are available on the St Francis Xavier School calendar. Please refer to Compass and the Newsletter for upcoming events.

Staffing Changes

Sharon de Dassel has accepted the position of Education Officer (Clarence) for the Diocese of Lismore commencing on 22nd January 2024. This position is a seconded role for 12 months and will cover most of the Clarence primary schools.

Sharon is currently our Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching at St Francis Xavier Primary School.

Sharon is highly capable in all areas of primary education, is deeply committed to the Learning Collaborative work for School Improvement and is invested in the best educational outcomes for all students.

I know you will welcome this decision and extend your congratulations to Sharon.

Sport Uniform

Next year the students will be undertaking specialist PE lessons on either a Wednesday or Thursday.  See below. Students will therefore be required to wear their sport uniform on their PE lesson day. We are currently in the design phase of an Indigenous shirt for students and staff.  We will request parent input into the designs early next year. We are hoping that the selected design will be an optional additional shirt to be worn on Fridays for sport from Semester 2 2024.

School Shoe Guide

Families are asked to keep our school shoe policy in mind when purchasing new footwear over the holidays.

Thank You

 As we come to the end of 2023, I am filled with gratitude and a deep sense of appreciation for every member of our St Francis Xavier community. This year has been undeniably successful, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you - students, parents, grandparents, staff and parish community for your unwavering dedication and valuable contributions. Together we have nurtured and continued the tradition of St Francis Xavier, as a welcoming and thriving learning environment.

The journey has not been without its challenges; it demanded persistence, hard work, and a shared commitment to our school's mission. While there were moments of disappointment, our collective dedication has led us to numerous successes. As we reflect on the year gone by, I am proud of what we have accomplished as a community. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for making my first year with this remarkable community truly memorable, and I look forward to the exciting journey that lies ahead.

As we approach the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes to each and every member of our St Francis Xavier school community. May this festive season bring you joy, peace, and the company of loved ones. For those embarking on travels, I wish you safe journeys and memorable experiences. Take this well-deserved break to recharge and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Let the holiday spirit fill your hearts with warmth and happiness, ensuring that our students return rejuvenated and ready to dive into the upcoming learning adventures. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Caroline Lewis
Principal

Faith & Mission

Week 10 Reminders

This year Frankie completed the Year 3/4 Premier's Reading Challenge. Frankie is in Year 1.  Well done Frankie!

All Things Learning & Teaching

Semester 2 Student Reports

As you receive your child's final Report for the year, take some time to reflect how much happens over the course of a year. It really is a journey and the Report celebrates growth and achievement for that year. Each childs journey is unique.

The Student Reports are now accessible via Compass. 

Please see the below guide to assist with access.

MAI Dates and Bookings

Mathematics Assessment Interviews (MAIs) are conducted with all our students from Kindergarten through to Year 6 at the start of every year. Information will be sent to all families regarding booking times via COMPASS.

To further enhance the importance of learning mathematical concepts, here is an article of interest that may change the way Maths is discussed at home. 

It is important to build positive Mathematical experiences together as a school community.

Items for school students 2024

The following items need to be provided by parents for each student:

Sharon de Dassel
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

A Focus on Inclusion

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) 

IDPwD is held on 3 December each year and is a United Nations observed day aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. It is an opportunity for our community to make positive changes to the lives of 4.4 million Australians with disability.

Please take this opportunity to have a talk with your children about this important topic. 

• Let’s recognise that people with disability are important members of our diverse community.
• Let’s celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disability.
• Let’s recognise common myths and misconceptions about disability.
• Let’s understand the importance of removing barriers for people with disability and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to participate.

Fiona Jupp
Leader of Inclusion

School Counsellor's Corner

It is important to continue to look after our mental health over the school holiday break although accessing services can be challenging due to availability. Please see below for some free services that both children and adults can access over the summer break. If you are concerned about your child’s immediate safety or if they are at immediate risk of harm it is important to contact triple zero or go to your nearest emergency department. 

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Alessandra Isgro
School Counsellor

Playgroup

Playgroup will resume on Wednesday, 21st February 2024, from 9.00am-10.00am in the School Library.

Please note the change of day for 2024.

Gold Token winners

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

Certificate of Recognition recipients

Congratulations to all Certificate of Recognition recipients for Week 8. Keep up the great work!

Mini Vinnies

Christmas Hampers

Mini Vinnies are still accepting donations for Christmas Hampers.  The Hampers will be given to needy families in the Woolgoolga area and will be filled with non-perishable Christmas treats.

We would greatly appreciate donations of the following items:

• Biscuits
• Christmas puddings/cakes
• Pavlova Shell
• Bon bons/Christmas decorations
• Mixed fruit & nut

Please ensure all food items have a ‘best before date’ of later than 25 December 2023.

All donations can be left at the school office or in the classrooms.

Thank you for your support.

Helen Hunt & Michelle Henry
Mini Vinnies Team

Message from Transport for NSW

The NSW Government wants to make it easier for parents, carers and their children to walk or ride their bikes to school.

Please share your feedback on this Community Consultation for travel to/from school by clicking on the link below. 

It closes on 28 Feb 2024.

Data shows that less than one in four children in NSW currently walk or ride to school. This is a substantial decline compared to previous generations. Making it easier to walk or ride would provide enormous benefits to children, including:

• improved health and self-confidence
• learning how to navigate our streets and public spaces safely
• setting lifelong sustainable travel habits.

You can have your say on walking and bike riding to school by completing a survey, taking a quick poll or sharing your ideas. Your feedback will help the NSW Government understand what things would need to change to encourage more parents and carers to walk or ride with their children to school more often.