2025 Term 2 Week 3 Newsletter

Prayer Focus

From the Principal

Staffing Update

We are pleased to announce some exciting staffing changes.

We are delighted to welcome Djuan Barsah (known as DJ), who joins us as our new Aboriginal Education Worker. DJ comes with a wealth of experience working with children and supporting Aboriginal education initiatives. He is also currently employed at CASPA. We are excited to have him bring his knowledge and energy to our school community.

Congratulations to Lisa Hutton, who will be replacing our PE specialist, Hannah Haworth. Hannah will be going on leave as of Thursday 29 May, and we thank her for her wonderful contributions. Lisa joins us from the State system, and brings with her extensive experience and a passion for physical education. We warmly welcome her to the team.

Please join us in giving both Lisa and DJ a very warm welcome!

Notification of Serious Infections

I write to inform you that a student in our school is currently receiving treatment which results in a lowered immune system, which means, the student is more prone to getting ill from infections. As the student is not contagious but has a chronic illness, it is important he/she participates actively in the day to day school program without any major limitations. A major concern is that if this student develops chickenpox, measles, COVID-19, whooping cough, influenza or another serious virus, he/she could become seriously ill.  I seek your cooperation in preventing this situation.

If your child is unwell and has or may have one of these infectious illnesses, I would ask that you please:

• Do not send them to school.
• Notify the School Principal as soon as possible.
• Take them to your GP or medical centre to confirm diagnosis if possible.

Mother's Day Events Feedback

Please use the link below to provide feedback for the Mother's Day Liturgy, Open Classrooms and Morning Tea held last week.

Tell Them From Me Survey

We’d love to hear from you! The Tell Them From Me parent survey is now open, and we warmly encourage all families to take some time to share their thoughts.

Your feedback plays an important role in helping us create the best possible environment for our students and school community. Every voice matters, and your input truly makes a difference.

For more information regarding the survey, please refer to the Compass newfeed shared last week.

The survey is open until May 30, and you can access it here:

Thank you for being a valued part of our school community!

Walk & Talk - FREE hot chocolate and cookie for students on arrival at school

Attendance Matters

Faith & Mission

Fundraising for charity is a practical expression of the Mercy values, particularly compassion, service, and social justice. By raising funds to support those in need, we live out the call to care for the vulnerable and make a positive difference in our community and the wider world. It reflects the spirit of Catherine McAuley, who believed in responding generously to the needs of others, and helps us put our faith into action by promoting dignity, equity, and hope for all. 

Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea

Our annual support of the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea will take place in Week 5. 

On Monday 26 May, all students will have the opportunity to purchase a $2 cup cake, baked by Year 6 students.

On Thursday 29 May we will hold a Community Cake Stall outside Woolgoolga Central from 10am-12pm, and a Family Cake Stall at school from 2.30pm. Families are invited to contribute by:

• Donating baked goods for the stalls on May 29
• Coming along to either stall to purchase yummy treats
• Spreading the word about the Community Cake stall - check out socials for a shareable post
• Signing up to assist on the day via this link:

Sorry Day 

We will recognise Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day at the Week 4 Assembly on Friday, 23 May. Families are warmly encouraged to attend as we acknowledge this important occasion and show our shared commitment to reconciliation - a journey that calls for understanding, empathy, and collective action toward a more inclusive and equitable future. 

I invite any parents who would like to contribute by reading during the Liturgy, please fill out the form by Monday 19 May.

A Focus on Inclusion

Celebrating Our Incredible Support Staff at St Francis Xavier School

At St Francis Xavier School, we are truly fortunate to have an exceptional team of support staff who work tirelessly alongside our teachers and students to make our school such a warm, welcoming, and high-achieving community.

On Friday, 16th May we celebrate World Support Staff Day, and the staff and students, would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding work our support staff do every single day.

Our support staff's dedication, care and behind-the-scenes efforts do not go unnoticed. Whether it’s assisting students in their learning, offering emotional support, cooking delicious treats, maintaining our facilities, or managing the daily operations, each of them contributes in meaningful and lasting ways to the success of our school.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to:

• Robyn, Lainie, Niki and Renee in the office for keeping everything running smoothly with such professionalism and warmth.
• Alee and Hayley E our Wellbeing Team, for the compassion and care provided to students and families alike.
• Djuan (DJ) for his enthusiasm and care for our Indigenous students. 
• Dave, Greg, and Than whose work in maintenance and cleaning ensures a safe and welcoming environment for all.
• Caroline in the Canteen, who nourishes both bodies and spirits with her friendly smile, delicious food and hard work.
• Di, Mel, Hayley E, Amanda, Jo and Ariane our incredible Learning Assistants, thank you for the invaluable support provided to students who need a little extra help each day.

Your impact reaches far beyond the tasks performed - our support staff help shape the hearts, minds and wellbeing of every child at our school. We are deeply thankful for each one of them.

What is the NCCD?

Sporting Roundup

Polding Winter Sports Trials (Football)

Congratulations to Ella Rann who represented the Lismore Diocese at Polding in Bathurst on Friday in Football (Soccer). Ella has been selected to represent Polding at PSSA in Ballina at the end of August. Well done Ella!

Zone Cross Country Trials

After having been postponed twice, the Clarence Zone Cross Country Trials will go ahead on Monday 19 May at Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga.  Information for those involved has been updated in the Event on Compass.  Good luck to all participants!

Diocesan Cross Country Trials

Diocesan Cross Country Trials have been postponed until Thursday 22 May at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga. 

Wiigulga Sports Complex has been selected for both Trials as it is an all-weather course that will ensure the events can proceed as planned, regardless of current and future weather conditions and any council ground closures.  While we acknowledge that this course is concrete underfoot and does not fully resemble a  traditional cross country track, we appreciate your understanding and support, as this venue offers the best option under the current conditions.

National Walk Safely to School Day

Walk Safely to School Day will be celebrated tomorrow, Friday 16 May.

DUE TO THE WET WEATHER AND THE MUDDY CONDITIONS OF THE HIGH STREET FIELDS WE WILL NOW MEET AT ONE LOCATION.

Students who wish to particpate can meet teachers at 8.15am at the following location:

1. Corner of Ocean and Queen Streets

At 8:20am students will begin the walk to school.  All students who participate will receive a FREE hot chocolate and a cookie upon arrival at school.

In the event of heavy rain, a notification will go out via Compass and Facebook.

Athletics Carnival Date Saver

Wellbeing Corner

Wellbeing Wednesday

Positive Behaviour Support 

The PBS focus for this week is “I work as a team and include others”.

We want to highlight and celebrate when students are successfully working in a team.

We are also wanting to build students' capacity to understand how reaching out to those who might feel left out can create new friendships and strengthen our school community.

School Community Tuckerbox

School Community Forum

Community Fete - Saturday, 25th October, 12pm-4pm

Fete Sponsorship

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Community Fete on Saturday, 25th October! This fun-filled afternoon will bring our community together as well as raising funds for much-needed drainage improvements on our oval. Currently, after it rains, the field holds water, making it impossible for the students to play outside for days. With your support, we hope to raise enough money to purchase a drainage system, ensuring the children can enjoy the outdoor space even after it rains.

We are also seeking sponsorship for the fete. If you have any friends, family members, or colleagues who own a business or work at at business, we would greatly appreciate their support! We need large and small prizes for our main raffle and the cent auction, and any contribution will make a big difference. Please, we need your help – without your generosity, we won’t be able to raise the necessary funds to make this essential improvement. Thank you for your continued support!

Join the Fete Committee

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our committee and help organise the Community Fete on Saturday, October 25th, from 12.00pm to 4.00pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a fun community event while making a positive impact for our school!

Funds raised from the fete will go towards much-needed oval drainage - helping ensure our students will be able to play on the oval once the rain stops. Every contribution counts!

In addition, we’re hoping each class will be responsible for running one stall - so you can be part of a great team while supporting this amazing cause.

If you love planning, are passionate about community events, or just want to help out and have a great time, we’d love for you to be involved! There are lots of ways to contribute, from organising stalls to helping with logistics.

Interested? Please get in touch with the school or come along to our next committee meeting on Friday, 16 May, 9.00am-10.00am.

Food Stalls required for the Fete

Next Meeting

There has been a change of date for the next School Community Forum meeting. It will now be held on Monday, 26 May at 6.30pm in the school library.  There is a Zoom link below for those who are unable to attend in person.

School Disco - Date Saver

Salina McIvor
President

Enrolments for 2026

St Francis Xavier Primary School - Kindergarten 2026

St John Paul College - Year 7 2026

Applications open - Wednesday 30 April 2025
Applications close - Wednesday 21 May 2025
Enrolment Interviews commence - Monday 2 June - Friday 6 June 2025
Please refer to Compass newsfeed for Communication for Parents of students who are currently at an existing Diocese of Lismore Catholic School applying to St John Paul College for Year 7 2026.

McAuley Catholic College - Year 7 2026

Woolgoolga High School - Year 7 2026

For families who are interested in Year 7 2026 enrolment at Woolgoolga High School, please submit enrolment application online using the link below:

Playgroup

Umbrellas for sale

Business Directory

We are excited to announce the development of a St Francis Xavier Primary School Business Directory, designed to serve as a valuable resource for our entire school community. This directory will be made available to all St Francis Xavier families, through our school newsletter and social media, with the intention of fostering a stronger sense of community and connection among us all. Not only will it facilitate networking and support between our families, but it will also provide our school with access to local businesses capable of meeting any needs or services required. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen bonds within our community while also supporting local enterprises. All business wil be advertised in this newsletter. If you are interested, please complete this Google Form.

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FREE Webinars

The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a number of free, helpful webinars for parents on a variety of topics. Parents may also like to subscribe to the ParentTalk newsletter, which provides interesting articles for parents in Catholic schools.

Using Parental Controls to help protect your child online

For parents and carers of primary school students

Presented by eSafety Commissioner Team

Thursday 19 June 2025
12.30 – 1.15pm

Parenting Tweens: What kids need now, before the teen years

For parents and carers of primary school students 8+

Presented by Michelle Mitchell

Tuesday 24 June
7pm - 8pm

Headlice

We have had numerous reports of headlice. Please check your child's hair and treat if you find they have eggs or lice.  Please refer to the NSW Health information by clicking on the link below.