2025 Term 3 Week 3 Newsletter
Prayer Focus
Strategic Plan – Parent Input Request
St Francis Xavier Primary School is currently developing our next four year strategic plan. This plan will be informed by the Strategic Plan of the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools, as well as data from our recent School Review, NAPLAN, and the Tell Them From Me surveys completed by students, parents, and teachers.
Recently, our School Council representatives reviewed the results from the student Tell Them From Me survey and provided their suggestions. We are now seeking the same input from parents. Your feedback will directly inform our next Strategic Plan and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of our school community. Once a draft plan is prepared, we will seek further community feedback before it is finalised.
Your voice is important - please take a few minutes to complete the survey.
Parent Input into Strategic Plan Survey
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school’s future.
School Hat Survey Results
Thank you to those who responded to the recent survey about the school hat. The majority of respondents indicated a preference to keep the current hat design, so at this point in time, the school will continue with the existing style.
Parent voice is an important part of school decision-making, and we value the opportunity to gather feedback on matters that affect our community. While not all decisions will result in change, involving families in the process helps ensure decisions are made collaboratively and reflect the views of our school community.
Attendance Matters
Caroline Lewis
Principal
Fete News
Fete Fever Is Building!
With our Community Fete set for early Term 4, preparations are well underway for what’s shaping up to be the event of the year!
Our amazing School Community Forum and Fete Committee have been working tirelessly behind the scenes - securing sponsorships, prizes, and community stalls to make this a day to remember.
We kicked off our first donation drive last term with soft drink cans, and your response was incredible - thank you! Thanks to your generosity, we’ll be well-stocked to keep everyone refreshed on the day.
This term, we’ll be calling on our wonderful school community to help make this Fete the biggest and best yet. Keep an eye on the newsletter and socials for ways you can get involved - from donation drives and raffle ticket sales to volunteering on the day.
Thank you to those families who have donated lollies and chocolates and those who have already sold and returned raffle tickets.
In Weeks 4 and 5 we are seeking donations of TOMBOLA JARS - jars filled with fun treats like toys, craft items and lollies.
For each donation and raffle book sold, students will go into the draw to win some great prizes, including unlimited ride fete wrist bands and double passes to Airheads Inflatable Park, which will be visiting Coffs Harbour next school holidays.
SHOWBAGS are now on sale. These can be purchased via Flexischools and will be available for collection on Fete Day. There will be a limited number of Showbags available on the day, however preordering is strongly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out.
All proceeds from the Fete will go towards much-needed oval drainage - a project that will make a huge difference to our students.
School Community Forum
Faith and Mission Focus
Sacrament of Confirmation
Congratulations to the students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Augustine's Church on Thursday last week. God has called each one of you to make a positive difference in our world, no matter how small, with the help of the Holy Spirit. May the gifts of the Spirit guide you as you continue to live out Christ's mission to love and serve.
Saint Mary MacKillop Feast Day
This week we celebrate the feast day of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, whose life and legacy continue to inspire us today. Mary MacKillop dedicated her life to helping others, especially through education. She believed that all children - no matter their background - deserved the chance to learn, and she worked tirelessly to establish schools across Australia, often in remote and rural communities. Her strong faith, compassion, and commitment to justice make her a powerful role model for our school community. As we honour her on her feast day, we are reminded to live with courage, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose - just as Mary did.
Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We warmly invite you to join us for Mass in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, August 15 in the school Hall.
This special day is a Holy Day of Obligation, when Catholics gather to honour Mary's assumption - body and soul - into heaven. It is a beautiful reminder of God's promise of eternal life. We hope you can join us in prayer and celebration as a school community.
Father's Day Stall
The Father's Day Stall is need of some parent volunteers to help out on the day. If you can spare some time please click on the link below to signup.
Father's Day Breakfast
The Father's Day Breakfast will need some parent helpers (preferably Mums) to help cook and serve on the day. Please click on the link below if you are able to volunteer some time.
Katrina Ryan
Assistant Principal Mission
All Things Learning & Teaching
100 Days of Kindergarten
Our amazing Kindergarteners have officially reached 100 Days of Kinder! Look at these bright smiles and fantastic "100 Days of Kinder" hats! We're incredibly proud of how much each and every student has grown.
Recently Becky Dickson wrote to the Prime Minister, expressing her concern over the rising cost of living, and he wrote back! We agree with Mr Albanese, 'Young people like you are the thinkers and innovators of the future. You're making a positive difference every day.' We're so proud of you Becky!
Book Week, Book Fair & Dress-up Parade
Michaela O'Shea-Miller
Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching
Sporting Roundup
Jump Rope for Heart
We’re skipping through the term!
Jump Rope for Heart is well underway and it’s great to see so many children out in the playground skipping with smiles on their faces. St Francis Xavier has already raised $3600, we have passed our goal of $3000 after only 2 weeks.
It’s not long until our Jump Off Day in Week 5 so keep on practising those tricks! And don’t forget to share your online fundraising page with friends and family to raise money for a great cause!
Still need to sign up online? It’s easy just follow this link and enter your details.
Here are our top fundraisers so far:
Recently Summer Dunham and her under 12 division 2 A/1 representative basketball team (Valley Braves) played in and won their grand final 42-29, Summer scored 12 points consisting of five 2 point baskets and two free throws. This team have only been together since the start of the year, they have grown so much together and this result shows their work and determination. Well done Summer!
Barney Barselaar Cup
Unfortunately, with the predicted rain coming in overnight and tomorrow, and the high likelihood that the High Street fields will be closed tomorrow, the Barney Barselaar Cup has been postponed to our backup date - Monday 1 September.
Lisa Hutton
Leader of Sport
Wellbeing Corner
Postitive Behaviour Support (PBS)
Bullying No Way - Wear a "Pop of Purple"
Wellbeing Wednesday
Alessandra Isgro
School Counsellor
Hayley Evans
Wellbeing Officer
School Community Forum
Next Meeting
The next School Community Forum meeting will be held on Monday, 11 August at 6.30pm in the school library. There is a Zoom link below for those who are unable to attend in person.
Bunnings BBQ - Saturday 23rd August
We are looking for volunteers for our Bunnings BBQ fundraiser. Please click on the link below to donate your time. All funds raised will go towards the school oval upgrade. We thank you in advance for your continued support.
Salina McIvor
President
Playgroup
Business Directory
The St Francis Xavier Primary School Business Directory is 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. If you are interested, please complete this Google form.
Awards
Well done to all students who received a Certificate of Recognition or a Pen Licence at the recent Assembly!
Gold Token winners
Well done to all token recipients for this fortnight and congratulations to the Gold Token recipients. Keep up the great work everyone!
Open Day
2026 Enrolments
Free Webinars
Nurturing Strengths
This lunch time webinar empowers parents to recognise and nurture their child’s unique strengths and talents, guiding them toward greater confidence, motivation and resilience. Learn how to observe your child’s natural abilities, encourage self-expression, and create hands-on opportunities that align with their interests.
AI-assisted image-based abuse: Navigating the deepfake threat
For parents of students K–12
AI tools are evolving fast – and some are being misused in ways that can harm or exploit children and young people, including through the creation of deep fakes and digitally altered images. This 45-minute webinar covers how these technologies are being used, their impact and how to support and protect your child. It’s suitable for parents and carers of upper primary and high school students.
The Sleep Connection
Do you know how vital sleep is to your children's health, learning and emotional wellbeing? Do you know what effects screens are having on the quantity and quality of our sleep? Don't miss this opportunity to find out strategies you can use to help your children develop healthy sleeping habits for optimal function!
Join Sleep Educator Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection for an insight into how important sleep is for your children - and you - and tips for making sure the whole family gets enough sleep.
Parenting in the Age of Distraction
Mary Help of Christians are hosting a live webinar organised by the Diocesan Parent Assembly on Wednesday 27th August. Parents are invited to register using the link below and Zoom in from home.
St John Paul College news
Please click on the link below and follow St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour to see the many wonderful academic and sporting achievements by their students, many of whom are former students of St Francis Xavier, Woolgoolga!
