Newsletter-Term 4-Week 10-Tuesday 17th December 2024

Acting Principal News...

Dear St Families of the St Francis Xavier School Community,

As we prepare to close the year and embrace the joy and blessings of the Christmas season, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude and reflections on my short time at St Francis Xavier Primary School.

Although I have only been part of this wonderful community for the past five weeks, I have been incredibly blown away by the support, warmth, and collegiality that define St Francis Xavier Primary School. The spirit of collaboration and the shared commitment to our students have been truly inspiring.

To our students: you are an absolute credit to your families. Your smiles, your manners, and your willingness to make me feel welcome have been remarkable. I have especially enjoyed your efforts to help me learn your names and seeing the pride you take in your learning and friendships. These qualities will continue to shine as you move through your educational journey.

To our staff: thank you for your tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the children in our care. I have witnessed firsthand how you consistently go above and beyond to ensure that the needs of our students are placed at the forefront of all you do. Your passion and professionalism are the foundation of this school’s success. A special thanks to Miss Kasey Miles (Assistant Principal: Mission) and Mrs. Lisa Conte (Acting Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching) for their guidance and support during this time, as well as their patience in answering my many questions! To Mrs. Kathy Buckley and Mrs. Karen Raudonikis, thank you for steering the St Francis Xavier ship with such skill and care from the front office. You are such an asset to our school as the first port of call for our school community and visitors. 

We also extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to the staff members who are moving on at the end of this year: Miss Sophie Sullivan, who will be joining St James, Banora Point, Mrs. Natasha Howie who will be joining the staff at St Finbarr’s Primary School, Byron Bay. We also farewell Miss Megan Flynn, Mrs. Kelly Budnick and Mrs. Kristie Coster (12 months at St Joseph's Primary School, Coraki). Your contributions to the life and learning of St Francis Xavier have been deeply appreciated, and you will always remain part of this school’s story.

Throughout the year we have been blessed by the contributions of numerous parent volunteers. We really value your involvement in our community and thank you for making this commitment to support our school as you do.

To our families, especially those for whom this marks the conclusion of your time with St Francis Xavier, thank you for your support, trust, and partnership over the years. Your connection to this school has enriched our community, and we wish you all the very best as you move forward.

Year 6 Graduation

Yesterday morning, we celebrated a beautiful Graduation ceremony for our Year 6 students. Many thanks to Miss Miles, Mr Warren, Mrs Niland and Mrs Bertram for all the preparation and organisation that you put into making this event so special for the students of Year 6 in the school journey. I wish each of them every success as they transition to high school next year. May you carry with you cherished memories of your time at our school and always remember that you are lifelong members of our parish school community. 

Congratulations is extended to the following students of Year 6 who were presented with the following awards:-

• The Aunty Doreen Flanders Deadly Leadership Award - Conrad Short
• The Aunty Doreen Flanders Reconciliation Award - Remi Nathan-Costigan
• The St Francis Xavier Parish Award - Toby Meany and Max Jarzynski
• Nano Nagle Awards - Esther Currie, Sophia Davy, Grace Fear, Teila Hanslow, Damien Hernage, Willow Hilyard, Owen Holbrook, Remi-Nathan Costigan, Amity Pettingill, Jacob Richardson, Halen Rogers, Ella Rule, Angus Schirmer, Amelia Whalan
• The Citizenship Award -  Jacob Richardson
• St Francis Xavier Acknowledgement Awards for Academic Growth and Personal Growth - Esther Currie and Xavier Ritchie, Madeleine Druzynski and Oscar Tyrrell
• Excellence In Sport Awards - Ella Rule, Gali Amit, Thomas Briggs
• Excellence In Creative Arts - Liahn Chan-Gale, Savannah Mathers
• Excellence In Academics - Cooper Freys, Max Jarzynski
• Principal’s Award - Willow Hilyard

School Leaders for 2025

Congratulations to our student leaders for 2025 who have been elected by the St Francis Xavier School Community! These students have earned the trust and responsibility of their peers to lead our school in their respective roles. We are proud to announce the following leaders:

School Captains: Evie Whitty and Reef Molyneux
School Vice Captains: Lilla Morley and Luke Dogan

Sports House Captains:

• Power (Red): Indi Williams and Oscar Donald
• Murphy (Green): London McGregor and Lincoln Lockwood
• Doyle (Gold): Isla Parker and Hugo Leturgie
• Cole (Blue): Einin Shannon and Vincent Benfield

All student leaders will be presented with their respective badges at our Beginning School Mass early in the new year. Please stay tuned for the confirmation of the date and time. Congratulations once again to our leaders, and we look forward to their contributions in 2025!

A heartfelt thank you to Fr Peter and Fr Anselm for your spiritual guidance and support of our Parish and School Community. Your leadership in faith has provided a foundation that will sustain us as we continue on our journey as disciples of Christ.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone in our community a safe, restful, and joyful Christmas. As we gather with loved ones, let us remember the true reason for this season—the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May His light guide you and your families into a new year filled with hope, peace, and love.

Thank you, everyone, for making my five weeks here so memorable. I have thoroughly enjoyed my short time here, getting to know the wonderful traits and qualities of the St Francis Xavier School community.

God bless,

Tony – Acting Principal

School Calendar...

Term 1-2025

Assistant Principal Mission News...

The Third Sunday of Advent - Year C

This coming weekend's reading is from Luke 3:10-18 - John the Baptist teaches the path of repentance and announces Christ.

The season of Advent is known as the season of waiting, waiting for the birth of Jesus. However, this weekend’s Gospel suggests something different. John the Baptist did not tell the crowds to wait, he told the crowds to prepare, prepare through the act of repentance. 

Our challenge is to not make this a frantic time, but rather a time of joyful anticipation, making ready for God who comes to dwell among us and changes our lives with the gift of salvation.

As you gather as a family, discuss your preparations for the birth of Jesus and reflect on what you are preparing and why. Remembering that Advent is the time to get ourselves ready to receive Jesus in our lives. 

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

The season of Advent launches our St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal. Each year, we think about those who are less fortunate than us at Christmas time and those in our communities who need a little extra support. 

This Year St Vincent de Paul are seeking gift vouchers as a means of supporting those in need. 

These may be vouchers for the supermarket, a visa gift card or a voucher for a specific shop or restaurant in town. 

If you are able to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal, please drop in your vouchers to the school office. These will be delivered to St Vincent de Paul in Ballina before the end of term. 

Your support of those in need in our local community is greatly appreciated. 

Attendance Information - Recognise and praise your child's regular attendance.

Recognising and praising your child's regular attendance is a powerful way to reinforce positive behaviour and encourage a strong commitment to their education. Here are some ways to effectively recognize and praise your child's consistent attendance:

• Verbal Encouragement. Regularly express your appreciation for your child's commitment to attending school. Use positive and encouraging language to let them know you notice and value their efforts.
• Positive Notes or Messages. Write short notes or messages expressing your pride in your child's regular attendance. Slip these notes into their backpack or lunchbox as pleasant surprises during the school day.
• Set Goals Together. Work with your child to set attendance goals for each term or semester. Collaboratively establishing achievable goals can instil a sense of responsibility and motivation.
• Celebrate Milestones. This strategy will be specific to the goals you set together. Acknowledge these achievements and make them special occasions for recognition. Encourage your child to reflect on their own accomplishments related to attendance. Discuss how their commitment contributes to their learning and the positive experiences they have at school.
• Positive Rewards. This does not have to be buying something. It can be a special family activity or extra playtime.

Positive reinforcement alone may not be sufficient to address deeper emotional or psychological factors contributing to school avoidance. Work closely with your child and school to identify the specific reasons for their reluctance to attend school.

Light of Jesus Awards

Congratulations to the students who were awarded a Light of Jesus ticket at our last Assembly. They now receive a canteen voucher.

• Luan Lang - Year 1
• Tahlo Makin - Year 1
• Lucy McConnell - Year 1 x 2 voucher
• Teila Hanslow - Year 6
  

Congratulations to the following students on receiving 10 or 25 Light of Jesus Tickets. They now receive a certificate and a blue or green armband.

• Rosie Bogetti - Year 1 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Finley Cupples - Year 1
• Tahlo Makin - Year 1 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Lucy McConnell - Year 1 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Rani McKirdy - Year 1 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Joshua Rose - Year 1 x25 tickets (green band)
• Ivy Boizard - Year 2
• Benjamin Giradrdi Paciello - Year 3 x25 tickets (green band)
• Manveer Jattana - Year 4
• Fletcher Bernades Skelton - Year 5 x 25 tickets (green band)
• George Boyle - Year 5
• Molly Gerada - Year 5 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Vance Gisen - Year 5
• Pavraj Grewal - Year 5
• Cannon Hamilton - Year 5 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Cassie Llewellyn - Year 5
• Charlie Mattinson - Year 5 x 50 tickets (yellow band)
• London McGregor - Year 5 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Flynn McKay - Year 5 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Reef Molyneux - Year 5
• Indi Williams - Year 5 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Teila Hanslow - Year 6
• Amity Pettingill - Year 6
• Evie Price - Year 6

Kasey Miles-Assistant Principal Mission

Parish News...

St Francis Xavier Church-47 Cherry Street, Ballina

Holy Family Church-94 Ballina Street, Lennox Head 

Parish Mass Times

St Francis Xavier Church Ballina

Saturday Vigil Mass-5:30pm

Sunday Mass-9am & 11am

Weekday Masses-12 Noon (Tuesday to Friday)

Holy Family Church Lennox Head

Sunday Mass-7:30am

St Francis Xavier Church Ballina

Christmas Eve Vigil Mass Tuesday, 24th December

5:30 pm & 7:30 pm

Christmas Day Mass Wednesday, 25th December

9 am & 11am

Holy Family Church Lennox Head

Christmas Day Mass Wednesday, 25th December

7:30 am

Learning & Teaching News...

BEST START & Maths Assessment Interviews (MAI’s)

Kindergarten

Kindergarten students will have a staggered start in 2025 as they participate in a Statewide assessment called Best Start and a Maths Assessment Interview (MAI). The purpose of these one-hour interviews is to help the teachers understand your child's literacy and numeracy knowledge. These interviews will commence on Monday 3rd February 2025 and conclude on Friday 7th February 2025. Kindergarten students will commence their first day of school on Monday 10th February 2025. Parents will receive a Compass message with a link to book their preferred date and time at the end of Term 4.

Years 1-6

Students in Years 1-6 will participate in a 30 minute Maths Assessment Interview with their classroom teacher. These assessments will be held in their child’s 2025 classroom. They will occur from Monday 3rd February to Thursday 6th February 2025. Students in Years 1-6 first day of school for 2025 will be Friday 7th February 2025. Parents will receive a Compass message with a link to book their preferred date and time at the end of Term 4.

Thank You to Our Teachers, Teacher Aides, and Support Staff – 2024

Dear Teachers, Teacher Aides, and Support Staff,

As we look back on the year 2024, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students do not go unnoticed.

This year, you have faced challenges, embraced new opportunities, and continuously inspired those around you with your resilience, patience, and passion. Whether in the classroom, in one-on-one support, or behind the scenes, your roles are essential in shaping the future and making a lasting impact on our students' lives.

To our teachers—thank you for your creativity, your tireless effort in developing engaging lessons, and your ability to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.

To our teacher aides—thank you for your invaluable support, your compassion, and your willingness to step in wherever needed to ensure every child’s success, both academically and personally.

To our support staff—thank you for keeping everything running smoothly, for your behind-the-scenes contributions, and for being the backbone of our school community.

You all play a vital role in building not just academic skills but life skills—helping our students grow into well-rounded, confident individuals. Your kindness, expertise, and dedication make our school a better place for everyone.

We are incredibly lucky to have such an extraordinary team, and we look forward to another year of growth and achievement together.

Kind regards,

Lisa Conte

Leader of Pedagogy

Sports News...

Sports Co-Ordinator Report 2024

The 2024 school year saw St Francis Xavier have its most successful year on the Catholic Primary School Sport Representative pathway in recent memory with multiple students selected and competing in Polding Trials and Polding Teams, NSW PSSA State Carnivals, all the way up to the National Titles.

Richmond Zone Football Gala Day
St Francis Xavier Ballina won the annual Richmond Zone Football Gala Day remaining undefeated throughout the competition and defeating reigning champions St Carthages in the Final.

Diocesan Football Finals in Grafton
St Francis Xavier Ballina had the privilege of representing Richmond Zone at the Diocesan Football Finals in Grafton at the end of Term 3. After defeating Hastings Zone comprehensively in the Semi-Final, St Francis Xavier met St Anthony's Kingscliff in the Final. The Tweed team eventually took out the tightly contested match 4-3.

Diocesan Swimming Carnival
St Francis Xavier had 6 students (13 students were selected) travel to Macksville for the annual Diocesan Swimming Carnival. Oliver Seymour, Darcy McDermott, Teo Amit, Archie Tozer, Thomas Briggs and Mabel George.

Diocesan Cross Country
SFX had 13 students compete at Diocesan Cross Country in Grafton. Luke Dogan placed 1st in his Age Group and was the only student to progress to NSW CPS Cross Country. Braxton Whitton - (NSW CPS Reserve), Teo Amit, Luke Dogan - (Age Champion), Oscar Donald, Vincent Benfield, Mason McMahon, Gali Amit, Thomas Briggs, Winnie Gordon, Madison Aslin, London McGregor, Jessica Aslin & Sophia Davy.

NSW CPS Cross Country
In June Luke Dogan made the trip down south to compete in the NSW Catholic Primary School Cross Country Championships at the Sydney Equestrian Centre. Luke ran extremely well on the day and finished in first place.

NSW PSSA Cross Country
The following month in July, Luke Dogan travelled to Sydney to compete at the NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships at the International Equestrian Centre again. Luke finished fifth place and securing a place in the NSW Team to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships in Melbourne.

National Cross Country Championships
August saw Luke Dogan travel interstate to Victoria to compete at the National Cross Country Championships. Melbourne weather created muddy and slippery conditions at the Yarra Glen Racecourse. Overall, Luke finished 10th place. His NSW Team came 1st with five boys finishing in the Top 10.

Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival
Isla Parker was awarded Runner-up Age Champions for the 11 Years Girls.

Diocesan Athletics Carnival
SFX had 7 students compete (12 were selected) at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour. Isla Parker, Mila Bomba, Javier Houghton, Indi Williams, London McGregor, Victoria Reddan, Braxton Whitton. Isla Parker was awarded the 11 Years Girls Diocesan Athletics Age Champion.

Polding Athletics Carnival
St Francis Xavier had three students competing at Newcastle, Luke Dogan, Isla Parker & Mila Bomba. Both Luke Dogan and Isla Parker placed in the top three and were selected in the CPS team and competed at the NSW PSSA Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. Luke also broke the Polding 1500m record by an amazing 6 seconds with a time of 4.52.89.

NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival
Both Luke Dogan & Isla Parker competed at the NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival in Sydney. Luke ran his 1500m Final on the first morning of the Championships and placed 9th. In his 800m heat Luke placed 4th in his heat and 15th overall. Isla competed in the 11 Years Girls Long Jump on Day One as well. Isla jumped a PB of 4.18m and came 9th out of 19 competitors

Diocesan Winter Sports Trials
St Francis Xavier had an incredible 18 students attend the various Diocesan Winter Sports Trials.

Rugby Union - In May St Francis Xavier had two students, Vincent Benfield and Maverix Thomas,
travel to Grafton for the Diocesan Rugby Union Trials. February saw Boys Football, Girls Football, Rugby League 11’s, Rugby League Opens, Netball & Hockey held at various locations across Lismore.
Rugby League - Chaz Gibson, Jacob Richardson, Cannon Hamilton, Reef Molyneux, Nash Whitton and Vincent Benfield.
Hockey - Oscar Donald
Netball - Amity Pettingill & Indiana Buchan.
Girls Football - Edee Muldoon, Willow Gordon, Sofia Davy, Jessica Aslin
Boys Football - Charlie Mattinson, Luke Dogan & Gali Amit.

Polding Winter Sports Trials
The Polding Winter Sports Trials were held in May at various venues around Tamworth. St Francis Xavier had five students selected at the Diocesan Trials and were trialing in Football, Hockey and League 11’s.
Hockey - Oscar Donald
Boys Football (Soccer) - Gali Amit & Luke Dogan
Girls Football (soccer) - Jessica Aslin
Rugby League 11’s - Reef Molyneux
Reef Molyneux gained selection into the Polding Team to compete at the NSW PSSA State Championships.

Diocesan Summer Sports Trials
SFX had 11 students attend the Diocesan Summer Sports Trials.
Cricket & Basketball - Vincent Benfield
Tennis - Teo Amit & Ruby Hernage
Boys Touch Football - Cannon Hamillton, Fletcher Bernardes-Skelton, Nash Whitton, Braxton Whitton
Girls Touch Football - Molly Gerada, Jessica Aslin, Einin Shannon and Indi Williams

Polding Summer Sports Trials
Gali Amit was selected to compete at the Polding Tennis Trials in Sawtell in February 2024 (from previous year). Gali played some great tennis on the day and was selected in the Polding Boys Tennis Team. Vincent Benfield was selected to attend the Polding Boys Cricket Trials in Lismore early December. Vincent had a successful trial and was selected in the Polding Boys Cricket Team to compete at the NSW PSSA State Cricket Carnival in 2025.
Teo Amit (Tennis) and Vincent Benfield (Basketball) were selected to attend the Polding Trials in their respective sports in Tamworth early February 2025. Fletcher Bernardes-Skelton (Boys), Molly Gerada and Indi Williams (Girls) were all selected to attend the Polding Boys & Girls Touch Football Trials in late June 2025 at Port Macquarie.

NSW PSSA Boys Tennis Championships
Gali Amit gained selection in the Polding Tennis Team to compete at the NSW PSSA Tennis Championships. These Championships were held in Newcastle and Gali performed extremely well on the court throughout the week and was a reserve player for the NSW Team. Rugby League 11’s NSW PSSA State Championships Reef Molyneux competed at the Rugby League 11’s NSW PSSA State Championships in Sydney for
the Polding Team.

Rugby League Blitz Program

Last week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the students from K-6 participated in “NRL Primary Schools Development Blitz” program sessions. The program caters for students of all ability levels and provides an opportunity to learn how to play Rugby League through specifically designed sessions that optimise both safety and skill development Game Development Officer Northern NSW, Maxwell Bear and Kel Menchin ran the sessions last week with Year 6 fortunate enough to have Jaime Chapman from the Gold Coast Titans assist and
participate in the games and drills. The students had a lot of fun and are looking forward to participating in more NRL run days next year!!

Skipping Showcase

Canteen News...

We Need Volunteers

for our School Canteen

We are looking for volunteers for the canteen.  If you are able to spare a couple of hours, between 9am and 11:30am - on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, once a month please contact the school office or Kristie on 66863370  and let us know what day suits you.  Volunteers MUST sign into the school via the school office.

I would like to take this time to thank all of those parents, grandparents, teachers, teacher aides and members of our school community who have volunteered their time to help not only in canteen but for Mother's Day and Father's Day Breakfast, Grandparent's Day and the Mini Fair. Running the canteen would not be possible without that support and help. I hope you enjoy the holiday break and get to spend time with those who are near and dear to you. Merry Christmas 

Kristie-Canteen Manager

Canteen Roster-Term 1

Week 1

Monday 3rd February,  to Friday, 7th February

Canteen Roster-Term 1

Week 2

Monday, 10th February to Friday, 14th February

Student Awards...

          We would like to welcome our new student and their family to our school community.

Harrison Donovan

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Wednesday, 18th December 2024 to Thursday 13th February 2025

Annabel Goldsmith	Arlo Aubusson	Flora Caliari West
Owen Williams	Zoe Layt	Mac Downie
Millar McElroy	Polly Meany	Angus Schirmer
Huey Lindner	Levi O'Brien	Harper King
Luca Osborne	Isla Bottom-Clayton	Harriet Hudson
Jessica Dogan	Ryleigh Grey	Tate Creighton
Billy Flick	Yuuna Yagi	Reef Molyneux
Vance Gisen	Evie Williams	Sophie McConnell
Pavraj Grewal	Leo Lang	Ted Melville
Samara Lovegrove	Khloe Weir	Malia Kelly
Lily Ross	Mica Pham	Koah Matheson
Benjamin Girardi Paciello	Mabel Hudson	Leo Wilson
Honor Hodges	Wil Lindquist	Sebastian Jung
Theodore Samaradellis	Grace Rohn	Ruby Siviour
Aurelia Houghton	Jayden Chenhamo	Tyler Bell
Georgia Rule	Frankie Steward

Student Travel...

Bus - Children are to sit in bus lines and wait for teachers’ instructions to board their bus.  Bus pass forms are available online.

Bike - Students are to move quickly to their bikes or scooters and walk these to the gate at the front of the school.  They must not ride these on school premises and they should take the shortest and safest route home.

Walking - These children should leave through the front school gate without delay.  Any child needing to cross Swift Street should wait at the crossing and be directed by the Crossing Supervisor.

Pick up - Children being picked up should wait in the School Hall with the supervising teacher until collected and then leave with their parent or guardian. Students should be collected no later than 3:20pm. 

Parents are reminded not to ask their child/ren to wait outside the school fence or in an unsupervised area. This is for the safety of the child/ren. All students MUST be collected from the School Hall or Martin Street Gate.  

Road Safety Around the School

In order to keep our students safe, please adhere to the road safety rules around St Francis Xavier when dropping off or collecting your child.

All roads surrounding and adjoining our school are signed and subject to School Zone Road Restrictions from 8am to 9:30am in the morning and 2:30pm to 4pm in the afternoon on all school days. Ballina Shire Council enforces these road rules and does issue penalties, particularly for double-parking.

Parent Information...

• Q-When should a parent/visitor sign into the school?
• A-All parents/visitors when entering the school grounds, for what ever the reason, MUST sign into the school via the iPad in the front office or via the QR codes at our gates.  There are no exceptions.  This is to ensure we are keeping our students safe whilst at school.

• Q-Where do I find my School Fee Account details?
• A-Parents are emailed a statement from Catholic Schools Office at the end of each month with all account details.  Or alternatively you can access your Compass account to check your fees. 

• Q-When does the School Newsletter come out?
• A-We publish our School Newsletter on a fortnightly basis.  The newsletter is published in Week Two, Four, Six, Eight and Ten of each Term.  All important notices and events will be communicated via Compass on a regular basis.  Our school Facebook page will be updated regularly with exciting events that have happened at school.

• Q-What are the School Bell Times?

Please note- Supervision of students begins at 8:30am and finishes at 3:30pm.  Please do not drop your child earlier than this and remember that after school care arrangements need to be made if your child cannot be picked up before 3:30pm.

• Q-What do I need to do if my child is late to school?
• A-Parents MUST come into the school office to drop their child off. This gives the parent the opportunity to provide the reason for the late arrival at that time.  Your child needs to collect a late slip from the office. Parents are reminded not to enter a late note in Compass for their child.  To be compliant with the attendance SOP, we need to ensure that child safety is maintained as far as possible. 

Community News...