Newsletter-Term 3-Week 2-Friday 1st August 2025

Principal's News...

Our School Newsletter
We want to keep everyone in the loop! Our fortnightly newsletter is here to update you on school activities and important information. By reading it each fortnight, you can better support your child and help them stay prepared for events like excursions or special dress days. The newsletter is sent out every fortnight on a Friday during term time and can be referred to anytime, as past newsletters are archived on our website and available through your Compass notifications. All families were sent home a copy of our Term 3 Calendar last term. Please place the calendar on the fridge so as you are able to refer and add to it during the course of this term.

From Our Principal
A very warm welcome back to all our students and families. We hope you had a restful and refreshing break and took the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather during the holidays.  We have only been back 2 weeks but already the start of this term has been very busy and hectic. We had a wonderful Grandparent’s Day celebration last week and it was so good to see so many grandparents and special friends visit our school.

We welcome Ms Kath Egan back on staff following an extended Long Service Leave break. Ms Egan has returned 1 day per week (Friday) in 4 Blue with Mr Warren taking the class from Monday to Thursday.

WELCOME: We extend a warm welcome to the following students who commenced at St Francis Xavier this term:-

• Hughy Dowden (Year 2 Green)
• Lara Dowden (Year 4 Blue)

We very much look forward to having these students and their families as a part of our school community.

WELCOME MINA: We extend a warm welcome to Mina Yamomoto from Japan who is in our school working alongside Mrs Gubby each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the first 3 weeks of this term. Mina is 17 years old and lives with her parents and older brother in the Japanese city of Nara. This will be Mina’s second visit to Australia having spent 3 weeks last year as a part of the Sister City Program with Lismore and Southern Cross University. Mina has a special interest in becoming more fluent in English and enjoys playing the piano, calligraphy and photography. It is great having Mina as a part of our school community.

NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS: Although NAIDOC Week was officially celebrated during the school holidays (7–14 July), we were excited to mark this important occasion as a school community during this week. We are acknowledging NAIDOC this week and our students and staff enjoyed the activities organised by our Aboriginal Education Worker, Ryah Whitby. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and the week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and reflect on the strength and richness of the world’s
oldest continuous living cultures. It is also an important week for our own indigenous students, our Jarjums. 

Our school’s Aboriginal Education Worker, Ryah Whitby planned a range of meaningful and engaging activities to honour this important time, including a liturgy which was held yesterday and attended by local Indigenous elder Uncle Shunder. Throughout Thursday and Friday, students also participated in a number of activities – nature bookmarks, hand painting, making library bags, rock painting, making necklaces and bracelets and making message sticks. It was a wonderful 2 days of celebration, learning, and reflection—grounded in our shared commitment to reconciliation and respect.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING: All parents are warmly invited to the School Community Group Meeting which will take place next Tuesday 5th August in the Year 6 classroom commencing at 5:30pm. Please refer to agenda attached. Drinks and nibbles will be available during the meeting. Looking forward to seeing as many of our parents as possible.

SCHOOL WORKING BEE: The School Community Group are excited to invite families to be part of our upcoming School Working Bee on Saturday 23rd August from 9am to 2pm — a great opportunity to come together as a community and help improve our school grounds! We’ll be tackling a range of jobs including filling the sandpit with new sand, tidying the garden bed behind the Japanese room, tidying the Swift Street fence line and a few other jobs. Whether you have an hour to spare or can stay longer, every bit of help makes a big difference.

Please bring: gloves, hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Also, if you have available, please bring secateurs, shovels, wheelbarrows, buckets.
 
Morning tea and light refreshments will be provided and a sausage sizzle for lunch. If you are unable to assist with heavy lifting, assisting with food, drinks would be a huge help.
 
If you're able to volunteer, please RSVP by Friday 15th  August to Amy Frawley 0420 279 408. Your support helps us create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for our students. We hope to see you there!

2025 SCHOOL CENSUS – FRIDAY 1 st AUGUST: The annual Non-Government Schools Census will be held on Friday 1 August. The purpose of the Census is to collect data about school staff and student enrolments to inform
government funding and policy for non-government schools. A Privacy Collection Notice is available, outlining what information is collected, why, and how it may be used: Census Collection Notice

UNIFORM AND GROOMING REMINDER: A reminder, as we commence Term 3, of the uniform expectations are provided below. 

School shoes should be all black, soft, polishable leather – not suede, canvas or skate shoes. Shoelaces will be done up correctly at all times. Jewellery is not allowed; however, students who have pierced ears may wear sleepers or studs. Students with multiple ear piercings must have clear studs worn in these holes. A reminder that “dangly” earrings are not to be worn. Children will be asked to remove all ‘excess’ jewellery and place this in their School bag. Please also note that ribbons, scrunchies, etc, worn in the girls; hair should be in School colours: white, green, and navy blue. Students are asked not to wear coloured nail polish. Dyed hair is not permitted, and shoulder-length hair should be tied back for health reasons. Hair that is shoulder-length must be tied up. No hair should cover the eyes.

We thank parents for their support in ensuring their children are wearing the full school uniform. This helps ensure we are well represented in our school and in the community.

Have a wonderful week ahead!
Tony

School Calendar...

Assistant Principal Mission News...

The Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

This coming weekend's reading is from Luke 12:13-21 - A person's life does not consist of possessions.

Family life helps us to learn and understand about the common good and doing what’s right. We strive to respect the rights of others, especially those in our own families. As a family, talk about how you work to make sure that everyone in the family has his or her needs met. 

In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to share in God’s creation equally and fairly. Jesus also challenges us to remember that the goods of the world are intended to be shared by all.

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

Sacrament of Confirmation

We will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday 14 August. Registration for the Sacrament of Confirmation can be found here. Please complete the google form to register for the Sacrament. The Sacrament is open to those students who have been Baptised Catholic and are in Years 3, 4, 5 or 6. 

Key dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation are as follows:

The Family sessions will take place on 

• Tuesday 5 August at 5:30pm in the Year 3 classroom - Family session 1
• Tuesday 12 August at 5:30pm in the Year 3 classroom - Family session 2

Sacrament of Confirmation Reflection Day

• Thursday 14 August at St Francis Xavier Primary School

Sacrament of Confirmation

• Thursday 14 August at 5:30pm in the St Francis Xavier Church
  

Whole School Masses - Term 3

We will celebrate the following whole school Masses in Term 3. We welcome our families to join us for these Masses.

• Friday 8 August - 12pm in the Church. This Mass will celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
• Thursday 14 August - 5:30pm in the Church. This will be the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• Friday 15 August - 12pm in the Church. This Mass is a Holy day of Obligation and will celebrate the Assumption of Mary. Years 4 - 6 will attend Mass this day.
• Thursday 18 September - 12pm in the Church. This Mass will celebrate the Year of Jubilee as the Jubilee Boat enters the Parish from Tuesday 16 - Monday 29 September. 

Upcoming Events

• Parent Cafe - looking at the 2025 Tell Them From Me Parent Survey data - please see the attached flyer for further information and to register your interest in this event. This event will take place on Wednesday 27 August 5:30 - 6:30pm. 
  
• A Parent’s Guide to Puberty - we invite all parents to this engaging workshop on puberty. Please see the attached flyer for further information and to register your interest in attending this workshop. This workshop will take place on Tuesday 9 September 5:30 - 6:30pm. 

Waste Free Wednesday - Wednesday 27 August

The Student Representative Council (SRC) are working with the Ballina Council who are supporting us to reduce the amount of waste we produce as a school. As part of this, the SRC are working to create a Waste Free Wednesday. 

What does Waste Free mean? 

A waste-free lunch contains no throwaway packaging and produces no food waste. The typical waste-free lunch is packed in a reusable lunchbox or bag. Food is put in reusable containers rather than wrapped in disposable packaging. A drink is in a refillable bottle and all containers are resealable so that leftover food and drink can be saved for later. Fruit and vegetable scraps (e.g. apple cores and banana skins) will be composted at school through our compost bins.

On Wednesday 27 August we will be holding a waste-free day. The class with the least amount of plastic waste will receive a prize (as determined by the SRC). 

We thank you for supporting the SRC in creating a waste-free environment at our school and look forward to seeing a reduction in our plastic waste here at 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. 

• Yoko Smith - Kindergarten
• Angus Currie - Year 2
• Edie McKay - Year 3
• Owen Williams - Year 3

Our next Light of Jesus Awards will be presented at the Week 4 Assembly. 

Kasey Miles

Assistant Principal Mission

Parish News...

Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching News...

Parent-Teacher Conferences: A Chance to Connect

Dear Parents and Carers,

Our upcoming Kindergarten to Year 6 Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held from Monday, 4th August to Thursday, 7th August 2025.

These conferences are an important opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher and have a focused conversation about their learning, progress, and how we can continue to work together to support them. When parents and teachers meet regularly, it sends a strong message to students that their learning matters and that the adults in their lives are working as a team.

Booking your session:
Please follow the instructions provided to book your preferred time. We encourage families to book early to secure the times that work best for you.

Conference times and locations:

• Before school sessions (8:00–8:45am) will take place in classrooms.
  
• Kindergarten – Year 2: Conferences will be held in the Library.
  
• Years 3 – 6: Conferences (with students attending) will take place in the Hall.
  

We truly value your ongoing partnership in your child’s education, and we look forward to sharing their successes and next steps with you.

Years 3-6 Goal Setting Form – Please Complete Before Parent-Teacher- Student Conferences

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we prepare for our Parent-Teacher Conferences starting Monday, 4th August, we kindly ask that you complete your child’s Goal Setting Form prior to your scheduled meeting.

This form is a valuable way for you and your child to reflect on their learning so far this year—celebrating their growth, identifying areas for improvement, and setting meaningful goals for the remainder of the year.

Completing the form helps guide a more focused and productive conversation during the conference and ensures we are working together to support your child in the most effective way.

The form was sent home last Tuesday.
Please ensure it is completed and submitted by Monday, 4th August.

Thank you for your continued support and for partnering with us in your child’s learning journey.

Byron Writers Festival – Primary Schools Day

We are thrilled to offer all students who expressed interest the opportunity to attend the Byron Writers Festival – Primary Schools Day!

This inspiring event is designed especially for primary students and features some of Australia’s most celebrated children’s authors. The 2025 line-up includes:

• Sally Rippin – Australian Children’s Laureate
  
• Peter Helliar – Comedian and children’s author
  
• Maxine Beneba Clarke – Celebrated poet and writer
  

 When: Wednesday, 6th August
Where: Bangalow Showground
Cost: $23.70
What to Bring: Packed lunch, afternoon tea, fruit snack, water bottle, sunscreen, school hat

Students will enjoy a full festival experience, including:

• A curated program of engaging sessions
  
• A teacher-guided Book Fair and Sculpture Walk
  
• Author meet-and-greets and book signing opportunities
  
• Follow-up learning resources provided to continue the inspiration back at school
  

🚌 Schedule Overview:

• 9:00 – 9:30 am – Arrival at Festival
  
• 10:00 – 11:00 am – Book Fair and Sculpture Walk
  
• 11:00 – 11:30 am – First Session
  
• 11:30 – 11:45 am – Break
  
• 11:45 – 12:15 pm – Second Session
  
• 12:15 – 12:45 pm – Lunch
  
• 12:45 – 1:15 pm – Third Session
  
• 1:15 – 1:45 pm – Book Signing
  
• 1:45 pm – Buses Depart
  

✅ Consent and payment are due by Monday, 4th August via the Compass Event.

We are so excited for our students to be inspired by the world of storytelling, writing, and creativity!

STEM Club Fridays!

Every Friday from 11:00–11:45 am in the Art Room, we run our exciting STEM Club for students across K–6!

Last week’s challenge:
Build the tallest tower using only newspaper and masking tape—strong enough to hold a MAB 1000 block. Our young engineers rose to the occasion with incredible creativity and teamwork. Check out their photos below.

We can’t wait to reveal this week’s challenge! What will they be building next?

STEM Club is a great opportunity for students to explore science, technology, engineering, and maths in fun, hands-on ways. All are welcome!

Year 4 Kicks Off Science with a Visit from the SES

Year 4 students launched their new Science unit in an exciting way with a visit from the State Emergency Service (SES)! This special visit marked the beginning of a hands-on, project-based learning unit exploring Materials and Their Properties.

This Term, students have been challenged to become young engineers by designing solutions that could help make our region more flood-safe in the future. To support their designs, they’ll investigate a range of materials, exploring their different properties and how they can be used for specific purposes.

As part of this unit, students worked together to co-create success criteria for their projects, building a sense of ownership, direction, and clarity around what successful learning looks like.

We look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation our Year 4 learners bring to this real-world challenge!

Lisa Conte

Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Leader of Pedagogy News

Book Week 

Coming up in Week 5: Monday, 18th August - Thursday 21st, August

Soon we will celebrate Book Week 2025, beginning with our annual character parade. The theme this year is ‘Book and Adventure’. All students are invited to dress up and join in the fun! We can’t wait to see all the creative costumes inspired by our favourite stories and characters that take us on amazing adventures. Please ensure students wear covered footwear, appropriate sunsafe clothing, and bring their school hat.

We have many other exciting events planned such as the Spelling Bee Finals, Family Picnic Lunch, the Writer’s Festival and the Poetry and Public Speaking Finals. Students will visit the Book Fair during their Library time to make ‘Wish Lists’ during Week 4 (Monday 11th-Friday 15th). Books will be available to purchase with cash or card from the Book Fair, or you can also purchase online. Please see the schedule below for opening times.

Parents, carers and family members are warmly invited to attend the Character Parade, the Spelling Bee Finals, and the Poetry and Public Speaking Finals. 

Please see the schedule for Book Week below.

Lismore Eisteddfod

Coming up in Week 6: Wednesday, 27th August

Our school is very excited to be a part of the Lismore Eisteddfod this year. Students in Year 6, Year 4 and Year 3 are performing class items, and the School Choir and School Dance Group will also be performing. The day is full of anticipation and excitement, as the students get ready to perform, and as they watch students from other schools sing, play, recite and dance. Buses will transport students to and from the venue. 

Families and friends are welcome to attend, tickets can be purchased at the door.

• Who: Year 6, Year 4, Year 3, School Choir, School Dance Group
• When: Wednesday, 27th August ~ 10:00am - 2:00pm
• Where: Lismore Workers Club, 231 Keen St, Lismore

We are also excited to share that the School Band will be performing at the Eisteddod the following week!

Year 5 Blue Visit River Street Preschool

On Wednesday the 30th of July, Year 5 Blue went to River Street Preschool. It was so fun! We all got paired up with our own preschool buddy. We enjoyed playing doctors and playing with playdough. The playdough smelled like chocolate! We got ten minutes to play in three different stations. The first one was in a classroom, for the next one we went outside and then back in another classroom. We got split up into three different groups. Some buddies were shy but others weren’t. We walked back thinking about how much fun it was to play with our own buddies. Some of the preschoolers might be our kindergarten buddies next year. Many of them will come to our school next year, so it was so great to form relationships with the preschoolers so they feel more comfortable next year. 

Ruby H and Bodhi - 5 Blue

Hayley Loadsman

Leader of Pedagogy

PE News...

FREE-After School Cricket Clinic

We’re excited to invite students from St Francis Xavier Primary School to an unforgettable cricket clinic as a part of Sydney Sixers Country Blitz – where professional players visit regional NSW to ignite the awareness of cricket before the season begins.

Key Details:
When: 6th August Wednesday
Time: 4 pm to 6 pm
Location: Marist Bro Nets - Roder Oval - Lismore
Ages: 5–14-year-old
Price: FREE

Students will get a chance to:

•       Learn new skills through fun, interactive cricket activities
•       Meet and greet with professional Sydney Sixers Players
•       Snap Selfies and ask for expert tips directly from the elite players!

Whether they’re beginners or already love the game, this clinic is the perfect opportunity for kids to be inspired by stars and enjoy an evening of cricketing experiences!

FREE Girls Cricket Breakfast Blitz

On Wednesday morning this week 16 girls participated in the free cricket program offered by Cricket NSW. This was the first of four morning sessions. The girls had lots of fun learning to bowl, catch and bat. The session finished off with a free breakfast in the Hall consisting of a chocolate muffin, piece of fruit, muesli bar and a fruit juice. The girls are already looking forward to next weeks session and a visit from two Sydney Sixers contracted players.

Paddy Wilde

PE Teacher

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.

Canteen Roster-Term 3

Week 3

Monday 4th August to Friday, 8th August

Canteen Roster-Term 3

Week 4

Monday, 11th August to Friday, 15th August

Student Awards...

Congratulations to all of our students who received a Learning or Class Award!

Axel Stewart	Bailey Brombal	Luca Osborne
Hudson McGregor	Fletcher Bernardes Skelton	Olivia Harry
Reef Molyneux	Eva Larkin	Ethan Kealy
Benji Simpson	Lottie Lubrano	Evie Whitty
Jack Hughes	Morgan Pham	Amelia Briggs
Pearl Niland	Leo Vickery	Frankie Steward
Levi O'Brien	Stevie Gifford	Kellah Pholi
Mabel Hudson	Savannah Cashman	Ari Hilyard
Arianna Stock	Poppy Sellen	Lily Ross
Lucy Mulder	Angus Currie	Tao Stewart
Mishka Patel	Eli Pattison	Tyler Bell
Aurelia Houghton

We would like to welcome our new students and their families to our school community.

Lara Dowden

Hughy Dowden

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 1st August  to Thursday 14th August 2025

Maisy McMahon	Judd Hogden	Freddy Pitt
Olivia Rosewarn Reed	Aaliyah-Ann White	Aria Smith
Jazz Smith	Coco Atkinson	Audrey Moane
Matthew Connor	Mia Simpson	Milla Harris
Cannon Hamilton	Lily Hancock	Hughy Dowden

Art News...

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I would like to share some artwork that each stage has done during Term 2. These will be sent home. We will be doing music for the rest of the year. Students will get to play untuned and tuned instruments and compose their own musical pieces. 

2026 Kindergarten Information...

It is not long now before we commence our 2026 Kindergarten Transition to School Program.  We look forward to seeing  and working with all our new Kinder students as they prepare for their first year of primary school.  

The transition program will start with our first session on Monday, 8th September 2025.  On all the transition days, parents will drop their children off at 8:50am in our school hall, via our Crane Street entry. Parents will collect the children from the school hall.
 
Throughout the transition program, the children will be introduced to a number of school routines and expectations.  They will also meet their big buddies who will help them with their transition into their new school environment.  All children will need to bring a hat, water bottle, closed-in shoes and a small fruit or veggie snack for “fruit break”.

Please add these dates to your calendar for the transition program: -

 This is a very exciting time for both students and parents but can be a time of some uncertainty.  Through participation in the transition program we hope to cater for all the needs of both students and parents so that the beginning of your child’s formal education will be as smooth as possible.

We are looking forward to seeing you on our first transition day.  Please do not hesitate to contact our school office on (02) 6686 3370 if you have any queries.
 

Puzzle Club...

We have an exciting new club this term - Puzzle Club.

Puzzle Club is held in the Creative Arts Room each Thursday after eating time. Four children make up each team.

At the puzzle club students work together to solve jigsaws and can puzzle for fun or qualify for State and National Competitions. The students have the option to create their own puzzle for friends to solve as well as other craft activities based around jigsaws.

This club encourages teamwork, problem solving and is loads of fun.

This week after only two attempts these two teams completed their puzzles.  They will move onto a higher level puzzle next week.

Community News...

MARVEL – Junior AFTER-SCHOOL–HOCKEY program

ALL WELCOME

Progressive Hockey training program for all Primary School aged kids to learn to play and love the sport of Hockey.

Hosted at a school near you, children of any skill or fitness level can learn the basic to intermediate skills. Suitable for new and existing players.

The ‘Play-On’ training guide will introduce the skilful sport, through safe, fair and inclusive methods, with step-by-step practice and plenty of fun, and interactive games.

Far North Coast Hockey Inc. has been teaching kids to play hockey from as young as 4. We know, any child can learn to play!

Term 3 – 8-Weeks FREE for Modanville School, Wyrallah Rd School, and Hill Park Oval

All kids are welcome to come & try before any commitment.

MARVEL Training Days: Find a school near you

• Monday (3.30-4.45pm):   Modanville Public School                    Starting - 04/08/2025
• Tuesday (3.15-4.45pm):   Eltham Public School                            Starting – 29/07/2025
• Wednesday (3.30-4.45pm): Wyrallah Road Public School            Starting – 30/07/2025
• Thursday (3.30-4.45pm): Hill Park Oval Wollongbar                     Starting – 31/08/2025
• Monday (3.30-4.45pm): Southern Cross Primary – Ballina            Starting – 04/08/2025
• Wednesday (3.15-4.45pm): St Francis Xavier School- Ballina            Starting – 07/08/2025

Introduction

Far North Coast Hockey Inc. offers an exciting after-school hockey program for primary school children. Training sessions will be held on your child's school grounds or a nearby school, led by qualified coaches with current WWCCs. Children of any skill level can learn hockey and participate in fun games, with progressive training each term.

Come & Try for FREE!

For free Term 3 sessions, please register using the 'Come & Try' option.

Program Details

• 8-9 Weeks Training – ‘PLAY-ON’ Program: (Stages 1 - 3)
• Start: Term 3, Week 2-3
• Time: After school, 3:15/3.30pm to 4:45pm, same day every week
• Location: On school sporting grounds
• Experienced Coaches: Qualified, with WWCC’s
• Equipment: Sticks & shin-pads provided

COACHING GUIDE & FULL SUPPORT

FNC Hockey offers a free coaching guide and support program for staff or parents interested in training with the kids or coaching their school team.

REGISTER OR FIND OUT MORE:

Link: Junior AFTER-SCHOOL–HOCKEY

website: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/fnchi/events/301108

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Sharon Maher
FNC Hockey Inc. Junior Participating Officer
Email: summerlandershockeyclub@gmail.com
Phone: 0411 144 799

Ocean Heroes Ballina, Flat Rock 

31 August 2025 - Free

Ocean Heroes is coming back to Ballina/Lennox! Ocean Heroes aims to improve the wellbeing of  all children who have a neuro diversion condition (does not have to be specifically autism) where they will teach the children how to surf. They have taken over 9000 people on the autism spectrum surfing across Australia.

What does the day look like

Participants will arrive at the beach, check in, be paired with an experienced surfer and then at the participants pace, enter the ocean. 

Venue: Flat Rock Beach, Ballina

Time: Your child will be allocated a 45 minute time slot after registering.

What to bring: Bathers, towels, change of warm clothes

* Please be advised it is compulsory for each attendee to wear a life jacket in the water*

Surfboards, wetsuits, lifejackets, surf instructors and good vibes are all supplied!

There will be Ocean Heroes merchandise for sale at the event.

For more information or to get tickets go to https://events.humanitix.com/ocean-heroes-ballina-21st-june-2025?hxchl=hex-pfl