Newsletter-Term 2-Week 6-Friday 6th June 2025

Principals 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.

FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Over the past month, it has been a real pleasure for members of our School Leadership Team to meet with so many enthusiastic young learners and their families as part of the enrolment process for Kindergarten 2026.

These interviews are always a highlight, as they give us the chance to connect with both current families and new families who are eager to begin their child’s learning journey here at St Francis Xavier Primary School. We’ve been inspired by the excitement and readiness shown by the children – many of whom are already proudly talking about coming to “Big School”!

We are pleased to be sending out enrolment offers today, and we kindly ask that families respond by either accepting or declining their offer by Friday 13th June.

We look forward to welcoming our newest students and their families into our caring and faith-filled school community.

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR UPDATE: Following advertising, shortlisting and interviewing, I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Miss Sangita Pyle as our Acting School Counsellor whilst Pam Kirkley is away on Long Service Leave. Sangita currently holds the role of School Counsellor at St Joseph's Primary School, Woodburn for 2 days a week (Wednesday and Thursday).

Sangita completed her secondary schooling at Trinity Catholic College, Lismore before completing a Bachelor of Arts at Southern Cross University and a Masters of Social Work at Griffith University. Sangita has had extensive experience as a counsellor and social worker at St Vincent's Hospital and Lismore Base Hospital. She has previously worked as a senior Case Worker for the Department of Communities and Justice working in triage, assessing Helpline reports, speaking with at-risk families, and working as part of a multidisciplinary Team. Sangita was involved in multiple assumptions of care situations and worked directly with high risk families. 

Sangita will work at our school each Monday, Tuesday and Friday until Pam returns late in Term 3. We look forward to welcoming Sangita to our school community in the very near future.

TELL THEM FROM ME: Many thanks to all families who participated in the recent Tell Them From Me survey that our school participated in earlier this term. From the surveys completed by families it gives us a very good base from which to act upon the feedback. There will be an opportunity at the School Community Group
Meeting early next term where the results from the survey will be shared.

GRANDPARENTS DAY: Please mark the date of Friday the 25^th of July as we will be celebrating Grandparents Day here at St Francis Xavier. We would love to see as many grandparents as possible. If grandparents are unable to join us they may like to send a video message of no longer than 10 seconds to their grandchildren here which will be shown at our special Grandparents Liturgy. Please forward videos to Mrs Loadsman at hayley.loadsman@lism.catholic.edu.au Please watch upcoming newsletters for further information.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING: The next meeting of our School Community Group will be held on Tuesday 10^th June in the School Library from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. All parents and carers of our school are warmly invited to this meeting to have input and find out more about our school. There will be refreshments and nibbles available during our meeting.

2026 SCHOOL DATES: We’re pleased to share that the key school dates for 2026 have now been released. Sharing these well in advance allows families to plan ahead for holidays, appointments, and other commitments. We kindly ask that family holidays be scheduled during the designated school holiday periods. With a highly structured curriculum and carefully sequenced teaching, even a week or two of absence can have a significant impact on student learning and progress.

Staff Development Days for 2026 will be planned and shared later in the year, once confirmed. Thank you for your ongoing support in prioritising your child’s learning.

Term 1 - Wednesday, 28 January to Thursday, 2 April
2026 Easter break - Good Friday, 3 April to Easter Monday, 6 April
Term 1 School holidays - Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 17 April 2026

Term 2 - Monday, 20 April to Friday, 3 July
Term 2 School holidays - Monday, 6 July to Friday, 17 July 2026

Term 3 - Monday, 20 July to Friday, 25 September
Term 3 School holidays - Monday, 28 September to Friday, 9 October 2026

Term 4 - Monday, 12 October to Thursday, 17 December
Christmas Holidays - Friday, 18 December 2026 to Wednesday, 27 January 2027

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Tony

School Calendar...

Assistant Principal Mission News...

Pentecost Sunday - Year C

This coming weekend's reading is from John 20:19-23 - Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost is also known as the birthday of the Church. It is during this time we are reminded that the Church begins with the command to forgive. Within our own families, we are taught how to forgive and we learn to accept forgiveness. The gift of the Holy Spirit also shows us how to forgive.

As you gather as a family, take some time to reflect on giving and receiving forgiveness. Talk about how Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help bring peace to our world.

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Our second family session for the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be on Tuesday 10 June. This will take place in the Year 4 classroom.

We invite our Sacramental Candidates to our weekend Masses, where this Saturday 7 June the Candidates will process in with candles as Father blesses them and on Saturday 14 June the Candidates will present their Holy Communion artworks.

GLOW - Year 6

Last Thursday the Year 6 students joined with other Year 6 students from the Richmond Region at Xavier Catholic College for the GLOW event. The theme for GLOW was

“God is light and in him there is no darkness”. (1 John 1:5)

Activities on the day included: Music by the Diocese band ‘Wildfire’, games, prayer, keynote speakers and breaking open the theme / Scriptures.

We thank the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools for putting on a wonderful faith-filled event for our students.

School Photo Day

Next Thursday 12 June is our school photo day. Students are encouraged to wear their full school uniform including correct school shoes and socks.

Please see below the expectations for jewellery here at St Francis Xavier School.

• Small sleeper or stud earrings (silver or gold) one per ear maximum, no dangly or hoop earrings.
• No nail polish or make up

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.

• Huey Martin - Year 1
• Luca Osbourne - Year 1
• Bodhi Haughton - Year 5
• Grace Hosie - Year 5
• Molly Gerada - Year 6
• Evie Whitty - Year 6

Congratulations to the following students on receiving 10, 25 or 50 Light of Jesus Tickets. They now receive a certificate and a blue, green or yellow armband.

• Yasmin Dogan - Kindergarten
• Mila Wilson - Kindergarten x 25 tickets (green band)
• Penny Base - Year 1 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Harli Brandscheid - Year 1
• Sienna Gannon - Year 1 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Luca Osborne - Year 1
• Nova Woods - Year 1 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Aria Llewellyn - Year 4 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Bodhi Haughton - Year 5
• Joy Meany - Year 5
• Grace Rohn - Year 5
• Ruby Siviour - Year 5
• Xavier Andrews - Year 6 x 50 tickets (yellow band)
• Marley Harrison - Year 6 x 25 tickets (green band)
• Maverix Thomas - Year 6 x 50 tickets (yellow band)

Parish News...

Learning & Teaching News...

STAFF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY – A FOCUS ON THE CREATIVE ARTS

On Friday, 30th May, our teaching staff engaged in a valuable Professional Learning Day centred around the upcoming Creative Arts (CAPA) syllabus, which will be implemented in all NSW schools from 2026.

This dedicated day provided an opportunity for our educators to unpack the structure and content of the new syllabus, which emphasises authentic and engaging learning experiences across the four key art forms: visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Through collaborative workshops, teachers explored innovative teaching strategies designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression in students.

The day highlighted our school’s ongoing commitment to professional growth and curriculum excellence. We are excited to bring this renewed creative focus into our classrooms, enriching the learning experiences of all students.

We thank our school community for their continued support as we prepare for the successful rollout of this exciting new curriculum.

🧮 EXPLORING MATHEMATICS IN K–6: BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE

Mathematics is an essential part of every child’s education, and the NSW K–6 Mathematics syllabus is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to navigate the world around them.

From Kindergarten through to Year 6, students engage in a wide range of mathematical experiences that help them develop fluency, problem-solving skills, and the ability to reason and think critically. The updated NSW syllabus ensures that learning is meaningful, relevant, and builds progressively from year to year.

Key Focus Areas in the K–6 Mathematics Syllabus:

🔢 Number and Algebra – Students learn to count, add, subtract, multiply, and divide, as well as recognise patterns and relationships between numbers.

📏 Measurement and Geometry – Learners explore time, length, area, volume, mass, and shapes, helping them understand the properties of objects and space.

📊 Statistics and Probability – Students collect, represent, and interpret data, and begin to understand the basics of chance and likelihood.

The syllabus encourages students to apply mathematical thinking in everyday contexts—whether it’s measuring ingredients while cooking, budgeting pocket money, or reading a timetable. It also supports the development of mathematical language, reasoning, and problem-solving strategies.

Teachers use hands-on activities, visual tools, games, technology, and real-life examples to make maths engaging and accessible for all learners. Differentiated teaching ensures that every child is supported at their level and challenged to reach their full potential.

We’re proud to deliver a maths program that not only meets the curriculum standards but also inspires a love of learning and curiosity in our students. By working together—at school and at home—we can help our young mathematicians build the skills they’ll use for a lifetime.

🔍 EXTENSION MATHEMATICS – CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AND ENRICHMENT

At St Francis Xavier Primary School, we are proud to recognise the outstanding efforts of three of our Year 6 students—Lilla, Lincoln, and Hugo—who recently participated in the Stage 3 Diocesan Extension and Enrichment Mathematics Program.

This specialised program, which ran over 16 weeks in Semester One, is designed to challenge high-achieving students through complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning tasks beyond the standard curriculum.

We commend Lilla, Lincoln, and Hugo for their dedication, perseverance, and enthusiasm for learning. Their participation reflects not only their individual strengths but also our school’s ongoing commitment to supporting academic excellence.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that we will be nominating a group of Year 5 students for the Semester Two program, continuing to nurture and extend mathematical talent across our school.

Well done to all involved—we look forward to seeing more of our students rise to the challenge!

📚 EXTENSION ENGLISH – IMAGINING NEW WORLDS THROUGH LANGUAGE

This Semester, two enthusiastic groups of our Year 6 students—Mila, Lincoln, Hugo, Lilla, and Luke—have been participating in the Diocesan Extension English Program via Zoom. Meeting weekly throughout Semester One, these students have been diving deep into the fantasy genre—a rich and imaginative form of storytelling that transports readers to magical worlds beyond reality.

Throughout the program, they have explored the elements that make fantasy stories captivating, such as mythical creatures, enchanted settings, and heroic quests. A major focus has been on developing descriptive language, helping students craft vivid imagery that brings their writing to life and allows readers to truly "see" the scenes in their minds.

We are incredibly proud of the creativity, effort, and growth Mila, Lincoln, Hugo, Lilla, and Luke have shown in their writing. This week, check out some of Mila, Luke and Lincoln’s imaginative work below—you’re sure to be inspired by their storytelling talents!

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that we will be nominating a group of Year 5 students for the Semester Two Diocesan Extension program.

 As you walk into the ashy forest, your feet immediately break through the pitch black ash. The sound of branches snapping makes your stomach sink. The flame’s smell makes it hard to breathe, your skin tightens up. “AAAAAAAAAaaaaaagggghhhhhhh!!” By Luke Dogan

We march in line, then we split off. I am guarding our surroundings, keeping aware. Vines latch onto cars, and all buildings are all abandoned. Lifeless. I question why no one is here. Thoughts bounce around in my head. Is the war between the two countries that destructive? Every second I hear guns fire, it is a different sound every time. Then a bigger sound plummets into my ears. A bomb. My heart races, and I feel anxious. The taste of vomit runs up my bruised throat while the air tastes like human flesh. I check around me. I am left solo. By Mila

Liam picks up another piece of trash off the oceanside and says, “ How disgusting is this?” Another groan and sigh leaves his body. He slowly leans forward to grab yet another bit of trash, then angrily states, “ Why do we have to clean all of this up? We didn't make the mess.” He continues picking up bits of rubbish when I don't answer him. He seems annoyed, but I'm not surprised; he's always annoyed, that's just how he is, I think to myself. He picks up his rubbish bag forcefully, then stands as straight as a light post, then says mysteriously, “ I've got a plan!” By Lincoln

Leader of Pedagogy

Poetry and Public Speaking Competition 2025

We are excited to once again provide our students with the opportunity to participate in our school Public Speaking and Poetry Competition. Students are invited to participate in their class/grade heats next term. Selected students will then progress to the School Stage Finals. The next and final stage for two winners from each category, is the Zone Competition at St Finbarr’s, Byron Bay. At this stage, the competition will include students from other schools around the Richmond Zone. 

Class teachers will communicate specific details in the coming weeks about each grade's expectations and procedures for their grade heats.

Timeline:

• Class/grade Heats: Weeks 2-4, Term 3.
• School Stage Finals: Week 5, Term 3.
• Zone Competition at St Finbarr’s:  Week 9, Term 3.

Early Stage 1 & Stage 1 (Kinder, Year 1, Year 2) - Poetry Recital Only:

• Kindergarten - Kindergarten students will recite a poem of choice, this poem could be a published poem or a poem they have made up. 
• Stage 1 – Years 1 and 2 students will recite a poem of choice. The poem can be original or published.  

Stage 2 and Stage 3 – (Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6) Poetry Recital or Speech:

• Stage 2 – Years 3 and 4 students will speak on a topic of their choice (public speaking), or recite a poem of choice. The poem can be an original or published. Creative ways of orally presenting information is expected. 
• Stage 3 – Years 5 and 6 students will speak on a topic of their choice (public speaking), or recite a poem of choice. The poem can be an original or published. Creative ways of orally presenting information is expected.

Timing:

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 2

Week 7

Monday 9th June to Friday, 13th June

Canteen Roster-Term 2

Week 8

Monday, 16th June to Friday, 20th June

Sports News

Diocesan Cross Country

Last Thursday Isla Clements, Luke Dogan, Oscar Donald, Ruby Hernage, Hugo Letugie, London McGregor, Max Mitchell, Victoria Reddan and Monty Zhou Roberts attended the Lismore Diocesan Cross Country carnival, in Woolgoolga, as members of the Richmond Zone team. Congratulations to all athletes, especially Luke and London who now progress to the Polding Cross Country carnival, next week, as members of the Lismore Diocesan Team. Good luck and safe travels!

Polding Hockey Trials -Update.

Congratulations to Oscar Donald on a successful week of trials in Newcastle. Oscar’s team came second and he was named as first shadow player. Fantastic effort Oscar!

Student Awards...

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

Halo Salter O'Dell	Harper King	Conor Mullagh
Malu Laranjeira Miranda	Florence Pickford	Yuvakshi Sharma
Connor Webb	Finley Cupples	Billy Flick
Mabel George	Chimelu Ezeanata	Ryleigh Grey
Charlotte Hosie	Masa Furue	Zoe Layt
Oliver Siviour	Sophie Dorey	Poppi Kirk
Frankie Daenerys Valdellon	Mason Bompane	Nate Bomba
Emily Nguyen	Isla Clements	Marley Harrison
Luke Dogan	Wil Lindquist	Alexander Twiname
Hugo Leturgie	Reef Molyneux	Spencer Baldwin
Archie Tozer

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

Lara Gillespie

Asher Payne

Max Barlow

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 6th June 2025  to Thursday, 19th June 2025

Library News...

Kinder 2026 Enrolment Information

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 Reminders...

• 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...