Newsletter-Term 1-Week 4-Friday 28th February 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.
Our Term 1 calendar was sent home with students in the first week of this term. Just remember to check the newsletter each week, as changes can happen throughout the term. It provides current and vital information for parents, caregivers, and students. We know life gets busy, but taking a moment each week to read the newsletter will make a big difference for your child. Thanks for staying connected with us!

From Our Principal

A huge thank you to all those who were able to make it to our Parent Information Night last Monday evening. We were blessed by the weather and there was a great spirit among the families that joined us to meet with their child’s teachers and to see and listen to our 2025 plans. As we embark on another exciting school year, we are committed to fostering growth and success for every member of our community.  To guide us on this journey, we have set clear and ambitious school improvement goals through our 3-year Strategic Plan and the 2025 School Annual Improvement Plan.  These goals reflect our dedication to enhancing the educational experience, nurturing the well-being of our students, and strengthening our partnership with families. Please refer to our goals below. 

This week I have been attending the Diocesan Leaders Conference in Coffs Harbour which draws in all diocesan Principals, clergy and Catholic Schools Office Executive staff. It is a full agenda for the entire week and we had the pleasure of a number of guest presenters. Unfortunately, by having to attend this conference I was unable to
attend our Cross Country Carnival and the K-2 Family Faith and Fun. I received wonderful feedback from both events and sincerely thank all parents and staff who made these events happen.

Wishing you all an excellent week.

Tony

STUDENT LEADERS: Last Thursday, February 20th our Year 6 students were inducted as leaders of our school for 2025 during our Opening School Mass which was led by Fr Peter.  We congratulate our Year 6 students on achieving this milestone and we look forward to seeing the energy, input, and role modelling that they will present to the school in various ways during the year ahead.  Congratulations Year 6!

Our Student Leaders for 2025 are as follows:-

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

Sports House Captains for 2025 are as follows:-

• Doyle – Isla Parker & Hugo Leturgie
• Cole – Einin Shannon & Vincent Benfield
• Power –Indi Williams & Oscar Donald
• Murphy -London McGregor & Lincoln Lockwood

SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP (SCG): What a fantastic and enthusiastic group of parents we had in attendance at the first of our School Community Group Meetings on Tuesday 18 th of February. I was overwhelmed by the spirit, commitment and enthusiasm of the meeting where we discussed areas that can help to improve our school and to engage our families. This year currently we will hold a School Community Group (SCG) meeting once a term on the Tuesday of Week 3, where parents can come together to support our school and strengthen our Family in Christ.  We encourage all parents to attend and be part of these important discussions.
 Meeting Dates:

• Term 2: Tuesday, May 13th – 5:30pm in the School Library
•  Term 3: Tuesday, August 5th – 5:30pm in the School Library
• Term 4: Tuesday, October 28th – 5:30pm in the School Library

CLASS PARENTS: Calling all enthusiastic parents! Are you ready to bring some extra fun and flair to your child's class? We're looking for energetic volunteers to become "Class Parents" and help make our school community even more vibrant! At our Parent Information Sessions and at the first SCG Meeting for this year we called on people to act as Class Parents for each Grade. This role is all about building connections, organising exciting events like park playdates, coffee mornings, and even parents' nights out. You'll be the go-to person for welcoming new families, celebrating special occasions, and fostering friendships among parents and kids alike. If you're keen to spread some joy and laughter, contact your child's teacher or Miss Miles in the office to sign up. Let's make 2025 a year to remember!

There will be an upcoming Morning Tea and Information Session to all Class Parents to outline the role and responsibilities of this vital role within our school to strengthen school and family partnerships.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENT USER AGREEMENT: At St Francis Xavier Primary School, we prioritise responsible and safe digital citizenship. To foster this, we use a variety of digital technologies to support and enhance engagement and creativity within learning.

To ensure a shared understanding of our expectations, all students and their parents must sign a Digital Technology Student User Agreement each year. This agreement outlines the expectations for using digital technologies within our school and informs parents how digital technologies are managed and supported within our school and across the Diocese. Please take the time to read through and sign the attached Digital Technologies User Agreement for 2025 with your child by Friday, 28th February.

Please note: A new form is to be submitted for every year for each child at our school. We ask that you use your child’s name as per Compass - first and last name only.  To further support this, teachers will be exploring each of the dot points over the first term with students in class.   We appreciate your continued support in guiding your child towards responsible digital citizenship. The agreement is available here:

Safe on Social Presentations - We are delighted to have Madeleine West of Safe on Social come to our school on Monday 10th March to deliver presentations that will be engaging, entertaining and quite confronting. Madeleine will be presenting to the students in Years 2 to 6 during school time and then will give her presentation to parents in the School Library from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. In the evening presentation Madeleine will deliver information that primary school parents need to know about - YouTube, Instagram, Musical.ly, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Clash of Clans / Clash Royale, Online Gaming, Fortnite and other games and apps our children may be using now or in the future. Other areas that Madeleine will cover are:-

• Using social media with awareness         
• Keeping personal information private
• Online grooming                                        
• Posting and sharing photos
• What is a digital footprint                         
• Cyber-bullying, harassment and how to report it
• Strategies to build resilience                   
• Online gaming safety

The times and venues for the student presentations are as follows:- 

• 11:45am to 12:35pm - Stage 2 in the Hall

• 12:45pm to 1:45pm - Stage 3 in the Hall 

• Afternoon Tea Break

• 2:15pm to 3pm - Year 2 (Classroom)

School Calendar...

Assistant Principal Mission News...

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

This coming weekend's reading is from Luke 6:39–45 - Each tree is known by its yield.

This week’s Gospel is a reminder of the importance of continued learning, prayer and reflection. We are reminded that it is with God’s grace, that we are able to recognise our need to find the time for our own spiritual growth. 

As you gather as a family, discuss what it means to be a good disciple. Discuss the idea that part of being a good disciple is focusing on our own behavior and treating others as we would like to be treated. 

To conclude, as a family pray the Lord’s Prayer together.

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

Uniform reminders

We are beginning to see jewellery such as hoop / dangle earrings and other accessories being worn to school by our students. 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.
• Medic Alert bands or therapeutic (therapist prescribed) bands only.
• Analogue or digital watches only (no smart watches, fitbits or other bluetooth, wifi or mobile network devices to be worn)
• No nail polish or make up
• No tattoos, fake or real

Hairstyles

Please ensure that all student haircuts are in accordance with our school’s uniform policy. Students are not to have ‘extreme’ haircuts.

The following haircut styles are inappropriate for students at St Francis Xavier School:

• Mullet
• Mohawk
• Rat’s Tail
• Lines/Tracks
• Undercut

Hair is not to cover the eyes and collar- length and longer is to be tied back. No colouring including bleach is to be used. Any hair accessories must be colour-coordinated with our school uniform.

We thank you for your support in adhering to our school uniform policy.  

Lent - Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

The Season of Lent begins next Wednesday 5 March. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes at sundown on Holy Thursday. During this 40 day period, we are called to remember the mystery surrounding Jesus’ suffering, death and Resurrection at Easter.

Lent is a time of reflection, repentance and spiritual growth where, as Catholics we pray, fast and give alms.  

What does this all mean?

To pray…means we stop and talk to God

To fast…we give up things that are indulgent or a want

To give alms…we donate time, money, resources or services to those who are less fortunate than us

Every year, the day before Lent begins we celebrate Shrove Tuesday. The word ‘Shrove’ comes from the old word ‘shriving’ which means to listen to someone’s sins and forgive them. In Australia, Shrove Tuesday has another name…Pancake Day! Traditionally during Lent, Christians would give up rich, tasty food and Shrove Tuesday was a chance to eat sugary, buttery treats one last time before fasting for Lent. 

Here at St Francis Xavier, the students will share in pancakes from the school canteen on Tuesday at lunch. Thank you to Kristie (Canteen manager) for organising pancakes for our students this year. 

Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Mass

We invite our families to join us for Ash Wednesday with Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 sharing in a Liturgy in the school Hall at 12pm and Years 3 - 6 sharing in the Parish Mass in the Church at 12pm. 

Family Faith and Fun Night K -2

It was wonderful to see so many of our Kindergarten to Year 2 families attend our Family Faith and Fun Night on Wednesday evening. 

Our evening began with lots of conversation and pizza for dinner, followed by 3 activities.

• Family - these activities were all about families and connecting with other families in our school community
• Faith - this activity was a storytelling of the Lost Sheep. After listening to the story, families made their own sheep
• Fun - these activities were all about having fun and playing together as a school community

We thank the Parent Assembly for their support of this wonderful community building event. 

The BIG Water Walk

As we begin the Season of Lent, we also begin our support of Caritas and Project Compassion. This year, we will be participating in the BIG Water Walk. Each day 292 Million people spend over 30 minutes walking to find clean, safe water to drink. 

Together with our Year 6 students, we will be walking around Ballina to raise money and awareness of those communities in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific who have to walk daily to supply fresh, clean water for their families. 

A Compass Event will be sent to families in the coming weeks and we welcome your support on our walk around Ballina for the BIG Water Walk this year. 

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. 

• Josh Rose - Year 2
• Teo Amit - Year 5
• Molly Gerada - Year 6

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

• Elizabeth Harrison-Lewry - Year 1
• Pearl Niland - Year 1
• Ruby Simpson - Year 2 x 25 tickets
• Jayden Chenhamo - Year 5
• Lily Lindquist - Year 5
• Hugo Leturgie - Year 6 x 50 tickets

Parish News...

Learning & Teaching News...

Leader of Pedagogy

2025 Learning Goals

Strengths, Challenges, Goals…

At St Francis Xavier Primary School, teachers and students have worked diligently over many years to embed a culture of feedback and goal setting into our learning. Part of this ongoing process is informed by the discussions during our Parent - Student - Teacher Learning Conferences in Week 7 (17th-20th March). Next week the students in Years 3-6 will bring home a ‘My 2025 Learning Goals’ sheet. Please take the time to discuss and respond to the prompts on the goal setting sheet with your child(ren) and return it to their classroom teacher before Friday, Week 7 (14th March).

Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) 

Enrichment and Extension in Mathematics

This year our school will be participating in the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) programs. We will have a Year 5 team participating in the Junior Maths Games program and a Year 6 team participating in the Junior Math Olympiad program. 

The Maths Olympiad program (Year 6) is an inter-school competition that has been specifically designed to stimulate and challenge high potential and high achieving Stage 3 students. It provides an opportunity for students from around Australia and New Zealand to compete as part of a team while striving for individual excellence. 

The Junior Maths Games program (Year 5) provides an opportunity for our Years 5 students to practise and develop valuable problem solving skills. Unlike the Maths Olympiads, students participating in the Maths Games do not compete against teams from other schools. The primary focus of this program is to allow for high potential Mathematics students to build their confidence and develop their problem solving skills in readiness for the Olympiad competition the following year.

Both programs are aligned with the Australian curriculum and are excellent enrichment and extension opportunities for high potential and gifted students. The programs allow high achieving students to showcase their skills and abilities, and be recognised for their efforts and achievement. 

Participants are selected based on school data, teacher observations and NAPLAN data in Mathematics. The extension sessions occur for 1 hour each fortnight and will continue over Semester 1 and 2. Our Year 5 team started the program this week. They were very engaged as they collaborated to solve multi-step mathematical problems. Our Year 6 team will begin the program this coming Tuesday. The students involved and their parents have been notified. 

Hayley Loadsman

Acting Leader of Pedagogy

Thank You for Attending Our Parent Information Evening!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the parents and caregivers who attended our recent Parent Information Evening. Your presence and engagement play a vital role in creating a strong partnership between home and school, and we truly appreciate your time and support.

It was wonderful to see so many families eager to learn about the year ahead, meet their child’s teacher, and gain insights into classroom routines, learning expectations, and ways to support their child’s education. Strong collaboration between parents and educators helps set students up for success, and your involvement makes a real difference.

Thank you once again for being an active part of our school community. We look forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and shared achievements!

Understanding Your Child’s Maths Assessment Interview (MAI) Data

Last week, we sent home your child’s Maths Assessment Interview (MAI) data and next steps paperwork. This assessment provides valuable insights into your child’s mathematical understanding and helps us tailor their learning journey to best support their growth.

The MAI focuses on key areas such as counting, place value, addition and subtraction strategies, and multiplication and division concepts. By analysing this data, teachers can identify your child’s strengths and areas for development, allowing us to provide targeted support in the classroom.

We encourage parents to review the information and discuss it with their children. Understanding where they are in their learning and what their next steps are can help build confidence and engagement in Maths. 

Thank you for your continued support in your child’s learning. Together, we can help them develop strong mathematical skills and a love for learning!

Year Two Mathematics

Year 2 Maths: The Power of Groups of 10!

In Year 2, students are developing their number sense by exploring how collections of 10 are really useful when counting.

As part of their learning, students are working towards this success criteria:
✅ They can count a large collection of objects efficiently by grouping them into tens.

Grouping objects into sets of 10 helps students recognise patterns in numbers, build confidence in place value, and develop skills that support addition, subtraction, and mental math strategies.

You can support your child’s learning at home by encouraging them to count everyday objects (such as buttons, coins, or toys) in groups of 10. This simple practice reinforces the idea that counting in tens is faster and more efficient than counting one by one.

We look forward to seeing our students strengthen their counting skills and apply this knowledge to more complex mathematical concepts throughout the year!

Thank you for your support in your child’s learning journey. 

Lisa Conte

Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Sports News...

Richmond Zone Swimming Carnival

On Friday 14th February, 44 students from St Francis Xavier Ballina travelled to Alstonville Aquatic Centre for the annual Richmond Zone Swimming Carnival. Conditions were ideal for the competitors and the students performed extremely well against a talented field. St Francis Xavier had 4 students selected to progress to the next level by finishing in the top three in their respective events. Congratulations to the following students who will now progress to the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in Murwillumbah on Tuesday, 4th March. Good luck swimmers!

• Eli Bogetti-Junior Boys 50 Fly
• Koah Matheson-Junior Boys 200 IM 
• Albie Seymour-Boys 8yrs 50 Free
• Archie Tozer-Boys 11yrs 50 Back 

 Richmond Zone Winter Sports Trials

The Richmond Zone Winter Sports Trials were held on Wednesday 19th February and Thursday 20th February  at various locations across Lismore. Rugby Union trials are still to be held. St Francis Xavier had students from Years 5 and 6 trialling in every sport. Selection into a Richmond Zone Team for the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials is always tough as students from the other eight Richmond Zone teams vie for a spot.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to attend the Diocesan Winter sports Trials. Well done boys and girls!

Hockey

• Oscar Donald
• Grace Hosie
  

Rugby League 11’s

• Archie Tozer
• Braxton Whitton

Rugby League Opens

• Maverick Thomas
• Nash Whitton
• Reef Molyneux
• Vincent Benfield
• Fletcher Bernardes- Skelton
• Cannon Hamilton

Netball

• Isla Parker
• Evie Whitty
• Molly Gerada

Football Boys

• Teo Amit
• Luke Dogan
• Scott Nguyen
• Lincoln Lockwood

Football Girls

• Jessica Aslin

Katrina Miles-Sports Coordinator

Japanese News...

We have had a busy first few weeks back in our Japanese classroom. 2025 is the zodiac year of the Snake(hebi) and many of our classes have been setting goals for the year incorporating the snake in their New Year celebration activities.  Yr 6 have been designing their Ema boards which are small wooden plaques, upon which people write their prayers or wishes before hanging them up outside shrines. Parents are welcome to have a look at these fantastic Emas which will be hung up outside the Japanese room. 

Japanese club is held every Tuesday at lunchtime in the Japanese room, all students are welcome to attend. 

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 1

Week 5

Monday 3rd March to Friday, 7th March

Canteen Roster-Term 1

Week 6

Monday, 10th March to Friday, 14th March

Thursday Special Day

Sushi Special Day

$3.90

Canteen Online Ordering App

Please click on the link below to view the QKR app instructions. 

Student Awards...

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

Isla Clements

Benji Clements

Ashaini Narayan

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 28th February 2025  to Thursday 13th March 2025

Emelia Mattinson	Masaharu Furue	Sienna Gannon
Alba Murray	Penny Base	Ekam Dhillon
Riley Hall	Ruby Simpson	Macey Buchan
Mason Hordern	Ari Hilyard	Scott Nguyen
Oscar Washington	Nash Whitton	Marley Harrison
Ethan Kealy	Aria Dean

Student Medical Plans & Medications...

Please note that Student Medical Health Plans, such as an Asthma Plan, Allergy Plan, Epilepsy Plan or an Anaphylaxis Plan, is now due to be reviewed by your GP and updated at the school office. If you have any questions, please come and see our staff in the school office for more information. 

Medication Administered Forms 2025- We have a new electronic form for any student who requires to have medication administered during school hours. Please click on the link below or follow the directions below to complete the form. Please note this form MUST be completed for all Medical Plans for 2025. 

Instructions on where to find the form on Compass:

1. Open your Compass App
2. Click on the more button on the bottom right hand corner of the screen
3. Click on School Documents
4. Click on Parent Resources
5. Click on School Forms
6. Click on Medication Form and complete
7. This form will then be sent directly to our school email account

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.

Please read the attached information from Ballina Shire Council.

Harmony Day 2025...

Harmony Day is a significant occasion celebrated annually in Australia, dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and fostering inclusivity within society. In 2025, the theme for Harmony Day will focus on "Everyone Belongs", emphasising the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their background. This day serves as a reminder of the value of unity and respect for one another, encouraging communities to embrace their differences and work together towards a harmonious society.

St Francis Xavier Primary School will celebrate Harmony Day in a variety of ways.

1. Mufti Day Friday 21 March 2025 - Free activity.  While the colour orange is often worn on Harmony Day (to show warmth, positivity, and enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of community and togetherness) for this day if your child does not own any orange coloured clothes we encourage wearing the colours of the rainbow (or any bright colours) to celebrate Harmony Day. Just like the colours we are all different but together in Harmony we all belong.
2. Colouring In Competition - all class teachers have a copy of the colouring in competition.  Extra copies are available from Mrs Newton or Mrs Bagraith. Please return entries before 14/3/2025.
3. Harmony Day Poster - Children create a poster to promote Harmony Day. This can be done at home using low tech - like pencils, textas and cardboard/paper - A4 - A3 size or using technology like Canva, Powerpoint, Slides etc and printing the end product.  A prize will be awarded to each year group and all posters will be shown around the school for Harmony Week.  The overall winner will be advertised in the school newsletter.
4. Whole school display - All students will decorate a paper doll to represent themselves here at school.  These dolls will be used to create a whole school display for Harmony Week.

Help us celebrate cultural diversity and promote unity to create a harmonious society. All children are encouraged to join in the festivities and foster an environment of respect and understanding. Together, let us work towards a future where everyone belongs, and where the beauty of our differences is celebrated.

May Our Lady, Mary guide and inspire all to embrace the spirit of harmony and inclusivity in their lives.

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. 

Xavier Catholic College News...

For further enquires regarding Year 7 enrolment process, please contact the College on 66 180 180. 

Community News...