Newsletter-Term 3-Week 4-Friday 15th 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.

FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Our school has been buzzing with positive energy as students have quickly settled back into their routines and teachers continue to create rich, engaging learning experiences for every child. It’s also been wonderful to see the children enjoying plenty of outdoor play, with sunny days outshining the rain.

Last week, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, where students attended mass in honour of this remarkable lady and Australia’s first saint. Today is the Feast of the Assumption and students in Years 4 to 6 have the opportunity of attending the 12 noon Parish Mass as this is a Holy Day of Obligation.

We’ve also marked 100 days of Kindergarten, with plenty of fun, smiles and creative costumes as our youngest learners reached this special milestone in their schooling journey. Thanks to Mrs Darke, Mr Kliese and Ms Lawrence for their work in organising this special celebration. 

It’s been a joyful and busy start to the term, filled with learning, celebration and community spirit. Thank you for your continued support.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: Last night, our school joined with the parish community to celebrate a truly special occasion—the children of our parish receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Greg. The ceremony was a beautiful expression of faith, joy, and reverence, and will no doubt be a cherished milestone in the children’s sacramental journey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Year 3 staff—Miss Kearney, Mrs Fitz-Bugden, Mrs Morley, and Mrs Suffolk—along with our Assistant Principal Mission, Miss Miles, for their dedication and care in preparing the children so wonderfully. Thank you also to our families for your ongoing support during this important stage in your child’s faith journey.

A special thanks to the staff and parishioners who attended to celebrate with the children and their families—your presence added to the joy and significance of the evening.

TWO EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN: This month, we are blessed to celebrate the lives of two extraordinary women in our Catholic tradition—Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Mary, the Mother of Jesus—each offering us a powerful witness of faith, love, and trust in God.

Last Friday, we marked the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint. Mary MacKillop devoted her life to the service of others, especially the poor and vulnerable, through her work in education and her founding of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Her courage, compassion, and unwavering faith continue to inspire us to follow her example: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

Today, August 15th, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, a significant solemnity in the Church calendar. This feast commemorates the belief that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a reminder of Mary’s deep relationship with God and her life of humility, hope, and holiness.

To honour this sacred day, our students in Years 4 to 6 will gather for a Feast Day Mass at 12 noon in the church.

As we reflect on the lives of both Mary MacKillop and Mary, Mother of Jesus, we are encouraged to live with integrity, faith, and a heart open to God’s call. Their stories remind us that holiness is found in everyday acts of love, service, and trust.

KINDERGARTEN CELEBRATES 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL: A special milestone for our kindergarten children — 100 days of learning, growing, and having fun together! The day was filled with “100” activities, from counting collections to dressing up to look like a 100 year old person. Thank you to all of the families that were able to join us in the afternoon for our afternoon tea. It was a fun and memorable day that has left children smiling and super proud of how far they have come!

CANTEEN REMINDER: We’ve recently noticed some students bringing large notes ($20 or $50) to the canteen and sharing food or money with friends. While generosity is a wonderful quality, we ask that students bring smaller amounts and purchase only for themselves.

If a student presents a large note, we will contact parents to confirm they are aware. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us keep our canteen fair for everyone.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING: The next meeting of our School Community Group will be held on Tuesday 2nd September 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.

HAIR STYLES: 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.

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.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Tony

School Calendar...

Assistant Principal Mission News...

The  Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

This coming weekend's reading is from  Luke 12:49-53 - Jesus has come not only to bring peace but also division.

As a family, we strive for unity and togetherness. No-one enjoys when a family is upset and division occurs. Yet, in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says that he has come to bring division and that members of households will be divided.

As a family, talk about the things that bring you together in unity such as sharing a meal, going to the beach or celebrating a special occasion. All of these things are important and Jesus wants us to show this kind of love to one another always.

To conclude, pray to the Holy Spirit for the gift of courage (fortitude) so that you may do the right thing even if unpopular. 

Source: https://www.loyolapress.com 

Sacrament of Confirmation

Congratulations to the 13 Candidates who completed their second Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church on Thursday evening. These Candidates will complete the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion in 2026. 

Whole school Masses - Term 3

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

• 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 3 September

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 3 September 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. 

Parish News...

Explore the Catholic Faith

SFX Parish Ballina warmly invites parents and staff who are curious about the Catholic Faith or considering becoming Catholic to two upcoming events:

• Information Night – Wednesday, August 20th
  Learn about the upcoming Journey into the Catholic Faith (RCIA Program) and how it can support those exploring or preparing to join the Catholic Church.

• Alpha Taster Night – Thursday, September 18th
  A relaxed and welcoming evening introducing Alpha, a program designed to explore questions about faith, life, and meaning.

Both events are free and offer a chance to get a taste of the programs before deciding to take part more fully.

All are welcome – no commitment required, just come along and see what it’s about!

Learning & Teaching News...

BYRON BAY WRITERS FESTIVAL

Years 3–6 Enjoy Byron Bay Writers Festival – Primary Schools Day

Last Wednesday, our Years 3–6 students had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Byron Bay Writers Festival, Primary Schools Day at Bangalow. This exciting annual event brings together authors, illustrators, and young readers to celebrate the power of storytelling.

Our students were fortunate to meet and listen to three engaging authors, Sally Rippin, Maxine Beneba Clarke, and Peter Helliar, who shared their creative journeys, writing tips, and the inspiration behind their books. The sessions were entertaining, insightful, and full of laughter!

We were proud to be one of the largest school groups in attendance, and our students’ behaviour was exemplary throughout the day. They represented our school beautifully, showing respect, enthusiasm, and curiosity.

After the presentations, students visited the Book Fair, where many purchased books and had them personally signed by Sally, Maxine, and Peter – a treasured keepsake from a memorable day.

A big thank you to the organisers of the Byron Bay Writers Festival for hosting such a rich learning experience and to our staff for supporting the excursion. It was a day that will no doubt inspire our students to read, write, and create even more. We can't wait for 2026!

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY

Pupil Free Day – Preparing for the New Science & Technology Syllabus

On Monday, 11th August, our staff participated in a Pupil-Free Day dedicated to Professional Learning in preparation for the new Science & Technology Syllabus, which will be implemented in 2026.

Throughout the day, teachers explored the updated curriculum, which focuses on the subject areas of Science and Technology design and process. We spent time understanding the aim, rationale, structure, and organisation of the syllabus, and discussed the next steps for implementation.

The new syllabus places a strong emphasis on inquiry, problem-solving, design thinking, and applying scientific and technological concepts to real-world challenges. By investing this time now, our staff are well-prepared to bring these skills into classrooms in ways that will excite and empower our students.

We thank our families for their support, knowing that the time dedicated to professional growth will lead to engaging, future-focused learning opportunities for our students.

STEM CLUB

Lunchtime STEM Club – Building, Creating, Problem-Solving

Our Lunchtime STEM Club has been buzzing with creativity and clever thinking this term!

On Friday in Week 2, students took on the challenge of building the tallest and most stable tower they could using only LEGO bricks. There were some incredible designs — from slim towers that reached for the sky to wide, sturdy builds that could withstand a gentle shake test.

In Week 3, the challenge shifted from building up to building across. Students were tasked with creating the longest bridge possible using the same number of pegs and paddle pop sticks. This activity sparked great discussion about balance, weight, and how to make the most of limited materials.

STEM Club continues to be a place where students can experiment, test ideas, and learn that sometimes the best discoveries come from trial and error. We’re excited to see what they’ll design next!

Leader of Pedagogy News

Book Week 

Next Week - Monday, 18th August - Thursday 21st, August 

The theme this year is ‘Book and Adventure’. Families are reminded that the Character Parade has been moved to Wednesday 20th due to the Zone Athletics Carnival. The K- 2 Spelling Bee Finals, Family Picnic Lunch, and then Stage 2 & 3 Spelling Bee Finals will follow the Parade.

Students have visited the Book Fair during their Library time this week to make ‘Wish Lists’. Books will be available to purchase with cash or card from the Book Fair during Book Week, or you can purchase online. Please see the schedule below for Book Fair opening times and Book Week event times.

We give our sincere thanks to all of the staff and parents who have worked hard to prepare the Book Week Fair and events, and to those who will give up their time to support the Book Fair throughout the week. We would like to give a special mention and express our gratitude to Mrs. Carly Rule, our amazing librarian! 

Spelling Bee Finals 2025 

Next Wednesday, 20th August, in the School Hall

Families and friends are warmly invited to attend this event. Please also stay for a picnic lunch with your child(ren). 

• K, 1 & 2 Finals-10:00am
• 11:00-11:45am  Family Picnic Lunch
• Year 3 & 4 Finals- 11:55am
• Year 5 & 6 Finals- 12:20pm

Congratulations to all of the students who competed in their class heats during Weeks 1-3.

Congratulations to the Spelling Bee Finalists for 2025:

K, 1 & 2:

Mila Wilson, Louis Messager, Yoko Smith, Enzo Gamba, Axel Stewart, Theo Samaradellis, Conor Mullagh, Jagger Smith, Mason Curry, Lulu Lawrence, Rani McKirdy, Josh Rose, Jasper O’Rourke, Luan Lang and Cooper Base

Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4):

Marisa Williams, Frankie Daenerys Valdellon, Alejandra Gonzalez, Jinda Chuangprateep, Lea Leturgie, Emily Nguyen, Olivia O’Brien, Lenox Loadsman, Lara Dowden and Sophie Arguello Sullow Peyrat

Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6):

Honor Hodges, Max Mitchell, Lilly-May Budnick, Leo Wilson, 

Aurelia Houghton, Mila Bomba, Luke Dogan, George Boyle, Hugo Leturgie and Lilla Morley

Poetry and Public Speaking Finals 2025 

Next Thursday, 21st August, in the School Hall.

Families and friends are warmly invited to attend this event.

• K, 1 & 2 Poetry Finals-12:00pm
• Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 Speech Finals- 12:30pm
• Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 Poetry Finals- 2:15pm

Congratulations to all of the students who competed in their class heats during Weeks 1-3.

Congratulations to the Poetry and Public Speaking finalists for 2025:

Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) Poetry Finalists

Yoko Smith, Millie North, Zoe Patterson, Louis Messager and Quincy Pickford

(Alba Murray and Yasmin Dogan will be absent)

Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) Poetry Finalists

Conor Mullagh, Maddie Downs, Charlie Zhou- Roberts, Pearl Niland, Lulu Lawrence, Olivia Rosewarn Reed, Jazz Smith, Lucy McConnell, Harley Thompson and Lara Gillespie

Stage 2 ( Year 3 & 4) Poetry Finalists

Victoria Reddan, Lennox Farrell, Poppi Kirk, Lara Dowden, Lenox Loadsman and Oliver Rose

Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) Speech Finalists

Lea Leturgie, Oscar Booy, Van Hogden, Poppy Sellen, Knox Thomas and Finn Budnick

Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) Poetry Finalists

Mila Laranjeira Miranda, Evie Whitty, Jarrah McGauran and Lilla Morley

Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) Speech Finalists

Ruby Hernage, Mila Bernardes-Skelton, Lilly-May Budnick, Reef Molyneux, Hugo Leturgie and George Boyle

Two winners from each section will be selected to progress to the final Zone Competition on Thursday, 18th September, at St Finbarr’s, Byron Bay.

Maths Olympiad - Stage 3 Competition

Year 5 and Year 6 Math Olympiad Teams completed their 3rd Competition Test during Week 2 of this term. Congratulations to both teams for their continued effort and excellence in this extension Mathematics opportunity.

Special mention goes to Max Mitchell in Year 5, for scoring 100% in this recent competition test!

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 5

Monday 18th August to Friday, 22nd August

Canteen Roster-Term 3

Week 6

Monday, 25th August to Friday, 29th August

Student Awards...

Learning & Class Awards

Congratulations on you well-deserved success! You've worked incredibly hard for this achievement. 

Welcome Award

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

Happy Birthday...

Wishing all of our students a wonderful birthday!!

Friday, 15th August to Thursday, 28th August

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.

Parent Assembly News...

Community News...

 Ballina Allstars Athletics – 2025–26 Season

Whether you’re new to athletics or chasing a personal best, there’s a place for you at Ballina Allstars! 

 Event Nights: Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 6:30pm
 Location: Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina
 Season Starts: 8 October 2025
 Mid-Season Break: 18 December 2025 – 14 January 2026
 Final Club Night: 18 March 2026

 Tiny Tots Program (ages 3–5):
Starts 8 October, 4:15pm–5:00pm
10 weeks of play-based movement, games and fun – guided by accredited coaches.

 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT – Register before 31 August and save $10 with code BAA10

 Register Now: 

www.ballinaallstars.com.au/registration

 info@ballinaallstars.com.au

 www.ballinaallstars.com.au

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