2025 Term 3 Week 7 Newsletter

From the Principal

Feedback and School Curriculum

A sincere thank you to all the parents who took the time to complete the survey for our new Strategic Plan. Your feedback is greatly valued and has been thoughtfully considered. Several parents expressed interest in dedicating more time to certain subjects. As a Diocesan school, we are required to follow the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum guidelines, which specify the minimum number of hours allocated to key subjects. For example, the NSW curriculum recommends approximately 5 to 6 hours per week for English, around 5 to 6 hours per week for Mathematics and 2.5 hours per week for Religious Education in a Catholic primary school. It also outlines what and how we should teach. These requirements ensure a balanced and comprehensive education for all students. While this means we have limited flexibility to alter subject time allocations, we remain committed to delivering a high-quality learning experience within these guidelines.

Attendance Matters

Fete News

🎡 Fete Fun Wristbands – On Sale Soon! 🎡

Get ready for all the thrills and excitement of our School Fete! Wristbands are the best value way to enjoy the day – just $30 for unlimited rides when you pre-purchase through Flexischools from September 10.

This year’s line-up of rides is bigger and better than ever:

• The always popular Storm and Tea Cups
• The Big Kahuna Triple Lane Super Slide
• The Ultimate Ninja Course
• The Big Kahuna Double Waterslide

With a wristband, you can ride again and again – all day long!

Pre-purchase for $30 via Flexischools (wrist bands distributed during Fete week).
On the day price: $35 – so don’t miss out on the savings!

Grab your wristband early and lock in unlimited fun at the fete!

Faith & Mission

Family Mass - Saturday 6 September

Assembly - Friday 12 September

R U OK? Day – Friday 12 September

Next Friday, our school community will join thousands across Australia in recognising R U OK? Day. This special day is about reminding us all of the power of a simple conversation and encouraging everyone to ask, “Are you OK?” when they notice someone might be struggling.

Students are invited to wear yellow as a sign of support and to help spread the message of care, kindness, and connection. Together, we can make a difference by looking out for one another and remembering that every conversation counts.

As always, students are reminded to wear sunsmart clothing, including a hat. Students participating in elective sports will need to consider appropriate choices. 

Parish Mass - Stage 1 attending

Charism Day - Date Saver

Communicating Diversity

Volunteers welcome – Diwali Celebration

In Week 1 of Term 4, our school will be celebrating Diwali with a special morning of activities, performances, and community sharing. We warmly invite all families to join us in celebrating this wonderful festival of light and culture.

To help make the day a success, we are looking for volunteers to assist with:
*Decorating in the lead-up to the celebration
*Making or sharing traditional treats
*Donating useful craft materials
*Leading or contributing to cultural activities

Most importantly, we would love for you to come along and take part in a joyful morning of celebrating our local culture together.

If you are able to help in any way, please contact laura.cooke@lism.catholic.edu.au

Sporting Roundup

Jump Rope for Heart

Thank you to ALL the students, teachers, staff and families who got involved with Jump Rope for Heart this term! Over 157 hours of skipping was recorded by students! We had a goal of $3000 and this year we have raised $6414.  This money will all go towards vital heart research and education programs, so well done!

We’ve loved seeing the many smiling faces skipping on the playground and in sports lessons. Students have been very enthusiastic and have worked hard to improve their skills. Prizes for the students who achieved a prize level will come home this week. 

Here’s our school leaderboard, congratulations to our top fundraisers! Keep up the skipping and thanks again for your hard work!  

Barney Barselaar Cup

This week, our school hosted the 15th annual Barney Barselaar Cup (BB Cup). This soccer gala day has been running since 2009 and has grown from two schools originally to now having eight local schools participating and Woolgoolga High School providing student referees for the day.

Congratulations to Bishop Druitt College who won the day over St Augustine's in the Grand Final and well done to Mary Help of Christians who won the playoff against Woolgoolga Public School to come third on the day.

A massive thank you to parent Andrew Ross who volunteered his time coaching our school team this year. We had over 40 students trial for the 16 spots available!

Thank you to everyone involved for another successful day!

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Clarence Zone Soccer and Netball Carnival

This week,  34 Stage 3 students competed in the Clarence Zone Soccer and Netball Gala Day in Yamba.

Well done to our girls' netball team for making the play-offs and finishing fourth.

Great job to our mixed soccer team on making it to the semi finals.   

Congratulations to our girls soccer team winning the competition and progressing to the Diocesan Finals at the end of the term in Grafton!

Diocesan Athletics Carnival 

Last week, 15 St Francis Xavier students represented the Clarence Zone at the Lismore Diocese Athletics Carnival. It is a massive achievement to make it to this level. All the students represented our school with pride. 

A massive congratulations to George Hoyle, James Hoyle and Georgia Winn who made it to the 100m Finals. Another notable performance was Lani Sarvari who came 5th in the 11 years girls Long Jump. 

Touch Football Gala Day

A reminder that the Stage 2 and Stage 3 Touch Football Gala Day is on Wednesday 10th September. We have 7 teams entered this year! It should be a super fun day playing friendly games against all the local schools. Please remember to pack lots of healthy snacks, water, sunscreen and a hat. A massive thank you to parents Jen Ross and Siann Evans who have kindly offered to help on the day!

PSSA Soccer

Last week, Year 5 student Ella Rann, represented Polding at the Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) State Soccer Trials in Ballina.

The Polding girls' team showcased their talent, finishing third in their pool and placing sixth overall out of 14 teams. It was an incredible experience and a testament to Ella's skills as a player.

Congratulations Ella!

Wellbeing Corner

Postitive Behaviour Support (PBS)

School Community Forum

Next Meeting

The next School Community Forum meeting will be held on Monday, 8 September at 6.30pm in the school library.  There is a Zoom link below for those who are unable to attend in person.

Salina McIvor
President

Playgroup

School Business Directory

The St Francis Xavier Primary School Business Directory is designed to serve as a valuable resource for our entire school community. This directory will be made available to all St Francis Xavier families, through our school newsletter and social media, with the intention of fostering a stronger sense of community and connection among us all. Not only will it facilitate networking and support between our families, but it will also provide our school with access to local businesses capable of meeting any needs or services required. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen bonds within our community while also supporting local enterprises.  If you are interested, please complete this Google form.

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Gold Token Winners

Well done to all token recipients for this fortnight and congratulations to the Gold Token recipients.  Keep up the great work everyone!

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2026 Enrolments

St John Paul College news

Please click on the link below and follow St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour to see the many wonderful academic and sporting achievements by their students, many of whom are former students of St Francis Xavier, Woolgoolga!