2024 Term 3 Week 1 Newsletter
Prayer Focus
From the Principal
Welcome back!
We are thrilled to be back at school and look forward to an exciting term ahead. It certainly promises to be busy with highlights such as Grandparents Day, the Book Fair and Book Week Parade, and an exclusive adults-only event celebrating our 30th anniversary.
We are pleased to announce that our nature playground, previously closed for health and safety reasons, has been reopened thanks to the efforts of the Catholic School Office.
During this term, we are having some building work done off the hall, including the creation of storage space and a room that will serve as both a music room and a meeting room.
Census
On Friday, 2 August 2024, the Non-Government Schools Census is conducted through the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools. For more details on the data collection, please refer to the following link:
School Clubs
This year our school clubs have flourished, offering students various opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. From the creativity and innovation seen in our Art and Dance Clubs to the teamwork and strategic thinking fostered in our Chess Club, our extracurricular activities have enriched our students' educational experience. The library is also open at lunchtimes for students to read, draw or play board games. These Clubs provide a platform for students to pursue their passions and help them build friendships, enhance their social skills, and discover new talents. We are proud of the dedication and enthusiasm our students and teachers have shown, making this year remarkable for our school community.
Attendance Matters
If your child is avoiding school, contact your child’s teacher so together you can explore what is happening for your child.
If your child is avoiding school, it's crucial to proactively address the issue by contacting your child's teacher. Teachers play a key role in observing and understanding students' behaviours and can collaborate with you to identify and address any challenges your child may be facing.
Share your observations about your child's behaviour and express any concerns you may have. Be open and honest about the challenges your child is facing in attending school regularly.
Collaboratively work with the school and your child to explore possible causes for your child's avoidance of school. This could include academic challenges or social issues. Work together to develop and monitor strategies to address the identified issues.
You can seek advice free from NSW Parent Line 1300 1300 52.
To watch Help! My kid doesn't want to go to school by Maggie Dent please click on the link below.
Caroline Lewis
Principal
Faith & Mission
Big Splash Water Saving Challenge
Environmental stewardship is a high priority for us here at St Francis Xavier. We recognise our responsibility as stewards of God's creation and understand how important it is to work together to protect and conserve our natural resources, like water.
Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right, and we should avoid wasting this precious resource, especially when many people around the world lack access to it. Coffs Harbour City Council is encouraging all families to sign up for The Big Splash Water Challenge, which will take place during August, September and October.
Signing up to the challenge will involve receiving fortnightly e-newsletters full of water-saving tips, offers and announcements. Every family that signs up to the challenge by August 16 will be eligible to receive a free shower timer and challenge checklist to stick on the fridge plus free entry to a pool party at the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool in November. This special event will include the inflatable water course/slide.
We strongly encourage all families to sign up for this great initiative and take up the opportunity to think about critically about how efficiently (or not!) we use water in our homes.
Click on the link below for further information.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Students in the Confirmation program have been enjoying meeting regularly to prepare to receive this special sacrament in a few weeks. We ask that you keep these students in your prayers.
Stage 3 Religious Education PASSOVER
Stage 3 students were treated to an amazing experience on their first day back - the launch event for their Term 3 RE unit about the Sacraments. The entire stage gathered for a Jewish Passover Meal, complete with traditional seder plate, to learn about the origin story of our own Eucharistic Rite and Sacrament of Communion. Feedback from both students and parents indicated that the event was highly engaging and informative, stimulating some great questioning and providing an opportunity for students to make some deep connections. What a fantastic springboard for the unit of work ahead!
Family Mass - Saturday, 3 August
Assumption Mass
On August 15 all students will be attending Mass at St Francis Xavier Church to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary at 9.45am. Families are more than welcome to join us for this celebration. A Compass Event notification will be sent out shortly for parents to provide consent.
Katrina Ryan
Assistant Principal Mission
Learning & Teaching
Parent Teacher Interviews
All parents are invited to our Parent Teacher Interviews.
Teachers will be available for a 15 minute interview at varying times from Monday 5 August to Friday 16 August 2024.
In order to book a Parent Teacher Interview, please select Conferences in your Compass app.
Interview bookings will close on Monday 29 July.
Please refer to the attached instructions for further information on booking a Parent Teacher Interview.
Michaela O’Shea Miller
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Spotlight on Reading
Book Week, Fair and Parade
We are excited to announce that our annual Book Week Parade will be held on Friday, 23rd August! This year's theme is 'Reading is Magic,' celebrating the enchantment and wonder that books bring into our lives.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, 23rd August
- Theme: Reading is Magic
- Activity: Dress up as your favourite book character
We encourage all children to participate by dressing up as their favourite book character. It's a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and love for reading. Whether it's a wizard, a fairy, or a beloved storybook hero, we can't wait to see the magical transformations!
There will be a wide variety of books available for purchase from the library from Monday 19th August to Friday 23rd August. This is a great chance to expand your child's home library with some fantastic new reads.
We look forward to a magical day celebrating the joy of reading!
Suzie Coster
Leader of Learning
Sporting Roundup
Jump Rope for Heart
NSWPSSA Cross Country
Congratulations to Ava Hunter who competed at State Cross Country this week. Ava placed 67th out of 80 competitors.
Ava's mum Nicola said "Ava was absolutely thrilled to be part of such an incredible competition and running alongside such talented runners and was humbled by the experience. She hopes to make it again next year to enjoy the excitement again. "
This is what Ava had to say of her experience:
"I enjoyed the experience so very much and feel it will help me to grow in resilience and determination. The competition was fierce and was the toughest race I have ever run. It felt amazing to be there amongst so many great runners and I cannot wait to give my all again next year for another shot at the All Schools State Cross Country Championships!"
Zone Athletics
Good luck to the school team competing at the Zone Athletics Carnival next week in Coffs Harbour! We have 40 students attending this year. The Diocesan Athletics Carnival will be held in Coffs Harbour on Friday, 16 August 2024.
Hannah Haworth
Leader of Sport
Parent Forum
The next Parent Forum meeting will be held on Monday, 12 August at 6.30pm in the school library. There is a Zoom link below for those who are unable to attend in person.
Date Saver - Trivia Night
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the school the Parent Forum will be hosting an exclusive adults-only 90's Trivia Night at the Seaview Tavern. More information to come!
Yarrow Wade
Parent Forum President
Awards
Well done to all students who received a Certificate of Recognition or a Pen Licence at our most recent Assembly. Keep up the great work!
Gold Token winners
Well done to all token recipients this week and congratulations to the Gold Token winners!
