Principal's Report

Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

Term 4 - Week 5

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

At last, everything is starting to feel 'normal' again! After far too long, yesterday we were thrilled to welcome all our wonderful students back to school at the same time. Full classrooms, lots of chatter, fun games being played outside - it really was a sight for sore eyes (and ears!) It now leaves us with six very busy weeks of face-to-face teaching before the Christmas holidays. 

Traffic Management

Thank you for your continued patience as we work through some changes to the traffic management procedures with the COVID clinic. The changes which have been implemented this week seem to have drastically improved our morning drop off experience, but not necessarily the afternoon pick up period. I have contacted Peninsula Health and the traffic management company to discuss possible alternatives to the current plan, which would potentially free up the parking spaces directly opposite our school in the afternoon. I will keep you all informed of any developments. For now, my best advice is to find parking in the afternoon at either of the Church car parks or anywhere on Baxter St and then walk up to school. 

Yesterday was a great example of why it is wise to keep a couple of umbrellas in the car!

First Eucharist Masses this weekend

It is a very special weekend for many of our Grade 4, 5 and 6 students who will receive Communion for the first time at special masses at the St Francis Xavier Church. It has been a long wait for many of these children due to COVID cancellations over the past two years, so I wish all the candidates and their families all the best on this important day. 

May their hands, extended in anticipation of your body and blood, inspire all of us to cherish this sacred Sacrament.  

Excursions

I was pleased to read through our new School Operations Guide, which now indicates that schools are allowed to resume excursions that adhere to the necessary COVID-safe protocols. We are very aware that the students have missed out on many excursions over the course of the past two years, so we are busily making phone calls to ensure that every year level is able to jump on a bus before the holidays to go out and have some fun together. Please keep an eye out for permission notes that will come home with all students over the coming weeks. 

Grade 3/4 Camp

Unfortunately, we made the difficult decision to cancel the Grade 3/4 overnight camp to Don Bosco in Safety Beach. The Camp fee will be rebated to all Grade 3/4 families which will be reflected in your fee statement which will be sent home next week. Surely we will have more luck with our 2022 camps!

Grade 3/4 - Camp Manyung    15-16 March, 2022

Grade 5/6 - Camp Rumbug      24-26 August, 2022

Important Dates

Just confirming the following dates in Term Four;

• Grade 4 + 5 First Eucharist Celebrations    Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th November
• Grade 6 Confirmation                                         Tuesday 23rd November
• School reports sent home                                Friday 10th December
• 'Meet your 2022 teacher' session                 Monday 13th December
• Grade Six Graduation evening                        Tuesday 14th December
• Last Day of Term for students                         Wednesday 15th December

Sad News

I mentioned this at our Prep Information Evening last week, however sadly I now need to inform the rest of the St Francis Xavier community that our sensational Prep teacher, Miss Bridget, will be leaving us at the end of the year. Many of our current students have been lucky enough to have Miss Bridget guide them through some of their vital first years of schooling. She began her teaching career with us in 2017 teaching a Grade 1/2 class and then made the shift into the Prep area in 2019. We wish Miss Bridget all the very best as she now joins a new school community who are extremely lucky to have her.

Take care and have a fantastic weekend. 

Steve Peart

School Principal