Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

Term 3 - Week 3

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

Over the past two weeks, it has been so nice to be welcoming a large number of new students to our school. The joy it brings is immeasurable, watching each new person become part of our vibrant community of learners. As educators, we cherish the privilege of guiding these young minds, watching them grow academically and personally.

In the past few weeks, we have been fortunate to welcome Kevin (Prep), Azariya (Grade 3/4), Aiden (Grade 3/4), Abel (Grade 3/4), Raya (Grade 3/4) and their families into the S.F.X community. We have a further 4 students starting with us in other year levels over the next two weeks.

Currently, we have 170 students enrolled at the school which is the highest number or enrolments we have had for over 10 years. This is testament to the positive school culture and supportive community that truly is present here at S.F.X.

Dear Lord,

We humbly pray for new students in our amazing Catholic school. May they find comfort in Your love and guidance as they embark on this journey. Grant them strength to embrace challenges, kindness to build friendships, and wisdom to embrace learning. Bless them with a positive transition into our school community.

Amen.

Car Park issues

As you will all be aware, there are some significant challenges from a car parking perspective in Park St and surrounding streets at the moment. I appreciate how frustrating this will be for many of you, as I know that your time is precious.

There are two main reasons for the lack of parking at this point in time;

The Xavier Centre Car Park is closed
The majority of all day parking and some of the 5-minute parking spots on Park St are being taken by construction workers at the hospital.

In regard to the first point, Father Chinua is confident that at least half of the Xavier Centre carpark will be accessible by the end of next week. There is some concreting work that needs to take place where the Grotto is being built, and for accessibility reasons Father has been asked to keep the entire car park free from cars until it has been poured. I will continue to communicate with Father Chinua and hopefully some car spaces can be freed up soon.

The other issue regarding the parking on Park St doesn't have an easy fix. I am hoping to organise a meeting with the council to request more parking inspectors in the area during the 5 minute parking periods, which will hopefully start to deter the construction workers from taking the risk and parking there. This should free up the parking spaces directly opposite the school. If you notice cars parking in these spaces, I encourage you all to contact the council and make complaints as well. Sometimes strength in numbers has a bigger impact!

Can I please remind everybody of the following rules for our driveway during morning drop-off;

Nobody should be exiting the vehicle on the driver's side during morning drop-off, including parents. Children need to get out of the car independently. It really shouldn't take more than 20 seconds per car.
School bags should be with students in the car, not in the car boot. Students exit the car with their bag.

Student Progress Meetings

Student Progress Meetings are taking place on both Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th August.

The meetings will take place between 3:30pm and 7:00pm on both nights.

Attending student progress meetings is crucial for parents as they provide valuable insights into your child's academic performance, social development, areas of strengths and also areas that may be needing improvement. This involvement fosters a collaborative relationship between parents, teachers, and students, enabling better support and personalised guidance for the child's educational journey.

I strongly encourage all families to make an appointment. Bookings will open tomorrow at 4:00pm, instructions on how to make a booking will be sent through an Audiri alert tomorrow. As is always the case, if you have a PSG meeting for your child, you do not need to make a separate booking for a student progress meeting.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Schools continue to complete the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with a Disability (NCCD) every year. It counts the number of students who receive additional adjustments or 'help' at school because of a diagnosed or imputed disability. The NCCD helps the government plan for the needs of students with a disability. For more information, please read through the document below.

Last Minute Reminders

2024 Prep Enrolments. If you know anyone who is looking for a school for their child for the 2024 school year, please let them know that they are welcome to phone the school office to make an appointment for a school tour and a conversation with me. I would be delighted to showcase our wonderful school, its students and all it has to offer.
Prayers in Pyjamas attendance forms need to be returned to school asap.
John Paul College enrolment applications for current Grade 5 students who will be starting Year 7 in 2025 close on August 18th. If you are considering enrolling at JPC but are yet to lodge the paperwork, please jump onto the website which will guide you through the required steps.

https://www.jpc.vic.edu.au/home/information/enrolments

And finally, congratulations to our Physical Education teacher Miss Emma and her husband Lachie, who welcomed their third child into the world on the 19th July. His name is Hubert, and he is a happy and healthy baby boy!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Steve Peart

School Principal