Dear Parents and Carers,

As we continue through advent and prepare for Gaudete Sunday, Joyful Sunday I reflect on the joy of our recent graduation mass.

It was a moment where we could reflect on the gifts of our Year 6 cohort and their families, and many long standing families who have given so much to the community of St Francis Xavier.

Thank you to Father Richard for presiding over the mass and his heartfelt homily.

A big thank you to Mr Criniti and the Year 6 teachers for their preparation of the children.

We were also fortunate to have our local state member Jo Haylen attend the mass. She was very impressed with the children and congratulated me on the schools recent NAPLAN success across Year 3 and Year 5.

As I said to the Year 6 children - "we believe in you and we are proud of you and last night everyone in the church could feel the presence of God with us all."

Thank you also to the Year 6 families who presented the staff with gifts. We really appreciate your generosity.

Parent Survey

Last month we sent out out final survey for the year. Thank you to families who were able

to complete the survey. This information is invaluable to our leadership team as we continue our cycle of continuous improvement.

Results from the language question were very clear and 80% of respondents voted for Italian to continue and so did our staff. Languages are not mandated in the primary curriculum however I believe that our children very much benefit from learning an additional language. Italian will continue in the foreseeable future. I would be open to an additional language being taught at recess or lunch under the correct circumstances.

After school is not an option as the main provider of after school care is SCECS.

A small minority made mention of emails not being responded to, which is surprising, however if a parent feels an email has not been responded to please contact the office.

I was hearted to see how well received our religious question was responded to and every visitor to our school rightly comments on how strong our Catholic culture is across the school. This is evident in the gifts given to less fortunate children currently under our Christmas tree.

We look forward to seeing you at our Mass of Thanksgiving tomorrow. In a change to the usual program we will announce our Donna Craigie Awards recipients and Serviam award recipients this Wednesday morning at our final assembly on Wednesday 17th December.

Enjoy the weekend

Brian

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