Dear Parents

Baby News

Congratulations to Mrs Aboumelhem and her husband Peter, they welcomed a second daughter into the world last week, baby Sofia.

Congratulations to Mrs Kyriakou and her husband Sam, they also welcomed their son into the world, baby James.

Pilgrimage

The Jubilee Year of Hope called by Pope Francis for 2025 is happening across the world and especially in Rome! You may have seen an abundance of photos and videos across various media. A truly joyful proclamation of our Catholic faith.

The St Francis Xavier community was fortunate to participate in our very own pilgrimage last week on Monday 4th August. Expertly organised by Mrs Barbera and Mr Criniti, the children experienced life as a pilgrim at their own school.

Thank you to Father Richard for commencing our day with prayer. Sr Kari for taking Years 3-6 through the journey of a pilgrim and Mrs Seric our Family Educator and Mrs Manu from Sydney Catholic Schools who spoke to our parents about her own pilgrimage experience in Rome.

There was a time in the day for each class to pray in the church. I experienced a moment which reminded me why I am a Catholic school principal when witnessing the Year 1 children praying together, at the tabernacle. Such a moving and profound moment which brought them close to God the Father.

Feast of St Mary MacKillop

Last week the children and staff participated in a beautiful mass commemorating the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop. Thank you to Father Richard for his thought provoking homily and kudos to our choir for the beautiful singing.

I remember first hearing about St Mary MacKillop in September 2010, whilst working in Sacred Heart Catholic Primary in Glasgow. Our parish priest Fr Leo asked me to help organise a Mass for a soon to be Australian saint. Asking why we would have a school Mass for St Mary MacKillop, Father Leo explained that her family were from his home town and he felt that he should commemorate her in our parish. Deciding to help the children better understand this saint, I taught about her and all things Australian for two weeks. Little did I know I would be answering interview questions regarding the Josephite Charism a year later in Sydney. Absolutely part of God's plan.

Pavers

Thank you to the many families who bought a paver in the last week. Our supplier changed the date on us very late and we are looking forward to unveiling them in Term 4.

Survey Results

Our survey results are coming in. Thank you for the feedback. I am delighted that so many families have contributed to our revised mission and vision and new values. The survey closes tomorrow, so please support me by sharing your ideas and suggestions.

Update

Next week I will be part of a contingent of principals and senior leaders representing

Sydney Catholic Schools at the National Catholic Education Conference held in Cairns. This will be a great opportunity to engage with Catholic educators from across the country. I look forward to bringing some new ideas to enhance the high quality Catholic education we provide at St Francis Xavier. Mrs Scullion and the Leadership Team will of course lead the school in my absence and I know that families will give their full support to Fiona in that time.

A few dates for the calendar

Monday 13th October - Staff Development Day Term 4

Friday 14th November - Staff Development Day Term 4

Wednesday 17th December - Last day of term 4 for children

Wednesday 28th January 2026 - 2026 School year commences for Year 1-6

Thursday 29th January 2026 - Kindergarten 2026 commence school

9am for siblings

9.30am for new families

Tuesday 26th August - I am hoping to see as many dad, uncles, grandads and father figures for our annual Winter Sleepout from 6pm-730pm.

Take care,

Brian

Local News

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