Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

Term 3 - Week 8

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

We have held off sending this week’s newsletter until Friday afternoon so that we could include some of the wonderful photos from today’s Book Parade. I do apologise that I was unable to attend both the Grandparents’ Afternoon and the Book Week Parade this year due to meetings. My thanks go especially to Miss Melissa for the incredible work she has put in to ensure Book Week has been such a success at S.F.X, along with all staff who contributed to the celebrations.

Flourishing Learners Conference

On Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th September, Miss Erin, Miss Kim, Miss Melissa and I were fortunate to attend the MACS Flourishing Learners Conference at Marvel Stadium. The conference brought together educators from across Melbourne Catholic schools, all with the shared focus of ensuring that every child is given the best opportunity to thrive as a learner.

Across the two days, we heard from a range of highly engaging presenters, each bringing their own expertise and insights into what helps children flourish in learning and in life. The sessions were both inspiring and practical, offering strategies that can be applied directly in the classroom. We came away with a renewed sense of purpose and many valuable ideas that we look forward to sharing and implementing at St Francis Xavier to support all our students on their learning journey.

Team Teach Training

Last Friday, while our students enjoyed a day at home, all staff took part in Team Teach training as part of our school closure day. This training is being rolled out across all MACS schools over the next year and focuses on supporting student wellbeing and behaviour in positive and consistent ways.

The program highlights the importance of clear communication, calm approaches, and a common language that can be used across the whole school. Having this shared understanding helps us create a safe, caring and supportive environment for all children. We came away with many practical strategies that we will continue to embed in our classrooms and playgrounds to ensure every student at St Francis Xavier can thrive.

We thank our families for their support with the closure day, as this valuable training will make a real difference to the way we work together to support all students in their learning and wellbeing. Together with the insights gained from the recent Flourishing Learners Conference, this forms part of our ongoing commitment to professional learning that ensures every child has the best opportunity to grow and succeed.

Uniform Shop Transition - Peninsula Uniform

I would like to remind all families that the Uniform Shop has now moved offsite. To purchase new uniform items, from the 6th October (begining of Term 4) you will need either visit the Peninsula Uniform Shop or order items online.

Visit Peninsula Uniform Shop

Unit 1/1 Titan Drive, Carrum Downs

Opening Hours

9:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Thursday

9:00am - 4:00pm Friday

Order online

There are 3 methods for collection of uniform when ordering online;

- Collect directly from the Peninsula Uniform Shop (Carrum Downs)

- Opt for home delivery (postage fees apply)

- Request delivery to the school for collection - Please note that Peninsula Uniforms deliver school orders fortnightly (every second Wednesday). Following delivery, school staff will distribute orders to students.

Holiday Open Hours - Peninsula Uniform Shop will operate from the second week of January, including additional Saturday openings for three weeks to accommodate working families. These hours are additional to the normal everyday open times as seen on their website and listed above.

After discussions with the School Advisory Council, there will only be a minor changes to three items in our school uniform. These will not be mandatory until 2026, so there is no rush to change anything or make purchases immediately.

Bucket hats - We will be transitioning from the current school hat to reversible sports coloured bucket hats. The hats will be royal blue on one side and have house colours on the reverse. Students can continue to wear their current broad-rimmed hat for the remainder of the year, however the bucket hats are available to be purchased now if you would like to.

Sports T-Shirt - We will no longer be stocking the current sports t-shirt. In future, the normal school polo shirt will be worn on sports days. Again, students are welcome to continue wearing their sports T-shirt for the remainder of the year.

Beanies - We will transition to a cable knit style featuring the school logo. The new beanies are larger and have a soft lining.

End of Term

The last day of Term for students is next Friday 19th September. Students will be dismissed at the normal time of 3:15pm.

Start of Term 4

Students will return for the start of Term 4 on Monday 6th October.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Steve Peart

School Principal

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