Principal's Report

Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

Term 4 - Week 5

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

It is hard to fathom how fast Term Four seems to be moving - there are now only 28 school days remaining for the year! 

I would like to acknowledge nine of our Grade 6 students who this Sunday will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation,  which is the final Sacrament of Initiation,  is a beautiful expression of personal faith, as each child reaffirms the promises made during Baptism and embraces their role as a follower of Jesus. We celebrate and support our students as they take this important step, praying that they feel empowered and inspired in their faith.

Please keep the following students in your prayers this weekend;

Lexi, Jack, Eric, Gabriel, Amelia, Mariana, Grace, Reece and Max.

Grade 6 Leadership Structure

After much consideration, we have decided to make a change to our school’s student leadership structure from next year. In the past, we have allocated specific roles to every Grade 6 student, but after thoughtful reflection and discussion, we have decided to move towards a more effective leadership model. Only a portion of students will now be appointed to leadership positions. This decision was made for several important reasons.

First, we want to give meaningful acknowledgment to students who show leadership aspirations and demonstrate a strong commitment to leading by example. This shift will allow us to more fully recognise those students who consistently make positive choices and display the leadership qualities that inspire others. Additionally, we believe that by limiting the number of positions, we will foster greater accountability and dedication in those selected. Appointed leaders will understand that their role requires hard work and commitment, ensuring they take on their responsibilities with seriousness and pride.

I have met with the current Grade 5 students today to explain the change. These students will now choose if they wish to begin the process of applying for a school leadership position in Grade 6 for 2025. As part of this, they will receive support in writing speeches that they will present to their peers and teachers later in the month. These speeches will be an opportunity for students to express why they wish to be leaders, highlight the areas they want to focus on, and celebrate their individual strengths.

It is important to note that Grade 6 students who do not receieve a leadership role in 2025 will still have numerous opportunities to demonstrate their leadership qualities throughout the year. This could be through leading student activities and clubs during recess and lunchtime, working with their Prep buddy, engagingh in fundraising endeavours or simply setting a positive example for the younger students in the school. 

We are excited about this new approach and look forward to seeing our students rise to the occasion.

Christmas Carols

We will be holding a Christmas Carols afternoon at 2:00pm on Wednesday December 11th. All classes will perform a couple of Christmas carols in front of the school. Students can wear Christmas clothes to school and parents are most welcome to attend. 

Running Club

There are now only tworunning club sessions left before we stop counting laps for 2024. 

Students who have completed 50 laps or 75 laps across the year will receive a certificate celebrating their achievement. Any students who are able to complete 100 laps receive a special medal for reaching a major milestone. Certificates and medals will be handed to students at our final school assembly on Tuesday 3rd December.

If you are nearing a milestone, make sure that you arrive at school at 8:10am every Thursday for the next two weeks and finish as many laps as possible. Let's keep our fingers crossed for some amazing weather on these days!

Key dates remaining for 2024

Sunday 10th November          Grade 6 Confirmation 12:00pm start

Tuesday 12th  November        School Assembly at 2:30pm

Saturday 16th November        Whole School Mass @ 6:00pm

Friday 22nd November            School Cross Country Races. 9:15am start at Beauty Park

Tuesday 3rd December           Final School Assembly + Awards @ 2:15pm

Tuesday 10th December         Year 7 2025 Orientation Days for Grade 6 students

                                                           Grade P-5  'Meet your 2025 teacher' activity at 11:45am.

Wednesday 11th December   Christmas Carols Afternoon (2:00pm, parents welcome)

Monday 16th December          Grade Six Big Day Out and Graduation

Tuesday 17th December          Whole School End of Year Mass (1:45pm)

                                                            Final day of formal classes

                                                            Students will be dismissed at 3:15pm

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Steve Peart

School Principal