Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

Term 2 - Week 2

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

A big, cheerful welcome back to all our S.F.X families. We have a very busy Term Two ahead of us!

ANZAC Day

This afternoon, I was joined by Grade 6 leaders at the ANZAC commemoration service at the Frankston War Memorial in Beauty Park. Liam, Mariana, Aneeta and Sam represented our students and laid a wreath in the memorial on behalf of our school.

All of our students then attended an ANZAC day service in the Red Centre at the end of the day. Learning about and commemorating ANZAC Day holds immense significance for Australian primary school students. It cultivates a deep understanding of national identity, instilling values of courage, sacrifice, and remembrance. It fosters respect for the country's history and the sacrifices made by the ANZAC soldiers. By engaging with ANZAC Day, students develop empathy, appreciation for peace and a sense of belonging to a shared heritage.

Grade 5/6 Camp

Last week, Camp Rumbug in Foster offered an unforgettable experience for our Grade 5/6 students, fostering camaraderie and growth in what is simply a stunning natural setting. Beyond the thrill of outdoor activities such as the Giant Swing, raft-making and canoeing, the camp helped our students to build resilience and independence. Away from the comforts of home, children learned to navigate challenges, from brushing of leeches to conquering ropes courses, fostering self-reliance and problem-solving skills.

I would like to sincerley thank Miss Tamara, Miss Erin, Miss Kim and Miss Becc for their leadership across the three days.

School camps are invaluable for the holistic development of childen. They provide a platform to step out of their comfort zone and build confidence as they tackle new adventures. The shared experiences play a big part in building lasting friendships and teach the importance of teamwork and cooperation.

For Grade One and Two familes, preparing for future camps starts early. Encouraging independence at home lays the groundwork for success at camp. Teaching children to dress themselves, organise their belongings, turn showers on and off and manage personal routines are vital. Organising sleep overs at family or friends houses is also extremely important. These skills empower children to embrace the camp experience with confidence, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the joys of camp.

Car Parking on Park St

The school has been in regular contact with Frankston Council this term reporting illegal car parking opposite the school. We know that many people working at the hospital development are parking in the 5 minute space directly opposite the school, which makes both morning drop off and afternoon pick up very difficult for our families. We have asked the council to send parking inspectors to regularly attend during the following periods and issue infringements for cars staying longer than 5 minutes:

8:30am - 9:00am
3:15pm - 3:45pm

The last thing we want is for our school families to receive a fine, so if you park in these 5 minute spaces please make sure you are in and out quickly.

School Cross Country

This year, we have made the decision to postpone our school cross country races until Term Four.

In past years, we run races for all students (Prep-6) at Beauty Park in Term Two and then use the results to select our school cross country team. These students then participate at the district cross country event later in the term.

Due to the construction work happening at Beauty Park, it is not possible to run our school cross country event at this point in time.

We will instead use both Running Club and lunchtime trials to select our Grade 3-6 cross country team, who will attend the district event at Ballam Park on Friday 17th May.

Late arrivals at school

Arriving at school on time is crucial for primary school children to fully benefit from their education. At S.F.X, we have a quiet reset time in each classroom which starts as close to 8:45am as possible, aiming to provide a calm and focused environment for students to prepare for the day ahead. However, constant late arrivals are disrupting this important routine in nearly every class, impacting not only the student but also their classmates. Consistent attendance and timeliness support academic success and contribute to a harmonious classroom atmosphere where every child can thrive. Please endeavour to have your child in the school grounds no later than 8:40am.

Bondi Shopping Centre Tragedy

In light of the recent Bondi shopping centre tragedy, it's natural for children to have questions if they see distressing news on TV. Parents can offer support by reassuring them of their safety, explaining the situation in age-appropriate terms, and emphasising the helpers and community support. Encourage open dialogue, validate their feelings, and limit exposure to graphic images. Be present, listen, and offer comfort during this sensitive time. The information below can be very helpful when having these discussions.

School Closure Days - 2024

A reminder to all families that the school is closed this Thursday (ANZAC Day) and Friday 26th April.

The following dates have also been set for school closure days and the beginning/end of terms.

TERM TWO

School Closure Days;

-Friday 26th April

-Thursday 6th June (Staff Professional Learning)

-Friday 7th June (Staff Professional Learning)

-Monday 10th June (King's Birthday Public Holiday)

Last Day of Term Two. Friday 28th June. Students finish at 3:15pm on this day.

TERM THREE

First Day of Term Three. Monday 15th July

School Closure Days;

-Monday August 12th (Staff Professional Learning)

Last Day of Term Three. Friday 20th September. Students finish at 3:15pm on this day.

TERM FOUR

First Day of Term Four. Monday 7th October

School Closure Days;

-Monday 4th November

-Tuesday 5th November (Melbourne Cup Public Holiday)

Last Day of Term Four. Tuesday 17th December. Students finish at 3:15pm on this day.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Steve Peart

School Principal

HERO AWARDS