Dear Parents and Carers,

As we arrive at our final newsletter for the term, we are drawn deeply into the sacred events of Holy Week. This time always invites reflection, and I am reminded of my own pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2023.

As pilgrims, we walked through the city of Jerusalem, encountering the places of the Gospel.

One moment that has remained with me was our visit to the Church of the Flagellation, traditionally associated with the scourging of Jesus at the pillar.

While many of the holy sites evoke a sense of peace and reverence, this place was different. I recall a deep sense of unease and a quiet but powerful awareness that something profoundly painful had occurred there. Kneeling at the site of the pillar, I believed I had prayed for only a few minutes; later, my colleagues told me it had been over twenty five. It was a moment that drew me into the suffering of Christ in a very real way.

As we journey through Holy Week, we are reminded of the loneliness, sacrifice and foreboding that Our Lord experienced. This week, our prayer assemblies have taken on a more solemn tone, helping our children recognise that this is a sacred and reflective time in the life of the Church distinct from the joy we so often celebrate together.

Thank you to the families who respectfully shared this special time with the school community

Inquiry & Review

Last week, our school community participated in a highly successful and affirming Sydney Catholic Schools Inquiry and Review process. The panel spoke very highly of our students, particularly noting the depth and thoughtfulness of their responses. They were equally impressed by the learning walks across classrooms where they observed Religion, reading, writing and Mathematics lessons.

All the panel members commented on the strong sense of collegiality and teamwork evident among staff. They were also grateful to the families who met with the panel and completed the surveys. Our initial feedback is that the school is doing very well across all metrics.

Again I want to thank everyone, especially Father Richard, staff, parents and most importantly students who make St Francis Xavier a great school each and every day. I look forward to sharing the details of the final report with you once it is received in next term.

Social Skills Programs

Next term, we will recommence the Peaceful Kids program with our Year 4 students. This reflects my ongoing commitment that every child at St Francis Xavier will have access to high-quality wellbeing support.

In addition, I have been working closely with our new school counsellor to develop a targeted social skills program for our younger students. From Term 2 through to the end of the year, every Year 1 child will participate in this program, delivered in small groups by Mrs Scullion and Mrs Ibrahim.

Further details will be shared with families at the beginning of next term.

Mother’s Day Celebration

We look forward to celebrating Mothering Sunday on Friday 8 May, from 8:00am on the primary playground.

If any families know of any associated businesses that would be interested in sponsoring this event, please contact me at the school office.

Sports Carnival Update

Due to Canterbury-Bankstown Council double booking us, our Sports Carnival has been rescheduled.

The new date is Wednesday 29 April at Campbell Oval.

Additional Child Protection Parent Volunteer sessions will be held on

Friday 24th April at 9am and 28th April at 9am to facilitate additional parent volunteers.

Easter Egg Raffle

Congratulations to all of our Easter Egg raffle winners, and thank you to the many families who generously donated. Together, we raised $2540.25, which will go towards the purchase of additional playground seating a purchase directly requested by our students.

Thankyou to Catholic Apparel for their donation to our raffle.

The Rev Bill Crews Foundation

As per our tradition we have donated 2 gift bags full of Easter Eggs to Rev. Bill Crews Foundation these are for the less fortunate.

Staffing Update

We warmly welcome Miss Simone Pope, who will commence at St Francis Xavier at the

beginning of Term 2 as Year 1W teacher and Coordinator 3.. Simone brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and I am confident she will make a significant contribution to the life and learning of our school.

Term 2 uniform

As we know our Sydney weather is becoming more unpredictable. Children can wear summer or winter uniform on return to school in Term 2.

A date for the children to move to winter uniform will be announced early Term 2.

School returns on Tuesday the 21st April 2026

I wish all families, staff and parishioners the joyful Easter as we celebrate the risen Lord.

Brian

School Information

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