Dear Parents and Friends of SFX,

It is wonderful to be back at school, and I would like to thank the many parents, students and staff who have welcomed me back so warmly.

I am incredibly grateful that I can step away from the school for four weeks knowing that SFX is in such safe and capable hands. Fiona and the leadership team did an outstanding job during my absence, and I know Mrs Barbera's return was also warmly welcomed by our community.

I am very fortunate to lead such a dedicated and committed team.

Father Day Celebration

Last week, we came together as a community to celebrate the fathers, stepdads, grandfathers, uncles and father figures who play such an important role in the lives of our children. Under the guidance and example of St Joseph, our morning was one of prayer, gratitude and celebration.

A special thank you to the Simpson family for their generous sponsorship of the morning and for providing breakfast.

My thanks also to Mr Criniti and Ms Cindy for their excellent organisation of the Father’s Day celebrations, and bravo to our teachers and support staff who arrived early to help prepare for the morning.

Thank you also to our wonderful parents who organised and ran the Father’s Day Stall. There is always something special about watching the children arrive with their money, excitedly choosing just the right gift for Dad! The stall raised an impressive $1,866, which will go towards the next stage of our playground upgrade.

Colour Fun Run

While I was away, our Colour Run fundraiser was launched with Mr Blasonato bravely being slimed first!

Funds raised through the Colour Run will contribute towards the installation of a new slide in the main playground. This $40,000 project will complete the playground master plan we began following my return to SFX in January 2024. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together in transforming our outdoor spaces for the children, and I thank our families for the generosity and enthusiasm with which you continue to support these improvements. And, of course, there is another sliming happening tomorrow!

Empower Night: Towards Eucharist28

Last night, a number of staff and I attended the Eucharistic Congress event at Canterbury Leagues Club, organised by Sydney Catholic Schools. It was a joyous evening of faith and community for staff and families as we continue our journey towards the International Eucharistic Congress and the anticipated visit of the Holy Father to Sydney in 2028.

A particularly special moment occurred as we were leaving when two former SFX students, James Nakhle and Alessandro, approached us to say hello. Both are now young adults, in the workforce and university. I remember them as Kindergarten students, so it was great to see them again, to hear how well they are doing and, most importantly, to see the fine young men they have become.

The formation of our children at St Francis Xavier is something in which we take enormous pride. Seeing our students flourish beyond the school gates reminds us that education is about so much more than academic achievement. It enlivens our mission to ensure that every child comes to know Jesus through their journey of learning service.

R U OK Day

Today we celebrated RU OK and I am grateful to the Year 6 leaders for preparing a lovely prayer service in which we were reminded of our school mission, vision and values and how they relate to being a good friend at SFX. All monies raised will go toward Charitable Works Fund which support charities across the Archdiocese.

Dismissal time review

Finally, since my return, a number of parents have approached me about the possibility of moving our afternoon dismissal time to 3.00 pm. I understand that many families have children attending swimming, gymnastics and other activities after school, and an earlier

finish may assist with these commitments.

I would like to hear the views of our parent community before considering any change. Our students will, of course, continue to receive the required five hours of instruction each day. No decision has been made, and as you know, I value parent voice and believe consultation is an important part of making decisions that affect our community.

Headspace

Primary school setting educators Register here

Secondary school setting educators Register here

And finally it is wonderful to be back, and I look forward to another busy and rewarding few weeks ahead at SFX as our concert preparations continue. Mrs Ennis and the staff have done a great job in prepare the children and I know you will enjoy yourselves on Tuesday night.

In Serviam, Brian

Ray White Ashfield/Summer Hill

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors to Fathers Day morning tea.