Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

The recent closure day enabled staff to gather, reflect and deepen our understanding of the charism* specific to our school.  Led by the insightful and creative Angelo Virgona we explored our Catholic identity and how we, in our vocation as teachers, contribute to embodying and transmitting this charism in daily practise. In addition to this we generated ways in which the charism can be expressed and embedded through the words, symbols and actions in our school culture. We look forward to sharing our learnings and ideas with the students. 

*charism is the unique spiritual 'personality', mission, or core value system that a school inherits from its founding religious order, patron saint, or tradition. It translates broad Gospel values into practical, everyday actions for the students and staff.

Reconciliation Whole School Prayer Led by the FIRE Carrier Students

On Tuesday, our Student FIRE  Carrier Leaders led the whole school prayer in acknowledgement of Reconciliation Week.  The FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation in Education) Carrier Program aims to promote reconciliation by sharing the culture and spirituality of the First Nations people in Victorian Catholic primary and secondary schools. At St Francis Xavier, Year 4 - 6 students are invited to apply to join the FIRE Carrier program by writing and expressing their interest for learning about First Nations culture and history.

The Feast of Pentecost

Last Sunday was the Feast of Pentecost, when we remember the moment the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, filling them with courage, wisdom and joy. Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church” because it marks the beginning of the disciples going out to share the message of Jesus with the world.

Today, Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still alive and active in our Catholic community. The Spirit guides us to live with kindness, compassion and hope in our homes, classrooms and playgrounds. Every time we encourage a friend, welcome someone who feels left out, pray together or work for justice and peace, we are sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

As a school community inspired by faith, may we continue to open our hearts to God’s Spirit and be people who bring love, courage and joy to others each day.

Project Compassion Results

Many thanks to those of you who contributed coins to the Project Compassion Drive. We raised $400 which will be sent to Caritas to provide sustainable, long-term support to marginalized and impoverished communities by funding clean water, healthcare, education, and livelihood training.

Class Masses

This Friday the Year 3/4 classes will attend the 9:15am parish mass and take responsibility for the Prayers of the Faithful, Offertory Gifts and Recessional faith song.

Additional dates for class masses are:

Year 5/6 Wednesday 17th June 

Year Prep, 1/2 - Thursday, 18th June 

Warmest wishes and God's blessings,

Marion O'Brien

Religious Education Leader