Faith Matters at 

St Francis Xavier School

Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

It has been encouraging to view and hear about all the Lenten practices and activities that have been occurring throughout the school and particularly within classrooms. Each class has a prayer table that is decorated with items and a coloured prayer cloth according to the liturgical season, currently it's purple. The children's attention is often drawn to the prayer table during daily prayers. Our teachers have been sharing and reflecting upon the traditions and purpose of Lent with the intention of giving the children a deeper understanding which can be embedded into their everyday lives. Particular reference has been on encouraging a peaceful, respectful environment and focusing on opportunities to reach out to others who need our care both within and outside of our community.

May I take this opportunity to thank families who have encouraged students to donate coins to Project Compassion which will run until the end of this term.

I would also like to pass on my gratitude to Fr Micheal who facilitated the Ash Wednesday Mass at the start of Lent. Many of the staff and several students commented on Fr Micheal's powerful, engaging homily.

RECONCILIATION AND EUCHARIST 2026

Six of our Year 4 students are preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (First Communion) in March and June. They have already begun learning about the importance of being forgiven and forgiving others which forms part of the regular faith class program for all Year 3/4s.

PRAYER BACKPACKS

This term the Year 2s have begun taking home our Family Prayer Backpacks.  The backpacks contain a variety of faith based activities including picture story books, colouring and writing exercises, meditations and an assortment of prayers. Year 1s and Preps will have the opportunity to take home the backpacks later this year. If your child takes the backpack home and would like a photo in the Newsletter, of themselves or your family, trying some of the activities please send the photo to myself or the classroom teacher.

Yours in faith,

Marion O'Brien

Religious Education Leader