Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of a highly productive and enjoyable academic year, I wanted to

share a shorter newsletter reflecting on our successes and looking ahead to exciting plans for 2025.

It has been an absolute delight to return to St Francis Xavier earlier this year. Our community continues to flourish, with our masses, liturgies, and prayer services standing as powerful expressions of our Catholic faith. One of the highlights of this year was the beautiful celebration of the Feast of the Assumption.

We are deeply grateful for the spiritual guidance of Father Richard and the ongoing support of our Ursuline community, who are true models of faith and service. It is a privilege to continue their legacy as we prepare to celebrate the 95th anniversary of our school’s founding in 1930, throughout 2025.

Academic Excellence

This year has been marked by exceptional academic achievements. St Francis Xavier has once again demonstrated high academic standards, with NAPLAN results surpassing neighbouring Catholic, independent and public schools and our Year 6 Religious Education test scores reaching their highest levels since 2016. These outcomes reflect the dedication of our staff, students, and families in ensuring that our children thrive academically.

Staff Dedication

Our staff’s commitment to the students has been nothing short of inspiring. The outpouring of appreciation through thoughtful gifts and kind gestures over recent days has been truly heart warming. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible staff for their tireless efforts.

School Enhancements - Running track

Over the summer break, we have organised several improvements across the school:

A new running track will be installed in the primary playground.
Glass sliding doors will be added to Year 1 and Year 4 classrooms to promote further collaboration.
Areas of the hall will be repainted, and new carpets will be laid in the Year 2 classrooms.
The new roof will be installed and completed.

Fundraising Success Colour Run

This year’s fundraising efforts have been exceptional, with the Colour Run raising over $42,000. Fundraising at SFX is not just about raising funds—it’s about fostering a sense of community where students, staff, and families come together.

Looking ahead, we have an exciting line up of community events for 2025:

Term 1: A simplified, stress-free disco with free entry and only minimal charges for food and drinks.
Term 2: Our annual Colour Run, with funds being raised to enhance the infants’ playground.
Term 3: An inaugural Gala Dinner, coinciding with our 95th anniversary celebrations.
Term 4: Our traditional Carols and Christmas Raffle to conclude the year.

Please note that participation in fundraising events is always optional, and no child will ever be excluded based on circumstances.

Curriculum Enhancements

In 2025, every class will receive lessons in robotics and coding as part of the Digital Technologies curriculum. Feedback from Stage 3 students and staff who piloted these lessons has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to expand this program.

Our Amadeus music program will also continue, with each Year 3–6 student learning an instrument during a one-hour weekly lessons. Lessons have been shortened after feedback of school principals.

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Initiatives Friendology

The well-being and pastoral care of our students remain our main priority. This year, the launch of the Friendology program was a significant highlight. Paired with our SPBL program and Peaceful Kids initiative, these programs have enhanced our ability to provide structure, routine, and consistency.

Next year, Year 4 and Year 5 students will participate in Peaceful Kids, with the ultimate goal of every student benefiting from it during their time at SFX.

I am also please to inform the community that our school counsellor will now work every Monday and Tuesday throughout 2025.

Arts and Sports Achievements photos of sport

In 2025, our students will participate in the SCS Eisteddfod and various visual arts festivals. This year, our children shone brightly at Christmas at the Cathedral, performing exceptionally well at St Mary’s Cathedral—a memory they will cherish forever.

On the sporting front, SFX students have gained higher recognition, with several competing at SCS Conference levels and in the SCS Aquathon. We anticipate even greater sporting achievements in 2025.

Community Partnerships Kids at SFX

Our school readiness program for incoming students was a great success, ensuring a

smooth transition for our youngest learners. Enrolments are projected to grow by 7.9% next year, reflecting our strong reputation in the Inner West community.

Partnerships with Ashbury Kidz Academy and Seedlings Pre-School have strengthened our preschool-to-primary connections and provided leadership opportunities for our Year 5 and 6 students.

Farewell to Year 6

Yesterday, we bid a fond farewell to our Year 6 students and the families leaving SFX. As I

Closing Message

As we end this incredible year, I wish all our families a happy and holy Christmas and a

peaceful New Year.

Thank you for your unwavering support in making St Francis Xavier a truly thriving community.

Brian

Principal

SFX Newsletter

Learn. Create. Thrive.

Term 4 Week 10 · 19 Dec 2024

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