Faith Matters

Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

Welcome to 2024. 

There is such a beautiful atmosphere around our school and it's wonderful to see how keen the children (and staff) are to be back.  While on duty before school and during the breaks it's been a joy to see the children in such good spirits, happily and cooperatively engaging with one another and the teachers.

A special welcome to all our new families, both in Prep and other classes.  I hope you find your time at St Francis Xavier a worthwhile and happy experience.

This year we have agreed to undertake a whole school focus on the value of RESPECT.  All classes throughout the school will be considering what respect looks like, feels like and sounds like, as an individual and as a community.  The staff are committed to providing experiences and activities to support the children to develop their understanding of, and enhance their skills and strategies for respectful communication.  You may like to talk with your child(ren) about how and what they have been learning.

Our initial focus is 'What does respect sound like?' and we will be exploring the appropriate words, manner and tone we use when addressing others in a variety of situations. We will also me making connections with Bible stories and references to respectful speaking such as:

We will be exploring how scripture readings and stories are relevant to our lives today.

SACRAMENTS 2024

Last year I sent a letter to Year 4 families asking for expressions of interest as to whether you would like your child to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.  If you did not respond but would like your child to be involved in the preparation please get in touch with me by Friday 9th February.

I will send letters to Year 6 families later this term with regard to preparing for Confirmation.

Preparation for these sacraments is done during our faith learning in class time.

All students receiving sacraments are required to be baptised. If you have a child at our school and are thinking about having them baptised I am happy to chat with you about their preparation which occurs straight after school on site and involves one or two 40 minute sessions.

Sacramental Dates 2024

Reconciliation - Friday, 22nd March at 6:30pm

First Communion - Sunday, 2nd June at 10:30am

Confirmation - Sunday,10th November at 12pm

LENT/ASH WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, 14th February is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Catholic season of Lent.  The whole school will attend the morning, parish mass at 9:15am and we invite all families to join us.

God's blessings and best wishes, 

Marion O'Brien

Education in Faith Leader