SFX Newsletter

Principal's Report

Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

 

Term 1 - Week 3

 

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

 

Yesterday both students and staff attended the Ash Wednesday Mass in the church. This special Mass marked the beginning of the Season of Lent. At this Mass, the ashes were distributed and students prayed for God’s blessings as we journey towards the great celebration of Easter. We are called as Catholic Christians to experience a ‘change of heart’ during Lent. We are all called to:

 

Pray more often

Practise self denial

Practise Almsgiving or acts of charity 

 

For the forty days from Ash Wednesday till Easter Sunday, we aim to become more thoughtful, patient, generous and Christ-like people. This is what the children in our school are learning about and practising. 

 

Thank you to Father Kevin Burke who led us in prayer, replacing Father Chinua who is due back from his trip to Nigeria any day now. 

 

Loving Father, 

As we embark on this sacred journey of Lent, bless our hearts with humility and our actions with compassion. Guide us in prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness. May this season be a time of reflection, growth, and unity within our Catholic Primary School community. Grant us strength to embrace challenges and draw closer to You. In the spirit of love and sacrifice, may our efforts bring us closer to the joy of Easter. 

Amen.

 

RESPECT - Our whole school focus during Term One

This term, our school-wide focus on is on Respect. Teaching our children to respect themselves, others, and our school creates a foundation for a positive and inclusive community. It instills values that extend beyond academic achievements, shaping character and empathy. Teachers are making explicit connections to our HERO awards (Helping Everyone Respect Others) this term,  endeavouring to promote and celebrate acts that demonstrate respect in its various forms. We hope to empower our students with the virtues of kindness and understanding, ensuring a harmonious and enriching educational journey for each and every one of them.

 

Welcome Picnic

This year's Welcome Picnic will take place on Friday 1st March. Our picnic is always a great opportunity for families to connect, and students always have a lot of fun! 

 

-BYO picnic and drinks (no alcohol permitted)

-Cake stall

-2 x Jumping Castles (one for students, one for younger siblings)

-Free Tattoos

-Market Stalls

-Fun games

 

There is no need to RSVP, but we do hope to see as many families as possible on the evening.  

 

I would also like to remind families that students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian if they wish to attend. They cannot be dropped at school and left unsupervised. 

 

School Uniform

Thank you to all the families who have made an effort to ensure that your children are being sent to school in the correct school uniform.

 

We understand that occasionally, your child may be out of uniform due to a number of reasons, including broken school shoes, wet washing, lost jumper etc. If this is ever the case, please write a note of explanation to your child’s class teacher. We will always remind children when they are out of uniform and if, after a reminder, the situation is not remedied, we will contact families reminding you that you need to act. Thank you for your support in this matter. 

 

Please remember:

  • School shoes must be all black. There should be no other colours visible. 
  • Navy socks are worn with the school uniform.
  • White socks are worn with the sports uniform. 

 Please note that the following are not part of our policy:

  • Socks with logos such as Nike etc
  • Coloured and extreme hair styles
  • Hair below shoulder length that is not tied back
  • Jewellery other than simple sleepers, studs and watches. Please save other jewellery for the weekend.
  • No make up or nail polish
  • No smart watches or watches that can be used to take photos or send messages

Assembly next week

Next Tuesday 20th February will be the date of our first assembly of the year. Assembly will start at 2:30pm and parents and carers are welcome to attend.

At this assembly, our Grade 6 students will be officially presented with their leadership badges in front of the school. 

 

School Crossing 

Roberta, our wonderful school crossing supervisor, has asked me to remind families not to gather as a group and chat in the area near the crossing. In order to keep students safe, she needs a clear space in the crossing area and line of sight towards both sides of the road. If you are staying to chat with friends before or after school, please move across to Beauty Park where there is plenty of clear space. 

Roberta is also concerned that a number of adults are crossing the road outside the school instead of walking that bit further to use the school crossing. Could I please ask everyone to use the school crossing if the flags are out.

Thank you for your support with these requests. 

 

School Advisory Council

The first meeting of our School Advisory Council (SAC) will be held on Thursday 29th February at 7:00 pm. 

 

This year we welcome Rose (mum of Willow in Grade 1) and Isabel (mum of Ema in Grade 3) as new members of the SAC. I thank them both for generously offering their time and support to this vital school group. I would also like to acknowledge the continued commitment of Emilia , Shaunie , Meghan and Mel, who are all returning members of the SAC in 2024. 

 

The following are some of the ways in which the School Advisory Council support the school and its leadership:

  • Promoting the school's Catholic ethos and culture
  • Articulating and enacting the school's vision and mission
  • Promoting Faith and development
  • Capital resource planning and maintenance
  • Implementing school policies
  • Supporting and communicating both school and parish matters
  • Giving advice on issues such as enrolments, school improvement plans and enrolment trends.

Collection Notice - FYI

Concessional Fees/CSEF 

Any families who have a valid Concession Card should provide this information to the office. Families with a valid concession card are entitled to discounted school fees as well as CSEF funding (see form below). Please contact Claire or Kellie in the office if you would like more information. 

Prep Enrolments 2025

We have had the first few enrolment forms for Prep in 2025 returned to school already.

If you know anyone who may be interested in enrolling at S.F.X, please encourage them to come for a tour or to phone the school office for more information.

If you have a child who will be ready to start at St Francis Xavier next year, please come and collect an enrolment form from the office if you have not done so already. 

 

Year 7 Enrolments

Just a reminder to Grade 5 parents - If you are wanting your child to enrol in a Catholic Secondary School in 2026, you need to do this by the 16th of August 2024.  Please mark this date in your calendars. John Paul College in Frankston is our local Catholic Secondary School. Please contact them if you have any questions or would like to organise a tour. 

https://www.jpc.vic.edu.au/enrolments/apply-now

 

School Closure Day

A reminder that Wednesday 6th March is a school closure day at St Francis Xavier Primary School. Please make sure you organise supervision for your child/ren on this day.

 

Have a great weekend.     

 

Steve Peart

School Principal