Principal's Report

Week 9, Term 4

Dear St FX families, 

Welcome to the last newsletter of 2024! It’s been an action-packed year, but one that we can sign-off as being successful. It's been wonderful to come in and witness all the school-based and community events we take part in across the year - something that the school community should be very proud of. 

St FX P&F Colour Run

I would like to extend my thanks to our P&F Committee, particularly President Mel O’Connor and Secretary Phil Davies, for their organisation of our recent Colour Run. Unfortunately, the Colour Run had to be cancelled at the last minute due to the inclement weather we experienced that week. We were fortunate, however, to have the committee and other volunteers available to cook a BBQ lunch for us and the many of our families who were still able to join us for lunch. Whilst the Colour Run component was missed, the opportunity to gather as a school community was wonderful. 

Annual Band Performance

Whilst talking of school community spirit, it was well and truly present last Sunday as our St FX Band performed for families under our COLA. Under the instruction of our school’s music teacher, Rosemary Smith, our band played numerous songs across a half-hour period, and then shared a lovely morning tea together with the families and friends in the audience. Thanks must go to Rosemary for the dedication she has shown towards our band over the years, but also to the ex-students and family members who performed alongside our current students on Sunday, as well as all those community members who came along to watch the concert. 

Family Mass - Harvest Thanksgiving Mass

Thank you to all the families who joined us for our last Family Mass of 2024. As you’d be aware, it was originally scheduled for late November, however Fr Paul asked us to postpone it so we could combine it with a Thanksgiving Mass offering thanks for this year’s harvest, before finishing the evening with the Parish Christmas party. 

End of Year Mass - Feast of St Francis Xavier

Last Monday, we celebrated our End of Year Mass in alignment with the Feast Day of our school’s patron saint, St Francis Xavier.

St Francis Xavier is one of the greatest missionaries in the history of the Catholic Church, known for his deep faith, dedication, and tireless work spreading the Gospel. Born in 1506 in Spain, he co-founded the Jesuit order and traveled extensively, bringing Christianity to India, Japan, and other parts of Asia.

Francis Xavier's life exemplifies courage, compassion, and a heart for serving others, especially those in need. His commitment to education and sharing the Good News continues to inspire us as a school community. Through his intercession, we strive to follow his example of love, service, and faithfulness in our everyday lives.

Let us reflect on his legacy as we grow together in faith and learning at St FX.

2025 Student Leadership Speeches

Today, many of our Year 5 students delivered their leadership speech as part of the process of running for a student leadership position in 2025. These young, aspiring leaders recently nominated for a student leadership position for 2025 and then prepared a leadership speech in class as part of this term’s literacy unit. Following the speeches, the student body voted for the 2025 student leaders and we look forward to being able to share the results of the various positions with the school community. 

2025 Classes

Families will receive correspondence from me early this week regarding the 2025 teaching staff. Should you wish to make a request for your child’s placement, please email me by this Friday at naradmin@arm.catholic.edu.au with the subject title CONFIDENTIAL ATTENTION: MAL FREND. While we cannot guarantee any requests, all attempts will be made to accommodate them. Final class lists will be sent home following our New Class Session on Tuesday 17th December. 

2024 Presentation Day

Our 2024 St FX Presentation Day will be held at the Crossing Theatre on Wednesday Week 10 (December 18th). It will commence at 10am and we anticipate that it will conclude around midday. Letters were sent home to the families of award recipients on Friday last week, however all families are more than welcome to attend.

Christmas Thank You Message

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our St FX families and friends for your support throughout the year. St FX is a wonderful school and I am blessed to have started my principalship at such a high-function setting. I hope you all experience the joy of Christmas with family and friends and celebrate the start of 2025 in style. For those families travelling this holiday period, I wish you safe travels and look forward to seeing you all again in the new year. 

All the very best wishes, 

Mal Frend