Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

A huge thank you to the Junior School families who were able to attend our Prayers in Pyjamas evening on August 6th. I think the photos below are indicative of what a lovely evening we all shared. I was so proud of the way our children conducted themselves. The excitement and sincerity demonstrated through their engagement was heartwarming and I know the children loved being able to spend the evening participating with their family members.

My sincere appreciation goes to to Miss Melanie, Miss Georgia, Miss Becc, Miss Terri, Miss Laura, Miss Yvette, Miss Kayla, Miss Tracey and Miss Erin for their preparation and facilitation of the prayer experiences. I would also like to acknowledge Ema, Harley and Helna, three of our Year 5/6s, who assisted the teachers during the evening - we love it when our senior students are keen to step up and support the staff. We had a bit of a St Francis Xavier focus throughout the evening as this term the children have been extending their understanding of our patron saint, his teachings and values.

Student Created Prayers

I am always delighted when a student approaches me with a prayer, drawing or resource they've created using their own initiative, in their own time.  This term three of our children created their own prayers so I've copied them onto slides to share with you. It's great to see the prayers reflect kindness towards or looking after others.

Why Religious Education Matters - A Message for Catholic School Families

In light of the recent census there has been quite a bit of media attention regarding religion in our society and in schools. I recently read an article in The Conversation, entitled “With religious hostility surging in Australia, we need to rethink our approach to religious education."  Ithighlighted an important reason why religious education continues to matter in Australian schools. The article points to increasing religious tension, declining religious literacy and growing misunderstanding between people of different faiths.

For Catholic schools, this presents an important opportunity. Religious education is not simply about learning facts about Christianity – it helps children develop an understanding of faith, values, culture and the beliefs of others. Research highlighted in the article suggests that quality religious education can encourage critical thinking, kindness, tolerance and broader worldviews.

Catholic schools are uniquely placed to nurture these qualities within a community grounded in the teachings of Jesus. Through learning about Scripture, prayer, Catholic tradition and the lives of people who have lived out their faith, students are encouraged to ask questions, think deeply about what is right and just, and consider how their choices can contribute to the wellbeing of others.

Importantly, a strong Catholic education does not seek to isolate children from a diverse world. Rather, it prepares them to understand their own faith while respectfully engaging with people whose beliefs, cultures and experiences may be different from their own. In a society where religious misunderstanding and hostility are increasing, this capacity for respectful dialogue, empathy and peaceful relationships is increasingly valuable.

The article reminds us that social cohesion begins with young people. Catholic schools have an important role to play in forming children who are confident in their own identity, curious about others, respectful of difference and committed to living the Gospel values of love, compassion, justice and peace.

This is one of the great strengths of Catholic education: we educate the whole person – mind, heart and spirit – helping children become thoughtful, compassionate and faith-filled contributors to our community and our wider world.

Thank you for choosing St Francis Xavier.

Term 3 Class Masses

CLASS MASSES TERM 3

This term's class masses are on the following dates at 9:15am in St Francis Xavier Church:

Year 3/4 Friday 21st August

Year P + 1/2 Thursday 3rd September

Warmest wishes and God's blessings.

Marion O'Brien

Religious Education Leader