Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

At our staff meeting next week we will be participating in a webinar that explores Pope Leo's encyclical 'Magnifica Humanitas' which is a statement about safeguarding humanity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). As you can imagine this has quite a few implications for us as Catholic educators. For those of you who are interested I have attached an easy to read summary of the document's main points in relation to Catholic schools.

Confirmation 2026

This year we have a unique situation in that just one student will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in October. The Catholic Sacrament of Confirmation is an important step in a young person’s faith journey. It is a sacrament through which Catholics believe a person is strengthened by the Holy Spirit and deepens their relationship with God. While Baptism welcomes a person into the Catholic faith, Confirmation is seen as a time when they are encouraged to take greater ownership of their faith and commit more personally to living according to Christian values.  

During Confirmation preparation our young people are invited to reflect on their beliefs, develop their sense of responsibility and community, and continue growing in faith.  The Confirmation topic is facilitated in Year 5/6 for all students. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to look beyond their own needs, identify their gifts and talents and consider how they might utilise them for the benefit of others.  Kaley in Year 6 has chosen St Joan of Arc as her Confirmation saint and we wish her well as she prepares to receive this special sacrament.

Fathers' Day

As we approach Father’s Day, we give thanks for the many special men who nurture, guide, encourage and love the children in our school community. We remember and celebrate fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, brothers, carers, mentors and other significant men who make a difference in the lives of our children. We also hold in our prayers those who are missing or grieving their fathers. May Father’s Day be a time to recognise the gift of loving relationships and to give thanks for the men who help our children grow, flourish and know that they are deeply loved.

Whole School Prayer

Our final Whole School Prayer for this term will be on the last morning, Friday September 18th at 8:50am. It will be a celebration of all we have been learning about St Francis Xavier.

Warmest wishes and God's blessings.

Marion O'Brien

Religious Education Leader