Principal's News

Dear Parents & Carers,

Welcome back! 

We have certainly fitted so much into the past two weeks and have returned with a bang.

Feast of St Joachim and St Anne- Grandparents Day

Last Friday we celebrated the Feast of St Joachim and St Anne, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Our Lord. Now an annual event on our school calendar, Grandparents Day is always filled with joy and reflects the special community we are blessed to have at St Francis Xavier. 

The presence of the Holy Spirit was truly felt across the school, and it was wonderful to welcome so many grandparents to our morning tea, so beautifully organised by Mrs Radano and Mrs Ayoub. I also thank our staff, who arrived well before school to help prepare the hall and morning tea. They do so willingly to ensure our children and grandparents enjoy such a special morning together.

The celebration began with a beautiful prayer service, led by our SRC, Miss Cindy, our Family Educator, and Mr Criniti. We were also privileged to hear from Mrs Kerrie Forwood, grandmother of James, Zoe and Max, and herself a former St Francis Xavier student. Kerrie spoke so warmly about the joys of being a grandparent and the way her Catholic faith continues to sustain her in that vocation.  

As I shared with our community on Friday, we thank God for the gift of this wonderful school and all that it brings. Grandparents Day is our way of thanking the grandparents who give so generously of themselves and enrich the lives of our children and our community. We look forward to welcoming you all back again next year.

Winter Sleepout

On Tuesday evening, our annual Winter Sleepout took place in the primary playground. This special event provides fathers and father figures with an opportunity to spend quality time with their children while supporting a very worthy cause. With homelessness continuing to affect so many people across Sydney, the evening reminds us of our responsibility to live out the values of Catholic Social Teaching. Thank you to the many families who joined us and to Father Richard for leading us in prayer.  

Magis 2033

On Wednesday, I joined our leadership team for a strategy day at the Sydney Catholic Schools head office. Together we explored the new system strategy, Magis 2033, and how it aligns with the Excellence in Action framework, as well as our own Mission, Vision and Values. 

The word Magis means “the more” or “the greater” and reflects the Jesuit call to continually seek what is better in the service of others. At St Francis Xavier, we are always striving to improve, and our leadership team concluded that both Magis 2033 and Excellence in Action align strongly with the direction of our school. 

We look forward to continuing this work throughout 2027 and beyond.   

As many of you know, today is my final day before commencing Long Service Leave. I

 leave knowing the school is in very safe hands with Mrs Scullion, ably supported by Mr Criniti , Mrs Girgenti, Miss Simone and the returning Mrs Barbera. 

I know they will lead our school exceptionally well and will enjoy the same support from our community that I have always been fortunate to receive.

During my leave I will be visiting Sicily  on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, I will keep our  St Francis Xavier community in my prayers.

I look forward to seeing you all again in September.

Brian Anderson


Principal