Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

The end of another very busy but successful year at StFX is almost upon us! There is quite a lot to get through over the next two weeks, however it is also a wonderful chance to look back and reflect upon the great success of our staff, students and school community over the course of another year. We have the opportunity to do that formally next Wednesday 14 December at our annual Presentation Night. This will be held at the Crossing Theatre commencing at 7.00pm. All students are asked to be dressed in full summer uniform for this very important event in the school's calendar. At the Presentation Night, we recognise academic, sporting and civics achievement through the class and special awards, as well as some performances from our school band and school choir. 

A very big thank you to all the families able to join us to celebrate the Feast Day of St Francis Xavier on Sunday. Our beautiful Family Mass was followed by an amazing end of year concert by our school band. A huge thank you to Mrs Rosemary Smith who continues to lead our school musicians each year to an extremely high standard.  

This Thursday our Year 5 students will present their 2023 leadership speeches in the church from 9.30am. Students in Years 2 to 6 will vote for our 2023 leaders following these speeches. In 2023, the Year 6 leadership team will consist of two school captains, two vice captains and six prefects. All students in Year 6 will be appointed as House Captains. The 2023 student leaders will be announced to the student body on Thursday afternoon.

The Semester Two student reports will be made available to parents from 3.30pm this Friday 9 December via the Compass portal. As always, I would encourage you to read over your child's school report with them and help them to reflect on their positive growth in 2022, as well as to identify areas of focus for improvement in 2023 and beyond. Taking this reflective approach with your child will help them in the their development of being lifelong learners to help them realise that this form of feedback is important in their life. 

There are two important events this Friday at StFX. In the morning, students are asked to bring along coins for our St Vincent de Paul coin drop. All monies raised will be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. All donations are greatly appreciated. In the afternoon, our students will participate in our postponed Colour Run commencing at 1.30pm. Students are invited to come to school dressed in white or light coloured clothing (preferably older clothing). Students will also need to pack a spare set of clothes to change into after the colour run, especially those who will be travelling home via bus. All parents are invited to come along to watch and any parent volunteers to help throw the coloured dust would be greatly appreciated. 

We have the opportunity to farewell and congratulate our 2022 Year 6 graduating class with a special Graduation Mass next Wednesday 14 December at 12.00pm. All families are welcome to attend our Mass at St Francis Xavier's Church. 

Next Wednesday 14 December will also see our 2023 transition to new classes. From 9.00am to 11.00am, students will be placed in their 2023 classrooms with their 2023 class teachers. On this day, they will also receive a note to be sent home with their 2023 classlists and requirements. Thank you to those parents who have contacted me in regards to class placement requests. As the class lists are now finalised, no more requests will be taken. 

We will send out a short newsletter next Monday with some information for the beginning of the 2023 school year. However, I can confirm that school will commence for all students K-6 on Tuesday 7 February 2023. 

Have a great week!

Nick