Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

Welcome to 2022,

It's such a delight, and a relief, to be back on site with all the children who are taking the start of the academic year in their stride and settling in very well.  I have enjoyed chatting with quite a few of them about their holiday experiences and it's been great to catch up with some of you as well.

This term in Faith Education we have a school focus on exploring scripture stories in the New Testament section of the Bible. We are endeavouring to engage the children in creative scripture experiences and give them a richer insight as to how the stories connect to our lives today and how they can relate and action the messages.  

We are also looking at Jesus as being an innovator, as his behaviours and messages of love, kindness and forgiveness were often not reflective of the rules and expectations of society at that time. For example in the story of the multiplying of the loaves and fishes the focus can be on the idea of a miracle or we can look at how Jesus cared so much about the crowd and their wellbeing and need for food that he took it upon himself to provide them with nourishment.  This can be related to our society today and how we have a responsibility to look after those who need our support. 

Our Year 4 students will be preparing for the Sacraments of Penance and Communion which we anticipate will be celebrated during the first semester.  Preparation for these sacraments form part of the classroom program so all our 3/4s will experience opportunities to explore and reflect on the importance and sometimes the challenge of being forgiven and forgiving others.

We have several students who are also being prepared for the Sacrament of Baptism. If you have a child whom you are considering having baptised, please feel free to get in touch with me as we offer preparation sessions after school.

Our Faith in Action Leaders for 2022 are Maria, Seerat, Siyana and Goakuoth who will be undertaking activities and responsibilities related to promoting, enhancing and supporting faith, on a variety of levels, at SFX.

Wishing you all a safe, happy and blessed year.

Marion O'Brien

Education in Faith Leader