Infrastructure Improvements

During the week we had a large section of fence line on our Eastern boundary replaced. Following the receipt of an extremely competitive quote, we engage TBears Fencing and Decking to complete the works. Scott Brown (father of Ruby) worked diligently to complete this task to a really high standard in just two days. We are very appreciative of the way Scott looked after us.

To find out more about TBears Fencing and Decks and to view some of Scott's work go to:

http://tbearsfencinganddecks.blogspot.com/

Working Bee Last Sunday

Following Mass on Sunday 16 June, a troup of willing workers led by Eugene Richards (School Advisory Council), Michael Falzon (SFX Staff) and Glenn Curran (Works and Maintenance Committee) embarked on the restoration of the Senior Building Deck, adjacent to the Tennis Club. Rotten wood was replaced, the surface was sanded and a cleaning agent was applied in preparation for the application of an oil stain. Due to the damp weather, the wood was unable to be stained but the hard work has been done and the final stage will happen as soon as the wood is dry enough. Thanks to all the families who assisted with this working bee.

You will notice that some trees were also removed by members of the tennis club which were damaging the electrical cables and lifting the court edgings. It was great that our parents were able to support the Tennis Club with this task.

Pick My Project - Grass Sports

Due to the recent persistent rain, Grass Sports are behind on their schedule of works and have not yet been able to commence works on our oval project. We are hoping works will commence by the end of next week as the forecast is for fine weather during the week. This will give Grass Sports two clear weeks without anyone at the school on the school holidays. Following the holidays, there will be another four to six weeks of works to be completed. All things being equal, it is hoped the oval will be completed mid way through next term.

To view the work of Grass Sports visit https://www.grassports.com.au/

Congratulations Erin Pretto - Classroom Teacher Year 4EP

Erin Pretto presented evidence to a three person panel on Tuesday 18 June that she has demonstrated adequate proficiency to be admitted to Full Registration under the Victorian Institute of Teaching. The professionalism displayed in this presentation was absolutely exemplary and I have recommended Erin for admittance to Full Registration. To celebrate this fantastic achievement, the staff put on a lovely morning tea for Erin and this was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The Trewella Family

Thank you to the community for everything you have done to support Wayne, Hannah, Eliza and Ben Trewella during what has been an extremely sad time. Throughout all of this, we have seen the very best of the people of the SFX community. Help has also come from the Holy Trinity end of the parish where a morning tea raised $440.00 which was donated to the family via the Go Fund Me page. This page has already raised in excess of $12,000.00 in the last 14 days.

It was lovely having Ben back with us at school this week. Following his return to Soccer last weekend and reconnecting socially with his team mates, Ben felt ready to return to school and he was welcomed warmly and sensitively by all at the school. The children have been encouraged to support ben by keeping things as normal as possible for Ben while he settles back into school life. We have encouraged children with questions to address these to their teachers and parents. Please continue to support and reassure your children as events like this raise questions for children about the mortality of their family members as well.

Semester One Reports - Compass Education

Our Semester One Reports will be distributed to families via SeeSaw this Tuesday afternoon. They will be available for download in PDF format and can be saved, printed, emailed and stored on line for retrieval at a later date. We hope to be fully set up with Compass and able to distribute the reports via the App by the end of the year.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

As you are aware, we are trialling holding interviews on the last day of term this year. This has been done in response to feedback from parents that a mid week Pupil Free Day in the week leading up to School Holidays is quite inconvenient for working parents. We have also accommodated working parents by offering interviews in the afternoon and evening the day before. We will be surveying parents about the new format following the interviews and considering the responses when deciding how we will move forward in the future.

New Principal Appointment

As you are aware, Fr Michael Sierakowski has convened a panel to select the new principal for St Francis Xavier School. This panel is a dynamic group of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary educators and school leaders, parents and professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Marketing and Psychology.

During the first meeting they developed the local selection criteria. In the second meeting they drafted the questions which will be posed to each of the applicants. The position was advertised on Friday via the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria website and in the Australian Newspaper. See advertisement below:

Applications close on Monday 15 July and interviews will be held about a fortnight later. It is hoped that we will be able to inform the community who the successful applicant is by early to mid August. It is envisaged that the new principal will then take up the position at the commencement of Term 4. I will then move to my new position at St Joseph's Yarra Junction.

Best wishes,

Nicholas Boyhan

Acting Principal