Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

Term 2 - Week 5

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

Tomorrow (May 26th) is National Sorry Day. The following week (27/5 - 3/6) is National Reconciliation Week.

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.

National Reconciliation Week encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations.

Tomorrow at school, the students will gather together in the Red Centre for a special National Sorry Day service, led by our Fire Carriers. There will also be more activities planned throughout next week. We will share photos in our next newsletter.

Heavenly Father,

On this Sorry Day, we humbly gather before You to offer our prayers for our indigenous brothers and sisters. We seek Your forgiveness for the injustices they have endured. Grant us the courage to acknowledge and rectify past wrongs, embracing a future of compassion and unity. May their ancestral wisdom and rich heritage be respected and cherished. Strengthen us to promote justice, equality, and reconciliation, fostering a society where all cultures are celebrated. Grant us the grace to walk hand in hand, restoring dignity and fostering healing.

In Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Amen.

School Advisory Council Meeting

Last Thursday evening, the School Advisory Council (SAC) met for the second time this year. The SAC provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where the parent/guardian voice and perspective are available to inform and support the decisions made by the school.

I would like to acknowledge the members of the SAC, who make themselves available 6-8 times each year to meet and be a voice for the school community. Thank you to Emilia D (Chairperson), Claire B (Secretary), Shaunie L, Meghan T, Melissa K, Christine W and Miss Marion for your commitment and the support you provide to our school.

A number of topics were tabled and I have summarised the discussions below;

School Uniform

- The school uniform price list has not been looked at for a number of years now. We are waiting for the supplier to provide a current price list of all items we purchase from them, so we can make any changes that may be required.

- We would like to encourage all families who have any spare uniform items at home to consider donating them to the Second Hand Uniform rack. All items and sizes are needed and we would be greatly appreciative if any families who have outgrown items in decent condition are able to donate them.

- The overall cost of the school uniform was discussed. Although we always endeavour to keep costs for families to a minimum, the SAC agreed that we would look at the uniform price list of neighbouring schools to ensure what we are charging families is consistent with what is being charged elsewhere. This will be discussed at our meeting later in the Term.

Key Dates - 2023

One of the tasks that the SAC is responsible for is to approve proposed school closure days that take place throughout the year. The remaining school closure days for 2023 have now been approved by the SAC. They are;

- Friday June 9th

- Monday July 24th

- Monday November 6th

The last day for students in 2023 will be Friday 15th December. Dismissal will be at 3:15pm on this day. Staff will then return the following week to continue planning for 2024.

Swimming

The SAC discussed the pros/cons of initiating a Prep-Grade 2 Swimming program at S.F.X, potentially beginning in 2024. At present, the Grade 3-6 Lifesaving program at PARC is the only water safety/swimming program that we run through the school.

I will be sending out a survey in the coming weeks which I invite all families to respond to. We hope to get a feel for the level of support from S.F.X families in regard to whether or not they would like to see a swimming program introduced in the junior levels. Generally, schools running a swimming program include 5 x 30-45min lessons, spread across one week. The SAC will then discuss the responses at a future meeting.

Movie Night

Next Thursday evening (June 1st), students are invited back to school at 6:00pm for our school movie night. Thank you to members of the Friends of S.F.X group and new volunteers for organising this opportunity for the students. The details can all be found on the flyer below. Please remember to RSVP by returning the bottom section of the note (a hard copy went home on Tuesday) by this Monday.

Prep Enrolments 2024

Now is the time to enrol your four or five year old to start Prep at St Francis Xavier in 2024. If you need an enrolment form, please contact the staff in our school office as soon as possible. If you know someone who is looking for a school for their child, why not suggest St Francis Xavier as a great school to consider? I am always happy to take prospective families on a personal school tour.

Father Chinua leading a tour of the Holy Land

Father Chinua is leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land later in the year. If you or any relatives or friends would be interested in embarking on this amazing experience, please pass on the details located in the banner below.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone - try to stay dry!

Steve Peart

School Principal

HERO Awards

Semester 1

Holey Moley!