Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

Term 1 - Week 3

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

With next Wednesday being Ash Wednesday, we are nearing the Season of Lent. We are called as Catholic Christians to experience a ‘change of heart’ during Lent. We are all called to:

Pray more often

Practise self denial

Practise Almsgiving or acts of charity

For the forty days from Ash Wednesday till Easter Sunday, we are all called to become more thoughtful, patient, generous and Christ-like people. This is what the children in our school are learning about and practising.

The students will attend the Ash Wednesday Mass next Wednesday morning and families are welcome to attend. The Mass will begin at 9:15am in the S.F.X Church.

Could I ask all families to make sure you take some time to read through Miss Marion's 'Faith Matters' page in this newsletter. There is lotsmore happening this term in the Education in Faith space that we are hoping families will be able to engage in.

New Equipment

This week our Giant Connect Four frames and Water Play Walls were introduced into the playground. Many students, both young and old, have taken the opportunity to engage with these fantastic additions to our school. The water walls in particular have come at the perfect time, considering the extremely warm end to this week!

These fantastic pieces of play equipment have been funded through the Friends of S.F.X group, who have worked tirelessly over the past few years providing events such as discos, movie nights, sausage sizzles and cake stalls. I thank them for all their hard work and also to all our families who have attend the various nights and contributed over previous years.

The school is also having two new basketball/netball towers installed on the basketball court next week, which is very exciting for our many students who have been playing basketball during break times.

Running Club

Our first Running Club for 2023 took place on Tuesday morning and I must say, Miss Emma and I were absolutely thrilled with the huge turn out. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and nearly 100 students were able to get around the Beauty Park running track for at least one lap. I was also really pleased to see so many mums, dads, baby brother and sisters, grandparents and even pets taking part as well.

As the year progresses, students will keep a tally of their laps. 50, 100 and 150 lap milestones are acknowledged with certificates, medals and pins which are presented in front of the whole school. Lets keep our fingers crossed for similar weather and an equally huge turn out next Tuesday morning. See you at 8:10am!

Welcome Picnic + Kaboom Sports

We are all looking forward to the Welcome Picnic and Kaboom Sports evening on Friday 3rd March. The evening will run from 5:00pm - 7:00pm and hopefully the weather is kind to us.

Families are encouraged to bring your own dinner, snacks and drinks to the event. I need to remind all families that due to Child Safety regulations, this is an Alcohol-Free event.

Icy Poles will be on sale for $0.50.

It is also important to mention that students cannot be dropped at the Welcome Picnic and left alone. This is a family event and all students (and siblings) must have parental supervision at all times while on the school grounds.

Communication

I would like to remind everyone that should you have a concern regarding your child from an academic or social perspective, the first person you should speak with is your child’s class teacher. Please be aware that they may not be able to speak with you for an extended period at the classroom door due to meetings and supervision requirements, but they are all willing for you to make an appointment to see them.

Prep Enrolments 2024

We have had the first few enrolment forms for Prep in 2024 returned to school already.

If you know anyone who may be interested in enrolling at S.F.X, please encourage them to come for a tour or to phone the school office for more information.

If you have a child who will be ready to start at St Francis Xavier next year, please come and collect an enrolment form from the office if you have not done so already.

School Closure Day

A reminder that Friday 10th March is a school closure day at St Francis Xavier Primary School. The staff will spend the day working through School Improvement Framework tasks, in preparation for our School Review which is taking place in Term Four this year. Please make sure you organise supervision for your child on this day.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone.

Steve Peart

School Principal

HERO Awards

Semester 1