From the Principal

It seems that everything you do from Melbourne Cup Day until the final day of school for the year is just like the race itself….a race to the line. One of the reasons for me starting at St Francis Xavier School this year rather than next, is so that we could create structures and procedures for 2020, employ great staff, plan for new and existing programs. That is what we did at the 2020 School Planning Day last Monday. This was a very successful and busy day for the staff, but gave all a sense of new direction and a clear sense of the pathway ahead.

From next Monday there will be a change of procedure in the morning. Children should not be dropped off at school prior to 8.40am for their own safety. Children will not be entering the classrooms any longer, however they will remain on the basketball courts under the supervision of a teacher until the bell goes at 8.55am. At this point, the children will assemble in their class lines and we will have a short assembly to begin the new school day. Parents are most welcome to stay for this assembly where we will announce birthdays, raise the flag and sing the national anthem on a Monday, and update the children with upcoming announcements. I have always found that this is a great way to build a sense of school community and connectedness amongst the students, and importantly allow children to ‘change gears’ and focus on the learning of the day. After this short assembly, the children will move into classes to begin their day.

We will send home further information about 2020 in the coming week and I am sure that parents and children will be excited about the new package of offerings that will be introduced next year. This will include new Specialist teachers and subjects and greater intervention support in English and Maths.

FAREWELL TO OUR DEPARTING STAFF

We bid farewell to five staff who have served St. Francis Xavier School over many years and whose contributions will leave an enduring legacy to the school.

Lynne Lennon (Learning Support Officer) who has been at SFX since 2008 and served to assist children in their learning right across the school. Thank you. Lynne is increasing her load at St Paul the Apostle School in Doreen.

Michael Falzon (Cleaning/Maintenance) who has been instrumental in keeping our school clean and maintained since 2014. Thank you for your work at our school.

Nicola Lane (Administration) who has been an important part of the SFX community as a parent and a valued member of our administration team. Thank you Nicola for your years of service and you will be greatly missed.

Daniel Egan (Class teacher) who was himself a student at our school, a student teacher at our school, and since 2010 a teacher at our school. Thank you. Mr. Egan has accepted a position at St. James School in Vermont, a school that is closer to home and will give Daniel exposure to a new school and a wonderful career ahead.

Janelle Reid (Student Wellbeing/Maths Intervention) has accepted a position at Glowrey Catholic Primary School in Wollert. We thank Ms Reid for her work since 2011, especially in the last couple of years with NCCD funding and catering for our special needs children.

Adriana Bownds (The Everything Lady). Thanks to Ms Bownds for her work at St. Francis Xavier School initially as a parent, then as a class teacher, then as a Faith Leader, then as an Acting Deputy, then as an Acting Principal. Many of these titles have been achieved in the last 12 months! Ms. Bownds has accepted a teaching and leadership position at St Paul the Apostle School in Doreen also and we will miss her energy and her football allegiances. On a personal note, I thank Adriana for the level of professional support and communication I have received since being appointed Principal in August. We wish her well in her new school!