Saint Francis Xavier - Principal's Report

Term 4 - Week 11

Dear Parents and Friends of St Francis Xavier,

As I write the final newsletter for 2021, I cannot help but reflect on yet another challenging year we have almost lived through. A year where life as we knew it continued to be tipped upside down. I cannot thank you, the parent community of St Francis Xavier's, enough for the kindness, the encouragement, the support and the gratitude you have collectively shown to the staff this year. We are truly grateful for all that you offer us as partners in your children’s learning and lives.

Dare we look forward to a brighter, calmer, more connected year in 2022? I dare! I hope so. I wish for a settled, safe and healthy year for everyone. I wish for a more open school where you can visit and participate freely and regularly.

I wish all of our families the joy, peace and love of the Christmas season. Cherish your family members and hold them close. May you take time to recognise the importance of this special time where Christians around the world celebrate the birth of the special child who would be the saviour of the world.

To Father Chinua, for your loving and enthusiastic presence and support, we thank you. We hope we can have you visit to celebrate the Eucharist with us often in 2022. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ministry with us all.

I wish all of our amazing Year 6 students the very best as they embark on the exciting adventure of secondary school. I thank you for who you are and for what you’ve contributed to St Francis Xavier Primary School. I hope you and your parents feel proud and enjoyed your wonderful graduation ceremony last night.

To the other children and families who are leaving our school, I wish you the very best at your new schools. Please stay in touch with your friends and teachers in 2022.

To the wonderful Ms Claire, Ms Maxine and Ms Kellie who run our school office so skillfully. Thank you for all that you do to contribute to life at our school. You treat all students, parents and visitors who visit the office with respect and kindness. You are positive, friendly and wonderful colleagues who are greatly appreciated by all.

To Ms Marion; our outstanding Deputy Principal. I am so thankful for who you are and for what you do for our community every single day.

To the Leadership Team. Thank you for your vision, your work ethic and your unwavering support of me and of our teachers. Thank you Ms Marion, Ms Erin, Ms Naomi and Ms Melissa.

To our wonderful teachers and LSO's, my respect and gratitude go to you for all your efforts and achievements. Thank you.

Goodbye and Thank You

It is my very sad task to remind everyone that one of our teachers will be leaving us at the end of the year. Ms Bridget will take up a position at St Patrick's in Mentone, where she will be leading a very lucky Prep class in 2022. I want to thank Bridget for her dedication and professionalism as she has worked with our teachers and our students throughout her time here. She is an amazing educator and much loved by our entire school community. I know they will love you at Mentone as well. Good Luck Ms Bridget!

To the other children and families who are leaving our school, I wish you the very best at your new schools. Please stay in touch with your friends and teachers in 2022.

Zubarev Family	Arms Family	Mcmahon Family
Liju Family	Ampani Family	Kennedy Family
Cardillo Family	Puthen Family	Benson Family

2022 Staffing Structure

Unfortunately we needed to cancel our Meet and Greet sessions on Monday as we are doing our best to limit the mixing of classes and staff this week. The Grade 3-6 students were informed of their 2022 classroom teacher on Monday. Grade P-2 students will find out that news today.

I can confirm that classes for 2022 are as follows:

Prep - Ms Melanie Paton

Year 1/2R - Ms Kim Ryan

Year 1/2T - Ms Terri Burridge

Year 3/4B - Mr Brendan Adcock

Year 3/4VG - Miss Vanessa O'Brien (3 days) and Miss Georgia Dickinson (2 days)

Year 5/6T - Miss Tamara O'Connell

Year 5/6C - Mr Cameron McGill (4 days) and Ms Judy Hogan (1 day)

Italian - Ms Kelly Ruffell

Performing Arts - Ms Nicole Lee

Visual Art - Ms Renee Verkerk

P.E - Ms Emma Cooper

Maths Intervention - Ms Erin Walton

Literacy Intervention - Ms Melissa Sotelo

School Counsellor - Ms Renee Verkerk

Welcome to new staff members

St Francis Xavier Primary School would like to welcome the following staff members who will be joining our team in 2022.

Kim Ryan will be teaching a Grade 1/2 class next year. Kim is an experienced teacher who has recently worked at St Brendan's in Somerville and St Macartan's in Mornington. We are very excited to have Kim joining us next year and she will be a huge asset to have working in our junior team.

Ella McConnell and Sue Hunter will be extremely valuable additions to our team of Learning Support Officers. Ella and Sue are both experienced educators who will bring a wealth of knowledge from their respective backgrounds. I look forward to introducing Kim, Ella and Sue to you all at the beginning of 2022.

Baptisms for Students at St Francis Xavier School

If any families have children already at our school and are considering getting them baptised in 2022, please get in touch with Ms Marion early in the new year. She facilitates the Baptism preparation for school aged children at St Francis Xavier on behalf of the parish. Preparation sessions are onsite after school.

Guitar and Piano Lessons in 2022

Guitar, Piano and Ukelele lessons will be provided to interested students in 2022, subject to enough students taking them up to make them financially viable for the music teachers.

Guitar lessons are only available for Grade 2 - 6 students and take place on Monday afternoons from 3:15pm - 4:00pm. The cost is approximately $10 per session, and requires at least 7 students to take part.

Individual, 30 minute piano lessons take place during school hours on a weekly basis. The cost is $25 per lesson and at least 4 students would need to enrol for the lessons to run.

Guitar lessons are only available for Grade P - 3 students from 3:15pm - 4:00pm in a small group. The specific day is yet to be confirmed. The cost is approximately $10 per session, and requires at least 7 students to take part.

If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren in any of these groups, please email the office.

office@sfxfrankston.catholic.edu.au

Finally, thank you for the generosity and support that you have demonstrated this week to the wonderful staff and myself. I am very privileged to be leading such a wonderful school.

A blessed Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous new year to you all.

We will see you all on Monday, January 31st for the first day of 2022!

Steve Peart

School Principal

Faith Matters

At St Francis Xavier School