From the Principal…..

On Sunday, 60 children from St Francis Xavier Parish celebrated the reception of the Blessed Sacrament of

First Holy Communion. This celebration marks the completion of the three Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism,

Confirmation and First Holy Communion (Eucharist). I congratulate these boys and girls and commend them

and their families for engaging in this next step in their faith formation. Thank you for keeping these children

in your prayers during their preparation.

Thank you to those who attended the parent forum meeting on Tuesday night. We discussed a number of

matters from renovations to a new winter uniform option. Our next meeting will be held on May 14th at 6pm.

Please consider attending to share in discussions around the future of our school.

On Saturday we removed the roller doors, security screens and wall cladding from the ground floor of the

Dean Redford wing. Opening this space up facilitates greater ventilation to our toilet block and provides a

more welcoming atmosphere. I thank Hamish Holbrook and team for their speedy removal of this material. If

you are interested in acquiring any of the materials removed, please contact the school office by next Friday.

Lately there has been very prominent support from our parent community in assisting with our canteen and

infants’ reading programs. Additionally, we have had wonderful support from school families in relation to

school improvements. The more you, as parents, involve yourselves and your families in our school, the more

your children will connect with our school and their learning environment. Our school is all the richer for our

parent and family involvement so please continue to show this support. I very sincerely thank all of our parents

who volunteer their time to support our school. Helpers are always welcome and appreciated.

We have commenced our Kinder 2020 Enrolment process with advertising currently being prepared for

distribution to the various preschools in our vicinity. If you know of any families who are looking to place a

child in Kindergarten in 2020, and who would contribute positively to our school community, please

encourage them to attend our information night on Tuesday, 7th May at 6pm in our Kinder rooms.

Have a great week.

Dan Gubby

PRINCIPAL

St Francis Xavier Primary School

38-50 Swift Street, Ballina NSW 2478

Phone: (02) 6686 3370 Facsimile: (02) 6686 0244

Email: balp@lism.catholic.edu.au

Website: http://moodle.balplism.catholic.edu.au/

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Week 8 Term 1 Friday, 22nd March 2019

As part of our whole school focus on writing and in conjunction with Xavier Catholic College, St Francis

Xavier is, again this year engaged in a literacy project called the Learning Gain Project. The project involves

teachers from both schools working together to teach specific literacy skills that aim to improve student

learning outcomes and support our students transition to Year 7. On Wednesday Mrs Miles, Mr Evans and

Mrs Coster worked alongside the Xavier Catholic College English teachers. This is a fantastic initiative

between our two schools.

Yesterday the whole school enjoyed a visit from a guest author and poet, Nadia Sunde who is a writer,

performer and previous ABC presenter who runs workshops with students all around the country. Nadia ran

three sessions with our students and everyone was very engaged in her very humorous show.

Next Thursday, 28th May our Year 3 and Year 5 students will be participating in the NAPLAN practice test.

This test will be a 45-minute combined Literacy and Numeracy test that is designed purely to test school

computer systems and to familiarise the students with the online NAPLAN testing process. The results are

not made available to the school or to parents. The official NAPLAN tests for students will commence on

Tuesday, 14th May 2019.

Regards and God Bless,

Matthew Ritchie

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

DATES TO REMEMBER

Please note – Newly added events or date changes will be highlighted in blue.

TERM 1 - 2019

Week 9 Monday, 25th March Canteen Closed

Wednesday, 27th March Polding Swimming Carnival-Sydney

Friday, 29th March Assembly 2:30pm - Prayer - Year 3

Week 10 Monday, 1st April CANTEEN CLOSED

School Cross Country

From the Assistant Principal

Thursday, 4th April Farewell for Mr Ryan-2:30pm-School Hall

Friday, 5th April Whole School Mass-12 noon

Week 11 Monday, 8th April CANTEEN CLOSED

Thursday, 11th April Last Day of Term 1

Holy Week Liturgy 9:30am-School Hall

Friday, 12th April Pupil Free Day

TERM 2 - 2019 Week 1 Monday, 29th April Pupil Free Day

Tuesday, 30th April First Day Term 2-All students

Wednesday, 1st May Zone Cross Country-Lismore

Thursday, 2nd May Crowley Visit- 1N

Week 2 Monday, 6th May CANTEEN CLOSED

Tuesday, 7th May Kinder 2020 Information Night 6-7pm-Kinder Rooms

Wednesday, 8th May Year 4 Camp- Camp Goodenough

Thursday, 9th May Year 4 Camp- Camp Goodenough

Friday, 10th May Year 4 Camp- Camp Goodenough

Week 3 Monday, 13th May CANTEEN CLOSED

Thursday, 16th May Crowley Visit-6M

Week 4 Monday, 20th May CANTEEN CLOSED

Wednesday, 22nd May Confirmation Reflection Day

Friday, 24th May Diocesan Cross Country- Bowraville

Weekend Mass Times

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to the students below from our school and parish who received the

Sacrament of First Holy Communion last Sunday. It was a lovely child centred

celebration that will be a highlight in the student’s memories. Please keep Erynn

Ralph in your prayers as she receives the Sacrament of First Holy Communion this

weekend.

Saturday Ballina 6:00pm Vigil (No Children’s Liturgy)

Sunday Ballina 9:00am (With Children’s Liturgy)

Sunday Lennox Head 7:30am (With Children’s Liturgy)

RE News…

Rhyah Bateman Finn Freeman Ryan Waldock

Raine Wallace Erika Wisemantel Zali Raudonikis

Max Sharpe Charlie Short Sierra Stokes

Luca Maddalena Sophie Meany Jye Miller

Fletcher Pereira Aliyah Gerada Cooper Gerada

Jett Haley Indigo Hanslow Citrine Healy

Wil Kennedy Ben Wallace Erynn Ralph

Max Buchanan Juliette Gubby

Caritas Lent Appeal- Project Compassion

This week our focus is on Peter from the Solomon Islands. Sixteen-year-old

Peter goes to a boarding school in the Solomon Islands which has experienced

water shortages for 60 years. Previously students would have to walk

kilometres each day in search of clean water. This was particularly challenging

for Peter who is living with a disability. With Caritas Australia’s support, the

school has created a new reliable water system. With more free time and fewer

illnesses caused by dirty water, Peter can fulfil his hope of focusing on his

studies, providing him with brighter future. To find out how we can support

Peter please click on the link. https://lent.caritas.org.au/page/week-3

Each class has a Project Compassion Box in their classroom and children are

encouraged to donate generously during Lent. This week we raised $54.30,

with the Year 1 class raising $22.20, through their generous efforts in making

and selling paper planes, what great initiative Year 1. Your support is much

appreciated.

Whole School Mass – Friday, 5th April - 12 noon

Our next whole school Mass will be celebrated Friday, 5th April at 12 noon. All families and friends are

most welcome to join us to celebrate the Eucharist. Stage 2 students will be helping with readings and

prayers.

Sacrament of Confirmation Groups start from Sunday, 7th April, 2019.

Reflection Day- Wednesday, 22nd May 2019 at St Francis

Xavier School.

Sacrament of Confirmation -Wednesday 22nd May, 2019 at

5:20pm

Upcoming Dates for your Calendar

Holy Week Liturgy, Week 11, Thursday, 12th April at 9.30am in the School Hall.

25.03.19 to 29.03.19

Monday: CANTEEN CLOSED

Tuesday: C. Wailes HELP NEEDED

Wednesday: A. Spencer, A. Gasnier

Thursday: C. Whitty HELP NEEDED

Friday: S. Balcombe, G. Wisemantel

Tammy is looking for any volunteers for canteen on Wednesdays, Thursdays and

Fridays. If you are able to spare a couple of hours please contact the school office on

66863370 or see Tammy in the canteen.

_________________________________________________________________

FRIDAY SPECIALs

29th March 2019

CHICKEN SUB/WRAP DAY-

COST: $4.80

Please place orders on a lunch bag and return, together

with payment, to the Canteen by Thursday, 28th March - 9am.

FISH BURGER DAY - COST- $4.50

Piece of Crumbed Fish with Lettuce, Tomato and Mayo - Cheese Extra 50c

Please place orders on a lunch bag and return, together with payment, to the Canteen by

Thursday, 28th March – 9am.

Normal menu items ARE NOT available on this day

Canteen News…

SUSHI DAYS for Term 1

$3.90 each- Sauce 20c each

Chicken, Tuna, Avocado or Vegetarian

Please note that any chicken or tuna sushi that are ordered will NOT have avocado in them.

22nd March to 28th March 2019

Maggie Rehwinkel Millar McElroy Vance Gisen Nash Whitton

Luke Dogan Oliver Church Rae McGuiness-Francis Miller Jensen-Tuicakau

Willow Taylor Chase Thompson Jake Watson Jye Miller

Max Sharpe Kyren Svensson Skye Dogan Ada Campbell

Lucy Russell Sharni Myers Jett Jones Indiana Hughes

Mason Gibbs Maggie Doyle Hayley Geddes Sophie Meany

Jasmine Ryan Matilda Hoey Marlia Griffith Cooper Winney

Chicken, Tuna, Avocado or Vegetarian Week 10 Thursday 4th April

Nash Gasnier Josh Patrick

Charlotte Doyle Maggie Doyle

Stella Marboeuf Kayden Thompson

Harry Groves Helena Hoey

Georgia McLean Brayden Willems-Pracy

Jacob Richardson

Term 1 Week 8 Awards…

Happy Birthday…

Diocesan Winter Sports Trials

Last Friday we had 11 students compete at the Lismore Diocesan Winter Sport Trials in Grafton.

Congratulations to the following students who will now be off to Tamworth in early Term 2 to compete in

the Polding Trials. Good luck in Tamworth.

Elizabeth Quinn-Hockey Olivia Ryan-Netball Eoin Shannon-Soccer

School Cross Country - Monday, 1st April 2019 - Kingsford Smith Park. Kinder, Years 1 and 2 (Not turning 8) Run 1km. = 1 lap

Years 3-4 Run 2km = 2 laps

Years 5-6 Run 3 km = 3 laps.

Time table for the day.

Class/Age Time

Kinder 9:30am

Years 1 & 2 (not turning 8) 9:50am

8 Years 10:10am

9 Years 10:30am

10 Years 10:55am

11 Years 11:20am

12-13 Years 11:55am

These times are approximate. Please be there earlier than this time, if you want to watch your child

race.

In the event of stormy weather, ie thunder and lightning, we are bound by the 30/30 rule. That is, if there is

thunder or lightning before or during a carnival, the event is stopped until at least 30 minutes has passed

with 30 seconds between the lightning and the thunder, the safety of our students, staff and community is

paramount in running these days. We make no apologies for postponing events based on the information we

have.

Please ensure that your child has a hat, sunscreen and water. If you are available to help as a marshal

we would appreciate this. Please contact the front office on 66863370 or Richard Ryan.

The first five place getters in each age from 8yrs and up are invited to compete at the Zone Carnival at

Riverview Park Lismore on Wednesday 1st May 2019.

Kids in the Kitchen

Last Friday Year 4 students experienced the Kids in the Kitchen Program. This great initiative allows

students to prepare and cook easy healthy food under the guidance of parents who were recently trained in

the program. A huge thank you to Jo Jackson, Louise Clark, Amy Campbell, Helen Scott, Helen Vaughan

and Kelly McLean for your time and knowledge. We cannot do this without this assistance.

Sport News…

This is the Third in a series of tips taken from ‘Parent Toolkit’

Social Awareness

Social awareness is understanding and respecting the perspectives of others, and applying

this knowledge on:

How to talk to your child about the feelings of others in real-life social interactions- social interactions

with people from diverse backgrounds. "How do you think that your friend Alice felt when you shared

your favourite toy with her today?" "Why do you think she felt this way?" "How did it make you feel when

we did this nice thing for her?"

How to discuss friendly and courteous behaviour with your child: "Did you remember to smile today?"

"Did you remember to be polite and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you?” "Why do you think that happened?" or

"How do you think that happened?

Teaching your child to respect others. For example, when speaking with your child about physical

differences, keep your explanations simple, like, "Your classmate is in a wheelchair because a part of her

body does not work." Be sure to include comments about what these children can do, and what they do well,

like "I notice that Cindy smiles and brings joy into your classroom, too, and even though she is different

from you, you may have some things in common.

Building your child’s sense of curiosity in everyday situations: "Why do you think that happened?" or

"How do you think that happened?"

How to talk to your child about respecting diversity: "Even though we all are different, we are similar in

many ways. We all love our families, and like it when people are kind to us. It’s important to respect and be

nice to all people, no matter where they come from or who they are."

Please join us for a chat and a beverage prior to collecting your child from school.

Welcome: Stage 1 Parents (Years 1 and 2) however all families are

welcome, please BYO mug or cup.

Guest Speaker: Leanne Robins –Parent Assembly CSO

Where: Old School Hall (Parent Hub)

When: Monday, 8th April - Week 11 at 2pm

Why: Because we want to foster community and strive to help you feel valued.

Warm Regards.

Lyn O’Neill

Coffee and Chat News…

From The Counsellors Couch…

with Lyn O’Neill

School Uniform Notice

St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School

Student Uniform Policy

Aim

To provide a clear set of expectations around students’ personal presentation including uniform, hairstyles,

jewellery and other accessories.

School Uniform

Students are expected to wear the correct school uniform at all times while at school and when travelling to

and from school in the public forum. Additionally, no partial school uniform is to be worn outside of school

hours such as at the shops.

Substitute uniforms are not permitted. Parents / guardians are to notify the class teacher of any incorrect

uniform. A period of up to two weeks may be granted for replacement of lost, damaged or out-grown uniform

items.

Summer Uniform

Boys:

• Navy shorts with school emblem

• Navy, green and white polo shirt with school emblem

• Navy ankle socks (visible above shoes)

• Navy school hat with school emblem

Girls:

• Navy culotte with school emblem or navy shorts with school emblem

• Navy, green and white polo shirt with school emblem

• Navy ankle socks (visible above shoes)

• Navy school hat with school emblem

• Navy, green or white (to match school polo) hair ribbons or scrunchies only

Winter Uniform

Boys:

• Navy shorts with school emblem or navy tracksuit pants with school emblem

• Navy, green and white polo shirt with school emblem

• Navy tracksuit jacket with school emblem

• Navy ankle socks (visible above shoes)

• Navy school hat with school emblem

Girls:

• Navy culotte with school emblem, navy shorts with school emblem or navy tracksuit pants with school

emblem

• Navy, green and white polo shirt with school emblem

• Navy tracksuit jacket with school emblem

School News…

• Navy ankle socks (visible above shoes)

• Navy school hat with school emblem

• Navy, green or white (to match school polo) hair ribbons or scrunchies only

Shoes: Both boys and girls wear all black leather school shoes (polishable) or all black joggers. (No coloured

(or white) stripes, trims or logos, black shoe laces only. No skate shoes/basketball boots or canvas shoes

allowed).

Hairstyles

Please ensure that all student haircuts are in accordance with our school’s uniform policy. Students are not to

have ‘extreme’ haircuts.

The following haircut styles are inappropriate for students at St Francis Xavier School:

• Mullet

• Mohawk

• Rat’s Tail

• Lines/Tracks

• Undercut

Hair is not to cover the eyes. Collar- length and longer is to be tied back. No colouring including bleach is to

be used. Any hair accessories must be colour-coordinated with our school uniform.

Jewellery and accessories

• Small sleeper or stud earrings (silver or gold) one per ear maximum.

• Medic Alert bands or therapeutic (therapist prescribed) bands only.

• Analogue or digital watches only (no smart watches, fitbits or other blue tooth, wifi or mobile network

devices to be worn)

• No nail polish or make up

• No tattoos, fake or real

Addressing matters of incorrect uniform

Parents agree by contract at point of enrolment to support the school’s position on students wearing correct

uniform. Any breach of this contract will be addressed via the following process:

1. Class teacher or school administration will address the matter personally with parent and/or student.

2. If the matter is not rectified, school administration will formally address the matter with the parent in

writing.

3. Failure to address the matter may result in indefinite suspension until the matter is resolved.

_________________________________________________________

School Fees…..

Please note that all Term 1 School Fees are overdue and payable immediately. If you would like to make a

payment arrangement please contact the School Office ASAP. All payment arrangements should have

started on 4th March 2019.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Absent Notes/SMS Messages… I

f your child is absent from school for any reason a formal notice of their absence is required. Phone calls,

verbal notification and emails to the class teacher are insufficient. The school office must be notified of the

absence by one of the following methods ONLY.

1. An SMS message on the day of the absence will be sent to the parent/carer. Simply reply to the SMS

with the reason for the absence and a written note will not be required.

2. A written note signed by the parent/guardian explaining the absence upon return to school of the student.

If the absence is to be for more than one day, please specify the date range so that the details can be entered

on the electronic class roll in advance. This will ensure you do not receive an SMS message for each day of

the absence.

__________________________________________________________________________

Student Messages…

If you need to contact the school to give your child/children a message regarding a change to arrangements

for after school transport, please ensure you phone the school office prior to 1:45pm to ensure the message

can be delivered in time. Unless it is an absolute emergency, we are unable to ensure messages can be delivered

at such short notice.

All after school care arrangements should be relayed to your child/children prior to arriving at school and in

the case of infants children, the teacher should be notified of any change to arrangements, particularly in

relation to bus travel, by a written note.

As you can appreciate the school is a very busy place at home time, so your assistance and consideration in

this regard would be greatly appreciated.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pupil Free Day

Friday, 12th April 2019

Staff Development Day

All staff will be participating in Professional Development.

Students do not attend school on this day.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pupil Free Day

Monday, 29th April 2019

Staff Development Day

All staff will be participating in Professional

Development.

Students do not attend school on this day.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

First Day Term 2

For All Students

Tuesday, 30th April 2019

__________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, 7th May 2019

6-7pm

Kinder Rooms

__________________________________________________________________________