Message from the Principal….....Parish Mass Times The Assumption of Our Lady – Monday, 15th...
Transcript of Message from the Principal….....Parish Mass Times The Assumption of Our Lady – Monday, 15th...
This week we said farewell to Mrs Rochelle Plain as she takes maternity leave for the remainder of the year.
I thank Rochelle for the wonderful work she has done along with our Year 1 team in guiding our children
through a period of time that has been difficult for all of us. We wish Rochelle all the best and look forward
to hearing some wonderful news in due course. As Rochelle’s leave was brought forward, we are yet to
finalise her replacement, but will do this early next week.
Next year we will be restructuring our school’s Leadership team to include a second Assistant Principal. Mr
Ritchie will continue in his role as one of our Assistant Principals. The second AP position will also have the
specific role of supporting our staff and students in all areas relating to learning and teaching. This specific
domain encompasses curriculum developments, contemporary teaching practices and deep knowledge of the
various learning needs of our children. This position is currently advertised and we hope to have an
appointment to this position for 2021 shortly.
This week the team from Northern Rivers Original Kitchens installed some new cabinetry into our school
library. We now have two new movable integrated shelf units and cabinetry to support two new touch screen
monitors that will allow our children to access the library catalogue to search for books of interest and locate
them on our shelves. Thank you to Mr John Ryan and his team for this fine craftsmanship.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Week 4 Term 3 Friday, 14th August 2020
ST FRANCIS XAVIER PRIMARY SCHOOL
38-50 Swift Street, Ballina NSW 2478
PO Box 1647, Ballina NSW 2478
Phone: 66 86 33 70
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.balplism.catholic.edu.au
Message from the Principal…..
We are fast approaching the Sep 24 Mathematics showdown between staff/parents and students. Man vs Child
(which is really open to any of our teachers and parents) encourages our children to develop faster recall of
basic maths facts. This crucial skill improves accuracy and confidence in our young mathematicians as it
enables them to dedicate more of their working memory towards deeper problem solving strategies. Every
single child from Year 4 to Year 6 has seen a noticeable improvement in their own personal recall of
multiplication facts this term. Whilst only the top 5 from each year level from 4 to 6 will compete on the day,
the greatest achievement is in the personal success of each child in the lead up. Whilst this is only a small
part of the many skills our children will need to become competent mathematicians, it is absolutely crucial.
Thank you to Ballina RSL and Book Warehouse for your very generous donations of vouchers that will be
used as prizes for the final competition. Any other donations from families or local businesses would be
warmly received.
Peace in Christ,
Dan Gubby
Principal
Assistant Principal News…
We are very blessed at St Francis Xavier Primary to have access to such a range of excellent music tutors who
come into the school each week to instruct our students. Our Instrumental Music Program has grown in leaps
and bounds over the last few years thanks to the talents offered to our students by these dedicated musicians.
We presently have Sally Lindenberg, Dean Doyle, Michael Creary and Peter Jaggle. This diverse team offer
instruction in keyboard, woodwind, drums, singing, brass and guitar each week. This week I would like to
welcome Michael Goodall to the team.
Michael currently tutors string lessons at Xavier College and would like to extend his service to our school.
He will be visiting our Year 3 and Year 4 students in the coming weeks for a performance and to show the
students the different string instruments that are available to learn through him. Michael’s bio can be found
below.
Michael is a cellist with extensive experience in solo and ensemble performance. He
has several years’ experience privately teaching students of all ages on the Violin,
Viola and Cello, using a combination of Suzuki and AMEB methods.
Michael has been playing with Yellow Bird Trio in Brisbane since 2013 and has
performed at a variety of functions including weddings, receptions, Brisbane City Council events, public
concerts in historical venues and private events such as the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). In
2019, he performed with the Amatori Orchestra in Bangalow, Trio ConCerto and the Lismore Symphony
Orchestra
Earlier in his career, he was part of The Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2002, Brisbane
Philharmonic Orchestra in 2012 and 2014, and has experience as the Lead Cellist in Bundaberg Youth
Orchestra, Bundaberg State High Orchestra and String Orchestra and Amadeus Quartet.
If you would like your child to learn an instrument, please collect a form from the office or for further
information you can come and have a talk with myself or one of the tutors.
Regards and God Bless,
Matthew Ritchie
Assistant Principal
Parish Mass Times
The Assumption of Our Lady – Monday, 15th August
Bishop Greg has extended the suspension of the obligation of the faithful to attend Mass to this holy day
of obligation. This article from the Catholic Weekly explains the historical background and church
teaching related to this feast.
Monday, 15th August the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to
our faith, the Holy Mother, “Having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into
heavenly glory”.
The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with
Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the
Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own
power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son.
SFX Ballina Parish (max 45 people)
Lennox Head Parish (max 20 people)
5.00 pm Saturday Vigil Mass 5.00 pm Saturday Vigil Mass
9.00 am Sunday 7:30am Sunday
11.00 am Sunday
All weekday Masses will be at 12.00 noon in SFX Church with a capacity of 45
people at each Mass, including our weekend Masses. Registration is essential.
If you wish to attend a Mass, please contact the Parish Office on 66811 048
by 3pm on Fridays to register your name and contact details.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Praying with Music
Matt Maher’s Hold us Together reminds us that even though we may be far apart from each other, God’s love
holds us together. https://youtu.be/hqDvJz3ykRc
Xavier Catholic College Youth Ministry Visit
On Tuesday morning the 11th of August Year 4 students
welcomed Mr Eyles, Youth Ministry and Year 10 Xavier
Ministry students to our classroom. The morning centred on the
importance of Jesus in our lives. Our Year 4 students were
involved in a range of fun activities including singing, dance,
cooperative games, drama and prayer. We thank Mr Eyles,
Youth Ministry and Year 10 Xavier students for their visit.
Keep safe and well
God Bless
Kerrily Jelfs
Leader of School Evangelisation
Kristie Coster
Leader of Catechesis
Canteen Roster – Term 3 – Week 5
Monday, 17th August to Friday, 21st August
Monday, 17th August HELP NEEDED
Tuesday, 18th August HELP NEEDED
Wednesday, 19th August Tamara Ward, HELP NEEDED
Thursday, 20th August Christiana Whitty, HELP NEEDED
Friday, 21st August Sandra Gale, Sue Keough
CANTEEN NEWS
CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Tammy is looking for volunteers for the
canteen, if you are able to spare a couple of
hours, between 9am and 11:30, once a month
please contact the school office on 66863370 or
see Tammy in the Canteen and just let her know
what day suits you.
14th August to 20th August
Zahlia Chilcott
Guneet Virk
Lakeirra Jarrett-Torrens
Juliette Gubby
Adelaide Boronski
Max Davy
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Qkr! App for
Canteen Lunch Orders
Please click on the link to view the
Qkr! “How to Guide”
Qkr! App Link
PLEASE NOTE Students are only able to order from the
Normal Menu - Monday to Friday.
There will be NO Friday Specials or
Sushi Days.
Orders to be made via the QKR App or orders to
be placed on a paper bag.
ALL orders to be placed by 8:55am.
Facebook Page
The school Facebook page has now been published. We will be using this platform as a celebration of events
that have happened within our school community. This will not be the main communication page for parents,
so please ensure you continue to read our weekly school newsletters and class communication pages for other
important information and updates. Go ahead and like us @ St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballina. Or
click on the link below.
SFX Facebook Page
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Absences Please remember to answer the SMS that will be sent out the day of the
absence. This SMS must be answered on the day it is sent. The SMS
is for absences only. Remember, all student absences need to be
accounted for. Accounting for student absences is a legal requirement
for all schools. Your assistance in providing the relevant information
to us regarding your child’s absences daily is appreciated.
Signing Students In and Out of School
If students are arriving late to school, they must be
signed in at the school office.
If students are leaving school early they must be
collected and signed out at the school office.
Students Feeling Unwell
We cannot stress enough the importance of the advice that if your child is sick or
exhibits any symptoms of being unwell, they must not come to school.
You must keep them at home and away from others. While most are following
this advice we do, from time to time, have someone who does not.
PARENT NOTICES
If a student falls ill while at school or exhibits symptoms of being unwell, the current procedures apply and a
parent or guardian will be contacted to attend to collect the student. If the parent or guardian is not available
to collect the student, contact will be made with the student’s emergency contact who will be asked to collect
the child.
Your cooperation and support are appreciated as it is important for the safety of all members of our School
Community. Student should not return to school until they are well and symptom free.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Enrolments for 2021
Could you please encourage anyone you are aware of who is looking to
enrol their child in any year level in 2021 to do so now – we are starting to
make decisions about 2021 and we would hate anyone to miss out on a
place.
Due to the current situation regarding COVID-19, the Inter-School Public Speaking Competition will not be
taking place this year. However, we can still carry out a grade based Public Speaking learning task within
our classrooms to allow for the participation and growth for our students in this
important skill.
The task is completely optional for students and preparation is done at home.
Students wishing to take part need to return the nomination form sent home today
to their class teacher as soon as possible. Then they should prepare a poem or
speech according to their Grade level listed in the table below. They will deliver
the speech or poem in front of their classmates on a date that their class teacher
specifies to students and their parents. We appreciate your support and
encouragement for your child to participate in public speaking. If there are any questions, or you require
another note, please feel free to email me.
Kindergarten Poetry recitation Recite a poem from memory for about 1 minute.
Year 1 and Year 2 Poetry recitation
or speech
Recite a poem from memory for about 1 minute or speak on a
topic of their choice for about 1 minute.
Year 3 and Year 4 Poetry recitation
or speech
Recite a poem from memory for about 2 minutes or speak on a
topic of their choice for about 2 minutes.
Year 5 and Year 6 Poetry recitation
or speech
Recite a poem from memory for about 3 minutes or speak on a
topic of their choice for about 3 minutes.
Hayley Loadsman
PUBLIC SPEAKING NEWS
This year’s theme for book week is ‘Curious
Creatures, Wild Minds’.
Book week is the opportunity to spend one glorious
week celebrating books and Australian children's
authors and illustrators. It’s a time of colourful
displays, reading activities, competitions, dress-up
parades and the telling and sharing of stories to
highlight the importance of reading.
At St Francis Xavier we will be celebrating Book Week from Monday, 24th August to Friday, 27th
August.
Unfortunately, given the current restrictions, we are unable to invite our parent and
family community to any of the events this year but we will share the events with you via
Facebook and the school newsletter.
Please see below the scheduled events throughout the week: -
EVENT DATE
Dress-up & Parade Monday, 24th August
Writer’s Festival Wednesday, 26th August
Further information to be provided.
Scholastic Book Fair Monday, 24th – Friday, 27th
Students will visit the book fair with their teachers to browse the
books & make a wish list. Forms will be provided. Further
information will be included in next week’s newsletter regarding
payment for the purchase of these books.
Sharing Stories Monday, 24th – Friday, 27th
Daniel Gubby and Matthew Ritchie will be visiting classrooms
to read and share their favourite picture book or one of the CBCA
shortlisted books for 2020.
BOOK WEEK
Scholastic Book
Fair
Monday, 24th August - Friday, 27th August
This year the Scholastic Book Fair will be as follows:
● Students will visit the fair with class teachers and write out a Wish List
● Students will take the Wish List home
Instructions for paying online:
1. Click on the online payment portal https://parentpayments.scholastic.com.au/ (as per
wish List)
2. Enter State and School
3. Enter credit card details and amount
4. Record receipt number on the Wish List or print receipt
5. Bring Wish List back to the class teacher to collect books
Cash Orders: Wish List and money in a sealed envelope to be taken to the school office.
TERM 3
Week 5 Tuesday, 18th August School Gymnastics
Wednesday, 19th August School Gymnastics
Thursday, 20th August School Gymnastics
Week 6 Monday, 24th August Book Week
Scholastic Book Fair - Monday to Friday
Book Week Dress Up Day for Students
Tuesday, 25th August Book Week
School Gymnastics
Wednesday, 26th August Book Week
Writer’s Festival
School Gymnastics
Thursday, 27th August Book Week
DATES TO REMEMBER
School Gymnastics
Friday, 28th August Book Week
Week 7 Tuesday, 1st September School Gymnastics
Wednesday, 2nd September School Gymnastics
Thursday, 3rd September School Gymnastics
Friday, 4th September Brainstorm Production – Buddies – K-6
Week 8 Tuesday, 8th September School Gymnastics
Wednesday, 9th September School Gymnastics
Thursday,10th September School Gymnastics
Week 9 Tuesday, 15th September School Gymnastics
Wednesday, 16th September School Gymnastics
Thursday,17th September School Gymnastics
Week 10 Tuesday, 22nd September School Gymnastics
Wednesday, 23rd September School Gymnastics
Thursday, 24th September School Gymnastics
Friday, 25th September LAST DAY TERM 3
SPORTS NEWS
PARENT ASSEMBLY NEWS
Dear Parents,
During Term 3 on Tuesday 15 September, 2020, Mr Daniel Gubby will be involved in a principal appraisal
process as part of his contract of employment. The appraisal process seeks information from a variety of
people associated with the parish school and uses a number of tools to ensure effective consultation. The
process aims to highlight the positive aspects of the leadership offered and identify areas for further
development.
A timeline is currently being arranged to suit the needs of the parish school community. The appraisal will
be conducted by a School Service Consultant from the Catholic Schools Office.
The full principal appraisal process involves:
• a survey and self-appraisal statement completed by the principal
• an interview with the principal
• input as arranged with the parish priest
• surveys of parents, parish school staff and Catholic Schools Office personnel
• interviews with the Schools Leadership Team
• interviews with a random selection of staff who request an interview with the Chair
• interviews with a random selection of parents who request an interview with the Chair
The preferred method of survey completion is by the online survey form. A link to this form will be
forwarded to your email address. Please ensure your current email address is registered at the school as
this survey link will be sent to you two to three weeks prior to the appraisal. Parents may express their
interest to be interviewed via this electronic form. Not all those who express an interest to be interviewed
will be contacted. If not contacted, then parents may wish to email the Chair with their comments.
Anonymous comments and emails will not be considered.
In writing the appraisal report, the Chair makes use of the information gathered but does not identify
sources. The principal does not sight the original returns. Every family in the school is encouraged to
complete a survey.
Your support of the appraisal process is appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
John Wilson
Chair
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE NEWS