St Francis Xavier Primary School Woolgoolga eNewsletter

Prayer Focus

From the Principal

Your Voice Matters: Join the School Community Forum!

The School Community Forum is the heart of the partnership between home and school, a vital component of our school's success and strategic goals. It’s where your perspective helps shape our school community!

It’s time for our Annual General Meeting (AGM), and we'd love for you to be a part of leading the way.

Join us on Monday, November 3rd, at 6.30pm.

Roles to Fill – Everyone is Welcome!

We're looking for enthusiastic people to step into leadership roles for the coming year. Remember, you don't need a specific background - just a desire to contribute!

The time commitment is very manageable - it typically involves attending a meeting just once or twice a term.

We are looking to fill the following roles:

President: Helps guide the discussions and set the agenda.
Vice President: Supports the President and steps in when needed.
Treasurer: Manages the forum’s finances (onboarding provided).

Interested in learning more, or ready to nominate yourself or another amazing parent? Please reach out to the school office.

If a formal role seems a bit much, please still come along - many hands make light work! Your contribution and involvement - no matter how big or small - makes a real difference. We can't wait to see you there and build a stronger community together!

Class Placements for 2026

It is come to that time again when we begin the task of placing students in classes for next year. Each year, our teaching team puts significant thought and care into creating well-balanced classrooms that support both the academic and social success of all students. This process involves careful consideration of many factors, including gender balance, learning styles, individual abilities, and social dynamics.

At this time, we are inviting parents to share any important information that may help guide placement decisions using the following link: 2026 Considerations for Class Placements. While we do not accept requests for specific teachers, you are welcome to let us know about any considerations, such as students with whom your child may not work well, or other relevant insights.

Please note that while we make every effort to consider parent input, we cannot guarantee that all requests will be accommodated. The deadline for considerations is Friday 7th November. Please note that we cannot consider any requests after this date.

Please ensure any relevant information communicated in previous years is submitted again via the form as this is the most efficient way for us to keep track.

If any families know they are leaving at the end of Term 4 could they please advise the school office as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to create the best possible learning environment for every student.

Attendance Matters

At St Francis Xavier, the safety and well-being of our students remain our foremost priorities. Therefore, it is essential that all student absences are promptly and clearly communicated to the school.

Under Section 22 of the Education Act 1990 (NSW), parents and guardians are legally required to notify the school of any student absences. While the Act places the obligation to explain absences on parents and guardians, schools also have a responsibility, under NSW Department of Education policies, to follow up on any unexplained absences to ensure the safety and welfare of all students.

Our goal is to achieve 100% explanation of all student absences. To assist us in this important matter, we kindly request that parents and guardians notify the school via Compass on the morning of the absence. Timely communication enables us to maintain accurate attendance records and helps safeguard every child.

In addition to the existing text sent regarding unexplained absences, we have recently updated our policy to include follow-up phone calls to parents or guardians on the day of the absence if an explanation has not yet been received. This will be followed up by an e-mail the next day.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students. Thank you very much for your attention to this important matter.

Fete News

The Countdown is On – Only 2 Weeks Until Our School Fete!

Our biggest event of the year is almost here - the School Fete, our major fundraising event for 2025! With just two weeks to go until the big day, excitement is building across the school community.

There’s plenty happening behind the scenes, and there’s still lots to do to make this year’s Fete our best yet. One of the most important ways you can help is by volunteering on a stall - every bit of help makes a huge difference.

If you haven’t yet signed up, now’s the time! Follow the links below to register - it’s quick and easy. Parents, grandparents, and friends are all warmly invited to join in the fun and lend a hand.

Each stage has been allocated to stage-based stalls, but volunteers are welcome at any stall - so if there’s one that catches your eye, jump in! It’s a great way to meet other families, support our school, and be part of an unforgettable community day.

We are also still accepting donations for:
🧺 The White Elephant Stall – quality pre-loved items in good condition
🍷 Wine for the Cent Auction – bottles can be dropped off at the office

And don’t forget about our ever-popular Cake Stall! 🍰
Now’s the perfect time to start thinking about what you might like to bake. Donations can be sent in the day before the Fete or on the morning of the Fete. Sweet treats, savoury goodies, and homemade favourites are all welcome!

🎟️ Unlimited Ride Wristbands are on sale via Flexischools until Wednesday, 22 October.
Take advantage of the early bird price of $30! After the closing date, wristbands will be available on Fete day for $35.

Another way you can support our Fete is to encourage family, friends and neighbours to come along. If you’d like to drop some flyers in your local letterboxes that would be great! These can be collected from the Office. In addition to raising funds for our school oval drainage project, the Fete is an opportunity to showcase and promote our wonderful school and to provide a fun day out for our whole community.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and support - together, we can make this year’s Fete a fantastic success for our students and school community!

We need lots of parent volunteers to man the stalls at the Community Fete on Saturday, 25 October. Please click on the links below to volunteer your time.

Kindergarten Fete Stalls volunteer signup:
https://volunteersignup.org/FWHKH

Stage 1 Fete Stalls volunteer signup:
https://volunteersignup.org/8XEKP

Stage 2 Fete Stalls volunteer signup:
https://volunteersignup.org/MJ4DC

Stage 3 Fete Stalls volunteer signup:
https://volunteersignup.org/APAQX

Fete Canteen volunteer signup:
https://volunteersignup.org/EPYB8

Hair Spray, Temporary Tattoo and Facepainting - Fete Stall volunteer signup:
https://volunteersignup.org/ABP7M

Faith & Mission

Our School Spirit Shines Bright on Charism Day!

What an incredible day of community, creativity, and colour we shared for our annual Charism Day celebration!

The day began on a meaningful note with our whole-school Liturgy, where we reflected on the special spirit and values that make our school unique. A major highlight was the exciting unveiling of our brand-new sport house shields, which are now proudly displayed in the school hall—be sure to take a look next time you visit.

After lunch, the real entertainment began at our Talent Showcase. The stage was alive with amazing talent - from musicians and energetic dancers, to surprise acts featuring soccer tricks, lightning-fast skipping stars, and even some comedians and outstanding public speakers. We were absolutely captivated and loved watching every single student shine and embrace their moment on stage.

We wrapped up the day in the best possible way with our traditional Colour Run! Students and teachers alike enjoyed the opportunity to let their hair down and be a bit silly! The Year 6 students especially revelled in their long-awaited chance to cover the teachers in colour, a much anticipated special Year 6 privilege. A well-deserved icy pole at the finish line was the perfect cool down after all the fun.

A huge thank you to all the parents and family members who came along, participated in the activities, and helped us celebrate all the wonderful things we love about our awesome school.

Charism Day was a resounding success, reminding us of the strong, vibrant, and talented community we are!

**Katrina Ryan**
**Assistant Principal Mission**

Communicating Diversity

Diwali Celebration - this Friday!

Students are invited to wear bright colours or traditional Indian dress to school.

Families are welcome to join us at 9:15am – Diwali Assembly (School Hall)

Followed by Morning Tea with authentic Indian food.

Students may join their families if attending.

Photo booth, crafts for young children, and treats will add to the celebration.

A Diwali Meal Deal is available from the canteen (pre-order only).

Sporting Roundup

Summer Sports Trials - Year 4 and Year 5 students ONLY

Clarence Zone Sports is calling for nominations for the 2025 Clarence Zone Summer Sports Trials in Basketball, Tennis, Touch Football and Softball.

Year 4 and Year 5 students only may trial in more than one sport but not Tennis AND Basketball as trials for these sports are held on the same day at the Diocesan level.

Students who nominate to trial are required to be of REPRESENTATIVE standard. Representative standard indicates representation further than local club participation. Please DO NOT nominate in sports in which your child has no experience.

Nominations for these trials will be accepted up until Wednesday 22nd October. Nominations can be made on the google form linked here. Please answer all questions.

Students and parents will then be advised by me whether their nomination will be passed on to the Clarence Zone Trials.

Please see the details below for the Clarence Zone trials to ensure your child’s availability before nominating.

Students who are successful in gaining selection at Zone Trials will then proceed to the Diocesan Summer Sports Trials to be held in Lismore on the following dates:

Tennis - Tuesday 25th November

Basketball - Tuesday 25th November

Touch Football - Thursday 28th November

Cricket - Monday 11 November

Softball - Friday 29 November

Sport Club

A reminder that the Sport Club runs three mornings a week before school starts. This term the focus will be on soccer games on the oval.

New sporting equipment

This term we have new backboards for our outdoor basketball hoops and new safety padding on all of our soccer goals! Thank you to Mr Mifsud for organising and installing this new equipment for our students!

Diocesan Primary Football Knockout Finals

On the last Wednesday of Term 3, 11 Stage 3 girls represented our school and the Clarence Zone at the Lismore Diocese Girls Soccer Competition in Grafton. The girls played 3 round games against Hastings, Richmond and Tweed Zones. The girls narrowly lost all games 1-0.

The girls then played off for 3rd and 4th place. Even with injuries, the girls managed to win 1-0 securing us 3rd spot overall. It was a pleasure to coach these girls and watch their sportsmanship and team work shine all day.

Wellbeing Corner

Wellbeing Wednesday

Postitive Behaviour Support (PBS)

**Alessandra Isgro**
**School Counsellor**

Group Singing Lessons

Transport for NSW

Playgroup

School Business Directory

The St Francis Xavier Primary School Business Directory is designed to serve as a valuable resource for our entire school community. This directory will be made available to all St Francis Xavier families, through our school newsletter and social media, with the intention of fostering a stronger sense of community and connection among us all. Not only will it facilitate networking and support between our families, but it will also provide our school with access to local businesses capable of meeting any needs or services required. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen bonds within our community while also supporting local enterprises. If you are interested, please complete this Google form.

School Business Directory form

Well done to all token recipients for this fortnight and congratulations to the Gold Token recipients. Keep up the great work everyone!

Congratulations to all award recipients at the recent Assembly. Keep up the great work!

2026 Enrolments

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 7 of Scholastic Book Club is now open.

Please return cash orders to school or order online by Friday 24 October.

Scholastic Book Club website

St John Paul College news

Please click on the link below and follow St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour to see the many wonderful academic and sporting achievements by their students, many of whom are former students of St Francis Xavier, Woolgoolga!

St John Paul College Facebook page

2025 Term 4 Week 1 Newsletter