CALENDAR DATES. - EASTER - Friday, 30th March Good Friday Sunday, 1st April Easter Sunday Monday, 2nd April Easter Monday. Leonie De Garis Principal

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1 Dear Parents, As we move to the conclusion of Term 1, I do wonder how quickly the time has passed. With only a few weeks left in the term, we have settled well into the routines of the school year. Many year levels have begun rotations across the classes, providing a varied learning experience and one where children connect with other peers and teachers. Many have also enjoyed the opportunity of excursions, camps and sporting carnivals - all times to enrich and enjoy further life at SFX. We have received joyous family news, as Phillip and I celebrated the birth of our third grandchild. Little Harriet was born last Monday, a healthy and precious child, second child of our daughter Stephanie and her husband Luke, and very proud big sister, Eloise. It is such a special time to have new life enlighten our own lives and bring so much happiness and love. Last week, as a school, we spent valuable time involved in National Day Against Bullying at SFX, focussing on being an Upstander - a person who stands up for their beliefs and who does what they think is right, even if they are alone. We came together at the end of the week and presented strong messages of action to all the children at assembly. Rooms 15 & 27 explained clearly how we all have a responsibility to combat bullying, and the skills we need to address and take action if we experience such issues. The classes even presented an original song, written by Luke Ferguson, to give everyone present a clear message of stamping out unwanted behaviour. This I believe, is an excellent quote that sends a strong message: I wondered why somebody didn t do something, then I realised I am somebody. As I discussed in our last newsletter, our learning principles are driving a strong focus on successful learning. Today, I would like to focus on Connections as a learning principle across the school. We inspire Connections when we embrace positive relationships, build our community and extend connections beyond our school. Connections create a relational approach to problem solving, a positive school climate and a greater sense of connectedness for all members of our community. Over the next few weeks, parents have been invited to formally connect with your class teacher in regards to parent teacher interviews. This is a very important opportunity to be in conversation about your child s progress in learning and development at this stage of the year. I encourage all parents to raise any concerns or issues with class teachers, as together we can work on the best learning outcomes for your child. I encourage all families to access the PTO online booking service. The AGM evening is fast approaching and will take place next Wednesday evening, 28th March. Please join us as we have invited an excellent speaker, Jason Tyndall, General Manager of Nature Play SA, who will provide us with a deeper understanding of nature play benefits, which is a high priority for us in our setting. This is truly an example of how we are collaborating with others in the community to improve and enrich our learning. With the term coming to an end, many of you will be planning for the transition across to winter uniforms in Term 2. Please can I remind you that our Uniform Shop is open on Tuesday mornings from 8.30am 10am and on Friday afternoons from 2.30pm 4pm during the next few weeks, but we will not have an opening during the school holidays. I wish to also remind you that we now stock winter pants for the girls as an alternative to the skirt or pinafore Kind regards, Leonie De Garis Principal Term 1, Week 8 Thursday, 22nd March, 2018 CALENDAR DATES Friday, 23rd March Cuppa & Chat Science Room 9am Saturday, 24th March Sacramental Workshop St John XXIII 4pm Wednesday, 28th March Athletics Carnival AGM 7pm Thursday, 29th March Holy Week Liturgy 9.15am - EASTER - Friday, 30th March Good Friday Sunday, 1st April Easter Sunday Monday, 2nd April Easter Monday Tuesday, 3rd April Easter Liturgy 9.15am Thursday, 5th April Newsletter Community Prayer Green Room Shelter 9am Hosted by Room 14 Inside this issue Religious Education.2 NAPLAN...3 Uniform Information..3 PCC Fun Run Reminder..3 Sport....4 National Day Against Bullying..5 Year 7 Newsletter...6 Year 7 Newsletter continued...7 Parish Easter Timetables.8 General Information..9

2 Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth (Psalm 25) As we spend time in prayer during Lent, we ask Jesus to prepare the way for us to grow fully alive, to experience a new freedom to love and renew our relationships with all of creation. Jesus came to reconcile the whole of creation to God and more than ever before we must be aware of the need to relate with care, concern and respect, not only to other human beings, but also to all other living creatures on this earth, while using responsibly, the precious resources that our world offers to us. The Year 6/7 Religious Education Leaders have issued a challenge, to see if, as a school, we can fast from power for a day, to raise awareness of how much electricity we use and depend on. No lights, air conditioning or powered devices such as interactive whiteboards, computers, ipads etc. We are calling this a Live Simply day and it will be held next Tuesday, 27 th March, during Holy Week. We are asking each child to donate a gold coin, which would cover the cost of the electricity, and will be donated to Project Compassion. Holy Week is the most significant time in the calendar of the Catholic Church, beginning on Sunday, 25 th March with Palm Sunday, and is a week of reflection and prayer, as we think about the life and death of Jesus. I would ask that Easter eggs are not handed out at school during this week, but rather when we return on Easter Tuesday, as this provides more relevance as a sign of new life and hope. In previous years, when Easter has led into the school holidays, this has not been possible. We will be coming together as a whole school for prayer and liturgy during Holy Week and Easter, which you are welcome to attend. Tuesday, 27th March "Live Simply Day" to raise awareness and funds for Project Compassion. Gold coin donation please. Wednesday, 28th March Stations of the Cross at various times in Xavier Hall, presented by Year 6 & Year 7 student leaders. Thursday, 29th March Holy Week Liturgy in Xavier 9.15am. Tuesday, 3rd April Resurrection Liturgy in Xavier Hall at 9.15am. Thursday, 5th April Community Prayer Green Room 9am (Hosted by Room 14) Sacrament Program There will be a family workshop on the topic of Confirmation at St John XX111 Church on Saturday, 24th March at 4pm. Please bring a plate of food to share. CALENDAR DATES Sunday, 25th March Palm Sunday Tuesday, 27th March Live Simply Day Wednesday, 28th March Stations of the Cross Thursday, 29th March Holy Thursday Holy Thursday Liturgy Xavier 9.15am Friday, 30th March Good Friday Sunday, 1st April Easter Sunday Monday, 2nd April Easter Monday Tuesday, 3rd April Easter Liturgy 9.15am Thursday, 5th April Community Prayer Green Room Shelter 9am Hosted by Room 14 Monday, 9th April Annunciation of the Lord Southern Cross The latest edition of the Southern Cross can be found at : Michelle Thomas APRIM mthomas@sfx.catholic.edu.au MASS TIMES SAINT DAVID S: Saturday 5.30pm; Sunday 10.30am & 5.30pm OLOH: Sunday 9.00am ST JOHN XXIII: Saturday 6pm & Sunday 8am HOLY TRINITY: Sunday 10am 23

3 Next term students in Years 3, 5 & 7 will sit the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing on Tuesday, 15th May, Wednesday, 16th May and Thursday, 17th May. These national tests will be held in the morning teaching block on each of the specified days, and will be supervised by classroom teachers. All students involved in the program will be given the opportunity to become familiar with the format of the tests, and how to approach the different question types. The tests will provide students, teachers and parents with specific information about what students know and can do in some aspects of literacy and numeracy. The NAPLAN tests are one aspect of the school s assessment and reporting process. They are not a replacement for the ongoing assessments made by your child s classroom teachers throughout the year. All students are expected to participate in the tests. However, if you have any concerns about your child doing so, please discuss your concerns with your child s classroom teacher or myself. If you do not wish your child to participate in any, or all components of the tests, please contact me to request a withdrawal form. The form will then need to be returned to the Principal for Leonie s authorisation by Friday, 11th May, Please find a link to a parent brochure which contains more information about the tests: -parents-and-carers.pdf?sfvrsn=2 If you have any questions regarding the NAPLAN tests, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school. Todd La Forgia Deputy Principal UNIFORM CHANGEOVER Students will be required to wear full winter uniform when they return to school in Term 2. If you require any uniform items, please visit the Uniform Shop over the next couple of weeks during opening hours (listed below) as there will be no school holiday opening. Friday, 6th April from 2.00pm 3.00pm (Term 1/Week 10) Only 15 Days to Go! Students are excited to participate and raise money for cooling options for Xavier Hall. They are also excited for the chance to go into the draw to win a sports store voucher. Hopefully sponsorship fundraising is well underway. TUESDAYS: 8.30am 10.00am FRIDAYS: 2.30pm 4.00pm If you raise over $50, you go into the draw to win a $200 sports voucher. If you raise over $30, you go into the draw to win a $100 sports voucher. If you raise over $20, you go into the draw to win a $50 sports voucher. If you raise over $10, you go into the draw to win a $20 sports voucher. Uniform information is available on our website. A final note and excursion/medical form will be sent home with your child next week. 33

4 CALENDAR DATES TERM 1, 2018 Week 9 Wednesday, 28th March TTG SAPSASA Athletics Carnival 2018 AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS REGISTRATIONS OF INTERERST ARE OPEN FOR TERMS 2 & 3 (2018) SPORT SATURDAY BASKETBALL - U8, U10, U12 & U14 SATURDAY FOOTBALL 2/3, 4/5, 6/7 If your child is interested in playing either of the above sports, the new season/s will commence in Term 2. Nominations are open so please complete the registration form (see link below) and return to the Sports Coordinator as soon as possible. SACPSSA SWIMMING REVIEW On Tuesday, 13 th March, 16 swimmers from SFX travelled to UniSA Magill Pool to participate in the SACPSSA (South Australian Catholic Primary Schools Swimming Association) Carnival. There were several events to participate in, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and a freestyle relay. There was also an Open Medley relay, which SFX won. When we came 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd or 4 th in an event, we got a disk that we had to take to the marshals table to receive a ribbon. Overall as a team we came 4 th with a crazy score of 137 points! We also got a few other awards. The Senior Team won their division for the fastest times on average altogether, out of all the other schools in their age group and we received a blue flag for our efforts. Noah McDonald also won a medal for the Age Champion in the Senior Age Group, which means he got the fastest times on average out of everyone across all of his events. Congratulations to all the swimmers for participating on the day and giving their best effort. They certainly represented St Francis Xavier s with pride. By Olivia Wallace SAPSASA SWIMMING CARNIVAL On Friday, 2 nd March, 23 swimmers from SFX competed in the SAPSASA Swimming Carnival at Waterworld, Tea Tree Gully. We competed against 13 different schools. Our swimmers were extremely lucky because during the Carnival, if you had potential you would get invited to swim at the Metro Day on Thursday,22 nd March. Many of our swimmers managed to get an invitation. Our swimmers have great potential and because of our efforts we managed to achieve one 5 th place ribbon, one 4 th place ribbon, five 3 rd place ribbons, eight 2 nd place ribbons and four 1 st place ribbons. What an incredible effort! The weather our swimmers competed in was cool and cloudy and it wasn t very pleasant because most of our races were in that dull weather. Swimmers from Years 4-7 competed and were only eligible to compete if they were able to swim 50m non-stop. The races the swimmers could choose to compete in were the 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breastroke and 50m butterfly. Overall we came 3 rd in the Carnival. Well done to all those who competed and helped with our school s success. Thank you to all those who made this day possible. We would also like to give a big thanks to Tania and Kate who made our day joyful and energetic. By Aaliyah Zamora tania.krawczyk@sfx.catholic.edu.au Phone: In person: Tuesday Friday in the Hall 4

5 Last Friday, 16th March, was National Day of Action Against Bullying. We began the day with a whole school assembly. The focus for the assembly, as well as learning what occurred in classes across the school for the week, was Be An Upstander. Our Year 6 Developing Personal Responsibility Leaders made a video, sharing this important message. Well done to them! Research tells us: Bystanders are present in the majority of bullying situations Upstanders objections effectively discourage bullying The actions of upstanders make a critical difference and can affect the outcome of bullying Anti-bullying programs are more effective when supported by children - when they become upstanders We do not expect children to intervene if they do not feel safe, or if it puts them in the way of harm. However, we teach them about behaviours that support others who are being bullied or harmed: Standing by the target Standing up for the target Consoling Befriending Getting help from an adult Reporting Marie Delloso School Counsellor Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays 5

6 MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER LEADERSHIP GROUP Ben McGregor, Angelina Trotta, Madison McGregor, Anthony De Bortoli, Haylee Nicholas, Grace Gavini, Ewan Mc Clure LET IT GROW! On 8th March, the Year 7 students brought in cuttings of various succulents. They came together and put these succulent cuttings in pots, in the hope that they will grow into a large collection of saleable house pot plants. Mr Ferguson brought in plant pots and soil to make a suitable home for these cuttings. Later in the year, they will be sold to the school community, with proceeds going towards future sustainability projects and/or charities. As the year progresses, we will care for these pots and cuttings. Hopefully we should be writing another article soon, updating you on this topic. By Angelina Trotta Photos by Madison McGregor CARITAS SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP An interview with Mia Attick, Jorgia Loyde & Kate Lodge by Grace Gavini & Haylee Nicholas What was the name of the event you went to? Caritas Social Justice Day When did you go? Friday, 17th February, 2018 What stood out to you? It really stood out when we had a quiz and it was really shocking how most people didn't have toilets, water, shelter or food. Any messages that you got from that experience that you could share with SFX? Don t be rude to people because you don t know what they're going through, in another way don t judge a book by its cover. Any important people you met there? There was a girl called Janaki and she got married at the age of 12 and she didn't have the best life. A few days after she got married her husband died at the age of 40. Her village was shaming her. It was awful. What thoughts were you thinking during this experience? It was very surprising and it was really shocking as well. It was sad that they went through all this and annoyed that they had to go through all that. We felt bad for them. EASTER JOKES Where does the Easter bunny eat breakfast? At I hop! How is the Easter bunny like Michael Jordan? Because they both are famous for stuffing baskets! Why didn t the egg cross the road? Because it wasn t a chicken yet! HAPPY EASTER! By Ben McGregor 6

7 STORY CORNER WELCOME MR McDERMOTT CHAPTER ONE Hugo was an ordinary pug with ordinary friends and an ordinary life. I m just so ordinary, sighed Hugo to his friends. Yes, ordinary, said Banjo. SQUARK! ORDINARY! squawked Sammy. But you re a pug! What s so ordinary about that? asked Charley. Everything, apparently, said Fonny Chai. This group was Hugo s friends. Hugo the pug, Banjo and Sammy the parrots, Charley the Spoodle and Fonny Chai the baby elephant. Aww, some little babies feel sad? growled a voice from behind them. Yeah! You guys aren t special! cried a much squeakier voice. Uh oh, groaned Fonny Chai. It s Alfred and Alfie the bears. Alfred and Alfie were brothers. Alfred is a strong, muscly, grizzly, and Alfie being a tiny, straggly teddy. You re such an ugly, fat pug, said Alfred. No I m not, said Hugo. My mum said I m skinny, he mused. Well, when your mum is even fatter than you are, she ll obviously think you re skinny, teased Alfie. Hey! That s no way to talk to fellow students! shouted a voice behind them. It was Kat Fergo. The Winter Olympic competition starts soon, they said (Kat Fergo was neither boy nor girl). Here are your teams. Kat Fergo passed Hugo a piece of paper with two columns labelled Team One and Team Two. Kat Fergo left telling them they were due at the hall in ten minutes. Charley, Fonny Chai, Banjo and Sammy were in Team One. In Team Two were Winny (Hugo s adoptive sister but they were less than friends, as Winny was a cat) Alfie, Alfred and... Hugo. We all welcome our new PE teacher to SFX. We thought we would interview him to get to know him a little better! How would you compare teaching in England to teaching in Australia? Very similar, both England and Australia has a curriculum, much the same, the physical education is different. The number one sport in Australia is the AFL but in England cricket is more popular. What is your favourite cricket team and football team? My favourite cricket team is the Adelaide Strikers. My favourite football team is the Adelaide Crows. Big Adelaide Crows fan! What s your favourite sport? Favourite sport is running, guess you could say that s part of athletics. I am part of a running group we run a couple of times a week, compete in mini events. What do you think about our school? Our school is wonderful, welcoming. I am thanking students, staff and families. I love the setting, it s even got the dam! We thank Mr. McDermott for his time, and look forward to working with him throughout the year! By Grace Gavini & Haylee Nicholas Illustration by Madison McGregor By Angelina Trotta & Madison McGregor 7

8 Para Hills/Modbury Catholic Parish RECONCILIATION Second Form: Tuesday, 27th 7pm St Pius X, 1 Avoca Street, Dernancourt The North East Cluster of Parishes Celebration Many of the priests of the cluster will be available after communal prayer and preparation. First Form: Individual reconciliation Saturday, 24th March: Before & after 9.15am Mass at Holy Trinity Church 8.30am & 10am) Saturday, 24th March: 5.30pm at St John XXIII Church (Before 6pm Mass) EUCHARISTS AND LITURGIES CHRISM MASS: Monday, 26th 6pm at St Francis Xavier s Cathedral, Wakefield Street, Adelaide HOLY THURSDAY: 29th March Mass of the Lord s Supper 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church After Mass there will be prayer before the Blessed Sacrament at the Altar of Repose. GOOD FRIDAY: 30th March Stations of the Cross: 10am at Holy Trinity Church 11am at St John XXIII Church Celebration of the Lord s Passion 3pm at Holy Trinity Church 3pm at St John XXIII Church HOLY SATURDAY: 31st March 8.30pm Easter Vigil at St John XXIII Church PLEASE NOTE: There is NO 6pm Mass Holy Saturday Night EASTER SUNDAY: 1st April Celebration of the Resurrection 9am at St John XXIII Church 9am at Holy Trinity Church Holy Trinity Church, 3 James Street, Para Hills St John XXIII Church, 50 Reservoir Road, Hope Valley Parish Admin Office: 50 Reservoir Road, Hope Valley Ph: office@paramodcath.com.au St David s Catholic Parish RECONCILIATION Regional Second Rite: Tuesday, 27th 7pm St Pius X, 1 Avoca Street, Dernancourt HOLY THURSDAY 29th March Mass of the Lord s 7.30pm Followed by Adoration until 10pm GOOD FRIDAY 30th March Stations of the 10am Followed by Reconciliation Good Friday 3pm HOLY SATURDAY 31st March Easter 7pm EASTER SUNDAY 1st April Mass at Our Lady of Hope 9am Mass at St David s Church 10.30am PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO EVENING MASS ON SUNDAY St David s Church 2 Vizard Road, Tea Tree Gully Our Lady Of Hope Cnr. The Golden Way & Golden Grove Road, Greenwith Ph:

9 Tuesday, 15th May 9.30am 10.30am Saturday, 28th July 9.30am 10.30am Monday, 13th August 9.30am 10.30am TERM DATES Term 1 Monday, 29th January Friday, 13th April Term 2 Tuesday, 1st May Friday, 6th July Term 3 Tuesday, 24th July Friday, 28th September Term 4 Tuesday, 16th October Thursday, 13th December EASTER Good Friday, 30th March Easter Sunday, 1st April Easter Monday, 2nd April PUPIL FREE DAYS Monday, 30th April (First Day Term 2) OPENING HOURS Tuesdays 8.30am 10.00am Fridays 2.30pm 4.00pm Contact: Mondays & Wednesdays 9.00am am Rooms 3 & 4 Gold coin donation Thursday, 20th September 4.30pm 5.30pm Friday, 2nd November 9.30am 10.30am Friday, 8th June (Queen s Birthday Long Weekend) Monday, 23rd July (First Day Term 3) Monday, 15th October (First Day Term 4) School Photos Wednesday, 24th October (Term 4, Week 2) Sports Day Friday, 26th October (Term 4, Week 2) Changing your address? If your address has changed, please go to the school website: where you can make all the necessary changes and keep your school contact details up to date. School/postal address: 4 Carignane Street, Wynn Vale SA 5127 Phone: Fax: OSHC/Vac Care: office@sfx.catholic.edu.au Web address: Follow us on Facebook: sfxcatholicschool/ ABSENTEE ADVICE Please remember to advise the FRONT OFFICE by 9am if your child will be absent, or late for school, for any reason, via: SMS: Absentee Line: office@sfx.catholic.edu.au Via the App The services and events from outside agencies contained in this newsletter are in no way connected with the school and are included in this newsletter for your information only. Parents and caregivers need to make their own enquiries and assessments about the suitability of these events and services for their needs and those of their children. 9