Week 1 17/10/2013 - St Francis Xavier's

Dear Parents and Friends,
Welcome back for the start of Term 4! It is difficult to believe that the end of another year is almost upon us; perhaps it is my age or the busy
nature of today’s world, whatever it is, the end of year will be here all too soon.
My return to school this term is with mixed emotions as I begin to realise that much of the business and many of the routines that I will be
undertaking will be for the last time as Principal of St Francis Xavier’s school. Never the less, I look to Term 4 being a successful nine weeks of
learning, fun activities and events. I am sure there will be lots of opportunities to share stories, reminisce and take time to say goodbyes.
Thank you for the many messages of good wishes I have received from families; I have been encouraged by your support and the kind words you
have afforded me. I assure you that SFX will always hold a special place my heart! In the weeks ahead there is still much to do as planning for next
year continues and I promise that my attention and energy will be about ensuring we have the best Term 4 ever, in this our 30th year birthday
celebration!
A number of people have asked what will be happening with regard to finding a replacement principal for next year. The Human Resource team at
the Catholic Education SA has informed me that they will be calling for expressions of interest for an Acting Principal for Term 1 next year, allowing
them time to undertake consultation with the School Board and Staff, with the aim of appointing a new principal in Term 2, 2014. I am sure that St
Francis Xavier’s will attract the interest of many experienced, high calibre principals wanting to lead such a great school community.
This term will undoubtedly be quite busy and the school calendar will reflect a number of events and celebrations. For me the End of the Year
School Mass is the most important of all events as it provides an opportunity to thank God for our great blessings and show our appreciation for all
that has been achieved during the year. Please place Wednesday, 4 th December in your family diary.
Aladdin the Musical
Have you bought your tickets for Aladdin? I understand that Friday evening’s performance is now sold out and Thursday is selling fast also. The
Middle School students have been practising their lines and rehearsing dances for what I believe will be a real showcase of amazing talent. I have
been fortunate to have had a few glimpses of various scenes and I can honestly say that I am astounded by the quality of the singing, dancing,
costumes and scenery. I encourage you to come along and enjoy the show. The Reception and Year 1s will have an opportunity to watch the show
in Xavier Hall but it will be a completely different performance at the Golden Grove Arts Centre. Tickets are on sale at the front office.
Thursday 31 st October, evening performance @ 7pm
Friday 1 st November, matinee performance @1pm
Friday 1 st November, evening performance @ 7pm - SOLD OUT
My thanks to the staff who have given hours and hours of work to ensure the performances will be quality acts. We are very fortunate to have a
very talented community of teachers, school assistants, parents, old scholars and students. Aladdin will be one of our great birthday celebrations!
Sports Day
No one can ever say that we’re not up for a challenge at SFX! Last year we set off for our inaugural school picnic at Thorndon Park Reservoir and
this year we will board the buses once again and travel to other side of town for our annual sports day at SANTOS Stadium.
This will be a great opportunity in our 30 th year to experience the facilities of SANTOS Stadium and our students will be able to say that they once
ran on the athletics track. More information will be sent home early next week, outlining the approximate time of events and what to take. The day’s
format will be the usual rotation of team events, followed by running races and sprints. Permission forms to travel by bus were sent home last term
and must be returned before next Thursday. Parents, grandparents and friends are invited to join us for a great day. Canteen facilities will be
available. Please note there will not be the usual BBQ and drinks. The PC Committee will be having the day off to enjoy the sports day with their
children. Teachers will be asking for parents to volunteer and assist with the various events. We look forward to seeing you at SANTOS on Thursday,
24 th October.
China Bridge Visit
Plans were well underway to host a reciprocal visit from our sister school in China, Yi Yuan Experimental Primary School. Sun Junhong, a teacher
from China, was due to arrive in the coming week and spend time at SFX teaching and experiencing life down under. Unfortunately, due to visa
complications, the visit has been postponed. We were all looking forward to Sun Junhong’s visit and the students were keen to introduce her to
lamingtons, pavlovas, meat pies and vegemite. Thank you to Roma Chiera-Garnelli and other staff who have spent many hours preparing for this
visit.
Staff News
Our best wishes and congratulations are extended to Renee Janssan (Room 4) and her husband Ben, who were married last term. Renee and Ben
had a great time on their honeymoon in New Zealand. Renee has returned this term as Renee Nixon.
This term we welcome back Gail Macnamara (Special Ed) and Lucy Vozzo (Library). Both Gail and Lucy were on Long Service Leave last term and it
is good to have them back on deck.
During the holidays I met with Sue Mavropoulos. Sue is currently on leave from SFX and is teaching at Pultney Grammar. Sue has informed me that
she has been offered a permanent position at Pultney and will not be returning to SFX. I am sure that there are many, many students who have
wonderful memories of Mrs Mav and will be saddened by this news. I hope to get Sue back for the End of Year Mass so we can recognise her
contribution to SFX and say our goodbye to her officially.
Uniforms
The children should be in the correct summer uniform this term. This also includes the correct sandshoes, which should be predominantly white. I
also remind parents to name all clothing; I have picked up several jumpers and hats this week and couldn’t return them to the rightful owners
because they didn’t have names. The Lost Property cupboard at the Front Office is overflowing with un-named items, including drink bottles and
lunch containers.
School Photos are next Wednesday. The photos this year will be the traditional whole class photo. It is important that students wear the correct
summer uniform including socks and have cleaned shoes.
Car Park
I again remind parents and other adults who use the car park that they are to park between the white lines. Parents should not be parking were
white lines are not marked. The excuse that you are in a hurry, or it is just for a minute, is not acceptable. Please be respectful of all car park users.
Enjoy the weekend ahead!
JOE DE TULLIO
Principal