29 May 2012

Pentecost in Australia

Pentecost Sunday is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church. It

is the 50th day after Easter (if we count both Easter and Pentecost),

and it supplants the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which took place 50

days after the Passover and which celebrated the sealing of the Old

Covenant on Mount Sinai. It commemorates the descent of the Holy

Spirit on Jesus Christ’s disciples.

The Year of Grace

The Year of Grace is the Australian bishops’ gift to the Church to

celebrate and renew our faith and life as Catholics. It will

begin on Pentecost Sunday 2012 and will last until Pentecost

2013. This time is an exhortation from the bishops of Australia

to “Start afresh from Christ.”

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL MESSAGE FROM AP-RE

Congratulations to Michelle and Shannon Nathan on the birth of their new baby boy Kai, a brother to Jasmine (2 Green) and Mila (6 Gold). Congratulations also go to Tamara and Doug Maclean on the arrival of Reece, baby brother to Elena (7 Gold), Ky (6 Green), Rarni (1 Green) and Hannah (Prep Green).

You may recall reading our Strategic Renewal Plan – Actions for 2012 and noting that one of our goals listed under Priority Two: Learning and Teaching is to facilitate the establishment of a school choir. Mrs Alysha Collie has been contracted to commence as the Director of School Choir. This initiative is being sponsored by school which means children will not be charged to be involved. At this stage an invitation is being extended to aspiring voices from years 4, 5 and 6. Lessons will take place in the Aloysius Performing Arts Room each Wednesday and Thursday from 8.00am to 8.40am. Starting date is to be confirmed. A maximum of thirty children will be accepted and there would be an expectation that singers would make a commitment to be present at all lessons. And it is fitting that we finish our Ignatian building story with that of our foundation principal, Mr Terry Ivey. IVEY ACTIVITY CENTRE Mr Terry Ivey (1942-1983) was the foundation principal of St Francis Xavier. He is remembered as a man of compassion who sought ways to build a sense of community marked by celebration and the meaningful involvement of all members of the school. Terry led the beginning of the St Francis Xavier School tradition of building strong bonds between children, staff and parents, through working, socialising and praying together. When we Let Our Light Shine, we are living like Terry Ivey. I will be with our year six team at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Heads, from Wednesday through to Friday. I know the children are very excited and so are we. This is a marvellous opportunity for them. On Friday we are hosting a visit for a group of delegates attending the Council of Educational Facility Planners International conference being held on the Gold Coast. Membership consists of a worldwide group of individuals interested in planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of schools and higher education facilities. Around forty-five delegates will be here to have a close look at our magnificent school. Dyson, one of the conference sponsors has kindly given us two Dyson Airblade Hand Dryers, including installation for our Junior and Senior toilets. This is a very generous donation that has saved us around $3,800. Thanks Dyson! www.dysonairblade.com.au Regards Peter

FEAST OF PENTECOST – 27 MAY “The Year of Grace” The feast of Pentecost is the day we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus. This experience of the Holy Spirit lives within us if we believe in the love and life of Jesus. In doing so, we then will have a confident hope for the future that we too will have everlasting life through the Spirit living in us. This special feast takes place 50 days after Easter and completes the Easter Season. THE YEAR OF GRACE . Last Sunday on the feast of Pentecost 27 May marked the beginning of the “Year of Grace” in the Church of Australia. Bishop Michael Putney from Townsville says “The Year of Grace is an invitation to join the Catholic Bishops of Australia on an extended retreat – a spiritual journey. It is a call to listen to the Spirit, to name and claim grace in our lives, to heal our relationships and to seek an experience of Jesus. It is a holy time given by God to start afresh from Christ, contemplate his face and listen to God’s Word. The Year of Grace is not a program or a series of events but rather a thousand opportunities to encounter Jesus afresh in our lives.” It is a time:

To seek an experience to Jesus To name and claim grace in our lives To be attentive to the many and various signs of Christ’s presence

in our world To heal our relationships To grow in wholeness

Attached to this week’s Newsletter, a prayer card which can be referred to during this prayerful year. TRINITY SUNDAY FAMILY MASS – 3 JUNE This Sunday 3 June, we celebrate Trinity Sunday which reminds us of the great mystery of the Triune God – three persons but one Godhead. This is a mystery which we accept as a teaching in faith and can baffle our human reasoning. St Patrick used the 3 leafed shamrock proceeding from the one stem to teach his Irish listeners about the Trinity. Please join to celebrate the meaning of this Sunday by attending 9am Family Mass. The Year 5 students will read but we ask that all other children come and join in singing in the choir. All of our families are invited to attend the celebration of the mass. Maureen Laidler and I look forward to seeing our families. NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK Last Wednesday’s Assembly, Year 4 Green introduced National Reconciliation Week by explaining what Sorry Day is all about. The following information is sourced from the National Sorry Day Committee. “The Stolen Generations are the survivors of past government policies that allowed for the forcible removal of Indigenous children from their families. On 13 February 2008, thousands of Australians shared in the experience of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations and Indigenous Australia delivered by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd together with the Australian Parliament.” In the foyer of our Administration building is located a copy of the formal apology read by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Take some time and have a read of this historical document.

MESSAGE FROM AP - A

THIS WEEK’S VIRTUES

Self-Discipline Mitchell Beswick 5 Green

Courage

Kate Swanson 5 Gold

Olivia Schmidt 3 Green

Excellence

Isabella Nott 3 Gold

Tiana Gardi 6 Gold

Alec Craig 0 Gold

Responsibility

Brendan Kumar 6 Red

Harry McLoughlin 3 Red Sienna Riddle 0 Green

Determination

Tiana Disley 2 Red

Cloe Beck 4 Green

Perseverance Jada Reeves 2 Green

Enthusiasm

Lachlan Kerrigan 7 Gold

Jasmine Bocaz 7 Red

Jack Todd 0 Red

Creativity Tara Bhairo 7 Green

Forgiveness

Jackson Burnett 7 Gold

Dallas Belyea 4 Red

Generosity Grace Reeves 4 Gold

Determination Tara Dovell 1 Green

Caring Will Ferguson 4 Gold

Courtesy Flynn Ferguson 0 Gold

VIRTUE OF THE WEEK – FORGIVENESS Yesterday 28 May, Year 6 Gold presented the Virtue of the Week – Forgiveness. This virtue is most important for our community as it reminds us that Forgiveness is needed in our life but especially during National Reconciliation Week. Forgiveness is needed if the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to be received with an open heart . Forgiveness Man who assisted with the Virtue Assembly would promote the word ‘Sorry’ because it makes up part of the word W.E.S.T. – Welcoming, Encouraging, SORRY, Thanks which is part of our Making Jesus Real program (MJR) which we teach in our classes. Are you remembering to practise forgiveness in your class and family? “To those who do wrong out of ignorance, then repent and correct themselves, your Lord is indeed forgiving and kind.”

YEAR 7 CANBERRA TRIP – MAY 22 – 24 Last week seventy-four Year 7 students flew to Canberra in the very early hours of the morning to commence three days of exploring the educational sights of Canberra. This trip is one of the highlights of primary school where the students visit Canberra, our National Capital. They visited the Parliamentary Education Office, the Electoral Education Centre, Australian War Memorial, the Australian National Art Gallery, The Governor General’s home and the National Capital Exhibition. This trip was a valuable educational and social experience. Our school applied for some assistance from the Australian Government to support our students travelling to the National Capital. We were fortunate that our application for rebate funding to travel to Canberra was successful. The funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program was to the value of $60.00 per student and supported the cost of the trip. We acknowledge the Australian Government for the support offered to our Year 7 students to travel to Canberra. I know that each of the Year 7 families want to thank the Year 7 teachers – Rochelle Smith, Mark Rees and Kerry Norman along with Lisa Duncan, Ronnie Wilson and Jackie Cameron for giving up their family time to go on this wonderful trip. NAMING BELONGS The ‘cold’ is quickly upon us and tracksuits and jackets are coming out of our cupboards. Please check that these items are NAMED. This simple action will alleviate hundreds of dollars worth of clothing being unclaimed. Let’s begin the cold season on a positive note with ALL of our belongings NAMED. ANOINTING MASS WITH YR 7 On Thursday 7 June Yr 7 students will participate in the Anointing Mass with Fr Barry, the parishioners and the elderly. Parents are invited to attend and we ask for assistance by supplying a plate of ‘goodies’ to complement a fine cup of tea.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS The remaining parent/teacher interviews are being conducted over these last weeks of this term. Teachers are presently sending out letters re these interview times. Please select an appropriate time to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress. I cannot encourage you enough to attend this interview time to ensure a comprehensive discussion takes place concerning your child’s performance and achievements. At this interview you will be presented with samples of your child’s work and a written report will be sent home on 21 June. Every child will also receive a summative report at the end of Semester Two. We trust that the interview along with the written report will provide you with valuable information about your child’s progress. UNDER 8’S DAY Everyone is talking about the wonderful day they experienced last Friday when we celebrated our Under 8s.The theme for the day was “Language – Actively connecting children to their world.” This allowed children to learn through hands on experiences and have a special day full of fun. There were a host of activities for the children to choose from and the Art display in the Activity Centre was excellent. Thank you to the parents who were able to join the children for the Liturgy. From all accounts the children had a fantastic day and full tummies after the sausage sizzle. A huge ‘ thank you’ to Janelle Dimmock – Early Years Teacher - who was responsible for coordinating the day. Make sure you check out the page of photos included in this newsletter. Have a good week! Ronnie Wilson

Cheers Jackie Cameron

TALENT QUEST The Year 7 Spirit Committee is working hard planning and organising the 2012 St Francis Xavier Talent Quest which takes place on Tuesday 19 June between 11.15 – 1.00pm in the Ivey Activity Centre. The teachers will be assisting the Year 7 Committee with the selection of children for the auditions which will be held today 29 May, Wednesday 30 May and Thursday 31 May.

CANBERRA TRIP—2012

YEAR 6 NEWS

GREEN TEAM NEWS

MUSIC ROOM NEWS

ICT NEWS

Testing is in progress in the Music Room at the moment: Year 6 & 7 are assessed on playing a particular song on their guitar and the speed and accuracy of the chord changes. Year 6 are playing, Sweet Home Chicago while Year 7 are playing the Bruno Mars song, Just the Way You Are. Year 4 & 5 are being evaluated while playing a song on their recorders. Year 4 children are playing, Running Bear while Year 5 children are performing a song of their choice from this year’s repertoire. Year 3 children are being assessed on identifying whether music is moving in three’s or four’s. Year 2 students have been tested on their ability to play an ostinato (an accompanying rhythm) on the glockenspiel. Year 1 students have been assessed while playing up and down the ‘C scale’ on the glockenspiel. Prep assessments have been made through observing children identifying loud & soft, high & low, fast & slow. Maureen Laidler Music Teacher

We are excited because the Year 6 students, Mrs Petrie, Mr Braeuer, Mrs Fraser and Mr Anderson will be heading off to Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre at Lennox Head, NSW on Wednesday 30th May until Friday 1st June. Some of the activities that the children will be engaged in are Rock Climbing, Archery, High Ropes and Canoeing. Our theme is Coming Together, Keeping Together and Working Together. This camp aims to develop their cooperative behaviour, foster respect for one another and gives students the opportunity to face a variety of challenges. We are hoping for terrific weather and an exciting experience for the children.

Children and Staff Nudefood Lunch Box and Lunch Wallets Children and Adults (parents and staff) do you use and have a Nudefood Lunchbox (and use no wrappers in this box) / Lunch Wallets at School, work or home? If so please bring it/them along to school on Wednesday 30th May for a school photo of the community members who use sustainable practices at St Francis. These photos will be taken after assembly on Wednesday 30th May. It should only take a short time. Working together for a greener and cleaner world for our children and future generations. The Green Team

Website/ App of the Week BeFunky – www.befunky.com

BeFunky is a free easy to use photo editing website/app that lets you apply photo effects, enhance and edit pictures and photos online to transform them into an instant work of art. Terese Hogarth ICT Project Teacher

Last week, the Year Seven students and teachers went to Canberra for 3 days and 2 nights for their annual camp. The Year 7’s left on May the 22nd at 3:30am in the morning and arrived home on May the 24th at 10:00 at night. All of the Year Seven team went to many different places around Canberra such as the Parliament House, Questacon, the Australian War Memorial, Government House, National Art Gallery, National Museum, CSIRO and many other exciting venues! All thought it was a really fun and an enjoyable experience. We were lucky to see so many iconic venues and see all we have learnt in the past semester come to life. The plane trip was super fun getting to talk to your friends and see the views. It was my first plane trip ever too! – Grace Brittain Questacon was the best place I have ever been to in my life! The science experiments and activities were awesome. – Alana Cary I really enjoyed going to the War Memorial. There were so many interesting things to see. It was truly amazing! – Elena Lawson I really enjoyed going to the War Memorial and seeing a picture of my great, great uncle. – Madeline Lackey Parliament was grand. The marble entrance was spectacular! Just being inside it was amazing! – Lachlan Kerrigan If you would like to see what we got up to in Canberra, check out our Blog: canberratrip2012.blogspot.com. BY: Kiara Rowe and Tyson Waghorn Year 7 Media Committee

NEW CALEDONIAN STUDENTS

RESOURCE CENTRE NEWS

Monday 4th June - Inter School Sport Game Day Wednesday 6th June – Catholic Schools Cross Country

PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEWS

Dear Parents, Thank you to the 3 families who have offered to billet students from Sacré-Cœur in New Caledonia. We are still looking for 10 more families to offer their hospitality. The children will be arriving Monday 22 October and leaving Friday 26 October. Please consider your ability to assist. Billeting is usually a very enjoyable and educational experience for all parties. Two famiies who billeted the Sacre-Coeur children last year are offering to billet children again this year, so the experience is a positive one. If you are able to offer your hospitality, please return this form to the school office as soon as possible. Regards, Helen Meerleveld Cultural Literacy Teacher _____________________________________________________ I can host 2 children from Sacré-Cœur, New Caledonia from 22-26 October. I would prefer to host boys / girls (please circle) Name: ____________________________________________ Your child/ren: ______________________________________ Class: ____________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________

The Catholic Cross Country team training will take place on Monday and Wednesday mornings before school. All 8 and 9 year old qualifiers are encouraged to attend.

Monday 21st May Soccer Results Junior team at Southport: SFX vs Assissi WON 7 - 1 SFX vs St Kevins WON 3-1 ( Very exciting game considering we were whipped/flogged/ embarrassed by St Kev’s in the first round) Senior Teams at Carrara SFX 7A Team V St Kevin’s #2 Team (Won 3-2) SFX 6/7B Team V St Kevin’s #4 Team (Won 4-0) SFX 6A Team V St Kevin’s #3 Team (Won 6-1) SFX 7A Team V St Kevin’s #3 Team (Won 4-1) SFX 6/7B Team V Assisi #1 Team (Lost !-6) SFX 6A Team V St Kevin’s #4 Team (Won 9-1) Paul Fullagar PE Teacher

GCN CROSS COUNTRY

Last Friday in rainy overcast conditions our senior school cross country team competed courageously in the Gold Coast North Primary Schools CROSS COUNTRY Carnival. Individually there were brilliant performances by Daniel Webb and Rourke Cooke in winning their age championship races from start to finish. As a team our school representatives were outstanding. Both the 10 years Boys team and 12 years Boys team were second place whilst the 11 years Boys team gained third place against 24 other schools. In races containing over one hundred runners every SFX representative ran their race strongly to the finish line. The team’s commitment on the day was exemplified by the four Year 7 representatives, Erin Lunardelli, Amber Davidson, Brodie Moar and Nathan White who turned up on their recovery day from an exhausting camp to run their challenging 3000m races. Thank you to the parents who provided transport and support at the event and at training sessions. Congratulations to all team members for their dedication to training, effort and exemplary behaviour throughout the day. The next carnival is the Catholic Schools Cross Country at St Brigid’s Nerang which will include the 8 and 9 year old runners. Congratulations and best wishes to the following students who qualified to run in the South Coast Regional Cross Country Carnival to be held on Tuesday June 5th. 10 years Boys – Daniel Webb and Clay Daly 12 years Boys – Rourke Cooke and Broc Cooke CATHOLIC SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY A reminder that all students selected for the event need to return their transport permission slip to the office by Wednesday May 30.

FAMILY READING MONTH We had another great borrowing week last week with a total of 980 books being borrowed. Our grand total has reached 3812. There’s only one day left of National Family Reading Month, so please encourage your children if it’s their borrowing day, to bring along their books and bag so they can borrow! NATIONAL SIMULTANOUS STORYTIME Last Wednesday, our Prep Gold class participated in National Simultaneous Storytime with the help of the librarians from the Runaway Bay Library. The children were read The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland as did thousands of children across the country. What did Prep Gold love about the book? They enjoyed the zebra and when the bear got cranky! Happy Reading Mrs Jen Craig and Mrs Lisa Duncan Teacher Librarians

DIARY DATES

TUCKSHOP NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

30 May Yr 6 Camp 31 May Yr 6 Camp 1 Jun Yr 6 Camp 3 Jun Family Mass—Year 5 4 Jun General Assembly 6 Jun Catholic Cross Country 7 Jun Anointing Mass—Year 6 8 Jun Yr 4 Bicycle Safety 9 Jun First Communion—5.30pm Mass 10 Jun First Communion—9.00am Mass 11 Jun Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebrations 16 Jun First Communion—5.30pm Mass 17 Jun First Communion—9.00am Mass

BUDGIE NEEDS A HOME

Village Community Services Inc. and the Village Family Support Program are running the ‘Engaging Adolescents’ parent course. The course covers strategies, and increases confidence of parents in managing tough conversations with adolescents, gives a new understanding of adolescence and building relationships with your teen. Attached is the flyer with dates of the program starting in JUNE 2012. Contact Nikki at Studio Village Community Centre, located off Exit 62 for more information or to discuss your needs. Nikki, as Family Support Worker also offers individual support for those who need someone to talk to, call between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday for an appointment. Below is the link to the flyer on our website, for your information. http://www.studiovillage.com.au/CMS/?

ENROLMENTS AT AQUINAS

COLLEGE

PLEASE BE ADVISED ENROLMENTS FOR

YEAR 8 2013 ARE ALMOST FULL.

ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED

AFTER MAY 31ST 2012

WILL BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST.

Helpers this week are: Wednesday May 30 Nichole Bruce, Deb McCallsiter Thursday ay 31 Maree Cavill HELP NEEDED Friday June 1 Kim Grobbelaar, Carmel Tijsen, Karen Smith, Jodi Rintoule Monday June 4 HELP NEEDED

Tuesday June 5 Justine Lightfoot

We are looking for a good home for the green budgie in the Prep Green class and a cage is included. If you are interested please contact Mrs White or Mrs Geoghegan