Friday 19, September 2025

From the Acting Principal's Desk

As Term 3 comes to a close, I'd like to thank all families, students and staff who have welcomed me to this wonderful school. I have enjoyed being part of this amazing community and will always hold my time here dearly.

I hand back to Ms Harney for Week 1 of Term 4 and hope she has had a restful and renewing break. I know she will be pleased to be back with you all.

Have a wonderful term break, travel safely and enjoy the time.

Theresa Redgwell
Acting Principal

Assistant Principal Administration

As we come to the close of Term Three, I am filled with awe and pride for the remarkable efforts and spirit shown by our students, staff, and families over these past months. Each day in our school is a testament to the dedication that makes our community truly special, and it is your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning that have allowed us to thrive together.

This term, one of our highlights has most certainly been the annual dance concert, a St Francis Xavier’s School tradition that continues to bring us all together in joyful celebration. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs Richardson, whose tireless dedication and creative vision have once again delivered a wonderful afternoon of dance, and music. Her passion inspires not only our students, but our whole school community, and we are deeply grateful for her expertise and generosity. The dance concert is much more than a performance—it is a beautiful opportunity for families, friends, and staff to unite and share in the spirit of our school.

As we prepare for a well-deserved break, I wish each and every one of you a restful, safe, and happy holiday.  We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting Term Four.

Thank you, once again, for all that you bring to our school.

Until next fortnight.

Kristina Armstrong

Assistant Principal Religious Education

We have achieved and celebrated so much this Term at St Francis Xavier’s. 

Our Under 8s Day was a great way to finish the Term off strong. While the rain dampened our oval, our spirits and excitement were still high as we welcomed some different local organisations including our own OSHC Staff, PCYC, OzKick, Navy, LimberLost and the Fire Service. To reflect the 2025 Under 8s Theme: Scientific Learning through Play, we had a range of engaging activities allowing students to have a go at different arts, crafts and games. We also welcomed some of our 2026 Prep students, as well as children from Waratah DayCare Centre to join in our fun. I am sure the families enjoyed seeing and hearing what the students created when they came home on Thursday. Thank you staff for creating a fun morning of activities for the students, as well as the P&F committee for the generous support to allow purchase of additional supplies.

Our P&F will be hosting a school dance in our Multi-Purpose Court on Friday the 24th of October. Start looking for Funky Fluro inspired clothing for this social event. Tickets will be $2 per school aged student at the gate, with BYO food. This is a parent supervised event. Drinks and chips will be available for sale. Year 6 students will be selling Glow Sticks for a fundraiser for their Senior Gift to the school. More details will be announced after the holidays. 

When we return our social justice focus for October will be towards the work of  Catholic Missions Australia. The students will learn about the efforts of Catholic Missions in Zambia. A Crazy Sock Day fundraising activity for Missions Australia “Socktober” will be held on - Friday 24th October October. 

We will start our Prep Orientation days for 2025 Prep Students with a Meet and Greet on Tuesday 15th October, 4-5pm. If you have a child turning 5 before the end of June 2026, they should be enrolling into Prep for next school year. 

I take this opportunity to wish our families a happy and safe holiday break. I look forward to seeing you after my return from Long Service Leave at the start of next Term.

Blessings, Debbie McGuinness.

Performing Arts

St Augustine’s Instrumental Music Workshop

St Francis Xavier’s instrumental students participated in a workshop at St Augustine’s College on Friday 5th September. The children collaborated and formed a string orchestra and concert band with students from St Joseph’s Primary School, St Augustine’s College and St Monica’s College. The day consisted of team building games, vocal warmups, ensemble rehearsals, and concluded with an afternoon concert. Thank you to our Instrumental teachers, Christine Marnane and Matt Chandler who conducted the ensembles and to the staff at St Augustine’s who provided this invaluable opportunity for our students.

Wishing you and your families a safe and enjoyable school break.

Rianne Richardson

Mackillop Centre

📚 Thank You for Supporting Our Book Swap!

A heartfelt thank you to all the families who contributed to our recent Book Swap—whether by donating books or giving a gold coin to purchase one. Your generosity made this event a great success!

We had a fantastic selection of quality pre-loved books for families to choose from, and it was lovely to see students excited about reading and sharing stories.

Thanks to your support, we raised $58 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a national charity of the Australian Book Industry. This organisation works in partnership with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia to improve literacy outcomes and access to culturally relevant books.

We’re also proud to share that the remaining donated books have been gifted to Wuchopperen, who are starting their own little  library. It’s wonderful to know these books will continue to be enjoyed and make a difference in our wider community.

Thank you again for helping us spread the joy of reading.

Have a safe holiday and we look forward to seeing everyone in term 4.

Happy reading,

Mrs Ross, Mrs Havill and Mrs Reilly.

Student Highlights

🌟 Star Student Awards

Zara Kulmiye and Anna McKee

Year Three students, Zara and Anna represented Dance 2XS Pocket Rockets Team at the AASCF (Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation) State Championship in the Gold Coast. A huge congratulations to the girls on their amazing results and an incredible start to their Cheer Comp Season.

AASCF Results

• First Jazz Troupe
• Second Pom Troupe
• Third Lyrical Troupe

Madeleine Gleave

Madeleine Gleave shone in numerous Dance Competitions held in Cairns over the last couple of months and received amazing success.

Jump Dance Challenge

• First                                                     Lyrical Solo
• First                                                     Jazz Group
• First                                                     Contemporary Group
• First                                                     Lyrical Group
• First                                                     Acro Group
• First                                                     Hip Hop Group
• Highly Commended                            Contemporary Solo
• Highly Commended                            Jazz Solo
• Overall Highest Scoring Routine        Lyrical Solo
• Championship Dancer Winner

Light Up the Stage

• First                                                     Contemporary Solo
• Second                                                Lyrical Solo
• Highly Commended                            Jazz Solo
• Highest Scoring Routine                     Contemporary Solo
• Championship Winner
• Runway Winner                                  Modelling Competition

Dance X

• First                                                     Own Choreography Solo
• Highest Scoring Routine
• Standout Dancer Award

Edie Smith and Madeleine Gleave

Year 6 students, Edie and Madeleine competed in the Dance X Competition for the first time together in the Duo Section, where they choreographed their own routine. The girls received an outstanding first place for their lyrical performance. Congratulations girls!

Save the Date - P & F Disco

Parent Portal and MYCE App

Accessing the MYCE App

Parent and Caregivers can download the latest version by clicking the following links:

• ​MyCE Mobile App - Apple App Store​
• ​MyCE Mobile App - Google Play

Accessing the Parent Portal

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/jjlLuzLFbAEbPGfC

2025 Term Dates

Prep Enrolments for 2026

Children who were born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021 are eligible to attend Prep in 2026.

Enrolment applications for the 2026 Prep year are currently being accepted! Interviews for placement in the 2026 Prep classes are underway, with offers now being made to families.

A friendly reminder to existing families: please ensure that enrolment applications are completed, and interviews are scheduled for younger children transitioning to Prep. It's important to note that having a sibling at SFX does not automatically guarantee the enrolment process.

For those with family or friends seeking a high-quality education for their children, we kindly urge our school community to share your experiences with St Francis Xavier’s School and the positive impact of a Catholic education. Encourage them to reach out to the school at 4037 9900, explore our website, or visit us in person so that we can engage in a discussion about enrolling their child.

Tuckshop News

Tuckshop is now Open 3 Days per week

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from Week 7 until the end of the Year. 

Place all your school orders online quickly and easily with Flexischools. Flexischools is a well-established organisation allowing you to place all your canteen orders online at any time.

Download the Flexischools app from the App Store or Google Play for details on how to set up your account. https://www.flexischools.com.au.

Volunteering

Parents, grandparents, and carers are always welcome to come and assist with the preparations in the tuckshop. Please contact the front office on 07 4037 9900 if you are able to assist.

Term 4 2025 - Date Claimers

2026 Prep Transition Program

Our Prep Transition Program for 2026 Prep students will begin next term. Please refer to the flyer below for important dates.

Community News