School/postal address: 4 Carignane Street, Wynn Vale SA 5127 Phone: 8251 9500 Fax: 8289 9599 e-mail: office@sfx.catholic.edu.au Web address: www.sfx.catholic.edu.au OSHC: 8251 9560

Term 2, Week 4 23rd May, 2013

Sunday 26-5-13 Trinity Sunday

Monday 27-5-13

Prayer Café Staff Room @ 9am

Friday 31-5-13

Assembly Xavier Hall @ 2.30pm

Sunday 2-6-13

School Working Bee School Aerobics

Monday 3-6-13

Prayer Café Staff Room @ 9am OSHC Committee

Meeting Green Room @ 6pm CD&M Committee

Meeting Staff Room @ 7pm Sports Committee

Meeting Meeting Room @ 7pm

Wednesday 5-6-13

PCC Meeting

Thursday 6-6-13 Yr 5 Mass @ 2pm

Friday 7-6-13

Catholic Athletics Carnival @ Santos

Stadium National Buddy Day

Monday 10-6-13 Queen’s Birthday

Public Holiday

Attachments Sports flyer

Working Bee flyer

ST DAVID’S Saturday 5.30pm

Sunday 10.30am & 5.30pm

OLOH Sunday 9.00am

JOHN XXIII Saturday 6pm Sunday 8am

HOLY TRINITY Sunday 10am

This year, with the implementation of the Australian Curriculum, there have been some changes to Science lessons. Each class will have two specialist Science lessons a week for two terms (1 semester). Specialist teachers will teach Physical sciences for a term and Chemical sciences for a term. Classroom teachers are teaching Biological sciences and Earth & Space sciences. At St Francis Xavier’s we believe that Science is an important learning area and that through Science children learn more about themselves and more about the world they live in.

Dear Parents and Friends, Last week our Year 3, 5 & 7 students took part in the annual Naplan tests. For our Year 3s this was an experience they would have never before encountered. Not even the previous generation had Naplan testing! Like me I am sure that many of our parents would have experienced the ‘deadly silent’ classroom during our education. I can still remember Sister Mary Bernadette pointing the end of a feather duster at me demanding silence or else. Friday morning dictation tests, followed by the mental arithmetic test was common practice for my generation and thankfully uncommon in our contemporary classrooms today. The difference is we never sat a Year 12 style exam lasting an hour for three days at this level! And so I was so proud of the Year 3, 5 & 7s last week as I visited classrooms set in rows as the children wrote persuasive texts, looked for spelling and grammar errors in writing and solved Maths problems. One little Year 3 boy came up to me after the writing convention test and said “Mr D those tests are just trying to trick us!” The Naplan tests language convention, writing, reading and numeracy in one hour blocks (approx) of silent concentration so foreign from the collaborative style of teaching today. Our children in Years 3, 5 & 7 considered a topic, planned and then proceeded to write about it. Our Year 3s used terms like, “I strongly believe that …..” and “Firstly…” or “In conclusion …” Powerful vocabulary for ones so young! So my visits to classrooms last week did fill me with pride because of the way the children took on the challenge and because of the way our teachers prepared our children!

Welcome Back Gabby Tullio There was a familiar face in the playground on Monday morning! Gabby is back at school and it is good to have him back on deck! Gabby, Rachele and the family have been through quite an ordeal but it is good to hear that their son Gabriel is making steady progress towards recovery. If you see Gabby in the yard please know he is happy to chat about things!

30th Birthday Gala Dinner Enthusiasm and interest is building for the 30th Birthday Gala Dinner to be celebrated at Sfera’s on the Park on Saturday, 22 June at 7pm. The organising committee has informed me that 21 tables have been booked so far, which is a great response. Last week I met with Class Reps seeking their support to gather parents to form tables for what will

be a great event. I assured the Class Reps that the evening is first and foremost a celebration and not a fund raiser. So I assure parents that you will not be hit for raffle tickets, however, there will be a silent auction of items for those who would like to take part, but not an expectation. All parents and friends of the school are invited to be a part of what will be a memorable evening. If you would like to book a table please contact Chantelle Walker or Di Skurray. If you would like come but you don’t have a table we can arrange to have you join a table. Please contact the office. For those who are not able to attend the dinner but would like to be in the draw for the raffle of one year’s free tuition fees, tickets can be purchased from the front office for $10. The Gala Dinner Committee is eager to hear from parents who would be willing to donate a prize for the silent auction. A prize can be anything from a bottle of wine to the use of a family holiday home. Please let us know if you are willing to contribute!

Working Bee With this week’s newsletter you will receive the working bee flyer. Our working bee event is always a great day and we accomplish a great deal around the school. This year we hope to add mulch to as many garden beds around the school as possible, replenish the soft fall under the play equipment, and continue to repaint as many benches as we can. If you can spare a few hours please complete the return form and place Sunday 2nd June in the diary. Many hands can make a difference and help to get some jobs done!

School Survey Have you had your say? This is your chance to provide feedback on a number of issues and areas of the school in order to gather data for us to develop our school strategic plan. This term the School Board will begin the task of writing a new development plan for the next three years and wants to ensure that the vision and future direction for the school will reflect the views of our community. As an invested member of our school we ask parents to complete the survey and assist with the development of a new vision and plan. Your informed opinion will be used to shape our school development in the years ahead. The survey can b e a c c e s s e d o n l i n e a t w w w . s u r v e y m o n k e y / s /SFXFeedback2013

Congratulations and Bon Voyage

Congratulations to Michelle (Room 7 teacher) and Michael Williams on the birth of their second child Noah Alexander Williams born on Friday 17th May, 7lbs 5 oz. Michelle and little Noah are all well! This week we farewell Lucy Vozzo our school Librarian who is heading off for Long Service Leave. Lucy and her husband are travelling to London to visit their son and daughter-in-law who are expecting their first child. We wish Lucy a very relaxing period of leave and we wish her all the best as she becomes a Nonna for the first time. Jane Hamdorf will be replacing Lucy in the Library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I know the children will miss Lucy’s enthusiasm, but they will be in great hands with Jane as she leads Resource Based Learning in the Library. Roma Chiera-Garnelli will be replacing Jane in Room 11 on Thursdays. We also wish Guilia Canala and Janette Burchell bon voyage as they are also heading off for Long Service Leave cruising the Pacific. Both Guilia and Janette will be away for two weeks. Cathie Turner will be on leave for the remainder of the term as she recovers from surgery. We wish Cathie a speedy recovery to good health and she will be missed in the Special Ed and Music areas of the school. We welcome Di Skurray to the Special Ed team filling in for Cathie while she is away.

Parking on Carignane Street This week I had a visit from the Tea Tree Gully Council parking inspector. Our neighbours across the road are being inconvenienced by parents who block their dr iveways. We va lue the relationship we have with our neighbours and so I ask that you not park directly across from driveways and not block the residents from entering or leaving their homes. I also ask that our OSHC parents park on the Northern side of Carignane Street when collecting children after school. Your cooperation will be appreciated. Enjoy the weekend ahead!

Joe De Tullio Principal

As this was the first School Board meeting of the term, nominations were called for the various positions and committees of the Board. The 2013/14 Board positions are:

Matt Turner School Board Chairperson

Kelly Zander Deputy Chairperson

Michelle Sauerwald School Board Secretary

Ed Agius School Board Treasurer

Clair Vue Capital Development & Maintenance

Committee Chairperson Michelle Ovenden

OSHC & Vac Care Chairperson Natalie Spackman

Education Committee Chairperson Chantelle Walker

Parent Community Chairperson Jo MacWilliams

Sports Committee Chairperson Anita Gagliardi

Staff Representative

The various reports from committees were tabled and reported. Lisa Zuppa from Catholic Education Health and Safety presented to Board members changes to WHS Act and the duties of volunteer officers under the new model. Matt Turner reported on a joint meeting held with Tony Zappia, Federal Member for Makin regarding the Gonski review. Several matters were raised during the meeting with Mr Zappia which include:

The widespread concern that South Australia is receiving a disproportionate share of the total education funding pool.

Catholic Schools are likely to receive 10% of the funding yet comprise 20% of the student population.

Concern regarding what if any, additional funding for special needs schools.

The inequity of funding to Year 7 students in South Australia who are expected to achieve similar education standards to Year 7 students interstate.

The School Board agreed that it was important to maintain contact with our politicians leading up to the election. The Board discussed the collection of data to inform the new School De ve l op me n t P l a n . A Ca f é Conversation evening for parents will be held in Term 3 to gather information for the writing of the strategic plan. The issue of the School’s Newsletter to be distributed electronically was discussed. The school trialled the emailing of the newsletter in 2008 with minimal success. It was agreed to have another attempt at distributing school newsletters and flyers to parents electronically. This will take place at the commencement of Term 3. Matt Turner School Board Chairperson

LAP has been at St Francis for over 30 years. LAP stands for Learning Assistance Program. It has helped many children with low self esteem, helped children with learning problems, also children who need extending in their work and children who just do not fit into the wider school community. I was a volunteer for 7 years before starting work here at St Francis Xavier. I am very pleased to be part of LAP as the Coordinator. I have shared many fun times with children and seen them grow as young adults and move onto high school. The friendships that you gain from LAP can continue for a life time. I have had times where I am walking down the mall at the Plaza and have a voice call out to me and say hi. The founder of LAP Penny Penhall, tells a story of a student she worked with ringing her up and inviting her to attend his University graduation. He told her the time that they spent together meant so much to him and said that without her support he would not have made it to this day. So the impact you have on a child can last forever and help them to gain whatever they want in life. To be a volunteer you do not have to have any qualifications other than a caring heart and the willingness to listen and have fun. I am desperate for male volunteers as I have a few boys on the program that would benefit from having a male influence. If you have a spare half hour once a week I am sure the children on the waiting list would love to see you. I would also love to see mums, dads, aunties, uncles and grandparents as part of this wonderful program. If you would like to be a volunteer please fill in the return slip or come and see me, or ring the school and arrange to meet. I will be in the LAP room every afternoon except Fridays from 1pm to 2:50pm. You will find me in the Adaptive Education Learning Centre which is across from the Green Room. I am in the office at the end of the building. I will be holding an information afternoon on Thursday, 6th June at 2pm in the Little Xavier’s Room which is at the end of the Adaptive Education Learning Centre.

Sharon Freeth LAP Coordinator

LAP Volunteer Reply Slip

I would like to be a

volunteer

Name:…………………………………. …………………………………………… Eldest Child’s Name……………… ………………………………………….. Room Number:….………………... Contact No:….……………………... will be attending on Thursday,

6th June at 2.00pm.

On Sunday, the church celebrated the feast of Pentecost. On receiving the Holy Spirit, the apostles changed from scared men, lost without the guidance and direction of Jesus, to become men of great understanding and zeal, passionate in their desire to spread Christ’s message to all. For this reason, Pentecost is also referred to as the birth of the church that we belong to today. Like the apostles, Christ gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that we too, may have the courage to live out the Gospel values in our daily lives. The whole school celebrated this special feast with Father Peter saying Mass with its theme, “Filled with the Holy Spirit,” on Tuesday, 21st May. We had a great surprise visitor with Father Manu joining us for a first time visit to the school. Thank you also to the parents, grandparents and friends who were able to celebrate this important feast with us. Your presence is valued by the students who always enjoy and look forward to sharing this time of special prayer with you. St Vincent de Paul Society reminds Australians that,

‘Together we can do something about it!’ The St Vincent de Paul Society has launched its Winter Appeal 2013, challenging Australians to take a stand against poverty this winter and ‘Do something about it.’ The appeal challenges Australians to dismiss attitudes of powerlessness and be inspired to take action on the things that matter to them. Keeping in line with trends over the past few years, the St Vincent de Paul Society expects to see an increase in demand for assistance over the winter months. With energy prices and the cost of living increasing, more Australian families are struggling to make ends meet and cover basic household expenses. The SRC will be working hard to inspire students, to, “Do something about it,” by becoming ‘Vinnie’s shoppers.’ We ask everyone to support the Winter Appeal by donating non-perishable food items to this worthy cause. Food items can be brought to classes from weeks 5 – 8, as we as a community work together to help those in need in our local area.

Important Dates Sunday, 26th May – Trinity Sunday – We contemplate the mystery of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as one Monday, 27th May - Prayer Café in the staff room at 9.00am – all welcome! Tuesday, 28th May - Rooms 7, 8, 1 & 5 celebrate a liturgy honouring Mary and mothers, in Xavier Hall Friday, 31st May – Assembly in Xavier Hall Sunday, 2nd June – Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ Monday, 3rd June – Prayer Café in the staff room at 9.00am. Tuesday, 4th June – Rooms 3, 4 & 2, celebrate a liturgy honouring Mary and mothers, in Xavier Hall Thursday, 6th June – Year 5 Class Mass with Father Peter

“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”

Mother Teresa

ANGELA COON Assistant Principal RE acoon@sfx.catholic.edu.au

“The darkest days are over. Thank God!”

Dear SFX Community, It is with some contentment that I have returned to work this week in the knowledge that my son, Gabriel, is progressing well after his surgery and is now heavily into his rehabilitation. Small things such as being able to sit aided on the edge of his bed for a minute, being able to stand up using parallel bars with assistance from his physio, getting some movement back in his left hand, arm and leg, and being able to have a conversation and joke with his family and friends brings great joy to our hearts. This is a far cry from where we were six weeks ago when the world we lived in changed forever in a few short minutes early one Sunday morning. My wife, Rachele, Gabriel and I would like to thank everyone in the SFX Community for all the prayers and best wishes we have received. There is no doubt in my mind that all the prayers have helped Gabriel and my family pull through the dark times. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Principal, Joe DeTullio, our APRIM, Angela Coon, and all the other wonderful staff at SFX for their wonderful love and support of me, and my family, during this time. God bless! Gabby Tullio “Life is not the way it’s supposed to

be. It’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what

makes the difference.”

CAR PARKING AROUND THE SCHOOL

The school wishes to thank everyone for responding positively to the request last term to drive and park appropriately in our car parks and in the neighbouring streets. From time to time issues arise and it is important that everyone understands that measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of children coming to and leaving the school. It is also very important to make sure we do whatever we can to promote good relationships with our neighbours, especially those in Carignane St and Park Lake Drive. Everyone can help here by ensuring that when parking your vehicles on these two streets that you do not park across our neighbours’ driveways. If you think it is a little tight and part of your car is protruding into a driveway then I ask you to find somewhere else to park, as even this small protrusion can cause problems for people wishing to enter or exit their driveway. Thank you in anticipation of your support. Gabby Tullio Deputy Principal

“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.”

tania.krawczyk@sfx.catholic.edu.au Ph: 8251 9531 Tuesdays & Thursdays

Diary Dates—Term 2, 2013

Knockout football, soccer, netball throughout Term 2. Week 5 30th May Cross Country Week 6 7th June SACPSSA Athletics Carnival Week 10 2nd July SACPSSA Netball Carnival

SAPSASA DISTRICT HOCKEY CARNIVAL On Thursday in Week 1, the Year 6/7 boys and girls took part in the District Hockey Carnival at Tilley Reserve. We all had a blast at the carnival and our coaches were very proud of the way we displayed fairness and good sportspersonship. Each team played 3 games. The boys played hard to gain second place for the large schools division. The girls team placed first for the large schools division and came back to school with a trophy! A big thank you to Anita Gagliardi, Tania Krawczyk and Tanya McIver for coaching and supporting both teams. Well done, everyone!

       

       

SAPSASA KNOCKOUT SERIES Netball: Played 1st game against Blair Athol and had a comfortable win. They progress to the next round against

Football: SFX was defeated in the first round by Blair Athol—bad luck boys.

Soccer (Boys) : To be played on 29th May against Redwood Park.

Soccer (Girls) : To be played on 29th May against Redwood Park.

2013 SEASON 2 AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR SEASON 2 AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS.

Please see flyer in newsletter for available sports and complete if interested.

SAPSASA Tea Tree Gully District SAPSASA holds trials for District SAPSASA teams. The successful players will play for the TTG District Team and compete during school hours in the state carnival. If your child* is interested in trialing for a team please go to: www.ttg-sapsasa.wikipedia.com *Students born in 2003 or earlier may compete in the aged events - swimming, cross country and athletics BUT ONLY students in Years 6 & 7 and in their 11th year or older may trial for the team sports. For a more detailed explanation please visit www.decd.sa.gov.au/sport.

We are very pleased to announce details for the

Invitations have been sent home to all families and their friends,

inviting them to join in the celebrations.

Saturday, 22nd June Sfera’s Function Centre, Modbury

Tickets are $80 per person (tables of 10) which includes: 3 Course Meal

4 hour Drinks Package Live Band

And free entry ticket in the major prize draw.

Please contact me (0409 882855) or Di Skurray (0407 718078) to secure your table bookings by Wednesday, 5th June. Please make your payments to Sue at the Front Office ASAP. Checkout the school web site or Facebook page for more information. We will be holding a Silent Auction on the night and are asking for help collecting items. If you, or someone you know, may be in a position to donate an item for the auction, please contact me or a member of the PC Committee

Thank you Chantelle Walker PCC Chairperson chantellekwalker@yahoo.com.au

0409 881 855

Gleeson College Parents & Friends 2013 QUIZ NIGHT

‘SILVER’ Theme Celebrating 25 Years! Saturday, 15 June, 2013

6.30pm for 7pm start @ DRMC $10 adults, $5 students

Raffles & Lucky Door Prizes Dress up in SILVER to WIN!

BYO Drinks & Nibbles | Tea & Coffee available www.gleeson.sa.edu.au

Tickets available from College Front Office or by phoning 8282 6600 to reserve your table today!

Entertainment Book 2013 Now on sale at the Front Office

for only $65.00 (Fantastic value, with over $20,000 worth of

vouchers in this year’s book!) All sales & queries, please contact Sue at the

Front Office on 8251 9500

CHANGE OF OPENING HOURS FOR UNIFORM SHOP

Please note, the Uniform Shop will be open from:

3.15pm to 4.15pm on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday of Weeks 4, 5 & 6 of this term only.

From Week 7 onwards the Uniform Shop will be open at the normal times of:

Monday & Thursday: 8.30am – 9.30am Tuesday: 2.00pm – 3.30pm