Catholic Education, Diocese of Cairns
Queensland, Australia
Motto | Know, Love, Serve |
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Address | 5 Atkinson Street, MANUNDA QLD 4870 | |
Postal Address | PO Box 565, MANUNDA QLD 4870 | |
Phone Number | (07) 4037 9900 | |
Fax Number | (07) 4053 7566 | |
Email Address | secretary.manunda@cns.catholic.edu.au | |
Web Site | http://www.xaviercairns.qld.edu.au | |
Total Enrolments | 530 | ![]() |
Year Levels Offered | P-6 | |
Student Population | Co-Educational | |
Principal | Ms Kim Gubiani | |
Parish Priest | Fr Frank Gordon VG | |
Parish Number | (07) 4053 1383 |
About our School St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School is an inner-city school in the unique tropical north region of Cairns. Our school community gathers from all parts of the Cairns area. Our student enrolment encompasses a diverse range of nationalities from many parts of the world. It also includes students from Torres Strait and Indigenous cultures. St Francis Xavier's School has a multicultural diversity of children and time is taken to encompass the language, religion, economy, government and other cultural phenomena from the children's background which then connects to the children's real world. St Francis Xavier's was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1961. The school continues the traditions and charism of the Sisters of St Joseph and celebrates the major feast days of Mary MacKillop, St Joseph and St Francis Xavier. 'Never see a need without doing something about it!' www.marymackillopplace.org.au. Geographically, St Francis Xavier's is located within the Cairns West Parish, with Father Frank Gordon as Parish Priest. Providing a distinctive 'Catholic Education' with a real-life and inclusive approach to Religious Education and Spiritual Formation, St Francis Xavier's strives to live out the motto - To Know, Love and Serve God and each other. The Mission Statement at Saint Francis Xavier's School highlights the importance of the religious faith of staff and their commitment to Gospel values in their daily lives, the development of genuine relationships in the school community in an environment that teaches the values of trust, respect, responsibility, empathy, trust, compassion, forgiveness, equity, integrity and community. St Francis cultivates a culture of respect, caring and inclusion amongst the whole school community supporting the wellbeing of all our students.
Characteristics of Student Body
Since St Francis Xavier's School first began in 1961, the school has approximately an enrolment of 530 students. The school community includes a significant number of students with diverse cultural backgrounds including indigenous students. As a school we join together on a number of occasions to celebrate our cultural diversity. Our learning incorporates not only our diversity but the culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the traditional owners of the land we now call home. Characteristics of Student Body Cultural diversity
School Annual Improvement
Priority 1: Improving student outcomes in literacy for all with a focus on EAL/D students. By the end of 2018, EAL/D programs will be established and written. St Francis Xavier's will also have a sequence and scope written for English and vertically aligned across the school. Through the implementation of facilitated professional learning teams, St Francis Xavier's will improve instructional quality in literacy. As a result, the following targets will be achieved in 2018: Reading Goals Strategies and resources implemented Priority 2: To build a Collaborative Culture - Contemporary Learning Pedagogies By the end of 2018, the school will continue implementation of contemporary and innovative pedagogical practices that focus on: This will be measured by: Strategies and resources implemented Priority 3: To build a Collaborative Culture - Integrated Unit Planning By the end of 2018, teachers across all year levels will be using an integrated planning approach to curriculum delivery This will be measured by: Each year level having completed at least 4 integrated units of work Strategies and resources implemented Priority 4: Differentiated Teaching and Learning By the end of 2018, staff will have participated in fortnightly 1 hr ELTT meetings to engage in professional conversations on differentiated teaching and learning to adopt a common framework, definition, and language for differentiation at St Francis Xavier's. This will be measured by: Strategies and resources implemented Areas of growth
Distinctive Curriculum Offerings St Francis Xavier's is a P - 6 school and offers three classes in each year level. Curriculum development is an ongoing process at St Francis Xavier's. Our school learning framework is informed by the CES System Framework. We also use the documents developed by ACARA of which QCEC (Queensland Catholic Education Commission) is an active member and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (CAA). Our school curriculum framework is designed to support the wellbeing and learning for all students in our Catholic community. Our curriculum is underpinned by the General Capabilities of: The School offers students a sound academic education in all key learning areas including Religious Education. High Potential Learners are able to access extension activities that are catered for their needs in class. Students from Prep to Year 6 have specialist lessons in Health and Physical Education, Japanese and The Arts where they do Music, Dance & Drama. Our curriculum across the school focuses on literacy and numeracy, particularly in our P - 2 classes. In Year 3 - 4 a STEAM approach is used which combines Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts and Maths to solve problems. STEAM focuses on problem solving, investigating and Inquiry skills. In Year 5 - 6 a Design Thinking approach is used. Design Thinking provides a solution-based approach to solving problems. It is a way of thinking and working as well as a collection of hands-on methods. Intervention programs are provided for all students in particular our ATSI, EALD and learning difficulty students. To enhance our LOTE program and understanding of other cultures, we host a number of International groups throughout the year from Japan. This is known as our Homestay and International Student Program. Our Year 6 students visit Sister Schools in Taketoyo and Kyoto, Japan, every second year. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an important part of daily class lessons. SEL is integrated throughout the whole curriculum. The 'Second Step' Programme aims to increase student's academic achievement, self-awareness, empathy skills and emotional regulation and overall well-being. We are heavily committed to student and staff emotional well-being and intelligence. Prep to Yr 6 are also involved in school excursions and incursions. These are an important and effective means of motivating students and engaging them in active learning experiences. Excursions are carefully planned as part of the educational program at each year level. They will take part in excursions both locally and beyond the local area. We offer a BYOD program from Years 4 - 6. The iPad program allows the use of specific apps to better support and to meet individual needs. The program supports and encourages independent learning by offering an environment that can be self-paced and can encourage more opportunities for self-directed learning. A number of our students participate in the Instrumental Music Program through St Mary's College and others have private piano tuition based at the school. Instrumental group lessons are held during school time, usually using a rotational timetable for students. Group tuition is available for strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. Individual tuition is recommended for piano, drums and some orchestral instruments. Individual lessons are also recommended for those students who wish to prepare for external music examinations. Swimming lessons on water survival and an introduction to swimming is offered to students in Year 3 and Year 4. This program has been created in collaboration with the qualified staff of Tobruk Pool. As in any learning environment, a wide range of abilities are being catered for and the safety of our students is paramount. The program consists of five 45 minute lessons, conducted over a period of five weeks, is designed for your child to participate in a variety of activities, catered to meet their level and allows them to enjoy being in the swimming environment with peers across their year level. Our Sacramental program is parish-based. Catechesis and sacramental preparation are related through distinct activities. Catechesis is the continuing process of faith education and development. Its goal is growth in maturity of faith. Sacramental preparation is the specific pastoral activity, involving family and parish community that precedes and accompanies celebration of the sacraments. Notification of the Parish Sacramental program will be given each year through the Parish Bulletin and School Newsletter. The school is involved in parish life through the Pastoral Council and Finance Committee as well as through Sacramental Programs, regular liturgies and masses with our Parish Priest and the annual parish events Many of our students enjoy learning and playing board games at lunch breaks or involve themselves in Make-A-Space activities. We also have various activities that our students can become involved in which include: Robotics, Granfriends, School Choir, School Band, Math Olympiads, Readers Cup, Spelling Bee, Sport activities before and after school which are all available to our children to explore their abilities and interests at before school, lunch times or after school. We employ the use of positive and supportive strategies to build positive working relationships in the classroom and reinforce this with positive consequences. We are a Classroom Profiling School and as such we are committed to continual reflection of best teaching practices.
Our Year 6 students attend a school camp. This is a valuable aspect of a fully rounded program of development for students. The aims of our Camp program are to:
Extra Curricular Activities These include:
Social Climate St Francis Xavier's School has begun a school wide focus on Positive Education. We believe that student wellbeing is of utmost importance. Students explore positive psychology concepts, related to their wellbeing, to assist students to know and understand themselves and others. Students will be given opportunities to develop and practise skills relevant to their wellbeing assisting each student to flourish. Students will develop an understanding of one's character strengths, about self-talk, gratitude, resilience, growth mindset, how to deal with adversity and learn how to tune into their thinking. Staff use positive teaching practises in and outside the classroom to enable students to flourish. They focus on each individual's emotions, engagement, relationships, accomplishments, purpose, and health. Each students individual goal is to flourish. Students are provided many opportunities to develop their leadership skills through different opportunities provided within the school but also by applying for leadership positions within the school. The school has a 'Buddy Bench' which proudly sits in the playground, established by our Year 6s students of 2017. Students come to the bench if they're feeling lonely and have no-one to play with. It's a great way for kids to meet, greet and come together in friendship. Our school runs a buddy program where all our children spend special time with their buddy. They meet each other throughout the term for carefully planned, fun activities designed to help the children get to know each other. There are four Houses at the school used for House sports, Social Service and School activities. Blue - MacDonald Green - Penola Gold - Mackillop Red - Tenison St Francis Xavier's encourages students and staff to develop an awareness of those in need and to actively participate to alleviate injustice and suffering. This begins first and foremost here at the school with our treatment of each other. We then look further afield to the needs of the local community, the broader Australian community, and to those who live in other countries. Our efforts contribute to the work of the local Church in bringing about the Kingdom of God and maintaining the dignity of people. It is expected that each year level works together, once over the school year, to fundraise and/or increase awareness for social justice initiatives. Pastoral Care is the responsibility of all staff at St Francis Xavier's School and as a school we are able to carry out our charism, 'Never see a need without doing something about it' (Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop) each and every day. As staff in a Catholic School, we are especially called to show care and respect for others and to assist others where possible. This care is what makes our school distinctively Christian and in keeping with the Josephite charism. Should students require extra assistance due to circumstances they may find themselves in, the school is there to support them. The school can provide a school counsellor to help students through social and emotional issues and when student learning is impacted upon. The School also has a Diverse Learning Coordinator, Diverse Learning Teachers, Intervention Teachers and School Officers who support integration, classroom and diverse needs programs. Bullying is contrary to our Vision and our Positive Behaviour Wellbeing Plan. We acknowledge the wide-ranging effects of bullying and believe that everyone has the right to feel safe and be safe at St Francis Xavier's. It is unacceptable and therefore not tolerated. The whole school community (including staff, bystanders and families) have the responsibility to ensure that bullying behaviour does not occur. Bullying will be addressed using the 'Assertive Discipline' approach that underpins how situations are handled in difficult circumstances (refer to Procedures to Address Incidents of Bullying). At St Francis Xavier's we run a program called 'be a buddy, not a bully.' Learning is fostered in an environment that promotes success and is concerned with the welfare of every student. Students develop a positive attitude to learning and a feeling of self worth, as they are encouraged to view themselves as being competent and responsible. It is their happiness, development and acceptance of themselves as people of worth, together with the acquisition of understandings and skills that will assist them to take part in their wider community.
Parent Engagement Parents are encouraged to take part in a range of activities relating to our school programs. Each term teachers distribute a class newsletter describing curriculum programs and outline how parents can be involved in class activities. On Monday afternoon the whole school is involved in an assembly held in the multi-purpose court. This includes the National Anthem as well as announcements, awards and news items. This is an opportunity for our community to remain informed of events happening in our school. There is an open invitation to participate in all activities and to visit the school. Interviews with classroom teachers are available and can be organised at a mutually convenient time. Parents & Friends Association (P&F) is made up of mums, dads & carers who volunteer a couple of times a term (or attend & assist when they are able to). Parents and Friends (P&F) Associations work in a productive partnership with their school principal and the community to promote the interests of the school, and facilitate its development and further improvement, to achieve the best possible outcomes for students. P& F meetings are held on Monday nights of week one each term. Events include: Mother's & Father's Day, Family Night, Disco, World Teachers Day, Under 8s day and various other activities that the P & F support the school with. The P & F also run a second hand store for the school community. This is a valuable resource within the school and assists our families throughout the school year. Volunteers are always welcome to assist as this is operated purely on a volunteer basis. The School Board plays an active role as well, developing policies, overseeing major construction projects and monitors the school budget. The Board enables a spirit of partnership to be developed within the school community and is constituted in a way that allows the various bodies within the school to be represented and to participate in the development of the school and its management in a advisory manner. An Out of School Hours Childcare Service is available in the afternoon until 6.00pm. Vacation Care is also available on site. Other community involvement includes: Curriculum Information Sessions, Parent Workshops, Parental involvement in classrooms, Excursions and Camps, Book Fair, Fun Run, Character Day, Crazy Hair Day, Dance Show, Music Under the Stars evening and Parent/Teacher meetings. We encourage open communication and involve parents in a range of processes to include them in a conversation about improving outcomes for their children. Along with regular parent/teacher interviews, report and support meetings we use a variety of tools to contact and communicate with parents and the community. Any way families support their children with their learning, attendance, and engagement makes a huge, positive impact on the whole school experience.
Parent Satisfaction Parents have responded that staff (92.1%) and students (90%) live out Catholic values of witness and service in their words and actions. 92.1% believe that the policies and procedures of St Francis Xavier's are documented clearly and are easily accessible. 92.1% state that at St Francis Xavier's each child is encouraged to achieve to the best of their ability with 87.8% believing that St Francis Xavier's has clear, behaviour management procedures that are fair, consistent and effective. 96.5% of parents responded that the school treats students from all backgrounds with respect. 95.7% state that the grounds, building and outdoor facilities are well-presented and maintained. 93.6% of parents agree that St Francis Xavier's strives to improve and innovate to enhance its educational offerings to students.
Data Last Updated Wed 22 May 2019
Qualification Highest level of attainment | Doctoral / Post-doctoral | Masters | Bachelor degree | Diploma | Certificate |
Number of staff with this qualification | 0 | 1 | 26 | 3 | 0 |
Workforce composition |
Headcount | FTE (Full-time equivalent) |
Teaching Staff | 37 | 32.8 |
Non-Teaching Staff | 26 | 11.22 |
Indigenous | 1 | 0.47 |
Total funds expended on teacher professional development$11131
Teaching Staff Involved in Professional Development100%
Major Professional Development Initiatives The teachers have been involved in professional learning in the following areas:
Average staff attendance rate for the school year, based on unplanned absences of sick and emergency leave for periods up to 5 days97%
Percentage of teaching staff retained from the previous school year88.00%
Staff Satisfaction A total of 41 staff responded to the survey. 96.1% of staff believe that St Francis is a welcoming and caring community where everyone is treated with respect. 95.1% agree that St Francis Xavier's provides high quality services to parents and students with 90.3% feeling empowered to make a difference. 100% of staff state that they understand their obligations under student protection processes and that the school sets high standards for student behaviour. 97.2% of staff agree that St Francis Xavier's provides the equipment, training and resources they need to do their work safely and 95.2% state that they have confidence in the future direction of St Francis Xavier's School.
Data Last Updated Mon May 13 2019
Prep | YR 1 | YR 2 | YR 3 | YR 4 | YR 5 | YR 6 |
93.1% | 91.99% | 95.16% | 94.36% | 94.81% | 94.05% | 94.13% |
Parents are required to notify the school via the absentee phone message bank before 8.30am if their child/ren will be absent for the day, or late. Parental contact is expected whether or not the child is absent for the whole day or part of the day. If a student is away and no notification has been received (ie: a written note or a phone call), teachers alert the school office to student non-attendance promptly every morning through their marking of the electronic school roll. Student services will contact parents to ascertain reason for absence. This contact may be either through 'Blink' or a phone call. Student welfare and attendance is a priority for staff at St Francis Xavier's School.
92.4% of students believe that "My school encourages me to think and develop my personal faith". 94.7% agree that the school rules at St Francis Xavier's are fair and consistent with a further 97.8% believing that doing their best at St Francis Xavier's is important to them. 87.9% of students indicated that if they felt unsafe at school they know a teacher or staff member who could help them and 87.2% of students think that the students at this school are nice to each other. 81.8% agree that there are many resources in the classroom that they can use to help them learn with 88.0% thinking that everyone at St Francis Xavier's is trying to make the school better.
Data Last Updated Wed Mar 20 2019
Reading | Average Score for the school | 435.6 |
Average Score for Queensland | 437.8 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 100% | |
Writing | Average Score for the school | 414.2 |
Average Score for Queensland | 410.5 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 100% | |
Spelling | Average Score for the school | 434 |
Average Score for Queensland | 432.9 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 98.7% | |
Grammar and Punctuation | Average Score for the school | 396.8 |
Average Score for Queensland | 406 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 100% | |
Numeracy | Average Score for the school | 412.3 |
Average Score for Queensland | 413.1 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 96% |
Data Last Updated Thu May 30 2019
Reading | Average Score for the school | 533.3 |
Average Score for Queensland | 517.1 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 97.5% | |
Writing | Average Score for the school | 486.2 |
Average Score for Queensland | 469.4 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 98.7% | |
Spelling | Average Score for the school | 514.2 |
Average Score for Queensland | 511.1 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 91% | |
Grammar and Punctuation | Average Score for the school | 496.9 |
Average Score for Queensland | 497.9 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 96.2% | |
Numeracy | Average Score for the school | 508.7 |
Average Score for Queensland | 501.2 | |
% students at or above the national benchmark | 96.2% |
Data Last Updated Thu May 30 2019
Australian Government recurrent funding$1,777,664
State/Territory Government recurrent funding$483,146
Fees, charges and parent contributions$250,915
Other private sources$114,757
Total gross income (excluding income from government capital grants)$2,626,482
Income allocated to current capital projects$40,064
Income allocated to future capital projects and diocesan capital funds$0
Income allocated to debt servicing (including principal repayments and interest on loans)$23,294
Subtotal$28,320
Total net recurrent income$28,320
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Cairns meet their annual reporting requirements under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (the Act) Section 423 (1) by updating their information on this section of the Cairns Catholic Education website. Information contained in each section of the report relates to the previous calendar year. The required information is published by 30 June each year, excepting post-school destinations data for Year 12 completers which is published by 30 September.