Newsletter 8, 3 June 2022

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”

Pentecost Sunday: The season of Easter concludes with today's celebration, the feast of Pentecost. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church.

This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. This reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church's sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are washed clean from sin and become a new creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God in forgiving sins. This reconciling presence is also to be a way of life for Christians. In situations of conflict, we are to be agents of peace and harmony among people.

Parent Group Meeting: This coming Thursday 9th June we will be pleased to invite back on campus any parents who are able to attend our regular Parent Group meeting (see flyer attached at the end of the newsletter). For those new and interested in this, it is an opportunity for parents to be active in the College community, hear topics of interest and share dialogue about their hopes and dreams for their children at Xavier College.

A Short Period of Leave: At the end of next week I will be taking a short period of prearranged leave. During this time, Mrs Amanda Falvey will be in the position of Acting Principal. I know she will have your total support.

The College Musical: I will return at the end of week 9 in time to be an excited participant during the school musical - Back to the 80’s - The Totally Awesome Musical. I thank Mrs. Leanne Broadley and the wonderful team and support crew under the guidance of renowned Rachel Beck, who have been working long hours with our student cast and crew to bring about a wonderful evening. Please take the opportunity to book your place at one of our sessions and enjoy some fun and wholesome entertainment.

Idle Gossip: The allure and fantasy that can be created by idle gossip, especially when details are sparse or restricted can be very enticing. Our students are often spoken to about good manners, acknowledging the feelings and reputation of others, being compassionate towards their peers and not spreading rumours or gossiping, especially when they know the details are not being presented factually in theirs or other people’s comments. The mark of mature young people as they grow during their time here at Xavier is their refusal to engage in these sorts of negative behaviours. An important life lesson.

Mark Twain:

It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. it’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so

God Bless,
Mr Kevin Lewis
College Principal
kevin.lewis@lism.catholic.edu.au

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

NAPLAN 

Well done to our Year 7 and Year 9 students who completed the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Students sat online tests in language conventions, writing, reading and numeracy. Information from this assessment will be available to parents later this year and is utilised by our staff to support learning growth in our students. Thank you to Mrs Smith and Ms Page who coordinated the tests, to our technology team, our test administrators and to all staff who supported our students during NAPLAN. 

YEAR 10 ASSESSMENT BLOCK

Year 10 Assessment Block commences on Monday 6 June and will conclude on Friday 17 June. All students have received an examination timetable and a copy was emailed to [parents and guardians. Students are reminded to complete and submit an Absence form Assessment form (available on the College website under the Learning tab/Assessment information/Year 10) if they are unable to attend a scheduled examination due to illness or misadventure.Supporting documentation is required to be submitted with the form in order for special consideration to be given to individual circumstances.

YEAR 10 and YEAR 11 - MINIMUM STANDARDS TESTING  

All students are required to complete online Reading, Writing and Numeracy tests to demonstrate they meet the Minimum Standard of literacy and numeracy required to receive the award of the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Students have multiple opportunities to sit the tests during Year 10, 11 and 12 (and post school).

Students in Year 10 will have their first opportunity to sit the Minimum Standards tests in Week 9 (20 June onwards).Year 11 students who have not yet attained the Minimum Standard will also be provided with an opportunity to sit the tests within this week. Further information about Minimum Standards Testing can be accessed from NESA 

Should you have any further questions in regards to Minimum Standards please contact me at the College.

YEAR 10 SUBJECT SELECTION FOR YEAR 11 2023

A senior subject selection information session will be held on Monday 27 June to support Year 10 students with their subject choices for Year 11, 2023 and Year 12, 2024. All Year 10 students and their parents/guardians will be invited to attend an interview early in Term 3 to discuss senior school requirements and to complete senior subject choices. Further information pertaining to this will be forthcoming.

SCHOOL REPORTS

Year 11 reports will be available via the Parent Portal by Friday 10 June. Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 reports will be issued early in Term 3. Please ensure you have created a Parent Portal account to enable access to school reports. If you require assistance with this, please contact the Helpdesk on 6618 0123.

YEAR 12 AWARDS 

Year 12 students were presented with Academic Excellence and Consistent Effort Awards at a special ceremony held on Thursday 26 May. Congratulations to all students who were recipients of mid course awards.

Mrs Amanda Falvey

Assistant Principal Mission - Staff and Students

Additional Student Support

This week we have focused on supporting our students and staff with a variety of strategies. I would like to publicly thank our Welfare Team, especially our Heads of House and College Counsellors who have been supporting our students through this challenging time. For families I would like to remind them of the ‘Grief and Loss Advice’ and resources available on our College website - https://xavierlism.catholic.edu.au/grief-loss

Students are encouraged to utilise the following out-of-hours help services if they need support at times when they cannot access a school counsellor:

eheadspace provides online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 - 25 and their families and friends.

How to contact eheadspace: 

1. Call  1800 650 890
2. Create an online account   

https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/

• Chat online or
• Email headspace anytime

Kids Helpline is Australia’s free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

How to contact to Kids Helpline:

1. Call 1800 55 1800
2. Email a Kids Helpline Counsellor

https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/email-counselling/

1. Live Webchat

https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling

Free Headspace Parent/Carer webinar

We would like to promote the following free webinar presented by Headspace that is a opportunity to develop strategies to:

• Strengthen understanding of how young people can be affected by change and uncertainty
• Build skills and strategies to support young people who are navigating change
• Identify signs that young people may need additional support
• Build awareness of local, state, and national supports available to young peopl
  

Navigating Uncertainty and Change

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/northern-nsw-parentcarer-webinar-navigating-uncertainty-and-change-tickets-319288740217

Navigating uncertainty and change This session aims to: 

Strengthen understanding of how young people can be affected by change and uncertainty. 

Build skills and strategies to support young people who are navigating change. • Identify signs that young people may need additional support. 

Build awareness of local, state, and national supports available to young people.  

Photo Day

On Thursday the 16th of June and Friday 17th of June this term (Week 8 of Term 2) the College will have its Photo Days. Thursday will be for House PC groups and individual student photographs. Friday will be for our Year 12 Cohort, Year 7 Cohort, Sibling Photographs and Special Groups. Contained within this newsletter families will find the online order form. You will need to visit “The School Photographer’ website and use the purple code identifier. Thank you to all our families who are making sure their children are well presented and ready for the Photo Days in their correct uniform.

Mr Peter Fear

Catechesis And Evangelisation

Vinnies Winter Sleep-Out

Later this month the Senior Ministry Team will be hosting the 10th Vinnies Winter Sleep-out at Xavier Catholic College.  Our Senior Ministry Team and the Year 12 Community and Family Studies class will be sleeping rough in the XCC playground in solidarity with the homeless community: giving up one night in a warm, comfortable bed to help raise funds and awareness about the housing crisis that is most pressing in our very own backyard. 

Please consider donating  now to help us reach our fundraising goal which will assist Vinnies provide support for those in our community who need it the most. You can access our registered School Sleep-out fundraising page via the QR code here.

The Ignite Conference

This exciting conference is back again in September. The CSO will be organising a trip which is open to students from Years 7-12. The trip will be subsidised by the CSO to make it more affordable and accessible. Student participants will be asked to make a co-contribution of $245.00. This contribution will go towards the registration cost. Transport and accommodation are fully subsidised.

The first step to securing a place with the Xavier Catholic College delegation to Ignite 2022 is to complete the online application form: Ignite Applications 2022 (XCC Ballina) These must be submitted by Friday 10th June. 

All those selected to attend Ignite will then need to bring the $245.00 (non-refundable) payment and permission notes to the school office. Registration for the conference will be completed online using the coupon code provided on the permission note. 

The Shine Gathering

SHINE is the annual gathering for all Youth Ministry (CSYMA) students in Catholic secondary schools of the Diocese of Lismore.  A group of about 600 is expected to gather at St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour in August.  This will include our Year 10 Ministry Class, selected Year 9 students and Senior Ministry Team members from Year 11 and 12.

This year’s event will continue to honour the popular features of the annual gathering and will be a joyful celebration of youth, faith and music.  Year 10 Ministry Students and Senior Ministry Team members should have already received their permission notes - these are due back by Monday 20th June.

Year 9 students who would like to apply to be a delegate to the 2022 Shine Gathering should submit the google form: Shine Application Form

The LEAD Gathering

The annual LEAD Conference for Year 11 and 12 Youth Ministry Students was held at McAuley Catholic College, Grafton on 19-20 May. Students and staff from Xavier Catholic College joined a group of Over 170 participants keen to be part of their respective school Senior Ministry Teams were engaged with festival activities, workshops, keynote speakers, peer-to-peer testimony, praise and worship, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. LEAD is facilitated by Catholic Schools Office Mission Services and engages clergy, the Wildfire worship team, Youth Ministry Officers, school staff and YMO alumni. Many thanks go to Mrs Leanne Broadley for stepping into the supervision role at very late notice. The excitement, atmosphere, depth and energy of the program has been captured beautifully in this short video. 2022 LEAD video

Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge

Faculty News

Diocesan Esports Competition

On Thursday 26th May, four students took part in the Diocesan Secondary ESports Mario Kart Competition. Year 8 students Aidan McCarthy and Zane Walker teamed up with Year 7 students Billy Bienke and River Oldfield. We started the day well with a number of first and second places in the heats. At the conclusion of this we qualified for the final in equal first place. 

In the final we started slowly and were feeling nervous. However, we fought back with some very good results that pushed us back up the leaderboard. After 7 races we needed to win the final race to take first place. With the finishing post in sight we were leading and then unfortunately came off course. We finished second overall. A great effort from the team. We look forward to Just Dance in Term 3 for the next competition. Any students interested should attend Stem Club on Thursday lunchtimes in FM1

Year 11 and 12 Entertainment Excursion Student Recap

The year 11 and year 12 entertainment industry classes were able to partake in an excursion of the wonderful SAE facilities. We saw the audio recording studios, the design studio and the library among other things. We were also lucky enough to get a demonstration from current SAE student Matteaus. It was both intriguing and uplifting to hear from a student all of the wonderful practical and networking skills he obtained during his time at SAE. It was a great time →  10 out of 10 would recommend.

By Caston Smith and Harrison Hoey

We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the campus of SAE. The staff welcomed us with gift bags providing handouts and information about SAE and enrolment options. We were privileged to experience an SAE student perform a few musical pieces using different instruments and technologies. We were taken on a tour and introduced to the many classrooms / working studios including recording and designing studios and their library. We are very grateful to be able to have opportunities like these and learn more about our future options. 

By Asharntie Foster, Indi Cruden and Ashley Tyndall

Our trip to SAE enabled entertainment students from yr 11 and 12 to discover how we can shape our creative future. A tour of the fantastic facilities showed us a taste of a future education in audio, film, animation, designs and Creative industries. We got a demonstration by a full time student that showed the skill in audio and technology that can be achieved within SAE’s creative programs. Throughout the tour we were exposed to a wide variety of equipment and working areas, demonstrating the capability that the course offers. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day and are excited to build and explore our options for the future. 

By Catherine Morrison and Oliver Schirmer

It was a cold stormy May day as we arrived at SAE. We were escorted into the beautiful building. We were introduced to a myriad of different creative platforms that we could potentially pursue in our bright futures. It was inspiring, instructive and entertaining. Their equipment was state of the art and really interesting to interact with. The highlight of the day was the incredible performance from Matteaus on saxophone and looping media, creating his own post modern performance from scratch. 

By Lily Drinkwater, Taya Kelly and Joel Hoolihan 

Our trip to SAE enabled entertainment students from yr 11 and 12 to discover how we can shape our creative future. A tour of the fantastic facilities showed us a taste of a future education in audio, film, animation, designs and Creative industries. We got a demonstration by a full time student that showed the skill in audio and technology that can be achieved within SAE’s creative programs. Throughout the tour we were exposed to a wide variety of equipment and working areas, demonstrating the capability that the course offers. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day and are excited to build and explore our options for the future. We rate the day 10/10!!

By Tom Robbins and Ben Ghosein 

Sport News

Mr Pat Kennedy & Mr Russell Asser

Opens Diocesan Basketball

Senior Boys

The senior boys performed brilliantly in the recent Coffs Harbour tournament and were desperately unlucky not to make their respective final in the boys 2nd division. Team members included Tye Callan, Joel Roach, Noah Hummel-King, Zach Gilmore, Logan Kennedy, Jai Stewart, Rino Lindsay and Coby Waldock. The boys had convincing wins in their first two matches against Mt St Pat's and McAuley Grafton with Logan Kennedy dropping a game high 14 points in game 1. In game 3 the boys came up against quite an experienced outfit from Newman College Port Macquarie. The Xavier boys found it difficult to shut down the passing lanes in the key and make rebounds against quite a physical centre and power forward from the Newman squad eventually going down by 16 points. Our final pool game was a narrow win against Woodlawn who ironically we lost to immediately afterwards in the semi final by one single basket. For the majority of the boys this was their final school tournament after many years of proudly representing the College. As always it has been an absolute pleasure to be associated with such a fine group of young men.

Matt Wills - Coach

Open Girls Basketball 

Game 1: XCC vs Mount St Pats

This was our first game of the day. Our players went out with strength, scoring the first basket of the game. Our attack was strong, with points scored by Charlie Davies, Grace Kennedy and Lily Saunders. I defense, Cadee Benson and Mary Lynch shone through, doing their best to keep hold off their amazingly tall attackers. Unfortunately, the XCC girls went down 34 to 14 but came off the court to discuss how to make their play stronger.

Game 2: XCC vs John Paul College

This was one of our best and most detailed games of the day. Grace Kennedy was on fire, scoring 16 points during the game - her accuracy was incredible and she was definitely one to be reckoned with. 

Point scorers for the game included Grace Kennedy, Abbey Davies, Lily Saunders, Cadee Benson, Kayla Little, Aisling McCaffery. Aisling and Grace worked amazingly to slow our play down, and ensure we played our own game, while Kayla Little played the energiser bunny, intercepting numerous balls and running amazing plays. Our team took out the game with 36 points to 29. 

Game 3: XCC vs Trinity

This was a nail biter of a game with an overall score of 26 - 26. It was point for point during the entire game. Sportsmanship was high and the girls were extremely excited with every successful basket. Notable mention to Charlie Davies, who shot two consecutive 3 pointers!!

Game 4: XCC vs McAuley College 

Mary Lynch lead the way with successful basket after basket, while Lily Saunders was on fire in defence. While the Grafton girls were a little bit younger and smaller than ours, they were very strong in defence and gave us a run for our money. Point scorers were Mary Lynch, Abbey Davies, Grace Kennedy, Cadee Benson, Lily Saunders, Charlie Davies. Notable mention to Cadee Benson with two incredible intercepts!!

Score: 23-19 XCC way

Game 5: XCC vs Mackillop College

This was our final game for the day. While the score was neck and neck at half time, the Mackillop girls proved too tough, shooting ahead with an overall score of 54 to 25. The XCC girls played amazingly, and clearly enjoyed their final game experience. 

Overall, the XCC girls were an absolute delight to coach. Their commitment, strength and determination was evident during every match. The girls should be proud of their sportsmanship and dedication to representing the College. A big thanks to Mr Kennedy, and Lara and Aimee Fogarty-Bennett who helped with the coaching prior to the event.

Georgia Quinn - Coach

Bill Turner Trophy 

A damaging wind warning couldn't stop our girls from fighting hard and taking away a win against Byron Bay High, played at Xavier on the 31st of May. The girls were taken by surprise in the beginning five minutes with Byron Bay scoring two quick goals. The girls however maintained composure, tightened up their defense, continued passing to each other and came away with a win in the final minutes of the game. The team should be congratulated for their fantastic efforts! 

Good luck in the next round girls.

Canteen News – Term 2 2022

Mrs Denise Barnard – Canteen Supervisor

Canteen is a great opportunity to meet other parents and to be involved in your child/childrens school life

• Arrive at school by 8:45am and park on the street (or you will get locked in the bottom carpark!)
• Go to the Office to sign in and receive your Visitor Badge.
• Head over to the Canteen where you can start preparing for the day’s lunch orders.
• Volunteers receive lunch and their children receive a $5 canteen voucher.
• Finish time is approximately 1:30-2:00pm, depending how busy the day is.
• If you are unable to make your rostered day please email Denise at xcccanteen@lism.catholic.edu.au or phone the College beforehand on 6618 0180.
• Text message reminders are sent on Wednesdays the week before your rostered day.

College News

INSTRUMENTAL TUITION

We have a strong tradition of excellence in Music performance at Xavier Catholic College, with a school band that performs widely in our local community, and two students in the past few years coming first in the state in HSC Music. We have a program of tuition at school that allows students to have private tuition with a professional tutor to support them with their performance goals, right here at school during the school day. Lessons are for half an hour and rotate each week, so students never miss the same lesson from week to week. 

Our 2022 Tutors are: 

Brass and Vocals - Dean Doyle 

Dean Doyle started his musical career in his early teens singing and playing drums in an old time family dance band in dance halls around Gympie in Queensland, and played with the RAAF band.

Dean’s main musical focus over the last 12 years has been performing the popular Morning Melodies and Sunday Sessions with his fabulous trio, Dean Doyle with Sophistication. Mr. Doyle is looking forward to building up the Brass part of the band program at Xavier Catholic College, and helping our singers develop good technique and repertoire. Dean has worked with many of our students who have achieved Band 6 in HSC Music. 

Drums - Brad Dymock

Brad Dymock has a bachelor of Contemporary Music from Southern Cross and has played many roles in the music industry, currently teaching drums through the week, DJing on the weekends, drumming for his band Giants of Jericho and producing in his soundproof recording studio after hours.

Brad started drum tutoring whilst still in high school, developed strong foundations through university and has found his own style of teaching focused on musicality and creative expression. Drum students are coached towards musical goals as they develop skills that translate to jam room, stage and studio.

In the last 11 years, Brad has taken many students through the HSC Music course. Over 20 of these students have scored up in the top band, with 7 Encore nominations and one of these students placing second in the state with a score of 99. Most importantly, they all enjoyed hitting drums and expressed their                  musicality in their own individual way.

Guitar - Michael Creary

Michael has been teaching guitar for over 30 years and playing professionally since the age of 12. In that time he has developed a unique but highly effective method of guitar and music tuition that is both encouraging and fun.

Piano - Anna Honeychurch

With an Associate Degree of Music in teaching and performance (specialising in Jazz) and an Associate in teaching through Trinity College of Music London, Northern Rivers based musician Anna Honeychurch teaches piano, keyboard, vocals, and theory of music.

Anna is also an experienced songwriter, music arranger and choral master who has worked in the music industry for over 25 years.

Resident pianist in multiple styles of venues, Anna has also performed as a soloist, duo member and has been the vocalist and keyboardist for several bands.

Anna has worked with adults in mental health for several years through On Track Community Programmes (now the Momentum Collective) and has promoted music as therapy for improving emotional health and boosting psychological well-being over many years.

Co-founder of The Material Girls’ choir of Bangalow and many other music groups, Anna loves bringing people together and creating community with music.

Working with children from the age of 6 months old through to adults, Anna teaches all styles of music. Her goal with her students is to balance the creative side of music with the knowledge and theoretical component. Anna offers lessons for those looking for a new hobby or for those wanting to work their way through an exam syllabus.

As an experienced event manager, Anna also offers performance opportunities for those who would like to share their talents.

 Anna brings her enthusiasm, love of music and communication skills to her role as a teacher.

For more information regarding instrument tuition or the Xavier Catholic College Band Program contact  Kathleen McLennan - kathleen.mclennan@lism.catholic.edu.au (Instrument Tuition Coordinator) or Leanne Broadley leanne.broadley@lism.catholic.edu.au  (Leader of Learning, Creative Arts) or fill out the instrument tuition application form here: Instrument tuition form

Community News