Newsletter 16 - 21 October 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”

Congratulations Mrs Amanda Falvey
As you will now be aware, Mrs Amanda Falvey has been appointed for a senior leadership role in the Catholic Schools Office Lismore. Mrs Falvey has been at the College since 2003; throughout her time with us, she has held various roles both in and out of the classroom. She was initially appointed to teach History and Music, but her passion for supporting the learning and wellbeing of our students saw her become our Leader of Creative Arts, followed by Leader of Pedagogy and then finally, Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching. She has always been dedicated to ensuring our students and staff are at the forefront of education and has been the driving force behind so many of the College’s outstanding achievements across the years.

Her place within our College community is well-established and it is clear to see how valued she is by staff, students, and parents alike. While she will be greatly missed by all of us, I know you will join me in congratulating her on this wonderful accolade. Such an appointment is a testament to Mrs Falvey’s skills and ability in teaching and learning — our loss is the Diocese’s gain. Due to this appointment, we will be recruiting for a new Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching. Consultation with Fr Peter and Catholic Schools Office has commenced and the search for a highly experienced educator is now on.

World Teachers Day: Friday October 28
Internationally World Teachers Day is celebrated on 5 October each year. However, as this is usually during Australian school holidays, Australia celebrates the day on the last Friday in October of each year.

Held annually on 5 October since 1994, World Teachers Day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO ‘Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers’, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.

Our teachers have shown great resilience during challenging times, all so they can give Australian students the best future possible. Take a moment to thank a teacher for their dedication, passion, pastoral care and love for our young people.

School Improvement Planning - FINAL Staff Professional Learning Day - Friday 11 November
The College will use its final allocated Professional Learning Day (student free) to take a deep dive into the review data collected throughout the year. With the support of parents and students, staff have begun the process of collating data from:

• The ACER National School Improvement Tool — review report
• Tell Them From Me survey reports
• Internally collected student wellbeing data from our PULSE application
• System review tools on a number of frameworks including the Fullness of Life Framework, Mission of Jesus Christ – Foundational Values framework reflection tools
• Academic assessment data including HSC, NAPLAN, PAT testing
• Other internal data

Using this rich collection of data, we hope to use the day to categorise, prioritise, devise and write a Strategic Management Plan 2023-25 as well as a School Annual Plan 2023. Your support as parents and community members has been crucial in gathering this important data.

As has been the case on previous days, families for whom a student-free day is not manageable, there will be relief staff on hand to supervise students. This will be a day of no new learning and students will be required, either at home or school, to solidify their study, work on already assigned tasks or undertake review and preparation for any forthcoming written tasks at school.

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

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Welcome back to the College for Term 4. We are once again preparing for a busy term filled with final assessments, examinations, and celebrations of our students’ wonderful achievements.

Year 12 HSC Examinations
Our Year 12 students have commenced their HSC examinations — the final piece of assessment in their life at secondary school. We are incredibly proud of our students’ maturity and diligence in approaching these important examinations. I am sure that the Class of 2022 will be just as successful as the previous graduating classes of Xavier Catholic College. 

Please join me in praying for our students throughout the HSC examination period. The examinations will conclude on Friday 4 November 2022.

Year 11 
Year 11 students have now commenced their HSC studies and will be formally briefed on HSC course and assessment requirements on Monday 24 October. Parents are invited to a HSC information session at 6pm on Monday 24 October. The students will soon begin to complete HSC assessment over the coming weeks. Please consult the Year 11 Assessment Calendar for upcoming task dates. If a student is unable to complete an assessment task, please ensure the Absence from Assessment form is completed. Supporting documentation must be included.

Students were also advised as to how to change their pattern of study for the HSC course. Prior to making any decisions as to course changes, we encourage parents and students to carefully read the Year 11 End of Course Report, which will be released later today. This will allow students to discern the best pattern of study moving forward.

Year 11 students have also been presented with their Academic Excellence and Consistent Effort Awards, acknowledging their achievements in the Year 11 course. We congratulate all award recipients for their success.

Absence from Assessment procedures
As the College looks more closely at attendance procedures, I remind families that submitting an Absence from Assessment application does not inform our Welfare team of any absences. In addition to completing the Absence from Assessment form, please ensure that you inform the front office of your child’s absence by emailing xcc-absences@lism.catholic.edu.au, or by responding to the Absence SMS sent each day.

Years 7-10 Reports
Students in Years 7-10 will be issued with Semester 2 Reports in Week 10 of Term 4. We will notify parents via email once reports are available via the Parent Portal. If you have any queries about Parent Portal Access, please contact the Helpdesk via 6618 0123.

Staff Professional Learning
This week teaching staff engaged in professional Learning Walks where they observed other teachers’ classroom practice. Ongoing targeted professional learning is an important aspect of our College practices as we strive to embed current evidence based pedagogical practices to maximise the learning outcomes of our students. 

Year 10 Examination Block
Year 10 students were briefed on the upcoming examination and assessment period, commencing on Friday 4 November and concluding with practical examinations on Tuesday 15 November. It is important for all students to commence a program of study and revision to prepare for their final examinations. These assessments will contribute to the ROSA (Record of School Achievement), recorded by NESA.

Mrs Amanda Falvey

Assistant Principal Mission - Staff and Students

Staff Spirituality Day
On the final day of Term 3, our entire staff had an opportunity to gather for our Parish School Staff Spirituality day. This was a valuable formation experience to strengthen our mission. The day focused on the three key themes of Right Relationships, Sacred Solitude and Generosity. This was an enriching day reflecting on scripture and thought-provoking insights from Bishop Gregory Homeming. A number of staff finished the day with a Breath Workshop generously facilitated by Lennox Sanctum.

2023 Student Leaders Formation
Last week we held our Senior Leadership formation experience at the school and then at the Ballina Surf Club. This was an important step as our new leaders embark on their new roles and contribute to the direction of the College in 2023. 

On Thursday evening students participated in sessions focusing on the importance of mental health and how student leaders have to help themselves before they can help others. To help create a culture of shared responsibility, they explored a variety of team building and problem solving activities. The final session for the evening had students focus on the importance of starting with their ‘why?’ (finding their purpose in their leadership) before exploring how they do things and what they want to achieve.

On Friday, we were blessed with a magical day at the Ballina Surf Club. We started the day with a Bundjalung and Ignatius Beach Walk out to Angels Beach and back, which was led by our Indigenous Inclusion Officer Joel Stocks and Mrs Falvey. Tom Renshaw SJ the Rector of St Ignatius College Riverview joined us via Zoom to explain the qualities of Ignatian Leadership. Father Jim Griffin, a retired Priest, shared his insights into life and leading from the heart. He also spoke about the behaviours of student leaders and how to be consistent with the Gospel way of life centred on Jesus Christ. Toward the end of the day, Mr Lewis facilitated a session on developing a College Theme for the 2023 School Year. By brainstorming scripture, symbols, slogans and keywords, the students are working towards developing a school theme to unify the school year and build school spirit. The final activities involved House Teams creating a sand sculpture to represent their House. These sculptures were well received by the early morning walkers the next day, with all of the sculptures featured on the Ballina noticeboard Facebook page.

 On Saturday it was fantastic to have each of the students commissioned during vigil Mass at our parish St Francis Xavier Church. We look forward to seeing these students grow in their leadership journey and helping them make the positive impact that they hope to achieve.

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Catholic Mission Month
This October, we are celebrating World Mission Month, a month dedicated to the life-giving work of missionaries around the world. This year, we walk hand-in-hand with the Church of Ethiopia and the local communities towards providing life-changing opportunities to those most in need. Pope Francis, in his 2022 World Mission Sunday message, invites everyone to answer the call to be a missionary, sharing that "Mission is carried out together, not individually..."

The link providing instructions on how to donate can be found HERE.

Mr Peter Fear

Catechesis And Evangelisation

Faith Leadership Conference
In Week 1, Dr Beveridge, Mr Eyles, and Mr Fear attended the Faith Leadership Conference, held at Invercauld House in Goonellabah. The Conference is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other faith leaders (Leaders of Evangelisation and Catechesis, and Assistant Principal Mission) from across the Diocese. Guest speaker Assosciate Professor Kath Engebretson spoke about Scripture and how teachers can more effectively integrate their knowledge of Scripture within the classroom. Assistant Director Gary Reen spoke about a framework for Mission in Catholic schools. The Mission team encouraged participants to connect with their prayer life. Daniel Saban asked participants to consider:

• What is your prayer life like? 
• How do you connect with God?
• Where do you see God active in your life?
• What do you need to talk to God about?

Dan emphasised that relationships are built based on talking and listening. Hence, to develop our relationship with God we must both talk to God and listen to what God has to tell us. 

Thursday night was the celebration of Mass in the recently opened St Carthages Cathedral in Lismore, followed by the conference dinner. 

21-Day Prayer Challenge
A number of staff are participating in a 21-Day Prayer Challenge. Participants are encouraged to commit to pray for ten minutes every day, at a time that suits them. The following is an example of a daily prayer. 

Immersed - Day 1: 
The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds. 
He is close to all who call him, who call him from their hearts. 

                                                                     - Psalm 144 (145), 17-18 

Reflection Questions:
Where have I experienced the love of God over the last few days? 
What am I grateful to God for? 
Where do I need God's help today? 

Prayer:
Dear God, from my heart, I call on You. Allow me to experience your peace and presence throughout my day. Continue to transform my heart and help me to draw near to You. Fill me abundantly with Your love so that it might overflow to everyone I encounter today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge

Wellbeing

Optimism and Competence
[Character Strength and Jesuit Value]

This week’s Character Strength in the Student Planner are Relationships and Empathy and it dovetails with the Jesuit aspiration of being a person who finds God in all things.

Naming your goods
Almost every student at Xavier wears the jacket on cool days and if they are lost they all look much the same. Could I ask that you put your student’s name on the tag and on the white patch behind the logo. I use a Sharpie for this task!

Could you also please check your student’s hat to make sure it is marked on the tag and in another place that can’t be cut off.

Please use a permanent marker to put your student’s name on the back of their computer. These are valuable items and they all look much the same.

Uniform
A few issues of concern:

• All students should only be wearing the XCC socks to school.
• All senior students wearing the boy’s uniform must have their shirts tucked in and must wear a black belt.
• Students must limit themselves to two lobe sleepers or studs and one (religious) necklace and one ring.
• Skirts and dresses must be knee length.

Safer Drivers Course for Learners

Participants who complete the Safer Drivers Course for Learners will receive a bonus of 20 hours credit recorded in their learner driver log book reducing the total logbook requirement from 120 to 100 hrs.  The Course is a combination of theoretical and practical training for under 25-year-old learner drivers who have completed 50 hours of log book driving hours.

Monday 31 October - 4 to 7pm

Saturday 19 November - 9:30am to 12:30pm

Where: 1 Gilmore Crescent Byron Bay​​​​​​​​

Cost: $140​​​​​​​​

CONCESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE​​.   To book: https://www.bys.org.au/transport​​​​​​​​

 Contact Steffie on 6685 7777 or email info@bys.org.au for more information.​​​​​​​​

Mr Anthony Condon

Faculty News

Year 10 History - WW1 Living
On Thursday 13 October, the Year 10 History classes were able to experience life in the trenches of WW1 with the WW1 Living Histories exhibition. With a wealth of experience, anecdotes and artefacts, Shane provided an in-depth question and answer session about the lifestyle and weaponry of WW1. Students were also able to choose from a range of objects to talk about and could have a hands-on experience of things like gas masks, boots, clothing, tools, weapons, utensils and cookware. The experience was thoroughly engaging and allowed our students to really experience History come alive.

Ms Maria Casamento
Leader of Learning HSIE

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Sport News

U15’s Rugby League vs BCHS
On the 20 September, a team of 18 boys travelled to Ballina Coast High School to play Rugby League in front of a parochial home crowd. The game was fast paced and very physical. XCC scored first with Jett Dobrich Jones finding space out wide. Kai Dahli showed his speed and athleticism to score twice and Logan Kennedy scored a spectacular individual try. Jonah Verus kicked well resulting in a convincing win: XCC 26 - BCHS 16.

Manager: Russell Asser

Year 7 Boys / U16 Boys Rugby Union vs Alstonville High School
The 2022 Len Diett All Schools Rugby Competition came to an end with matches against Alstonville High in Week 10 of Term 2. The Year 7 boys shared players with the opposition who were short. A fun game resulted in a strong win to XCC, with all players contributing.

The Under 16 Boys fought off a passionate start to the game from Alstonville to eventually move into our rapid fire style of rugby through pods, exploiting the edges and all players knowing their role. The boys had a convincing 40 points plus win. Well done.

Coaches: Pat Kennedy and Joel Stocks

Diocesan Volleyball Championships
Five volleyball teams and staff departed the College at 5.15 am and travelled to Coffs Harbour on Friday 14 October. Congratulations to all students on your conduct and efforts on the court, and thank you to staff for the very long day.

Results:

Opens Girls
Xavier vs Newman             28-28
Xavier vs John Paul            25-36
Xavier vs St Joseph's          33-25

Elimination Final
Xavier vs John Paul             29-22
Semi Final
Xavier vs Mackillop             26-32

Opens Boys
Xavier vs Mackillop             18-35
Xavier vs Trinity                   30-24
Xavier vs Newman               24-26
Xavier vs John Paul              27-31

15 Girls

XCC vs John Paul                 26-33
XCC vs St Joseph’s               34-24
XCC vs St Mary’s                  30-26
XCC vs Mackillop                 43-24

Elimination Final 
XCC vs John Paul                 31-33

15 Boys White
Xavier vs John Paul             16-30
Xavier vs St Pat’s                 14-46
Xavier vs McAuley              18-42
Xavier vs John Paul             19-24

15 Boys Blue
Xavier vs St Paul’s               32-23
Xavier vs Trinity                   28-21
Xavier vs Mackillop             21-28
Xavier vs St Mary’s              25-26

Individual Results

NSW All Schools Athletics
Congratulations to the following students who represented the College at the NSW All Schools Athletics Titles in Sydney over the school holidays:

Alexander Crimmins competed in the Under 16 Boys 400 metres placing 12th in NSW. He placed second in the Triple Jump with a leap of 13.45m! Alexander has now qualified for Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Adelaide next year in March.

Skye Dogan placed 13th in the Under 14s Girls 3000 metres (although she is an Under 13).

Tyler Dogan placed seventh in Under 15 Boys 3000 metres and third in NSW for the steeplechase.

Finn Gisen placed third in his heat for the Under 13 Boys 100 metres and came tenth in NSW in the final. Between fifth and tenth place there was nothing in it.

100m heat 12.54 secs
100m final  12.78 secs

In Finn's 200m heat he came 11th missed the final by two places as they take the top nine through. Finn ran a strong race.

200m heat  25.41 secs

Mr Pat Kennedy & Mr Russell Asser

Canteen News – Term 4 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

Pastoral Care

OneWave Mental Health Presentation
Term 4 of Pastoral Care for the College focused on mental health. Monday 10th October was International Mental Health Day, but with it falling on a staff development day, the College acknowledged the importance of this on Friday 14 October. Students were asked to wear something fluoro or bright. This was to support OneWave’s Fluoro Fridays, which are being run on over 200 beaches across 50 countries around the world. Grant Trebilco, founding member of OneWave mental health program, presented to the students and told the story of how he came to start the Fluoro Friday surf gatherings, where people can meet and surf while having a chat and meeting people who may also be facing challenges in life. Grant also shared his “Free the Funk” Tips on how to combat mental health. The students were most engaged in the presentation. 

Following the presentation, students enjoyed a lunchtime full of Free the Funk activities. Many photos were taken and some are here shared with you. Many thanks to Grant and his OneWave team for this great initiative. Anyone wishing to know more about OneWave, please visit their website www.onewaveisallittakes.com.au. 

FREE THE FUNK COMPETITION
OneWave has welcomed XCC into the Free the Funk Competition to celebrate Mental Health Month. 

How to enter?
Students can submit a photo/video/words sharing their 'Free the Funk' recipe/tips before 31 October 2022. Examples of potential entries could be surfboard art showing your free the funk tips, a song, dance, or painting (whatever helps you free the funk).

What are your free the funk tips?
A 'funk' is when you're just not feeling yourself. You might be feeling stressed, sad, anxious. Just like the weather we all have bad days, you are not alone. It's totally okay not to be okay. 

What things help you get the stoke back when you are in a funk? It might be surfing, music, yoga, art, or meditation. Everyone is different and has their recipe for freeing the funk, and we would love to hear your recipe.

Submit your entry at:
https://www.onewaveisallittakes.com/school-challenge

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Library News

This term in the Library we have seen the trial of student Librarians. These students help out the Library staff by marking books in and out, reshelving books and helping with many other tasks. We currently have 5 enthusiastic students from Years 7-10 working in the Library in the second half of lunch. Whilst gaining new skills and work experience, they also help to free up staff to help others with research and inquiries during our busiest time of the day.

Aussie Bird Week has been the focus of our Library display this week. Students and families are encouraged to visit the website, download the app and count birds for 20 mins at any time throughout the day, wherever you are.

Also, there are a couple of reminders to students and families:

1. Please return all Library books and other equipment (e.g. cameras, chargers, laptop loans) as soon as you are finished with them as others are often waiting on their return. Year 11 and 12 students are especially reminded to return all textbooks and equipment. Year 12 Formal tickets cannot be given out until library loans are cleared.
2. Student laptops are to be charged at HOME. Library chargers are only for emergency use. All laptops should be clearly labelled with the student’s name and they are left on charge entirely at the student’s risk. We have had occasional cases of laptops “disappearing” from Library chargers this year.

BOOKS, the easiest things to pick up and the hardest things to put down.

Mrs Kathleen McLennan
Librarian

Community News