Newsletter 3: Friday 10 March 2023

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

It has been another busy fortnight at our great College. The term is certainly moving by at a rapid rate. There have been many wonderful events that our students are able to participate in, displaying the diverse nature of the College. We continue to encourage students to embrace the immense and wonderful opportunities available to them throughout their schooling, and I would like to affirm the students who are active participants in College life.

LEAD

In Week 6, eleven Year 11 and 12 students travelled to Grafton to participate in the Catholic Schools Office LEAD Conference. The purpose of this event is to bring together students from all Diocesan schools, supporting them in their faith development and further developing students' understanding of ministry. Following this event, students return to schools and develop ways they can engage other students from the College in ministry. We look forward to some of the great initiatives that this group brings to our College throughout this year.

NAPLAN

In Week 7, our Year 7 and 9 students will participate in the annual NAPLAN tests. These tests provide our school and community with an indication of where students are at in their learning in comparison to their previous NAPLAN results and also other students across Australia. This data, along with other data sources, informs our learning and teaching moving forward to assist students to experience one-year growth from one year of learning. We look forward to sharing this data with our community once it is released later this year.

Opens Cricket Match

Our students are fortunate to be able to participate in so many different sporting events at Xavier. In the coming week, our Open Boys Cricket team will be playing a match again The Southport School at the Gold Coast. We wish the team all the best!

Year 8 Science Field Study Excursion

In Week 6 our Year 8 students participated in a Science Field Study Excursion to Boulders Beach. We are so fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world, and it is wonderful that our students can access these locations to further develop their learning in a practical sense. The students are learning about ecology — in particular, how plants and animals interact in ecosystems. Thank you to the Science teachers for organising this experience for our students.

Year 8 Investigation History Incursion

Year 8 was also fortunate to participate in an Indigenous heritage and culture incursion to investigate Australia's Ancient Past. Students participated in activities with Delta Kay, an Arakwal Bundjalung woman who is passionate about sharing Aboriginal culture. This learning supports students in developing a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture relating to our local area, and we are thankful to Delta for providing students with this learning. Thank you to the HSIE teachers for providing this opportunity for our students.

Compass

This a reminder that if you have not yet joined Compass online or via the app, we encourage you to do so, as this is the central form of communication to parents from the school. If you are having trouble accessing Compass, please contact the College, and our Business Manager can assist with setting this up. We are aiming to have all families on Compass by the end of the term.

XCC Parent Group

On Thursday 16 March, the school will be hosting the first Parent Group Meeting of the year. The evening begins at 5:45pm, and all parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. The purpose of this group is to work with the College to further enhance the family and school partnership relationship, meet other parents and staff, get some tips on helping your child succeed at secondary school and develop ideas to further enhance the College. I look forward to meeting with those who can make it on Thursday.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our great College.

Mr Ryan Campbell
Acting Principal

ryan.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Have you downloaded Compass?

Compass is our new parent communication tool and one-stop shop for daily updates, upcoming events and notifications about your child's learning. Download the app below:

• Google Play Store
• Apple Store

Can't find XCC? Search for Skennars Head, and we'll appear! Then, use your provided login details to access your parent portal.

If you have any questions, please email us at xavier@lism.catholic.edu.au. 

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Thank you!

I would like to congratulate our students on the manner in which they have engaged in their learning during the past two weeks. I have led a number of  Principal’s Tours, taking Year 6 students and parents on walking tours of the College during our usual school days. These visitors to our school have been very impressed by our focused, engaged and courteous students.

It has been truly inspiring to witness the professionalism and enthusiasm of our teaching staff; their commitment to your children’s wellbeing and learning is showcased each and every day. The facilities on offer are impressive, but it is the people — both staff and students — who make this community the very special place that it is.  I also wish to thank our parent community, with whom we work in partnership.  Your support is very much appreciated as we work together to nurture our young people.

NAPLAN 

Students in Years 7 and 9 will sit Online NAPLAN tests in Weeks 7 and 8 this term. Please ensure all computers are in working order and students have headphones that fit their Chromebook (wireless headphones or AirPods are not supported by the NAPLAN testing platform). One of the main features of the NAPLAN Online format is that it is a tailored (or adaptive) test. The tailored test provides a more precise assessment of your child’s performance in the areas of reading, language conventions (grammar, spelling and punctuation) and numeracy by adapting to responses. As your child progresses through the test, questions may be easier or more difficult, to better assess his or her ability. Your child should not be concerned if he or she finds the questions more difficult than expected – the pathway may be more challenging. Not every student doing the online test will be answering the same questions in the same order. Your child’s NAPLAN results and scores are based on the number and complexity of questions he or she has answered correctly.

The tests will be conducted during either Period 1 and 2 (Year 7) or 3 and 4 (Year 9) on the following days:

Week 7 

• Wednesday 15 March - Writing
• Thursday 16 March - Reading

Week 8 

• Monday 20 March - Conventions of Language
• Tuesday 21 March - Numeracy

Students who are absent on test days will be required to sit catch-up tests.

For more information:

• How to support your child during NAPLAN
• NAPLAN Public demonstration site

DIBELS

During the last two weeks, students in Years 7 and 8 have been engaging in DIBELS testing which helps teachers and schools determine how students are performing on important reading skills. DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. These measures are designed for students in Years K-8 following extensive research done by the University of Oregon. The College will use this information to support us in ensuring that all students are on track to become accurate and fluent readers. This aligns with the College's goal to improve students’ reading outcomes.

Encouraging regular and varied reading at home is one valuable way that families can support their child’s reading development.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Year 7 Parent/Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Thursday 30 March (Week 9). Students are encouraged to attend the interviews with their parents as a way to receive valuable feedback on their learning. 

Parents will be notified when bookings are open. Bookings for Parent/Teacher Interviews will be made via Compass. If you have any difficulties accessing the Parent Portal, please contact the Helpdesk on 6618 0123. This video may support you in making bookings via Compass, or you can view the flyer at the link below.

Year 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Week 3 of Term 2 to allow for discussions around Year 12 Mid-Course Reports.

Assessment Tasks

As we approach the end of the term, assessment tasks typically fall due and it is important that students keep an eye on their assessment calendar (linked below). All tasks are clearly outlined on Assessment Task Notification sheets, available on Google Classroom. Discussing the nature of the task with your child is an excellent way for parents to engage with their child’s learning.

Assessment Calendars may be viewed via the College website under Assessment Information.

FOR STUDENTS IN YEARS 10, 11 AND 12: If your child is unable to complete upcoming assessment tasks or requires special consideration, please encourage them to speak with their classroom teacher or the relevant Leader of Learning. They must also submit an Absence from Assessment/Request For Special Consideration form which will be used to consider individual circumstances whereby extensions, alternate tasks, or in exceptional circumstances estimates, may be deemed most appropriate for a particular student. The Assessment Booklets, also available on the College website, provide additional information. 

Please note that your child must submit the form using their school login details. Parents are unable to submit on behalf of their children.

Ms Carmel Zuino

Assistant Principal Mission - Staff and Students

College Tours: Year 7 2024 

It has been a very enriching experience these past couple of weeks running College Tours for prospective families and students for our 2024 Year 7 cohort. I would like to thank the teachers and students for continuing to shape our College as a community of welcome. Taking tours into classrooms as they happen, and having classes share both the amazing learning experience that happens each day and the joy of our community, has been fantastic. The interest in families becoming part of our thriving community continues to grow, and we should all feel blessed to have the opportunity to be involved. 

We are offering more opportunities for Year 7 2024 College Tours on Thursday 16 March. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please direct them to our website to book their space.

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Are you someone, or do you know someone who…

• Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?
• Has a child over the age of seven who has not been baptised?
• Was baptised Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?

Our St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish is offering current Xavier Catholic College students and parents the opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith. A session on the 11th of June will focus on the teachings and experience of the Church and prepare individuals for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Any Xavier student who is interested or may have missed this opportunity through primary school due to Covid or from not attending our Parish Primary Schools would be most welcome to have a chat with Mr Fear, Mr Eyles or Dr Beveridge. Additionally, families can contact the Parish Office directly:

• Phone: 6681 1048
• Email: admin@sfxballina.org.au

Mr Peter Fear

Catechesis And Evangelisation

Easter Egg Raffle — PRIZE DONATIONS NEEDED

There is a longstanding tradition at Xavier Catholic College of raffling Easter Eggs and other chocolate treats on the last day of Term 1. The Easter Egg raffle is a significant component of our fundraising for Project Compassion. All proceeds go towards assisting communities in dire need. 

Families are asked to assist by donating a chocolate egg (or bunny, etc) for the prize pool. Donations can be left with Mr Eyles or the YMOs at any time.

The raffle will be drawn on Thursday 6 April. Tickets will go on sale in Week 8 for $1 each, or 3 for $2.

Please donate a prize or buy a ticket to assist Project Compassion.

Project Compassion

Each year, Project Compassion highlights the story of individuals whose lives and communities have been changed by our contributions to the annual Caritas Lenten appeal. Laxmi is a 16-year-old girl living in Jajarkot, a remote district in Nepal where almost half of the population lives below the poverty line. Tragedy struck when Laxmi was 10 years old, and her father passed away. Her father worked hard to pay for his children's education, and, after losing him, Laxmi was at risk of falling further into extreme poverty.

With the support of our partner Caritas Nepal, Laxmi joined a child's club at her school where she was encouraged to resume her education. Through the child’s club, Laxmi developed the skills and confidence to become a leader, advocating for clean water taps at her school. 

Laxmi is now excelling in her studies and working towards her dream of becoming a civil engineer. She continues to be involved in the child's club, serving as an advisor and mentoring the next generation of young leaders at her old school. Watch a short film about Laxmi’s story here.

Please support Project Compassion here.

Casual Clothes Day (Friday 24 March)

A fundraising mufti day is scheduled for Friday 24 March. This date coincides with the tenth anniversary of FluroFriday — and our colourfully dressed students and staff will be dressing in solidarity with many other schools promoting positive mental health with the One Wave initiative.

The suggested donation for this day is $5. All proceeds will go to Project Compassion.

Participation is optional — you may wear full school uniform on mufti day (and many students always do). If you do choose to come in casual clothes, however, you must pay a donation.

Students are welcome to make a donation even if they prefer to come in full school uniform!

Casual Clothes Day Rules:

• Students must wear or bring shoes that meet the requirements of practical subjects on that day (e.g. Technologies, PDHPE, Science)
• Students may not wear clothes with offensive pictures or slogans, or skirts/shorts/tops that are inappropriately brief
• WHS protocols prohibit loose/dangly jewellery and require long hair to be tied back in practical subjects.

Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge

Wellbeing

At the conclusion of another fortnight at Xavier, I have keenly checked on the number of recorded positive interactions through our merit system. There have been 5651 merits given within the first 6 weeks of the school year. Each fortnight, the average is edging closer and closer to 1000 positive affirmations per week recorded by staff; a truly amazing reflection of the great relationships being fostered within the College.

Of particular note is the way in which the vast majority of students are engaging in pro-social behaviour, looking out for one another during the school day. It’s always very encouraging to hear the genuine care and support between students that exists within the College.

Assessment Tasks

This time of the school year, when students begin to experience some assessment stress, can be difficult for families. Our students have an astounding level of commitment and desire to perform well in their academic endeavours. Often, the busyness of life can be difficult to juggle for students who manage school, extra-curricular activities, part-time work and social commitments. 

These times, with added pressures, can be great opportunities for family conversations around the importance of proper planning and strategic completion of tasks. Utilising the published Assessment Calendars as a base, discussing priorities can be a very fruitful way to develop firm plans around completing tasks to ensure that the pressure of school remains low and students feel as though they maintain control over their affairs.

From time to time, there will be a seemingly insurmountable academic challenge and staff are always happy to assist. Class teachers are the greatest source of assistance for students regarding tasks. They build relationships within their classes and know the expectations for tasks. For students who find they are struggling on many fronts, a conversation with their PC Teacher or Head of House could be useful to consider an added layer of support. 

Mobile Phone Use

There has been a significant increase in the amount of phone use for the purpose of communicating with parents during the school day. This has led to a rise in adversarial conversations regarding the policy related to student mobile phone use within the College. When students have their mobile phone notifications turned on within the school day, their ability to concentrate on academic tasks and engage in positive social interactions and outcomes pertaining to a positive experience of school all deteriorate. 

To ensure the most positive experience of school for students, please support your child in this matter. If you have urgent messages for your child, you may email or call reception to pass them on to them. If you need to speak to your child, they can be sought from class and this conversation will be facilitated without hesitation. 

Likewise, if your child is communicating with you during the school day, your support is appreciated in redirecting them to seek support from staff to assist them in contacting you. All students are able to communicate with their family during the school day in consultation with either their Head of House, Leader of Pastoral Care or Office Administration Staff.

Attendance

Over the coming weeks, the Welfare Team will be assessing data related to student attendance. As mentioned in my last newsletter, the College is obligated to report and record all student absences and show evidence that we are supporting families to improve attendance rates for students who miss school regularly.

The College undertakes this process in order to support families to achieve the best possible outcomes for all students and will look to always work in partnership to ensure this. I include below again, a resource with information about attendance for families:

• Secondary School Attendance

If there is any way I can be of support to your family, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Mr Nick Jones
Leader of Pastoral Care

Seasons For Growth and the Positive Peers Program

Seasons for Growth is an opportunity for you to learn with a small group of your peers who have experienced similar issues. The program will help you learn new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. It focuses on developing strengths in areas such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, communication and building support networks. 

The Positive Peers Program (PPP) is for all students! This weekly small group activity is an opportunity to work on social skills and find a safe space at school. Through discussion within their peer group, students work on navigating friendships, conflict resolution, social communication, impulse control, where to turn when they need support, and building on their support network.

These programs are NOT counselling. 

Interested students should email Ms Rennae Reilly (rennae.reilly@lism.catholic.edu.au) from their school email address, and ask their parent/carer to email Ms Reilly as well.

Ms Rennae Reilly
Student Support Worker

Vaping: Information & Awareness

Vaping is on the rise in Australia and has become popular amongst teenagers and young adults. Alarmingly, a recent study has also shown that there is an increase in the number of primary school-aged children who are experimenting with vapes. There are many misconceptions about vapes being fairly harmless and that vapes in Australia do not contain nicotine. 

Our school is committed to the health and wellbeing of our students and will be including a series of informative resources for our parent community over the next 3 editions of our newsletter. We hope parents and carers use these helpful resources to:

• learn the facts about e-cigarettes and vaping, 
• recognise what a vape looks like,
• understand why vaping is attractive to young people and 
• engage in positive conversations at home.

By working in partnership, we hope to support our young people to make healthy choices. 

Please watch this informative two-minute video which provides some key information about vaping and e-cigarettes.

Key Information

• Vaping is the act of smoking e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’ that can look like metallic pens, USBs and other hand-held systems. 
• Vapes use cartridges filled with liquids, which typically contain nicotine, artificial flavouring, and various chemicals. These can be harmful to the developing body.
• Research shows that 1 in 5 young people have vaped and nearly 80% of young people say it is easy to get a vape illegally at a shop or online.
• Nicotine is especially addictive for young brains. It can cause long-lasting negative effects on brain development and can include impaired attention, learning, memory and changes in mood.
• You can find out more about vaping from NSW Health.

Conversation Starters at Home

Start conversations about vaping with your child early. You could consider the following questions or conversation starters:

1. Are a lot of kids vaping at your school? Are your friends vaping?
   Be sure you don’t react, just listen.
2. What do you think about vaping?
   You may hear your child say that vaping is harmless. It’s important to share some good information with your child about the impacts of vaping.
3. Do you know what is in vapes?
   Share with them that they’ve tested vapes and they do not contain only water vapour and flavouring. Vapes can contain very high levels of nicotine and other toxic chemicals that damage the lungs.

Faculty News

Child Studies News

Food Tasting

Last week, Year 10 students developed their knowledge and understanding of the nutritional needs of children and the food options available to families with young children. Students brought in a range of commercially prepared and homemade foods to be tasted and analysed during the lesson. They considered taste, texture, preparation time and costs and were able to draw conclusions about these options.

Thank you to all students involved for your contributions and positive approach to this practical activity.

St Anne's Long Day Care Centre

Both Year 9 and 10 students continued their observation and interactions with staff and students at St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre. Students have really familiarised themselves with many of the students and are enjoying this experience. The four rooms — Pippies, Shells, Rockpools and Seabirds — are a wonderful showcase of each stage of development and staff are more than willing to answer any questions students from Xavier may have. Ex-student Lara Hinrichsen who works in the Pippies room (1 to 2-year-olds) spoke so highly of her time at Xavier when she graduated in 2019. She shared some fond memories and said how lucky these girls were to be studying Child Studies at Xavier.  

Once again, thank you to Mr Silva who accompanies Year 9, and to all students for their care of the St Anne’s students and your willingness to participate in all aspects of their educational program.

Mrs Naomi Byrnes
Child Studies Teacher

College News

Library News

2023 has seen exciting happenings in our School Library! Over the holidays, new carpet was installed which, together with our lovely new lounges, has freshened up the space and made it even more inviting to students. During recess, lunch and even before school, the Library is often overflowing with students reading on the couches, studying or playing board/card games.

We constantly have new books arriving and the Children's Book Council of Australia Notary List of books for Older Readers have been ordered for our Library. These are popular “new reads” every year. During Book Week later this year, the winner of this prestigious list of nominations will take place. 

Our Teacher Librarian, Mrs Kathleen McLennan and our Library Assistant, Ms Suzanne Hughes are always available to work with staff and students finding and ordering new books and resources to support the curriculum. Most English classes have now had a Library Orientation lesson in the Library and are skilled at using the Library catalogue, Sora (our Ebook Library) and are more familiar with where to find what they are looking for. The Library is booked each day with classes reading and researching.

Our recent “Read Dating” (coinciding with Valentine's Day) with Year 8 classes was a fun way to engage students with a large number of books which they may otherwise have not “met”. From this, many students found and borrowed their “perfect match”!

Dorys on Duty: Laps For Life Staff Team

This March, a team of dedicated Xavier Catholic College teachers are growing gills and swimming in the Laps for Life challenge for ReachOut, to raise funds and awareness for youth mental health and suicide prevention. ‘Dorys on Duty’ consists of eighteen teachers and support staff with a range of swimming experience. From a champion swimmer to those new to the pool, we are all encouraging each other to “just keep swimming” because we care about young people. 

What is ReachOut?

ReachOut Australia's goal is to help all young people experience better mental health and wellbeing. 

After friends and family, the internet is the first place young people turn to for information and support. That’s where ReachOut Australia comes in.

ReachOut Australia helps you feel better about today and the future, no matter what challenge you're facing.

It's a safe place where you can openly express yourself, explore what’s happening in your life, connect with people who understand your situation, and find the resources to help you manage challenges now and in the future. Anonymous, free and 100% online, ReachOut has been designed specifically for – and with – young people.

From one-to-one support from experienced peer workers, to online forums, as well as tips, stories and resources, ReachOut offers a wide range of support options that allow you to engage in the ways you want to, when you want to.

Last year, ReachOut provided support to more than 2.5 million people.

Dorys on Duty have raised almost $4000 already and swum over 50km (at time of writing this). Click on the link here if you would like to check out our team page to see who's swimming and to donate if you wish to. We will ‘just keep swimming’ all of March for this important cause. 

Importantly, remember to reach out if in need. 

Canteen News – Term 1 2023

Volunteering in the Canteen is a great opportunity to meet other parents and to be involved in your child/children's 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 to the Canteen where you can prepare 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 on how busy the day is.
• If you cannot 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.
• Reminder: All Canteen volunteers need a volunteer Working With Children Check before starting with us. This is free for volunteers, and you can apply via Service NSW. 
  

Canteen Roster: Weeks 7 and 8

Mrs Denise Barnard
Canteen Supervisor

Community News