Newsletter 4: Friday 24 March 2023

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

I hope that the last week has been a great one for you and your family. It has certainly been another action-packed period at our College. With two weeks left of term, we look forward to a great finish with our students as they prepare for the Easter holiday period. 

Harmony Week

This week we celebrated Harmony week across the school. Throughout the week students were able to engage in a variety of activities to celebrate the diversity and inclusion in our College and the wider community. A special mention must be extended to Suriana Mamone, who shared a wonderful insight into her family's journey moving to Australia. I would like to thank Suriana for sharing this with our student body. Mr Jones has shared her speech later in the newsletter. Please take the time to read it. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mr Luiz Silva de Araujo, one of our wonderful Teacher Assistants, who also shared his culture from Brazil. The sharing of these stories at our College Assembly certainly displayed for our students the diverse experiences shared by individuals within our multicultural society. Thank you to our amazing student leaders who have taken charge of our Assemblies to make them student-focused and led.

Parent Group Meeting

In Week 7, we hosted our first Parent Group meeting. This was a wonderful opportunity to re-engage as a community and begin to strengthen our Parent and Family School Partnership. At the meeting, we discussed our draft annual school goals, reviewed the newsletter and discussed introducing a school-wide resilience and mental health program in the College. We were also joined by Mrs Janita Thomson, the Family School Partnership Lead from the Catholic Schools Office. Janita presented two models that schools can use for Parent Groups moving into the future. The College will gather more parent voices on this next term. Thank you to all the parents/caregivers who attended the evening. It was fantastic to meet other members of our community and continue to develop this further.

Tell Them From Me Survey

Next term the College will share the Tell Them From Me Survey with all parents. The purpose of this survey is to further gather voices from students, staff and parents so we can collectively shape the future direction of the school ensuring that this aligns with the feedback from all stakeholders. I ask that, when you receive this survey next term, you take the time to complete it so we can continue to work together and make our College even better than it is.

NAPLAN

Our Year 7 and 9 students have been participating in NAPLAN, and I would like to congratulate them on their wonderful attitude and approach to these tests. When I visited the tests, students were engaged, focused, and attempting their best. While the NAPLAN provides feedback for both families and schools on the progress of students learning, there is so much more to each individual student. We would like all students to know that the talents and gifts we have are all unique and different and that this difference is to be celebrated. No matter what the outcome of the tests is, it is far more important the type of person that each student is becoming so that they can contribute positively to the world they live in.

Congratulations! 

Jacob Ellis & Patrick Jones

Two of our Year 8 students, Jacob Ellis and Patrick Jones, participated in the Starlight Super Swim Challenge in February to fundraise for the Starlight Children's Foundation, an organisation that offers social and emotional support to sick kids in hospitals across the country.

As part of the challenge, these two students were sponsored for swimming a minimum of 12km over the month of February — and their efforts resulted in $2,222 raised for the Starlight Children's Foundation! We are so proud of Jacob and Patrick for their sense of community and responsibility, and for independently choosing to fundraise for such a fantastic cause. What a fantastic example of being young men and women for others!

Siobhan Thompson

Our talented Year 12 student from 2022, Siobhan Thompson, received a Callback nomination for her Dance Core Performance. What an amazing talent. You can watch a clip of her performance here.

Above and Beyond

I have been so impressed with the absolute commitment of both students and staff to go above and beyond for one another so students can reach their full potential. As I walk around the school in the afternoon after the final bell, it is so great to see students in our senior school participating in additional learning provided by our gracious teachers. This additional time makes such a difference to the learning of our students. Arriving at school on a Thursday and Friday I am so proud to see between 50 to 100 students training in their selected sport of football (soccer), rugby league and rugby union on the oval, with a number of teachers coaching them and supporting them to be the best athlete possible and for the school team to be competitive in all events they compete. 

As always, thank you for your wonderful, ongoing support of our great College. I look forward to another two amazing weeks.

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. 

For the Calendar

• Monday 20 March — Friday 31 March: Year 12 Assessment Block
• Thursday 30 March: Year 7 Parent Teacher Interviews
• Tuesday 4 April: Year 7 Vaccinations
  
• Wednesday 5 April: Year 10 Your Choicez
  
• Thursday 6 April: Championship Cross Country and Year Level Fun Run
• Friday 7 April: Good Friday

To see all important dates this term, click here.

Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching

NAPLAN and other news

This week I have been delighted to engage with students in a variety of ways, including visiting classrooms, attendance at Year Meetings and Pastoral Care lessons and Assembly. In all of these activities, our staff strive to nurture the wellbeing and learning outcomes of the young people in our care. This is bearing fruit, with students who demonstrate a commitment to learning and growing bonds of friendship that bind our community together.

Over the last two weeks, Year 7 and 9 students have participated in NAPLAN testing.  I would like to thank and congratulate these students for their application and cooperation during this period.  Similarly, I had the opportunity to meet with our Year 12 students this week to commend them on the mature manner in which they have conducted themselves through the initial stages of the Year 12 Assessment Block.  It is wonderful to note their calm and organised demeanours, and it is especially pleasing to witness their positive peer-to-peer interactions as students work together, support each other and grow in unity as a senior cohort.

The myriad of teaching and learning opportunities, including assessment, that occur each week in the College would not be possible without the commitment of our staff who work diligently to provide quality experiences. I would like to particularly thank Ms Louise Sim, Literacy Coordinator,  and Susan Horvath, Numeracy Coordinator, and the extended team of teaching staff who administer NAPLAN in addition to their usual teaching load, for the extraordinary work they have done to organise and administer the NAPLAN tests.     

As always, I thank parents and caregivers for their positive interactions and for partnering with the College to support the children in our care.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

A reminder that Year 7 Parent/Teacher Conferences 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. Bookings for Parent/Teacher Conferences can be made via Compas. Bookings close Tuesday 28 March at 4:00pm.  If you have any difficulties accessing the Parent Portal, please contact the Helpdesk on 6618 0123. 

Supporting Students with Assessment Tasks

As we approach the end of 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.

Absence from Assessment (for students in Years 10, 11 and 12)

If your child is unable to complete upcoming assessment tasks or requires special consideration at this time, please encourage them to speak with their classroom teacher or the relevant Leader of Learning. They should also submit a response to the Absence from Assessment & Request For Special Consideration form which will be used to consider individual circumstances whereby extensions or alternate tasks may be deemed most appropriate for a particular student. 

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 & Students

College Uniform

Research shows that wearing a school uniform can promote a sense of unity among students and help to eliminate discrimination based on clothing or appearance, which can reduce the likelihood of bullying and harassment in the school environment. By wearing the same attire, students are united under a common identity and are encouraged to focus on their academic achievements. Additionally, school uniforms can help to level the playing field for students from different economic backgrounds, as everyone is required to wear the same outfit, eliminating the need to conform to the latest fashion trends or expensive clothing brands, jewellery items, hairstyles etc; this can relieve financial stress and social pressure for families and students alike. At Xavier, with our focus on being Better Together, we embrace this united approach and constantly work toward a community of acceptance and inclusivity. Our uniform policy enables us to minimise discrimination and promote unity.

Furthermore, school uniforms are designed to meet the health and safety requirements of our many and varied learning spaces, enabling students to achieve their best results safely with the equipment/environment provided. Wearing a uniform and practising personal and professional presentation can also prepare students for the requirements of various careers, as different workplaces have specific dress codes and uniform requirements that employees must follow. By enforcing a uniform policy in school, students practise how to adhere to rules and regulations, making it easier for them to adapt to similar requirements in future workplaces. 

Above all, witnessing our students wearing their uniform with pride (and visually demonstrating their gratitude for the opportunities that their families and our staff work hard to provide for them) raises the profile of Xavier Catholic College and all who are associated with it — especially our students!

2023 Uniform Review

This year, the College will be conducting a comprehensive review of the current uniform policy. To this end, we have formed the Xavier College Uniform Review Committee. The purpose of the committee is to conduct a comprehensive review of the current uniform policy and make recommendations for any necessary changes to the College Executive. The review will aim to ensure that the uniform is appropriate, practical, and affordable, while also promoting the values and ethos of the school. The most important initial step will be to gather and analyse feedback from students, parents, and staff regarding the current uniform. Please keep an eye on your email inboxes for surveys to be completed as the first initial step in gathering this important feedback.

Harmony Week 2023

Harmony Week 2023 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion within our school community. The theme of this year's Harmony Week is Everyone Belongs, highlighting the importance of respecting and valuing each other's differences. To kick off the celebrations, we had a full school assembly on Wednesday, where students learnt more about the meaning and significance of Harmony Week. A highlight of this assembly was hearing the culturally rich stories of key people in our community. Our multiculturalism and diversity are something to be continuously celebrated and recognised.

Following assembly, we also had a Harmony Week BBQ during lunch break, where students enjoyed a delicious sausage sizzle while mingling with their peers and staff. The shared meal was a great way to promote a sense of unity and inclusivity within our school community, reminding everyone that we are all part of one big family. Overall, Harmony Week 2023 was a fantastic opportunity to promote being Better Together, celebrating diversity, and promoting a culture of respect, kindness, and acceptance.

As our Year 12 Student Leaders were busy preparing for important assessment items, I would like to thank a number of Year 11 students who helped cook over 800 sausages — a great loaves and fishes moment in Lent.

Mr Peter Fear

Youth mental health outreach service, headspace, is hosting free webinars for parents and carers who are supporting young people with their mental health during the school holidays. The session aims to:

• Identify challenges and opportunities of the school holiday period
• Offer practical ideas for parents and carers
• Provide information about additional support services
• Highlight the importance of self-care

Click here to register for this free webinar.

Catechesis & Evangelisation

Easter Egg Raffle — PRIZE DONATIONS NEEDED

Ticket sales have commenced for our annual Easter Egg Raffle for Project Compassion. Thank you for all the generous prize donations so far!  We can accept donations of chocolate eggs (or bunnies, etc) right up until Holy Thursday (the last day of term).

Prize donations can be left with Mr Eyles or the YMOs. The raffle will be drawn on Thursday 6 April.

Tickets are on sale 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. This week through Project Compassion, we learn about Thu, who lives in Vietnam. When Thu was 12 years old, he stepped on an unexploded land mine and lost his leg. ​

Living with a disability in rural Vietnam presented many challenges for Thu, who worked mainly as a rice farmer. Thu also took on the role of caring for his wife, Linh, after she suffered a stroke.​

Determined to turn their lives around, Thu and Linh joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, run by Caritas Australia’s local partner in Vietnam, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).    

For Thu, the greatest impact the program has had is enabling the change in Linh’s physical and mental wellbeing. With the support of a physiotherapist, Linh can now walk short distances with the aid of a walking stick. 

Watch a short film about Thu’s story here.

Please support Project Compassion here.

Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge

Wellbeing

It is with great pleasure that I note the significant achievement of our wonderful community of having 8596 merits given by the end of Week 8 within the College. This amounts to 8596 positive interactions between staff and students — 8596 ways in which student effort has been recognised, and 8596 times when the focus has been on the growth and success of our young people. Averaging more than 1000 merits each week was a goal we had at the start of the year. Congratulations to all students and staff on this great milestone.

End of Term

The last two weeks of the term can be a struggle for maintaining student motivation as fatigue sets in and the lure of the holidays becomes that little bit more enticing. We are looking forward to finishing the term strongly and feeling Better Together as we move into the holiday break. 

This is a critical period for partnership between parents/carers and the College to ensure a smooth finish for students. If you have any concerns, I would urge you to be proactive in communicating with the most relevant staff member. For classroom concerns, this is the class teacher. For all other concerns, the Head of House is a great first port of call. If you’re unsure as to who might best assist you, please contact me, and I will direct you accordingly or help you myself. We look forward to working together to ensure the best possible finish to Term 1 for all students.

Harmony Week

This week has seen an amazing buzz about the College, celebrating harmony and unity in our community. I would like to add my vote of thanks to all who have contributed to a really positive week. From the vibrant assembly to the BBQ cooked and served by our Year 11 Leaders, through to the colourful finish of the week with our Fluro Friday; the feel in the yard was electric all week.

Of many highlights from the week was the student address delivered to the College in Wednesday’s assembly by Suriana Mamone (Year 12). Many were impressed and moved by her words, and I share them with you now:

What is home?

A noun. A place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household. 

For me, home used to be 6000 km away in a busy city where food stalls lined the streets, smoke smothered the air and the people spoke with loud voices. Vietnam was my home. Although the house was always swarming with relatives and motorbikes roared to and fro outside and in and out of the house, it felt like home. Although the air always smelt of incense and cakes and cut-up fruit was offered as a sign of love from every relative, it felt like home. Although summers were scorching hot and the humidity often felt permanently wrapped around you like cling wrap, it was home. 

But in 2011, I left it.

The air was cooler here, crisp, and light. and the smell of gasoline was nowhere to be found, it didn’t feel like home. The sun rose and set over the horizon and I was able to see it. The birds sang in the morning mist and I was able to hear it, but it didn’t feel like home. 

The following months consisted of pencil scribbles and broken words as I tried to learn English. apple. dog. How are you? 

Arriving at school, everything was as foreign to me as I was to them. Teachers wore floral dresses with keys around their necks and the playground floor wasn’t made of concrete but of a bark that hurt just as bad. Making friends wasn’t easy at first, but I watched and I observed. And before long, my mother’s tongue became my forgotten tongue. 

The embarrassment of having friends over heightened because my dinner table didn’t look the same and my mum wasn’t a woman who had blonde curls and would make us snacks. 

I tried my best to keep my head low, constantly pretending that that comment you just made didn’t affect me because I’m sure you didn’t mean it. Convincing myself that even if my eyes did not resemble the ocean, they held just as much depth. 

But despite it all, in the way my friends laugh at my jokes and make me forget about the differences between us, it felt like home. In the way that my house still remains busy and loud and swarming with relatives, it felt like home. And in the way that the waves crashed in front of my eyes and the cool air fell upon my face, it was home. 

Somewhere between then and now, here and there, I’ve found that home is rather an intangible feeling of peace and joy from the ones you love, where you know you are welcomed. 

So I am home. 

Thank you.

As always, if I can assist you or your family in any way, please don’t hesitate to get 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: Why is it attractive?

Young people can be drawn to vaping for a number of different reasons including peer pressure, accessibility and affordability, the belief that vaping is harmless and curiosity. Sometimes a family member who vapes can also influence children and young people to try vaping.

This short video provides some insights into why vaping is attractive to young people and is important to view before parents and carers use the conversation starters at home. 

Conversation Starters at Home

Be ready to have these conversations with your child with a sense of calmness and interest in what they have to say. Be ready to listen to their responses without jumping in too quickly to correct them. Choose your timing wisely, perhaps during a relaxed moment at home, when driving somewhere together, or when no other stress or distractions are present.

1. Why do you think more children and teens are vaping?
   Listen to understand. Your child may mention one of the reasons listed above or have another opinion. This conversation starter opens the door to healthy dialogue. 
   
2. Could you confidently say no if you were offered a vape? How could you do this?
   Help your young person create an ‘exit plan’ if they are offered a vape.
3. How do you think the person offering you the vape would react to you saying no? How might that make you feel about this friendship?
   Now might be a good time to talk about what your child values in their friends.

Peer pressure can be powerful, so coming up with realistic action steps and practising them together in a safe environment will prepare and empower your child to make good choices when it matters. Remind them that not everyone is vaping. There are many young people making healthy choices to say no.

House News

MacKillop House Wellbeing Activity: National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

The MacKillop House Captains recently planned their awareness-raising Pastoral Care activity by highlighting the importance of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. Xavier Catholic College is an official NDA school and the MacKillop House Captains promoted the importance of saying No to Bullying and provided students with awareness about how to take action if bullying occurs. The Xavier theme for this year was kindness first: it starts with you. During Pastoral Care, PC groups recognised the importance of taking action together and discussed strategies to support each other. 

Thank you to the MacKillop House Captains (Caston Smith, Campbell Du Sautoy, Cadee Benson, Joshua Thick and Elly Higgins) who spoke at assembly and created an awesome film about anti-bullying and the importance of kindness each and every day. Each student was encouraged to create a pledge against bullying and then these pledges were brought to the College green and placed in a large love heart to represent a College pledge to stamp out all forms of bullying.

Mrs Rebecca Kennedy
Head of MacKillop House

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Faculty News

Exploring Early Childhood News

Exploring Early Childhood is a Stage 6 subject that aims to develop understanding, skills and strategies to enable students to support and foster positive growth and development in the young children with whom they interact through the provision of safe, nurturing and challenging environments. 

The HSC class has been studying the Children’s Services Industry. This module introduces students to the range of children’s services available for children and their families within the Australian context. The focus of the module is the provision of services for children within the birth-to-eight age range. Practical involvement with licensed children’s services and the opportunity to discuss potential roles are important parts of this module. 

Fortunately, the class was recently able to visit some local services within our community and observe educators and young children within those services. Our first visit was to Ballina River St Preschool where we had a tour of the centre and spoke to the Director and educators. We also got to observe some inside and outside lessons for their morning sessions. 

We then visited the Richmond Tweed Regional Library for Toddler and Baby time where we observed the free services offered to young children in their families to develop literacy and physical skills, as well as fostering social interaction for families and children. 

We concluded the day with a visit to Woodburn-Evans Head Preschool in Woodburn where we were able to speak closely to Educator Michelle Stanley-Jones about the programs on offer at the preschool. We observed an amazing mindfulness session and attended the morning meeting where the children welcomed us with a song in the Bundjalung language. We had a tour of the centre and enjoyed some bush tucker from their garden. 

We would like to thank all of the educators at these services for allowing us to visit and experience a wonderful day of learning about early childhood education.

Mrs Rebecca Kennedy
Exploring Early Childhood Teacher

Sport News

Diocesan Swimming

A team of 18 swimmers represented the College at the 2023 Diocesan Swimming Carnival at Kempsey on Thursday 2 March. Congratulations to all of our swimmers on your efforts and thank you to the parents who transported the students. Thank you also to Ms Quinn who travelled to Kempsey and managed the team.

Top 10 Results:

• Jack Solman U13 Boys 50m Freestyle - 2nd Place

Congratulations to Jack on his selection in the Lismore Diocesan Swimming team to compete at the NSWCCC Swimming Titles in Sydney!

Top 5 Results:

• Jack Solman, U13 Boys: 2nd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke
• Harry Ranyard, U13 Boys: 5th 50m Freestyle
• Keiko Bond-Sheehan, U15 Girls: 3rd 100m Backstroke, 4th 50m Backstroke, 5th 100m IM
• Cooper Winney, U16 Boys: 3rd 100m Freestyle, 3rd 100m Freestyle, 4th 50m Freestyle, 4th 50m Breaststroke
• Luke Roberts, U13 Boys: 4th 50m Butterfly
• Isaac Mulligan, U13 Boys: 5th 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 100m Breastroke
• Finn Spinks, U13 Boys: 4th 100m Breaststroke

Diocesan Rugby League Trials

The Diocesan Rugby League Trials for under 15 and Open Boys were held at Woodlawn on Tuesday 7 March. Well done to the following boys who were involved:

• Under 15s: Jett Flatley, Declan Wallace, Zayne Jonnson, Toby Dicinoski
• Opens: Mathew Page, Fynn Jonsson, Charlie Strong 

Congratulations to the following boys who were selected in the Diocesan representative teams and now travel to Smithtown on 28 and 29 March for possible selection in the Northern Country NSWCCC teams:

• Under 15s: Jett Flatley, Zayne Jonnson
• Opens: Mathew Page, Fynn Jonnson
  

Diocesan Football Trials

The Diocesan Football Trials for Open Boys and Girls were held at Thistles Football fields Lismore on Tuesday 7 March. Well done to the following boys and girls who were involved:

• Opens Girls: Callie Gollan, Schapelle Mannix-Farrel
• Opens Boys: Jacob Miletic, Aidan Martonara, Tyler Dogan, Jack Groves, Nelson Stock

Congratulations to the following players who were selected in the Diocesan representative teams and now travel to Sydney to represent the Lismore Diocese at the NSWCCC Football Championships.

• Opens Girls: Callie Gollan
• Opens Boys: Nelson Stock, Jack Groves

Girls League Tag

Congratulations to the Under 14 and Under 16 Girls League Tag teams that participated in the Gala Day at the Murwillumbah Junior Rugby League fields on Wednesday 8th of March. The Under 14 girls won two out of their three games, and the Under 16 girls were competitive in all three games — although they didn’t quite get a win. 

Diocesan Tennis

Congratulations to Elena Helle, Indiana Peachey, Mia Helle, Ariah Smith, Yali Amit, Noah Helle, Kazi Rahman and Angus Schirmer who represented XCC in fine form at the recent Diocesan Tennis Championships held at Arkinstall Park, Tweed Heads on Friday. 

Noah, Yali, Kazi and Angus made up the Open Boys teams, playing 7 games on the day. Both teams managed 3 wins. Highlights from their games included Yali's beautiful crosscourt volley, an overhead smash from Noah, Gus with his one-handed backhand and Kazi who showed his strength across the entire court and served well. Open Girls teams, Elena Helle and Indiana Peachey plus Ariah Smith and Mia Helle, played 4 games each. Elena and Indie managed a strong win 5-3 against John Paul College. Ariah and Mia won 3 out of their 4 games very convincingly, 6-0 or 6-1 and only lost one game in a tie-break that went to 8. All girls worked well across the court, supporting each other's serve with great forehand and backhand winners, securing the Silver Medal for the team.

Mrs Naomi Byrnes
Coach

T20 Open Boys Cricket vs The Southport School (TSS)

The annual ‘T20’ XCC vs TSS cricket derby was an absolute nail-biter this year. TSS went in to bat first, losing four wickets in their solid total of 127 runs. The XCC fielding was exceptional, taking some challenging catches and depleting many runs shy of the boundary. Notable bowling by Joe Ephlick 2/16, keeping a consistent line and length stabilised the run rate in the early overs of the match. Jack Evers 1/16 and Lennox Broadley 1/20 continued to keep the pace attack moving. After taking a great catch, Noah Helle entered with his off-spinning attack slowing the run rate immensely. With a total of 127 runs, TSS looked to be in the box seat at the end of their innings.

XCC opened the batting with Lennox Broadley and Josh Thick, both doing well facing some extreme pace from the TSS opening pair. Kai Dalli then entered the pitch in the third over, picking up the run rate and gathering a total of 37 runs, with many 4s and 6s inclusive in his total. Jack Evers 21 & Joe Elphick 15 n/o also established a competitive run rate for our team. We needed 27 off two overs to see Noah Helle crack four boundaries, leaving us with 9 to get in the final over. Unfortunately, we fell short by two runs. Steven Baker (TSS Director of Cricket) spoke very highly of our respectful and competitive nature, inviting us back for another challenge next year. Great effort lads.

Mr Clint McCarthy
Coach

Individual Achievements

The Queensland State Athletics Championships were held recently. Congratulations to the following students on their achievements:

Alexander Crimmins

• 1st Place in the Under 18 Boys Triple Jump
• Personal Best of 13.67 metres
• Winner by over 1 metre further than 2nd place

Tyler Dogan

• 2nd Place in the 2km Steeplechase. Time 6.13
• 7th Place in the 1500m. Time  4.11
• 7th Place in the 3km. Time 9.05 

Skye Dogan

• 15th Place in the 1500m
• 3rd Place in the 3000m
• 14th Place in the 800m

2023 Cross Country Carnival

Both the Championship Cross Country and Whole School Fun Run will occur on Thursday 6 April 2023.

Championship Cross Country

The Championship Cross Country is not compulsory. It is for serious runners competing for Age Champion and wanting to gain selection in the College team (top 6 per age group) for Diocesan Cross Country on Friday 19 May in Grafton.

To participate, students will need to nominate via the Compass Google Form (posted this afternoon).

Year Group Fun Run

The Year Group Fun Run is compulsory. Students who are not competing in the Championship Cross Country will compete in Year Groups for House Points and do the Fun Run during periods 5 and 6 along Angels Beach, Sharpes Beach and finish at the Headlands Reserve underpass.

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 9 and 10

Mrs Denise Barnard
Canteen Supervisor

Community News

An Invitation to Grandcarers

If you are a grandcarer who looks after your grandchildren full-time, DAISI Services is here to support you in your important role of helping your grandchild or grandchildren reach their potential.

The Grandcarer Project, an established group, is ready to welcome you. 

Frequency: The first Monday of every month (3/4/23, 1/5/23, 5/6/23, 7/8/23, 4/9/23, 6/11/23)

Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm, with lunch provided

Venue: Ballina Masonic Hall, 56 Cherry St, Ballina

Please contact Sue Hetherington on 0491 065 906 or gc.sue@daisi.asn.au for more information.