Newsletter 5: Friday 7 April 2023

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

What a wonderful term we have shared to start the year. I would like to thank all our students and parents for their ongoing support and commitment to the College. Term 2 looks to be another great term, and we look forward to sharing this with everyone.

The Easter Season begins in our Liturgical calendar following the Easter Triidum. This is the most significant part of our Church’s calendar as we remember the gift of life provided by Jesus’ death on the cross for each of us. I hope that this holiday period is an enjoyable one with your loved ones.

COLA

Our covered outdoor learning area (COLA) is drawing close to completion with the main structure close to being finalised. We look forward to students utilising this space next term. 

School Improvement Annual Plan

The School Annual Improvement Plan has now been finalised. During Term 1 we spent time co-constructing this with our staff and parents. At our most recent Parent Assembly meeting, we also gathered feedback from our wonderful parent body. The final version can be found here. Our work has already begun with achieving these goals, and we will continue to work with students, parents and staff to achieve these goals by the end of the year. 

Football Success

The College continues to excel in Football with two of our school teams having recent success. Our Open Girls team recently won the Northern Rivers Catholic College Carnival, winning in shoot-outs. During the last week of term, our Bill Turner Boys Football team won their round match against Richmond Christian College after a hard-fought match. Congratulations to both teams and the coaches for these wonderful results.

Mr Nicholas Zupan

I would like to thank Mr Nicholas Zupan for his time and commitment this term teaching in the TAS faculty. We wish Mr Zupan all the best as he takes on the next part of his educational journey.  

College Cross Country

It was wonderful to finish our term with the annual Cross Country. I was extremely proud to see our students giving their best in both the Championship Race and Fun Run. We even had 8 teachers slogging it out with our students. How blessed we are to be able to have our students complete this event along the beautiful beachfront.

Thanks to Mr Pat Kennedy (Sports Coordinator) and Mr Russell Asser (Sports Assistant) for their amazing organisation and convening of the event. Congratulations to all our Cross Country Champions and Runners Up.

A more detailed overview of the event will be in our newsletter next term. 

Student Free Days Term 2

We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Wednesday 26 April for Term 2. To assist families with forward planning throughout the upcoming term, please take note of the scheduled student-free days below:

• Monday 24 April: Staff Development Day
• Tuesday 25 April: ANZAC Day
• Wednesday 31 May: Staff Development Day
• Monday 12 June: King’s Birthday Public Holiday

Thanks for the Term

Finally, I would like to once again thank all parents and students for a wonderful term. We are part of a very special community and school and I look forward to seeing everyone next term as we continue to work in partnership for each student to achieve their potential in learning and in their areas of passion. We are certainly ‘Better Together’. Have a safe and wonderful break.

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 24 April: Staff Development Day
• Tuesday 25 April: ANZAC Day
  
• Wednesday 26 April: All students return
  
• Monday 1 May: Winter Uniform commences
  
• Tuesday 2 May: Year 10 Vaccinations
  
• Friday 5 May: Year 12 Reports available via Compass
  

To see all important dates each term, click here.

Please note: Term 2 planners will be uploaded in Week 1 of Term 2.

Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching

Thank you

Term 1 has been busy, productive, and enjoyable. The end of term finds each of us a little weary, but I am pleased and proud of the sustained energy and commitment demonstrated by the many stakeholders in our school. Together, we continue to co-construct a community of which we can be extremely proud.

My work focuses on building Xavier Catholic College as a centre of excellence in learning and teaching. This, of course, is about more than grades — it also involves shaping students who are open to growth, committed to justice, and compassionate in service to others for the greater glory of God. I am constantly inspired by the many individuals who share this vision and, through their actions, bring it to life each and every day. I would like to thank our students, their families and caregivers, and our dedicated staff for their contribution to making this term the success it has been. I wish you all the peace, hope and joy of the Easter season.

Year 12 Assessments and Reports

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our Year 12 students who have now completed their mid-course assessment block. Their diligent work ethic, organisational skills and the calm and respectful manner in which they conducted themselves throughout this period has again demonstrated what a wonderful group of young people we have in this year’s HSC class.  

This is also a very busy time for our teaching staff who collaboratively write assessment tasks and marking criteria, meet during the marking process to moderate tasks, invest time to provide quality feedback which focuses on next steps for learning growth, and carefully record assessment data. This year staff are also navigating the use of Compass, the College's new student information system, resulting in all new reporting processes. I would like to acknowledge the work of our dedicated staff who have worked diligently to provide quality learning and teaching, assessment and reporting throughout the term.

Year 12 Reports will be issued early next term and provide valuable information regarding your child’s progress in their final year of school. I encourage you to read your child’s report and use this to inform their study as the year progresses.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Family and school partnerships are a very important feature of Xavier Catholic College. In Week 9, hundreds of Parent/Teacher Conferences took place for our Year 7 students and their families, as a means to build relationships and to connect learning at home and school. There is strong evidence that parent engagement in learning is known to lead to improved learning outcomes for students of all ages.  A Save the Date text has been sent to parents of Year 11 and 12 students for Parent Teacher Conferences which are scheduled for Week 3 of Term 2, following the release of Year 12 Reports. Further information about booking interview times will be forthcoming.

Subject Selections

Each year, students in Year 8 and Year 10 engage in subject selection as they develop their pattern of study for Stages 5 and 6. This year, the College will use new programming software and we hope to move the subject selection process earlier in the year. Information sessions for parents and students will be scheduled next term.

Year 8 students, parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore the subject selection information available on the school website (please note that the final subject availability for 2024 is yet to be finalised). Students will select two elective subjects to study in Years 9 and 10. Student interest is the most important consideration when selecting Stage 5 elective subjects.

Year 10 students, parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore subject selection information through the UAC website. Early next term, Year 10 students will be taken through a process to guide subject selections in their Careers lessons, with an emphasis on a variety of pathways, including Work Ready and ATAR (university) options post-school. The 2024 Subject Selection Handbook and website will be made available on the school website early next term. Student interest, ability and intended future pathway should be the main considerations when deciding on subjects. There are a number of HSC and ATAR eligibility requirements that must be considered. We look forward to working through these exciting and important processes with your children.

Ms Carmel Zuino

Catechesis & Evangelisation

Project Compassion

Our annual Lenten fundraising effort for Project Compassion winds up this week.  Our Week 8 Mufti Day raised more than $2000, and our Holy Thursday Easter Egg raffle has collected a record prize pool and record ticket sales.

As we enter Holy Week, we continue to reflect on the lives of people vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice and how we can respond through supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal. 

Your generosity is the pebble that allows Caritas Australia to create the ripples that will improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, supporting them to flourish and create opportunities for future generations to live to their full potential. 

Families can still donate online via the Caritas Australia website.

Way of the Cross

For the first time since 2019, our whole College Community was able to gather in the Magis Centre for our traditional Holy Week Devotion. The Year 10 Ministry Ministry Class worked with our College Mission Assistants to prepare a series of tableaux of the events leading up to the Crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Our College Captains and students from Years 7-11 read prayers and gospel verses in a prayerful reflection of the Passion of Christ.

Wellbeing

And so ends Term 1! I’d like to start this article as I did my first for the year with an expression of gratitude to the XCC community for the incredibly warm welcome afforded to me this year. It has been a truly fruitful experience getting into the work of 2023, something that has been brilliantly supported by a wonderfully supportive team of colleagues, parents and — most of all — our amazing students.

The Merit count for Term 1 has been finalised at 10751 — an amazing reflection of our wonderful students! I'd like to give a small shoutout here to PC Ignatius 2 for taking the cake with 446 Merits for the term, the highest by over 40! Although it is not a competition, it is always fun to look at these numbers. Hopefully, the count will continue at this frenetic pace throughout Term 2.

Uniform

Some families will have received Non-Compliant Uniform letters and emails this week relating to persistent issues with incorrect uniforms. These are sent to further develop stronger partnerships with parents to ensure that the student experience can be as positive as possible whilst on school grounds.

Staff are asked to maintain high standards for student dress and grooming. A conversation is usually all it takes to correct emerging issues. For students who have issues with prolonged or repeated incorrect uniforms, these letters will be sent seeking support from parents.

Sometimes, these issues arise due to not enjoying the cut or feel of the uniform. For those students, I would strongly encourage completing the Uniform Review Survey to have your say in the future of the College uniform.

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.

Holidays

With the school holiday period upon us, I remind parents of the amazing support services available for our young people and families in our region. The change out of a set routine can sometimes lead to heightened emotional distress for young people, particularly after a long and arduous term. 

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.

If there is anything that I can do to support your family, please be in contact with me. I wish you all a very happy and holy Easter. May the presence of the risen Lord be a strength to you and your family. For all students and families, I hope you have a very safe and relaxing holiday period.

Mr Nick Jones
Leader of Pastoral Care

Vaping: Take a Stand Against Vaping

Whether you suspect your child is vaping or not, take the time to talk to them about it and help them understand all of the risks. It is never too late to have the conversation.

Watch this short clip by Professor Adam Jaffé, Paediatric Respiratory Consultant at Sydney Children’s Hospital and Head of Paediatrics at the University of New South Wales.

https://youtu.be/i7pgecNNGRI

Start the conversation with your child in a relaxed, easy-going way, perhaps using a cue from around you, such as this message from school, a news story about vaping, or seeing people vaping on the street.

If your child is vaping, encourage them to stop, let them know that help is available and you are there for them. Help them to explore other ways to fit in with their peers. But also give the message that it is important to think and act independently. 

How to Support my Child if they are Vaping 

Although advertising and peers can heavily influence your teen’s decisions, the impact you have as a parent, carries enormous weight. Research has found that parental involvement and a positive outlook can make a significant difference in healthy decision-making, both now and in the future. 

Take a Health Approach 

If you discover that your teen is vaping, address it as you would any other risk to your child’s health. Try to resist the urge to lecture, yell or punish your child. It is important to keep the lines of communication open and show your child that you are concerned about their health and safety.

Although purchasing vapes containing nicotine without a prescription is illegal in Australia, many vapes labelled as nicotine-free do contain nicotine. Your child may need support to stop vaping as nicotine is very addictive. The more your child vapes, the more both the brain and body will get used to having nicotine, and the harder it is to go without it. When a person stops vaping, even for a short period, they can experience withdrawal, including strong cravings, irritability, fatigue, headache, sleeplessness and difficulty concentrating.

Conversation Starters

Make sure your child recognises how much you care about them and that the conversation is coming from a place of unconditional love, support and concern for their wellbeing. Use the conversation starters below to understand if your child may be continuing to vaping to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

• Do you continue to vape even though you want to stop or think it’s hurting you in some way?
• Do you feel anxious or irritable when you want to use your vape but can’t?
• Do thoughts about vaping interrupt you when you are focused on other activities?
• Do you vape at school? How often?
• Have you ever tried to stop vaping but couldn’t?
• Do you feel like you have lost control over your vaping?

Support to Quit Vaping

Read this helpful infographic for suggestions about how to support your child to quit vaping.

Source: smokefree.gov   NSW Health TobaccoFree

Faculty News

Creative Arts: Drama

Week 10 has seen Year 11 and Year 12 Drama students completing group performances for their assessment tasks. All students performed with strong energy, conviction and characterisation making the performances both engaging and entertaining.

Year 11 Drama students were lucky enough to have the Year 12 Entertainment students running the lights, audio and stage for their performances. The Entertainment students were very professional and enjoyed the experience of calling a show.

Well done to all students involved!

Mrs Allysha Hodges
Drama and VET Entertainment Teacher

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HSIE: Year 8 History

This term in Year 8 History, students have been learning about the Ancient Past. They had the opportunity to listen to the experiences and history of the Aboriginal people from Auntie Delta. Some comments from students included:

“With Auntie Delta, we learnt about Aboriginal Culture and the changing of the seasons. We were taught to respect the land and First Nations culture, then we engaged in fun activities like counting games and dance-offs. Finally, we got to learn about bush tucker and even tried some!” Dominic

“We learnt what foods we can eat and what they taste like. We also learned how to count to five in Bundjalung. We played a game about counting and dancing. We had a competition of dances'' – Riley

“We learnt about Aboriginal culture, foraging, dances and the invasion of European people on the land with Auntie Delta. We learnt to count from 1 to 5 in the Bunjalung language.” – Jacob

“With Auntie Delta, we learnt about dreaming stories of the land we live on. We also learnt how to count to 5 in Bundjalung and danced. These dances represented certain animals, including dolphin, sea eagle and carpet python. We then learnt about bush tucker, how it was collected and even got to eat some of them.” – Nel

Ms Karen Brown
HSIE Teacher

PDHPE: Child Studies & Exploring Early Childhood

Year 9 Child Studies have been discussing the importance of positive relationships on the growth and development of children. We were very excited to welcome Sean and Paddy, Dr Madeline Beveridge’s husband and son, to our class. Students engaged with both Sean and Paddy, asking lots of questions about some of the milestones Paddy is reaching. Sean discussed his pattern of work and the care options Paddy had while he is at work. Students were able to analyse the interrelated factors that contribute to creating a supportive environment for optimal child development and wellbeing. We thank Sean and Paddy for their time.

On Wednesday, both Year 9 and 10 Child Studies classes finalised their term of work with a visit to St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre. Manager, Narelle Dewhurst, was extremely complimentary and talked about continuing our relationship with her staff and students. Students thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with students they have met five times now. They observed morning tea, outside play, morning yarn and a range of student-led activities. We look forward to seeing students again in the future. 

The Year 11 Exploring Early Childhood class has been studying ‘Pregnancy and Childbirth’. The main focus of the unit was the physical and emotional demands of parents and families during pregnancy and childbirth. They have just started studying a new Core, ‘Child Development’. This component of the core explores child growth and development, from birth through to the end of the early childhood years. The students were able to ask Sean questions about Paddy’s birth as well as the implications of interacting with, and caring for, children at different points in their development. The students were very interested in learning about Sean’s profession as a sonographer and the different stages of a baby's development in utero. We are very grateful for Sean’s knowledge, experience and expertise as a parent and a sonographer. The class also very much enjoyed observing Paddy’s fine and gross motor development and his language development. 

Mrs Naomi Byrnes & Mrs Rebecca Kennedy
Child Studies and Exploring Early Childhood Teachers

Sport News

NRCC Coach the Coaches

Around forty coaches from the Northern Rivers Catholic Colleges have now completed online coaching accreditations including:

• Rugby League - Community Coaching Under 13 -15, Under 16 - 18
• Rugby Union - Smart Rugby
• AFL - Foundation Coaching

In addition to this, thirty coaches attended the ‘Coach the Coaches’ Professional Development Day held at St. John’s College Woodlawn on Wednesday 22nd March. 

The practical coaching courses were tailored to focus specifically on safety and correct technique in the contact components of the three sports and concussion mitigation. Coaches left the day with the latest skills and drills to take back to their schools which will hopefully reduce the likelihood of injury and concussion. 

Thank you to the following development officers:

• Kelvin Menchin - NRL Game Development Officer, Northern NSW
• Jeff Watt - NSW Rugby Union
• Julian Vandendriest - QLD AFL Development Coordinator

Thank you also to St. John’s College Woodlawn for hosting and well done to all of our NRCC coaches for your participation in a very successful day.

Mr Pat Kennedy
Leader of Sport & NRCC Convenor

Co-Curricular News

NSW Junior Chess League: Country Secondary Schools Teams Competition

On Friday 24 March, Mrs Bezzina took our team of four chess players to Emmanuel Anglican College to compete in the first round of the NSW Junior Chess League Country Secondary Schools Teams Competition. 

It was a very exciting afternoon consisting of four games of chess. Angus Schirmer and Dominic Gilhooley took the win over their EAC competitors and gave us hope of progressing to the next round in the competition. 

A big congratulations to Xavier Trinkl, Jake Sayer, Angus Schirmer and Dominic Gilhooley for representing XCC in this competition.

Thank you to Mrs Bezzina for taking them to the competition. 

Ms Georgia Quinn
Leader of Co-Curricular

College News

Community Access Excursion

During Term 1, some of our students participated in Community Access Excursions to use skills learned in class in real-life situations. On the first excursion, students visited a local beach to clean up rubbish and microplastics along the shore! 

We're looking forward to Community Access Excursions continuing throughout Term 2. 

Dorys on Duty: Laps For Life Staff Team

The Xavier Catholic College Laps for Life 2023 staff team, Dorys on Duty, consisted of eighteen teachers and support staff (plus two children). Laps for Life aims to raise awareness and funds to provide young people with vital mental health support services and suicide prevention through ReachOut. Our team has been committed to the cause and has swum the entire month of March in support of this challenge. We are proud to announce that together with our supporters, in and out of the pool, we raised $7,433! Thank you to everyone who supported us and donated. Our total distance combined is 333.45km! That’s from Ballina to Noosa! Amazing effort!

Our team has motivated and encouraged each other all the way and it has been beneficial for our own physical and mental wellbeing. So, who are the 2023 Dorys on Duty?

• Steve Edmonds
• Georgian Quinn
• Jasmin Rogers
• Nichole Page
• Leela Forde
• Sarina McPherson
• Giselle Want
• Michael Raeburn 
• Rebecca and Evie Kennedy
• Scott Jones
• Maureen Campey
• Kathleen McLennan
• Eddie Lee
• James Gordon
• Leanne Broadley
• Jessica and Bailey Ferris
• Taylor Jermolajew
• Dana Barnsley

Well done, team! Visit ReachOut here.

Canteen News – Term 2 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 1 and 2 (Term 2)

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.