Newsletter 7: Friday 2 June 2023
For the Calendar
- Friday 2 June: Year 11 Reports available via Compass
- Monday 5 June to Friday 9 June: Year 8 Pastoral Week
- Monday 12 June: King's Birthday Public Holiday
- Wednesday 14 June: Vinnies Winter Sleepout (overnight event)
- Thursday 15 June to Friday 16 June: School Photos
- Monday 19 June: Year 11 2024 Interviews
- Thursday 22 June and Friday 23 June: Year 11 Street Retreat
- Monday 26 June to Friday 30 June: NAIDOC Week
- Wednesday 28 June to Monday 10 July: Timor Leste Immersion
- Wednesday 19 July: School Photo Catch Ups
To see all important dates each term, view our live term planners here.
Newsletter Frequency
This term, we'll be trialling a new newsletter schedule based on parent feedback.
XCC Newsletters will now be sent to families at the end of Week 2, Week 6, and Week 10.
If you have any feedback about this change, we'd love to hear it. Please email us to let us know what you'd like the XCC Newsletter to look like moving forward!
Principal's Message
Dear Parents, Students and Staff,
‘Above all, maintain constant love for one another.’ 1 Peter 4:8
Reconciliation
This week we celebrated and acknowledged the important place in Australia’s history of our first peoples. Reconciliation as a community and the expression of Sorry and determination to right the wrongs is not one of guilt, but of sincere and earnest remorse for past wrongs. Remorse is the first key step in reconciliation and is a way of outwardly showing that we are committed to bringing all peoples together. I thank the College community, staff students and parents for their work in highlighting this important part of our national conversation. I particularly want to thank Ms Donna Albany, who, on top of her busy teaching load, has been instrumental in ensuring our acknowledgement of Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week has been appropriate, respectful and treated with the importance it deserves.
Tell Them From Me: Parent Data
Our parent data (indeed all data) is now in from our TTFM surveys conducted earlier this term. In very much the same way as last year, a summary of your responses will be made available and used to inform our Annual Plan moving forward. Already we have started implementing a more cohesive and inclusive model based on the feedback received from parents last year in the same surveys. We have held nights for our Year 10 and Year 8 cohort parents on various topics and have more plans to bring this to fruition for our other Year group families.
Further, I plan to establish a ‘Cuppa with the Principal’ opportunity on a regular basis to invite focus groups of parents to speak with me, discuss what’s on your mind about school life for your child and give you the opportunity to have an individual voice to strengthen our family partnership goal. Keep an eye out for invitations to this rolling event.
Professional Learning Day (Wednesday 31 May)
My thanks to parents for your support and understanding as staff worked through some important new learnings on what was originally gazetted as the Proclaim Lismore Staff Day. As a reminder, this date was cancelled because of the inability of the international presenter to come to Lismore, so was rescheduled for 2024. As a result, the College leadership determined that as parents were likely to have already made plans, we would bring forward another day scheduled for later in the year.
On Wednesday we worked on important ‘inclusive assessment’ practices under the direction of Ms Bronwen English (Leader of Inclusion and Diversity) to ensure all staff have the requisite skills and knowledge to design and create assessments that are inclusive of all students.
Upcoming Staff Professional Learning (and other normal school days)
- Friday 30 June (final day of Term 2): normal school day for ALL students
- Monday 17 July (first day of Term 3): normal school day for ALL students. This was originally planned to be a staff professional learning day; however, the NSW Government has delayed the release of some new curricula, so we will wait until we are better informed to run this day later in the year
- Friday 22 September (final day of Term 3). Staff Spirituality Day — pupil-free day for ALL students
- Monday 9 October (first day of Term 4): a proposed new day for New Curriculum Implementation writing day.
Other dates will be confirmed and communicated at a later date via Compass.
God Bless,
Mr Kevin Lewis
Principal
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:
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.
St Francis Xavier Parish, Ballina
Website: www.sfxballina.org.au
St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Ballina
Vigil Mass: 5:30pm Saturday
Sunday Mass: 9:00am and 11:00am
Holy Family Catholic Church, Lennox Head
Sunday Mass: 7:30am
UPDATE TO PLACES OF WORSHIP
- Collections by way of passing the plate may recommence. Plates to be sanitised before and after use.
- Communal signs of peace may be exchanged physically. It is up to the individual. Bowing and waving are also commonly used.
- Administering the Eucharist on the tongue may recommence. As far as possible those who receive on the tongue should come after those who receive on the hand. This is for the safety of the person distributing Holy Communion and those later in the queue.
- Offertory procession to recommence. If you would like to be involved in this, please advise the Parish Office and a roster (if needed) will be prepared for our weekend Masses.
Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching
It has been another busy and exciting period for learning and teaching at the College. Of particular note was the Year 10 Parent Information Evening regarding subject selection for Stage 6. This was a wonderful opportunity to partner with our parent community in guiding our students as they consider their purpose, passions and pathway.
At the recent Year 8 Family Night, I had the opportunity to speak to the parent community about the principle of academic care that we foster in our community. In essence, academic care involves enhancing student learning and wellbeing through support processes and pedagogies that are empathetic to student needs and embedded in learning experiences. Learning programs and pastoral support are aligned and mutually supportive.
What does this look like in our College?
- Relationships as the foundation of learning and wellbeing
- Clear communication and learning routines which build familiarity, confidence and independence
- Holistic education with students at the centre of everything we do
The staff strive to create a culture of learning and a community where each person is known and valued, within a Jesuit tradition of a faith that does justice. “We strive to develop conscientious leaders and agents of change who are intellectually competent, open to growth, committed to justice, and compassionate in service to others for the greater glory of God.”
Our sincere wish is for every student to enjoy their school experience, to develop a sense of curiosity, openness to learning and a desire to be co creators of a better future.
Year 10 Assessment Block
Year 10 Assessment Block commences on Monday 5 June and will conclude on Thursday 15 June. All students have received an examination timetable and engaged in an Examination Briefing. Students are reminded to complete and submit an Absence from Assessment form (available on the College website under the Learning Tab/Assessment Information/Year 10) if they are unable to attend a scheduled examination due to illness or misadventure. Supporting documentation is required to be submitted with the form in order for special consideration to be given to individual circumstances.
Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing
All students are required to complete online Reading, Writing and Numeracy tests to demonstrate they meet the Minimum Standard of literacy and numeracy required to receive the award of the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Students have multiple opportunities to sit the tests during Year 10, 11 and 12 (and post school).
Students in Year 10 will have their first opportunity to sit the Minimum Standards tests during Week 7. Further information about Minimum Standards Testing can be accessed from NESA. Information flyers may also be downloaded below.
Subject Selections
Students in Years 8 and 10 are reminded to consider the upcoming subject selections which will occur in Week 10. Subject Selection Handbooks and Subject Selection Websites are linked on the school website for both year levels. Parents and Guardians are strongly encouraged to discuss subject selections with their child and to use the information provided to support the discernment process.
If you have not already done so, parents and guardians of Year 10 students are encouraged to book an appointment for a conference with a Leader of Learning, which is scheduled on 19 June (Week 9). To book, please click here.
School Reports
Year 11 reports will be available via Compass on Friday 2 June. Students will be provided an overview of their progress, with commendations and recommendations provided by their teachers. Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 reports will be issued early in Term 3.
Year 11 and 12 Reports
It was with great pleasure we recognised and congratulated our Year 12 students over the previous weeks, presenting Academic Excellence and Consistent Effort Awards. Congratulations to all students who were recipients of mid-course awards. Year 11 Awards will be presented next Friday 9 June; we look forward to celebrating the diligent application and learning success of our wonderful Year 11 cohort.
Ms Carmel Zuino
Notification of Extended Leave
Travel outside of school holiday periods is counted as an absence for statistical purposes. Where a student will be absent from the College during term time for a period greater than 10 days, families will need to complete the below form, advising the College of upcoming leave.
Please ensure relevant travel documentation, such as e-tickets or itineraries (in the case of non-flight bound travel within Australia only), is attached to your application.
Any absences, in this case, will be recorded using Code A (Unjustified Leave).
This is a legal requirement and must be completed prior to the period of leave.
Form 01 (Extended Leave Notification: Travel/Other Greater Than 10 Days)
In exceptional circumstances, extended leave may be in the best educational interest of the student. Should this be applicable, the College's Attendance Officer will send additional documentation that may support your application for leave.
All leave forms must be submitted to xcc-absences@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Assistant Principal: Mission
I hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with a renewed sense of unity and acceptance. As we reflect on the recent events during National Reconciliation Week, it is important to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of our students and staff in embracing this year’s theme of ‘Better Together’ with a specific focus on ‘acceptance’ throughout this term.
National Reconciliation Week
The week commenced with Sorry Day Pastoral Care activities, where our students were invited to delve into the historical facts surrounding reconciliation and contribute to reconciliation activities. It was heartening to see our students engage with this important topic and acknowledge the past wrongs while focusing on the crucial ways we can move forward and create positive change in our nation.
In the spirit of unity, our entire school community gathered for a special liturgy, where we joined together in prayer to promote inclusion and the importance of building relationships between cultures. During this moving ceremony, historical perspectives were shared, reminding us all of the importance of being informed citizens of Australia. Students were encouraged to learn more about reconciliation, including initiatives like the Voice to Parliament, and to engage in respectful conversations that further our understanding of one another.
One of the highlights of the liturgy was witnessing the courage and maturity of our students as they voluntarily and respectfully came forward to share messages of compassion, empathy and reconciliation. It was a true testament to their character and dedication to creating a harmonious and accepting community.
Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires action and commitment from all Australians. As members of the Xavier Catholic College community, we have a responsibility to actively work towards reconciliation. We can achieve this by engaging in conversations about reconciliation, continuously expanding our knowledge on the topic, and working together to achieve meaningful outcomes for indigenous Australians.
Let us live the message of acceptance and inclusion in our daily lives, both inside and outside the classroom. By using respectful language and exhibiting inclusive behaviours in our interactions with one another, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
In the spirit of furthering our commitment to reconciliation, we asked the student body to join in a whole school Reconciliation Examen in the Magis. I am pleased to say that everyone in the hall showed remarkable reverence and respect during this reflective time. This is a true credit to the young people we have in our community, and it fills me with pride to witness such maturity.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to fostering acceptance at Xavier Catholic College. I look forward to the many ways we will answer the call to action and make a positive difference in our community.
Photo Day
Our College Photo Days will take place this Thursday 15 and Friday 16 June in the Magis Centre. On these important days, all students must arrive at the College in their FULL WINTER UNIFORM. Students who have Sport or PDHPE practical lessons will need to bring their sports uniform and change for their lesson using the change rooms.
Please ensure your child is reminded of the personal presentation guidelines established in the Student Planner, specifically the following points:
13.2: Hair
Any student with hair shoulder length or longer should have it tied back with an appropriate tie in school colours
Extremes of hairstyle and/or colour will not be accepted
High standards of personal grooming are to be maintained
Boys are to be clean-shaven
13.4: Jewellery
No more than two small sleepers or two plain studs in each ear (lobe only)
A single plain chain or a chain with a religious medal
A single ring of appropriate size and style
No make-up
Nail polish – clear or natural
No bangles
No other visible body piercings.
Please note the photographers are always instructed to ensure these standards are observed for each group and individual photograph.
Order details are available via Compass and at the links below under College News.
Mr Peter Fear
Catechesis & Evangelisation
Ignite Conference
The Ignite Conference is one of the largest Catholic events of its kind in Australia for young people - adults, teenagers and children. The conference includes live bands and awesome speakers, with streams and workshops in areas such as leadership, worship, creative arts, mission, culture and prayer!
Date: 21–24 September 2023
Venue: St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane
The CSO will be organising a trip that is open to students from Years 7-12. The trip will be subsidised by the CSO to make it more affordable and accessible. Student participants will be asked to make a co-contribution of $250.00. This contribution will go towards the registration cost. Transport and accommodation are fully subsidised.
Students can apply for a place on this year’s Ignite trip via the Ignite Application Form. Applications close Monday 5 June.
Parents can learn more about Ignite from their website https://igniteconference.com.au/ or this Ignite promo video.
Festa Christi
Applications are now open for Festa Christi 2023, a discipleship gathering exclusively for Year 8 students!
Festa Christi is one of the Proclaim Lismore Discipleship Gatherings that occur every year for students from Year 4 to Year 12. It's a time of reflection, prayer and faith, teaching our students to learn more about social justice and walking in the shoes of others. There are also some great outdoor challenges to explore the themes of helping others, growing in our relationships and making a difference. This two-day retreat is completely free for all participants.
Students can apply for one of our allocated places at Festa Christi via the link: Festa Christi Application Form. Applications close Monday 5 June.
For more information, check out:
St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleep Out
Members of the College Senior Ministry Team will be 'sleeping rough' at school as part of a state-wide St Vincent de Paul program to raise awareness for the plight of homeless people.
It is estimated that as many as 105,000 Australians ‘sleep rough’ each night. Of this number, 25,000 of these are teenagers. The North Coast of NSW has a growing problem with homelessness due to a chronic lack of affordable housing. The Vinnies School Sleepout provides students with an opportunity to experience what it is like to be homeless for one night. The timing of our event coincides with the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal and the St Vincent de Paul CEO Sleepout (currently being advertised on television.)
Families are invited to contribute to this fundraising event via the QR code to the right.
Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge
Wellbeing
It seems only yesterday that the second school term started and there was the promise of more opportunities for shared growth. After 6 weeks, this term has most certainly delivered. There are almost too many events to recall, we’ve had parents on-site for partnership or showcase events on 5 occasions, and our student body is continuing to soar on a daily basis.
Year 8 Pastoral Week
Week 7 will be an incredible time for our Year 8 students as they embark on this great week of adventure and growth. There will be further communication about the week in our next bulletin. A great vote of thanks must go to Rebecca Kennedy, Michael Raeburn and Kate Kilby who have put in a mountain of work to ensure this week goes smoothly for our students.
Assessment Task Load
As we progress through Term 2, a higher workload for students is often associated with assessment tasks and preparation for examinations. This is certainly the case for our Year 10 students who make their final preparations for their upcoming exams. To assist in supporting positive family conversations, I include the following links:
Student Voice Council
Our College Captains have been facilitating weekly Student Voice Council meetings to enable our students to be heard on the issues that matter most to them. They’ve recently developed some resources to promote this and try to encourage more students to step up and be counted in our community.
There are some posters designed by our leaders to encourage more students to join the conversation and have a say in the future of our great College:
Prosocial Behaviour
We are constantly striving to ensure that our students treat each other with the inherent dignity that each of us carries. Respectful and compassionate communication is the hallmark of a positive community, particularly a community founded in the example of Christ.
The College Welfare Team are in the process of finalising a suite of intentional strategies, resources and data-collection tools that will assist us in promoting positive behaviours and addressing antisocial behaviour within our community.
These will have particular focus points around bullying and harassment behaviours, racist behaviour and other antisocial behaviours. Whilst we are proud of our College, we acknowledge that all people can make mistakes. Our greatest desire in developing these strategies is to provide further methods for students to be heard, and their opinions valued in trying to further develop a respectful and inclusive community.
Any family feedback or suggestions are welcome and can be directed to me via email. As always, if there is any way that I can assist your children or family, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Mr Nick Jones
Leader of Pastoral Care
Seasons & Positive Peers Program
All students can participate in The Positive Peers Program (PPP). In this weekly small group activity to work on social skills and finding a safe space at school. Through discussion within their peer group the students work on navigating friendships; conflict resolution; social communication; impulse control; where to turn to when they need support; and building on their support network.
What is Seasons for Growth® all about? Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. We recognise that life can be a little difficult for a while when changes occur. Change can be within friendship groups, your family, moving, the loss of a pet or losing a friend or family member. Seasons 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. Seasons for Growth has been timetabled to run for eight weeks and each weekly session is approximately 50 minutes. The program concludes with a ‘Celebration’ session which we can invite your parents or it can remain just your Seasons group.
PPP and Seasons are NOT counselling but they are a safe place for students to support their peers. If you think that Seasons for Growth or the Positive Peer Program would be something you would be interested in, please email me from your school email.
Interested students should email me (rennae.reilly@lism.catholic.edu.au) from their school email address, and ask their parent/carer to email me as well. I'm at XCC every Monday and Thursday.
I look forward to working with you!
Ms Rennae Reilly
Student Support Worker
Faculty News
Creative Arts: Visual Arts
Regional Arts Cultural Exchange Forum
This program offers a unique opportunity for regional Diocesan art students to engage in a collaborative experience, fostering meaningful conversations and bringing together artists from different schools to promote learning, knowledge sharing, and the creation of collaborative artwork.
Xavier Catholic College is one of 11 schools collaborating on this project, with other Diocesan schools also participating.
Participating students in this program for 2023 are:
- Year 10: Ayla Calnan, Amelia Paulsen, Piper Wallace, Elizabeth Licheri, Anya Pilcher, Indigo Grey.
- Year 8: Lily Calnan, Felix Burnett.
Students have begun by participating in Zooms and workshops, voting on the project, sharing ideas, and exploring materials. Plans for a large-scale collaborative installation will progress through Terms 3 and 4. Artworks created by individual schools will be couriered to Sydney and installed by artists in World Square at the Sydney Catholic Schools Head Office, in early 2024.
The project theme is FOREST FANTASIA - INTO THE WOODS.
Using the local natural environment as our source of inspiration, we will bring a bit of the North Coast to the city. The students are excited to create a magical natural wonderland in a city building, igniting imagination and wonder in the viewer.
For more information, download the attached flyer.
For more information, download the attached flyer.
Year 10 Visual Arts
This semester, Year 10 embarked on a conceptual approach to art by exploring the artist's role as a social commentator. Investigations involved a theory task where students learned to write about a range of artworks that intended to challenge and confront the audience about important social issues, such as war and the refugee crisis.
Students have also completed a Body of Work investigating an issue in the world as a theme of their choice. The themes students selected include the impact of climate change, natural disasters, deforestation, animal exploitation, war, racial and gender discrimination and oppression, conformity, body image and mental health issues. These environmental and social themes have been represented in powerful ways in expressive artworks. Students presented a collection of works in three techniques: charcoal drawing, dry-point etching, and ready-made sculpture.
The following students' artworks have been selected for an exhibition at the Tweed Heads Catholic Schools Office: Tawny Azar-Thomson, Anya Pilcher, Amelia Paulsen, Neve Thurston, Olivia Ryan, Ayla Calnan, Bree Reeves, Heidi Wallace, Isabella Sinanovski, Indigo Grey, Hayley Patterson, Gisele Blunden, Isabella Osses, Miah Bradley, Lara Endres and Brianna Walsh. Below is a selection of the artworks produced by students in 10.1 and 10.2. Well done to all the Year 10 students on their achievement in this challenging unit of work.
Ms Jasmin Rogers
Visual Arts Teacher
VET: Fitness
Work Placement
Over a one week period consisting of some very early mornings, our VET Fitness students completed their work placements within a number of local gyms. These students showcased exceptional professionalism, enthusiasm, and adaptability throughout their work placements. Thank you to all the local gyms and PT’s that had our students for the week.
During their placements, our students were actively involved in a range of activities, including assisting with the development of personalised exercise programs for clients, assisting with group fitness classes, demonstrating proper technique and form to clients, conducting fitness assessments, and engaging in client consultations. They have not only showcased their technical expertise but also demonstrated outstanding interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with both clients and colleagues.
The feedback received from the supervisors has been overwhelmingly positive. The students' ability to adapt to various situations and willingness to take on new challenges has left a lasting impression on their mentors, who have praised their work ethic and strong commitment to excellence.
Work placement plays a crucial role in the VET Fitness program, enabling students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. It offers them an opportunity to immerse themselves in a professional environment, apply their acquired knowledge, and develop essential skills under the guidance of experienced mentors.
As a school community, we take immense pride in the accomplishments of our VET Fitness students. Congratulations students on your outstanding work placement achievements. We look forward to witnessing your continued growth and success as you embark on a journey towards becoming leaders in the fitness industry.
Mrs Jessica Ferris
VET Fitness Teacher
Sport News
AFL Queensland Schools Cup (Years 10-12)
Our senior girls participated in the QLD AFL Cup in Byron Bay on 5 May. The girls displayed a high level of sportsmanship and comradeship on the day. We took the field each game with no substitutes; however, despite this fact, the girls worked so hard in each game and managed to place 4th on the day. It was a fantastic day out with an amazing group of young ladies.
Mrs Jessica Ferris (Coach)
NRCC Boys Hockey
Well done to the Years 7-10 Boys Hockey team who played in the NRCC Carnival at Goonellabah and won two from four games.
Len Diett Boys Rugby
The College hosted Lindisfarne Anglican College on Friday 19 June in Round 3 of the Len Diett competition. The Under-13 boys tried hard but were defeated. Well done to the Under-15 boys who had a close win. Congratulations to the Opens Boys who showed grit to win 12 points to 7. However, in complete contrast, the Opens Boys were dominated in every aspect of their Round 4 match vs Emmanuel and were defeated 36 points to 19.
Coach: Mr Pat Kennedy
Diocesan Cross Country
A team of twenty runners travelled to McAuley College Grafton for the 2023 Diocesan Cross Country Carnival. Congratulations to all of our runners and in particular the following students who have qualified for NSWCCC Cross Country in Sydney.
- Tyler Dogan: 1st Place, 16 Boys
- Skye Dogan: 1st Place, 14 Girls
- William Schmid: 1st Place, 13 Boys
- Marley Francis: 4th Place, 15 Girls
- Isaac Mulligan: 4th Place, 13 Boys
- Abigail Matthews: 4th Place, 13 Girls
- Ruby Yantsch: 5th Place, 16 Girls
Mr Pat Kennedy
Leader of Sport
NSWCCC Individual Achievements
Water Polo: Congratulations to Lewis Trim, who travelled to Sydney to try out for NSWCCC Water Polo individual selection.
Netball: Congratulations to Marli Francis and Charlotte McNally who travelled to Sydney to try out for NSWCCC Netball individual selection.
Basketball: Congratulations to Jack Davis and Rhys Barrett who travelled to Sydney to try out for NSWCCC Basketball individual selection.
Rugby League: Congratulations to Mathew Page, Jet Flatley, and Zayne Jonsson (Presidents Cup) who travelled to St Mary’s Sydney to represent Northern NSWCCC at the NSWCCC State Championships.
Football: Congratulations to Callie Gollan, Jack Groves and Nelson Stock who travelled to Glenwood, Sydney to represent the Lismore Diocese at the NSWCCC State Championships.
Individual Achievements
Tyler Dogan recently competed at the 2023 Australian Track and Field Championships. In an amazing performance, Tyler finished 4th in the Steeplechase with a time of 6.18 minutes and 7th in the 3000 metres with a time of 8.53 minutes. Congratulations Tyler!
Skye Dogan also competed at the 2023 Australian Track and Field Championships and finished 9th in the Steeplechase with a time of 7.51 minutes. Congratulations Skye on your amazing performance as well.
Team News
CCC Cup Rugby League: The CCC day held on 10 May was definitely a memorable day for the Open Boys rugby league team. After a convincing victory to St Joseph's, the boys played Woodlawn in the final. The game was intense throughout with a 16-16 draw at the end of regulation with some spectacular tries from Jack Moyle and Thomas Anderson to force extra time. Unfortunately, the boys went down 20-16 in a competitive fight til the final whistle. Congratulations to the boys in their efforts and teamwork who displayed a high level of passion and grit for our school.
Bill Turner Trophy: The Bill Turner Girls' football team has sadly been eliminated from the competition after a 2-1 loss to Emmanuel. After being up 1-0 with a well-placed penalty kick by Lucy Bill, the girls couldn't manage to hold the lead. Well done to the girls who made it to round 3 of the competition with a compelling 5-2 victory against BCHS.
Bill Turner Cup: A big congratulations to the Bill Turner Cup football team after a 4-0 victory against Byron Bay High School. The team now advances to round 4 of the competition facing Lindisfarne on Friday the 2nd of June.
Cochrane Cup: The Cochrane Cup U14s Boys Rugby League day was held at St Joseph's Banora on 14 May. The boys gave the competition a solid crack, considering multiple injuries left the team with a small bench. Unfortunately losing the first 3 games, the boys turned it around with a proud win over St Mary's Casino to finish off the day. In particular, commended efforts for Kirk Fox with some strong runs and tackles and Reily Lohse with some tough runs. Well done boys.
Mr Russell Asser
Sport Assistant
Open Girls' Football Diocesan Championships — Winners are Grinners: Early Term 2 on Friday 5 March, the Xavier Catholic College Open Girls Soccer team attended the Lismore Diocesan Grand Final at Coffs Harbour International Stadium to compete for the Diocesan Championship against MacKillop College from Port Macquarie. The day was stunning — blue skies and 20 degrees, perfect winning weather.
Our girls, led by captain Kate Holbert and coach Jennifer Leigh-Jones, played a strong offensive game planning to score as much as possible within the first 5 minutes. Sure enough, team dynamo Callie Gollan got the first goal within two minutes demonstrating our strength and confidence to the MacKillop girls. The team worked together brilliantly with Mia Viel playing a strong centre position and communicating with everyone to keep the team cohesive. Sure enough, the plan worked as Callie scored another goal 5 minutes later. The MacKillop girls were stunned and kept to a defensive game for the rest of the match. Sure enough, Callie came off with the hat trick as she scored again in the second half solidifying the win at 3-0.
Mackillop tried a few shots yet could not get anything past our stronghold as our defence was a brick wall and Breanne Atlee's goalkeeping was beyond amazing. Everybody got a chance to play and be a part of the calculated teamwork on display for the championship game.
Commendations to all of the girls for their dedication and commitment to the team's momentum and to the win, most notable players, Callie Gollan, Mia Viel, Kate Holbert, Charlotte Elphick, Hayley Patterson, Lauren Tyler and Schapelle Mannix-Farrell played the whole game and led the pack keeping the team cohesive. The whole team is so impressive! Other strong players: Abbey Davies, Ines Vasquez, Sophie Reynard, Sophie Maiden, Niamh Sharpe, Avril Crawford, Siabh Rigley and Michael Siebert.
This win crowns the girls as the Lismore Diocesan Open Girls Football Champions and send us to compete with the Armidale region winners on 22 June which is our gateway to possibly playing in Sydney next to fight for the State Championships. Wish the girls luck as they are in a strong position to continue progressing. Well done to all of the girls. It takes a whole team to win!
Ms Jennifer Leigh-Jones
Coach
Co-Curricular News
Textiles Club
Textiles Club is a new lunch club offered this year that has been running on Mondays for Year 7 and 8 students. The first project was to Shibori dye and construct a cushion cover. Students learned how to fold, stitch and use resists to create patterns in fabric inspired by traditional Japanese techniques. They have also learned sewing techniques including seams, overlocking and hems.
Pictured here are Helena, Caitlyn, Aurora, Raine and Erynn with their cushion covers.
Mrs Tawney Peachey
Textiles Teacher
College News
School Photo Day: Thursday 15 & Friday 16 June
Our annual school photos will be held in Week 8. Please refer to the schedule below for more information.
Catch-up photos will be held on Wednesday 19 July (Week 1, Term 3).
Thursday 15 June
PC Class photos (all year levels), plus individual photos for Years 7-11.
Time | House |
8:30am - PC | Whole Staff Photo |
Period 1 | MacKillop PC class and individual photos |
Period 2 | Nagle PC class and individual photos |
Recess | N/A |
Period 3 | Faber PC class and individual photos |
Period 4 | Ignatius PC class and individual photos |
Lunch | Library Book Club |
Period 5 | McAuley PC class and individual photos |
Period 6 | Campion PC class and individual photos |
Friday 16 June
Year 12 Individual Photos, plus Club/Group photos for all year levels
Time | House |
8:30am - PC | Year 12 students collect blazers |
Period 1 | Year 7 Group Photo |
Period 2 | Family Photos |
Recess | N/A |
Period 3 | Year 12 Group Photo, Year 12 House Photos, Year 12 Individual Photos |
Period 4 | Year 12 Leadership Group Photo, 2023 College Captain Photos, Year 12 House Captain Photos |
Lunch | French Club All blazers must be returned by the end of lunch |
Period 5 | Senior Ministry Team, Concert Band & Stage Band, Choir, Chess Club, Photography Club, XCC Junior Dance Troupe, Opens Rugby League |
Period 6 | As needed |
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.
View our live Term 2 Canteen Roster here.
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.