Newsletter 8: Friday 30 June 2023

For the Calendar

• Friday 30 June: Final day of Term 2
• Sunday 2 July to Sunday 9 July: NAIDOC Week
• Monday 17 July: All students return
  
• Wednesday 19 July: School Photo Catch-Up
• Friday 21 July: Year 7-10 Reports available via Compass
  
• Tuesday 25 July: Northern Rivers Careers Expo
• Wednesday 26 July: Year 9 Pastoral Days (Chris Doyle)
• Thursday 27 July: Year 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews

To see all important dates each term, view our live term planners here.

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

‘Above all, maintain constant love for one another.’ 1 Peter 4:8

NAIDOC Celebrations

Last issue, we highlighted our Reconciliation Week recognition and our commitment to work towards a better future for all Aboriginal Australians. This week we pivoted a little from our normal routine, where we would have celebrated NAIDOC when school recommenced in Term 3, to have it here in the final week of Term 2. And what a fantastic celebration it was!

I noted to some that in recent memory, some NAIDOC celebrations could be a little one-dimensional. Wednesday’s festivities were far from that, with guest speakers, stalls, dance and drama, as well as sporting and skill activities going on. The College was ablaze with smiles as students engaged with each other, shared the joy of our shared commitment to a better future and revelled in the opportunity to come together as a community. Many thanks to Ms Donna Albany and Mrs Deb Hildrew in particular who led the celebrations.

Saints Peter & Paul

On June 29 the Church celebrates the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul. As early as the year 258, there is evidence of an already lengthy tradition of celebrating the solemnities of both Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the same day. Together, the two saints are the founders of the See of Rome, through their preaching, ministry and martyrdom there.

Peter, who was named Simon, was a fisherman of Galilee and was introduced to the Lord Jesus by his brother Andrew, also a fisherman. Jesus gave him the name Cephas (Petrus in Latin), which means ‘Rock,’ because he was to become the rock upon which Christ would build His Church.

Before receiving the name Paul, he was Saul, a Jewish pharisee who zealously persecuted Christians in Jerusalem. Scripture records that Saul was present at the martyrdom of St. Stephen.

Saul's conversion took place as he was on his way to Damascus to persecute the Christian community there. As he was travelling along the road, he was suddenly surrounded by a great light from heaven. He was blinded and fell off his horse. He then heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He answered: “Who are you, Lord?” Christ said: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

In a sermon in the year 395, St. Augustine of Hippo said of Saints Peter and Paul: “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles' blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labours, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.”

Some Farewells

Today we say farewell (although somewhat temporarily to one, as you will see) to two staff members who have contributed to the College in very different but notably important ways.

Mrs Leanne McFadden: Mrs McFadden, after 20 years at XCC and many more in education generally, has decided that it is time to hang up the shingle and take on a more relaxed lifestyle. With some joy she told me the other day that she had completed her final report for her classes, but still enjoys the love of being in the classroom. So while she is retiring from her substantive permanent role, Mrs McFadden has committed to being a key part of our casual relief team moving forward. A replacement for Mrs McFadden will be announced once interviews have been completed. 

Mr Ryan Campbell: Over the first semester (first two terms of this year) Mr Campbell has made a fantastic impact on teaching and learning, pastoral care and the mission of the College. Happily, he has been successful, as many will have seen, in his application for Principal at St Joseph’s College Banora Point — the school he was seconded from to support me during my leave. Many asked how I felt having another Principal on site during this time and the only answer that I could give was that I was truly thrilled. He has performed way beyond the expectations of many and this is a testament to the decision by our Director to award him a Principal role next year. I extend my eternal thanks to Mr Campbell for his support of me, the College Executive, staff and students over the last two terms. We wish him all the best for the future.

Changes to the Leader of English Role

Ms Krista Austin has requested leave from her leadership role as Leader of English. Ms Austin has done a superb job in leading this team that quite literally is the best English teaching team in the Diocese. Ms Austin will continue this year as an English teacher but wishes to take a break from leadership for the moment. Ms Jennifer Leigh-Jones will take on the role as Leader of English, bringing with her many years of faculty leadership experience. There will only be minor changes to one of Ms Leigh Jones’ classes as a result.

Tell Them From Me Parent Data ('Cuppa with the Principal')

My thanks to all parents who have taken up this opportunity to spend time with ‘data in their hands’ to help me and the College Executive discern a positive way forward. I look forward to sharing the thoughts of the volunteer focus groups with the entire community.

Jesuit School Leaders Gathering

While most staff will be taking a well-earned break over the holidays, a number of the College Executive team and I will be attending the Jesuit Leaders Conference in Sydney. The theme for the conference will be “Our Identity in a Faith and Hope-Filled Future” and will focus strongly on the link between faith, spirituality  and wellbeing. I am excited to bring back some wonderful learnings and ideas from the gathered leaders from all the Australian Jesuit Colleges to support and nurture the spiritual and wellbeing needs of our student community.

REMINDER: 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 (to be confirmed).

Other dates will be confirmed and communicated at a later date via Compass.

Have a lovely break, and 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:

• Google Play Store
• Apple Store

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

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

Assistant Principal: Mission

School Photo Days

Thank you to all the students and staff who actively participated in our recent College photo days during Week 8 of this term. We also want to ensure that everyone is aware of the catch-up day we have scheduled for individual and family photos (siblings) on Wednesday 19 July. If you were unable to attend the initial photo days, this is an opportunity to have your portraits taken. We kindly request that all participants wear the correct uniform on this day to maintain consistency in our College photographs. These photo days play an integral role in capturing the spirit and unity of our Xavier Catholic College community.

College Mass

On Tuesday of Week 10, Xavier Catholic College gathered for a whole school Mass, coming together to celebrate the Eucharist. It was a beautiful occasion filled with gratitude as we expressed our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Anslem for his unwavering commitment and the joy he brings to our worship. However, it was concerning to observe the noticeable absence of some of our Year 12 students. We would like to take this opportunity to remind our Year 12 cohort of their responsibility as role models within our community. Active engagement with events such as the whole school Mass is not only a reflection of their personal faith journey, but also a way to inspire and lead by example for the entire community. We encourage our Year 12 students to embrace their role and participate wholeheartedly in such significant occasions, especially within the short time remaining at the College.

NAIDOC Celebrations

The NAIDOC celebrations at Xavier Catholic College were a vibrant and educational experience for everyone involved. In the weeks leading up to the event, classrooms were abuzz with learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Students engaged in discussions, art projects, and presentations, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the rich Indigenous heritage. The highlight of the day was the NAIDOC assembly, where the diverse skills and talents of our students were showcased. We were honoured to have Local Bundjalung Elder, Uncle Lester Moran, present for the Welcome to Country, setting a respectful and inclusive tone for the event. Additionally, Xavier Alumni, Dylan Steele, mesmerized the audience with his captivating didgeridoo performance. After the assembly, the school was alive with cultural activities, providing a hands-on experience for everyone. The day culminated on the back oval with the thrilling inaugural Buroinjin NAIDOC Cup, a Marn Grook Football competition between the school's houses. As the festivities came to a close, we encouraged everyone to explore and engage with the NAIDOC events taking place in the local community during the holiday break. It was a day of celebration, learning, and fostering a deeper connection to Indigenous culture.

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Safe Driving

As we approach the holiday break, let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of safe driving. This term. a few of our student drivers have been involved in motor vehicle accidents. While we are thankful that our student drivers involved in recent accidents are unharmed, it serves as a reminder for us all. We kindly encourage families to have ongoing conversations about safe driving and strategies to navigate hazardous driving situations. Additionally, we invite our student drivers to revisit the Xavier Catholic College management plan available on our website. By working together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.

Mr Peter Fear

Catechesis & Evangelisation

Year 7 Project-Based Learning: How Can We Live a Life Inspired by Scripture?

Year 7 students have been working on some incredibly creative and engaging magazine articles based on the topic, How Can We Live a Life Inspired by Sacred Scripture? Students produced a range of articles based on their own particular interests, from heroic women of the Bible to mythical beasts, sneaky Jesus playlists, jobs of the New and Old Testament, and even reimaging popular Biblical stories for our current day. Some examples of students’ work are included below.

NAIDOC Week

Our classes from Years 7 to 12 have been completing activities and undertaking learning experiences relating to NAIDOC Week. Below is a t-shirt design from Year 8 student Alby Shearer from Ms Maguire’s class that he created in his Religious Education lessons. 

Community Service Program

A reminder as we head into the holidays about the Men and Women for Others Community Service Program. The program gives students the opportunity to be acknowledged for the good works they are already doing and encourages them to undertake service to others in the community. Many students have already recorded hours of community service work in their planner. Below is a reminder about the details of the program.

How it works

Students undertake deeds in the service of others and keep a log of their hours in their planner on pages 28-29. Their hours must be signed off by a supervisor (such as a parent, teacher, community supervisor). At the end of the year, their Pastoral Care teacher will record their hours and they could be awarded a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Community Service Award.

Awards: 

• 20 hours of community service = Bronze Award
• 50 hours of community service = Silver Award
• 100+ hours of community service = Gold Award 

What is community service? 

Community service is an unpaid activity that serves the community. It could include work that is: volunteering, community work, sports coaching, Parish-based, tutoring (unpaid), or for the Xavier Catholic College community (e.g. College Mass as a reader, dancer, musician, Eucharistic Minister, ministry activities, environment club, Year 9 program, House-based fundraisers). The range of activities that ‘count’ as community service is broad — if students have any questions they can talk to their PC teacher, RE teacher, or Dr Beveridge. 

Mass in College Chapel: Thursday 20 July 8:20am

Early next term, our College will be hosting two Jesuit visitors: Fr Gerry Healy SJ and Fr Rob Daveron SJ. A program for these priests is currently being planned, but parents and families are warmly invited to join Frs Rob and Gerry for Mass in our College chapel commencing at 8:15 am on Thursday of Week 1 Term 3. Mass will conclude at approximately 8:40 am.

Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge

Wellbeing

Term 2 has drawn to a close and with it, the end of our first cycle of merits for 2023. At the time of publication, I am pleased to inform you that there were 19 221 merits given in the first half of 2023. This equates to roughly 204.47 positive recorded interactions per day since the beginning of the year. To continue my mathematical analysis, these numbers show that roughly 22% of students are acknowledged for their positive contributions on any particular day whilst at school.

It is a wonderful thing to be able to celebrate so many positive interactions within the College. I would like to thank and acclaim the amazing work of Mrs Leanne McFadden as she finishes her time at Xavier. Mrs McFadden has been the unwavering, unchallenged leader in merit distribution this year. I am looking forward to seeing who will take on this role within the College moving forward.

Uniform

I wish to remind you of the expectations of our College uniform. All students are expected to wear the College uniform with pride in the way it was intended to be worn. These expectations are clearly noted on the College website. The holiday period often provides an opportunity for families to ensure that items of uniform are in line with expectations. Please note that the current review of the College uniform will not effect change prior to the 2025 school year, with a grace period for adjustment once it is instated. Families should feel confident that they will get appropriate wear from new purchases made this year.

Families are also reminded of the College jewellery standards that must be adhered to. Any student who does not meet expectations with jewellery can expect to have their inappropriate items confiscated for return at the end of the term. We greatly appreciate the support of parents/carers in supporting our efforts to ensure equity for all students in adhering to these expectations.

Students’ hair is required to be neat and tidy at all times. There are to be no extreme hairstyles, including but not limited to mullets, undercuts, mohawks and lines. The holidays present an opportunity for students to ensure that any hairstyles that don’t meet the College expectations are fixed to start the new term.

Antisocial Behaviour

At the start of Term 3, students will be provided with two resources to report antisocial behaviour within the College community. In the current climate, we acknowledge how difficult it can be for young people to speak up in the face of such behaviour. We hope that providing these resources will give students a greater voice and capacity to positively influence the culture of inclusion, acceptance, compassion and love that we strive for in a Christ-centred community. You will receive further correspondence regarding this early in Term 3.

Happy Holidays

I wish each and every student and family the very best for a relaxing and refreshing holiday period. I encourage you to make intentional time to have meaningful conversations with your children about their hopes, plans and goals for Term 3. These conversations are often lost in the busyness of life during the school term but can lead to great connection and focus for our young people.

I extend my gratitude to each of you for your continued support and look forward to working with you in Term 3. Take care and please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can support you or your family in any way.

Mr Nick Jones
Leader of Pastoral Care

Seasons For Growth and the Positive Peers Program

At Xavier Catholic College we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce and related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. Loss is very individual and can symbolise a variety of differing things. While loss can be the passing of a loved one, it can also be the loss of the way things were. 

This program is facilitated in small groups, is confidential and is based on research that highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. Issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks are a focus of the Seasons for Growth Program. Seasons for Growth is not counselling. If you require further information, please contact: rennae.reilly@lismcatholic.edu.au.

The Positive Peers Program (PPP) groups have been very busy creating this term while going through the weekly sessions of discussing teen-focused issues such as navigating friendships, conflict resolution, social communication, impulse control, where to turn to when they need support, and building on their peer support network. As always stated, PPP is not counselling but allows students to make connections within the school community and understand that they are not alone. PPP is a whole school approach to supporting each other. 

Ms Rennae Reilly
Student Support Worker

Year 8 Pastoral Week

Year 8 had an adventure-filled week during Week 7 as it was their Pastoral Week. This was a week away from school to focus on connecting as a year group and provided the opportunity for new friendships to be developed, a chance to connect away from the classroom and challenge us with a variety of activities. 

The girls ventured off on Monday to Tyalgum and enjoyed three days of hiking, high ropes, team challenges and mountain biking. Due to the rain, it was a wet and muddy few days but this added to the experience. One of the highlights was falling over on the hike up due to the mud from the rain and I think we can all agree that the leeches and ticks were the low point. 

After a good night's sleep in our own beds, the girls came to school on Thursday and Friday for our at-school pastoral program. It was focused on connections and unity. We participated in a range of activities, including having Year 11 mentors come in and talk with us, we had a workout with Coach Rikki, took a walk to the beach to watch the whales and enjoyed a movie on current issues impacting young people while enjoying fresh popcorn. This was a very insightful experience and brought the girls closer to each other.

The boys started off the week with our school's pastoral programme. We engaged in physical and mental activities to explore the themes of relationships, consent, and unity. A few Year 11 boys visited us for a mentoring session, Rennae came and spoke to us about mental health and we played plenty of games. 

On Wednesday, we headed out to Tyalgum where we enjoyed high ropes, hiking, and archery. The weather was in our favour, and we had a lot of fun.  One of the highlights of the trip was when they all woke up at the same time, thinking it was 6 am. We started a fire, made breakfast, only to be told by Mr Jukes that it was actually 3 am. It was a funny and memorable moment that brought us closer together as friends.

We want to thank all the teachers that went away with us, led sessions and organised this very special week for Year 8. We are thankful for all your effort and hard work.

Orlando Jones and Rhianna Phillips
Year 8 Students

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House News

Nagle House Fundraiser: Head Shave for Mental Health

In Week 9, Team Nagle organised an awareness-raising campaign for Beyond Blue and mental health. Throughout the week, the Nagle leaders and other senior students collected donations from generous students at lunch times. This money will be taken to East Timor by our Immersion students.

During PC on Friday morning, all students joined in prayer to reflect on Nano Nagle and the symbol of the lantern. Each student in the school was given a lantern pin, to remind them of the importance of looking after one another and bringing light to others in their challenging times. The lantern pins were generously donated by the Presentation Sisters in Lismore. 

A Wellbeing Google Classroom has been set up for all students in the College. Also, during Friday PC time, all students joined this Google Classroom. They were given some time to navigate the fact sheets on mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. In this Google Classroom are also many help sheets on accessing support on a variety of topics related to mental health and well-being.

At lunchtime on Friday, hundreds of students elected to come to the Magis and support the 7 students and teachers who had volunteered to shave their hair to raise awareness for mental health. The support from the packed Magis just goes to show how much mental health is something our young people and teachers are passionate about. Thank you to Mr Silva, Mr Colman, Mr Scott Jones, Mr Nick Jones, Tyson Black, Sunny Jackson, Charlie Strong and Charlie Wylie. A sincere thanks also to Sally Campell from Hair by Sally in Lennox Head for donating her time to this great cause.

Thanks to the Nagle leaders — Blake Walsh, Landon Broadley, Sophia Gysling, Taylor Parker, Millie Jackson, and Danyan Kwok — for their involvement with the activities during the week. Thanks also to Chloe Blewitt and Jack Alexander for running the sound in the Magis during the shave.

A great Xavier event and a day to remember!

Faculty News

Technologies Faculty

Technology Mandatory

Year 7 Textiles students have enjoyed learning about textiles equipment, design, fabric and fibre innovations and environmental issues concerning the textile industry. Project work included a calico tote bag featuring their own vinyl laser-cut design applied to the pocket. A pair of boxer shorts was the second project, which included a personally designed digital print. 

Students in the Year 7 Mixed Materials course have been busy learning practical and CAD design skills to complete project work including a wooden puzzle, LED lamp, key tag, and jewellery.

Year 8 Food and Agriculture students designed an appealing and engaging website that provided information to adolescents about nutrition and healthy eating. 

The below gallery highlights a few of our students' recent project works.

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Year 10 Textiles Technology

Textiles students have enjoyed completing their patchwork quilt projects. This project assisted the students to refine their skills in cutting and sewing accuracy, whilst learning some new techniques such as quilting and binding.  

Ms Rachel Eisenhauer
TAS Teacher

PDHPE Faculty

Year 9 & 10 Child Studies

Year 9 and 10 students have been visiting St Anne's Long Day Care Centre as part of their studies, and have just wrapped up this term's fortnightly visits. Thanks to Centre Director Narelle Dewhurst and the lovely staff and students of St Anne's for welcoming our students and showing them the ins and outs of childcare!

Mrs Naomi Byrnes
Child Studies Teacher

Sport News

Junior Diocesan Football at Coffs Harbour (6 June)

The 7-10 Boys travelled to Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 6 June to compete in the 7-10 Diocesan Football Gala Day, coming up against teams from all over the Diocese in both round-robin and knockout phases. Our first pool game was a tough one against MacKillop College, Port Macquarie. They were a very good team and even though we had plenty of chances, we couldn't break the deadlock, and the game finished 0-0. Having shaken off the cobwebs from the long bus trip, we next took on McAuley College, Grafton and came out 4-0 winners with goals from Joey Anderson, Tyler Dogan, Archie Power and Cooper Keane.

Confidence was high going into the next game against St Paul's College, Kempsey and we came out convincing 6-0 winners, with Tyler Dogan, Archie Power (2), Koby Mortimer and Cooper Keane (2) all getting on the scoresheet. We needed at least a draw in our last game against Trinity, Lismore to finish top of our pool and qualify for the semis. We have always performed well against Trinity in recent years, and this game was no exception. We dominated possession, and the breakthrough came in the first half with some neat passing resulting in Tyler Dogan slotting home to put us 1-0 in the lead. A late equaliser from Trinity gave us a nervous last few minutes, but the back four of Jerridan Tulloch, Aidan Martorana, Bodhi Smith and Joey Anderson stood firm, and we progressed into the semis with a 1-1 draw. 

We then took on Mt St Pat's, Murwillumbah in the semifinal. After a tense game, it finished 0-0 at the end of regulation time and went to extra time with a golden goal drop-off. Two players had to come off at this point, and it was still 0-0 after 5 minutes of 9 v 9. We then had to go down to 7 v 7, and this was when we really started to dominate. It was no surprise when Koby Mortimer wriggled clear of his marker and shot wide of the keeper and inside the far post to secure the golden goal finish and put us into the final. The final was a replay of the first game of the day, and we came up against MacKillop College, Port Macquarie once again. We had them worked out a bit better this time than the first time we played them, and we dominated possession and always looked most likely to score.  It was Cooper Powell who gave us the lead with an absolute belter with his right foot, low and hard and away from the keeper. MacKillop never really looked like scoring, and we finished up as champions with a 1-0 victory. This is the first time that Xavier has ever won the Diocesan 7-10 Carnival and the boys are to be congratulated on their outstanding achievement. We travel to Coffs Harbour on Thursday 22 June to take on the winners of the Armidale Diocese. It's coming home.

Breaking News: Since writing the previous report, the Boys' 7-10  team played O'Connor College, Armidale at Coffs Harbour on Thursday 22 June. The result was a resounding 11-0 win to Xavier with 4 goals from Cooper Keane, 3 for Koby Mortimer, 2 for Archie Power and a goal each for Tyler Dogan and Joey Anderson. We now go on to take on St Joseph's College, Lochinvar in the NSWCCC Quarter final next term.

Mr Steve Edmonds — Coach

Bill Turner Cup

The last few weeks have been a busy time for Xavier football. On Friday 2 June, the Boys Bill Turner Cup Squad travelled up to Lindisfarne for their Round 4 fixture after seeing off Byron High and Richmond Christian College in the previous rounds. It was a tight game, although Xavier probably had the better first half and the upper hand in terms of possession. The patient build-up play and neat passing from Xavier got its reward early in the second half when Archie Power picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a long-range shot that looped over the keeper. A desperate attempt to clear by the defender only resulted in the ball being smashed into the roof of the net, putting Xavier ahead 1-0 with 15 minutes to play. Lindisfarne reacted well to going behind and continued to counterattack before a late equaliser took the game to extra time and set up a golden goal finish. An inspirational team talk from captain Archie Power got the boys fired up for extra time, and we always looked the most likely to score. The breakthrough golden goal came in the second period of extra time when Koby Mortimer hit another long-range effort from the edge of the box with his lethal left foot. It looked like the keeper had it covered before his shot took a deflection off the unlucky Lindisfarne centre-back and crept inside the far post. The final score was 2-1 to Xavier. Special mention goes to Xavier central defender Max Buchanan who kept things tight at the back all day. We play Woodlawn in the Regional Final at Xavier on Tuesday 20th June in what is sure to be a thriller.

Mr Steve Edmonds — Coach

Northern Diocesan Netball 13 June

Congratulations to the Open Girls Netball team who recently competed in the Diocesan Netball Competition at Tweed Heads. The team ended up in fourth position on the day winning some games and narrowly losing others. The team showed outstanding teamwork and represented the College with pride. 

Congratulations to Makenzie Raudonikis who demonstrated outstanding leadership as Team Captain on the day. Makenzie and Siara Lynch were deservedly voted in as ‘Players Players’ on the day. 

The Team - Francesca Harris, Brylei Izzard, Charlotte Kennedy, Grace Kennedy, Mary Lynch, Siara Lynch, Makenzie Raudonikas, Madison Smith and Chaise Windl

Mrs Rebecca Kennedy — Coach

NSWCCC Cross Country (13 June)

Congratulations to the following students for representing the Lismore Diocese at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships held in Sydney.

• 1st William Schmid, Under 13 boys 
• 2nd Skye Dogan, Under 14 girls
• 3rd Tyler Dogan, Under 16 boys

Open Girls' Football Winners (22 June)

The Open Girls played O'Connor Catholic College from Armidale.

The girls dominated possession from the outset. We created multiple chances through both skill and determination. Callie Gollan scored a goal at the 6-minute mark through some good build-up work from the team. Overall we deserved to win by more, but the O'Connor Goalkeeper had a brilliant game. In fact, she would have been close to the best on the field.  There were plenty of positives to come out of the game. Our focus, skill, and determination were on display for all. We are looking forward to our next game. Well done ladies!

Mr Michael Raeburn — Coach

College News

Library News

The Xavier Catholic College Library has had an active and exciting Term 2. Students regularly visit our library for scheduled library lessons, study, homework, research, catch-up exams, online distance education classes, reading for pleasure, meeting with teachers and friends, playing board games and participating in school activities.

Thank you to the library staff for their efforts with ongoing projects and for ensuring the library is a welcoming, well-resourced and significant space for students, staff and visitors. Special thanks to Mr Laurie Bellett for his ongoing support and expertise during Term 2.

A reminder to students and staff to please return any overdue resources and equipment (i.e. textbooks, books, loan computers, chargers and cameras) this will assist us with preparation for Term 3.

NAIDOC Week 2023 was celebrated in the library with the theme ‘For our Elders’. Students and staff have access to a large collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fiction and non-fiction resources which were on display this week. In addition, the library hosted a colouring-in competition which provided a fun activity for students to participate in during recess and lunchtime.

Thank you to those students who submitted entries for the competition.

Congratulations to the following prize winners:

• 1^st place  - Charlie Hudson
• 2^nd place – Aurora O’Donoghue
• 3^rd place – Elena Helle

Wishing you and your families a happy and safe winter holiday.

Ms Suzanne Hughes
Library Assistant

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. 

Please note that, due to price increases at our suppliers, we will be increasing costs on some canteen items from Term 3. 

As of Monday 24 July 2023, our recess and lunch order cutoff time will be 8:45am.

View our live Term 3 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.