Newsletter 8 - 28 May 2021 - Test

Principal's Message

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”

The Ignatian Year: From May 2021 to July 2022, the Society of Jesus will celebrate an Ignatian Year. The 20th of May 2021 marks the 500th anniversary of the start of St Ignatius’ conversion — that fateful day when Ignatius the soldier, struck by a cannonball, began his transformation into Ignatius the pilgrim.  At the centre of the year is the 400th anniversary of the canonization of St Ignatius, on 12th March 2022.

We were blessed to have Fr Gerry Healy SJ celebrate mass for us on the morning of the 20th and were hoping to be the first Jesuit Institution around the world to celebrate such a ceremony, only to be pipped by 15 minutes by 2 of our sister schools in Victoria. Nevertheless, this wonderful milestone in the history of the Jesuits is a key moment in history and the College will be marking it with special celebrations and events throughout the 15 months.

To keep yourself up to date with events happening worldwide you can visit this link: https://jesuit.org.au/about/ignatius-500-the-ignatian-year/

Sorry Day

This important day in the Australian calendar was marked with a moving ceremony conducted by our Aboriginal students on Wednesday. Led by Mrs Cara Coles and Ms Donna Albany, our courageous and confident students walked the community through the story of loss, despair and hopelessness to ultimately a future of reconciliation and hope. Many were moved by the heartfelt poem written by Siara Lynch of her own personal struggles and tribulations growing up as a young Aboriginal woman.

Of course as a Jesuit Companion school we are a community of hope, and as such we move forward with confidence in this time of Pentecost that the Holy Spirit will awaken in each of us a desire to move forward with Reconciliation with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in community.

Sorry Day of course is the lead-in to National Reconciliation Week which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Parent Information Session for the Lismore Parent Assembly: Chris Hudson - Motivating Teenage Boys

Many parents want to learn how to effectively motivate their teen boys to participate in areas of life such as study, work or contributing around the home. During this workshop Chris Hudson, parenting expert and youth mentor, will cover the following topics:

• Common myths about teenage motivation
• 3 keys for motivating teen boys
• How to avoid the 3 enemies of motivation
• How to overcome demotivating factors for teenage boys
• Moving beyond threats and rewards

Register for this parent workshop using the flyer link in this newsletter

Outdoor Movie Night

Friday 4 June for this event starting from 4.30 pm until 7.30 pm (ish) . We welcome all families from Xavier Catholic College to attend. 

For more information: Movie Night Poster 

Tickets are available here: https://www.trybooking.com/BRRJC 

God Bless,

Mr Kevin Lewis

College Principal

kevin.lewis@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

NAPLAN 

Well done to our Year 7 and Year 9 students who completed the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Students sat online tests in language conventions, writing, reading and numeracy. Information from this assessment will be available to parents later this year and is utilised by our staff to support learning growth in our students. Thank you to Mrs McPherson and Mrs Fitzpatrick who coordinated the tests, to our technology team, and to all staff who supported our students during NAPLAN. 

YEAR 10 EXAMINATIONS

Year 10 Examinations commence on Monday 31 May and will conclude on Monday 7 June. All students have been emailed an examination timetable and a copy is attached to this edition of the Newsletter.

YEAR 10 and YEAR 11 - 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 in Week 10 (21 June onwards).Year 11 students who have not yet attained the Minimum Standard will also be provided with an opportunity to sit the tests within this week. Further information about Minimum Standards Testing can be accessed from NESA 

Should you have any further questions in regards to Minimum Standards please contact me at the College.

YEAR 10 SUBJECT SELECTION FOR YEAR 11 2022

A senior subject selection information session will be held on the evening of Monday 21 June to support Year 10 students with their subject choices for Year 11, 2022 and Year 12, 2023. All Year 10 parents are strongly encouraged to attend the information session to support their son/daughter with their transition to senior studies.

All Year 10 students and their parents/guardians will be required to attend an interview early in Term 3 to discuss senior school requirements and to complete senior subject choices. Further information pertaining to this will be forthcoming.

SCHOOL REPORTS

Year 11 reports will be available via the Parent Portal by Friday 4 June. Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 reports will be issued early in Term 3. Please ensure you have created a Parent Portal account to enable access to school reports. If you require assistance with this, please contact the Helpdesk on 6618 0123.

Assistant Principal - Staff and Students

200 Years of Catholic Education

Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta NSW in October 1820. The first Catholic school in Australia was founded by Irish Catholic priest Fr John Therry and run by convict and lay person George Marley. The school, which Catholic historians believe was in Hunter Street, Parramatta, taught 31 students. By 1833, there were 10 Catholic schools in the colony.

The story of Catholic Education in our own Diocese did not start until 1860 when the first Catholic school was established in South Grafton by Mr Edward Tracey. Lismore parish priest Father Jeremiah Joseph Doyle, who would later become the first Bishop of Lismore, carried with him a dream to establish schools throughout the Diocese which would be staffed by religious communities. In 1883, the first ‘religious order staffed school’ was established by the Brown Josephite Sisters at Swan Bay, a small settlement between Coraki and Woodburn on the Richmond River. 

Fast forward 117 years Xavier Catholic College opened its doors on the 31st January 2000 with 118 Year 7 students in 4 classes, and nine teachers. Now with over 900 students and over 100 staff the College moves forward into its 3rd decade of supporting the education and faith development of families of the northern rivers region.

‘As we celebrate 200 years of catholic education, I put it to each of you that has the responsibility for catholic education in this Diocese that the challenge we face now and into the future is to be fully committed to, and actively providing opportunities for, each and every child in our care to meet and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. This must always be the first and highest priority for the children and the staff and families who come to our schools each and every day.’

Homily delivered by Vicar General, Fr Paul Gooley

Student Ambassadors

To celebrate the 200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia a National Mass was held on the 24th of May and was celebrated across all states, territories and dioceses on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians. The Diocese of Lismore Mass was held at St Carthage’s Cathedral. I was honoured to attend the celebration with our College Captains Ella Bayly and Charlie Murray. Both students were impressive in how they acted as ambassadors for the College. As representatives our leaders, and in turn each of our students, are meant to embody the identity of the College in appearance, demeanor, values and ethics. In addition each student is asked to fulfil their role as an active and positive member of our wonderful community, guided by Ignatian spirituality, concern for other members in our community and care for our communal environment are not optional commitments. All of us need to consider how we can make our contribution. This begins with how we ‘act locally’ in the yard and continues through our actions in learning environments and spiritual spaces. Respect for all aspects of our community should be at the very heart of all we do, so that we may shine our light brightly into the world.

Supporting a Teenager

I recently saw this piece shared through social media from one of our fantastic teachers, and as parents of teenagers it makes for a great read. It is an extract from the book ‘Grown and Flown’ by Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington and it serves as a good reminder to the tough job we have as parents, but also the challenges our young people are facing every day.

Letter from Teenager:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Please stick with me.

I can’t think clearly right now because there is a rather substantial section of my prefrontal cortex missing. It’s a fairly important chunk, something having to do with rational thought. You see, it won’t be fully developed until I’m about 25. And from where I sit, 25 seems a long way off.

It doesn’t matter that I’m smart; even a perfect score on my math SAT doesn’t insulate me from the normal developmental stages that we all go through. Judgement and intelligence are two completely distinct things.

And, the same thing that makes my brain wonderfully flexible, creative and sponge-like also makes me impulsive. Not necessarily reckless or negligent but more impulsive than I will be later in life.

Please stick with me.

So when you look at me like I have ten heads after I’ve done something “stupid” or failed to do something “smart,” you’re not really helping.

You adults respond to situations with your prefrontal cortex (rationally) but I am more inclined to respond with my amygdala (emotionally). And when you ask, “What were you thinking?” the answer is I wasn’t, at least not in the way you are. You can blame me, or you can blame mother nature, but either way, it is what it is. 

At this point in my life, I get that you love me, but my friends are my everything. Please understand that. Right now I choose my friends, but, don’t be fooled, I am watching you. Carefully.

Please stick with me.

Here’s what you can do for me

1. Model adulting.

I see all the behaviors that you are modeling and I hear all of the words you say. I may not listen but I do hear you. I seem impervious to your advice, like I’m wearing a Kevlar vest but your actions and words are penetrating. I promise. If you keep showing me the way, I will follow even if I detour many, many times before we reach our destination.

2. Let me figure things out for myself.

If you allow me to experience the consequences of my own actions I will learn from them. Please give me a little bit of leash and let me know that I can figure things out for myself. The more I do, the more confidence and resilience I will develop.

3. Tell me about you.

I want you to tell me all the stories of the crazy things you did as a teen, and what you learned from them. Then give me the space to do the same.

4. Help me with perspective.

Keep reminding me of the big picture. I will roll my eyes at you and make all kinds of grunt-like sounds. I will let you know in no uncertain terms that you can’t possibly understand any of what I’m going through. But I’m listening. I really am. It’s hard for me to see anything beyond the weeds that I am currently mired in. Help me scan out and focus on the long view. Remind me that this moment will pass.

5. Keep me safe.

Please remind me that drugs and driving don’t mix. Keep telling me that you will bail me out of any dangerous situation, no anger, no lectures, no questions asked. But also let me know over and over and over that you are there to listen, when I need you.

6. Be kind.

I will learn kindness from you and if you are relentless in your kindness to me, someday I will imitate that behavior. Don’t ever mock me, please and don’t be cruel. Humor me - I think I know everything. You probably did as well at my age. Let it go.

7. Show interest in the things I enjoy.

Some days I will choose to share my interests with you, and it will make me feel good if you validate those interests, by at least acting interested.

One day when the haze of adolescence lifts, you will find a confident, strong, competent, kind adult where a surly teenager once stood. In the meantime, buckle in for the ride.

Please stick with me.

Love,

Your Teenager

Catechesis and Evangelisation

Xavier Catholic College launched the Ignatian Year last week with a Mass on the morning of May 20, 2021. This day marked the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius’ conversion — that fateful day when Ignatius the soldier, struck by a cannonball, began his transformation into Ignatius the pilgrim.

The presider of our Mass was Rev Dr Gerry Healy SJ - a Jesuit, Physicist, and regular visitor to our school. Mass was followed by a whole school Liturgy in the Magis Centre on Friday and a casual clothes day to raise funds for our sister school in Turiscai, Timor Leste.  During his time with us last week, Fr Gerry took the opportunity to visit students in Physics and Religious Education classes.

Pictured above: Rev Dr Gerry Healy SJ presiding at a College Assembly and a Mass in the Manresa Chapel for the launch of the Ignatian Year.

Year 10 Ministry Class

The Year 10 Ministry Class have continued their visits to local Primary schools as part of their curriculum based study of Youth Ministry.  They paid a return visit to St Francis Xavier Primary school last week.  The Year 10s helped the Year 4 children to recreate the parable of the Good Samaritan, as well as leading small group discussions on Christian role models, playing some community building games and praying the Examen with the Year 4s.

Masses in The Manresa Chapel

Fr Anselm presided at a celebration of the Eucharist this week with students from Year 7 Faber and McAuley Houses.   Students prepared and lead various ministries during these liturgies - from proclaiming the readings to writing the prayers of the faithful. 

The Diocesan Shine Gathering

An invitation has been extended this week to Xavier students interested in representing Xavier Catholic College at the annual Shine Gathering in Coffs Harbour.  The Shine Gathering is for students in the Year 10 Ministry Class and for Senior Ministry Team members in Year 11 and 12 (who act as group leaders at the conference.) We also invite Year 9 students who are considering participating in Youth Ministry activities.

SHINE unites all Youth Ministry (CSYMA) students in Parish Secondary schools of the Diocese of Lismore. This year’s event will continue to honour the popular features of the annual gathering and will be a joyful celebration of youth, faith and music. Students and parents wishing to get a glimpse of the Shine gathering should watch this clip: 2017 Shine Compilation video

What:           Shine Gathering

Who:             Year 10 Ministry Class, Senior Ministry Team members and interested Year 9 students

When:           Thursday 12 August – Friday 13 August 2021

Where:          St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour

Travel:            A Bus will depart Xavier Catholic College at 10:00 am (after period 1) on Thursday 12 August

                      Students will arrive back in Ballina shortly after 6.00 pm on Friday 13 August

Cost:              $50.00 + money for lunch on Thursday

Notes have already been distributed to Year 10 and Senior Ministry students.  Year 9s who are interested in attending should talk to Mr Eyles or the YMOs.  All parental consent and medical forms for the Shine gathering must be returned to the College office before Monday of Week 10.

Ignite Conference

This exciting conference is back again in September, starting on the first Wednesday of the school holidays. The CSO will be organising a trip which is open to students from Years 7-12. Students selected to represent Xavier Catholic College at this event as part of the Lismore Diocesan delegation will have their transport, accommodation, food and registration costs heavily subsidised by the Catholic Schools Office.  Student participants will be asked to make a co-contribution of $245.00.

To secure your registration for Ignite, students will need to complete the Online Ignite 21 Expression of Interest by Monday 7th June.

IGNITE CONFERENCE 2021 | Unleash

Date: 22 – 25 September, 2021 Venue: Mueller College, Rothwell (Brisbane)

More information online at https://igniteconference.com.au/

House News

A reminder that Lamington orders are due to the College Office by Thursday 3 June. All proceeds from the Lamington Drive will go towards supporting our sister school in Timor Leste. Lamingtons will be delivered to students during Silent Reading time on Tuesday 8 June 2021. Students who have ordered lamingtons are encouraged to bring a shopping bag to school with them on delivery day so that the lamingtons can be transported home safely.

Mrs Rebecca Kennedy

Head of MacKillop House

Sport News

Diocesan Open Basketball Championships

The senior boys basketball team performed brilliantly at the recent Diocesan basketball carnival held in Coffs Harbour. After many weeks of training in the Magis Centre the time had finally come to suit up and hit the court. In pool game one we came up against a very enthusiastic Mt St Pat's team who we traded baskets with for the first 10 mins. After half time the Xavier boys finally found their rhythm and ended up winning the game comfortably by 15 points. In Game 2 we played Woodlawn whose zone defence was difficult to crack and after many turnovers and missed baskets the game ended in a hard fought draw. In Game 3 we came up against a determined St Paul's Kempsey outfit who despite being able to land a number of 3 point baskets were overwhelmed by the dominance of the Xavier big men at the post and crisp passing of our guards. Xavier ran out winners by 40 points. We lined up against St Pauls again in the semi final which resulted in a very similar score line as our last game and we moved on to the grand final against Mt St Pat's. The Grand final was played at a frantic pace with both teams creating ample opportunities to score. The slick ball handling of the Xavier guards on the fast break and full court press defence were too much for the Mt St Pat's team to handle and the Xavier boys ran out winners by a comfortable 20 points. The win was a well deserved reward for a team that continually displayed fantastic skill and sportsmanship in each game and in training scrimmages. Players included Tyler Adamson, Tye Callan, Zac Gilmore, Noah Hummel-King, Jackson McCabe, Joel Roach, Jai Stewart and Luke Strong. It was an absolute pleasure to travel with and coach such a fine group of young men who have proudly represented Xavier.

Mr Matthew Wills - Coach 

Bill Turner Cup Boys Soccer 

After a tight 3-2 victory over Emmanuel in the second round, the Xavier Bill Turner Cup squad went to Byron High on Tuesday for the third round fixture. Byron revealed their counter attacking strategy early in the game and it took some great anticipation from Caiden Manley in the Xavier goal to come off his line quickly and keep things scoreless. As the game developed, the Xavier midfield, led by the industrious Nelson Stock, started to dominate possession and a goal looked likely. The Byron defence had other ideas however and put everyone behind the ball to avoid conceding. Great credit to the Xavier front line, who remained patient and continued to move the ball quickly to create opportunities. The breakthrough finally came on the stroke of half time when an excellent Charlie Hong pass found Kai Saric unmarked.  He unleashed a powerful volley that was unstoppable and Xavier went into the break 1-0 to the good. The second half was much the same and it took most of the half before Xavier put the result beyond doubt with a second goal. It was Saric again, turning neatly in heavy traffic to steer his shot wide of the despairing Byron keepers dive and into the far corner. Some late Byron pressure saw the excellent Caiden Manley called upon once again to make a string of top class saves to keep a clean sheet. Credit for keeping Byron scoreless must also go to the outstanding back four of Lennox Broadley, Jack Groves, Rob de Wit and Marley Dekker. Bring on Lindisfarne in Round 4

Mr Steve Edmonds  - Coach

U14 Girls NRCC Volleyball 

The U14 girls volleyball team travelled to Casino Sports Centre on the 28/4/21, to compete in the NRCC competition. The team were in the strongest of the two pools, unfortunately losing the first two games in close matches, followed by a convincing win in their last pool game against Lindisfarne. The fore & against point system worked in our favor, which placed us into the semi-final against St Joseph’s College, Banora. The girls won this match 33-18, playing exceptionally well to cement a spot into the grand final against the St Mary’s A team. Unfortunately, losing the final in a close battle. 

The girls improved immensely throughout the day, their accuracy in serving and serve return got better with time. The more experienced leadership of our captain Annabelle Clark helped support the more inexperienced team members through the final matches. A huge shout out to Neve Hummel-King, Neeve Alexander and Miah Bradley for their brilliant performances.

Mr Clint McCarthy - Coach  

Faculty News

Year 9 Child Studies

Students from Year 9 Child Studies continued their strong connections with St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre when we visited the “Seabirds” (preschool) room last week. Teachers and students warmly welcomed us by including students in their Acknowledgement of Country. They showed us a beautiful song “We are Australian”  that they had learnt to sing and sign. Students were given the opportunity to choose a range of small group activities including a hospital area, puzzles, drawing, playdough and craft. So much fun had by all! Fiona McFadden finished the session by reading a very inspiring book called “The Giving Tree”. Themes such as sustainability and care for the environment delivered in such a simple but powerful way.

Thank you to all staff and students at St Anne’s for giving us these wonderful opportunities to connect and consolidate our learning in Child Studies.

And thank you to my students who always represent Xavier in such a positive and respectful way.

Mrs Naomi Byrnes 

Child Studies and PDHPE Teacher

Canteen News – Term 2 2021

Mrs Denise Barnard – Canteen Supervisor

Canteen is a great opportunity to meet other parents and to be involved in your child/childrens 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 over to the Canteen where you can start preparing 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 how busy the day is.
• If you are unable to 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.

College News

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