Newsletter 10: Friday 25 August 2023

For the Calendar

Week 7 (28/8-1/9)

Monday: 

• Year 12 Visual Arts Body of Work Submission Day
  

Tuesday:

• Inter-School Chess Championship
  

Wednesday:

• HSC Drama Practical Examination
• Sunsafe Student Ambassador Program
• NSWCCC Soccer Finals

Thursday:

• Lismore Eisteddfod - Dance
• St Francis Xavier Primary Retreat 
• Year 12 Business Studies Incursion

Week 8 (4/9-8/9)

Monday:

• Summer Uniform Commences
• Year 11 Examinations begin
• HSC Music submitted works due

Tuesday:

• NRCC U14 AFL
• Year 10 Visual Arts Incursion
  

Wednesday: 

• NSWCCC Soccer Champion Schools Finals
• Year 9 Visual Arts Incursion
• Year 12 VET Hospitality Excursion to Sydney (returning Friday)
• Year 9-10 Child Studies Excursion

Thursday:

• NRCC U16 AFL
• Drama Works 2023

Week 9 (11/9-15/9)

HSC Music and HSC Design & Technology marking this week 

Monday:

• Earthcare Retreat
• Year 9-11 Drama - Belvoir Workshop
• NSWCCC Athletics

Tuesday:

• Earthcare Retreat
• Year 9-11 Drama - Belvoir Workshop
  

Wednesday:

• SS 7s Girls Final

Thursday: 

• RUOK Day
• NSW Schools Cup

Week 10 (18/9-22/9)

Monday:

• Year 11 EES & Biology Field Trip
• Timor Immersion 2024 - Parent Information Evening (6-8pm)
• Last day of classes for Year 12

Tuesday:

• Year 12 House Activities Day

Wednesday:

• Year 12 Activities Briefing
• Year 9-10 Child Studies Excursion

Thursday:

• Year 12 Graduation Mass & Awards Ceremony
• Ignite Conference begins (Brisbane)

Friday:

• Staff Spirituality Day (Pupil-Free Day)

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

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary: August 22

Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But the Blessed Virgin Mary’s queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary’s life, she is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus’ kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament, the mother of the king had great influence in court.

What's Been Happening?

There have been so many great events, activities and opportunities here at XCC that rather than go into a full description of them, I thought I would simply list them below.

• Sporting: Diocesan Basketball, Diocesan Athletics, Schools Cup Netball, NSWCCC Netball, Diocesan Touch Football and SS 7s representatives went out into the community to represent the College, and our whole-school Athletics Carnival was a highlight for staff and students.
• Cultural: Our talented Music students held their HSC Music Performance Evening last week, while our HSC Dance students performed their practical pieces for their examination. Our Junior Art students have also gotten hands-on in the classroom with claymaking incursions.
• Academic: Our Year 12 students have now finished their Trial HSC Examinations, but the deadlines continue to roll in. HSC Textiles, Design & Technology, Industrial Technology, Society & Culture, and English Extension 2 students have all submitted Major Projects for marking, and French Continuers students sat their Speaking Examination on Saturday 19 August. Our Junior HSIE students have been on Geography Field Trips to Byron Bay and Rocky Creek Dam, and some of our female students have taken up tools as part of the Lady Tradie Day (which you may have seen on social media).
• Ministry: The Year 10 Retreat was a highlight of our ministry in the last few weeks, but we’ve also had some Diocesan Gatherings (Festa Christi and SHINE) and House Liturgies for Faber and Ignatius Houses.

Student Involvement

On Wednesday we had our 2024 College Leadership aspirants' speeches on Wednesday. It never ceases to amaze me the wonderful young people we have at the College, their vision for a brighter future and their determination to be part of that future. Congratulations to Jasmin, Madison, Lucy, Sienna, Nelson, Jack, Liam and Jake for their outstanding speeches.

Following the counting of votes, I am pleased to announce our 2024 College Captains will be Madison Smith, Lucy Jack, Jack Mundey, and Jake Sayer. Please keep our new Captains in your prayers as they begin to lead the College from Term 4. They will, no doubt, be fantastic representatives of our College over the coming year.

Staff Professional Learning

Outside of the classroom, teachers have been laser-focused on sharpening their teaching and learning skills. Much of this work is done outside of school hours, although some work is, unavoidably, during school time depending on providers.

• Your Mob Online: Indigenous Cultural Awareness
• Curriculum Reform and HSC Standards: Mathematics and English 7-10
• NAPLAN: Orientation to new NAPLAN reporting and alignment with PAT
• Reading Strategies and Data: Explicit Instruction
• Collaboration: the Third Teacher
• Empowering Learning with AI and the latest technology
• Technology and Innovation: Atomi in the classroom and flipped learning opportunities
• Pedagogy: AERO Rubrics on explicit instruction and formative assessment
• Collaboration to ensure a quality curriculum in English 7-10
• Collaboration and wellbeing
• Leader of Learning planning day: Middle Leaders - Leading From the Middle for Impact.
• Collaboration and implementation of new curriculum: knowledge-rich curriculum responsive to student needs.
• Rubrics on explicit instruction and formative assessment: robust, evidence-informed instruction, learn how to break down complex skills, use worked examples, use gradual release to get students to practise, organise lessons to keep students focused on learning objectives.
• ACER School Improvement Tool: school performance and improvement.
• Learning Walks - Collaboration: teachers sharing their practice to support reading growth in Years 7-8.

And it goes on for the remainder of the term. Our College is focused on continual improvement in our teaching, pastoral care and wellbeing practice in supporting our young people to flourish.

Nathan ‘Dubsy’ Want

Parents are warmly invited to attend our upcoming Parent Presentation on developing resilience and growth in teenagers. Nathan ‘Dubsy’ Want, a renowned youth and parenting speaker, will be guiding parents through strategies that will help their teens grow into young adults who are ready to face change, challenge and whatever opportunities life may give them. Register your interest here, and join us on Monday 28 August at 6pm in the Magis Centre. A flyer is included at the end of this newsletter with more details.

REMINDER: Upcoming Staff Professional Learning and other normal school days

• 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): New Curriculum Implementation Day writing day. Along with this, we will be working through our plan to develop a community engagement action plan for the Aboriginal community. Pupil-free day for ALL students.
• Wednesday 1 November - Crossing Cultures Hidden Histories: The whole staff (teaching and learning, support and administrative staff) will be engaged in a deep dive into the histories and cultures of our local indigenous people to better understand our role in reconciliation, and supporting improvements in indigenous learning outcomes. Pupil-free day for ALL students.

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:

• 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: Learning & Teaching

Year 12

Congratulations to our Year 12 students on completing their Trial HSC Examinations. The students were calm and focused while completing their examinations and we are very proud of their effort and achievement. It was a real pleasure to witness this cohort grow in confidence as the Trial period progressed, and their quiet support of one another through this challenging experience.  It is a privilege to work with young people, to see their growth and development, and to accompany them as they progress through these important events in their senior year.

The final weeks of this term are of vital importance for students’ learning growth; they are strongly encouraged to continue to focus on teacher feedback and to consolidate their knowledge of course content. Students should continue to work closely with their teachers, refine revision notes and dot-point summaries, complete past examination papers under timed examination conditions and actively respond to teacher feedback.

I would also like to thank and acknowledge our professional and generous teaching staff. Each day I have the pleasure of working with teachers who consistently strive to improve their teaching practice and positively impact student learning.  They not only discuss teaching strategy, but the wellbeing of the students in their care. Many teachers hold after-school lessons, lunchtime rehearsals, and holiday workshops, and work late into the night providing feedback to students. I feel extremely fortunate to work with these dedicated and experienced colleagues.

Year 12 reports will be available to download from Compass on Friday 1 September after 4pm. We very much value parent and family partnerships and encourage parents and guardians to talk to their children about their learning and wellbeing. Please contact classroom teachers, Heads of House, Mrs Mary Howard (Leader of Curriculum) or myself,  if you would like to discuss your child’s progress.

HSC Examinations

It has been an extremely busy time in the College with numerous students in a range of courses submitting their HSC major projects and completing practical HSC examinations. Congratulations to students and teachers of Society and Culture, Dance, Textiles and Design, Industrial Technology, English Extension II and Design and Technology.  In addition, French Continuers students have completed their HSC Speaking, as well as language students studying via Distance Education.

We extend our best wishes to our Drama and Music students who have their HSC practical examinations in the next two weeks - you have the support and prayers of the entire College community.  

Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony

All Year 12 parents are invited to attend the College’s Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony on Thursday 21 September 2023. Parents have been emailed details of the event, including timings and locations. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion as a College community.

Year 11

Year 11 examinations commence Monday 4 September. 

All Year 11 students are encouraged to consolidate all course material and to focus on a program of study in order to be well prepared for the forthcoming examination block. 

Students are reminded to check the Year 11 examination timetable very carefully and ensure they attend all examinations at the scheduled time. Students are only required to be on-site when they have a scheduled examination and are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of an examination. If a student has two examinations scheduled on the same day they must remain at school during the lunch break and may not leave the College between examinations. If they do not have an examination scheduled on a particular day within the examination timetable, students may study at home or access the College library. Any student who wishes to access the library to study is required to sign in at the front office and attend in uniform. All students are required to be attired in full school uniform for all scheduled examinations.

Please be mindful that some afternoon examinations will not conclude until late in the afternoon. Alternative transport may need to be arranged on these occasions.

If a student is unable to attend an examination due to illness or misadventure please call the College office on the morning of the examination. Medical certificates and additional paperwork will be required and must be submitted with an Absence from Assessment form available on the College website/Learning tab/Assessment Information/Year 11/Absence form Assessment and Request for Special Consideration.

A sense of balance is particularly important at this time and students are reminded of the need to take time for relaxation and to nurture their wellbeing in the lead-up to, and during, the Year 11 examinations.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Year 11 students well for the upcoming examination block and the prayers of the College community will be with them during this time.

Year 11 reports will be available to download via the Parent Portal in Term 4.

Summer Uniform commences Monday 4 September 2023

Please visit The School Locker to buy any new uniform requirements.

Ms Carmel Zuino

Assistant Principal: Mission

Celebrating our remarkable Year 10 student, Indigo Grey

We are delighted to share the outstanding achievement of Indigo Grey. Indigo was chosen to represent the Ballina electorate in the prestigious Youth Parliament 2023, which took place at the state parliament in Sydney during the upcoming July school holidays. Notably, Indigo was selected to serve as the shadow minister for energy, environment, and climate change. It's a source of pride for us all to witness one of our own contributing actively to such crucial discussions. Congratulations, Indigo, for representing Xavier Catholic College with distinction and making your mark on the broader stage!

Athletics Carnival Recap

Kudos to Campion House for their impressive win at last week's Athletics Carnival, held on Wednesday. Their success was attributed not just to their exceptional athletic feats, but also to their remarkable turnout. I urge all students and families to mark their calendars for these significant community gatherings, embracing our College's theme "Better Together."

Year 12 HSC Trials Culmination

We extended our heartfelt congratulations to our Year 12 students as they wrapped up their HSC trials. While this marks a significant milestone, it's essential for them to promptly resume their routines and maintain their concentration in class. With graduation on the horizon and the concluding stages of their secondary education journey approaching rapidly, staying focused is of utmost importance.

Inspiring 2024 Captain Speeches

This week, we had the privilege of listening to the 2024 Captain Speeches. The abundance of high-quality candidates who applied for these leadership roles has truly enriched our selection process. We are indeed fortunate to witness such dedication to leadership within our student body.

Important Change to School Vaccination Program

Children in Year 7 (aged 12-13) will be offered a single-dose course of HPV vaccine at school vaccination clinics. Previously, students were offered two doses of the HPV vaccine in the NSW school vaccination program. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has reviewed recent international evidence and has advised that a single dose of the HPV vaccine gives the same protection as a two-dose course. Refer to the attached flyers below for more detailed information.

Uniform Improvement 

We remain dedicated to motivating students and families to enhance our uniform standards. Throughout the past week, our staff have collaborated closely with students to tackle this matter. Our efforts have centred on assisting those who need guidance while applauding those who have adhered to the standards. In case you overlooked it, several social media posts (shared again below) have highlighted ‘why’ our uniform is important. I urge families to consistently back the College's endeavour by ensuring that their young individuals leave home every morning impeccably attired in accordance with our standards.

Uniform and Being Part of the Team: Wearing a uniform holds significant importance for secondary students as it fosters a sense of unity and belonging, much like cohesion within successful sporting teams. The recent victory of the Matildas, who triumphed over France to progress in the 2023 World Cup, exemplifies the power of teamwork and a shared identity. Just as athletes unite under a common uniform to achieve their goals, students donning their school attire create a similar bond, enhancing a supportive environment. The Matildas' triumph serves as a reminder that a collective effort can lead to remarkable achievements. Remember to be 'Better Together'.

Uniform Reduces Anxiety: Research indicates that secondary students who consistently wear their uniforms correctly and meet the expected standards of personal presentation experience reduced stress and anxiety levels. By removing the pressure to select unique outfits or afford the latest brand/style, a standardized dress code promotes a sense of inclusivity and reduces the fear of social judgment. This, in turn, fosters a more positive and focused learning atmosphere, where students can concentrate on academics rather than their appearance. Remember to be 'Better Together'.

Uniform and Focus on Inner Gifts: Wearing a uniform in secondary school instils a sense of unity and equality among students, allowing them to redirect their focus towards nurturing their inner gifts and talents. By removing external appearances as a point of comparison, students are liberated from societal pressures and can concentrate on personal growth. The uniform fosters an environment where individuality and creativity shine through accomplishments and abilities rather than attire, empowering students to embrace their unique skills and develop a deeper sense of self-confidence. Remember to be 'Better Together'.

Uniform Reduces Conflict: The implementation of a uniform policy in secondary schools contributes significantly to a reduction in conflicts within the school environment. By eliminating the distinctions in clothing choices, students are less likely to engage in disagreements based on fashion preferences or economic disparities. Uniforms promote a sense of belonging and equality, fostering a more harmonious atmosphere where students can focus on their studies and personal growth rather than superficial differences. This cohesive appearance cultivates a culture of mutual respect and minimizes the potential for bullying or teasing, ultimately leading to a more peaceful and conducive learning environment. Remember to be 'Better Together'.

Uniform and Inclusivity: The adoption of uniforms among secondary students cultivates a culture of inclusivity by levelling the socio-economic playing field and reducing visible differences. Students from various backgrounds can feel a sense of belonging and unity, as their attire no longer becomes a marker of social status. This practice fosters an environment where diversity is celebrated based on ideas, talents, and personalities rather than clothing choices. By emphasizing a common dress code, secondary schools foster a culture that values each individual's unique contributions, creating a more inclusive and accepting community. Remember to be 'Better Together'.

Compass Tip

If you’d like to see more detail in Compass, you can open your child’s profile in Browser View. You’ll see up-to-date information about their day-to-day merits and school activities, Chronicle entries, a detailed breakdown of their daily schedule, and more. To access Browser View, tap on the ‘More’ icon, then ‘Open in Browser’. 

Catechesis & Evangelisation

Year 10 Catholic Social Teaching

Our Year 10 students have been learning about Catholic Social Teaching. In their recent assessment task, they were asked to respond to a quote by Pope Francis "We really need young people who are at the ready, eager to respond to God's dream, to care about others, young people who discover the joy and beauty of a life spent for Christ in service to others, to the poorest, to the suffering," (Pope Francis, 2023). Students were given the option to prepare a speech, magazine article, Ted Talk, or film that incorporated the quote and sought action on a social justice issue. An excerpt from a response is below:

IPP - Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm

As a faculty, we have been addressing how we can incorporate IPP or the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm into our work. Religious Education staff have been using IPP during class activities (e.g. Year 8 - having a conversation with Paul of Tarsus via ChatGPT) and in our department meeting time as a reflective practice tool. The diagram below contains the IPP cycle, which provides a framework for teaching and learning and helps us to connect with our Jesuit heritage. 

Wellbeing

We've reached the midpoint of Term 3 and we are hurtling toward the moment when we call time on the Class of 2023 at Xavier. This is a stark reminder that our time within the XCC community is precious and should not be taken for granted. This week I’ll focus on how we're raising the bar on uniform and personal grooming standards, building amazing relationships, and giving self-care the spotlight it deserves.

Uniform Elegance - Rocking the Xavier Look!

Picture this: a sea of impeccably dressed students striding through the College grounds, exuding that unmistakable Xavier pride. Yes, we're talking about setting the gold standard when it comes to our school uniforms! From the perfectly adjusted ties to the neatly ironed shirts, we're turning heads.

This is what we’ve all become accustomed to at XCC, but of late there has been a sharp decline in the standard of dress and presentation of our young people. Our social media accounts have been full of great reasons why uniforms are important in schools recently. It is the responsibility of all community members to ensure that we maintain pride in our College by representing it well in the way we dress for school.

Remember, wearing the Xavier uniform is not just about looking sharp; it's about feeling united and standing tall as a part of this fantastic community.

Self-Care

In this fast-paced world, it's easy to forget about taking care of numero uno! From catching a breathtaking sunrise to jamming out to your favourite tunes, self-care comes in all shapes and sizes.

We need to be all about balance. While we're acing our academics and bonding with buddies, let's not forget to hit the pause button and give ourselves some well-deserved self-care. Below is a link to a fact sheet with some basic pointers about strategies to enhance wellbeing through basic self-care:

Secondary School - Wellbeing

Striving for Excellence, One Smile at a Time

We're not just embracing snappy uniforms and impeccable grooming; we're nurturing friendships, spreading positivity, and celebrating self-care. Remember, each smile you share, each kind word you speak, and each moment of self-care you indulge in contributes to the beautiful tapestry of our Xavier Catholic College community.

As always, if there is any way that we can support your family, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Mr Nick Jones
Leader of Pastoral Care

House News

Ignatius House Liturgy

Monday 31 July was the Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius House celebrated with a Liturgy during Pastoral Care on Friday 28 July, led by the Ignatius House Captains.

This year in our Liturgy we considered the theme of  “Lean into the Wind”, inspired by one of the most striking images of St Ignatius - a bronze statue called “St Ignatius the Pilgrim”.  It represents him leaning forward as if into a strong wind with one foot raised. It echoes a letter in which Ignatius says that a Jesuit is one who is to live ‘always with one foot raised, ready to hasten from one place to another, in accordance with our vocation and our Institute.’

The statue is accompanied by the phrase “with one foot grounded, one foot raised, hand on heart, lean into the wind”.  Whilst this quote can be interpreted in a myriad of different ways, we explored it as such: One foot grounded, in our families and communities, staying true to ourselves. This is our foundation and steadies us, while with one foot raised, we are able to explore new opportunities and take risks. We do this with our hand on our heart to remember our values and beliefs whilst leaning into the wind which symbolises a challenge or adversity we may face. 

As students reflected on St Ignatius' journey and teachings during the Liturgy, we asked them to find inspiration to lean into the wind as they face their own challenges and to be ready, with one foot raised, to support others in our community facing challenges. 

To conclude our Liturgy we focused on the ‘one foot grounded’ part of the quote, the part that represents our connections - to the earth, to our faith, to our family, our friends and our communities. We took some time to acknowledge the strengths we all have, the things we appreciate in each other that we know help to ground us in our community and strengthen our Wolf Pack, which gives us the strength to Lean into the Wind. Students selected and gifted a character strength card to a student in their Pastoral Care group, a strength that they see in that person that adds to the strength of our Wolf Pack. 

I would like to sincerely thank the students from each of the PC groups who read the prayers of the faithful and our Captains who led the liturgy so beautifully.  It was a beautiful celebration and I thank the students for their respectful and thoughtful participation.

Mrs Janine Wallace
Head of Ignatius House

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Faculty News

PDHPE News: First Aid Training

Year 11 PDHPE and Exploring Early Childhood students recently completed their First Aid course through the Royal Surf Life Saving Association. The students have been studying First Aid as part of their course requirements and it was a wonderful opportunity to put their knowledge into practice and to gain these important credentials. On the day the students had to demonstrate their practical skills in performing CPR, they applied slings and bandages to each other and learnt important skills in managing medical conditions like asthma, anaphylaxis and snake bites. The instructors were impressed by the students' enthusiasm, knowledge and the positive way in which they engaged with the day. 

Mrs Kate Kilby & Mrs Janine Wallace
PDHPE & Exploring Early Childhood Teachers

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Year 9 & 10 Child Studies Events

This week, Year 9 visited Little Pelicans Ballina Playgroup. Students were met by volunteers Liz and Fernadez who explained the process of establishing the playgroup and how members of the community join. They’ve been fortunate to have families who regularly access this incredible community support service which is also supported by local Woolworths who provide fresh fruit and vegetables for morning tea each week. Approximately 12-13 children attend and are provided with different toys and activities each week. We look forward to visiting them again and maintaining connections with this great group in Ballina.

Year 10 continued their journey with the Seabirds students at St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre. Students and their friends have been working on an art project which reflects the local Bundjalung history. Each group read books for inspiration and came up with a unique activity to show to the rest of the class. XCC students collected resources and helped their friends design and assemble the artworks over the last 3 visits to the centre. During our last visit for the term, students will present their artwork to the Seabird teachers and classmates. I would like to congratulate all Child Studies students for their positive engagement with the project and look forward to seeing the final products! Well done ladies. 

Mrs Naomi Byrnes
Child Studies Teacher

Science News: Year 11 Earth & Environmental Science Excursion

In an effort to deepen their understanding of water management and quarry operations, Year 11 Earth & Environmental Science students embarked on an excursion to the Lennox Water Treatment Plant, Summerland Industrial WasteWater and Holcim Quarry. They were provided with a firsthand experience of these aspects of resource management. 

During the excursion, students were introduced to various water management techniques, including water treatment and efficient water usage. They learned about the importance of reducing pollution and promoting water conservation behaviours.

The excursion offered students the opportunity to witness quarry operations up close, with an emphasis on sustainable practices. At Holcim Quarry, a few students were lucky enough to have a drive in the mining trucks.

Mrs Ciel Jukes
Earth & Environmental Science Teacher

Sport News

College Sporting Teams

The College Boys 7-10 D football team travelled to Port Macquarie earlier in the term to compete in the Quarter Finals of the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Knockout Football Competition against St Joseph's College, Lochinvar. The team progressed to this level after being crowned Lismore Diocesan Champions in Term 2 and a comprehensive Round of 16 win over O'Connor Catholic College, Armidale. We started well and scored first with a well-taken free kick from the lethal left foot of striker Koby Mortimer. St Joseph's fought back with sustained pressure and scored twice in quick succession to make it 2-1 going into halftime. Very quickly after the restart we were on level terms with Koby Mortimer once again the provider, smashing home after some neat passing build-up. All games are tough at this level — St Joseph's piled on the pressure and once again scored twice in quick succession to go 4-2 ahead. We fought back well and it was no surprise when we scored again through Jacob Miletic's deflected shot to make it 4-3. With only minutes on the clock, we pressed and pressed, but the opposition back line stood firm and it finished 4-3. XCC has never got to this stage of the competition before and it is a significant achievement for this group of players to get to the last 8 Catholic Schools in NSW.

The boys have represented the College admirably this season and deserve congratulations for their fighting spirit, sporting behaviour and good manners that they demonstrated at all times, both on and off the pitch. Big thanks must also go to Mr Pat Kennedy and Mr Russell Asser for their excellent administrative organisation and support behind the scenes. Players: Caiden Manley, Harry Groves, Jerridan Tulloch, Aidan Martorana, Lennox Broadley, Jax Vawdrey, Joey Anderson, Bodhi Smith, Rob de Wit, Archie Power, Tyler Dogan, Jacob Miletic, Tom Rutledge, Asger Paungreen, Cooper Powell, Cooper Keane, Koby Mortimer - Mr Edmonds

NSW Schools Cup Netball at Mullumbimby

Congratulations to the Year 9/10 Girls who have advanced directly to the Far North Coast Final.

The Year 7/8 Girls Netball team recently travelled to Mullumbimby to compete in phase one of the NSW Netball Schools Cup. Over the course of 6 games, the girls demonstrated a high level of skill and sportsmanship, securing victories in every game. This fantastic achievement paved the way to the Far North Coast Regional Finals in Week 9. An exceptional effort from a great group of students! - Ms Paton-Kelly 

Diocesan Basketball at Coffs Harbour

The College Junior and Intermediate Boys and Girls teams travelled to Port Macquarie on Monday 7 August to compete in the 2023 Diocesan Basketball Carnival on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 August.

7/8 Girls: A group of eight dedicated and talented Year 7 and 8 girls travelled to Port Macquarie to represent the school in the Lismore Diocesan Basketball Championships. Demonstrating remarkable teamwork and skill within the round games, the team secured the top position in their pool. Their formidable trajectory continued as they emerged victorious in the semi-final confrontation against Regional Port Macquarie, triumphing with a score of 29-12. 

Progressing to the grand final, the girls were matched up against St John Paul College. Despite a display of exceptional prowess by the young athletes, the outcome ultimately tilted in favour of John Paul College by a narrow margin of 2 points. A huge effort from the girls and an amazing result. - Ms Jessica Ferris 

7/8 Boys: The 7/8 Boys Basketball team represented Xavier with pride and distinction at the recent Diocesan Carnival in Port Macquarie. The round matches brought mixed results for the boys with a convincing win over Trinity and then two narrow losses to St John Paul College and Port Regional, which resulted in a 3rd place finish in their pool and unfortunately not making it into the semi-finals. Despite the disappointment, the team successfully rallied to beat Mt St Pats on the final day of the carnival by 30 points in a playoff for 5th with an impressive display of outside shooting and pick-and-roll offensive techniques. It was a pleasure to be associated with such a fine group of young men who played with great sportsmanship at all times. - Mr Matthew Wills

9/10 Girls: The 9/10 Girls basketball team arrived at the Diocesan Carnival in Port Macquarie on the way home from their successful NEJL campaign in Sydney. They began the tournament beating Woodlawn by 40 points, following convincing wins over Mt St Pats and MacKillop, to finish the winner in pool A. The semi-final victory over Trinity placed the girls in the grand final against a strong John Paul College team. The girls displayed an endless amount of fitness, skill and determination. Unfortunately, after an exceptionally intense game, it was 45-all at full time, and they went down in extra time by 3 points. It was an extremely huge effort by an exceptionally talented team of athletes, to progress through a tournament with a +216 points F/A. It was a pleasure to coach such a talented team. - Mr Clint McCarthy

Diocesan North (NRCC) Touch Football

The Diocesan North (NRCC) Touch Football Carnival was held at the Saunders Oval wind tunnel on Friday 18 August. XCC were the conveners of this event and the College entered four teams.

Under 15 Girls: Congratulations to the U15 Girls Touch Football team who are NRCC Runners-Up. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and teamwork displayed by the players. 

The team managed to win their pool as they had triumphant victories over McAuley Grafton and St Mary's Casino. The team's journey to the NRCC finals was marked by some truly outstanding performances on the field. Our U15 Girls Touch Football team showcased their skills and determination in spectacular fashion as they triumphed over McAuley Grafton and St Mary's Casino. The teamwork, strategic plays, and sheer passion displayed in these victories were truly commendable, and they set the stage for our playoff in the Grand Final. 

In the grand final of the NRCC, our U15 Girls Touch Football team faced a tough opponent in Mt St Pat's Murwillumbah. Despite the ultimate outcome, the battle on the field was nothing short of inspiring. Our players demonstrated incredible teamwork. The team was defeated 4-1 in the Grand Final and were runners-up on the day. 

Thank you to Beth Quinn who captained the team brilliantly, and Zali Raudonikis who was deservedly voted Player's Player of the day. 

The Team: Amalia Anderson, Addie Brown, Kaia Drikabau, Kiarna Hickey, Zoe Hope, Olivia Johnston, Sarah Jones, Beth Quinn, Lilliana Thompson, Zali Raudonikis, Isla Walker. - Mrs Rebecca Kennedy

Opens Girls: The Opens Girls Touch Team had a sensational day at Saunders Oval. The girls put together very cohesive attacking plays and worked hard for each other in defence. They had very strong wins over St Mary’s Casino and McAuley Catholic College Grafton in the pool matches. This led to a final against a very good Trinity Catholic College side, who also won both their pool matches. The final was an excellent game of touch football. Both teams played very well and the game ended in a 5-5 draw and our girls are the NRCC co-premiers. - Mrs Ciel Jukes

Opens Boys: The Opens Boys Touch team played excellent touch football throughout the day and ended with a 3rd place result in the Diocesan North (NRCC) Touch Football Carnival. The day started with an incredibly hard-fought draw against a quality McAuley Catholic College, who would go on to win the carnival. In a classic seesawing game, the lead changed several times until the boys scored a great try to equalise late in the game. Their skills in attack were highlighted in a strong win against St Mary’s Casino. Unfortunately, McAuley scraped through for and against and the Opens Boys were relegated to a playoff for 3rd place. In this game, the boys played through heat and fatigue to claim a strong victory against Trinity Catholic College. - Mr Joel Jukes

Individual Achievements

Congratulations to Year 11 student Mathew Page on his Rugby Union and Rugby League achievements in 2023. Mathew describes his Rugby achievements below:

NSWCCC Open Boys, we had won against ISA 2’s, CHS 2’s and AICES.

We went to the NSW Country Championships where we went undefeated against ACT Country Brumbies, Hunter Wildfire, Mid North Coast, Illawarra, and Central North. Before we met the Hunter Wildfire again in the grand final beating them 16-6.

We then went to Parramatta at Eric Tweedale to play our last game as NSWCCC against City where we lost narrowly.

I later got a call that night saying I had made the NSW All Schools Under 18 team and that I would be going into camp with my new team for the first week of the school holidays, and playing in the Australian Schools Rugby Championships. 

Myself and two other players were the only ones selected amongst 6 eligible NSW teams. 

I spent the first week in camp training hard with my team hoping that we could get to the top spot.

On the first day NSW All Schools 2 (my team) were up against QLD Schools 1, where we beat them 12-5.

The second day of Australian Schools Rugby Championships, we were up against QLD 2s where we drew against each-other 15-15.

The third day (finals) we were playing for third place spot against NSW Barbarians where we won 18-17.

Myself being a Year 11 student, along with only 4 other boys out of 23 in the NSW schools team squad, look forward to hopefully making it to those squads again next year.

Ballina Breakers Girls win NSW NEJL Basketball State Cup!

Congratulations to Year 10 students Lilian Beadham, Neeve Alexander, Leura Allen, Pippa Bailey, Coco Gallagher, Madeleine Alexander and Year 11 student Madison Smith who were members of the Ballina Breakers Under 18 Girls team who won the NSW NEJL State Basketball Cup at Gosford on 5 and 6 August.

Below is the report from the Ballina Basketball Facebook page:

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our talented U18 girls' team are the North-Eastern Junior League (NEJL) Grand Final winners! They fought with uncompromising spirit and determination, ultimately claiming a fantastic win by 12 points against the Central Coast Rebels.

Our young athletes showcased not only their exceptional skills on the court but also their true sportsmanship and teamwork, which made us incredibly proud as their supporters!

We want to acknowledge the incredible sportsmanship and skill demonstrated by the #Rebels during the NEJL Grand Final in Tamworth. Facing off against such a worthy opponent made the victory even sweeter for our Ballina Breakers Under 18 Girls!

A huge shoutout to Maddie Alexander for her well-earned MVP recognition!

Congratulations to all our players, coaches, and all involved in the journey to this achievement. Your unwavering commitment has truly paid off, and we couldn't be happier for you all!

Athletics Carnivals

Championship Athletics

Championship Athletics was held over two days on the College Oval, with Field Events on Thursday 22 June and Track Events on Friday 23 June. Numerous catch-ups were done during lunchtime earlier this team, which resulted in around 100 students competing in both events. Congratulations to all Championship Athletics competitors.

2023 Championship Athletics Age Champions

Congratulations to the following Athletics Age Champions:

• U12 Girls: Evie Kennedy
• U12 Boys: Max Sharpe
• U13 Girls: Abigail Matthews
• U13 Boys: Cian Harding
• U14 Girls: Skye Dogan
• U14 Boys: Finn Gisen
• U15 Girls: Marli Francis
• U15 Boys: Declan Wallace
  
• U16 Girls: Hayley Patterson
• U16 Boys: Caiden Manley
• U17 Girls: Abbey Davies
• U17 Boys: Alexander Crimmins
• U18 Girls: Harriet Crilley
• U18 Boys: Tom Tullett
  

2023 Athletics Records:

• U13 Boys: Will Schmid 800m, 1500m
• U14 Boys: Finn Gisen 100m, 200m, 400m
• U14 Girls: Zoe Hope 100m 
• U14 Girls: Skye Dogan 800m, 1500m, Triple Jump
• U15 Boys: Declan Wallace 400m 
• U16 Boys: Tyler Dogan 800m, 1500m
• U17 Boys: Alexander Crimmins 100m, Triple Jump, Long Jump
• U17 Boys: Marley Dekker 800m
• U17 Girls: Abbey Davies 100m
• U18 Boys: Tom Tullett 800m
• U18 Girls: Harriet Crilley 100m, Long Jump, Triple Jump

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Whole School Athletics Carnival

The Whole School Participation Athletics Carnival was held after the Trial HSC Exams on Wednesday 16 August. Students dressed in fancy dress House colours and costumes and participated in a wonderful College community day. Events included:

• Year Group 4 x 100 metres Girls and Boy Relays
• House All-Star 12 x 100 metre Relays
• 100 metre Sprints
• 200 metre Sprints
• Long Jump
• Safety Shot Put
• Safety Throw
• Tug of War
• Staff versus Year 12 Events

2023 Whole School Athletics House Points

Congratulations to Campion on being the 2023 Athletics Champion House:

1. Campion 2014 pts          
2. McAuley 1894 pts           
3. Nagle 1809 pts
4. Ignatius 1784 pts
5. Faber 1743 pts
6. MacKillop 1472 pts  

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College News

Sustainability News

Welcome back to Green Corner.

We have been taking small steps each week to make our school more sustainable. Last Friday, the Year 9 Program students helped out by doing an audit of our whole school’s practices. We discussed:

• Waste management
• Transport 
• Water
• Biodiversity
• Caring for Country
• Energy 
• Healthy living, and
• Ocean stewardship

Some of the suggestions that were made include green waste bins, more options for recycling, and more visible information about native flora and fauna.

The students also did an audit of the classrooms to see which rooms have paper recycling bins and signs reminding us to switch off at the end of each lesson. We will be working to ensure that all classrooms have these things for Term 4. 

With the efforts that the Year 9 students have put in, we have managed to gain another Earthcare star, bringing us to two out of five stars. Thank you to Group 3 for all your efforts! 

Another reminder about our Battery Recycling stations (see top right). These are open for everyone to use: one in the front office and one in the library. Any suggestions, ideas or expertise you may have to offer are welcome. Please contact me at emily.webster@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Ms Emily Webster
Sustainability Coordinator

Library News

Fiction Genrefication

We are pleased to announce that our fiction section is now arranged in genres. This should allow students to easily locate novels in their interest areas rather than by author in alphabetical order. It has been a huge project all year that culminated in Week 4 when all the books and shelving were re-arranged. 

Thank you to Ms Carmel Zuino for her unwavering support of this project, Ms Catherine Graham-Smith and Ms Ros Kingsford from our CSO Library Network for their ongoing expertise and support, library staff Mrs Kathleen McLennan, Ms Suzanne Hughes, Mrs Louise Eyles, Ms Jessica Hughes, and student librarians Lillyana Monk, Nava Tiernan, Patrick Jones, Jakobe Chan-Gale, Yash Kumar and Riley Chapman.

We do hope that the students will be excited about being able to find reading material in a more user-friendly environment and that borrowing rates will increase!

Book Week Displays and Competitions

Book Week is here once again and the theme for this year is Read, Grow, Inspire. We have many exciting competitions with prizes ($30 gift vouchers from Book Warehouse) to be won during week 6. All students who borrow a book during Book Week receive a treat and a bookmark.

Thanks to our creative Ms Suzanne Hughes who has decorated the library with some wonderful displays such as the Book Week short-listed novels for older readers and an amazing display of “The Reading Life Cycle”. Mrs Louise Eyles has also put in a lot of work in getting our library competitions ready for this year’s biggest week in the library. Our library is looking amazing with its new open-plan layout, user-friendly organisation of books and the many displays.

Mrs Kathleen McLennan
Librarian

Canteen News – Term 3 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. 

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

Check 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.