Newsletter 13: Friday 17 November 2023

For the Calendar

Week 7 (20/11/23 - 24/11/23)

Year 10 Optional Work Experience Week - all week

Tuesday:

• Year 11 English Extension 2 Seminar

Wednesday:

• NRCC Cricket U16 Boys (Murwillumbah)

Thursday:

• NRCC Cricket U16 Girls (Murwillumbah)
• Community Access Picnic

Week 8 (27/11/23 - 1/12/23)

Monday:

• Year 10 Alternate Activities
• Year 10 All My Own Work
• U18 Girls Australian Schools Basketball Championships

Tuesday:

• CANCELLED: Year 7-11 CAPA Showcase (6pm)
  
• U18 Girls Australian Schools Basketball Championships

Wednesday: 

• Parish Schools Day
• U18 Girls Australian Schools Basketball Championships

Thursday:

• Year 9-11 French Cultural Day
• Year 10 Ministry Class: Holy Family Retreat Help
• U18 Girls Australian Schools Basketball Championships

Friday:

• Year 10 Ministry Class: Mass
• U18 Girls Australian Schools Basketball Championships

Sunday 3/12:

• Year 11 Captains: JACSA Student Leadership Conference

Week 9 (4/12/23 - 8/12/23)

Monday:

• Year 11 Captains: JACSA Student Leadership Conference
• Resilience Project: Parent Presentation (6:30pm - 8:00pm)

Tuesday:

• Year 11 Captains: JACSA Student Leadership Conference
• Resilience Project Student Presentations

Friday:

• Whole-School Swimming Carnival

Week 10 (11/12/23 - 15/12/23)

Wednesday: 

• Year 9 and Year 10 Child Studies Excursions

Thursday:

• HSC and ATAR Results released
• Presentation Day (commencing 9:30am)
• Battle of the Bands P5-6

Friday:

• Final day of classes for all students
• Parent Teacher Interviews by appointment (Periods 1-2 only)

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

Journeying together as people of God: The Synod on Synodality recently took place at the Vatican and has been described as the most important meeting since Vatican II (in 1962-1965). Synodality means “journeying together as people of God” and the aim of the Synod was to address three main areas: communion, participation, and mission. The Synod explored many important areas such as the importance of taking care of refugees, the poor, and the marginalised; that all are welcome and should be able to participate in the Church; the ongoing impact of Vatican II in relation to Ecumenism and the Liturgy; the increased role of women in the Church; and how the Eucharist is a source of friendship with Christ. It is a joyful and hope-filled document that I would encourage you to read. 

School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP) update: In Term 3, I undertook a number of small focus group interviews with parents as a follow-up to our Tell Them From Me Survey data. One aspect that emerged from these interviews was the desire of parents to be more involved with the College. In 2024, we plan to create a calendar of events and invite parents to specific events within the College in the hopes of strengthening our parent-school connection. Some events that we have before the end of the year that we would love to see parent presence at are:

• 28 November: CAPA Showcase 6:00pm
• 29 November: Parish Schools Day Activities 9:30am to 1pm, Liturgy and Costume Parade 1:45pm
• 4 December: Resilience Project Parent Presentation, 6:30-8:00pm
• 14 December: Presentation Day 9:30am
• 14 December: Battle of the Bands 2:00pm

Year 12 Formal: Thank you to Ms Sharyn Dorey and her team for organising a beautiful formal last Friday night at the Ballina RSL club. It was a wonderful night of celebration for the outstanding class of 2023. We were most fortunate with the weather, with the heavens opening mere minutes after everyone moved inside to commence celebrations. We now await the final HSC results 

Enrolments for 2024 - Are you moving away? As we plan the commencement of 2024 (yes, we are working on that now), it is really important for the College to know if you are planning a move out of the area or changing schools. Of course, these things can sometimes spring up at the last minute. However, if you are aware of a planned change, can I please ask that you contact our Enrolments team? We have significant numbers on waiting lists, and it is important to be able to let new families know as soon as possible if a position is opening up here. I thank you in advance for your consideration of this.

Work Experience: I thank Mr Julian White for his work in planning this for our Year 10 cohort. Of course, not all students will choose to participate, but it is important to note that it is NOT a week off school for those who do not participate. Attendance is required (except for normal illness, etc.), and will be recorded and followed up. Classes will operate, and learning will be taking place.

God Bless,

Mr Kevin Lewis
Principal

Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching

Learning and Teaching Goals

Last year, the College Executive developed a three-year strategic plan in consultation with the whole college community. This included the following learning and teaching goal: By 2025, students will demonstrate sustained learning growth, catalysed by a commitment to literacy and embedded evidence-based teaching practices, to improve engagement and learning outcomes.  

Our 2023 annual goal had a more specific focus on improving reading outcomes. I am immensely proud of the efforts of our staff to build their collective capacity to improve students’ reading growth and the positive impact this has had on student learning.  

The College Executive has recently had the pleasure of holding individual conferences with each of our teaching staff members to discuss their professional performance and development and to review evidence of their collaborative practices, direct observation of their teaching, and impact on student learning. These teacher conferences demonstrated the synergy of our teaching team working towards a common goal. I am immensely proud to work with this group of dedicated and talented teachers.

We look forward to continuing to embed our school improvement work next year and are currently developing our annual goal for 2024. We are using a range of data sets, such as NAPLAN, PAT and internal assessment, to inform learning and teaching. Next year, our annual goal will once again have a focus on learning growth for every student, supported by a range of strategic actions and underpinned by a comprehensive professional learning plan.  

Staff recently engaged in a day of learning focused on developing knowledge and understanding of the histories, cultures, languages, societies, past events and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.  We developed our understanding of cultural safety and inclusivity and what it means to act in culturally appropriate ways to promote the cultural safety and inclusion of AITSI people. We were privileged to hear the personal stories of the workshop leaders, and finished the day with a commitment to continue our work in the College to seek justice and reconciliation. I look forward to continuing this work together and creating meaningful change in our community.

Invitation to Parents

I know many parents are looking for ways to increase their engagement with College life, and I encourage you to participate in the regular events that are hosted at the College. Since our last newsletter:

• The Senior Curriculum Team hosted a Year 11 Parent Information Evening
• We celebrated with our 2023 HSC class at the fabulous Formal
• We met with the parents of our 2024 Year 7 cohort as they began their transition into secondary education.
  

In Week 9, all parents are invited to attend the launch of the Resilience Project. We strongly believe that learning outcomes and student wellbeing are inextricably linked, and research provides evidence that parental involvement positively impacts learning outcomes. We extend a warm invitation to our parent community and invite you with open arms to work in partnership with our teaching staff to support your children. We are truly better together.

Year 9 and 10 Examinations

I thank and congratulate our 10 students for their excellent conduct during the recent examinations. Our staff commented on their cooperative behaviour and diligent application throughout this period. Year 9 students are to be commended on the positive and mature way they approached their first formal examination block.  

Examination blocks are important opportunities to familiarise students with examination procedures and processes; this builds skills and confidence, which become increasingly important as students progress through their secondary schooling, and which culminates with formal examinations in the Higher School Certificate. Our aim is to systematically lead students through a sequence of experiences that will support them to manage examination contexts calmly and effectively, thus giving them the best opportunity to achieve academic growth and achievement.

Year 7-10 Reports

Our staff are very busy marking assessments, providing student feedback, and writing Semester Reports for students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Reports will be issued on 14 December after 4pm via Compass. Please take the time to read your child’s report with them and discuss the commendations and recommendations provided by their teachers. This presents a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge your child’s effort and achievement and to discern goals to support their learning growth.

If you have any queries or are unable to access Compass, please contact the Helpdesk on 6618 0123. 

2024 Class Allocations

A reminder that all classes, including base classes and streamed classes for English, Mathematics and Science, will be reallocated for the commencement of the 2024 academic year.  

Ms Carmel Zuino

Assistant Principal: Mission

The Return of Parish Schools Day

Get ready for a great day of community fun! We're excited to announce the return of Parish Schools Day on Wednesday 29 November 2023. This community event brings together Xavier Catholic College, Holy Family Primary School, and St Francis Xavier Primary School for a day of celebration.

Here's what's in store:

• 8:50 am: Students attend PC for roll call (Students MUST use reception for late arrivals or early departures as per usual).
• 9:10 am: Student briefing in the Magis (hall).
• 9:20 am: Carnival rides open for access.
• 11:00 am: Inter-school event.
• 1:30 pm: Liturgy, concert, and costume parade.
• 3:10 pm: Conclusion of all rides.
• 3:20 pm: End of the school day.

Parents are invited to join in the excitement — just sign in and out at the Xavier College Reception when you visit.

We look forward to a day filled with community spirit, enjoyment, and celebration. 

The Resilience Project: Community, Parent & Carer Presentation

There are only two weeks until the Resilience Project Parent Presentation. This presentation is a crucial part of our dedication to building resilience within our school community. It is also a cornerstone of our annual plan following feedback from the Tell Them From Me surveys. We strongly encourage parents to attend the session to learn evidence-based strategies which will be taught in classrooms, which will then help you support your child's wellbeing at home. 

Mark your calendars and save the date for this important presentation, just two weeks away:

The Resilience Project – Parents & Carers Presentation
Monday 4 December, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Magis Centre, Xavier Catholic College

Embracing Change

Across the school year, we find joy in celebrating milestones and embracing new beginnings — and, as we farewell Year 12, a new cohort arrives. On 10 November, we came together to celebrate the Class of 2023's Year 12 Formal. This celebration honoured their achievements and served as their final farewell from Xavier Catholic College.

Transitioning seamlessly into the next phase of XCC life, parents of our Year 7 2024 cohort were warmly welcomed to our community during the Parent Information Evening on 14 November. It was a wonderful opportunity for current, returning and new families to meet and get to know one another, laying the foundation for a collaborative journey ahead. We had an overwhelming response to our Year 7 2024 enrolment applications, with over 235 applications submitted for 170 available places! We're excited to build partnerships with the families of our incoming Year 7 students, collaborating with you as partners in your children's learning. Together, may we build a supportive community dedicated to nurturing the growth of each student.

As we prepare to welcome Year 7 in 2024, we take the first steps on a shared journey that will end in their own graduation celebrations in 2029. Come January 2024, these students will unite as members of Xavier Catholic College and start their high school journey together.

Mr Peter Fear

Catechesis & Evangelisation

Zooms with Turiscai

Our Year 8 students were excited to Zoom with our Sister school in Turiscai, Our Lady of Fatima. Students will regularly participate in these Zoom calls to help the Turiscai students with their English language skills, all while learning more about each other’s culture and strengthening the relationship between our two schools. 

Don't be Couch Potatoes!

Our Year 8 classes are also working on a project called Don’t be Couch Potatoes based on a speech given by Pope Francis:

"The truth, though, is something else. Dear young people, we didn’t come into this world to “vegetate”, to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: to leave a mark. It is very sad to pass through life without leaving a mark. But when we opt for ease and convenience, for confusing happiness with consumption, then we end up paying a high price indeed: we lose our freedom."

In this project, students are asked to choose any issue that interests them, from Sea Bird Rescue, to Take 3 for the Sea, to Dementure, Peace in Gaza, Climate Action, Misogyny and more. Students research the issue in more detail and then are asked to undertake some sort of action in relation to the issue, then reflect on the action and how they have grown or changed their perspective as a result of their project. Students are encouraged to be creative with how they present their ideas — documentary, vlog, poster, infographic, journal entry — the only limit is their imagination! 

Dr Madeline Beveridge & Mr David Eyles

Pastoral Care News

And just like that, they flew the coop!

It is the annual discussion in high school staffrooms upon farewelling the graduating class of that calendar year — a spirit of disbelief coupled with joy and hope for what lies ahead. 

The Class of 2023 finished their time at the College in style on Friday evening at the Formal. While their legacy will live on long into the future, we look back with gratitude for their contribution over the last 6 years while looking forward to the inevitable successes these young people will enjoy. Whatever their path, they will always have the XCC community behind them, willing them to strive for the Magis and be men and women for and with others.

Attendance

Thank you to both Parents/Carers and Students for the effort to make school the number one priority during the week. We appreciate how great the pressures and complexities of life are and feel grateful to accompany families through the journey of high school.

Please be reminded that our lines of communication for Student Absences are as follows:

• Respond to the text message sent by the College each day
• Email the College Attendance Officer (xcc-absences@lism.catholic.edu.au)
• Call the College Reception (6618 0180)

Orientation Day

This week was an incredibly exciting time for our community as we welcomed the Graduating Class of 2029 onsite for their first full day. I mention this to commend our students and staff, who went above and beyond to make it a very comfortable and welcoming experience for our newest and youngest students.

There are moments in the life of a school where you can stand back for a moment with great pride, and this day was certainly one of them. More details of the day will come throughout this bulletin.

Crossing Cultures Hidden Histories

On Wednesday 1 November, the College staff had the opportunity to learn together about how post-European Australia has greatly impacted the lives and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Led by Aunty Doreen Flanders - Aboriginal Education Officer, Catholic Schools Lismore, and her team, the day presented a great chance for staff to gain a deeper understanding and perspective on how education and life outcomes are different within our community simply on the basis of cultural heritage.

This learning is a keystone in our commitment to renew and further develop the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan both on paper and in action. We are very grateful to Aunty Doreen and her team for their very courageous, generous and personal delivery of the day and look forward to embedding this learning into our College.

Welcome Tamera Bolt, Aboriginal Education Worker

We have been incredibly fortunate to be joined this term by Ms Tamera Bolt as Aboriginal Education Worker (AEW).

Born and raised locally, even attending XCC for Year 7, Tamera has already brought great initiative and connection to the College in her work with students, families, staff, and the local community.

I am very grateful to Tamera for the work she is doing currently, and I look forward to her ongoing impact on the lives and outcomes of our students at XCC.

Safe Partying

As we move toward the end of the School Year, many young people are looking to celebrate the end of assessments, the transition into a new year and Christmas celebrations. We have become aware of increasing social activities on weekends where young people have engaged in risk-taking behaviours in situations where they are not being supervised.

Parents are not alone in trying to keep young people safe. There are many online resources that can assist in ensuring that all aspects of planning a safe and enjoyable party for teens are considered. See the below resources for information that may benefit you when planning and supervising young people at parties:

• Youthsafe - Safer Partying Infographic
• NSW Police - Safe Party Tips
• Alcohol & Drug Foundation - Safe Party Planner Template

As always, if there is any way that we can support you or your children, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Mr Nick Jones

Sport News

State Athletics

NSW All-Schools Athletics

The NSW All Schools Athletic Championships were held during the Term 3 School holidays at Homebush. Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding achievements in representing the College:

• Skye Dogan 14 Girls
• 2nd Steeplechase
• 13th 3000m
• Finn Gisen 14 Boys
• 8th 100m
• 12th 200m
• Matilda Rossmanith-Jones - 15 Girls
• 17th 400m
• 18th 800m
• Declan Wallace 15 Boys
• 7th Triple Jump
• 8th Javelin
• Tyler Dogan 16 Boys
• 3000m (result withheld on request)
•  Alexander Crimmins 17 Boys
• 3rd Triple jump 
• 9th Long jump

QLD All Schools Athletics

The QLD All Schools Athletics Championships were held on 5 November at QSAC Brisbane. Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding achievements in representing the College:

• Skye Dogan 14 Girls
• 3rd Steeplechase
• 13th 3000m
• Matilda Rossmanith-Jones 15 Girls
• Results unknown

Individual Achievements

Congratulations to Felix Clarke, a member of the NSW State Volleyball team who played at the Australian Youth Volleyball Championships in Bendigo. 

Felix is also a member of the North Coast Academy of Sport Volleyball program. At the recent NCAS Award ceremony in Coffs Harbour, Felix was awarded Most Outstanding Athlete, Volleyball 22/23 and the NCAS Athlete of the Year (across all 6 sports that NCAS Offers).

Congratulations, Felix, on your amazing achievements.

Congratulations to Alannah McNally who plays AFL for the Tweed Coast Tigers U17 team and was awarded Best on Ground in the Grand Final. 

Alannah was previously a member of the Gold Coast SUNS U16 Girls Academy program. In very exciting news, she has recently been selected in the Gold Coast SUNS U18 Women's Squad, which is only one step away from a professional career in AFLW Professional AFL.

Congratulations, Alannah, on your incredible achievements.

Team Achievements

Titans 9s Rugby League

A big congratulations to the Titans 9s Rugby League team, who competed against several schools at Mullumbimby Rugby League fields and took out the whole day. The 15 boys defeated Kyogle HS, Banora Point HS and Murwillumbah HS, and beat Kingscliff HS in the Grand Final to win the competition. 

Coach: Mr Anthony Coleman

Downie Shield Cricket

Unfortunately, the Downie Shield Opens Boys Cricket team were convincingly beaten in the opening round of the Downie Shield. The boys were outcompeted in every aspect against a strong team. Well done to Kai Dalli for being the team’s top run scorer. The boys will be back bigger and better next year!

Diocesan Golf

Congratulations to Jed Lyon, Tom Rutledge, Lewis Trim, Noah Helle and Tom White who competed in the 2023 Diocesan Golf competition, and thank you to their parents who travelled with them to the South West Rocks Golf Course for the competition. The boys' feedback was that the competition standard was high, and the course was very challenging with windy conditions. Well done, boys.

Golden Boot

Congratulations to Oscar Godwin for winning the annual Golden Boot goal-kicking competition! Let's get as many girls as possible involved next year.

2024 Whole School Participation Swimming Carnival: Friday 8 December 2023

Details of the annual Xavier Catholic College Swimming Carnival are listed below. Attendance is compulsory.

Venue: Ballina Memorial Pool - River Street, Ballina

Date: Friday 8 December 2023

Travel: ALL students will travel by bus to and from the pool

Departure: Buses depart College at 9:00am 

Return: Return to College by 3:00pm

Needs: Canteen facilities will be available to purchase recess/lunch. Please see swimwear policy below.

Cost: Nil 

House Spirit: Students may come to school in appropriate House colours, fancy dress/costumes, etc. The winning Houses will be announced in the Magis Centre at the completion of the carnival, and Age Champions announced from the Championship carnival.

Hats and Sunscreen: All students will be required to wear a hat and sunscreen during the day.

Events: Students will have the opportunity to swim in year-group freestyle and breaststroke races, as well as House freestyle relays and year-group novelty events.

• CAMPION: Red
  
• FABER: White
• IGNATIUS: Green
• MACKILLOP: Gold/Yellow
• McAULEY: Pink
• NAGLE: Blue

College News

Creative Arts News

Congratulations to our Year 12 Visual Arts students Izaiah Tipenei-Royal and Hendrix Mills, whose HSC Bodies of Work have been nominated for selection in ArtExpress. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the student's dedication and talent. 

ArtExpress is an exhibition of exemplary works organised by the Art Gallery of New South Wales in conjunction with NESA. We wish Hendrix and Izaiah the best of luck for selection and applaud them on their incredible artwork and nomination.

Ms Jasmin Rogers
Visual Arts Teacher

School Fees Due

Please note that all 2023 School Fees & additional outstanding fees were due to be paid in full no later than Wednesday 15 November 2023.

If you are unable to pay your fees in full by this date, you must contact the school prior, and we can discuss options available to you based on your current circumstances.

We appreciate all Xavier families adhering to your enrolment agreement with the College in ensuring fees are paid on time. In the event of non-payment and no communication with the college, we may pass over management of your account to our external Collection Agent.

Please see attached our 2024 Schedule of Fees so you can start budgeting for next year's billing. You will note there is a 5% increase due to inflation. If you have any questions at all regarding your fees or our billing, please contact me via email at xccfinance@lism.catholic.edu.au, or phone 6618 0180.

Ms Katie Elliott
Business Manager

Canteen News – Term 4 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 4 Canteen Roster here.

Mrs Denise Barnard
Canteen Supervisor

Community News