Newsletter 6: Monday 8 July 2024

For the Calendar

Week 1, Term 3

• Monday 22/07/24: Staff Development Day (student-free day)
• Tuesday 23/07/24: All students return, Year 12 Trial HSC Briefing (Period 1)
  
• Wednesday 24/07/24: Whole-School NAIDOC Liturgy, NAIDOC Festival (P5-6 - Years 7-11), NSWCCC Cross Country @ Sydney, Open Boys Country Cup Northern Final @ Coffs Harbour, Police Liaison Presentations (Year 7: P1-2, Year 8: P3-4, Year 9: P6)
• Friday 26/07/24: Years 7-10 Reports available via Compass, Year 7 2025 Second Round Acceptances due
  

Week 2, Term 3

• Monday 29/07/24: Year 10 Minimum Standards
• Tuesday 30/07/24: Year 11 Careers Expo, Diocesan Junior Basketball @ Port Macquarie (Travel Day)
• Wednesday 31/07/24: House Assembly, Diocesan Junior Basketball @ Port Macquarie, Ignatius House Liturgy, MacKillop House Liturgy, Year 9 Pastoral Day
• Thursday 01/08/24: Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:40pm - 8:00pm), Diocesan Junior Basketball @ Port Macquarie (Travel Day), Year 11 Pastoral Day P1-4, Bundjalung Schools NAIDOC Event, Law & Monash University Lunchtime Talk
• Friday 02/08/24: Bundjalung Schools NAIDOC Event

Week 3, Term 3

• Monday 05/08/24: Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations begin, Year 10 Retreat (MA, MC, CA) & Pastoral Day (IG, NA, FA), HSC Society & Culture PIPs due, Year 9 Visual Arts Incursion, Immersion Preparation Session (3:30pm - 5pm)
• Tuesday 06/08/24: Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations continue, Year 10 Retreat (MA, MC, CA), Year 10 Dance Assessment (IG, NA, FA) @ Holy Family, Festa Christi (Boys)
• Wednesday 07/08/24: Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations continue, Year 10 Retreat (all groups), Festa Christi (Boys), Year 7 Campion & McAuley Geography Excursion to Rocky Creek Dam
• Thursday 08/08/24: Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations continue, Year 10 Retreat (FA, NA, IG), Year 10 Dance Assessment (CA, MA, MC) @ Holy Family, Festa Christi (Girls), Year 7 Ignatius & MacKillop Geography Excursion to Rocky Creek Dam
• Friday 02/08/24: Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations continue, Year 7-9 Semester 1 Awards Ceremony, Year 10 Retreat (FA, NA, IG), Year 10 Pastoral Day (CA, MA, MC), Festa Christi (Girls), Year 7 Nagle & Faber Geography Excursion to Rocky Creek Dam

To see our full Term Planner, click here.

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of the Xavier Catholic College Community,

As we reach the end of Term 2, it is good to be able to look back on a successful term at the College. Sometimes we can get caught up in the insignificant and minor annoyances of working in a school like Xavier. This does not provide a true picture of the many great things that happen at the College on a daily basis.

Each week on a Monday morning I have the opportunity to meet with the College staff at our regular Staff Prayer and Briefing. Along with the other members of the College Executive Team, we use this time to reflect on the successes and highlights of the previous week, always stopping to applaud our teachers, students and families on the wonderful achievements that punctuate the weeks. We also use this opportunity to encourage and congratulate our staff, students and families on the upcoming events for the week ahead. What I really love is the spontaneous applause and heartfelt best wishes that our staff show for each other and for our students and families.

I have recently been asked what it is like to be the Principal of Xavier Catholic College. My answer was, ‘It is a blessing and a privilege.’ I am blessed to lead this College and to watch it grow and mature. I am blessed to work with colleagues who really do care about their work as educators. I am blessed to work with the majority of students who want to learn and see the College as an ideal place to build their base as young adults.

The end of each term is always busy with assessments, marking, reporting and completion of necessary content. These things do not go away. We need to see beyond these things to see the real picture of Xavier Catholic College!

Gratitude

At each Whole College Assembly, I like to begin my address to the students and staff gathered by saying thank you and showing my gratitude for the great things that have happened in our College community. Recently my address began with: 

Thank you to:

• The students in Term 2 who are achieving their PB - their personal best.
• The students in Term 2 who have showed appreciation to their teachers and the College staff for their efforts and kindness.
• The students in Term 2 who attend school every day, even when it was tough to do so.
• The students in Term 2 who are taking responsibility for their learning.
• The students in Term 2 who are building positive relationships with their peers and with the staff. 
• The students in Term 2 who are respectful and considerate.
• The students in Term 2 who wear their College uniform with pride.
• The students in Term 2 who display a positive mindset.
• The students in Term 2 who greet and acknowledge their peers and the staff.
• The students in Term 2 who want to be a valued member of the Xavier community and show it every day in their words and actions.  

I took the opportunity at the Assembly to elaborate on each of these statements of thanks, drawing students attention to the need for us to work within and contribute positively to our community at Xavier. We all are part of something greater than ourselves, and it is vital that each of us plays our part in making positive and worthwhile contributions. 

I indicated that we should all aim to make our College even better than what it is, using the prompt - What makes a good school even better? A great school excels by creating an environment where students are motivated to learn, teachers are empowered to teach effectively, and the entire school community works together towards common goals. The interplay of strong leadership, quality teaching, supportive culture, and continuous improvement is essential in making a good school great.

Building the Xavier Catholic College community will continue in earnest next term, and I ask for your continued support from home with your son/daughter. Thanks in advance. 

Consistent Classroom Climate

Over the final few weeks of Term 2, our students have been introduced to the Consistent Classroom Climate protocols that will be operational from the start of Term 3. These protocols are simple, easy to remember and easy to do steps that all students will be expected to engage with each lesson, each day. In essence, they are protocols that ensure order, respect and equity across all classes, in all year groups.

The 10 Consistent Classroom Climate protocols are: 

1. Line up quietly in two straight lines outside the classroom.
2. Enter the room quietly once invited by your teacher.
3. Stand behind a desk and greet your teacher after your teacher has greeted you.
4. Take out your pencil case, student planner, and all required equipment for the lesson.
5. Laptops may be opened only once directed by your teacher.
6. Show respect to everyone and everything in your class.
7. Complete all set work and participate in every learning activity.
8. Your teacher will direct you to pack up at the end of the lesson.
9. Tidy up. Show pride in your classroom and in your uniform.
10. You may leave the class only after the bell and once your teacher has given you permission.

I am sure you will agree that these 10 protocols are not ‘rocket science.’ They are designed to ensure consistency across the College so all students and staff are operating from the same platform.

NAIDOC Week

In Week 10 of Term 2, the College acknowledged and celebrated NAIDOC Week with prayer, liturgy, activities, fundraising, and a beautiful Whole School Assembly where we all learned more about NAIDOC through our participation in traditional First Nations welcome, dancing and cultural awareness.  

Our thanks were extended to Ms Bolt and Ms Hildrew (our College Aboriginal Education Workers), Uncle Lester Moran for his presence and his Welcome to Country, to the Ballina Coast High School Aboriginal Dance Troup leaders and members, to our Xavier First Nations students for their contributions to the Assembly, and to Mrs Kennedy and her MacKillop House staff and students for their fundraising activities to support an Indigenous school in the Northern Territory.

It was a beautiful Assembly and the students all responded in such a positive way. 

My few words to the staff and students at the Assembly centred around how we, as individuals and as a College community, can continue to do better in the future, reflecting on our past treatments of First Nations peoples in Australia. We can: 

• Continue to listen and learn by actively seeking out and listening to Indigenous voices and stories.
• Support reconciliation by participating in and supporting initiatives that promote reconciliation and social justice.
• Educating ourselves and others by learning about Indigenous cultures and histories and sharing this knowledge.
• Promoting equality by advocating for policies and practices that address inequalities and support Indigenous rights.
• Continue to celebrate Indigenous cultures by engaging with and celebrating the richness of Indigenous cultures and contributions.

By taking these steps, we can contribute to a future that honours the dignity, rights, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, creating a more just and unified Australia.

Last Week of Term

A big thank you to all the parents who supported the College in finishing strong in Term 3. There is still a big cultural problem at the College in thinking that we finish the term early, taking the final day/s off as a reward, for appointments, for travel, early holidays, or because it is custom and practice. I want to ensure you that while I am Principal of the College, I along with the College Executive will be ensuring that quality teaching and learning for all students happens right up to the final bell on the scheduled last day of term.

In Term 3, please support us. The term concludes on Thursday 26 September for all students. This is a special day in the College Calendar with our Year 12 student graduating on that day. All students are required to be at the College on that day. Please do not make appointments or travel plans for early departure in Term 3.

For your information, Student Attendance Rates for the final five days of Term 2 were as follows. 

• Monday 1 July - 81.26% of students attending
• Tuesday 2 July - 84.46% of students attending
• Wednesday 3 July - 83.77% of students attending
• Thursday 4 July - 77.71% of students attending
• Friday 5 July - 58.4% of students attending

Of note, on Friday 5 July, we had the following student attendance rates per year level - 69% - Year 7; 70% - Year 8; 48% - Year 9; 50% - Year 10; 44% - Year 11; and 67% - Year 12

Congratulations

It is important to acknowledge the many students across the College, over the course of the term, have represented the College, either as an individual or as part of a team. Whether it has been in a sporting event of a team or in a cultural or leadership activity, I want to express my gratitude to you all for the dedication and commitment you have shown. We know that success does not come without sacrifice, determination, and grit. You have all done yourselves, your family, and the College proud.

My sincere thanks also to the parents. You are the backbone who enables your son/daughter to participate in these College events. Your wonderful support, often with financial implications, is greatly appreciated.

I extend thanks to our College staff members who, as organisers, coaches, managers, etc., make these representative activities happen. Without their support, our Xavier students would miss out on great opportunities to grow and prosper.

Uniform — Term 3

As you might be aware from my previous communications, during Term 2, we commenced the Principal’s Thursday Lunchtime Detention for any students out of uniform after an initial warning and for any student showing disrespect to their teacher, peers, or the College rules.

I am pleased to say that the uniform standards have improved across the second half of the term, with fewer students being placed on the Thursday Detention for incorrect uniform. The great majority of students have responded positively to the requirement to wear their uniform correctly and with pride.

I once again thank parents and carers for your support in ensuring that we maintain high standards of College uniform and would encourage you to take every opportunity to talk with your child and build a genuine sense of pride in wearing the uniform as an expression of their pride in belonging to our College community. 

We will continue to require students to wear the correct winter uniform when they return in Term 3. Please check the Student Planner, pages 7 – 9, for the College Uniform requirements. A special note to parents about school shoes (page 7): They must be black, fully enclosed, polishable, lace-up shoes. We do not permit skate shoes, runners, etc., with the formal full school uniform. 

Staff Update

At the end of Term 2, a number of staff concluded contracts with the College. Thank you and very best wishes to Mr Ben Arthurs, Mrs Sally Miller, Mr Anthony Condon, Mr Dan Walker and Mrs Denise Barnard – our prayers go with you all.

A special thank you to Mrs Ciel Jukes for her time as Head of McAuley House and congratulations on all she achieved in the role. We congratulate and wish Ms Nichole Page every success in the Head of House role as she replaces Mrs Jukes in Term 3. 

Staff on leave from the commencement of Term 3 – Ms Sue Ryan and Mrs Nai-Ari Conlan. May God bless them as they have time off, relax, and revitalise. We look forward to their return in 2025.

In Term 3 we will welcome back Mrs Mary Howard, Mr Mark Lee and Mrs Carla Ghanimeh. It will be great to have these staff members back in our ranks.

In Term 3 we also welcome new staff members on contracts for the remainder of 2024, Mr Bryn Base (Science), Ms Gen Maguire (HSIE), Mrs Leela Brett (Canteen) and Ms Ana Pucci (Canteen).

From the commencement of Semester 2, I congratulate Ms Nichole Page (Head of House – McAuley) and Ms Emily Webster (Year 7 Transition & Pastoral Care Coordinator) for their new leadership positions.

Social Media Issues

I once again request all parents and carers to monitor their son’s and daughter’s use of social media platforms. I understand this is a ‘big ask’. Please impress upon your son/daughter the detrimental, long-term effect their inappropriate postings can have. Their ‘digital footprint’ lasts forever — what type of ‘digital footprint’ is your child laying down? Please contact me immediately if you have any details that can assist us in shutting down these sites.

Xavier Parent Group Meeting — Term 3

The next meeting of the Xavier Parent Group will take place on Thursday 22 August from 5:45pm to 7pm in the Staff Common Room in the main Administration Block (access via the Front Office). Join us for an opportunity to meet and discuss College matters and initiatives. We need to listen to your voice! 

Drinks and nibbles will kick off the meeting at 5:45p.m. You are very welcome to attend and participate!

Term 3 Dates

Term 3 is a 10-week term. Students return to the College to commence Term 3 on Tuesday 23 July 2024. Monday 22 July is a staff professional learning day at the College. No student supervision is provided on this day.

Term 3 concludes for all students on Thursday 26 September. Friday 27 September is a Student-Free Day and a Professional Learning Day for staff. 

Term 4 commences for students in Year 7-11 on Tuesday 15 October.

Enrolment for 2025

It would be greatly appreciated if parents/carers could notify me at the College as soon as possible if your son/daughter will not be attending Xavier Catholic College in 2025. We have a number of applications for places at the College for 20125 and it would be good to be able to offer places where known vacancies will be occurring. If you are relocating or moving your child to another school, please notify us. Thank you.

Finally, thank you again for your support and encouragement, both of which I value.

I wish you God’s blessings always. May Jesus Christ and St Francis Xavier continue to guide us and inspire us on our journey.

Mr Lee MacMaster
College Principal

Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching

Thank you

As Semester 1 draws to a close, I would like to thank students, staff, and families for their contributions to College life. It has been a very busy and productive term, with much to reflect on, evaluate, and celebrate. As we move into the holiday, I wish each of you a safe and joy-filled break.

Year 11 Awards Ceremony

It was with great pride that we recently welcomed students and parents to the Year 11 Semester 1 Awards Ceremony. This was a wonderful opportunity to recognise students for both academic excellence and consistent effort and application. As a Jesuit Companion school, we are all called to do more and be more for the glory of God and in the service of others. We challenge and support students to seek excellence in their lives with a focus on their engagement in, and commitment to, learning, effort and achievement. We are confident that our young people will use their learning be agents of positive change in the world.

Year 7 - 10 Reports

Year 7 - 10 Reports will be made available via Compass on Friday 26 July.  Parents and students will be provided with an overview of their progress, with commendations and recommendations provided by their teachers.  We encourage all parents and guardians to read the report with their child to celebrate their effort and achievement, and to discern new goals for the semester ahead.

Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher Conferences

The vital role of parents as the first educators of their children is central to our values at the College. Research shows that the more a parent is actively involved in school life, the greater the chance of success for their children; we thank our valued parent community for their participation in many elements of College life.  

Parent/Teacher Conferences for Years 7 to 10 are scheduled for Thursday 1 August. Parents and guardians are invited to book appointments via Compass. Students are welcome to attend the conferences with their parents and to participate in the learning conversation.

Subject Selection

Year 10 and Year 8 students submitted subject selections in Week 10, Term 2. Year 10 students are to be commended on the preparation and positive approach displayed toward the senior subject selection process. Thank you also to parents and guardians of our Year 10 students for supporting your child by attending the teacher/student parent conference and for assisting with the subject selection discernment process. We are working hard to construct the 2025 timetable, ensuring the maximum number of students are provided with their subject preferences, and to ensure suitable staffing and rooming arrangements are in place. This is a lengthy and complex process, and we thank students and parents for their patience as we work behind the scenes to create the new timetable with its many interrelated parts. Students will be notified of their pattern of study next term, and support processes will be provided for further consultation as required.

Year 12: Trial HSC Examinations

Year 12 students will complete their final assessment tasks during the Trial HSC Examination period. Examinations commence on Monday 8 August and conclude on Monday 19 August. All Year 12 students are encouraged to consolidate all course material and to focus on a program of study in order to be well prepared for the upcoming examination block.

Students are reminded to check the Trial HSC 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. On these occasions, alternative transport may need to be arranged.

If a student is unable to attend a Trial HSC 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 12/HSC Absence form Assessment/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 Trial HSC Examinations.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Year 12 students well for the examination block; the prayers of the College community will be with them during this time. Please do not hesitate to contact either Ms Wade (Leader of Curriculum) or myself if you have any questions or concerns.

Ms Carmel Zuino

Assistant Principal: Mission

NAIDOC Celebrations

The theme of NAIDOC Week, to Keep the Fire Burning, is appropriate at many levels. It echoes the importance of lighting and controlling fire in Australian Indigenous communities, the cultural heart centre of a gathering, warmth and nourishment, cleansing and rebirth of the land. Fire lay at the heart of the meals, the feasts, the care for the land, and the community life of Indigenous Australians. To keep it burning was a communal task of mutual service. It was the difference between a thriving and energetic community and one that had lost hope and was dying out. This year, then, NAIDOC Week marks the determination to honour the fire in the heart that engendered the birth of the Week and to ensure that it endures.

For non-Indigenous Australians, NAIDOC Week is a time to honour the culture of our First Peoples and the tenacity with which they have insisted on their culture and their rights. For all of us, it is what we want our shared Australia to be like. It is about forming respectful and decent relationships that engender pride within communities. It is a time for engaging with one another, for recognising and celebrating the many ways in which pride is being built in Indigenous communities, and for pressing for respect in all our personal and institutional relationships.

Due to the inspirational work and extensive planning by our Aboriginal Education Workers Tamera Bolt and Deb Hildrew, we were fortunate enough to have the Ballina Coast High School Deadly Dancers visit, perform and celebrate this occasion at our NAIDOC week Assembly. Our own Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students worked with our student leaders to run the NAIDOC Assembly on Wednesday, and these students also had an opportunity to engage in an enrichment program for the day, working with local Elders and facilitators of language, fire and weaving workshops. A variety of valuable cultural enrichment activities where our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students could learn more about their own and/or local community’s traditions and cultural knowledge, as well as share experiences and strengthen bonds with other students and community members. Thank you, Tamera and Deb, for your invaluable work in the lead-up to NAIDOC Week.

Our MacKillop House tradition to fundraise for our sister school St Francis Xavier in Daly River, Northern Territory is also inextricably linked to our NAIDOC celebrations and this year MacKillop House once again did an amazing job providing a Sausage Sizzle Extravaganza, including Roo Burgers, Wattleseed & Kakadu Plum Ice-Cream and scones with rosella jam and cream, amongst other items. Their efforts were greatly appreciated, and a substantial amount was fundraised. The MacKillop Student Leaders contributed to the success of the assembly and the fundraising, and a wonderful group of MacKillop House members worked hard behind the scenes with their inspiring leader, Rebecca Kennedy and other MacKillop staff members to make the day a complete success. Thank you, MacKillop!

Finishing Strong

Congratulations to all the students who took up our call to ‘finish strong,’ attending all lessons prepared and committed to their learning right up until the final bell on Friday Week 10. It was particularly inspiring to see the dedication and academic focus displayed by our Year 12 Cohort in the Library every lunchtime during the final week of term. Our study rooms were overflowing — you are certainly finishing strong, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of your labours in the coming months and celebrating your achievements and graduation milestone. Only 10 short weeks of Term 3 formal classes to go now!

2024 Winter Appeal - A Message from the St Vincent De Paul Society

With housing costs representing the biggest cost of living item in most family budgets, it is unsurprising that nearly half of the people assisted are in housing stress. The proportion of people seeking assistance who are homeless or in temporary accommodation has risen from 19% to 30% over the past two years. “People from many walks of life are finding themselves with no money left at the end of pay week to cover the rent, to pay the electricity bills, or to afford food for their kids. Our services report that families with children are being given tents to live in due to the lack of available accommodation,” said Ms Saiz.

Funds raised through the Vinnies Winter Appeal will be used to fund our core programs, including supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and also people struggling with poverty and cost-of-living pressures. “Your support of the Vinnies Winter Appeal will help to ensure that we can make the difference to keep a family in their home, find pathways to housing or provide them with direct material assistance such as food and help with bills,” said Mr Adams.

Donations can be made at www.vinnies.org.au, on 13 18 12 and at all Vinnies Shops. Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

2024 WINTER APPEAL: THIS WEEKEND 6th/7th JULY

Envelopes will be available. Every dollar can make a difference. Envelopes are available in the Church pews for your convenience.

Online details:

• BSB: 062 000
• Account No: 1988 9862
• Ref No: 43450. 

Donations can also be left at the Vinnies Shop 7 Martin Street, Ballina. Thinking of becoming a Ballina SVdP Conference Volunteer? Phone: Rosette Leo (Coordinator) on 0490 258 139.

Mr Peter Fear

Catechesis & Evangelisation

Year 8 Visits to Holy Family

This term, Year 8 Religion classes have been developing resources on the Sacraments of Initiation! They then had the opportunity to share their resources with students at Holy Family Catholic Primary School Skennars Head. Here are some of their reflections:

The year three's were welcoming and happy to learn about confirmation and other things related to the sacraments - Jye

Today we visited year 3 at Holy Family and taught them in small groups about one of the Sacraments of Initiation: Confirmation. We had a great time teaching these young people and enjoyed listening and answering any questions they had and tried our best to keep them engaged through easy to understand language and fun pictures and examples - Mia

I thought the experience was interesting because of my old experience in the school and helping students with an even deeper understanding of God and the Sacraments - Leo

Ignis Inside

In Week 8 a small group of staff attended the Ingis Inside retreat at St Francis Xavier parish centre in Ballina. Ignis Inside follows Ignis begins, and integrates reflective, spiritual experiences with the story of Ignatius, his dreams and choices, worldview, and journey in companionship. Engaging the heart and mind, it offers time to connect with Ignatian spirituality and the mission of the Society of Jesus. Mrs Kennedy, Mrs Kilby, Mrs Wallace, Mrs Howard, Mrs Webster, and Mr Clarke spent two days undertaking Ignis Inside at St Francis Xavier Parish Centre with co-faciliators Karen Wong from JISA and Dr Beveridge. It was a wonderfully spiritual experience, with abundant time for careful listening (dadirri), accompaniment, spiritual conversations, reflection, and discernment. We are grateful to the College for providing the opportunity to engage in Staff Formation, which is so integral to what we do as a Jesuit Companion School. We are also grateful to Karen for her expert guidance and facilitation of the retreat. Staff left the program feeling 'refreshed', 'renewed' and 'restored' with new insights and perspectives.  

NAIDOC Week

This week, RE classes have been working on activities and learning around NAIDOC week. Students have been learning about the history behind NAIDOC Week, how they can support NAIDOC Week, and creating raps, presentations, and posters about inspiring First Nations people who lead in the community. A poem has been included below from one of our Year 7 students:

Keep the fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud

In the heart of Australia, NAIDOC Week unfolds, a vibrant celebration of resilience.

It doesn’t take experience to learn about their cultures.

Everyone gathers around to share their stories and pass them to the youngsters

Art and dance weave together, painting a tapestry of identity and pride.

Elders impart wisdom while youth embrace their heritage with joyous spirit.

It’s a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and envision a future guided by unity.

NAIDOC Week, a precious reminder of the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures that enrich our land.

Year 7 Assessment Task: The Greatest Story of All

This term, Year 7 has been learning about Sacred Scripture and its importance for Catholics. For their assessment, they created magazine articles on any topic of their own choosing based on the theme of how Sacred Scripture can inspire young people. They produced an astonishing range of articles, from a focus on sports people, courageous women of the Bible, comparing the creation story to Aboriginal creation stories, Biblical Beats, and modern beauty standards connected to the Bible. 

Some work samples are included below along with some student reflections:

For our Term 2 assessment, I wrote about women of the Bible vs women now. I really enjoyed doing this assessment because it helped me have more knowledge on modern-day followers of God. - Amelie

I wrote a cookbook on Christian values for my assignment on how scripture can inspire young people. I found this activity fun and engaging. - Alice

Ignite Conference

The Ignite Conference is one of the largest Catholic events of its kind in Australia for young people - adults, teenagers and children. The conference includes live bands and awesome speakers, with streams and workshops in areas such leadership, worship, creative arts, mission, culture and prayer! Parents can learn more about Ignite from their website https://igniteconference.com.au/ or this Ignite Promo Video.

• Date: 19 – 22 September, 2024
• Venue: St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane

The CSO will be organising a trip which is open to students from Years 7-12. The trip will be subsidised by the CSO to make it more affordable and accessible. Student participants will be asked to make a co-contribution of $300.00. This contribution will go towards the registration cost. Transport, most food and all accommodation are fully subsidised.

Students can apply for a place on this year’s Ignite trip via the Ignite 2024 Application Form. Applications close Tuesday 23 July. 

St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleep Out

Members of the College Senior Ministry Team ‘slept rough' at school this week as part of a state-wide St Vincent de Paul program to raise awareness for the plight of homeless people.  

It is estimated that as many as 105,000 Australians ‘sleep rough’ each night. Of this number, 25,000 of these are teenagers. The North Coast of NSW has a growing problem with homelessness due to a chronic lack of affordable housing. The Vinnies School Sleepout provides students with an opportunity to experience what it is like to be homeless for one night. The timing of our event coincides with the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal and the St Vincent de Paul CEO Sleepout (currently being advertised on television.)

Families are invited to contribute to this fundraising event via the QR code.

Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge

College News

Technologies Project Day

Year 12 Students recently had a day to intensively work on their major projects. This was a hectic day during which students solved a project-based problem with a product, system, or environment.

Students have been completing projects in Food (in the kitchen), metal work (welding), electronic products, Textiles projects and lighting for rural roads. Due to the diversity of the projects, teachers called on many experts to assist the students to work through the problems with their projects. Many thanks to Mr Pavez, Mr  Raeburn and the Software Engineering students, Ms Hannah Lampe, Mr Elliot, Mr Pat Kennedy and Mr Sam Kennedy.

Industrial Technology: Metal and Engineering

Charlie Paskins made great use of the incursion to complete the fabrication of his 4WD Rock Sliders. Charlie will now design and develop the mounting brackets to his Toyota Hilux chassis.

Caleb Cowan also found the incursion invaluable as he was able to complete the fabrication of his Outdoor Bench seat. Caleb is currently attaching his hardwood timber slats to the steel frame.

Ms Fiona Spinks
Leader of Technologies

Year 10 Child Studies

Year 10 Child Studies visit St Anne's Long Day Care Centre

Thank you to Narelle Dewhurst and her St Anne’s Long Day Care Centre staff for welcoming us again. Upon arrival, Narelle said it was so nice to have our neighbours back! XCC students engaged with staff and students to develop an understanding of how technology is incorporated into their daily programs. A student from the Seabirds room was very proud when she was asked to demonstrate her use of the iPad to assist her in learning Italian. Her ability to count to 10 in Italian impressed my students.

Staff from the Seabirds and Rockpools rooms engaged in conversation around NAIDOC Week and how we can incorporate our learning of ‘Children and Culture” next term. I look forward to working collaboratively with St Anne’s to create a meaningful learning experience for our students next term.

Thank you to my wonderful students for engaging so positively with the staff and students of St Anne’s. Special thanks to Nai-Arii Conlan who accompanied my class often this term. Her assistance was invaluable.

Mrs Naomi Byrnes
Child Studies Teacher

Visual Arts News

ArtExpress 2024

The ArtExpress 2024 Regional Exhibition opened on 15 June at Yarrila Arts and Museum, Coffs Harbour! XCC is proud to have two of our 2024 alumni, Hendrix Mills and Izaiah Tipene-Royal, showcased in the exhibition. The opening began with a Welcome to Country and was officiated and attended by representatives from NESA, the Department of Education, ArtExpress, Coffs Harbour Mayor, YAM staff, students, their families, teachers, artists, and members of the public.

Over 8000 Bodies of Work were submitted last year, and only 60 of these were selected for inclusion in the HSC ArtExpress Showcase. 20 artworks were then chosen for this regional exhibition. The Gallery Educations Program Facilitator, Emma, said that having two artworks featured in the exhibition from the same school was considered a coup. She also said that hundreds of school students had already seen the exhibition, and there were school bookings for hundreds more.

Hendrix and Izaiah should be proud of their achievements as well as inspiring the next generation of young artists. Hendrix's Body of Work was also featured at the ArtExpress Regional exhibition at Hazelhurst Art Centre in Tamworth earlier this year.

It was a wonderful occasion celebrating these students and their families. Both young men are on a gap year working and are embarking on tertiary studies in art and design next year. The attendees, including practising artists, commented on the amazing skill of both students' work. They should be very proud.

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Year 9 Pop Art

During Weeks 8-10, pop-up exhibitions of Pop Art paintings and sculptures by Year 9 Visual Arts students were held around the Xollege. 

This is a great way to celebrate student achievement and promote Visual Arts to Year 8 students who are making decisions about Subject Selections for next year.

We congratulate the Year 9 students on the consistent commitment and effort in class and at home required to resolve their artworks to a high standard. 

Thanks to Ms Coleman and Mr Bathily in the maintenance team for assisting with hanging the paintings. 

Ms Jasmin Rogers
Visual Arts Teacher

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English News

Bell Shakespeare Visits The Northern Rivers

Xavier Catholic College was fortunate enough to be the host to a Pop-Up Theatre presented by Bell Shakespeare this past term. On Tuesday 25 June our Year 7 and Year 10 students travelled all the way to the Magis Centre which was transformed into a mini Globe Theatre for two shows performed throughout the day.

At the start of the day Year 7 saw the excellent live performance of a show entitled Shakespeare is Dead. This carefully choreographed collage of many of Shakespeare’s most famous works presented the universal themes of life that transcend Shakespreare’s plays and poetry through 5 acts. This complemented our Term 2 English class study of an introduction to poetry and Shakespeare. The students were a very attentive audience, some were asked to participate and they all loved the show.

After recess, the theatre transformed once again when the Bell Shakespeare troupe performed Shakespeare and The Human Experience to Year 10. This show was much more mature and layered scenes from the more serious plays into an exploration of the universal human emotions we all experience. There was laughter and there were tears as the troupe led us through the development of one human throughout her entire life and through her emotional experiences through various characters from a vast array of the famous Shakespearean plays we will study in Years 10-12. This feeds into our Year 10 Term 3 study of Macbeth that we begin after the holidays. 

The Bell Shakespeare players were excellent! They also thought we were too - they commented on how attentive our students were and noted that our Year 10s were the best Year 10 audience that they’d had all year. 

Bravo to all involved.

Ms Jennifer Leigh-Jones
Leader of English

Year 9 Program News

Term 2 Report

This year, on Friday afternoons, our Year 9 students have been visiting various locations and participating in a number of activities within the Year 9 Enrichment Program. During Term 2 students have participated in the following activities: 

• Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre - where students completed activities such as sailing, rock climbing, archery, orienteering and stand up paddle boarding
• Crowley Village - where students built relationships with the residents at Crowley through playing games, doing crafts, making conversation and developing friendships
• Arrupe Faith in Action - where students made bees wax wraps, planted and cared for seeds in our College Greenhouse, undertook a Cultural walk from Shelly Beach to Xavier to learn about some important cultural events in our local history, they designed reusable bags and created great initiatives to improve waste management at XCC
• Holy Family and St Anne’s - where students attended our neighbouring primary and pre schools and took on leadership roles for the primary students. Our students read stories, played sports and games and built relationships with the students
• Men We Need and Young Women Rising - where students undertook wellbeing sessions run by external providers (Samual Johnston and Kellie Coates) learning about mental health, goal setting, using exercise to support a healthy lifestyle and ‘filling up your cup’.

A big thank you to the wonderful staff to whom this program would not be possible without:

• Mrs Jukes
• Ms K. Brown
• Ms Webster
• Mr Condon
• Mr Colman
• Ms Zupan
• Ms Forestal
• Ms Ryan
• Ms Page

We are very much looking forward to another exciting term of Year 9 Enrichment program in Term 3. Students will be participating in the following activities: 

• Group 1 - Arrupe / Holy Family 
• Group 2 - Lake Ainsworth
• Group 3 - Arrupe / Holy Family 
• Group 4 - Men We Need / Young Women Rising
• Group 5 - Men We Need / Young Women Rising
• Group 6 - Crowley Village
• Group 7 - Lake Ainsworth
• Group 8 - Crowley Village

A reminder that students attending Lake Ainsworth in Term 3 must be registered by a parent/guardian using the link emailed to you. Students participating in this activity must bring their swimmers and a towel each week, as well as reef shoes or old runners for the water activities. 

Miss Georgia Quinn
Leader of Co-Curricular

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Wellbeing News

Nagle House Head Shave

Nagle House ran their House fundraiser — the Nagle head shave! Our Nagle House Captains did an incredible job of running this event which not only raised funds for our sister school in Turiscai, but also raised awareness of Beyond Blue’s campaign to support mental health.

Thank you to the students and staff who volunteered to shave their locks in the name of mental health, and congratulations to Nagle House on a wonderful awareness campaign!

Ignatius House: Caring for our Common Home

As the Green team, Ignatius House has taken on awareness-raising among the student body around the Jesuit Apostolic Preference of Caring for our Common Home.

In Week 6 Ignatius House leaders prepared activities for all students to participate in during Community Time. This coincided with World Environment Day on Wednesday 5th June.  The 2024 theme for World Environment Day was “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience - Our Land. Our Future 

We are #Generation Restoration”. By focusing on this theme it is hoped that individuals, businesses and governments will take action because whilst we cannot turn back time, we can grow forests, revive water sources, and bring back soils. We are the generation that can make peace with land.

The students spent some time learning about the problem with land degradation, desertification and drought and some of the things we can do to make a difference. Students then had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that focused on reviving our water sources by keeping plastic out, greening our environment and taking the message to social media. Students were able to choose an activity they would like to do: Plant a succulent (in a reused plastic bottle); Reuse plastic bottles (from our Return and Earn bins) to make flowers for a flower installation; Create a Social Media Post for #GenerationRestoration #WorldEnvironmentDay or Take a Quiz on the World Environment Day Website.

Ignatius House also launched our annual Fundraising Initiative during this Community Time  and continued with our environmental theme by again reminding students of the Return and Earn program established by Ignatius House.  We asked for a willingness to engage with the program and to continue to place all eligible drink containers in our Return and Earn bins. Every eligible container is a 10c donation to our friends in Turiscai. We also sold soft drink cans on Fridays from Week 6 to Week 9 and encouraged students to place their empty, uncrushed cans in the Return and Earn Bins. A recent return of eligible drink containers saw us, as a College community, keep 1431 containers out of landfill. 

The Ignatius Leaders decided this year to direct all of our funds raised to our Sister School in Turiscai. We raised over $800 in soft drink sales and when we add the Return and Earn funds we take our total to $963.35. This is a huge achievement and, on behalf of Ignatius House and the Ignatius Captains, we sincerely thank the College community for supporting our fundraising initiative by buying the soft drinks and, most importantly, using the bins correctly.

Mrs Janine Wallace
Head of Ignatius House

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XCC's Inaugural Push Up Challenge 2024

The Push-Up Challenge is Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event.

Every year, Australians participate in The Push-Up Challenge to improve their physical and mental fitness, have fun and raise funds to make a difference to mental health in Australia. While Xavier was not in a position to raise funds, we certainly were about raising awareness of mental health and the benefits of exercise. 

From June 4th to June 28th, over 24 days, students completed either pushups or squats each morning in PC, recording their tally with their PC teacher. At the end of the Challenge, we are proud to say that the College completed an amazing 263,431 pushups & squats!

And the winning house was... 

Ignatius!

Ignatius House dominated the Challenge and was quick out of the starting blocks. The house completed a staggering 77,652 pushups. The other places were as follows:

• 2nd - Faber - 66,367 
• 3rd- McAuley - 44,843
• 4th - Campion - 31,516
• 5th - Nagle - 21,680
• 6th - MacKillop - 21,373

The winning PC groups from each house were:

• Campion 6 - 12,105 pushups
• Faber 5 - 17,348 pushups
• Ignatius 6 - 37,075 pushups (and overall winning PC group)
• MacKillop 3 - 6155 pushups
• McAuley 4 - 9310 pushups
• Nagle 1 - 7199 pushups

Special mention goes to Jake Sayer of Year 12, our College Captain, who was our ambassador for the event. Thanks also goes to each and every student and staff member who got behind the cause and gained a few muscles along the way!!! Well done all. 

Ms Nichole Page (Pastoral Care Program Coordinator) and Jake Sayer (College Captain & Push-Up Challenge Ambassador)

Year 7 Pastoral Day - Stand By Me & Movie Time!

Year 7 embarked on another wonderful Pastoral Care day in Week 9 of Term 2. 

The theme for this day was in two parts. Part 1 was all about embracing the College theme of “Stand by Me” and what this means for the students. Students worked in groups within their house to break down the components of the College theme and investigate our own definitions of Unity, Courage, Resilience and Growth. The students engaged in the discussions and poster creations to be displayed around the College. They shared their own definitions of what it means to be united as a year group and as a College Community. They explored the concepts around growth and developed suggestions of how students can grow more in their abilities. Students defined courage as “the strengths gained and used to deal with change, pressured situations and adversity” and identified the ways in which they could be more courageous within themselves and with regard to their friendships. Resilience was a popular concept to explore, and many referred to the lesson learned in The Resilience Project from the year to date. 

After an early lunch, Part 2 of the day began, and the excitement grew as we departed the College for Palace Cinemas. The cohort watched Inside Out 2. The movie, like its predecessor, delves into the complexities of emotions, this time focusing more on the transitional period of adolescence. This stage in life is marked by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes, making it a rich backdrop for exploring the varying interactions of different emotions.  By addressing these elements, "Inside Out 2" illuminates the path to emotional balance, showing us that joy can find a way to shine through life’s anxieties.

The students had a great day and really embraced all the activities on offer. 

Ms Nichole Page
Year 7 Transition Coordinator

Sport News

NSW All Schools Touch Football

The 7/8 Gala Day was held on Monday 17 June at Saunders Oval Ballina.

The Junior Boys' team started the day with a strong performance, defeating Lindisfarne 8-0. They continued their winning streak in Game 2 with another 8-0 victory over St. Joseph's Banora Point.

Game 3 was a tough battle, ending in a 2-2 tie against Ballina Coast High. However, they bounced back in Game 4 with a 4-1 win over Kingscliff High.

In the semi-final, the team faced Ballina Coast again and emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, securing their place in the final.

The final against Emmanuel was a nail-biting match, ending in a 1-1 tie and leading to a drop-off with only three players remaining. In the end, Harry Ranyard set up Joe Brown for the winning try, securing the victory of the day.

Having won the North Coast tournament, the boys qualified for the NSW All Schools State Finals at St Mary’s Sydney on 13 August.

Congratulations to the Junior Girls' team for their outstanding efforts and performances:

• Game 1: They started the day with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Lindisfarne.
• Game 2: The team displayed their dominance with a 6-0 victory over St. Joseph's Banora Point.
• Game 3: In a challenging match, they secured a 3-3 draw against Ballina Coast.

Unfortunately, two players had to leave before Game 4 for other commitments, leaving the team with low substitutes. Despite this, the Junior girls showed incredible resilience:

• Game 4: They achieved a remarkable 6-1 victory over Kingscliff High.
• Semi-Final: The team triumphed over Lindisfarne, securing their place in the final.
• Final: The girls played valiantly but lost to Ballina Coast.

The Junior Girls' determination and skill throughout the day were truly commendable. Congratulations on a fantastic effort!

The 9/10 Gala Day was held on Tuesday, 18 June, at Saunders Oval Ballina.

The Year 9/10 Girls touch football team kicked off their day with an impressive 4-0 victory against Kingscliff High School. 

In a tightly contested second game, they narrowly lost to Ballina Coast High 2-1. Facing Lindisfarne in the third game, the team was defeated 3-1. 

The resilient squad played game four and triumphed over St Joseph's Banora Point 3-1, securing a spot in the semifinals. 

In the semifinal, they faced Lindisfarne again. Despite a valiant effort, the girls were defeated 3-1. 

The team showed remarkable determination and spirit throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all the players!

7-10 Boys Football Team

On Wednesday 19 June, the 7-10 Boys' Football Team travelled to Coffs Harbour to compete in the Diocesan Junior Football Gala Day. The team played six games and remained undefeated, ultimately being crowned Lismore Diocesan Champions.

Following this impressive performance, the boys returned to Coffs Harbour to play the winning Armidale Diocese team. In an amazing performance, they defeated O’Connor Catholic College Armidale 11 - 0.

These talented players will now prepare to play against St. Bede's Chisholm (Maitland) early in Term 3. Congratulations to the team on their remarkable achievements and best of luck in the upcoming match!

7-9 Girls Football Team

The girls played exceptional soccer all day, winning key matches to advance them to the semi-finals. Their dedication and teamwork were evident in every play, leading them to impressive victories against strong opponents.

In the semi-finals, the girls fought hard as a team and showed their strength of character in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges they faced, their determination and sportsmanship never wavered.

Individual Achievements

Congratulations to Amalia Anderson:
Exciting news from the Sydney State Netball Titles in Camden! Amalia Anderson and the under-15s team from Ballina showcased exceptional skill and determination. Over the course of three intense days and 14 challenging games, the Ballina team not only remained undefeated but also emerged as the Senior State Champions in their division. Congratulations to Amalia and her teammates on this remarkable achievement!

A huge congratulations to Keely Monk for her outstanding performance in the All Abilities State Netball Team. Keely's dedication and talent shone through, earning her the title of Player of the Tournament. Well done, Keely! 

Rugby

Congratulations to Will Picken, Oscar Godwin and Jack Moyle who travelled to Sydney and were selected in the NSWCCC Under 18 Boys State Rugby team. A fantastic achievement.

In breaking news Oscar Godwin and Will Picken have both been selected in the NSW Junior Waratahs Rugby team. What an incredible achievement! I am told that Oscar is the starting no.10 and Will is the starting no. 8 for the State team. The boys are currently on the Sunshine Coast competing at the Australian Schoolboys Rugby Championships. What an achievement!

Mr Pat Kennedy (Leader of Sport) and Ms Emily Keys (Sport Trainee)

Canteen News

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. 

Our recess and lunch order cutoff time is 8:45am.

Please visit our website for the 2024 Canteen Roster.

Mrs Denise Barnard
Canteen Supervisor

Community News