Newsletter 9: Monday 30 September 2024

For the Calendar

Week 1, Term 4

• Monday 14/10/24: Student-Free Day (Staff Curriculum Professional Learning Day)
• Tuesday 15/10/24: All students return. HSC Examinations begin
• Wednesday 16/10/24: Community Time
• Thursday 17/10/24: Student Leadership Camp (Class of 2025 Student Leaders) from 3:30pm
• Friday 18/10/24: Student Leadership Camp (Class of 2025 Student Leaders)
• Saturday 19/10/24: Student Leaders Commissioning Mass (5:30pm Vigil Mass @ St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Ballina)
  

Week 2, Term 4

• Monday 21/10/24: HSC Examinations continue, Year 10 Industrial Technology Timber Excursion
• Tuesday 22/10/24: Year 11 Worldskills Construction TBC
• Wednesday 23/10/24: Senior Retreat (Class of 2025), Community Time
• Thursday 24/10/24: Senior Retreat (Class of 2025), Year 10 History Incursions (P1-2: A, B, F; P3-4: C, D, E)
• Friday 25/10/24: Senior Retreat (Class of 2025)
  

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 3, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the wonderful achievements and progress our students have made over the past few months. It has been an incredibly busy and rewarding term filled with academic excellence, creative endeavours, service opportunities and community spirit.

It has been a joy to witness the growth and success of so many of our students across various fields this term. From outstanding academic results to impressive performances in sports, dance, drama music, the arts, our students continue to set high standards and demonstrate a commitment to their personal and collective development. I would like to congratulate all students for their hard work and dedication, and thank our staff and families for their unwavering support.

Some standout achievements this term include:

• Exceptional performance in a range of individual and team sports competitions, topped off with our Open Boys’ Rugby League squad tasting success in the NRL State Country Cup.
• A number of our Year 12 students achieving recognition by being nominated by NESA for HSC performances in Drama (OnStage), Dance (Callback) and Music (Encore).
• Our talented students who have performed with academic excellence across the year. 

These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and determination shown by our students, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to celebrate these successes.

Best Wishes to our Year 12 Students

This week, we had the privilege of celebrating a significant milestone in the lives of our Year 12 students—their Graduation. It was a truly special occasion, highlighted by a beautiful Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony held last Thursday. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of our Year 12 students on reaching this important chapter in their educational journey.

Our graduating class of 2024 has shown exceptional talent, resilience, and commitment throughout their time at the College. They have excelled in their studies, displayed outstanding leadership, and contributed to our community in meaningful ways. It has been a joy to witness their growth and achievements, both inside and outside the classroom. As they embark on the next stage of their lives, I am confident that they will continue to make us proud.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and carers of our Year 12 students. Your support, encouragement, and guidance have been invaluable in helping our students reach this milestone. Your partnership with the College has made a significant impact, and I am sure that your presence and pride at the Graduation Ceremony will be remembered by your children for years to come.

Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated and supportive teachers. Your tireless efforts, commitment, and passion for education have been instrumental in shaping the futures of our students. Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure they are well-prepared and confident as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

As we celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students, it is also important to keep an eye on the upcoming Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams, which commence on Tuesday, 15 October. I encourage our students to use this time wisely, continue refining their study routines, and seek support if needed. Remember, the effort you put in now will be rewarded when you cross the final finish line of your school journey.

On behalf of the entire College community, I wish our Year 12 graduates all the very best as they prepare for their HSC exams and beyond. We are confident that they will approach these challenges with the same perseverance and dedication that they have demonstrated throughout their time here. May they carry the values and skills they have developed at the College into all their future endeavours.

Improvement in Student Attendance Required

I would like to take this opportunity to re-emphasise the importance of student attendance and engagement in ensuring academic success and overall wellbeing. Regular attendance is a key factor in fostering a positive learning environment, and we are committed to supporting our students to be present and engaged throughout the term.

While we celebrate the many successes of our students, there is a need to address an area where we can all work together to make meaningful improvements—student attendance. Our goal is for every student to achieve a minimum of 95% attendance throughout the term. This target is not just about being physically present; it is about ensuring students are actively participating, connected, and engaged in their learning.

Research consistently shows that high attendance rates are directly linked to better academic outcomes, greater social connections, and increased confidence. Every day counts, and even small absences can add up, leading to gaps in learning and missed opportunities for students to develop resilience and perseverance.

We recognise that there may be challenges that impact attendance, and we are here to support our students in overcoming these obstacles. Building resilience is an essential part of this process, and we encourage our students to set goals, stay motivated, and seek help when needed. By maintaining regular attendance, students are developing habits of commitment and responsibility that will serve them well beyond their school years.

We cannot achieve this goal alone. The support and involvement of parents and carers are crucial in promoting the value of regular attendance. I encourage you to engage in conversations with your child about the importance of being present at the College every day, unless there is a legitimate reason for their absence. Working together, we can create an environment where attendance and engagement are priorities and where students feel supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

As we move forward into the coming term, I urge all students to focus on their attendance and participation. Every class, every lesson, and every interaction matters. Let’s aim for 95% attendance and make this term one of strong engagement, resilience, and achievement. If there are any concerns or barriers impacting your child’s attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help.

As an incentive to full attendance, this term we will institute ‘Certificates of Unbroken Attendance’ which will be awarded to students on the final day of term should they have no absences. These certificates will be beneficial to students as they seek employment, apply for university scholarships and residences, and as another piece of evidence to demonstrate commitment and application.

Xavier Catholic College Parent Group Meeting — Term 4

The next meeting of the Xavier Parent Group will take place on Thursday 14 November 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 from 5.45pm. You are very welcome to attend and participate!  

Term 4 — 2024 Dates

Term 4 commences for students in Year 7-11 on Tuesday 15 October. Monday 14 October is a student-free day to allow staff to meet for professional learning. Term 4 concludes for all students in Years 7-11 on Wednesday 18 December.

2025 Term Dates (For Students)

Please note the below Term dates for next year.

Term 1:

• School Dates: Tuesday 4 February to Friday 11 April (10-week term)
• School Holidays: Monday 14 April to Friday 26 April
• 2025 Easter Break: Good Friday 18 April to Easter Monday 21 April

Term 2:

• School Dates: Tuesday 29 April to Friday 4 July (10-week term)
• School Holidays: Monday 7 July to Friday 18 July
  

Term 3:

• School Dates: Tuesday 22 July to Thursday 25 September (10-week term)
• School Holidays: Monday 29 September to Friday 10 October

Term 4:

• School Dates: Tuesday 14 October to Wednesday 17 December (10-week term)
• School Holidays: Thursday 18 December to Monday 26 January 2026

2025 Professional Learning Days (For Staff — Student-Free Days)

Term 1:

• Friday 31 January (first day of Term 1)
• Monday 3 February (second day of Term 1)

Term 2: 

• Monday 28 April (First day of Term 2)
• Tuesday 10 June (Mid-Term 2)

Term 3: 

• Monday 21 July (First day of Term 3)
• Friday 26 September (Final day of Term 3)

Term 4:

• Monday 13 October (First day of Term 4)
• Thursday 18 December (HSC/ATAR Results Day — TBC)

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 2025, 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.

_____________________________________________________________ 

While we take pride in what we have achieved this term, it is equally important to look forward and consider the opportunities that lie ahead in Term 4. Our focus will be on consolidating learning, preparing for final assessments, and setting new goals that will help students finish the academic year on a high note.

Term 4 presents an ideal time for students to review their performance, identify areas of improvement, and set clear goals for continued growth. I encourage all students to take advantage of the support and resources available at the College. Parents and carers, your encouragement and guidance during this period will be invaluable, and I thank you for your ongoing support.

To our students, staff, and families, I wish you all a restful and enjoyable break. Use this time to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to embrace the final term of the year.

Finally, thank you again for your support and encouragement, both of which I value. If you would like to meet with me at any time to discuss your child’s education and/or to provide any constructive feedback, I would love to hear from you.

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

I am very grateful to work within the Xavier community. As another incredibly busy term draws to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our students for their positive engagement in their education. Your teachers are grateful for your enthusiasm, good manners, love of learning, sense of humour, curiosity, kindness and sense of community. I sincerely thank our families who have worked in partnership with the school, working collaboratively with staff to support the students in our care.

I would like to acknowledge our team of dedicated and professional staff. This term’s calendar included the Trial HSC Examinations and the Year 11 End of Course Examinations. The College issued Semester Reports and Progress Reports for students in Years 7-10, and Year 12 End of Course Reports. Hundreds of Parent Teacher Student Conferences were held to enrich school and family partnerships and support students’ learning growth. We have presented hundreds of students with Consistent Effort and Academic Achievement Awards, again inviting our parent community to share in the celebration. 

Throughout the term, the College has hosted teams of NESA markers who have been on-site marking HSC projects and practical tasks. We have run HSC language examinations (during the school day and on weekends) and HSC Showcase evenings for Music, English Extension II, Dance and Drama. We have created numerous opportunities for parents/carers to visit the College and for the wider school community to witness the amazing talents of our students. Teachers across all year levels have organised numerous incursions and excursions across Key Learning Areas to ensure students have real-world connections to their learning and to nurture curiosity and inspire wonder. 

Beyond the classroom, teachers have engaged in ongoing professional development, as required within the performance and development framework. Staff are engaged with the implementation of the NSW curriculum reform; this has necessitated an enormous amount of preparation in addition to their usual duties. I sincerely thank our teachers, LOLs and support staff for their hard work, their commitment to our students and the pursuit of excellence.

Year 7-10 Reflection on Learning and Goal Setting

Successful learning requires individuals who know how to use feedback, reflect, and self-evaluate to establish personal learning goals. All students are capable of learning growth through consistent effort and application.

Earlier this term, students in Years 7-10 received Progress Reports, which provided feedback on learning behaviours in specific courses. Earlier this week, we invited parents to sit with their child/ren to complete a Reflection and Goal Setting activity, working through three simple steps: 

1. Respond to a series of questions that guide students to reflect on and evaluate their learning behaviours
2. Set a learning goal for the term ahead to encourage students to be accountable for improving their learning in partnership with parents and teachers
3. Identify three actions to empower each individual to achieve their learning goal in Term 4.

It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the application of every student and to consider opportunities for further growth. We recognise parents are their children's first teachers, and in building partnerships between home and school, we can improve students’ learning and wellbeing outcomes. For further information, please refer to communication via Compass.

Year 11

We congratulate Year 11 on the completion of their end-of-course examinations and their preliminary studies. Reports will be issued early next term, with the opportunity for Parent Teacher Conferences to follow. 

At this point, students have the opportunity to reflect on their successes and areas for improvement. Information in relation to dropping and/or changing courses will be emailed to students, parents and caregivers, and changes will be processed at the beginning of Term 4 as students begin their HSC course. Please be advised that strict NESA rules are in place throughout the HSC and govern many aspects of learning, teaching, and assessment. The HSC Assessment Policy (2024/25) and the Term 4 assessment calendar will be provided to students in Week 1 of Term 4.

Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony

The Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday 26 September. It was wonderful to welcome families and special guests to acknowledge and celebrate our Year 12 students on this special occasion. I congratulate Year 12  on their effort and achievements. We hope they transition to the work beyond school with a strong sense of the Ignatian spirit - as young men and women for others. Go, set the world alight!

HSC Examinations

HSC Presiding Officer Karen Stanton visited the College to provide Year 12 students with the HSC Briefing. This is a continuation of the College’s ongoing efforts to provide students with academic care through the provision of regular and timely information to assist them in navigating the complexity of the HSC. The HSC examination period commences on Tuesday 15 October and concludes on Friday, 8 November 2024. We wish our students all the best with their HSC preparation and encourage them to engage in a consistent and thorough revision of their coursework. Teachers will host holiday workshops, and a separate timetable has been emailed to students. It is a very long road, but they are nearly there, and these final efforts really can make a difference.

We understand that the HSC can be a stressful experience for students and their families; please do not hesitate to contact Ms Tracy Wede (Acting Leader of Curriculum) or myself if you have questions or concerns. We are happy to assist and will do our best to support every student through the examination period. 

Ms Carmel Zuino

Assistant Principal: Mission

Best Wishes to our Year 12s 

Warmest congratulations were extended to our Year 12 students as they celebrated the culmination of their formal education at Xavier Catholic College. This significant milestone was a moment of great pride for the entire school community. We express our heartfelt thanks to the Heads of House for coordinating a series of joyful, memorable events that highlighted the Xavier spirit. These celebrations were thoughtfully designed to honour the achievements of our graduates while fostering a sense of fun and reflection. The Graduation Ceremony itself was an emotional and uplifting event, marked by inspiring speeches that captured the essence of the XCC journey - particularly with the challenges and triumphs of a six-year journey that included everything from local natural disasters to a global pandemic alongside individual personal journeys and experiences. Their words were a testament to the resilience, growth, and strong sense of community that defined this cohort. We offer our deep gratitude not only to our College Captains for their leadership but also to all Year 12 leaders who left an enduring legacy at Xavier. Their contributions enriched our school community, and we are confident they will continue to make a positive impact in the world beyond our gates. Best wishes were offered to the Class of 2024 as they embarked on their next chapter (once they complete their HSC Exams early next term). May they continue to shine brightly and make their mark wherever life takes them.

Staff Spirituality Day

As we conclude another term, I’d like to thank our families and students for their understanding in allowing our staff to gather at the Ballina Surf Club for Bishop Gregory’s Spirituality Models on the final day of term.

The retreat focused on rest and finding inner and spiritual space, essential elements that are deeply intertwined with our work and daily routines. As Bishop Gregory reminded us, rest and work are not opposing forces but complementary parts of our lives. While we often separate the two, true rest offers us a chance to reflect and recharge, much like God did on the seventh day in the creation story. It’s an opportunity to pause, take stock of our lives, and appreciate what has been accomplished, renewing us for the days ahead. In a culture that often glorifies ‘busy’-ness, many of us spend weekends not only resting but also catching up on unfinished tasks. However, rest, especially the kind associated with the Sabbath, invites us to slow down, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.

A key message from our retreat was that rest doesn't require large blocks of time or complete withdrawal. It can be as simple as setting aside moments throughout the day to disconnect from distractions, turn off the noise of technology, and focus on what truly matters. From one of our readings on the day, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wisely pointed out the importance of limits, reminding us that rest gives our significant relationships space to breathe, allowing us to focus on the important, rather than the urgent. This idea resonates in our fast-paced world, where we are constantly balancing the demands of work, technology, and everyday life.

For parents and families during the holiday break, consider using this time to nurture your own spirituality. Rest can be more than just relaxation—it can be an intentional practice of reconnecting with one another and with God. Whether through family meals, time spent outdoors, or simply pausing to reflect, these moments allow us to create space for what is most meaningful. Incorporating a "digital Sabbath" or even small periods of quiet reflection each day can rejuvenate your spirit and bring a deeper sense of peace. As you enjoy this well-deserved break, I encourage you to find ways to rest that are spiritually enriching and that strengthen the bonds within your family.

Parish Schools Day — Feast of St Francis Xavier (Tuesday 3 December)

Please mark your calendars for our Parish Schools Day celebration, which will take on a new format in 2024. This year, we will be celebrating the Feast of St Francis Xavier with a special focus on community involvement here at the College. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with their children on the College Green.

We have also invited Year 6 students from Holy Family and St Francis Xavier to join us for a celebratory Mass in the Magis Hall during Periods 3 and 4. After Mass, our leader year levels (Year 11 & Year 6 students) will head to the primary schools to run games and activities at a mini-fair for the Holy Family and St Francis Xavier school communities, with all proceeds going to Catholic Missions.

Meanwhile, students in Years 7-10 will remain at the College to enjoy the picnic and a community atmosphere on the College Green before returning to classes.

More details about our Parish Schools Day celebration will be shared in Term 4. We look forward to a wonderful day of connection and celebration.

Mr Peter Fear

Catechesis & Evangelisation

The Year 10 G.O.A.T Retreat

Boys in Year 10 have an opportunity to represent Xavier Catholic College at the newest diocesan gathering, which has been given the unusual name of G.O.A.T. We can send eight representatives, and for those chosen, there will be no cost to parents. Participation is fully funded by the diocese.

G.O.A.T is a three-day/two-night Discipleship Gathering at Coffs Harbour, running from Wednesday 13 November, to Friday 15 November. G.O.A.T. is a retreat similar in length and similar in nature to the XCC Year 10 Retreat, but it is for boys from schools across the diocese. There will be 70 Year 10 boys at G.O.A.T. For comparison, there were 33 Year 10 boys at each of our recent school retreats.

The boys at G.O.A.T. will all be enthusiastic retreat participants. It will have a lot of energy. Many of the activities at G.O.A.T. will be similar to our school retreat: presentations to a big group, small group discussions, prayers/liturgies, and various activities. One difference is that G.O.A.T. includes a commando-style fitness course!

Some presentations will be similar to the boys-only session with RealTalk on our school retreat, STRONGER.

G.O.A.T. is designed to provide students with a transformative faith experience as they embark on their journey through manhood, guided by the life of Jesus, the saints and the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

The retreat will emphasise their capacity to become a gift of service to others by living out a radical adventure as a young Christian man. Year 10 boys interested in representing Xavier Catholic College at G.O.A.T. 2024 should complete this G.O.A.T. Expression of Interest Form.

For more information, talk to Brendon Clarke, our College Youth Minister, or Mr Eyles.

Ignite

At the end of Week 9, twenty Xavier students and staff made the annual pilgrimage to the Ignite Conference in Brisbane.

The Ignite Conference is Australia’s largest annual Catholic Youth Gathering. The four-day event consists of lively rallies with  music, inspiring guest speakers,  dance and drama presentations. There are celebrations of the Eucharist, opportunities for Reconciliation, Prayer in the Spirit, Eucharistic Adoration and workshops and small group discussions similar to a school retreat.

One of the highlights of Ignite is the opportunity to catch up with friends from other diocesan gatherings as well as the wider Catholic community.  Xavier students and staff were able to reconnect with a recent Jesuit visitor to XCC - Fr Robin Koning SJ, as well as Brisbane-based Jesuit Fr Nico Lariosa S.J. A quick count estimated that there were at least thirty young adults at Ignite this year who have served as Youth Ministers at an XCC Retreat. (we managed to round 22 of them up for a quick photo! (see attached.)

The student participants this year are to be commended for their enthusiasm and their engagement with all the opportunities Ignite had to offer.

Many thanks go to the staff who attended the event:

• Teachers David Eyles and Leanne Broadley
• College Youth Minister Brendon Clarke
• Staff from the St Francis Xavier Parish: Kailani Tiernan (Parish Youth Coordinator) and John Kearney (Pastoral Associate).

Year 7-9 Assessment Samples 

Year 7 has been preparing sustainability proposals for their assessments this term and exploring the big question — how and why can we, as year 7 students, act as stewards of creation? 

Year 8 has been developing proposals about renaming a part of the school after a saint who inspires them to act as a witness to Christ. Students chose a location that is meaningful to them and a saint who connects with them due to their story, character, or personal qualities.

This term, the Year 9 task has focused on Sacred Scripture, with students developing original articles exploring topics of their choosing. Students wrote on a range of topics connecting to the overarching theme of inspiring young people through Scripture.

Farewell for now from Dr Beveridge

I am taking up a short secondment with the Chancery (Bishop’s office) commencing Term 4 as Pastoral Projects Leader. I will be working on the Diocesan Renewal Project and helping the working teams see their projects through to completion: https://www.lismorediocese.org/renewal

In my absence, Mrs Glenda Brown will be Leader of Catechesis.

Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge

Street Retreat

At the end of Term 2 this year, six Year 11 students, Indigo, Caiden, Ella, Benedict, Hayley and Irving, along with Ms Barnsley, travelled to Brisbane to attend Street Retreat with Year 11 students from across the Diocese. Meeting students from 12 other schools within the Lismore Diocese, we built friendships as we offered support to the disadvantaged communities of Brisbane.

Over the four-day retreat, we interacted with those experiencing homelessness across the Brisbane and Gold Coast areas. We showed support by cooking and serving food at shelters, out in food vans, maintaining gardens, sorting donated charity items, preparing exit packs for those transitioning back into society from correctional facilities, and sitting down and sharing stories. It was inspiring to see first-hand the works of Rosies, Orange Laundry, Wesley City Mission, Catholic Earth Care, The St Vincent de Paul Society, Street Level and Andy’s Place. Gaining insight into the conditions experienced by the disadvantaged around the city, we provided friendly conversations, donations, and assistance to those needing support, learning about the mental and physical impacts poverty can cause on individuals, families and, indeed, wider society. 

Through our experiences as part of Street Retreat, we learnt how to communicate and connect with those in need with dignity. We became increasingly aware of the homelessness crisis growing within Australia as we engaged in activities, listened to others and experienced first-hand the realities of being marginalised in society.

Reflecting Xavier Catholic College’s motto of acting justly towards others, Street Retreat allowed us to connect with the disadvantaged and deepen our understanding of their backgrounds. As a group, we brought to reality Xavier’s motto through our dedication to engaging in confronting tasks with a positive attitude and growth mindset. We cannot recommend this experience enough to all Xavier students who may have the opportunity to be part of Street Retreat in the future. Be the change you want to see.

Hayley Patterson
Year 11

Wellbeing News

Faber House Fundraiser

Faber House Annual Market Raises Funds for Local Homeless

Each year, Faber House hosts a market on RUOK Day to raise money for the local homeless community through St Vincent de Paul in Ballina. In the lead-up to the event, we encourage students and families to donate clothing that would otherwise go directly to Vinnies. These items are sold during lunchtime, with all proceeds going to support those facing hardship. Alongside the clothing sale, we also host a sausage sizzle and offer soft drinks for sale to boost our fundraising efforts.

This year marked our second market, and it was a tremendous success. Students and staff alike enjoyed the lively atmosphere, browsing through bargains and supporting a worthy cause. Thanks to the hard work of Faber volunteers, we were able to set up, manage sales, and pack up seamlessly around the lunch break. In total, we raised an impressive $1,200. Additionally, a significant amount of leftover clothing was donated to St Vincent de Paul the following day.

Despite the success, I was so busy ensuring everything ran smoothly that, for the second year in a row, I didn’t manage to capture a photo of the market in full swing!

I would like to extend a special thank you to the TAS department for assisting with the food preparation, the front office team for organising the cash floats and EFTPOS machines, and, of course, the parents who generously donated items. Well done to everyone involved!

LET'S GO FABER!

Mr Michael Raeburn
Head of Faber House

Learning & Teaching News

Child Studies News

Year 9 Child Studies - Lismore Base Hospital and Kidsnest visit

Earlier this week, the year 9 Child Studies class embarked upon an eye-opening and educational excursion to Lismore base hospital. This visit provided each student with an opportunity to learn firsthand about the entire healthcare system, particularly that of the women's care unit, birthing suite and intensive care. This experience was not only insightful but also worked in alignment with the ongoing learning of our class around the development, health and wellbeing of newborn children - Celeste Dalby 

The students highlighted key aspects of their visit:

• ‘The hospital is a safe welcoming place.” - Lily 
• “We learnt how to wash our hands properly.”- Indy
• "We learnt the process of how to become a midwife" - Tayah
• “We learnt how the midwife checks the newborn lovingly and carefully. They seemed to care for the newborn as if it were their own.” - Isla and Ivy
• “We learnt about the benefits of sensory toys during adolescence, Rebecca was very helpful” - Mame-Diarra

It was a pleasure to accompany my class to Lismore Base Hospital, where we met Nurse Educator Charmaine, who guided us through the Women’s Care Unit. Students took time to read the beautiful artwork in the foyer, which outlined the values of the unit. We were then taken into a birthing suite set up to give students an authentic experience of what a birthing mother would have. Midwife Gaynor spoke to the students for over an hour, answering questions and providing valuable insight into her incredible profession. The students were highly appreciative of the time she devoted to us.

Charmaine and Gaynor also escorted us to the Special Care Nursery, which was particularly meaningful. The students were deeply respectful of the space and the remarkable work being done there. This experience has made a lasting impact on their understanding of child care and development.

After visiting other parts of the hospital, we headed to Kidsnest, a shop dedicated to supporting local families with products designed to help with sensory regulation and daily routines for individuals with anxiety and those on the autism spectrum. Store owner Rebecca spoke to the students about her shop and allowed them to explore the calm area, where they tested larger sensory products. They were able to experience first-hand the benefits of these items and how they can improve concentration and focus, particularly for those who need to keep their hands busy in order to listen and engage.

Thank you to the students for wearing their uniforms with pride and for engaging so respectfully with staff at the hospital and Kidsnest. I look forward to future collaborations with the hospital and continuing this valuable partnership.

Mrs Naomi Byrnes
PDHPE/Child Studies Teacher

Year 10 Acknowledgement of Country Activity with Seabirds 

This term, my Year 10 Child Studies class embarked on a meaningful project in collaboration with the children from the Seabirds group at St Anne's Long Day Care Centre. The focus of this activity was to celebrate and deepen our understanding of their unique Acknowledgement of Country, a vital tradition that honours the enduring connection between Indigenous Australians and the land. We’ve witnessed students singing the Acknowledgement of Country over many visits, so we thought this would be a great opportunity to collaborate with them on a creative project.

We designed an engaging and creative activity aimed at fostering respect for Indigenous culture from a young age. Together, we worked with the Seabirds students to create a unique and vibrant artwork that symbolises unity, respect, and the shared appreciation of the land we live on. The artwork, a result of collaboration and imagination, is on display for families to enjoy at the centre.

Throughout the process, my students gained valuable insight into the importance of the Acknowledgement of Country. They not only shared this knowledge with the younger children but also deepened their own understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions. This experience emphasised the importance of fostering cultural awareness and respect, and we are incredibly proud of the work our students have accomplished.

Mrs Naomi Byrnes
PDHPE/Child Studies Teacher

English News

Can You Write a Book in a Day?

What happens when you put groups of Year 7 and 8 students in the library for twelve hours with a list of parameters and a whole lot of creativity? They write an illustrated chapter book! 

Tuesday 3 September saw dedicated junior students take on the Write A Book In A Day challenge hosted by the Kids Cancer Project to raise awareness and funds for kids’ cancer research. With an 8am until 8pm time frame, students are tasked with creating a story that includes a set list of characters, settings, specific words and illustrations. The parameters are generated on the day with no prior knowledge of what they will be. The set words were: swept, dazzling, faded, wrinkling and quirky. Add to those a pilot, pet sitter and cassowary at a billabong or a personal trainer, mountain guide and spider in a school and you can see what they were up against!

As much a lesson in teamwork as it is in creativity, groups buzzed with ideas about how to construct their story and accompanying illustrations. Teaching staff all commented on the amazing hum of inspiration and concentration on display as students both collaborated and worked on their individual role within the group. Early evening saw hunger for pizza and the time for the true test of stamina – finish by 8pm!

Thanks to the teaching staff who supervised, encouraged and brokered peace, and a special thank you to Ms Leigh Jones for her organisation. Ultimately, all groups completed the challenge:

• ‘Broken Dreams, Broken Bonds’: Freya C, Ava L, Imani P, Nava T, Raine W

• ‘Call of the Rainstorm’: Archer A, Lyra D, Chloe F, Frederick G, Ryder P, William T, Zachariah W-R

• ‘The Cassowary’s Treasure’: Darcy A, Disha B, Poppy H, Ellie M, Lilly M, Alma P, Eliza Q

• ‘The Web Between Us’: Charlie B, Sophia B, Taya C, Jacob F, Blake H

Ms Jennifer Leigh-Jones (Leader of English) & Ms Natalie Lincoln (Teacher Librarian)

Sport News

Diocesan Athletics

At 5:00am on Tuesday 2 September, 47 College students and staff travelled to the Coffs Harbour International Stadium for the 2024 Diocesan Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to all students on your conduct and school spirit. Special congratulations to the students listed below:

Diocesan Age Champions: 

• 15 Girls: Skye Dogan 1st
• 12 Girls: Isla Cleary 2nd
• 14 Boys: William Schmid 2nd 
• Girls Multiclass Junior: Sienna Haag 1st 
• Girls Multiclass Senior: Keely Monk 1st 
• Girls Multiclass Senior: Allira Bateman 2nd

Diocesan Girls Results

12 Girls Isla Cleary 

• 100m 3rd 
• 200m 4th 
• 800m 2nd
• 1500m 1st 

13 Girls Alexandra Dogan

• 800m 2nd 
• 1500m 1st 

13 Girls Coco Belyea

• Long Jump 1st 

14 Girls Abigail Matthews

• 400m 2nd 
• 800m 3rd
• 1500m 2nd 

14 Girls Taya Coates

• Discus 2nd 
• Shot Put 3rd  

15 Girls Skye Dogan

• 400m 1st
• 800m 1st
• 1500m 1st
  

15 Girls Amalia Anderson

• Long Jump 4th 

Hayley Patterson

• Discus 2nd 
• Shot Put 3rd 

17 Girls Ruby Yantsch

• 800m 4th
• 1500 4th

18 Girls Amy Bailey 

• 100m 4th 

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Diocesan Boys Results

13 Boys Thomas Behan 

• 800m 1st
• 1500m 1st 

13 Boys Kobi Betts

• 100m 3rd 
• 200m 3rd 

14 Boys William Schmid 

• 800m 1st
• 1500m 1st 
• 400m 2nd 

15 Boys Blake Atlee

• 200m 4th 

15 Boys Finn Gisen

• 100m 1st
• 200m 1st

15 Boys James Kirby

• 400m 1st
• 800m 3rd 
• 1500m 4th 

16 Boys Declan Wallace

• 100m 2nd 
• Javelin 1st
• Long Jump 2nd 
• Triple Jump 2nd 

16 Boys Benjamin Smith 

• 1500m 4th  

16 Boys Dominic Smith 

• 800m 3rd 

17+ Boys Kyan Brough 

• Discus 2nd 
• Javelin 3rd 

17+ Boys Tyler Dogan

• 800m 1st
• 1500m 1st

17+ Boys Alexander Crimmins

• 400m 2nd
• Long Jump 1st
• Triple Jump 1st

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CCC NSW Athletics

Congratulations to Finn Gisen, who recently competed at the CCC NSW Athletics Championships. Finn delivered an outstanding performance in the 100m sprint, finishing 4th in an incredibly tight race, narrowly missing 3rd place by just 0.02 of a second! His speed and determination were on full display as he pushed the competition to the limit.

In the 200m, Finn secured a 10th place finish, showcasing his versatility across both short-distance sprints. Notably, Finn also won both of his heats in dominant fashion, proving he is a force to be reckoned with on the track.

Well done, Finn! Your hard work and perseverance have earned you these impressive results, and we look forward to seeing more of your achievements in the future!

Country Cup State Final

In an exciting showdown in Bathurst, the Opens Rugby League team clinched the Country Cup final, defeating Kiama High School 22-10. Key moments included tries to Kai Saric, Felix Fraser and Ethan Campbell that put the team ahead, while their defence held strong against a spirited Kiama side. The 22-10 victory marks a significant achievement for the team, showcasing their hard work and unity throughout the season. 

The Opens Rugby League team fought bravely but ultimately fell to Tuggerah Lakes High School in the NRL Schoolboys Trophy final, losing 42-22 in Gosford. The team displayed heart and determination, with several standout tries, but couldn’t overcome Tuggerah’s strong start to the game. Although the loss is disappointing, the Opens squad can hold their heads high after a strong season and reaching the prestigious final.

Coach: Anthony Colman

NRCC Touch Football

NRCC U15 Touch Football Gala Day

The NRCC U15 Touch Football Gala Day took place in Grafton on 10 September 2024, and our U15 girls' team delivered an outstanding performance. They remained undefeated throughout the competition, ultimately emerging as the winners of the day.

Here's a breakdown of their impressive results:

• Game 1: vs Woodlawn – Won 11-2
• Game 2: vs McAuley – Won 7-6
• Game 3: vs Mount St Pats – Won 8-7
• Game 4: vs St Mary’s – Won 11-2
• Game 5: vs Trinity – Won 9-6
• Game 6: vs St Joseph’s – Won 5-0

The team's incredible teamwork was on full display, with Alicia Ross and Liliana Thomspon leading the charge. Amalia Anderson scored a remarkable 12 tries throughout the day. Congratulations to all the players for their hard work and dedication, which resulted in such a successful outcome.

Year 7-9 Berg Shield Cricket

On 25 October 2024, the Year 7-9 Berg Shield cricket side travelled to Lismore to play the T20 knock-out competition against Trinity College. Our Xavier College side had many bottom-age players, which created a mighty challenge for the team. The Trinity side battered extremely well, finishing with 5/156. Three catches and a wicket went to B.Yantsch, who was phenomenal in the field. 

We went into bat and started well, but the run rate was slowly getting away. Not losing a wicket until the 11th over helped build the boys' confidence. B. Ayres and F. Spinks set a solid early total, which was finished off with B. Kilburn and B. Gohl. Unfortunately, we were beaten by 16 runs. Great effort by this young, talented team.

Coach: Clint McCarthy 

Individual Achievements

Congratulations to Kai Saric & Mr Colman!

Congratulations to Kai Saric, who has been named the Northern Rivers Rugby League Under 18s Rookie of the Year, and Mr Anthony Colman, who took home the Northern Rivers Rugby League A Grade Player of the Year award!

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

College News

Gardiner Chess Interschool Tournament

On 11 September, eight members of the Chess Club ascended to the heights of Alstonville Public School to compete in the Gardiner Chess Interschool Tournament, Northern Rivers Division. The team competed against 37 students from nine regional schools, claiming an assortment of medals and ribbons. Harry Jones (Y7) boasted a clean sweep by securing victory in all eight of his matches and claiming a medal for First Place in the individual category. Overall, our teams performed exceptionally well to claim second place with 22 points in total, with a slim margin behind Alstonville Public School, which claimed first place on 23.5 points. It was a spectacle to see so many students engaged and excited to compete in such a strategic and intellectual competition. 

Group Photo Orders via the School Photographer

Group photo orders may now be made online via the School Photographer. Groups available are:

• Book Club
• French Club
• Run Club
• Senior Ministry Team
• Year 7 Group Photo
• Year 12 Group Photo
• Year 12 Leaders
• Year 12 Campion Students
• Year 12 Campion House Leaders
• Year 12 Faber Students
• Year 12 Faber House Leaders
• Year 12 Ignatius Students
• Year 12 Ignatius House Leaders
• Year 12 MacKillop Students
• Year 12 MacKillop House Leaders
• Year 12 McAuley Students
• Year 12 McAuley House Leaders
• Year 12 Nagle Students
• Year 12 Nagle House Leaders

For more information, please see the below flyer.

Parent and Caregiver Concerns and Complaints Procedure

The Diocesan Parent and Caregiver Concerns and Complaints Procedures has recently been updated and can be found below. It is also linked on our website. 

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.
• 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 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.

Community News

School Holiday Fun! I AM A GIRL - COME 'N' PLAY (Girls 10-17 yrs)

Looking for something fun, active, and FREE these holidays? Whether you’re new to basketball or just want to give it a try, this is your chance! 

• No experience needed! Learn the basics and build confidence.

• Get active and feel great while making new friends!

• Free reversible singlet & novelty ball when you register!

Don't miss out on this awesome day of fun and teamwork. Bring a friend or come solo—everyone’s welcome!

Register today by clicking the link below:

:  bnsw.info/IAAG-Play

P.S. Ballina Basketball is launching a high school girls' competition next term, so this is the perfect chance to see if you enjoy it.

The I AM A GIRL Program is supported by the NSW Government's Strategic Focus on women and girls in sport.

For more events, visit: https://www.bnsw.com.au/events/

Proudly sponsored by Northern Rivers Ford

#iamagirlicandoanything #bnsw