Newsletter 11: Monday 25 November 2024

For the Calendar

Week 7, Term 4

• Monday 25/11/24: Year 9 Practical Examinations, Year 9 Child Studies Community Visits
  
• Wednesday 27/11/24: Community Time, Year 11 Artmaking Afternoon 3:30pm to 5:00pm, VET Entertainment Workskills
• Friday 29/11/24: Year 10 Youth Ministry class visit to St Vincent De Paul and Parish Mass

Week 8, Term 4

• Monday 2/12/24: JACSA Student Leadership Conference 2024, Year 10 Advanced Mathematics Workshop
• Tuesday 3/12/24: Feast of St Francis Xavier Mass, Parish Schools Afternoon, JACSA Student Leadership Conference 2024, Year 10 Child Studies visit to St Anne's Day Care, Year 10 Advanced Mathematics Workshop
• Wednesday 4/12/24: Community Time, JACSA Student Leadership Conference 2024, Year 11 Artmaking Afternoon 3:30pm to 5:00pm
• Thursday 5/12/24: Year 10 TAFE Taster Day, Year 9 Drama Show for Holy Family Primary School, Zonta Birthing Kits Workshop
• Friday 6/12/24: Whole College Swimming Carnival
  

Week 9, Term 4

• Monday 9/12/24: Year 11 Drama Belvoir Street Workshop, Year 9 Child Studies Community Visit
• Tuesday 10/12/24: Year 9 & 10 Drama Belvoir Street Workshop, Kairos Retreat
• Wednesday 11/12/24: Kairos Retreat
• Thursday 12/12/24: Kairos Retreat
• Friday 13/12/24: Year 10 University of Queensland Excursion, Kairos Retreat
  

Week 10, Term 4

• Tuesday 17/12/24: End of Year Presentation Day commences at 9:30am, Battle of the Bands
• Wednesday 18/12/24: Last day for Students, HSC & ATAR results
  

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 approach the final four weeks of the academic year for 2024, it is crucial that our students remain focused and finish the year strong. This period is not only an opportunity to consolidate their learning but also to reflect on the growth they have achieved across all their subjects.

Students are reminded of the importance of being in attendance at the College every day, concluding the term with pride and a sense of accomplishment. The final day of the school year, Tuesday 17 December, marks a moment for our students to know they have done their best, embraced challenges, and identified areas where they can concentrate more effort in 2025.

We encourage all students to continue contributing positively to our vibrant Xavier community. This involves:

• Wearing the College uniform correctly and with pride, reflecting their commitment to our values.
• Attending school every day, demonstrating their dedication to learning.
• Showing respect for their peers, teachers, and the broader learning environment, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.

These actions not only enhance individual growth but also strengthen our shared Xavier spirit.

As we work together during these final weeks, let us support one another in ensuring that our students finish the year well-prepared and confident for the journey ahead. Your partnership in this mission is invaluable, and I thank you for your ongoing commitment to the education and well-being of your child.

Let’s together strive to make these weeks a time of reflection, effort, and celebration of all that we have achieved as a community.

Student Attendance

I would like to address a pressing and ongoing issue: student absenteeism. While genuine reasons for absence are always understandable, we continue to see patterns of avoidable absences that result in significant lost learning time and diminished engagement with the learning process.

Every day missed equates to 300 minutes of lost learning, which quickly compounds over time. If a student misses one day of school per week, they lose 3,000 minutes of learning time per 10-week term (50 hours) and 12,000 minutes over a 40-week school year (200 hours).

Beyond the immediate academic impact, frequent absences hinder students' ability to build resilience and adapt to the routines and expectations critical for long-term success.

To counteract this, I am asking for your strong and consistent support as parents in messaging the importance of daily attendance. Let’s ALL focus on emphasising the positives of attending school every day:

• Engaging with peers and building social connections.
• Benefiting from direct instruction and structured learning.
• Developing the discipline and perseverance needed for future success.

We all need to remind students that staying away without a genuine reason is counterproductive. Excuses for non-attendance must be challenged, and we must work together to change the narrative.

Our goal is ambitious but achievable: a 95% attendance rate for the final weeks of this term. Let’s inspire our students to take ownership of their learning and prioritise being present every day.

Thank you for your ongoing support in delivering this important message. Your role in shaping student attitudes toward attendance is invaluable.

Congratulations!

Our HSC students in a range of Creative Arts courses have enjoyed a stellar year in terms of nominations and selections for the NESA productions, performances and exhibitions. I want to bring you up to date with continued great news from NESA. 

This year we had a number of our HSC students pre-selected for NESA performances in Dance (CALLBACK) and in Drama (OnSTAGE). Last week we received confirmation from NESA of the now selected students to perform in these shows.

In Dance for the CALLBACK shows, Rhiannon Burt has been placed on the reserve list for her Core Performance. Congratulations to Rhiannon! Our previously nominated students (Paloma Jones, Emelia Campbell, and Havana Weir) did not make the final list of performers after their pre-selection, but once again we congratulate them on their nominations. Once again, we congratulate the teacher of this talented group of students, Mrs Sarah Ward.

In Drama for the OnSTAGE shows, Jack Alexander Individual Project has been nominated for possible inclusion - congratulations Jack! 

Other Individual Performances that were pre-selected - Alani Adamson; Tilly Cubis; Oliver Hummel-King and Jake Sayer did not make the final show. Well done to these talented students. 

The following students have been selected for OnSTAGE for their Group Performance - Alani Adamson; Chloe Blewett; Myia Clarke; Tilly Cubis; and Lucy Jack - fantastic news! Unfortunately, the Group Performance by Jack Alexander; Emelia Campbell; Lotus Dixon; Oliver Hummel-King, and Jake Sayer did not make the final show after their pre-selection. Once again, congratulations to each and every student. Huge congratulations to the Year 12 Drama class and their wonderful teacher and mentor, Allysha Hodges.

In further great news from NESA, Alani Adamson and Naomi Morrison have been nominated for selection at ARTEXPRESS for their Body of Works - outstanding! Huge congratulations to Alani and Naomi and to Donna Albany, Belinda Zupan, Jasmin Rogers and the entire Visual Arts team!

Congratulations also to Caden Penny for his Musicology nomination and to his teacher, Georgia Quinn for his nomination for the ENCORE Performances (Music)!

Lots to celebrate!

Induction of our new Student Leaders

At a Whole College Assembly in Week 5 of the term, we formally recognised the students who will take up the mantle of leadership at Xavier Catholic College in the coming year. The ceremony marked the beginning of a journey—not just for these young leaders but for all of us as a community.

Leadership is a calling, a privilege, and a responsibility. It’s not about titles or positions; it’s about service, vision, and action. To our new leaders, I encourage you to reflect on the words of St. Ignatius: “Go forth and set the world on fire.” This does not mean literal fire, of course, but rather a passion that inspires others to reach higher and farther, to dream bigger, and to act with courage and conviction.

As leaders, these students will have the chance to leave a legacy—a mark on their College that future generations of students and staff can look back on with gratitude. But what does leaving a legacy really mean? It means striving to make Xavier Catholic College a better place to come to every day. It’s about listening to the voices of your fellow students, finding ways to make them feel included, heard, and valued. It’s about working with staff to build a culture of kindness, respect, and excellence.

Leaving a legacy requires certain key attributes. I shared a few attributes for the students to consider as they step into their roles:

1. Integrity – Be true to your values and to the principles that guide our Xavier community.
2. Empathy – Understand the needs and feelings of those around you. Leadership is as much about listening as it is about speaking.
3. Resilience – Challenges will come, but great leaders rise to meet them with determination and grace.
4. Vision – Think beyond the present and work towards creating something enduring for our community.
5. Collaboration – True leadership is not about standing alone but about bringing people together for a common purpose.

I emphasised to our student body, that these leaders will need their support. Leadership does not occur in isolation. It flourishes when there is encouragement, teamwork, and shared commitment. I urge our student body to work with our student leaders, to share their ideas, and to trust in their capacity to represent their interests and hopes.

As a community, let us walk this journey together. Let’s strive to uphold the values of our College, to respect and support one another, and to create an environment where every student can thrive.

To our new leaders, the road ahead is filled with opportunities and challenges, but I have no doubt they will rise to meet them. Remember, leadership is not about being the best, but about bringing out the best in others.

Showing Gratitude

I have had the opportunity at recent student assemblies to speak to the students about something simple yet profoundly impactful—how each of us, through small, intentional actions, can make Xavier Catholic College a better place to come to every day.

We often think that creating a positive environment requires grand gestures or sweeping changes, but the truth is, it starts with the little things. A warm smile, a friendly "hello," or a moment of gratitude can set the tone for an entire day—not just for you, but for those around you.

When you say hello to someone in the yard, you acknowledge their presence. You remind them they are seen and valued. When you smile, you offer a moment of kindness in a world that sometimes feels too rushed or impersonal. And when you show gratitude—whether it’s to a teacher, a friend, or even a classmate—you create a ripple effect of positivity and respect.

Imagine what our College could be if we all committed to these small acts of connection. Imagine a school where every student feels included, where every staff member feels appreciated, and where we all look forward to being here, not just for the learning but for the sense of belonging.

So today, I challenge you to do three things:

1. Say hello. Even to someone you don’t know well. A simple greeting can make a big difference.
2. Smile. It’s free, it’s easy, and it has the power to brighten someone’s day—including your own.
3. Show gratitude. Thank someone who has helped you, supported you, or simply been there for you.

If we each take responsibility for these small actions, we’ll create an environment where kindness and connection are the norm. We’ll make our College a place where everyone feels excited to walk through the gates each morning.

This isn’t just my vision—it’s our shared responsibility. Together, let’s build a community that reflects the values we hold dear: respect, compassion, and gratitude.

Thank you, and let’s make today, and every day, a little brighter for everyone.

Term 4 – 2024 Final Day (Updated)

Term 4 concludes for all students in Years 7-11 on Tuesday 17 December (Awards Presentation Day & Battle of the Bands). ALL students are expected and required to attend up to and including Tuesday 17 December. Semester 2 Academic Reports will be available through Compass at 4pm on Tuesday 17 December.

The College will be open for student supervision on Wednesday 18 December, however, there will be no scheduled classes on that day. Parent-Teacher interviews will be available on this day between 12.15pm and 1.30pm. 

Term 1 – 2025 – Return to School (Updated)

Term 1

• Students in Years 7, 11 and 12 return on Tuesday 4 February.
• Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 return on Wednesday 5 February.

End of Term 1

• Last day - Friday 11 April (10-week term)
• School holidays - Monday 14 April - Friday 26 April
• 2025 Easter Break: Good Friday 18 April to Easter Monday 21 April

Is your son/daughter remaining at Xavier Catholic College in 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.

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, St Ignatius and St Francis Xavier continue to guide us and inspire us on our journey.

Mr Lee MacMaster
College Principal

Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching

Welcome to Term 4! I look forward to our community working together and enjoying the busy and exciting summer term ahead.

Year 7-10 Reflection on Learning & Goal Setting

Parents frequently tell me they are looking for ways to increase their engagement with College life, and importantly, to better understand and support their child’s learning and wellbeing. To this end, we have invited parents and carers to attend a large range of events in Term 4, including the following:

• Strategies to Supports Students’ Study Skills (Year 10 and Year 11)
• HSC Assessment Information Evening  (Year 11)
• Academic Excellence and Consistent Effort Awards Ceremonies (Year 11)
• Leaders Commissioning Mass (Year 11)
• Parent Teacher Conferences (Year 11)
• Parent Group Meeting (Years 7-11)
• Parents’ Guide to University Enrolment 
• Principal’s Tours (new students Years 7-12)
• Year 7 2025 Parent Information Evening (Year 7 2025)
• Year 12 Formal 

These events provide evidence of our ongoing commitment to working in partnership with our parents and families. We are also busily preparing for Parish Schools Day, and the culmination of the academic year, the Year 7-11 Presentation Day.  In addition this term, we will issue Semester Reports for students in Years 7-10 and offer Parent Teacher Conferences on the final day of the school year.  We extend a warm invitation to our parent community and invite you with open arms to work in partnership with our staff to support your children.

Year 10 Work Experience and Year 10 Program

More than one hundred  Year 10 students are heading into the community for work experience this week. We wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this community-based learning opportunity. We look forward to hearing about their experiences when they return to school in Week 8 on Monday 2 December.  If your son / daughter has elected NOT to participate in the Year 10 Work Experience week, classes will be run at the College throughout the week, and students are expected to attend the College each day from 8.50am - 3.15pm.

Please also be advised that students are also expected to attend the College until the end of Term 4 (Tuesday 17 December) and that a range of incursions and excursions are scheduled, in addition to classes. 

In Week 8 (Monday 2 December - Friday 6 December), students will complete the mandatory NESA course All My Own Work, a program designed to help students follow the principles and practices of good scholarship. This includes understanding, valuing and using ethical practices when locating and using information as part of their HSC studies.  During Week 8, the College community will celebrate Parish Schools Day (Feast of St Francis Xavier) on Tuesday 3 December and enjoy the Whole College Swimming Carnival at Ballina Pool on Friday 6 December. These College events are compulsory.

In Week 9 (Monday 9 December - Friday 13 December), Year 10 students will attend usual classes with an optional excursion to Brisbane to visit the University of Queensland for an experience of university life scheduled on Friday 13 December.

Learning and Teaching Goals

The College’s Strategic Plan includes the following Learning and Teaching Goal: By 2025, students will demonstrate sustained learning growth, catalysed by a commitment to literacy and embedded evidence-based teaching practices, to improve engagement and learning outcomes.  

Drawing down from the Strategic Plan, the 2024 annual Learning and Teaching Goal has a more specific focus on improving reading and writing outcomes. To achieve this goal, our dedicated staff have systematically engaged in targeted professional learning focused on pedagogical practices which support student achievement and learning growth. I am proud of our teachers’ expertise and their desire for continual improvement, with a sustained focus on professional practices that positively impact student learning. 

The College Leadership Team is in the process of meeting with every teacher to discuss their professional performance and to review evidence focused on the following three areas: collaborative practices, direct observation of teaching, and impact on student learning. Teacher conferences provide an important avenue for staff to engage in professional dialogue, have a voice in the formation of our annual goals, and to reflect on and evaluate professional learning priorities.  It is a privilege to accompany our staff and to witness the synergy of teachers working together for school improvement. I would like to acknowledge and thank our staff for their commitment to the Magis - to do more and be more in the service of God and each other.

We look forward to continuing to embed our school improvement work next year and are currently developing our annual goal for 2025. In addition to teacher feedback, we are using a range of data sets, such as NAPLAN, PAT and internal assessment, to inform learning and teaching. Next year, our annual goal will once again have a focus on learning growth for every student, supported by a range of strategic actions, and underpinned by a comprehensive professional learning plan.  

Year 9 and 10 Examinations

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

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

Year 7-10 Reports

Our staff are very busy marking assessments, providing student feedback, and writing Semester Reports for students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Reports will be issued on Tuesday 17 December after 4pm via Compass. Please take the time to read your child’s report with them; this presents a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge your child’s effort and achievement and to discern goals to support their learning growth.  There will be an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers on Wednesday 18 December if immediate follow up is required.

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

2025 Class Allocations

A reminder that all classes, including base classes and streamed classes for English, Mathematics and Science, will be reallocated for the commencement of the 2025 academic year. 

Ms Carmel Zuino

Assistant Principal: Mission

G.O.A.T Retreat

Recently, I had the privilege of accompanying a group of Year 10 students to the Greatest of All Time Retreat in Coffs Harbour. This unique experience blended military-style challenges with activities aimed at inspiring young men to embrace their purpose and passion as Catholic leaders.

The retreat provided valuable insights for attendees, including tools to combat toxic masculinity and grow into good men of Christ. These tools included a focus on prayer, engagement with scripture, participation in the sacraments, involvement in the Church, and building a supportive community of good friends.

It was a rewarding experience to witness these young men reflect deeply on their faith and values, setting a strong foundation for their journey ahead.

Parish Schools Afternoon and The Feast of St francis Xavier

Our Parish Schools Day is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier with a fresh focus on community involvement here at the College.

This exciting day will begin with a 11:00am Mass in the Magis Hall, to which all parents and parishioners are warmly invited. Afterward, families (Year 7-10) are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and share a meal with their children on the College Green, enjoying the festive community atmosphere.

Our Year 11 students, who have been busily planning their costumes, will team up with Year 6 students from Holy Family and Saint Francis Xavier primary schools to lead games and activities at a mini-fair for their school communities. Proceeds from the fair will support Catholic Missions.

While our senior and primary leaders are engaging with the wider community, students in Years 7–10 will remain at the College, enjoying their own celebrations on the Green before resuming classes for Period 5 & 6.

With just one week to go, don’t forget to mark your calendars and start planning your picnic items. We can’t wait to come together for a day of connection, celebration, and shared joy.

2024 Graduation Formal, then our 2025 Year 7 Orientation Day

The Class of 2024 bid a stylish farewell to Xavier Catholic College on Saturday evening at their Formal. Their time at the College has left a lasting legacy, marked by their contributions over the past six years. As they embark on their next chapters, we send them forward with our unwavering support, encouraging them to strive for the Magis and live as men and women for and with others.

In the same week, we welcomed the graduating Class of 2030 for their first full day at the College. This milestone was a proud moment for our community, as staff and students alike went above and beyond to create a warm and supportive environment for our youngest members.

These transitions remind us of the strength of the Xavier Catholic College community—a place where every individual is called to be brave, to foster a sense of belonging, and to see the stranger as a potential friend. As we move forward together, we celebrate these connections that make our community so special.

Student Leaders 'Hot-Spot'

Our 2025 student leaders have made an impressive start to their leadership journey, introducing the Xavier ‘Hot Spot’ —a new service window at the canteen. This initiative allows students to reheat food or access hot water for cup-a-soup, noodles, and similar items.

Currently operating during recess, the service is entirely staffed by the student leaders as they assess its popularity. If your child is interested in using the Xavier ‘Hot Spot’, please ensure they bring microwave-safe containers and their own cutlery.

This thoughtful initiative highlights our leaders’ commitment to enhancing student life, and we look forward to seeing how it evolves in the coming weeks.

Mr Peter Fear

Volunteer Hub

At Xavier Catholic College, we believe in the power of giving back to the community and making a tangible difference. Our school motto, Act Justly, serves as a constant reminder that justice isn't just about fairness in the classroom or on the playing field but also about creating a society where we care for one another and work together to build a better world. Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways we can live out this commitment to justice in our local community. Volunteering is more than just lending a helping hand. It's an opportunity to actively contribute to the well-being of others. 

Are you ready to act justly? Here are some local opportunities:

• NSW Far North Coast | Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc
• Australia Seabird and Turtle Rescue
• Ballina Coastcare
• Parkrun
• The Spirit of Christmas
• Vinnies

Learning & Teaching News

VET Fitness News

Holy Family Fitness Sessions

In Term 4, Year 11 VET Fitness students will lead fun and interactive 30-minute fitness sessions for Year 4 students from Holy Family, as part of their Fitness course. These sessions will focus on elements under the physical domain outlined in the Australian Physical Literacy Framework. These sessions aim at engaging students in a variety of activities to enhance their physical skills and enjoyment. Thanks Holy Family students for being involved!

Mrs Jessica Ferris
VET Fitness Teacher

Immersion News

Applications now open (Year 11 2025)!

Applications are now open for interested students in Year 10 2024 (Year 11 2025) to attend an immersion experience in Timor Leste in October next year! Applications will close on FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER.

Xavier Catholic College and the Turiscai Parish in Timor-Leste have an ongoing partnership, enabling us to offer a small group of students in year 11 the opportunity to experience life and culture on an immersion experience to Timor-Leste. If your child is interested in applying for a position on this immersion, they are asked to complete the application form to show their expression of interest. This immersion will be limited to a maximum of 16 students. 

The students will be accompanied by experienced teachers from Xavier Catholic College, and the immersion is covered by a comprehensive risk assessment and insurance policy. Students will spend time in our sister school in Tusriscai and have the opportunity to visit several mountain villages and communities and share in their expression of Christianity, spending time sharing life and experiences with Timorese teenagers. Students will also spend some time in the capital, Dili, where they will visit some significant sites and learn about the struggles of the Timorese people,

The immersion experience is an opportunity for your child to experience a different culture, witness the day-to-day lifestyle of the Timorese people, and partner in active Social Justice initiatives.  

Applications will close next Friday 29 November, and successful applicants will pay a $600 deposit to secure their place by Week 9.

For more information, please email Immersion Coordinator, Mrs Leanne Broadley (leanne.broadley@lism.catholic.edu.au), for an application form and information pack. 

Sport News

Individual Achievements

Coco Lennie
Congratulations to Coco, who has returned after competing in an elite football tournament in Singapore. Her team secured an impressive 3rd place overall, and Coco’s outstanding performance earned her the prestigious Golden Boot Award.
This achievement reflects her exceptional skill and dedication to her sport. Well done, Coco, on this remarkable accomplishment!

Zali Raudonikis and Amalia Anderson

Congratulations to Zali and Amalia on being selected in the North Coast Academy of Sport Netball teams.

T20 Cricket 
The Yr 7/8 Boys Cricket team travelled to Lismore on the 29th October, to play in the Lords Taverners High Schools T20 Cricket Shields. The side successfully won the day, bringing home the Phelps shield, after convincing wins over Trinity & Mount St Pats Colleges. 

The team had a number of batters retire on the maximum 25 run total, after smashing fours and six run shots in both innings. Laird G was only millimetres away from the stumps on his first hat-trick attempt, while the boys were fantastic with supporting each other in the field. Finn S was consistent with both the bat in hand and gloves behind the stumps, while Cian H & Beau G were unstoppable with the bat in hot conditions. A shout out to Mitchell E for his commitment all day and positive contributions in all aspects of both games. All players were impressive and represented the college in a very professional manner. 

This team was an absolute pleasure to coach, looking forward to the future successes.

Coach: Mr McCarthy

Diocesan Golf

On Monday, 11 November, Jack Davy, Lewis Trim, Jed Lyon, and Tom White represented the College at the Diocesan Golf competition held in South West Rocks.

Tom White delivered an outstanding individual performance, securing 3rd place as Nett Runner-Up with 31 points.

Congratulations to Tom and the team for their effort and dedication on the course.

Diocesan Netball

Grafton NSW

Week 6 saw three teams travel to Grafton for the 2024 Lismore Dicoesan Cup. A junior (years 7/8), intermediate (years 9/10) and a senior (year 11) team of girls headed south for a day of tough competitive netball. The morning started off wet but the rain held off for a good day of netball. 

The Senior team played a tough draw and managed to finish 3rd in their pool, but unfortunately did not advance to the final. The team consisted of: Pippa Bailey, Madeleine Alexander, Neeve Alexander, Lily Bartholomew, Imogen Ross, Leura Allen, Jorja Wagland, and Sarsha Djokic. The team was coached by Lauren Jeffery.

The Junior team also had a competitive draw and placed a respectable 3rd in their pool also. The team consisted of: Siarn Brough, Remie Campbell, Alana McCarthy, Eliza Crilley, Luca De Stefani, Matilda Hoey, Mya Poptie, Zali Raudonikis, and Eva Woodburn. The team was coached by Mrs Tegan Paton-Kelly. 

The Intermediate netball team, comprising talented Year 9 and 10 students, entered the competition with determination, aiming for a comeback after narrowly missing out in the NSW Cup earlier this year. Every match proved to be highly competitive, with margins of only one or two goals, reflecting the exceptional skill level across the Diocese. The team showcased their strength by winning their pool and advancing to the semi-finals, where they faced a formidable St Mary’s Casino side.

In a tightly contested match, with skilled representative players on both teams, the game went goal for goal. Ultimately, St Mary’s secured a narrow victory with a final decisive goal. While disappointed by the outcome, the team can take great pride in their performance and resilience throughout the day. This group of athletes has demonstrated exceptional skill and competitiveness all season, and although the Cup eluded them this time, their efforts have been nothing short of commendable.

The team consisted of: Milli O’Neill, Hannah Gorman, Ruby Yantsch, Evie Lynch, Macy Crilley, Charlotte McNally, Olivia Hussey, Amalia Anderson, Marli Francis, and Layla Keough. The team was coached by Ms Nichole Page. 

A big thank you to the umpires that came away with the teams and umpired very well  - Celeste Dalby, Imarni Lynch and Lillian Woodburn. 

VET Entertainment Worldskills

Xavier Catholic College hosted the Regional Entertainment WorldSkills VETis Competition on Wednesday, 27 November 2024. Three groups competed in lighting, sound and vision components throughout the day. They had to demonstrate the skills and initiatives they had learned in VET Entertainment Certificate III in Live Production and Sound. Nine participants competed on the day, judged by Mr Matthew Rumsey from the DET, Mr Jesse Caroll from St Josephs, Banora Point, Ms Georgia Quinn from Xavier Catholic College, Ballina. 
All students learned and exhibited a vast range of entertainment skills and are commended for their participation and mature involvement during the day. Results have yet to be published as the students compete against others in the state.
Events like these do not happen without the cooperation and involvement of many individuals; A huge thank you to Mr Jesse Carroll, Mr Matthew Rumsey, Ms Georgia Quinn, Ms Allysha Hodges and Mr Mauricio Pavez for making this event happen and for the support from Kylie Parsons and Sue Watts (DLCS). Thank you also to the Year 12 Hospitality students and teachers, including their teachers, Ms Karina Lampe, Ms Madison Loch and Ms Tawney Peachey, who contributed by catering for the day.
Finally, congratulations to all the students of the Year 12 VET Entertainment class for their commitment and exemplary behaviour on the day.

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