Newsletter 3: Monday 14 April 2025

For the Calendar

Week 1, Term 2 2025

• Monday 28/4/25: Staff Professional Learning Day (Student-Free Day)
• Tuesday 29/4/25: All students return, Diocesan Soccer @ Lennox (Open Boys & Girls)
  
• Wednesday 30/4/25: Community Access Excursions, Community Time (Whole School Assembly — Easter Liturgy)
• Thursday 1/5/25: Year 7 & Parents Welcome Picnic (4:30pm), U18 Netball (TBC), U15 & U18 Volleyball (TBC) 
• Friday 2/5/25: Year 11 Geography Evans River Field Trip

Week 2, Term 2 2025

• Monday 5/5/25: Winter Uniform Begins, Year 8 Poetry In Action Incursion
• Tuesday 6/5/25: Year 7 & 8 Boys AFL QLD Cup (TBC), Year 7-10 Boys All Schools Touch Football Tournament (TBC)
• Wednesday 7/5/25: HSC Drama Group Day, Community Time (House Assemblies — Campion House Liturgy)
• Thursday 8/5/25: U14 & U16 Boys & Girls NRCC Rugby League (TBC), Year 7 2026 Enrolment Interviews (2pm — 6:30pm)
• Friday 9/5/25: Year 9 & 10 Boys/Girls AFL QLD Cup (TBC), Year 7 & 8 Mothers Day Liturgy and Morning Tea (10:15am)
  

Principal's Message

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

As we wrap up Term 1, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and partnership in what has been a very successful and busy start to the year.

We have had a strong beginning to 2025, with students and staff settling in quickly and contributing to a positive, focused learning environment. This has allowed us to continue building on the growth we’ve seen at the College—both academically and in the culture we are shaping together.

At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to student wellbeing and engagement. It has been wonderful to see our students not only happy in their learning, but also confident in taking up the many opportunities available to them—whether in academics, sport, the arts, leadership, or service.

We are especially proud of the way our students are growing in their responsibilities as young adults. Their positive approach to learning, respect, and uniform reflects the high standards and expectations we hold at Xavier. And it is clear: when we expect the best, our students rise to meet it.

We are also very mindful of the importance of strong, open relationships with families. We want all our families to feel welcome, connected and heard. It is this partnership—between home and school—that makes such a powerful difference in the lives of our students.

Looking ahead, we are excited for Term 2 and the continued growth of our vibrant College community. Thank you once again for the trust you place in us, and for the part you play in making Xavier such a special place for your children.

Wishing you a safe and restful holiday break. The College resumes for students in Years 7 – 12 on Tuesday 29 April.

If you have any concerns or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College.

We Are Easter People

We are now very close to Easter, the most significant time in the Church’s liturgical year, and our College community has been pausing each day to walk amongst the fourteen Stations of the Cross on the College ‘Green.’. These stations depict the final week of Jesus’ life on earth—His suffering, His sacrifice, and ultimately, His immense love for all humanity.

In a Catholic school, these moments are more than tradition. They are opportunities for reflection, for encounter, and for transformation. Each station invites our students and staff into a deeper understanding of Christ’s journey—a journey marked by courage, humility, and forgiveness.

By walking the Stations of the Cross, we don’t just remember an event in history. We walk with Christ in a spiritual sense. We enter into His story, recognising His presence in our own joys, sorrows, and daily challenges. This act helps form the heart of our Catholic identity: a life lived with compassion, justice, and faith.

Easter reminds us that death is not the end. The Resurrection brings the promise of new life, of hope restored. This is why Easter is the pinnacle of our faith—it proclaims that love conquers all and that we are never alone in our suffering.

As Easter approaches, we are called to open our hearts. To forgive as we have been forgiven. To bring light where there is darkness. To be people of hope in our homes, our College, and our world.

May this sacred time draw each of us closer to the Risen Christ, and may we carry His peace into all we do. I wish every family a blessed Holy Week and a joyful Easter.

Save These Dates, Please

Some important dates for your calendar for Term 2:

• Friday 9 May – Years 7 & 8 Mother’s Day Liturgy and Morning Tea – 10.15am – 11.10am in the Magis Centre (More details to follow)
• Tuesday 13 May – Lunch on the Lawn – 12.55pm – 1.35pm
• Friday 13 June or Saturday 14 June (TBA) – Xavier Trivia Night – Magis Centre – 6.30pm (More details to follow)
• Wednesday 2 July - 25 Years of Xavier Jubilee Mass with Bishop Greg Homeming – 11.45am in the Magis Centre (More details to follow)

Congratulations

I want to take a moment in this Newsletter to reflect on and celebrate the incredible achievements of our students over the past few weeks. Their contributions across a broad range of pursuits continue to be a source of great pride for our College community.

In faith and spirituality, our students have shown deep commitment through their involvement in Diocesan opportunities such as LEAD, Transitus, and Kairos, as well as their creative and prayerful work in developing our Stations of the Cross installation for Lent and Easter.

In leadership, we applaud those who have taken the initiative and represented the College with pride at the NSW Parliament Youth Forum and Public Speaking competition in Grafton, and through their confident leadership of College assemblies, trivia competitions, and student activities.

In the arts, our talented students have showcased their creativity in the NSW Catholic Schools Regional Art Program and through the inspiring performances and artworks presented at the Creative and Performing Arts Year 10 and 11 Journeys showcase.

In sports, our students have excelled at both team and individual levels—representing the College in Rugby League, Rugby Union, Swimming, Netball, and Basketball. We also recognise those who have pursued their passions at State and National levels, demonstrating dedication and perseverance.

In service, we extend heartfelt thanks to the students who generously gave their time and energy as tour leaders during our recent Xavier Opens the Doors enrolment information evening. Your warmth and hospitality helped make the event a true reflection of our Xavier spirit.

There is so much to be proud of, and I thank each and every student who has contributed to the life of our College this term. Your energy, generosity, and commitment continue to shape Xavier Catholic College into a vibrant, faith-filled community.

Year 7 2026 Enrolment Applications

I am pleased to share that Xavier College is currently accepting enrolment applications for Year 7 students commencing in 2026. This is an important and exciting time for families of current Year 6 students as you begin to consider the next stage of your child's educational journey.

At Xavier, we are deeply committed to educating the whole person – mind, body and spirit. As a Catholic College in the Jesuit tradition, our mission is to nurture young people to become thoughtful, compassionate and resilient individuals who live out our mantra of being 'men and women for others'. This guiding principle shapes every aspect of College life – from our academic programs to our co-curricular offerings and pastoral care.

Choosing the right secondary school is a significant decision, and we believe Xavier offers a unique opportunity for students to thrive in a values-based community that supports excellence, growth and service.

A reminder that applications for Year 7 enrolment in 2026 close on Friday 2 May. Interviews for prospective students and their families will be held at the College on Thursday 8 May and Tuesday 20 May.

We warmly encourage all interested families to apply and look forward to welcoming new members into our Xavier College community.

ANZAC Day Commemorations

Our recent Whole College Assembly provided a fitting moment to pause and honour one of the most significant occasions in our national calendar — ANZAC Day.

In the lead-up to ANZAC Day, our students were deeply engaged in a moving commemorative ceremony that captured the solemn spirit of remembrance and gratitude. The ceremony was made all the more powerful through the wonderful support of the Xavier Drum Corps, led with dedication by parent, Mr Brendan Flanagan. His commitment to mentoring our student drummers and percussionists has brought an inspiring energy and professionalism to the occasion.

We were also privileged to hear stirring renditions of the Last Post and Reveille, performed by Ms Fiona Spinks, which provided a poignant moment of reflection for all in attendance.

I had the opportunity to address the assembly and offered the following thoughts:

“The ANZAC spirit was forged on the shores and rugged coastline of Gallipoli in 1915, when Australian and New Zealand troops landed on this foreign land, far from home. The conditions were brutal. The losses were great. But what emerged from that campaign was something deeply powerful: a set of values that continue to shape who we are as a nation – and who we are as a College community.

• Courage – not just on the battlefield, but in everyday acts of bravery. Speaking up for what is right. Standing beside those who are marginalised or hurting.

• Mateship – the deep bonds of loyalty and support. Looking out for one another, including the person who seems alone or is having a hard time.

• Endurance – the strength to keep going when things get tough. Not giving up in the face of challenges, but rising to meet them with resilience and determination.
• Sacrifice – a willingness to put the needs of others before our own. Choosing service over self-interest. Giving of ourselves in ways that build peace, not conflict.

These values are not confined to the pages of history. They are alive – or they can be – in how we treat each other here at Xavier Catholic College.

In our classrooms, in our friendships, on the sporting field, in our homes – we have the opportunity to live out the ANZAC spirit every day. Let us carry it forward in how we live, how we lead, and how we love.”

As part of our continued commitment to honour the ANZAC spirit, we warmly invite all students and families to join our College contingent in the Ballina ANZAC Day March, taking place on Friday, 25 April from 10am in River Street. This is a meaningful opportunity for our students to stand proudly in support of the values of courage, sacrifice, and mateship that the ANZAC legacy embodies.

We encourage all students to wear their full College uniform with pride and be part of this important community event.

Xavier Parent Group Meeting – Term 2

It was great to have a good number of parents at our re-scheduled Term 1 Parent Group Meeting at the College recently. These opportunities to come along for an hour to find out what is being done at the College is very worthwhile and we certainly appreciate the interaction of our parents.

Our Term 2 Xavier Parent Group Meeting will be held on Thursday 29 May (Week 5, Term 2) in the College Staff Room. Drinks and nibbles to kick off the meeting from 5:45 pm. You are very welcome to attend and participate!  

REMINDER – Staff Professional Learning Day – Monday 28 April

The College will resume for Term 2 for all students on Tuesday 29 April (Day 2, Week 1). Apologies for the error in the 2025 flip calendar. We look forward to welcoming our students back for Term 2 – a 10-week term concluding for all students on Friday 4 July.

We Have Space for Student Enrolments in 2025

The College is currently accepting additional enrolments for Years 7 to 12 for the 2025 academic year. We encourage parents and carers to share information about our College within the community to inspire additional enrolments. Interested families can contact our Enrolments Team for more details or to arrange a meeting with the Principal to discuss enrolling at Xavier this year. We look forward to welcoming new families to our Xavier community.

_______________________________________

May this Jubilee Year inspire us all to be Pilgrims of Hope, walking together towards a future filled with promise.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can support you in any way.

Mr Lee MacMaster
College Principal

Ballina ANZAC Day Events
Friday 25 April 2025

5:00am: Reveille

5:30am: Dawn Service at the Ballina RSL Memorial Park

10:10am: March assembly on River Street (between the Slipway Hotel and the Courthouse). All participants need to be in formation and ready to march by 10:25am.

10:30am: March commences and proceeds down River Street to the RSL Memorial Park (1 Grant Street)

10:55am: Commemorative and Wreath Laying Service begins

Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching

Thank You

As the term draws to a close, I reflect with pleasure and pride on the growth and achievement of our students throughout Term 1. My work focuses on building Xavier Catholic College as a centre of excellence in learning and teaching. This, of course, is about more than grades — it also involves shaping students who are open to growth, committed to justice, and compassionate in service to others for the greater glory of God. I am inspired and sustained by the many individuals who share this vision and, through their actions, bring it to life in their daily work and deeds. I would like to sincerely thank our students, carers, and our dedicated staff for their contribution to making this term the success it has been. I wish you all the peace, hope and joy of the Easter season.

Year 12 Assessment & Reports

It is not every year that we have a cyclone interrupt a Year 12 Assessment Block! 2025 will be remembered not only for this unexpected challenge but also for the resilience of our students, who calmly dealt with the disruption and rescheduling necessitated by this weather event. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our Year 12 students as they have now completed their mid-course assessment block. Their diligent work ethic, and the calm and respectful manner in which they conducted themselves throughout this period, have demonstrated the qualities and characteristics of our Xavier students. 

This is also a very busy time for our teaching staff, who collaboratively write assessment tasks and marking criteria, meet during the marking process to moderate tasks, invest time to provide quality feedback that focuses on the next steps for learning growth, and carefully record assessment data. I would like to acknowledge the work of our dedicated staff who have worked diligently to provide quality learning and teaching, assessment and reporting throughout the term.

Year 12 Reports will be issued in Week 2 of Term 2 and provide valuable information regarding your child’s progress in their final year of school. I encourage you to read your child’s report and use this to inform their ongoing preparation for the Higher School Certificate examinations. 

Year 7 – 9 Progress Reports

Family and school partnerships are a vital aspect that underpins the success of Xavier Catholic College. To support this partnership, Progress Reports were issued to students last week to provide more regular feedback on learning. We recognise that parents are their children's first teachers, and in building partnerships between home and school, we have the opportunity to improve students’ learning and wellbeing outcomes. 

Please take the time to read and discuss this report with your child and to work with them to complete the goal-setting and reflection activity available on their Compass dashboard. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the application of every student and to consider opportunities for further growth.  Please contact your child/ren’s teachers if required.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Last week, we welcomed Year 7 parents and carers for their first Parent/Teacher Conferences at the College. It was lovely to meet our newest community members and to see the happy, confident faces of our Year 7 students. After being here for only nine weeks, they very much look like they belong in our community.  We thank parents for taking the time to engage in these conferences, as they are an important means to build relationships and to connect learning at home and school. 

A Save the Date email has been sent to parents of Year 11 and 12 students for Parent/Teacher Conferences, which are scheduled for Week 3 of Term 2 following the release of Year 12 Reports. Further information about booking interview times will be forthcoming.

Subject Selections

Each year, students in Year 8 and Year 10 engage in subject selection as they develop their pattern of study for Stages 5 and 6. Information sessions for parents and students will be scheduled next term.  Additionally,  we will launch our new, bespoke Stage 5 elective courses as part of a revitalisation of the curriculum. Stay tuned for more details next term!

Year 10 students and carers are encouraged to explore subject selection information through the UAC website. Early next term, Year 10 students will be taken through a process to guide subject selections in their Careers lessons, with an emphasis on a variety of pathways, including Work Ready and ATAR (university) options post-school. The 2026 Subject Selection Handbook and website will be made available on the College website in the first half of next term. Student interest, ability and intended future pathway should be the main considerations when deciding on subjects. There are a number of HSC and ATAR eligibility requirements that must be considered. We look forward to working through these exciting and important processes with your children.

Ms Carmel Zuino

Assistant Principal: Mission

Congratulations on a successful Term 1

Well done to our Year 7 students for stepping confidently into their first term of secondary school. You’ve embraced the challenge, made new connections, and begun your high school journey with energy and curiosity.

To our Year 8, 9 and 10 students, this term has been an opportunity to grow into your next stage of maturity. While many have risen to the challenge of being respectful, responsible, and visible leaders within our community, there remains room for growth. We encourage all students to reflect on the example they set each day.

Our Year 11s have begun their leadership journey as our new “white shirts.” The way you carry yourselves, both in and out of the classroom, speaks to the kind of senior leaders we will have in 2026.

And congratulations to our Year 12 students, who continue to lead the College with distinction. You’ve completed a successful HSC assessment block, navigating the balancing act of academic demands, school commitments, and service to the wider community. You’ve laid a strong foundation for the final two terms ahead.

Easter & Holy Week

Lent has been a meaningful journey for our College community. Through daily reflection on fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, we’ve deepened our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice. The College Green has served as a powerful visual reminder throughout Lent, enhancing our Religious Education learning and anchoring us in this sacred season.

This experience was brought to life through our Year 10 Ministry Class, whose presentation of the Stations of the Cross on the final day of term was deeply moving. Thank you to Mrs Broadley, Brendon Clarke, and the entire Ministry Class for their courage, creativity, and commitment to this powerful expression of faith.

Men and Women For and With Others

In 1973, Father Pedro Arrupe, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits), delivered a powerful address in which he called on Jesuit schools to respond to the "signs of the times" by forming “men for others.” Over time, this mission has evolved to speak more inclusively, calling all of us to be men and women for and with others.

This ideal is at the heart of Catholic education, and one we strive to live out here at Xavier Catholic College. It is not enough to learn about faith — we must live it, through acts of service, compassion, and justice.

This term, our students have answered the call to serve in many meaningful ways, including (but not limited to): Year 9 students connecting with residents at a local retirement village; our musicians enhancing the spirit of our House Masses; Year 12 Catholic Faith in Action volunteers folding palm crosses; students proudly representing the College at both Diocesan and Community events; and others helping to run the ever-popular “Hot Spot” — the microwave station in the canteen during Recess and Lunch — an initiative led by our current College Captains.

As we head into the holiday break, we challenge all students to reflect: How will you continue to be community-minded, and live as men and women for and with others?

ANZAC Day March

This week during Community Time, we gathered as a College to hold our ANZAC Day service. The service was marked by reverence and reflection. Our Drum Corps, led by parent Brendan Flanagan, provided a powerful opening, and Ms Spinks’ performance of the Last Post was deeply moving.

As we approach ANZAC Day, a reminder that Xavier Catholic College will be represented in the Ballina March. Students participating are asked to wear full College uniform and meet at 10:00am outside the NRMA on River Street. This is a significant opportunity to publicly honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and serving personnel. We encourage strong student participation as we pay tribute to this important national tradition.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Youth (RCIY)

We are excited to share that throughout Term 2, Xavier Catholic College, in partnership with our Parish, will offer the Rite of Christian Initiation of Youth (RCIY), a special opportunity for students to explore their faith and grow in their relationship with God.

RCIY is a guided process that supports young people, typically teenagers, in preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. It’s designed for students who are curious about Jesus and the Christian faith, and who may be considering becoming members of the Catholic Church.

Some students may have missed the opportunity to complete their sacraments due to COVID disruptions, while others may have had a meaningful faith experience at the College and now feel called to explore more. Whatever the reason, RCIY offers a welcoming, supportive space to ask questions, learn, and grow spiritually.

Early in Term 2, Brendon Clark, our College Youth Minister, will be inviting expressions of interest from students. Please keep an eye out for further information, and encourage your child to consider this beautiful next step in their faith journey if it speaks to them.

Child Safeguarding — A Shared Responsibility

At Xavier Catholic College, keeping our children safe is the responsibility of our entire community.

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools (DLCS) is deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Together, we strive to foster communities that uphold the dignity, rights, and sacredness of every child, inspired by the mission of Jesus Christ.

To learn more about our safeguarding policies and procedures, please visit:

https://xavier.policyconnect.com.au/module/265/page/9e0b6fa3-1112-41cb-b9fd-be7b2d1da955.md

Mr Peter Fear

Learning & Teaching News

Creative Arts News

"Journeys" — CAPA Showcase

On Monday 7 April, our College community came together for a truly spectacular evening – “Journeys”, the Creative and Performing Arts Showcase Night! The atmosphere was electric as we celebrated the incredible talent and dedication of our Year 10 and 11 students.

From the moment the doors opened at 6pm, the Magis was buzzing with excitement. Attendees were treated to a diverse and captivating array of performances and displays showcasing the hard work and passion within our Music, Dance, Drama, Art, Ceramics, and Photography classes.

The stage came alive with the energy and skill of our Music and Dance students, who delivered performances that were both moving and dynamic. Our Drama students captivated the audience with their theatrical prowess, bringing stories to life with creativity and flair. Around the hall, the artistic talents of our students were on full display. The Art and Ceramics exhibits showcased a stunning range of techniques, while the Photography displays offered a fascinating glimpse into the world through the lenses of our talented photographers.

A special thank you must go to our dedicated Year 12 Entertainment class, who expertly prepared and managed the production of the entire evening. Their hard work behind the scenes ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Thank you to all the parents, family members, teachers and friends who came along to support our students and make the evening so special. We are incredibly proud of the achievements of all our Year 10 and 11 CAPA students and look forward to seeing their talents continue to flourish in the future!

Production photos taken by Year 11 Photography students

Mrs Allysha Hodges
Leader of Creative Arts

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Art Club – ANZAC Day Artwork

Art Club has been well underway this term, aimed at forming friendships and creating artworks. Students spend Thursday lunchtimes together in RA2 with Ms Rogers, enjoying each other’s company, eating popcorn, and creating individual and group artworks. 

In recent weeks, a team of Art Club students, along with SVC representatives, collaborated to make an artwork for the RSL club, to be displayed in a bank in Ballina for Anzac Day celebrations. Art Club focuses on sustainability by recycling art materials, so this artwork re-uses discarded canvas and leftover paints, as well as used manila folders, which were utilised for the poppies. Students were involved in choices and decision making, selecting imagery to include in the artwork, and each played an important role in the construction and completion of the artwork. Well done Art Club and SVC team!

Ms Jasmin Rogers
Art Club Teacher

PDHPE News

Year 11 SLR Students Lead the Game in Coaching Assessment

Our Year 11 Sport, Lifestyle, and Recreation (SLR) students put their coaching skills to the test in their latest assessment task. As part of their practical learning, they were required to teach their classmates either an offensive or defensive play in a chosen sport, including sports such as flag football, basketball, and netball.

This task challenged students to step into the role of a coach, developing their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. They worked hard to break down key strategies, demonstrate techniques, and provide feedback to their peers—all essential skills for success in sport and beyond.

It was fantastic to see their confidence grow as they took charge of their sessions, ensuring their classmates not only understood the plays but also applied them in-game scenarios. Well done to all students for their effort and enthusiasm in making this a valuable and engaging learning experience!

Congratulations to all the students involved, you all did a great job! 

Mrs Kate Kilby, Mrs Tegan Paton-Kelly, and Mrs Janine Wallace
SLR Teachers

House News

MacKillop House News

"Everyone Belongs" – Raising Awareness for the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students at Xavier Catholic College, students have been learning about the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. This year’s theme, "Everyone Belongs," serves as a powerful reminder that our College should be a place where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected each and every day.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to MacKillop House for leading the way in raising awareness about this crucial issue. Their dedication and initiative have been truly inspiring. A special thank you goes out to our MacKillop Captains (Zac Thick, Eve Nicolson, Jerridan Tulloch, Georgia McLean and Charlotte Fox), who have worked tirelessly to create a short film in conjunction with engaging pastoral care lessons for students in Years 7-9. These resources highlight the power of kindness, inclusion, and standing up for one another.

The efforts of our MacKillop Captains have sparked meaningful conversations throughout the College about the role we each play in making our school a welcoming and supportive place for everyone. Students were encouraged to consider how they can contribute to building a culture where everyone truly belongs by creating a place where kindness and respect are at the heart of everything we do. 

Mrs Rebecca Kennedy
Head of MacKillop House

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 wellbeing of others. 

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

• Volunteering at the Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships
• Melanoma March Volunteers
• Australia Seabird and Turtle Rescue
• Ballina Coastcare
• Parkrun
• Vinnies

College News

College Photos — Week 4, Term 2 2025

Our College Photo Days are scheduled for Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May 2025.

Please see the flyer below for more information.

To order online, visit https://store.theschoolphotographer.com.au/ and follow the steps below:

1. Enter the order code in the flyer below. Make sure you copy and paste it to delete any extra spaces!
2. Select your pack, following the prompts on the website.
3. Once you have chosen your pack, you'll have the option to add any additional items (e.g. magnets, mugs, keyrings) and/or sibling photos.

For more support, visit https://www.theschoolphotographer.com.au/faq or contact the College.

Sport News

2025 College Swimmers Make Waves at Diocesan Carnival! 

On Wednesday 26 March, a dedicated team of our College swimmers travelled to Alstonville to represent us at the annual Diocesan Swimming Carnival. Our students dove into action, competing across various strokes and events throughout the day.

The competition was fierce, with talented swimmers from across the diocese vying for qualification. Our students rose to the challenge, showcasing their skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The qualification standards were incredibly high, making the final selection a testament to the swimmers' hard work and dedication.

The College was exceptionally well represented, and we are very proud of all the students who competed. We had some particularly outstanding performances from Abi Matthews, Ruby Clift, and Keiko Bond-Sheenan, who demonstrated exceptional skill and speed in their events.

Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of the day was witnessing the incredible camaraderie and spirit displayed by our other swimmers. Their enthusiastic cheers and unwavering support for their teammates in the water created an electric atmosphere and truly embodied the spirit of our College.

The students' commitment to training and their positive attitude throughout the day were a credit to themselves and our College. We congratulate all the swimmers on their fantastic efforts and thank them for representing us with such pride and enthusiasm.

Diocesan Open Basketball Boys & Girls - Coffs Harbour 27/3/25

The Senior Boys won the Diocesan Division 2 Basketball competition in Coffs Harbour on 13 March! The team, led by Captain Tom Moloney (Mr Fast Break), completed the undefeated carnival. The team beat Mount St Pats  48 to 16, St Joseph's Banora 56 to 15, St Mary's Casino 48 to 18, and John Paul College Coffs in the final 65 to 15. This was the final chance for Jonah Taylor (always solid in the paint), Cooper Keane (the energiser bunny), Rob De Wit (most likely to foul out of the game), and Tom to represent the College in basketball. The boys played amazingly as a team. They were supported by Tahj McCabe (the dunking centre), Ben White (point guard extraordinaire), Zane Close (best ball stealer), and Archie Klose (Mr Everywhere). Congratulations boys!

The Senior Girls Basketball Team had a remarkable day at Diocesan Basketball Tournament in Coffs Harbour, showcasing their dominance in Pool B by winning all their games convincingly. Their strong teamwork, strategic gameplay, and relentless determination set them apart from their competitors. However, despite their flawless run leading up to the Grand Final, they faced a tough challenge in the championship match against St John Paul College, ultimately falling short by 8 points against a strong opponent. Though the final result was close, their outstanding performance throughout the day remains a testament to their hard work and dedication. This team has been highly competitive throughout the journey in high school. Shout out to Pippa Bailey, Madeleine Alexander, Neeve Alexander, Leura Allen and Jorja Wagland — thanks for your XCC Basketball commitment!

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 2025 Canteen Roster.

Community News

Byron Bay FC 2025 kicking off now!

Registrations are now open for season 2025 at https://www.playfootball.com.au/

• Miniroos teams for players 5-11 - mixed and girls only teams
• SAP Advanced player program for players 8-11, trials commencing 18th of Feb
• Youth teams 12-16 - trials commencing 18th of Feb
• Senior mens and womens 17/18 and up training now

All details are on our website, www.byronbayfc.com.au. Come join the biggest club in the bay, all players new and experienced welcome!