Newsletter 7, 20 May 2022

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”

Sorry Day: This important day in the Australian calendar will be marked with a ceremony conducted by our Aboriginal students on Wednesday next week. Our courageous and confident students will walk the community through the story of loss, despair and hopelessness to ultimately a future of reconciliation and hope. 

Of course as a Jesuit Companion school we are a community of hope; as such, we move forward with confidence in this time of Pentecost that the Holy Spirit will awaken in each of us a desire to move forward with Reconciliation with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in community.

Sorry Day, of course, is the lead-in to National Reconciliation Week which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year: 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Updated COVID Advice and Guidelines: As previously communicated; students and staff who are close contacts and have no symptoms can continue to attend school if they follow the guidelines below:

• They must notify the school and their outside of school hours care (OOSHC) provider if they are intending to return under this provision.
• They should conduct a daily rapid antigen test (RAT) and return a negative result each morning before attending school for 5 school days.
• Secondary school students must wear a mask indoors (except when eating or exercising). Primary school students are recommended to wear a mask indoors (except when eating or exercising).
• No student or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps.
• No apprentices, trainees or students on placement or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to attend settings identified as high risk by NSW Health (healthcare, aged care, disability care or correctional facilities).
• Any visitor to a school site who is a close contact is required to advise the school that they are a close contact before they come on site. These visitors should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result before attending. They must also wear a mask indoors at all times. Schools should consider if the visit can be conducted virtually.

RAT Testing: Remember: Staff and students cannot attend school if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms occur at any time, students should not attend school and should undertake a rapid antigen test (RAT).

Masks: Masks are not mandatory for staff in primary schools and early childhood settings and for staff and

students in high schools. Staff and students will be supported to wear a mask if they choose to do so.

Mask wearing is mandatory for staff and high school students returning to school as close contacts for

5 school days and recommended for primary school students returning to school as close contacts for

5 school days. Where students or staff are unable to wear a mask, they will be supported to learn or

work remotely.

NAPLAN: My thanks to our Year 7 and Year 9 students for their mature and dedicated approach to NAPLAN online testing this week. Mrs Emma Smith and Ms Nichole Page, ably assisted by Mr Trent Dooley and Mr Brody Tate and a team of supervising teachers, ensured these days went off with minimal hitches. I remind parents that when these results are presented to you, they represent only a snapshot of your child’s overall ability and should be read with that in mind. Some will be pleased with their results, while others may be a little challenged by them. Overall, we acknowledge that our students are much more than just this score, and we cherish and embrace them as the wonderful young people they are.

Federal Election: Xavier Catholic College will be open as a Polling Place this Saturday (21 May) for the federal election.

Further Staff Changes for the Remainder of the Year: Some further additions to our College faculty from the start of this term. We welcome Mrs Kellie Sproule teaching Drama for the remainder of the year. Mrs Sproule is already a part-time member of staff and moves now into a full-time role.

God Bless,
Mr Kevin Lewis
College Principal
kevin.lewis@lism.catholic.edu.au

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

Assistant Principal Mission - Staff and Students

Photo Day

On Thursday the 16th of June and Friday 17th of June this term (Week 8 of Term 2) the College will have its Photo Days. Thursday will be for House PC groups and Individual student photographs. Friday will be for our Year 12 Cohort, Year 7 Cohort, Sibling Photographs and Special Groups.

Please note the company who captures our school images has moved to an online ordering process where paper order forms are no longer distributed. Further instruction regarding how to order your school photos will be communicated to families in the coming weeks.

Students are reminded that on this day they need to ensure they are in their full winter uniform and that their personal presentation is appropriate to the College Uniform Policy. Please refer to Page 7 and 8 of the College Planner for specific expectations related to personal presentation and uniform. Before each student begins their Xavier Catholic College journey they are required to attend an enrolment interview where they agree and sign the student agreement which includes, and I quote:

To commit myself to the general requirements of the College and in particular to wear the College uniform as expected. These requirements are specified in the College Diary or from time to time explained in the College newsletter or at assemblies.

During assembly this week I took the opportunity to remind our students of the following items:

JEWELLERY

• No more than two small sleepers or two plain studs in each ear (lobe only)
• A single plain chain or a chain with a religious medal
• A single ring of appropriate size and style
• No make-up
• Nail polish – clear or natural
• No bangles
• No other visible body piercings.

Could all families support the College to ensure our students adhere to the policy of two small sleepers or plain studs in their 1st and 2nd, no helix piercings? Students need to understand that a sleeper is a small and thin item that is approximately 1cm in diameter and can be fully rotated in the piercing - which is different from hoop earrings and does not have hanging embellishments. As a strategy to get it right, I recommend that students organise their jewellery collection into separate appropriate Monday to Friday XCC Jewellery and their Saturday to Sunday Jewellery.  It is a shame when students have their weekend jewellery confiscated for the remainder of the term.

HAIR

• Any student with hair shoulder length or longer should have it tied back with an appropriate tie (a school colour).
• Extremes of hairstyle and/or colour will not be accepted.

Mullets, a fashion trend which originated in the early 70’s and unfortunately has not remained there, has more recently made a resurgence. This hairstyle is considered extreme. We appreciate those students who have already responded by changing their hairstyle to an appropriate cut/style. If any students still sport this extreme hairstyle now is the time to have it corrected.

Thank you for your support.

Mr Peter Fear

Catechesis And Evangelisation

Street Retreat

Applications close this week for the Street Retreat.  Street Retreat is the smallest of the Diocesan gatherings.  It is only open to Year 11 students, and spaces are limited to just a handful from each school.

The participants in Street Retreat spend four days and three nights in Brisbane working with ministries connected to the poor and marginalised. It is a very challenging but also inspiring event. Some of the activities included helping out with late night or early morning food vans for homeless people, working in soup kitchens run by the Salvos or hostels run by Vinnies, or sheltered workshops with disabled adults or refugee centres.

Applications to represent Xavier Catholic College at the 2022 Street Retreat close this weekend.  Students apply via google form - the link is here: 2022 Street Retreat Application

Ignite Conference

This exciting conference is back again in September. The CSO will be organising a trip which is open to students from Years 7-12. The trip will be subsidised by the CSO to make it more affordable and accessible. Student participants will be asked to make a co-contribution of $245.00. This contribution will go towards the registration cost. Transport and accommodation are fully subsidised.

The first step to securing a place with the Xavier Catholic College delegation to Ignite 2022 is to complete the online application form: Ignite Applications 2022 (XCC Ballina) These must be submitted by Friday 10th June. 

All those selected to attend Ignite will then need to bring the $245.00 (non-refundable) payment and permission notes to the school office. Registration for the conference will be completed online using the coupon code provided on the permission note. 

Further details on the conference are below:

Casual Clothes Day Wednesday 1st June

• A Back to the 80s themed Mufti Day is scheduled for Wednesday 1st June.
• Suggested donation for this day is $5.00.  
• Participation is optional - you may wear full uniform on Mufti Day (many students always do)  
• If you do choose to come in casual clothes on Friday 21st you must pay a donation. 
• Obviously all students are welcome to make a donation even if they prefer not to come in casual clothes!
• Funds raised on Mufti Day will be directed to our sister school: Our Lady of Fatima in Turiscai. (Timor Leste)

Casual Clothes Day Rules:

• Students must wear or bring shoes that meet requirements of practical subjects on that day (TAS, P.E.,Science etc)
• Students may not wear clothes with offensive pictures or slogans, or skirts, shorts or tops that are inappropriately brief.
• WHS protocols prohibit loose/dangly jewellery and require long hair to be tied back in practical subjects.

Ignite Launch

Last Saturday 30 Xavier students went to Dreamworld for an annual event called Ignite Launch.  The trip was organised by the St Francis Xavier Parish Youth Group - which is led by former YMOs, John Kearney, Bianca McInnes and Sophie Sullivan. Our College YMOs Macy and Chelsea also came along and we met up with students and YMOs from other schools in this diocese as well as Catholic Youth Groups from Brisbane, the Gold coast and the Sunshine coast.

It rained ALL DAY and everyone involved got well and truly got soaked, but all had a great time

When Dreamworld closed, we stayed behind for the Ignite Launch rally with Emmanuel worship and speakers from NET Ministries and Ignite Youth. For most of the students on this trip, this was the first time they had ever been to a Catholic Youth event like this.  It is certainly eye opening and thought provoking to hear inspiring people talk about their personal faith. Music and dancing are always a big part of Ignite rallies.

Many thanks go to Mrs Brown and Mr Eyles for driving the Xavier buses, for giving up their time on Saturday and for braving all the rain..The parish Youth Group meets most Saturday Nights - everyone is welcome, you can check out their social media page or talk to the YMOs for details.

Mr David Eyles & Dr Madeline Beveridge

House News

CAMPION HOUSE LITURGY

During Pastoral Care recently Campion House staff and students celebrated their house liturgy. It was an opportunity to recognise the life and teachings of the House Patron, St Edmund Campion and focused on the theme “Who’s leading you?”.

The house leaders addressed the students with a focus on the house motto “Lead by Example” and shared with the group who are the role models in their lives that inspire them to make a difference in the world. It wasn’t a famous athlete, actor or influencer that they spoke of but of their mothers, grandmothers and teachers. It was the qualities of compassion, care, resilience and determination that inspired these leaders and all students were asked to reflect on who are the people in their lives that encourage them to live out the house motto.

The captains did a wonderful job preparing for this liturgy and the students are to be commended for their behaviour and participation in this house celebration. We wish to thank Ms Wade and the photography club for capturing the images of this special occasion.

Kate Kilby 

Head of Campion House

Sport News

SPORT

NRCC Rugby League

Unfortunately the NRCC Rugby League Gala Day was canceled on the 5th May. However, Woodlawn still travelled to XCC for U14 Boys and U16 Boys matches. With bragging rights on offer, the U14 Boys played match 1. 

Congratulations to Mr Coleman and the team who defeated Woodlawn comfortably.

Match 2 Under 16 Boys. 

In a physical game of Rugby League, controlling the ruck and completing sets of six was always going to be the key. The XCC boys dominated in these two areas as well as commitment in defense. In attack our middles worked really hard, which allowed us to shift the point of attack and score tries out wide, as can be seen by the try scorers below:

• Jesse Ingram (wing)
• Oscar Godwin (centre)
• conversion
• Matthew Page (centre)
• Ethan Campbell (hooker)

Final score XCC 18 Woodlawn 4. Congratulations to the Under 16 Boys.

Players Player - Oscar Godwin 7 votes

3 points - Tyler Hickey and Will Picken 4 votes each

2 points - Toby Yates 3 votes

1 point - Bronson Purcell and Charlie Paskins 1 vote each

Special mention to Props Henry Thompson, Jack Evers and Jack Mundy who were strong. Captain Noah Waldock, halfbacks Jonah Verus and Brody Ross, fullback Jack Moyle and wingers Felix Frazer and Jarrod Lohse all did their jobs and played well.

Mr Pat Kennedy & Mr Russell Asser

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 16

Next

Bill Turner Trophy

Friday the 13th of May saw Xavier's girls U/15 Bill Turner Trophy team play their first game of the competition against Ballina High.  

The girls were nervous before kick off playing their first game together in front of a large home crowd. From the outset we were under pressure from the Ballina attack but were able to deal with it through some consistently excellent defence from Miah Bradley and Callie Gollan.  We managed to settle into a pattern first and started to string some passes together through the  midfield.  Some good build up play put Matilda Mundey in a position inside the box to shoot on goal and she made no mistake putting us up 1 nil after 10 minutes. 

The girls continued to improve putting consistent pressure on the Ballina defence with  Zoe Hope and Layla Ross leading the way.  We managed to break out down the right hand side with Hayley Patterson putting in a solid cross that floated over the defence, into the path of Lucy Bill who expertly slotted it into an open net for a 2 nil lead.  Soon after we were again on the attack with another shot, this time hitting the crossbar. The rebound found its way just outside the box where Lucy struck a stinging shot into the top of the net for us to take a 3 nil lead into half time.  

The second half continued much in the same manner, with continued raids on the Ballina goal that were consistently thwarted by the Ballina goalkeeper.  The pressure resulted in Hayley scoring a goal off another Callie corner.  We took out the game 4 - 0 winners.

Shout out to Breanna Atlee who put her hand up to be our goal keeper and kept a clean sheet.  Congratulations to our year 7 crew Mika, Scarlet, Leila, Layla, India and Verity who all made positive contributions, in their first game, to our victory today.

Back row: Siabh, Matilda, Callie(c), Shaelie, Addie, Miah, Hayley, Verity, Mr Raeburn

Front row: Leila, Scarlett, Mika, Layla, Breeana, Zoe, Lucy

Canteen News – Term 2 2022

Mrs Denise Barnard – Canteen Supervisor

Canteen is a great opportunity to meet other parents and to be involved in your child/childrens school life

• Arrive at school by 8:45am and park on the street (or you will get locked in the bottom carpark!)
• Go to the Office to sign in and receive your Visitor Badge.
• Head over to the Canteen where you can start preparing 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 how busy the day is.
• If you are unable to make your rostered day please email Denise at xcccanteen@lism.catholic.edu.au or phone the College beforehand on 6618 0180.
• Text message reminders are sent on Wednesdays the week before your rostered day.

College News

Yr 10 Visual Arts - 'Art as Social Commentary' unit

Year 10 students responded to the recent flood crisis by creating drypoint etchings as an expressive response to the recent disaster in our region.

They used media images and their own drawings to create their expressive artworks.

Ms Rogers and Ms Albany

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 12

Next