Newsletter 10: Friday 24 October 2025
For the Calendar
Week 3, Term 4 2025
- Monday 27 October: HSC continues, Parent Information Evening 6 pm in the Magis
- Tuesday 28 October: Yr 9-10 Boys Gilchrest Shield, Yr 7-8 Boyd Phelp Shield, Yr 7-11 Girls Lyn Larsen Cricket, Year 7-10 PAT Testing (Science)
- Wednesday 29 October: Year 7-10 PAT Testing (Maths)
- Thursday 30 October: College Tours, Year 9 Commerce Incursion, Year 10 History Incursion
- Friday 31 October: Year 12 Geography Movie World Excursion, 2025 Soccer Match XCC vs TSS
Week 4, Term 4 2025
- Monday 3 November: HSC continues, NSW CCC State Basketball Championship (Penrith), Year 9 Child Studies Visit
- Tuesday 4 November: NSW CCC State Basketball Championship (Penrith)
- Wednesday 5 November:
- Thursday 6 November: Dio Senior Water Polo (Alstonville)
- Friday 7 November: HSC Concludes, Whole School Swimming Carnival
Week 5, Term 4 2025
- Monday 10 November: Year 10 Exams Begin
- Tuesday 11 November: Community Access Excursion
- Wednesday 12 November: 2026 Student Leaders Commissioning, Year 10 Kairos Retreat
- Thursday 13 November: Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews, Dio Junior Dio Water Polo (Alstonville), Xavier Parent Group Meeting, Year 10 Kairos Retreat
- Friday 14 November: Year 10 Kairos Retreat
Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching
Welcome to Term 4
I extend a very warm welcome to students, parents, and carers to Term 4. This is my favourite time of the year, as we enjoy the warmer weather and begin to look forward to Christmas. It is a busy term, and I encourage our students to be proactive and organised, to get involved, to practice gratitude, and to be kind to those around them.
It was a great pleasure to witness the commissioning of our new student leaders last Saturday evening, when they were introduced to the parish community at the evening Mass. The joy, optimism, and resolve to serve the College community were very uplifting. I encourage our new student leaders and all students to embrace the opportunities presented in the term ahead with faith, hope, and love. While we all face individual challenges, there is great strength and joy in being a part of the Xavier community.
Year 12 Higher School Certificate (HSC) Examinations
All the best to the HSC Class of 2025, who started their written examinations on Thursday, 16 October. Over the 17-day exam period, 79,712 students in New South Wales will sit at least one of the 123 exams.
Please join me in praying for our students throughout the HSC examination period, which will conclude on Friday, 7 November. We trust they will use all they have learned during these years at Xavier Catholic College to make a positive contribution to the world.
We look forward to a wonderful evening of celebration with students, parents, carers, and staff at the Graduation Formal on Tuesday, 18 November.
Year 11
Year 11 students have now commenced their HSC studies and will be formally briefed on the HSC course and assessment requirements on Wednesday, 29 October. Parents are warmly invited to our HSC information session on Monday, 27 October at 6 pm in the Magis Centre, as we work in partnership to support our students throughout their HSC journey. The students will begin HSC assessment over the coming weeks and are advised to consult the Year 11 Assessment Calendar for upcoming task dates. If a student is unable to complete an assessment task, please ensure the Absence from Assessment form is completed. Please note that supporting documentation must be attached.
Students have been advised on how to change their study pattern for the HSC course. These changes were made as early as possible to minimise disruption and support a smooth transition into the HSC.
Year 11 Reports, Awards, and Parent Teacher Conferences
Year 11 End of Course Reports will be issued on Friday, 24 October. We encourage parents and students to read the report carefully and to attend the Parent Teacher Conferences, which will take place on Thursday, 13 November, in the Magis Centre. Please note this is a change from the previously published date.
Year 11 students will be presented with Academic Excellence and Consistent Effort Awards at a special awards ceremony on Wednesday, 19 November. We warmly invite parents and carers to join us for this celebration in the Magis Centre, acknowledging our students’ achievements in the Year 11 course.
Absence from Assessment Procedures
I remind families that submitting an Absence from Assessment application does not inform our Attendance Officer of any absences. In addition to completing the Absence from Assessment form, please ensure that you inform the front office of your child’s absence by emailing xcc-absences@lism.catholic.edu.au or by responding to the Absence SMS sent each day.
Year 7-10 PAT Testing
Students in Years 7 to 10 will complete Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) assessments in Reading, Science, and Maths during Week 3. The PAT tests provide valuable diagnostic information for our teachers to understand each student's current learning level. This data is accessed by teachers only and is specifically used to help design the best teaching approaches to support the learning of every student heading into Term 1, 2026. Please note that the results are not used for formal reporting.
Year 10 Examination Block
Year 10 students have met for an Examination Briefing this week, in preparation for the End of Course Examinations, which begin on Monday, 10 November. All students are strongly encouraged to commence a revision program to prepare for their final examinations, and guidance on how to revise was provided during Community Time. These assessments will contribute to the ROSA (Record of School Achievement), recorded by NESA.
HSC Minimum Standards
A number of Year 10 students will be required to attend an HSC Minimum Standard catch-up session in Week 4. These tests are compulsory for students who have not yet completed a component of the HSC Minimum Standards, which must be met to receive the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Attendance is expected, and we encourage students to approach this assessment with focus and confidence. While formal preparation is not required, familiarisation with the testing process may be beneficial. Students can access practice resources via the following link: NSW Minimum Standards Practice Resources
Year 9 Examination Block
Year 9 students will have their first examination block from Monday, 17 November. Using a somewhat modified format, students will be guided through this experience, building skills and confidence that will lay the foundation for future success.
We Are Here To Support You
Please contact classroom teachers, Leaders of Learning, our pastoral care team, Mrs Emma Smith (Leader of Curriculum), or me if you have questions or concerns about learning and teaching. We are here to support students and their families.
Ms Carmel Zuino
Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching
Assistant Principal: Mission
Welcome Back
Welcome back to all students, staff, and families of the Xavier Catholic College community. Term 4 is a significant period of transition and growth, marking new beginnings and important milestones for every cohort.
While our Year 12 students are fully immersed in their HSC Examinations, the rest of the College steps forward to embrace new responsibilities. Our Year 11 students formally adopt their roles as senior leaders, guiding the student body and setting a strong example.
This sense of progression continues down the school. Our Year 10s are preparing to make their own transition, with just one term remaining before they don the "white shirt" and commence their senior studies. In the middle school, Year 8 and 9 students will move into new recreational areas, a tangible sign of their own advancement.
We also acknowledge our Year 7 cohort, who are no longer the newest members of our community. Having successfully transitioned to secondary school, they continue to build confidence and establish themselves as integral members of the College.
We wish all our students the very best for a successful and rewarding term.
2025 Timor Immersion
Over the holiday break, I was blessed to help lead our 2025 Timor Immersion. It was an amazing experience not only for the 10 Year 11 students who attended but also for Leanne Broadley and me as teachers guiding the journey.
There were many awe-inspiring occasions, but being fully immersed in the Village of Turiscai for those few days was particularly special. The impact of our College partnership on the local school is evident: we have contributed to building a new toilet block, three classrooms, and equipping both a computer lab and a music room.
Our students visited several schools where they led English conversation groups and ran classes in various subjects. They were exceptional in how they rose to this challenge, helping the Timorese students develop both their subject knowledge and English skills.
The immersion was also a time of deep personal growth. Students developed a greater sense of faith by attending Mass and experiencing the powerful spirituality of Timorese singing. They also gained a profound understanding of the country's history, from a Portuguese colony to the Indonesian invasion and its atrocities. This included a particularly moving visit to Balibo, just two days before the 50th Anniversary of the Balibo 5. We also explored environmental sustainability on Atauro Island, learning about plastic repurposing and visiting the most biodiverse coral reef in the world.
The College is immensely proud of the students who committed to this experience, and of the personal sacrifice, commitment, and generosity they have shown in being people of service, faith, love, and compassion. Throughout this journey, they have seen, heard, and felt many transformative experiences; moments that were at times confronting, joyful, sad, happy, and complex. Immersed fully in another culture, they have truly walked in another’s shoes and encountered life in its most authentic form.
We now turn our attention to the 2026 Timor Immersion, and planning is well underway. We will be speaking to our Year 10 Cohort next week to seek expressions of interest, which will be followed by a parent information evening. More information will be available soon.
Formation and Commissioning of our 2026 Student Leaders
As our 2025 graduating class completes their HSC exams, our 2026 student leaders gathered in Week 1 for a formation and team-building retreat. Blessed with beautiful weather, the group enjoyed a day at the Ballina Parish, which included a picturesque Ignatius and Bundjalung walk along the Richmond River.
Students participated in engaging activities like indoor rock climbing and a spirited house-based sandcastle competition. These activities set the stage for more focused sessions on leadership development, where students explored what it means to lead in an Ignatian and Catholic school.
They also worked to develop a motivational theme for the 2026 school year, complete with a scripture reference and initial logo designs. We ran a session on public speaking and how to truly proclaim the Word of God when reading scripture. Finally, the team began developing a list of initiatives they wish to implement in their year of leadership.
On Saturday evening, the retreat culminated as students and their families joined the parish community for the Vigil Mass, where the new leaders were formally commissioned in front of the entire Ballina Parish.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact these new student leaders will bring to the College in the year ahead.
Mr Peter Fear
Assistant Principal: Mission
Pastoral Care News
Parent Webinars
Logged Off - Navigating the Social Media Ban with Your Child
Australia's teen social media ban is fast approaching, due to take effect on December 10, 2025. Many families report feeling confused about the ban and are seeking clarification to confidently help young people navigate this significant shift in their digital lives. This free one-hour session, presented by psychologist Jocelyn Brewer, offers a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to empower parents and educators preparing to support young people impacted by the 'age delay'. We'll explore why the ban exists, what's included versus exempt, and the privacy implications of age verification. You'll learn practical strategies for auditing current usage, backing up digital memories, and supporting vulnerable teens who rely on social media for connection. The session is perfect for parents wanting participatory approaches rather than top-down control. It includes family tech agreement frameworks and transition planning for the challenging summer period ahead.
Empowering Your Child's Career Journey presented by Beyond
Senior School is a crucial time for career exploration and skill development. This webinar provides parents with practical strategies to support their child's career planning journey. Learn how to help them build a strong resume, leverage networking opportunities, find work experience, and explore career pathways. Discover digital tools like BEYOND for career exploration and how to set achievable goals together. Empower your teen to build confidence, take action, and prepare for a successful future beyond school. Join us to allow senior school a time for discovery and growth!
- Date: Wednesday, 29 October, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
- Register here
The Changing Face of Cyberbullying: Help Protect Your Child Online
This webinar unpacks how online harm is evolving, from the use of AI-powered tactics to coded emoji language and the covert manipulation that many adults may miss in cyberbullying situations. This 45-minute webinar covers how these technologies are being used, their impact and how to support and protect your child. It’s suitable for parents and carers of upper primary and high school students.
- Date: Wednesday, 12 November, 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
- Register here
Mr Joel Jukes
Leader of Pastoral Care
The Parent Pulse: Social Media and Our Children
Starting 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. This significant change highlights the importance of understanding how social media impacts our children and families.
As parents and carers, your voice is vital in shaping the future of our Catholic school communities. By completing the Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) survey, you can share your experiences, challenges, and aspirations regarding social media and its role in our children’s lives. Your insights will directly inform CSPA’s advocacy with Catholic Education authorities and government bodies, ensuring that your perspectives drive meaningful change.
Your input will help champion initiatives that enhance learning, support student wellbeing, and foster stronger partnerships between home and school. Take a moment to complete the survey and make your voice heard: www.surveymonkey.com/r/L65CL58
College News
Industrial Technology Timber Industry Excursion
On Wednesday, 15 October 2025, 21 of our Year 10 and Year 11 Industrial Technology Timber students spent the morning visiting 3 very different Timber businesses in the Northern Rivers.
- Hurfords Timber Mill, Tuncester: The group enjoyed an engaging talk by Mia, a forester with Hurfords. She provided insights into the business structure, the operations of wet and dry timber mills, and the intricate process of milling hardwood to create high-quality products used in construction and design.
- Solid Kitchens Alstonville: At Solid Kitchens, students were treated to demonstrations of cutting-edge kitchen construction management software, Computer-Aided Drafting programs, and Computer-Aided Manufacturing processes. A huge thank you to Dea and Chenoa for pausing production to guide our students through every step of their impressive workflow.
- Esoteric XS, Alstonville: The final stop was Esoteric XS, a leader in bespoke timber craftsmanship. From spiral staircases to heritage-listed window reproductions, this specialised solid timber business left a lasting impression. Thank you to Matt for showcasing their exceptional work.
Mr Glenn Smith and Mr Dan Naughton
ClickView at Home
ClickView supports your child’s learning by providing access to thousands of interactive videos and related resources. Content is developed with subject experts, ensuring age appropriateness and that it is aligned to the Australian Curriculum.
Natalie Lincoln
Librarian
Sport News
2025 Snowsport Championships
Congratulations to Banjo (Year 10) and Von (Year 8) Gallagher, who recently represented the College at the 2025 National Snowsports Championships in Mt Buller.
The boy's journey to the national stage was impressive, starting with outstanding results at the State Championships (NSW/QLD/SA/ACT) held at Perisher on August 18 and 19. Both boys performed exceptionally well, each achieving a top 10 finish in the highly competitive Snowboard Slopestyle event to secure their spot at Nationals.
At Nationals, both boys performed exceptionally well. Banjo secured an outstanding 2nd Place finish in Snowboard Slopestyle, and Von achieved a very respectable 15th place.
We are incredibly proud of their talent and dedication on the national stage.
Mr Clint McCarthy (Leader of Sport) & Ms Matisse Anderson (Sport Trainee)
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:
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
