From the Pen of the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Once again, I wish to begin by heartfelt thanks to all who provided their feedback through our online surveys. The Brand survey produced some very clear results and the comments were just as important. The Mobile Phone surveys, the results of which I emailed on Friday, provided all an opportunity in the Secondary School to express their views. Finally, our Uniform Shop survey is beginning to shape up commendations and recommendations that will enhance our approach into the future.
I find these surveys invaluable as they provide the greatest snapshot into the community’s views. They are also democratic in that they provide all in the community with an equal say. Too often the loudest voices can dominate feedback. This method provides the opportunity for all to contribute in their own way.
While I haven’t published the comments, mainly because some may be deemed inappropriate or personal, these are studied as well in great depth to identify common themes.
Soon we will begin the process of reviewing our Values, Vision and Mission Statements. Again, the input of the entire community will be essential to this task.
From last Sunday to Thursday I was in Sydney with 30 colleagues from Jesuit and Companion schools from across Australia for a Symposium about the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (the IPP for short). The course was presented by the world leading thinker on the IPP, Father Johnny Go from the Philippines.
The IPP is basically a methodology for teaching and learning that reflects the Jesuit charism and has been highly effective in assisting students gain deeper understanding and the ability to contextualise their learning to apply it to real life in a values-driven way. Key to the IPP is an emphasis on the symbiotic relation between action and reflection.
Previously we have been working in the space of developing our Xavier Learning Framework and how to link it to the IPP and the Brisbane Catholic Education Framework. While we made significant progress in this space, the deeper understanding the IPP will enhance this exponentially. There is so much more to be done, but the learnings gained from my time away will be feed into our further planning.
We have now entered the Season of Lent and our journey to Easter has begun. Lent provides each of us with an opportunity to take stock of our lives and recalibrate our approach. Often Lent is associated with giving up things. But, just as importantly, it is also about what we take on. Our God of unconditional love keeps no record of offences, so it is not a case of gaining ‘brownie points.’ We fail to understand the message if that is our thinking.
Franciscan spirituality provides a good way to explain what I mean. The Franciscan’s are technically known as the Order of the Friars Minor, hence you see the letters OFM after a Franciscan priests name. The concept of ‘minority’ is fundamental to their spirituality. Put simply, minority is letting go of those things that block, interfere or hold one back from fully embracing the invitation of God’s unconditional love. Likewise, the flip side is taking on those thoughts, actions and prayers that bring one closer to God.
It is truly a beautiful spirituality that helps us understand the Season of Lent in a new way.
Principal - Xavier Catholic College
From the Head of School – Secondary: Ms Tameika Grist
Staying connected in the Senior Years of Schooling
It is no surprise that parental interest and connection to their child’s learning, has a positive impact on their child(ren)’s engagement with education.
One of the most powerful ways parents can invest in that connection is by engaging in a short conversation preferably with their son and/or daughters’ teacher in conjunction with their son and/or daughter present.
Having multiple teachers in High School makes this a little more time consuming, however, it is highly recommended that parents take advantage of the time to delve a little deeper into the learning happening across as many areas as possible.
From a teacher’s perspective, this is a valuable time to help unpack any feedback that has already been given to the student, to clarify areas that will help move the learning forward and provide encouragement for the future. It also helps build a stronger relationship between the student, teacher and parents.
I know as a parent, when my children started High School, they thought you only saw the teacher if there was a concern or if it had been ‘requested’, however, it was soon proven that it was just as powerful to see teachers of subjects that they enjoyed and shown intrinsic motivation, in order that they could make even deeper connections and find ways to be drawn further into their areas of passion.
Knowing the positive impact that every conversation can have for your child’s learning, I encourage you to make time to meet and discuss their learning with any teacher, regardless of whether it is ‘required’. Please do not interpret the ‘not required’ check as a an indication that engaging in a conversation is not valuable, we know that your time is precious; where students are progressing well or as expected, teachers will often not ‘require’ a conversation about how to best support the learning. However, as you can imagine, your insight to their how to improve your son or daughter’s learning, and by showing your support and interest, you will be likely to have a further positive effect in that subject area.
Parents and carers of students in years 7 – 12 will receive Information about the Progress Report and booking ‘Parent Teacher Interviews’ with their son and/or daughter’s teachers on Friday 6 March.
Parent Teacher Interviews, or as I like to think of them – Learning Conferences, are being held Tuesday 17 March from 3.30 pm through to 8.00 pm.
Parents and carers that are unable to fit into the schedule available are encouraged to contact their son and/or daughter’s teachers to arrange an alternative time to meet.
From the Head of School – Primary: Mr Russell Davey
Without question one of the best ways you can set up your children for a good day at school is to ensure they have had adequate sleep. It does take a village to raise a child and as parents this is an area where we can make a significant and positive difference in the education of our children. When things do not go well at school is often because a child is tired, or they have had a busy schedule which has led to them feeling run down. And as we all know when we are run down and tired, we do not always make the best choices and concentrating can be a difficult task. I would like to share five handy sleep strategies which were brought to my attention recently by our Guidance Counsellor – Alicia Miles. Hopefully some of these assist you in ensuring your child can sleep well each and very night and be ready for each school day.
Spike body temperature straight after school (easy to do in this heat!); but typically, a run in the park, swim, walk the dog, scooter, etc. for about 20-minutes. If you can’t do this, increasing body temperature with a hot bath/shower has the same effect.
Carb load – as much as possible. I’ve just served up dinosaur plate of pasta with garlic bread, fruit, dessert, etc. etc. Think like you’re trying to get them to hibernate for winter. If you eat early, add a slice of Vegemite toast right before bed. Foods like turkey meat and bananas also contain natural sedatives.
No screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light has been research proven to stimulate the brain into thinking it is morning.
Drop the bedroom temperature to as low as possible. Hot bodies in the context of sleep is linked to nightmare activity and restless sleep. The current humidity is also likely to be impacting kid’s (and parents!) sleep. Make sure your child has adequate pyjamas and blankets, but a cool room with a full belly is a great recipe for sleep.
Follow your normal bedtime routine (stories, showers, free play, etc), but bring bedtime forward as early as an hour (no they won’t wake early 😉) This gives enough time for a longer wind down and wards off over tiredness that keeps accruing.
Hopefully you get some benefit out of these strategies. I know that my wife and I will trying out some these in our own household to avoid those days where nothing seems to go right.
A reminder to all parents that school photos will be held next Tuesday 10th March. Information regarding these photos and order forms will be made available to families in the coming days. Catch up photos will be held on Tuesday 24th March.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Thank you to all parents who have booked an interview time with their child’s class teacher. These conversations are in an invaluable tool towards ensuring teachers are familiar with the needs of students in their classrooms.
2020 has seen the introduction of Maths Pathway into our Year 6 cohort. This tailored program is a steep learning curve for both teachers and students however as a school we are already seeing the benefits of a program designed to tailor lessons to the individual learner. A reminder to parents that an information evening will be held for all parents in Year 6-9 on Thursday evening at 5.30 pm (Campion Theatre). This time will focus on unpacking the potential of this program with parents and answering any relevant questions regarding how to support your child when accessing the program.
| Yr 11 AQU Snorkelling Skills Practical |
| Yr 6-9 Math Pathways Parent Evening |
Care & Concern Committee – Who are they and what do they do?
Xavier Catholic College has a group of parents who volunteer their time to welcome and help other members of the school community. They do this by:
Providing information about the school to families
Assisting the College Board in planning and reviewing the Pastoral Care Policy of the College
Working closely with the Campus Minister
At all times we encourage you to explore the parent portal or to talk to your child’s classroom teacher or Pastoral Care teacher about any questions that you may have as your first point of contact. Each House has parent contacts and they range from P-12. If you wish to contact anyone of our parent contacts their details will be published each term in the College Newsletter, PLEASE SEE BELOW. We are in need of parent contacts in our P-6 area so if you would like to nominate yourself or to ask further information of what is involved please do not hesitate to contact myself, Carmel Donnelly (Campus Minister). Confidentiality is utmost for our committee and any information shared with our parent contacts will not be passed on unless you so desire it.
Claire Sinclair (Alex Sinclair) 41295730
Jo O’Neill (Kate O’Neil) 0422942289
Ellen Geldard (Lachlan & Matthew) 41286910/ 0400499508
Mary Arnold (Riley/Corey/Joey) 0418729967
Karen Grumley (Stewart) 41243034 / 0413306540.
Cassie Wilson (Max/Anabele Wilson/Imogen) 0409761207.
Michelle Wiegmink (Reece Wiegmink) 41287941/0409890188
Deanna Wyvill (Amy Wyvill) 41282176
Karen Goffinet (Patrick 4128 7375) 0421 322 121.
Allison McGovern (Georgia McGovern) 0411 416 943
Shelly Hislop (Jordan/Lincoln Hislop) 0423 506 675.
Rachel Loague (Oscar Loague) 0417792179
Helen Hatchett (Charli/Summer/Sam Wilson) 0438347153
Kellie Robinson (Alysha Robinson) 0448623963
Michelle Begaud (Blake/Kyle Begaud) 0438242252
Carole Dewhurst (Patrick/Freya Golik) 41206240/0400793188
Alison Keal (Archie/Angus/Seth) 0466250799
Emma Ilka (Shayli) 0403599406
Maths Pathways – Year 7 & 8 Growth Gurus
Each fortnight we will be recognising the students who have mastered six or more new mathematical concepts for the cycle. These students have achieved rocket status for their growth rate.
| Kaitlin Sheppard | Dekoda McGennan
| Toby Railz
| Villo Barton-Bako
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| Kaine Richters
| Clint Meyer
| Henry Dohnt
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| Ruby Fribance
| Kailey Pritchard
| Jackson Legge
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| | Chiara Di Petro
| Abby Shipp
| Andrew Nelson
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| Gabriel Keane
| Tom Costello
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| Emma Garty
| Lily Hare
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| Milana Hatch
| Mateus Ingles Williams
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| Madison Hodder
| Kai Prouatt
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| Rosie Koia
| Jaxon Smith
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| | | Ellie Stewart
| Addison Brummell
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| Phoebe Kingsman
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| | | Brody Carter
| Brydie Kratzmann
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| Geoffrey Naughton
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| Aylah Petersen
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| Jaiden Smith-Christison
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| Ellie Taylor
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| Sarah Feeney
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| Charlotte Hunter
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| Matthew Geldard
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| Charlie Roberts
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Maths Tutoring Timetable
Be sure to take advantage of our free Mathematics tutoring, staffed by our expert teachers. This is available to all students at no cost and bookings are not required.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Before School (8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.)
| | Mr Relf Library | Staff Prayer | | Mrs Wright Library |
First Break (11.15a.m.-11.35a.m.) | Mrs Buxton Room 48
| Mr Tyrrell Rm 48 Mrs Glass Week B Rm 10 Mr King Room 12 | Mr Riley P20 | | |
After School (3:05 p.m.-4:00 p.m.) | Staff Meeting | Miss Murtagh Library |
| Mrs Ritter Miss Hourigan Library |
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Virtual Reality in the classroom
Year 4 are beginning to learn how to bring a new dimension into their visual art designs by using VR. It has been fun to learn but we wish we had more headsets.
Over the Christmas break the school was successful in obtaining a grant from the federal government to support the redesign of the waste management system at the college. We have recognised for a while now we are not aligned with our Christian calling or Jesuit universal apostolic preferences of caring for our common home. After reaching out for support to the local Fraser Coast Council, and their need for a pilot school for a new waste management program (https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/education),the ground work began with a waste audit of our current situation, that to then allow us to reassess the logistics required to successfully support the installation of our new classroom, playground and office waste watcher stations.
Data has come in and logistic meetings are underway with phase one of the five step process to be rolled out by the end of term 1 and the project to be completed by term 3.
Watch this space for more updates on Xavier’s approach to caring for our common home.
On the national clean up Australian Schools day, Xavier students stepped up to clean up and made a difference to our grounds and community. A big thank you to the students who went out of their way to show pride in our school, they sure had a lot of fun along the way.
Run for Home – Xavier's First Ever Colour Run
This article has been written by members of the Year 12 Health Class.
In Year 12 Health, we have been studying the issue of homelessness. Studying this important health issue in our society has been surprising, challenging and rewarding. As a subject, Health has all the elements of a typical ATAR subject – lots of work, big assignments and a fair bit of pressure. But, Health also gives us an opportunity to develop personally. Studying homelessness has opened our eyes and hearts to those people in our community who need our help. And we want to HELP – we want to make a DIFFERENCE. The best way to make an impactful difference is through the power of community, and what better community to empower, than the Xavier Community.
On any given night in the Fraser Coast, 1 in 115 people are reported to be homeless – almost double the national trend (1 in 200). Our research has highlighted that a significant number of people who experience homelessness in Hervey Bay are aged 16-21. These young people seek out local agencies like Red Cross, Youth Care, We Care 2 and Neighbourhood Connect requesting assistance for basic needs. Red Cross reports that they operate at 400% above the resources they are able to supply. So how can the Xavier Community help to make a difference? We have designed a health-promotion campaign entitled ‘Run for Home’.
‘Run for Home’ is designed to empower the Xavier Community (P-12 students, parents and staff) to fundraise for specific resources to aid people experiencing homelessness. There are 2 ways, this will be achieved:
Help the Homeless Donation Drive
Starting this week, all students in the Primary School will be invited to bring in a non-perishable food item to their classroom. Each year level will be able to bring in a specific food item (see list below).
Prep – two-minute noodles
Year 1 – tins of spaghetti
Year 5 – canned vegetables
Secondary students will be invited to donate hygiene packs through their PC class. Each complete hygiene pack will earn one PC point to go toward the PC Champions Trophy. Details on what students can donate for the hygiene packs have been communicated to PC’s.
“Run for Home” is another way the Xavier community can support this important cause. On Friday 13th March, the ‘Run for Home’ Colour Run will be held from 3:30pm-5:30pm (approx) at Xavier Catholic College on the secondary oval. This event involves participants running/walking a set course (including obstacles) whilst getting handfuls or coloured powder splashed onto their clothing. To maximise the visual effect, all participants are asked to wear a white t-shirt. To participate in this event, parents need to purchase a ticket on the Qkr app under the ‘Events’ menu. Staff, students and parents are all invited to participate in this fun, exciting event.
Information on Colour Powder Used: the coloured powder is sourced from Quality Coloured Powder in Coolum. It is fully tested for safety and is classified as non-hazardous. The product is composed of cornstarch and food colouring (~3%). The following food-grade dyes may be used: C.I. 16255, C.I. 19140, C.I. 14720, C.I. 19140, C.I. 19140, C.I. 42090, C.I. 19140 and C.I. 42090. The following fragrances may also be added to some products: Lavender, tea, sage, dill, 2-undercanone, chamomile, rosemary and E-260.
Xavier, this is what we do best. We help others who are less fortunate than we are. Let’s do it Xavier – lets all join together and RUN FOR HOME!
Hervey Bay District Secondary Swimming Carnival
On Monday 25th February, Xavier had 44 students from Years 7-12 compete at the District Swimming carnival. Xavier’s priority at these District events is to compete to our full capacity. It is pleasing to report that at this event, there was not one lane available to Xavier left empty. This is a credit to Xavier students for their willingness and pride in representing the College at these events. Results as follows:
Overall Trophy – Xavier 1st
Senior Trophy – Xavier 1st
Junior Trophy – Xavier 3rd
Percentage Trophy – Xavier 2nd
Alysha Robinson – 17 Girls
Newly arrived students to Xavier, Alix Woods (13 Girls) and Alana Woods (15 Girls) also received Age Champion honours at this event.
Congratulations to all students involved.
Great sportsmanship and teamwork were displayed by a group of boys and girls who represented the college at the recent AFL Gala Day. The XCC boys’ team won two of their three round games placing them in the semi finals. This was a very close game with Kawungan leading at full time giving them the place in the finals. Two Xavier girls joined forces with the Sandy Strait State School girls’ team. Together the girls had fun meeting new friends while learning a lot about the game of AFL.
A Visit from the Brisbane Lions
Last Monday, 5.1 and our XCC AFL players were excited to have some Brisbane Lions players visit and participate in their PE Lesson and training session. Thanks to Kieron and Noah who invited Ismail Mohammed, Thomas Berry and Cedric Cox to come along and have some fun with the students.
Digital Ambassador Program
Want to become a Digital Licence Ambassador? Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is on the lookout for six Digital Ambassadors on the Fraser Coast, to be one of the first in the community to receive the Digital Licence App and to assist members of the trial cohort to learn how to use the app.
The Queensland Digital Licence is a handy app being trialled that allows Queenslanders to securely and easily store their driver licenses and other TMR credentials digitally on their mobile devices.
The competition is open to high school students in grades 10, 11 and 12 within the Fraser Coast area.
For more information about the competition, go to www.qld.gov.au/digitalambassador
This initiative aligns to the Advancing Queensland priority to be a responsive government
