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From the Pen of the Principal  

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the 2021 Academic Year! I extend a very special welcome to our new students and their families as the embark on their Xavier Catholic College Educational journey. Our school has grown by approximately 100 extra students and I extend my thanks for all who have placed their trust in us to provide a high quality and authentic education. Our dream is for all students to 'See Further; Reach Higher; and Shine Brighter'. On that front we have made an excellent start with all classes establishing good routines and outlining clear expectations for quality learning.

Before students returned to school I had the opportunity to address all our teaching and non-teaching staff. My focus was on the 'why' of what we do. We know the 'who' and we know the 'what', but that must be animated by a deep understanding of the 'why'. I shared the story of Dr Bill Thomas, a graduate of the Harvard Medical School, who did much to transform aged care. The changes he put in place were animated by two fundamental insights: 1) he identified the 'plagues' of aged care – boredom, loneliness and helplessness; and 2) he realised that they were making the clients fit the institution, rather than making the institution fit the clients.

By introducing fun, excitement, choice, and the stimulus of animals, a playground for local children and vegetable gardens, Dr Thomas saw the attitude of the clients change, along with the attitude of the carers. It is now a worldwide movement called the 'Eden Way'.

They had found the 'why' of their work and it made a powerful difference.

Following this, I drew from the example of The Rule of Saint Benedict, founder of the Benedictine Order in the early 6th Century. The Rule governed the running of their Monasteries and centred on hospitality, especially for the poor. They knew the 'who' – all guests, with special attention to the poor and to pilgrims. They knew the 'what' – to be fully present to them, praying with them and feeding them. But, most importantly, they knew the 'why' which was captured by the Latin maxim 'Hospes Venit, Christus Venit' – 'When the Guest Comes, Christ Comes'.

The questions that emerged for staff to reflect upon were as follows:

• What are the real human needs of our community?

• What plagues our students, our staff, our parents?

• Do we make our students fit the institution or do we make the institution fit our students?

• When we think of our students, are we thinking 'When the Student Comes, Christ Comes?'

• What kinds of practices, activities, and spaces contribute to a culture that forms people towards being 'present to others' and 'living for others'?

• What do we need to do to make the culture unequivocally embedded in the who and the why?

It is always good to begin the year by standing back and taking a look at the culture of a school and how it may need to change to better express our mission and how we can become more aligned to our core values that aminate our actions.

These questions will be recurring themes throughout the year as we continue to shape our community towards being more authentic, lifegiving and liberating for all.

Staffing Changes for 2021:

Appointments

• ​Chris Relf – Acting Head of School (Secondary) 2021

• Tracy Grambower - Acting A.P. Learning and Teaching 2021

• Claire Sinclair – Acting Dean of Inclusive Education

• Alison McGovern – Indigenous Student Support Coordinator

Welcome to New Staff

• ​Peter Duck – Maths and Science

• Bronwyn McArthur – Art and RE (Dean of Learning Enhancement-Technology)

• Sarah Nerva – History and English

• Kate Notley – Year 1

• Tom Riggs – Maths and Science

• Paul Towler – RE and English/Humanities

• Roshni Woochit – Science and French
  

Returning Staff

• Alex Forbes – Year 3 (Thursday and Friday)

• Laura Green – RE and Science

Congratulations

• ​Nathan and Sarah Milne – birth of Sonny John Arthur (24th December)

Prayers

• ​Margaret Dunn (Passed on the 7th January) – Sister of Jonathan Dunn

• Ken Martindale (Piano Teacher) (Passed on the 1st January)

• Ryan White (Guitar and Percussion Teacher) – Undergoing Surgery 

Farewells and Extended Leave

• ​Geena White – Stuartholme (Brisbane)

• Alicia Miles – Pursuing Own Psychologist Practice

• Ana Lovric – On leave for 2021

God Bless

Simon Dash

Principal​

Upcoming Dates

From the Head of School – Primary: Mr Russell Davey  

It has been wonderful start to the school year for our P-6 students and I would like to extend my thanks to all parents for their cooperation and flexibility as we continue to adapt to changing restrictions in our area. I would also like to congratulate all students for the positive attitude they have displayed from Day One.  Students have been quickly engaged in learning and the process of developing the important teacher student relationship is well underway.

I will continue to keep parents of P-6 students updated as we move through 2021, however for the moment the situation in regard to COVID-19 and schools is relatively stable.  I would ask that all parents continue to be vigilant and wherever possible avoid unnecessary entry into the pod areas where the majority of students are located.  If you do wish to speak to a teacher, I would encourage you to contact your class teacher for an appointment.  Communication is a key element of our College and I encourage you to touch base if necessary. 

P – 6 Assembly

P-6 Assembly will begin again this week and all parents are welcome attend. Please check the school calendar on the Parent Portal to identify which assemblies are P-6 and those that will be a whole school (P-12) Assembly. Teachers will communicate with you if your child will be participating in a showcase at a P-6 Assembly.

Student Planner

All students have now received a student planner for daily use. This planner contains important information about the daily routines of the school and is an important/useful means of communication for teachers and parents. I would ask that all parents find time in their day/week to check their child's planner for any communication. This is particularly important in the early years as the planner is an essential tool for daily communication.

Open Classroom – Mondary 15^th February 3:30-5:00pm

Parents and carers are invited to join us on Monday the 15^th February for our open classroom evening.  All classrooms will be open from 3.30 pm for parents to visit and meet both their child's teacher and other parents from their class community.  Teachers will also hold a short information session during this time as per the schedule shown below:​

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION TIMES

IPad Support Arrangements – Year 4/5/6

Since the inception of the 1:1 iPad program in the primary school, the College has committed to providing extended warranty support and Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) on all student iPads to the end of Year 6.

This commitment has not changed.

However, late in the 2020 school year, it became apparent that the product the College has been using to provide this support service was inadequate in its provision for covering accidental damage to devices. This meant a change was necessary.

The College is in the process of transitioning to a new support arrangement for student iPads that will better enable us to meet our commitment. The only change will be that each student iPad is covered for up to two accidental damage incidents in a calendar year. Each damage incident attracts a $65 claim excess, as is currently the case. The full cost of any damage incidents beyond this will be passed onto parents. Typically, that full cost is $405.

Warranty issues are not limited and do not attract any charge.

Students experiencing an issue with their College iPad should continue to bring these to the library for assistance. Where an accidental damage incident is determined, the same form that we currently use will be sent home with the student. Once this completed and signed form is returned to the library, a hot swap iPad will be issued while the repair/replacement process is underway.​

From the Head of School – Secondary: Mr Chris Relf

Welcome back to the 2021 school year. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Year 7 students and our forty new students across Year 8-12. It is great to have you join our Xavier community. It has been a busy start to the year and our students have settled in well ready for a positive year of learning.

I would like to publicly congratulate our Year 12 class of 2020 for their exceptional results last year. It is so pleasing to hear all the positive stories of our students moving beyond school into their chosen pathways. The commitment of this group of students in an incredibly challenging year certainly paid off.

Over the past few days, we have had laptops deployed to all our Year 7 and 10 students as well as our new students in Year 8-12, a significant task with over 300 laptops having to be prepared. I would like to thank Mr. Ritter, Mr. McLean, Mr. Greener and Mr. de Brenni for their efforts in ensuring that the technology needs of our students are well catered for.

Once again this year we have partnered with Elevate Education to provide information to our Secondary students on time management, organisation, study skills and exam preparation. These sessions are always well received by the students with 98%  saying that they find the session valuable. I would encourage parents to be having regular conversations with your children about their homework and study habits. The table below provides an indication to parents and students about how much time should be spent doing homework and revision each week. Students should be using their Planner to help them keep organised and on top of their homework and assessment requirements. I would encourage all parents to ensure that you check your child's Student Planner at least once per week. ​

On Monday 15 February, our Year 12 students will participate in the University Showcase where they will hear from representatives from the Defence Force, Queensland Universities and TAFE to help them set some goals for their final year of schooling and beyond.

Existing parents would be aware that we pride ourselves here at Xavier on building productive partnerships between home and the College. As in all things, from time to time issues will arise. Your child's PC teacher is a good place to start should you have any concerns. Issues that are addressed in a timely manner are less likely to escalate in more serious situations.

I look forward to working with all parents and guardians throughout the course of 2021 and ask for your ongoing support as we work in partnership to really make a difference in the lives of our children.

New Primary Afterschool Pick-up and Bus Procedure

This year we are trialling a new afterschool bus and pick-up procedure with the aim of improving child safety and hopefully speed up the pick-up process.

Teachers on after school duty are now positioned in 3 locations, Primary pick-up shelter, the crossing in front of the school and the Secondary crossing near the bus shelter.  Students now have the freedom to walk directly to these areas once dismissed from class.  The teacher at the crossing assists students crossing the road and direct young students to the Primary pick-up area.  Primary students who catch the bus have been directed to walk between the library and the administration building instead of around the front of the school to assist with safety.

We will monitor this new process and will inform you if changes are made.

Reminders

Before school

All students who arrive before 8:30 are to go directly to Goa.  Parents who don't utilise the drop off option of a morning need to supervise their children and ensure they stay with them and not play in out of bounds areas. Parents and students are not to go into the POD areas until after the bell rings at 8:30 unless they have a pre-arranged appointment with the teacher. All playground areas are out of bounds due to them not being supervised.

After school

We encourage parents to use the pick-up option.  Cars are ushered to keep moving forward so students are picked up in front of the shelter area. Parents are asked to remain in their vehicles in the pick-up areas, teachers can assist students if necessary.

Parents that choose to come into the school grounds are reminded not to go into the POD areas until after 3pm.  All playground areas are out of bounds due to them not being supervised.

We do understand that the beginning of the school year the car park and pick-up zones are particularly busy, but things do quieten down and pick-up is the preferred option.​

My Amazing Start

We love hearing about the amazing start the newest members of our school community are having, they are sharing some of their most amazing experiences….​

Laptop Deployment

On Monday our Year 7 students participated in their Laptop Induction program, which is designed to establish expectations of use and build skills with their device that will set them up for academic success. Special thanks to must go to Xavier ICLT Services Coordinator, Mr Ritter for facilitating the program, and to Mr Greener and Mr De Brenni for their ongoing IT support.​

Narwari Mission Week

This term Narwari hosts Mission Week which supports the charity of Caritas. So everyone can see where the money goes and how we are able to help people less fortunate than us. The Narwari leaders will be putting some Caritas information into each newsletter this term to improve our awareness of Caritas' work.

Caritas' mission is a quest for the full realisation of human dignity and wellbeing for all people as the key way to end poverty and injustice. Their education, humanitarian aid and development work focuses on joining with people as they become agents of their own change.

The money donated to Caritas goes towards supporting refugees, giving student access to education and supporting communities to help themselves.

They work to end poverty and promote justice in countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, the Pacific, and the Middle East. Their work tackles global issues like food and water insecurity, national disaster readiness and gender-based violence.

Caritas is driven by social justice and the dignity of every person. They work with local communities in Australia and overseas, listening to concerns, assessing needs and working with partners on locally led development programs. With hope, support, and compassion at the core of what we do, we work towards a world where all people may thrive.​

Maths Tutoring Timetable

Year 7-12 Maths Tutoring Roste​r 2021

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Collecting a student? All online and saves time!

• Download the BCE Connect App

• Search for Xavier Catholic College

• Login

• Absences

• Select student

• Fill in

• Pick all day

• Select times that student will be absent

• Click Send Email

If collecting a student, please download the BCE Connect App. This App allows you to enter the information before coming to the school. You will still need to come to the office but will not need to fill in any forms. This will also allow staff as much as possible to see that your son/daughter is ready and waiting for you in student reception.​

A Message from the Xavier Learning Support Team

Welcome back to 2021!

My name is Claire Sinclair and I am Acting in the role of Dean of Inclusive Education in 2021. If you have any concerns about your child's learning or your child has a disability that requires support at school please feel free to either drop in to Manresa (at the front of the Goa Building) or to email us.

This year the amazing team of experienced professionals that make up the Learning Support team are:

Carmel Donnelly cjdonnelly@bne.catholic.edu.au​

Campus Minister, Prep - ​Year 12

Libby Gaedtke egaedtke@bne.catholic.edu.au
Support Teacher for Inclusive Education, Prep – Year 2

Cassandra Wilson cphilips@bne.catholic.edu.au
Support Teacher for Inclusive Education, Year 3 – Year 6

Mel Beety mbeety@bne.catholic.edu.au
Primary Learning Leader, Prep – Year 6

Annie Sexton asexton@bne.catholic.edu.au

Guidance Counsellor, Secondary​

Claire Sinclair cvsinclair@bne.catholic.edu.au
Support Teacher for Inclusive Education, Secondary​

We are also supported by Loanda Moy, Youth Support Coordinator, and Alison McGovern, Indigenous Support Coordinator. Loanda Moy's role assists senior secondary students looking for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, assistance with job applications and résumés, and assistance with organisation and study skills. Alison McGovern coordinates the support of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community across the school.

Here at Xavier, our philosophy is to support inclusive and equitable access to education for all students, with opportunities for all students to participate with their peers in age-appropriate learning experiences. If you have any information about your child that you feel needs sharing with our support team or you would just like a chat about how the Student Support team can assist you, we are here to help.

Yours in Inclusive Learning,

Claire Sinclair
Acting Dean of Inclusive Education.

Sports News

Years 7-12 Xavier Swimming Carnival

This will be held on Friday 12th February at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre. Students are required to be at the pool by 8:40am for roll marking. Buses will run from Xavier at 8.30am to the pool (and return in afternoon) primarily for bus students or those students who require this service. If possible for families, private transport to the swimming pool is encouraged.

Students are required to wear sun-safe clothing within their House's chosen theme and to remember hydration on the day. Students will have restricted and periodical access to the canteen facilities at the pool and so it is encouraged that students bring their own lunch. A small BBQ offering sausage and bread will be run on the day to help our ministry fundraising. (Cash only)

Nominations for the event happen Thursday 11^th February at school. We are also excited for the new Xavier Team Name to be launched. Will we be the Stingers or Wolves? Merchandise will be available for students to purchase: $20 shirts and caps (Cash only).

 Our 12year old students in Year 7 will attend the day and will be invited to participate in participation, novelty and relay events. Parents and Family are very welcome to attend this event. Below is an estimated schedule of events for the day:​

Order of Events

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Wide Bay Swimming Noms:

-information communivcated to students in notices. Paperwork to be collected from student reception. PLEASE NOTE: these forms MUST be submitted to Sports Box and not sent to HB District Secretary.

Hervey Bay District – Secondary School - Cluster 1 Sports Trials

Trials for the Hervey Bay School Teams for the following sports: Softball, Golf, Tennis, Rugby Union (open/13-15 years), AFL( open and 13-15 boys and girls) will be occurring Tuesday the 9th February.

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Friday Afternoon Sport

Year 7 & 8's will be involved in a rotation of sports throughout this year, participating in their house year levels.

Year 7 Activities- Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Indoor Cricket/Street Hockey, Netball/Basketball.

Year 8 Activities Parkour, Iggy's Gym, Tennis, Oztag/AFL.

Major objectives of Friday sport include:

• To build and make new friendships

• To increase physical activity time

• To gain/improve skills and fitness

• To experience new sports and activities

Program as follows…​

​Meeting points, locations and departure times all communictaed to students at school.