From the Pen of the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
As previously indicated by email correspondence to the community, we were deeply saddened by the sudden death of one of our former students, Angus Murray. Angus finished Year 10 last year to commence work with his Father in Disability Support Services. His younger brother, Hunter, is a Year 10 student at the College. We continue to remember Angus in our prayers and pray for his family and friends.
In dealing with death, we need to remember the value and dignity of life. Please keep praying for Angus who is now at peace with God. I also ask you to remember his family that they will be comforted and strengthened by the love of God and the whole school community.
With such a recent and tragic loss, you may be concerned about your child’s reaction, or expressions of feelings. These reactions and feelings may be part of the grieving process. The length of grieving can vary for each person. If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s Class Teacher (Primary) or Pastoral Care Teacher (Secondary) and we will arrange support.
Your child may want to share his or her feelings with you. If your child shares such emotions and feelings with you, try to listen and to positively support them, even though this may be uncomfortable for you. If your child prefers to talk about this situation with friends, this is normal and is more likely to occur with young people.
Professional counselling continues to be made available at the school. In seeking external support, your G.P. is a good starting point in sourcing further assistance.
At school it is important for all that we return to normal routines, which is now our focus as we continue lessons and students continue their learning journey.
Sometimes tragedy can bring out the best in people. Last week at the conclusion of our opening mass I had the opportunity to say thank you to the community for how they had come together to support each other.
The late, great teacher, coach and philosopher, John Wooden once said: ‘character is what you do when no one is watching.’ I have seen the character of this community on display in many humble, quiet and gentle ways over this last week. It has been shown in the way that people have been present for each other. I have seen it in those who have reached out a helping hand to those who have struggled. It has shone like a beacon when people have taken the time to listen to another’s pain. It has rippled through our community as people have sought to bring comfort to others through simple acts of kindness.
While our teachers have been brilliant, our students have been equally amazing. They have done all the things I have listed and more. As I told them last week, they have been my inspiration, my reason for getting out of bed each morning and the very face of God at a time of such brokenness.
When I pondered the events that our community had been through, as well as reflecting on the 2021 Theme of ‘Strength in Unity’ chosen by our Year 12 students, I was drawn to the story of Moses and the battle with the Amalekites.
In the story, the Israelites had long since escaped Egypt, had wandered in the desert and were seeking to find the promised land. When the battle began between the Israelites, led by Joshua, and the Amalekites, Moses stood on a hill and raised his arms. While his arms were raised the Israelites were winning, but as time went on and fatigue set in he lowered his arms and the Amalekites started to gain the upper hand. Eventually, Aaron and Hur found him a rock upon which to sit and each took an arm and held it up to support the weary Moses. Eventually, the battle was won by Joshua and the Israelites.
I shared this story with my colleagues and young friends asking them to reflect upon the tough times in their own lives, times when things were overwhelming and to remember those who held their arms up when their soul was weary. Likewise, I asked them to reflect upon those times when they had held up another’s arms when that person was overwhelmed and in need of comfort and support.
I will finish by expressing my gratitude to our Xavier Community as I did to our students and staff at the end of our Opening Mass: ‘With all my heart I thank you for holding up my arms.’
Principal
Upcoming Dates
18/02/2021
| WB District Sport – Cluster 1 Trials – Secondary Sport
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18/02/2021
| Year 11-12 SAR Bronze Medallion
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19/02/2021
| Year 7 Retreat
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24/02/2021 | Year 7 StarLab - Library
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24/02/2021
| Year 11-12 SAR Bronze Medallion
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25/02/2021
| Year 4, 5, 6 AFL Gala Day
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26/02/2021
| Year 11-12 SAR Bronze Medallion
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01/03/2021
| Hervey Bay District 10-12 years Cluster 1 Trials
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01/03/2021
| Book Fair
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02/03/2021
| Hervey Bay District 13-19 years Cluster 2 Trials
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02/03/2021
| P-6 Parent Teacher Interviews (Term 1)
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03/03/2021
| P-12 Backflips for Bullying (4 shows)
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04/03/2021
| Year 11-12 SAR Bronze Medallion
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11/03/2021
| Year 6 Camp
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17/03/2021
| Year 5 Camp
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24/03/2021
| Year 12 Lady Elliot Island Trip
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From the Head of School – Primary: Mr Russell Davey
My thanks to all parents who attended the Open Classroom Evening on Monday 15th February. It is always wonderful to see parents and carers on site and engaging with staff towards better outcomes for their children. I also appreciate the flexibility shown by many parents to accommodate the adjusted format due to COVID restrictions. This afternoon is a wonderful opportunity to touch base with your class teacher and focus on the important relationship between class teacher and parents/carers. Experience has shown me that Parent-Teacher relationships do not just happen. They are built over time through consistent communication, collaboration, creative problem solving, a common goal and, most importantly, trust. Because teachers change every year, the constants in these relationships are the parents and children. So, it's essential that parents develop skills in setting clear goals (beyond testing), have meaningful and productive conversations, and create an action plan for supporting their child in the short-term and long-term.
Learning is not a sprint; it is a lifelong journey, and at every turn there are opportunities for new growth and development. Research shows that a strong parent, child, and educator relationship helps boost student achievement and outcomes. At Xavier one of the key points in time for this to occur is the Parent Teacher interviews. These interviews will begin in Week 6 with times available to parents throughout Week 6 and Week 7. I would encourage all parents/carers to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with your child's class teacher and discuss their learning and any support they may require. Information regarding the process for booking an interview will be provided to all parents via email in the coming days and reminders will be sent via the College Facebook site.
Finally, I would also like to remind all parents that the relationship with the school for each parent/carer extends beyond the classroom. As Head of School I am always happy to discuss any concerns you might have and would encourage you to make contact with the College to make an appointment. I also appreciate the opportunity to gain feedback from our parent community regarding our ongoing commitment to positive learning experiences for your children.
From the Head of School – Secondary: Mr Chris Relf
A big thank you to all students who displayed passion and enthusiasm for their school and their house at the Secondary Swimming Carnival last Friday. It was a great day of competition and fun for all. Thank you to all staff for helping out on the day and thank you to Mr Nathan Milne for his leadership of such a well-planned event.
On Monday 1st March we will be hosting a Welcome Evening for all Year 7 students and their parents as well as any new families (students and parents) in Year 8-12. This will be an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s PC teacher and then have a session with key staff to help parents support their son/daughter as a Xavier Student. As a part of this session, we will provide some important information for parents of students in Year 7-10 about supporting the Maths Pathways program. The Welcome Evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. and further details will be sent out via email.
Semester 1 Assessment Calendars are now available on the Student and Parent Portals. These are individualised for each student and should assist parents and students to stay on top of assessment requirements.
Once again, this year we partnered with Elevate Education to provide all students in Years 7-12 with essential study and time management skills to assist them to achieve their potential. The sessions were very well received by students with 99% saying they would recommend the program to their peers. I encourage parents to talk to their sons/daughters about what they learnt in the session that they attended and how they can implement the strategies presented.
Senior Pathways Interviews – Year 12 Students
Next week Mrs Grambower and I will start interviewing all Year 12 students as a part of supporting them on their pathway through senior schooling and beyond. Topics for discussion at these interviews include:
A reminder that students in Year 10, 11 and 12 have access to the online tutoring service 'Studiosity'. Studiosity provides students with access to live tutoring in English, Maths, Science and Business as well as a Writing Feedback service with a 24hr turnaround time for any tasks that involve extended writing. I encourage all of our Senior students to make use of Studiosity throughout the year.
Primary School - Excellence at XCC Award recipients
These awards are for students who have demonstrated one or more of the following SAIL Expectations.
We Love to Learn
Award recipients Term 1, Week 4
CLASS
| AWARD RECIPIENT
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| Austin Owen & Eve Delaforce |
| Asha Milne & Jack O’Connor |
| Rhys Slawson & Maggie Albouze |
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Volunteering at Xavier Catholic College
We are so fortunate to have many generous parents and carers who volunteer their time in different capacities around the college. If you are interested in volunteering, you will need to complete our online training available at the link below. Please download and read the Code of Conduct, complete the Student Protection training and download, print and complete the registration form. This registration form can be dropped into our Student Support staff in the Manresa Support room (outside Goa) where we can discuss your availability and the areas you would like to support. This is an annual requirement from Brisbane Catholic Education before you commence your voluntary work in the school each year.
Student Protection and Code of Conduct Training for Volunteers
Year 12 Retreat: Strength in Unity
In week two our year twelve students spent three days discerning life and how they will proceed this year as leaders of our college and beyond. Every single student attended this retreat which was a testament to the strength that this cohort has in being unified. This year the year twelve’s cohort motto is “Strength in Unity”. The Encounter Team from Brisbane came along on the first night and discussed with our young people what it means to be a young person growing up in today's world with all the societal pressures that are impacting on them. All were moved by their passion and began to discuss their concerns about life and the challenges they are facing in 2021. On day two we heard from some past Xavier students about their journey at Xavier and beyond. It was great for our students to ask them questions about their life choices and to hear from others who had been through this life changing experience, finishing school, more recently.
Our year twelve students were extremely enthusiastic, very welcoming of each other, highly involved in all activities, culminating with the gifts that they will continue to grow and bring into our community at Xavier in 2021. Such gifts were courage, welcoming, selflessness, more confidence in being themselves, generosity and of course uplifting others. We continue to pray for our young leaders as they navigate this their final year at Xavier Catholic College, and we give thanks for them also as a gift to our college community. Thank you, parents and caregivers, for your support in assisting our students to be young women and men of competence, compassion, conscience and commitment with an attitude of excellence and service. Thank also to all the staff that gave up their family time to support our students over the three days, Mrs Loanda Moy, Mr John Donnelly, Mr Brendan McDonald, Mr Denys Legge, Mr Reagan Collier, Mrs Amy Brennan, Mrs Brenda Beach and Mrs Bronwyn McArthur.
Blessings Carmel Donnelly | Campus Minister
Mark it on your calendar! Saturday March 13, Xavier Catholic College community have nominated to fill the volunteer roster for Hervey Bay Parkrun and hope to encourage as many of our families to get involved in this great weekly event. Whether you’re a regular participant or a curious first timer, this will be a welcoming opportunity to give Parkrun a go.
Parkrun is a free, weekly, community event, that invites walkers, runners and volunteers to participate over 5-kilometers. Hervey Bay Parkrun is one of 2000 locations in 22 countries every Saturday morning at 7am. Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit, and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Registration is completely free and only needs to be done once. Simply complete the registration form, print your barcode and come and join the fun. It is a great way to start your weekend, make new friends, feel part of your local community and improve your fitness.
Hervey Bay Parkrun has a weekly average of 234 participants, which we hope to greatly exceed on the 13th March.
Most of the volunteer roster has been filled by the Xavier staff, but we welcome any parents and secondary students, who may like to help out. Please email mninnes@bne.catholic.edu.au if you would like to be included as a volunteer.
Caritas – Narwari Mission Week
This week we start Lent with Ash Wednesday. This is the time that Caritas asks us to put the money we would usually spend on treats, into the project compassion box. Any money that can be spared goes a long way to help those who are less fortunate. Below is a clip showing how the money that was raised last year has been used to help people. By giving what you can this Lent, it will help to transform the lives of people, like those shown in this clip.
Hervey Bay Parish Youth Ministry Team - Why don’t you come join our party………
When: 21/02/21 4pm – 6pm…
Where: GOA Hall @Xavier Catholic College
The Parish Youth Ministry team is a group of young people who are excited about life and live intentionally. We meet once a month for food, faith and fun. Our first gathering will be on Sunday 21st February from 4pm – 6pm at Xavier Catholic College. Pizzas will be available but please bring along a drink bottle.
We would love to see you again in 2021 and we welcome all who are in secondary school. You don’t have to be a catholic to make a difference in this world or to be a part of our team. Looking forward to seeing and meeting you all.
Care & Concern Committee - What 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:
Holding first day morning tea (Meet and Greet opportunity)
Providing meals for school families experiencing a crisis
Providing information about the school for 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. 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.
Carmel Donnelly | cjdonnelly@bne.catholic.edu.au | 41971165
Claire Sinclair (Alex Sinclair) 41295730
Jo O’Neill (Kate O’Neil) 0422942289
Mary Arnold (Riley/Corey/Joey) 0418729967
Karen Grumley (Stewart) 41243034 / 0413306540.
Cassie Wilson (Max/Anabel/Imogen Wilson) 0409761207.
Michelle Wiegmink (Reece Wiegmink) 41287941/0409890188
Karen Goffinet (Patrick Goffinet) 0421 322 121.
Allison McGovern (Georgia McGovern) 0411 416 943
Shelly Hislop (Jordan/Lincoln Hislop) 0423 506 675.
Rachel Loague (Oscar/Sophie Loague) 0417792179
Helen Hatchett (Summer/Sam Wilson) 0438347153
Kellie Robinson (Alysha Robinson) 0448623963
Michelle Begaud (Blake/Kyle Begaud) 0438242252
Carole Dewhurst (Freya Golik) 41206240/0400793188
Alison Keal (Angus/Seth) 0466250799
Emma Pearson (Dylan/Ava /Shayli) 0403599406
Maths Tutoring Timetable
Year 7-12 Maths Tutoring Roster 2021
Before School 8:00 – 8:30 am | | | Staff Prayer | Mr Relf Library | Mrs Wright Library |
First Break 11:15 -11:35 am | Mrs Green P34 Week B | | Mr Tyrrell Mrs Buxton Rm 48 Language Centre | | Mrs White P22 Week B |
After School 3:05 - 4:00 pm | Staff Meeting | Miss Hourigan Mr Duck Library | | Mrs Ritter Library | |
Secondary Swimming Carnival
Hot and sunny weather greeted us last Friday 12th February at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre for the Secondary Interhouse Swimming Carnival. The energy, enthusiasm, participation, and behaviour of students throughout the day was tremendous. In particular, our senior leaders did an amazing job in setting-up, packing up and leading their houses and peers throughout the day. Buthu House went back to back and claimed a thoroughly deserving victory followed by Kondari, Narwari and Dirum. Students participated in Championship 50m, Division 25m, Novelty, Salmon Run and Relay events. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the new Xavier Team Name and logo (see article below). Congratulations to all students involved and a heartfelt thank you to Xavier’s amazing and dedicated staff who work together as a team to ensure the day runs smoothly. Results are as follows:
Geoffrey Naughton 13 Years Male
Kailey Pritchard 13 Years Female
Caleb Berthelsen 14 Years Male
Alix Woods 14 Years Female
Oliver Wright 15 Years Male
Mckenzie Taylor 15 Years Female
Alexander Pacifique 16 Years Male
Alana Woods 16 Years Female
Emma Wylie 17 Years Female
Kyle Begaud 18 Years Male
Alysha Robinson 18 Years Female
The District Swimming Carnival will occur on Monday 8th March. All students who finished 1st or 2nd in championship events will be asked to represent the school at this event.
It is with great pleasure I can finally announce that the new Xavier Team Name is the Xavier Wolves. This name was selected through a process conducted late in Term 4 2020 where all students and staff from P-12 nominated and voted on team names. The final round of voting between the Wolves and Stingers saw a 77% majority vote for the Wolves. The wolf has some very strong connections to Xavier both through the family of Ignatius Loyola and also through the traits and characteristics of the wolf and the wolfpack. In coming weeks, the importance of these connections will be discussed with students. Go the WOLVES!
A very big thank you to Mr Tony McQuaid for bringing this idea and initiative to the sports department, to Mr Matthew Ninnes for his brilliant work in the logo design, and also to Mr Simon Dash for his whole-hearted support of this concept. We are excited to see the Xavier community embrace the WOLVES.
Team Sport Sign-On (Secondary)
Any student wishing to play for a team sport for Xavier this year will need to attend the sign-on occurring on Wednesday 17th February in JPAC at 1st Break. At this meeting, a range of information will be discussed with students. It is important for all students to understand that representing Xavier in sport is a privilege and not a right and as such certain non-negotiable expectations are included. Students are encouraged to discuss their selections with parents and to also discuss the expectations together. All information will be available digitally for students to share with parents.