LEADERSHIP ADDRESS

Dear Parents and Carers
By now you will have received a very important email with a link to an online survey.

Xavier Catholic College is committed to continual improvement and we are planning an extensive school renewal agenda to take Xavier Catholic College to the next stage of its growth and development. But in order to do so we need to hear your thoughts. Your voice will help shape our future directions.

We need to hear from you and what your dreams and aspirations are for the College. To this end all parents, students and staff are invited to participate in a Community Satisfaction Survey. It comes in the format of a Survey Monkey and asks you to rate different aspects of College life, as well as providing you with a space in each section if you wish to make a comment or suggestion. The survey in anonymous so your individual responses will not be able to be identified.

I would ask you to please complete this survey so we can gauge the community’s feelings about Xavier’s performance and its future.

On Sunday and Monday this week I attended my first Jesuit and Companion Schools Association Meeting at St Aloysius College in Sydney. It was a wonderful experience to meet the leaders of other schools committed to the Jesuit tradition and the Ignatian charism.

During the formation session were heard about the 36th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus. During the General Congregation they elected a new Father General of the Jesuits, Arturo Sosa. The Congregation sought advice from its members about what is God asking of us today. Five main themes emerged:

• We are called to be joyful witness to the Gospel, and to care for the Church.
• We are called as pilgrims and friends to be ambassadors of Christ's message of reconciliation; to be agents of his peace, mercy and justice.
• We are called in the path of spiritual renewal through a fresh approbation of our Ignatian heritage.
• We are called to care for our human and natural environment; to develop sustainable ecological and social practices to help heal our world that is broken in many areas. This includes a critical, yet inclusive, dialogue about the future of our planet that engages nations, cultures, religions, and economic and political systems.
• We are called to be present among those who have been agonisingly uprooted from their homes; to accompany vulnerable migrants, refugees, indigenous and homeless people.
  

The new Father General, Arturo Sosa also offered his reflections which I believe should form the basis of the vision of what Xavier Catholic College should strive to be and to achieve:

“We desire to contribute to what seems impossible: a humanity reconciled in justice, that dwells peacefully in a well-cared for common home, where there is a place for all, since we recognize each other as sisters and brothers, as daughters and sons of the same Father.

We must think creatively about the ways in which our service to the mission of Christ can be more effective, in the creative tension of the Ignatian magis. We must deeply understand this moment of human history and contribute to the search for alternatives to poverty, inequality and oppression.

Ignatius suggested that love must be manifest more in acts that words. Love is an exchange in which each gives all that he has and all that he is. In recognition of so many gifts received we in response give ourselves entirely to love and serve God.”  

God bless
Simon Dash
Principal


HEADS OF COLLEGE ADDRESS

Dear Parents,
As we enter Week 6 we take some time to recognise and reflect on Ash Wednesday as the beginning of the Lenten period. Lent is the time for Christians to prepare for Easter and beyond. It’s a time to renew and deepen our faith through reflection and prayer, and to sacrifice something to learn what it means to rely on God and put our faith into action. During the days of Lent, we are encouraged to reflect on our own life, consider the needs of others and strengthen our relationship with God.

Writing this article, I am listening to the sounds of some very happy Year 5 students who are having a wonderful time at camp.  Working as a team, challenging yourself, serving others and finding Jesus in all things are all central themes in what has been a fantastic two days.  I have had a number of the staff at the Maranatha camp mention to me that they have been very impressed with the attitude of our students.  The staff on camp have been witness to many students going outside their comfort zones and encourage others to do the same.  The leadership skills they build as part of this experience will stay with them for many years to come.  In next week’s newsletter I will include some photos and comments from the Year 5 students as this is certainly an event which is worth celebrating. 

Some key reminders for the coming weeks:

• School photos for the P-5 students will be held on Tuesday 7th March starting with family photos at 7.30 am.  All information/order slips have been sent home with your students. You are encouraged to use the ‘online’ payment option as it avoids the need to carry money in the envelopes at school. A reminder that, even if you are not ordering any photos, all envelopes must be returned with the student on their photo day for digital identification of the student.
• Thank you to all parents who are remaining out of the pods until the 8.30 am in the morning and 3.00 pm in the afternoon.  This practice ensures a nice calm learning space for all students without the distraction of a loved one close by.
• A reminder to all parents that all junior students who are not collected in the afternoon must wait at the Junior Years Pick Up.  This area is supervised until 3.30 pm to ensure the safety of all students. Students who are catching the bus or attending the OHSC will go to those areas.
• Please notify the school if your child/children will be absent from school for an extended period during term time.  It is a BCE requirement that all absences are explained by the relevant parent/carer.  I am happy to discuss any extended absences with parents directly.
  

Have a great week. 
Russell Davey


UPCOMING EVENTS

01/03/2017   Lady Elliot Island Trip (through until 03/03)
07/03/2017   Junior School Photo Day
08/03/2017   Senior School Photo Day
08/03/2017   Book Fair (Through until 10/03)
09/06/2017   Cluster 2 Hervey Bay Secondary School District Sports Trials
13/03/2017  Narwari Mission Week


FROM THE APREs

This week we celebrate Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is a season of reflection, sacrifice and prayer in an effort to strengthen our relationship with God. The forty days of Lent are symbolic of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert before he began his public ministry. During this time Jesus overcame a range of temptations and having done so, returned to public life invigorated and affirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Looking to the model of Jesus, we are called to focus on our own personal journey with God. Many Christians approach Lent as a season of giving up something that they seemingly can’t live without, but it is equally beneficial to focus on what we can ‘take up’ during this season to heal our relationship with God. Perhaps the most significant method for rekindling our connection with God during this Lenten season is through prayer. Too often we think of prayer as something complex and too difficult to persist with, but sometimes the best prayer is when we simply find time to sit with God and talk just as we would to a good friend. So, don’t be afraid, make an effort this Lent to make some time for God.



Lenten Prayer Program
Every year, during Lent, Xavier Catholic College runs a Lenten Prayer Program which includes listening to and reflecting on the readings from the Sunday Mass as well as a guided meditation to help us see where God is present and active in our lives. This year we would like to extend an invitation to any parents or carers in our college community to join us on this journey. If you are interested, please contact Mr Brendan McDonald at 4197 1177 or via email at bmmcdonald@bne.catholic.edu.au. The program runs as one 45 minute session per week, starting next week and finishing in the last week of Term 1. Participants can choose whether they would like to attend Tuesday mornings at 7:30 or Thursday afternoons at 3:30.

Alternatively, there is an abundance of Lenten prayer guides online. Loyola Press offers a good range of resources at the following in link: http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/lent/online-prayers-and-retreats


Baptism
Congratulations to Julius and Lucy-Jean Bond, Keeley and Rhylee Ward, and Abby, Heidi and Raemah Krause who received the Sacrament of Baptism on the weekend! We pray that God’s grace and blessings guide them throughout their lives.

You are a child of God. You are wonderfully made, dearly loved, and precious in his sight. Before God made you, he knew you. There is no one else like you.




Clean up Australia Day
Sunday the 5th March is a day known as Clean up Australia day. Xavier is a big supporter of cleaning up the environment around us and will be participating in this activity. On Friday the 3rd March, a large group of students across the year levels will partake in a “Clean up Xavier day”. We will meet in the canteen area at 2nd break, armed with plastic bags to collect rubbish. Any rubbish bags that can be donated would be greatly appreciated.

Xavier's participation reflects its mission to inspire and work with communities to clean up, fix up and conserve our environment.


Care and Concern Parent Group
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 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 are published 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 Carmel Donnelly (Campus Minister) during school hours on 4197 1165.  Confidentiality is utmost for our committee and any information shared with our parent contacts will not be passed on unless you so desire it.

If we can be of any assistance, or if you have any questions about our school, we would be very pleased to help you – just ring one of the following:

House Parent Contacts

Narwari House Parents
Claire Sinclair (Cassandra) 41295730
Rachel Neck (Chelsea) 41287859/0417768798
Darlene Hogan (Daniel) 0419 226445/hogan.bd@bigpond.net.au
Jo O’Neill (Will, Lucy & Kate) 0422942289 
Ellen Geldard (Connor, Lachlan & Matthew) 41286910/ 0400499508
Mary Arnold (Riley, Corey & Joey) 0418729967
Karen Grumley (Stewart & Lachlan) 41243034 / 0413306540.
Cassie Wilson (Max, Anabele & Imogen) 0409761207.
Kerrie Payne (Cameron) 41280554/ 0407581389

Buthu House Parents
Michelle Wiegmink (Connor, Jenna & Reece) 41287941/0409890188
Deanna Wyvill (Amy) 41282176
Karen Goffinet (Alex & Patrick) 4128 7375/ 0421 322 121.
Allison McGovern (Madison & Georgia) 0411 416 943
                                   
Dirum House Parents
Rachel Loague (Oscar) 0417792179
Helen Hatchett (Bryce, Charli, Summer & Sam) 0438347153
Kellie Robinson (Nathan & Alysha) 0448623963

Kondari House Parents
Michelle Begaud (Blake & Kyle) 0438242252
Carole Dewhurst (Patrick, Rory & Freya) 41206240/0400793188



REPORTING

Term One Report will be available electronically through the Parent Portal on Friday 10th March from 3.00pm.  This report is an Interim Report and provides an indication of progress and performance at this stage of the year.  A more formal report for each subject area will be provided at the end of Semester One. We hope that this report will provide you with a picture of how your child is progressing so far. To have the opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress we offer Parent / Student / Teacher Interviews on Tuesday 21st March from 3.30pm to 8.00pm in GOA Performance & Activity Centre.

At these meetings, you will be able to discuss if your son or daughter is up to date with his or her work and if the teacher has any concerns. Where teachers have indicated that they require an interview (a tick will be displayed), please use the PTO booking system to secure a time with those teachers. If this section has a cross displayed, we are informing you that the subject teacher does not need to speak with you, however, they are more than happy to meet with you and ask that you make a booking should you wish to do so. Teachers welcome the chance to meet with parents to discuss positive developments as well as concerns if necessary. We see these Parent / Student / Teacher interviews as a very important part of the learning and teaching process and an opportunity to address issues before they become serious concerns. Students are welcome to attend interviews with their parents.

All information regarding accessing the Parent Portal and the electronic version of your child’s report as well as booking interviews with teachers can be found on the College website under the Learning banner, Assessment and Reporting. There are a number of documents that can be downloaded from the ‘Help Guide’ that will assist you.

Please note – The online booking system will not accept any bookings or access to the site prior to 6.00pm on Friday 10th March.  If you are experiencing technical difficulties booking an interview after this time and you have followed the ‘Help Guides’ as indicated above, please contact the College for assistance.


REPORTING OF STUDENT ABSENCES
No need to wait on the phone when you use the “Report Student Absence” on our Parent Portal. This can also be easily accessed when you have downloaded BCE Connect App from the AppStore.



FREE MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE TUTORING
A reminder that Xavier staff offer free additional weekly Maths and Science tutoring. Below is the roster, which commenced in week 3.
 




OVERDRIVE DIGITAL LIBRARY - DOWNLOAD AND READ EBOOKS AT HOME
Students across P-12 students can borrow best-selling and classic audiobooks and eBooks, 24/7, from Xavier’s OverDrive digital collection @ http://xavier.lib.overdrive.com and BCE’s OverDrive digital collection @ http://bcedigital.lib.overdrive.com

Students borrow from these collections using their BCE Username. Titles can be downloaded to PC, Mac, iPad and many mobile devices. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period.

This service is free. All you need is your BCE username.

Parents, if you require help with the setup of OverDrive or how to borrow, I’m more than happy for you to bring your iPads, laptops or mobile device to the Library and we’ll work together to get you up and running. Alternatively contact me at the college on 4197 1177 or email me dgmclean@bne.catholic.edu.au

Drew McLean
Director of eLearning & Digital Services



TELL IT TO THE JUDGE!
Our Yr11 & 12 Legal Studies students are in Brisbane today at the Supreme Courts. After a 4:00am start we arrived at the law courts at 8:30 and met with Supreme Court Justice Burns who answered some questions and then ran a mock trial involving two Yr12 students being accused of "Kardashian related" talking during class! Both were found guilty and sentenced accordingly. Justice Applegate also spoke briefly to the students about the law after they watched him deliver a judgement in a civil matter. Now students are heading off in groups to sit in on a wide range of criminal and civil trials at various courts in the complex.
  


MAGIS MINIS Meet for 2017
Last week our Social Justice and Action Seniors held the first Magis Minis meeting for the year.  We had 25 Year 4 and 5’s who were very excited to help out in our community.  They are planning to meet every fortnight on a Wednesday during the first break in rimary room 32. Our numbers are increasing so we need to move to a larger room for our regular meetings.

The first event they are working on is our annual Caritas K’s event to raise funds and awareness for Caritas’ work in our world.  Our community is truly blest to have such dedicated seniors and young people who volunteer their time and talents to help others.


 
HERVEY BAY / WIDE BAY 13-19YRS CLUSTER 1 TRIALS
On February 8th 54 Xavier students participated in the 13-19 Years Hervey Bay District School Sports Cluster 1 Trials. Students trailed in the following sports to have the chance to compete at the Wide Bay School Sports Trials on the 16th February.

Students trialled in the following cluster 1 sports, Volleyball, Touch, Tennis, Squash, Softball.

Of the 54 Students who attended the trials 42 Xavier Students were selected to represent Hervey Bay School District at the Wide Bay Trials.

The following Xavier Catholic College students were selected in Wide Bay Teams/Squads after the trials on the 16th February.

​Savannah Ritter - Softball	​Rosina Baumann - Softball	​Maddy McGowan - Tennis	​Jaspa Wright - Touch
​Bree Houliston - Touch	​Mathew Bauer - Squash	​Donny Holloway - Cricket	​Eloise Rossetto - Touch
​Nic Kelsey - Cricket	Henry Riley - Cricket​	​Skye Houliston - Touch	Phoebe Fraser - Touch​
​Lauren Sankey - Touch	Amy Wyvill - Cricket​	Sienna Alexander - Touch​	​

 
Congratulations to all students on their participation and selections at the trials


YEAR 5 AND 6 BOYS AFL GALA DAY
On Tuesday 20th February, 32 Year 5 and 6 oys participated in the Hervey Bay District Primary Schools AFL Gala Day. Xavier entered 2 teams into the Gala Day with both teams playing 3 games on a very hot and humid day. Both teams came away from the day with a couple of wins and a loss. The highlight of the day was the attitudes, sportsmanship and school spirit shown by these young gentlemen. They represented the College and themselves with pride, including several spirited renditions of the College war cry. Congratulation on your efforts.



XAVIER QISSN TRIALS
The selection process for the Xavier QISSN (Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball) team has commenced with the first trial taking place on Thursday. Over 20 students took to the courts to gain selection in the 10 girl team to compete at the Brisbane tournament in June this year. Further trials will take place with the team being announced in March.