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Over the course of the next week, our College community will commemorate National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week. Sorry Day is an Australia-wide observance held on May 26 each year; an opportunity to join our voices together to speak out against injustice and speak up for reconciliation.

It is a particularly important time to remember the injustices done to the Stolen Generations and the sadness and damage the events from the past have had on Australia's First Peoples. Stolen Generations refers to Indigenous Australians who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. This past continues to hurt many of Australia's First Peoples today. Sorry Day gives people the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and their communities.

National Reconciliation Week, which runs from the 27^th May to 3^rd June highlights two major events of particular importance to the Indigenous people of Australia, the 1967 Referendum and the High Court's Mabo Decision regarding Native Title. This year's theme for National Reconciliation Week is More than a word; Reconciliation takes action! At Xavier Catholic College we are committed to the Gospel teaching of “Love one another" and recognising the dignity of all people as every one of us is made in the image and likeness of God. National Reconciliation Week calls upon us to work for justice for all people in our society. “Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples" (Reconciliation Australia, 2021).

To find out more about National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week, please visit this website: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/

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Calendar of events

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From the Head of School – Primary: Mr Russell Davey

As part of our P-6 Assembly last week I spoke to all students about how impressed I was by the attitude of our Year 3 and 5 students as they approached the NAPLAN Online assessments for 2021. As I mentioned to the students, I have been teaching for long enough to see just how anxious students can become when faced with these national tests. I was very pleased to see students calm, organised and ready for the challenge. My thanks to Mrs Love and the Year 3 & Year 5 teaching teams for their efforts towards ensuring all students were well prepared. And finally, a very big congratulations to the students for their outstanding effort across the two-week window for NAPLAN ONLINE.

Under 8's Day

It was wonderful to see so many parents/ grandparents and loved ones at our Under 8's day last week. This morning is always a joyous occasion for our youngest students and this year was no exception. My thanks to the many parents who assisted and the K-2 staff for ensuring this morning was a success. A special mention for Mrs Gaedtke who went above and beyond to ensure all was in place four our K-2 students. ​

PREP COME & TRY – Day One

Our first come and try day for 2021 was a big success with many families joining us for an afternoon of outdoor play. There were many smiles and the opportunity for parents to speak to teachers directly. A reminder to all parents that our next Prep Come and Try Day will be held on Wednesday 16^th June 9.00 am. ​

Finally, I would like to add to my most recent article about the importance of a good night's sleep and a good breakfast to ensure your child has the best possible chance of success. This is in many ways the before stage of a successful day for a student. The end of the day is just as important!

However, the standard question “How was your day?" will often result in a limited response. I would like to share with you some ideas of alternative questions you mike like to use with your children. Hopefully, you might get a little more detail from your children and experience the joy of a genuine conversation with your child! Happy chatting….

1. Tell me one thing you have learned today that you did not know this morning.

2. What did you do today that made you feel proud?

3. What word did your teacher say the most today?

4. Did you need to ask your teacher for help with anything?
   

5. What did you do today that made your brain work really hard?

6. Did you do anything that made your teacher say, 'well done'?

7. Did you do anything that made your hands dirty?

School Banking

If you are keen to help out with Dollarmite banking and can spare an hour on Friday mornings from 9:30am, please contact Sarah Love at slove@bne.catholic.edu.au to register your interest.​

Award recipients Term 2, Week 4​

Award recipients Term 2, Week 5

From the Head of School – Secondary: Mr Chris Relf

We have now passed the halfway point of Term Two and it is fair to say that it has been a busy start. This morning at our Secondary Assembly we celebrated the involvement of our students in many positive events happening around the school including the engagement of students in The Arts, sporting, service learning and academic extracurricular activities. It is wonderful to see so many of our students engage in these opportunities that are available to them. We continually encourage all of our students to set high expectations of themselves both inside and outside the classroom. By doing their best in all aspects of their lives they will set themselves up for a bright future. One emerging issue that is growing in our school is students arriving late to school and/or late to class. There has been an increased number of students signing in 'unexplained' late at student reception. Signing in late has several impacts on student learning and the school community. Primarily students are missing out on important time in their PC class, including hearing notices and spending time with the staff that are their primary contact in terms of pastoral care here at Xavier. For students signing in after PC, they are losing valuable class time crucial to their education, and in some cases causing a disruption when they enter a classroom after the lesson has begun and impacting the learning of others. In an effort to reduce this occurrence, students arriving late and unexplained will be required to attend the uniform room at first break that day where a conversation will occur with a member of our Pastoral Team. Our usual behaviour management processes will be followed for students who are repeat offenders. We ask that all parents support us in ensuring that students are on time and not missing out on valuable learning time.

Captain's Breakfast

On Tuesday 11^th May our Year 12 Captains, Ethan Drury and Georgia McGovern along with Vice-Captains, Sarah Garty and Jazmyn Hanily attended the Captain's Breakfast with Mr Collier. They joined student leaders from the Hervey Bay region to engage in conversation about issues pertinent to the youth of Hervey Bay and encouraging them to embrace leadership in the local community. These events happen every term and are a wonderful way for our leaders to network with students from other schools and to hear about initiatives in our community.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 9 students who were involved in NAPLAN online over the past couple of weeks. Students engaged extremely well in these tests and were a credit to our school.

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Homework Hub

WHEN:                  Wednesday 3-4:30

WHAT:                  Come for a little or a long time

WHO:                    All students 7-12

HOW:                    Supervised by Teachers

WHERE:                Library

The Homework Hub is a safe, supportive, and productive student meetup out of school hours to assist students in completing their homework. Homework clubs provide vital support for students who do not otherwise have the help that they need or just want a quiet place to study with free Wi-fi.

Homework Hub can provide:

• a safe, quiet and calm space for students to concentrate

• a supportive environment

• one to one or small group support

• a chance to share knowledge

• a space work collaboratively on assessment

• an opportunity to build relationships

• an opportunity to develop good work habits and a positive attitude towards learning

• the chance to develop skills involved in becoming an independent learner​
  

School-based Apprenticeships / Traineeships (SATs) – Matt Cramer

I chose to do a School Based Traineeship in Hospitality with the RSL because my sister had done hers with the RSL and they are a great business that does so much for the community. I hope when I finish my qualification it will support me in my travels around the world, sightseeing as I work. The best part of my traineeship is that I meet lots of interesting people and I'm learning new skills. My attitude towards work has changed, I've learnt to be organised and put in my availability forms to get time off work to fulfil my school commitments, I've become more confident in communicating with people and I enjoy the environment that I work in.

I would recommend everyone who has an interest in hospitality to have a go at doing a traineeship with the RSL, as they really do look after you and support you all the way.

If you have any questions regarding SATs, please do not hesitate to contact John Donnelly at jdonnelly@bne.catholic.edu.au. ​

National Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day

This week our school community will acknowledge two very important events – National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week. These commemorations are significant to Indigenous Australians as they provide an opportunity for the broader Australian community to understand the historical events that have caused pain and heartbreak over the decades for those First Nation's People who experienced 'The Stolen Generations'. The term 'Stolen Generations' refers to the forcible removal of Aboriginal children from their families, with the intention of assimilating them into white Australian culture. The effects of these traumatic removals are still being felt by succeeding generations of Aboriginal People even today.

On May 26 each year, National Sorry Day is held as part of an on-going process of reconciliation between First Nation's People and the settler population. The event remembers and commemorates the mistreatment of the country's Indigenous peoples. The students at Xavier Catholic College will show their respect and compassion through participating in a Liturgy on this date. Just following this sombre occasion is National Reconciliation Week, which begins on May 27 and continues until June 3. The theme for this year is 'More than a word, reconciliation takes action.'  To quote National Reconciliation's Home Page 'Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.'

'National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.' With this in mind, I encourage teachers, students and our school community to become more involved in exploring the wonderful contributions that First Nation's people have made to our shared 'Australian Culture' across many fields, including The Arts, Land Care and Conservation, Storytelling and Literature.

by Lawson Proctor on behalf of the Social Justice and Action Team. ​

Art-e-facts

Strings and Things

Our students are awesome! So many opportunities for participation in Arts and cultural events and so many students are taking up the challenge. Here are but a few examples:

Four of our Xavier students were nominated by Jenny Conlon, (our illustrious instrumental strings teacher) to participate in the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Program Bundaberg (July 23 – 25). Arushi Naidu, Ellie Rose O'Brien and Lily Spencer were our successful applicants. During the program, these students will be taught by the conductors from the conservatorium of music. They will learn new skills in an ensemble environment. 

The Xavier string ensemble will be competing in the upcoming Maryborough instrumental Eisteddfod.  The string ensemble consists of students from both primary and high school with Stella accompanying on the piano.  They have been together for a year now with Miss Conlon conducting or playing the cello with them. We wish them well in this competition. 

Mr Ryan White is awash with so many guitar and drum students he can barely fit them all in the program. The same can be said for our new Piano teacher Ms Shiree Royal who has had an avalanche of new students wanting to learn piano or keyboard. So great to see so many students involved in music.​

Productions with Panache

Peter Pan the musical is in full swing with Wednesday afternoon rehearsals and with a huge cast from the Junior school. Way to go Ms Jensen!

Over twenty students auditioned for the Senior Secondary production LOVE AND INFORMATION. Some amazing talent from some surprising auditionees! An awesome and gratifying turn out of support. Rehearsals commence next week to prepare for a two-night season in September.​

After-School Arts

Eleven Junior School students are enrolled in after school Drama Club! They are growing their skills and imaginations and will share their work in a showcase at the end of the term.

The number of students in the Fraser Coast Highlander Bagpipes workshop keeps growing.

Professional Artist Jo Williams is set to commence After School Visual Art Club for secondary students, in Term 3. Jo is an accomplished, often exhibited artist who has worked with our senior students in the past for their ATAR program.

Such a smorgasbord of Arts activities to choose from and more on the way!

Years of research show that ARTS education is closely linked to almost everything that we as a nation say we want for our children and demand from our schools: academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity.

There is an old Chinese proverb that says:

"Tell me and I will forget.

Show me and I will remember.

Involve me and I will understand."

Chinese Proverb​

​​Win a State of Origin jersey of your choice!

Purchase your tickets on Qkr! app for your chance to win. The money raised goes towards supporting our QISSN Netball team to compete in Brisbane at the state carnival during the June school holidays.​

National Simultaneous Storytime Event

Over 100 students plus our Kindy friends came together on Wednesday 19 May to share their love of space for the annual National Simultaneous Storytime event.  The book for this year's event was Give Me Some Space written by Philip Bunting.  Students in the library were read to by our very own resident author and librarian extraordinaire, Mr Bebington.  Those that gathered in Goa were able to watch astronaut Shannon Walker read the book from a space station.  It was great to have so many together to share a love of reading and all things astronomical!

Science & Engineering Challenge

Last Tuesday, 26 students from our Year 9 & 10 Science classes spent the day at the PCYC for a challenging set of 8 activities of a Science & Engineering nature and competed against teams from six other high schools. 

Six activities were a half-day each, so a team of 3 or 4 students carried out two in one day; two activities each occupied the full day. 

The Xavier team of Zara Royal, Oliver Wright & Bailey Frampton, won the whole-day activity of building a Hovercraft and guiding it through two paths in the fastest times. 

Of the 14 teams who competed in the Communications' activity, the Xavier team of Stephanie Kearns, Stewart Grumley & Emily Powers won this section. 

As always, our students were exceptional on this day and were a credit to the Xavier community.​

Parish News

A workshop for the Ministers of Communion will be held on the 27^th May at 7pm in the Church. If being a part of Mass is something you are interested in and want to be more connected with the church and our parish, we are in urgent need of volunteers to help. We are most in need of Sacristans, Readers and Communion Ministers but any help would be appreciated. Please contact the Parish Office.​

OSHC – Vacation Care Program​

Cancer Council - Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

Year 9 Camp

The Year 9 cohort had a great 3 days away at camp. They enjoyed the activities of surfing, body boarding, laser tag, giant swing, high ropes and paper pole to name just a few. Thanks to the staff, Amy Brennan, Simone Collins, Mel Watt, Paul Damms, Gary Turner, Andrew King and Jonathan Wedemeyer, who loved laser tag more than the kids. They did a fantastic job taking care of students and facilitating over the 3 days.​

SPORTS NEWS

Secondary Athletics – Date Claimer

The Xavier Secondary Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 22^nd July (12pm to 3pm) and Friday 23^rd July (all day). Some events will need to occur during lunchtimes prior to the carnival. Details will be provided in coming weeks. Please note: Curriculum Activity Risk Assessment (CARA) guidelines for High Jump (Fosbury Flop), Discus and Javelin identify these disciplines as High-Risk activities. As a result, extra safety measures are taken when conducting these events (both during HPE lessons, Friday Sport and in carnival competition). In line with CARA guidelines, all parents/caregivers of students participating in these events MUST complete a Consent / Medical Clearance Form. Xavier Athletics Carnivals have a wonderful culture of maximum participation across all track and field events and it is our highest priority to maintain this level of participation and enthusiasm from all students. Hard copies of forms will be sent home through PC classes and a digital copy emailed to all parents. Please complete this form and return to your PC teacher at your earliest convenience.

Friday Sport

Our Year 7's & 8's are enjoying their sport options for this term with 2 more weeks to go on current activities. For the final 3 weeks of this term and the first week of Term 3, students will be participating in athletics rotations. The aforementioned Consent Form for high-risk activities will need to be completed and returned prior to these rotations starting on Friday 11^th June.

Xavier Dance

On Monday the Xavier Dance group competed in the Maryborough Eisteddfod and for the third eisteddfod running Xavier Dance were the winners of the section. The students have been working hard rehearsing on a Friday afternoon in sport time and also with extra rehearsal before school as the big day approached. Congratulations to all the students who did a flawless routine at the eisteddfod. Thank you to the parents and families that came along to support the dancers and a BIG thank to Candice and Brad from League Studios who trained and choreographed the dance and gave up their spare time to take extra rehearsals to ensure the dancers were ready for their performance.

Xavier Touch Football

The return slips from the Information Sheet distributed to all students is due back before training/trials begin in Week 7 (Thursday 3^rd June). Students will not be able to train or trial if this slip has not been returned (spare copies are at Student Reception). The Open Boys and Girls teams and the 15yrs Boys and Girls teams will trial in Weeks 7 & 8 with the 13yrs Boys & Girls teams training for Weeks 7 & 8 before trialing in Weeks 9 and 10.​