​

From the Pen of the Principal ​

Dear Parents and Caregivers

​The Xavier Catholic College Endowment Fund

When I joined our College in 2017 I knew that it was a relatively young school having opened its doors in 2003. But the task of a leader is not just to deal with the current realities, but to also prepare for the future. While you try to make good decisions in the here and now, you want to ensure the legacy you leave will be welcomed in 20, 50 or even 100 years, long after your tenure is finished.

To that end we established the Xavier Catholic College Endowment Fund through the Archdiocesan Development Fund with a $50,000 initial outlay. All investments and donations into the fund remain there permanently, but the school can draw down the annuities on an annual basis to assist struggling families to have access to the kind of Catholic Education they seek. Part of our mission is to be inclusive and we do not want fees to be a barrier to families facing hard times.

I am pleased (and very surprised) to report that, through the generous support of current families, past students and friend of the College, the fund has grown to $100,000.

All donations over $2 to the Xavier Catholic College Endowment Fund are fully Tax Deductible under the provisions of its Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.

We are approaching the end of the Financial Year which, for some, is an opportune time to make Tax Deductible donation in preparation for Tax Time. I also appreciate that many families are not in a position to give and I do not want to convey any pressure to do so. For so many, times are tight and they require every penny to stay afloat.

But if you or a friend you know is in a position to donate to the Endowment Fund that would be wonderful. It will mean we can provide more fee relief for those who are facing great hardship at the moment.

To find out more please click this link which will take you to the relevant page on our website:

http://www.xavier.qld.edu.au/Opportunities/Pages/College-Endowment-Fund.aspx

Thank you for your consideration of this opportunity to make a difference in a child's life.

Dirum Mission Week supporting Jesuit Refugee and Social Services

Congratulations to Dirum House for their work last week in raising much needed funds for the Jesuit Refugee and Social Services and also raising awareness of the great work that these organisations do.

Jesuit Social Services run the following Programs:

Justice and Crime Prevention: We work to improve community safety and help those leaving prison reconnect with community in a positive way through skill development and employment opportunities.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: We help people with mental illness navigate complex and traumatic periods with counselling, outreach and therapeutic activities.

Settlement and Community Building: We work alongside remote Indigenous communities and newly arrived refugee groups to build people's participation to and increase capacity for decision making and self-determination.

Education, Training and Employment: We work with long-term unemployed and marginalised people to build skills, deliver recognised training and connect job seekers with real opportunities for employment.

To learn more visit: https://jss.org.au/

Jesuit Refugee Services also maintains a clear focus of responding to needs, advocacy and ongoing support of those at the margins of society.

Jesuit Refugee Services run the following Programs:

Reconciliation: In a spirit of welcome and hospitality, we work to promote right relationships and build social cohesion.

Education: The delivery of quality education that fosters agency among refugees, focused through the Global Education Initiative.

Livelihoods: Innovative livelihoods programmes focused on self-reliance and sustainability.

Advocacy: Effective advocacy for the rights of refugees.

To learn more visit: https://jrs.net/en/home/

The End of Reconciliation Week is Just the Beginning

Last week we concluded our National Reconciliation week activities to help raise awareness of the wonderful culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to acknowledge the pain of the past and to focus on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have the oldest continuous cultures in the world. As our first nations people they have faced over 200 years of some pretty shabby treatment and yet their cultures remain a powerful reminder of their strength and resilience as a people whose relationship to the land and sea contains much wisdom, from which we can all benefit.

As a nation, acknowledging the hurt that has been inflicted upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an uncomfortable, but important first step. There's no glossing over it. As the first Europeans arrived to settle a new colony and through subsequent generations, a lot of horrific things occurred including massacres, encampments that took Aboriginal peoples away from their land and the Stolen Generation who suffered the trauma of being removed from their parents.

Reconciliation Week is built around the anniversary of three key dates: National Sorry Day which was first held in 1998; the referendum of 1967; and the Mabo Decision of 1992.

The first Sorry Day was held on 26^th May 1998; exactly one year after the Bringing Them Home Report was presented to the Federal Parliament. Of course, this finally led to the apology on 13^th February 2008 when then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, for the policies which, in the Prime Minister's words 'inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these, our fellow Australians.'

May 27th marked the anniversary of Australia's most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation's history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census. Until that time States had varying laws which in Queensland's case restricted the right to own land, allowed for pay discrimination, restricted their voting rights and did not include them in the Census.

June 3rd was the anniversary of one of Australia's most important legal rulings. In 1992 the High Court of Australia delivered its landmark Mabo decision which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land that existed prior to colonisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights called Native Title.

As a nation there has been much progress in the cause of Reconciliation, but there is so much still to do. As an inclusive community that has embraced our call to continue to work towards Reconciliation, Xavier Catholic College is proud of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Our diversity is a source of strength and a sign of hope for the future.

The word, “reconciliation" means to make things right and to repair relationships.  In effect, we use this word to indicate that we sit down together as equals.  Our indigenous people have not always been treated as equals in Australian society and wrongs have been done.  During Reconciliation Week we remember the past, we celebrate the present and dream our future together.

One of the greatest challenges is to acknowledge what is not so good today and to be part of the solution. The Closing the Gap Report conducted each year shows the disparity of outcomes in health, education and life-expectancy. Progress is slow and more voices advocating for change can make a difference. For our Torres Strait Islander people, they face the threat of rising sea levels, collapsing retaining walls and possibly becoming climate refugees within their own nation. Whether it's the Islands of Moa, Sabai, Duan or Badu, they face something that requires the collective action of a nation.

I encourage all to lend their voices and make a difference. Because we are all Australians, and we stand as one in seeking justice for all. When one of us hurts, faces discrimination and is not given a fair go we all suffer.

So, it is with humility and gratitude that I acknowledge the great contribution made by all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to our Great Southern Land. I acknowledge the Butchulla people as the traditional custodian of this land and pay my respects to their elders – past, present and emerging.

Gal-an-goor D-jali

Simon Dash

Principal

​Calendar of events

From the Head of School – Primary: Mr Russell Davey

As we move towards the final weeks of the term, I would like to give all parents some general reminders regarding upcoming events in the Primary Years.  One of the most important aspects of our College is community and this is always very evident when we hold school events. If you are available, I would encourage you to join us for one or more of the events listed.

Please see information below and do not hesitate to contact the College should you require more details.

Wide Bay Readers Cup

On Tuesday 8^th June we hosted many schools in our region as they competed for the title of Year 5 & 6 Wide Bay Readers Cup Champions.  This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading and also a fantastic opportunity for our Year 5 & 6 students to connect with their peers. I am very pleased to announce that our Year 6 team received 1^st place on the day and will now move on to the State Championships.  Our Year 5 team also did very well and were awarded 4^th place in the competition.  My thanks to Mr Bebington who once again has worked tirelessly to ensure this event could go ahead. I would also like to recognise Miss Young for her efforts towards ensuring the students were well prepared for this challenge.

Athletics Carnivals

We are entering the season for Athletics Carnivals.  All parents are encouraged to attend the K-2 Carnival (Friday 18^th June) or Year 3-6 Carnival (Friday 25^th June).  More details will be provided closer to the date and COVID safe practices will be in place for all those in attendance.

Prep Come and Try Day 2

Our second Prep Come and Try Day (Wednesday 16^th June 9.00 am – 10.30 am) is quickly approaching. Following a very successful outdoor event this session will focus on the classroom with students being provided with the opportunity to experience classroom activities and become familiar with the Prep environment. Please register your interest at the College or via our online events registration.

From the Head of School – Secondary: Mr Chris Relf

Dirum Mission Week

Last week was a big week of activities, fund raising and awareness raising as part of our Dirum Mission Week. Thank you to Mrs Margie Robertson and the staff and students of Dirum house for the work that you put into this event. Thank you to all students for the way in which you engaged in the activities throughout the week.

RYDA

Last Friday our Year 11 cohort participated in the RYDA Program. RYDA is a program designed to provide students with the tools and understanding they need to see themselves as active, responsible road citizens. It was a great opportunity for our students who are all now better prepared to be safe users of our roads.

Year 11 Leaders

This week we begin the process of selecting our Senior Leaders for 2021/2022. The Year 11 cohort have participated in a leadership formation session that links with their camp from Term 1 and have until Thursday 17^th June to submit their interest in being a part of the group of 20 student leaders over the next 18 months.

GECKO

This week is a busy week for our Year 10 Cohort as they finalise their assessment for Semester 1. As part of our commitment to preparing our students to make informed career decisions, we deliver a program in Year 10 titled Greatly Enhancing Career Knowledge & Opportunities (GECKO). For the last two weeks of the term each Year 10 student will engage in a week of Work Experience and on the alternate week they will be at school participating in a rich PSDE program with many workshops and activities that will focus on successful post school transitioning. We wish all of our Year 10s well as they embark on their week in the workforce. Thank you to Mr Donnelly and Mrs Moy for the work you put in to supporting this program.​

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 Traineeship – Tayla Close

I chose to do a School Based Traineeship to gain knowledge and experience in a business before graduating high school, so before I leave, I will have up to two years' experience in an office. From the traineeship I also get a Cert III in Business Administration through Axiom College.

I became aware of the traineeship through school. I applied for the position and then went into We Care 2 and met Jan, the manager. We had a conversation about the possible responsibilities and workload I would have by agreeing to sign onto the business for a traineeship. Not long after that, we had a sign-on day with Axiom and We Care 2 to finalise everything, and I started work there a week later.

As of now I am unsure what I want to do after I leave school so, I hope my traineeship will give me some stability after graduating to help me advance in securing a job when I leave, before I decide what I want to do. It can be hard at times to juggle school and a traineeship but having spares in the library make it easier to catch up on my classes I miss when I'm attending my placement.

I would say to any students thinking about doing a traineeship that they are a great opportunity to learn something new and get a certificate whilst doing so. You also gain so many hands-on experiences in the workplace while still being in school. The best thing about my traineeship is not only learning the ins and outs of working in an office and how a business works, but it's also getting the opportunity to help out Hervey Bay's community of less fortunate people.​

The Ignatian Year

Ignatian communities, such as ours, will be celebrating this year through various prayer and social justice activities. If you are interested in reading more about the Ignatian Year, the following websites are very helpful:

https://jesuit.org.au/about/ignatius-500-the-ignatian-year/

https://www.jesuits.org/spirituality/ignatian-year/​

Potential Day

At the BCE potential day, we learnt about many concepts for both self-growth and growth within the community. At this event, we were able to make new connections and friends within the St Mary's community, as well as explore ideas important for the greater good. The two main messages that I got out of this day was that I can achieve anything if I only have hope and that I should give back. My goal that I took away from the day was to create joy. Small things such as caring for the environment or donating clothes can build into much more, where these little steps, it can help us reach out full potential. 

Esther Abiya was a year 12 student who achieved great things because of both her experience and the need of hope in her life. She used hope and faith hand in and hand and was very encouraging to us to take action in the community.                  (Isabelle Brittain)

“Today Lara and I travelled to St Mary's College for Potential Day.  We went into the day not really knowing much about the day or what to expect, but we came out of it more educated about what is going on in our world.  We now know that even the smallest changes can contribute towards the greater good.  We were challenged to find out more about charities such as Catholic mission, Vinnies and Caritas.  A quote that spoke to us was that actions speak louder than words." (Lara & Kirra.)

“From today I am taking away that hope and faith go hand in hand and hope is the wood to my fire. Our everyday items that we take for granted, other people wish to have. Overall, the day is good get to interact with the other students from Saint Mary's College, it would have been better if there was one of my mates, would recommend with a mate. (Jarrad Lassey)​

Dr for a Day Program

Year 12 student Jordan Roberts recently participated in the Dr for a Day Program.  This program was developed by UQ as a way of exposing high school students to life as a medical student and provide them with a hands-on opportunity in a busy simulated Emergency Department.

Jordan experienced 3 clinical scenarios using an adult manikin where she commenced and initiated treatment under instruction from a medical student.  Well done Jordan.​

Parish Visit

On the 7^th of June, Year 9.1 visited St. Joseph's Church, to attend an anointing mass or a healing mass. The anointing of the sick, is one of the seven sacraments of Christianity, usually presented at your deathbed. However, the anointing can be done at any age, it heals you not only physically but emotionally and spiritually (a conversion of heart, being open to God). 9.1 did not take part in the anointing, but rather keenly watched the procession of people partaking in the anointing of the sick. Nonetheless, the class did engage in the Eucharist, another of the sacraments. The students expressed their feelings towards the mass:

“There was a sense of holiness in the Church" (Stated, Jackson Dundas)

“We all felt closer to God with Fr. Regi's Homily" (Experienced, Grace Collins)

“We experienced a closeness to the community through witnessing the participants in the sacrament" (Commented, Helena Orr, Talayla Rasmussen and Bailey Stankovic)

Overall, the feelings in the class were mutual, everyone enjoyed their experience at St. Joseph's Church.​

Year 1 Historical Museum Excursion

As part of our History focus this semester, Year One have been learning how things from their parents', grandparents' and great grandparents' past have changed over time. To celebrate their learning this term and enhance their understanding of this concept, Year One dressed up in 'olden day' attire, and went on an excursion to the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum last Friday. The children also enjoyed playing some games from the past at school. A big thank you to Mrs Mee for preparing our delicious morning tea – scones with jam and cream! We'd also like to thank all the parent helpers and teachers who assisted on this day. What a fun morning it was! ​

Senior Art Excursion

Year 11 and 12 Visual Art students attended the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane last week. We started the day off nice and early to make our way to these wonderful galleries. Students spent the day viewing traditional and contemporary artworks which held relevance to their making and responding tasks this year. It is invaluable for students to see and experience artworks in situ allowing not only conceptual engagement but observation and consideration of technical skills, techniques and processes.

Their participation as audience allowed them to experience artworks from personal, contemporary and cultural contexts. They viewed a number of exhibitions including Australian Art Collection, Creative Generation 2021 Excellence Awards in Visual Art, Get Up, Stand Up Indigenous Australian Art Collection, I, Object, International Art Collection, Kayili car bonnets, Open Studio with Abdul Abdulla as well as William Yang's Seeing and Being Seen. The student exhibition was extremely insightful for our Senior Visual Art students in their upcoming assessment.

Georgia McGovern stated, “I saw the world from a different perspective at QAGOMA which offered compelling experiences that moved and surprised me".

Whilst, Freya Golik articulated that “Stereotypical norms were challenged and a new perspective was gained through the canons of art history".

Overall, an inspirational experience was had by all.

OSHC – Vacation Care Program​

Peter Pan – Junior Musical

The Primary School has been busy with rehearsals for our Term 3 Musical, Peter Pan.   Students have been diligently turning up for practices and we are all having a lot of fun!   Our main cast features: 

• Lucy Wright as Hook
  

• Addison  Manning  as Wendy

• Xabi  Drew  as  Peter

• Aurora  Harvey  as Tinkerbell
  

• Hamish Baille as Michael Darling

• Ethan Cieply as John  Darling

• Piper Spencer as Mrs Darling

• Cory Mitchell as Mr Darling

• Monique McIvor-Joy as Smee

• Sienna Collins and Lulu Wilson as Narrators

​We have been enjoying the help and expertise of our Year 12 students who are helping with choreography, singing and set design.  A special mention to Georgia McGovern, Poppy McIvor, Kellymae  Mee, Ebony O'Shea, Ash Skene,Lakeyta Feste, Jazymn Hanily and Abbey Clayton.​

Junior Athletics - K to Year 2

On Friday the 18th of June, the Xavier Kindy students will join the Prep, Year One and Year Two students to participate in our K to 2 Carnival. With a focus on fun and participation for all, the students will rotate through seven events - Sprints, High Jump, Long Jump, Striking, Target Throwing, Vortex Throwing and a Rolling Activity. We will have a break at 10.30 for the students to reenergise where a sausage on bread and popper will be provided to all the students. The carnival will begin at 9.10am in GOA and conclude at midday. Spectators will be required to follow COVID safe guidelines. We welcome all parents and caregivers to come and support our little athletes.

​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 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.  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.

House Parent Contacts
Narwari House Parents

Anna Anderson (Jack Anderson)  aanderson4283@gmail.com

Claire Sinclair (Alex Sinclair) 41295730

Jo O'Neill (Kate O'Neil) 0422942289  

Ellen Geldard (Lachlan & Matthew) 41286910/ 0400499508 egeldard@gslaw.net.au

Mary Arnold (Riley/Corey/Joey) 0418729967

Karen Grumley (Stewart) 41243034 / 0413306540. 

Cassie Wilson (Max/Anabel/Imogen Wilson) 0409761207.

Malina Blakely (Ryan Blakely) mblackley@bne.catholic.edu.au (0478 410 180)

Rachael Trevillion (Luke/Sadie/Abbie Trevillion) rach.trev17@gmail.com

Nikita Falconer (Lily & Mia Falconer) nikita.beattie@live.com.au (0432 265 632)

Buthu House Parents

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.

Dirum House Parents

Rachel Loague (Oscar/Sophie Loague) 0417792179

Melissa Lynch (Mya) missyjane300@gmail.com

Helen Hatchett (Summer/Sam Wilson) 0438347153

Kellie Robinson (Alysha Robinson) 0448623963

Kondari House Parents

Michelle Begaud (Blake/Kyle Begaud) 0438242252

Carole Dewhurst (Freya Golik) 41206240/0400793188

Alison Keal (Angus/Seth) 0466250799

Emma Pearson (Dylan/Ava /Shayli) 0403599406

Equestrian Competition - Contact Mrs Davis

Independent Education Union's Art Competition – 'Our World'

These Awards for Excellence in Art Design are an annual competition for primary and secondary students. Students are to create a 2D artwork (drawing, painting, collage, printmaking etc) that does not require any framing. It is recommended that artworks be A4 or A3 sized works on paper, cardboard or canvas for transportation purposes.

Please deliver your entry to the College Office by Term 3, Week 1 (Friday 16 July). Each artwork requires an entry form to be filled out, signed and attached to the back of the work. Please also tick box 2 so artwork is returned to the College after the competition. This is an excellent artistic opportunity for all our students. ​