LEADERSHIP ADDRESS

Dear Parents and Carers

After an extensive process, the College Leadership Team and the Heads of Houses have finalised the selection of the Student Leadership Team for 2017 – 2018. Congratulations to:

​Captains	​Jack Buckley (Buthu) and Alexandria Pronk (Dirum)
​Vice-Captains	​Hayden Kubler (Narwari) and Grace Lunn (Buthu)
​Buthu House Leaders	​Talia Carter, Madison Hore, Chris Howard, Zoe Poulter
​Dirum House Leaders	​Lily Hanily, William Kluck, Griffin Lowe, Maddy McGowan
​Kondari House Leaders	​Lauren Flynn, Brodie Rowe, Maddison Smith, Julia Sullivan
​Narwari House Leaders	​Leilani Coster, Raemah Krause, Arlen Sheehan, Brendan Vagne

 


The selection process was a difficult one this year and many fine young applicants missed out on a position.

I have spoken to these students and encouraged them to stay active and involved as I hope to open up other leadership opportunities as the year unfolds.

The depth and quality of the field of 32 applicants bodes well for a great year and I am confident that our final group of 20 leaders will do the College proud.

It is an honour to celebrate the ‘spirit of leadership’ at Xavier Catholic College with these fine young women and men.  I have great confidence in them and have no doubt they will serve the College with distinction.  Already they have made a name for themselves as dedicated students and positive role models.  I hope at their graduation at the end of next year they will look back to this day and the commitments they have made with pride in a job well done.

I use the phrase ‘the spirit of leadership’ with great intent.  For that is what I believe it to be: a ‘spirit’.  It is not something that resides in the position.  Leadership is not something one holds simply by holding a title:  be it Student Leader or Principal.  These are powerful words but they are not synonymous with leadership.  No, leadership is a spirit.  It is a spirit that exists throughout our community.  It exists in every student and teacher; every groundsman and office worker; every parent and friend to this College.  Leadership is not something to be exercised or controlled through the power of the position.  Leadership is something to be unleashed throughout the organisation.  The Student Leaders task is clear: not to control, but to liberate; to unleash the spirit of leadership at Xavier Catholic College.

I read recently about the changing nature of leadership in an increasingly complex world.  The writer pointed out that, even though we still look for decisive leadership, the world has reached a level of complexity that no one person or group can say they have all the answers.  He writes:

“In a crisis… we call for someone with answers, decisions, strength, and a map of the future, someone who knows where we ought to be going….

• in short someone who can make hard problems simple….

Instead of looking for saviours, we should be calling for leadership that will challenge us to face problems for which there are no simple, painless solutions….

• problems that require us to learn new ways.”

The Student Leaders, like the rest of us within this fine community, are at the cutting edge of leadership.  We are at the cutting edge because we don’t have all the answers.  But we are the unleashers of a spirit of leadership; a spirit that invites others to contribute their gifts and talents in order to find new ways.   Together we all share the responsibility to dream dreams and turn dreams into reality.  And that will surely mean learning new ways. 

So, the challenge for our Student Leaders is to be more than just the inheritors of a tradition. They are called to be the creators of our culture; the inventors of traditions; the dreamers of new ways of living out our calling to be children of God.

I offer to them my full support and promise to walk the journey with them.

God Bless

Simon Dash
Principal


HEADS OF COLLEGE ADDRESS
2017 /18 STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM
Another week of interviews with students who have put themselves forward for the position of House Leaders were completed last week. We thank all students who took the time and effort to write an application and undertake an interview with their Heads of House and a member of the College Leadership team.

TUTORING ROSTER
In this Newsletter you will find a timetable of all the tutoring sessions that staff offer across the week in English, Science & Maths. Teachers regularly encourage students to attend to reinforce the learning in the classroom and seek assistance when concepts are not understood. It is also a great opportunity to get some help if students have been away for school with illness or sport commitments. Please talk with your students about this great opportunity available to them.



VISIT BY QUEENSLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA (QYO)
The QYO is a world class youth orchestra organisation based in Brisbane. It has 7 orchestras and ensembles:

•    Queensland Youth Symphony
•    Queensland Youth Orchestra 2
•    Queensland Youth Orchestra
•    Junior String Ensemble
•    Wind Symphony
•    Wind Ensemble
•    Big Band

The QYO has over 470 musicians aged from 8 to 24 who perform over 50 concerts each year. Xavier are fortunate that they will be visiting Hervey Bay next week and performing for our students, running workshops for our music students and also playing a concert for the community.

This will be held on Thursday 22nd June at 7pm in GOA. It is a free concert and a wonderful opportunity to hear a world class orchestra without the travel.



BRONCOS GAME IN BRISBANE
Last Friday evening, a small group of passionate Xavier football fans have made the journey to Suncorp Stadium as an extra-curricular experience and reward. Our students had a fantastic time at the game, and even got to meet Brisbane Broncos great, Petero Civoniceva. Thanks to the staff for giving up their time away and transporting the students back safe and sound in the early hours of the morning.



BISHOP’S VISIT
The College was pleased to host a visit from Bishop Joseph Oudeman last week. He came and spoke with our Junior school students about faith and his role in the Church.



K-2 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
A reminder that the Kindy to Year 2 Athletics carnival will be this Friday 16th June, the junior oval and Goa will be used. The 8 Years to 12 Years is on Thursday 22nd June with the senior oval and JPAC being used. The K-2 carnival is a half day event and will go through first break so we welcome all parents to come and be a part of this great day.

LAST WEEK OF TERM
As next week is our last week and our senior students will be undertaking their exams we will be holding a year 6 to 10 Assembly. As it is the second game in the State of Origin series we will also spur on the “Maroons” with a JERSEY DAY. This will be Wed 21st June and we ask for a gold coin donation. All money raised from this day will support the Youth Programs of the parish. Many of our Xavier students are members of these programs such as Altar servers and the Parish Youth Ministry Team (PYMT).

ROADWORKS AT COLLEGE ENTRANCE - Traffic Lights Upgrade
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) wishes to advise that preliminary service relocation works at the Pialba-Burrum Heads Road, Scrub Hill Road and Wide Bay Drive intersection will commence on 19 June 2017, weather permitting.

This work includes relocating power, telecommunication, water and sewer services to a new alignment in preparation for upcoming roadworks to realign and signalise the intersection.

As part of this preliminary package of works, a retaining wall will be constructed at the Yarrilee State School corner of Scrub Hill Road and behind residential properties adjacent to Pialba-Burrum Heads Road.
Motorists are advised there will be changed traffic conditions at intervals throughout the service relocation works, and additional travel time should be planned.

Provision for pedestrian movements will be maintained at the intersection during construction. TMR urges all motorists and pedestrians to take extra care through the intersection during roadworks. Traffic controller directions should be complied with at all times.

Works will generally be carried out Monday to Friday between 6am and 6pm. Some nightworks will be required to undertake works on Pialba-Burrum Heads Road to minimise traffic disruption. TMR will advise residents in advance of any nightworks being undertaken.

The nearby private development works being undertaken at the Pialba-Burrum Heads Road, Drury Lane and Serenity Drive intersection are scheduled to be completed by the end of July 2017, weather permitting.
If you have any questions about this project, please contact the communication team in Bundaberg on 1300 728 390 (check with your service provider for call costs) during business hours, or email  bundaberg.office@tmr.qld.gov.au.



FROM THE APRES
The calling of St Ignatius Loyola and St Francis Xavier

This week marks the 480th anniversary of the ordination of St Ignatius of Loyola which was followed a week later by the ordination of his dear friend, St Francis Xavier. As priests and founding members of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), Ignatius and Francis set out to teach the message of Christ to all whom they encountered. Both men understood that we can find God in all things and that all we need do is open our eyes and hearts to look for God. God called Ignatius and Francis to their vocations as priests, just as God calls each of us to our own vocations. Some of us are called to a religious life like Ignatius and Francis, while others are called to serve God as married or single people. One thing is certain, we are all created in the image and likeness of God, which means that we all have the capacity to love as God loves. Ultimately that is what vocation is all about. So, this week as we reflect on these anniversaries for our two college patrons, take some time to ask God how you are being called to bring God’s love into our world.

State of Origin Jersey Day
Next Wednesday June 21st we will hold our annual State of Origin Colours’ day for Game Two of the 2017 State of Origin Series. Students are encouraged to wear either maroon or blue shirts on the day with their day uniform; school shoes, socks, shorts and hats are still to be worn as normal.

Any Year 7 – Year 12 student who is not going to participate will be required to wear their formal uniform as they usually would on a Wednesday. A gold coin donation will be required of all participating students, with proceeds going towards supporting parish youth programs. Please note that this will be the only game this year that students are allowed to wear Origin colours; normal uniform rules will apply on the day of game three next term.


CAMPUS MINISTER
Parish Youth Ministry Team Meeting
Sunday 18th June commencing at 6pm. 
Please bring along a donation of a tin of soup for SVDP. 
For young people from grade seven upwards.
Our focus will be SVDP for the evening and the great work that they do in our community.
6pm – 8pm.  Soup provided for dinner. 
Where:  In the John Paul Centre, next to the church.
RSVP: cjdonnelly@bne.catholic.edu.au

We are also needing more adult assistance for this Ministry Team so if you are over 18 and would like to be involved please contact Carmel Donnelly on 0448488443 or the Catholic Parish Office 41243334. 

St Vincent de Paul Sleepout
On Tuesday 18th July we are holding our annual sleepout.  This night is an opportunity to learn more about homelessness in our society and to find out ways you can help others in our community.  We will share a simple soup and bread for dinner and light toast for breakfast.  A letter is at student reception for more information but you will be sleeping on the floor of a classroom without a mattress and we will be listening to guest speakers as well as doing activities that will assist us in developing our understanding of those who help those in need within our community.

If you have participated in this event before, please do not take a letter of interest.  However if you have never done this before and are keen to learn more please take a letter and return permission slip as soon as possible.  Limited places.







This year we are again asking for donations to our Shoe Drive, for our disadvantaged brothers and sisters out West. Bring in the sneakers, formal shoes and sports shoes you don’t need any more and help us send the biggest shipment to Weipa ever! Please, no other types of shoes. Shoes can be dropped off at student reception any time. New socks in all sizes gratefully accepted!

Please contact Tami Hammond (thammond@bne.catholic.edu.au) or 4197 1177 for more information. Thank you!


BASTILLE DAY
Next term, on Friday 21 July, (second week back), all Xavier students will be celebrating Bastille Day, France’s National Day. All students will be encouraged to come in costume – either as a French personality, a combination of the French colours (red, white and blue) or an outfit reflecting a period of French culture or history. Prizes will be awarded for the best individual and group costumes in each year level.

The day will begin with a special parade, the singing of the national anthem and group presentations reflecting the significance of this special day. Secondary students will be involved in a range of rotational sporting activities like petanque (French bowls), lacrosse and French waiter’s races during the day. There will be a separate program of activities organised for the Junior school students. Morning tea (chocolate éclairs and croissants) will be provided for all students. Lunch (quiche and garlic bread) will be provided for all year 6, 7 and 8 students and any students studying French in years 9, 10, 11 and 12. The afternoon will be devoted to athletics events in preparation for the athletics carnival.

In order to assist with the catering, we need to appeal to your generosity to provide us with donations of quiches and garlic bread for lunch for our years 6-12 French students.
If you can assist, either Quiche, garlic bread, or both please email the details of what you can provide, along with your childs name and class to lynette.pritchard@bne.catholic.edu.au by Friday July, 14.

Un grand merci,
Lynette Pritchard – French Teacher

Catapult winners advise Mrs Bryant’s Grade 4
Ben Mogor, Matt Bauer, Riley Birkett, and Flynn Whelan who comprised the catapult-winning team at the annual inter-school Science & Engineering Challenge last month spent a half-hour advising Mrs Bryant’s Grade 4 class a fortnight ago.

The team-members spoke to the pupils about the key design-factors and physical principles in their structure which made the frame very rigid.

The Grade 4 pupils responded with a series of questions about making fair tests, the effect of the mass of the missile, and the number of rubber-bands that powered the device.

Afterwards the four high-school students advised the groups of Grade 4 on the devices they had constructed.



Information Processing Technology Excursion.
Last week, Xavier Senior IPT students attended "The BigDayIn Conference for Students" at UQ in Brisbane. The is focused on students interested in technology careers. It is organised by the ACS Foundation, a branch of the Australian Computer Society. The focus of the event is on current and future trends in technology and where the career opportunities currently are, and where they are likely to be in the future. There were presenters from large Australian Tech companies like TechnologyOne and WiseTech Global, as well as multi-national companies like Adobe and Microsoft. The students learned about developments in fields like cyber security, self-driving cars, robotics and data engineering. The presenters also highlighted the skills their organisations look for in potential employees and how students can seek to gain those skills. A range of tertiary education providers were also on hand for students to explore and discuss the course offerings available.
 


SPORTS NEWS
Xavier students continue to excel representing Wide Bay teams. Both Jaspa Wright and Jack Geldard were selected in the QLD Country AFL teams whilst recently playing for the Wide Bay team. Larissa Wilson and Ciara Battle also played strongly for the Wide Bay 15 Girls Netball team at the recent QLD titles. Lakeyta Feste and Ella Webb as part of the Under 14 Hervey Bay school squad won on Friday, and now progress to the next round of the Karen Murphy Rugby League Cup. Mia Jordan and Sarah O'Donoghue recently competed with Wide Bay 10 -12 Years Girls Basketball at Boondall.

Congratulations to all Xavier students who continue to represent Xavier and their region with great distinction. Please continue to send your photos in.



13yrs to Open Athletics
A reminder of the key dates for the Middle/Secondary Athletics program:

• Friday 21st July: 3 x field event rotations for 13yrs to Open starting at 12:45pm. It is expected that Year 11 & 12 students will remain at school during their normal access time to participate in these events.
• Thursday 27th July: 200m events starting at 1:30pm.
• Friday 28th July: 13yrs – Open Athletics Day (starting at 8:40am)
  

A more detailed schedule of events will be made available soon.
   
INTERSCHOOL NETBALL
During this term, 6 Xavier netball teams participated in an interschool netball competition against teams from Hervey Bay High School, FCAC and St James College. The players demonstrated great skill and sportsmanship throughout the games and 3 teams were successful in making the finals. The XCC 1 13s were defeated by St James (29-13), XCC 1 15s were defeated by FCAC (26-15) and the XCC 1 Opens were successful against St James (37-22). Thanks must go to Isabel Nicholson, Laura Stringer, Jo Kliendienst and Kate Duffield for their coaching throughout the competition and to Carmel Donnelly who assisted with umpiring.
The Open team now continues their training in preparation for the QISSN tournament in Brisbane during the first week of the school holidays. The 15s and Open team will also compete in the Vicki Wilson Cup in Bundaberg in August.



Fraser Coast Oztag High Schools Challenge
Congratulations to our three Xavier Oztag teams – U15 Girls, U15 Boys and Open Mixed who recently competed in the Fraser Coast’s Oztag High Schools Challenge. All students participated in true Xavier spirit, giving their all in every game and conducting themselves with the highest level of manners and sportsmanship both on and off the field. They were all very competitive within their grades and special mention goes to our Open Team who made it to through to the grand final. All accompanying staff were very proud of their efforts and look forward to working with them at the next challenge, QLD Oztag’s All Schools Oztag in July.



Junior Xavier Oztag Gala Day
Xavier Division 1 team went through the recent Gala Day undefeated. The Division 2 team found some success on the day. Four of our female students also participated in the tackle section as part of the Yarrilee team. All players had a wonderfully enjoyable day and demonstrated great sportsmanship.







Nationally Consistent Collection of Data – School students with disability
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION?
The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (the national data collection) is an annual collection that counts the number of school students receiving an adjustment due to disability and the level of reasonable adjustment they are receiving.

The national data collection counts students who have been identified by a school team as receiving an adjustment to address a disability as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA). The DDA can be accessed from the ComLaw website at www.comlaw.gov.au.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT FOR MY CHILD?
The aim of the national data collection is to collect quality information about school students receiving an adjustment due to disability in Australia.

This information will help teachers, principals, education authorities and families to better support students with disability to take part in school on the same basis as other students.

The national data collection provides an opportunity for schools to review their learning and support systems and processes to continually improve education outcomes for their students with disability.

WHY IS THIS DATA BEING COLLECTED?
All schools across Australia collect information about students with disability. But the type of information currently collected varies between each state and territory and across government, Catholic and independent school sectors.

When undertaking the national data collection, every school in Australia uses the same method to collect information. Therefore, a government school in suburban Sydney collects and submits data in the same way as a Catholic school in country Victoria and an independent school in the Northern Territory.

The annual collection aims to, over time, lead to nationally consistent, high quality data that will enable schools, education authorities and governments to gain a more complete understanding of students who are receiving adjustments because of disability in schools in Australia, and how to best support them.

WHAT ARE SCHOOLS REQUIRED TO DO FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY?
All students are entitled to a quality learning experience at school.
Schools are required to make reasonable adjustments, where needed, to assist students with disability to access and participate in education free from discrimination and on the same basis as other students.
These responsibilities are outlined in the DDA and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (the Standards). The Standards require educators, students, parents and others (e.g. allied health professionals) to work together so that students with disability can participate in education. The Standards can be accessed via the ComLaw website at www.comlaw.gov.au

WHAT IS A REASONABLE ADJUSTMENT?
A reasonable adjustment is a measure or action taken to help a student with disability access and participate in education on the same basis as other students. Reasonable adjustments reflect the assessed individual needs of the student, and are provided in consultation with the student and/or their parents and carers. Reasonable adjustments can be made across the whole school setting (e.g. ramps into school buildings), in the classroom (such as adapting teaching methods) and at an individual student level (e.g. extra tuition for a student with learning difficulties).

WHAT INFORMATION WILL BE COLLECTED?
Every year your child’s school will collect the following information for each student receiving an adjustment due to disability:
•    the student’s level of education (i.e. primary or secondary)
•    the student’s level of adjustment
•    the student’s broad type of disability.
The information collected by schools will be available to all governments to inform policy and program improvement for students with disability.

WHO IS INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION?
The definition of disability for the national data collection is based on the broad definition under the DDA.

For the purposes of the national data collection, students with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or auditory processing disorder, as well as chronic health conditions like epilepsy or diabetes, that require monitoring and the provision of adjustments by the school, may be included.

WHO COLLECTS INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION?
Teachers and school staff count the number of students receiving an adjustment due to disability in their school, and the level of reasonable adjustment they are provided, based on:

•    consultation with parents and carers in the course of determining and providing reasonable adjustments
•    the school team’s observations and professional judgements
•    any medical or other professional diagnosis
•    other relevant information.

School principals are responsible for ensuring the information identified about each student is accurate.

HOW IS MY CHILD’S PRIVACY PROTECTED?
Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all students and their families is essential and is an explicit focus of the national data collection. Personal details, such as student names or other identifying information, are not provided to local or federal education authorities.
Further information about privacy is available from www.education.gov.au/notices

IS THE NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION COMPULSORY?
Yes. All education ministers agreed to full implementation of the national data collection from 2015. This means that all schools must now collect and submit information annually on the number of students receiving adjustments due to disability in their care, and the level of adjustment they receive.

Information about the arrangements that may apply to your school in relation to this data collection is available from your child’s school principal and the relevant education authority.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact your child’s school if you have further questions about the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability.

You can also visit www.education.gov.au/nationally-consistent-collection-data-school-students-disability

An e-learning resource about the Disability Standards for Education 2005 is freely available for the use of individuals, families and communities at http://resource.dse.theeducationinstitute.edu.au/