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From the Pen of the Principal 

​Dear Parents and Caregivers 

Last week our community celebrated Catholic Education Week. For a Catholic School solidarity and justice are core dimensions of what we do, especially in a school that embraces the Ignatian Tradition. We are called to offer a different kind of education, an education that is purpose-filled with the intent of growing young women and men into active citizens with a social conscience, an education that will lead to advocacy for the marginalised.

This was the legacy of the first Catholic Schools established 200 years ago and remains our mission to this very day.

What underpins all we do are our values which are sourced firmly in the gospel.  Educating young women and men to respect the dignity and value of each person is a crucial starting point.  Together, we promote the respect of self and the respect of others, so that our young people can grow to adulthood.  Such values are the ultimate non-negotiables of Xavier Catholic College.  

After extensive consultation, our College has settled upon a new Values, Vision and Mission Statement. So, as we officially launch the Mission Statement today and I wish to focus upon the values which were built around the acronym ‘GRACE’ - Grace being a gift from God which is given freely from infinite love and cannot be earned. Grace enables people to regenerate, to find holiness, to be inspired to do good and to be strong enough to face life’s challenges and resist temptations.

Gratitude: Our school appreciates the gifts of God’s grace that come to us each day and offers thanks to others and to God for these blessings. 

Respect: Our school recognises that respect is the basis of all relationships and seeks to work in an atmosphere of mutual trust where everyone’s contribution is valued.

Acceptance: Our school welcomes difference and accepts each person for who they are, appreciating the uniqueness of their feelings, thoughts, opinions and identity. 

Compassion: Our school stands in solidarity with all who suffer, offering comfort and support with an attitude of joyful service.

Education: Our school is a community of learners where the quest for knowledge and truth, enlightened by faith, is desired by all. 

The more these defining features are made clearly identifiable, we build a community that is tolerant, respectful, responsible and values the dignity of each and every individual. 

Our values also call us to be counter-cultural and to never accept a system or structure that leaves people in the shadows or on the outer. The gospel calls us to go out and find them – to welcome them into our family. It is a challenge to be daring and caring and to risk the reputation of the institution for the sake of those who are the most vulnerable.

Catholic education has made a significant contribution to the fabric of life in Australia. Hundreds of thousands of Australians have been educated in Catholic schools and gone on to make positive, and in many cases, outstanding contributions in all spheres of life. 

As students, staff or parents, we should never underestimate the power of our personal witness to gospel values.  Our attitudes, values and approach are read more closely by others than any textbook or glossy brochure.  As a member of the College family, we are the bearers of the gospel story of love, peace and compassion.  As we reflect on Catholic Education Week, we are both challenged and empowered to shine our light and enable Xavier Catholic College to be a beacon of hope to our community and to the world.

I often ask the question “What defines a Catholic community?” At times it can seem indescribable and undefinable.  However, there are times when I sense it.  I sense it when a community of ordinary people occasionally gets it right.  I feel it when average people make God real to me through their compassion and generosity.  It touches me when I am tired and facing my wits-end, yet I am somehow carried by another’s love. I sense it when I am able to reciprocate and give back to those who have supported me on my journey.

So, what do I believe defines a Catholic community?  It is when people express a commitment to each other that makes God real in this world.  It is when average battlers, whether they know it or not, become the channels of God’s presence.

My thanks to you, my fellow travellers. You are my angels and you are my saints.

Blessing

Simon Dash

Principal

Upcoming Dates

Primary Parent Teacher Interviews

Junior School, Parent Teacher Interviews commence next week. Bookings are still open but are set to close at 8am this Friday 6/8. These can be made via the parent portal. If you are experiencing difficulties accessing the parent portal, please view the short help video below. ​

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Change of Date: AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

Due to the lockdown the competition will now be held next Thursday 12 August 2021 period 1 and 2.

Please email if you have any question to:

Year 3-6  Sarah Love:  slove@bne.catholic.edu.au

Year 7-12  Janine Ritter jritter@bne.catholic.edu.au

School Photos – Academy Photos

Class photos have been sent home for all Primary Classes. Class photos for Secondary classes have unfortunately been delayed due to Academy Photo's head office being impacted by the COVID19 lockdown in southern states.  We have received a letter from Academy Photos apologising for this delay.  Secondary photos will be distributed as soon as we receive them.  As these circumstances are beyond anyone's control, we ask for your patience and understanding with this situation. 

Year 5s Reducing Waste

Year 5 students have been learning about sustainability and are trying to reduce the rubbish at XCC. One of their initiatives is to make bees wax wraps. If anyone has any new, 100% cotton fabric they would like to donate to the project please send it to Room 18.

On Monday the students also collected up all the rubbish from the bins school wide. They presented this on Tuesday morning for everyone to see how much rubbish was being incorrectly placed into bins, and the amount of waste we produced in just one day. A confronting sight, but one that should enact change. Well done Year 5.

SVDP School Sleep out 2021

On Tuesday the 20th of July, a small number of brave students volunteered to switch their warm beds for a piece of cardboard with a goal to learn more about homelessness in our region. 

We were lucky enough to have the ladies from Vinnies join us at the beginning of the night to share with us some startling statistics regarding homelessness in Australia. We were then joined by some other local organisations that told us about the amazing things they are doing to reduce the ongoing homelessness issue around us (Red Cross & Regional Housing Queensland). We had a simple soup for dinner before settling in on the freezing GOA floor. The cold conditions opened our eyes to the struggles those on the streets face every night and we would like to say a big thankyou to both Ms Young and Mrs Donnelly for giving up their time so we could have this experience!

Charlotte Davies and Lara Fletcher….

After School Visual Art

We are excited to announce the commencement of our latest after school Xavier Arts program – After School Visual Art.

This is an inspiring series of 10 workshops over terms three and four conducted by renowned local artist Ms Jo Williams. The workshop will be based on still life as subject matter and will explore the Japanese concept of “ma" which is the fundamental time and space life needs to grow.

Jo has been extensively exhibited and has worked with our senior Art students in the recent past. Her works are often made from found objects and her focus is upon the process of artmaking.

Don't miss this amazing opportunity to learn and grow either your existing skills and knowledge or to learn some new skills. All are welcome.

The 10 workshop series costs $200.00 which includes all the materials for the workshop.

Workshops commence this coming Thursday August 5 - 3.15pm – 5.00pm in the Senior Art room (room 42)

Grab a sign-up form from student reception or front reception or email Mr Dunn directly.

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Care and 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 always in need of parent contacts across our whole campus, 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 

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

Blessings, Carmel Donnelly  cjdonnelly@bne.catholic.edu.au  41971165

SPORTS NEWS

Kondari Wins Secondary Athletics In A Close One!

The secondary athletics carnival was held on Thursday 22^nd and Friday 23^rd July in near perfect conditions. The result went down to the wire with Kondari narrowly winning over Dirum with Narwari and Buthu not far behind. 

Students embraced their house themes with costumes and dress-ups brightening the day alongside some excellent track and field performances throughout all age groups. ​Results are below:

Age Champions:

13yrs Boys  Lucas Tevaya

13 yrs Girls  Ellie Stewart

14yrs Boys  Kai Peacock

14yrs Girls Katelyn Relf

15yrs Boys Kaine Richters

15yrs Girls Mckenzie Taylor

16yrs Boys Harry Armstrong

16 yrs Girls Charlotte Davies

Open Boys Eli Smith

Open Girls Brahe Fletcher

Record Breakers:

Aerin Goodfellow 13yrs Javelin

Grace Collins 14yrs Discus

The Xavier Gift Winners

Girls Charlotte Brunner

Boys Dylan Bennett

Overall Points

1^st Kondari 2810

2^nd Dirum 2727

3^rd Narwari 2549

4^th Buthu 2471

Hervey Bay District Athletics – 9-12 year olds

Congratulations to the students who represented Xavier at the 9 -12 years old Hervey Bay District Athletic carnival last week. Students embraced the Xavier spirit with the level of participation by all was impressive students demonstrated 100% effort and heart in both track and field events.  Well done to all athletes you all should be proud!

Hervey Bay District Athletics Carnival - Secondary

This carnival has been postponed to next week on Tuesday 10^th and Wednesday 11^th August (same program as published).

Oztag

While it was short lived, Xavier Catholic College's eight Oztag teams recently competed in the QLD Oztag All Schools 2021 Tournament. Ranging from Years 4-12, students played one and a half days of competition against schools from across the state. During that time all teams experienced some form of success, whether it was improving in working together as a team, gaining confidence or gaining some wins. It was such a shame that the tournament wrapped up early as our Year 8 Girls were undefeated and our Year 10 Girls, Year 8 Boys and Year 6 Boys were well in the running to make finals, making this our most successful year of Oztag yet!

Special mention must go the coaches who assisted each team and the families who supported our students not only by getting them to the tournament, making payments and trainings, but also their commitment to keeping everyone safe by leaving early when the announcement was made.

While it was a very disappointing way to end the tournament for all, we will be back bigger and better than ever next year!

AFL

The Year 7-9 Boys AFL team travelled to Moreton Bay last Friday to compete in Round 2 of the AFL QCUP competition. The boys had a slow start after their long drive down but played strongly in other games as the day progressed. Congratulations to all boys who represented the College and a massive thank you to Mr Paul Damms (coach) and also to Mr Tony McQuaid foir driving the team down and back.

​The AFLX 9-a-side for girls is happening on Wednesday 18^th August. Details will be communicated to students this week.