ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUCCESSFUL REVIEW
You will remember that in the earlier this Term, our Head of School (Primary), Russell Davey, undertook his Summative Performance Review. After conducted surveys, we range of school representatives were interviewed by a panel was comprised of Karen Harrison (Senior Leader – School Progress and Performance), Bob Grant (Principal – St Mary’s Primary School, Maryborough) and myself.
I am pleased to advise that the review is now complete and has been very successful. Mr Davey is to be congratulated on the work he is doing at Xavier Catholic College.
I also wish to thank all parents, staff, community members and students who participated in the review either by completing surveys or being involved in focus groups. My fellow review panellists also wishes to thank the community for the hospitality extended to the review panel during their time at the school.
On your behalf I extend a hearty congratulations to Mr Davey on an outstanding appraisal.
THE XAVIER JOURNEY
Recently we produced the first draft on an important document that attempts to capture our highest ideals and aspirations for our community. In effect it describes the ‘Xavier Journey’ from enrolment to graduation. While it is a work in progress, I wish to share with you the one section of the overall document that attempts to express our highest ideals of the values we aim to see in every graduate of our College. I welcome any comment or feedback.
The Xavier Catholic College Graduate
‘Men-and-women-for-others: the paramount objective of Jesuit education – basic, advance, and continuing – must now be to form such men and women. For if there is any substance in our reflections, then this is the prolongation into the modern world of our humanist tradition as derived from the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Only by being a man-or-woman-for-others does one become fully human, not only in the merely natural sense, but in the sense of being the “spiritual” person of Saint Paul. The person filled with the Spirit; and we know whose Spirit that is: the Spirit of Christ, who gave his life for the salvation of the world; the God who, by becoming a human person, became, beyond all others, a Man-for-others, a Woman-for-others’. (A speech to Jesuit Alumni by Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Superior General of the Society of Jesus 1973, Valencia, Spain)
The College seeks to build dependable relationships, with strong teacher to student and family to school links, encouraging students to feel confident, determined and fully supported in achieving their goals.
Our strength and effectiveness as a College depends on the home and school combining to deliver a consistent message to each student about what it means to develop as a good young woman or man. Our graduates should be distinguished by particular and unique characteristics.
Our graduates form attitudes and actions based on Gospel values.
We believe that Gospel values are immutable, may be embraced equally by people of all faiths and should underpin the relationships between all members of our community. Critical to the achievement of this vision is a shared understanding and acceptance of the specific values which we uphold, requiring these values to be explicitly expressed, consistently applied and unapologetically promoted.
Our graduates strive to be their best and understand the inherent value of doing so.
The quest for personal excellence is an admirable aspiration which is widely employed as an ideal in many schools. At Xavier Catholic College, we introduce a further refining concept which has far reaching implications and offers greater challenge around this ideal. We adopt the mantra that once a child offers their best in any field of endeavour, it is always good enough. This cultural belief necessitates that every activity conducted at the College must be differentiated to such an extent that every student enjoys success if they provide their best effort.
Our graduates are accountable, resilient and prepared to face challenges.
At Xavier Catholic College we ask all parents to love their children unconditionally and to support the school in keeping them accountable for their actions. We acknowledge that this can be a delicate balance but it is critical to the establishment of the essential coping techniques which are characteristic of the well-formed young adult. It is only through learning that they must accept responsibility for their shortcomings and that being accountable builds resilience, that our young women and men will be prepared to successfully cope with the more complex challenges of adulthood.
Our graduates are selfless by nature and able to form life-giving relationships.
Many of the strong influences in the life of a young person (media, music, peers) attempt to position the young person as the ‘centre of the world’. In an attempt to promote consumerism and the accompanying materialistic focus, the message is promulgated that the path to happiness lies in prioritising ‘self’. The Christian message which forms the foundation of our school’s philosophy could not be more diametrically opposed. It presents the truth that the only lasting happiness one will find, and the only enduring sense of purpose one can attain, is derived from what is done for others, and not for oneself.
Our graduates recognise and value the ‘other’ in their lives.
At Xavier Catholic College we believe that God often comes to each of us disguised as the stranger in our lives. This ‘other’ can be the stranger in the sense that they are not personally known to us or they can be the person who offers us the greatest challenge to our beliefs. The stranger is likely to be the individual who challenges our values and forces us to reconsider our actions. Although this ‘stranger’ can often have an unsettling effect upon us, they also represent significant opportunities for growth. An inclusive community is not characterised by a totally like-minded cohort.
God bless
Simon Dash
Principal
| Y11-12 SAR Fraser Island Hiking Excursion |
| P-6 Father's Day Breakfast & Liturgy |
| Y11 Leadership Development Day |
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From the Head of School – Primary : Mr Russell Davey
This week we celebrate Father's Day and all the special men in the lives of our children. Whilst we will come together as a P-6 community on Thursday morning to recognise the important men in the lives of our students it is not often that we take the time to think about why we celebrate this special day. Father's Day is a day honouring fathers, brothers, uncles, or any important male figure in your life.
The Modern version of Father's Day celebration originated in United States of America and thereafter the tradition spread in countries around the world. The world owes thanks to Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd a loving daughter from Spokane, Washington as it is because of her struggle that Father's Day saw the light of the day.
The idea of Father's Day celebration originated in Sonora's mind when she per chance listened to Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Fairly mature at the age 27, Sonora pondered if there is a day to honour mother then why not for father? Sonora felt strongly for fathers because of the affection she received from her own father Mr William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran. Sonora's mother died while childbirth when she was just 16. Mr Smart raised the newborn and five other children with love and care.
Inspired by Ms Anna Jarvis's struggle to promote Mother's Day, Ms Dodd began a rigorous campaign to celebrate Father's Day in US. The Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) supported Sonora's cause. As a result, Spokane celebrated its first Father's Day on June 19, 1910. Though there was initial hesitation the idea gained gradual popularity all over US and Father's Day came to be celebrated in cities across the country and the world.
Personally, I see Father's Day as an opportunity to focus on my greatest achievement, my children. It is also a day when I reflect on the joy, I get from being a Dad. One of the great joys of becoming a Dad is the license to use Dad jokes without care. I have included some of my favourites for all the Dads in our community. I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day and find the jokes below as amusing as I do.
What time did the man go to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.
Did you hear about the guy who invented Lifesavers? They say he made a mint.
A ham sandwich walks into a bar and orders a beer. Bartender says, 'Sorry we don't serve food here
Why did the Clydesdale give the pony a glass of water?
Because he was a little horse
How do you make a Tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it!"
I used to have a job at a calendar factory but I got the sack because I took a couple of days off.
What is Beethoven's favourite fruit? A ba-na-na-na
Primary School - Excellence at XCC Award recipients
These awards are for students who have demonstrated one or more of the following SAIL Expectations.
We Love to Learn
CLASS
| AWARD RECIPIENT |
P.1 | Sophie Campney
Caelan O'Brien |
P.2
| Lincoln Little
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P.3 | Lailani Little
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1.1 | Olivia Robertson
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1.2 | Aubrey Warren
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1.3 | Thayer Day
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2.1 | Ella Foster
Atticus Drew
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2.2
| Elliot Stow
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2.3
| Adrian Crowson
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3.1
| Camryn Moody
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3.2
| Sophie Edwards
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3.3 | Brax Gainey
Toby Agius
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4.1
| Ben Marks
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4.2 | Oliver Fisher
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4.3
| Haiden Spence
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5.1 | Matthias Bligh
Ayla Moss
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5.2 | Alycia Stocks
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5.3 | Alex Dennis
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6.1 | Patrick Lewis
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6.2 | Madison Smith
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6.3 | Angus Woolgar
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From the Head of School – Secondary: Ms Tameika Grist
New Student Leadership Induction Assembly
This week in our Year 7 – 12 Assembly we were able to officially acknowledge and welcome our 2020/2021 leaders. We look forward to next chapter in the life of the school leadership body as these young men and women seek to serve and continue to build the Xavier student body community.
We were also able to acknowledge the continuing work and commitment shown by the 2019/2020 leaders and our current Year 12s. As they are beginning to see the finish line in sight, we know there are many pressures, preparations and decisions on their minds. The example and manner in which they have led and continue to lead through action, participation, and commitment to these final weeks is testament to their strength and resilience in the face of what has been a challenging year for all.
Lost Property
A number of brand new items of clothing have been handed to student reception as Lost Property. None of these items have been labelled. Please present to Student Reception if you feel one of these items may be yours. Please ensure that you label all uniforms clearly.
WIZARD OF OZ TICKETS
Book your Wizard of Oz Performance tickets now. With limited seats available due to Covid restrictions, the two shows will sell fast. Tickets are $15 and are available on Qkr! (Limited to 160 tickets/show)
Where - GOA Performance and Activity Centre
When - Tuesday Sep 8 and Wednesday Sep 9 7:00pm
Remember that it is important that if you are feeling unwell or display an symptoms of illness that you stay at home.
Donations Delivered
Early in 2020 some of our senior students spent four days living with and understanding the issues and concerns associated with homelessness, refugees and those in our society who are marginalised and disconnected. It has become an amazing experience and now with the increasing impact of COVID 19 the needs and issues have greatly increased. We were only recently able to deliver a donation of thongs to 3rd Space. 3rd Space have only been back open for a few weeks and the donation came very timely as they have limited stocks and many people in need. Thank you to Sara Marxon, Georgia McGovern, Jazmyn Hanily and Jorja Hore for their kind donations.
Back Together Art Project
The Back Together Art Project is an entire school collaborative art activity that promotes togetherness and the simple joy of doing something creative. Each P.C and class across the school - as well as all staff - complete a set of concentric circles. These are scanned and pieced together digitally to form impressive, beautiful murals that display our school communities' unique colours.
A few weeks ago, all Secondary Nawari and Kondari students completed the act activity. Last week, Dirum and Buthu and much of the Primary school participated in the 'Back Together' Art project. Stay tuned for some more exciting images and project updates!
Kareana Jensen - The Arts' Primary Teacher
Changing the world through Thankfulness & Generosity (#TAG You're It)
This week our Year 8 students engaged in a wonderful day led by Az Hamilton from Just Motivations. The discussions were about being a good friend, listening to others and not just yourself. Also the challenge to be thankful for what we have and respond in generosity. The students laughed, shared and helped each other develop how they can take this into their homes, our community and the world. A big thank you to Az and all the staff who helped and supported all students on this day. Ask your child about how they are going to continue to make a difference, lead by Jesus Christ.
Primary School - Author visit - Deano Yipadee
This term has been an exciting time in the Primary school as we celebrate the joy of books during our extended “Book Week". Last Friday, the primary school students were privileged to be entertained and informed by Deano Yipadee. Deano is and international Best-Selling Kiwi Children's Author and Musician, Deano, aka Mr Yipadee, has topped the UK, New Zealand and Australian Children's Best-Sellers Charts on numerous occasions.
His albums reached the top spot in the UK Children's Albums Best Sellers Charts and his debut book Jingle Bells, Rudolph Smells went to Number One in the New Zealand Best Sellers Charts and sold out of three print runs in Aussie three weeks before Christmas. Nee Naw The Little Fire Engine spent three consecutive months in the Best Seller Charts and he had three books in the same week in the Collins Booksellers Top 10 Best Sellers List in Australia in 2018.
The children were inspired to know that Deano makes many mistakes in his writing and has to edit and correct his work in order to strive for perfection. He loves using rhyme in his stories and uses rhyming generator websites to help him with his rhymes. The children also enjoyed Mr B being dressed up as Ron the Royal Guard and a few laughs were heard as they witnessed Ron attempting his tremendous flossing skills.
Maths Tutoring - Year 7-12 Semester 2
Before School
8:00 - 8:30 am
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| Mr Relf Library
| STAFF PRAYER
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| Mrs Wright P33
Mrs Glass
Rm 18
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First Break
11:15 - 11:35 am
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| Mr Tyrrell Rm 48 Mr King
Rm 12 Mrs Buxton Rm 48
| Mr Riley P20
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After School
3:05 - 4:00pm
| STAFF MEETING
| Miss Murtagh Library
| | Mrs Ritter & Hourigan Library
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Maths Pathway – Year 7-9 Growth Gurus
Each fortnight we will be recognising the students who have mastered six or more new mathematical concepts for the cycle. These students have achieved rocket status for their growth rate.
200%
| 233%
| 267%
| 300%
| 333%
| 400%
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Hannah Bould
| Matthew Geldard | Ellie Stewart | Alix Woods | Tamyra Farrell | Lillie Sanderson | Tanner Worthington | Hayden Kerr | Bailey Shinner | Danielle Hopkins | Evee Reeves | Lyla Tobin | Max Wilson | Chloe Ryan | Thomas Vanner | Pheonix Driver | James Stanton | Mckenzie Taylor | Amelia Davis | Isabelle Frawley | Ethan Hore | Bailey Sweet | Megan Berghofer | JP Boshoff | Emily Powers | Conor Thomas | Ruby Fribance | Natalie Fulcher | Charlotte Hunter | Holly Linderberg | Jobe Delahunty | Jye Buckley | Millie Campbell | Zeteny Barton-Bako | Imogen Collins | Ash Ewart | Addyson Frainey | Summer Wilson
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Xavier Dennis | Madison Fletcher | Emma Garty | Rosie Koia | Erykah Nelson | Blake Begaud | Kane Richters | Cayden Broadbent | Mikayla Sankey | Jamie Wilson | Nonso Nkire | Oliver Wright
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Jack Costello | Blake Tomekovic | Brody Carter | Angus MacPhail | Rhys Byrnes | Beau Toplis
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Joshua Hazelden | Clare Jones | Dekoda McGennan | Lehansa Jayasinghe | Piper Simmons | Chiara Di Pietro
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Waste Recycling Education Centre
Council's WREC Trailer visited this week offering our Prep, Year 1 and 2 students with interactive learning activities to support our school based sustainability educational program. Next week Years 3 and 4 will visit the trailer and Years 5 and 6 will visit in Week 10.
Healthy Selfies
Last week Year 11 Health students ran a 'Be Brave, Be Beautiful' Photo Booth. The intention was for students to challenge perpetuated body constructs in our society, on social media and more specifically in our school. We had many students participate taking 'Healthy Selfies', actively being brave and confident about their bodies. The Health students also gave out cards with affirmations around body image.
Street Food Market
Well done to the Year 12 Hospitality students and Mrs McLean on a highly successful street food venture.
From the Junior School Guidance Counsellor
Taking a positive approach, rather than a punitive one, is generally the more effective way to guide children's behaviour. This means giving attention to your child when they are behaving well, rather than behaviour being the focus of parental attention when behaviour is less desirable. The best mechanism for providing positive feedback is generally through descriptive praise, as this provides positive reinforcement for the helpful behaviour and lets your child know specifically what they are being praised for.
The Raising Children Network recommend several strategies for encouraging positive behaviours in children, including:
Show your child how you are feeling. By being honest with your child about how their behaviour is affecting you, you are more likely to be able to support them towards changing. Make sure to use “I statements" in discussing your emotions, rather than blaming your child. An example might be: "I am feeling quite frustrated because I'm trying to speak with mum/dad but there is too much noise".
Catch your child behaving well at every opportunity and seek out opportunities to provide positive feedback.
Listen actively to your child by nodding to communicate you are listening, and repeating back what your child is saying to support them to feel heard, validated and understood.
Maintain your boundaries- be consistent in your expectations regarding your child's behaviour as inconsistency will undermine attempts to resolve challenging behaviours.
However, choose your battles- consider the importance of setting limits around particular behaviours before asking your child to stop or saying no. By limiting instructions, requests and negative feedback you limit the likelihood of relationship tension and conflict. Rules are important, but they are best used for things that are really important.
Provide children with responsibility and consequences and be transparent about both. Explain the consequences ahead of time so your child is aware of them.
Prepare for challenging situations - parenting is difficult and often children require support to manage changes and transitions. Providing your child with warning ahead of things changing can sometimes be enough to support you to contain unhelpful behaviour. Talk to your child about why change is happening, how it is important and why you need their cooperation, with a view to encourage helpful behaviour.
Tanya Gripske, Junior School Guidance Counsellor
SECONDARY ATHLETICS CARNIVAL – KONDARI goes Back to Back
The Hervey Bay winter weather was at its best for the 2020 Xavier Secondary Athletics Carnival held last Thursday 27th and Friday 28th of August. Students embraced the opportunity to come together as a secondary community and celebrate their House and College spirit. A variety of novelty, competitive and participation events were held across the day and a half of competition and for the second year in a row, the Kondari House claimed the victory. A summary of results are as follows…
Final Points:
1st Kondari – 2584 points
2nd Narwari – 2354 points
3rd Dirum – 2283 points
4th Buthu – 2236 points
Age Champions:
13 Boys – Braidan Houliston
13 Girls – Katelyn Relf
14 Boys – Kail Daly
14 Girls – McKenzie Taylor
15 Boys – Kai Prouatt
15 Girls – Sophie Barry
16 Boys – Eli Smith
16 Girls – Brahe Fletcher
Open Boys – Jaspa Wright
Open Girls – Riley Grambower
PC Champions:
Champions – N2
Runners Up – D2
A modified District Athletics Carnival has been proposed for Week 3, Term 4. This event has not yet been confirmed by the Hervey Bay District School Sport committee. Details will be communicated to students when available.
WIDE BAY ALL SCHOOLS TOUCH CARNIVAL
On Saturday 22nd August, Xavier sent 6 teams to compete in the Wide Bay All Schools touch football competition held at Shalom College Bundaberg. All teams competed very strongly and made it to the semi-finals stage. Four of our teams progressed to the Grand Final including: 13 Girls, 13 Boys, 15 Boys and Open Boys. Our 13 Girls team coached by Helen Hatchett had a resounding victory in the final winning 9-0. Maddy Fletcher was named player of the final. All students are to be congratulated on their outstanding efforts and they represented our College with great distinction. We now look forward to the QLD All Schools competition scheduled for October 7-11 in Brisbane. Please note that information has been emailed to students and payment and consent is due by the end of term Friday 18th September 9am.
