From the Pen of the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

Time Management

It seems that life for everyone just gets busier and busier!  When I talk to teachers and students about the demands that are placed on their time, through schoolwork, exams, assignments, camps and excursions, and a wide variety of co-curricular commitments, I am amazed that they can keep up with the pace.  Parents, too, have the burden of juggling work and home, along with an array of other demands on their time.

While we all seek to achieve our best in our chosen fields of endeavour, it is important to remember to get the balance right.  In managing the many constraints on our time, let's never lose sight of the things that are most important to us.  At times we can be so preoccupied with being “humans doing" that we forget the most important thing is to be a “human being".  The following parable provides a fairly apt analogy for ensuring that we get our priorities right:

Time Management Parable
One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget.

As he stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers he said,

"Okay, time for a quiz" and he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouth mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. He also produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.

When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?" Everyone in the class yelled, "Yes."

The time management expert replied, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks. He then asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?"

By this time the class was on to him. "Probably not," one of them answered.

"Good!" he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?" "No!" the class shouted.

Once again he said, "Good." Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it!"

"No," the speaker replied, "that's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all."

What are the 'big rocks' in your life, time with your loved ones, your faith, your education, your dreams, a worthy cause, teaching or mentoring others? Remember to put these big rocks in first or you'll never get them in at all. So, tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the 'big rocks' in my life? Then, put those in your jar first.

School Uniform Changes

Recently we made some adjustments to the school uniform which will be phased in over the next 2 years.

• First, you may notice the day uniform shorts are made of a new material which provides more stretch, comfort and breathability. They are slightly darker colour than the old ones which is an unavoidable problem when you change materials.

• Second, we are introducing a new day uniform shirt that has a consistent design throughout the school. It is heavily influenced by the existing Senior School Shirt. Once again, there has been a change to the material to ensure breathability and longevity – these ones should not fade. All existing Junior Years, Middle Years and Senior Years shirts will be phased out over the next 2 year so by the commencement 2022 only the new shirt will be allowed. They are currently being sold for $19.95 each.
  

• It is important to explain the rationale for the change. The core reasons can be outlined as follows: 1) it promotes our collective identity; 2) It means that if a shirt still fits then it can still be worn thus making the costs to parents more efficient and affordable (currently students entering the Middle Years and Senior Years are required to buy new shirts); and finally 3) I did make the decision to make a 'quiet' transition in order to run down existing stocks and avoid the substantial buy back costs of the existing shirts which would be ultimately passed onto parents.

• Also, keep in mind that we have introduced girls slacks as an option for the Formal Uniform. Students who are already wearing these speak highly of their quality and their comfort.

I hope my rationale for these decisions makes sense to all in the community. The final outcome, when the transition is finalised by the start of 2022 will see a stronger collective identity across the school and save money for our parents.

God bless

Simon Dash

Principal

Senior Celebration Evening

One of the major events on our College Calendar is the celebration of the successes of our students across Years 10 to 12 at the Senior Celebration Evening. This year it will be held on Wednesday 30th October beginning at 7pm.

Students in Years 10 to 12 are expected to attend in their formal uniform, however we also extend a warm invitation to all students and family members. Those who attend will be treated to an Art Show in the foyer before the night begins as well as presentations from talented performers from across the College.

Upcoming Calendar

Year 7 and catch-up Year 10 Immunisations

Earlier this year your son/daughter brought home an information pack regarding the Year 7 and Year 10 immunisations. The 1^st round of vaccinations was conducted by a team of authorised registered nurses on Friday 8^th March (Week 6). The second round of immunisations for Year 7 is this Friday 18^th October during Period 1 and 2 with catch ups for Year 10 at 8:45am.  The Year 10 students requiring catch up immunisations have been emailed a personal reminder.

If you require further information, please don't hesitate to contact Sarah Love at the College on 4197 1177 or at slove@bne.catholic.edu.au.  You are also welcome to contact the School Immunisation Program on 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit www.health.qld.gov.au/immunisation .

Wearitto – Uniform Shop Price List

Open Monday 8:00am to 10:30am Tuesday 8:00am to 11:00am

Wednesday 8:00am to 11:00am Thursday 8:00am to 10:30am

xaviercatholiccollege@wearitto.com.au

Click to view the full uniform price listWearitto XAVIER 2020.pdf

Xavier Kindy

Key upcoming dates for Xavier Kindy 2020 cohort

• 2020 Parent information Night at the Kindergarten Wednesday 30th October 6pm to 7pm

• 2020 Group A play afternoon Tuesday 26th November 3pm to 4pm

• 2020 Group B play afternoon Wednesday 27th November 3pm to 4pm

• 2020 Parent enrolment meetings Monday 2nd December to Thursday 5th December from 3pm to 6pm (book time at the Kindergarten)

• 2020 Parent enrolment meetings Monday 9th December to Wednesday 11th December 9.00am to 12.00pm (book at the Kindergarten)

2020 Year 7 Parents Information Evening

We would like to take this opportunity to inform all parents about Xavier Catholic College's Year 7 2020 Information evening. The details are as follows: 

When: Tuesday 22nd October 2019 (6.30 pm – 7.30 pm)

Where: Campion Theatre – Xavier Catholic College

What:

• A practical information session for all parents about Secondary life at Xavier. 

• Opportunity to meet with House Deans

• Programs, on offer including laptops and camp explained.

We encourage all parents and students to attend this session as significant time will be allocated to answering any questions you have regarding the start of the school year.

We look forward to meeting our 2020 Year 7 students.

Shrek Jr Musical Tickets

Tickets to the Shrek Jr Musical are now available for purchase. Two shows only so get in quick.

https://www.trybooking.com/BFDBM

Buthu Mission Week – Coin Challenge

Annual Buthu Coin Challenge is in Week 4 so start collecting your coins now. The money goes to Jesuit Refugee Services. Every year the Coin challenge raises the most money of any mission week activity to help our charity. The winning secondary PC gets a pizza party thanks to Mr. McQuaid. 

Junior Choir Performance

A big thank you to Junior Choir for coming along to the Parish Fete and performing last weekend.

Ignite Summer Camp 2020

This Summer is going to take off……  ARE YOU WITH US?

Summer camp is not a bible camp where you have to be perfect or super holy, or even know anything.  It's about kicking off the year on a massive high with your friends and finding your place within God's love. 

10 – 13^th January 2020 @ QCCC Mapleton, 70 Obi Obi Road, Mapleton. 

For Grades 7 -12 in 2020.  Graduating in 2019?  Congrats and you may like to visit the website for Young Adults….

Visit the website to find out more

https://igniteyouth.com/summercamp

Sports News

Primary Swimming Term 4

Please find below the relevant information regarding the Term 4 swimming program.

 Prep

Venue:                                  Elders Swim Centre, 44 Islander Road, Pialba

Lesson Dates:                     Monday 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th November, 2nd December (weeks 5 - 9)

P – 3 Carnival Date:          Thursday 28th November (week 8)

Year 1,2,3

Venue:                                  Elders Swim Centre, 44 Islander Road, Pialba

Lesson Dates:                     Thursday 24th, 31st October, 7th, 14th and 21st November (week 3 – 7)

P – 3 Carnival Date:           Thursday 28th November (week 8)

 Year 4,5,6

Venue:                                  Aquatic Centre, 202 Boundary Road, Torquay

Dates:                                   Tuesday 15th, 22nd, 29th October, 5th, 12th 19th November (Weeks 2 – 7)

10 -12 year-old                    FRI 1st November (week 4)

Swim Carnival

QLD All Schools Touch Football

Xavier once again had 6 teams competing at the biggest touch football tournament in the world – the QLD All Schools Touch Football Competition, held at Whites Hill, Brisbane. With over 470 teams representing QLD, NSW, New Zealand and Singapore schools, the quality of this competition is extremely high. Xavier performed strongly in all divisions, with each team registering 2-4 wins from a possible 6 or 7 games. Whilst this didn't qualify our teams for the finals, it does provide an insight to the ability of Xavier teams to mix it with the best touch teams in the country and internationally. All students should be proud of their achievements and the way they represented Xavier so admirably over the 5 days of competition. A big thank you to the parents and families who come to support our teams, regardless of the weather being either extremely dry and hot, or extremely wet and cold! Also thank you to our wonderful coaches who give up so much of their own time to make this experience possible for our students: Michael Tyrrell, Helen Hatchett, Blaire Roffey, Paul Barker, Simone Collins and Nathan Milne. Bring on World All Schools in 2020!

Xavier Sports Awards Assembly

The Xavier Sports Awards assembly for Years 7-12 will be held on Thursday 31^st October in JPAC from 9am to 9:45am. Families of students are warmly invited to attend. A list of award recipients will be communicated to students this week. It is the students' responsibility to check this list for accuracy. For Wide Bay selections, we are reliant on Regional Managers communicating these reps to us, and unfortunately this is not always done. Any omissions should be communicated to Mr Milne ASAP.

Friday Sport - Term 4

Students were given opportunity to make their selection for Friday Sport this week. Whilst, requests to change from selected sports will be considered, students must understand that this is not always possible. The first session begins this Friday 18^th October.

QLD Oztag Schools Challenge Cup 2019

Recently, six Xavier oztag teams competed at the QLD Oztag Challenge Cup on the Sunshine Coast. Students gave up 3 days of their holidays to compete against other students from across the state in what was a spectacular show of oztag skills and talent.

All teams worked incredibly hard in each of their games and played amazingly well over the 3 days. Our Year 12 Girls Year 7/8 Mixed and Year 5/6 Mixed teams made it through to semi-finals in their respective divisions. This was a remarkable achievement given the level of skill that was required to reach finals. Special mention must go to the following students who assisted teams by playing up a division:

Blake Tomekovic, Matthew Geldard, Crystal Kosmidis and Charli Thompson.

A huge thank you must also go to the teachers who volunteered their time to take these students away:

Mr Michael Thompson, Miss Kate Duffield, Mrs Lynette Pritchard, Mrs Gerry Glass, Mrs Kerry Bryant and Mrs Helen Hatchett.

Without their help and support our students wouldn't have been able to play the game that they love so much – Oztag!

Kath Thompson

Xavier Oztag Manager.

Community Events