Xavier Catholic College

ACT JUSTLY Love God Love Others Love Yourself

2 Redford Drive, Skennars Head PO Box 1310, Ballina NSW 2478 Phone: (02) 6687 6484 Facsimile: (02) 6687 6828 Email: xccball@lism.catholic.edu.au Website: www.xavierlism.catholic.edu.au Office Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm Uniform Shop: 6687 6940 (Tuesdays only)

Term 1: Newsletter No. 5 – 1st

April, 2016

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

The Story of St Ignatius of Loyola, St Francis Xavier and the Early Jesuits As mentioned in our last newsletter, over the next few issues, I will attempt to briefly tell the story of St Ignatius of

Loyola, St Francis Xavier and the early Jesuits. It is a story that goes back well over 450 years.

To understand this story, it is worth noting what was happening in Europe during the Sixteenth Century. The words

revolution and discovery describe the world into which Ignatius was born in 1491. Twenty-five years after his birth,

a revolution rocked Europe and the Catholic Church – The Protestant Reformation. In 1517, Martin Luther nailed

his 95 Theses to the church doors in Wittenberg, Germany, John Calvin took the reformation in radical new

directions and, in England, Henry VIII divorced his country from Roman Catholicism.

While these revolutions shattered church unity, new lands were being discovered, explored and exploited by

European powers. Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and English ships sailed across the seas in search of fame and

fortune. For the Church, each new land claimed by a Catholic European country was also claimed by Catholicism.

The Reformation and the new worlds in which to proclaim the Reign of God would both prove major influences on

Ignatius and on his companions of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). The next issue of our newsletter will look at

Ignatius’ early life.

Visit from Father Gerry Healy SJ We were very fortunate this week in having the opportunity to host a visit from Father Gerry Healy. Father Gerry is

a Jesuit priest who is assigned to work with Jesuit Companion Schools. During his stay with us, he visited classes

and gave a brief history of the Jesuits and the role they have play in society, addressed our College Assembly,

concelebrated our Easter Mass with Father Michael Nilon, our Parish Priest, and ran sessions for staff on Ignatian

Spirituality. We will be seeing a lot more of Father Gerry as he visits Xavier on a regular basis.

Staff Retreat Day All staff in Lismore Diocesan Parish Schools are required to participate in a staff retreat day each year. We will be

holding our annual Staff Retreat Day on Friday, 8th

April. As all staff will be involved, students will not be

required to attend school on this day.

ANZAC Day Monday, 25

th April is ANZAC DAY and whilst it is a public holiday and the last day of our school holidays,

students are encouraged to come along in school uniform and represent Xavier Catholic College at the ANZAC

Day march. Students are asked to assemble on the corner of Martin and River Streets at 10:15am. Xavier has a

great tradition of supporting the ANZAC Day march, so I hope to see as many students as possible attend.

Our First Week Back Next Term I remind parents and students that school resumes for Term Two on Tuesday, 26

th April. The Tuesday is a school

day and students are expected to attend school on this day.

Open Night Our Open Night next term, Tuesday, 3rd May, sees all staff and a great number of students participate in

demonstrations and displays, acting as tour guides or meeting and greeting those visiting. This is where prospective

families get a feel for Xavier Catholic College. This is where they gauge the pulse of this vibrant community. This

is where they feel the sense of pride possessed by our students.

This night is vital insofar as the exercise provides an opportunity for prospective students to see if there is

congruence between what families seek and what Xavier offers. We want students to apply to come to Xavier

because they see they can thrive in this quite unique environment.

We encourage you to invite any friends of family who may be interested to visit our College, meet some of our

students and staff and have a look around the College. Your child may also be asked to assist on the night in some

capacity and is therefore asked to be dressed in school uniform.

Xavier Catholic College ACT JUSTLY

Enrolments for 2017 It is now time for any new enrolments for next year to be lodged. If you have family or friends who are intending to

enrol students at Xavier Catholic College, please let them know that enrolment packages are available from the

College Office now and that all enrolment forms should be completed and returned to the College by 9th May.

Likewise if siblings are going to be enrolled for next year, this should also be done now.

God Bless,

Michael Vella

Principal

St Francis Xavier Parish, Ballina

Website: www.sfxballina.org.au

Local Mass Times

St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Ballina Vigil 6:00pm Saturday

9:00am Sunday

Holy Family Catholic Church, Lennox Head 7:30am Sunday

Adjacent Parish Mass Times

St Patrick’s Parish, Wardell Mass 5:30pm Sunday

Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Alstonville Saturday Vigil Mass 6:00pm

Sunday 8:30am

Byron Bay/Bangalow – Holy Spirit Parish Saturday Vigil Mass St Finbarr’s Byron Bay 6:00pm

Sunday Mass St John's Mullumbimby 8:00am Sunday Mass St Kevin’s Bangalow 9:30am

The BEGINNING EXPERIENCE: A personal encounter weekend for those who are grieving the loss of a spouse through separation,

divorce or death will be held from 13-15th May, 2016 at “Arabella Garden Inn Motel” Wollongbar. The

weekend offers participants the opportunity to turn the pain of loss into growth. Bookings are

essential and applications close on 30th May 2016.

For further details call Judy 66241549, Jeanette 66877284 or 0403293734 or visit our website: www.belismore.org.au for more information.

Welfare News Mr Paul Reidy – Leader of Student Welfare

Pastoral Care Program

Students have been participating in the Pastoral Care/Wellbeing program throughout this term. I have had good

feedback about the program from students and teachers. Please have a conversation with your child about the focus

of the week or browse through the planner to see the areas that are covered.

Week Focus Character Strength

9 Skills & Achievement Perseverance

10 Relationships & Optimism Love

X Factor Awards - In order to reward positive behaviour we have implemented the X Factor Awards. Each

fortnight two students will be nominated by their Year Coordinator for the manner in which they conduct

themselves at the College. It may be for a specific action of merit, or for consistently displaying the attributes we

pride ourselves on at Xavier. The students nominated receive a $5 canteen voucher and are entered into an end of

year draw. The Week 10 winners are:

Year 7 Mikaela Miller & Lachlan Hecker

Year 8 Emily O'Dwyer & Kaikahni Graham-Saunders

Year 9 Phoebe Pooley & Keeley Iverson

Year 10 Rylee Cruz & Dylan Threfall

Year 11 Tarnya Melenhorst & Ky O'Donnell

Year 12 not included due to exams

Uniform Draw - The uniform draw was held at the assembly this week and Jasmine Sloane (Year 9) was the

winner. Congratulations on wearing the uniform with such pride.

Inside this Issue:

Year 7 News

Public Speaking Group

School Fee Reminder

Xavier Catholic College Love God

Upcoming Events

WEEK 11

Monday, 4th

April (Day 1)

Year 12 Exams continue

Thursday, 7th

April (Day 4)

XCC Cross Country – Periods 4-6

Friday, 8th

April

Pupil Free Day - Staff Retreat

TERM 2 WEEK 1

Monday, 25th

April

ANZAC Day - Assemble 10:15am on corner

Martin & River Streets, Ballina for march

Tuesday, 26th

April (Day 7)

Students return

Friday, 29th

April (Day 10)

Year 8 HSIE Excursion

NRCC Rugby League - Casino

TERM 2 WEEK 2

Monday, 2nd

May (Day 1)

Winter Uniform commences

Tuesday, 3rd

May (Day 2)

Year 9 Brainstorm Production – Hurting Game

Diocesan Touch Football

College Open Night 6.00pm

Wednesday, 4th

May (Day 3)

FNC Rugby 7’s

Public Speaking

Do you want to learn the skills to manage anxiety

about public speaking assignments?

Public speaking is something almost everyone is

required to do at some point in their life and an

essential skill in many workplaces. It is also a

curriculum requirement.

It is normal to feel anxiety about speaking to an

audience and indeed many of us do. In Term 2 we will

be running a small group, with a maximum of 5

students, where we will focus on teaching and

practising skills to reduce anxiety around public

speaking assignments. The group will run for 3

sessions.

To sign up for this group please contact Elaine Pollen

(School Psychologist/Counsellor) at the College.

UNIFORM SHOP

TUESDAYS ONLY 8:00-11:45am & 3:00-5:30pm

Phone: 6687 6940

** ADVANCE NOTICE ** Winter Uniform commences

Term 2 Week 2 Monday, 2nd May, 2016

Friends of the Library

BOOK FAIR

OVER 10,000 ITEMS FOR SALE

Books * DVDs * CDs * Games * Magazines *

BYRON BAY SURF CLUB

SATURDAY 9 APRIL

9am - 5pm

SUNDAY lO APRIL

10am - lpm

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE BYRON SHIRE L I BRARIES

School Fee Reminder

Dear Families,

Unless you are on a regular payment plan please note

that Instalment 1 of School Fees is due on 8th April,

2016. An updated Statement will be emailed to you,

for your records, throughout the duration of Term 2.

Thank you.

Paulette McCosker

College Bursar

Xavier Catholic College Love Others

Pedagogy Report Mrs Amanda Falvey – Leader of Pedagogy

Staff Peer to Peer Observations: As part of being a Professional Learning Community, the staff at Xavier Catholic College have the opportunity to

participate in Peer to Peer observations. During an observation a trained Peer to Peer observer visits a lesson to

observe the teaching strategies utilised by the classroom teacher. Following the observation the teacher is provided

with the opportunity to reflect and gain feedback on their teaching practice. The Peer to Peer observation process

provides an opportunity for staff members to share their skills and promotes a high standard of classroom teaching

practice within our College.

MAGIS: The Magis program aims to promote a community of learners who display strong work habits. It is important to

have good work habits in place so that the students can work towards achieving their best. At this stage of the year,

particularly with students in Year 7 making the transition to high school, it was wonderful to see that the majority

of students attained a Magis average of 7 and above. Those students who achieved an average of 9.5 and above

were presented with a Magis Gold Certificate at the College assembly this week. Magis Silver and Magis Bronze

awards will be presented at year assemblies next week. We encourage all students to strive to do their best both at

school and in their application to home learning.

Literacy and Numeracy – Save the Dates! Mrs Sarina McPherson - Literacy and Numeracy Coordinator

Please note the following important dates for Term 2:

Wednesday, 27th

April (Seminars during class time for students) – Workshops for all Year 11 and Year 12

students on Time Management and Study Skills delivered by Elevate Education.

Wednesday, 27th

April – 6pm to 7pm FREE Workshops for parents/guardians on Time Management and

Study Skills. Delivered by Elevate Education. Please RSVP to the College by 1st April by returning the

remittance slip on the note sent home with students, or email me directly at smcpherson@lism.catholic.edu.au

Week 2, Term 2 – Recommencement of Literacy and Numeracy Peer Tutoring Program. This would be a great

time to join our program if you did not join at the start of Term 1. Old and new students welcome!

Wednesday 10th

, Thursday 11th

& Friday, 12th

April – NAPLAN National Literacy and Numeracy Testing

(all Year 7 and Year 9 students). An email has been sent to Year 7 and Year 9 parents outlining further details.

Canteen Roster Mrs Denise Barnard – Canteen Coordinator

Where possible, volunteers are asked to start at 8.45am. If you are unable to make your rostered day, or would like

to volunteer, please email Denise at xcccanteen@lism.catholic.edu.au or phone the College on 6687 6484 and leave

a message.

Week 11

Mon 4 Apr Bob Unsworth Amy Cahill

Tue 5 Apr Help Needed Jo Tobias

Wed 6 Apr Carol Lynch Jos Hillyard

Thur 7 Apr Ursula Armstrong Mel Barnes

Fri 8 Apr Staff Dev Day

Term 2 Week 1

Mon 25 Apr ANZAC Day

Tue 26 Apr Megan Allen Lindzi Moore Melissa Barnes

Wed 27 Apr Bek Campbell Maureen Whitney

Thur 28 Apr *Help Needed Kellie Bolger

Fri 29 Apr Joanna Matthews Carol Lynch

Xavier Catholic College Love Yourself

Year 7 News Mrs Rebecca Kennedy – Year 7 Coordinator

Hannah Saul Guest Speaker Year 7 girls had a very special visit from an ex-student of the College, Hannah Saul during a Pastoral Care lesson.

Hannah left Xavier in 2007 and went on to win the NEW York Model Search competition. She is now a successful

Australian supermodel who travels the world. She has her own fitness app called ‘HANxFIT’ and is an excellent

advocate for the importance of health and fitness.

Thank you to Mr Paul Horvath who organised Hannah to come in to speak to the Year 7 girls. Hannah spoke to the

girls about ‘What I would say to my 13 year old self’. Some memorable quotes from her talk include;

‘There is no need to sweat the small stuff because everything works out when you put yourself out there

and you embrace the experiences you are offered.’

‘Be honest with yourself – don’t be afraid to forge your own path.’

‘Accept yourself for who you are, not what you are. It is who you are that will lead to your success.’

‘I am quietly proud of my work ethic and my willingness to absorb the lessons, to take the lows and the

highs and work from them.’

‘…in this business that is what is forgotten – the skills of being a woman, of being comfortable in your

skin, of being healthy, of being punctual, of being professional and understanding and caring for others

needs all meant that I am respected now not just as a model, but as a businesswoman.’

‘…every girl can do more when they understand that the experiences they have as a thirteen year old will

not determine who they are for the rest of their lives.’

‘…relationships are what I now think are most important.’

‘…the most important relationship is with your mum. Remember that your mum was a teenager once too –

she has been where I was, where you are now. So don’t feel that you are alone.’

Transitus Congratulations to the Year 7 students who went on

Transitus this week. Transitus is a new retreat for Year 7

students to grow in their discipleship of Jesus Christ. The

word Transitus was chosen because it is the latin word

for passage, crossing, movement over, transition, transit.

This was a two-day retreat where students were engaged

in various group processes, student discussion, prayer and

celebration of the Eucharist. Xavier students joined with

other Year 7 students from the Lismore Diocese for the

event. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to

meet like-minded peers and to celebrate with other young

people who want to grow and be supported in their

Christian faith. Thank you to Year 10 Group Leaders

Erin Quinn and Hannah Crawford who also attended the

retreat and displayed excellent leadership skills.

Well done to the following students who were superb ambassadors for the College and for Year 7; Kacy Rose,

Hugo Matthews, Lachlan Maurer, Aysha Franklin, Gemma Davies, Ashlee Patterson, Aniela Carpenter, Louise

Baird, Maddie Newton, Anais Lang, Arla Adams and Bella Broadley.

Xavier Catholic College ACT JUSTLY

Careers Ms Mandy Hughes – Careers Advisor

Holiday Activity - Youth Week Skate Competition Fun Day Missingham Park Friday, 15th April, 2016.

Southern Cross University has notified Xavier that in 2016 the School of Education will not be holding the HSC

Study Day of lectures and workshops for the current Year 12 cohort. In previous years students have attended the

program and found it to be beneficial. It is unfortunate for our students that the program will not be running this

year. Year 12 students are encouraged, if possible, to attend other HSC lecture series in Sydney during the July and

September holidays.

Your Future Careers Workshop Students in Years 11 and 12 are invited to attend "Your Future Careers

Workshop" at Southern Cross University Lismore Campus on Tuesday, 12th April from 3-6pm in room Y2.11. This

exciting and inspiring event is designed to help students identify their dream career, learn the steps they need to

take to get there, and network with industry experts. The program for the day will include:

Personalised self-analysis and psychometric testing to assess your skills, aptitude and interests

Networking with peers and industry guests to hear about different career opportunities

Jobs forecast, research on future career growth, study tips and steps to take to secure the job of your dreams

Afternoon tea will be provided and a chance to mingle and talk to the industry experts. Spaces for this event are

limited so please RSVP to Michelle at michelle.simpson@scu.edu.au or text 0417 883 326 by 31st March.

Sports News

Years 9/10 Girls All Schools Touch Football Congratulations to the Year 9/10 Girls Touch Football Team who played extremely well at the Regional All

Schools Touch competition held at Saunders Oval, Ballina on Friday of Week 9. The girls played very well against

tough competition and managed to successfully win their pool due to excellent for and against points. Excellent

leadership on the day from Marley Baker (Captain) and Lara Hynes (Vice-Captain).

Game 1 vs Woodenbong Central School. Xavier was narrowly defeated 2-1. Try scorer – Tahlie Murdoch.

Game 2 vs Tweed River High School. Xavier won 4-1. Try scorers – Hannah Calugay (3) and Tahlie Murdoch.

Game 3 vs Kingscliff High School. Xavier won 5-0. Try scorers – Hannah Calugay (2), Abby Fulwood, Hannah

Watts and Tahlie Murdoch.

Unfortunately in the quarter finals XCC was knocked out due to a narrow defeat by Southern Cross School 2-1.

Congratulations to Marley Baker, try scorer of this game. The girls were outstanding ambassadors for the College

and played very well as a team. Special congratulations to Tahlie Murdoch and Marley Baker who were voted

‘Players Player’ on the day.

Thank you to Heath Cooper and Bailey Whitney (pictured below right) who refereed on the day.

The team - Marley Baker, Amber Bayly, Hannah Calugay, Abby Fulwood, Lara Hynes, Hollie Jobson, Gabrielle

Lee, Tahlie Murdoch, Mia Phillips, Hannah Watts.

Mrs Rebecca Kennedy - Coach

31st March, 2016

Dear Parent/Guardian,

2016 CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL

Details of the annual Xavier Catholic College Cross Country Carnival are listed below.

Activity: Annual Cross Country Carnival – Attendance is compulsory

Venue: Angels Beach, Sharpes Beach, Skennars Headland grass reserve

Date: Thursday, 7th April, 2016

Normal lessons: Based on tide times, this year Periods 1, 2 and 3 will be normal Day 4 lessons; students are

to come prepared with all necessary equipment for these classes.

Travel: ALL students will travel by bus to the underpass at the southern end of Beachfront Parade,

Angels Beach

Departure: Buses depart College at 12.15 pm (Championship runners on the first bus)

Championship Championship runners will travel on the first bus. ALL AGES will run the 4kms back to

Runners: Skennars Headland, under the underpass, up and down the grass hill and to a separate

finish line at the grass reserve.

Return: Remaining students will ‘Fun Run’ the 3kms back to Skennars Headland grass reserve

Cost: Nil

Uniform: Year 7–10 students in sports uniform

Year 11 & 12 students in normal school uniform

Needs: ALL students must wear either a broad brimmed hat or cap and sunscreen

Houses: Students will be asked to change into ‘House coloured’ appropriate clothing to run the 3km

Cross Country or 4km Championship Cross Country at the end of Period 3. Winning houses

will be announced in the Magis Centre at the completion of the carnival and Age

Champions presented with medallions. Students will be required to change back into either

sports uniform or school uniform before 3.20 pm.

NAGLE - Blue

McAULEY - Pink

REDFORD - Red

MACKILLOP - Gold

IGNATIUS - Green

FOLEY - White

Yours sincerely,

Mr Pat Kennedy

Leader of Sport

Thursday 14 April 2016

5.30pm – 7.30pm

April Group of Exhibitions Launch Event

La femme by Hailey Gardiner is an intriguing collection of mixed media artworks that are simultaneously intimate self-examinations and heartfelt interpretations capturing aspects of what it is to be female. This exhibition examines the various roles women occupy at different stages of life and the relationships they

have with themselves and others.

Feather and Sea by Rebecca Tapscott explores the synchronistic diversity of nature on the Ballina coast - specifically birds and their habitats. Through vivid colour, simplified forms and expressive lines, the joy and

carefree nature of beach living is often juxtaposed with darker narrative undertones, stemming from the cyclic dynamics perpetuated in nature.

LOUD in the Gallery is our annual dynamic showcase celebrating the artistic achievement of secondary school students in the Ballina Shire. Students from Alstonville High, Ballina High, Southern Cross School K- 12, Xavier Catholic College and the Emmanuel Anglican College

present outstanding works from their final 2015 artistic HSC works.

This is a free Gallery Event.

All are welcome to attend!

Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly Conference 2016

Opal Cove Coffs Harbour, 21st and 22nd May

Opal Cove

Join parents from around the Lismore Diocese for an opportunity not to

be missed. The Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly 2016 Conference

will explore ways we as parents and educators can learn how to nourish, nurture

and grow dynamic families and villages.

Lisa McInnes-Smith

Creating Families that Stick and Practical

Parenting

Andrew Hughes

Building Resilience

Nurture Your Faith Life

Fr Elio Capra

The Year of Mercy

Danielle Lupi

Tackling Tough Topics:

defending your faith without raising

your voice

Grow the Village

Danielle Cronin and CSO Staff

Families and Schools

Growing Stronger Together

Nourish Your Parenting Skills

All parents of children in our Catholic schools are warmly invited to attend the Lismore Parent

Assembly Conference. There are still FREE registrations available (including accommodation

for Friday and Saturday). Registrations for these fully funded tickets 0pen at 12pm Friday April 1st.

Be quick to register to ensure you receive FREE conference registration, accommodation and meals.

To register click HERE go to: https://goo.gl/b31rDI