Xavier College Newsletter - Term 1 Week 3

Principal's Welcome

Dear Parents

Welcome back to the start of the 2022 school year. I extend a warm welcome to all families and students new to the College community.  I am also very pleased to welcome a number of new staff members:

Two Wells Campus

Kayla Carbone, Marissa Chelchowski, Lisa Crossley, Simone Dajeman, Naomi Henderson, Karly Keith, Mikayla King, Mathew Penko, James Preece, Victoria Roberts, James Sutton and Gabrielle Vallelonga.

Gawler Belt Campus

Sara Chiera, Joshua Colbourne, Renee Hutchins, Thomas Lindner, Ha Nguyen, Kiara Rawlinson, Liana Rossi, Holly Shaw, Hannah Skeklios, Angela Travers, Marc Wojkow and William Yates.

It has been a different start to the year with Reception, Year 1, 7, 8 and Year 12 students returning to face-to-face learning while Years 2-6 and Years 9-11 commencing remote learning from home. Staff and students have given their best to work through the challenges that this has brought and as a result it has been a great start to the year.

Year 12 Results

It gives me great pleasure to advise that our Dux of the College for 2021 was Keeley Menadue with an ATAR of 98.05 and 2 Merits.

• 16 students received an ATAR above 90 (13.6%).

• 29 A+ grades were awarded with 8 Merits (7 students).

• 100% SACE completion

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our teachers for their efforts in assisting our students to achieve these wonderful results.

Mark Flaherty
Principal

Enrolment Application Closure Date May 31 2022

Evanston Campus - Opening 2023
We are excited to announce the opening of our third Campus in Evanston, accommodating Reception to Year 6 students. We are now taking Applications for Enrolment commencing in 2023 and beyond.

Two Wells Campus
Applications for Enrolment for Reception - Year 9 are still open for 2023 and will close soon for 2024.

Gawler Belt Campus
With an overwhelming number of Application for Enrolments in 2021 we strongly urge families to submit their child's Application for Enrolment for 2024 if your child is currently in Year 5.

All Applications close for 2024 Enrolments on 31 May 2022.

If you have additional children you intend to enrol for Year 7 in the future, we recommend submitting these Application for Enrolments at the same time.

If you require further Application for Enrolments or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College Registrar, Victoria via email registrar@xavier.catholic.edu.au 

Victoria Hall
College Registrar

School Fee Invoices

School fee invoices have now been sent and should be arriving shortly. The early payment deadline has been extended to March 18, 2022.

Should you have any questions, please email finance@xavier.catholic.edu.au

Kristin Jacoby
College Accounts Manager

This month on SchoolTV - Understanding Adolescence

Adolescence is the transitional stage of development that is usually associated with the teenage years. In 2018, the Australian Curriculum Assessment Authority, redefined adolescence as affecting young people aged between 10-24 years. During this time, they experience rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth which affects how teenagers feel, think, make decisions and interact with the world around them. During adolescence, a child's brain can be considered as being “under-construction”. The rate at which this progresses will vary depending on the individual and also their gender. As a result, some parents may view adolescence as stressful or difficult. However, it does not need to be. Setting boundaries, implementing consistent monitoring and maintaining a strong and loving connection will help families adjust during this time.

It is also an important time to keep the communication lines open through clear and age appropriate conversations. Speak openly about changes that they are experiencing and be conscious of their mental health as many of the conditions people confront in adulthood, can begin to manifest in adolescence. In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to guide and best support their young person as they transition through adolescence. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Please find the link to this month's edition below.

John Cameron
Head of Campus – Gawler Belt

Two Wells - Head of Campus

It has been an exciting and busy start to the year with not only a population growth on campus, but also a lot of building and construction happening.  Some of the more noticeable and exciting developments have been the establishment of the soccer pitch, the transportable teaching block, and the pouring of the slab for Stage 2 of the building. It is most certainly a hive of activity, and one that promises an exciting year ahead.

It has been wonderful to welcome our Year 7 and 8 students; our Middle School students have settled in well, and have embraced our Oratory system. The Oratory system is pivotal at Xavier, and forms an integral part of our relationships and connections at the College.  It is a great to walk into the Oratory and see the community that is already being established.

At the other end of the spectrum, our youngest Reception students have started off the year beautifully, and have settled into new routines.  They have been showing wonderful stamina, and a thirst to learn. The transition process was invaluable in helping set out students up for success.

Drop Off
We understand that when dropping children off to a new school, this can cause some nerves and anxiety, which can make families want to stay with children longer in the mornings.  We appreciate that families are working with us to adhere to Covid restrictions, and assure you that we will look after your children to help them settle. Please contact your child’s Class or Oratory teacher if you have any concerns.

With the staggered start to school, we ask that, if appropriate, parents check medication requirements and action plans and ensure the College has any required documentation. Please contact the front office and speak to Kim or Vicki if you require some clarity.

We thank you for the support received already to ensure the start of the school year has been as smooth as possible, and we look forward to another fantastic year.

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - RSL Painting Donation

On Friday February 11 the Two Wells RSL attended the Two Wells Campus to donate a painting of poppies to the school. The painting has been hanging in the RSL clubrooms, however, unfortunately the club has had to close their doors.

We greatly appreciate the generosity of the RSL and their contribution to our College community. We look forward to finding the best place to display this legacy of the Two Wells RSL in our school.

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

This week our staff were delighted to welcome our 555 Year 9, 10 and 11 students back to the College to engage in face-to-face learning. This year we are celebrating the fact that have the largest cohort of students enrolled in Years 7 - 12 in Xavier College’s 29-year history; a total of 1060 students.

From day one of the erm I have been extremely impressed and proud of our teachers ability to provide our students with the care and attention they required so they felt welcomed, valued and connected as they commenced the new school year. As Week 3 draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the staff and students for making the start of the new year such a success. I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to our 200 new Year 7 students and their families.

John Cameron
Head of Campus - Gawler Belt

Gawler Belt - 2022 Student Leaders

It is with great pleasure to introduce our Student Leaders for 2022. Congratulations to these students on their appointment.

College Captains: Shannon O’Brien and Layne Bailey

De Sales
House Captains: Emily Hughes and Ryan Nicol
Academic Leader: Tommi Nagai
Sporting Leader: Declan Slattery
Christian Citizenship Leader: Paige Robertson

Handley
House Captains: Dakota Williams and William Bailey
Academic Leader: Sophie Shepley
Sporting Leader: Ryan Sibbick
Christian Citizenship Leader: Olivia Wuttke

Mazzarello
House Captains: Maddie Denton and Jack Beston
Academic Leader: Tayla Walls
Sporting Leader: Will Evans
Christian Citizenship Leader: Keeley Hurst

Occhiena
House Captains: Olivia Thiele and Brayden King
Academic Leader: Amy Mudge
Sporting Leader: Zac Sadiwnyk
Christian Citizenship Leader: Stefanie Cirillo

Robert Polito
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Gawler Belt - Xavier College Pedal Prix Team

Xavier College has been involved in the UniSA Human Powered Vehicle Super Series for over 19 years and looks forward to an exciting season in 2022. We welcome new members from Years 7-12, and also returning riders to the team. Students participate on various levels, whether that be training only, competition, or assisting with the race preparation. It is a fabulous opportunity for families to get involved in a school event, which gives students an opportunity to gain fitness, endurance, mechanical knowledge and teamwork skills.

Races for the 2022 season will be held at Tailem Bend, Victoria Park and Murray Bridge.

Training takes place each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at school from 3.15pm until 4.30pm using the College’s training trikes on the designated track as well as other facilities when appropriate. The first training session of the year will be held on Tuesday March 8, 2022.

For information about Pedal Prix, please email team manager Jo Bakker  jbakker@xavier.catholic.edu.au.

Jo Bakker
Coordinator - Inclusive Education

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