Xavier College Newsletter - Term 4 Week 9

Principal

Dear Families

As the 2023 year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the students of Xavier College who have given their best to their studies, to the House and the College this year. Although the year began with staggered learning due to COVID-19, our Community again showed their resilience in embracing the change.

A new chapter has begun as we welcome St Brigid’s Catholic School into the Xavier College Community.

I would like to thank all members of our Xavier Community that have contributed to making this year such a success. I would like to acknowledge the following permanent staff members for their contribution to our community as they leave us at the end of the year and wish them every success for the future.  Chris Bateman, Anthea Cook, Andrew Dale, April Krieg, Rosie Musico, Liana Rossi and Krystal West.

In closing I would like to wish you all a safe and Holy Christmas.

Mark Flaherty
College Principal

Uniform Shop Opening Hours & QKR

The final day for uniform purchases, via the QKR app or in store, is Monday 12 December 2022. Layby payments will still be available through the break.

Uniform purchases will be available again on QKR from Monday 16 January 2023.

Please note the Uniform Shop opening hours for the school holidays:

School Holidays
Monday 23 January - 8.30am to 1pm
Tuesday 24 January - 8.30am to 1pm
Wednesday 25 January - 12.30pm to 4.30pm
Thursday 26 January - CLOSED
Friday 27 January - 12.30pm to 4.30pm

Term 1
Commences as per normal hours
Monday - 2.30pm to 4.00pm
Wednesday - 8am to 8.45am
Thursday - 2.30pm to 5pm

Christmas Vigil and Day Masses

24 December - Christmas Eve

Christmas Vigil Family Mass
7pm - SAMMAT, St Brigid's Catholic School Evanston
All children are invited to come dressed to participate in the live Nativity scene.

Solemn Midnight Nativity Mass
11.30pm - Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church Gawler
Carol singing and Midnight Mass

There will be no vigil Mass (6.30pm) on Christmas Eve

25 December - Christmas Day

Solemn Christmas Morning Mass
8am - Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church Gawler
Preceded by carol singing by the African Community

Solemn Christmas Day Mass
10am - Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church Gawler
Preceded by carol singing by the Filipino Community

Enrolment Application Closure Date 31 May 2023

Evanston Campus - Opening 2023

Our third Campus at Evanston is opening Term 1, 2023, accommodating Reception to Year 6 students. We are now taking Applications for Enrolment, commencing 2023 and beyond.

Two Wells Campus

Places remain for Reception to Year 9 in 2023. Applications for Enrolment for Reception and Year 7 will close soon for 2024.

Gawler Belt Campus

We strongly urge families to submit Applications for Enrolment for Year 7 in 2025, prior to the cut-off date.

Applications close for 2025 enrolments on 31 May 2023

If an enrolled child has siblings, an Application for Enrolment must be completed for each of their siblings who are intended to attend Xavier College. Siblings are not automatically guaranteed a position. If the College is not aware of the intent to enrol a sibling, they may miss out. We strongly encourage submitting applications for all siblings at the same time.

If you require further Application for Enrolment Forms or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email registrar@xavier.catholic.edu.au

Victoria Hall
College Registrar

2023 Term 1 Dates

Evanston Campus

Monday 30 January 2023 - Receptions to Year 6 students return

Gawler Belt Campus

Monday 30 January 2023 - Year 12 students return

Tuesday 31 January 2023 - Year 7 students return

Wednesday 1 February 2023 - Years 8 to 11 students return

Two Wells Campus

Monday 30 January 2023 - Receptions to Year 6 students return 

Tuesday 31 January 2023 - Year 7 students return

Wednesday 1 February 2023 - Years 8 and 9 students return

Award Winners

Congratulations to all of our award winners for 2022. 

Interschool Gymkhana

Clare High School certainly turned on the weather for the annual Interschool Gymkhana held on 24 November at the Clare Showgrounds. Schools from as far as Karcultaby on the Eyre Peninsula, and multiple schools from the city competed. Xavier fielded a beautifully turned-out team, thanks largely to the efforts of Two Wells parent, and well known show campaigner, Ms Nicole Coombe. Ms Coombe completely revamped the browbands, making the team look very cohesive and professional. Thank you Nicole!

There were a large number of students representing Xavier College across both Campuses bringing a wide range of experience to the team. Overall, every rider contributed to the team atmosphere and camaraderie of the day. Congratulations to every rider who prepared their horse beautifully, rode exceptionally well and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day.

Xavier dominated throughout the day and triumphed as the Hi-point School on 385 points, almost 200 points ahead of the next school. Every rider contributed enormously to this very high score. Thanks so much to the parents who took time out of their day to support the team to reach this extraordinary score.

Two Wells - Head of Campus

As the year draws to a close, it is natural to reflect about the year that was.  I look back in gratitude to the staff, students, families, and the whole community who have worked together to make our year another successful one.

I would like to thank Alex Matushik, Rachel Brooke and April Krieg for their contributions and time with us as part of the Xavier community and wish them all the best for the future and their next chapter.

I also choose to look forward and am excited for 2023. We recently had a wonderful Orientation Day for all our new students in Years 1-9, and a successful transition week for our Xavier Bambinos. Thank you to everyone who worked incredibly hard to make this a great experience.

We were thrilled to be a part of the Twinkling Trail recently held in Two Wells. Staff worked tirelessly to make our “La Befana” exhibition a huge success. We are excited to be a part of the Christmas Parade on 16 December and hope to see lots of our families there.

Please accept this as my heartfelt thanks to you all, our delightful families. Picking a school for your child is not done lightly, and we love working with you all. I wish you all a safe and joyous Christmas and look forward to continuing our growth together.

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - Twinkling Trail

Last Friday evening, our Two Wells campus participated in the local Christmas Twinkling Trail community event held at the Two Wells oval. Participants were asked to select a festivity and create artwork to present to the public which was interactive and encouraged new learning. Acknowledging our Italian heritage, and specialist language taught on campus, students and staff presented artwork for 'La Befana - The Feast of the Epiphany', typically known as the Italian Santa Claus. Showcased by our 2022 student leaders, visitors took a photo with La Befana (Mrs Tammie Haythorpe) and learnt about the festivity on their trail.

Two Wells Street Market and Christmas Parade

This year the Street Market and Christmas Parade returns after a two year absence, with the Market kicking off at 5pm, followed by the Christmas Parade at 7pm. As a first for Xavier College, our Two Wells students will be participating in the Christmas Parade as a living Nativity. This will be a wonderful way to begin our holiday break. We hope to see you there!

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Two Wells - Girls in STEM Project

The Girls in STEM Project group enjoyed their final session recently at UniSA, Mawson Lakes. The purpose of this project was for students to engage in a real-world project, created by BAE Systems in conjunction with UniSA STEM Academy and CESA. The group was tasked with creating a wellbeing room for sailors on board a Hunter Class Frigate. Students worked with engineers from BAE during the design process and then met weekly at school to build a prototype. During this final session, students were involved in a STEM challenge, building boats out of plasticine that needed to hold the greatest number of steel nuts whilst floating in a tub of water. We were then fortunate to enjoy a campus tour where we met a number of female staff including research scientists and even a pilot! We learnt about their journey into the STEM world and the fascinating work they do every day. Finally, the most awaited part of the day arrived, and our group presented their wellbeing room to staff from UniSA and BAE Systems. Our girls put together a fantastic presentation and protype for a wellbeing room. Feedback from the students involved was overwhelmingly positive with all hoping to have the opportunity to take part in the project next year.

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

As the 2022 Academic Year formally draws to a close we have been delighted to be able to celebrate a number of key events in the past two weeks.

2022 Year 12 Farewell Dinner Dance

On Monday evening last week we had the opportunity to officially farewell our amazing 'Graduating Class of 2022' at the Adelaide Convention Centre. As a College Community we were delighted to warmly welcome back our 2011 College Captains, Luke Edwards and Tegan Tiss, to address our graduating class. Luke and Teagan were invited to share their individual memories as students at Xavier, as well as their stories of their personal and professional journeys beyond school life. We would like to thank our 2022 College Captains, Shannon O’Brien and Layne Bailey for their leadership and their outstanding service to Xavier College this year. The evening was a beautiful celebration of all of the successes the Year 12 cohort has been able to achieve individually and collectively during their time at the College. We are also looking forward to the Year 12 SACE results be published at 8am on Monday 19 December. To our 2022 Graduates; we are truly proud of each and every one of you. You will always be a part of the Xavier College Community.

2022 Presentation Assembly

As a community we also celebrated all of the amazing academic success our students have been able to achieve during the course of the 2022 Academic Year. The Assembly was also an opportunity to reward students who have been diligent and dedicated to their academic pursuits throughout the year.  With the view to creating a nurturing learning environment in the last two years we have launched the Xavier Study Support Programme. The purpose of this programme is to further enhance the existing support offered to the students from a number of our teachers who engage in facilitating small group work along with one-on-one study support in selected subject areas in the College Hub after school. Underpinning this new initiative is Dr Neil McGoran's vision for excellence across all Catholic schools in South Australia. One of our key focusses is to provide students with a nurturing and caring learning environment in which they can develop the skills to be capable learners and to truly flourish.

"We are an educational sector that is committed to providing excellence for every child whose learning and education is entrusted to our care. We want every student to experience success according to their unique characteristics and talent".

Dr Neil McGoran - Director, Catholic Education South Australia

2023 Year 7 Transition Day

On Monday morning this week we welcomed into the College approximately 200 new students who will formally be commencing in Year 7 here at Gawler Belt next year. The Transition Day focused on a broad range of get to know you activities and team building initiatives each of which are designed to enhance the students sense of connectedness with each other and our vibrant learning community. Thank you to our 2023 Senior Student Leaders who assisted the staff with running the broad range of engaging  activities on the day. At the conclusion of the day the new students would have learnt that they are coming a supportive and nurturing learning environment that truly values respectful relationships, which is core to a Salesian education. We are really looking forward all of the new Year 7 students  formally joining us next year.

Holiday Period

As we shift into the Christmas holiday period we are mindful that many families will be travelling, preparing for large family celebrations and gatherings all of which come with happiness and joy and occasionally some challenges. I have included a link below from our online School TV resource which focusses on tips to survive the Christmas period.  I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank all of the parents and caregivers for your support during the course if the year. I hope that all of the students, and their families have a safe, peaceful, restful break and a beautiful Christmas with your friends and loved ones. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.

John Cameron
Head of Campus - Gawler Belt

Gawler Belt - Year 9 Camp

The Year 9 camp experience was modified this year because of a lasting blackout after the storms on Saturday 12 November.  Students were relieved when the notification came out on Tuesday afternoon to say power had been restored to the Mylor campsite and Handley, Occhiena students would stay overnight Wednesday while de Sales and Mazzarello students would stay overnight on Thursday. Our resilient students took this adjustment in their stride and capitalised on their time together and committed wholeheartedly to the experience, as evidenced in the photos and student reflections.

Student Reflections

I greatly enjoyed participating in the year 9 camp for 2022. Even though it was very touch and go for the first few days, I am still so grateful that we were able to have the time we did and made those memories which will stay with us. We not only had team building skills and trust-based activities, but there was also the main element of challenging and pushing ourselves to reach our individual goals. The high ropes course was both a highlight and challenge for me, but I also loved being able to spend time with my friends outdoors while helping others achieve their personal goals - Innay  

Camp was an amazing experience that year 9s were extremely lucky to experience. Camp was super fun, allowing us to learn and develop many skills, strengthen, and gain new relationships, and improve our character strengths. The archery and high ropes course physically and mentally tested us, and gaga ball was popular with everyone during free time. I am incredibly grateful to the Xavier College and Mylor staff who allowed this camp to happen. I loved every minute of camp, and definitely encourage all future year nines to go - Sophie 

Camp was an amazing event. I wish it wasn't postponed and shortened. It challenged me to learn new things and try things that I have never done before. Archery tag was my favourite activity because it was something that I have never done before - Zoey

I really enjoyed the high ropes, more specifically the leap of faith. I learned how to work together from archery tag - Brodie

Year 9 camp was very enjoyable, it tested the use of many if not all character strengths. Particularly the high rope activities really called courage and teamwork to action. Our teamwork was also improved as we had to communicate concerns, feedback, encouragement, and gratitude with our peers. The liturgy was also a meaningful milestone as it taught us to leave our past and continue to the new day in the way we wish. Overall, it was a very good camp filled with joy and reflection - Zahlia

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Gawler Belt - Year 10 Elective PE

In Year 10 Elective Physical Education students have been learning about the barriers that prevent Australian adolescents engaging in physical activity and how they can improve this through various coaching roles. This has contributed to them creating fun and engaging lessons in Tchoukball for our Year7/8 students.

"In PE we have been learning about barriers that stop teenagers participating in sport. As coaches, we have learnt about the techniques and tactics involved in Tchoukball, and how to open and close skills which has helped us to create inclusive drills to teach to the Year 8 students. I really enjoyed this course as I was able to watch my group of Year 8 students really progress in their skills of the game, enjoy learning a sport that they were unfamiliar with and learn how to be a good coach to get younger people more involved in sport." - Chloe

"Throughout the Year 10 Elective PE, students are provided the opportunity to research and participate in a coaching-based assessment. This is easily one of the best units you will ever do. Students are tasked with coaching a group of Year 8 students, and in the process, develop effective collaboration and relationships with both peers and younger students. It is also an excellent opportunity to develop skills as both a leader and as a mentor." - Benjamin

Gawler Belt - Rotary's Youth Sailing Challenge

Recently, Gawler Belt student, Madison Williams set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as part of Rotary's Youth Sailing Challenge, a five-day sea voyage aboard the One and All tall ship. During the program participants develop visionary leadership skills, learn the skills needed to safely run a square-rigged ship and develop teamwork to sail the vessel ashore themselves under the watchful eye of a well-sailed ship crew. 

My experience on the one and all was nothing less than extraordinary. I learnt so many new things about myself that I would never have learnt continuing to live comfortably. This experience taught me that I am strong even when I don't want to be, that I am confident, I can make decisions that positively affect others and I learnt my limits. This experience is something that I will never forget and would highly recommend.

- Madison Williams

Out of School Hours Care

The Vacation Care Program December 2022 - January 2023 is now open for the Evanston Campus. Families using the OSCH service for the first time will need to complete an OSHC Enrolment Form before care can be provided or bookings accepted. Please read the attached document for further details. For our exsiting OSHC families, please note that there have been changes to the booking process, details are outlined in the attached document.

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