Xavier College Gawler Belt eNewsletter

Principal's Welcome

As this is the last newsletter for the Term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of our College community for the part they have played in ensuring a smooth transition into the new school year for 2023.

As mentioned many times over the last 12 months we welcomed staff from the St Brigid’s Catholic School into the Xavier community at the commencement of Term 1 2023. As Term 1 now draws to a close, I would like to sincerely thank our Evanston campus staff for the way they have not only embraced both the Salesian ethos and vision but participated, contributed and enhanced the educational experience for the children at Evanston. Their passion and dedication to the wellbeing of their students is clear to see when visiting the campus.

We also welcomed many new staff to our Two Wells and Gawler Belt campuses for the commencement of 2023. It is so pleasing walking around the campuses to hear and see happy, busy children as they go about their daily school life, being guided by our wonderful staff. Again, I thank you all for your dedication and passion to the wellbeing and educational outcomes for our students.

The College is continuing to grow at an exceedingly fast pace, however, we cannot and will not lose sight of our Salesian identity, tradition and history and will continue to embed RUAH (Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour) into the daily school lives of Xavier College students.

May I take this opportunity to wish all members of our community, a safe and happy holiday break.

Mark Flaherty
Principal

Happy Easter

As we begin this Easter long weekend, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of Easter. It is a time of renewal and rebirth, a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope it brings to us all. Let us remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross and the ultimate victory that His resurrection represents. As we celebrate Easter, let us do so with hearts filled with gratitude and joy. May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear.

Gareth Watson
APRIM

Uniform Shop Opening Times

All Gawler Belt students must be in Winter uniform at the start of Term Two

Normal Opening Times During School Term

Monday: 2:30pm - 4pm

Wednesday: 8am - 9am

Thursday: 2:30pm - 5pm

Please direct any enquiries to uniformshop@xavier.catholic.edu.au

School Holiday Opening Times

Thursday, 27 April: 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Friday, 28 April: 8.30am - 12.30pm

Qkr! app

Uniform orders placed through the Qkr! app will be delivered to the respective Campus. You will be notified when your order is ready to be picked up from your Campus Front Office.

ANZAC Day Preparation

ANZAC Day will be commemorated this year on Tuesday, 25 April during the school holidays. Services will be held at both Two Wells and Gawler locations.

Two Wells to be hosted at Two Wells War Memorial on Old Port Wakefield Road from 6:15am.

Gawler to be hosted at Pioneer Park, corner of Murray and Union Street from 6:15am.

Xavier College student leaders will be representing the College at both locations.

Evanston - Head of Campus

I hope you all had a blessed Easter with your loved ones. We celebrated our Easter Liturgy on Tuesday with Fr Chris Ford, this was a time of coming together and reminding our community of the love Jesus has for us.

Here we are at the end of Term 1 as Xavier College Evanston and we are proud to say we have had an exceptional term of learning, fun, and connection.

On 30 March, our Year 6 students travelled to the Gawler Belt Campus for their Formation Day - this was a day of fun, reflection and a focus on developing leadership. This day provided our Year 6 students an opportunity to connect with the senior secondary students within their Oratory groups. The Year 6 students were led through a beautiful prayer service in the Xavier Chapel at lunchtime and were treated to a musical performance by some talented musicians in the Plaza. Thank you to Mr. Polito for the amazing sausage sizzle lunch and a special thanks to Fr Chris Ford for his organisation of the day.

Open Night was held on 22 March, this was an exceptionally successful event. We had many families come through our Evanston Campus as we showcased what we have to offer.

Thank you to our amazing staff, students and families for a successful term. I wish our students a well-deserved break from what was a busy term. We look forward to seeing everyone return in Term 2 on Monday, 1 May.

Rozanna Elmassih
Head of Campus - Evanston

Evanston - Harmony Day

On 21 March, the Evanston Campus celebrated Harmony Day. Students were invited to come dressed in a splash of orange. We started the day with a whole school liturgy lead by our Year 4A class. During the day, classes participated in activities to learn about the theme “Everyone Belongs”. We decorated our campus with Bunting created by all students and celebrated lunch time with some fun, inclusion activities such as bubble blowing, potion making, cubby building and a dance party.

We had a great day!

Anthea Lipp
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

In OSHC this term, the children have been creating their own Beyblades (toys) and then watching to see whose spun the best or stayed on the table the longest. The children explored how their Beys spun and then adjusted them, through trial and error, to see if they could improve each time.

The activity has continued through the weeks with an arena being built. This activity is inclusive of all children regardless of age and they are really enjoying the flexibility and creativity in the ways they are using the Lego.

This spontaneous activity has been engaging and completely child-led, and has enabled the children to engage in conversations, be creative and competitive in a safe and fun way.

Rachel Brooke
OSHC Director

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

A successful start to our 2023 Academic Year
As Term 1 draws to a close this week it provides each of us with the opportunity to stop and reflect on the last 11 weeks. The term has had a number of significant highlights which we can celebrate as a community. The first of these being the incredibly successful transition of our 200 Year 7 students into the College. A highlight for our new students has been their camp at Victor Harbor which was held in Week 4 this term. Other events and celebrations have included our Year 8 and Year 10 Choicez Seminars, the Catholic Education Swimming Carnival, the College Athletics Carnival and the Year 12 Formal. Our community is proud to be able to offer to each and every student a wide variety of experiences which provide opportunities for the students to develop their independence in a nurturing and caring environment in which each and every child is truly known. We also value the importance of working in communion together - parents/ caregivers and our staff with the view to supporting each and every student to truly thrive and be the best versions of themselves.

Holy Week
On Holy Thursday we gathered as a community to acknowledge God's love for us and to reflect upon the passion of Jesus. Our College Chaplain, Fr Chris Ford, led our prayer service in which all of our students were fully engaged and respectful. Each year Easter is a reminder of God’s immense love for us, the power of forgiveness, and the possibility of hope and new beginnings. The benefits of love, forgiveness, and hope that Easter brings are accessible to all people. There are valuable lessons for our students associated with navigating the complexities of life and inviting us to better relationships, greater self-awareness, and a deeper connection with God. Regardless of our flaws and imperfections, God sent Jesus so that we may have eternal life.

New STEM Lab
In the Term 1 holiday break the College will be undertaking a complete refurbishment of the current T4 classroom space with the view to creating our first formal STEM Lab. Work on this project will involve the installation of new lighting, vinyl flooring, all new purpose-built modern furniture along with the painting of all walls in the space. Xavier will be partnering with a new local company called Lumination to assist with the fit out and the installation of a variety of 'cutting edge' learning technologies including immersive learning tools. The new facility will be operational and ready for the students to access from Week 1 of next term. As part of this exciting new initiative we will also be working closely with BAE Systems in order to provide students with a range of dynamic and engaging learning opportunities which will have links to solving real world problems in a technological context.*

Glen Gerreyn - Guest Speaker
In Week 6 of Term 2 we will welcome Glen Gerreyn into our Xavier College community to present to our Year 12 and Year 7 students. Glen is the Director and Co-founder and HopeFull Institute. Over the past 20 years, Glen has shared his message of hope with over a million people around the world; engaging with students, parents, teachers, employees, sporting groups and community leaders. Glen has been invited to speak at TEDx events and on national TV and radio. He has authored five books and created a series of character development courses. Glen has a unique ability to capture the attention of thousands, while deeply affecting individuals. So much more than being able to inspire, is the absolute art of being able to compel people to take action in their lives. Glen continues to offer school audiences profound experiences of meaning and identity, shifting perceptions, challenging boundaries, setting goals and motivating positive change in the lives of students.

John Cameron
Head of Campus – Gawler Belt

Gawler Belt - Upcoming School Photos

Orders are now open for school photos, which will take place for Gawler Belt students on 8 May 2023.

How to order your school photos

Gawler Belt - Mentor Program

In Term 2 the Gawler Belt Campus mentor program will begin again, after running for the previous 2 years. The program provides Year 10 and 11 students with the opportunity to improve their leadership skills and increase the community feel of Xavier College by running various activities for Year 7 and 8 students. It is intended that the activities will enable younger students to form new connections and help to build the leadership capabilities of older students. The program will commence early in Term 2 and conclude at the end of Term 3.

Ben Whyte
College Counsellor

Gawler Belt Campus - Year 8 Italian

This term in Year 8 Italian, students were given the opportunity to create and showcase a Project Based Learning task. As part of this, students were able to select their own Italian region and build a unique Italian ristorante here in South Australia. As the term commenced, students were able to undertake an ‘Entry Event’ where they were able to cook Pizzas with their peers. Soon after, each student was given a role as either the publicist (making promotional content), the chef (in charge of creating the menu) or the manager (in charge of creating the restaurant). Students were able to work with each other successfully, as each learnt how to greet people using the Italian language. Furthermore, they also learnt how to take orders as a waiter/waitress while also suggesting what they really like on the menu!

Jack Evans
Teacher

Over the weekend of 18 and 19 March a group made up of predominantly student leaders entered a team in Gawler’s Relay for Life.

The team consisting of Stefanie Cirillo, Ruairidh Tiller, Josh Harris, Molly Blanch, Holly Ranasinghe, Tommi Nagai, Rachel Mudge, Chloe Pollitt, Cooper Argent, Tayla Walls, Emily Dunkeld and Julie Blomgren-Hansen walked/ran over 500 laps equating to approximately 150km. They started at 2pm Saturday and finished at 9am Sunday to raise vital funds for Cancer Council SA. At last count they had raised just over $3173 and were ably supported by Zac Sadiwnyk, Keeley Hurst, Madison Cleland and Samara Bellchambers.

Rob Polito
Assistant Head of Campus - Pastoral Care

Gawler Belt - PARTY Program

Recently 40 of our Year 11 students attended the PARTY Program (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth). The event hosted by SA Health, brought their program to Xavier College Gawler Belt to highlight to students the potential risks when students engage in risky behaviour when under the influence of alcohol.

Students were also invited to engage in a mock emergency scenario and try a range of activities that persons who have suffered from trauma would have to deal with.

Finally, they were spoken to by a survivor of a motorcycle accident who is now a quadriplegic, who discussed his daily cycle and the difficulties he endures because of his disability.

Rob Polito
Assistant Head of Campus - Pastoral Care

Gawler Belt - Halogen Student Leaders Conference

Recently Gawler Belt’s Campus and House Captains attended the Halogen Student Leaders Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Throughout the day students heard from a range of well-known Australians who have been successful in their chosen field. Each talked about how they were inspired to arrive at the place that they are today and the key leadership styles they have either admired or used.

Speakers included Port Adelaide AFLW footballer Gemma Houghton, Children’s author Nathan Luff, Nova radio station’s Jodie Oddy and Andrew Hayes and Bondi Rescue’s Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll.

Rob Polito
Assistant Head of Campus - Pastoral Care

Gawler Belt - International Women's Breakfast

Xavier College Gawler Belt was recently invited to attend the International Women’s Day Breakfast where two of its students were awarded with scholarships acknowledging the work of young women.

Elouise Bisset was the recipient of the Gawler International Women’s Day Young Women’s award and Tayla Stone was awarded the Zonta Club of Gawler STEM scholarship for a young woman with a focus on STEM.

They were presented their awards by Gawler Mayor, Karen Redman.

Rob Polito
Assistant Head of Campus - Pastoral Care

Gawler Belt - Close the Gap

On 16 March, students across the Gawler Belt Campus recognised ‘Close the Gap’; a national day of action to pledge support for achieving health equality for First Nations people. Each House engaged in their own activities to raise awareness and allow students to reflect on the issues First Nations people face within our country today. Mazzarello and de Sales oratories gathered for an acknowledgement of Country and prayer followed by a series of meaningful activities in recognition of ‘Close the Gap.’ The Occhiena and Handley Houses engaged in a symbolic ceremony called The Sea of Hands. Across a series of days, students traced their hands in the various colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. Students then wrote words of affirmation and messages of support on the hands and planted them in the soil of our Indigenous Garden. Students across the campus were wonderfully engaged and showed a tremendous amount of respect, support, and unity for First Nations People.

Taryn Stevens
Acting House Director Teaching & Learning - Handley

Gawler Belt - Senior Discover Gawler Excursion

On Tuesday, 4 April a group of students participated in an excursion around the Gawler local area. We travelled by train, bus and walked to numerous public services, including Services Australia, Services SA, Gawler Youth Space, Gawler Emergency, Post Office, public toilets, banks, and the police station. It was important to learn about what we may need in the future. We became more familiar with using transportation, and Google Maps to find our way around. We made sure we were safe on public transport and as we moved around Gawler. We were very tired, walking about 10km, but were rewarded with a lovely lunch.

Jo Bakker
Coordinator Inclusive Education

Gawler Belt - Peer Support Program 2023

Each week this term, Year 7 students at Gawler Belt have met in small groups with Year 10 Peer Leaders to participate in a range of activities designed to nurture their wellbeing and foster their sense of belonging. The 8 week Peer Support Australia program focused on building peer connections and exploring a range of behaviours including the prevention of bullying. Students learned to use their character strengths and skills to build resilience, identify how to develop, maintain, and repair friendships, and learnt strategies to manage conflict.

Students also learned more about the support structures we have in place at Xavier College to address conflict and bullying. The students' Oratory Teacher and House Director were emphasised as key adults to access should they need support.

Throughout the program, our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders provided guidance and positive role modelling of RUAH (Respect, Understanding, Affection, Humour). They reported a high level of enjoyment engaging with their group and that their communication and leadership skills were significantly developed because of the Program. We extend a sincere thank you to our Year 10 leaders and the staff involved in supervising the Peer Support Program. We are grateful for your support in making Xavier College a home that welcomes, a playground where students meet and enjoy themselves, and a school that prepares for life.

Year 7 Student Reflections

"In peer support I made new friends and went out of my comfort zone to lead and put my hand up to volunteer. I made good relationships with the people around me such as my leaders. I really enjoyed working with everyone and using my problem-solving skills to help."
- Alexis Bishop

"My leaders were very kind, and they also were great at explaining things and helping us when we were a bit stuck. I learnt some new things about healthy and unhealthy relationships, and what to do if you see someone getting bullied."
- Pippa Batki

"Walking into my first peer support lesson I was nervous about the year 7 and year 10 students. But the fun games really got people involved and communicating, and that gave us the ability and courage to make new friends."
- Jemison Brown

Denise Piggott
House Director Pastoral Care - Handley

Two Wells - Head of Campus

As the first term draws to a close, I thank the whole community for their support of the College and our children. In particular, our incredible staff who go above and beyond to ensure that our students are being cared for in the way of our Salesian ethos.

It has been a busy term, with many events such as Sports and Athletics Days, Swimming Carnivals, Harmony Day, the implementation of The Rite Journey for our Year 9 students, Easter Liturgies, SPOT and SPOC meetings, subject interviews and some wonderful work produced by students.

The building of our new gymnasium continues to progress well, with the roof on, and first fix electrical work underway.

As our campus population has continued to grow, including our OSHC Service, it is important that we hold on to our culture and values. We always encourage families to work with staff so we can aim for the best possible outcome for students. Please communicate with us regularly so we can work as a team.

I wish you all a safe and refreshing break and look forward to Term 2.

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - Harmony Week

Last Friday 24 March, our Reception to Year 5 students at our Two Wells Campus celebrated Harmony Week. Students completed activities with their Oratories, celebrating our global diversity and inclusiveness as a school, community and nation. With the colour orange representing meaningful conversations and open communication, students were invited to select one orange item to wear. To conclude the day's celebrations, our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students enjoyed a shared picnic and Zooper Dooper treat on the oval together.

Two Wells - Holy Week

During Week 10 students at Xavier College celebrated Holy Week. On Holy Thursday, at our Two Wells Campus students gathered for a wonderful prayer service, facilitated by Fr Chris. The prayer service invited students to listen to stories, prayers and songs that invited them to reflect on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. We were very grateful this year, as we were able to gather once again after Easter, for an Easter service where students celebrated Jesus’ life. We had a number of students involved in the services, including senior leaders and volunteers from Years 2-5. Students displayed RUAH and reverence during the prayer services.

Molly Jefferys
Curriculum Leader - Religious Education

Two Wells - School Sport

SAPSASA
Softball
Over the course of Term 1, students from Two Wells have been attending SAPSASA softball trials for both boys and girls. We would like to congratulate all students who attended the trials. We are very pleased to say that we had 3 students participating in the State Carnival in Week 10; Sophie Fauser, Darian Andronikidis and Evan McKeown. We congratulate these students on this wonderful achievement.

Swimming
In Week 1 next term, Two Wells will have 2 students representing the Gawler District SAPSASA swimming team at the State Championships to be held at SA Aquatic Centre in Marion. Congratulations to Ella Shipton and Angela Baker on their selection and we wish them well in Week 1, Term 2.

SACPSSA Swimming
On Thursday 30 March, students from Two Wells travelled to the SA Aquatic Centre in Marion to participate in the SACPSASA Swimming Carnival. Competing up 2 Divisions from previous years, our swimmers displayed outstanding effort, sportsmanship and RUAH through the Carnival. We had some fantastic individual success, with a number of students coming away with placings in their races. Angela Baker with two 2^nds and one 3^rd place, Ashlyn Wearn with a 4^th place, Harrison Nys with two 4^ths, and Ella Shipton with two 1^sts. Our Year 6 relay team also took out 2^nd place in a very tight finish in the 4 x 25m final. Well done and congratulations to all our swimmers.

Upcoming Events for Term 2: Northern Catholic Cluster Carnivals

In Term 2 we will have a number of sporting carnival opportunities for our Year 4-6 students.

Thursday, 4 May (Term 2, Week 1): Students Leadership Workshop at St Francis Xavier, Wynn Vale (Year 5 Oratory Leaders)
Thursday, 25 May (Term 2 Week 4): Netball and Soccer Carnival at Argana Park.
Thursday, 29 June (Term 2 Week 9): Football Carnival at Ridley Reserve.

Nicholas Skewes
Sports Coordinator

Two Wells - Public Notice Consultation Walking, Cycling Plan

You are invited to comment on the draft Walking Cycling Plan for Two Wells released for
consultation. The Plan has background on the wellbeing and economic benefits of walking and cycling, various SA studies, and a series of physical and people projects. These projects are intended to be worked on over next 5 – 10 years as Two Wells grows in population. Two Wells currentlyhas a population of approximately 2700 in 2022 and is forecast to grow to 10,000 by around 2040. This summary contains the vision and objectives, possible paths and loops that could form ‘Experiences and Destinations’ and the 16 Physical Project to Make the Network.

More detail is available in the draft Walking Cycling Plan.

Submissions and survey responses are due by 9am, Tuesday 18 April.

Public Notice Consultation Two Wells Walking Cycling Plan