Xavier College Gawler Belt eNewsletter

Principal's Welcome

Welcome back for the commencement of Term 2. I hope all students, parents and staff were able to enjoy a little downtime over the holiday break.

Another busy term is upon us with all campuses of the College in full swing. Our Two Wells and Evanston Campuses will welcome their mid-year intake of new Reception students as they commence their transition visits into what will be the start of their educational journey at Xavier College. We look forward to welcoming these students and their families into the College Community.

Refurbishment and building works continue at all campuses, as we look forward to the new double-court gymnasium at the Two Wells Campus being completed towards the end of August. The refurbishment of classrooms at the Evanston Campus has continued through the holiday break with new classrooms and spaces being opened up and refurbished to allow for growing enrolment numbers. The Gawler Belt Front Office and administrative area has undergone a beautiful refurbishment, plus a new House Directors’ Hub and STEM space have been created.
More information and detail about events occurring at each campus this term will be outlined by the Heads of Campus as the term goes on.

Mark Flaherty
Principal

Project Compassion 2023

Each year, the College supports Caritas Australia’s work in Australia and overseas by raising funds for their annual Project Compassion campaign during the Season of Lent.

We want to thank all members of the Xavier College Community for their continued support of the work of Caritas.

This year, as a community, we raised $12,643.44 across all three campuses to help Caritas’ vital work.

Once again, thank you for supporting this fundraising endeavour.

Gareth Watson
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

ANZAC Day

During the Term 1 school holidays, staff and students attended Anzac Day Dawn Services and laid wreaths on behalf of the College to pay our respects to all who dedicated their lives for our country.

Our Two Wells Campus student leaders, Addison (Year 8), Mackenzie (Year 8), Amelia (Year 8), Sommer (Year 7), Ashlyn (Year 6), and Olivia (Year 6) attended the Two Wells ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Two Wells War Memorial with our staff representatives, Adele Taylor and Naomi Henderson.

At the Gawler Service, Campus Captains Zach and Keeley (Year 12) from Gawler Belt and Serena and Hugo (Year 6) from Evanston joined our Heads of Campus, John Cameron and Rozanna Elmassih.

Lest we forget.

Enrolment Application Closure Date 31 May 2023

Evanston Campus
As our Evanston Campus continues to grow, we are now taking Applications for Enrolment commencing 2024 and 2025.

Two Wells Campus
Limited places remain for Reception to Year 9 in 2024.
Applications for Enrolment for Reception to Year 7 will close soon for 2025.

Gawler Belt Campus
We strongly urge families to submit Applications for Enrolment for Year 7 in 2025 prior to the above cut off date.

All Applications close for 2025 Enrolments on 31 May 2023.

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

If you require further Application for Enrolment Forms 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

Evanston - Head of Campus

Welcome to Term 3. I would like to personally welcome our new students into the Evanston Campus community: Kayden (Year 3), Marlee (Year 1), Mia (Year 6), and Keeley (Year 3). We hope you have been welcomed with open arms.

On 25 April, both Hugo and Serena represented the Evanston Campus at the Gawler ANZAC Day service. It was a beautiful service to commemorate our soldiers.

On Monday, our very excited Year 6 students and teachers boarded the bus for El Shaddai Campsite which is located on the banks of the beautiful Murray River at Wellington. Three full days of adventure, physical challenge and friendship were had by all as well as loads of tasty food to keep students energized for the tasks ahead. Particularly impressive was the manner in which our students worked together to solve problems and the way they encouraged their peers to overcome personal challenges. The giant swing, laser tag and canoeing were particular highlights. We especially thank Fr Chris Ford, Mr Proctor, Ms Hutchison, Ms Loprete for their support and attendance at camp as well as the El Shaddai staff for making our experience such a memorable one.

We are also pleased to announce that Elise Underdown will be joining Evanston Campus as our new counsellor. This is very exciting as we will be able to further support the wellbeing of our students.

Rozanna Elmassih
Head of Campus - Evanston

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

A Focus on Continual Improvement
During the Term 1 break our amazing Maintenance Team undertook the successful refurbishment of our T4 classroom into the campus’ first formal STEM Lab, along with a brand-new Directors’ Hub being established in our existing B9 classroom space. The feedback we have received from both the students and the staff in relation to these significant upgrades has been exceptionally positive.

Fostering a culture of excellence
The Gawler Belt Campus continues to maintain an exceptionally strong position in relation to having a highly skilled committed staff who are dedicated to working with the students in their care. This year we have a total of eight teachers who are currently engaged in the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) certification process. National teacher certification is an Australia-wide coordinated approach to support teachers to progress their careers while remaining in the classroom, where they can have the greatest impact on student learning. In addition to having staff involved in the HALT process we also have a large number of our teachers undertaking a ‘Dare to Lead’ program which directly assists teachers with their leadership formation and their ability to lead high functioning teams. Finally, we have a total of three key leaders who will be attending a National AI Conference in Sydney in the coming weeks. The conference will provide our staff with access to the latest research associated with the use of AI with a specific focus on gaining a deeper understanding of the power ChatGPT and its potential impact on the way students learn and access information.

Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series
We are excited to announce that the College will have a team competing in a Pedal Prix race this Saturday 20 May at The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. The 6-hour event goes green from 10am and the checkered flag sees the conclusion of racing at 4pm. Our Pedal Prix Team is really looking forward to putting to the test our brand-new vehicle ‘Bosco I’ that has just been delivered to the College. We wish the students all the very best for the weekend.

John Cameron
Head of Campus – Gawler Belt

Gawler Belt - Meeting the Salesian Rector Major

On Wednesday 26 April our three Gawler Belt Campus Captains, Stephanie Cirillo, Keeley Hurst and Zachary Sadiwnyk, Miss Kiara Rawlinson (Gawler Belt Campus), Mr James Sutton (Two Wells Campus) and myself, travelled to Melbourne to meet the Salesian Rector Major, Fr Angel Fernández Artime.

We gathered with other student leaders and teachers from our Salesian sister schools from New South Wales and Victoria at Salesian College, Chadstone. The day was facilitated by the Salesian Youth Ministry Team members, led by Fr Brian Ahern, a former Xavier College Chaplain.

The morning involved a series of getting-to-know-you activities and attending the formal 100th Anniversary Assembly at Salesian College. At the Assembly, our captains passionately spoke about being students at Xavier College. Fr Angel addressed those gathered, with the aid of an interpreter as his native language is Spanish, and blessed a plaque to acknowledge the centenary of the Salesian presence in Australia. The highlight of the assembly was when he surprised everyone by picking up a guitar, playing, and singing two songs.

In the afternoon, Fr Angel spent two hours with the leaders talking and answering their questions, aided this time by Fr Frank Maloney, former Australian Provincial, as his interpreter.

This visit was a rare and wonderful opportunity to meet the Salesian Rector Major. They generally don’t travel from Rome to Australia that often.

The Gawler Belt Campus Captains were excellent ambassadors for all members of the Xavier College Community.

Gareth Watson
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

Gawler Belt - Agriculture

The farm space is alive with some new faces and new animals.

Early in May we had the arrival of some energetic piglets. The pigs will be looked after by all Agriculture students, assisting the Year 12 class with their study of how different genetics effect growth rates.

Our Year 10 classes have focused on the dairy industry, completing a farm visit to Newkree Educational farm, working on a practical with a dairy focus, and are participating in the Cows Create Careers Program. Cows Create Careers has us working with Newkree farm owner and old scholar, James Krieg, who has provided two calves which students are very excited to be caring for.

We have had goats on site for a few months now as they are prepared for the Royal Show. Students are also studying different diets for the chickens.

Daniel Oates
Agriculture Coordinator

Gawler Belt - Year 9 and 10 Agriculture

On Wednesday 11 May, select students from Year 9 and 10 participated in an EXCITED 4 Careers in Agriculture program with CQ University. They identified their personal strengths and then throughout the day they were exposed to different careers in the Viticulture industry related to those strengths. Part of the day was a tour of Lambert Estate Wines in Angaston with Kirk Lambert and Ty Hasse. The tour started in the vineyard and followed the wine process all the way to the cellar door with the many career opportunities discussed along the way.

The day was funded by the Australian Government's National Careers Institute, EXCITED 4 Careers in Agriculture is a joint initiative of CQUniversity Australia and a range of industry partners including Wine Australia, Barossa Wine and Clare Valley Wine & Grape. Thank you to all involved and helping our students identify the many career and job opportunities in the wine industry.

Zoe Joyce
Ariculture Coordinator

Two Wells - Head of Campus

We would like to extend a warm welcome back to Term 2 to our community as we look forward to a wonderful term.

This term has already started with a bang, with some wonderful teaching and learning and events already underway. Local ANZAC Day ceremonies were attended by staff and students in the holidays; thank you to our families who supported us. In addition to this was the incredibly moving ceremony that our Year 9 cohort participated in for The Rite Journey; this is a program focused on a coming of age, where children are given the space and strategies to navigate the transition into adulthood. Students, families and teachers met for sunrise at Semaphore on the beach, and then spent the day together. Thank you to Adele Taylor, Simone Dajeman and Nick Skewes for their organisation. Thank you also to Mark Flaherty, Naomi Henderson, Nathan Clarke and Gareth Watson for their support.

This term should see significant progress with the construction of the gymnasium, which is very exciting. We will welcome our Xavier Bambinos this term as they prepare to transition into school. We will also release formal reports for students at the end of the term; while we always have scheduled times for interviews, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher or Oratory teacher as the first port of call if you have any concerns or require any clarity.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to new support staff Darian Abley, Vicky Peters and Melissa Wallis who commenced this term – we are thrilled to have them on board, and welcome them to the College Community.

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - Holy Thursday

During Week 10 students 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 - Oobleck Experience

On the final day of Term 1, Year 3B ventured down to a Maker Space to make a little mess. Using cornflour and water, the students were challenged to make Oobleck. While some groups were successful in making a small amount of Oobleck, the highlight for many was being able to stand in a tub of this mysterious mixture which can act as both a liquid and a solid. This science experience was a teaser for our upcoming Chemistry unit in Term 2.

James Sutton
Teacher

Two Wells - Year 9 Rite Journey

Throughout this year, students in Year 9 have commenced a year long rite of passage. The Rite Journey Program is a signature program for our Year 9 students which aims to guide them through their journey into adulthood. The Rite Journey provides a means for students to engage in meaningful discussion about becoming responsible, resilient, resourceful and respectful adults. Together, we seek to equip and empower our students to be confident, purpose-driven and faith-filled as they discover what it means to be an adult and how to find their place in the world.

Each stage of the journey is marked by a memorable event to honour our students’ transition into young adulthood. On Wednesday 3 May students and loved ones were welcomed to the Calling and Departure Dawn Ceremonies at Semaphore Surf Lifesaving Club. A significant event, the ceremonies signified the beginning of their journey from childhood to adulthood and was a special time for families to reflect upon and celebrate the blessing of family and express appreciation and gratitude to each other over a shared breakfast. They watched the sunrise and welcomed new beginnings, with students reflecting on the years past and contemplating the years to come.

Students then embarked on a day of new experiences with their Rite Journey teachers and Father Chris. Students travelled to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and Central Markets to experience new foods, stop to reflect and participate in a range of challenges including slacklining where they demonstrated patience and support for each other. Students also visited St Francis Xavier's Cathedral where they paused to reflect upon their experiences and pray for God's guidance and blessing for the year to come. It was a very special event which we trust our students will always remember.

Student Testimonials

"The day was awesome! Gathering together at sunrise to spend quality time with our friends and families was a special moment to bond and become closer. We overcame challenges as a group and are closer for it."
– Kayleigh Rice

"The Calling and Departure ceremony was life changing for me and my family. We were able to reflect together and share breakfast which we don’t often get to do. This day will always be special to me."
– Hope Argent

Two Wells - SACPSSA/ACHPER Leadership Workshop

On Thursday 4 May, Xavier College Two Wells Year 4/5 Oratory leaders attended the ACHPER/SACPSSA Leadership Workshop. The event took place at St Francis Xavier Catholic School and provided student leaders from a range of schools theoretical knowledge and a series of practical lessons which will not only allow them to perform effectively in their roles but empower them to make meaningful change within their classrooms and school.

Students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were able to collaborate and meet other students from the northern area. Our leaders are now challenged to implement their new learnings within their school and report back in a lead on day later in the year. I’m excited to see how this will unfold as many great ideas were formed in our reflection activity. Congratulations to our leaders who were worthy ambassadors for our school and were able to step outside their comfort zone in order to develop both their sense of responsibility and essential leadership skills.

Kas Pillay
Teacher

Two Wells - Mother's and Special Women's Day

On Thursday 11 May, our Xavier College Two Wells Campus Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students celebrated Mother’s and Special Women’s Day. This special day acknowledges and celebrates the important contribution, hard work, commitment, faith, and love mothers and special women sow into the lives of our children. Students were incredibly excited and proud to welcome loved ones into classrooms after lunch to share their learning as well as participate in a variety of art and craft, reading, and drawing activities.

After visiting classrooms, our mothers and special women gathered to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea of delicious freshly baked jam and cream scones from the local Two Wells Bakery. With an accompaniment of tea and coffee, there was time to relax, chat and connect with one another.
We wish all our mothers a wonderful and well-deserved Mother's Day!

Adele Taylor
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

Two Wells - Breakout Space 1 News

Lunchtime Activities 
Breakout Space 1 is a vibrant fun place for students to visit during lunchtime. Students enjoy a variety of activities. Seeing the students smiles and hearing the happiness in the room brings us so much joy.  For some students it is the beginning chapter of new friendships and finding their place.

Breakout Space 1 has colouring in, reading corner, jigsaw puzzles, play area and a Lego corner every day.

HUB 1 has the following daily activities:

Monday – Chess and UNO
Tuesday - Taco, Cheese, Goat, Pizza card game
Wednesday - Learn how to draw
Thursday – Movie Day
Friday - Craft Day

Library lessons
During Term 1, libraries cross Australia celebrated 'Love Your Library' Month. 

It was a time to remember that our libraries are a place where we can find an adventure, discover fabulous journeys in books, learn new skills, and find out who we are and what we offer. Together we join in and 'show the love' in our Library.

This terms' focus is the National Simultaneous Story Time, Choosing the Right Book for Me and the Premier's Reading Challenge.

Library Volunteers Year 2 to 9 students.
Students are welcome to become a Student Library Volunteer. Volunteers assist with events and selecting books. All volunteers learn valuable skills in the daily running or our school library. I am so very proud of our volunteers. We have had an amazing turn out. They have all started their training and putting these skills to work. My return volunteers have received their badges for 2023 in appreciation of their commitment. Their confidence already has blossomed.

Tammie Haythorpe
Student Hub Technician