Xavier College Newsletter - Term 2 Week 6

Introducing our New College Board Members

Welcome to our new Board Members
Earlier this year, we called for applications to join the Xavier College Board. 

As the nomination and voting process has now been completed, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the College community to our two new College Board Members.

Jessica Batki
Jessica moved into the Gawler area with her husband, Matt, and their young family about 10 years ago. Jessica and Matt’s four children attend Xavier College Evanston and Gawler Belt Campuses.

Jessica is a tertiary qualified Graduate of Business (Administrative Management) and Management (Human Resources) and believes her experience in the workforce, coupled with her commitment to the Catholic ethos of the College, enhances her ability to be an effective, efficient, warm, welcoming, attentive and inclusive member of the Xavier College Board. 

Mark Frankcom
Mark and his fiancé, Marie, have two children who attend Xavier College Evanston Campus.

Mark has been a serving South Australian Police Officer for 17 years, working in both metropolitan and country locations. He has also served as a Councillor with the Light Regional Council and is a volunteer with Operation Flinders.

Mark believes he will bring with him the passion and enthusiasm to be an effective Board member and support Xavier College in achieving our Mission and Vision, upholding its’ core values.

We warmly welcome Jessica and Mark and thank them for their commitment to the Xavier College community.

Mark Flaherty
Principal

College Tours

We welcome the community to join us for a tour of our campuses.

Evanston – 21 June at 9:30am

Gawler Belt – 21 June at 4:00pm

Two Wells – 27 June at 9:30am

Visit the College website to register for a tour.

Victoria Hall
College Registrar

Feros Care Events

Important Changes to College Uniform from 2024

At its’ meeting on 23 May 2023, the College Board agreed that effective from the commencement of the 2024 school year, all students from Reception to Year 9 at all campuses of the College will wear the PE Uniform only.

The formal College Uniform will only be expected to be worn once students enter Years 10–12 (unless required by subject choice).

Please read the below letter to families for further information.

Inclusive Education Excursion

On Tuesday 23 May the Inclusive Education team from Gawler Belt and Two Wells combined to participate in an excursion getting to know the town of Gawler.

Feedback from students was that they had fun and enjoyed making new friends. They enjoyed being able to look around and go on public transport, which is easy and cheap. It was good seeing a whole bunch of places you can go to for help, like Medicare, Services SA, and the Police Station. They loved buying their own food- having to make decisions about how to spend the allocated money wisely. They enjoyed playing on the playground at lunchtime. It was funny seeing the firetruck do a U-Turn in the Gawler Emergency car park.

We look forward to more opportunities to build relationships between the campuses, and to keep building independence skills.

Jo Bakker
Coordinator - Inclusive Education

Mandy Taylor
Inclusive Education/Learning Coach

Chrissie Scott
ESO - Curriculum

Paint & Snack Event

Mrs Justice and Mrs Duregon will guide you step by step to complete a painting of your partner in an abstracted Picasso style. We are offering this workshop specifically for students (over the age of 10 years) and a special art loving adult in their life who is over the age of 21 years) The paintings will be photographed for a digital exhibition to be held in August as part of the ‘Art on the Plains’ Festival (also part of SALA – South Australian Living Artists Festival).

Before you exclaim, "No way, I can’t paint, I’m not an artist!" Consider your views on the following statements: exercise is only for athletes, cooking is only for chefs, learning is only for students. Chances are you disagree with all three because movement, nutrition and growth is important for all people, every day. Opportunities for play and creativity are just as critical to fostering positive wellbeing, so stretch your character strengths of bravery, zest, humour and join us because art is for all!

Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Space is limited so be quick to secure your ticket via trybooking.

Andrea Duregon
Curriculum Leader - Arts

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data of School Students with a Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The information is collected for the purpose of informing the government’s future planning and ability to provide support for students experiencing disability. Please see the following resources for further information.

Reconciliation Week

National Sorry Day, 26 May, and National Reconciliation Week, 26 May-2 June, was celebrated across the College with:

1. Liturgies being held across all 3 campuses.
2. Assembly and a Welcome to Country by Kaurna Elder Aunty Ros Coleman.
3. Meet and Greet morning tea including Aboriginal students, Aunty Ros, and student leaders.
4. Various classroom activities.
5. Breakfasts and morning teas which included both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous students (buddy).
6. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coordinator did a reading of “My Mob” to Two Wells Reception classes.
7. The Smith Family's Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) held a National Reconciliation Week Virtual Breakfast for participants from around Australia; Xavier currently has five participating in this scholarship program.
8. Sorry Day displays and activities.

We're proud to encourage our students to build meaningful relationships and respect between Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander peoples and Non-Indigenous members of our community.

Lorraine Lemmens
Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander Coordinator

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The Smith Family Saver Plus Program

We are proud to announce that Xavier College recently won two $1,000 gift card vouchers for Officeworks and Rebel Sport, by being an active school that regularly supports and promotes The Smith Family, Saver Plus Program. Saver Plus is a free 10-month matched savings program for families or individuals, and provides individuals with a personalised savings plan to assist with education expenses for students. The program offers up to $500 in matched funds and has a small financial education component.

Saver Plus has been around since 2003 and is Government funded. There is some eligibility criteria, check out https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/programs/financial/saver-plus or contact Stacey Hall at The Smith Family on 0417 048 689.

Trinity Interschool Gymkhana

The annual Trinity Interschool Gymkhana was held on 12 May and included riders from Gawler Belt and Two Wells campuses. All riders represented the College impeccably and placed 1st in the Interschool Gymkhana Perpetual Trophy placings. The College accumulated 26 points more than their nearest rival.  

Our very small team of six riders performed exremely well throughout the day and also had lots of fun. It was a great opportunity for students from both campuses to ride together as a team and compete together to win the Perpectual Trophy, which is the first time for Xavier College since the inception of the Award in 1986. Please see below for a list of results for our riders. 

• Charli Clarke placed first in the Pair of Hacks class in the Encourage Show Horse Ring.
• Chilli Smith placed first in the Pleasure Pony and Pair of Ponies classes in the Open Show Horse Ring as well as Reserve Champion Pony in the same ring.
• Imogen Dignon placed first in the Led Hack and Best Presented Hack classes in the Open Ring.
• Mia Jervis placed first in the Best Tail Rider (Reception – Year 3) class in the Topsy Ring.
• Scarlett Knight placed first in the Rider (Year 10–12), Hack, Educated Hack and Pair of Hack classes in the Open Show Ring as well as Champion Hack.
• Sienna Challens placed first in the Fancy Dress class in the Topsy Ring as well as placing first in the Steppingstones novelty event.

Congratulations to all these riders for their fantastic performances and contributions to Xavier College winning the day. We look forward to Clare Interschool Gymkhana which usually occurs in November and is a really great day out. 

Denise Piggott
House Director Pastoral Care - Handley

Evanston - Head of Campus

Our Mid Year Reception transition program is well and truly underway. Anthea Lipp and Sharon Roeburn have been leading the program with the support of both Lynn Goldych and Franca Hall. This program allows for our new students to transition into school life and build relationships. I want to take this opportunity to welcome two new educators, Elsey Oldman and Kerryn Sayers who will be teaching the mid year receptions beginning in Term 3.

With just over four weeks to go before the end of the semester, you would have noticed assessment grades coming through SEQTA. This allows real time learning to be communicated to families to ensure there are no surprises when mid year reports are received at the end of this term.

Rozanna Elmassih
Head of Campus - Evanston

Evanston - National Simultaneous Story Time

On Tuesday 24 May, the Reception to Year 2 classes joined over 20,000 sites across Australia in celebrating National Simultaneous Story Time. We crossed live to the Western Sydney Zoo to listen to the author of The Speedy Sloth read the picture book to us. Classes participated in Literacy and craft activities through the day. There were even visits from some toy sloths, who came for the day for some cuddly fun! Our classes learnt some new things about where sloths live and enjoyed coming together for the love of reading.

Anthea Lipp
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

Evanston - OSHC April Vacation Care

April Vacation Care was filled with playground excursions and outdoor fun.

We visited the railway museum and Maritime Museum where we explored what life was like in the ‘olden days’ as well as a really long bus ride to Tailem Town where the children were able to look into old style buildings and occupations.

Children enjoyed science experiences, slime making, wheels day, and the silent disco where children enjoyed listening to music through headphones.

They also enjoyed the sunshine and games with educators outside on the village green and chalk drawings on the basketball court.

We are looking forward to the July school holidays where we will be swimming, building mazes, and visiting the Adelaide Zoo.

Rachel Brooke
OSHC Director

Evanston - Parent Reading Workshop

Over Weeks 1 and 2 of this term, parent workshops were held by the Reception Teaching Team. The “Helping your child learn to read” workshops assist families in supporting their child with the important step of reading their first reader at home. We also provide information to families about the important skills children acquire along the way to successful reading. Thank you to the wonderful number of families that were able to attend. We are excited to share in your child’s reading journey with you!

Anthea Lipp
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

Evanston - Peaceful Classrooms Program

Year 1
During our Peaceful Classrooms lesson in week 3 the Year 1 students listened to the story Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee Maclean. Moody Cow has a really rotten day and needs the help of Grandpa Cow. Grandpa Cow teaches Moody Cow how to meditate and makes a glitter jar with him. “The jar is like your mind and the sparkles are the thoughts in your head,” Grandpa Cow told Moody Cow.” After listening to the story, the children from Ms Carty’s Year 1 class made their own Mind Jar. Shaking the jar represents when they feel angry. Watching the glitter settle and practicing Big Belly Breaths helps our angry feelings slow down.

Year 2
The Year 2 children have been learning about different strategies to help their Amygdala settle when it explodes. The Amygdala is a tiny part of our brain that controls our emotions. The children have learnt many strategies, Belly Breathing, Star Breathing, Heart Breathing and so much more. These simple strategies help calm the Amygdala.

Evanston - Year 1 Dioramas

Over the past few weeks, our Year 1 students have been working hard to research and create Australian Animal Wildlife Enclosures, as a part of their learning in Design and Technology. It has been wonderful to witness the energy and enthusiasm of the Year 1 children as they work to create a final product they are proud of. Well done to the Year 1s on your amazing achievements!

Anthea Lipp
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

Motivational Speaker - Glen Gerreyn from ‘The Hopeful Institute’ 
During the week we delighted to be able to welcome Glen Gerreyn from ‘The Hopeful Institute’ to Xavier College for the very first time. I have worked with Glen across a number of schools in the past and the positive feedback from the students following his presentations has always been exceptionally positive. Glen presented two sessions on ‘The Power of Purpose’. The first of Glen’s presentations was to our Year 7 students along with our Year 6 students from Evanston. The second session was presented to our Year 12 students. Glen was a potential elite athlete when at the age of 22 he was diagnosed with a serious chronic disease. Following his diagnosis Glen rose to the challenge and decided that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others by established a Youth Centre. Glen is now an established author who presents at over 300 schools around Australia each year as a motivational speaker.

Glen’s key message is that every student has a gift which given the right environment can truly flourish and that the students talents come to you in the form of seeds of greatness. Glen provided the students with a comprehensive set of tools and approaches to succeed and to flourish in their lives, which included:

• Change your passion into a reality
• Practice your craft
• Build discipline in one area
• Gain wisdom
• Creating a vision board
• Choose courage over comfort
• Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard
• Hope in your future gives you power in your present
• Don’t give up in the dark season

Glen’s final takeaway message for the students was to ‘Get Committed’, don’t just focus on getting motivated.

BAE Systems Presentation
Our Certificate II Engineering Pathways students recently had a personalised presentation from a key representative from BAE Systems. The presentation provided our students with a comprehensive overview of the key steps involved in gaining meaningful employment directly through BAE Systems which would give them a pathway to working on major projects such as the ongoing large scale shipbuilding projects, including the Hunter class frigates, Arafura class offshore patrol vessels, the future build of AUKUS submarines. Upon the completion of an apprenticeship research shows that 92% of students have a pathway directly into employment. With over 90% of trades experiencing shortages in 2018-2022, taking up a trade provides students with a direct pathway from being in school to being in demand with amazing employment opportunities. Xavier College is proud to have a positive partnership with both TAFE SA and BAE Systems with the view to supporting students as they transition into their future careers in manufacturing.

John Cameron
Head of Campus – Gawler Belt

Gawler Belt - Asian Street Food Market

During Weeks 3 and 4 our Year 11 Hospitality Students showcased their cooking skills to the staff and students of Xavier College by offering an array of mouthwatering delights in their Asian Street Market stalls. Each stall represented a different country’s culinary prowess. From steaming bowls of fragrant noodles to sizzling stir fried dishes to sweet Asian delicacies our guests were spoilt for choice. It was truly a feast for the senses as students expertly prepared and presented these dishes, ensuring authenticity and utmost flavour in every bite. Well done to all students involved.

Nadine Smart and Ainslee Knight
Teachers

Gawler Belt - Musicians at Harcourt's Biggest Morning Tea

On Thursday 25 May, Harcourt’s Gawler completed their annual Biggest Morning Tea which raised a significant amount of money for the Cancer Council. Xavier College students were invited to provide musical entertainment for the event. It rained heavily during the event but that did not deter our musicians or the guests who enjoyed the morning immensely. Congratulations to Holly Sayce, Emily Nicol, Selina Kennett, Bethany Johnson, Jessica Hall and Cohen Reeves who provided musical entertainment and thank you to Mr Tom Lindner for organising the event.

Leanne Savill
Music Coordinator

Gawler Belt - Pedal Prix

Xavier College staff and families were so proud of our students who competed in the Pedal Prix race held at The Bend Motorsport Park on Saturday 20 May. The Bend is a huge, fast track in comparison to the Adelaide and Murray Bridge circuits and riders seized the opportunity to test the mettle of their new trike. Xavier College recently took possession of a GTrike Matrix Pro and this vehicle, Bosco 1, achieved an amazing Fifth spot in the Senior S3 class of 38 entrants. It is also worth noting that the team finished 27^th overall in a field of 153 entrants, notably in front of a host of adult teams. Even a blown tyre, a slow lap on the flat and an unscheduled pit to replace the wheel did not hold them back. Congratulations Ethan, Spencer, Owen, Elijah, Eamon, and Cam.

Bosco 2, Xavier’s second vehicle came home in 32^nd position within the same Senior S3 class and this was a worthy effort considering that most of the students would have been eligible by age to race in the more junior category. This team also had to contend with considerable time in the pits during which racing damage caused by other vehicles was attended to. However, the riders kept focus and continued to do their best. Congratulations Dean, William, Joe, Daan, Taylor, and Blake.

Bosco 3, beautifully repaired and presented in a wild new paint scheme by Willaston Auto was brought home in 34^th position in the Middle School S2 division. This team’s position was also affected by racing crash damage caused by other vehicles, but the boys were not fazed and worked hard until the end of the race to bring the vehicle home. Congratulations Luca, Julian, Harper, Oliver, and Eli.

We are justifiably proud of our students for their athletic achievement. Equally gratifying is their attitude and behaviour towards each other, teammates’ families, and staff. An enjoyable day was had by all, not least the parents and families who contributed so much to ensure the day’s success. We could not race without the help which is so willingly provided by family members, and we are grateful.

Rob Welsh
Library Technician

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Gawler Belt - School Sport SA Teams

Congratulations to Fletcher Rieck and Pippa Batki who have been selected for the Under 12s School Sport SA hockey teams! Best of luck in your competitions at the School Sport Australia championships.

Gawler Belt - St Columba Sporting Exchange

On 18 May we hosted St Columba for our annual sporting exchange. Our students did a fantastic job representing the College by showing leadership, sportsmanship, and RUAH. We won the open girls' netball and basketball as well as the open boys' basketball, AFL and soccer games. Our girls' soccer team drew after an intense 90 minutes of high-level soccer. Congratulations to our students on their fantastic effort.  

The St Columba sporting exchange isn’t possible without the help of our wonderful staff, so I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped organise and carry out the day.

Milos Banic
Teacher

Gawler Belt - Term 1 Senior Visual and Creative Arts Excursion

On the final day of term 1, our Senior Visual and Creative Arts students had an inspiring arts excursion in the city. We started with an exclusive tour of Adelaide College of the Arts, where they witnessed the magic of creativity and explored specialized suites, gaining valuable insights into arts courses and careers. Next, we attended the SACE Year 12 Art show, showcasing exceptional artwork from the 2021 Year 12 cohort. Students immersed themselves in the gallery, allowing their own creativity to flourish as they absorbed their peers' work. We then ventured to the Jam Factory, a window into the contemporary arts world, where students experienced the magic of artists, designers, and craftspeople in action. The Jam Factory champions the value of craft and design in our lives. Our students glimpsed the vibrant creative arts industry. Our students were exceptional ambassadors for the College, and I appreciate the support of Ms Piggott and Mr Welsh who accompanied them.

 As Semester 1 concludes, let us all carry the spirit of creativity, exploration, and limitless potential into our 2023 journey. Together, as a community of artists, educators, and families, we'll continue to inspire, support, and celebrate the talent within our students. May their artistic passion burn brightly, lighting the way to a future where imagination knows no bounds.

Andrea Duregon
Curriculum Leader - Art

Gawler Belt - Year 10 Project Based Learning Coaching

In Year 10 Elective PE, students took on different coaching roles to enhance student enjoyment and enthusiasm in an unfamiliar sport that culminated in a tournament as a part of their PBL unit. The students demonstrated respect, understanding, affection and humour as they created a welcoming environment for all students while deepening their understanding of why it is important for young people to stay active to enhance both their physical and mental health and well-being.

“It was fun to gain experience in an unfamiliar sport such as lacrosse and flag football with a different group of students. Through this task, I developed my leadership skills and learned more about the sport I was coaching. I am glad I got to work with my peers and develop my group work skills.”
- Imelda Barrett, Year 10 Student

Ainslee Knight and Joshua Pellizzari
Teachers

Gawler Belt - Year 12 Food & Hospitality Excursion

The Year 12 Food and Hospitality classes recently visited the Adelaide Central Market and Watershed Café to investigate the changing trends and contemporary nature of the hospitality industry.
Students were asked to explore different menu items and produce available to the general public. Students were also asked to identify popular products and any contemporary diet trends or ingredients. Finally they were asked to look for unusual produce or any multicultural influences.

The information will be used as the basis for their next task on contemporary trends.

Robert Polito
Assistant Head of Campus - Pastoral Care

Two Wells - Head of Campus

The circle of life has hit hard this week – not literally, but the feelings were there! Tuesday night was spent with new families as their children prepare to take the huge leap of starting school. It is a time of excitement, nerves, trepidation, and a whole new world. Thursday night was then spent with our Year 9 students as they prepare to start the first part of their SACE at the Gawler Belt Campus. The same feelings of apprehension and excitement were in the room, while it felt like our children were leaving the nest! The biggest element in common was the wonderful families there for their children. It never fails to amaze me to see our families work with us to form and strengthen our whole community. At whatever stage you are in your relationship with Xavier College, I trust we will always work together to ensure our children are happy and thriving.

As the change of semester is not far away, your child will receive a summary of their academic progress towards the end of the term. Please ensure you continue to check SEQTA for results, and contact teachers if you have concerns or need clarity.

Thank you to our staff for organizing some wonderful events over the last few weeks; our Zoo excursion, basketball competitions, visits from Father Chris for our Early Years students as they are introduced to Mass, and walking excursions around Two Wells. It was also a pleasure to host Professor Denis Ralph, recently retired Chair of South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS), as he toured the new buildings. It also happened to be his 80th birthday, made all the more special by our students gathering to sing him Happy Birthday!

Our new building – gym and OSHC facility – is coming along well. It is exciting to see it really take shape, with windows, cladding and brickwork in place. We continue to be on course for completion during Term 3. 

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - Reception Nature Play SA Incursion

On Friday 19 May, our Two Wells Reception students participated in an incursion hosted by the Nature Play SA Education team. Students engaged in a mini festival of play experiences designed to spark their curiosity and develop a deeper connection with nature. While the favourite activity of the day was cubby building, students enjoyed experimenting with magic potion making, water runs, clay creations and water-colour painting. Students used their agency to manage their time to move between the activities of interest and thoroughly enjoyed their time with the Nature Play SA Team. 

Molly Jefferys, Luke Guthrie, Alison Bhraunxs, and Gina Dunning
Teachers

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Two Wells - Reconciliation Week Liturgy

Last Friday 2 May, our Two Wells R-5 Early Years/Primary students and 6-9 Middle Years students gathered together at different times of the morning with Father Chris to participate in our Reconciliation Week Liturgy. With last Friday being National Sorry Day, our students took time through prayer and song to acknowledge the sorrows of the past and reflect on ways we can all play a part in the reconciliation and healing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and nation.

Molly Jefferys
Religious Coordinator

Two Wells - Religious Education

Storybook reading to the R-2 Early Years
During Weeks 4 and 5, our Two Wells Year 7 students visited each of the Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes to read aloud the Holy Week storybooks they had created as part of their learning in Religion. Strengthening student relationships, our R-2 students loved listening to the Year 7s present their Holy Week storybooks and appreciated the opportunity to share their own understandings and questions.  

Reception: Exploring Sacred Symbols
In Reception, students have been learning about sacred symbols. Students enjoyed an exhibition with Father Chris which allowed them to explore many sacred symbols. Demonstrating curiosity and respect during the experience, students had many wonderful for questions for Fr Chris. They also loved sharing their own knowledge about sacred symbols with Fr Chris.

Molly Jefferys
Religious Coordinator

Adele Taylor
R-2 Early Years Coordinator

Two Wells - National Simultaneous Story Time

On Wednesday 24 May, our Xavier College Two Wells R-2 students participated in the 2023 National Simultaneous Storytime! Each year schools, pre-schools, libraries, and bookshops across Australia listen to the same story be read aloud at the same time to promote literacy and nurture children's love for reading. 

At approximately 11:00am, our students gathered in the Hub to live stream the author, Rebecca Young, read the storybook, Speedy Sloth! This beautiful storybook celebrates all winners, not just those that come first!

Congratulations to Larni Wearn (Year 2) who won a personal copy of the storybook as part of our school raffle!

At lunchtime we celebrated this wonderful book with the following activities, Sloth Colouring in, Learn how to draw a Sloth, and the Student Library Volunteers ran an activity - Make a Sloth Mask. 

Tammie Haythorpe
Hub Technician

Adele Taylor
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

Two Wells - Xavier Bambinos

With beaming smiles and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead, our mid-year Xavier Bambinos joined us on site at our Two Wells campus for their first transition visit. As part of our transition program, our Bambinos will join us weekly in preparation for full-time school next term. Demonstrating the school values of Respect and Affection, our Bambinos were introduced to school routines and created new friendships with their peers through lots of play, singing and dancing.

Adele Taylor
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

Two Wells - Year 1 Adelaide Zoo Excursion

On Wednesday 17 May, our Two Wells campus Year 1 students attended an excursion to Adelaide Zoo. Students took photos of natural, managed and constructed features around the zoo to support their learning in Humanities and the creation of Australian animal enclosure dioramas for Design and Technology. Highlights included the Bird Flight Show experience, Nocturnal House and giant Nature Playground! It was a beautiful day spent together exploring the zoo's animals and our native Austalian species.

Angela Bowman and Marissa Chelchowski
Teachers

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