Xavier College Gawler Belt eNewsletter

Meet Laura Cooper, our Defence School Mentor

Dear Families

My name is Laura and I’m the new Defence School Mentor at Xavier College.

I have completed my Bachelor of Community Welfare (Families & Communities) Degree and furthermore completed my Graduate Certificate in Social Science (Child & Youth studies). I have also completed my Certificate lV in Frontline Management.

I have been a Defence Spouse for sixteen years and have a comprehensive understanding of the impacts Defence life has on children and young people. I truly understand and empathise as I have two children, aged five and seven, who have just started at the Evanston Campus. From the news of Postings and Deployments, having to move to a new location, and missing a parent who's away for extended periods of time, it can be very challenging for children and young people. Add in leaving family and friends behind, and starting a new school, and it is easy to see how daily life can get complicated.

Alongside my Defence life, I have worked for eighteen years in the disability sector where I've built experience and knowledge supporting individuals with disability in one-to-one and group work settings. I have supported individuals with disability in centre-based and community-based settings in programs such as Respite, OSHC, and Day Options.

The Defence School Mentor Program is such a unique program as it supports children, young people and their families with the impacts of their military lifestyle. As the Defence School Mentor, I will provide emotional and social support to students who have a parent/carer who works in the Australian Defence Force. The program gives Defence children and young people the opportunity to connect, build friendships and share their experiences together.

I will be hosting a Morning Tea at all three campuses with the hope of meeting you all.

Evanston Campus
Week 9, Monday, 18 September, 9am-9.45am in the Library

Gawler Belt Campus
Week 10, Monday 25 September, 9am-9.45am in the Auditorium (Meeting Rooms 2/3)

Two Wells Campus
Week 10, Wednesday 27 September, 9am-9.45am in Hub 2

I’m excited about the journey ahead!

Laura Cooper
Defence School Mentor

No Gawler and District College Buses 7-8 September

Gawler and District College will have a student free day on Thursday, 7 September and a school closure day on Friday, 8 September. There will be no GDC buses running on these days. Students who would usually catch buses to/from Gawler and District College will need to make other travel arrangements.

2024 School Fees

We are pleased to inform our families that there will be no increase in school fees for the 2024 school year. Please read the letter linked below for further information.

Letter to families: School fees for 2024

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 find below a copy of the letter previously sent to all families on 5 June 2023.

Letter to Families - Change of Uniform Policy from 2024

Uniform Shop - Price Updates

Following a review of uniform prices, it is advised that new uniform prices will come into effect from Monday,4 September 2023. The last review of uniform pricing occured in October 2020. While we are forced to increase the prices of some uniform items, the College has been able to reduce the price of trackpants for Primary students, and hold the price of the blazer and rugby jumper.

Uniform Price List

2023 College Musical 'High School Musical: On Stage'!

The cast and orchestra of High School Musical: On Stage have been working tirelessly for many months to present this amazing show at the Shedley Theatre, later this term. The show is set to be a hit, with only a few rehearsals left before production week. The students are very excited to show you their wonderful talents on the main stage, so come and show your support and purchase your tickets, before it’s too late!

Performance dates are the 22nd and 23rd of September. Tickets are officially on sale and available via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1081503

You don’t want to miss this fantastic show!

Sanjay Mohanaraj
Musical Director

Tickets for the 2023 College Musical via Trybooking

Event Poster

World Gymnaestrada 2023

Amelia Humphreys (Year 8, Gawler Belt Campus) and Rachel Brooke (OSHC Director, Evanston Campus) travelled to Amsterdam for the World Gymnaestrada 2023, held from 30 July to 5 August. There were 18,857 participants ranging in age from one month to 93 years and hailing from 60 different countries, who all came together to showcase their gymnastics skills. Over 831 group performances were held in four different venues around Amsterdam. The largest team was from Switzerland with 3,453 and the smallest from New Zealand with two participants. Australia sent a delegation of 450 gymnasts, coaches and supporters with Amelia and Rachel being part of a team of 27.

Performing as part of the SA combined team, Amelia and Rachel along with their team performed their ‘Circle of Life’ Routine for an audience of over 100 people.

They saw some amazing performances and met up with gymnasts from around the world, swapping pins, clothes and stories of their journey to the World Gymnaestrada.

Certainly, an incredible journey and they both have lots of stories and photos as keepsakes.

Great job Team Australia!

Evanston - Head of Campus

Dear Families

Here we are in Week 6 of Term 3. Xavier College Evanston is continuing to provide engaging learning experiences for our students.

Year 5 Adelaide Zoo Excursion
The Year 5 students embarked on a journey to the Adelaide Zoo, an adventure that left them full with knowledge. The amazing creatures that call the zoo home became their teachers for the day. From the playful antics of the monkeys to the beauty of the big cats, our students were captivated by the wonders of all the animals. It was not just a day of fun but an opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation and our responsibility toward our fellow inhabitants on this planet.

Adelaide Gaol – Year 3's Adventure
Our Year 3 students recently embarked on an insightful excursion to the historic Adelaide Gaol, delving into Australia's past through an immersive experience. As they walked the halls and cells of the Adelaide Gaol, now a rich source of history, our students connected with the stories of the past times. The excursion offered them a tangible glimpse into the justice system's evolution and the lives of those who once resided within these walls.

Book Week
What better way to celebrate the power of words and imagination than by observing Book Week in all its glory? This year, our campus was a canvas of vibrant characters and imaginative worlds as students and teachers alike donned their favorite literary costumes. The campus buzzed with energy, as the magic of storytelling came to life.

Rozanna Elmassih
Head of Campus - Evanston

During Weeks 2 to Week 5 of this Term, our whole campus was set a challenge to read 3 million words within a four-week period. During the second week of the challenge, we had already surpassed this goal and a new goal of 7 million words read was set. But three weeks later, we exceeded our revised goal. By the end of the challenge, our campus had collectively read over 18 million words!

Book prizes were awarded to our campus by Scholastic, as well as individual prizes for students in each class who had read the most words. Congratulations to all of our students, particularly Mr Probets’ class, who had collectively read most words during the challenge. As a result, their class will enjoy a pizza party later this term. A very special thank you to Scholastic Australia for providing the prizes for our challenge.

Rozanna Elmassih
Head of Campus - Evanston

Evanston - The Embrace Kids School Program

During Term 3, the Year 5 students will be participating in the Embrace Kids School Program. Flinders University, in conjunction with Griffith University and the Embrace Hub Team, will be evaluating the Embrace Kids program at Xavier College, Evanston Campus. The program is intended to improve childrens' body image, wellbeing and mental health. It has been co-designed by Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, expert body image researchers, teachers, and students. To evaluate the program’s effectiveness, the research team will analyse data collected prior to and following completion of the program.

On Wednesday 26 July, Pip Granfield visited the Year 5 students. Along with Mrs White and the class teachers, the students who had parental permission completed the first survey required. Pip will return in late August to administer another survey then Mrs White will deliver the five week program to all Year 5 students alongside the classroom teachers.

Ms Granfield is a PhD candidate in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University. Her research focuses on positive body image interventions, with a current focus on school-based interventions. As a parent herself, Pip is committed to finding effective, enjoyable ways to set children up with a lifelong positive outlook on themselves and their bodies.

We are really excited to be a part of the Embrace Kids School Program and look forward to delivering the program.

Andrea White
Wellbeing Teacher

Evanston - Year 5 Adelaide Zoo Excursion

On Tuesday, 8 August the Year 5 students from the Evanston Campus headed to the Adelaide Zoo and the Botanic Gardens, to continue their learning on plant and animal adaptations. The students were given a guided tour around the Botanic Gardens, visiting the different areas; rainforest, Mediterranean garden etc. The students learned how the different plants are able to survive in their different zones and climates.

Once at the Zoo, students were given some time to explore and see the different animals and engage in conversation surrounding what they thought the adaptations of these animals might be. From there it was off to the education centre where students learned even more. We looked at the way certain insects survive using their adaptations and learned of the adaptations of other animals based on their coats, fur and claws.

Going forward students will write an information report on the adaptations of an animal of their choosing.

Joshua Bratt
Teacher

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

Year 12 Students
As we get to this point in the term, the finish line is well and truly in the sight of our Year 12 students. It's not time to start backing off; it is time for the opposite to occur. I encourage all Year 12 students to fully engage with the Gawler Belt Campus community for their remaining weeks. Make sure you are on time for school and oratory each day. Get involved with all House activities, especially the Barolo Appeal events. Make the most of the time with your teachers to ensure that you are on track to complete your secondary education successfully. It would be best to remember you remain role models for the younger students until your final day.

Traffic
I wish to remind all drivers, students and parents, that there are signed traffic conditions along Kentish Road. We have been advised that members of SAPOL will pay more attention to the actions of our drivers in this area before and after school. The main concern is drivers not adhering to the 25km speed limit when students are present.

Royal Adelaide Horticulture Show
We wish the Year 11 Agricultural Studies students involved with this year’s Royal Show all the best for next Wednesday. The team will put six goats through an application process, official weighing, and the Grand Parade, where both goats and handlers will be judged.

Social Justice Statement
Last Sunday was Social Justice Sunday, and the Australian Catholic Archbishops Conference released their annual Social Justice Statement. This year's theme is Listen, Learn, Love – A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. A summary of the statement can be found in the below. I encourage all community members to take time to read and reflect upon this year's statement.

Gareth Watson
APRIM - Gawler Belt and Two Wells

2023-24 Social Justice Statement

Gawler Belt - Year 12 Modern History Excursion

In Week 2 of this term, our Year 12 Modern History class embarked on an excursion to the Adelaide Holocaust Museum, where we spent the day learning and enquiring about everything related to the Holocaust – an examinable topic within our course. However, it was clear from our arrival how much more this issue is than an examinable topic. The museum follows the stories of a handful of survivors and their experiences in Germany throughout World War Two, most of these survivors were only our age when Hitler came to power. Often we view the Holocaust through the lens of black and white cameras, which make it seem so ancient and foreign, but this museum made it horrifyingly real through detailed storytelling and provocative displays. A strong focus on the survivors gave us better insight into the sheer scale of the Holocaust and the huge variety of people it affected, and took the attention away from the perpetrators, giving it back to the stories and livelihoods stolen from minorities across Europe. It also better informed us on the ways the Nazis, and indeed many totalitarian authorities, manipulated the masses for their own gain, and helped us to be more aware of the ways even modern Australia can be and is affected by propaganda and other such tactics. While we are now more prepared to sit our exams, more importantly we are more responsible citizens, and aware of the dangers of being implicit within the wrongdoing of others.

Callie Pate
Year 12 Student

Gawler Belt - Transition Information Session

On Wednesday 16 August we held a transition session for students who are undertaking a modified curriculum. We welcomed back old scholars Matt, Bec, and Ayeisha to share stories about their post school journeys, including employment, relationships, and living independently. It was a really proud moment to see these beautiful adults speak in front of the group and explain both the highlights and troubles they’ve faced. Their resilience and growth was awesome, and they were great role models to our current students. We were joined by Rebecca and Barry from Barossa Enterprises, who were able to provide excellent information to the students and their families about accessing employment opportunities. Barry particularly praised the graduates on their bravery in speaking to the group, and role modelling determination. It was a great opportunity to celebrate and inspire.

Jo Bakker
Coordinator - Inclusive Education

Gawler Belt - Year 10 Excursion to Newkree Farm

During Week 3 of this Term the two Year 10 Agriculture classes visited Newkree Dairy farm for an insight into the farm's operation. James Krieg explained how the fourth-generation family farm has developed over the years with the many different animals on the farm. However, the focus now is on the Jersey cows, chickens and the education of the next generations of potential farmers. Our visit involved learning about and assisting with the milking of a Jersey cow, separating the cream from the milk, making butter and a walk through the milking sheds. Students walked away from the experience with a better understanding of where their food comes from and appreciation for the life of a dairy farmer.

Zoe Joyce
Agriculture Coordinator

Gawler Belt - Farm Club at the Gawler Show

Once a week students from any year level have the opportunity to participate in Farm Club, where they get to experience what agriculture has to offer. Students this year have assisted in feeding the animals, taking care of animal welfare, gardening, and training the goats to be walked on a lead. Farm Club students have learnt skills around animal handling and welfare which they applied when they volunteered at the Gawler Show last weekend. Our amazing volunteers assisted in the Animal Learning Center managing the welfare of calves, rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs. The students involved represented Xavier College exceptionally well, proudly interacting with young children and their families in a respectful and happy manner. Special thanks to the following students.

Lexi Harrip
Emily Simpson
Innay Smyth
Charlotte Dix
Gabriella Hallworth
Charlotte
Maddison Sims
Isobel Norris
Emma Sayce
Jemma Reed

Daniel Oates
Agriculture Coordinator

Two Wells - Head of Campus

As we are enjoying the season change and we can see glimpses of warmer weather, we are also enjoying the exciting happenings at our campus. From celebrating fathers to fostering a love for learning, diving into captivating books to witnessing progress in our campus development, there are a lot of wonderful things happening at the College.

Book Week transported us to far-off lands, enchanted realms, and thrilling adventures through the power of storytelling. From exciting lunch activities to book discussions that ignited lively debates, our campus embraced the magic of reading. Students and staff alike dressed up, and needless to say, our Parade was a lot of fun! As usual, our energetic and charismatic Mrs Haythorpe added her unique passion and vibrancy, going above and beyond to create a memorable week for our students. Thank you, Mrs Haythorpe! Thank you must also go to Ms Taylor for her dedication and work.

Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures, and friends – on Father's Day, we came together to celebrate these remarkable individuals who play a vital role in shaping our lives. Through our wonderful Dads and Donuts event we showed that we are grateful for the support, guidance, and love they provide us.

Education is a journey of discovery, and at Xavier College Two Wells we're committed to fostering curiosity and a love for learning. Our classrooms have been buzzing with interactive lessons, engaging experiments, and collaborative projects in iTime that encourage students to think critically and creatively. From solving real-world challenges to exploring new subjects, our students continue to amaze us with their enthusiasm and dedication.

The College believes in working collaboratively with families; our recent SPOC and subject interviews were important opportunities for conversations providing valuable insights into progress, areas to celebrate, the development of goals and the importance of perseverance. If you have not recently connected with teachers, please do so.

We're excited to report that our gymnasium and OSHC development is progressing smoothly. The construction is close to completion, and we're thrilled to see our vision of a modern, inspiring learning environment coming to life.

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - Year 7 STEM Footy

Two Wells Year 7 students have been participating in the Adelaide Crows STEMfooty program. The program is designed to connect science and mathematical concepts to realistic AFL examples. Making classroom learning exciting by participating in practical and fun experiences.

The Adelaide Football Club’s STEMfooty program is a 10-week program that gives the students a real world understanding and passion for STEM as well as future related employment opportunities.

Last week, a highlight of the program was having a practical session with Adelaide Crows AFLW star midfielder Niamh Kelly. Niamh, along with Tyrell Hocking and Ross Lowe, had the students reviewing and discussing aspects of the game such as trajectory, heart rate, reaction times along with distance and accuracy to develop an appreciation and awareness of things that add to the game of football.

The students are having fun learning and participating in the STEMfooty program during their iTime lessons. At the completion of the program, the students will be applying their newly gained knowledge to problem solve by enhancing an aspect of a particular sport, alternatively taking sport to 2050 by reinventing a sport, developing a training program, or redesigning sporting equipment to support and inspire others to participate and succeed in sport.

Adriaan Vollebregt and Nicholas Skewes
Teachers

Two Wells - Celebrating a Successful Year 9 Rite Journey Camp!

We are thrilled to share the tremendous success of this year's Year 9 Rite Journey Camp. Held amidst the picturesque landscapes of Parra Wirra, Mount Crawford and the Barossa Region, the camp offered students an array of challenging activities, fostering personal growth and building lasting memories. A transformative experience for our students as part of the Rite Journey Program.

Throughout the camp, students were encouraged to embrace their unique qualities and develop meaningful connections with their peers. The Abyss Camp, designed as a rite of passage, empowered our Year 9 students to navigate their journey into adulthood with a renewed sense of purpose and self-awareness. The activities provided focused on self-reflection, leadership skills, and character development. From engaging group discussions to soul-searching solitary experiences, our students gained valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth.

One of the highlights of the camp was the high ropes course, expertly run by Wilderness Escape facilitators at Woodhouse. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, our students bravely embarked on a day of new challenges, conquering their fears and pushing their boundaries. The high ropes course served as an ideal platform for our young participants to develop resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Wilderness Escape Camps. The student-centered and passionate approach of their instructors provided an enriching learning environment for our students to succeed as they challenged themselves both physically and mentally.

As we reflect upon a successful Rite Journey Camp, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our students' lives as they continue to flourish across their academic and personal paths. The memories created, lessons learned, and connections forged will undoubtedly remain with them as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 students and excited to see the positive influence they will continue have within our school community and beyond.

Simone Dajeman and Nicholas Skewes
Teachers

Last week, our Two Wells Campus celebrated National Science Week! Inspiring students to become fascinated by the world we live in, Science Week activities were displayed by our R-5 classes and lunchtime activities available around our campus throughout the week. Some of the lunchtime highlights included making microbugs with playdough on Petri dishes and using metal detectors to locate hidden treasures in the sandpit with Mr Pinchbeck!

Our R-5 classes showcased a broad range of experiments that involved growing grassheads, creating paper helicopters, exploring germination, visual adaptions and so much more!

It was a fantastic week that promoted lots of wondering questions, curiosity, creativity and awe about the wonderful world of Science that surrounds us!

Adele Taylor
R-2 Early Years Coordinator

On Friday 25 August, our R-5 students welcomed Dr Quark to our Two Wells Campus to perform his Scientific Circus show as part of our Science Week celebrations. While performing juggling, rolla bolla, plate spinning, and unicycling, Dr Quark demonstrated and explained the effects of energy transfer, push and pull forces, gravity, momentum and so much more!

It was a highly engaging Science performance that kept all our students completely captivated and inquisitive about the Science behind traditional circus tricks!

Adele Taylor
R-2 Early Years Coordinator

Two Wells - Book Week Parade

Olympics Unleashed
On Monday 28 August, the Two Wells Campus middle school students were privileged to have Australian Olympian Nicholas Timmings speak about his Olympic journey and inspire the next generation of athletes. It was amazing to get an insight into how much dedication and motivation it takes to compete at the elite level of sport.

Boys Gawler District Soccer
Congratulations to Nick Harris, Xavier Fallen, and Stefan Trimboli who represented Gawler District at the recent SA School Sport State Soccer Carnival in Week 4. The team finished the week in equal second place, which is an incredible effort against some very tough competition. Well done boys!

House Cross Country
In Week 3, all students participated in our House Cross Country event, which saw them navigate a 1.5km course around our campus. It was fantastic to see students putting in a big effort to represent their Houses so well, and to be outside being active. The eventual winner was Occhiena - congratulations to everyone who contributed to their success!

Upcoming Events
In Week 8, our Year 8 students will participate in the Knights of the Southern Cross carnival, which will see them participate in a variety of sports against St Columba College and Thomas More College.

In week 10, we have our Years 3-5 students participating in the Northern Catholic School t-ball carnival at Ridley Reserve in Elizabeth.

Best of luck to our athletes!

Nicholas Skewes
Sports Coordinator