Xavier College Newsletter - Term 4 Week 4

Principal's Welcome

Farewell to our Year 12 Graduating Class of 2023
Last week, we farewelled the Graduating Class of 2023. Our final Gawler Belt Campus Assembly, Graduation Ceremony and House celebrations during the week were a wonderful recognition of our Year 12 students.

To our 2023 Gawler Belt Campus Captains, Stefanie Cirillo, Keeley Hurst, and Zachary Sadiwnyk, I thank you for your outstanding leadership throughout the year.

Award Winners
I take this opportunity to congratulate all our award winners for 2023. A wonderful achievement for your hard work during the year.

Thank you!
I pay tribute to all those who have supported our senior students during their time at Xavier College; their families, teachers and other staff members at the College. Thank you for the way in which you have supported these students throughout their secondary education at Xavier College.

Finally, to our Year 12 Graduating class of 2023
I cannot emphasise enough to you the importance of work ethic, treating everyone with kindness, showing gratitude and having a passion for everything you do in life.

I wish you the best over the exam period and I look forward to seeing you and your families at the Farewell Dinner Dance.

Remember, you will always be a part of the Xavier College community.

Mark Flaherty
Principal

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.

Important Changes to College Uniform from 2024

Dear Families

Over the past few years there have been a number of changes to the Xavier College Uniform and we would like to remind you of the requirements for students from the commencement of the 2024 school year.

In 2020, information was sent to parents/caregivers informing of a brand refresh of the Xavier College uniform. At this time, students in Year 7 2021 were asked to purchase only the new uniform items with the updated College crest.

Existing students in Years 8 to 12 were given until the completion of their schooling to wear the existing uniform, however, were asked to purchase new items if larger sizes were required during this period.

Accordingly, from the commencement of the 2024 school year all students from Years 7-10 should be in new uniform only (new crest). Only students in Years 11-12 may wear the old uniform which displays the old crest.

In relation to the wearing of the PE uniform, the following now applies:

Kind regards,

Mark Flaherty
Principal

Continued Changes to School 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.

Evanston - Head of Campus

Dear Families,

We have been busy at Evanston!

Premiers Reading Challenge
A momentous day for the Evanston Campus, selected as one of the 55 high-achieving schools in South Australia, the Honourable Peter Malinauskas MP invited school representatives to attend the 2023 Premier’s Reading Challenge Reception, celebrating the 20^th year of the Premier's Reading Challenge!

As a campus we are celebrating our student’s PRC participation at our final assembly, with great pride… we will Present 240 medals, 95 certificates and for those who have read 20 books in honour of the Challenge's 20th year, an additional 245 certificates! We are delighted with our student’s commitment to reading great literature.

Childrens University
The Children’s University Graduation is a celebration of learning, from online cooking classes and baking choc chip cookies to animal reviews at the Adelaide Zoo! Held in the University of Adelaide’s Bonython Hall, the 2023 CU graduation was attended by special guests, proud family and friends. Thirty-one Xavier College Evanston Campus students joined hands with the CU community for this significant event. Each graduate, respectful of this great tradition were gowned, wore a CU mortar board and sash, and took their allocated seat, like they had aged 15 years in a blink!

Master of Ceremonies, a student from Paralowie R-12 School guided us through the event with confidence. The Honourable Catherine Branson AC KC, Chancellor of the University of Adelaide addressed the ceremony with warmth, a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what's to come. Mr Hickey was honoured to announce our graduates and provided each the confidence to take to the stage.

Associate Professor Nick Falkner, Deputy Head of the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Discipline Lead, Computer Science, the University of Adelaide presented our graduates with their certificate of achievements. As the ceremony came to an end, Kiri Hagenus, the Managing Director of Children's University Australasia and Africa, extended her heartfelt thanks to the graduates, their families, and the fantastic learning destinations and support systems. It was a moment of reflection and appreciation for the collective effort that made this journey possible. The Bonython Hall organ played on the procession's exit, leaving all with smiles and memories. The Children's University Graduation was a memorable event, celebrating our graduates and the CU community that nurtured their love for learning and bright futures.

Special Mention: Layla Smith
The winners of the 2023 Mayor's Christmas Card Competition have been announced, we are thrilled to announce Layla Smith as the 2^nd Winning Entry! On Monday 6 November all placegetters, family members, carers, and school representatives joined Mayor Karen Redman at an Awards Ceremony held in the Institute at the Gawler Centre Civic Centre.

Each winning student received

• A certificate
• A framed print of their artwork
• A set of their own cards
• A gift voucher for Big W

We will be using Layla’s Christmas cards to distribute in our community.

Rozanna Elmassih
Head of Campus - Evanston

Evanston - Grandparents Day

In Week 2, the Evanston Campus were delighted to host a morning tea and liturgy to celebrate Grandparents Day. More than 350 parents and grandparents gathered in the SAMMAT before school, with their grandchildren for tea, coffee and scones. Families then stayed for a whole school liturgy in their honour.

We would like to thank our Evanston families for coming to celebrate with us. The connection and warmth felt from our school community was very special to be a part of.

Anthea Lipp
Early Years R - 2 Coordinator

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Evanston - Congratulations Lilliana

An accomplished tennis player, big congratulations to Lilliana Maiolo for placing runner-up in the 2023 State Foundation Cup.

Representing the Lower Northern District, Lilliana competed in the U/10 age group held in Berri during the holiday break.

Well done Lilliana!

Evanston - Festival of Footy

In Week 10, Term 3, approximately 60 students from the Evanston Campus participated in the Gawler 'Festival of Footy' AFL Carnival. The Carnival was held at Princes Park and organised by the Playford and Gawler District South Australian Primary Schools Sports Association. It was magnificent to have such a large number of students participating in the carnival, allowing the Evanston Campus to nominate two boys and two girls teams with students from Years 4-6. The weather on the day was impeccable, and everyone who attended had a great time playing football against other primary schools from the local area.

Lyndon Draper
Sports Coordinator

Evanston - Parliament Excursion

Recently, our Evanston Campus Year 6s embarked on a fantastic journey to Adelaide. They delved into the heart of Parliament House, guided by the informative Tony Piccolo. The learning continued at the South Australian Museum, where students explored Indigenous culture through a self-guided tour. The day continued at the Market Plaza Food Court, where our students enjoyed diverse Asian dishes and Bubble Tea, experiencing the city’s vibrant food culture. An extraordinary day of learning, laughter and delectable experiences!

Anna Kaczmarek
Teacher

Evanston - Marine Discovery Centre

During Week 2, our Evanston Campus Year 2s travelled to Henley Beach and the Marine Discovery Centre to learn all about the wonderful creatures that live in and around our South Australian oceans. The students went on a beach walk and were amazed at the different seaweeds, eggs, shells and marine life that they found. Back at the centre the students had access to a variety of interactive discovery stations that taught them about how to keep the oceans healthy, environmental sustainability and Indigenous culture. The Year 6s had an awesome day and learnt many new and interesting facts. 

Jane Taylor
Teacher

Evanston - Strikers Visit

During Week 1, the Evanston Campus had two very special guests, Smash from the Adelaide Strikers and James from the South Australian Cricket Association. Meeting with our Year 1, 2, and 3 classes, Smash and James made a quick presentation, held a hand-eye coordination activity and promotion of the local cricket club. The students loved meeting Smash and learning about the Strikers men’s and women’s teams.

Lyndon Draper
Sports Coordinator

Evanston - Socktober

Socktober gives us the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people in need, and it's as easy as kicking goals! During PE lessons in Week 3, Evanston students participated in soccer games using 'socker' balls hand-made by Year 6 students. These balls were made from everyday items, such as old socks, plastic bags, and sticky tape. The idea was to raise awareness of struggles faced by those experiencing poverty in Timor-Leste.

One of Australia's closest neighbours, Timor-Leste is a small island republic just under 700kms from Darwin, which shares its western border with Indonesia. The country secured its independence from Indonesia in 2001, after an oppressive and violent occupation. Today, the scars still linger as the people grapple with the effects of poverty, low quality healthcare and infrastructure, corruption, and inequality.

In Week 3, students were asked to wear 'crazy socks' and or their House colours in exchange for a small charitable donation to the Socktober Catholic Mission.

Lyndon Draper
Sports Coordinator

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

Cyber Safety Parent Information Evening - Susan McLean
Today’s youth have access to and are accessible by many millions of people worldwide. Teens are often not aware that their words and or photos, which may have been intended for a small audience, sometimes find their way to a larger one, often with both the unexpected and undesirable consequences. Cyberbullying or technology misuse is often the number one, non-academic issue that schools have to deal with on a daily basis. It’s the issue of technology, primarily conducted out of schools hours are now becoming a time consuming and confronting issue. Susan McLean, backed with over 28 years of experience in the digital space, provides the highest standard of cyber safety education and support available to schools, companies, and sporting organisations available in Australia and internationally. With unsurpassed tertiary and other qualifications and experience, Susan continues to be the expert of choice as a truly independent expert and advisor. The College has invited Susan McLean to present a Cyber Safety Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 22 November in the Gawler Belt Campus Auditorium, commencing at 7pm. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

2024 Academic Year
Xavier College's new 2024 Academic Year will formally commence for all students on Wednesday 22 November. Xavier College is one of the few Catholic Colleges in the State that dedicates the final three weeks of the school year to formally commencing students in their new Academic Year. This particular practice has been a key component of the College's Learning Culture for a number of years and assists students with creating a smooth transition into the next stage of their learning journey.

Year 12 '2024' Jackets
The order for the Year 12 '2024' jackets has now been completed. Our plan is to have all of the jackets manufactured early next year ready to be presented to the Year 12 students in the middle of Term 1.

Redbanks Road Upgrade
The upgrade of the pedestrian access associated with Redbanks Road, south of the overpass bridge has now been fully completed. These improvements have included a number of measures which have significantly improved the safety of pedestrian access for our students in the area between the overpass bridge and Redbanks Road roundabout.

Year 12 Farewell Dinner Dance
The Farewell Dinner Dance scheduled for the Year 12 students and their families will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Monday 4 December, 2023. Correspondence has been sent directly to all Year 12 parents and caregivers which provides digital links to purchase tickets for this event.

Key Dates

John Cameron
Head of Campus - Gawler Belt

Gawler Belt - Year 12 Graduation

Congratulations to our Graduating Class of 2023! To all the students who graduated last week, well done. As you take on your final exams and step into adulthood, the entire Xavier College community is extremely proud of you and wishes you the best of luck for the future.

Gawler Belt - Year 12 Dress Up Day

Before their graduation day, our Year 12 students celebrated their second to last day with a dress up theme. This year’s theme, ‘what you wanted to be when you grew up.’ Students dressed as nurses, athletes, soldiers, teachers, superheroes and much more as they embraced the fun before their graduation day!

Gawler Belt - The Rite Journey

This is a reminder that Year 9 students will be undertaking the Rite Journey Program starting in Week 6. The Rite Journey is an educational program designed to support the development of self-aware, responsible, respectful, resilient, reflective and resourceful adults.

The Rite Journey is a year-long program designed to:

• Acknowledge and celebrate each student’s shift into adulthood
• Offer conversations and experiences to guide this transition
• Foster connections with positive adult role models
• Educate and include parents/carers in the process
• Connect students with their strengths
• Build self-awareness

The Rite Journey— ‘Rite of Passage’ program will begin in the 2024 academic year for all Year 9 students. The program focuses on four major themes.

Who am I really?
Students gain an understanding of themselves by exploring self-identity and the expectations placed on them by society. Topics include self-awareness, gender identity and body image.

How do I get along with others?
This theme assists students in exploring their role in relationships. Conversations include emotional literacy, listening, non-violence, anger management and healthy sexuality.

Is there something more?
Throughout this unit students reflect on some of the deeper aspects of life including stillness, mindfulness, values, sadness, happiness, mortality and wisdom.

What do I have to give?
The final theme prompts students to consider their future, what they have to offer the world and calls them to responsibility. Topics include leadership, intentions, kindness and gratitude.

Ben Whyte 
College Counsellor and Teacher

Gawler Belt - Xavier Day

Late last Term, our Gawler Belt Campus celebrated Xavier Day! Xavier Day is when we take time to thank God for the past and celebrate the present and pray for the future, we celebrate that we may be One in Christ. The day commenced with a heartwarming morning prayer service, followed by students reflecting on who we are as a College and the special part they play in creating and promoting the College’s culture.

Students then delved into a range of exciting activities which included outdoor sports like soccer, football and basketball, as well as creative workshops like art and cooking. These activities allowed everyone to have fun and foster camaraderie and enthusiasm throughout the day. Xavier Day proved to be a fantastic blend of spirituality and fun, promoting unity and joyful memories.

Gareth Watson
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

Gawler Belt - Xavier in Concert

At the end of Week 1, we held our Xavier in Concert event, where students performed and showcased their musical talents for the community. We heard from our large ensembles such as Little Big Band, Vocal Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble. We had a number of students from Years 7–12 perform as soloists and had a variety of collaborations resulting in some wonderful duets and trios. Our hospitality students provided delicious treats for the over 200 guests that attended and supported the staff and students. It was delightful to see so many students involved and sharing their love of music with our community.

Leanne Savill
Music Coordinator

Gawler Belt - Barolo Appeal

We would like to express our gratitude to the entire Gawler Belt Campus community for their generous support of the Barolo Appeal this year. Together, we successfully raised a total of $7,258.25 to aid the overseas and local missionary efforts of the Salesians. This remarkable sum was generated through the four House Fete Days.

The funds raised through these activities are dedicated to supporting various Salesian initiatives:

• The de Sales House contributes to the Cagliero Project, which operates within Australia and facilitates the engagement of young Australians in Salesian volunteer service in nations such as Cambodia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Australia.
• The Occhiena House sustains the Don Bosco Vocational Training Centre in Gumbo, South Sudan.
• The Mazzarello House supports the Salesian Sister's Orphanage in Timor Leste.
• The Handley House assists the Don Bosco Agriculture College, also located in Timor Leste.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all members of the community who supported this year's Barolo Appeal.

Gareth Watson
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

Gawler Belt - Marble Runs

Our Year 7 Technology students have been using Computer-aided Design (CAD) software to create blueprints for marble runs and then using these to build a physical marble run. This helped them hone their spatial and problem-solving skills and also provided a valuable introduction to CAD software—a skill that has applications in various STEM fields.

This project encouraged creative thinking as students designed their unique marble runs. They had the freedom to experiment, innovate, and express their ideas.

One of the key concepts our students are learning about is energy transformation. As they design their marble runs, they are exploring how potential and kinetic energy play a significant role. The marble's potential energy at the starting point is converted into kinetic energy as it descends through the course. It's a hands-on way to understand this fundamental scientific concept.

As they constructed their physical marble runs from their digital designs, students encountered and had to overcome various challenges. These included selecting the best materials, ensuring the correct angles, understanding how to incorporate features like loops and ramps, and optimising the run for the smoothest marble journey.

Petone May
Teacher

Gawler Belt - Congratulations Faye

Congratulations go to Faye Legaspi, who has successfully undertaken the University of South Australia Accelerate program. With A grades in Year 11 to meet entry requirements, she fast tracked a business degree by studying two UniSA courses in Year 12 and guaranteed her place into one of their business degrees. Her studies counted towards her SACE Stage 2 and ATAR! 

Her subjects were fully funded and she undertook the program of study 100% online and independently. She demonstrated exceptional organisational and management capabilities by balancing her other school studies and commitments. We wish Faye the best in this pathway.  

Renee Hutchins
Future Pathways Coordinator 

Two Wells - Head of Campus

Grandparents and Special Friends Day
We were delighted to have grandparents and special friends join us for a day filled with joy, love, and learning. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to share their school life and achievements with those who hold a special place in their hearts. There were a lot of heartwarming moments, but especially lovely was the chance to celebrate the bond between generations.

Book Fair
Our annual Book Fair was a fantastic success, with one of our spaces transformed into a literary wonderland, showcasing a wide array of books for all ages. It was the perfect opportunity to foster a love for reading, with all purchases supporting the College. A special thanks to Mrs Tammie Haythorpe and Mrs Adele Taylor for their organisation and tireless work.

Year 9 Transition to Gawler Belt Campus
The transition to the Gawler Belt Campus is an exciting and important step for our Year 9 students. They will soon embark on a new stage of their education as they begin the first component of their SACE. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing them flourish in their next environment.

The Rite Journey
Our Year 9 students have nearly completed a year of work with 'The Rite Journey' program. This transformative experience helps our students navigate the challenges of adolescence, fostering growth and resilience. We were excited to watch them develop into well-rounded individuals throughout the program. A thank you to Ms Simone Dajeman and Mr Nick Skewes, as well as the support of families for undertaking this important work. After the success of the program it will also be implemented at the Gawler Belt Campus in 2024.

Wishing the Year 12s All the Best for Final Exams
As the Gawler Belt Year 12 students prepare for their exams, we want to express our heartfelt support and encouragement. You've worked diligently throughout your time at the College and we wish you success in your exams and future endeavours.

Gym
As I write this, we are very close to finally accessing our new gym and OSHC facilities. If you are a parent who uses the OSHC service, please watch for communication about the transferring of the service from the current site into the new one.

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - Upcoming Events

There is an abundance of activity at the Two Wells Campus as we near the end of the year. Make sure you have the following dates marked on the calendar. 

Remembrance Day 11/11 - Our Two Wells Campus student leaders will be present at the Mallala War Memorial Service to lay a wreath on behalf of the college.

Two Wells Twinkling Trail 8/12 - Our Two Wells Campus will have a stall available to the community in the evening.

Two Wells Christmas Pageant 15/12 - Our Two Wells Campus will present a 'Holy Night' Nativity float.

Two Wells - Xavier Day

At the end of Week 1, the Two Wells Campus celebrated Xavier Day. A highly anticipated school event, Xavier Day offers students a special chance to relax, have fun, strengthen friendships and embody our College values of RUAH. Xavier Day is when we take time to thank God for the past, celebrate the present, and pray for the future, we celebrate that we may be One in Christ.

Students were getting messy cooking chocolate brownies, competing in thrilling Mario Kart races, and expressing their creativity through art and craft. Karaoke sessions brought out our humour, while pot painting and jewellery making revealed their affections. The outdoor sports activities including golf, soccer, basketball, and tennis, encouraged teamwork and understanding as we cheered each other on and shared the thrill of competition.As a heartfelt tradition, Xavier Day serves as a vivid reminder of the powerful impact of living by RUAH and our commitment to these values, leaving us inspired and grateful for the school community we have created together.

Adele Taylor
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

Two Wells - Grandparents Day and Book Fair

At the end of Week 2, the R-2 Early Years classes came together to celebrate our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day. We recognise the role in which grandparents and special friends serve in a child's life is incredibly special; offering love, wisdom, and support that is vital in shaping the young minds of our students. 

Our visitors were initially welcomed into the Lynn Martin East Hub to join us for a delightful afternoon tea, complete with freshly baked jam and cream scones from our local Two Wells Bakery. Following this, it filled our students with great excitement and immense pride as they opened their classroom doors to all guests. The time was set aside for sharing not only their educational journeys but also taking part in a delightful array of creative activities, from art and craft to shared reading and decorating pots for planting flowers.

During the afternoon, we opened our 2023 Scholastic Book Fair to our families. We had a fantastic turnout! Mrs Haythorpe is thrilled to see so many students growing their personal home libraries and fostering a true love for reading. 

As always, we thank you for your ongoing support!

Adele Taylor
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

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Two Wells - Italian School

During Term 3, Year 1 and 2 students embarked on a flavourful journey into the heart of Italian cuisine, where they delved into the rich cultural significance of pizza, pasta, cannoli's and much more!

Students discovered that food in Italy is not just sustenance; it's an essential part of their culture and identity. Immersive classroom experiences allowed students to discover the connection between food and culture, and even try their hand at making pizza and pasta together. Through the love of food, our cultural lessons provided students with a deeper appreciation of the role that food plays in preserving and sharing traditions.

Emma Browne, Amie Hockenhull and Adele Taylor
Italian Teachers

Two Wells - Tennis Carnival

During Week 1, students from Year 3 and 4 travelled to the Playford Tennis Centre to compete in the SACPSSA Tennis Hot Shots Carnival. The day was a great success, all students were amazing to brave the heat and gave their best efforts to show positive sportsmanship and communication with each other.

William, Year 3, shared that, "he enjoyed versing other schools in games."

Aaliyah, Year 4, said, "it was good to play tennis with my friends and win some games."

Mikayla King
Teacher

Community Noticeboard

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