Xavier College Newsletter - Term 4 Week 8

Principal's Welcome

2023 has been a very busy one for all Campuses of the College. 

I would like to congratulate all students of the College that have given their best to their studies this year. I would also like to thank our wonderful parents and caregivers who work in partnership with the College to ensure your child/ren thrive and become the best they can be.

I am always so proud when attending Campus events at how both our staff and students conduct themselves. The professionalism, passion and dedication of our staff is second to none! The genuine care I see in the relationships between staff and students is the thing that sets Xavier College apart. Our College community is based on mutual respect where we recognise and celebrate each other’s different abilities, talents and skills. 

Xavier College’s vision is to provide an authentic learning environment so that all members of the College community will be transformed by their experiences into fuller, richer, deeper human beings. They will be inspired to achieve their personal best and to accept responsibility to make a difference in the world.

I would like to pass on my sincerest thank you to all staff of the College for your continued hard work and dedication in ensuring our students thrive and continue to work towards achieving their personal best.

As we continue to grow as a College, we will ensure that our values continue to shape our learning environment, which is relational and joyfully celebrates the unique gifts and talents of each and every student. I assure you that it is my intention that this will not be lost as we grow and expand.

I wish you a happy and safe Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing everyone in 2024.

Mark Flaherty
Principal

School Holidays Office Hours

The Front Office will not be accessible after 12:00 noon on Friday, 15 December. Front Office hours will resume as normal on Monday, 22 January 2024, from 8:00am to 4:00pm. 

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.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is when we remember everyone who has served our Nation and who lost their lives or suffered in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Remembrance Day signifies the guns falling silent in the First World War, and so, we pause at 1100 on 11 November.

Xavier College commemorated Remembrance Day on Friday, 10 November with liturgies and reflections across the three campuses. Students represented the College in the Gawler, Two Wells, and Mallala community services on Saturday, 11 November. Students from our Gawler Belt and Evanston campuses laid a wreath at the Pioneer Park War Memorial, and students from Two Wells Campus laid wreaths at the Two Wells War Memorial and Mallala War Monument.

We will remember them.

Evanston - Head of Campus

Dear Families

As we approach the end of another incredible year, we can’t help but reflect on the journey we’ve embarked upon together here at Xavier College Evanston in 2023.

Our recent Carols Night stands as a testament to our vibrant community. With over 1000 people in attendance, it was a heartwarming sight to witness the joy and enthusiasm that filled the air. It truly showcased the strength of our community spirit. As we bid farewell to our remarkable Year 6 students, we extend our heartfelt wishes as they transition to the Gawler Belt Campus for their secondary education. We have every confidence that they will continue to shine brightly, carrying with them the values of Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour as they did during their time here at Evanston.

A special acknowledgment is due to our exceptional staff at Xavier College Evanston, the Teachers, ESOs, Administration, Maintenance, IT, Library and Counsellor. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and facilities has been instrumental in creating a nurturing environment where each individual thrives. They are the pillars of our campus, and we owe them our deepest gratitude for their tireless efforts.

Thank you for an amazing year filled with growth, learning, and joy. Let's continue to make a difference and create more beautiful memories in the years to come.

Wishing everyone a restful and joyous holiday season.

Rozanna Elmassih
Head of Campus - Evanston

Evanston - Bunnings Christmas Craft

Our Evanston Campus Receptions were buzzing with excitement as they eagerly awaited the arrival of Heidi from Bunnings for a special Christmas craft incursion. Our students had a blast crafting their own wooden reindeer, complete with googly eyes, a red nose, a bow, and glittered antlers. Laughter and creativity filled the air as the students showed off their adorable reindeer. Huge thanks Heidi for helping our Receptions get into the Christmas spirit!

Kerryn Sayers and Elsey Oldman
Reception Teachers

Evanston - Christmas Lunch

After a year and a half together, Reception C reflected on their time together and celebrated with a Christmas Lunch. Miss Roberts is very proud of each and every one of you and know you'll be amazing in Year 1. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year. 

Danica Roberts
Teacher

Evanston - Gorge Wildlife Park

In Week 5, three Reception classes from our Evanston Campus went on an excursion to the Gorge Widlife Park. The classes were thrilled to meet and pat a koala, possum and snake as well as feed the kangaroos! The Receptions loved the opportunity to learn more about our native animals. Everyone had a wonderful time!

Anthea Lipp
Early Years R-2 Coordinator

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Evanston - Governor's Civic and Citizenship Award

We are thrilled to announce that Xavier College, Evanston has been awarded winner of The Governor's Civics and Citizenship Awards for 2023, in the Year 5/6 Group category. As part of our Year 6 HASS Program, three of our Year 6 Students created a podcast, which they aptly named The Xavier Scoop. Their podcasting efforts showcased how Xavier College Evanston, fostered outstanding citizenship within the Gawler community through our Community Service Program. The podcast also captured how our student leaders have advocated and facilitated change within our school community through peer mentoring and outreach activities. The official award presentation is scheduled for early 2024, at Government House. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Arabella, Harper and Heidi for their outstanding contributions. 

Anna Vanderhout
Primary Years Coordinator

Evanston - Learning Expo

Earlier this term, the Year 2 classes from Evanston Campus attended the Marine Discovery Centre at Henley Beach. Back at school, the children were asked to make a model of a sea creature and to create a PowerPoint presentation to accompany this. We decided to hold an Expo to showcase our learning. We were excited to share our models and PowerPoints with our families. It was great to see so many people attend.

Gabrielle Dobson, Nina Schultz and Jane Taylor
Year 2 Teachers

Evanston - Premier's Reading Challenge

Xavier College Evanston Campus was honoured to be invited to attend the 20^th anniversary of the Premier’s Reading Challenge in Week 6. Schools who were invited had made the top 55 schools in the state for their participation in the challenge. The Honourable Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia with the Honourable Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education presented Campus Captains Hugo Giannitto and Serena Hutchins with the award for the College. Representatives were present from each of the education sectors including Dr Neil McGoran, Director of Catholic Education South Australia, who took the time to congratulate our campus representatives. Students who completed the Reading Challenge will receive their individual awards at the final assembly for the year in Week 8.

Daniel Hickey
Assistant Head of Campus - Evanston

Evanston - Rugby League

In Week 5, students participated in the first Primary Schools Rugby League Tackle competition, held at Barratt Reserve, West Beach. A football code not well known to many students, it was great to see skills and knowledge of the game develop exponentially as the day progressed. The College nominated two boys teams and an all-girls team. The weather was sublime, and everyone involved had a great day out with friends. Our teams played seven matches throughout the carnival, with the two boys' teams facing off against one another for the last game of the day. A special mention to our girls' team for bringing home the 'Unity' trophy as voted by the field umpires.

Lyndon Draper
Sports Coordinator

Evanston - Transition Receptions

Over the past six weeks, we have welcomed 46 new children and their families into our campus. The new Reception children have got to know one another and our College community through play experiences around our campus. It was great to see new friendships starting to form and trusted relationships commencing between students and staff. We look forward to officially welcoming the Reception students of 2024 in the new year.

Anthea Lipp
Early Years Coordinator

Evanston - Year 5 Camp

In Week 6 the Evanston Campus Year 5 students set off for their camp at El Shaddi in Wellington. While on the three day camp they conquered their fears scouring the heights of the giant swing, vertical ladders, rock climbing, and vertical crates. They built up courage to hold reptiles and strengthened their skills in teamwork and problem-solving by completing laser tag, archery, low ropes, and the giant catapult. It was an amazing experience for all, and we look forward to the students being able to use these new learnings back in the classroom.

Shania Davis
Teacher

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

A successful conclusion to the 2023 School Year

As Term 4 draws to a close it provides each of us with the opportunity to stop and reflect on the last 8 weeks. The Term has had a number of significant highlights which we have celebrated as a community.

Year 9 Challenge Camp

Our Year 9 students and our staff enjoyed beautiful weather conditions earlier in the term when they had the opportunity to come together for the Year 9 Camp which was held at Mylor in the Adelaide Hills in Week 5. The camp experience provided the students with a whole variety of team building experiences from raft building to a high ropes course. The camp is a real highlight of the year for the students and the staff.

Cyber Safety Presentations - Susan McLean

For the first time this year the College arranged for Susan McLean to present to multiple year levels across all three campuses. Susan provides the highest standard of cyber safety education and support available to schools, companies, and sporting organisations available in Australia and internationally backed up by over 28 years of experience. 

2024 Academic Year

The Gawler Belt Campus formally commenced the start of the 2024 academic year 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 Xavier Learning Culture for a number of years and assists students with creating a smooth transition into the next stage of their learning journey, especially as they prepare to commence Term 1 next year.

Term 4 Presentation Assembly

On Wednesday morning of Week 9 we gathered as a community to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our students at our Presentation Assembly. The Assembly specifically focused on acknowledging the most outstanding high achievers from Years 7 to 11, which also included the presentation of Dux for each year level. Thank you to Mr Paul Taylor, Assistant Head of Campus - Teaching and Learning along with our team of House Directors for working methodically through all of the assessment performance data in order to identify each of our outstanding academic achievers.

Year 12 Farewell Dinner Dance

At the start of Week 8, the College hosted the 2023 Graduates along with their families at our Year 12 Farewell Dinner Dance which was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The evening was the final formal College event to celebrate our amazing 2023 Graduates. A highlight of the evening were the reflections provided by our 2013 College Captains, Megan Lyons and Bradley Bain. Those present really valued the key messages of kindness, gratitude, and empathy the 2013 Captains delivered as part of their speeches on the night.

Megan's message was:
Everyone is just trying to live; life is not going to be perfect. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. You are worthy.

Bradley's message was:
Stay self-aware. Zoom out and look through other people’s perspective. Be grateful. Say thanks and show appreciation (show gratitude).

2024 Year 9 Rite Journey

In Week 8 we had 20 staff undertake a comprehensive two-day training program to implement the Rite Journey - a year-long program designed to specifically assist Year 9 students with their growth into young adulthood. The Gawler Belt Campus will formally introduce 'The Rite Journey' into our Year 9 curriculum at the commencement of the 2024 Academic Year. As a Catholic school in the Salesian tradition the program aligns with our core values of Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humor along with our holistic approach to education which is underpinned by our collective belief in the importance of preparing young people for life. The Rite Journey program focuses:

• acknowledgement and celebration of 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 and build self-awareness
• transform school culture by developing responsibility

Year 7 2024 Transition Day

This week the Gawler Belt Campus welcomes 220 Year 7 students into the College for the first time for their Transition Day. 

Our community is proud to be able to offer to each and every student a wide variety of experiences which provide opportunities for the students to develop their independence in a nurturing and caring environment in which each and every child is truly known.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday with your families and friends and you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas.

John Cameron
Head of Campus - Gawler Belt

Gawler Belt - BAE Systems Work Experience

Recently a group of talented students; Travis Hillard, Flynn Wandel, Spencer Strawbridge, Thomas Perry, Levi Nusbajtel, Joshua Scarfe, and Keiren Hillard, participated in an exclusive work experience with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, based on the LeFevre Peninsula. This opportunity provided them a greater understanding of the industry pathway, plus honed their metal fabrication skills developed from the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways program. 

This resulted in exceptional feedback from the company for both their technical ability and their respectful behaviours. The positive impression made during their time with BAE Systems has opened doors for these students, some who have since undergone interviews and testing for potential apprenticeships. The students' encounter with the Education Training and Skills Minister further underscored their remarkable achievements and the positive atmosphere fostered by BAE Systems.

Renee Hutchins
Future Pathways Coordinator

Gawler Belt - Noah's Invention

In Year 7 Humanities for Semester 2, students were able to take part in a new program called Limitless Possibilities. This program required them to construct and develop a strategy which would help tackle the growing issue of Water Sustainability, in particular, how we can save water or access new water sources.  This program develops their skills in problem solving, critical thinking and planning, as well as their ability to empathise with others.

As part of this program, Noah Dorosz from Handley House, was able to use all of the above skills to come up with a fully developed invention which would help conserve water. Noah successfully used TinkerCAD to create a washing machine which is weight-based and calculates the exact amount of water required to wash the clothes inside. Noah came up with this idea after learning about how much water is wasted in the process of everyday activities such as cleaning, and found a brilliant solution to help ensure the world can continue to operate sustainably. As Noah's teacher I was extremely proud of his efforts and look forward to seeing the continual development of Noah at Xavier College. I hope one day Noah's innovative thinking and hard working attitude will lead to him being successful in whatever he chooses to do outside of school, and I know it will have a positive impact on the world around us. 

William Yates
Teacher

Gawler Belt - Salesian Student Leaders' Conference

The Gawler Belt Campus Captains, Ryan, Bridie, and Emily, recently participated in the Salesian Student Leaders' Conference held at St Joseph's College in Ferntree Gully, Victoria. Connecting with peers from Salesian Secondary schools nationwide, they honed their leadership skills through workshops and seminars. The event emphasised communication, empathy and strategic thinking. Their active participation reflects dedication to enhancing their leadership skills, aligning with the College’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded leaders.

Robert Polito
Assistant Head of Campus - Pastoral Care

Gawler Belt - Shiraz Vineyard

The Year 11 Agriculture students were visited by Trent from Stirling Viticulture last week who helped set up our new Shiraz vineyard. Trent shared insights into the world of viticulture, from planting to bottling and even gave our students hands-on experience with pruning and planting techniques. A huge thank you to Trent and Stirling Viticulture for their generous donation of time, resources and expertise to help us establish our new Shiraz vineyard.

Zoe Joyce
Agriculture Coordinator

Gawler Belt - Volleyball Coaching

22 Year 11 Physical Education students from our Gawler Belt Campus recently undertook an exciting coaching opportunity at our Evanston Campus. As part of the Year 11 Physical Education course they visited the Year 6 students to teach essential volleyball skills. The Year 11 students exhibited remarkable leadership and dedication towards providing a fun, interactive lesson for Year 6 students to learn skills in volleyball. It was great to see all students engage in the activities.

Kimberley Seelander
Teacher

Two Wells - Head of Campus

As the year draws to a close, we can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we've undertaken together as a campus community. From the first day of classes to the late-night study sessions, from the victories on the sports field to the creative expressions in our art studios, each of you has contributed to the vibrant tapestry that makes our College experience unique and memorable.

As we approach the festive season, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for the collective spirit of resilience, determination, and camaraderie that has defined our campus throughout the year. It's been a year of growth, learning, and building wonderful connections.

Over the last few weeks alone, there have been some significant events. Amongst them was the carols evening – that was something that will stay with me for years, as the sense of unity and the joy in finally being able to have the community together in our newly opened gym was incredible.

In the old vein of, “it’s who you know,” we managed to pull a few strings and secure an early visit from Santa. Of course it was quick, which is understandable given the workload he has ahead of him, but we very much appreciated him giving us an hour out of his day. The Year 9 students managed to remind him that they had been very, very good.

As we bid farewell to 2023, let's carry the spirit of RUAH and celebration into the upcoming year. Together, we have overcome challenges, embraced growth, and created lasting memories.

To our families – thank you. We appreciate your support as we continue to grow and evolve.

On behalf of the entire Two Wells Campus family, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of friendship and family. May the season bring you moments of joy and reflection as we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and adventures that the new year holds.

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - Carols Evening

In Week 6 the Two Wells Campus invited parents and friends to join us for our Carols Evening in the new gymnasium. Reception to Year 6 classes and the Year 2-6 Choir performed Christmas songs, celebrating the festive season. It was wonderful to watch our students perform to the community and get into the Christmas spirit!

Amy Waters
Music Coordinator

Two Wells - Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony

Together on Tuesday night, our Year 9 students and loved ones gathered to celebrate the Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony. The Ceremony provided a time for students to reflect and pay tribute to the year that has been. A year filled with opportunities along the sacred journey to discovering who they are and their place in the world. The Rite Journey has been a transformative experience for all participants. This year of course, the Homecoming was extra special. Not only did it mark the students' successful completion of the Rite Journey program, but symbolically transition students into their next chapter of schooling within Xavier College. As part of the Ceremony, students were gifted their House Pins, a special 'Welcome to House' as they begin at our Gawler Belt Campus. It has been an honour to witness the growth and development of these remarkable young individuals and we wish them every blessing as they begin Year 10.

Simone Dajeman
Teacher

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