Xavier College Newsletter - Term 1 Week 8

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.

Qkr! Now Fixed for Android Phones

The issue with Android phone users not being able to download the Qkr! App from the Google Play Store has now been resolved. Parents/Caregivers can now download the App and use without encountering any problems. 

Important Changes to College Uniform from 2024

Over the past few years there have been a number of changes to the Xavier College Uniform and we would like to remind families 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:

Yours sincerely

Mark Flaherty
Principal

Uniform Shop - April School Holidays

The Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesday, 24 April 8:00am to 4:30pm during the school holiday period. 

Faster Direct Debits

Please note, if you have a direct debit scheduled between Good Friday (29 March) and Easter Sunday (31 March), your payment will be processed on Thursday 28 March. Please ensure funds are available. Direct debits scheduled for Easter Monday (1 April) will be processed on Tuesday 2^ April.

Enrolment Information

Evanston Campus
Limited places remain for 2025.

We strongly urge families to submit Applications for Enrolment for 2026 prior to the below closure date.

Two Wells Campus
Limited places remain for 2025.

We strongly urge families to submit Applications for Enrolment for Reception to Year 9 in 2026 prior to the below closure date.

Gawler Belt Campus
Limited places remain for 2025.

We strongly urge families to submit Applications for Enrolment for 2026 prior to the below closure date.

All Applications for 2026 Enrolments close on 31 May 2024.

If you have additional children you intend to enrol at the College in the future, we recommend submitting these Applications at the same time as places are filling fast.

If you require further Application for Enrolment Forms or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College Registrar, Tamika, via email registrar@xavier.catholic.edu.au or submit an Enrolment Enquiry form on our website via the link below.

https://www.xavier.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-enquiry-form

Tamika Boyce
College Registrar

Season of Lent and Project Compassion

The Season of Lent

Last week, College community members acknowledged the beginning of Lent by engaging in two major activities across all campuses. 

Students had the opportunity to enjoy delicious pancakes to mark Shrove Tuesday, the day before the Season of Lent begins. Traditionally, pancakes were made and consumed as they were a way to use foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar before fasting during the 40 days of Lent. There were lots of smiles and happy faces while enjoying the pancakes!

On the following day, Ash Wednesday, prayer services were held across all three campuses. During our prayer services, those present were marked with ashes in the sign of a cross on their foreheads. We reflected on how we will make a special effort to pray more often, fast, or give up a special treat and give (almsgiving) to others during this Lenten season.

Project Compassion

The central 'almsgiving' focus for the College is supporting the work of Caritas Australia by fundraising for their annual Project Compassion appeal. While the national appeal runs throughout the Lenten Season, we will run a more concentrated campaign, beginning in Week 7 and ending on Holy Thursday in Week 9. Families will be able to make donations through oratories and classes across the campuses.

Project Compassion brings thousands of Australians together with the world's poor and needy to help break the cycle of poverty, promote justice and uphold human dignity. The campaign strives to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with the millions of people worldwide that Caritas helps. Last year's theme of For All Future Generations is continued this year. Together, we can make a difference now and For All Future Generations. If families would like to find out more about the work of Caritas Australia and Project Compassion, please visit their website: https://www.caritas.org.au/

Please assist Xavier College in our ongoing commitment to supporting Caritas Australia's work by contributing to our Project Compassion activity during this season of Lent, starting in Week 7.

Kristynn Ross and Gareth Watson
Assistant Heads of Campus - Mission

Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to Handley House for winning our annual Swimming Carnival! Held in Week 5, it was amazing to see students from the Gawler Belt and Two Wells campuses having fun and giving their all in each event of this year's Swimming Carnival. The relay events were thrilling with many close races, as were the novelty events that had some favourites such as T-shirt Relay, the Treasure Hunt, and the Poison Pool Toss! Well done to all students as there was a wonderful display of enthusiasm and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Milos Banic
Sports Coordinator - Gawler Belt

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Evanston - Head of Campus

Dear Xavier College Evanston Community,

As we approach the end of Term 1, it's been a term filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable moments. As we prepare to bid farewell to this term, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Holy Week and Easter celebrations, a time of reflection and renewal for our community.

NAPLAN Assessments: Celebrating Success

We extend our congratulations to our Year 3 and 5 students for their outstanding performance in the NAPLAN assessments conducted over the past week. Their dedication, hard work, and perseverance truly paid off, and they have made us immensely proud. Well done to all our students for approaching these assessments with determination and confidence.

Xavier College Evanston Open Night 2024: A Resounding Success

We are delighted to announce that our 2024 Open Night, held on Wednesday night, was a resounding success. It was an evening filled with excitement and pride as we opened our doors to showcase our vibrant campus to the community. From interactive displays to engaging presentations, our students and staff worked tirelessly to offer a glimpse into the exceptional learning experiences we provide at Xavier College Evanston. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a memorable one.

Looking Ahead: Holy Week and Easter Celebrations

As we approach the Easter season, let us take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of this time and the blessings it brings. May we all find moments of peace, joy, and spiritual renewal as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We encourage our students and families to participate in the various Easter activities and events planned within our school community.

Lastly, we extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and hardworking students for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, we have made Term 1 a remarkable journey filled with growth, achievements, and memorable experiences.

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break as we look forward to the opportunities and adventures that await us in the new term.

Year 6 Formation Day

The Year 6 Formation Day held at the Gawler Belt Campus was a significant event within our Religious Education program, marking a pivotal moment for our Year 6 students as they prepare to embark on their secondary school journey. With a focus on Salesian leadership, the day aimed to instill in our students the values of setting goals and taking ownership of their future. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to reflect on their achievements and aspirations for their final year of primary school, fostering a sense of responsibility and determination. A heartwarming highlight of the day was the connection to family, as students engaged with letters written by their parents and caregivers, showcasing the pride and support they have for their children's journey thus far. This touching gesture reinforced the importance of familial bonds and provided students with a tangible reminder of the love and encouragement surrounding them as they navigate this transitional period in their lives. Overall, the Year 6 Formation Day was a memorable and empowering experience, equipping our students with the mindset and support needed to thrive in their academic and personal endeavors ahead.

Harmony Day - Everyone Belongs

We are thrilled to share the joy and spirit of Harmony Day that filled our Evanston campus recently. Harmony Day is an occasion that reminds us that “everyone belongs” in our community. It's a celebration of our diversity and embraces inclusiveness as core Australian values. Our students were encouraged to wear a splash of orange with their uniform, symbolizing unity and respect for one another's backgrounds and cultures. This colourful display was a beautiful representation of our staff and students’ commitment to the message behind Harmony Day. Throughout the week, our students participated in various activities aimed at promoting harmony. From lunchtime festivities to engaging Oratory sessions, every moment was filled with an appreciation for the many cultures that make up our school community. Harmony Day serves as a reminder that regardless of our differences, we are stronger when we come together with open hearts and minds. It was heartwarming to witness our students embodying this spirit with enthusiasm and respect, understanding, affection and humour!

Rozanna Elmassih
Head of Campus - Evanston

Gawler Belt - Head of Campus

I am delighted to announce that we have recently commenced a Master Planning process for the Gawler Belt Campus.

The College Executive and a representative from the Catholic Education Office recently completed a comprehensive process of interviewing a number of architectural firms who tendered to formally engage with the College to create a Master Plan. We are pleased to announce that DesignInc has been selected as a result of this process.

School Master Plans are typically initiated by a need for additional or improved learning spaces, however, Master Planning is much more than a process to establish spatial needs. It is an exciting opportunity to make decisions that can bring to life Xavier College’s Vision, Strategic Plan and Values.

One of the first tasks DesignInc has undertaken as part of the creation of our Master Plan, is a community consultation process.  This was held on Tuesday 19 March here at the College.

The consultation process included four major stakeholder groups that included:

• Students
• Leadership Team
• Staff
• College Board

We will work very closely with the team from DesignInc over the coming weeks with the view of our Master Plan being completed by June of this year.

John Cameron
Head of Campus - Gawler Belt

Gawler Belt - International Women's Day

During Week 6 International Women’s Day was celebrated and several students and staff attended Gawler’s International Women's Day Breakfast. It was amazing to see Year 12 students, Tia, be awarded the IWD Scholarship, and Ebony, the Zonta STEM Scholarship! The event was an inspiring celebration of female empowerment and achievement, highlighting the importance of fostering women's participation in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. 

Robert Polito
Assistant Head of Campus - Pastoral Care

Gawler Belt - Lambert Estate

In Week 5, Year 11 Agriculture students attended Lambert Estate to deepen their knowledge of winemaking. Students explored the techniques involved with wine production, gained industry-specific knowledge, and were able to see how mathematics, chemistry, and scientific methods were involved in the process! 

Marc Wojkow
Teacher

Gawler Belt - The Rite Journey Ceremony

Throughout this year, students in Year 9 are participating in The Rite Journey’s 'Rite of Passage' framework. The Rite Journey program is designed to complement parents in shepherding their child through the transitional phase into young adulthood. It provides the opportunity for students to participate in a year-long rite of passage experience. The Rite Journey allows students to engage in meaningful discussion about becoming responsible, resilient, resourceful, and respectful adults.

Each stage of the journey is marked by a memorable event to honour our students’ transition into young adulthood. In Week 7, Year 9 students and loved ones participated in The Rite Journey’s Calling and Departure Ceremony. This took place at the St Kilda Adventure Playground and was a special event for families to reflect upon and celebrate the blessing of family and express appreciation and gratitude.

Parents and Caregivers had a special task to fulfil by preparing a gratitude letter and message of support for their child as they embark on this journey into adulthood. In response, students wrote their parents a letter of gratitude for everything they have done for them in life.

Year 9 students will continue this journey by completing the Mount Lofty hike early next term.

Ben Whyte
Rite Journey Counsellor

Gawler Belt - Year 7 Camp

Our Gawler Belt Campus Year 7 students had a blast at the 2024 Orientation Camp! Held at Adare House in Victor Harbour, students enjoyed three days filled with adventure. From kayaking and beach games to problem solving challenges and team building exercises, students embraced every activity with enthusiasm. It was heartening to see them step out of their comfort zone and grow as individuals. We’re thrilled to witness their journey as Xavier College students and can’t wait to see all the amazing things they’ll accomplish.

'My favourite thing about camp was getting into a splash fight with Mr Savino while kayaking. Another thing I really liked about camp was the amazing food we got served, and the flying kiwi was so fun even if I was terrified at first.' - Aubree-Rose Bryant 

'I loved year 7 camp, it was amazing. My favourite part was the dorms, but besides that I loved the flying kiwi. I wish I could go again.' - Jade Crew

'Year 7 camp was amazing. My favourite activity was the cactus event because my group won. My other favourite event was the flying kiwi, this was a lot of fun because we got hang in the air and do what ever we wanted. My favourite meal at camp was the chocolate mousse.' - Benjamin Heath

'This camp was really fun. I liked it. My favourite activity was probably the flying kiwi. I liked hanging out with friends when we had free time. The food was good. I enjoyed both bus rides and was tired when I got home from camp.' - Oakley-Levi Summer

Brenna Wood and David Savino
House Directors

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Gawler Belt - Youth Leadership Conference

The Gawler Belt Campus and House Captains attended the Youth Leadership Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre. This event proved to be an invaluable experience for the students, providing them with a range of skills and strategies to enhance their leadership abilities. Students learned to inspire and motivate their peers, delegate tasks efficiently, and navigate challenges with resilience and creativity. Returning to their roles with newfound confidence, skills, and strategies the student leaders look to make a positive impact on the College community.

Robert Polito
Assistant Head of Campus - Pastoral Care

Two Wells - Head of Campus

As we move further into the first term (I can’t believe we are in March already), it brings me great pleasure to share some highlights with you.

Our recent Open Day was a resounding success! It was heartwarming to witness the enthusiastic engagement of prospective students and their families as they explored our campus, interacted with teachers, and experienced firsthand the vibrant atmosphere of our College community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the staff and students who contributed their time and efforts to make this event a memorable one.

The Rite Journey is a significant milestone in the journey of our Year 9 students, and this year's family event was truly remarkable. Families gathered together to celebrate this important stage in their child's life, fostering a sense of connection and support within our College community. The positive energy and relationships displayed by students, their families and teachers were truly heartwarming, and I commend everyone involved for their participation and commitment to nurturing our students' personal growth.

Our recent SPOT and SPOC meetings were invaluable opportunities to foster open communication and collaboration between home and the College. It was inspiring to see the active involvement of parents and caregivers in their child's education, as they engaged in constructive discussions with teachers and staff members. These meetings serve as a testament to our shared commitment to supporting the holistic development of every student, and I look forward to further strengthening these partnerships in the future. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s Class or Oratory teacher as the first port of call should you require time to discuss anything.

We have had some great additional experiences for some of our students recently; amongst them have been the Swimming Carnival for our Middle Years students, a trip to Glenelg, a Faith Formation day, a trip to Gawler Belt for our Early Years students amongst some of them. Thank you to everyone who worked together to make these events happen.

As always, I continue to be so proud and feel incredibly blessed to be part of such a wonderful community. As Easter approaches, I hope you all have the opportunity to take some time with loved ones. I look forward to the weeks ahead, and the start date for the next stage of building!

Janet Coomber
Head of Campus - Two Wells

Two Wells - Glenelg Excursion

In Week 7, our Two Wells Campus Year 8 students attended an excursion to Glenelg as a part of their Geography unit on Landforms and Landscapes, with a specific focus on coastal management. Whilst enjoying the beautiful sun on the beachfront, students conducted observations, research, and fieldwork sketches that supported their knowledge and understanding of the estuary system and its overall importance within the coastal system. The latter half of the day gave students an opportunity to take a deep look at the business and economics of Glenelg, where students conducted a survey to show the social viability of the region. Students will take all their findings back to school and conduct a Geographical Report which will assess the interactions between people and the environment as well as strategies in response to geographical phenomenon. 

Mathew Penko
Teacher

Two Wells - Harmony Day

The Two Wells campus embraced Harmony Week as an opportunity to continue our efforts promoting inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and promoting understanding among students from different cultural backgrounds. During lunchtimes in the Breakout Space, students created Harmony Day paper chains, representing diversity interlinked in harmony. Within library lessons, Mrs Haythorpe explored the national theme, 'Everyone Belongs', through storytime and class discussions related to students’ personal cultural experiences. R-5 classrooms and oratory teachers celebrated the week creating Harmony Day necklaces, headbands, and friendship bracelets to exchange with their peers. Our students continue to model the RUAH values of Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour within their daily interactions with one another across the campus.

Adele Taylor
Early Years R - 2 Coordinator

Two Wells - The Rite Journey Ceremony

Throughout this year, our Year 9 students have embarked on a transformative journey through the wellbeing program, The Rite Journey. The Rite Journey is designed to support students' development as they transition into adulthood, fostering qualities of responsibility, resilience, resourcefulness, and respect. Our aim is to guide and empower our Year 9 students to embrace confidence, purpose, and faith as they navigate the path to adulthood and discover their unique place in the world.

In Week 5, students and their loved ones gathered at Semaphore Surf Lifesaving Club for the Calling and Departure Dusk Ceremonies. These ceremonies symbolised the commencement of their transition from childhood to adulthood, offering families a moment to reflect, celebrate, and express gratitude for the blessings of family bonds.

A special aspect of the evening was the sacred blessing bestowed upon the Year 9 students by Father Chris. His words reminded them of the ever-present love of God as they confront the challenges that lie ahead. With this spiritual guidance, students embraced their first official challenge of the year with confidence, as they headed down to the beach to let go of anything which may be holding them back. This set the tone for the transformative journey that awaits them. The evening was a very special event which we trust our students will always remember.

'The Calling and Departure Ceremony was a very special night with my family. All my family members were so happy and it was nice to be able to not only write a letter to my loved ones but have them write one for me. When I was reading the letter from my family I felt so loved and so grateful. We don’t do things like this often so to be able to do this was so special.' – Amelia Brown

'My family was so thankful for the night, it was such a welcoming experience and a special moment for us to spend together as a family. It was a time to cherish what we have and remember to always be thankful. I feel ready for the challenge of this year now.' – Brock Waters

Simone Dajeman
Student Coordinator

Two Wells - Softball Grand Final Win

In Week 7, Two Wells Campus students Aiden Fauser, Sophie Fauser, Evan McKeown, Darian Andronikidis, Charlotte Brown and Riley Brown, all competed in the U12s Central United Tigers Softball Club Grand Final against USC Clubs 8-4. The final moments of the game saw Aiden with the ball, throwing at first base to get 3^rd out to win the game! The team took home gold and Darian was named Best on Ground. Congratulations Tigers! 

Mathew Penko
Teacher

Community Noticeboard

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