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Diary Dates:
Friday, 25Nov16:
Yr9, Luna Park Fun Day,
8.30am-5.00pm
Wednesday, 30Nov16 :
Bradman House Day
Wednesday, 30Nov16 to Fri-
day, 2Dec16
Yr 12 Retreat, Elenora
Heights
Friday, 2Dec16:
Mufti Day—Pink Theme for
‘Legally Blonde’. Gold coin.
Tuesday, 6Dec16:
Senior School, Parent Teach-
er Interviews, 2pm-7pm
Kirinari Showcase, 4pm-6pm
P&F Meeting, 7pm-8.30pm
Wednesday, 7Dec16 :
Yr9 Senior School Dance, St
Marys Band Club, 6pm-
10pm (parents invited)
Thursday, 8Dec16:
Yr10 Australian Catholic
Youth Festival
Yrs 9 &10 Music Concert in
the PAS, 6pm
Friday, 9Dec16:
Xavier Day—Mass and Cele-
brations.
Tuesday, 13Dec16:
Yr10 Twilight Reflection and
BBQ, 3pm-6pm
Gold Award Recipients
Acknowledgement Day
Wednesday, 14Dec16 :
End of Year Mass & Christ-
mas Hampers
Parent/Teacher
Report Interviews
Thursday 15Dec16
(3.30pm-5.30pm)
Friday 16Dec16
(8am-12noon)
Friday, 16Dec16:
Last Day of
school for 2016
From the Principal 23rd November 2016
Postal Address:
PO Box 98 CRANEBROOK NSW 2749
Address:
Ninth Avenue LLANDILO NSW 2747
Phone: 02 4777 0900
Fax: 02 4777 0930
Web:
E-mail: [email protected]
Volume 18, Issue 17
The Companion
Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends of Xavier,
Have you ever given thanks for the gift of faith?
What a great gift it is. Through the centuries women and men have died so that
this beautiful gift could be handed on to us. Millions of people dedicated their
lives to teaching it so that another generation could possess it. Of course, we
can never forget our parents and family members who saw to it that we were
baptized and went to Mass even when we didn’t want to. It is because of them
- because of their dedication and sacrifice - that we are here today at Xavier
College, a place where God lives in the hearts and minds of our community. It
is a gift we should never take for granted. As believers, we should always fight
to ensure that our freedom to live in accordance with our faith is respected by
all.
In Sunday’s second reading, St Paul calls us to rejoice in the gift of faith.
“Brothers and sisters: Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit
to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.” Last Sunday’s feast - The
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - was an
opportunity for us to celebrate and reflect on this glorious patrimony.
The first reason St Paul gives us to rejoice for the gift of faith is that God
“...delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom
of his beloved Son.” Because of our belief, we are no longer enslaved to this
world, but sons and daughters of our creator God.
It was with a deep sense of belief and discernment in true Ignatian spirit we
have appointed a new Assistant Principal at Xavier College.
Mr Greg Malone, currently the acting Assistant Principal at St Columba's
College Springwood, has been appointed to Xavier College for 2017.
Greg has been a Leader of Mission, Assistant Leader of Learning PDHPE,
Leader of Learning PDHPE, Sport Coordinator and Head of Learning
(Curriculum). He is an exceptional educator with consistently high HSC
results/bands in PDHPE, in fact his faculty is one of the highest performing
KLA across our system of schools.
Page 2 The Companion
Greg has a passion for improving the learning for every student whilst
maintaining effective structures designed to focus upon learning and
achievement. Greg's new role will have a particular focus on gathering, analysing
and sharing data to improve teaching and learning as we continue to exceed our
expectations.
He is a man of great faith and commitment to both his parish and Catholic
Education.
Finally, thank you to the many parents, teachers and students who provided me
with their reflections about this position during my process of discernment. It is a
very busy time, and I appreciate your ongoing support as we approach the end of
2016.
May the spirit of companionship taught by Francis Xavier and Ignatius Loyola be
with us now as we begin a period of transition and renewal.
Michael Pate
Principal Leader
Attached to this newsletter is a letter from Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta
detailing important information for families regarding Diocesan School Fees for 2017
Please take the time to read this letter
From the Acting Assistant Principal
May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears. Nelson Mandela
As we journey (quickly) toward the end of the 2017 school year, the reality of
life as change becomes increasingly salient. Many people fear change because it
is closely akin to uncertainty. But if we embrace the reality that life is change,
then we can see that change brings opportunity for growth and expansion in all
aspects of our lives.
Senior Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Senior Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday 6th De-
cember, between 2.00 pm and 7.00pm. As Year 12 2017 approach their first
HSC assessments this is a valuable opportunity to discuss how your child has
commenced their HSC courses and their preparedness for the coming year. To-
gether we can help them exceed their own expectations.
Information pertaining to booking your interviews follows this article. It will al-
so be available via Skoolbag.
Junior Reports
Students in Year 7 -10 are nearing the completion of their formal assessments for
2017 and teachers are preparing to complete their Semester Two reports. How-
ever, the learning continues in all subjects and lessons. The remaining weeks of
school are an excellent time for students to consolidate their learning of 2017,
reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement, and set goals for 2018. Re-
ports will be distributed Friday Week 9 and there will be an opportunity for you
to discuss the report with teachers on Thursday and Friday of Week 10.
Volume 18, Issue 17 Page 3
Year 8 Learning Interviews
In an earlier Companion I wrote that we would be introducing Year 8 to the
Learning Conversations/Mentor Programmeme this term. This was an initiative
introduced to Year 9 this year with the aim of actively demonstrating to these
students the importance of each of them as individuals and their learning at Xa-
vier. Year 8 students will be allocated a small group and a mentor from the Col-
lege Leadership Team. They will meet with their mentor and group during
Week 9. The focus of the first interview will be their progress in Semester 2,
expectations of their up-coming report and their goals for 2018. Year 8 students
will remain in these groups in 2017 when they will continue to meet with their
mentor.
Farewell Mr Finnerty
Finally, I will take this opportunity to farewell Mr Finnerty. Mr Finnerty and I
started at Xavier the same year and we have worked closely since. He has been
an invaluable source of knowledge and support during this time. Mr Finnerty
has freely shared his gifts with the Xavier Community. He will be sorely
missed; Loyola Senior High School is truly privileged and blessed to be gaining
from our loss. I wish Mr Finnerty much joy and success at his new school.
Many blessings,
Alyssa Roach
Acting Assistant Principal
Senior Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences will be held on:
Tuesday, 6th December 2016 (2.00pm—7.00pm)
You can now book interviews at times that suit YOUR FAMILY BEST.
Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and follow the simple instructions shown below.
BOOKINGS OPEN WEDNESDAY, 23rd NOVEMBER at 5.00pm
BOOKINGS CLOSE MONDAY, 5th DECEMBER at 5.00pm
NO BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS TIME.
Then follow the 3 simple steps: Enter THIS school event
When you click finish, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically - check
your junk mail folder if you do not receive your email immediately. You can return to
www.schoolinterviews.com.au at any time to change your interviews, until bookings close.
b8ry7
From the Director of Innovation and eLearning
BYOD in 2017
In 2014 Xavier College implemented its BYOD programme where incoming
Year 7 students supplied their own device for learning. The beginning of 2015
saw the continuation of the programme and in 2016, every child in Year 7, 8
and 9 provided their own device for their learning. As a result, in 2016 50% of
the College student population brought their own device to school for learning
as part of our BYOD programme. Of the remaining 50% of the student
population, many students supply their own device, whether it is in the form of
a tablet, laptop or smart phone.
In 2017 we will be extending the BYOD programme to include Year 11 and 12
students and are requesting that students in these years supply a device for their
learning. From 2017, it will be mandated that each student will bring their own
device to school for learning. Please note that a mobile phone, due to its
limited screen size is not a suitable learning device. Parents were first notified
of this in Term 4 of 2015 in the newsletter and school website. Specifications
for devices have been published in the SkoolBag app and on the College
website.
As we are all aware, BYOD has infiltrated its way into just about every
industry: small business, large enterprise, government and especially education.
Page 4 The Companion
From the Director of Mission and Formation
As the Year of Mercy comes to an end may we continue with our actions of mercy towards ‘Welcoming the Stranger’ beyond this Jubilee Year. May we remember what it has taught us. Mercy is God’s initiative; God’s NATURE; God’s uncompromising intention; God’s PURE ONENESS with us and for us; and it is the living balm that equips us to share in God’s divine mission.
Mercy is the SHAPE of God’s unconditional love; love desiring to reach into all creation, to hold and transform all that suffer indignity and all that carry shame or sin; love seeking to tend to each fracture of esteem, each piercing of the heart; love yearning to enwrap each pain of marginalisation with the deepest belonging, with delighted wholeness and with a fire of joy.
Christmas Hampers
Tutor Groups have now received a Christmas hamper bag to fill. These hampers will be distributed by St Vincent de Paul to those in the community who are less fortunate in the hope that they will bring some joy to those who need it most.
Hamper ideas include: Long life milk/custard, dried fruits, canned food, tinned tuna, soft drinks, juice, biscuits, pasta, rice, coffee, teas, cereals, lollies, puddings, chocolates, plastic utensils/plates/cups.
Please keep sending in items for these hampers with your child to help St
Vincent de Paul ensure that every household can experience joy on Christmas
Day.
Kellie Robinson
Volume 18, Issue 17 Page 5
Many schools across our Diocese are implementing BYOD programmes to increase
the access that students have to the internet, digital content, and a range of
educational opportunities. By introducing our BYOD programme, we saw a way to
create workforce-ready students. When our students leave school they will be
entering a workforce that will rely heavily on mobile technology. BYOD at Xavier
allows students to learn with the tools they will be working with in the future and,
by bringing their own device to school, they will be using the devices they are
comfortable with.
Schools are currently finding it difficult and expensive to maintain large fleets of
laptops for student use. Since the ending of the previous Federal Government’s
“Digital Education Revolution” (DER) in 2013, our school has spent, and continues
to spend, considerable amounts of money maintaining and repairing our current
fleet of aging laptops. The implementation of the BYOD programme has enabled
the College to divert funds into more educationally sound programmes such as
increasing the range and density of our wireless network infrastructure and the roll
out of ClickView, which is allowing our staff to flip the classroom.
Our BYOD programme empowers our students by allowing them to make their own
technology choices with regards to the device they want to use for learning. Student
owned devices also offer more opportunities for learning to continue at home
through flipped-learning, where our students can access our online learning
environment - Moodle, Classm8 and ClickView - anywhere and anytime. The
devices also enable students to keep work in one place, such as in the Cloud or in
the device itself. We have also found that students are more likely to take better care
of devices that belong to them.
BYOD is about delivering education in new ways. Technology plays a huge role in
our students' everyday lives and it is an integral part of their learning. For our
school and most others, it is financially unsustainable to provide every student with
state-of-the-art technology. It is for these reasons we extended our BYOD
programme across all years in 2016, with full mandatory implementation by 2017.
We have produced the following document to guide you in the choice of a device
for your child’s learning. Students in Year 11 and 12 in 2017 may take this
opportunity to identify and purchase a device that would suit them when they leave
school and begin their tertiary studies or enter the workforce. Students in Year 10
should look for a device that will give them a life span of at least three years, to see
them through the senior years. For senior students we are recommending a laptop as
a learning device. Though an iPad may suit students in the younger years, it is our
preference for students at Xavier College to supply either an Apple or Windows
based laptop for their learning.
Please read through the following document regarding device types and if you have
any questions concerning the purchase of an appropriate device for your son or
daughter’s learning, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
Andrew Wonson
Director of Innovation and eLearning
Page 6 The Companion
Volume 18, Issue 17 Page 7
From the Director of Finance and Office Administration
Notification of Roadworks
The College has received notification that roadworks on Terrybrook Road will
commence on Wednesday, November 23rd. Details regarding restrictions to the area
can be accessed via our College website.
Students Leaving Xavier College in 2016
If your child will not be returning to Xavier College for study in 2017, please advise
the College via letter or email ([email protected]) as soon as possible.
You will need to include the following information:
Your child’s name and year group.
The reason they will be leaving the College (e.g. transferring schools,
employment, TAFE, etc.).
Their anticipated last day of attendance at Xavier College.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Notification from Busways: Changes to Bus 5595
Commencing on Monday, November 21st, there has been a change to Busway’s
afternoon school bus service 5595:
Students currently transferring at Richmond Station to Route 680 will now
remain on board to continue travel to North Richmond, Grose Vale and Bowen
Mountain.
Students currently transferring at Richmond Station for Route 682 will continue
to do so.
For further information please contact Busways Customer Service on 9497 1870 or
9497 1887. Alternatively visit the Busways website at www.busways.com.au
Dawn Hackett
Director of Finance and Office Administration
Xavier College
Uniform Shop Thursdays
8am-4pm
December 2016
Tuesday 6th, 8.00am-7.30pm (including Year 7 2017 Blazer fittings
Thursday 8th, 8.00am-7.30pm (including Year 7 2017 Blazer fittings)
Tuesday 13th, 8.00am-4.00pm
Thursday 15th, 8.00am-4.00pm
January 2017
Friday 13th,9.00am-3.30pm
Monday 16th, 9.00am-3.30pm
Tuesday 17th, 9.00am-3.30pm
Wednesday 18th, 9.00am-3.30pm
Thursday 19th, 9.00am-3.30pm
Friday 20th, 9.00am-3.30pm
Monday 23rd, 8.00am-3.00pm
Tuesday 24th, 8.00am-3.00pm
Wednesday 25th, 8.00am-3.00pm
Monday 30th, 8.00am-3.00pm
Tuesday 31st, 8.00am-3.00pm
Extended Trading
Hours
Normal trading hours: Thursdays, 8.00am—4.00pm will resume from Thursday, 2nd February 2017
Phone: 4777 4068
Email : [email protected]
Page 8 The Companion
PDHPE Week
Last week, the staff and students at Xavier celebrated PDHPE week. It was an
outstanding success with lots of subject-related activities completed which challenged
the mind and body in multiple ways. Well done to all those students who engaged in
these activities and contributed to the excitement and buzz generated.
Monday saw House Shuttle relays being completed. As a school, with all six
Houses being represented, a total of 30.6 kms were run. The House with the greatest
total for the day was MacKillop, with a total of 114 (60m) shuttles completed. Well
done MacKillop House.
Tuesday was walk or r ide to school day, and students made a conscious effor t to
ensure they got some exercise this day. The motto of “look at exercise as an
OPPORTUNITY not an INCONVENIENCE, students identified strategies to increase
their exercise levels on a daily basis. At lunch time a trivia competition was run and
won. Alex Mailangkay of Campion came first with 22/25 correct answers
Wednesday was by far our biggest day. The Health promotion initiative of “Go
for 2 and 5” was applied. The aim was to encourage everyone to eat two serves of fruit
and five serves of vegetables every day. Four fruit stations were set up and students
accessed apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries and even celery. Who knew celery was
such a hit? It was impressive to see how popular this was with the students. It was
greatly appreciated, with many positive comments being passed on.
Volume 18, Issue 17 Page 9
At lunch, we held the Basketball Free Throw Challenge. It was great to see many
students shooting baskets and then taking on the obstacle course that included many
of the skill components of the game. Much excitement and skill was shown by the
students participating in this challenge.
Thursday was Jersey Day. Students wore a range of jer seys from their favourite
sporting teams to their own club and sporting teams. Having an interest in sport,
supporting a team, playing in a team are all very beneficial to a healthy lifestyle.
At lunch time the “Cross Bar Challenge” was run. This was another house-based
competition which resulted in a very close finish, with MacKillop again having the
greatest success on the day. As students went off to sport in the afternoon, they were
encouraged to wear sunscreen and reminded that they should strive to be sun safe
every day of their lives.
Friday’s challenges included the “Strong Person” activity and the
“Survivor” test. In the Strong Person test, students tested their grip strength by
using a dynamometer. The winning boy and girl were Nick Fonua and Shania
Portelli.
Finally, the Survivor Challenge saw our Houses compete against each other in
challenges very much like the TV show. In teams, they completed a throwing
and catching task, moving on to completing a puzzle and then crossing a
“river” using shoes only to stand on and make the crossing. Finally, the teams
needed to use their tennis skills to hit a target with a tennis racquet and ball.
Congratulations to Campion, the victors in this activity.
Each day of the week, Tutor Groups worked their way through a song, examining
them for various life tips and analogies made to enjoy living a happy and healthy
life. Thanks so much to everyone who got involved and were part of the week’s
activities. We trust you enjoyed it.
Page 10 The Companion
However, there’s no need to stop just because the week is over. There are lots of things
we all can do to maintain optimal health:
Get involved in any physical activity you like. The recommendation is 60 minutes
per day for children and 30 minutes per day for adults. Whether it be visiting the
local community centre or park or getting involved in the local sport club, getting
into the community and being physically active can have some major benefits.
Not only will this reduce children’s screen time, but it will also provide them with
an opportunity to interact with new people from all different cultures, religions
and backgrounds.
Social inclusion is a large factor in today’s society and it is important that children
and their parents/grandparents have the opportunities to interact and be physically
active with all members of their community.
An educated nation, comprising active and healthy young people, is the best
investment we can make in the future. An understanding and an awareness of
health-related matters, makes an important, positive difference to the lives of our
students and their lifelong participation and health outcomes. Parents and
communities also play a central role in promoting, facilitating and modelling
positive lifestyle behaviours.
Many fact sheets were provided throughout the week. This information and more can be
accessed at: http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/kids-teens/get-active-each-day.aspx
Paul Kennedy
Leader of Learning, PDHPE
Legally Blonde Jr
Weeks Eight and Nine of this term will be two important weeks in the Xavier College
calendar for the Creative and Performing Arts.
In Week Eight the focus will be on a large scale performing arts event in the school.
That is, of course, the 2017 Xavier College musical, Legally Blonde Jr. This musical
will be performed at the Q Theatre in Penrith from the March 29th to 31st 2017. All
tickets will be available from the Q Theatre (further details to come in 2017).
To aid in fundraising for the musical (to build sets and costumes), Xavier College is
holding a Mufti Day on Friday 2nd December 2016 to raise money for the musical.
The cost is only a $2! You can also show your support of the musical by wearing
something pink on the day. In Week Eight we will also have a BBQ sausage sizzle
and a 'Spray the teacher’s hair pink auction'. This will all be lots of fun and the
activities will support a very important event.
Furthermore, in Week Nine we will be holding CAPA Week. The theme for CAPA
Week is The Artistic Journey. Whatever type of artist you are - whether you are a
painter, musician, sculptor, dancer, actor, singer, or any other form of artist - this will
be an exciting week.
In CAPA Week we will have a lot of creative activities to see and get involved with,
such as painting displays, concerts, guessing competitions, kahoots and live art
works. I know this will be a great opportunity for all students to spread their artistic
wings.
Peter Hazell
Creative and Performing Arts Leader of Learning
“Exceed your expectations”
Xavier College
Llandilo
Registration Form Name: ________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
______________________________________________
________________________ P/Code _______________
Phone: _______________________________________
Fax: _________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________
Title: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Dates _____/_____/_____ to _____/______/_____
Retreat Selected
Please submit completed
Registration form to:
St Joseph’s Centre Baulkham Hills
by post, fax or email.
St Joseph’s,
64 MacKillop Drive,
Baulkham Hills OR
PO Box 7386
Baulkham Hills BC NSW 2153
Phone: 02 9634 2317
Fax: 02 9899 4249
Email: [email protected]
Cheques payable to the
Spirituality Ministry of the
Sisters of St Joseph
Weekend Retreats
St Joseph’s Centre
Baulkham Hills Sometimes you need …
Time out from your day to day life
Some new insights, directions and inspiration
A break to go within, reconnect with self and your God
Opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
To look after the whole person, you, we need to consider the mental, emotional, physical and
spiritual.
Often the spiritual is through faith based practice or other groups. To truly step forward and allow
ourselves the gift of time with self, means to connect within.
These retreats aim to provide spiritually curious and open individuals with an experience of
listening to fresh insights, reflection, some creative responses and prayer experiences.
We invite you to give yourself permission to step out of your world and look after you for a
change.
December 8—10
Sr Patty Andrew osu
Further information regarding retreats can be found at:
http://www.stjosephscentre.org.au/retreats
Celebrating the Ongoing Birth of God
This weekend situated at the beginning of Advent, invites us to
ponder the gift of God incarnate in our world. Reflective processes
will be framed within an evolutionary spirituality which is grounded in
God’s continuous unfolding in our lives and in all creation. Immersing
ourselves more deeply in this incarnational reality awakens us to our
unique capacity to give birth to God in and through the experiences
of our lives.
