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FROM THE RECTOR
Dear Parents and Guardians
Earlier this month, Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to resign his ministry as the Bishop of Rome, Successor of St Peter as of 8:00pm on 28 February. This is a truly historic moment in the life of the Church as Pope Benedict XVI is the first Pope since 1415 to have resigned from office as opposed to having died in office. Fr Adolfo Nicolas SJ, the Superior General of the Society of Jesu, wrote to all Jesuits and said, “We receive this announcement of the Holy Father with respect and admiration for his spiritual freedom, his humility, and his deep love for the Church.” Many people are not aware that in 2007, Fr Peter Hans Kolvenbach SJ, the former Superior General of the Society of Jesus approached Pope Benedict XVI for permission to resign from his leadership position. Like Pope Benedict XVI, Fr Kolvenbach SJ was an elderly man who had given extraordinary service to the Church. He had been elected as Superior General at General Congregation 33 in 1983 and served in that role for twenty-five years until 2008. In writing the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, St Ignatius of Loyola had envisaged that, like the Papacy, the role of the Superior General would be for life. As Fr Kolvenbach SJ approached 80 years of age, and after twenty-five years of outstanding service as Superior General, he felt that new life and new graces would flow to the work of the Jesuits and the Church if he was given permission to resign. Fr Kolvenbach SJ and the Jesuits across the world were grateful that Pope Benedict XVI approved Fr Kolvenbach’s request. Consequently, in 2008 at General Congregation 35, Fr Kolvenbach’s resignation was accepted and Fr Adolfo Nicolas SJ was elected as the new Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Fr Kolvenbach SJ now spends his days working happily in the library at the Jesuit university in Beirut, Lebanon. At the 35th General Congregation, Pope Benedict XVI was most encouraging of the work of the Society of Jesus. In affirming our work and ministry within the Church, Pope Benedict XVI said, “The Church needs you, counts on you, and continues to turn to you with confidence”. The Pope encouraged us to live with renewed vigour and zeal “to reach the geographical and spiritual places where others do not reach or find difficult to reach”. Our ministry of education at Xavier College is an expression of this as we seek to form the hearts and minds of the next generation of leaders within our Church and our world, who face the challenge of being people of faith and people of service in an increasing secular Australian culture. In the coming days, we continue to pray in gratitude for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI and for God’s blessing as he makes the transition into retirement. We also pray for the whole Church in this time of transition, and especially for the College of Cardinals as they prayerfully discern, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who will be elected as the new Bishop of Rome and Pope of our Church. Wishing you every blessing
Fr Thomas Renshaw SJ Rector [email protected]
Email: [email protected] Jesuit Web Site: www.jesuit.org.au Xavier Web Site: www.xavier.vic.edu.au
Number 3 – Wednesay 27 February 2013 Phone: 9854 5411 Fax: 9853 3728
X A V I E R C O L L E G E A J E S U I T S C H O O L
Senior Campus ..............newsletter
COMING EVENTS
THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY Year 9 Emmaus Days continue.
FRIDAY 1 MARCH Year 9 Emmaus Days conclude.
Past Parents’ Mass & Luncheon (Chapel & Boardroom) 12:00pm—2:00pm
SATURDAY 2 MARCH School Tour 9:00am—12:00pm
Uniform Shop (Tennis Centre) 10:00am—1:00pm
SUNDAY 3 MARCH OXFC Book Launch (Great Hall)
3:00pm—7:00pm
YEP Youth Mass (OLGC) 5:00pm
MONDAY 4 MARCH Aquatic Parents’ Meeting (Dalton Room)
7:00pm—9:00pm
XCMA Committee Meeting (Auxiliaries Room) 7:30pm
TUESDAY 5 MARCH Victorian All School Relay
Championships (MSAC) 6:30pm—10:00pm
Year 10 Parent Information Night (EHPAC) 7:30pm—9:30pm
WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH XSJN Afternoon Tea (Dalton Room)
2:00pm—4:00pm
NICK Foundation (EHPAC) 7:30pm—10:30pm
FRIDAY 8 MARCH YEP Friday Night Youth Events
(Hawthorn Parish Centre) 7:30pm—10:00pm
SATURDAY 9 MARCH
Scotch Mercantile, Junior Boys’ State Championship Rowing (Nagambie)
SUNDAY 10 MARCH Catholic Education Week commences.
Rowing Board Christening (Yarra River, Hawthorn)
MONDAY 11 MARCH LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
TUESDAY 12 MARCH Soul Space—Parent Information Night
(Dalton Room) 7:30pm—9:00pm
WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH FOXA Meeting (Dalton Room) 7:30pm–
9:30pm
A comprehensive list of College events is available all year via the online calendar on the Xavier
Community Portal.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Parents and Guardians
It is very pleasing to see the school buzzing with engagement and endeavour. The first month of the school year is always brimming with activity. This year we have 2050 students across the three campuses, and this brings a great challenge of how we can care for the individual needs of each student. My hope is that our structures of pastoral care and specific academic focus, our co-curricular activities and Ignatian service programs will provide each student with the opportunity to flourish.
Over the weekend, together with Fr Renshaw SJ, I attended the Jesuit Heads and Rectors’ meeting in Perth. Our agenda is always focused on how we can be a more authentic Jesuit school. A question that has caused me a great deal of reflection is, ‘Are our schools supporting a culture of entitlement or a culture of gratitude?’ My hope is that our community is appreciative of the wonderful opportunities and facilities that are available. For the past 135 years, countless generations of Jesuits, lay teachers and parents have 'given and not counted the cost.' This is all done so that the students have the very best opportunity to make a difference. My prayer is that our students are thankful for all that is freely given to them.
This week, the combined Xavier/Genazzano FCJ College musical Beauty and the Beast opened to packed houses. How wonderful it is to see young people enjoying the great opportunity to act, sing and dance. Congratulations to Director Mr Peter Robert, and all the staff from both schools who have made a valuable contribution to this very uplifting success.
Blessings and peace for the coming week.
Dr Chris Hayes Principal [email protected]
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE SENIOR CAMPUS
Dear Parents and Guardians
EMMAUS DAYS Over the past fortnight the Year 9 boys have been involved in their Retreat experiences. Each House group has had the opportunity to spend a day with their Head of House and another staff member, as well as a number of Year 12 boys from their House, reflecting on their lives and their key relationships.
These experiences are an integral part of the Faith Formation program and, by all accounts, the boys have entered into them with real enthusiasm.
XCMA MASS AND LUNCH On Monday of last week the Mothers' Association held their annual start of year Mass and lunch. We gathered in the Memorial Chapel with a wonderful Eucharistic Celebration led by Fr Renshaw SJ and then retired to the Trescowthick Room in the Stephenson Centre for some formalities and lunch.
One of the highlights was the presentation given by the three boys who travelled on the Indian immersion with Fr Renshaw SJ. These boys were the recipients of funds from the Mothers' Association and it was fitting that those present heard the compelling stories of the boys' experiences. A few tears were shed as the boys described some of the more moving experiences they had shared on the immersion.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the Mothers' Association and President Kate Crock, in particular, for their support of not only the Indian immersion but the various other projects they have helped to fund as well.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST What a show! Congratulations to all involved: students, staff, parents and musicians. Opening Night was brilliant and I'm sure the remaining performances will be no different. I am also delighted that every show was sold out well in advance, which is a great testament to the support given by the Xavier community.
Kind regards
John Hickey Director of the Senior Campus [email protected]
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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION CENTRE FOR FAITH AND SERVICE—PARENT FORMATION
This year Xavier College will continue to offer parents the opportunity to engage with their own spirituality. We will again have Fr Chris Gleeson SJ who will lead a number of these sessions which will culminate in a weekend retreat at Anglecrest – the Jesuit retreat house at Anglesea. Further details will be mailed to you in the coming week, however, here is a brief outline of the programs on offer and you may wish to put the following dates into your diary.
INTRODUCTION TO IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY
Suggested audience: New and interested parents Tuesday 12 March ‘Everything belongs in Ignatian Spirituality’
Presenter: Fr Chris Gleeson SJ Wednesday 20 March The lives of St Ignatius Loyola / St Francis Xavier Presenter: Xavier staff member Tuesday 26 March The Walk to Emmaus and the College theme
Presenter: Fr Chris Gleeson SJ Venue: Xavier College Senior Campus—Dalton Room Time: 7:15pm for 7:30pm start – 9:00pm No cost involved
THE HEART OF IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY
Suggested audience: Parents yearning for more food for their soul Tuesday 13 August The Centrality of Jesus Presenter: Fr Andy Bullen SJ Tuesday 20 August Finding God in All Things Presenter: Fr Chris Gleeson SJ Tuesday 27 August Discernment and Decision Making
Presenter: Fr Michael Smith SJ Venue: Xavier College Senior Campus—Dalton Room Time: 7:15pm for 7:30pm start – 9:00pm No cost involved
SOUL SPACE
Suggested audience: Parents looking for a greater depth of prayer and reflection Venue: Anglecrest—the Jesuit villa at Anglesea Time: Friday 11 – Sunday 13 October Cost to be advised Christine Fonseca Director of Faith Formation [email protected]
FROM THE COLLEGE COUNSELLOR
In previous weeks students from Year 9 have had the opportunity to spend time with Year 12 mentors during the Emmaus Day program. I was fortunate enough to witness part of the program and it never ceases to amaze me how mature and sensitive our students can be when participating in this program.
The program allows students to participate and be exposed to another aspect of the Xavier College education which is as important as their academic studies and, in some instances, life changing. Understandably we anticipate that the majority of the learning will be conducted in the classroom where subjects in humanities, science, music etc. will be ably taught by teachers. However, the Emmaus Day program, like a number of other personal development programs offered to students, allows them to learn about Xavier College and, more importantly, life experiences from fellow students.
In many instances these can actually be the more meaningful interactions and moments of self-reflection that boys will experience. To witness an older student sharing both positive and sometimes tragic experiences in their lives and talk about the emotional rollercoaster ride that comes with it, is empowering. In effect, boys are shown that it’s okay to be upset, unhappy and reliant on others—whether that be friends, family or teachers—when life events become challenging.
More importantly, I as an adult and, I’m sure, many other staff also have the chance to learn about courage, sacrifices, and relationships from our own students, and I am most grateful for that experience. Regards from the Wellbeing team Peter Panagiotopoulos College Counsellor [email protected]
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FROM THE XAVIER SOCIAL JUSTICE NETWORK
All members of the Xavier community—parents, past parents, staff and Old Xaverians—are invited to come and hear about the work of the new initiatives of the Network. You may be new to Xavier College and know nothing about the Network. This is your opportunity to find out more. If you are not new to the College and would like to hear about our new developments, and how you might participate, you are also most welcome to come along.
FINAL INFORMATION SESSION FOR TERM 1: Senior Campus: Dalton Room, 2:00pm 6 March 2013 RSVP: [email protected] or 9815 4528
If you would like to know more about XSJN and cannot attend at this time, please feel free to contact me on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesdays.
NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT JESUIT SOCIAL SERVICES Collingwood Community Information Centre—volunteers required to assist residents of the Collingwood Housing
Estate with enquiries. Volunteers required on any weekday afternoon. Flemington Homework Club—Wednesday or Thursday 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Tutoring for school children from the
Flemington African community. Brosnan Services requires a volunteer for reception duties at Brunswick. There are two sessions where a reception
volunteer is needed: Thursday afternoons 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Fridays 9:00am – 1:00pm. At Dandenong they need admin/reception support any day for approximately 3 - 4 hours.
Jesuit Social Services is also seeking mentors for the African Visitation and Mentoring Program. Training and supervision will be offered to mentors who will be providing support to people from an African background who have been imprisoned in the Melbourne region. The next mentor training program begins in May 2013. For more information go to: http://www.jss.org.au/programs/justice-and-crime-prevention/avamp
If you would like more information about any of these opportunities please contact Jo Dunin on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Warm regards
Jo Dunin XSJN Co-ordinator [email protected] Ph: 9815 4528 Mob: 0418 548 900
XAVIER NEWS—EDITION 1 2013 The deadline for all material to be forwarded is: Monday 18 March 2013
Please forward requests for articles and photos to be included to: [email protected] Please note that owing to Easter falling earlier this year and as we will be working through a new process with a newly engaged
graphic design company, this does mean that this deadline date of March 18 is fixed and extensions will not be possible.
VCE NEWS
Year 12 students are reminded that their ATAR does Year 12 students are reminded that their ATAR does notnot define themdefine them——but their but their effortsefforts can! No regrets at the end of can! No regrets at the end of the year, so plan accordingly!the year, so plan accordingly!
SPECIAL PROVISION A reminder that VCAA Special Provision Applications need to be made ASAP (the official closing date is Friday 1 March).
“APPROVED ABSENCE” FROM SACS Absence from an assessment must be supported by a Medical Certificate and the certificate must be dated on the day of the assessment. If the absence is due to a serious personal matter, then documentation must be provided to the VCE Co-ordinator explaining the circumstances.
YEAR 11 Students are reminded that the VCE is a 2-year ‘package’ and they should avoid putting all their efforts into their Unit 3 & 4 study to the detriment of their Unit 1 & 2 studies.
Year 11 students must complete any Unit 1 & 2 assessments that are missed due to illness within two weeks of returning to school. Paul Angus VCE Co-ordinator [email protected]
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XAVIER COLLEGE MOTHERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS WELCOME MASS AND LUNCH Despite the hot weather, a lovely day was celebrated with many mothers and friends in attendance on Monday of last week. It was pleasing to hand over funds raised by the XCMA in 2012 to the College and to hear the India Scholarship boys tell us about their amazing trip. Thanks to the many helpers on the day – before, during and after the event. Your assistance is much appreciated.
YEAR LEVEL REPRESENTATIVES FOR 2013 We are seeking Representatives for Year 11, in particular. Please email me if you are interested.
NEW PARENTS’ FUNCTION ‘For parents new to the Senior Campus (in any year level), please book now (no cost—catering only) for the welcome function on Friday 15 March, jointly hosted by the College, XCMA and XCFA. An invitation was emailed this week. www.trybooking.com/BDQA and on the following page of this newsletter.
YEAR 10 PARENTS’ FUNCTION Saturday 23 March from 7:30pm. Please see the details at www.trybooking.com/42956. BYO food and drinks--no payment required.
XCMA MEETINGS—DATES FOR 2013 XCMA meets (usually) on the first Monday of each month during the school term in the Auxiliaries Room at 7:30pm. Our next meeting is Monday 4 March. All mothers are most welcome at any of our meetings. Dates for 2013: 4 March, 15 April, 6 May, 3 June, 5 August, 2 September, 7 October, 11 November (AGM). Kate Crock XCMA President [email protected] 0419 335 949
THE XAVIER COLLEGE Care Group “...to give and not to count the cost...” Support and practical assistance is available on a confidential basis to the Xavier Community in times of need and may include providing meals, helping with transport, childcare, shopping and gardening. Contact:
Care Group Coordinator Assistant Care Group Coordinator Susan Koay Philomena Yii 9857 6499, 0414 765 029 or 0438 898 192 [email protected] [email protected] A family may make a request for support by contacting the College Principal, Director of Senior Campus, Head of House, Tutors or Pastoral Care Staff. Alternatively, please feel free to confidentially contact Susan or Philomena.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
FRIENDS OF XAVIER MUSIC (FOXM) MEETING Friends of Xavier Music will hold their first meeting on Wednesday 13 March in the Dalton Room, Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre at 7:30pm. I encourage all parents of our music students from Senior Campus to come along and show their support. FOXM is an informal parent support group that meets each term to discuss what is on in the music calendar and how best they can contribute to the many music functions held throughout the year. Please telephone the Music Office at the Senior Campus on 9854 5315 or email: [email protected] if you are able to attend. Greg Carey Director of Music [email protected]
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NOTICEBOARD SENIOR CAMPUS STUDENT ABSENCE LINE Please notify the College of your son’s absence by calling the Student Absence Line on 9854 5309.
UNIFORM SHOP Next open days: Saturday 2 March 10:00am - 1:00pm Venue: Tennis Centre Good condition Blazers and other items wanted. Please ensure items are prepared as per conditions of sale—see Portal for details. Donations always appreciated. Items can be left at Reception. Check Portal for 2013 Open Schedule and Conditions of Sale: https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal/services/uniforms/uniformshop. Enquiries: Sue Deane (0417 520 093) or Julie Kiernan (0418 320 753)
TUCKSHOP SPECIALS
FEBRUARY Wed 27 Butter chicken served with mixed vegetables
Thurs 28 Pasta Bolognese
MARCH
Fri 01 Tempura fish served with salad and seasoned potato
Mon 04 Portuguese peri peri chicken served in a soft Turkish roll
Tues 05 Pasta with chargrilled Tuscan vegetables
Wed 06 Beef Teriyaki served with seasonal vegetables
Thurs 07 Meat or vegetable lasagne
Fri 08 Fish burger served with green salad
Mon 11 CLOSED—Public Holiday
Tues 12 Drumsticks served on a bed of savoury rice
YEP EVENTS Youth-led Mass—Sunday 3 March, Time: 5:00pm - 7:15pm, Venue: Our Lady of Good Counsel, 52 Deepdene
Road, Deepdene. The next monthly youth mass for all the Parishes involved in YEP will be held at OLGC on Sunday 3 March. It is followed by refreshments and a catch-up. All ages welcome.
TGI Fridays—Friday 22 March, Time: 7:30p - 10:00pm, Venue: Hawthorn Parish Centre, 345 Burwood Road,
Hawthorn LIGHT TO THE NATIONS—Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 March, Cost: $220 - 300 (depending on mode of travel)
Venue: Cataract Scout Park, Appin, NSW. Run by the Disciples of Jesus Community, it is a whole new way to celebrate the Easter Liturgies. Every second year, up to 1000 young people from Asia, the South Pacific and Australia embark on a pilgrimage to connect with each other and with their faith in all new ways. Registrations close 4 March. Email [email protected]. for details.
2013 SACRAMENTAL ENROLMENTS—CATHOLIC PARISH OF IVANHOE Brochures and enrolment forms are available for Parish Sacramental programs which include Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist. Please note that enrolments are only accepted from families who live within the parish which includes Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Ivanhoe West and Eaglemont. It is recommended that preparation for sacraments takes place in the parish in which the catechist lives. Proof of address is required. Enrolment forms are available from Parish Office 9499 1515 or website: www.ivanhoecatholics.com. Parish contact details: 9499 1515; fax: 9499 9959 or email: [email protected]
NB. Closing date is Friday 22 March 2013 - It is not always possible to accept late enrolments.
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RECOMMENDED READS FROM THE BRENNAN RESOURCE CENTRE Welcome to Recommended Reads! The Xavier College Resource Centres promote a reading culture which supports and enriches reading for pleasure and develops an appreciation of literature.
TITLE: This thing of Darkness
AUTHOR: Harry Thompson PUBLISHER: Headline Review, 2006
When Prospero says of Caliban in The Tempest: “This thing of darkness, I acknowledge mine”, he was referring to an unregenerate ‘creature’, one who reflected the baser, darker side of human nature. That single moment provides the central image, as well as the title of this novel.
This thing of Darkness, Harrison’s lengthy historical fiction, examines the voyages of the ‘Beagle’, but more specifically those of its commander and the undoubted engine of its successes, Captain Robert
FitzRoy. Those who enjoy reading of naval heroes such as Aubrey and Hornblower will find FitzRoy a worthy addition to their ranks. However, as one might expect of a novel authored in the context and concerns of the 21st Century, it is so much more than a novel of ‘derring do’. It examines, too, the ‘Beagle’ expedition involving Charles Darwin and, amid the titanic storms and the extraordinary landscapes, the conflicts of empires and the tragic tale of ‘civilising’ savages, the two main characters, FitzRoy and Darwin, debate morality, colonisation, geology, fate and ultimately, the existence of God.
This is not simply a novel about external journeying. This thing of Darkness refers not just to the illumination of previously unknown geographical, philosophical and sociological knowledge. It refers also to the exploration and mapping of the darker recesses of the human character.
This book has much to recommend it: the romance, the passion, the humour, the darkness, the masterly creation of a lively and convincing parallel world.
Ms P Garlick Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 Reading level: Year 11 - Adult
If you would like more information about popular titles read and recommended by staff and students, please contact Ian Thornton by email – [email protected] – or visit the READING link on our website on the College Portal under Senior Campus, Services, Brennan Resource Centre
NOTICEBOARD CONT. JESUIT MISSION MAYTIME FAIR—SATURDAY 4 MAY 2013 Supporting Vital Work in the Developing World
Please donate:
Books in good condition.
Plants – Gardeners, if you are able to pot up 1 or 2 pots for our stall, we would be most grateful. They could be delivered to the Plant Stall at Xavier on Friday 3 May (in the afternoon) or on Saturday 4 May.
Gold and silver jewellery (even if broken) and watches (even if not working).
Australian coins and paper banknotes (pre-decimal or decimal) along with any
world coins and banknotes
Stamps, envelopes, albums or stamp collections
Small household items (non-electrical), costume jewellery, glassware
Silver, linen and lace in good condition
Unwanted Christmas gifts
For enquiries, please contact Jo Bell, President Maytime Fair Committee, Mob 0401 060 678 or email [email protected]. Donations may be delivered to: Jesuit Mission, 130 Power Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122 OR posted to: Jesuit Mission, PO Box 6149, Hawthorn VIC 3122. Should you have goods which need collected please contact Jo Bell as above. TREASURY STAFF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help in the Treasury at the Maytime Fair on Saturday 4 May 2013 at Xavier College, Kew. Please Contact Peter Jackman on 03 5562 1492
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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT AQUATICS—DAVID STRAHAN The 2013 competition season commenced on Friday 8 February, with our annual meet against our close neighbours Trinity Grammar. Although Trinity has been victorious in our past two competitions, this year we were comfortable winners and this was largely due to our strong team performance in the relays. 2013 Captain of Swimming, Evan Morgan, led the charge in the open age group, with Ben Carmody, Liam Darcy and Hamish Cox also performing well. Both Matthew Ferrari and Hamish Morris had good swims in the U17 division. Patrick O'Sullivan produced several commendable times in the U16 age group and with Max Sheats, Luke Chamberlain and Declan Cox they combined to easily win several relays. Our U15 swimmers, including Tom Morriss, Tyler Hwang, Jack Gazdowicz and Daniel Murphy, also finished in front and will be a strong combination for the APS Finals. Our first official APS competition took place on Saturday 16 February at Scotch College. In another great team performance we finished first in the diving and second overall in the swimming point score. Great performances were recorded by the following divers: Jack Mackinnon, Isaac Case and Kaelan Cheesewright.
BADMINTON—GWYN MCCLELLAND So far this year there has been some movement within the 1sts team, and coaches Rick and Giordano Ch'ng have been happy with the efforts of their charges. Whilst the seconds and the 9/10As have had some close matches, the thirds have started off with two big wins, against Geelong Grammar and Haileybury. Congratulations to Angus McAllister and Jane Copsey for their leadership here. Also, welcome to Andrew Wang, joint Dux of 2012, as a badminton coach in 2013.
TOUCH RUGBY—MICHAEL WILSON The Xavier College Touch Rugby program is continually growing with eight senior teams in 2013 and introducing two new teams from Burke Hall for the first time. The season has begun very well for all teams involved with the 1sts, 2nds, 3rds and 4ths remaining undefeated thus far. The Year 9 and 10 teams, managed by former TIC and 1sts coach Mr Graham Thomson, are showing great promise with some amazing game play from students that are relatively inexperienced in the game.
TRIATHLON—JONO CHASE The year so far in Triathlon has seen many students, staff and parents testing themselves on the Bayside courses over summer. The boys have been training hard over Terms 4 2012 and 1 2013 and have demonstrated a number of fantastic performances, which has resulted in Xavier College leading the Gary McAllister School’s Cup. Congratulations to Matthew Goessler and Matthew Sharkey on being awarded Captain and Vice-Captain of Triathlon for 2013 respectively. I am sure they will continue to bring the passion and commitment that they have demonstrated towards the sport for the remainder of the year, inspiring and helping the junior members of the squad. A special congratulations also goes to Peter Chappell for making the State Team through his outstanding results this season. It is pleasing to have such fantastic individual and team performances, in what has been a transition phase for the Xavier Triathlon Community.
TENNIS—CHRIS REES The summer tennis season commenced in Term 4 last year with Open 1sts, 2nds and 10A teams involved in Saturday matches. When the season recommenced in early February, Xavier had fielded twenty-two teams with home matches at two separate grass court locations and at one synthetic complex. The first full Saturday back on 9 February saw large numbers of enthusiastic tennis players involved from Years 9, 10 and Open levels. Since then we have seen players facing one of the most prolonged hot spells both at training and during Saturday matches. We have seen a significant number of successful teams competing during this period and have witnessed some fighting performances by our boys. We look forward to seeing a large number of players involved in tennis in the coming weeks and hope that our players represent the school with pride and good sportsmanship, which has been the case so far.
ROWING—SIMON HARRISON With seventeen crews fast approaching the business end of the rowing season, the boys and their coaches, are starting to feel the Head of the River looming. There are still several lead-up regattas to fine tune our race strategies, boat set ups and crew combinations to ensure that we put the best (and fastest) possible crews on the water on 16 March. The Scotch-Mercantile regatta on 9 March (also the long weekend) is the most important of the lead-up races, as it is the seeding regatta for the heats of the Head of the River. All crews will be competing on this weekend. We have had promising results to date with our Year 9A and B quads and Year 10A eight having wins at their last starts. The senior crews have been steadily improving each week as they come to terms with the standard and demands of racing at this level. The 1st Eight will also be competing at the Australian Championships in Sydney in the week following the Head of the River. This regatta incorporates a round of the World Cup for the first time which will give the boys the opportunity to see some of the world’s best rowers in action. The Rowing Presentation Night has had to be rescheduled due to a clash with the schoolgirls; regatta running the same weekend as the Head of the River. Presentations will now take place on Monday 18 March at 7:30pm in the EHPAC. This is the Monday following the Head of the River. Cam Mathews Director of Sport [email protected]
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XAVIER TOWELS The 'Xavier Aquatics Support Group' has large towels available for sale which are machine washable, colourfast and
extremely durable. In the words of one Aquatics parent, ‘'the best towels we have ever purchased”. The towels measure approximately 80 x 145cm. They are red and have XAVIER printed in black in the centre of the
towel. These towels are exclusive to Xavier Aquatics and unavailable through any other avenue. For orders, queries and or delivery options please email Caroline O’Sullivan at [email protected] or phone 0412 911 141.
$35.00 EACH OR 2 FOR $60.00
XAVIER AQUATICS SUPPORT Supporting the Xavier Swimming, Diving and Water Polo teams.
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FROM THE HEALTH CENTRE Mouthguard fittings will be held in the Health Centre on Wednesday 6 March at 1:00pm (lunchtime). Please complete
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