Welcome to Week 10, Term 3.
This week we are inspired by the words of Joshua 1:9. His message, which is particularly relevant to our Year 12 cohort is, to …’Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ We had a busy final week of term as our HSC cohort of 2018 prepared to depart and our Yr 11’s prepared for HSC 2019.
Year 12 Farewell & Academic Assembly:
We had a lovely farewell for our HSC class of 2018 on Thursday. After a fancy dress breakfast provided by the staff, the students returned to school for their final academic assembly at midday.
Our final academic assembly, which celebrated and acknowledged the success and achievements of our HSC 2018 cohort was held yesterday and the message of being strong and courageous resonated throughout the assembly. It is with enormous pride that we shared the culmination of the Year 12 journey with parents, friends and the school community. Special guest, Albury Mayor, Kevin Mack spoke to our community about the importance of knowing that we always have choices to make, and the importance of making the right choices for our futures, ensuring that we are all strong and courageous in the decisions that we make. Mr Dykes then spoke about the importance of the relationships the HSC class have formed over their time here, and how they have challenges throughout their time at school which they have overcome in a Christ like way.
‘Finally Yr 12, we wish you all the very best for your exams, but more importantly, the next stage of your life’s journey. May the spirit of Xavier breath deep within your hearts. Remember that you are always welcome here, you are always one of us and a Xavier student through and through.
Be proud, be strong, be who you want to be!”
We had a number of awards presented and some wonderful performances from our HSC 2018 group. After a beautiful rendition of “This is me” by the staff, we farewelled the Yr 12’s with a guard of honor from Yr 7 and 8 students, followed by a light lunch. Thanks to all staff involved for their work behind the scenes, and also to the many parents who attended who made the afternoon such a fitting finale to their 13 years of education.
Year 11 Step Up Week:
Year 11 returned to Xavier this week from their Community Service Week and Immersion experiences. From all accounts, Year 11 represented our school community impeccably and have received positive feedback on the contribution they have made to the various communities in which they were involved. Year 11 this week have been immersed in a Step Up program designed to best prepare them for the Higher School Certificate. The week has involved a series of workshops and programs to support faith, academic, social and emotional learning from external and internal presenters. We have been extremely impressed by the high levels of engagement in this program by Year 11 students. We have been particularly impressed by their involvement in the Year 12 Academic Assembly and their support of the HSC 2018 Cohort in the final act of the Academic Assembly yesterday.
The week-long program enabled our participants to reflect on their service journeys and determine a course of action that will assist them in making a difference in our local and national communities. We were delighted to host Glenn from the Hopeful Institute on Tuesday who spoke to students about setting goals for their future and aspiring to attain their dreams. On Wednesday, the program included a presentation with our local Farrer Federal Minister- Ms Sussan Ley. Ms Ley spoke to students about resilience and persistence and how to be an active citizen. Mr Robbie McKinley worked with our male students and Ms Sandra Martin presented to our female cohort of Year 11. Students were also engaged in a Boot camp- to promote the importance of engaging in physical activity to support their well being and to show students that this is a great stress release from their academic program. The day culminated with workshops from the Elevate program which aims to support students by preparing them for effective study preparation and planning to enhance academic achievement. Thursday and Friday’s program focussed on developing understanding about their final year- HSC Debunking the myths, Careers, Leadership, Self Reflection and tools to lessen the impact of stress. Year 11 have been invited to apply for the School Captain positions and also House leadership positions over the coming weeks. All information has been provided via Schoology.
Changes to Staffing Term 4:
We are saddened to farewell Cameron Smith from our School Community. Cameron has been a teacher and leader in various roles at Xavier High School for the last 8 years. Cameron has made a significant contribution to our community in his time here and he will be missed. We wish Cameron and his family every success in their future endeavours as he leaves us for the Sunshine State.
We are pleased to announce that Matthew DeKoeyer has been employed to replace Cameron Smith. Matthew joins us next term. We also wish to advise that Adam Russell has resigned and will be replaced by Maria Feltrin. Due to some HSC staffing changes, Anna Muir will be picking up 9.5 Science.
As the term draws to a close we wish to thank and acknowledge the following staff:
Alistair McLeod who has replaced Steve Lancaster this term as he undertook Long Service Leave. Steve returns at the start of Term 4.
Helen Vardy who has replaced Belinda Warner as a Maternity Leave replacement. As of Term 4, Matt DeKoeyer, Ren Lefevre and Emily Scammell will replace these classes.
Maria Feltrin who has replaced Marg Beecher who has been on Long Service Leave. Marg returns Term 4.
Josephine Berg will also be with us in Term 4, replacing Janet Gillespie
Ren Lefevre will be replacing Sharon Doubleday who is undertaking Long Service Leave Term 4
Have a safe and wonderful break. We look forward to seeing you in Term 4
