Gavin Dykes, Principal

This Sunday is International Support Staff Day. This day recognises the important work support staff do within our school each day. While some of our support staff work alongside our students and others work behind the scenes, all of our support staff come to work each day with the best interests of our school and community at heart. I would like to thank all of our support staff for the care, dedication and professionalism they give to our students, teachers, families and community. The broad range of expertise and skills they bring to our school is really valued and appreciated.

As part of my ongoing leadership development I will soon be undertaking my Principal’s appraisal. This process is being managed by CEDWW and all Principal’s in the Diocese will take part in an appraisal this year. As part of this process some members of our school community have been asked to complete a feedback form. For those of you who received this form I kindly encourage you to complete it. Your feedback in very welcome and it will be a valuable part of my appraisal. 

Finally, I ask you to please remember in your prayers the family of Mr Norm Frauenfelder. Many years ago Norm was the Business Manager/Bursar at Xavier. I think he may have been the first person to ever hold this important position at our school. Norm passed away on Thursday and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.  

The rebuild of our stadium continues to progress well and works are on track to be completed by the end of the year. For a bird’s eye view on how construction is progressing please check out this video which was filmed earlier in the week.

I am pleased to announce Mr Jarryd Hatton has been appointed to the new role of Chaplain.  Many of our students will know Jarryd from the great work he does in our Learning Support team. Jarryd will continue to work in Learning Support two days a week and will be in the Chaplain role the other three days. In next fortnights newsletter we will tell you more about Jarryd's new role. 

I would like to welcome Mr Jordan Ingram to our school. Jordan recently started working at Xavier, St Anne's, St Patrick's and Holy Spirit Primary School's as our Aboriginal School and Community Worker. Jordan will work alongside Mr Darren Wighton to continue the great work Darren has been doing with our staff and students over many years. 

I also welcome Ms Narelle Robinson to Xavier. Narelle has been appointed to the role of Accounts Receivable. I congratulate Mrs Phillipa Smith on her appointment to the Accounts Payable role.   

Last Friday we farewelled Mr Gerard Hynes. Mr Matt De Koeyer has taken over the Year 12 Legal Studies class and Mr Garth McKenna has the Year 11 Legal Studies class. We have recently welcomed back Ms Ainslee Copley to work in our HSIE KLA. On Monday 17 May Mr Todd Richardson joins our PDHPE KLA. Todd comes to us from St Francis Xavier Catholic College in Canberra.

Week Three and Four contained two powerful and thought provoking reflections. The first of these focused on technology today and how it could be impacting on our lives. Students were asked to consider what was important and why we need to consider our use of various technologies. That said, however, much of the conversation also focused on how technology has benefited us and how helpful and useful it can actually be.

Week Three Reflection

Week Four had a focus around the “Do it For Dolly Day” initiative and the damage our words could be doing. Students viewed the clip “Are Your Words Doing Damage” and were asked to consider how they feel when other’s words are hurtful and what can they do to be a force for good. This consistent messaging across our community is extremely important in highlighting to all the importance in looking out for each other and being the good within our world. If you would like to view the clip you can do so below:

Are Your Words Doing Damage?

This year the Annual General Meeting of the Xavier High School Council will be held on Wednesday, May 19 commencing at 6.30pm at Xavier High School.  

Nominations for parent representatives on our School Council are now being called. Please consider becoming involved with your son/daughter’s education at the advisory level of the Council. The School Council advises and supports the Principal in the Christian formation and education of students, as well as overall management and forward planning issues for the school. Although the Council does not involve itself in the internal operations of the school, it is an important avenue by which the expectations of the parent community can be communicated to the Principal and staff. The School Council meets twice a term on Wednesday evenings at Xavier.

CEDWW Guidelines stipulate that we may have four to six parent representatives on our School Council. To nominate a parent representative (or self-nominate) to the School Council please complete the following form.

CLICK HERE 

Exciting news!

Xavier High School has a brand new Online Enrolment Portal.

It's easy to complete, just create a profile then click through the steps to submit your application.

For more details or to find the link to apply, visit the Xavier High School website www.xhsww.catholic.edu.au

Today we marked “Do it For Dolly Day”. The whole point of this day is to celebrate kindness and stand up against bullying behaviour. The day was a great success with a reflection piece around the harm our words can do in Homeroom, a lap challenge at recess and lunch and for a gold coin donation students could have their hair sprayed blue.

The theme of this day matches our student led campaign “Call it Out” which aims to empower all members of our community to call out poor behaviour towards others. We recognise the importance of standing up for what is right and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all within our community.

On Wednesday of this week, all of Year 7 had a short information session led by our House Coordinators around positive and uplifting behaviours. The sessions highlighted the impact that negative behaviours, both online and in person can have on others and the importance of looking out for each other. Students were implored to consider ways in which they can encourage others and build them up as opposed to dragging others down. The notion of what some might see as a joke and funny others might see as offensive and degrading was discussed, encouraging students to consider their own words and actions.

These messages will continue to be visited in our daily activities, with examples of great behaviours in our community highlighted as model actions.

We quite regularly get calls from parents asking what they can do to ensure their kids are safe in the online environment. With the range of experts we have had work with our community over the years there are a few simple messages to consider. 

These include:

• Regular conversations with your kids around the content they are accessing and groups or people they are engaging with online.
  
• Keeping technology in public spaces within the home. Avoiding bathrooms and bedrooms is a key encouragement.
  
• Consistent dialogue about both the benefits of technology use as well as the potential pitfalls. 

Whilst we have worked with a range of people around this, we are by no means the experts. What we can do, however, is put you in touch with the people that are however. If you are interested in how to keep your kids safe on the internet, you really should consider the free webinars offered by the E Safety Commissioner. They cover a variety of topics and can be accessed below:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Student attendance at school is essential for great learning outcomes to occur. Students and parents are expected to inform the school of any difficulties in maintaining school attendance, whether this be through illness or other justified reasons. The expectation is that students maintain 90% attendance at school across the year. There may be some extenuating circumstances which may prevent this which can be discussed with the school.

All absences from school must be accounted for. Please ensure you enter all absences via Compass. If the matter is more sensitive and you need to discuss with a staff member, please contact the School Office. 

Any absences not accounted for seven days from the day of absence will be considered unjustified absences. To avoid this, ensure that all absences are entered as soon as physically possible.

Students who fall below these benchmarks will require follow up when the absences are unexplained and unjustified.

In Week Three our Year 10 group ventured to Howman’s Gap for their camp which was cancelled in 2020. The three days were jam packed with activities built to challenge students through teamwork, communication, initiative and adventure. Some of the activities which students participated in included navigation, mountain biking, rock climbing, high ropes, canoeing and the giant swing.

On the first night, students participated in a session titled “Salt and Light”. This session focused on each individual and the impact they can have on others. They were tasked with a reflection on both salt and light, what they are, their characteristics and how this relates to us as human beings. There were some really insightful thoughts put forward in terms of both being life giving and purposeful in the right amounts. Students were then asked to consider how we as people can be both salt and light and where there had been examples of this. To hear from the young people examples that they have experience in their own lives was truly inspiring.

A huge thank you to the staff who accompanied the Year 10 group to Howman’s Gap, in particular Anna Muir and Chris Giannone for their expert leadership in planning and running the camp.

Xavier Careers Expo

Tuesday 18th May 2021

Xavier is excited to present more than 30 local exhibitors for our inaugural Career Expo on Tuesday 18th May.

Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 will enjoy an afternoon session of engagement.

We thank the following businesses and groups for their attendance:

AFL, Albury City Council, Anytime Fitness, Apprenticeship Support, Cafe Musette, Charles Sturt University, Cycle Station, Expanse Aviation, Golf NSW, Helifly Albury, Hutcheon & Pearce, Jayco Albury Wodonga, Joss Construction, Kestrel, Kirinari, La Trobe University, Lifelong Careers, Mercy Connect, MP Training & Recruitment, NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire & Rescue, NSW Police, Optus, PGC Security, Regional Industry Education Partnerships, Richmond Institute of Sport, Squad, Staughton Group , Stone Real Estate, TAFE NSW, Wodonga TAFE, Wolki Farm.

Are you a keen reader and want to win some great prizes...

The Xavier High School Reading Competition is on now!!

WHO: 
Junior Category: Students in Years 7 - 10 
Senior Category: Students in Years 11 & 12

WHAT:
Xavier High School Reading Competition.

WHEN:
Open now until the Final Judging during Book Week in Term 3 (Wk 7)

WHERE:
Visit the Xavier Library for more information.

WHY:
The House with the most number of book reviews will win
House Points are up for grabs
Great individual prizes on offer for the Best Book Review!

HOW:
Easy 3 step process: 
1. Find a book you like 
2. Borrow it from the Xavier library 
3. Leave a review on the Library Portal (Oliver) 

Student Leader Profile: Mietta Batrouney

House: Aquinas

Your Position: Stage 4 Leader

What inspired you to take on a leadership position?
I felt inspired to take on this role as I saw the great work of the Year 8 leaders when I was in Year 7 and wanted to do the same. The previous leaders made us all feel so welcome into the House and feel a part of the House and I wanted to do the same for the 2021 Year 7's. 

What are the things that make your House great?
Aquinas is a very welcoming and encouraging House. They are always uplifting people and making them feel good about themselves. Aquinas is a safe place where we feel at home.  

What do you love about Xavier High School?
There are so many supporting and generous people at our school. If there is ever an issue you know that you will be safe in the hands of the Xavier teachers. There is always someone to talk to. Every staff member is so lovely and helpful. 

Which Xavier event did you enjoy most last year and what was so good about it?
I enjoyed the Xavier Day the most. It was a fun day where everyone could play around with friends and celebrate the end of the school year. 

Student Leader Profile: Isaac Street

House: Joseph

Your Position: Stage 5 Leader

What inspired you to take on a leadership position?
As a person who enjoys communicating with others and leading a group of people to achieve a common goal, I encouraged myself to take on not only this leadership position, but many others. In the future I hope to work with people and a team of driven individuals, which is another reason why I was inspired to take on the role. Working with teachers and students on a daily basis allows me to develop relationships with others and extend my network, while  also building on key social skills. 

What are the things that make your House great?
I believe in the power of communication and determination. These are some things I most definitely believe Joseph house demonstrates each and everyday in our school and wider community. When I walk into the locker bays, I hear people discussing assignments, talking about their weekends, complementing one another, and this is what makes my house - Joseph house so successful. We also have not always been the most competitive, but with the right encouragement and enthusiasm we can achieve anything we the members of Joseph house put our minds too. These are only a few examples which illustrates the greatness of Joseph House.

What do you love about Xavier High School?
There are a range of reasons I love being a student at Xavier High School. I appreciate  the academic support we students have access to, regardless of our academic level. Our teachers and staff create and develop camps which build upon our characteristics and leadership personalities, making us better people. I also enjoy the countless opportunities in sport, academic and social aspects of our lives. Xavier incorporates the eight houses where all members partake in playful banter when it comes to the sports carnivals, and we always have further clubs and initiatives students of almost all year levels can participate in. Xavier High School has provided me with a safe and productive environment which has and continues to develop my characteristics, intellect and person. 

Which Xavier event did you enjoy most last year and what was so good about it?
Xavier holds a range of events throughout the year, each providing a fun filled time for students and staff. The event I enjoyed most in 2020 was the colour run. I enjoy the sports carnivals, but after the bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, the colour run was the perfect conclusion for the year. It was an event within the final term of the year that brought all students back together in a fun and enjoyable way. The colours provoked a sense of happiness, resilience and a positive existence after COVID-19. Running with mates while being covered in colours made me appreciate how we came back for the pandemic and how we have helped our neighbours in returning to normal lives. The colour run was an event I enjoyed greatly because of the connections and lessons it taught me.  

last week was Catholic Schools Week. It was a special time of the year when we celebrated and gave thanks for Catholic schools, especially our own school here at Xavier High School.  

The theme for 2021 is EVERYDAY AFFIRMATION, with a commitment to every child’s, teachers and staff member’s individual purpose.

On Friday 7th May Joseph House organised a BBQ and Mother's Day fundraiser today at Xavier. 

Lunchtime activities and music will be a regular fixture this Term, plus the continuation of the student driven ‘Call it Out‘ program.

New titles for April in the Library!

For more information, have a look at the attached PDF file.

Also... don't forget to borrow, read and review books for the Xavier Reading Competition!

Writing a review for a new title will earn you double points for your house with plenty of prizes up for grabs!

Join in with our up-coming lunchtime activities at Xavier.

Music Jam Session - Each second Friday (Day 5)

Yr 10, 11 & 12 Film & TV Club - Wednesdays

Board Games - Tuesdays & Thursdays

Faith/Ethics/Philosophy Discussion Group - Each second Friday (Day 5)

Art Group - Tuesdays 

Yarning with Yarn - Date TBC

Choir - Thursdays

Chess Club - Wednesdays

On Monday 10th May - 38 Xavier students travelled to Narrandera to compete in the BISSA Cross Country. The weather was perfect for running and we had some fantastic results across all age groups. Some particular highlights were: Alicia Spears (14 girls) and Ty Quade (15 boys) finishing in second place. Kijana McCowan (13 girls) finishing 3rd and Jesse Quade 13 Boys 4th were also fantastic.

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the next level of Cross Country and will now compete in the CCC Carnival in Sydney next month. A note regarding details of the CCC Carnival will be available in COMPASS by the end of today.

The qualifying students are: Jesse Quade, Nate Broekman, Kijana McCowan, Maise Berry, Sonny Hynes, Ned Welch, Alicia Spiers, Ty Quade, Lyla Bell and Bryce Ackerly.

​Well done to all competitors.

Congratulations to the students below (see attachment) who have qualified for the BISSA Athletics Carnival which will take place in Albury on Wednesday 2nd June 2021.

​Each student who has been selected to compete in the BISSA Carnival will receive a note via COMPASS before the end of this week.

Students who are successful at the BISSA Carnival level can be selected to compete at the CCC Athletics Carnival in Sydney in early September.

Congratulations to those who tried out for the Diocesan soccer.

The following students were selected in the Diocesan team and will represent the Diocese in Sydney in May:

Boys - Foster Gardiner, Kylan Piltz and Kobe Burgess.

Girls - Ruby Lloyd, Lily Godfrey and Montana Mathews.

We wish them all the best.

We currently have a Casual employment role advertised to work in our Xavier Administration.

For more details or to apply: CLICK HERE

Applications Close: 25 June 2021

Helping Learner Drivers become Safe Drivers Workshop.

This is a FREE workshop for Learner Drivers and their supervisors, conducted by AlburyCity in conjunction with Transport for NSW.

Wednesday May 26, 2021 5:30pm

Albury City Admin Building 

553 Kiewa St Albury

BOOK NOW 

Light supper provided

Would you like to be involved more in our community?

Youth Albury Wodonga (YAW) is a not-for-profit organisation with a committee made up of volunteers that runs youth leadership programs for young people (15-17 year olds) across Albury/Wodonga and North East Victoria. 

YAW is seeking new committee members, including a new Treasurer (resigning due to increased work, uni and family commitments) and Secretary (resigned 2020 due to ill health).

YAW meets once a month on a Tuesday at 5:30pm at LaMaison Restaurant. 

AGM will be held on Tuesday, 25 May at 5:30pm at La Maison Restaurant.

To learn more visit:

http://www.youthalburywodonga.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youthalburywodonga

Did you know, there is a Xavier Facebook group for second hand uniforms & equipment?

This is a closed group, however you can request permission to join.

LINK: CLICK HERE

About:

Xavier offers students access to on-site private music tuition before, during and after school. Tuition is open to all students from Years 7-12. 

Xavier collaborates with instrumental teachers of music, providing students with the opportunity for private lesson on their chosen instrument.  

Students can study:

• Keyboard Piano
• Guitar - Acoustic, Electric, Bass
• Woodwind - Flute, Clarinet, Oboe
• Brass - Saxophone, Trumpet
• Percussion - Drums
• Voice - Contemporary

Shared lessons can be arranged with individual tutors at a reduced fee per student. 

For more information visit our website:

CLICK HERE and scroll down to Private Instrumental Tuition