The truth will set you free

Term 3 Issue 3 2021


Message from Mr Gavin Dykes

 

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Mass to celebrate the Feast of Mary MacKillop

On Tuesday 10th August students and staff gathered for a whole school Mass to celebrate the Feast of Mary MacKillop.

The Feast of Mary MacKillop is held in honour of the revered Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. 

She was the first Saint of Australia, and her influence in the country has spread far and wide. She is recognised for her commitment to the poor, helping those who needed it the most in any way she could.

School TV: Instilling Hope In Uncertain Times

Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and it is becoming evident that this is taking a toll on our young people. The most recent research from Mission Australia makes clear the breadth and depth the pandemic is having on our youth across the nation.

It appears that lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time, but it is important in such times of uncertainty to instil hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.

It’s important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety. With the continued disruptions, mental health concerns are on the rise and it is evident that many students may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Parents can help their kids focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.

This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instil hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report CLICK HERE

Year 7 Project Rockit Session

Navigating the online space can be really difficult. We have partnered with Project Rockit to offer the Digital Ambassadors program to our students in Year 7. Originally we had planned to do this on site on Friday the 27th of August. Unfortunately lockdown has squashed those plans. Instead Year 7 students and any parents have the opportunity to engage remotely with the session which focuses on shutting down cyberbullying, navigating the online world safely and feeling confident to take positive action online.

The session starts at 2pm on Friday the 27th and runs for 45 minutes.

All Year 7 students and any parents are encouraged to register your interest HERE.

You will be sent a direct link to your email to login on the day.

Reflections

In Week 5, students engaged in a reflection item focusing on ‘who they are, not what they have’. This reflection encouraged students to consider the positive actions they can take in lifting others up, affirming others, whether people respected them more for who they are or what they have and how positive actions are evident in our community.

There were some wonderful points made about people within our Xavier and Albury communities and how they uplift others and are well respected for it. Students were challenged to consider how they can be the best versions of themselves and make positive contributions to the communities they are apart of. 

Vaping Podcast

Has your teen started vaping? It may surprise you to know that many teens don't think vaping is harmful - but the pitfalls of engaging in this behaviour are many. 

With increasing numbers of young people believing vaping to be harmless, it  has become a growing issue for many schools.

In this podcast Jennifer Coen (State Manager- Wellbeing CSNSW) talks to Paul Dillon about drugs, alcohol & vaping.

To learn more > Vaping - Paul Dillon and Jennifer Coen

Wellness at Xavier

Support Services Available

Just a reminder of some support services available if you need them;

 

Mental Health Triage Service: Website link 1300 104 211

 

Accessline Albury: 1800 800 944

 

Headspace Albury: Website link 6055 9555

 

AWAHS (Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service): Website link 1800 421 640

 

Kids Help Line: Website link 1800551800 Kids Helpline Webchat

 

Lifeline Australia: Website link 131114 Crisis Chat Support 

 

Youth Beyond Blue: Website link 1300 224 636 Chat Online

 


Virtual Book Week - 2021

This year we have decided to shift our Book Week celebrations online!

Next week students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of fun book-related activities and competitions designed to inspire a love of reading.

Each day a new challenge will be released via the Literacy Schoology page and there will be fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Some of the exciting activities students may wish to take part in include:

  • Virtual Scavenger Hunt
  • Daily Quizzes
  • Dress-up as their favourite book character
  • Slam poetry

Suffice it to say, we're all looking forward to an exciting Book Week! Stay tuned to Schoology for more upcoming announcements.

National Science Week - Year 12 Chemistry

This week is National Science Week.

Recently our Year 12 Chemistry students have been busy in the labs making an ester.

What’s that banana lolly smell coming from the Science labs you might ask?

Esters occur naturally - often as fats and oils - but they can be made in the laboratory by reacting an alcohol with a carboxylic acid. A little sulfuric acid is needed as a catalyst. 

The experimental technique that is used is known as 'heating under reflux'. As the volatile components in the reaction mixture vaporise, the hot vapours rise up into the condenser. Cool water running around inside the water-jacket around the condenser removes the heat from the hot vapours, cooling them down and allowing them to condense on the inside of the condenser. This cooled liquid runs back down the inside of the condenser and is returned to the reaction mixture.

The chemicals that are used in this reaction have unpleasant odours,  but the final ester product has a distinct fruity smell. In fact, esters are responsible for the odors of many fruits, essences and perfumes.  

The students made pentyl ethanoate, which generates the same odour as banana lollies.

Student Leader Profile - Halle Hicks

Student Leader Profile: Halle Hicks

House: Dynan

Your Position: Stage 5 Leader

What inspired you to take on a leadership position?
I have always enjoyed working with others and taking initiative in supporting others. I really enjoyed having the responsibility of being a leader.

What are the things that make your House great?
Our communication, we're supportive and all get along to some degree, we're also a great community and environment to be in.

What do you love about Xavier High School?
The community and its work ethic as well as the connection that students and teachers have with each other.

Which Xavier event did you enjoy most last year and what was so good about it?
Due to COVID choices are limited so I would have to say R U Ok Day. However, in year 7 I was able to organise a fundraiser for Dolly's Dream and ran a Do It For Dolly Day.

Student Leader Profile - Montanna Mathews

Student Leader Profile: Montanna Mathews

House: Aquinas

Your Position: House Captain

What inspired you to take on a leadership position?
I was inspired to take on a leadership position as I have had previous leadership positions within my sporting clubs and at representative levels. I feel as though I obtain leadership qualities and was willing to implement them within the Xavier High School community. 

What are the things that make your House great?
The thing that makes Aquinas so great is the connections and relationships that are shared between peers and homeroom tutors. Aquinas house is full of encouragement and support and everyone is willing to give it their best no matter what the outcome is. 

What do you love about Xavier High School?
I really love the opportunities that Xavier has to offer on a broad scale. This can include sports, careers/jobs, activities, initiatives and so many more which target all students interests and needs. 

Which Xavier event did you enjoy most last year and what was so good about it?
I really enjoyed Xavier Day that was full of multiple activities and events. This included: Red Faces which is a talent show held in front of the whole school, food stalls that sold lots of yummy foods/sweets and drinks and lastly the colour run, as it was a great opportunity to hangout with your friends while getting covered in multiple different colours. It was an enjoyable and fun day that brought the Xavier High School community together.

Year 11 visit to Snowy Mountains Rock Climbing School

Fresh off the inspirational climbers competing at the Olympics, this week our Year 11 PDHPE students honed their climbing skills at the Snowy Mountains Climbing School, in Albury.

Students were able to select from a series of different rock wall options, with a difficulty range to suit the beginner through to even challenge the most advanced climber.

Students were grouped at each station in three's to rotate through as a climber and belayer.

To check out the Snowy Mountains Climbing School for yourself visit their website: www.snowymtns.com


Basketball action at the Lauren Jackson Sport Stadium

Basketball results

 

Xavier students were in action at the 2021 Wagga Diocese Basketball Tournament.

Games were played at the Lauren Jackson Sports Stadium in Albury on August 12th.

Throughout the carnival day teams played 4 games each of two 15minute halves.

 

Girls Intermediate (Years 9 & 10) 

St Francis College def Xavier  26 - 17

Xavier def Kildare Catholic College 29 - 17

Marion Catholic College def Xavier 34 - 33

Mater Dai Catholic College def Xavier 21 - 15

 

Boys Intermediate (Years 9 & 10) 

Xavier def St Francis College 35 - 22

Xavier def Kildare Catholic College 46 - 12

Xavier def Marion Catholic College 33 - 24

Xavier def Mater Dai Catholic College 33 - 25

 

Girls Junior (Years 7 & 8) 

Xavier def St Francis College 57 - 24

Xavier def Kildare Catholic College 79 - 12

Xavier def Marion Catholic College 59 - 7

Xavier def Mater Dai Catholic College 85 - 6

 

Boys Junior (Years 7 & 8) 

Xavier def St Francis College 25 - 17

Xavier def Kildare Catholic College 44 - 15

Xavier def Marion Catholic College 73 - 7

Xavier def Mater Dai Catholic College 55 - 11

 


Regional Lifestyle Magazine features Albury

Former Xavier students Ellie Walsh and Danny Phegan are featured in the up coming Spring Edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine

The Spring edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine has a focus on Albury and surrounding towns. 

To read more CLICK HERE

Vinnies Winter Appeal - Blanket Donations

Donations of new and clean blankets are now being accepted at the Xavier Reception.

This is a part of the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

Vinnies - Sleep out Fundraiser

Call out for Xavier students and members of the community to raise much needed funds during the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

Our goal is to raise $2,000 during the Winter Sleepout held on Friday 20th August.

To take part in the Sleepout a minimum of $100 needs to be raised per person.

For more details contact the Xavier Vinnies Team.

Xavier Secondhand Uniform - Facebook Group

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 High School Second Hand Uniform & Equipment
This site is to facilitate the buy, swap or selling of uniforms and equipment.
It is run for parents by parents.
Please only try to sell current uniform items to make it easier for new families to the school.
The admins are not responsible for lack of payment, quality of items or anything else related to the purchase, swap or trade you set up.
Admin is also not responsible for who the transaction is made between. i.e. The owner can buy, swap or sell with whoever they choose on the list. This is not something admin can fix for you.
All posts that don't relate to uniforms or equipment will be deleted.
The school office can be a drop off/collection point, however, the transaction MUST occur beforehand. Xavier, under any circumstance, will not partake in the handling of transactions. All items must be clearly marked with the recipient's name.
Please remove your items once sold.
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Private Instrumental Music Tuition

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 Xavier website:

CLICK HERE and scroll down to Private Instrumental Tuition

 

Teach Better Together Podcast

Check out the Teach Better Together Podcast 

To listen to the latest episode titled Break it down with Dr Stephen Brown! CLICK HERE

To learn more, or for more episodes follow the Teach Better Together facebook page CLICK HERE