Gavin Dykes, Principal

Welcome back to Term 4.  It was a huge relief when the last lockdown ended midway through the term break and we were all able to return to face to face learning at the start of the term.  

A big thank-you to all our families for their support around the recent exposure sites here in Albury and the need to abide by CEDWW guidelines in getting tested and isolating. It has had an impact on my family and I appreciate the impact it has had on many others. We are making further changes at the school level to reduce the potential spread of COVID if an outbreak occurs.

The first week of Term 4 saw us farwell our HSC 2021 cohort. During this week our Year 12 students were given opportunities to reflect on the wonderful accomplishments, friendships, challenges and opportunities that defined their time at Xavier. Throughout the week students participated in house farewells, dress ups, a farewell breakfast and a follow-up to their year 12 retreat. Their week culminated in a gathering on Friday to recognise their contributions, achievements and service to our school community. As I said in my address to our Year 12's on Friday, making it through 13 years of school is a team effort so I was very pleased to hear how many of our parents and families tuned in to the live stream to virtually celebrate the success of this cohort.  Our Year 12 students will now refocus and finalise their preparations for their HSC Exams which commence on 9 November.

This week I have been busy interviewing our School Captain candidates for 2022.  Nominating for School Captain is a big decision, each nominee is required to deliver a speech to our staff and students and interview with a selection panel. I have been highly impressed with the quality of our nominees this year and would like to thank them all for the thought and effort they have put into their nominations. I look forward to announcing our 2022 School Captains very soon. 

As we enter Week 3 of Term 4 I would like to remind you that students are now expected to be in formal summer uniform. Sports uniforms should only be worn on the day's students have a practical PDHPE class. As part of the uniform requirements students are required to be wearing their school hat at all times when outdoors.  

This week we tour inside the construction of the Xavier Sports Stadium. The internal fit out of cladding, plaster, electrical connections and bathroom construction is underway.

Voting for the School Captains for 2022 is now underway.

Congratulations to the following nominations:

Girls

• Angelina Barker
• Charlotte Benson
• Grace Cremer
• Emily Harris
• Elise Montgomery

Boys

• Eli Davern
• Joel Frede
• Luke Lowry
• Brady Marshall
• Liam Plunkett

As lockdown restrictions are slowly being lifted to varying degrees, we are entering a time of transition and adjustment. The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted us all. For some it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things.

Many young people may be excited at the prospect of restrictions being lifted, whilst others may be feeling mixed emotions. ByReactions will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. Keeping a check on your child’s mental health and wellbeing as they adjust to new routines, will be vitally important.

There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead of us, so focusing on the things you can control or enjoy doing, can help establish predictability and familiarity for the whole family. Adult carers need to provide young people with reassurance by acknowledging any concerns and fears they may have at this time. Consider this to be a normal reaction, however it may be best to focus more on their feelings and emotions, rather than the practicalities at this stage.

In this Special Report, we share a few ideas about how to help ease this time of transition. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report CLICK HERE 

The eSafetyCommissioner website has a wide variety of resources to assist parents in navigating the online environment that their children are immersed in. Further to the information contained on the site, there are also a range of webinars which are offered free of charge. To see the topics, times and dates and to register, go to the website below.

CLICK HERE

Congratulations to Xavier student Olivia Allwood who last week received the Next Generation Scholarship Award from Charles Sturt University.

The Award was presented by Katie Friedlieb on behalf of Charles Sturt University.

Well done Olivia!

The video for the Year 12 final gathering recorded last Friday is now online.

This includes all Award winners and featured musical items.

The Regionate Challenge was a 4-week challenge in which the team from Xavier High School, Xaviervation, competed.

The team consisted of Isabelle Webb, Lachie Carpenter, Connor Hogan, Isaac Street and Xavier Brigden.

Xaviernation's innovative solution was to create Vesta, a brand new social network that aimed to increase community spirit and revivify business in Albury.

Well done to the Xaviervation team members who were recently recognised as finalists in the University of Sydney's Regionate Challenge.

We're sure that big things are on the horizon for these young entrepreneurs!

Congratulations to McAuley House!

House Cup Champions for 2021

Watch Lily in action in her final rehearsal before her HSC Drama Performance.

SIZZLING SAUSAGES!

Our amazing Xavier Vinnies Team raised over $1,000 for Vinnies Albury cooking delicious sausages at the Albury Bunnings on Saturday October 2nd.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event - it is most appreciated!

Congratulations to Xavier Year 12 student Joseph Chandrasegaran who has been nominated for a Georgy Award.

Joseph is in the Best Performance In A Support In A Junior Production (Male) category for his part playing R.F. Simpson In Singin’ In The Rain Jr.

Congratulations also to former Xavier student Mitch Clarke who was the Director of the Bytesized Productions Musical “Singin’ In The Rain Jr”

This year is the 48th Annual Georgy Awards.

This years Xavier School Captains Ebony and Isaac check in with former Xavier students Lucy and Jack.

They chat about completing HSC through lockdowns, and what they've been up to this year since leaving Xavier.

Last Friday we celebrated the conclusion of the school year for Year 12 students with a BBQ breakfast.

Year 12 students enjoyed dressing up in fabulous costumes to enjoy the social morning catch up. 

Holy Spirit Lavington are again advertising for two trainees from the 2021 HSC Class.

If you are interested in applying please complete the form below to see the role description and how to apply.

CLICK HERE

Applications close the 21st of October at 4pm.

PCYC Albury are excited to advise that we are reopening on Monday 18 October.

We are also very excited to introduce the following activities;

• Free G – Parkour
• Tumbling
• Futsal
• European Handball
• Lacrosse
• Netball Skills

As we are limited in numbers per session due to current NSW Health Orders, please visit https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/albury/activities to book your spot.

As per current NSW Health Orders, the following rules must be followed;

• Anyone 12 Years and above must wear a face mask. This may be removed when undertaking physical activities
• Everyone must sign in via the QR Code or registration sheet at reception
• Proof of double vaccination must be shown for anyone entering PCYC 16 years and over

We hope to see you all soon!

Local Cricket Clubs are currently taking registrations for the upcoming cricket season

There is something suitable for boys and girls aged 5 and up.

Cricket is a great way to be active and make new friends

To find your local club CLICK HERE

Harris Farm Markets is now hiring.

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:

Listen in to Part 2 of the new season of the Teach Better Together Podcast series.

This edition takes an in-depth look into the leadership journey of Dr Stephen Brown. This is accompanied by what Stephen calls his 'legacy piece', The Pathway to Leadership Program. 

In this episode, Stephen reflects on his current work and how it is supporting his continued growth as a leader in education. 

Special guests, Prue Horan and Mary Ellen Dempsey, Assistant Directors of  Wagga Wagga and Wilcannia Forbes, talk about their collaborative work in the program and its implementation into their respective dioceses. 

To listen to the latest episode with Dr Stephen Brown! CLICK HERE

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

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