You may have noticed increased advertising for Catholic education in recent weeks - TV advertising and our Open Day banner across Dean Street. Next week heralds the commencement of Catholic Schools Week. Our Open Day on March 4 will provide an opportunity for prospective parents and community members to visit Xavier and witness classes in action and see first hand the resources and facilities that all students currently enjoy.
Students in Year 6 at local primary schools will be invited to visit us for a taste of high school on March 25. Information about our Year 6 Information Day will be forwarded to our feeder schools in coming weeks. Other events to be held in Catholic Schools Week include:
Tuesday March 5 - All Year 11 students will participate in a Spirituality Day led by Chris Doyle. Chris is a talented and engaging presenter who uses music to encourage students to reflect upon their lives and their relationships and to build the sense of community amongst the year group as they approach the HSC course.
Wednesday March 6 - Ash Wednesday House Liturgies
Friday March 8 - Scott Darlow will visit our school and conduct workshops throughout the day. Darlow is a passionate Indigenous activist and World Vision spokesperson, regularly speaking in schools, businesses and churches across Australia about his indigenous culture, Australian history, racial tolerance, harmony and important social matters. His keyword "FLUTE" (Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy) has become very popular in schools and businesses.
Our Year 7 students returned from Harrietville last Friday weary but super excited about the experiences provided to them. The activities provided at the camp were designed to allow students to grow in confidence and build relationships with their peers. Students from the Year 10 Peer Support Program also attended to foster the relationships each Year 7 student potentially has to build with the wider school community. My thanks to Mr Edmund Brown, Mrs Alison Meani and all the staff who accompanied the students on their first secondary school camp.
I hope you have had the opportunity to view the wrap up from last week’s swimming carnival. My thanks to the students for their participation at all levels and to Mrs Emily Scammell and her team for the well run program. Congratulations to the staff team who pipped the students in the final relay event.
At end of last year we farewelled Mrs Tanya McLaren. Tanya commenced in 2012 as a member of our support staff working in the front office. Tanya’s “can do” attitude and competence in the accounts department was always welcomed by staff, students and parents. Tanya has taken up a position in HR at Trinity Anglican College.
After 27 years on our support staff, primarily in the library and office, Mrs Anne Ray will retire on March 8. Many of you would have been the recipient of Anne’s friendly greetings over the phone and in person. Her affable personality and willingness to assist assured visitors to our school a warm welcome. We wish Anne and her family well as she moves into the next chapter of her life journey.
This week, we welcome Ms Carol Glumac to our staff as our Finance/Business Manager. Carol comes to us from Newcastle. Prior to this she held the positions of Finance Manager at the International Grammar School and Queenwood School for Girls (both in Sydney).
At our Opening School Mass, Ryan Lade, accepted the Patricia Bradman Memorial Award as Dux of 2018. Ryan spoke to all present on how he was able to achieve at his best in his HSC year with the support of his family, friends and staff. He also outlined how he was able to manage his study and life outside of school. I recommend you read Ryan’s speech to catch a glimpse of how he managed his HSC year.