Volume 16 Issue 1 February 7Th, 2014 Year of Learning and Growing Together
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How wonderful it was to welcome our school community last week. Two hundred and ten enthusiastic Year Seven students arrived and were so excited to commence their first day at Secondary school. They were joined by our Year Twelve students who were also ‘excited’ to commence their final year of school. I always think how special it is on this day when we have students who are just embarking on their journey sharing the day with students who have arrived at the final stretch. To see them stand together From the Principal is quite poignant. On the next day, the remainder of the student body arrived with a great sense of anticipation and energy. The Xavier family was ready to begin another Volume 16 Issue 1 February 7th, 2014 year of learning and growing together. This year we welcome new members of staff to our teaching community: Renee Blyth (HSIE), Clair Bonarius (Science), Troy Garrett (Science), Meaghan Ireland (PDHPE), Maria Mazzocchi (HSIE), Caryanne Moylan (RE and Liturgy Coordinator), Belinda Pearce (English), Mark Tynan (English and RE). We also welcome Melanie Daignault and Amanda Williams to the Kirinari team. I know that they will all make a special contribution to our Xavier community. In this newsletter we have included a full directory of all teaching and support staff at Xavier College in 2014. This year there is also a new model of leadership with two new positions being created: The Leader of Learning and the Leader of Well-Being. I have invited all members of the Leadership Team to contribute to this our first edition so that you may get to know them and have an understanding of their roles within the College. This week we were joined by MP Fiona Scott Member for Lindsay to celebrate our Distinguished Achievers’ Assembly. It was wonderful to recognize these outstanding young people . In particular we acknowledge Jacqueline Pace our Dux, who achieved an ATAR of 96.35. Jacqueline’s speech was inspirational and I have included it in this edition. The results for 2013 were particularly affirming as they testified to a significant improvement in all areas. Notwithstanding these outstanding results, many of our graduates received early offers to the Universities of their choice as well as receiving their first choice when the first round of offers was announced. On the day I spoke to the student body and reminded them that the ceremony was as much about them as about our Graduates of 2013. Anything is possible and any one of them should imagine that they could be standing here one day. At Xavier, every student can learn and every student can succeed. I referred to something that Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Learn like you will live forever.” It is not simply about what we learn in the classroom but learning changes our perspective , helps us understand the world around us , to be more tolerant and opens our minds to incredible possibilities. As I reminded them, “Anything is possible!” Yours in Xavier, Tricia Maidens Postal Address: PO Box 98 Cranebrook NSW 2749 Address: Ninth Avenue, Best wishes to all for a successful year at school Page 2 Callan Grady, Laura Ward, Alanna Vella, Zoe Burke, Maddison Hamlin, Danielle Rayner, Holly Prophet, Fiona Scott (Federal Member for Lindsay), Jessica Mulholland, Isabella Picot, Caitlin Brady, Jacqueline Pace (Dux) and Steven Korner CONGRATULATIONS Jacqueline Pace ATAR 96.35 Jacqueline, pictured above with her proud parents and the Member for Lindsay. Printed below is her address to the College: “I would like to begin by saying congratulations to the Year 12 class of 2013. I would like to thank Mrs Maidens for her encouragement and support. To all my teachers including my homeroom teacher, Mr Robson, thankyou for your guidance, encouragement and dedication. You are a major part of why I am standing here today. I am sincerely thankful to all the staff who have both directly and indirectly helped me during my high school years. When I was asked to present this speech, I decided I would share a quote with you that changed my perception of school from a young age. The American poet, John Ciardi said, “The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an es- cape from it!” Every single individual who attends school has been given an opportunity that some children cannot access. To me, this quote says to make the most of your time here at school. You must value the knowledge that you gain and do not underestimate its power. It is never too early or too late to start caring about your future. The HSC year is challenging and an emotional roller coaster. If it is not challenging, then you may need to alter your ap- proach. Be prepared for rapidly fluctuating emotions that even you can’t keep up with!! Sometimes you feel ecstatic when you’ve finished what you needed to do and more, other times all you want to do is sleep and escape from the workload. However, if you want to be successful, you will find the strength and courage. It may come from a supportive family, hear- ing the experiences of others or knowing that you are not alone because thousands of students have completed the HSC before you and thousands will after you. I speak to every student when I say this; you know you are on your way to success, when your best is sometimes not enough for you. Being resilient enough to always strive to beat your personal best, is a quality you need to accomplish the HSC. Just know that there is nothing like reaching a goal you set for yourself. Also, remember to not be intimidated by friendly competition, as it is an incentive for you to achieve your objectives. One of the best tips I can give you is to ensure you have time out, where your mind can refresh. Scheduling this time gives you the motivation to finish your tasks. Also, no matter what, you must never sacrifice sleep, even if it is for an exam such as the HSC. If you do you will just make yourself more tired and less able to concentrate. Just remember, preparation is the key to confidence. And my greatest tip of all for success at school is to believe in yourself. I wish each one of you success for 2014 and beyond .” Page 3 From the Assistant Principal Welcome to 2014! As we arrive at the beginning of another year it is reassuring to note the overwhelming support our school community continually receives from students and parents. The partnership that exists between home and school is crucial in achieving the common goals which are primarily focused around maximizing the learning experiences for each and every student. Please let us know if you have a question or concern regarding the education of your child. If we are made aware of issues early it gives us the opportunity to plan ahead for the best possible solution. Picking up and dropping off students We are very fortunate to have a school filled to capacity. Having over one thousand students arriving and leaving Xavier College each day does present some challenges and we really rely on your assistance so that we can do this safely. I would like to remind parents that double parking anywhere is against the law but more particularly very dangerous within a school zone. It is important that parents and visitors follow the road rules regardless of how inconvenient this could be at times. Everyone’s co-operation on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Notes available on the Xavier Website or on Moodle This year all notes will be available for students on the Xavier College Website and their year group Moodle page. It is essential that families take the time to read our fortnightly newsletter to ensure no events are missed. A Few Reminders… Thank you for your support in regards to our students wearing the correct uniform. It is important that students arrive to school by 8.25 am. Period 1 begins at 8.30 am sharp and your assistance is greatly appreciated. It is essential that students have the necessary and correct equipment for their classes. It is the student’s responsibility to bring the correct equipment daily. Students have been asked to use their diary to assist planning. All homework and assignments must be written in the diary. It would be helpful if parents could regularly check the diary and make contact with the Homegroup teacher if there are any concerns. Thought for the week We are made in God’s own image Free to use the powers God has given us: The courage to love The power to think The freedom to choose The ability to decide for ourselves The right to make good use of all That God has created Thank you for your continued support, Patrick Finnerty Assistant Principal [email protected] Page 4 From the Religious Education Coordinator As part of the College's Formation Goal for 2014, which is to enhance the knowledge of the Scriptures for staff and students, each day during Homegroup a scripture passage will be provided in the student notices along with a reflection each passage. Please discuss this with your child and feedback is always welcome. Kellie Robinson Religious Education Coordinator From the Leader of Administration and Student Leadership I would like to welcome all students back to the new school year. I am sure 2014 will be an exciting and pro- ductive year for all. In 2014, student leadership will be a major focus for the College community.