Burke Hall - Xavier Community Portal

X A V I E R
C O L L E G E
Burke Hall
Phone: 9855 4100
A JESUIT SCHOOL
newsletter
................
Fax: 9853 3792
Number 15 - 21 September 2011
F ROM THE R ECTOR
C OMING E VENTS
Dear Parents and Guardians
Over the last couple of weeks I have had the privilege of interviewing many staff for
the new different positions resulting from the new academic and pastoral structures
that will come into effect at Burke Hall in 2012. I have also had the responsibility of
interviewing senior students for a number of different leadership positions in 2012,
including those of College Captain and College Vice Captains. I look forward to
being able to announce the student leaders for 2012 in our first newsletter of Term
4.
It has been an enormously enriching experience for me and other members of the
College Executive to explore the concept of leadership with different colleagues and
a number of outstanding students in Year 11. I have been strongly encouraged by
the depth of talent within our community and their strong understanding of an
Ignatian style of leadership. I was also struck by their desire to be men and women
of generous service within the Xavier Community and beyond.
In his book on Ignatian leadership, Heroic Leadership – Best Practices from a
450 year old Company that Changed the World, Chris Lowney drawing upon the
Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius and various governance practices of the Society of
Jesus identifies four core values that are necessary for effective Ignatian leadership:
self awareness, ingenuity, heroism and love.
For any of us to be effective leaders, we need to know ourselves. We need to reflect
upon our lives so that we can become more fully aware of our strengths and
weaknesses and the underlying values and key beliefs that motivate our actions.
We need to know what our goals are and what is not negotiable in achieving these
goals. Once we are aware of these factors, we can exercise our ingenuity
confidently in seeking to identify the most effective ways of achieving our goals. For
St Ignatius, he would always suggest a certain way of proceeding but he would then
add that if the local context suggested a more effective way of achieving the goal
then that path should be pursued.
St Ignatius was also a person who loved to encourage those around him. He
challenged them to dream, to dream about what heroic deeds they could achieve for
the greater glory of God. This involved being open to change and different ways of
doing things. The key fundamental Ignatian tenet of striving for the Magis means
that within a Jesuit work we are always looking for how we can do things better, how
we can more creatively educate the students who are in our care at Xavier.
We do this as an expression of our love of God but also of each individual person
within the Xavier Community. Every student and every staff member at Xavier is
unique and made in the image of God. Each one of them exercises leadership each
day in different ways. One of our key goals at Xavier is to help each other to dream
heroically about how each of us can grow further into being people of competence,
conscience and compassion; and when one of us stumble along the way and make
a poor choice, our challenge is to help each other to grow in self awareness so that
we can become a more loving person seeking to work for the greater glory of God
within our community and beyond.
Congratulations to Jerome Santamaria (OX 1996) on his recent ordination as a
deacon. Jerome is studying at Corpus Christi College in Carlton and God willing will
be ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Melbourne in the second half of 2012.
Please remember him and his fellow seminarians as they put themselves forward to
be servant leaders within our Church.
Wishing you every blessing
Fr Thomas Renshaw SJ
Rector
[email protected]
Xavier Web site: www.xavier.vic.edu.au
Jesuit Web site: www.jesuit.org.au
-
2011
THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2011
Learning Progress Discussions Prep—Yr 8 4.00pm—
9.00pm
FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2011
Mass—8.15am—8.40am
Last day for Students & Teaching Staff.
STUDENTS DISMISSED AT NORMAL TIME.
THURSDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2011
Brass Festival
TERM 4 - 2011
MONDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2011
STUDENTS RETURN
Second Hand Uniform Shop 2.30pm—3.30pm
TUESDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2011
Yr 6 Outdoor Education Camp commences 6.2, 6.3 and
half 6.1
TUESDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2011
Year 8 Study Skills Evening—7:30pm
THURSDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2011
EY Swimming Program
FRIDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2011
Mass 8.15am—8.40am
EY Swimming Program
SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2011
EYC Parent / Child Camp
Y7 & 8 APS Athletics and Water Polo
SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2011
EYC Parent / Child Camp
MONDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2011
EY Swimming Program
Music Photos
Yr 5 & 6 Sports Photos 3.00pm—4.00pm
BHMA Meeting 7.30pm
TUESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2011
Yr 6 Outdoor Education Camp commences 6.4, 6.5 and
half 6.1
EY Swimming Program
WEDNESDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2011
Junior APS Athletics Carnival
EY Swimming Program
BHMA Ladies Lunch 12.30pm
THURSDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2011
EY Swimming Program
Yr 8 Photo 1.50pm—3.00pm
FRIDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2011
Mass 8.15am—8.40am
Yr 6 Outdoor Education Camp concludes
EY Swimming Program
SATURDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2011
Yr 7 & 8 APS Athletics & Water Polo
BHMA Family Photo Sessions
Yr 6 Parents’ Social Function
APS Athletics Carnival
SUNDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2011
BHMA Family Photo Sessions
MONDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2011
Second Hand Uniform Shop 2.30pm—3.30pm
TUESDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2011
Yr 6 Starlab Planetarium
Yr 5 Family Life Evening
FRIDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2011
House Athletics Carnival—Senior Campus
World Teacher’s Day (Australia)
A comprehensive list of College events is
available all year via the online calendar on the
Xavier Community Portal.
E-mail: [email protected]
F ROM T HE P RINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Guardians
In recent weeks, the media has given the ten year anniversary of 11 September 2001 much attention and cause for reflection. In
Michael McGirr’s book Finding God’s Traces, he tells the story of how out of tragedy and darkness comes the positive aspect of the
human spirit. A Franciscan Friar, Fr Mychal Judge, was among those killed in the Twin Towers. He was a Fire Department chaplain
and was killed by falling debris as he tried to minister to the victims of the attack. He could have saved himself but chose to look after
others. For him, this was not an exception decision. It was typical of him. Fr Judge was already well known for his ministry in the
fire-fighting community. He was a recovering alcoholic and also ministered to those living with AIDS. At his funeral, Mayor Giuliani
described him as a saint. He is a reminder that the decisions we make on major occasions often reflect the ones we have already
made on smaller occasions.
New Look Website
In recent days, the College has changed the format and look of our website. I hope that parents and others interested in the activities
at Xavier College will gain a clearer pathway to news and items of interest occurring across the three campuses.
Policy on Tutoring
In the last edition of the Xavier newsletter, I outlined the new policy that no Xavier teacher could tutor Xavier students for commercial
gain outside of school hours because of the potential conflict of interest. Further to this policy, no external academic tutors may use
Xavier grounds or facilities without the written permission of the Director of Campus.
As the term draws to a close, may I thank the staff, students and parents for their ongoing support of each other and for the great
enterprise of Jesuit education. In the wide scheme of human learning and encounter, we become wiser in reflecting on our
experiences and making a commitment on how we can do things better in the future. This wisdom can only occur when we are open
and honest. It also requires what Fr Judge possessed; a positive spirit and a willingness to serve.
May I wish you all a restful and renewing break for the holidays.
Blessings and peace
Dr Chris Hayes
Principal
F ROM T HE D IRECTOR O F B URKE H ALL
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Courage is a much admired characteristic. Nations reward it with medals, both in times of war and peace. It is often seen in the
situation of a person doing something under difficult circumstances, such as the Chinese student in Tiananmen Square during the
uprising in 1989. This single, unarmed man stood firm in front of tanks of the People’s Liberation Army sent to quell the students’
protest. He frustrated their attempts to manoeuvre around him by stepping in their way. Eventually, onlookers pulled him back into the
crowd. He became world famous because of his breathtaking courage and his image is on millions of posters and T-shirts throughout
the world.
Similarly, there is the story of a Zen priest who confronted his local warlord. When the villagers heard that the warlord was heading
their way, they fled to the hills – except for one priest. When the warlord saw the priest standing there when all others had fled, he
drew his sword and said, “Do you know who I am? I am he who can run you through and never bat an eye!” The Zen priest replied,
“Do you know who I am? I am he who can be run through with your sword and never bat an eye!” No doubt, we all wish we had that
kind of courageous assurance to face up to the threats and fears in our own lives.
The famous Greek writer of tragic plays, Euripides, who was born in about 480 B.C., made this statement about courage, “This is
courage in a man: to bear unflinchingly what heaven sends.” That seems to be less challenging than the Zen priest’s words for it
allows us to ponder our own life without the immediate threat of losing it. So when might we need to display courage in our lives or
encourage our children to do so in theirs?
Perhaps, when we are challenged:
to truly take ownership of our life and live it fully;
to push ourselves beyond the limits of what is comfortable and familiar;
to keep connected to what inspires us in life; to pursue our dreams;
to avoid social conformity; to be who we truly are, a fully authentic me;
to deal positively with setbacks and failures; to persevere with determination;
to be able to say “no” when we need to, even at the cost of personal discomfort.
(continued on page 3)
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F ROM T HE D IRECTOR O F B URKE H ALL ( CONTINUATION )
We Christians have Jesus as our model of courage for He did all of the above. Jesus had the courage to be Himself and to trust God
in every circumstance of His life, even when He was rejected by the religious leaders who claimed to have the greater understanding
of God. He stepped outside the bounds of His society’s expectation and went to help lepers, demon-possessed people, the lame and
the blind. He called a tax collector to be an Apostle; He freely associated with women, some of whom were prostitutes and social
outcasts. Jesus had the courage to suffer for God’s values, the courage to die for God’s will, the courage to trust God to raise Him
from the dead.
As Christians, we are called to give courageous witness to Christian values in the way we live our personal lives, how we interact with
other people, and how we can move out of the “comfortable and familiar” and do some “amazing things” in our own community.
Have a wonderful mid-semester break.
Peace and best wishes,
Peter Cooper
Director of Burke Hall
F ROM T HE D EPUTY H EAD - C URRICULUM AND A DMINISTRATION
COMING EVENTS:
See Portal Calendar for details
UNIFORM FOR TERM 4
A brief reminder to all parents that students may wear the school summer uniform from the commencement of Term 4. It is important
to note, however, that the school jumper is the external garment for the summer uniform. On colder days, students should wear
the winter uniform with the blazer. Combinations of the two uniforms are not permitted.
Year 8 students only are permitted to wear the Senior School summer uniform, if they have outgrown their summer shirts. The
Senior School summer uniform includes a white shirt (no monogram), school grey summer shorts, the school tie and blazer. The tie is
to be worn at all times and the blazer is to be worn to and from school on all days except when directed by the school on extreme
weather days.
Students in Years 5 – 8 may continue to wear their school tracksuit to and from school on their sports days, Wednesdays (Years 5
and 6) and Thursdays (Years 7 and 8).
A reminder again that students must wear
the complete sports tracksuit to and from school on these days. Students may not wear sport shorts and polo tops as their
outer garments. After the cup weekend, all students are required to wear summer school uniform on their sport days.
CITY CITE
During Weeks 7 and 8 of this term, the City Cite program for Year 8 students has taken place. The range of activities undertaken has
included working in small groups investigating particular issues relevant to the city, visiting prominent city locations, negotiating the
city via public transport and operating in an adult working environment. The students immersed themselves in their work
enthusiastically and the quality of their work has been, on the whole, very impressive. The boys are to be commended for the positive
way they have been involved in the program.
LEARNING PROGRESS DISCUSSIONS
These discussions will bring to a close Term 3. It is an appropriate end to the term, as the holidays provide both a well-earned break
and an opportunity to reflect on the year to date. Parents have current information about their sons’ and daughters’ progress and so
the ensuing conversation will be relevant when making plans for Term 4. The final term for the year is usually a busy term, and we
look forward to a most productive term encouraging your sons and / or daughters to take heed of any advice from their teachers.
Term 3 : Classes conclude on Friday 23 September at normal time.
Term 4 : Commences Monday 10 October.
(continued on page 4)
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F ROM T HE D EPUTY H EAD - C URRICULUM AND A DMINISTRATION ( CONTINUED )
Yr 5-8 HOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL— FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER
The Middle Years Athletics Day will be held on Friday 28 October at the Senior Campus. The day will start with Mass in the Senior
Campus Chapel and conclude at 3.10pm. All boys are expected to attend. Further details will follow next term. Please take note of this
in your diary.
HOME LEARNING CLUB
Home Learning Club continues to provide an excellent occasion for boys to spend some uninterrupted time catching up, or keeping
up, with homework requirements. All students from Year 5 to Year 8 are welcome to attend.
Boys need to come prepared with work or reading to do to make full use of the opportunity provided to them.
Computers are available for use in the library and the boys will need their identification cards to acces these.
Home Learning Club will recommence the second week of Term 4 and runs on Wednesday evenings between 3.30pm and 4.30pm for
Years 5 and 6 and 3.30pm and 5.00pm for Years 7 and 8.
Greg Gaudie
Deputy Head
T UTORING OF X AVIER C OLLEGE S TUDENTS BY X AVIER C OLLEGE T EACHERS
To ensure there is integrity in the relationship between Xavier College teachers and their students, the following policy governing
the tutoring of Xavier College students by staff members has been developed.
POLICY
A hallmark of the relationship between teacher and student in a Xavier College education is the generous support that teachers
offer their students outside of class time.
In the spirit of preserving the integrity of this relationship, and to ensure that there is no potential for conflict of interest, it is
understood that Xavier College staff will not tutor Xavier College students in private commercial arrangements. This policy will take
effect at all levels of each campus of the College from 1 January 2012.
Teachers are reminded that should they provide students with assistance out of class time then they should ensure that such
support is provided in a room which has line of sight vision to others.
The Drama Department is delighted to announce the winners of the 2 SCHOLARSHIPS to the Helen O'Grady Drama School in Kew
F ROM THE D RAMA D EPARTMENT
for Term 4 2011.
Congratulations to :
James Comito 7.3
Mark Burgess 7.5
It is a wonderful opportunity for the boys and I am sure they will gain much from the experience.
Ms Leonie Hurry
Drama Coordinator
4
FROM THE CHAPLAIN JUNIOR CAMPUSES
FATHERS’ DAY REFLECTION AS A FAREWELL
In 8 years of Father/Son Camps the recent weekend for Year Six boys and their Dads, 120 in number was the first to fall on Fathers’
Day.
I offer a farewell reflection and best wishes based on random thoughts from that camp.
“Dads don’t you show God to your Son?
Sons don’t you show God to your Dad?”
This is the crux of my learning which I wish to ramble on about here.
Dads will, in future camps do a job I’ve had, namely helping their boys to reflect, which is not easy with cordial-filled young sons.
The time-slot the dads will choose is probably after Saturday dinner before the camp fire or big screen.
On that recent Saturday night we listened to writings from the bible which were addressed to us and they were beauties. The writer
had so much confidence in us, the hearers.
I really did believe when Joe Murphy’s dad said: Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds and you will grow in the
knowledge of God.
“Aren’t you dads producing good deeds in the child right there and aren’t you growing in your knowledge of
God just watching him grow?
And boys aren’t you producing good deeds in friendships made this year and aren’t you growing in your
knowledge of God by watching your Dad in his friendships, especially with your Mum?”
Yes it hit me when four boys read a psalm of praise each beginning with
“God bless all fathers in the world….
God bless all fathers for affirming their children…
God bless all fathers for giving their children courage…
God bless all fathers who live with you in heaven…”
It hit me that we, each of us, see these good deeds and growing knowledge right in front of us.
So I have, too, like the writer in the Bible, so much confidence in Dads and Sons and Mums and Daughters to keep putting good
deeds and growing knowledge before each other.
Teachers do it too, of course, for their students, for each other and for their families.
I wonder if I’ll find in Gippsland next year the same learning:
“farmers don’t you show God to your Sons
miners don’t you show God to your daughters
‘townies’ don’t you show God to holiday makers
single Mums don’t you show God to your helpers?”
I’m more than sure I will find people, young and old, putting good deeds before each other and growing in knowledge of God. In
fact, I’m confident I will just as I have learned at Xavier.
Fr David Ryan SJ
Chaplain
NAPLAN RESULTS
NAPLAN results were released electronically this week on Tuesday 13 September. These results, for students in Years 3, 5
& 7, will be sent home to parents within the next two weeks.
The results should be examined with care as they provide an objective measure of student abilities in Literacy and
Numeracy. They also provide a relative ranking of how each individual student performed compared to all students in the
same year level across the state of Victoria and nationally.
It is wise to also remember that the quality of a student’s learning is much broader than this one measure and parents are
encouraged to keep the NAPLAN result alongside Xavier College reports and, where relevant, Allwell Testing results from
Years 4 & 6, so that the fullest possible picture of student progress can be gained.
Elizabeth Smith
Director of Teaching & Learning
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F ROM T HE R ELIGIOUS E DUCATION D EPARTMENT
SPRING
Spring - a season of renewal. The weather over the past few days could have certainly given us all a life: Bright blue
skies, a gentle breeze, the return of the Spring birds. Some would say ‘Spring is a blessing.’
While it’s very difficult
For humankind to understand
God’s intentions and his purpose
And the workings of his hand,
If we observe the miracles
That happen every day,
We cannot help but be convinced
That in his wondrous way
God makes what seemed unbearable
And painful and distressing
Easily acceptable
When we view it as a blessing.
In every trouble or problem, there is a blessing. It takes patience and perseverance to see it. Improve my outlook, Lord
so that I can see more clearly the blessings you have sent my way.
Maryann Moore
Assistant Middle Years Religious Education Coordinator
FROM THE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROJECT
YEAR 9 CAMP - DECEMBER 9TH TILL 12TH
The Youth Engagement Project is in the process of launching Phase 2 which involves the engagement of young people in Year 9. As
part of this process YEP is running an IDEAS THINKTANK for any adults who might be prepared to assist with this process. We
already have a team of senior students training to run the process. If you are willing to give an hour of your time please contact the
YEP Office on [email protected] or call Paul Salmon on 0434 254 233.
REQUEST TO OLD XAVERIANS & STAFF
The hunt is on for Wedding photos. More specifically Wedding photos
which have been taken at Xavier College (all campuses included).
A special display of Xavier weddings is being created in the Attic.
Please send your photos to Barb Hume at Xavier College, Senior
Campus. It would be appreciated if you have the photos captioned with
the names of those in the photo and the date of the Wedding. Also
indicate if the photos are originals and Barb will ensure they are
returned to you once copies have been taken.
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F ROM THE ICT D EPARTMENT
ONLINE COMMUNICATION PART 5
Teach your children to think about safety when using a mobile phone.
What age is appropriate for a child to have a mobile phone? That’s something for you and your family to decide. Consider your
child’s age, personality, and maturity, and your family’s circumstances. Is he responsible enough to follow rules you or his school
sets for phone use?
Many online applications also are on mobile phones – including social networking, blog posting, content uploading, media sharing,
and video editing. Teach your children to think about safety when using a mobile phone.
Use photo and video sharing by phone with care
Most mobile phones now have cameras and video capability, making it easy for teenagers to capture and share every moment on the
go. These tools can foster creativity and fun, yet they also present issues related to personal reputation and safety. Encourage your
teenagers to think about their privacy and that of others before they share photos and videos via cell phone. It’s easy to post photos
and videos online without the knowledge – let alone the OK – of the photographer or the person in the shot. It could be embarrassing
and even unsafe. It’s easier to be smart up front about what media they share than to do damage control later on.
Don’t stand for mobile bullying
Mobile phones can be used to bully or harass others. Talk to your children about treating others the same way they want to be
treated. The manners and ethics you’ve taught them apply on phones.
Use good judgement with mobile social networking
Many social networking sites have a feature that allows users to check their profiles and post comments from their phones, allowing
access from anywhere. That means the filters you’ve installed on your home computer won’t limit what kids can do on a phone. If
your children are going mobile with their profiles or blogs, talk to them about using good sense when they’re social networking from
their phones.
Get familiar with social mapping
Many mobile phones now have GPS technology installed: children with these phones can pinpoint where their friends are – and be
pinpointed by their friends. Advise your children to use these features only with friends they know in person and trust, and why not to
broadcast their location to the world, 24-7. In addition, some carriers offer GPS services that let parents map their child’s location.
Decide on the right options and features for your child’s phone
Both your mobile carrier and the phone itself should give you some choices for privacy settings and child safety controls. Most
carriers allow parents to turn off features, like web access, texting, or downloading. Some cell phones are made especially for
children. They’re designed to be easy to use, and have features like limited internet access, minute management, number privacy,
and emergency buttons.
Be smart about smart phones
Many phones include web access. If your children are going to use a phone and you’re concerned about what they might find on the
net, turn off web access or turn on filtering.
Develop mobile phone rules
Talk to your children about when and where it’s appropriate to use their mobile phones. Some researchers are concerned about
health issues related to long continuous use of mobile phones. You also may want to establish rules for responsible use. Do you
allow calls or texting at the dinner table? Do you have rules about mobile phone use at night? Should they give you their mobile
phones while they’re doing homework, or when they’re supposed to be sleeping?
Set an example
More mobile applications mean additional distractions. It’s illegal to drive while texting, surfing, or talking on the phone in many
states, but it’s dangerous in every state. Set an example for your kids, and talk to them about the dangers of driving while distracted.
Extract from NET CETERA www.onguardonline.gov
7
F ROM THE E ARLY Y EARS
TRANSITION PROGRAMS
During the month of November, there are several transition programs and parent information evenings providing the opportunity for
parents and students to become familiar with new learning spaces, classroom routines and program aims and expectations. These
dates are detailed in the students’ diaries and on the school portal. Detailed information for 3 Year Old Kindergarten (2012) and
Preparatory (2012) students will be mailed in the first week of Term 4.
SWIMMING
Preparatory to Year 4 students will take part in a Swimming Program at the Stephenson Centre from Thursday 13 October to Friday
21 October. The program requirements, including the swim timetable, will be distributed on Wednesday 21 September.
FATHERS’ DAY MASS
On Wednesday 31 August, students from the Early Years together with their fathers and others who, in various ways, fulfill a father’s
role, celebrated Mass led by Father Ferruccio Romanin SJ in the Burke Hall Chapel. Father Ferruccio gave the children and the
adults present an opportunity to enrich their appreciation of and engagement in the celebration of the Mass.
BOOK WEEK 2011
“A Jesuit Education encourages a realistic knowledge of the world in which we live.”
This year’s Children’s Book Week theme, set by the Children’s Book Council of Australia is - One World, Many Stories. During the
term, the students have enjoyed many and varied texts promoting international-mindedness. Students were invited to arrive at school
dressed in national colours from the countries of texts studied, or as a character from a book set in that country.
Learning about the customs and cultures of others around the globe and by reflecting on the influences that affect people’s lives and
stories, we are better able to understand and appreciate the complexities of what makes a story. This fits in beautifully with the
strategic plan of Xavier College, and the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate, which identifies the
importance of embedding internationalism in all of our inquiries.
“‘Growing up Global’ offers fascinating ideas for giving young people opportunities to become truly global citizens. Learning about
the customs and culture of others around the globe enriches our lives so much and can only lead to better understanding and
cooperation for generations to come.” Dr. Jane Goodall
YEAR 4 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The Year 4 students have been learning about the Eucharist. During an investigation into the Dismissal Rite where we are told to ‘Go
in peace to love and serve the Lord’ the children explored stories around the theme of mission in the Bible, including The Feeding of
The Five Thousand.
The students were asked to reflect on how this Bible story is related to their lives.
Here is a reflection from Patrick Grave.
Some examples of missioning in the feeding of the 5000 are ‘You yourself give them something to eat’, ‘Go and give the loaves and
fish to the people’ and ‘Go and collect the scraps.’ We can do some of these things in our life. We can ‘feed’ people by nourishing,
caring and taking care of them. We can ‘give food’ to people by showing good qualities such as generosity and helpfulness in
ourselves. We can ‘collect the scraps’ by not getting angry, sad or upset when our service is not wanted.
A Jesuit Education emphasizes activity on the part of the student and encourages life-long openness to growth.
Elena Serraglio
Early Years Co-ordinator
George Torney, Mia Caccaviello &
Luke McCarthy
Fathers’ Day Mass
8
Ethan D’Amico, Tess Stewart & Ben Heinze
F ROM THE E ARLY Y EARS
CHAPTER ONE ELTHAM MINI-RAIL
On Monday the 12th of September, we went to Eltham Mini-Rail. We got there by bus. When we arrived
we met Steve Dalton and he talked to us about safety on the train. After that, we went on the train and
Steve drove the train. We saw train signals, train tracks and railway crossings and a tree that had lots of
different hats stuck on its trunk. Then Steve took half of the group into the signal box and the workshops,
while the other half went on another train ride. Then we swapped
over. It was fun.
CHAPTER TWO WOMBAT BEND PARK
Then we went to Wombat Bend Park and ate our lunch there. I
had a bacon roll. Then in groups, we went to different places
around the park. I went on the flying fox. I also went on the
climbing frame. It had a rope and rocks on one side and on the
other side it had a pole and a ladder. It was lots of fun!
Chloe Lamberti
Year 1
FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
NIGHT OF THE NOTABLES—THANK YOU.
Night of the Notables on Thursday 2nd September was again a tremendous success. Only three
classes presented this semester, yet there must have been between three to four hundred people in
the Garnet Hall.
Such a programme is not possible without a coordinated team effort. Thanks to the boys, their
parents and families for the efforts on the home front. On the school front, thanks firstly to the
English staff Matt Delaney, Travis Graham, Susan Snooks and Alessia Schirru whose correction of
essays and other tasks is demanding in such a project. Thank you to Debbie Clarke & Trish Torresi,
Jacqui Crimmins, Jan FitzPatrick, Silvana Fares and Pam Vallence for their continued support. I
would also like to thank our grounds staff Mark Killmister and Murray McInerney, and the ICT
assistance from Mr Lin.
Thank you also to all teachers who attended on the night.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE
Writer in Residence, Michael Wagner, has held workshops in each of the seven Yr 7 English
classes. Most classes have had him at least twice. He has engaged the boys in planning and writing
for a serial. Interesting!
AN INTERESTING FABLE WRITTEN BY TOM MULCAHY, 8.5
THE ECHIDNA AND THE EMU
There once was an Echidna who was shy and laughed at by other animals. Among the animals was a sensitive, young
Emu who was accepted by the animals and he felt sorry for the poor Echidna. The following occasion when the Echidna
was laughed at, the Emu couldn't stand one more chuckle and stood up for the Echidna, “Why are we laughing at one of
our own? Do you have any pride or respect for another soul of the animal kingdom? Who are you to think you are better
than Echidna?” And then Emu stormed off in disgust. The following day the Echidna was not bothered once by the
animals and was respected by all.
Moral: If you speak up it will make a difference.
Soon to be announced....the winners of the Eldon Hogan Creative Writing Competition, 2011. Entries closed Monday 19th
September.
Public Speaking Competitions from Prep to Yr 8 will be held in Term 4. Should your son/daughter be in the final, please feel free to
attend. The students' speeches are usually most entertaining.
Jill Reynolds
English Coordinator
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F ROM THE L IBRARY
FROM BURKE HALL LIBRARY
LIT QUIZ
WINNERS
LIT QUIZ WINNERS
Congratulations to the following boys who are the members of winning Homeroom teams in our annual Lit Quiz. Well done on your
knowledge
about books,
library
and reading.
Congratulations
to the
following
boys who are the members of winning Homeroom teams in our annual Lit Quiz.
Well done on your knowledge about books, library and reading.
5.1
Henry Waters
Christian Lo Giudice
Victor Triantafillou
Samuel Mort
6.1
Daniel Crowley
Thomas Moorhead
Jonas Paulsen
Jonathon Lombard
5.2
Sebastian Masters
Dylan Budd
Charlie Whitehead
Carlin McNamara
Lucas Mucciante
6.2
Paul Ha
Harry Kerr
Richard Greene
Dion Mazzon
Callum Todaro
5.3
Matthew Morton
Matthew Martin
Sam O’Connor
Ben Silvagni
6.3
Marc Aloi
Anthony Crews
James Van Eeden
Lucas Watt
5.4
Xavier Mensink
Harry Ketsakidis
James Mulhall
Edgar Laurie
Samuel Lo Giudice
6.4
Euan Jenkins
Liam Nguyen
Nicholas MacIsaac
Lachlan King
Harry Colwell
5.5
Patrick Campbell
Matthew Dean
Will Keenan
Louis Tenace
6.5
Charlie Boots
James Dobbyn
Alex White
Matthew Pamio
William Morton
7.1
Anthony Taouk
Mitchell Lang
Sam Proud
Anishka Fernandopulle
Dillon Burgess
7.5
Liam O’Loughlin
Dante Lewis
Samuel Griffin
Mark Burgess
Calum Dean
7.2
Michael Speakman
Marco Salerni
Matt Christie
Andrew Chau
Connor Daly
7.6
Dan Murphy
Tom Hart
Tim Hunt
Lachlan Wilson
Campbell Pearce
7.3
Matthew Daniels
Patrick Groenewegen
Ethan Kumarisinghe
Alex Bielinski
Lucas Becerra
7.7
Miles Lamberti
Benjamin Somers
Harry Falkiner
Pat Costello
7.4
Nic Russ
Jack Gazdowicz
Joe Collins
Hayden Mizzi
James Jenkinson
FROM THE LEARNING ENHANCEMENT CENTRE
JUNIOR DEBATING FORUM AUGUST 29TH, 2011
HELD AT MELBOURNE GRAMMAR
Topic
"That our sportspersons are good role models"
Year 6
Xavier Negative
-
Anthony Command, Lachlan Mackinnon, Anthony Crews were defeated by Sacre Coeur
Xavier Affirmative
-
Andrew Seal, Hugh Anderson, Hamish Frazer were defeated by Sacre Coeur
Year 7
Xavier Negative
- Harrison Vanderkley, Oliver Knott, James Chan defeated Sacre Coeur
Best speaker awarded to Harrison Vanderkley
Xavier Affirmative
- Conor Morrissey, Christian Ratnyeke, Kaelan Cheesewright defeated Melbourne Grammar
Best speaker awarded to Conor Morrissey
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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION
OVERSEAS ‘WORLD CHALLENGE’ EXPEDITION JULY 2013
INFORMATION EVENING MONDAY 24 OCTOBER 7.30 PM - EPAC
Year 8 students and parents are invited to attend an information evening open to all Year 8, 9 and 10 families to hear about the
recent expedition to Nepal, and to obtain information about 2012 and 2013 expedition opportunities. Students of Year 8 will be able
to enrol in the 2013 expeditions, ideally suited to them as Year 10 students at that stage.
This is an extension to Xavier College’s planned and sequential Outdoor Education program now operating from Years 2 to 12 and
will allow for peak experiences for those students interested in pursuing an outdoor challenge on an international level. It also
provides for significant opportunities for Ignatian Service and for cultural immersion.
Participation
The students will take ownership of the expedition from the moment it is launched at Xavier College until when the team returns.
Whilst World Challenge Expeditions (WCE) provides the knowledge and expertise to support the students, the students themselves
and their team are responsible for raising funds to finance the expedition, researching the destination, setting objectives and taking it
in turns to lead the team when overseas.
About World Challenge Expeditions
WCE has 23 years experience with a vast network of contacts and resources to ensure the highest standards. They offer a choice of
over 40 expedition destinations worldwide and have worked with over 300 overseas expedition teams. Their expeditions are
designed to develop leadership, communication and teamwork.
Training and Preparation
A WCE expedition is a graduated experience of acclimatisation, the main trek, project work / community service, and rest and
relaxation prior to returning home. An acclimatisation trek will enable your team to adjust to the climate, culture, altitude and terrain
of the country being visited, and provide more practice at working as a team. Each expedition team is then likely to complete at least
one major challenging trek. This should be achievable for the whole team whilst also containing an element of challenge for all
individuals.
Project Work / Ignatian Service
The expedition team will be encouraged to give something back to the country being visited by helping a village or local organisation
with a valuable project over a number of days, up to one week of the WCE. This is an incredibly rewarding part of the expedition and
allows the group to really get close to the country and its people.
Students, parents and staff will provide information about the recent Nepal expedition that will highlight the many benefits of these
experiences.
THE GREAT AUSSIE CAMP OUT—15 OCTOBER 2011
As a new initiative, you can show your support for Xavier’s Outdoor Education program, and camping as an activity with everyone of
all ages encouraged to support the 2011 Great Aussie Camp Out! on Saturday 15 October, by camping out under the stars Go to the
website: www.greataussiecampout.org.au to register the name of your group as Xavier College, Burke Hall, and automatically go in
the draw to win some great prizes…..
The Great Aussie Camp Out - 15 October 2011
The Great Aussie Camp Out (GACO) brings together thousands of Australians for one big night where
they share the experience of camping out under the stars … in their back yards, on a river bank, in a
camp, a national park, a caravan park - in fact, anywhere they might feel like!
GACO promotes healthy active lifestyles, encouraging individuals, families, friends and clubs to enjoy the
great outdoors experiencing the fun and adventure of camping out.
See www.greataussiecampout.org.au for more details
Jay Henderson
Director of Outdoor Education
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XAVIER BASKETBALL DEVELOPMENT CAMPS 2011
“GET READY FOR THE REP TRYOUTS”
Junior Development Camp
Years: 5 to 8
Date: Tuesday 27 September 2011
Cost: $65 for the day
Senior Development Camp
Years: 9 to 12
Date: Thursday 29 September 2011
Cost: $65 for the day.
Both Camps will be conducted at the Stephenson Centre, Xavier College from 9.00am to 3.30pm.
The coaching will be undertaken by the Xavier 2011 External Coaches and will cover Skills Development; Team Concepts; Shooting
Techniques and Form; Ball Handling; Individual Moves and Counter Moves. Why not come along and hone those basketball skills in
preparation for the Rep Tryouts conducted in early October 2011.
Those interested should contact Eric Minerve, Xavier College Coaching Coordinator (Tri Campus) on Mob: 0401361389 or via email
AUSTRALIAN INTERSCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS—SNOWSPORTS
The 2011 Subaru Australian Interschools SnowSports Championships were held at Falls Creek from the 7th-11th September. The
Event was conducted by the School SnowSports Development Foundation and Xavier College had representatives in Division 1, 2, 3
and 5.
Congratulations once again to all students who qualified. To be eligible to compete at the 2011 Subaru Australian Interschools
SnowSports Championships students were required to finish either:
In the Top 5 Teams at a State Championship; or
Finish as one of the Top 10 individuals in the State Championships.
Special Mention to the following INDIVIDUAL OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Daniel Morrissy
1st Place: Snowboard Cross (individual)
Claudia O’Callaghan
2nd Place: Moguls (individual)
3rd Place: Snowboard (individual)
3rd Place: Snowboard Cross (individual)
3rd Place: Skier Cross (individual)
All details results are available online at www.interschools.org.au
Ron Gazdowicz & Greg Gaudie
Teachers In Charge - SnowSports
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F ROM T HE S PORTS D EPARTMENT
APS PRIMARY ZONE ATHLETICS
The APS Primary Zone championships were held at Duncan Mackinnon Reserve, Murrumbeena on Wednesday 14th September.
This event pitted the best athletes, both boys and girls from al the APS schools.
We were very well represented in 10 year old, 11 year old and 12 year old boys events. The top 2 placings in each event qualified for
the Regional championships which will be held on October 13th.
The following boys represented Burke Hall at the Zone Carnival
10yr olds
A.McGowan
F.Chiodo
N.Barnett
L.McCarthy
D.Christie
11yr olds
E.Kennedy
B.Silvagni
W.Golds
A.Crews
L.Dais
M.Dean
N.Sette
12yr olds
J.Unger
S.Iacono
T.Hoeveners
W.Morton
L.Shaw
J.Joycey
C. Hart
A. Comand
J.Dobbyn
The following boys have qualified for the Regional Championships
Alexander McGowan
William Golds
Matthew Dean
James Joycey
James Dobbyn
–
–
–
–
–
10 yr old 100m
11yr old 800m and High Jump
11yr old Shot Put
12 yr old Shot Put
12 yr old Triple Jump
Congratulations to all our runners who performed extremely well.
2001 OLD XAVERIANS ATHLETIC CLUB—DE CASTELLA RUN
Congratulations to Noah Burke, Xavier Burton, Callum Goessler and Dylan Jones, who,
off their own bat, entered as a team and won 1st Prize 5km School Boys Team—2011
Old Xaverians Athletic Club De Castella Run.
The boys were recognized for their efforts on the day and their parents were extremely
proud of the way they organized themselves, entered the event for a worthy cause and
conducted themselves as young men wanting to represent their school on the day.
L—R Noah Burke, Xavier Burton, Callum Goessler and Dylan Jones,
FROM THE ART FACULTY
The Arts Faculty invites you to the 2011 Creative Arts Festival
October
at
6.45pm
Opening
Night
Monday
17th
The entire Xavier community is welcome to attend the Creative Arts Festival,
which celebrates student achievement in Art, Visual Communication and
Design and Media. The Festival will be held from October 17 – 21, with the
Opening Night on Monday the 17th at 6.45pm in the EHPAC.
The opening night will be officially opened by our special guest Dominic
Allen. Dominic, an Old Boy, is a producer and director and he credits his Arts
education at Xavier College as fundamental in establishing his career path.
The Festival is a wonderful way to celebrate our incredibly talented students;
from Year 9s exploring the foundations of artistic endeavor, to the Year 12s
showcasing months of work culminating in their final piece. The night will
include prizes for outstanding students, screenings of films and the entire
EHPAC
will
be
filled
with
student
work.
I, along with the other teachers in the Creative Arts, am extremely proud of
our boys and I invite you to see just how impressive their work is. I assure
you, you will be impressed.
Photo by Nic Morgante - Year 12.
Melinda Roberts
Faculty Head of The Arts
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KIMBERLEY ART AUCTION
Thanks to those people who attended the Second Kimberley Indigenous Art Auction held on Friday 9 September in the Eldon
Hogan Performing Arts Centre. Whilst the shaky financial market has obviously affected the art market, there was still some
spirited bidding on the night for some beautiful pieces donated by indigenous artists.
A profit of just over $13,600 was raised for St Mary's Broome which will be used to fund the ongoing involvement of the Broome
students in the Kimberley Exchange Program. Special thanks to our cash donors and sponsors, especially Dr David Nash Orthodontist in Ivanhoe, Bob Stewart in Kew, and Leonard Joel, Specialist Auctioneers and Valuers.
SRC INITIATIVES
"Thank you for your excellent support with collecting the Coles School for Sports vouchers, Woolworths dockets and Pauls Milk
Caps. We appreciate your continued support.
St Pauls School will be extremely grateful for our prodigious effort."
Brendan Fraser
SRC Coordinator
BURKE HALL TERM 2 SPORT PHOTOS
The Burke Hall Term 2 Sport Groups are now online and ready for ordering.
Please go to www.nationalphotography.com.au and follow the instructions. The Password is XVC1.
X AVIER T OWELS FOR S ALE
The 'Xavier Aquatics Support Group' has large towels available for sale which are durable,
machine washable, colourfast and, in the words of one Aquatics parent, ‘'the best towels we have
ever purchased”.
Cost is $35 per towel or 2 for $60.
These towels are exclusive to Xavier Aquatics and unavailable through any other avenue. Happy
to accommodate delivery.
For orders or queries email Michael Brown: [email protected].
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M OTHERS ’ A SSOCIATION N EWS
BURKE HALL XMAS MARKET
The Burke Hall Xmas Market will be held on Friday 25th November in the Garnet Hall.
This will be a fantastic opportunity to start your Xmas shopping, with a large number of stall holders selling beautiful handmade and
designer products,fresh produce and Christmas gifts.
As mentioned in previous newsletters we are seeking stall holders from our Xavier community. Applications for stall holders will close
Friday 23rd September, so if you are interested in applying for a stall please contact me by end of term 3 [email protected]
We are still seeking ladies to volunteer in assisting us with cooking “Christmas Treats” i.e cakes, puddings, mince tarts for our Xmas
BHMA stall .
Again if you can assist with this please contact Cath Lefebvre
Tony Rawson Photography Sessions
Tony Rawson will be holding sessions for Burke Hall families on Saturday 22nd October and Sunday 23rd October for family photos
in our magnificent school gardens. Flyers have been sent home this week with your child advising booking details.
Please see flyer in this newsletter
BHMA Luncheon @ Ocha
Date for your diary
The second BHMA Lunch @ Ocha will be held on Wednesday 19th October.
Invites will be sent home soon
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - BHMA COMMITTEE FOR 2012
The year is fast drawing to a close with just one more BHMA meeting prior to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 14th
November 2011. At the AGM, all BHMA positions for 2012 will be declared open. In anticipation of this, we are now seeking
expressions of interest (EOI) for these positions.
Executive positions: President Vice President Treasurer Events co-ordinators (2 positions) Class Rep. Co-ordinators: EYC Middle School (2 positions) Secretary Non-executive positions: Storeroom Supervisor Memorabilia Second Hand Bookshop Care Group Foundation Representative Social Justice Network Reps Tuckshop (one EOI received) Second Hand Uniform Shop
I urge all mums, including existing committee members, to forward their expression of interest to me and be part of the 2012 team.
Please contact me if you would like any further information.
NEXT BHMA MEETING
Monday 17th October @ 7.30 pm in boardroom. Everyone is welcome to attend
Cath Lefebvre
President
Burke Hall Mothers’ Association
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F ATHERS ’ A SSOCIATION N EWS
BEEF AND BURGUNDY EVENING "WHAT REALLY HAPPEN(ED) IN FOOTY - WHEN SPORT, THE LAW AND MEDICINE
COLLIDE?"
On Thursday 8 September, guests at the BHFA Beef & Burgundy evening had their appetites stimulated by lively discussion on the
perils of sport and its always contentious mixing with law and medicine. Some popular medical misconceptions were put to sleep by
our expert medico Dr Andrew Jowett and His Honour Judge Tim Ginnane who at the same time mischievously initiated some
new rumours to vex us until next year. The organically-raised Enviromeat steaks complemented by salads and cheese from caterer
Michael Guy were washed down with some nice McLaren Vale cabernet or premium beers. Compere, Dan Lonergan skilfully
steered the conversation back when ‘Crackers’ Keenan waxed on with his ripping yarns although nobody particularly minded in
what was a fun low-cost and casual night out to kick start the footy finals.
On a similar note, Burke Hall parents are welcome to attend the KHFA Biannual Matrix Dinner in Manresa Hall at Kostka on
Tuesday 25 October. Similarly low-priced at $40 to cover food with drinks at bar prices, the special guest speaker this time will be
adventurer, philanthropist, business and community leader, David Moffatt, the former CEO of GE Australia, CFO of Telstra and mad
kayaker. Bookings can be made directly at http://wwwtrybooking.com/VWJ or contact Sean Johnston on 0414 506 989 or Florian
Greene on 0405 228 697.
CAMP UPDATE
We were blessed with great weather for the Year 6 Father and Son Camp at Manyung earlier this month but as the beach had
decided to go elsewhere in Port Philip bay , the boys all enjoyed a wider range of camp activities on Sunday, to their delight. Thank
you to Damian Martin and Sebastian Greene for a well-run camp but also a big thank you to all the dads that assisted in helping
things run smoothly.
Our final camps for the year are not far away so it is now time to act and secure the limited places still available- the links below will
take you to the booking site.
EYC Father Child Camp (Year 1s upwards) - October 15 & 16 - $110pp - http://www.trybooking.com/7819
Year 8 Father Son Camp - November 18 to 20 - $135pp - http://www.trybooking.com/7820
Volunteers are needed from the parents, to assist with coordinating things at the camp, especially with EYC. Camp enquiries can be
sent to [email protected] or to the BHFA Camps Coordinator, Sebastian Greene on 0400-023558..
The next meeting of BHFA will be on 12 October 2011 at 7.30pm in the Boardroom at Burke Hall. All are welcome.
Florian Greene
President, Burke Hall Fathers’ Association
T UCKSHOP R OSTER
TUCKSHOP ROSTER
Listed below are the rosters for the coming weeks:Monday 10 October – Friday 21 October
Monday 10 Oct:
Tuesday 11 Oct:
Wednesday 12 Oct:
Thursday 13 Oct:
Friday 14 Oct:
Monday 17 Oct:
Tuesday 18 Oct:
Wednesday 19 Oct:
Thursday 20 Oct:
Friday 21 Oct:
Bronwyn Pearce & Marjory Smith
Vivian Chan & Linda Lawson
Vicki Barnes & Lisa Guzzardi
Lisa Cartwright * & Carolyn Burger
Liz Pattison & Judith Amies*
Brigid Jordan* & Lucy Cercone
Juliana Chang & Kerryn Hardy
Pin Pin Ho & Melissa Lyon
Jo Ellingworth & TBC
Linda Cornehls & TBC
Term 4 roster has been emailed so if you haven’t received a copy, please get in touch with me via email; [email protected].
If this is your last term at Burke Hall, could you please let me know and I’ll remove you from the list for 2012.
*= not yet confirmed.
Cathy Frawley
Burke Hall Tuckshop Roster Coordinator
Email: [email protected] or 0421 010 347
16
N EWS FROM THE M USIC D EPARTMENT
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2011 Raffle
Sponsored by the Xavier College Fathers’ Association
The Ignatius Education Fund is a scholarship and bursary fund which aims to ensure that a Jesuit education
remains within the financial scope of as wide a cross-section of the Catholic community as possible. The previous
Jesuit Provincial, Fr Mark Raper, has said, “The changes in our social and economic context mean that we risk
pricing ourselves away from the poor, and from the economically and socially disadvantaged. If that is the case,
quite simply we risk being no longer Jesuit schools.”
Xavier is proud to promote a raffle to support this important
program
The prize is one year’s tuition at Xavier College for a student of any
campus of the college, with a maximum value up to
$20,000*
“For all of us at Xavier we can appreciate what a wonderful gift a Xavier education is for a young
person. To this end we must do everything we can to assist those worthy, but without the means to
access a Xavier education. The Ignatius Education Fund is our vehicle through which we can all help
make this happen.” Dr Chris Hayes
Tickets @ $50 each can only be purchased on-line at
www.trybooking.com/TIM
From 1/9/2011 to 14/10/2011.
It is hoped that the endowment of the Ignatius Education Fund will continue to grow as the years pass with the income
from the corpus providing the funds annually for scholarships and bursaries. This raffle is just one method of adding to the
capital.
Limited to 2,000 tickets. Get in early to avoid missing out. The raffle will be drawn at
the Xavier College Fathers’ Association Gourmet & Grange night, Thursday, 20th
October, 2011.
*For yr 12 parents this can be a refund of yr 12 tuition fees already paid.
Raffle enquiries: [email protected] or
Peter Crock - 0419 307 467. Adam Bisits 0438 405 527
Permit Number 10545/11
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