edition 2, 18 february 2016 · just as valentines aﬃrms romantic love, so the sacred heart...

Edition 2, 18 February 2016

Senior CampusSenior Campus

Our LeadersOur Leaders

From the RectorLast Sunday marked both the first Sunday in Lent and Valentines’ Day. While at first glance this combination may seem contradictory, there issomething to be said for reflecting on both Lent and Valentines.

There is an irony that the feast of St Valentine, third century martyr and ‘patron saint of lovers’, is not really celebrated in the Church (as some yearsago a number of saints from the early centuries whose details could not be verified were dropped from the Church calendar), while our secular societyhas appropriated so fully the name of Valentine, to celebrate young love and of course ‘to make a buck’ in doing so.

One could draw a fairly stark contrast between the red hearts and ‘the sell’ of Valentines’ Day with the idea of sacrificial love nailed to a cross thatChristians begin to prepare for with the season of Lent, which commenced with Ash Wednesday last week. Although we might begrudge some of themore commercial aspects surrounding Valentines (as with Christmas or Mothers’ Day), it seems to me that we should not demean what is celebratedin young love.

There is a book of the Bible, in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Song of Songs. It doesn’t get a great run in the readings at Sunday Mass, thoughoccasionally readings from it are used in weddings. Why? It is the only book in the Bible that makes no mention whatsoever of God. Yet in some Jewishcommunities it is read every Friday night, and for us it is the inspired Word of God. And Pope John Paul II in his catechesis on the Theology of the Bodydedicated a major portion of the section on marriage to a study of Song of Songs. It has also influenced culture from the music of Bach and Palestrinato the songs of Neil Diamond, Kate Bush and Sinead O’Connor; the writing of Chaucer to John Steinbeck to Leonard Cohen.

The Song of Songs is love poetry. It draws on language and imagery that would still make us in the modern world feel a little uncomfortable if read inChurch or in the presence of our elders. Two young lovers take it in turns to address each other, declaring their passionate and undying love. It isalmost as if those who compiled the Bible had a beautiful piece of love poetry and incorporated it into the Bible without feeling they needed anyexplanation as to why. The experience of human love is a sacramental sign of God’s love. All that we know and can speak of in terms of ability to loveas human beings can be said of God’s love for his people, and more. When St John writes that “God is love” he is drawing on this tradition. Christianityis above all a religion of love. At its heart is the sacrificial love of Jesus who is the incarnation of the love of God. Jesus’ golden rule is that samecommand to love.

Copyright Xavier College 2016. All Rights Reserved. 1 of 31

For Jesuits the feast of St Claude La Colombiere is celebrated the day after Valentines. While there is no intended link (the 15 th is the day of Claude’sdeath) a strong connection can be drawn between Valentines and Claude. This Jesuit was one of the great promoters, along with St Margaret MaryAlacoque, of the Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As against the red hearts of Valentines, the Catholic imagery is one of a heart crownedwith thorns but on fire with love. Just as Valentines affirms romantic love, so the Sacred Heart devotion affirms the love of God poured out in Jesus. It isa devotion that sits very easily with that of the Song of Songs – both speak to the passionate love of God.

In the Seventeenth Century there were alternative emphases in Christianity. Calvinism tended to depict God in strongly judgmental terms and to dwellon the depravity of the human condition. In drawing an emphasis on the gap between humankind’s hopelessness and God, the focus was on thepower of God’s redemption. In Catholicism a somewhat similar theological trajectory to Calvinism developed in Jansenism, which also tended to drawa stark contrast between the fallen human condition and the free grace of God. Both Calvinism and Jansenism tended to deny any value to humanefforts toward God, or indeed, on placing any value on an unredeemed humanity. God seemed a stern judge and people were unworthy to go toCommunion except at rare moments. It was a pessimistic account of the human. The French writer, Racine, and the great French thinker Blaise Pascalwere both Jansenists. And they were in fierce opposition to the Jesuits.

Jesuit spirituality, by contrast, emphasised that God could be found in all things, that though the human condition was fallen it was also of God, andthat love of Jesus lay at the heart of Christian faith. This spirituality looks back to that thread in Christian tradition that affirmed in the words of SaintIrenaeus that ‘the glory of God is man alive”. The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was an embodiment of this approach to understanding God,and its popularity became a powerful antidote to that strain within Christianity that dwelt on a stern and demanding God.

A balance always needs to be struck. If there is not a real sense of the need for redemption then religious questions can lose much of their force. Sin isa reality, the human condition is fallen (Shakespeare’s tragic flaw if you like), and without God humanity will not reach its destiny. To ignore the realityof sin is to misread our common human condition and to minimize the importance of the choices we make. In older generations much of this talk ofredemption was communicated through the fear of Hell. Today, we need to find a new way of speaking, one that emphasizes sin as the damage we doto our relationships with self, with others and with God. And it includes social sin such as racism, where individual sins such as hatred of another onaccount of their difference becomes institutionalised in the structures of a society. “There are no such things as big and little subjects,” writes Nobellaureate Alice Munroe. “The major things, the evils that exist in the world have a direct relationship to the evil that exists around a dining room tablewhen people are doing things to each other.”

Our starting point is our simple statement that ‘God is love’ and that God’s love has no limits, no conditions. Thus, today, we might seek tocommunicate that redemption is about wholeness and healing and meaning; that humankind is incomplete without the spiritual, and that, as StAugustine wrote, “our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee”. It finds resonance in Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy, which calls us to focus on the all-merciful God, and in doing so reflecting on our understanding of our image of God, and our on our understanding of Church practice and traditionthrough the over-riding image of mercy, and of our call to serve those most in need in service to the mercy of God.

Fr Chris Middleton SJRector


From the PrincipalOver the holiday break and thanks to the generosity of Mr Peter Walsh, (Executor of the Eldon Hogan Trust), the main foyer of the 1878 South Wingbuilding of the Senior Campus has been refurbished to restore the heritage elegance, colour and atmosphere to our original site. This restoration hasalso given the College the opportunity to display many beautiful pieces of art and photography that have been generously donated to the school.

This week, as I was walking through the main corridor I was particularly struck by a very famous photograph by David Moore of the arrival of theimmigrant ship Galileo Galilei into Sydney in 1966. When you look into the eyes of those new arrivals from the war-torn European continent toAustralia, one notices a mixture of joy at finally seeing loved ones from whom they have been separated for a number of years, as well asapprehension of what will unfold in their future. This was the experience of many families who now make up our school community. I have been told bya number of our staff that this was their personal experience of arrival in Australia. I also know for many grandparents and parents that their arrival inMelbourne heralded the dawn of a fresh, bright start.

Australia welcomed these immigrants because they would assist Australia to grow and to flourish. A number of these parents dreamed of giving theirchildren the very best opportunity in life and they chose Xavier as the school to educate and form them, not just into competent professionals, butalso into quality people of moral integrity, faith, service and generosity. Australia has benefitted enormously from their contribution, hard work andflair. Our country provided a blank canvas for them to begin a new life.

One of our hopes at Xavier is that our current students, (Australia’s next generation of adults) will be as welcoming and accepting of those who wish tobegin a new life away from the dangers and threats of a previous existence. Whilst some argue our security is in danger, what is really important is theneed to keep open our compassionate hearts to the plight of those who are escaping real danger. As Bishop Vincent Long (Australian Catholic Bishops’Delegate for Refugees) stated following the recent High Court's decision on offshore processing, “I urge the Australian Government to ensure that nochild is subject to an unsafe and harmful environment and that no-one is returned to where they face physical, psychological and sexual violence andharm. The Catholic Church opposes mandatory detention and offshore detention because these policies do not respect the dignity of people seekingour help”.

Offer from Cabrini Health

Last week the College signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cabrini Health (Malvern) that will entitle our students to a significant discountshould families wish to use Cabrini Malvern’s Accident Emergency Department. The offer is for a discounted rate of $210 (8:00am to 8:00pmweekdays) and $280 (on weekends). The discount of $200 applies to the attendance fees only and would not include any further out-of-pocketexpenses such as x-rays and blood tests. The student, or their carer, must supply the College details and present a current student card to be eligiblefor this discount. Cabrini Health has initiated this offer.

Renovations and Refurbishments Across the 3 Campuses

Over the December / January break renovations and refurbishment took place across our 3 campuses.

At Kostka Hall

Boundary netting to EY playgroundAV installations to 9 Loyola classroomsMcCurtin Oval cricket pitch upgradeEarly Years airlock extensionCricket net construction - due to be finished in the next two weeks.

At Burke Hall

Wren House music renovationGervasoni Oval retaining wallsReception renovationGrounds compound security fencing including new pathway to and from car parkWren House Art roomLearning Enhancement Centre office renovationCampus security upgradeMayer Building classroom renovationSt Louis House reflection space doors installed.

At the Senior Campus

Brennan Library study roomAir conditioning to eighteen office roomsAccounts House - carpet and blinds replacedSenior Boarding kitchenette replacedJunior Boarding kitchenette replacedNew student Psychology Department area in the Keenan WingNew archive space for BH documents in the Keenan WingNew bike shed for staff and studentsSouth Wing hallways renovationBarkers Road wall structural worksAdditional driveway lightingChapel Oval / Stephenson Centre fencing additionsCricket nets – additional roof panels added and back wall installedChapel Oval eastside stairs due to be finished by the end of Term 1.


Xavier Celebrates International Women’s Day

Xavier College will be celebrating International Women’s Day with a breakfast for parents, their children and staff on Tuesday 8 March at 7:00am in theGreat Hall, Kew. Our speaker will be Prue Gilbert, a parent at Burke Hall, Board member of Jesuit Mission and CEO and co-founder of Grace Papers, asocial change business driving gender equality. Seats can be booked at www.trybooking.com/KLRV

New Format of the College Newsletter

Many of our families will have noted that there has been a change to our previous newsletter format. Unfortunately, in the first edition for thisnewsletter a fortnight ago, there were some technical errors that occurred with the formatting and distortion of the text of articles. We haveendeavoured to fix these system ‘gremlins’ and hopefully the version you are reading now is clear. Our apologies for this and we hope you enjoy thisedition, particularly the ability to print-off the pdf version.

Blessings and peace for the coming week.

Dr Chris HayesPrincipal


http://www.trybooking.com/KLRV

Director of Senior CampusIn a world of increasing superficiality and individuality, a Jesuit education has never been more important, or relevant.

It is not easy being an adolescent male growing up in this day and age. In fact, I believe it has probably never been harder. Young men have atendency to internalise. The representation of this can be (and is often) misinterpreted. At its worst, it can be labelled as ‘arrogance’ and at its best‘quiet’, with anything from ‘aloof’ to ‘private’ in between. But we do know that boys need time to process and to reflect. This innate characteristic ofadolescent males is exacerbated by the ‘fish bowl’ world in which they live. A world that demands instant gratification and pressure to reveal yoursoul to the world at a moment’s notice, in the public domain for ‘all’ to see, due to the centrality of social media in their lives and in the lives of thegeneration of which they are part.

The College has a ‘Social Media Policy’, which has been communicated clearly to the boys. The purpose of such a policy is twofold:

Firstly, to ensure that high standards around compliance are adhered to in relation to the use of social media in the community and to provide a levelof protection for the College and members of its community. Secondly, to provide a basis or framework for education around the issue of social media.We have a responsibility to provide an education that is contextually relevant, so education about the appropriate and just use of social media is partof this whole education. We need to educate our boys to be discerning.

It is not simply the practicalities of social media use that needs to be addressed however, but also the deeper philosophical question about its use andthe challenge this presents to us in our context at Xavier. We ask our students to serve others, to be reflective, to establish relationships and toengage in experiences of depth, not superficiality.

The reality, though, is that these expectations and hopes are becoming more and more disconnected from the world they will inherit. Social media hasredefined what a ‘friend’ or even ‘friendship’ looks like. Conversations transcribed on a ‘wall’ with a ‘friend’ for hundreds of others to read, thecapacity to ‘comment’ on others from afar without any real responsibility or accountability. Relative anonymity in fact. Where a group is considered‘private’ or ‘closed’, despite the fact its membership consists of a number in excess of seven hundred people. In some countries that is considered avillage.

I understand and acknowledge the numerous and various advantages of social media and have a particular interest in this area given its contextualcentrality in the lives of our students. However, we need to accept that its place presents real challenges to us in terms of our mission at Xavier. It isan exciting challenge and highlights the importance of a Jesuit education in contemporary society. Above all, it requires us to have the courage to becounter-cultural.

I witnessed a concrete example of such courage this week when I heard four of our Year 12 students share their experience of the India Immersionwith a group of mothers and staff at the Xavier College Mothers’ Association Mass and Lunch. You could not help but be moved by their accounts, interms of the honesty and genuine reflection on experience. The overarching feature though was the manner in which the boys were able to articulatethe depth of the experience and the relationships they formed. In a small way, countering the ‘globalisation of superficiality’ to which Father Nicolas SJrefers.

As is normally the case, the boys are far better placed and more effective in demonstrating the message I am trying to impart. To this end, I will leaveyou with an excerpt from the speech of Michael Wilson (Year 12 Spinola), one of the students who partook in the India Immersion:

In applying for the India Immersion, I quoted in my application the Jesuit Mission Charter which states: “The nature of our engagement in mission withpeoples of other cultures rests on four pillars of faith, justice, culture and dialogue”. Deep sentiments indeed for a seventeen year old student with alot going on in their life to appreciate fully… In my belief, this Immersion is one of the most culturally bombarding, confronting, emotional, inspiring,enriching, fulfilling and satisfying experiences that Xavier offers. It taught me so much about a world of which I knew so little and has helped meappreciate and be grateful for all the wonderful advantages I previously took for granted. It has made me want to do more for others, proudly to callmyself a Xaverian and to strive to make a difference in this incredible world.

Adam LewisDirector of Senior Campus


Faith and ServiceFaith and Service

Director of Faith FormationForming Ourselves, Transforming the World, the College theme for 2016, is centred on one of the guiding principles, that of, criticalengagement with the world – which states:

Courageously and respectfully engaging with world cultures and perspectives. Critically pursuing a depth of learning by reflectingon experience and being moved to action.

Fr Michael Smith SJ explored this theme with the staff through the idea of being ‘Contemplatives in Action’. Three key ideas were Creation – we arecalled to be co-creators of God in the world, Contemplation – to reflect on my life by taking a long, loving look at the ‘real’ in my life and ‘Holy Desires’– through discernment to consider what it is that I truly want in my life and then work with God towards achieving it.

This theme offers much for Faith and Service including: to challenge ourselves courageously to engage with the teachings of Jesus, to reflect on theways we speak, act and engage with others and the natural world, to reflect on our experiences to increase our self-awareness, our understanding ofourselves, others and the natural world, to continue to work to “transform” our world – to help bring about God’s kingdom by being men and womenfor and with others.

One such opportunity to form oneself is the Sony Foundation Children’s Camp which is held in December each year. The purpose of the camp is toprovide a fun camp experience for children with disabilities and to provide respite care for families with a child with a disability. Following are somereflections from boys who participated in 2015.

Becoming a volunteer on the Sony Camp was perhaps one of the most humbling and gratifying experiences in, my albeit, short lifetime. The decisionto partake on the camp and subsequently embark on this venture was motivated by a wish to challenge my own character as a Xaverian, whilstserving the community one last time under the red and black crest. The Sony Foundation Children’s Camp has allowed me to form a new sense ofappreciation for the parents and the challenges they face in their daily lives and given me the opportunity not only to grow as a person, but as aXaverian as well. Callum Nguyen (Prefect for Ignatian Service 2015)

I decided to take part as an act of service to complete my time at Xavier. I have learnt that it is the little things that bring satisfaction, the smallmoments of connection and insight into a different perspective of life. Personally, the camp was tiring but satisfying. However, during these moments Iconsidered the lengths his parents go to every day, every night to care for his needs and to ensure that he is given the best opportunities in life. Will Mullins (Prefect for Boarding 2015)

I decided to participate, as I wanted to help lighten the load of the parents who day in and day out support their child with compassion and care, eventhough it must be unbelievably tiresome. I learnt that I can truly help people by the smallest of tasks, even just asking some people if they need helpis enough to put a smile on their face and therefore a smile on mine. Tim Hunt (Year 11, 2015)

Christine FonsecaDirector of Faith Formation


CurriculumCurriculum

Head of Teaching and LearningXavier is an academically inclusive school, where we welcome and educate boys of a range of abilities and talents. This diversity within our studentsthreads the mesh of our tapestry of learning, and within each strand is your son’s own story and his own journey.

As parents you are well aware of the choices you made regarding your son’s education. You entrusted Xavier, a Jesuit school, to educate your son inthe Ignatian tradition. As the 2016 academic year begins we are reminded that a true Ignatian education is not solely focussed on academic results. AJesuit education has a clear purpose: the development of a well-rounded Christian person of competence, conscience and compassion who will be ofservice in the world and who has the generosity to make a contribution.

Learning is one dimension of your son’s formation but this does not exist only in the classroom; it is present in the corridors and the sporting fields, inmusicals, debating, performances and in the Boarding House. Learning is life-long and interconnects every dimension of your son’s experience. Weask students at Xavier College to become men of faith, depth and conviction by cultivating a balance of the head, the heart and the hands. And asteachers we strive to challenge your son in his thinking, his beliefs and in his actions.

The College theme this year of ‘ Forming Ourselves, Transforming our World’ calls us to be men and women of action, to be deeply aware of our ownactions in regards to our own head, heart and hands. I call on all our students to be active in their learning. To ask questions and to seek clarity anddepth from teachers. To be present in class and be aware when computers, phones and friends are causing distraction.

Men of Xavier, have the courage and discipline to give attention to the things that require it most. It’s not enough to say ‘I’ll work harder’. Instead Iencourage you to really think about your actions. One action can set off a reaction that can be transformational. And most importantly, let your heartbe ‘set on fire’ by a love of learning that calls you to transformation.

Melinda RobertsHead of Teaching and Learning


VCE CoordinatorWelcome to the 2016 academic year and to the first in a series of articles on VCE News.

Firstly students are reminded that they are expected to attend ALL classes unless there is a legitimate reason for their absence and that study timeshould be allocated to all subjects. Success depends on consistent effort throughout the year. Year 12 students will receive an ATAR score made up oftheir English score, their next 3 best scores and 10% of their 5th and 6th subject(s).

Special ProvisionStudents who have previously been given special provisions for health or learning needs must complete a new application this year. Students whomay require special provision for the first time this year must contact the VCE Coordinator to complete an application form. This should be done at theearliest opportunity.

‘Approved Absence’ from SACs (Unit 3 & 4 subjects)Absence from a SAC must be supported by a Medical Certificate dated on the day of the assessment. Students must present their medicalcertificate to the VCE coordinator to organise a ‘Catch up SAC’. ‘Catch up SACs’ must be completed within two weeks of returning to school.

Year 11Year 11 students MUST provide a medical certificate if they are absent from a Unit 1 & 2 class assessment.

Students are reminded that success in their Year 12 subjects next year requires the foundations of knowledge and skills gained in their Year 11classes. It is important that students undertaking a Unit 3 & 4 study in Year 11 do not neglect their Unit 1 & 2 studies.

Finally, I wish all VCE students a successful year. The Xavier school community is here to support you in achieving your best.

Claire AllemandVCE Coordinator


Head of MathematicsFor the last couple of years, to assist students with their mathematical learning, the Maths Faculty has coordinated a program called MaX – Maths atXavier. The program placed two teachers, sometimes more, in Room D3 before school, every morning except Fridays. The teachers are there toassist any student who is struggling with any aspect of his homework or any other problem. Many students have found the program of great benefit.

Doors open at 7:45am but students may drop in at any time. There will be at least two teachers to assist students with their Maths. The program isopen to all students, in any year level doing any course.

So if your son says ‘I can’t do it’, send him to MaX.

Martin GregoryHead of Mathematics


Head of Learning EnhancementAny student who wishes to attend the SC Homework Centre, is most welcome. Many students attend the Homework Centre (HWC) voluntarily forextra help, clarification of requirements, or simply to complete homework tasks in a quiet and supportive environment. In addition to this, in 2016students may be required to attend if their homework submission is unsatisfactory. The aim of this initiative is in no way punitive; it is an attempt tosupport boys in their education by encouraging personal responsibility for expectations and outcomes. The HWC is open on Wednesdays andThursdays from 3:45pm to 5:15pm in the Gallery (upstairs) in the Library. Helen Reynolds will supervise on Wednesdays and Marg Bowden willsupervise on Thursdays.

Please contact Ms Bowden or Mrs Reynolds if you have any questions.

[email protected] [email protected]

Marg BowdenHead of Learning Enhancement


mailto:[email protected]


Co-curricularCo-curricular

Careers OfficeFor all the latest Careers News go to https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal/services/careers/career-news-1

If you would like to know more about studying in the USA, the Linden Group which represents a group of well-known USA Colleges (universities) arepresenting to explain how to access the USA system and introduce the colleges they represent. This will be a lecture style presentation, followed by asupermarket type fair, where you can visit individual booths.

Linden Educational Services is dedicated to helping students from all over the world discover the numerous educational opportunities available in theUnited States. In each region, through a series of carefully planned events such as college fairs and presentations on US education, Linden connectsstudents with representatives from accredited US institutions so that they can explore possibilities and pursue their goals in higher education. Duringthe US College Fair, students and families will have the opportunity to speak with university representatives and Kathleen Harrington, Linden's Directorof Programs. Linden staff members are education and enrollment management professionals with extensive international experience.

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Registration for the event is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/linden-tours-counsellor-workshop-tickets-19811238949

The event will be on Monday 7 March between 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The event will be held at Scotch College, 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn.

According to the Business Review Australia the top 10 highest earning university degrees in 2015 are:

1. Healthcare (eg: anaesthesiologists, dermatologists, gynaecologists, pathologists)2. Engineering (eg: mining, electronic, airplane maintenance, aviation manufacturing)3. Law4. Geology5. Finance (eg: accountants, finance professionals)6. Education (eg: university lecturer/tutor)7. Dentistry8. Business9. Computer Science/IT (eg: data analysts, systems analysts)

10. Earth/Environmental ScienceFor detailed information, go to the following link: www.businessreviewaustralia.com/top10/

Kay De JongCareers Counsellor


https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal/services/careers/career-news-1


https://www.eventbrite.com/e/linden-tours-counsellor-workshop-tickets-19811238949

http://www.businessreviewaustralia.com/top10/

World Challenge ExpeditionInformation Evening Tuesday 1 March 7.30 pm – EHPAC

Students and parents of current Year 9 and 10 families are invited to attend an information evening to hear about the past successful Xavier WorldChallenge expeditions, and to obtain information about becoming involved in the 2017 expedition.

Nearly 150 students have embraced the Xavier College World Challenge program in the past 5 years and now students of Years 9 and 10 will be ableto enrol in the 2017 expedition, ideally suited to them as Year 10 and 11 students next year.

About World Challenge Expeditions

WCE has 25 years’ experience with a vast network of contacts and resources to ensure the highest standards. They offer a choice of over 40expedition destinations worldwide and have worked with over 300 overseas expedition teams. Their expeditions are designed to develop leadership,communication and teamwork. Information can be accessed via www.worldchallenge.com.au

Students, parents and staff will provide information about past expeditions to Nepal 2011, Borneo 2012, Ecuador & Galapagos 2013, Tanzania & MtKilimanjaro 2014, and India-Himalaya 2015, and will highlight the many benefits of these experiences.

RSVP Attendance:

Numbers and names, and enquiries please via email to:

Mr David Burke (Coordinator WC Expeditions) Mr Paul Burke (Senior House Coordinator)

[email protected] [email protected]

Team 1 during their trek in the India Himalaya in December 2015.

Lachlan MacKinnon and Angus Sheedy helped build an incinerator to help with the waste management system at a community project site.

Team 2 enjoying spectacular views during our trek.

Jay HendersonDirector of Outdoor Education


http://www.worldchallenge.com.au/



Outdoor EducationIn 2016 all Year 9 and 10 students will be completing their Outdoor Education camp experience during the Senior Campus Activities Week, in the lastweek of term 1, with Year 9 camps commencing on Sunday 20 March.

As a result of an unusually short term, concluding with two four day weeks, and with Good Friday and the commencement of the Term 1 holidays onFriday 25 March, all Year 9 House based camps will need to commence on Sunday 20 March, to maintain 5 day programs; whilst most Year 10programs will only be of 4 days duration this year commencing Monday 21 March. The Tasmanian Overland Track Bushwalk program is of 7 daysduration departing on Friday 18 March.

Further detailed information will be provided to parents and students shortly.

As a compulsory core component of the college curriculum, ALL Year 9 and 10 students must undertake an Outdoor Education program in that week.Requests or notice of absence for any reason should be addressed to Director of Senior Campus, Mr Adam Lewis, cc Head of House, Year LevelOperations Co-Ordinator, and Director of Outdoor Education.

Lake Tyers Spinola group, Year 9, 2014

Year 9 Bellarmine, 2014

Year 9 Canoeing, 2014

Year 9 2014 Spinola


Jay HendersonDirector of Outdoor Education


CommunityCommunity

Xavier College Fathers' AssociationWhen you cross the halls of Xavier College it is easy to forget to stop and take in the rich history of the school and the contributions of so many whohave served others. With the help of Catherine Hall the college archivist I managed to find my way to the Xavier College Fathers’ Association HonourBoard. A board that included the following Presidents since 1972:


1972 Mr J Hlland 1974 Mr I Wilton1975 Mr L Mort1977 Mr B Thomson1979 Mr J Delaney1982 Mr J Roseman1983 Mr A Gibbs1984 Mr T Rogers1985 Mr J Foley1986 Mr D B Dimattina1987 Mr P Halliday1988 Mr M Bidey1989 Mr D N Smith1990 Mr G Lethlean1991 Mr P Black1992 Mr P I Hilbert1993 Mr L J Arthur1994 Mr G Wooddruff1995 M C Townsend1996 Mr H Belli1997 Mr D Nolan1998 Mr P Norman1999 Mr T Hidett2000 Mr K Chambers2001 Mr R Beart2002 Mr J Higgins2003 Mr P Forrest2004 Mr R Wright2005 Mr B Woodland2006 Mr P Caine2007 Mr S Earp2008 Mr M Hodgman2009 Mr D Lobo2010 Mr P Farley2012 Mr M Nugent2014 Mr P Crock2015 Mr C Jones

On further investigation it appears that the Association commenced in 1971 but we are missing the details of our first president. Any assistance insolving this mystery would be greatly appreciated. Prior to this date the Old Xaverians’ Association played a significant role.

However the honour board does not recognise the thousands of men who have been involved in activities supporting their sons, each other, and bothXavier and external communities. Activities that have included support of the Maytime Fair, presentations, assisting handicapped children,endowment of Indian orphans, fathers’ social outings, Marysville working bees, reflection days, sportsmen’s nights, breakfasts for the students,raffles, fund raising for the college, class dinners for parents, father-son cricket matches, Pleasant Sunday Evenings, Year 11 students Indian visitationprogram support, provision of careers night speakers, work experience placements, New Parents’ Cocktail Evening support, liaison meetings withBurke Hall and Kostka Hall Fathers’ Associations, sausage sizzles, House at Home Evenings / Dinners, Pleasant Wednesday Evenings, Car Rallies,Xavier Golf Day, Sports Kiosk Support, Cross campus dinner dance support, Medico / doctors roster to support Saturday sport, Xavier Fathers’ Dinner,Combined Campus Fathers’ Dinner, Gourmet and Grange Dinner, Year 10 Father-Son Program (‘Pathways to Manhood’), various education / studentwelfare programs, end of year BBQ for Year 12 boys, XCFA Keys Please, financial support to the Ignatius Education Fund and many more activities.

During 2016 we will be celebrating our forty five year journey and recognising all those who have played a role no matter how large in being Men forOur Sons, Each Other and the Xavier Community. Stay tuned for further details.

Year 9 Pleasant Wednesday Evening - An Informal Dinner Gathering of Year 9 Fathers, 17 February at 7:00pmThank you to all those fathers who attended the evening. As it was run last night I will provide a full report for the next newsletter.

Year 10 Pleasant Wednesday Evening - An Informal Dinner Gathering of Year 10 Fathers, 2 March 2016 at 7:00pm, Auburn Hotel 85Auburn Rd, Hawthorn 3122. Why should you come along:

To take time out from a busy life and enjoy the friendship of others in an informal settingTo get to know some of the fathers of the boys your son may be friends or associate with over the next few yearsTo get the most out of this time you spend at Xavier College as it is a big investment financial and personalTo dispel the myth that you have to be an Old Xaverian to get involved. Seventy five percent of us are not old boysHelp us grow the XCFA and make it more relevant to you and leave a legacy for others. Being involved in the XCFA is the norm not the exception.Finally to have a bit of a laugh and have fun

If you are able to attend please click on this link and make a booking http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=179701 by the 2nd March. We look forward to seeing you on the night andplease do not hesitate to bring another father.

Year 11 and 12 Pleasant Wednesday Evenings.

Please join us for the following Pleasant Wednesday Evenings and use the links below to book:

Wednesday 9March

Year 11 Pleasant Wednesday Evening http://www.trybooking.com/KFWI

Wednesday 16 MarchYear 12 Pleasant Wednesday Evening http://www.trybooking.com/KFWJ

2016 Calendar of XCFA Events

Date Event

Thursday 11 February First XCFA Committee & Volunteer Dinner meeting

Friday 4 March New Parents' & Year 9 Welcome Function


http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=179701

http://http//www.trybooking.com/KFWI

http://www.trybooking.com/KFWJ

Wednesday 17 February Year 9 Pleasant Wednesday Evening

Wednesday 2 March Year 10 Pleasant Wednesday Evening



Thursday 21 April XCFA Presentation

Saturday 7 May Maytime Fair (BBQ)

Wednesday 25 May Gourmet And Grange

Sunday 5 June XCFA Keys Please L Plate Drive & Brunch

Wednesday 13 July All Years Pleasant Wednesday Evening

Thursday 21 July XCFA Presentation 2

Friday 5 - 8 August Year 10 Pathways to Manhood Father Son Camp

Wednesday 17 NovemberXCFA Volunteers Celebration

Friday 25 - 27 November Year 10 Pathways to Manhood Father Son Camp

We have a full committee this year but we still would enjoy more fathers to join us at our XCFA Meetings which are held on the 2nd Thursday of themonth at 7.00pm in the Senior Campus Boardroom. The meeting dates include:

10 March14 April5 May9 June21 July11 August8 September6 October17 November - Annual General Meeting

XCFA Meeting for all Fathers and Guardians - Thursday 10 March 7.00pmOur next meeting is on Thursday 10 March at 7.00pm In the Senior Campus Boardroom. Do not be shy, join us in being part of something special atXavier.

All the best,

Christopher JonesXCFA PresidentXCFA Creed: Men for Our Sons, Each Other and the Xavier Community


Xavier College Mothers' AssociationA wonderful start to 2016 with a fabulous attendance of mums at our first 2016 XCMA meeting on Monday 8 February. On Friday 12 February, westarted the social calendar with a successful Year 10 morning tea with over 50 mums at The Boulevard, and lastly on Monday 15 February, over 130guests joined us to celebrate a beautiful Welcome Mass and Lunch.

Year 10 Morning Tea /Coffee at The BoulevardA great turnout of fifty parents, mostly mums, attended the Year 10 Morning Tea/Coffee at The Boulevard, organised by the generous Luisa Savio.There is similar strong interest for the upcoming Year 10 Event to the Bendigo Art Gallery’s Marilyn Monroe Exhibition on Wednesday 16 March.Contact Luisa on 0411 234 312 if you would like to attend.

Welcome Mass and Lunch - Monday 15 February at 11:00am On Monday 15 February we held our Welcome Mass and Lunch. Our thanks go to Father Chris Middleton SJ for our lovely Mass and homily, to theCantors (Nick Chan, Patrick Grave, Marc Aloi, Charlie Shuster) and musicians (Tim Topham, Daniel Lim, Paul Ha) for their beautiful music, led by MrNick Cowall, Conductor. One hundred and thirty guests attended the event where Mark Burgess, William Prowse, Adam Schlicht, and Michael Wilson,the 2015 Year 11 scholarships recipients to Hazaribag spoke of their experiences in India. They spoke with humility and compassion and will beforever changed by their experiences and by the many people they met. Thank you to everyone who assisted prior to and on the day, particularlyMichelle Callinan, Rachele Pelosi, Marina Stevenson, Oriella Buccella, Sam Nunan, Helen Barry, Christine Fonseca, and Cath Ellingworth for asking herson Thomas to help us out with RSA requirements. The generous volunteer parents and staff helped create a beautiful Welcome Mass and Lunchevent, and it was a joy working together with the volunteers, and meeting many wonderful mums, staff and families.

Mothers attending the Welcome Day Mass & Luncheon in the Stephenson Centre.

Some of our Volunteer mums.

New Parents Welcome Drinks – Friday 4 March at 7:30pm


We look forward to putting on a wonderful evening at the 2016 Welcome Drinks for Year 9 and New Parents. This Event is on Friday 4 March at 7:30pm-10:00pm in The Great Hall. Bookings are strong for this event and we are looking forward to meeting many of you on Friday 4 March. Thank you to theYear 10 Representatives, Luisa Savio and her team, plus Marina Stevenson, for your time organizing the event, together with Christopher Jones (XCFAPresident), Tim Connors and the team of Xavier College fathers who are organizing the beverages. Please contact Christopher and Tim if you know ofany Dads interested in helping on the day. Bookings via www.trybooking.com/KCJM.

VPC Seminar – Friday 18 March at 9:15am for 9:30am startXavier College is proud to be hosting the 2016 Victorian Parents Council (VPC) Seminar for parents and educators. Three wonderful speakers includingGemma Sisia – ‘Fighting Poverty Through Education’; Lisa Winneke – ‘Body Image – What are the signs and how you can help your child heal’; andChris Varney – ‘I CAN Networks rethink of Autism’. Morning tea and lunch is provided. This event is free for Xavier College families. Enquiries via CathEllingworth, XCMA – VPC Representative, 0417 953 311 or [email protected]. Closing date: Monday 14 March 12:00pm. Please reserve yourseat ASAP for this event is not to be missed. Bookings via http://www.trybooking.com/KCYX.

Other EventsYear 9 Family Mass - Sunday 28 February, 10:00am. Families to bring a plate to share for morning tea after Mass in the Great Hall. [email protected]

Year Level EventsYear 10 families can see the XCMA Portal for the Year 10 social events developed by Luisa Savio and her team of Year 10 Reps. Year 11 Reps aremeeting in late February / early March. If you would like to be involved or have any suggestions please contact Maria [email protected]. Year 9 and 12 Reps will also forward their calendar of events shortly.

Committee Positions and Year Level Representatives for 2015 / XCMA Portal PageAt our 8 February XCMA meeting, we filled the remaining Committee positions, which is wonderful. Congratulations to our Secretary, Elaine Horton(mother of Lucas Becerra, Year 12), and Treasurer, Marie LoGuidice (mother of Christian LoGuidice, Year 10). Jo Marchione, thank you for organizing theLolly Shop again at the Maytime Fair. Congratulations to our newly appointed XSJN Representative for XCMA, Susie Bowman.

You can access all Committee members and Year Level Representatives on the up to date XCMA portal page. We invite you to visit the Portal on aregular basis to access XCMA information. Within the Xavier College Portal, select ‘Parents Association’ followed by ‘Senior Campus Mothers’Association’.

XCMA Portal ManagerDo you like keeping things organised? Contact me, [email protected] re assisting to keep the XCMA Portal Page current, informativeand, with your help, innovative! Prior experience not required. Xavier College is wonderful at providing Portal support, and I will be working with you,too.

Xavier Social Justice Network Susie attended the Xavier Social Justice Network meeting last Thursday 11 February. For more information about how XCMA works with the XSJN,please contact Susie on [email protected].

Care Group We have been saddened to hear the news of families at Senior Campus who have experienced recent loss and illness. Our thoughts, prayers andservice are here for you.

The Xavier College Care Group provides support and practical assistance on a confidential basis to the Xavier community in times of need, andincludes the provision of transport, food, childcare, shopping and gardening. This program supports the College ethos of serving others and provides ameans of reaching out to families in need with friendly and caring support.

Our Care Group Coordinators, Bernadette Batten and Jennifer Stanley, would love to hear from those who are able to support the Care Group, or if youknow of anyone who may need assistance, or if your family requires support. For more details, please contact: Bernadette Batten on 0419 283 226 [email protected]; Jennifer Stanley on 0417 558 247 or [email protected].

Second Hand Uniform ShopBuy or sell a wide range of day and sporting uniform items. Next open on Saturday 27 February, 10:00am – 1:00pm. See Second Hand Uniform Shopon the XCMA Portal Page for all enquiries. Contact Bronwyn Dean 0421390038 or Sue D’Amico 0404039516 to arrange for access if these dates do notsuit.

Standards Sub Committee – Michelle Callinan, Maria Benedetti and Donna ErvinWe are looking to conduct a review and documentation of XCMA procedures and processes, including template standards. If you are interested in thisproject, please contact Michelle Callinan [email protected] as there are several areas of focus and we would value your involvement.

Mail Chimp TrainingXCMA members received training on Tuesday 16 February in the email communication system mailchimp on Tuesday 16 February. Thank you PaulVolpe, Head of ICT at Xavier College, for your support and generosity in staying back after hours to help our Committee send timely communicationsabout our events to the Xavier College families.

Women and FaithICC is hosting a Women and Faith Night on Wednesday 16 March at 7:30pm at Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorn. Three very generouswomen will share their stories of how their faith has influenced their lives. Contact Bernadette Kirwan on [email protected].

XCMA Meeting Dates for 2016 All Senior Campus mothers are invited to attend the next XCMA meeting on Monday 7 March at 7:30pm in the Auxiliaries Room (to the immediate leftof the Charles St entrance). See Meetings and Minutes on the XCMA Portal Page for more details.

Can you help with Events and Tuckshop? We would value any support you can offer. See our new online form at http://www.trybooking.com/KEQY. We are seeking more Year LevelRepresentatives for Years 9 and 10.

Best wishes for a great 2016 at Xavier College.

Betty ChetcutiXCMA [email protected] or 0407 819 519


http://www.trybooking.com/KCJM


http://www.trybooking.com/KCYX



https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal/parent-associations/xaviercollegemothersassociation





https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal/parent-associations/xaviercollegemothersassociation/second-hand-uniform-shop



https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal/parent-associations/xaviercollegemothersassociation/minutes-of-meetings/meetings-and-minutes

http://www.trybooking.com/KEQY


International Women's Day BreakfastCome along to our International Women's Day Breakfast with guest speaker Prue Gilbert (CEO and co-founder of Grace Papers, a social changebusiness driving gender equality).

Prue's thoughts on leadership drives change at both societal and organisational levels. She is a Board member of Jesuit Mission and a Xavier parent.

Please click here for more information and to book your tickets.


http://xavier.vic.edu.au/xavier/sites/default/files/files/INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY INVITE_MARCH 2016_FINAL.pdf

Anything Goes Musical ProductionXavier College's and Genazzano FCJ College's production of Anything Goes will be held on 24 - 27 February.

Please note that a Matinee will also be offered on Saturday 27 February commencing at 2.00pm.

Please click here to see the flyer.


http://xavier.vic.edu.au/xavier/sites/default/files/files/5 Feb 16 Anything Goes.pdf

From the ArchivesAlthough the Archives has many old items in our collection, this is only part of the role of the assistant archivists Iggy and his little sister Frances. Inorder to ensure that the archives hold as complete a record of life at Xavier as possible, Iggy and Frances actively collect new items to add to thecollection. Iggy and Frances are looking at the set of 2015 class photographs from our Brighton campus, Kostka Hall.

Here they are with two of the items collected since the start of 2016. Iggy has the Senior Campus Diary 2016 and Frances has the brochure from theSenior Campus Opening Mass, which was held on the 4 February 2016.

Collecting new items for the collection can be a challenge. Working out what people in the future will want to look at or learn about requiresforethought and vision. Iggy and Frances have taken a calculated risk and collected some samples of carpet that was replaced over the Christmasbreak. Here they are with the sample of bright green carpet that was originally laid in the Dalton room. This piece is now a slice of history and its usecan be dated accurately from 2008 to December 2015.


At some point in the distant future, someone will want to know what that carpet looked like, and the Archives will be able to provide our sample forinspection. Although we can’t keep everything, by collecting a broad range of items, the Archives will be able to give a historic snapshot of life atXavier in the 21st Century.

The College Archives are located in the refurbished cellars at the east end of the South Wing. Open M-F 8am – 4pm.

Contact the College Archivist on 9854 5360 or via email, [email protected].

Catherine HallCollege Archivist



Old Xaverians' AssociationTime is running out for the 2016 Old Xaverians' Association's Hoorick Hoorah Dinner.

Please click here to register your interest


http://xavier.vic.edu.au/xavier/sites/default/files/files/18 Feb OXA Hoorick Hoorah Dinner 2016(1).pdf

A Jesuit Social Services ExhibitionVolunteers from the XSJN have worked on the production of the ‘Here & Now’ exhibition – in particular Trudy Cook who put together the photo collageart piece.

Participants in the Jesuit Community College English Language Support Program for people currently seeking asylum and refuge in Australia sharetheir stories and provide a platform to better understanding and discussing the complexities of the refugee experience. The exhibition runs fromFriday 4 March to Tuesday 5 April and is being held at the Brighton Library, 14 Wilson Street, Brighton.

To make a booking to attend the launch on Friday 4 March at 5:30-7:00pm, please click here. And, for more information about the exhibition, pleaseclick here.


http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=181269

http://xavier.vic.edu.au/xavier/sites/default/files/files/KH News Issue 2 MY Bayside Libraries Exhibition Flyer(2).pdf

Second Hand Uniform ShopNext Open Day is Saturday 27 February 2016, 10.00am – 1.00pm. There will be a sale on shorts and trousers (at least half price). We always requireBlazers. If you are donating clothing – thank you. If you are selling clothing – please make sure all paperwork is complete and each item is labelled(without using staples). All clothing must be in good saleable condition. As always, if you are unable to make it to an open day please contactBronwyn or Sue to arrange to meet them outside of these times.


Tuckshop NewsFEBRUARY

Thursday 18 Mixed chicken kebabs

Friday 20 Oven baked fish with salad

Monday 22 Beef korma vegetable curry

Tuesday 23 Chicken peri peri with savoury rice

Wednesday 24 Sweet chilli chicken subs

Thursday 25 Mexican nachos

Friday 26 Seasoned calamari and salad

Monday 29 Beef ravoli

MARCH

Tuesday 01 Chicken and vegetable stir fry

Wednesday 02 Pasta bolognaise

Julie KupkeTuckshop Manager


Xavier Aquatics Support GroupThe “Xavier Aquatics Support Group” has large towels available for sale. They are machine washable, colourfast, and extremely durable.

In the words of one aquatics parent, “the best towels we have ever purchased”.

The towels measure approximately 80 x 145cm. They are red and have XAVIER printed in black in the centre of the towel.

These towels are exclusive to Xavier Aquatics and are not available through any other avenue.

For orders, queries and or delivery options please email Caroline O’Sullivan at [email protected] or phone 0412 911 141.

$40 EACH OR 2 FOR $70

Xavier Aquatics Support (Supporting the Xavier Swimming, Diving and Water Polo Teams)



Annual Fundraising DinnerYou are invited to the Jesuit Social Services Annual Fundraising Dinner on Saturday 19 March 2016. Please click here to see the flyer.


http://xavier.vic.edu.au/xavier/sites/default/files/files/JSS dinner.pdf

Annual Seminar 2016Xavier College is proud to be hosting the Victorian Parents Council (VPC) 2016 Seminar for parents and educators. The event is being held at XavierCollege, 135 Barkers Road, Kew 3101 on Friday 18 March 2016.

Three wonderful speakers will address us:

Gemma Sisia – ‘Fighting Poverty Through Education’

Lisa Winneke – ‘Body Image – What are the signs and how you can help your child heal’

Chris Varney – ‘I CAN Networks rethink of Autism’

Please click here to see attached flyer for more information about the speakers and topics to be discussed,

As members of the VPC, all Xavier parents may register FOR FREE via the following trybooking link: http://www.trybooking.com/KCYX

Closing date: Monday 14 March 12 noon.

Morning tea and lunch is provided. Please reserve your seat ASAP for this not to be missed event.

Cath EllingworthXCMA – VPC Representative0417 953 311


http://xavier.vic.edu.au/xavier/sites/default/files/files/18 Feb XCMA 2016 Annual Seminar Flyer.pdf

http://www.trybooking.com/KCYX

Siena College Fun Run / WalkThe 2016 Siena College Fun Run / Walk will be held at Wattle Park on Sunday 6 March. Please click here to see the flyer.


http://xavier.vic.edu.au/xavier/sites/default/files/files/18 Feb Siena_FunRunFlyer_A5_v5.pdf

edition 2, 18 february 2016 · just as valentines aﬃrms romantic love, so the sacred heart...

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