Berwick Campus – 13 February 2020

Welcome back to all parents, staff and students. It has been a productive and positive commencement to our academic year, and a special welcome is extended to all new students and families that have joined our community this year.

We are delighted to welcome the following new staff to our campus:

• Ms Lorinda Mutsaers – Director of Learning Culture – Berwick Campus
• Ms Marni Nyhuis – Learning Adjustment Coordinator – Berwick Campus
• Ms Jenny Balacio – Spanish
• Ms Edwina Brinkley – Art
• Ms Regine Cucueco – Maths
• Ms Samantha Godfrey – Science
• Mr Tim Johnson – RE/Humanities
• Ms Kellie Lees – Art
• Ms Lynette Kumar – English
• Mr Prasath Santhakumuran – Maths
• Mr Dan McMullin – Media
• Ms Courtney Buttigieg – PE

Year 7 Information Evening

Our Year 7 information evening will be held on Thursday 13 February and will be focused on identifying goals and strengths to enhance student achievement and connection with school.

The evening now commences at 5.00pm (previously 7.00pm), and students and parents are asked to go straight to Care Group rooms when they arrive. Students are reminded to wear full school uniform and bring their device.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but this amendment will avoid potentially significant traffic congestion on the night. An alternative session will also be scheduled after Year 7 Camp to cater for anyone wishing to attend.

Care group teachers will be leading interactive planning sessions that involve all key stakeholders that play a vital role in setting students up to succeed. Those being, staff, students and parents. The evening will conclude at approx. 6.15 pm. Developing the Home-School partnership is a priority in 2020.

5 Tips for Parents to assist students in succeeding at school

1. Be present at school events, particularly early in the year
2. Make time to have regular discussions around what is happening. (A great discussion starter might be: What went well today?)
3. Instil organisational skills, eg. assist in making to do lists for homework tasks, etc
4. Encourage sons and daughters to connect with staff to assist with problem solving, academic or social. Resist the urge to solve every problem for them.
5. Take attendance seriously, consistent attendance is a key factor developing school connectedness and deep learning

Year 7 Camp

Year 7 Camp commences from Wednesday 19 February to Friday 21 February at PGL Adsventure Camp, Campaspe Downs, Kyneton. Students are asked to arrive at school at normal time and bring their gear to the hall. Buses will depart at approx. 9.00am. Please ensure that all medication is clearly labelled and preferably handed in before the morning of camp.

Student Leaders Day

Last Wednesday, key student leaders from all three campuses gathered at Bunjil place to design their vision and leadership direction for 2020. After an address from College Principal, Mr Vin Feeney, and talks from our Head of Campuses and Deputy Principals, students worked in portfolio groups to creatively design a symbolic version of their vision, taking into account our four key drivers:

• Unconditional Respect;
• Acting in a Calm and Just Manner;
• Solving problems together;
• and incorporating the 2020 theme; Be the hands and Heart of God.

The Campus and College Captains designed a bridge (above) as a symbol of the journey we undertake together in 2020. Underneath the bridge represents fears and challenges that are different for each individual and require support to overcome. The four pillars of support holding the bridge up are representative of the 4 key drivers.

Student News

Below are some quotes describing our new Year 7 students observations of college life after a week:

• All the staff have been really helpful in setting us up for classes – Suzannah Wrigley (7 Synan)
• When I got lost around the school there were lots of Year 8 and 9 students that helped me to class – Anusha Varkey (7 McDonagh)
• Students and staff at this school are kind and helpful – Taylah Goodman (7 McDonagh)
• This week has been a meaningful experience, and using the laptops has been engaging – Noah Quieros (7 Synan)
• I am still friends with my old school mates but have met lots of new ones too – Charlie Mussarid (7 Thomas)

Child Protection

At St Francis Xavier College, we have zero tolerance for child abuse and we are committed to acting in children’s best interests and keeping them safe from harm. The College regards its child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance and as such, is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and maintain a child safe culture. We aim to create a child safe and child friendly environment where students feel safe and are free to enjoy life to the full without any concern for their safety.

St Francis Xavier commits to providing a safe and nurturing culture for all children and young people through:

1. Upholding the primacy of the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
2. Empowering families, children, young people and staff to have a voice and raise concerns.
3. Implementing rigorous risk-management and employment practices.

Our Child Protection Officers can assist you with any questions that you may have about our Child Protection program. If you have any further questions about our Child Protection Program, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Child Protection Officers.

For further information about our Child Safety program and to view our policies please visit our website https://sfx.vic.edu.au/our-school/child-safety/