From the Head of Senior School

I would especially like to thank the College House Captains for their incredible effort in rallying their teams at last Friday’s Swimming Carnival. The house spirit demonstrated by all students was infectious on the day and we obviously congratulate the Xavier team as winners of the carnival, and the Kostka team for winners of the Spirit Cup. Scores were as follows: Xavier 2352, Regis 2028, Campion 2012 and Kostka 1823. The Year Level Champions were Year 7 – Chenyang Gong (K) and Aleksandra Giro (K) , Year 8 – Joseph Mazur (X) and Ella Ma (K), Year 9 – Paul Bon Gonzalez (R) and Emilie Spandler (X), Year 10 – Alex Kalleske (R) and Juliet Mazur (X), Year 11 – John Dwyer (X) and Chloe Healy (C), and Year 12 – Noah McDonald (C) and Sophie Polyak (K). We are most grateful for the work of Ms Morrish, Head of Cocurricular, Mr Panos and Miss Slade in the Sports Office.

This week, we held the first two House Gatherings, for the Campion and Regis Houses. They were both well attended with approximately 300 people at each night. Fr Hosking celebrated both masses and the Faith and Service leaders presented their reflections of the Gospel readings. We are reminded by Aristotle that “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” In gathering in House groups, we intentionally build community, one family that celebrates together, so to better know, love and affirm each other.

We had two students, John Dwyer and Ryan Tanti, both in Year 11, participate in The Advertiser's Teen Parliament on Thursday, February 16 in the House of Assembly at Parliament House. They were guided by Speaker Dan Cregan as they discussed ideas such as encouraging volunteers, helping troubled youth, improving transport links and future-proofing the water supply. John spoke of his suggestion of a high-speed train from the CBD through the Adelaide Hills to Murray Bridge. Ryan proposed public transport improvements, including “a combination of America’s underground subway as well as Japan’s electric bullet train system". We wish them well at this event.

A reminder to all parents that there is no thoroughfare past the boom gate to the Dennett Centre, as students should be dropped of at the dedicated drop-off zone near the tennis courts. This is especially important during this year as the carparking will be a dedicated site for the tradespeople working on the building site. I as for your assistance in this matter as to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

This week we have the commencement of all Term 1 sports, and I hope to see you at a venue over the next few weeks.

Phil Donato
Head of Senior School