Email: Burke@xavier.vic.edu.au Jesuit Web Site: www.jesuit.org.au Xavier Web Site: www.xavier.vic.edu.au

Number 20—4 December 2013 Phone: 9855 4100 Fax: 9853 3792

X A V I E R C O L L E G E A J E S U I T S C H O O L

Burke Hall ..............newsletter

COMING EVENTS FROM THE RECTOR

Fr Thomas Renshaw SJ Rector Tom.Renshaw@xavier.vic.edu.au

Dear Parents and Guardians As we come to the end of another year of schooling and begin a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent, preparing ourselves to welcome and celebrate the gift of the birth of Jesus, of God coming among us as one of us, we have so much to be grateful for in our lives. I am grateful for the wonderful partnership that exists between parents, staff and students within the Xavier community. The trust, loyalty and support of our parent body is a source of great consolation to me each day. Thank you. I want also to thank and acknowledge the work of all of my colleagues who ensure that the God given talents of our students are developed and nurtured in an environment that fosters excellence in all things. One of the blessings for us and for Church this year was the unexpected election of Pope Francis as the Bishop of Rome. He has brought new life to the worldwide Church and is a prophetic voice within the world. Through his own personal example he is inviting each of us to engage more deeply with our God and with each other. On Thursday 21 November we were delighted to be able to welcome Cardinal Edwin O’Brien to the College. Cardinal O’Brien is the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and a former Archbishop of Baltimore and the American Military Ordinariate. As a young priest he was a chaplain in the Vietnam War. Cardinal O’Brien had an opportunity to speak to the Year 8 students at Burke Hall and to meet a number of our Year 9 students. In addressing the students at Burke Hall he spoke of his participation in the Conclave earlier this year. It was moving to hear him speak of how he felt that there was a genuine movement of the Holy Spirit across the Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel on the second afternoon of the Conclave that led to the election of Pope Francis. He likened the experience of the Holy Spirit in that final decisive vote to that of the mist or the spray that follows from a crashing wave. In St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians we are told that the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness and self control“ (Gal 5:22-23). We see these qualities so beautifully in the leadership and person of Pope Francis. Cardinal O’Brien engaged warmly with the students and their questions, some relating to his time as a chaplain in the Vietnam War, others to do with the work of the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre promoting the Catholic faith within the Holy Land. In responding to questions regarding Pope Francis, he told us that he expected there to be greater consultation within the Church and a greater emphasis on the principle of subsidiarity, empowering bishops and local church leaders to make decisions that are suitable to be made at the local level. He also emphasised that the role of women in the Church was a topic that is dear to the heart of Pope Francis. Cardinal O’Brien also commented on Pope Francis’ love for the poor and pointed to the Pope’s own simple lifestyle. He also said that it was obvious that he was a master of an Ignatian approach to discernment and decision making involving prayer, consultation and conversation; more prayer and more conversation which leads to a certain peacefulness, the sign of a good decision. During the week Pope Francis issued his first Apostolic Exhortation called Evangelii Gaudium on the Joy of Proclaiming the Gospel. It can be accessed at http://www.vatican.va. It would encourage you to read it; while it is rather long, it is a most inspiring and uplifting document. As we approach Christmas may you and your families be filled with every blessing and may the fruits of the Holy Spirit continue to be present within our families and the Xavier Community in 2014. With much gratitude

FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER - END OF SCHOOL YEAR FOR

STUDENTS 12:00 NOON DISMISSAL

FRIDAY 31 JANUARY - COMMENCEMENT OF SCHOOL YEAR FOR STUDENTS

Cardinal O’Brien visiting the College

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF BURKE HALL

Dr Chris Hayes Principal Chris.Hayes@xavier.vic.edu.au

Dear Parents and Guardians, The final week of the school year has arrived and we give thanks for all the blessings and challenges of 2013. The teachers are currently busily preparing the final reports, updating their skills with a number of in-services and planning for the academic program of 2014. During this week we have a variety of ceremonies and assemblies to celebrate academic achievement and effort as well as bid farewell to those leaving their respective campus. At the core of a Jesuit education is the emphasis to appreciate one's context, the ability to reflect on experience and be drawn to a particular action and, most importantly, to evaluate the outcomes. When the teachers prepare their student reports they are not only communicating the level of achievement, they are prompting the student about how he/she can improve their performance. This is the essence of the Magis. There are always better ways to achieve one's goals and comprehend issues at greater depth. During the Christmas break, renovations and improvements to our facilities are planned across our three campuses to improve further our learning spaces. Over the break many of our students and staff are involved in overseas cultural immersions and exchanges and we wish them well on their travels. This week we bid farewell to a number of staff across our three campuses who will be leaving Xavier and thank we them for their service to the College. Senior Campus: Teaching Staff: Elizabeth Burns, Richard Bryant, Kirstie-Bree Fotheringham, Damien Gidley, Georgia Gouros, David Moloney. General Staff: Gwen Atkins, Allison Pasznyk, Peter Rhoden (retiring early 2014). Burke Hall: Teaching Staff: Tim Bratton, Robyn Burns, Jan Fitzpatrick, Ben Hiscock, Katie Munro, Terri Palmieri, Emily Pinniger. General Staff: Karen Fitzpatrick, Murray McInerney. Kostka Hall: Teaching Staff: Jacqui Gibbons, Penny Gorman, Jo Kitley, Kerryanne Meehan, Cathy Nathan, Tim Waller. General Staff: Gerardene Caldwell. My thanks to our staff, students and parents for continuing to build such a supportive, engaging and caring community. May the Christmas season bring much consolation and joy to you and your family. Thank you for your support of our endeavours. Ultimately, it is for God's greater glory.

Dear Parents and Guardians, The final two weeks of the year are a very busy time at Burke Hall, with many evening functions celebrating the achievements of our students over the past 12 months. Our celebrations in Year 4 and Year 8 are significant events as they mark the transition from Early Years to Middle Years and from Middle Years to Senior Years, respectively. Our Year 4 Celebration is always moving as it sees the creation of a new generation of Old Xaverians, as our young ladies leave us to continue their education beyond St Louis House and Xavier College. For our gentlemen of Year 8, we take delight in the knowledge that they are prepared and eager to take on the challenges of the Senior Years and their relocation to the Senior Campus. I am very grateful to the staff, parents and students who provide assistance at these events, either in the preparation of booklets, the set-up and clean-up of venues, or the provision of catering. Staff Farewells In addition to the staff members mentioned in our Newsletter earlier this term (Number 16), the College will also farewell a number of staff at the end of this year who have given great service to the College: Mrs Karen Fitzpatrick (School Nurse), Ms Katie Munro (Japanese and Year 8 Homeroom), and Ms Emily Pinniger (Year 5). We wish them all the very best with their new endeavours and offer our heartfelt thanks for the dedication and concern displayed towards the children in their care.

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FROM THE DEAN OF OPERATIONS

Peter Cooper Director of Burke Hall Peter.Cooper@xavier.vic.edu.au

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF BURKE HALL CONT

With the blessed arrival of Brodie Jack Dillon on Friday night, Mrs Vanessa Dillon has commenced maternity leave and will return to the College at the start of Semester 2, 2014. We wish the Dillon family good health and happiness. Mrs Amanda Clarke will replace Mrs Dillon during this period. Thank you for your trust and support throughout 2013. It is always a privilege to watch your daughters and sons grow and develop in confidence, skill, knowledge and sense of community. May you have a safe and joyous Christmas and New Year period and I look forward to greeting you when school returns in 2014. Peace and best wishes,

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Information for Parents at Xavier College In an attempt to streamline information for parents and students at Xavier College, an area has been established for all families to view information that directly relates to the needs of each year level. On the parents’ homepage (https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal) you will find the following links: Information for Burke Hall Early Years Information for Burke Hall Middle Years Important Dates (A more detailed list can be viewed on the school portal): https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal/calendar 2013 6 December (Friday) End of Term for 3YO – Year 7 students at 12:00 noon 2014 30 January (Thursday): Year 5 and Year 7 iPad / Laptop collection 31 January (Friday): Students commence classes 5 February (Wednesday): Burke Hall Information Evening (Prep – Year 8) 8 February (Saturday): Parents Welcome Drinks 11 February (Tuesday): Years 5 & 7 Parent / Teacher Exchange (New Students) 21 February (Friday): Middle Years Swimming Carnival. School Uniform Information follows relating to the Term 1 School uniform requirements. (A more detailed list can be viewed on the school portal): Summer Uniform - Terms 1 and 4

White open neck short sleeve shirt with monogram on pocket Xavier pullover (optional) Silver light grey shorts Xavier short light grey socks Black regulation school shoes Xavier school bag Please note no school tie

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Physical Education Uniform - Terms 1 - 4 Xavier sports jacket Xavier tracksuit pants Xavier polo top Xavier black sport shorts Xavier sports socks Xavier rugby top (optional) Predominantly white runners Xavier cap or white hat Xavier bathers Goggles (highly recommended)

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David Lanigan Dean of Operations David.Lanigan@xavier.vic.edu.au

FROM THE DEAN OF OPERATIONS CONT

Hats and Caps Boys may wear the white hat or the college black baseball cap, all of which are available from our official supplier, Bob Stewarts of Kew. Any of the above hats/caps should be worn on the following occasions:

Morning break and lunchtime in Terms 1 and 4 During Physical Education classes in Terms 1 and 4 At all cricket and tennis practice and matches At all outdoor venues

House What a wonderful year we have had in House celebrations. Being a young man for others relies on a commitment to serve and a willingness to act for others, to help us as a school community to grow and come together to celebrate our differences and opportunities afforded to us. This year we introduced a new component to the House system by introducing House Art; this has challenged students to think beyond the sporting field and to ignite the creative imaginations that we all possess. The Art department graciously afforded the House competition the opportunity to share in the wonderful art displays earlier in the term resulting in a fantastic response and number of votes. I would like to congratulate the following boys for being the most voted artwork for each year level: In Year 8 – Alex White and Nick Chan, Year 7 Dan Le, Year 5 Rory Calvert and the overall individual winner was Joseph Hourigan in Year 6. The final five House activities for the year were won by Claver which included House Art; however, they also needed Campion to come fifth or lower in House Art to become the overall 2013 House Champion. The final result came down to one point and I would like to congratulate “Campion” as the 2013 House Champions.

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Mr Renato Serafini, House Coordinator, with Charlie Boots (Captain) and Andrew Seal (Vice Captain) of Campion House.

Second Hand Uniform Shop Drop Offs If you would like to donate or sell your son’s old uniform, please either drop it off at Reception by Tuesday 10 December or bring in to the uniform shop on Tuesday 10 December between 1:00-2:30pm. You can also buy at this time if you missed out on Transition Day. Please ensure that, if you are selling items, they are dry-cleaned or laundered and in good wearable condition. Can you please label each piece with your name, address and contact number, otherwise your items will be treated as a donation.

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FROM THE DEAN OF MIDDLE YEARS

I’m sure looking back over the year you’d agree that it has flown at such a fast rate. It seems it was just yesterday that our boys commenced the school year. I hope you feel as much as I do that they have developed positively in so many aspects. In the Middle Years we encourage boys to do their very best in every aspect of their schooling, to take risks, to accept challenges and to push themselves out of their comfort zone. The following are only some of the highlights of the year and demonstrate the diversity in the curriculum, the variety in the boys’ learning experiences and the enjoyment experienced by the boys: - Burke Hall Art Show - Three-Campus Creative Arts Exhibition - St Ignatius Day - Music Concerts - Inter-school and inter-house activities (sport, drama, chess, music, art, quiz) - Leadership opportunities - Language Club - Authors in residence - Year Level Camps as part of the Outdoor Education experience - Year 8 City Cite experience - Year 8 Learning by-doing workshops (woodwork) - Year 7 Night of the Notables - Excursions relevant to the curriculum - The introduction of the iPads and MacBook Airs. Teacher Professional Learning is extremely important in maintaining teacher accreditation, enhancing educational innovation and learning and sharing best practice. Professional learning has been a major focus this year. While there were so many learning experiences only a few are highlighted below: - integrating technology in the classroom - Australian Curriculum implementation - designing dynamic and differentiated tasks that challenge, engage and motivate learners - Restorative Practices - using NAPLAN data to improve learning - Assessment and feedback in the Middle Years classroom - 21

st Century Fluency

- educating and managing boys - the road to good writing - successful school transition and - how the brain works. EXPECTATIONS This is a reminder that when the boys return to school they must be in summer uniform. Also, please make sure that boys have had the appropriate haircuts. As you know we are proud to be at Xavier College – expectations must remain high for all of us! I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, safe and relaxing break. Take time to enjoy your children – they truly are the most precious of gifts — and we have them for such a short time. TRAVELLING ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT The safety of our boys is always our main priority. It is expected that all boys behave in a safe and responsible manner when travelling on public transport. Considering the needs of the public is just as important. At school, teachers have been reminding the boys about the significance of respecting each other. It is important to remember that the boys are representing Xavier College when they wear the uniform.

LIBRARY NEWS James Phelan On Thursday 28 November the Years 5 & 6 classes were entertained by the author James Phelan who visited Burke Hall to promote the second book in his new series The Last Thirteen. James started writing as a teenager but has only recently turned his hand to writing full-time during the last couple of years. He is a qualified architect and also has a PhD in Literature. The first book in the series The Last 13 was published in September, and his recent novel 12 will be in bookstores on Saturday 30

th November. During 2014 the remaining 10 books will be released each month. Students were able to buy

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FROM THE DEAN OF MIDDLE YEARS CONT

his latest novel 12 and of course we have many copies in the Library, which are being placed on the reserve list very quickly! For further information go to www.thelast13.com

Pre - loved books To keep our collection up to date there are periods when very old stock is weeded from the collection. On Friday 22 November a Year 4 student from Melbourne, Sarah Berry, came to collect these books to ship over to a contact in Cambodia. Sarah started the project in late August to collect as many books as possible to send across to schools and universities in Cambodia where there is a great demand for print resources. Sarah and her family have a 40ft container waiting on the Melbourne docks that can hold 20,000 books. She is hoping to reach this target before Christmas. We were glad we could help her in some small way and know that the books will be very much appreciated by students. Evernote During the last few weeks Year 5 students have been introduced to the app Evernote on their iPads as part of the Library Information Literacy Program. Evernote is a digital note-taking tool allowing you to create notes with text, links, images, audio and documents. Your entire note files are synchronised online (in the cloud), and it works on all computers and many mobile devices. Evernote is one of the most popular and powerful services to save and retrieve information when we need it. Please ask your son to share this valuable tool with you. We will be exploring Evernote further with classes from Years 5 to 8 in 2014. Julie Connelly Coordinator of Library services

FROM THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT The year has ended on a high down in the Dungeons! Last week the Grade 5 classes had an artist in residence, Rosa Campagnaro from ‘Make a Scene’, to work with the boys on the intricacies of mask. The boys got to experiment with many different masks and learnt how to physicalize, vocalise and develop suitable characters. The workshops were very much enjoyed by the boys and they were certainly able to draw inspiration from Rosa to develop characters for their own masks.

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Sarah Berry collecting books for Cambodia

James Phelan in the Library with his two recently published novels and Shakir Liuzzi, James Mason, Julian Gangi and Max Caldwell

James Phelan talking to students

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Brendan Fraser Dean of Middle Years Brendan.Fraser@xavier.vic.edu.au

FROM THE DEAN OF MIDDLE YEARS CONT

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ENTRY INTO YEARS 7, 9 & 11 IN 2015

LOCATION – SENIOR CAMPUS

Date for Scholarship Testing: Thursday 13 February 2014

Scholarships will be offered for students entering Years 7, 9 and 11 in 2015 and, as the following details describe, are available in a number of different categories: Xavier College Academic and Excellence Scholarships (including Boarding) Xavier College Music Scholarships (including Boarding) The Old Xaverians’ Association Boarding Scholarship Xavier College Foundation Scholarships (including Boarding)

Loftus-Hills Family Music Scholarship Benedict Burgess Memorial Boarders Scholarship The Helen and Francis Murphy Memorial Scholarship

Closing date for applications: Friday 7 February 2014 For further information and registration please visit our website: www.xavier.vic.edu.au

The Glee Club performed ‘I’m On Top of the World’ at an assembly this term. This was the first time the club had performed in this forum and the boys were very nervous. Congratulations to Karl Narkiewicz, Alex White, Charlie Shuster, Sean Lambert, Zak Barry and Anthony Cercone. The boys were a hit and received a standing ovation from the 600 plus staff, students and parents in the audience. A job very well done!

Thank you and best wishes to our 2013 Drama Captains and Committee, Alex White, Karl Narkievicz, Christian Biffi and Fernando Luizzi. In particular Karl and Alex have showed an outstanding commitment to Drama this year and I have appreciated all their energy, effort and ideas. I wish all the boys much success in Drama at the Senior Campus. Our 2014 team has been announced and congratulations to: Captain Ben Polazzon Vice Captain Charlie Shuster Committee Atticus Corr Committee Oliver Edmonds I look forward to working with you all next year.

Mrs Andrea Hamilton

Acting Drama Co ordinator

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Y O U R B E S T L I F E C O U L D B E O N E D E C I S I O N A W A Y

w w w . j e s u i t . o r g . a u

Elena Serraglio Dean of Early Years Elena.Serraglio@xavier.vic.edu.au

FROM THE DEAN OF EARLY YEARS

We have had numerous occasions during the year when we have celebrated many of our students’ great successes. The last weeks have been filled with celebrations to mark the different stages of our young students in their learning journeys. The Kindergarten children have enjoyed a very happy and rewarding transition experience into Prep and we have farewelled our Year 4 students, celebrating their many achievements and all they have brought to the Burke Hall Early Years during their time here. We farewell our eleven Year 4 girls: Antigone Artemides, Erin Chan, Madeline Grave, Stella McCombe, Carla Petruccelli, Mary Ryan, Alle Sayers, Alex Shaw, Eliza Stewart, Audrey Tange and Ellie Taouk. We sincerely thank these girls for the outstanding contributions each has made to school life at Burke Hall. We also thank the parents of each of these students. Their presence has enriched school life at all levels and the programs offered have benefitted from the support and encouragement you have given to the students and staff. We are confident that the learning journey for all our Year 4 students has been a successful and rewarding one, on which the foundations for future learning, as they enter the Middle Years, can be built. Our prayer for our Year 4 2013 students is that they will take the next step – with compassion, competence and conscience, whether it be at Xavier, Genazzano, Ruyton, MLC or Kensington Prep School in London, and take their place in the world and be young men and women for others. Whilst the events of the past week are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by a host of people, can I take this occasion to thank the families in the Early Years for their constant support and the many classroom helpers for their contributions and assistance. I would like to acknowledge the dedication of the teaching and general staff who work tirelessly to provide a secure and productive learning environment at St Louis House. We value the unique partnership that exists between families and the school, for at the heart of this partnership is the wellbeing of the children. The response from our students depends in part on the example of parents and staff of the College. In this respect we are richly blessed, as the generosity of both groups is exemplary. Preparatory to Year 4 reports will be emailed to parents. I congratulate all students on the progress and achievements made during the year. The Semester Two reports contain much deserved commendations on the efforts of students as well as very valuable advice regarding future directions. On behalf of the Early Years’ staff, I wish you all a joyful Christmas Day and a restful and safe holiday. We look forward to the new year and the many more significant, challenging, relevant and engaging experiences 2014 will bring.

2013 Year 4 Girls 2013 Year 4 Class

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FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

The Eldon Hogan Creative Writing Competition is held every year at Burke Hall and Kostka Hall. This year we have had a winner from each year level. The following students had their writing or art work published in an anthology, organised by Star of the Sea. Students from many schools around Melbourne had their writing published. Congratulations to the following Burke Hall students: Mary Ryan 4 Antigone Artemides 4 Connor Triantafillou 6 David Giaimo 7 William Johnston 7 Jack Kelly 7 Sam Iacono 8 Richard Greene 8 Michael Culvenor 8 Dan Crowley 8 Connor Katsaros 8 Luke Pereira 8 The winners of the Eldon Hogan Creative Writing Competition are: Year 5 Jean-Luc Le Gall - Without Hesitation Year 6 Thomas Richardson - A Game of Chess Year 7 Finnian Macken - Hearts of Fire Felix Pirie - Hope Year 8 Richard Greene - An Immortal Legacy

Honourable Mentions to students listed for their beautiful writing on the 2013 theme, Setting Hearts on Fire.

Year 8 Year 7 Year 6 Nick Chan Zac Hart Alex Karalis Marc Aloi Declan Kobayashi-Walsh Daniel Tuddenham James Grant Christian Lo Giudice Zach Ostrowski Ben Lynch Declan Jackson Max Crosby Kosta Douvos Luke Dais Joseph Hourigan Michael Culvenor Joel Jeffery Nicholas Marchese Matthew Morton Sam O’Connor

Each year level had their Public Speaking Finals and as usual, our boys' talent was amazing. The winners at each level: Year 5 Patrick Curtain Year 6 Noah Tieppo Year 7 James Lee Year 8 Marc Aloi

Congratulations to all these winners.

Jill Reynolds English Coordinator

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Thomas Richardson Finnian Macken, Felix Pirrie, Richard Greene, Jean-Luc Le Gall (front)

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FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONT

An Immortal Legacy May 25 1871 The leather shines from the black polish. The man admires his shoes before assessing himself in the mirror. He adjusts his waistcoat before grabbing his brass knobbed walking cane and locking the door behind him. He mocks himself for doing so however, as he only has nothing of value except his gold pocket watch which is tucked snugly inside his coat pocket. He looks out at the world in which he has spent sixty-two long years and finds that he feels as though he is leaving nothing behind. He has never been one for religion, instead preferring to believe that the only thing that lives on after death is the memory. This legacy is in place of a soul, and the only people who judge are those left in the wake of it. The damp streets of Paris were rank with the smell of rotten bodies. He walked through the streets watching as paper-thin children fought for the last few scraps of food. Soon there would be nothing left and they would starve. But he wasn’t going to let that happen to him; he would not let the government troops starve him. Nor would he let them slaughter him like the civilians in the Luxembourg Gardens. He would not be captured, starved or led in front of the firing squad. No. He would go out on his own terms. He is a communard and if the cause is dying, he was going to die for the cause. The sounds of the fighting reminded him of his own failures and those of his colleagues. It pitied him to see the brutal suppression of the fairest and most honest government in France’s history. He had made the people believe, believe that they could have a better life. The people had a fire in their eyes. The walls of ruthless dictatorship had fallen down and in place was a time of beauty and equality. They had had the people in the palm of their hands, but now thanks to the horrific massacres of Adolphe Thiers and his soldiers, the people would never be able to realise the potential of their independence. He was getting close to the fighting now. He could hear the screams of the dying in their moments of pain. They were hoping desperately to hold on to their life as they felt the life leaving them with every breath. He checked his pocket-watch; it was twelve thirty exactly, and he was about to attend a funeral decorated with failed ideals and the revolutionary blood of the people of Paris. He found the barricade he was looking for. Communard forces were viciously resisting the might of the French army. He found he was now seeing the world in vivid colours. Sounds seemed to fade into the background as he stepped towards the barricade. He saw people from both sides suffering heavy losses. Of the two sides the Communards fought the harder. They knew that if the government won they would all die by the firing squad. He felt an energy that was compelling him towards the history pages. He would show that they could tear down the barricades but they could never break the spirit of the French people. He stopped in front of the barricade. He could feel eyes upon him as he felt as though history was about to be written. He stepped up on top of the barricade and stood there for a moment with his arms spread. He felt the sun shine upon his face and he knew a moment of contentment before the searing hot lead of bullets pierced his mortal body. But as the bullets pierced his body a very immortal moment of history was written. In one moment his soul was sealed in the legacy that he left and the point he proved. He did not feel the pain; instead he felt a strong sense of pride in the realization of his ideals. And with that the final breath left Louis Charles Delescluze. “When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a right.”

Victor Hugo

Richard Greene Year 8 de Brito Hearts of Fire To set a heart on fire, A word, a touch, a song, The freeing of a debt to one, The forgiving of all wrong, The flag of all, beloved, In blood a country served, The flashes of the battlefield, A death still undeserved, The playing of the chessboard, Of life, of love, of loss, The want for remembrance The Die’s final toss,

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FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONT

The blood of the of the helpless innocents, Shed in thoughtless fear, In fear of spite, of iron and cold Fear of Death drawing near, Of colour, and name, and light of step, To ask, to tell, to inspire, Of love, and life, and futures to come, Together in Hearts of Fire, Finn Macken Year 7 Evans

Fearful, dark, empty eyes, Staring blankly at me,

Piercing my soul.

The oppressive poverty and lives full of fear, Create a black hole of darkness,

That engulfs the small pulse of hope, Faint and rhythmic,

But fails to erase its presence. To many, hope is a sense of freedom

That people can only dream of, Beyond the heavy bars of despair,

Distressed life and lack of opportunity To start anew.

Incarceration of many minds, Become ever thicker

As hope or dreams fade away, Disappearing, slowly dying away.

This flickering hope continues

To compel These oppressed masses

To board boats of hopelessness and despair As rotten as their previous plight

In a bid to live in a place where hope is not the only commodity of life That they can afford.

And aspire.

You see, through their experiences, These peoples hearts’ have been set alight by hope,

And dreams of far away places , Peace and and chance to flourish.

We must not extinguish these flames

in detention centres and prisons,

But nurture them as new comers To our fair and compassionate society.

Dear God set our hearts on fire, Give us the strength to make a difference,

Let us welcome these strangers as St Ignatius would have done. Amen

Felix Pirie Year 7 Ro

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FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CONT

WHAT SETS MY HEART ON FIRE “A GAME OF CHESS”

BY THOMAS RICHARDSON

Nothing sets my heart on fire quite like a game of chess, I love the slaughter, the tension, the victory, I really must confess. The clock starts ticking; we wage our war, the pieces are in place, My fingers move my White Pawn first; my heart begins to race. Tentative, anxious, thoughtful minds, a game prolonged in time, A game of strategy, intellect and the Bishop is all but mine! E2-to-C3, a tricky next move, the Rook moves pretty fast, G5 to F7, it seems I am done but the Pawn is not to last! Tick tock, tick tock, the moment is now, the clock gives a mighty chime, What did the great Bobby Fischer say? I know it is the time. Sweat trickles down my forehead now, as I slowly move my Knight, Careful, careful, the move is safe, I think I am alright. Black King moves, I see him now, to protect his lonely wife, But I must take Her if I am to win, and then he’ll be in strife. I make a finishing move it seems I’ve sealed the final Fate, The Queen is gone. Glory is mine! The King drops dead. CHECKMATE!

Thomas Richardson Year 6 DEB

Without Hesitation

It was dark. Peter had finally cleared a sandbag barrier and was now sprinting towards the next. An automatic cannon opened fire and sent hot shrapnel flying everywhere. Peter ducked and beckoned for the ten other soldiers in his unit. They came crawling and found their positions. They waited for Peter's signal. He signalled with his fist and they all opened fire. Ratatatar! Ratatatar! The cannon replied by wounding two men in the unit. Peter signalled to cease fire. He pulled out his rifle and set it up. He lined the sight up with the cannon's fuel tank and fired. Quickly, Peter dived. He heard the sound of an explosion and felt heat at his back. The unit followed Peter and continued their journey along the cool, desert sand. Sand dune, after sand dune, it seemed like the desert never ended. They had been travelling all night, deep into terrorist territory. Islamabad was half a day’s march away. Their mission was to gather information about terrorist activity. Communications were offline, so they were on their own. The sun was at its highest point, and the breeze was warm. Peter and his unit struggled to keep awake. By the time they arrived, it was dusk. Crowds of people were making their way home from their busy day at work. Like many people in Pakistan, a great number was poor, only wearing rags. The soldiers wanted to be inconspicuous. They wore the local dress and dodged blockades and patrols. As the soldiers moved through the city they found their target, a modern building guarded by two men with guns. The unit planned a hit and run attack - a sniper silences the guards, while assault-men, led by Peter, explore the facility and hack into the terrorists’ computer system, then get out, unharmed, with the data. Mission accomplished. It seemed simple enough, but they were being watched. It was midnight when they attacked. As they entered, Peter heard a muffled shout. He left his unit to investigate. Peter saw a terrorist point a gun towards a young boy tied up to a chair. Without hesitation, Peter ran and jumped in front of the boy. The terrorist pulled the trigger. Time slowed down, questions were racing through Peter’s head, had he done the right thing? Was the boy’s life more important than the mission? It definitely was! As the bullet came towards him he knew sacrificing his life was the right thing. The bullet hit his chest and pierced his heart. By Jean-Luc Le Gall Year 5 Collins

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Katrina Ketsakidis BHMA President 2013 kglenny@optusnet.com.au 0419 891 511

BURKE HALL MOTHERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS

As the final touches are being put on the Twilight Market I want to thank everyone for their help, and very enthusiastic attendance at every event and function that has been run by BHMA in 2013. The strength of our community can be seen when we recap the year and amongst all the effort there are a lot of people who have some great memories, met new friends and had a fabulous time – which at the end of the day is what we all want. To the fabulous committee “thankyou” for all of your efforts – as nothing can be achieved without a great team. To everyone at Burke Hall from teachers through to the irreplaceable support staff - you have all made our jobs so much easier. I hope to see as many of you and your families at the market on Friday night and wish all of you – especially those finishing their time at Burke Hall not only a safe and peace-filled holiday, but a successful and prosperous 2014 and beyond. Photo Gallery Have a look on the portal for our new photo gallery under BHMA. The photos from the Spring Racing Luncheon have just been loaded on. Keep checking back for Twilight Market photos and Year 8 Graduation photos. We will be loading photos on to the BHMA portal after every event that we have an involvement in from now on to give us all a chance to look back and reflect on the day and give those who missed out a peek at what was missed. We hope you enjoy this - one of our new initiatives for 2014.

TUCKSHOP ROSTER 2014 If you would like to help at the Burke Hall Tuckshop in 2014, please complete these details. Tuckshop runs from 9:30am-1:30pm every day. N.B. Years 5 and 6 boys have sport on Wednesday afternoon and are not allowed to buy their lunch from the tuckshop, therefore they will not be able to see you. NAME: HOME NUMBER: MOBILE: EMAIL ADDRESS: SON’S YEAR LEVEL IN 2014: Please circle PREFERED DAY: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday TERM: Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 All FREQUENCY PER TERM: Once Twice If you have any queries please contact Paula Di Mattina at paula.dimattina@gmail.com or call 0417 355 115.

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BURKE HALL FATHERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS

Hamish MacKinnon President BHFA presidentbhfa@gmail.com

0417 117 161

Annual General Meeting Thursday 28 November 2013

A free BBQ & drinks for all Burke Hall fathers (including fathers of 2014 students) was held in Garnet Hall. It was a great night (apart from the weather) to catch up with other dads new and old. The BBQ included our AGM and at the meeting the following “Good Blokes” were appointed:

Office Bearers: Hamish MacKinnon President David Bates Vice President Peter Vilo Secretary Graham Mulhall Treasurer Committee Carl Scuderi Social Justice Committee John Clark Maytime Fair Graham Mulhall Xavier Foundation Joe Giaimo CampCoordinator Simon Purssey TryBooking Coordinator John Clark Year 8 “Big Day Out” Chris MacIsaac Golf Day Coordinator General Committee Nick Sydenham, Declan Brennan, Stephen Lambert, Damian O’Brien, Rod Adkins.

I look forward to working with the above in 2014. At the AGM Graham Mulhall presented our cheque to the school of $15,000 which will be used to acquire new stage lighting in the Garnet Hall and some more seating around the school grounds.

Golf The BHFA had its inaugural golf day on Friday 22 November at Yarra Bend Golf Course. The weather was fantastic and the golf course was in great condition with over 80 competitors. It was great to see a mum and grandparents playing on this day. There were plenty of prizes including the chance to be the first team to be named on the trophy. The winners on the day were: First Place Max (Year 5) and Angelo Constantinou Second Place Jon Malaxechevarria (Year 8) and Bruce Bourke Third Place Jack (Year 8) and Michael Carroll

I look forward to seeing the Constantinou family defend its title next year. Well done to Jonnie and Jack as well. A special thanks to the following dads who made the day a great success: Chris MacIsaac, Pat Smart and Andrew Bendall. I thank the many “Good Blokes” who have helped this year in making our events so successful.

Finally I hope you all have a safe and merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you all at the Welcome Drinks on Saturday 8 February 2014.

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FROM THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE

NOTICEBOARD

YOUTH LED MASS—Sunday 15 December 5:00—7:15pm

Venue: Our Lady of Good Counsel Deepdene, 52 Deepdene Road, Deepdene. The monthly Youth Mass for all the parishes involved in YEP. It is followed by refreshments and a catch-up. All ages welcome.

2014 ‘Hearts on Fire’ Gala Event LOOKING FOR A ‘STOCKING FILLER’ FOR THE KIDS? How about thinking about purchasing the kids a raffle ticket for the CAR RAFFLE, a wonderful chance to win a Volkswagen Golf Gen 7 1.4L 6SPD MANUAL 5DR MANUAL HATCH – WHITE VALUED AT $26,500 See attached flyer or go to booking link: www.trybooking.com/DKHK

This link can also be used for purchasing Gala tickets. Bookings are for individual tickets and tables of 10 only. While bookings have now opened but are nowhere near capacity, we encourage attendees to book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment in the early part of next year. Any booking or table queries please contact Kate Crock kcrock@bigpond.net.au or 0419 335 949.

We need your help to pack, wrap and deliver 500 hampers and gifts for families in need this Christmas

Packing and Delivery Day Sunday 15 December 11:00am

Xavier College - Kostka Hall, South Road, Brighton - enter via Gate 5 - New St.

All members of the family are most welcome to attend the day and assist in packing hampers, wrapping gifts and anonymously delivering hampers with a simple message “I have a delivery from someone who cares.”

The Melbourne Basket Brigade is a 100% volunteer organisation that arranges hampers and children’s gifts for delivery to those in need at Christmas. Recipients include families who have had challenges during the year such as those who are struggling financially, those who have been touched by illness, families with special-needs children, and those who have lost a loved one.

Donations of funds and toys are welcome. We require a range of age-appropriate toys for each child in the recipient

families. Donations can be left at any Xavier College Campus Reception marked “Melbourne Basket Brigade”.

We would love for you to be a part of this special day. To streamline the process we are asking volunteers to pre-register this year via the website. For more information, registration, or to make a tax-deductible donation please see www.magicmoments.org.au/vic-melbourne-basket-brigade/ or www.facebook.com/MelbourneBasketBrigade or contact David Taranto (at Xavier) on 9854 5369 or email: David.Taranto@xavier.vic.edu.au.

Packing Day fun

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