XAVIER NEWS VOLUME 37-3 - Xavier Foundation
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VOLUME 37-3
XAVIER
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
PP38 1667/0037
xavier.vic.edu.au
CONT ENTS LE A DE RSH I P
1 Building a
Leadership healthy and
robust
community
6 From the
The Life of
the School
Editor Fr Chris Middleton SJ
Rector
30
The second half of the year is always As one cohort departs, another steps The Israel Folau controversy, and the
one of much busyness. Key events, up, and the College will stand in good termination of his contract after he tweeted
such as concerts, performances, stead next year with newly-appointed about his religious beliefs, triggered a
Xavier sporting matches and celebrations College Captain Ben Wright-Smith debate about religious freedom in Australia.
Foundation of learning pepper our calendars and Vice-Captains Tom Croagh and The Morrison Government is committed to
and keep the hearts of our students, Patrick Prowse. On page 9, we also legislation around religious freedom, though
parents and staff rich and full. welcome our new Director of Burke its formulation is proving a formidable task.
Hall Campus, Brett Collison and learn
In this edition, we celebrate the APS Understanding and appreciating our
34
about his journey in education so
victories of Water Polo (page 12) and far. Similarly, we get to know long- differences, rather than fearing them, is And Nazism, more than perhaps any Undoubtedly, the debate in Australia
Basketball (page 14), reflect on the serving Kostka Hall staff member Rob a recurring challenge in human history. other ideology was able to play on human over freedom of religion will be a heated
Old Xaverians’ wonder and spectacle of the Hamer Shinners and how he is incorporating Racism, sexism, homophobia, sectarianism, fear in its drive for power. There is then a and divisive one. Religious schools are an
Association Hall concert (page 26) and highlight his interest in neuroscience into the anti-Semitism, all have at their heart an fundamental responsibility for our western epicentre of the debate as we try to balance
the students who are demonstrating a classroom (page 13). intolerance of difference, expressed in some and Christian traditions to be particularly their rights to control ethos with the
commitment to and passion for service form of prejudice or hate. And tragically, alert to manifestations of anti-Semitism. demands of anti-discriminatory legislation.
(page 17). In the Obituaries section, We must also acknowledge the in our human story, we are faced with But the implications are profound across
we celebrate the life and legacy of departure of two key members of outbreaks of violence, even to the point Today, Jews are regularly targeted around much of society in terms of freedom of
46 Xaverian Award recipient Tim Fischer
(OX 1963).
the Editorial team; Contributing
Editor, John Fox as well as Director
of massacres, pogroms and attempted
genocide.
the world and, in Australia, Jewish
institutions are subject to security measures
expression and diversity of opinion.
not seen in any other section of our Ultimately, freedom of expression is the
Archives of Development and Community
It is also the time of year when we Relations, Tony Bretherton. Both have Australia has been largely spared such community. Traveling to Kostka, I often pass great enemy of intolerance and hate, but
bid farewell to another cohort of contributed significantly to the content extremes of human violence, with the Yeshivah, the Jewish school where tight there is a cost: we must allow voices of
Xaverians. The Class of 2019 have and direction of this publication over critical exception of the terrible losses security is very evident. It is a sad fact of life dissent and viewpoints that we passionately
exemplified what it means to be the years and we wish them well in sustained by our Indigenous people during for our Jewish community. disagree with to be heard. And particularly
exceptional graduates, and we European occupation. Today, though, in the academic world and in the media
47
their future endeavours.
look forward to celebrating their we remain a remarkable society, diverse Dialogue with Islam has emerged as one it is important that competing voices are
accomplishments within the Old We hope that you and your family in origin and ethnicity, pluralistic in faith of the great challenges of today. John- heard, and that alternative perspectives are
Xaverians’ Association pages of this enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a and beliefs, or lack of beliefs, and largely Paul II emphasised this when he prayed in not shut down out of political correctness,
Hic et Ubique a mosque and spoke of what united the
magazine in the future. Happy New Year. appreciative of the complexity that gives us or through concerted attempts to de-
our identity. three great monotheistic faiths, Judaism, platform views not held by establishments,
Jessica Brinsdon Christianity and Islam. Pope Benedict was
Editor or through using legislation as a weapon, or
Front cover image: Basketball 1st V Captain Alex Kanellis Challenges do remain, and people are hurt somewhat more confronting in challenging because we are uncomfortable with what is
and Coach John White with the APS Premiership trophy. by attitudes or actions that, consciously or Islam to face issues of liberty and human being said.
Xavier News Published by the Community not, reflect fear of difference. Young gay rights in parts of the Islamic world where
Relations Office of Xavier College, Australians can experience prejudice and the practice of Christian faith is illegal or In a school, promotion of tolerance and
135 Barkers Road Kew Victoria 3101 even brutality. Many Muslim Australians severely limited. Islam faces significant respect for difference is an ongoing
T +61 3 9854 5465 F +61 3 9854 5328 experienced misunderstanding in the questions concerning pluralism and challenge but one integral to the formation
E xaviernews@xavier.vic.edu.au
wake of terrorism. A ‘respectable’ form of individual liberty, the rights of women, the of character. Valuing our ability to express
Director of Development and Community Relations: anti-Catholicism still finds its insidious way notions of religious and secular society. One freely our opinions and ideas is also
Tony Bretherton into Australian life. Indigenous Australians might also say that Christianity took a long fundamental to building a healthy and
Editor: Jessica Brinsdon
Obituary submissions in 2020
remain vulnerable to racist prejudices. time to face similar questions. robust community. Sometimes there can
Contributing Editor: John Fox All submissions that pertain to Edition 1 2020 and beyond will be subject to a renewed
be a tension between the two. Navigating
Graphic Designer: Colleen Daly format and submission process. If your family chooses to honour the life of a loved one with an Anti-Semitism should hold a particular Islam is a broad movement of over a billion
obituary in Xavier News, we invite the next of kin to curate, submit and approve the submission in line
that tension can be challenging, yet it is
Publications and Communications Coordinator: place in our consciousness. No single event believers containing significant diversity just
Hannah Clifton with publication standards. For further information or to submit an obituary, one that we should not shirk. Balancing
in our story holds as much horror as that as Christianity does. We need to remind individual freedom and responsibilities
Old Xaverians’ Association Liasion: Davina Calhaem email obituaries@xavier.vic.edu.au
systematic attempt to wipe out a people ourselves that for a significant period in towards others, standing up for one’s beliefs
Photographers: Dave Arnold, Nick Chester and
James Grant Please note that Xavier College is not able to take responsibility for the accuracy of information by the most advanced society in Europe, history the Islamic world was the home to and having tolerance for difference, holding
Archival Content: Catherine Hall supplied by family members, other than that which can be confirmed by Xavier College archival using all the tools of our modern world, the best in science and learning. Nor should together humour and sensitivity, these are
Printer: Eastern Press records. including its science and technology. Social we forget that much of the Islamic world always issuing facing society, issues that find
Distributor: Precision Group Darwinism helped drive Nazi ideology, as is still emerging from the demoralising expression in the classroom, the yard, the
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people and all of the peoples of the Kulin nation who continue to care did an ancient anti-Semitism that was partly experience of Western colonial rule, staff room and the home.
for this land as they have done for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and renew shaped by distortions of Christian teaching explaining in part the frustration and anger
our pledge to work together toward reconciliation and the wellbeing of all.
and shameful actions by some Christians. that sometimes is associated with Islam.
1
L E ADE RSH I P LE A DE RSH I P
Culture eats strategy
for breakfast - but
gets its appetite
from purpose
William Doherty
Principal
Reflecting on the year that
has been
Tony Nunan Meet members of the Xavier College Board
Chair, Xavier College Board
Much has been written about esteemed Old Xaverian Mr Barry Fr Gerry Healy SJ Tony Reeves
O’Callaghan AO (OX 1954). Barry, as most of you would be
aware, was a former Chair of the Xavier Foundation and Chair of I attended St Patrick’s College My involvement with Xavier is
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast” Specific actions have now been established 6. For Our Operational Excellence, the the Xavier School Council, which was a forerunner to the current East Melbourne, a Jesuit school quite brief compared to many
is a phrase that has been attributed to to breath life into the strategic framework. College will focus on developing a strong College Board. During my time on the Foundation and on the in Melbourne, now closed, and Xavier community members,
Peter Drucker, particularly by the likes These will be appropriately communicated and culture of stewardship with attention to four Board, Barry was very supportive and extremely helpful with advice, from which Xavier grew in 1878. even though I have been on
of Mark Fields who went on to become astutely measured to ensure a tangible sense key overarching elements in the operational especially in the area of governance. On behalf of the Xavier Board I hope as a Jesuit I can give back the Board for nine years. Back
the Chief Executive of motor giant Ford. of purpose and progress. It is opportune to excellence domain: financial health; risk I would ask that you remember Barry in your prayers, and we offer something of what I gained at a in 2010 I had wrapped up, I
Drucker is one of the most known and note in this wide forum the broad orientation and compliance; information technology our condolences to Claire and the O’Callaghan family. Jesuit school. thought, my full time executive
influential thinkers and writers in the field of these carefully discerned actions, linked to associated platforms; and effective operational career and wanted to “give
Over the past year, Fr Michael Head SJ has left the Board to be
of management theory and practice. He our seven Pillars in XC150, that will drive the systems and performance I started teaching at Xavier as a back” to the community in one
replaced by Fr Michael Ryan SJ. Fr Michael Head SJ started his
posits that the best strategic plan cannot College forward in the coming year: young Jesuit scholastic in 1971. form or another. There was a
7. For Our Global Engagement, the College education at St Bedes in North Balwyn and then continued on
be achieved without a strong, shared My academic background is need for my skillset on the Board
1. For Our Jesuit Identity, the College will enhance its outward-facing and global to St Patrick’s East Melbourne to complete his schooling. In
culture, one that is vibrant and cohesive, science, in particular physics, and Finance Committee so this
will seek to refine particular aspects of perspectives by developing new initiatives, his speciality of history, Michael has brought some wonderful
for in short – culture drives strategy. and science education. For many was an excellent ‘match’.
this fundamental element of our life and engagements and collaborations with like- memories of previous characters within the Xavier community to
years I have been involved in
Many organisational and management firms education, particularly around the teaching of minded entities (as part of a broad partnership the School Council and Board.
the curriculum and assessment I have a fiduciary duty but I see
have picked up this call and developed the Religious Education and the formation of staff, ecosystem) to promote inspiring student and Sarah Rey also stepped down from the School Board. Sarah, with of HSC/VCE; chairing a couple my role as being much broader
broad tenets at play. Many note a powerful as well as our meaningful engagement with staff learning experiences her extensive legal knowledge, has played an active role on the of Areas of Study in Physics and and more important than just
triumvirate for organisational transformations Indigenous peoples and associated programs School Council in its transition to the College Board. Her helpful Environmental Science. the statutory requirement. I bring
– strategy, capabilities and culture, with the As John O’Brien, the Head of Purpose at PR
advice also included a variety of matters including staff employment rigour and creative thought
three forces needing to be designed together 2. For Our Inspiring Learning, the College agency Peter Novelli quips: “Culture eats I have also taught in the
contracts, risk and compliance issues and a nomination process for to strategy development and
and hence aligned and enabling of each other. will examine specific aspects of our curriculum strategy for breakfast, but culture gets its Science section of the Faculty
new board members. This advice has been invaluable. implementation, and I also sit
It is also observed that no culture, no matter provisions and approaches to teaching and appetite from purpose”. We will continue of Education (now Melbourne
learning in the pursuit of excellence and an to be relentless in driving and shaping every We also say goodbye to Ned Kelliher, the 2019 College Captain. on the Risk Committee and
how strong, can overcome poor strategic Graduate School of Education) at Chair the Finance and Audit
choices, and that the impact of culture on aligned and progressive evolution of our element of our culture in order to be able to Over the past 12 months I have seen Ned at many functions, and the University of Melbourne for
offerings, structures and programs deliver on our strategic intent. he has always been welcoming and shown great enthusiasm for all Committee. I would like to think
success is only as good as its strategy is sound. about 25 years. As a Jesuit, I also that I have assisted the Board’s
his varied tasks. We wish Ned and all the Year 12 students the very work with the Jesuit Companion
The pleasing element for Xavier is that both 3. For Our Student Life, the College will Our staff, working in alignment with our best in their exams but more importantly in their lives ahead. May deliberations on strategy and
deepen its capacity to impact in this core parents, will be relentless in encouraging, Schools - particularly St Ignatius have contributed to greater
of these ingredients exist, and in abundance! they be ‘Men for Others’.
element of school life, and our commitment challenging and forming our students through Geelong, with which Xavier has stability and predictability in the
While defined in many ways, such as through a special relationship, and Loyola
to Cura Personalis, with attention to various inspiring learning experiences, be these in the This year we also say good bye to Mr Greg Carey. As Director of College’s finances, modernisation
an entrenched set of values, beliefs and Watsonia.
proactive measures that further develop classrooms or in the fields and service settings Music, Greg has made Xavier a leader in school music curricula of the accounts and the adoption
practices, the strong cultural underpinnings of
individual character and wellbeing, as well beyond. We will be relentless in our pursuit of which includes a rich variety of programs. The Three Campus of improved governance and risk
the College have been shaped by the Ignatian My main role on the Board is as
as collective culture across the College, the actions that breathe life and purpose into Concert this year at the Hamer Hall was a very fitting tribute to all management practices.
tradition that is approaching 500 years of Chair of the Education Sub-
deepening engagement between all Xaverians our Pillars, as we strive to form exceptional the work Greg has done.
formation. It has been further developed and Committee. With such a long I am totally on board with
lived from one generation of Xaverian to the Ignatian Graduates who are at the heart of commitment to Xavier, I am
4. For Our Xavier Family, the College will At the end of my first year as Chair, I must thank Fr Thomas the Jesuit tradition to provide
next, by the staff who have been custodians all we do. And we do this in the knowledge very solicitous of maintaining its
strive to enhance the quality and depth of the Renshaw SJ as head of Jesuit Education Australia. He has helped excellence in education with the
of good living and worthy standards and that the stronger and deeper and richer our role, and in particular, ensuring
fundamental relationships that underpin all shape the Xavier Board in many ways and I thank him for all his help belief that, through rigorous
experiences, as well as by the parents who culture, in alignment with our strategy and during the year. I also am delighted to thank Mr William Doherty for it maintains its Jesuit and
elements of our broad community, improving purpose, the greater our outcomes. self-reflection, each person’s
have been both trusting in our school but the inspiration and leadership he has given me and the Board over spirituality emphases. imagination and creativity can
our communications systems and information
equally supportive and aligned in our joint the last 12 months. I count Bill as a colleague and friend after my be more fully integrated with
delivery to promote engagement and shared Sursum Corda Similarly, due to my background,
mission for our students, our sons. first 12 months in the new role. faith and reason. This tradition
understanding I have a focus on maintaining
The XC150 Strategic Plan was released in April helps educate the entire person
5. For Our Professional Expertise, the Lastly, I would like to thank Fr Chris Middleton SJ for the wonderful the academic strength of the
and featured in the first edition of our Xavier work that he does in helping our Xavier students in so many ways. who, it is hoped, will provide
College will proactively strive to enhance the College.
News this year. It speaks to a clear Intent that Fr Chris Middleton is not only a counsel to many of the students but outstanding leadership and
experience, wellbeing and capacity of all staff, service for others in the world.
challenges us to look beyond our immediate a source of Ignatian spirituality to the wider Xavier family, especially
with the desire to embed exceptional systems
surrounds, to ask the key questions and to with his wonderful words in Xavier News.
and practices that inform a professional,
courageously pursue the answers, all the while
supportive and dynamic staff culture I wish all the extended Xavier family a very happy and holy
centred by our distinct Jesuit character.
Christmas.
2 3
L E ADE RSH I P LE A DE RSH I P
Prefects in the Spotlight
Actively displaying the
Ignatian way
Ned Kelliher Billy Bowden Patrick Grave Paul Huynh
College Captain Year 12 Liaison Prefect for Faith and Service Prefect for Academics
Laughter. Joy. Teamwork. Sometimes this ‘success’ might have My journey at Xavier, which began at Amidst the sprawling grounds and teeming Everybody remembers different things from
simply meant a well-run BBQ out in the “These feats are not just Kostka Hall Campus in 2012, has moulded classrooms of our College, it is truly the their childhood. Traumatic memories, like
Endeavour. Growth. Rigg Quad at lunchtime. It is the memory words on a page, but groups me into the young man I am today. experiences and community offered at Xavier falling over – see that scar you still have?
of such success that is important, not the The further I travel into my final year that have defined my schooling experience. I remember those. Fun memories, like a
These are the traits that I think describe shield nor the medal to show for it.
who actively display the (which is so hastily coming to a close), In describing my time within these gates, puppy dog-themed 7th birthday party. I
2019 at Xavier. Throughout the year, Ignatian way: service.” the more I learn to reflect on the small the phrase “seek and you shall find” most remember those too.
I have been in constant admiration of In my eyes, one team shone the brightest; moments, each of which contribute to a aptly captures the quintessential experience;
such dedication from boys of all ages; the Class of 2019. Our team of 244 rode kaleidoscope of treasured memories of my the wealth of opportunity that the College But I also have memories of studying
Growth occurs in so many ways. It is
dedication that has led to much success the highs and lows of the year together, time at College. provides, ranging from sport to music to maths. These were neither traumatic nor
therefore the personal growth that will more
which cannot be limited to accolades or and with a smile. The effort and charm academics to theatre, has often left me fun; they were simply a part of life. The
whole-heartedly reflect the endeavours of
awards alone. sustained over the course of the year could As Year 12 Liaison Prefect this year, I struggling to strike a healthy balance. shine of the laminate desks and the scratch
the last 12 months. For the Class of 2019,
not be faulted. Combining sport, music, life now awaits. How fortunate we are to initiated a Year 12 and staff footy tipping of grey lead pencil, the ways to multiply
It is however the moments of team As a starry-eyed Foundation student, my
drama, academics, work and service, many have had such an education, guided by competition for the home and away decimals and the ways to divide.
success that I particularly want to point time at Xavier began at Burke Hall’s Early
boys have had a busy schedule, yet have the spirituality of our Ignatian roots. I am season, which turned out to be a huge
out. Teams like the 1st V Basketball side Learning Centre. Bar a brief stint in England,
managed to charge onwards and upwards. confident our team will embody those success. The student and staff cohort I’m never ashamed to say that my parents
and the 1st Water Polo squad, who both the glorious Red and Black has framed my
Witnessing this endeavour first-hand, from Ignatian values of being “both the eagle and donated a large portion of their winnings valued education far above all else – a
secured APS Premierships. Or maybe the entire schooling, sculpting me gently into the
boys across the cohort, has filled me with the dove” on the journey ahead. to the Purple House Foundation, a charity luxury afforded to few, but a luxury that
efforts of the 10C cricketers who took man I am today. For me, the common thread
great pride. which provides healthcare to Indigenous many take for granted. My parents worked
out the inaugural David Seal Shield, or the that ties together my many years at the
For the College itself, 2020 looks like a Australians in the Northern Territory. far too hard, like most parents do, and
10As who doubled up and won the Peter College has been our rich faith life. Thus, the
As leaders of the College in the corridors, year of great endeavour. Whilst it will miss sacrifices were made so that I could learn
Rhoden Shield and then the Herald Sun role of Faith and Service Prefect bears special
the classroom, on the stage and on the a couple of familiar faces as some special Matteo Bombardieri and I also worked the ways to multiply decimals and the ways
Shield. Teams like the Xavier-Genazzano significance for me.
sporting field, the task at hand for the staff say farewell, the warmth will continue together to organise the memorabilia to divide.
drama squad that pulled off a marvellous Class of 2019 was not necessarily easy but for the departing cohort, which proved
to radiate in the corridors. If the future This year, the large Faith and Service projects
performance of Wicked, or even Mr Greg was met with great resilience. I think the to be both a privilege and a challenge as My role this year has been to value every
student leadership team is anything to – the Maytime fair and Social Justice Week
Carey’s three campus music spectacular group has really grown in this role as the we weighed the various opinions of the single opportunity for education, carved
go by, then the Class of 2020 will have a – have once again met great success. A
at Hamer Hall - truly a team performance older boys at the College and it shows in broader year level to create garments with care for students here at Xavier, and
memorable year. I wish Ben Wright-Smith particular area of focus has been maintaining
from Xaverians of all ages. the strong relationships I see between boys which could be loved and treasured by all. to create more. Namely, for both students
and his fine team goodwill in their service the Voluntary Masses in which students
from different year levels. to the College and may all Xaverians reflect on difficulties in their lives. These who wanted to extend themselves and
These feats are not just words on a page, I’ve loved working in this role as it has students who were feeling behind, this
continue to explore themselves and the Masses remind the boys that regardless of
but groups who actively display the So too has it been a joyous year full of provided me with a broader range of year, I reorganised the Magis system with
world around them. their struggles, there will always be peers
Ignatian way: service. memories. For our team, the Class of skills and has allowed me to interact with College Captain Ned Kelliher to call in high
there to support them. Seeing the immense
2019, we will particularly look back on Barkers Road is a special place and will peers in ways I may not have otherwise. student involvement in Ignatian service, I achieving Old Xavierians as mediators for
The teams behind these achievements these last few months with a nostalgic I’m proud of what my peers and I have formal revision sessions and catalysts for
forever remain our home. May the younger have faith, if you’ll pardon the pun, that this
demonstrate endeavour, communication lens, in wonder at where the time went. achieved as the Class of 2019, and as we discussion.
boys cherish what time they still have integral aspect of the school will maintain its
and resilience. Many of these teams would It’s been a joy seeing such engagement depart the Xavier hallways for the last time
ahead and may the Class of 2019 leave strong presence for years to come.
crumble without these pillars and the amongst the cohort as boys assisted and move into the next episode of our What I seek to recreate are those memories
those gates ‘with one foot raised’ as ‘Men
achievements are therefore a testament to and pushed each other in pursuing their lives, I hope we have left a lasting impact As my Xavier journey finally draws to a close, I have – the shine of the laminate and the
for Others’. I also want to wish the wider
the effort and attitude of the entire group, academic goals. To me, the number that on the College. I am not quite sure where life will lead me. scratch of pencil. Learning needs not be
Xavier community a Merry Christmas
not merely an individual. The beauty of awaits us, whilst a worthy reflection of However, I can rest safe with the knowledge traumatic. Realistically, it’s not always fun
surrounded by friends and family. May
team success is that we can celebrate and hard work, does not reflect the true value that the Jesuit education at Xavier has either. I think it’s just a part of life.
the memories you make stand as proof of
share the joy amongst all who contributed. of our year together. prepared me well for life’s challenges, that
God’s love in our world.
the friendships I have formed during my time
As always - Sursum Corda. here will endure long into the future.
4 5
Valete
THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
“This is the fruit that will
Class of 2019
Valete Mass Joeseph Hourigan and Mrs Liz Allan
last – generosity in life,
service, relationships
and love”.
One year ago, College Captain Ned Kelliher was
asked what he hoped to achieve in his final year
at the College. At the time, he said “as a team,
I hope that we can grow the College, ultimately
graduating knowing that we have contributed
to and enhanced, in some way, the Xavier
community”.
The Valete celebrations formally mark the end of a
student’s journey at Xavier.
In his final address to the Year 12 graduating class,
this theme of camaraderie resonated once again;
“Witnessing this mateship from across the entire
cohort has been a constant reminder to me of what
this is all about. This journey of school, whilst seemingly
an individual race, is truly a team effort,” he said. Max Lowe with Mr Peter Walsh, Trustee of the Will Condon with Mr Michael Ilott, Director of
Eldon Hogan Trust Senior Campus
“The support you show to the guy on your left or
the guy on your right are the building blocks for a
cohort full of mateship that has flourished in these
last 12 months. I know personally, I am incredibly
grateful for such support and mateship, the year
would not nearly have been such a joy without it.”
“I feel great pride in calling myself a member of
the Class of 2019 and am honoured to graduate
amongst such fine men as we say farewell”.
Our students are at the heart of all that we do. As
educators, it is inspiring to see this exceptional cohort
graduate from the College with all the qualities and Patrick Grave Cheshire House farewell
characteristics we had hoped to imbue on them.
Through their academic studies, their co-curricular
commitments, their sporting endeavours and their
dedication to service, they have exhibited the Ignatian
The Class of 2019 are truly an Authentic,
qualities that characterise a true Xaverian. Spiritual, Positive, Inspiring, Resilient and
In his homily, Fr Chris Middleton SJ spoke to Empathetic group of young men, and we are
students about the “fruit that will last” in their
journey beyond the College. proud to call them our Xaverians.
“The very character of our Jesuit education stresses
the development of the whole person through the life. It is an understanding of the human that states that the spiritual is an integral
exercise and celebration of the gifts each and all part of humankind, and that nourishing the spiritual does impact on the meaning
have, in a spirit of service for others, and this is the and the happiness we are invited to discover in life. It is a call to act to make this
fruit that lasts. It is a profoundly Christian view of world entrusted to us a fairer, more compassionate place for all, and that each of
God, who we name as the Giver of life, and of Jesus you, in your unique ways will make a difference.”
as the genuine model of life, of love in action.”
“This is the fruit that will last – generosity in life, service, relationships and love”.
“It is an appreciation of the truth that we are not
made to be alone; that friendship, love, family, Every graduating cohort experiences the Valete traditions and rituals, but their
community, are all fundamental expressions of human experiences will always be unique.
6 7
THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
Opening up the dialogue on
Healthy Masculinity
Julian Gangi
Prefect for Student Wellbeing
“What does it mean to be a man?” and ‘understanding’. Students were also questioned on their heroes,
their hobbies, and finally, what ‘healthy masculinity’ meant to them.
This question, as short and sharp as it is, was just one of
many questions included in the making of the Student With the documentary currently being finalised, the Student Leaders
Consult’s Healthy Masculinity documentary. hope that it acts as an educative resource for the College to use,
whether it be shown in Religious Education classes or at assemblies.
In a diverse and ever-changing society, the words ‘healthy
masculinity’ are thrown around a lot. At a school such as
For many years to come, the promotion of healthy masculinity
Xavier College, the phrase is prevalent in most assembly
at Xavier will continue in order to further develop students’
speeches and at wellbeing days.
understanding of what it means to be a man in today’s society.
However, this year’s Student Leaders wanted to delve
deeper into the expression through a documentary-type
video, to find out exactly what the young men and
women of Xavier have to say about it.
Over a very busy Term 3, College Captain Ned Kelliher and Our new Director of Burke Hall Campus
members of the Student Consult travelled to Kostka Hall
Campus, Burke Hall Campus and the Senior Campus to L-R: Ella, Brett, Louise, Daniel and Annie.
Welcoming Brett Collison
film a series of interviews with a variety of students. With
the main focus of these interviews being on ‘the qualities
of a good person or friend’, we were able to gain a range
of different views from the younger years to the most
senior boys. The most commonly mentioned traits of a
and his family to the Xavier community
good friend were ‘trustworthy’, ‘accepting’, ‘supportive’ College Captain Ned Kelliher interviews Early Years students at Burke Hall Campus on
what masculinity means to them.
Hannah Clifton
Looking back on Brett Collison’s own In 2010, Brett took on the Principalship
The Man Cave
schooling, it was the teachers who were of St Dominic’s in Melton. “I have spent
able to build genuine connections with
“We need to empower our the past almost 10 years challenging
their students that “inspired and shaped” young people to have a and supporting the students to become
his experience. Now as an educator passionate learners,” he said. “Learning
himself, these memories continue to deep understanding of who today must be more than academic”. “We
Lauren Borschmann resonate and reflect in his work today. need learning to be seen as a broader
Dean of Middle Years, Burke Hall Campus they are as individuals construct that focuses not only on strong
Alessia Schirru Brett grew up in Werribee and completed academic achievement, but also on a
Year 7 Learning Leader, Burke Hall Campus
his high school education at St Joseph’s
and where their personal knowledge of self,” he said.
College in North Melbourne. At the tertiary strengths lie so they are able
The Man Cave is a preventative mental health and level, he has since studied a Bachelor of Brett’s journey in education will soon lead
emotional intelligence organisation for young men and Education at ACU, a Masters of Education to develop a sense of pride.” him to Studley Park Road where he will
their parents. It highlights issues surrounding male mental at the University of Melbourne and most take on the role of Director of Burke Hall
health, and more specifically preventative mental health. recently, an Executive MBA. Campus in 2020.
We engaged The Man Cave for our most recent Parent He commenced his career teaching Prep working with refugee communities, and Brett joins the Xavier community with his
Forum with the intention of forming an aligned approach at Queen of Peace in Altona Meadows, my time with the Sisters of Mercy in wife of 24 years, Louise, who also works
in working with students, families and teachers to develop which he says provided him with a “great Kensington was an incredibly rewarding in the field of education, and their three
a common message about healthy masculinity. insight into how young children learn”. community experience”. children; Annie (19, Monash University),
He then went on to teach at St Monica’s Daniel (Year 11, Xavier College) and Ella
These kinds of experiences build self-esteem, develop their perceptions and considerations of healthy masculinity. Their in Footscray before becoming Deputy “Leading the [Healesville] community (Year 8, Sacré Coeur).
emotional and social intelligence, increase mental and responses were thoughtful, honest and measured, and beautifully Principal at Holy Rosary in Kensington and through the disaster of Black Saturday
physical wellbeing, build resilience and ultimately, help captured the essence of what The Man Cave is all about. then being appointed Principal of St Brigid’s was one of the most pivotal moments “I am very excited to be working with
boys and young men lead better lives. For some, such Healesville in 2005. of my career,” he recalled. “It took three a community that is so committed to
experiences can positively change the entire course of Modern education values greater parent engagement in both days to account for our families. It was a continuing the legacy of Jesuit education,”
their future. communication and active partnership to best support the areas of “I look back fondly on all of my roles time where our resilience and hope were he says.
character and social development. Students in the Middle Years are and have had many happy experiences challenged, but through working with our
Following this activity, the Senior Prefect team visited the at a critical developmental phase where experiences like this can at these schools,” he said. “My time at School Board and staff, we were able to
Early and Middle Years to interview students regarding have a huge positive impact on the men they choose to become. Footscray and Kensington taught me about provide some normality for the children in
compassion and understanding through a time of significant trauma”.
8 9
THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
An abundance
of inspiring
A LOVE OF LANGUAGES
learning
opportunities
Learning a language is an inherent part of a Xavier education. Across
the life of the College, students are immersed in opportunities
to engage with and learn from a wide range of cultures
Andrea Hamilton
as part of developing global perspectives.
Head of Drama, Burke Hall Campus
There has been an abundance of
inspiring activities and performances
that have fascinated and engaged our
young men in their studies of Drama
and Theatre at Burke Hall this year.
Middle Years students have enjoyed
incursion performances from the Marie-Pierre Deleplanque
New Zealand Playhouse, Zeal Theatre Head of Learning Area – Languages,
and the Melbourne Playback Theatre Senior Campus
Company as well as an excursion to
Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. When I was a child, I strived to explore the world. Why?
Maybe because my grandmother recited Shakespeare
Our Drama Captains were also around a Sunday lunch, because the Belgian North Sea
invited to see how stagecraft and made me dream of clear and warm blue waters or
performance combine to create because of my father, who was a Doctor and researcher
illusion and fantasy through the in Africa. Maybe it was because of the school tours
professional stage show of Charlie I had in Italy and Greece whilst in high school, the
and the Chocolate Factory at Her languages and cultures I learnt and explored, the
Majesty’s Theatre. Erasmus scholarship my University offered me or
my later years as a professional in Brussels, Paris,
It has wonderful to be able to Athens, Mexico and finally Melbourne…
facilitate and engage world class
performing artists and companies But do we really need a reason to explore all of
to inspire and motivate our students what the world has to offer? A reason to meet
this semester. others on their ground, in their context? A reason
to look for the bright lights of another human’s story?
I say no, as we can live in a world that we design with
Connecting with our heart and where our common history and mix of
cultures and languages connect us to form a peaceful
boarding families TOGETHERNESS.
in the NT “Language is a city to the building of which every human
being brought a stone.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Alexander Smith Emerson was an American philosopher and poet whose
Head of Boarding words remind us that language is not a fixed system, but
It is imperative that boarding families feel a an organic and dynamic thing that is built and rebuilt by us
sense of connectedness with their children every single time we use it. If, as Emerson says, language
while they are in our care. is indeed a city, then its skyscrapers allow us to discern and
contemplate worlds of interest and adventure, and its streets
Many boarding families are able to visit allow us to access and engage with fascinating and exciting
the College and see their sons regularly both myself and Michael in the Northern Territory and we were warmly welcomed by the boys and places that are otherwise invisible or inaccessible to us.
throughout the school term and to have their families in their hometown.
informal meetings with boarding staff. But As we consider how diverse and how increasingly diverse
of course, this is not always possible for The timing of the trip also allowed us to meet the family of a new boarder who was just about to our society is, we must also remember that while the world
our families who are in more distant and start his Xavier journey. Andrew Hodges, father of Braith and Kobe, gave us a tour of the Michael can at times seem irretrievably segregated and unjust, there
are so many more things that unite us than there are things
remote locations. Long Learning and Leadership Centre, a high performance sporting complex and possible base for
that divide us. Language is preeminent among those things.
“Language is a city to the building
future football tours, and we were also able to explore some of the incredible sights of Darwin and
Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to its surrounds.
of which every human being brought a stone.”
travel to Darwin along with the Director At the heart of the Jesuit ethos, is the imperative that
we strive to be ‘Men and Women for Others’. And how
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
of Senior Campus, Mr Michael Ilott, to This trip was a particularly valuable opportunity to get to know the families of such an important
visit the families of some of our Northern contingent of our boarding community. We envisage this being an annual trip and we hope to look better to expand our capacity to serve than by enlarging
Territory boarders. It was the first time for for ways to make the visit most beneficial to these families in the future. our capacity to understand and empathise with others
than through language.
10 11
THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
Life plans and life-changing moments
The teaching journey of Rob Shinners,
Head of Health and Physical Education at
Kostka Hall Campus
Hannah Clifton
Rob Shinners grew up as the youngest of six
children with what he describes as a “stoic,
Irish Catholic father”. He and his siblings were
educated at St Mary’s Primary School and St
John’s Regional College in Dandenong.
Despite his almost 35-year commitment
Six premierships in seven years! to the profession, Rob’s path did not
always point in the direction of
teaching. His ‘Plan A’ in life was
to become a professional football
Water Polo continues to make a splash in the APS competition player. In 1979, Rob was recruited
Water Polo became an APS sport in 2004. In the years since, Xavier College has enjoyed continued success in the pool. by North Melbourne Football Club
where he played for four years,
The Xavier College 1sts Water Polo squad won the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 APS Premierships respectively, and notching 80 Reserves games and
this year were awarded a joint premiership with Haileybury College. Congratulations! one night game against Melbourne
Football Club in 1982.
‘Plan B’ fell into action in 1987 when
he was employed into his first teaching
role at St John’s Regional College. During
Agents of
his 13 years there, he taught Health and
Physical Education (HPE), Science, English,
Maths and Humanities, and also held the
learning
positions of Sports Master and Head of HPE.
In 1999, he arrived at Xavier College’s Kostka
Hall Campus, where he continues to teach as
Head of HPE 20 years on. During his time at the
Kate Bird Brighton campus, Rob has introduced water
Early Years Curriculum/PYP Coordinator, safety days before school camps, established
Kostka Hall Campus the Rock and Water program, the Gymnastics
program, the Deep Learning and Animated
Learners project and integrated Game Sense into
Within the International Baccalaureate Primary
Years Programme, students are encouraged to take
the curriculum. “A society grows great when old men plant
responsibility for their own learning. As part of this,
Years 3 and 4 students take on a personal inquiry
Around 10 years ago, a close friend and trees whose shade they will never see.”
From here, the students took their learning further and created a diorama for the colleague of Rob’s was diagnosed with a brain
known as the Exhibition. tumour that required life-saving surgery. “On
Mini Exhibition. The upper level of St John’s Building became a hive of activity as movement and exercise. Around a similar time, he heard an American
the students shared what ignited their interests, why they chose their biome, its key a recuperative holiday in Inverloch, I witnessed lecturer, Jean Blaydes Madigan, speak at the ACHPER (Australian Council for
Exploring the transdisciplinary unit of inquiry,
features and how animals had adapted to living there. They decided on an area of him jump into a river and nearly drown,” Rob Health, Physical Education and Recreation) conference about Action Based
‘Sharing the planet’, this year’s Exhibition process
interest they wished to pursue and set about designing their own learning path. recalled. “He had forgotten how to swim Learning. Rob recalls her address as being “inspirational”. With his interest
began with students having to ‘crack the code’ to
because part of the premotor cortex component growing, Rob went on to read John Ratey’s Spark, John Medina’s Brain Rules
find an envelope filled with photos of animals and
Year 4 student Ethan is an example of a student eager to inspire others to change. He of the brain had been removed.” and John Doige’s The brain that changed itself. And with these ideas, he
habitats. Students were encouraged to then link
the photos through the conceptual lenses of ‘form’ learnt that global warming is melting ice and forcing polar bears to move into human returned to the College and implemented his learnings into the area of HPE
territory. His action was to create a petition to stop global warming, which he aims to One year on, Rob witnessed his colleague in that at Kostka Hall Campus.
and ‘causation’. Prompts included: How could the
send to a politician. same river in Inverloch, but this time having re-
animal be described? What features link it to its
learned the skill. “[It was] amazing [to see how] He describes his journey at Xavier as being “unforgettable” and “full of
environment? What relationships may exist between
Students selected a broad array of topics to explore including climate change, he had exercised brain plasticity,” Rob said. “He challenges and delightful outcomes”. He hopes to complete a Master’s
creatures who exist here? The students openly
deforestation, palm oil, greenhouse gases and pollution. Connecting with their had re-wired his brain to be able to swim”. degree in Neuroscience when he turns 60 in two years’ time.
shared their thoughts and made a ‘connection’ to
the environment. This triggered many wondering learning they became passionate advocates of change, inspired to make a difference in
For Rob, this personal experience sparked “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they will
questions to explore. the future and take action.
an interest in the brain and its connection to never see,” he said.
12 13
THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
Xavier wins its third
APS Basketball Premiership
Maree Girolami
Teacher in Charge - Basketball
It is an Ignatian ideal to use our gifts wisely
and to share them generously.
“Building teamwork, character, respect,
This is the culture we have always promoted
from Year 5 basketballers up to our Year
12 participants. We encourage our players
discipline, inclusion, resilience
to see themselves as a team member and a
squad member at all times. In this way, we and perseverance”.
can nurture and develop the whole self. As
sportsmen, we want our players to take the
view that they each contribute to building
teamwork, character, respect, discipline,
inclusion, resilience and perseverance.
Basketball was first noted as being played
at Xavier in 1962, with the first external
competition in 1969. The 1969 copy of The
Xaverian yearbook read; “Basketball is only
a young sport, not only in Xavier, but also in
Australia; it is becoming better known, and if
interest is kept up at Xavier the future years
1969 Basketball team. As part of Social Justice Week, the APS Premiership
are sure to produce top-class players”. team engaged in friendly match up with
Les Twentyman Redskins
Basketball became an APS Sport in 1991 and and more particularly Basketball at Xavier Deng at the Louisville Cardinals and Dillon at
we have won three APS Premierships since, in College - this year was never about individual Chaminade University. Matthew now plays for
2000, 2014 and now in 2019. accolades, it was about beginning to build a Donar in the DBL and Deng most recently for
sustainable program for continued success and Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.
Senior Campus basketball started from humble development,” he said. “An APS Premiership
beginnings. It is an interesting read to go back was the culmination of the students’ Past 1st V member Luke Cheers (OX 1993)
and peruse the annual reports. There were a determination and focus”. recalls fondly his time in Xavier basketball,
variety of coaches over the years, but when stating that although “competitive” he
Paul Angus arrived, he became the focal point “A 200+ strong crowd turned out to witness “learnt a lot”. He also credits the program for
of the 1st V. Paul was the Master in Charge, the Xavier 1st V take on Melbourne Grammar connecting him with friends that have endured
1st V Coach and 1st V Team Manager over his in what was the most competitive match of beyond his school years. Now a parent, Luke
26 years at the College. While Paul was at the the season,” he said. “Some gritty defensive can watch his son Flynn engage in Xavier
helm, the 1st V won its first APS Basketball performances across the board along with sports, including basketball.
Premiership in 2000. some electric shooting displays and clutch
plays in crunch time thrilled the Xavier crowd Parents are an inherent aspect of the
Julian Fields (OX 2002), who was part of and led the team to a deserved win – a win Basketball community at Xavier. The Basketball
the team that won the school’s first APS that clinched the APS Premiership”. PSG was re-formed two years ago with an
Premiership, says it was the “camaraderie of enthusiastic group of parents with their aim
Xavier sport” which enticed him return to the Burke Hall and Kostka Hall Campus remain to organise events for basketballers, to raise
College to coach years later. a huge influence on how students perceive funds for the program and to help across all
playing basketball for Xavier. For many years, campuses.
Xavier won the premiership for the second the junior campus teams played in the APS
time in 2014. It was an outstanding competition and entered into the Albert Park More so, it has been a fantastic opportunity
performance by all involved. Coach Eric Basketball Competition that was held in the for parents to become further connected
Minerve, the first external coach appointment, spring during the 1980s and into the 1990s. with their son’s sport and to engage with the
created a formidable team with a strong sense community. “It is fantastic to see your son
of self belief. Talent can often be identified early. Matthew involved in team sports with their friends”,
McCarthy (OX 2014), Deng Adel (Year 10 President Carolyn Ireland said. “Being closer
This season we were delighted to win our 2013) and Dillon Burgess (OX 2016) were all to that and being able to support it has been
third Premiership with Coach John White (OX exceptional players during their time at the a real joy”.
2001), who is currently on staff. “As players school. All three have enjoyed College success; The Xavier 1st V Premiership squad
and coaches, we are custodians of the sport, Matthew at the University of San Francisco,
14 15
THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
‘Nao’ the robot pays a
visit to the Science lab
Frank Costello
Science Teacher, Senior Campus
A Call
to Action
Nao is arguably the world’s best-known
educational robot and is able to ‘speak’ in 23
different languages. Nao is 58cm tall, autonomous
and a fully programmable robot that can walk,
talk, listen to you and recognise your face.
As part of STEM education, Year 9 Robotics
students recently had an opportunity to interact
with the humanoid robot. Upon his arrival,
Nao engaged in some role play where he was
able to receive and respond verbally to possible
lunch orders made by students for the tuckshop.
Students were fascinated to see how simple
it was to code Nao’s language to respond to
possible lunch orders.
It now also becomes easy to visualise how Nao
is used in education, as well as in aged care
and in a welcoming role to greet customers in a Frank Costello (centre), Daniel Mattioli and Sebastian Sharp with Nao the robot
commercial environment.
WHAT MATTERS? WHO MATTERS? WHY DOES IT MATTER?
HOW WE CAN BEST BE OF SERVICE?
Say hello to ‘ Mr Robot ’ ,
Burke Hall’s shiny new classmate
Eunice Goessler
Head of English, Burke Hall Campus
Catherine Wissell, Head of Learning Area – As part of a new inquiry unit, A Call to Action, Year
Digital Technologies, Burke Hall Campus 7 students have been considering these questions in
alignment with the 2019 College Theme ‘Discernment
“It’s about being globally-
to Action, with one foot Raised’.
As part of the elective subject ‘Beyond 2020’, Year minded and seeking to make
8 Burke Hall Campus students built and coded a We know that students learn and serve best when
life-sized robot. they are engaging in what is important to them, and A the world a better and more
Call to Action gives students an opportunity to explore
Students independently designed and built
the structural elements of ‘Mr Robot’, and
and serve within an area of interest and passion.
Fundamentally, A Call to Action is about being globally-
peaceful place.”
programmed his movements so that he would be
minded and seeking to make the world a better and
able to ‘meet and greet’ his peers. Throughout the
more peaceful place.
entire process, students used critical, creative and
computational thinking, even creating their own on a Vinnies bread run whilst Max Toomey spent the
Initially, students investigated an individual or holidays on his grandmother’s farm investigating the
rotating roster to continue the build outside of
organisation who had worked for the good of humanity. impact of drought on farming communities. Max
class time to ensure they saw the project through.
Our young men were then asked to consider their own MacIsaac and Harri Reynolds were environmental
Whilst they found the project to be at times role in shaping the world. They identified and set their warriors as they cleaned up litter from their local areas
difficult, they described it as an overall engaging, own goals and developed action plans, which generated and Nathan Nguyen gave young primary students from
challenging and fun experience. a strong sense of agency amongst the boys. They then Richmond the gift of music through a series of Brass
took their learning outside the College walls and actually workshops.
Next up, the students will begin an inquiry unit engaged with the community they were serving.
that looks deeper into artificial and human All boys gained a deeper sense of empathy for those
intelligence. And what a range of action! In Homeroom Year 7 Miki within the community that they served and an
alone, Jack Westmore volunteered with his grandfather understanding that ‘from little things, big things grow’.
16 17THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
T he op
portun
m a ke it y t o a d i f fe
re n c e Bradley Eastman, beastman.com.au
Beastman
Student artwork on diplay at the
Creative Arts Festival
commission brightens up
basketball courts
Over the Term 3 holidays, artist a celebration of Senior Arts
Bradley Eastman, known as disciplines across Studio Arts,
‘Beastman’, was commissioned to Media, Visual Communication &
Bronwen Kellett and Trudy Cook reimagine the outside basketball Design, Music and Drama.
Xavier Social Justice Network court space at the Senior Campus.
Following the Festival, Arts
Shaun Bourke (OX 2014), Fr Brian McCoy SJ of the world before us and the world Influenced by the biodiversity, teachers nominated students
(OX 1965) and Robert de Castella (OX 1975) within”. As Shaun reminded us; “it’s symbolism and design aesthetics in each elective for ‘People’s
are three Old Xaverians who are tangibly the small things that really make the behind nature’s growth patterns Choice’ awards. The awards
making a difference in our country. This year’s difference”. and organic landscapes, were presented to the following
Xavier Social Justice Network Dare to be Beastman’s paintings, digital recipients at the end of year
Different Forum featured the trio as the line- Fr Brian invited us “to understand what it illustration, commercial projects Academic Awards assembly:
up of speakers on the topic ‘Discernment to is to be held - to be held in the land and Speakers on the night: Fr Brian McCoy SJ (OX 1965), Shaun and public murals explore a
Bourke (OX 2014) and Robert de Castella (OX 1975)
Action’. The night was moderated once again to hold others in the land and to have unique visual language, depicting Matthew Clark (Year 9), Owen
by Margaret Coffey. the generational relationships that give “Time and the opportunity will present itself, and we
future environments of abstracted Johnston (Year 9), Xavier Chirgwin
life,” and Rob encouraged us to see that all have to be ready, and have the courage to embrace geometric landscapes, potential (Year 9), Leo Richardson (Year
At the beginning of the Forum, Margaret “when you have an opportunity to make and take advantage of that opportunity when it does new life forms and human 9), Sam White (Year 9), Ethan
unpacked the theme and explained that a difference you have an obligation to come because opportunity can take you on an incredibly intervention. Stoney (Year 10), Luca Ciuffetelli
‘Discernment to Action’ is a “tying together make a difference”. rewarding, enriching and fulfilling journey,” he said. (Year 10), Eric Tang (Year 10),
The original artwork, ‘Terra Angus Harvey (Year 10), Riley
Oztralia’, acrylic and aerosol on Mitchell (Year 10), Ben Makowski
Critical and compassionate
concrete wall, was commissioned (Year 11), Angus Matthews
by the Eldon Hogan Trust as part (Year 11) and Max Constantinou
of the Creative Arts Festival, (Year 11).
engagement with the world
Eunice Goessler
Head of English, Burke Hall Campus
“In the shoes of the other, we learn to have a film explores the relationship between Mary, Hearing three asylum seekers tell their
great capacity for understanding, for getting an elderly Christian woman, and Mohammed, personal stories first-hand was at times
to know difficult situations.” - Pope Francis a Hazara asylum seeker, who is a detainee at confronting but most powerful in building
the Pontville detention centre near Hobart. empathy for the protracted journey that is
With global records showing that wars, seeking asylum. Trudy Cook also facilitated a
persecution and conflict have forced more More compelling though, was the opportunity question and answer discussion which allowed
people to flee their homes now than at any for over 250 Year 8 students and their parents students to gain a deeper insight into this
time in history, an understanding of seeking to participate in a forum held at the Eldon complex issue.
refuge and asylum is imperative. Hogan Performing Arts Centre in August.
Mirielle Kayeye from Burundi, Jefry Yikwa Though the presenters’ stories recounted
It is within this context that the Year 8 English from West Papua and Reza Shams from adversity and fear, their resilience and
students have critically engaged with the Afghanistan told the stories of their flight and determination inspired hope and they
film Mary Meets Mohammed as a means of the difficulties they faced in Australia whilst challenged the students to be people of
clarifying and broadening their own views. The waiting for refugee status. compassion and action.
18 19You can also read
