Your Choicez Parent Presentation

Please join us for 'Your Choicez' Parent Presentation on Wednesday 22 May 2019 at 6.00pm.

The mission and the purpose of this is to educate, inspire and empower young people to have happy, healthy and respectful relationships. We provide relevant and engaging seminars for students, parents and teachers around the topics of sex, dating and relationships, creating an atmosphere of empathy in the school and home for young people. We do this in a way that opens conversations, provides answers and changes culture.

Click here to view a copy of the 'Your Choicez' Flyer

Social Media Presentation

Welcome back to Term 2! We hope that you all had a wonderful and restful break and are ready for another busy and exciting school term. 

Working Bee

Mrs Jacinta Davis
P&F Parent Liaison and Publicity Officer

School Bus Travel

As of 29 April 2019, students travelling on a school bus to and from school are required to have a valid school bus pass for the school bus service that they are catching. If a valid school pass cannot be shown, a fare will be charged. In the event that the school bus pass is lost, some form of student ID is to be shown whilst obtaining a replacement pass (fees apply). You can help make your child’s school bus journey more pleasant by ensuring your child has a valid school bus pass and presents it to the driver on boarding the bus morning AND afternoon. Parents are reminded that the School Free Travel is only valid from home to school as per the conditions on the back of the pass. Fares will be charged for all other journeys.

If you are yet to apply for a bus pass or your details have changed eg: address, please go to www.transportnsw.info/school-students alternatively you can call the transport info line on 131 500.

If you have any questions in regards to the correct school bus for your child to catch, please contact the appropriate company:

Kennedy’s Bus Service:             Ph: 4421 7596
Nowra Coaches:                         Ph: 4423 5244
Shoal Bus:                                   Ph: 4423 2122
Stuart’s Coaches:                       Ph: 4421 0332

I would like to welcome all Year 7 students back for the start of Term 2 and I hope you are all refreshed after the holidays. Term 2 is typically a full and very busy term for students in Year 7. Our students have started the term with a positive attitude and from all reports are making every effort to work to the best of their potential in the classroom. It is important that during this time students seek out the necessary help they need from classroom teachers as well as the additional support services available so as to avoid becoming overwhelmed and unnecessarily stressed.

Foundation Day

Your child’s PALS group will be organising their stall for Foundation Day with their PALS teacher. Foundation Day is an important time at St John’s and this is commemorated with a mass in the morning on Friday 7 June, followed by the school fair and a student showcase. Attendance is compulsory as for any other school day and students are reminded that they will need their full winter uniform, including their blazer for morning proceedings and have the option to change into sensible and modest mufti clothes for the fair. Change rooms will be provided for students on the day.

Athletics Carnival

The Athletics Carnival will be held in Week 5 on Friday 31 May and again I encourage all students to participate in as many events as possible to support their house. There will be more information on this in the coming weeks.

If parents have any concerns around any aspect of their child’s learning and pastoral needs please contact their PALS teacher. Again the best means of communication with your child’s PALS teacher or classroom teacher is the diary. A reminder that the diary needs to be signed and checked weekly by both parents and your child’s PALS teacher.

‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me and loved me as yourself’

Mrs Sophie Daley
Year 7 Coordinator

Year 8 have jumped into Term 2 feet first. This term is full of exciting activities for the students to be involved in. The athletics carnival in week 5 is an opportunity for students to display their skills in the sporting arena in both track and field event. For those students unable to compete there will be opportunities on the day to support their house through cheering or volunteering to support the running of the day by assisting with events.

Foundation Day

Foundation Day is also a great day when students get involved with their PALS group to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul by organising and running a stall on the day. I encourage all students to give 100% in both of these events because the feeling of satisfaction through participation is uplifting and gives us a sense of belonging to our school community.

Uniform

I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and students of the importance of wearing the correct uniform. There have been occasions recently where students have been wearing their sports uniform on days when they do not have sport, PE prac or training for out of school sport. Students have been reminded of the expectation around uniform and the consequences of not following the school’s uniform guidelines.

Year 8 Achievements

Congratulations must go to Elly Simms who was successful at the Sydney Royal Easter Show being sashed as the NSW champion Cattle Parader with her 6 month old calf named Tammi. Elly is unable to attend the national finals at the Perth Royal because of her age but the St John’s community are very proud of her achievements.

Image: https://www.theland.com.au/story/6081523/dairy-parader-catches-judges-eye/

Sienna Clarke continues to achieve success in the Golf arena. Sienna came runner up in the net girls division held over 2 days in Newcastle and over 2 courses (Pacific dunes and Belmont Golf club). She competed against competitors from other academies ranging from all ages. Sienna represented the IAS (Illawarra Sports Academy). Congratulations Sienna. 

Anna Simon recently received news that she has been selected in the NSW State soccer side to compete at the National Titles in June. We wish Anna every success and congratulate her on this wonderful achievement.

ANZAC Day Marches

St John’s students also took part in ANZAC Marches across the Shoalhaven. It was wonderful to see a number of Year 8 students take the time to represent the school so respectfully on such an important day.

“God has no hands but yours”                                          

Mrs Lynette Kelly 
Year 8 Coordinator

Students are busy working over a range of subjects that fall under the Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) Key Learning Area.

Year 7 are currently studying History and will undertake Geography next semester, whilst

Year 8 are currently studying Geography and will undertake History next Semester. Ms Semmens and a Year 8 Geography Class undertaking some field work at school.

Years 9 and 10 have half of the year studying history and half studying geography with the classes swapping teachers and subjects next semester. The Year 10 classes will be undertaking excursions in Week 3, History attending the Jewish Museum in Sydney to appreciate the atrocities of the Holocaust and to be inspired by hearing the hope shared from a Holocaust survivor. Our avid Geographers will be undertaking local fieldwork and assessing their findings for the Environmental Change and Management topic.

Year 10 History Elective were tasked with the honour of presenting at the ANZAC Day Assembly on Thursday 2 May. The focus of their presentation was that of honouring our Australian War Nurses, and with the help of some Year 11 drama students, they provided a moving presentation.

Our Senior Students are studying a range of subjects; Ancient History, Modern History, Geography, Society and Culture, Business Studies and Legal Studies. Students are having some key successes in their learning, in particular, their writing skills are improving regularly, aided by the help of Scribo.

We had some exceptional helpers representing HSIE at the recent Year 7 2020 Open Night. Students introduced our potential new students immerse in some experiences of HSIE learning, such as, constructing a timeline of historical events and piecing together the world! They also shared the wonderful space in which they learn.

Isaac Collins and Holden Walker (Year 12) helping with timelines at the Year 7 2020 Open Night.

Taylor West, Ashleen Rigney, Aliza Briggs, Kyah Chewying, and Daniru Jayasuriya, leading the way in re-constructing the world at the Year 7 2020 Open Night.

Jessica Arnold, Kayleigh Sleath and Harrison Cocks. Happy in the HSIE learning space!

Al Noor Mosque Christchurch - Messages of hope and love from SJE

Mrs Rachel Hennessy
HSIE Coordinator

Dance Team

Did you know we offer dance here at St Johns? Next week, we have 48 students in 3 seperate dance companies representing the school at The City of Shoalhaven Eisteddfod.

CHS Sailing

During the first week of the school holidays, Saxon Perry (Year 10) and Bryn Robinson-Mills (Year 8) competed in the CHS sailing championships held at the Belmont 16’s sailing club on Lake Macquarie. There were four days of racing. The first day consisted of moderate conditions that slightly picked up during the afternoon, which allowed for very little excitement, the following three days consisted of low winds which would have been perfect for anything other than sailing but still allowed for at least some sailing. Both Saxon and Bryn were able to improve on last years regatta. Congratulations on a wonderful achievement. Saxon received the ‘Hobie Cat Division’ Trophy and Bryn did well ending up 3rd in his Division. Well done Saxon and Bryn.

Over the Easter period Bonnie Butler (Year 12) attended the QLD state titles at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. There were very tough conditions over the three days with extremely strong winds and rain which created a challenge. Despite this Bonnie managed to uphold her title from last year placing 1st in the women’s division. Well Done Bonnie.

Mrs Rachel Frew
PDHPE Coordinator

School Farm

The school farm is very excited to see the completion of the chook pen rebuild. The existing enclosure has been upgraded and fully enclosed with security wire, making it fox proof. Two new pens have also been added, allowing a pen for young birds and a separate pen to enable pure-breeding lines to grow.

We are seeking pure bred fertile eggs to enhance our breeding program. If you can assist with this could you please contact Mr Muller mullerd01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Many students have been able to harvest vegetables in Term 1. After a long, warm summer, students are now working hard to prepare their gardens for winter vegetables. Early snow peas are already replacing beans on the trelisses and brassicas and root vegetables have been planted.

Year 9 students are finalising their experimental research task, looking into factors that affect plant growth. The results will guide their work in the gardens. Year 10 students continue to work on producing herbs. Year 11 students recently completed a case study on local vineyards.

Student Success

Congratulations to Elly Simms who recently won the State Junior Paraders competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Elly took on competitiors from NSW and interstate.

Well done to Georgia Herne who took out the All Breeds (Dairy) Youth competition, preparing and exhibiting an Ayshire heifer.

A big future awaits as these students are in Year 8 and 9 respectively. Impressive achievements indeed.

A past student, Brayden Evert, place third in the state in the Dairy Cattle Judging competition. Congratulations to Brayden.

Mr David Muller
Agriculture Teacher

Languages Background Survey

The Diocese of Wollongong, in recognition of the increasing numbers of new arrivals in many of our schools, has introduced a Language Background Survey as part of our Literacy Policy. This survey aims to understand how many students are lucky enough to speak, or understand, another language. Bilingualism has long been recognised as having many benefits for students, such as increased cognitive reflexes, greater global understanding of the world, and improved employment prospects. With this in mind, St John's will undertake the survey this term.

Many Primary Schools have already undertaken the survey and have used the data to provide effective and targeted classroom support. All students from Year 7 to 11 will undertake the survey and we will collate the results. I look forward to reporting back to you once this process is completed.

Mrs Pietta Phillips
Literacy Instructional Coach

Primary School Immersion - Year 11

An exciting new opportunity for Year 11 students to gain exposure to primary school teaching will occur on Monday 27 May. St Michael’s staff and a Year 5 class have generously offered their time, resources and expertise to allow our students to run a day long program called “Rising to the challenge”. Permission notes will be out this week and this excursion is limited to 12 students. See Mrs Hill for more information.

UOW information evening Shoalhaven campus

Wednesday 22 May, 6.00pm start at the UOW Shoalhaven campus in Nowra.

Information will include: · UOW Early Admission · UOW Accommodation · Your ATAR and selection rank (and what it means) · Important dates and key things to remember for UAC applications · UOW Scholarships · The degrees and opportunities available at UOW · Options if you don't get the ATAR you need.

Cross Country Wilandra

A number of students volunteered to assist at the primary school Diocesan cross county carnival. They did a wonderful job and the following feedback was received from the organiser, John Sparks from the Catholic Education Office

"The students were outstanding, showed initiative and were willing to take on any tasks. We really valued their support. A number of teachers and adults there on the day commented on their contributions and good nature".

The students were: Imogen Jackson, Niamh Murphy, Brooke Walsh, Elise Irvine, Ben Johnson, Samuel Maher, Zoe Anderson, Heidi Gattringer, Baylee Holland and Eva Lilly. 

Football (Soccer)

We have had a busy start to Term for representative sport. Thursday and Friday of Week 1 saw our boys and girls Football (Soccer) sides compete at the Diocesan Gala Days. Well done to all students who were involved in these teams. Thank you to Mr Chard, Mr Holden, Mr Vaughan, Mr Coulson-Knight, Mrs Prayetno and Mr Watson for coaching and preparing these teams for their matches. Thank you also goes to the student helpers on the day, who have assisted as photographers, referees and linesman, along with the students who assisted Mr Garner with the girls Gala Day held here at Ison Park.

St John’s are proud to have a number of our senior students selected in the Open Boys and Girls Wollongong Diocesan Football teams: Zoe Anderson, Taniesha Angelkovski, Lachlan Bryce, Olivia Delahenty, Rocky Lavalle, Casey Johnson and Jasmine Tan.

Detailed reports of our football teams will be available in the next school Newsletter.

Athletics Carnival - Event Reminder

The annual school Athletics Carnival is being held in Week 5 of this Term, Friday 31 May at Shoalhaven High. Students will come to school as normal on the morning of the day and walk to the venue in their House groups.They will be expected to be in sports uniform and will be strongly encouraged to participate in events.

Parent helpers needed: If you are able to assist at this event as a parent helper, please contact the office on 4423 1666 and leave your details.

With many of our major Gala Days now finished, we still have plenty of events coming up in Term 2 and 3 for representative sport. A reminder to students to be listening to morning notices and checking the rep sport google classroom page for new updates and information. Below is a summary of events to come. For NSWCCC Closing Dates, please visit https://www.csss.nsw.edu.au/nswccc-home.aspx to register before the due date.

Week Three:

13 May: Basketball-  NSWCCC Closing Date.

Week Four:

21 May: Football / Soccer Under 16’s BOYS - NSWCCC Closing Date.

Week Five:

30 May: Boys Netball Schools Cup- Nowra (notes & payment due Thursday, 23 May)

31 May : Athletics  - St John’s Carnival

Week Six:

3 June: NSWCCC Tennis Championships- Bathurst (notes & payment due Monday, 27 May)

Week Seven:

11 June: South Coast Schools Surfing Competition (notes & payment due Friday, 24 May)

12 June: SOCCER - Wollongong Diocesan Knockout - selected teams based on Gala Day placings

14 June - NSWCCC Cross Country

Term 3

Week One:

26  July: CROSS COUNTRY – NSW ALL SCHOOLS Eastern Creek

Week Two:

31 July: NETBALL - Wollongong Diocesan Carnival

Week Four:

16 August: ATHLETICS - Wollongong Diocesan Carnival

Week Five:

20 August: NETBALL NSW CCC Tournament- Penrith

Week Six:

28 August: VOLLEYBALL - Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day

28 August: HOCKEY - Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day

The New NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy

Food and Drink Benchmark

2019 there will be a few changes to the canteen menu, to comply with the new NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy, which replaces the old Traffic Light criteria of food and drinks that can be sold in school canteens. This means three quarters of the menu is everyday food from the five food groups and one quarter of the menu is occasional foods with a 3.5 or higher food star rating. Some food items high in sugar, salt and/or saturated fats that do not reach a 3.5 food star rating will be removed from the menu, eg. iced tea, Ovaltinis, cough lollies, JJ's Jumpies and some ice creams, so not too many changes. The canteen staff are working hard sourcing new and nutritious snacks and ice creams to add to the menu, eg. dip & nibbles packs, cheese dip & biscuits, fruit pikelets & scones, house made pasta dishes & salads, frozen juice cups and coconut juice ice blocks. There will be lots of new items to choose from. If you have any questions, ideas or a few hours spare to volunteer in the canteen, please contact the Canteen Manager on 4423 1359.

The school offers the convenience of online lunch orders for all students. If you wish to order online please click on the school lunch online image on the website to register. 
Close off for orders is 8.30am daily, a 25c transaction fee applies. If there are any discrepancies with your order, please contact 1300 787 939.

Click here to view the School Online Lunch Instructions

Volunteers please note: Sign in at the School Office on the computerised system before you commence your shift. Please wear enclosed shoes, long hair tied back, no excessive jewellery (i.e. rings, bracelets).

Click here to view the Canteen Menu

Click here to view the Canteen Volunteer Roster

Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.

Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.

St Michael's Primary School

St Mary's Star of the Sea Primary School