St John the Evangelist Catholic High School Nowra
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31 John Purcell Way
Nowra NSW 2541
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Email: info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4423 1666

SJE Newsletter 2024 Term 3 Week 6

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SJE Newsletter 2024 Term 3 Week 6
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PAPAL COMMENT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN SOCIETY

Teaching and education are the primary means of promoting integral human development; and they are essential for the promotion of peace. In a word, teaching and education are the foundations of a cohesive civil society". Pope Francis [p.10 Social Justice Statement, 2024]

But do we really want to live in a ‘cohesive civil society’? And what does that mean for you? It would be lovely to not need to have security cameras and dash cams but it is sadly not the case.

Sadly, we see social division like never before, more people relying on violence as a way of sorting out differences, a spike in domestic violence and an ongoing wave of illicit drugs and vaping. How can a society like that be cohesive and more importantly – how can it be peaceful.

The effects of social media and so called ‘influencers’ have created a toxic masculinity issue in your men across the world.

At St John’s we strive to create a peaceful environment for all and take this responsibility very seriously. Our school prayer is the Peace Prayer of St Francis of Assisi. We work hard to ensure that Catholic Social values are known, and lived, by the students.

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With families we will continue to work together to make a better society for all.

DO WE NOTICE?

A few weeks ago I went out for a meal at a Lebanese restaurant with some friends and their wives. As happens at these places the dancing commenced after a wonderful meal and I naturally stood back (have you seen me dance!)

On our table another girl was also watching the dancing and cheering others on as they danced and I went over to say hello. She was a relatively short lady and so happy for the happiness of those dancing. We had a chat and I realised that I knew her parents and she was so pleased to be at the event.

As we talked she revealed her disability about her capacity to move freely and her love of others being able to dance. Her joy in watching others enjoy themselves was truly uplifting. After a time she had other friends come over and I moved off. As I said to her how much I enjoyed our chat she said to me – ‘thank you for noticing me, most people don’t’. 

Most people don’t - I was a bit stunned and taken aback and the reason it comes back to me now is that it reminded me of the Covid lockdown where I read of the isolation that so many Australians were feeling in the lockdown period. Unable to visit sick relatives in hospital or homes. Unable to cross into GLA’s of concern and visit family (like me). A forced separation of loved ones, sometimes overseas and unable to come ‘home’.

But Covid is over, and I still feel a sense that many are still in lockdown mode, making choices to remain insular or singular.

I ask that we all look to our neighbour, friends, classmates or whomever that may be in a position of loneliness. YOU can make a huge difference to someone by reaching out to them, offering a conversation, or a smile, or a chance to be listened to. Make it a goal that before the end of this Term there is a someone that has been uplifted because of your actions. They are worth it, but more importantly – YOU ARE WORTH IT.

Mr Wayne Marshall

Principal

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      REMINDER: PAUL DILLON PARENT/CARER PRESENTATION

      Just a friendly reminder for parents and carers of students in years 10, 11 and 12 to sign up for the Paul Dillon presentation coming up in September. Paul, from DARTA (Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia), has been working in the area of drug education for almost 30 years and is regularly contracted by agencies and organisations across the country to provide updates on current drug trends. He continues to work with many school communities to ensure they have access to quality information and best practice drug education. This year Paul’s parent/carer presentation will be hosted by Nowra Anglican College and the details are as follows:  

      Date: Thursday 19 September 2024

      Location: Nowra Anglican College

      Time: 6pm to 7pm 

      Cost: Free

      Paul's presentation will focus on 'teens, parties, alcohol and vapes: what do parents need to know?'. During adolescence, teens develop a biological need to be around friends and it is important to provide them with opportunities to socialise with their peers whenever possible. Using the most current data available this presentation will examine the use of alcohol and other drugs by school-based young people. Simple strategies will be provided to help ensure teens are able to interact with friends on a Saturday night and, at the same time, reduce the risk of underage drinking and the potential dangers associated with such behaviour. In addition, up-to-date information will be provided on vaping, particularly in relation to young people. It aims to empower parents with a positive message and assist them in having open and honest family discussions in this complex area.

      We need to provide approximate numbers of parents attending the presentation to our hosts (Nowra Anglican College), therefore please register for the event via this link.

      St John the Evangelist students from years 10 to 12 will also engage in presentations from Paul on Friday 20 September 2024.

      CATHOLIC CARE PARENT/CARER PRESENTATIONS

      As we approach the National Child Protection Week from 1st to 7th September 2024, Catholic Care is offering the opportunity for parents and carers to engage in two important presentations that will be offered via Zoom. These presentations emphasise the importance of conversations and aim to equip parents with practical skills to engage in dialogues that contribute to the wellbeing of children and adolescents. The details of these two exciting presentations are as follows:  

      Social Media and your Teen

      Date: Monday September 2, 2024

      Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm

      Where: via Zoom only

      Register: via this link 

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      Zoom Link: https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/69935852731

      Content: Explore both the positive and negative effects of social media on your child's life. When is the right time to allow social media in your child's life. Discuss how social media can influence connections and interactions. Learn how to establish a healthy social media balance for your child. Address strategies to prevent issues such as sexting and overuse. Provide guidance on managing social media sites and controlling access. Your involvement is crucial in helping your child navigate this digital world. 

      Mental Health Awareness - How to have tricky conversations and seek support

      Date: Monday September 9, 2024

      Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm

      Where: via Zoom only

      Register: via this link 

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      Zoom Link: https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/67150390159  

      Content: Explore the impacts of mental health on young people. Identify warning signs to watch for. Learn effective ways to communicate with your child about their mental health. Discover where to find support when needed.

      We believe that these presentations will provide valuable insights and resources for parents and carers in our community and we hope that you take advantage of this valuable opportunity. 

      Ms Sonia Diaz

      Pastoral Care Coordinator  

      TERM 3 2024

      WEEK 7 (WEEK B)

      Monday 2 September - Cross + Generation Program ( Session 1 )

      Thursday 5 September - HSC Music Performance Evening

      WEEK 8 (WEEK A)

      Monday 9 September - Cross + Generation Program ( Session 2 )

      Monday 9 September - Friday 13 September - Year 11 Yearly Exams 

      Tuesday 10 September - Year 12 Leaders Mass / Lunch with Bishop

      Brian

      Thursday 12 September - School Assembly

      WEEK 9 (WEEK B)

      Monday 16 September - Cross + Generation Program ( Session 3 )

      Monday 16 September - Year 8 MPower Me Day

      Tuesday 17 September - Year 8 MPower Me Day

      Wednesday 18 September - Year 12 Sports Cup and Crazy Photo

      Afternoon

      WEEK 10 (WEEK A)

      Monday 23 September - Cross + Generation Program ( Session 4 )

      Tuesday 24 September - Year 12 Breakfast / Year 12 Rehearsal 

      Tuesday 24 September - Year 12 Liturgy and Recognition Awards

      Presentation

      Wednesday 25 September - Year 12 Graduation Assembly

      Thursday 26 September - School Assembly

        PAX STUDENTS

        On the evening of Tuesday 27 August a group of St John's PAX students participated in "conversation" with students from Bethlehem University in Palestine. It was a great opportunity to gain insight into life for young people in Bethlehem today.

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        CLASS MASS - ST JOHN'S CHAPEL

        As part of the Religion Curriculum St John's students attend and participate in Mass in our beautiful St John's Chapel on a regular basis. 

        NOWRA PARISH 

        CLICK HERE TO ACCESS NOWRA PARISH FACEBOOK PAGE

        MILTON PARISH 

        CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MILTON PARISH FACEBOOK PAGE

        St John’s has a strong sporting culture and provides many representative sporting opportunities for students.

        The Representative Sport Google Classroom is a platform where students can access information on Representative Sport. This digital notice board provides important information such as the registration to trial, trial dates, important dates and expectations.

        Students must be a member of the Representative Sport Google Classroom to access the google forms.

        2024 NSWCCC Registration Flyer

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        TERM 4
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        NSWCCC CHAMPIONSHIP REPRESENTATIVES

        Congratulations to the following St John's students who will be progressing through to represent at the NSWCCC Championships in September at Sydney Olympic Park. These students are Jenson Coughlan, Airlie Stevens, Cooper Green, Nicholas McGill, Lily Sproule, Bailey Newham, Dean Austin, Natarsha Mandavy, Riley Moore, Nakita Boatswain and Matthew Page. 

        Best of luck for the championships we know you will do yourselves and your school proud!

        DIOCESE AGE CHAMPIONS 

        JENSON COUGHLAN - YEAR 7

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        LILY SPROULE - YEAR 9

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        NATARSHA MANDAVY - YEAR 10

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        DIOCESE AGE CHAMPION - SECOND PLACE 

        DEAN AUSTIN - YEAR 8

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        DIOCESE AGE CHAMPION - THIRD PLACE 

        AIRLIE STEVENS - YEAR 8

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        RILEY MOORE - YEAR 10

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        DIOCESAN CARNIVAL RESULTS - PLACINGS

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        Any questions please email Sports Coordinator

        Mrs E Gray

        graye01@dow.catholic.edu.au

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        We’ve had a busy and productive time in Year 7 recently, with plenty of achievements and learning moments to celebrate. Here’s a quick rundown of what we've been doing:

        UNLOCKING EMOTIONS AND DECISION-MAKING

        Recently, Year 7 students have been learning about the importance of understanding their emotions and how these can affect decision-making. They’ve explored different parts of the brain and their roles, especially how puberty can sometimes cause us to say or do things we don't really mean. We recognise that teenagers will make mistakes, and our role is to help them pick up the pieces and guide them toward strategies that help them feel better and make better choices.

        To support this, students learned the STOP acronym:

        • S: Stop – Take a second before reacting.
        • T: Think – What are your choices? What could happen?
        • O: Observe – How are you feeling right now? Is that feeling in control?
        • P: Proceed – Make your decision.

        We encourage you to discuss these steps at home and use them as tools to help manage challenging situations.

        ORGANISATIONAL SCHEDULE

        Our students have been hard at work creating their after-school organisational schedules. We’ve emphasised the importance of including homework, study time, and assignments in their schedules, and we’ve discussed the differences between these activities. To encourage participation, we held a little competition where the first five students to prove they had printed their schedules won canteen vouchers. Congratulations to Luca Sullivan, Kyra Irvine, Lailani Halliday, Olivia Seymour-Munn, and George Economos for being the quickest!

        STUDY SKILLS AND HABITS FOR SUCCESS

        Developing strong study habits is a priority for us, and our recent focus has been on effective review techniques. We practised a simple method to reinforce what students learn each day. Here's what we did: Students were asked to think back to any subject they had yesterday, grab a piece of paper or open a Google Doc, and title it as "STUDY NOTES" with the date on top. Without looking at their notes from class, they jotted down everything they could remember—what they did, what they learned, and anything that stood out. Afterward, they reviewed their lesson materials to fill in any gaps. It’s a great habit that we encourage them to continue at home!

        ATHLETICS ACHIEVEMENT

        A special shoutout goes to Jenson Coughlan, who was crowned Diocesan Athletics 12 Years Age Champion! Well done! Jenson will now progress to the NSWCCC Championships in September at Sydney Olympic Park for 400metres, 1500metres, Shot put, Discus and Javelin along with Cooper Green for the 100metres. Congratulations to all Year 7 students who progressed to this carnival also and represented the school with great pride:

        Joseph Berriman, Hendrix Blinksell, Olivia Chapman, Jenson Coughlan, Sinclair Davis, Lola Gjeci, Cooper Green, Tehya Gruosso, Brooklyn Horwood, Roy Lucas, Cruze Mamo, Olivia Seymour-Munn, Will Shinn, Caitlin Short and  Josie Sproule  

        THE SCHOOL MUSICAL

        We’re also incredibly proud of our Year 7 students who took part in the school musical. Sophie Holmes and Abel Kemp-Hay shone on stage as part of the production, while Floranette Poleka, Cayden Jiro-Baluyut, and Walter Coulthart played vital roles behind the scenes as part of the backstage crew. Congratulations to all involved! It was a fantastic show.

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        POSITIVE COMMUNICATION

        Lastly, we’ve been reminding our students about the importance of speaking kindly to one another. In particular, we’ve noticed that some of the boys in our year group could use a little reminder about keeping banter friendly and not letting jokes go too far. We kindly ask that you reinforce this message at home and help us promote positive masculinity among our students.

        Thank you for your continued support. We’re looking forward to more successes and growth as we continue through the term!

        'With Jesus, we can reach the highest of heights’

        Mrs Abbey Simis

        Year 7 Coordinator

         

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        TERM 3 PASTORAL LESSON:

        INSIDE OUT AND THE BRAIN

        The focus Term 3 session was around the new film ‘Inside Out 2’ where students learnt about the function of the brain and its impact on emotions and decision making.

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        In PALS classes we explored the following ideas and used the film to explore these in a variety of contexts relevant to teenagers.

        Learning Intentions: 

        • How your brain and emotions and connected
        • Why your feelings are sometimes ‘all over the place’
        • How understanding your emotions can help you make better decisions
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        OLYMPICS TRIVIA

        Throughout August, Year 8 PALS teams engaged in a spirited competition of Olympics-themed trivia. Students were encouraged to stay informed with the latest news and updates from the Olympic Games to help their classes secure victory. Congratulations to Mr. Carraro’s Chisholm and Ms. Ross’ Polding teams for winning the competition!

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        ORGANISATION PRESENTATION

        Recently Year 8 have been presented to about the ways organsiation, routine and time-management can set them up for success at school. Students were reminded of the importance of the school diary in assisting them to establish positive habits when it comes to recording important tasks and due dates. Below are some of the slides that have been shared with the year group.

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        MPOWER ME DAY

        The upcoming Year 8 MPower Me Days will take place for all Year 8 students on Monday September 16th and Tuesday September 17th this term. Parents and Carers can find more detailed information about the days in Compass events, where parental consent is due by Wednesday September 11 2024. The days will provide students with a range of opportunities to further encourage and develop key skills including assertiveness, self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving and conflict resolution. 

        Program Highlights:

        1.  Enlighten Education Workshop:

          • On one of the two days, students will participate in workshops by Enlighten Education, conducted on school grounds.
          • Enlighten Education offers evidence-based programs designed to boost self-esteem and confidence in young people.
          • These workshops encourage students to become discerning consumers, critical thinkers, and to find their voice and power in a complex world.
          • The workshops aim to help students move beyond stereotypes, resolve conflicts, connect with their peers, and develop positive wellbeing behaviours.
          • For more information about Enlighten Education, please visit https://www.enlighteneducation.com

        2.  Butterfly Foundation ‘Body Kind’ and ‘RESET’ sessions:

        3.  Off-Site Activities at Nowra Showground:

        • The other day will feature team-building and personal challenge activities at Nowra Showground.
        • Activities will include rock climbing, bushwalking, and initiative games, with an emphasis on teamwork and environmental stewardship.

        STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

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        DEAN AUSTIN

        Congratulations to Dean Austin for being selected for the NSW Country Team under 14 Boys. He will be competing in Queensland this September. Dean has been travelling and training consistently and his selection into the NSW Country Team is a testament to his hard work and talent. Good luck to Dean at the National competition!

         

         

         

          

        MILEY WINCHESTER AND TIARN SCHELL

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        Well done to Miley Winchester and Tiarn Schell who recently competed at the NSW Interschools Equestrian Competition. 

        Miley placed 3rd overall in the 90cm which qualified her for nationals and 5th overall in the meter which resulted in first reserve for the meter team.

        Tiarn has also recently competed at the World Cup Showjumping Competition at the Sydney Equestrian Centre, an outstanding achievement! 

         

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        JONATHAN McGREGOR

        Congratulations to Jonathan McGregor who has been competing in Motocross races at both state and national level. Recently Jonathan has competed at the Victorian state titles. He has also travelled to Queensland and regional Victoria in preparation for the Australian Junior Titles in Western Australia at the end of September. Best of luck to Jonathan as he prepares for this exciting event!

         

         

         

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        RUBY ROBERTS

        Acknowledgements to Ruby Roberts for her positive contribution to junior netball as she played a vital role in supporting the Diocesan Netball Primary gala day. Ruby attended the day as an umpire and was an excellent representative of our school. 

         








        DIOCESAN ATHLETICS - AIRLIE STEVENS + DEAN AUSTIN 

        Congratulations to Dean and Airlie for their amazing efforts at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival earlier this term. Airlie was awarded 3rd place in the 13 girls Age Champion and Dean 2nd place in the 14 boys Age Champion.

        RUGBY LEAGUE

        Well done to the many Year 8 students who are part of the very successful St John’s Under 14 boys Rugby League side. The boys were victorious at the Cochrane Cup Semi Final and they are busy preparing for the upcoming Final later this term. 

        Good Luck in the final boys! 

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        SCHOOL NETBALL

        There have been a large number of year 8 students involved in representing St John’s at Netball for the Schools Cup Finals. The Blue and Yellow boys sides and the junior girls teams have shown great commitment in their training and efforts to prepare.

        OZTAG

        Excellent participation was demonstrated by the following Year 8 students at the Oz Tag Cup in Wollongong: Dean Austin, Ivy Gjeci, Taj Goddard, Caiden Green, Allira Hepburn, Noah Jamieson, Logan Juric, Luke Keating, Maddie Lonard, Lexy McRae-Brumfield, Torr Morley, Kai Reid, Ruby Roberts, Nate Shalala & Bryson Short. 

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        NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS - SEAN HARRIS AND CAIN DOOSEY

        Year 8 were very proud to see Sean Harris and Cain Doosey perform at the recent NAIDOC celebrations. Both students were outstanding in their performances both at school and also visiting other local schools including visits to Nowra Christian School and St Mary’s Milton.

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        SCHOOL MUSICAL

        Acknowledgements go to the following Year 8 students who had involvement in the very successful School Musical ‘The Pirate Queen’:

        Maia Donnici, Leila Ferreira, Isabel Gonzaga, Imojen Jacka, Rachel Martinez, Henry Moller and Evie Smart

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        HISTORY DEBATING

        Special mention goes to Maia Donnici, Leila Ferreira, Rachel Martinez and Aela Stephenson who have been busy preparing for History Debating. The girls previously competed at the competition held in Wollongong and Edmund Rice College.

        RELIGION ARTWORK - PAINTING AND CLAY SCULPTURES

        TOPIC - 'ALIVE IN CHRIST'

        MOBILE DAIRY INCURSION - FOOD & AGRICULTURE

        'Let your light shine. '

        Mrs Kate Jennings

        Year 8 Coordinator 

        YEAR 9 CHILD STUDIES

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        Kaylee, Sara, Sarah, Heidi

        Alex Sivonen:

        Year 9 child studies have been studying the topic of newborn care. In class we have been learning about newborn tests, the characteristics of a newborn, NICU, nappy changing, swaddling, bathing, SIDS and a newborn schedule. As part of our topic we have had the opportunity to take home our baby simulators where we take care of a baby for one night, which you may have seen around the school during the past two weeks.

        Eliza Squires:

        This allows everyone to have an overnight experience, taking on the responsibility to care for the needs of a newborn. Students have to problem solve to address the baby needs effectively. A diary is kept throughout the overnight experience to document each time the baby was upset and what care was required which included feeds, nappy changes, burps and giving it attention.

        YEAR 11 PDHPE RECREATION HIKE

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        Jorja:

        Tuesday 13th August, our year 11 PDHPE classes set out on a much-anticipated overnight hike to Pebbly beach. The journey turned into a humorous and memorable adventure, offering valuable lessons in preparation, endurance, and fun games. 

        The day began with a two-hour bus trip to Kioloa, buzzing with excitement. Once we arrived, we strapped on our packs and started the hike, with Mr Higgins trusting us to lead the way. Just ten minutes in, the irresistible smell from Merry Beach shops drew us to an early break. We stocked up on lollies, ice creams, and even hot chips—decisions we soon regretted as our now heavier packs and full stomachs began to weigh us down. Despite this, the stunning coastline and clear beaches with the sun shining down, helped carry us through the tough components of the walk. Our confidence and high hopes at our own abilities was then ruined as we watched Blake and Noah push past and race ahead of everyone in an attempt to find their own way to camp in half the time it took everyone else. This soon turned into a competition with Daniel and Nic hot behind them. The impromptu race, along with questionable music choices from Denzel Atkinson, kept us entertained until we finally reached our camp at Pebbly Beach after a 20km trek. The day filled with slippery rocks, that Ellul became a victim too - taking his pride and ankle down with him, steep inclines and tides quickly coming in came to an end as we were greeted by kangaroos and a proud Blake, Noah, Nic and Daniel. Eagerly we set up our campsites and finally rested our tired backs.

        Daniel: 

        After a solid effort from Blake, Noah and myself accompanied by national runner Nic McGill, we arrived at the destination 30 minutes before anyone else came into sight. The boys and I kicked back on the beach making friends with a Kangaroo after Noah shared some of his snacks. Soon the tarps were set; some better than others we decided to head down for some beach fishing and touch footy. An early land of a crab gave Noah and Blake hopes of catching more whilst an injured Mr E carried his side over the line in a game of touch footy. A lack of knowledge on the Trangias saw Chloe and her group off to a slow start but everyone shared resources to make sure we were all being refuelled. After dinner, Will entertained the group with a variety of songs strummed on his guitar. The focus of the evening then transitioned to the current ‘Just give me my money’ trend which resulted in Noah’s pride taking a large hit, this was short-lived as Mr Muvceski became the next victim to the popular trend. After playing a few games, attention turned back to the fishing and the boys were desperate to get onto something bigger, after no luck, the last cast drew another crab. At this moment Noah’s eyes lit up with excitement as ways to plot his revenge come flooding through his mind. Now inspired, Noah had to keep the crab comfortable for the next three hours in an aquarium he made out of the camp sink. Until the  time arrived with the crab getting flung under the tarp to sleep with Ellul for the remainder of the night, unknowingly until the next morning.

        Chloe:

        Day 2 began with a not-so-dry pack-up. Unfortunately, it rained all night, causing a little flood of rivers all around. However, that didn’t stop us as we picked up our wet packs and set walking for a 20-minute walk up an insanely steep hill, filled with reminiscence and laughter of last night's campfire joy. However, that wasn’t even the best part. The next 4 kilometres would call for a handy stick and a strong flick to remove the eager and determined blood-sucking leeches. Shout out to the ones that got in my shoes, but with a bit of hand sanitiser, they were squirming off of us. This hour-long trail was full of adventure; from climbing high to avoid the sharp cutting leaves to abseiling down a muddy drop with a tree root into a rocky stream. But no, it didn’t end there. With Mr Higgins’ great enthusiasm, we kept trailing on, eventually reaching a fire trail where we would snack up and prepare ourselves for the home stretch. The next 3-4 km were filled with determination and a strong mindset to push through the body aches. After some marshmallow consumption and motivational music, we reached the highway, seeing the bus awaiting our collapse. As we reached the bus, the sigh of relief echoed through the group as we sat down, comparing our horrible blisters and pain. 

        You may not think it, but all of it was worth it. I’d have to say something I took from this trip was the fact that I got to know myself, and many others, better. This hike allowed each and every one of us to push our limits and step out of our comfort zones, experiencing new and big things we never thought we would. This trip was one of a kind, and we couldn’t be more grateful to all who accompanied and supported us on the journey; Mr Higgins, Mr Ellul, Mrs Isemonger, Mr Bryce, and Mr Mufvcheski, and a special thank you to Mrs Frew and Mrs Fulop who awaited our arrival back to school with tim tams and hot choccies. Obviously, the trip would not have been the same without all the students, creating such bright memories. We can’t thank you all enough.

        YEAR 11 SPORT, LIFE AND RECREATION

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        INTRODUCTION

        Charlie Norman 

        “Year 11 Sport Lifestyle and Recreation classes visit a local gym to put into practice the resistance training programs they have learnt to plan and create. These are personal programs designed by the students themselves related to a specific fitness goal and the aim to develop healthy lifelong training habits."

        REFLECTIONS

        Max Royals 

        The fitness program I designed aimed to increase my upper body strength and size. I believe my program and gym visit effectively achieved this goal as well as being an overall enjoyable and insightful experience. 

        Charlie Norman 

        The fitness program I designed aimed to improve strength and balance in the ankle in AFL. My program has helped in my rehabilitation in returning to AFL and keeping it strong. For me the gym visits and goals have made it a great experience. 

        Sophia Leavesley 

        Going to the gym for SLR provided me with an opportunity to improve my personal fitness goal of improving muscular strength for my club soccer. During the gym visits, To make sure that I achieved my fitness goal, I completed a warm-up and cool-down of aerobic exercises after every workout. I completed a resistance training circuit, which included squats, lunges, leg presses, and more. To make sure that I achieved my fitness goal, I completed a warm-up and cool-down of aerobic exercises after every workout. 

        Thomas Squires 

        Going to the gym every fortnight for SLR has helped me improve my fitness goal of cardiovascular health. I warmed up every lesson by starting on the treadmill and then making my way to the weight room, where I performed an upper-body resistance training circuit. 

        YEAR 10 BUSHCRAFT CAMPING EXPEDITION

        The Year 10 Bushcraft students have been studying expedition planning. As part of this topic students completed a two night camping expedition to Batemans Bay to implement their planning & skills in a practical setting. The trip was a challenging one for students, undertaking difficult adventurous activities which provided excellent opportunities for growth. 

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        Mrs Rachel Frew
        PDHPE Coordinator

        AGRICULTURE FARM LUNCHTIME SEED PLANTING

        ?✨ What a fantastic lunchtime at St. Johns Agriculture Farm! On Wednesday 21 August, we hosted a fun seed planting event that brought together students, sunshine, and a whole lot of green thumbs! ??‍??‍? It was great to see everyone getting their hands dirty, learning about the planting process, and sharing smiles and laughter. We can’t wait to watch these seeds grow as we gear up for the exciting spring planting season! ?? A big thank you to everyone who joined us today! Let’s keep nurturing our love for agriculture and the environment! ??

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        VET STUDENT OF THE YEAR - FITNESS 2024

        On Thursday 29 August, staff and students from St Johns attended the annual CEDoW VET RTO Awards which were held at the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong office, in the Wollongong CBD. 

        With an extremely high calibre of nominations from more than 16 Diocese Secondary Schools, the competition was not only strong but also well deserved and admirable.

        After a comprehensive nomination process there was a video interview, followed by a review by the highly recognised and respected judging panel that included: Industry Professionals, the CEODoW RTO Manager, Leader of Learning, and Senior Professional Officer K-12. 

        Impressively St John the Evangelist Catholic High School was fortunate enough to come away with an outstanding result from one of our extremely hardworking and deserving  students who is currently studying Certificate III Fitness. 

        We would like to specifically acknowledge and congratulate Amber Dibben of Year 12 who was fortunate enough to walk away with VET Student of the Year- Certificate III Fitness, a truly amazing feat 

        We would like to also to take this time to also recognise and congratulate Jett Richardson of Year 12, for his outstanding efforts and success throughout the nomination process, walking away with a Certificate of Excellence- in Certificate II Construction

        Well done to all students and staff involved.

        AMBER DIBBEN - YEAR 12

        VET STUDENT OF THE YEAR - CERTIFICATE III FITNESS

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        JETT RICHARDSON - YEAR 12

        CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE IN CERTIFICATE II CONSTRUCTION

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        NAIDOC PERFORMANCE - NOWRA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

        On Friday 16th August the Gooroon Dancers performed at Nowra Christian Schools NAIDOC Assembly. We have a long standing friendship with them that started back when they celebrated their first flag raising ceremony many years ago, and our Garindja Dancers performed. The Assembly finished with everyone joining in singing Taba naba, one of our Girls Dances. They were very appreciative of our performance and engagement with them and their hospitality crew put on a great feed which included Indigenous ingredients.

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        ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER YEAR 12 STUDENTS MASS AND AWARDS PRESENTATION 2024

        On Tuesday 27 August we were honoured to be a part of the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mass and awards presentation for students across the Diocese. It was truly a beautiful and touching Mass. Bishop Brian spoke in a most genuine way to our students in his homily and led Mass with words and song in dharawal. We were extremely proud to have St John's students, Sophie and Braydon be a part of the Offertory. Our Year 11 choir sang beautifully in durga alongside Aunty Chris following Mass.
        Thank you Nick for driving the bus. And thank you Gooroon for being part of our students' education journey over the last six years.
        The occasion I feel marked a really significant day in recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students, their families, communities and alongside AEAs and Aboriginal staff in our Diocese.
        Aboriginal_and_Torres_Strait_Islander_Mass.jpg

        Ms Angelina Ramognini

        Gooroon Coordinator - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

        BOOK WEEK IS HERE !

        SJE are celebrating Book Week during Week 7 (September 2nd-6th)

        Come in and look at the wonderful Display of the Shortlisted books as well as the competitions you can enter.

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        CHALLENGES

        There are also some intriguing posters of Illusions to challenge you too!

        Can you see a man playing an instrument or a woman?  

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        Stare at the white dots and the other dots look black. Weird!!Figure_2_.png

        BOOK SWAP ACTIVITY

        Bring in any books from home that you have either read, grown out of or just don't want and swap them with other donated books. However many you bring in, you may choose the same amount you would like to swap.
        All books are accepted because you might be finding a book for your Grandad, yourself or your younger sibling.
        So now is the time to Spring Clean your bookshelves!
        Come and drop off your book swaps to the library anytime.
        Book_Week_2024.jpg
        Mrs Melanie Marshall-Brodie /Mrs Kathy Lawrence

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        WHAT IS LEGACY DAY IN AUSTRALIA

        What is Legacy Day in Australia?

        They give back to the families of those who gave so much to our country. 

        Legacy Week is a significant fundraising event for many Australians. The funds raised benefit over 100,000 war widows, 1900 children, and people with disabilities. It's also a time when we, as a nation, come together to remember and honour the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families. This act of remembrance is a powerful expression of our respect and appreciation.

        They give back to the families of those who gave so much to our country. 

        Our Nowra group supports 200 widows and 15 school-age children. 

        This year, Legacy Badge Week, a key part of our fundraising efforts, will be held across the Nowra region from 2 to 6 September.

        Year 7 Defence students will sell legacy-approved merchandise such as well-known bears, pen sets, and other items or accept gold coin donations from students who wish to contribute. 

        Year 7 Defence students will sell merchandise before school at the front entrance near A block on the 2nd,3rd and 5th of September and at the Student Foyer at lunchtime.

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        Year Seven students are ready to sell the Legacy merchandise on Monday morning.

        Year_7_Legacy.jpg

        KOOKABURRA KIDS

        Trained leaders deliver Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation’s clinically designed free programs to combine mental health education with fun!

        Their approach breaks down barriers to deliver more effective programs that foster connections, build resilience, and teach positive help-seeking behaviours and stress-coping strategies. 

        Through a partnership with the Australian Government Department of Veterans Affairs, the Defence Kids program is tailored to support the unique needs of young people from serving and ex-serving ADF Families. It offers camps, activity days, and online Connect sessions that bring peers together who are experiencing similar situations.  

        Upcoming activity days for the Shoalhaven region include: 

        Funland - Saturday, 27 August 2024

        What’s included:  

        Arcade Games, Ticket Games and Rides, Sling n Win,  Mental Health Education, Lunch 

        Dolphin Cruise - Saturday, 21 September 2024

        What’s included: 

        Dolphin watching, mental health education, snacks

        ADF CHILD MEDALLION EVENTS FOR SHOALHAVEN FAMILIES 

        The Defence Members Family Support website has released the dates for ADF Child Medallion events for Shoalhaven families in October and November.  

        For more information or questions, please contact DMFS Nowra at dmfs.nowra@defence.gov.au

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        YEAR 8 AND YEAR 9 TERM 3 DEFENCE PARTY 

        Years 8 and 9 students celebrated Term 3 at the Cafe on Monday, 19 August, for a Defence lunch.

        Also, Year 7 students who missed out on Monday, 12 August, were invited.

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        Lest_we_Forget.png

        Mrs Julie Lawrence

        Defence School Mentor

        STATIONARY ITEMS FOR SALE AT THE SCHOOL CANTEEN

        The following items are available to purchase at the St John's school canteen.

        Stationary.jpg

        CANTEEN MENU 

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        Canteen_Price_List_22_Sept_2023_2_.jpg

        CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS

        Our school canteen is run by a full time Supervisor and a part time assistant. They always need volunteers to help. At least two volunteers are needed every day to man the canteen. 

        TERM 3

        We are currently organising our canteen volunteer roster for Term 3, the canteen requires two helpers every day, if you are able to assist on one or more days that has spaces please contact the school office on 4423 1666 or email the school on info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au

        Alternatively fill in the form on the school website under canteen in the Parent Info section.

        BELOW IS THE CANTEEN ROSTER FOR TERM 3 2024

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        PREMIER TRANSPORT - TEMPORARY ROUTE AMENDMENT FROM

        MONDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 

        Dear Parents and Students

        Premier Transport Group have sent the school a Notification of Temporary Route Amendment due to road repairs on Rayleigh Drive commencing this coming Monday, 2 September. 

        Due to the extent of the work the road will be closed for approximately 4 weeks between Garden Walk and Robina Way.

        Nowra Coaches would like to advise the following school bus services will be affected:
        S401pm, S403pm, S405am / pm, S406am / pm,  S408am, S415am, 

        S422am / pm

        These school services will be required to follow the detour as mapped on the attachment. Students who regularly board or alight the bus service in the affected area will need to temporarily relocate to a stop that is being serviced.

        Regards

        St John's

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        WORKING BEE

        The P&F have a working bee coming up on Saturday 26 October, please mark it in your diary. All help is greatly appreciated and every student who participates will earn points for extracurricular activities. It’s a fun morning of helping out our school community by completing general school maintenance activities, where you get to meet other families and finish off with a Sausage Sizzle.

        NEXT P&F MEETING

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        We invite you to join our upcoming P&F Meeting on Monday, 4th November 2024, at 6:00 PM, which will be held at the school. We always welcome new participants and would be delighted to have you join us.
        If you are unable to attend but would still like to contribute, we encourage you to share your feedback and suggestions. Please email them to the P&F via the school's email at info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au. Your input will be forwarded to the committee for discussion at the next meeting.

        Mrs Vanessa Cladingbowl

        P&F Parent Liaison & Publicity Officer

        RECENT EVENTSMAARE23.jpg

        NOWRA TAFE OPEN DAY

        On Thursday, 22 August, students had an exciting opportunity to explore their future educational paths at the Nowra TAFE Open Day. The event kicked off with a comprehensive campus tour, allowing attendees to learn about the facilities and a wide range of courses available. 

        Participants received gift packs as they explored the campus, and many took advantage of the additional afternoon session focused on traineeships and apprenticeships. This session provided valuable insights into these practical learning pathways.

        Parents were also present, gaining a better understanding of how TAFE operates and the support available for students. Feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the importance of such events in making informed decisions about future education and career choices.

        Attending open days like this is crucial for students to explore their options, ask questions, and get a feel for the learning environment. We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to help shape their educational journey.

        TAFE_Open_Day.png

        UPCOMING EVENTS 

        Tourism Industry Guest Speaker - Monday, 2 September

        Lisa Brown from the Shoalhaven Council will be addressing students about the key role tourism plays in the Shoalhaven.

        To attend, students must complete the EOI posted on the Careers Google Classroom.

        Navy Aviation Prospect Scheme - NAPS NextStep

        Students participating in the NAPS program are reminded that NextStep will take place on Thursday, 12 September.

        CAREER ARTICLES

        Celebrating Indigenous Pioneers in Careers

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        It’s the perfect time to celebrate the achievements of Indigenous Australians in various careers. 

        Read More

        The Changing Nature Of Careers

        Careers look different to how they used to – once upon a time you picked uni, a trade, or a job, and that was pretty much it for the rest of your working life. Now, tradies get degrees in management, professionals take short courses to round out their qualifications, and around 39% of students work and study at the same time.

        Apprenticeships and traineeships are great because you generally don’t need a lot of skills or knowledge when you start, and you’ll get quality on-the-job training as well as classroom based training. Plus, you’ll be earning an income all along the way.

        Skilling Australia Foundation found in 2019 that VET graduates had:

        • Higher starting salaries – $56k vs $54k for uni grads
        • A higher rate of employment – 78% vs 68% for uni grads
        • Apprentices had a graduate employment rate of 92%

        What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and traineeship?

        The main difference is usually the industry – apprenticeships tend to be for more technical trades, while trainees might learn business skills or job-specific skills they need before they can be fully employed. Traineeships are also generally shorter than apprenticeships.

        Finding a traineeship or apprenticeship can be a great choice – here’s why:

        • You’ll enjoy satisfying and practical work, and in many trades you’ll avoid being stuck behind a desk.
        • Get paid while you learn, and start living in the ‘real world’ sooner.
        • You’ll probably have a job before you finish, and if you do move employers, you’ll have recognisable skills that make you more employable.
        • You generally don’t need great marks to get started.

        There are also usually a range of incentives for businesses to take on trainees and apprentices, which means more are available and there will be lots of support to make sure you finish your training.

        How do I get started?

        First, put together a resume (also known as a list of good stuff you’ve done). Include everything, and get it checked by someone who loves you (they’ll point out the good things you’ve missed) and someone who’s good with writing, like a teacher or family member

        Finally, start job searching. You need to go and find them. But it doesn’t have to be difficult – there are heaps of apprenticeships and traineeships in just about every area, including regional and remote places.

        Here’s how to search for an apprenticeship or traineeship

        Let people know you’re looking. Tell your teachers, friends, or parents (and their friends). Word of mouth is still a great way to get a job.

        Search job sites. Simply googling apprenticeships or traineeships in your area will give you a good start. You might also like to try searching popular job sites like SEEK or Indeed.

        Look at government websites. Most countries usually have a government website built especially for apprentices and trainees to look for opportunities, including support options and other handy info. Here are some government sites you might like to browse:

        Find out more

        So, if you’d like to earn a good wage, enjoy a secure and rewarding job, and earn while you learn, getting an apprenticeship or traineeship could be the right option for you. And we can guarantee it’ll be a whole lot more fun than spending your life on the couch.

        If you’d like more help, or any advice on finding an apprenticeship talk to Ms Arenas. Or you might like to read more resources on the website here.

        Make study fun: Exercising your body and brain - Study tips

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        Please read the article attached to learn more about the positive impact exercising can have on your brain and ability to focus and study.

        Link Here

        Strategies for Managing Mental Health

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        It’s essential to look after our physical and mental wellbeing in equal measures. As we approach the end of the HSC, it is important that you look after yourself. To learn some simple, helpful tips to manage your mental health, read the article attached.

        Read more

        Early Childhood Teacher Virtual Work Experience

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        Discover what it takes to work in early childhood education and embark on a fulfilling career journey with the Department of Education - Victoria & Year13 Virtual Work Experience. 

        Roles within Early Childhood Education Explore the diverse nature of this indemand and growing profession. Learn about the key roles of early childhood teachers and educators and understand the differences between them.

        Study and Training Pathways Understand the various study and training pathways to early childhood education careers. Eligible students who study and work in Victoria benefit from fee-free TAFE for approved VET courses and up to $25,000 of financial support for approved university courses. 

        Activities Interactive tasks deepen your understanding of the essential skills and responsibilities of early childhood teachers and educators, and help you recognise if a career in early childhood education could be for you

        Link Here

        SENIOR STUDENT UPDATES

        Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) Undergraduate Applications 2024-25

        Universities_Admissions_Centre_UAC_.png

        Students planning on applying to MOST universities in NSW and the ACT can apply through the UAC website

        Key information:

        • Applications will cost $80 before 30th of September and $215 after this date
        • It is recommended that you watch the videos on the link above and read the Steps to Uni for Year 11 and 12 Students UAC Guide (2025 version available soon) before applying

        • You will need your Unique Student Identifier, NESA student number and UAC PIN to apply. UAC PINS were emailed to students on your school email address on April 3, 2024. If you did not receive a UAC PIN, call UAC on 1300 275 822 or 9752 0200 from mobiles. SJE does not have access to your UAC PIN.

        • Students can select up to 5 courses.

        • Put your courses in order of preference i.e. the course you want to do most is your first preference.

        • You can also apply direct to some universities - increase your potential offers by selecting different courses for your UAC application and any direct applications universities that you make.

        • Once you’ve applied, you can change the order of your preferences - or even the courses you’ve selected as often as you like before the closing dates for each offer round, so don’t panic about your initial selections.

        After completing the UAC undergraduate application, you can apply for the Schools Recommendation and/or Education Access Schemes and Equity Scholarships:

        Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) ‘Early Entry’ - one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students. They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR. UAC applications for most SRS programs are open now and close on 16 September.

        Note: Not all universities offer SRS entry. Each institution will have specific SRS criteria details, including any exceptions. If you don’t receive an offer in your preferred course through the SRS scheme, you can apply again for this course in the normal offer rounds once the ATARs are released. 

        Education Access Scheme (EAS) for students whose education has been negatively affected for a period of at least six months as a result of circumstances beyond their control or choosing during Year 11 and/or Year 12 (or equivalent.

        Equity Scholarships are awarded to students from low socio-economic backgrounds

        Early Offer Schemes For Year 12 Students

        While the ATAR is still the main selection tool used by most universities, there are other ways for you to show that you’re ready to succeed at tertiary study.

        Many institutions have one or more early offer schemes for Year 12 students. Through these schemes, the institutions will assess you using criteria other than (or in addition to) your  ATAR. Always check the institution websites to make sure the courses you are applying for a covered by the schemes.

        Visit UAC for an overview of early offer schemes and key dates for specific programs.

        Please see Ms Arenas if you require any assistance with UAC applications.

        Key Dates:

        •       16 Sep - Schools Recommendation Scheme applications close (for Year 12 students)
        •       30 Sep - Early bird fee deadline – significant increase to application processing charge after this date
        •       21 Nov - Educational Access Scheme application and document deadline to have them considered in December Round 2
        •       18 Dec - 2024 NSW and ACT ATARs released on this website
        •       23 Dec - December Round 2 offers released – first offers made to Year 12 students based on ATARs

        https://www.uac.edu.au/media-centre/news/dreaming-of-uni

        UAC Schools Recommendation Scheme

        Applications Close 16 September

        The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) is one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students. They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR.

        Each institution has its own policy for determining SRS eligibility and making offers. For example, you may also have to submit an EAS application institution-defined dates, or attend a school in a particular region.

        SRS is not available for all courses. The institution-specific SRS criteria detail any exceptions.

        https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/schools-recommendation-schemes

        Have a back-up plan: Pathways to Uni

        UAC always recommends that, when you choose your course preferences, you include a 'back-up' course; that is, a course you are confident you'll be offered a place in and will be happy to study if you miss out on offers for your higher preferences. For example, you could include a diploma course in a similar area of study as your preferred degree course. You could then use your diploma studies as a stepping stone to the degree: you may even be able to move straight into second year. Pathways to uni.

        https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/pathways-to-university

        ATAR Myths Busted

        HSC students hear a lot of confusing messages about the ATAR, so UAC’s ATAR expert, Dr Helen Tam, has busted the top 5 myths.

        https://www.uac.edu.au/media-centre/news/atar-myths-busted

        Upcoming UAC Webinar - Year 12 to University:

        Upcoming deadlines and application strategies for success

        11 September

        Join us to learn the essential tips, tricks and critical deadlines for your UAC application for uni entry in 2025.

        Watch all UAC's live Webinars on the UAC Digital YouTube channel.

        https://www.uac.edu.au/schools/uac-digital

        UAC_Digital_Webinars.png
        • 11 Sept - Year 12 to Uni: Upcoming Deadlines and Application Strategies for Success
        • 16 Oct - From Obstacles to Opportunities: How the Educational Access Scheme Can Help You Enter Uni 
        • 30 Oct - Your Ultimate Guide to Boosting your UAC University Application and Taking Advantage of Early Offers 
        • 13 Nov - Unlocking Opportunities: Pathways to Uni 
        • 17 Dec - How to Review Your UAC Application Following Your ATAR Result 

        Link Here

        HSC Tutoring Session - Dymocks Tutoring

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        This is a great opportunity for you and your friends to go along in early October. Buffet lunch and afternoon tea included!

        English: Texts and Human Experiences & Craft of Writing

        Maths: Standard, Advanced and Extension

        Legal Studies - Crime and Human Rights

        Business Studies - Operations, Marketing, Finance and Human Resources

        You don't have to attend the whole day and you can select the session you wish to attend.

        Link Here

        Free Study Support can be accessed through Western University and Australian Catholic University. For information go to the Careers Google Classroom.

        4 October Expression of Interest Now Open The School of Project Management will be running their in-person Spring Camp on Friday, 4 October for students in Years 10-12. 

        This program offers an interactive opportunity for students to develop awareness of project management as a discipline, career pathways, the฀Bachelor of Project Management, and hear from industry professionals, academics, current students and alumni. Past programs have included site tours to Google, Atlassian and Western Sydney Airport.฀Expressions of interest for the University of Sydney Project Management Spring Camp฀are now open. 

        EOI here

        Charles Sturt Advantage - Early Offer

        Closing Sunday, 31 August

        For those students who want to ask any last minute questions, we have a final online information session on Wednesday 21st August or you can watch our most recent recorded session here.

        ACU - Early Offer Program

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        Applications for our early offer program, ACU Guarantee, are now open and will close on 16 September 2024.

        ACU Guarantee is designed to help Year 12 students secure a place at ACU before they sit their final exams.

        While successful applicants must still complete their exams, they can do so secure in the knowledge that their results from Year 11 meet our entry requirements. Students can also enhance their selection rank by including short personal statements that give ACU an insight into their personal circumstances and motivation for university study.

        Applications are free and we strongly encourage your students to apply. They have nothing to lose and many opportunities to gain.

        To support your students during their application process, our 2024 ACU Guarantee: early offer application process and student panel webinar is now available for on-demand viewing.

        At this webinar, current students share their application experience and what to consider when developing impact statements. Your students will learn how to apply, key dates and important information around offer rounds for our competitive courses.

        Meanwhile, there is still time for career advisors and teaching staff to register for our ACU entry and pathways (NSW/ACT/Qld) webinar on Wednesday 24 July, 12 –12.30pm. You’ll hear about the application process, new updates on our pathway and entry programs and important information around offer rounds for our competitive courses.

        University of Sydney - New Degrees 

        We are excited to advise that many of our new degrees are now available to view on our website and to select for 2025 entry in UAC 

        • Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts (4-years, full-time) 
        • Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science (4-years, full-time) 
        • Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Arts (4-years, full-time) 
        • Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Environmental Engineering) (4-years, full-time) 
        • Bachelor of International Studies (3-years, full-time) 
        • Bachelor of Languages (3-years, full-time) 
        • Bachelor of Media and Communications (3-years, full-time) 
        • Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (3-years, full-time) 
        • Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts (4-years, full-time)

        ADFA Trainee Officer

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        Our undergraduate programs are tailored to the educational needs of the Australian Defence Force. Officer cadets and midshipmen accepted into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) program undertake undergraduate degrees alongside their military education and training. They graduate with a bachelor's degree from one of Australia’s top universities, the University of New South Wales. Explore your study options across Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology and Science. Choose the degree that’s right for you. All our courses are designed to prepare you to begin a successful career in the Army, Navy or Air Force. 

        National Marine Studies Volunteers

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        On occasion, we may offer opportunities to the general public, to work with our trained professionals. To register as a volunteer of the University, please complete the SCU Volunteer Registration Form and email to: nmsc@scu.edu.au with a covering letter outlining your specific area of interest. We endeavour to

        respond to all received applications.  

        Further information write to or call National Marine Science Centre T:

        +61 2 6659 8100

        Code Your Career with CommBank and Year13!

        Commbank.pngSoftware Engineers or ‘developers’ are the architects of our digital age. They specialise in creating software solutions that innovate, automate, and simulate to power our interconnected world. 

        At CommBank, Software Engineers are the backbone, developing and maintaining crucial systems that ensure a seamless and secure experience for customers. They craft every aspect of the Bank's website and app and the complex systems behind-thescenes to protect customers’ money.

        Experience life as a Software Engineer with the Year13 X CommBank Virtual Work Experience. You’ll get to: 

        • Participate in real workplace activities. 
        • Learn about the daily work of Software Engineers from the CommBank team. Explore the intricacies of writing code, testing, and debugging. 
        • Gain insight into the ever-evolving world of tech. Understand Software Engineering study pathways. 

        Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate to add to your resume, but best of all, you’ll have a real sense of how your future could look and feel as a Software Engineer. 

        Discover the exciting possibilities in Software Engineering by visiting the Year13 X CommBank Virtual Work Experience!

        Link Here

        Western Sydney University, Free HSC support

        Students in their senior years can find a wealth of resources and information, including free HSC study sessions, on the Western Year 12 Student Info Hub. Made for senior high school students, this hub contains all the information you need to get started on your journey to university. Program information, upcoming events, how uni works – it’s all here in one convenient place. We’ve got you covered.

        Go to Link

        NEW! Tertiary Health Study subsidies

        The Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program will support 12,000 students from 2024. The subsidies incentivise students to enter the NSW Health workforce by reducing financial barriers to study.

        The payments can assist students with fees, technology, travel, or other associated personal costs.

        What subsidies are available?

        NSW Health offers two subsidies:

        1. $12,000 subsidy paid over three years to students commencing study, and intending to work for NSW Health upon completion.
        2. $8,000 one-off subsidy paid to students graduating study with employment in NSW Health.

        Each subsidy will see 2,000 students awarded annually for the next three years.

        Find out more:

        Health Subsidies Link

        Western University Webinars

        View and register for 2024 webinars. Watch our webinars covering a range of individual study areas.Want to know more about careers and degrees in the fields of most interest to you? Not sure what subjects to select for your senior years? Let us support you to make informed decisions and discover more about why you should study at Western. 

        Head to: Link or the Careers Classroom for more information

        SCHOLARSHIPS  - NOT TO BE MISSED!

        Australian_Veterans_Chn_Assistance_Trust_2_.png

        Sponsored scholarships are for the children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans. Long Tan Bursaries are for the children and grandchildren of Vietnam Veterans and are available in each state and territory. The Long Tan Bursary is funded by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

        AVCAT sponsored scholarships are funded by ex-service organisations and private donors.
        These scholarships are for children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans.

        All bursaries and sponsored scholarships are for tertiary education and are $4000-$6000 per year, for up to three years.

        Applications open August 18 and close October 31

        Link here

        Shoalhaven Education Fund 

        Tertiary institutions, apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships, TAFE, all qualify for this scholarship.

        Applications open: 1 July 2024

        Applications close: 11 October 2024

        Partnering with the community to achieve success.... The SEF provides grants to give young people a helping hand in making the transition to further education, training or their chosen vocation, a successful one.

        See Ms Arenas for more information.

        Link Here

        Western Sydney University Scholarships

        Western Sydney University Scholarships Western Sydney University offers $20 million in scholarships every year. This includes a generous range of University and donor-funded opportunities. Scholarships applications are now open. Please refer to the individual scholarship pages for eligibility criteria that may apply. Please continue to check these pages or contact our team on 02 9852 5501 and scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au, to find out the opportunities available for you.   
        For more information go to the JobJump Careers Newsletter

        UOW Country to Coast Scholarships

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        Early Admission offer holders who live in selected regional or remote regions of NSW (like yours!) will be eligible for a Country to Coast Scholarship worth $5,000 when they enrol in Autumn Session 2025.

        This scholarship is stackable which means that if you receive a Country to Coast Scholarship, you 

        may also be eligible for a UOW Equity Scholarship or the Australian Government Tertiary Access Payment (TAP).

        Go to the link below to learn more about 2025 Country to Coast Scholarships.

        Link Here

        University of Sydney - Scholarships at Sydney Webinar

        18 September

        At the University of Sydney, we offer over $135 million worth of scholarships every year. We’re dedicated to supporting you throughout your time at university and offer a variety of scholarships for domestic undergraduate students. To make the process easier and more accessible, we've created a centralised form where you can be considered for a scholarship through one simple application.

        Additionally, some of our scholarships require no application at all! In this webinar you will learn about the scholarships we offer, find out about your eligibility, get tips on writing a strong scholarship application and have your questions answered by our team.

        Register here

        Destination Australia Scholarships

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        Destination Australia Scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Government, and are designed to attract and support students who choose to live and study in regional communities. Each Scholarship provides $15,000\* per student per year of course enrolment to support costs for living and studying in regional Australia. Scholarships are provided for specific courses and locations only, as shown below, and require full time class attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week. 

        Link Here

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        The Wollongong Catholic Diocese is once again offering $20,000 to support Year 12 students seeking to pursue a career in teaching in 2025. The information session provided students with all the facts required to make informed decisions about their future careers in education.

        For further information and eligibility criteria see Ms Arenas or go to CEDoW website 

        www.dow.catholic.edu.au/employment/cedow-scholarships/

        TAFE

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        TAFE - I Am Finishing School This Year Info Page

        Whatever you're interested in, TAFE NSW has a pathway to get you there.

        With hundreds of courses to choose from, including degrees, we can help you find your passion.

        Find answers to questions like:

        •       When do enrolment periods close?
        •       What are the semester and term dates?
        •       Do you offer payment plans?
        •       What is a fee concession and exemption and who is eligible?
        •       Can I study a degree at TAFE?
        •       What course will get me into university?

        Link here

        Fee free apprenticeships are a great way for students to launch their careers

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        There’s never been a better time to start an apprenticeship in NSW. The NSW Government is paying the course cost for 100,000 new apprenticeships – meaning apprentices undertaking a government funded apprenticeship no longer face a student fee of up to $2000. Apprenticeships are a great career path-way. They combine on-the-job training with classroom study to give you the skills and experience employers are looking for. Apprenticeships generally take around 3-4 years to complete, and apprentices earn a salary while they learn. There are more than 120 different apprenticeship courses available in NSW, in a range of industries including construction, cooking, aviation and automotive.

        Link Here

        Supporting You Every Step of the Way with TAFE NSW

        Get the help you need to succeed

        The TAFE NSW Counselling and Career Development Service is free and confidential* and is designed to help you succeed in your studies at TAFE NSW, as well as in your chosen career.

        Prospective TAFE NSW students are able to access the service to assist with course choice decisions and career planning.

        Students enrolled with TAFE NSW are able to access a range of services to assist in career development and personal support.

        https://www.tafensw.edu.au/counselling-career-development-services

        I Am Finishing School This Year Info Page

        Whatever you're interested in, TAFE NSW has a pathway to get you there.

        With hundreds of courses to choose from, including degrees, we can help you find your passion.

        https://www.tafensw.edu.au/open-day/i-am-finishing-school-this-year

        TAFE NSW Degrees and Undergrad Certificates

        You don't need an ATAR to study a degree with TAFE NSW, but you will graduate with a qualification that will change your future.

        Study a Bachelor degree, post graduate or higher education qualification with TAFE NSW, and graduate with strong theoretical knowledge, practical experience and industry connections that will give you a head start on your career.

        https://www.tafensw.edu.au/degrees

        TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses help students build practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, and count toward school outcomes, with some courses contributing towards an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

        TAFE NSW TVET Guide 2024

        Take the quiz to see if you may be eligible to commence an application to the NSW Police Force. ‘Aquatic Rescue Sequence’ certification: Applicants are required to provide certification of successful completion of the Aquatic Rescue Sequence. First Aid certification: Applicants are required to supply certification of completion of an approved ‘Apply First Aid’ course with at least 12 months currency remaining on certification. Typing certificate. Applicants are required to supply a recognized certificate of typing proficiency equivalent or greater than 25 words per minute at 98 percent accuracy.

        APPRENTICESHIPS, TRAINEESHIPS AND CADETSHIPS

        ACFA Cabinet Making Apprenticeships

        ACFA is a Registered Training Organisation delivering MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making (RTO 90432). Their Workplace-Based Training Model brings a unique one-on-one experience plus the flexibility to be enrolled as a new apprentice all year round.

        Link here

        Pelican Pre-School -  Traineeship Vacancy

        If you are interested in child care and want to know more about this opportunity, contact Ms Arenas in the Careers office.

        Expression of Interest for Electrical Apprenticeships

        The apprenticeship lasts for a total of 4 years. For the first three years, you will be required to work four days on site to gather on-the-job experience, and one day undertaking technical studies. The fourth year will consist of only on-the-job training.

        Link here

        Job Hunting Tips

        Finding an Apprenticeship Searching and applying for an Australian Apprenticeship is very much like hunting for any job. An employer has to create a vacancy and decide to use Australian Apprenticeships as a way to employ and train their staff. The following steps will explain the process to get an Australian Apprenticeship from the preparation stage, to the time you begin your training

        Automotive Apprenticeships - Vacancies

        The automotive industry has changed substantially through the last decade to become a respected and financially secure career path. Any student that enjoys problem solving and working with their hands will thrive in automotive and has the opportunity to be a part of transformative change we haven't seen since vehicles replaced the horse and cart.

        Link here

        Do you aspire to be a builder?

        Register your interest for the course starting 27 November Want to be a carpenter? This is your best first step. Master Builders will help prepare you to become the best 1st-year carpentry apprentice.  This 3-week entry level training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship.

        Pre-apprenticeship Builder

        Do you aspire to become a brickie?

        Offer you the opportunity to study and earn an income while undertaking a qualification. It gives you the chance to learn new skills while getting paid. It can be done full-time or while you are at school through a School Based Apprenticeship. You can use your qualification to work anywhere in Australia and around the world. 

        Brickies Apprenticeships

        Transport for NSW Apprenticeships and Traineeships

        Transport for NSW currently have a number of Apprenticeship and Traineeships open for 2024 in both metro and regional areas. Currently on offer are:

        •       Business Traineeships
        •       Bridge Construction Apprenticeship
        •       Heavy Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship
        •       Project Management Traineeships
        •       Electrical Apprenticeship
        •       Civil Construction Apprenticeship
        •       Painting and Blasting Traineeship

        A number of trainee roles are also available

        https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/go/Train-Crew-and-Customer-Service-Jobs/7831310/

        Handy link for a range of job opportunities: Jobs Transport NSW

        JOB VACANCIES !

        Junior Casual Position – Shoalhaven Zoo

        (Front Desk/Café/Souvenir Shop)

        Shoalhaven Zoo are looking for someone aged from minimum working age up to

        Year 10 with a bright and bubbly personality that has confidence in speaking with

        customers. It is definitely a multi-tasking job, that during school holidays becomes

        very busy and fast paced. The applicants would need to be available to work

        weekends and during the school holidays. If you think this is you, please email

        your cover letter and resume to:

        corinne@shoalhavenzoo.com.au

        Please see Ms Arenas if you need help with the application.

        McDonald’s are hiring!

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        Year 8-11 students (14 years of age and over)

        The opportunity is for all 3 restaurants, South Nowra, Bomaderry and Nowra Central depending on where you want to work.  Type Maccas Jobs or you can also apply at: 

        careers.mcdonalds.com/australia.

        Surah Korean BBQ, Nowra

        Work position: Floor staff and/or Kitchen hand

        Work days:

        Wednesday to Sunday from 4:30pm or 5pm (End of shift time depends on how busy it gets. Usually between 7:30pm and 9:30pm) 

        Contact details: 0413722627

        Address: 1/4 Nowra lane, Nowra (Near Nowra Mall/Coles)

        Can send resume through email: koreanbbqsurah@gmail.com

        or drop it off at the shop

        Council Jobs!

        Local Government NSW offers hundreds of jobs and diverse career paths. Across professional, administrative, trade and outdoor roles. Learn more about the type of work, qualifications required and the jobs available now in over 100 councils across NSW & others interstate

        https://www.careersatcouncil.com.au/

        Woolworths 

        At Woolworths Group, we create better experiences together for a better tomorrow. Our diverse group of retail businesses are some of Australia's most recognised and trusted brands, and our team are at the heart of everything we do.

        Apply here

        Ms Marcia Arenas
        Careers Coordinator

        SPOTLIGHT 2024: ARTIFICIAL  INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION - STUDENT COMPETITION

        We are excited to announce the 2024 Spotlight Student Competition, open to all CEDoW students! This year's theme is "Artificial Intelligence in Education," and we invite students to create a digital product showcasing their creativity and understanding of AI.

        Participants are asked to design our 2024 Spotlight on AI in Education logo. If you choose to use AI tools, please specify which tool you used. Entries will be judged on their catchiness, engagement, clarity of message, and adherence to copyright rules.

        Outstanding entries will not only win exciting prizes but also have the chance to be featured in Spotlight 2024 marketing materials.

        Get creating and enter now!

        Visit https://spotlight24.dow.catholic.edu.au/competitions for more details.

        Let's see your innovative ideas come to life!

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        ALBATROSS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY YOUTH PRODUCTION OF

        'THE WIZARD OF OZ'
        SHOALHAVEN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
        OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - THURSDAY 3 - SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER
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         GIRLS ONLY TENNIS DAYS
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