Sometimes something really special happens at St Johns, on Friday 7 June we had one of those times with the most wonderful Foundation day. The deep spiritual experience of our Foundation day mass began in the days before with students collecting water from the rivers and oceans all around the Shoalhaven and bringing it together on the altar, symbolising the congregating of our community on this very special occasion of gathering on the feast of Pentecost. The music, international prayers and inspiring homily by Fr Pat were some of the highlights.

The Foundation day Fair was sheer joy of community involvement. From the intensity of putt-putt golf to the bravery of the captains who put themselves out there to be  the target of a drenching, they all had a wonderful time but most of all it was heart-warming to see the PALS groups working together with their teachers to do something for others.

Then there was the showcase, thanks Mr Eirth. The dancers told a sad story of a refugee and brought a tear to our eyes. There were many students who shared their talents from music to comedy and card tricks. Year 12 surprised us with a group act and even the teachers performed.

ACADEMIC CARE FACILITATORS

Our learning goal at St John’s is to ensure that all students are learning to a high level. Our teachers set clear learning intentions for each lesson and differentiate the learning to ensure that all students are challenged at their own level. We have many targeted interventions such as MACLIT which assists students with their literacy.

This year we introduced a new initiative that is proving to be very successful for targeted students. We have appointed three teachers who work as Academic Care Facilitators to mentor students to maximise the effectiveness of their learning. The program targets about eight students from stage 4, 5 and 6 who have been identified from data as students who are achieving but have the potential to improve their learning outcomes. The mentors meet with them regularly for eight weeks helping them to identify the talents and areas for improvement and collaboratively to develop their skills as a learner. Teachers also meet to discuss each of these students and how they may be supported in improving their learning outcomes.

By the end of the year the program will have provided one-on-one intervention and support for around 100 students. The Academic Care Facilitators are Mr Watson (stage 4), Mrs Frew (stage 5) and Mrs Isemonger (stage 6)

Mrs. Sandra Hogan

Principal

STUDENT PASTORAL SUPPORTS

Dear Parents and Carers,

In trying times, I believe it is important to remind our school community of the various pastoral supports we offer here at SJE and in our wider Shoalhaven Community. I have outlined these below and encourage parents and carers to contact the school and speak to their son/daughter or person in their care’s Year Coordinator.

PALS:

The Pastoral and Learning Support Teacher is the first person your son/daughter or person in your care will see every morning. We try to make our junior PALS groups smaller in order to create an optimal environment for connection between staff and students. We do this in the hope that, if there is ever a need, they can reach out to their PALS teacher who can then begin the process of appropriate support. While it is not always the case, we try our best to maintain the same PALS teacher and student group from years 7-12 in order to avoid students needing to re-tell their stories each year.

YEAR COORDINATOR:

SJE is blessed with some amazing Year Coordinators who give their absolute all in the support of our young people. If there is ever a pastoral need that you believe extends beyond the PALS teacher, the Year Coordinator should be your first contact. Again, the Year Coordinators move with the students through their years to develop a close connection with them and their stories. Year Coordinators are also able to support in making counsellor referrals for our students in order to connect them with our Catholic Care Counsellors who do a great job in helping our students develop wellbeing strategies in the home and school environments.

CATHOLIC CARE COUNSELLORS:

As mentioned above, our Catholic Care Counsellors, Nina and Craig do an amazing job in working with our students in developing those individualised strategies to manage any stresses that may come their way in both the home and school environment. If we are able to understand what the cause of the concern is, we are able to work with the student, the counsellors and families in order to develop some fantastic proactive strategies aimed at building resilience but also confidence in being able to work toward a holistic management.

Again, if there are any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your son/daughter or person in your care’s PALS teacher, Year Coordinator or myself via the school number. I have also attached a range of fantastic external supports that can be accessed in the Shoalhaven as well as some additional e-services.

ACF SUPPORTS:

One of the exciting initiatives that has been in operation this year and working side-by-side with our Year Coordinators, Subject Coordinators and classroom teachers are our Academic Care Facilitators (ACF). Our ACFs work closely with staff to identify those students who may not be reaching their full potential. They work collaboratively with students to explore a range of areas from pastoral to learning styles to ensure that key, individualised, strategies are developed and communicated to teachers in order to assist them in growing as learners. The ACFs identified below:

Mr Watson - Years 7 and 8

Mrs Frew - Years 9 and 10

Mrs Isemonger - Years 11 and 12.

APPLICATION AWARDS FOR REPORTS

With Semester 1 reports just around the corner, I wanted to communicate one key change in our reporting and awards process. In previous years, the Application Award has been awarded to those students who have applied themselves consistently across their subjects, however, this year we have moved toward a more value and growth based reporting focusing on a student Achieving, Developing or Needs Improving in their specific profiles. As such, the Application Award will move from a semester award to an annual award and will look at celebrating those students who have sustained efforts in achieving their profiles or affirm and celebrate those students who have grown in their ability to successfully achieve their profiles from Semester 1.

If there are any questions with regard to this, please do not hesitate to call the school and talk to myself.

Pastoral Care Coordinator

Mr James Eirth.

SUBJECT SELECTION

YEAR 10

An electronic copy of the subject selection booklet has been emailed to all students and families and is available on the school website. This electronic version has been updated to include Dance. All Yr 10 students are asked to bring their green forms to their interview which will occur in the coming weeks. After the interview students can then enter their choices on EDVAL. A reminder that it is very important to put your choices in order of preference. Direct any questions to the relevant KLA coordinator or come and see Mrs Murphy in the curriculum office.

REMEMBER

Balancing interest, challenge and realism gives the best chance of positive outcomes within school and beyond.

Choosing Wisely, Choosing Well

Advising Year 10 students on their choice of HSC Programs of Study

(Professor George Cooney & Dr John DeCourcy September 2016)

YEAR 8

Year 8 students must enter their choices for their electives before the end of the term. An electronic version of the subject selection booklet will be emailed to families. It is also available on the school website. It is important that students return the signed confirmation sheet to their PALS teacher by Friday 5 July.

NUMERACY

Would you consider yourself a ‘numerate’ person?

What are some everyday activities that you and your family engage in where mathematics is useful and/or necessary?

Click here to view 'How Big is a Trillion American Dollars?

OOAAA WINNERS

Year 7 - Samia Mouawad

Year 8 - Kiana Bowling

Year 9 - Matthew Taufa

Year 10 - Grace Smith

Year 11 - Jonathon Staunton

Year 12 - Amber Palmer

Click here to view the OOAAA Nominations

Click here to view the Maths Pathways- 200Plus Club Nominees

Ms. Lisa Murphy

Curriculum Coordinator

YEAR 12 EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Year 12 Earth and Environmental science students attended the Nowra Waste Management Centre and visited Shoalhaven City Council to have a lecture from Shoalhaven Recycling. This excursion was one of four that will form part of their depth study titled "Environmental issues facing the Shoalhaven".

NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS

NAIDOC Week is based around celebrating our First Nations people as well as bringing into focus important topics surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme chosen for this year by the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) is “Voice, Treaty and Truth”. NAIDOC Week commences on Sunday 7 July and concludes on Sunday 14 July.

At St John’s we will be marking this important time with a special assembly on Monday 1st July.

SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY NAIDOC FAMILY FUN DAY

 Shoalhaven NAIDOC Committee-Image supplied by South Coast Register.

Whilst NAIDOC week officially commences Sunday 7 July, the hard-working Shoalhaven NAIDOC Committee  have been coordinating a massive family fun day celebration for the local community to be held at Nowra Showground on Wednesday, July 10.

Please click here for further details of this event.

It is a MANDATORY requirement regardless of how you pay your fees that every family completes the Diocesan School Fee Agreement.

Your child can come into the office and pick up the form or you can go onto the school's website under 'Parent Information-School Fees' to find the Diocesan School Fee Agreement.

Thank you. 

ST JOHN’S SCHOOL PLAY: TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Students have been busy rehearsing for our upcoming School Production of Daniel Evans’ play ‘Spontaneous Human Combustion’ with the first show to commence on Sunday 21 July, 2019.

The production is a not-to-be-missed display of St John's outstanding performers delivering Daniel Evans' script about defiance and resilience.

“You will remember the name”
The play celebrates human spirit, exploring how we cope and change when faced with life’s challenges, learning from not just our experiences but from those who have gone before us.

Tickets are now available for purchase from our school office or by clicking the link below.

Click here to purchase tickets

 

2019 CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS CAMP

Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 were recently given the opportunity to participate in St John’s annual CAPA Camp here at the school. Last Friday morning the students took part in a series of rotating workshops on each of the Creative Art subjects - Music, Visual Arts and Drama that allowed them to explore the various skills and techniques that each subject offers.

After lunch students then participated in one specialist workshop which involved creating a variety of performances and artworks in collaboration with other students. We had invited a number of ex-students back to be tutors in the workshops and we were thrilled to have Tom Page, a practising artist, Alexis Weaver, a composer and performer and currently studying a Masters of Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Eleanor Petricevic, studying a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts at AIM and Hayley Millsom, studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Drama all working with the students.

In addition we had ten Year 11 students who gave up their time to assist our tutors and staff in the development of the works. The students continued creating and making their works on the Saturday with guidance from the Creative Arts teachers, the tutors and the Year 11 students. All of the work the students were devising was based on the CAPA Camp theme of Social Justice. The Visual Arts students explored the issue of bees disappearing from our world and the catastrophic effect this will have on our plants and crops and the impact on all communities but especially those who experience poverty and created sculptures, etchings and paintings.

The music students learnt several songs and wrote their own lyrics to ‘From Little Things Big Things grow’ that explored issues including bullying and homelessness.

 

Drama students devised and performed a number of small group performances that also examined our attitudes towards bullying, homelessness, identity, social media and consumerism. It was an exciting and vibrant two days of creativity, collaboration, communication and reflection. It enabled students to explore issues that affect them and their world and to share with others ideas on solutions and ways of dealing and coping with issues that are at times quite confronting. It culminated in a performance of the pieces created by the music and drama students and an exhibition of the artworks created by the Visual Art students which parents attended.

I would like to thank all of the students who participated in the camp for their commitment, courage, enthusiasm, collaboration and willingness to engage deeply with the learning opportunities they were given. Thanks to the tutors and Year 11 students who were so wonderful in the running of the workshop activities. My heartfelt gratitude also to the Creative Arts Staff - Ms Castles, Ms Lambert, Ms Sams, Mr Christie, Mr Malady and Ms Baker for the many hours of preparation that went into the development of all the camp activities and for giving up a Friday and Saturday to run the camp.

CREATING CORAL

Visual Arts students have enjoyed creating coral during lessons this week.

Mr Mark Burian

CAPA Coordinator

On Monday 4 June, Year 7 and their Year 10 Peer Support Leaders got together for several group activities. 

One activity was a pop quiz about St. John's in Kahoot format, using their laptops, with each winning student receiving a small prize. An example of the questions included 'What are the House values of Polding House?' (Compassion) and we are happy to say that overall, Year 7 did very well at this quiz, with their Year 10 Peer support leaders playing along and offering tips.

The next activity involved Year 10 students sitting in a circle and passing a coloured ball of wool around the circle. The wool was in their respective house colour and as it was passed, each year 7 student had to say something they knew about a person in their PALS group that they didn't know at the start of the year. By the time the wool was passed to all students, an intricate 'web' was created - symbolising that the students are all connected in their PALS group, their Year group and as a part of St. John's.  

The session was well received with both Year 7 and Year 10 saying they had 'loads of fun' and enjoyed catching up with each other.

Thanks to Miss Lloyd and Mrs Kitson who helped facilitate the session.

Ms Kathy Woodall

Peer Support Coordinator 

St. Vinnies Winter Appeal

Please donate generously to the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal to help those in need this Winter.

Ms Vanessa Kidson
Social Justice Coordinator 

Click here to view the Canteen Menu

Click here to view the Canteen Volunteer Roster

Positions vacant

Horticulture Traineeship - Shoalhaven City Council

To find out more or apply for the position visit the HVTC Vacancies page

Flinders University

uniTEST is an aptitude test that has been developed to assess the kinds of generic reasoning and thinking skills that underpin studies at higher education and that are needed for students to be successful at this level. uniTEST is offered to students at no cost and they cannot be disadvantaged by participating. Flinders University will select applicants based on both their Year 12 results (60% weighting toward the Selection Rank) and uniTEST performance (40%).

Please see the uniTEST FAQs (Flinders.edu.au) for additional information.

Defence Work Experience

Defence Work Experience at HMAS Albatross Sep 30 – Oct 02, this is advertised via their website and you apply on the website. Click here for details.

REP SPORT NOTICES

Google form nominations for Netball (Girls), Hockey (Opens) and Volleyball (Opens) have now closed. Trials and trainings will take place in the coming weeks. A reminder that students continue to check the Rep Sport Google Classroom page, and listen to the morning notices for any updates about all things to do with representative sport.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Aroha Spillane of Year 11 who has been recently excelling in Rugby. Aroha has been selected in the following teams and squads: NSW Country 15-a-side Rugby, Australian Academy Rugby Sevens, Squad AON Womens' 7 Squad and City State Championships. Well done Aroha! Our school community looks forward to continue watching and supporting your sporting achievements.

Well done to Zoe Anderson, Taniesha Angelkovski, Casey Johnson and Jasmine Tan who, whilst representing Wollongong Diocese, earned a Silver medal at the CCC Football Championships going down in a penalty shoot out last week in Sydney. An outstanding achievement girls!  Well done also to Rocky Lavalle who was Captain of the Wollongong Boys side, and Lachlan Bryce who was also a member of the team.

Congratulations to Lily Tomlinson, Baylee Holland and Freya Robinson-Mills who all ran exceptionally well last week at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships at Eastern Creek. All in the same age group, all three girls have progressed to the NSWCCC team. Overall Lily placed 3rd, Baylee placed 8th and Freya placed 10th. What an outstanding achievement, well done girls!

NSWCCC TENNIS

On Monday 3 June, our Open Boys Tennis Team competed at the NSWCCC Tennis Championships in Bathurst. The team comprised of Jiah King (Year 11), Patrick Muller (Year 10), Sean Donald(Year 10) and Christian Muller (Year 7).

In the 1st round St John's played St Edward's College, Gosford. It was a close hard fought match. St John's won this 5 sets 34 games to 3 sets 26 games.  

Next was the Semi finals against Clancy Catholic College from West Hoxton. This was a tough match. Pat and Christian managed to win their singles but Clancy Catholic College were too strong.  

In the playoff for 3 and 4th position the boys played St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour.  This was an extremely close match. There was one game difference. Unfortunately the boys lost 5 sets 39 game to 3 sets 38 games.  

It was a great day for all the boys. It was the first major tournament that Sean has played in.  It was tough for him but he did himself proud . All the boys should be proud of their efforts.

Thank you for the opportunity to be their Manager. The school should be very proud of them.  Their behaviour both on and off the court was exceptional and they were a pleasure to be around on a very cold day in Bathurst.

Ms Karen Muller
Team Manager

OPEN GIRLS FOOTBALL- NSWCCC KNOCKOUT

On 12 June, our Open Girls Football team travelled to Towradgi to play in the 2019 NSWCCC Knockout Competition. Our first match was against the highly rated Holy Spirit, who were the reigning gala day champions. It was a very tough match, with our girls snatching an early goal through a fortuitous deflection from a Holy Spirit defender. Holy Spirit hit straight back with an excellent free kick finding the back of the net. It wasn't until the last few minutes of the match, a clinical display of passing and teamwork put Taniesha Angelkovski through the defensive line for a left foot strike into the top corner, winning the match 2 goals to 1.

Our next match was against St Mary's. Our defence was solid, our midfield was dominant and our forwards were easily finding free space, but that elusive goal continued to avoid us. The match ended nil all. 10 extra minutes of golden point were again not enough for either team to break the deadlock. Inevitably penalty shootouts ensued. We missed early, opening the door for an upset win for St Mary's, only for Olivia Ritchie pulling off two great saves to take out the match!

I would like to thank all the girls for their great attitudes and commitment to the team.

Mr Joshua Watson

YEAR 7 AND 8 GIRLS CRICKET

On Wednesday 12 June St John’s had two sides compete at the Sydney Thunder Girls Cricket Cup. For some of the girls this was their first time representing St John’s in a sporting team. The girls conducted themselves with excellent sportsmanship and great attitudes, ready for a day of fun and improvement. All players improved remarkably on the day, with a number recovering sixers and fours! A Special mention to our high scoring batters by the end of the day Nakita Boatswain, Taiha Marsh-Dawson and Emma Sivonen. Kirralee Gray showed great determination and consistency in her bowling skills. Phoebe Syzmoniczek proved excellent commitment in the field. Elly Simms and Keely Longbottom were all class with their multiple catches on the day. Keely also won the catching competition ran during our lunch break!

Overall we had a successful day, both teams having very narrow losses to NAC and Nowra High. We played each other in the final game for 3rd position. Both the Yellow and Blue sides each won a match on the day.

Miss Kate Davis

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS

Whilst success demonstrated at school is often acknowledged, there are many students earning wonderful achievements in various activities, sports and performing arts outside of school.

We love to hear about all student achievements and ask that details be sent to our school so we can celebrate hard work and success!

Please forward to sjenewsletter@dow.catholic.edu.au.

SHOALHAVEN EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS

Recently St. John's were well represented at the Annual Shoalhaven Eisteddfod, achieving great results in the dance and music ensembles. We have been informed of the following success by Olivia and Tom Hodgkins, entered in the speech and drama sections.

Tom received two first places in the bible passage reading and impromptu reading sections, and joined sister Olivia to win the telephone conversation (an impromptu conversation with a prompt).

Olivia also placed second in the verse speaking and first in prose reading and public speaking. With the competition requiring speakers to prepare and deliver a speech on the topic ‘Where to From Here?'.

Olivia's outstanding performances were further recognised in receiving the Nowra Players Theatre senior drama award - for the most promising performer in Speech and Drama.

Congratulations to Olivia, Tom and our wonderful St John's performers!

SOPHIE CONTINUES TO EXCEL IN AFL

Congratulations to Year 12 student Sophie Phillips on selection in the Eastern Allies AFL team!

YEAR 8 STUDENT SIENNA CLARKE LEADS THE OPENS

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

STARS OF THE EISTEDDFOD CONCERT

Several St John's students have been involved in the Stars of the Eisteddfod performance. Click below for Concert details, to be held at 2.00pm on Saturday 22 June, 2019 at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.