The excitement of the first days of school and the fulfilment of the last days, this week has seen them both.

The joy of ‘High School for a Day’ for our 2020 Year 7 students was so evident as they moved through the experiences teachers had planned for them. In fact the teachers also were so excited to meet our new students, get to know them and share their learning.

A teacher sent the following email; 

 

 

Our Year 12 students are preparing to move from St John’s to the many paths that life will take them. They shared in their final Reflection Day this week and it was such a joyous event. Even more so than those first days at high school. The excitement of ‘firsts’ is replaced with the ‘contentment of achievements’. They can celebrate so many shared experiences and the many challenges they have faced together.

High school is a journey from first days, to last. Each young person brings to our school community their own story and we are so much richer for our shared experiences.

WELCOME TO OUR 2020 INCOMING YEAR 7 STUDENTS

It was fabulous to see so many smiling faces at our Yr 7 2020 'Taste of High School' event on Monday 19 August.

Students enjoyed catapulting marshamallows in the science faculty,

collaborating to build towers in the TAS STEM challenge,

Maths polyhedron construction challenges,

performing African polyrhythms in music,

PDHPE games of practical noughts and crosses,

geography compass point challenges

and a delicious BBQ lunch!

I wish to thank our wonderful staff, SRC students, parents, volunteers and incoming Year 7 students for contributing the success of the day! 

It is greatly appreciated to have such a wonderful community of parents, carers, grandparents and volunteers helping with our school events. I'd like to extend my thank you to our P & F Parent Liaison and Pubicity Officer Mrs Jacinta Davis and the four wonderful parents who assisted with our Year 7 immunisations this week.

Mrs. Sandra Hogan

Principal

HIGH SCHOOL FOR A DAY 

On Monday 19 August we were very fortunate to welcome and meet our 2020 Year 7 students to High School for a day.  It was so lovely to see all those smiling faces and we can’t wait to have them join us next year here at St John's.  I would just like to give a big thank you shout out to our wonderful parents who came and helped with preparing and cooking the BBQ. 

IMMUNISATION VOLUNTEERS 

Today Friday 30 August was our Year 7 3rd Vaccination clinic (& Yr 8/10 catch-up vaccinations).

Again I would like to thank our wonderful parent volunteers that were able to come in and assist.  

WORKING BEE

Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 9 November, 2019.

Starting @ 8:30am with a sausage sizzle on completion.  Please come along and lend a hand! We would love to see you all there.

NEXT GENERAL MEETING 

The next P&F meeting will be held on Monday 4 November at 6:00pm in the staff room, all are welcome to attend.  This is the ideal opportunity to meet other parents & carers and have a say in our school community.

IMPORTANT SKOOLBAG APP UPDATE
The SkoolBag App is the most reliable way to stay up to date with school life. A new version of the Skoolbag App was released during 2018, with both the new and original versions being available.

PLEASE NOTE, THE ORIGINAL SKOOLBAG APP WAS REMOVED ON 1 AUGUST, 2019.

To ensure you continue to receive important notifications, please click here to download the latest version of Skoolbag.

The app is frequently updated with bug fixes and improvements, so we recommend enabling automatic updates. Be sure to allow notifications and subscribe to content groups.

Year 9 has been super busy. This edition I decided to let the students fill you in on all our news.

NAIDOC WEEK by Millie Thulin

On Monday 12 August, the boys and girls Aboriginal Dance Troupes went out to Orient Point Preschool to perform our dances.

Abbey Teall, George Broome, Tobey Hooke, Will Osgood and myself (other students from other years) had a great time performing for the little preschoolers.

We also had a great time watching the preschoolers singing and dancing a short while.

After all the dances were performed we went off into small groups so the little boys could work with the older boys and little girls with the older girls.

Once in our groups we taught the preschoolers traditional dances. I taught my little buddy Katie the ‘Emu and the Pippi’ dance. 

We then shared time together with a BBQ for all.  When we had finished our food it was time to cut the cake. Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to our new little friends. I’m sure they enjoyed the day almost as much as we did!            

ATHLETICS by Jade Poulton

Last Friday 16 August, 72 keen students travelled up to Campbelltown Athletics Stadium for the Diocesan Athletics Carnival.  

After an early start to the morning, we arrived at the stadium ready to compete in our track and field events.

Some students only had one or two events to compete in, and if you were lucky you could relax for the rest of the day and watch others compete.

Other students qualified for a lot of events and they were busy all day! 

My favourite event to watch were the relays, there was a great atmosphere of encouragement when everyone was racing, not only in the relays. It was great to see the amount of support we all have for each other in our events. 

Overall the day was a really good experience, with St John’s coming 3rd out of 14 schools.

Anthony De Bruyn broke 3 records in the AWD 100m male open (14.75), the AWD mixed open long jump (3.39m) and the AWD 200m male open (30.26), and Will Maher broke the AWD shot put mixed record (7.05).

11 students qualified for CCC and Hannah Brian, Lachlan Kaszonyi and Tsar Mandavy all won their Age Champion.

A big thank you goes out to Mr Lopez, Mrs Prayetno and Mr Watson that supervised and organised us on the day! 

DRAMA EXCURSION by Madeline Speer

Last week, students from Year 9,10 and 11 travelled to the Roslyn Packer in Walsh Bay Sydney theatre to immerse ourselves in ‘The Lord of the Flies’ production, produced by the Sydney Theatre Company.

This was a truly inspirational experience with dramatic lighting designs, tremendous acting skills and innovative ways of using minimal set.

In this production, the lighting design was one of a kind and never seen before.  They used a bar or pole like lights strung from the ceiling and elevated to a series of heights throughout the production to show a change of sets, scenes, mood and weather.  The actors were also very emotive and truly placed themselves in these characters and it showed in their amazing performance. 

Thank you to Mr Burian for all his support in giving us new ways to experience drama in all it’s forms.

YEAR 9 Wellbeing Programme

Last Friday Year 9 had a wonderful day being fully involved in their annual Wellbeing Day. This day was a combined approach between the PDHPE staff and our PASTORAL team.

In PDHPE this term students are working on a project based learning task around the content of mental health. The driving question for the unit is, "How can I keep my mental health at its best and support the mental health of others?”

Students are working in groups of 5 to produce a product that addresses the driving question.

The Wellbeing day was a research gathering day for their PBL task, as well as covering (YAM) Youth Aware of Mental Health content.

Mr Eirth and Mrs Frawley were also involved in the day to support the PE staff and the wonderful work they do to promote health and wellness in our everyday lives. The students appreciated the day and were very involved in the activities and respectful of the issues and content as it was presented. This is a very worthwhile project.

YEAR 9 MUSIC

Year 9 Music enjoyed performing hits from 'The Beatles' and voting for their favourite act. 'Come Together' was selected as most popular to receive the gold medal!

Mrs. Maggie Frawley

Year 9 Coordinator 2019

REMINDER ABOUT PASSPORTS 

I encourage students to continue to record all extra and co- curricular activities in their Passports.  Any questions regarding the Passport process please see Mr Simon Vaughan as soon as possible.

NURSING HOME VISITS

An important component of our rewards system at St John’s is recognising extra -curricular activities.  This is done via the above mentioned passport process and also by the merit system. 

As stated to Year 10 on assemblies, students are offered the valuable opportunity to connect with their local community and take part in the school coordinated nursing home visits at the Jonathan Rogers Nursing Home in Nowra. 

Volunteering for this service qualifies students for Award certificates providing they have either above 20 (Silver Award) or 30 merits (Gold Award).  These visits take part over Semester 2. I encourage all Year 10 students to take part in this valuable opportunity. Permission notes are available in the student foyer. 

SUBJECT SELECTIONS

Students subject choices are currently being reviewed by the Curriculum office and Year Coordinator.  Please contact the curriculum office with any questions related to subject choices.

UPCOMING YEAR 10 RELEVANT EVENTS

Friday 30 August:     LIVE Festival Wollongong (for those who have chosen to attend)

Thursday 26 September:     Parent / Teacher interviews (Years 7-11)   3.30pm – 8.00pm

Friday 27 September:      Parent / Teacher interviews (Years 7-11)   9.00am – 2.30pm

Mr. Simon Vaughan

Year 10 Coordinator

GOOROON PARENTS MEETING  14/8/19

On Wednesday 14 August a successful meeting and gathering with parents and family was conducted in Gooroon.

We had 6 parents attend and they were provided with feedback from Gooroon staff, Aunty Jo, Aunty Christine and Uncle Mark.

Mrs Leonie Pearce also attended as Mrs Sandra Hogan was unfortunately unwell.

Mr Hall began the meeting and acknowledged the contribution of Thomas Matthews, our male AEA who has departed the school for other work.

The cultural programs were outlined by Aunty Christine and Uncle Mark and upcoming events were presented to parents.

Aunty Jo informed the meeting regarding the opportunities provided to students through the various programs offered and the importance of checking the Deadly Programs Classroom site for all information.

The meeting concluded with a tutorial session provided by Mr Hall outlining the use of Google Classroom by students.

BYRON REPRESENTS IN BRAZIL

Congratulations to Year 10 student Byron Osgood on his recent achievement, representing Australia playing Futsal in Brazil.

During the tour, Byron was first to score for Australia as well as finishing as Australia’s top goal scorer and when on court, kept the opposition scoreless. Byron also filled in for the goal keeper when needed. 

Byron thoroughly enjoyed the experience of sharing cultures and presented Koori clothes and soccer boots to the Indigenous children and referees.

A highlight of the trip was playing street soccer with homeless children, who play with no shoes and live in tents or beneath shelters. Byron used his money to buy the children lunch and noted the trip to be eye-opening!

We congratulate you Byron, well done!

YARNING CIRCLE | CEDoW SCHOOLS BRING NAIDOC WEEK 2019 TO LIFE

The CEDoW recently published a recap of NAIDOC Celebrations throughout the Diocese, with the following summary of St John's recognition of this important event.

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, NOWRA

An assembly attended by students and members of the wider community

commenced with a smoking ceremony and included dance and didgeridoo performances by St John’s students. During the event, local stories were shared – including the story of Ararrawa, a local Aboriginal man – and the school held a special gathering where Aunty Grace acknowledged the students and staff of St John's for the focus given to the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. “NAIDOC is about celebrating and expressing your Aboriginal self by connecting to land and spirit,” student, Adam said. “Being proud of your culture by dancing, singing, speaking or just embracing the event.” 

Click here to read the full story

 FORMER STUDENT OUTSTANDING YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR!

Congratulations to former St John's Student Elspeth Finney, nominated for 2 Shoalhaven Business Awards 2019, including Outstanding Young Entrepreneur and Startup Superstar.

Elspeth of Shoalhaven Family Law won the award for 'Outstanding Young Entrepreneur'!

A high number of students have represented our school in sport over the last two weeks. The Diocesan Athletics Carnival was held on Friday August 16th. From this event, our school finished 3rd overall, from all Secondary High Schools in the Wollongong Diocese. The astonishing results and competitiveness of this day highlights the amazing Johnnies spirit we bring wherever we go.

 

Week 5 for rep sport was all about Netball! On Tuesday August 20, the Junior and Intermediate A teams travelled to Penrith to compete at the NSWCCC Netball Championships. Both teams performed well and had success on the day.

 

Also on the same day, however not travelling quite as far, three St John’s Boys Netball sides competed at the TAFE NSW Netball Schools Cup Regional Finals here in Nowra, with teams comprised of mostly Year 8 and 10 Boys.

 

In Week 6, our Volleyball teams represented at Unanderra whilst our Hockey teams played in Narellan at the Diocesan Gala Days. 

 

Coming up in Week 7, the Open Girls Football team will be playing the Semi Final of the NSWCCC Football Knockout. If successful, they will play in the Grand Final the very next day. This is an outstanding achievement to be in the top 4 Catholic Schools in NSW. Good luck to the girls and to their coach Mr Watson! 

REPRESENTATIVE SPORTS ASSEMBLY 2019 

On Thursday 5 September, St John's Annual Representative Sports Assembly will be held in our school hall. Parents and Carers are most welcome to come and celebrate some of the amazing sporting achievements of our students.

 

UPDATE: PRE-EXISTING INJURY INCLUDING CONCUSSION - INFORMATION TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS  

Parents are required to notify the school, event organiser/s (i.e. Convener) and team manager/s should their child be carrying a pre-existing injury leading into an event including concussion. A student who has suffered a concussion injury may not return to contact/collision activities less than 14 days from the resolution of all symptoms. Click here to access further information from the Australian Medical Association.

 

NSWCCC NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 

JUNIORS

On Tuesday 20 August the Junior Girls Netball team travelled to Penrith to compete in the NSWCCC Netball Gala Day. The girls had some very tough competition leading to extremely close games (which also meant that Miss Baker couldn't relax!).

Our team defenders, Mia and Amber gave us some showstopping intercepts and aggression whilst mid-court players, Phoebe, Maggie, Maddi Carr, Tahlia and Kiralee continued to offer support with some brilliant passes into the shooting circle.

Shooters, Maddy C, Hannah and Halle were consistent throughout the day,  outplaying some difficult defence. Overall, the junior team placed second, defeated in just two games - losing by 1 goal to Liverpool and 6 goals to Coffs Harbour who ended up taking out the championship.

The girls played some brilliant netball and perhaps more importantly showed great teamwork and sportsmanship. Their teacher/coach, Miss Baker wishes to commend all the girls for their behaviour and fighting spirit they presented on the day. 

 

INTERMEDIATES

On Tuesday 20 August, our Intermediate Girls Netball Team had an early start, travelling to Jamison Park Penrith to compete in the NSWCCC Netball Competition.

 

Being placed in the Championship Division, our girls had a tough day ahead of them and are to be commended for their sustained dedication, positivity and teamwork, winning two of seven games.

 

I would like to both acknowledge and congratulate students Grace, Kayla, Isabel, Darci, Georgia, Tyrah, Shania, Georgia, Mikaeli and Lucy for their efforts on the day.

 

DIOCESAN ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

On Friday 16 August, 72 students from St John's travelled to Campbelltown for the CEO Wollongong Diocesan Athletics Carnival. It was a sunny day with very little wind which proved to be perfect for some fast times on the track and long throws and jumps in the field.

The St John's squad participated enthusiastically all day and every member of the team tried their best in each event. Overall, we finished in a reputable 3^rd place of 14 schools which exemplified the positive attitude that all St John’s students demonstrated.

Special acknowledgement to the 11 members of our squad who were successful in qualifying for the Wollongong Diocesan Athletics Team to participate in the NSWCCC carnival later in the year, including;

12 years: Caitlyn Cooke (100m, 200m), Annabelle Fitch (shot put), Matthew Page (javelin)

14 years: Hannah Brian (100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, discus), Tsar Mandavy (14yr 100m, long jump)

15 years: Kirra Dale (javelin, shot put), Callum Johnson (javelin)

16 years: Baylee Holland (800m)

18 years: Lachlan Kaszonyi (100m, 200, 400m)

AWD: Anothony De Bruyn (100m, 200m, 800m, long jump), Will Maher (Shot put, 800m)

Click here to view the 2019 Diocese Athletics Carnival Results

Congratulations to Anthony De Bruyn and Will Maher, who broke records in the AWD events as well as Hannah Brian, Tsar Mandavy and Lachlan Kaszonyi who not only progressed through to the next representative carnival but also finished as age champions.

Click here to view the 2019 Diocese Athletics Carnival Age Champions Pointscore

Mr Jack Lopez 

UPCOMING EVENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE SPORT 

For NSWCCC Closing Dates, please visit https://www.csss.nsw.edu.au/nswccc-home.aspx to register before the due date.

Miss Kate Davis
Representative Sport Coordinator

ST JOHN’S STUDENTS TO STAR IN ALADDIN PRODUCTION

Junior Albatross Musical (JAM) will present a cast of 70 local students, who have worked all year with a passionate, talented and experienced team to deliver outstanding performances showcasing vocals, dance and comedic acting in the upcoming production, Aladdin Jnr!

St John’s Year 8 student Finn Lochrin will play the lead role of Aladdin, whilst sisters Belle and Lola will join fellow Year 7 students Ebony Robinson, Georgia Coleman and Lara Weber on stage with Elizabeth Coulthart (Year 8), Rommy Hazell (Year 9) and assisting backstage, Joshua Le (Year 10).

Aladdin Jnr will transport audiences back centuries to the fictional city of Agrabah, where we will meet Aladdin and Jasmine, the Genie, a magic carpet, even a crazy camel….and 99 white Persian monkeys. It’s a colourful, mystical place, and everybody sings!

WAKAKIRRI WIN ACKNOWLEDGED BY CEO

Our Wakakirri Dance Troupe's recent achievements have been recognised by the Catholic Education Office, with a fabulous editorial including quotes from our students.  Click here to read.

SENIOR ART STUDENTS SHOWCASE OF TALENT

Students were treated to an amazing spectacle at the Showcase Assembly on Thursday 22 August, with our Senior students performing various music and drama compositions. 

The talent produced within our Performing Arts faculty is remarkable, with many local community members astonished by the calibre of talent on display at our Drama and Visual Arts HSC Showcase on Wednesday evening.

Don't miss our upcoming Senior Showcase of HSC Music and Year 11 Visual Arts on Thursday 12 September, 2019.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Students have been enjoying spending time in the Ag Plot, open each Monday and Wednesday lunch break. A great way to de-stress!

Mr. David Muller

Coordinator Agriculture

ST JOHN’S GRADUATE EXCEEDING IN THE LAW INDUSTRY

Congratulations to former St John’s student and graduate Claire Bourke, who has been named as one of 14 legal professional finalists from across the state in the Rising Star of the Year category of The Women Lawyers' Association of NSW 2019 Women Lawyers Achievement Awards.

Click here to read the full article

VINNIES WINTER APPEAL

Many thanks for those who have assisted with St John’s Winter Appeal for St Vincent De Paul Society. We continue to seek the following donations please.

Ms. Susan Surreau

Social Justice Coordinator 

TREK FOR TIMOR

St John's teacher, Mr David Muller is organising a team to walk in the beautiful Kangaroo Valley to raise funds for the Kangaroo Valley Remexio Partnership (KVRP) and their current project to provide housing for rural students from the Remexio District of Timor Leste while they study at university in Dili.

Mr Muller's group 'Team Johnnies' will be completing the 14 km option. This is not a school event and open to all members of the public.

Click here for further details or to register. Select 'Johnnies' as your team.

Contact KVRP or mullerd01@dow.catholic.edu.au with any questions.

FRENCH FOOD DAY 

There will be no canteen online or over the counter lunch orders on Friday 20 September as canteen staff will be busy filling our French Food Day orders. Over the counter sales will still be available. Please click here to access a French Food Day order.

Click here to view the Canteen Menu

Click here to view the canteen roster for Term 3

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