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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- PASTORAL CARE
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- NEWS FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE
- TERM 3 DATES TO REMEMBER
- P&F NEWS
- YEAR 11 NEWS
- YEAR 12 NEWS
- CAREERS NEWS
- ASSORTED NEWS
- GOOROON NEWS
- SPORTS NEWS
- ST JOHN'S STUDENTS EXCEL!
- SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS
- LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
- LEARNING SUPPORT & SPECIAL EDUCATION
- CANTEEN NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
The young people of the Diocese who are currently in Year 12 are planning their life beyond the Catholic School that has nurtured them. Many will also leave home to pursue work or study and move into an independent life as young adults. Bishop Brian has attended gatherings for the students and as such visited us here at St John’s on Thursday 27 August. We also welcomed students and staff from Corpus Christi College, Albion Park and St Paul’s International School in Moss Vale.
We celebrated a liturgy together and then the students directed some questions to a panel. The focus was around contemporary conversations living a life as a young person with a mission lens informed by Jesus.
“We need to keep reminding ourselves of this...because we can risk seeing Jesus Christ simply as a fine model from the distant past, as a memory, as someone who saved us two thousand years ago. But that would be of no use to us: it would leave us unchanged, it would not set us free” (Pope Francis)
Some of the topics discussed included;
Our young people engaged in the conversation in a very mature and thoughtful manner. We are so very proud that they have considered the teachings of Jesus in their lives and will take with them the learning around the values that are so central to our lives here at St John’s.
Our Year 12 students are in their final weeks here at St John’s. They have been a very positive year group with diverse talents that they so readily shared. We look forward to the coming weeks as they hone their exam skills then celebrate their years in our community.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN HSC DRAMA!
Our Year 12 Drama students have excelled, with an AMAZING 7 nominations for the HSC excellence in Drama 'On-stage', including 2 group and 5 individual performances! This is an outstanding achievement! Congratulations to the following students and our Year 12 Drama teacher Mr Mark Burian on this wonderful news!
SCHOOL CAPTAIN DELIVERS POWERFUL PRAYER
Wednesday 11 September marks an important commemoration, reflecting on the tragic loss of lives during the September 11 attacks on America's Twin Tower Buildings.
We wish to commend our School Captain, Lucian D’Hudson in the preparation and delivery of an enormously powerful, touching prayer acknowledging this event. Staff and students note Lucian's effort to be one of the strongest, most emotionally moving tributes heard.
Click here to listen to Lucian’s message
Click here to read Lucian's message
WAKAKIRRI PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Following the success of St John’s 2019 Wakakirri Troupe, St John’s are in the running for the People’s Choice Award, determined by the school achieving the highest number of facebook post shares.
We ask for your support to please click on the following link and share to vote for our school. Voting closes @2pm on Wednesday 25 September. Please share as wide as you can and encourage friends and family to share! Many thanks!
Please click here to vote for St John's Wakakirri Troupe as People's Choice
2020-2022 NATIONAL CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM- SURVEY REQUEST
Parents/Carers have been e-mailed a request to complete an important 30second survey, to assist in St John’s application for Chaplaincy services for the period 2020-2022.
Please note the survey link will be only be available until Thursday 19 September, 2019. Please click here to complete the 30 second survey
We thank you for your assistance.
Mrs. Sandra Hogan
Principal
SUMMER UNIFORM
A reminder that Term 4 marks the change to summer uniform. We receive many comments on the outstanding manner in which the students from St John’s present in the Shoalhaven community. This is the result of the school working with the students to understand the importance of personal presentation and the family support for excellence in this area. It is essential that every student takes pride in the school uniform and wears it according to the guidelines indicated in the School Diary. All students should be in their correct summer uniform from the first day of Term 4.
A reminder that:
- Girls may wear their long pants as a part of the summer uniform
- The girls’ skirts must reach the knee. Please check your skirt lengths during the holiday to ensure that they are at knee length.
- Girls have the option of socks or tights. Socks must extend above the ankle and shoes and be no higher than mid calf (no short sports socks).
- Boys wear a short sleeved shirt which is to be worn out. They have the option of pants or school shorts and long socks.
- School shoes are appropriate black leather lace-up polishable sturdy shoes.
- Hairstyles must be moderate and of a suitable length and natural colour as prescribed in diary. No facial hair. Hair should be tied back once at shoulder length.
- Only appropriate jewellery as prescribed in the school diary.
- Excessive make up: the current fashion of heavily shaping and colouring eyebrows is not to be worn at school.
- Correctly sized SJE sports shorts
If purchasing uniform items from Lowes, please mention the school name. We thank parents for their ongoing support in ensuring these guidelines are continually being met.
Students may wear either FULL winter or summer uniform during the last two weeks of term. The weather is changeable so each student can dress to accommodate their level of comfort. Students must make the decision one way or the other though, as any variation on a full uniform will incur a playground withdrawal. Year 12 students may wish to take the opportunity to have their winter uniform laundered in time for the graduation ceremonies.
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Leonie Pearce
RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS
As part of the Wellbeing initiatives at St John The Evangelist, this week, all Year 8 students participated in the highly regarded Love Bites Junior Program. The interactive and engaging sessions focus on the development of respectful relationships for young people aged 11 to 14, providing them with a safe environment to examine, discuss and explore respectful relationships.
The overall aim of the program was to equip young people with the knowledge needed to have respectful relationships, encourage and develop their skills in critical thinking and assist them in being able to problem solve and communicate effectively.
ATTENDANCE
Just a reminder to all parents of the Catholic Education Office, Dioceses of Wollongong’s (CEDoW) Attendance Policy and our role in supporting the regular attendance of your son, daughter or person in your care.
As such, SJE has identified five main areas where, by law, we will need to contact parents in regard to concerns around attendance. These include:
- Step 1: When attendance falls below 90% (explained or unexplained)
- Student meeting and Step 1 letter sent home outlining the concern
- Step 2: When attendance falls below 85% (explained or unexplained)
- Student interviewed by Year Coordinator, parents/carers contact by phone to discuss possible supports and Step 2 letter sent home.
- Step 3: When attendance remains below 85% (explained or unexplained)
- Student and Parents interviewed by Pastoral Care Coordinator, where needed,a learning plan is developed to assist parent/carer and student in improving attendance, CEDoW informed. Registered Step 3 letter sent home.
- Step 4: When attendance continues to remain below 85% (explained or unexplained)
- Student and Parent/Carer meets with Pastoral Care Coordinator, Assistant Principal and/or Principal and registered Step 4 letter sent home. CEDoW will advise on further actions.
- Step 5: Above 30 days (notionally)
- By law, SJE will report the concerns to Family and Community Services (FaCS) and Parents/Carers will received a registered letter from CEDoW. If not enrolled, CEDoW will notify FaCS and NSW Department of Education.
While we do understand there may be illness or family circumstances that, at times, will impact on a student’s attendance, we are still required by law to make contact with parents/carers at each identified step. The only exception is when family’s lodge a form to the Principal asking for exemption. These steps also align with student punctuality and/or early leave
If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me on the school number.
Mr. James Eirth
Pastoral Care Coordinator
YEAR 7-11 PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Interview bookings will open from 3pm on Friday 13 September and will be held Thursday 26 September 3.30pm - 8.00pm, and Friday 27 September, 9.00am - 2.30pm.
Bookings should be made online via the Parent Portal on the school website. Click here to access the Parent Portal.
If you are experiencing difficulties with the Parent Portal, please contact our office on 4423 1666.
Bookings close at 9.00am, Thursday 26 September 2019.
LEARNING DISPOSITIONS
At St John’s we focus on every student achieving their personal best. This happens when students are able to step out of their comfort zone with teachers supporting them and providing strategies.
At St John’s our reports reflect grades based on the common grade scale. We also report on personal profiles that are based on our Learning Dispositions.
Recently some Year 7 students from Mrs Chittick’s class were asked about the learning dispositions:
Click here to download permission note to attend Mathematics tutoring
OOAAA WINNERS
Year 7 - Matthew Page
Year 8 - Lilian Newton
Year 9 - Zachary Phillips
Year 10 - Hailey Frew
Year 11 - Gabrielle Levick
Year 12 - Monique Hewitt
Click here to view the OOAAA Nominations
Click here to view the Maths Pathways- 200Plus Club Nominees
Wed 18 Sept: Catholic Mission Launch
Fri 20 Sept: CCC Athletics.
French Food Day- no online lunch orders today
Mon 23 Sept: Year 11 Mock Interviews
Tues 24 Sept: Year 12 Breakfast
Tues 24 Sept: Year 12 Graduation Mass & Award Ceremony 6:30pm - 9pm
Wed 25 Sept: Year 12 Graduation & Handover Assembly 9:15am
Thurs 26/Fri 27 Sept: Parent/Teacher Interviews
NSW All Schools Athletics
Fri 27 Sept: Staff Development Pupil Free Day
CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS
Are you looking for something new to do and want to be involved? Our wonderful Canteen Staff would love for you to join them. Even if you can only spare an hour or two, one day a week, month or term, every bit helps. No experience necessary. If this sounds like something that you would be interested in please call Vicki on 4423 1359.
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.
Year 11 have had a busy few weeks. It has been pleasing to see students working hard at their learning in preparation for yearly exams. As they complete their preliminary HSC, they begin transitioning to their final year of school. During weeks 6 and 7, Year 11 were involved in their Leadership Day, which explored the role Year 12, 2020 will play as leaders in our school community.
A massive thank you to former students who returned to our school to talk with students about leadership. A number of students from this day nominated themselves for leadership positions in our school and we had the pleasure of hearing from each of these students at our forum. Leadership positions will be announced in the coming weeks.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Special shoutout to Aroha Spillane and Will Maher!
Will Maher and former student Sam Stubbs whom were selected to play in the NSWACT AFL inclusion team were both awarded the ‘Dave Johnson Fair Play Award’ at the Illawarra AFL Presentation evening. The award was chosen by Dave Johnson and presented by their Assistant Coach, Kieran Churchill, in recognition of their achievements while representing NSWACT AFL at the National AFL Inclusion Carnival.
Aroha Spillane who has been identified as a Player of National Interest for Rugby 7s has progressed to the next stage of selection, her dedication to her union training and development, sees her in consideration for national teams.
HELPING OTHERS
Thank you to Year 11 students Kyle Marsh, Thomas Conroy, Brock Wenzel and Riley Davies for their assistance given to the Nowra Torchbearers for Legacy with their annual collection last Friday 6 September.
Ms. Sarah Blades
Year 11 Coordinator 2019
As Year 12 countdown to graduation we have many students who have been showing off their amazing work throughout the year. I wish to congratulate all students for their efforts in their major works including Art, Music, Drama, Design and Technology and Industrial Technology. Thank you to the staff who have nurtured these students.
I would also like to thank parents and carers who have supported our students throughout the HSC. We know that application to their studies in these vital years will set students up for success in their future years. I wish students all the best for their future.
As a Year Coordinator I would like to thank Year 12 students for a wonderful 5 years. They have impressed me with their diverse talents and willingness to share their qualities with those around them.
Mr. Nicholas Garner
Year 12 Coordinator
YEAR 11 MOCK INTERVIEWS
Year 11 students have chosen an area of interest for their mock interviews and a parental information letter has also been given to each student. These interviews will take place on Monday 23 September. Thank you very much to the members of the community who have given up their time to conduct these interviews.
TAFE NSW OPEN DAY
TAFE NSW are holding their open day on Saturday 14 September, to discover a huge range of courses, diplomas and degrees on offer at TAFE NSW, both on-campus and online.
Click here to view informative video.
YEAR 12 SCHOLARSHIPS
Look at University websites and apply for as many as possible, you have nothing to lose!
UOW Bachelor of Social Work Scholarship: Please see below for details regarding a scholarship opportunity for 2020 commencers of a Bachelor of Social Work;
THE STEVENSON FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP IN SOCIAL WORK
Value: Total value $24,000
Duration: Up to 4 years
Degree: Bachelor of Social Work
Enrolment level: 1st year 2020
Advertising dates: 23/07/2019 – 30/11/2019
Click here to access the Scholarship website
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
Shoalhaven City Council work experience applications in many interesting vocations are now open, for work experience during the period Monday 9 December – Friday 13 December, 2019. Please click here to apply.
WHITECARD TRAINING COURSE
On Thursday 5 September, 16 students from Years 9 - 12 attended our in-school White Card Course, a requirement for any student who wishes to complete work or work experience experience in the construction industry.
The course was delivered by nationally accredited training organisation, Accelerated Training with students learning the basic principles of health and safety in the construction industry in NSW, information about preventing workplace injuries and illness and workplace injury management and compensation in NSW. Congratulations on completion of this course;
Year 9: Max Vukelic
Year 10: Cooper O’Neill, Joseph Nelson, Eric Sivonen, Kobie Baker, Jackson Williams, Ben A., Jacob Hantis, Finn Hartshorne.
Year 11: William Haddad, James Hardie, Marta Sarova.
Year 12: Rocky Lavalle, Benjamin Haddad, Charlotte Phillips, Matthew Moody
FINE FUTURE LEADERS
Congratulations to Year 10 students Taine Penrose and JD Talty, representing St John's at the Sussex Inlet RSL sub-Branch Combined Commemoration Day held on 18 August 2019 at the Sussex Inlet RSL War Memorial.
We are pleased to convey receipt of the following letter of gratitude from the Hon. Secretary of the Sussex Inlet RSL sub-branch, acknowleding Taine and JD's presentation.
'The Student Leaders who attended the Service gave a well-researched and well delivered presentation. The audience was most impressed by the quality of the information conveyed by the students and commented on that. The wreath laying was also conducted using correct protocol and respect. It is a credit to the school to be represented by such fine future leaders'.
Congratulations Taine and J.D!
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION
Click here to view a one minute video of the Pope’s Prayer Intention.
HANDS ON MATHS INVESTIGATION
7J have been investigating 'circumference' during Maths by measuring the diameter and circumference of our school bins.
YEAR 10 BUSHCRAFT
Year 10 Bushcraft were fascinated by guest speaker Troy’s 'Managing Feral Species' presentation this week.
YEAR 10 INDONESIAN
Year 10 Indonesian have been creating Hindu-Bali offerings whilst studying the Religion and Culture unit.
YEAR 12 FINAL SUPPER
This week our Year 12 Hospitality students celebrated their ‘final cook’ at school by creating their own menus. Your efforts throughout the course are to be commended. The dishes looked, smelt and no doubt taste amazing!
OUR KIDS LOVE TO HAVE FUN
Our ‘kids’, both big and small, continue to enjoy life at St John’s Agriculture Plot!
NATIONAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH DAY
Yesterday was National Physical Education and Health Day.
Many of our students enjoy being active during lunch breaks and Thursday was no different with students (& teachers) enjoying a variety of sports including volleyball, table tennis, soccer, handball, basketball and touch football!
https://hpeday.com.au/
SCULPTURES AT KILLALEA
Thank you to our Art Students and Teachers for your efforts in producing our amazing sculpture to be on display from 13 - 22 September at Killalea. Click here to view the program for this event.
STUDENT SUPPORT IN GOOROON
It's fabulous to see our students heading to the Gooroon Centre for support during lunch, in addition to our 3pm Wednesday tutoring sessions.
Today we were excited to also see former SJE students Katelyn O (2018) and Rory A (2016) pay a visit!
Katelyn who has recently returned from working as a Special Education Support Officer in the Northern Territory, plans to study teaching (majoring in special education) next year and hopes to assist at St John's!
TERM 4 2019 SPORT (YEAR 7 & 8)
House Sport rotations take place at our school grounds, and swimming groups will head to Nowra pool.
Swimming Groups include;
Weeks 1-3: Benedict and Chisholm
Weeks 4-6: McCabe and Mackillop
Weeks 7-9: Polding and Purcell
NOTE: Swimming is a part of the NSW curriculum. All students have the opportunity to participate in swimming a number of times throughout term 4. Please make sure you pack appropriate swimwear (rash shirt or Tshirt to cover shoulders), towel, goggles and bag for wet clothing. Suncream will be provided.
We encourage all levels of swimmers to be involved and if for some reason you cannot participate, a note will be required (as per school sport policy) and alternative work will be provided.
Ms. Ellen Gray
Year 7 and 8 Sports Coordinator
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.
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Trials are currently taking place for the school AFL, Cricket and Basketball sides. Students who have nominated for teams via the Rep Sport Classroom page are to check in on the daily notices for days of their trials. Students who are unable to make their trials are to notify Miss Davis or the rep sport coaches.
Draws and details of the Term 4 Diocesan Sports events can be found at https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/events-secondary/.
The Berg and Downie Shield Cricket knockouts will also begin in Term 4. Dates and draws for these events will be known at the beginning of next term.
Good luck to all students representing Wollongong Diocese next week at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships in Sydney!
NSWCCC FOOTBALL KNOCKOUT FINALS
Last week the Senior Girls Football side travelled to Valentine Sports Park in Glenwood to compete in the Semi Final of the NSWCCC Football Knockout.
After the many training lunchtime training sessions lead by their coach Mr Watson, the girls were in great form. When we arrived the morning of the Semi, the heat caught us by surprise and the girls knew that they would need to give their all on the pitch.
Luckily, we had plenty of players to share the game time and give the girls a break when needed. The first half of the semi-final against Freeman College was tight. Both teams had chances to score. Year 8 student and keeper for the side, Anna Simon, had an excellent game in goals, keeping the ball out of our defensive goal.
Right before half time, after a messy patch of play near our attacking goal, Captain and Year 12 student, Olivia Delahenty tapped the ball into the net.
At half time we were in the lead 1-nil. In the second half the girls really put the pressure on Freeman with an early goal from Casey Johnson, putting us in the lead by 2. Whilst Freeman managed to get one goal passed us, our mids and forwards had other ideas when Ella Munro and Kaitlyn Sennitt both slotted goals in the back of the opponent’s net. The end score was 4-1 and St John’s had progressed to the Grand Final!!!
The Grand Final match was played against St Francis Hamilton (Newcastle). This match was extremely tight from the beginning, where we were up against some strong and experienced players.
The day was hot again, and the team were 2 players short with Olivia and Jessie heading home to complete their HSC Drama performances. Despite the changes, all the girls in the side remained level headed and in the zone for their big game. St John’s had the majority of possession and chances to score. Unfortunately, a handball in our defensive box gave St Francis a penalty that resulted in their 1-nil lead. The score remained 1-nil for most of the game.
Once again, Anna had an outstanding game in goals, keeping the ball away and saving the team on many occasions. Zoe Anderson and Jasmine Tan had solid performances at the back, making it hard for St Francis to further attack. The guts and determination from Casey Johnson on the right hand side kept St John’s with an attacking edge, as Casey consistently fought for the ball and progressed it down the field.
With less than 10 minutes to go, St Francis scored again, making it 2-nil. Our side did not let the score line keep them down and the girls played right until the very (unknown) end of stoppage time. Kaitlyn Sennitt managed to find the ball with only a few minutes to go and scored for St John’s. With the score now 2-1 and the time remaining unknown, our side had all the attack and momentum for another goal. Unfortunately we just ran out of time and St Francis came away with a 2-1 win. It was said by many supporters on the day that had our girls had another 5 minutes, we could have equalised the score. The fitness of our girls proved to help them all the way to the very end and they were unlucky not to get the win.
Despite the narrow loss, it should be celebrated that our Open Girls side are the 2nd best team in all Catholic schools in NSW. What an excellent achievement! Mr Watson did a great job as coach and commented highly on the girls’ sportsmanship and positive attitude all the way throughout the knockout.
A big thankyou to all the parents and supporters who drove the girls up to the two games and cheered St John’s on without hesitation. As a school we should be incredibly proud of these players and their achievement as a team. Well done girls!
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. For further information refer to the Australian Medical Association at link https://ama.com.au/position-statement/concussion-in-sport-2019
Miss Kate Davis
Representative Sport Coordinator
AFL STARS
St John's students collected an array of trophies at the recent Illawarra and South Coast AFL Presentations.
Congratulations Year 12 Student Sophie Phillips, winning the Maddy Collier Medal for the second year in a row, receiving an incredible 16 points playing in the South Coast AFL Premier Division! The Maddy Collier Medal is awarded to the player receiving the highest number of umpire votes throughout the season.
Year 11 student Will Maher and former student Sam Stubbs also added to the collection of awards received by the St John's cohort.
Following Will and Sam's representation at the National AFL Inclusion Carnival recently, the boys each received the ‘Dave Johnson Fair Play Award’ at the Illawarra AFL Presentation evening. The award was personally chosen by Dave Johnson and presented by their Assistant Coach, Kieran Churchill.
Congratulations Sophie, Olivia, Will and Sam on these outstanding achievements!
TEA 4 TIMOR
Many thanks to the wonderful students and staff involved in our 'Tea4Timor' Fundraiser on Friday 30 August, raising $270 for charity!
VINNIES CRAZY SOCK, BEANIE AND SOUP FUNDRAISER
Thank you to the many students and staff who supported our crazy sock, beanie and soup fundraising event this week. $1.50 from each $3 soup will be donated to the Vinnies Appeal.
Further details of the event, along with last night’s Year 12 sleepout will be published in our next newsletter.
Ms. Susan Surreau
Social Justice Coordinator
The French Food Day is coming very soon, to be held in Week 9 on Friday 20 September. There will be no canteen online or over the counter lunch orders on Friday 20 September as canteen staff will be busy filling the French Food orders. Over the counter sales will still be available.
A la prochaine et bonnes vacances!
Mme. Carmel Smallwood
MC Senior students have been working hard volunteering at Vinnies and visiting a local nursing home. The focus is on developing work skills and community service.
Mrs. Karin Corton
Special Education Coordinator 2019
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
COME AND PLAY CRICKET
Junior and Master Blasters, Juniors, Seniors - there’s a game for boys, girls, mums and dads of all cricket interests and abilities. Whether it’s a quick blast on a Friday afternoon, a Saturday morning hit or a weekend of competitive cricket there’s a cricket game for you.
North Nowra Cambewarra Cricket Club is taking 2019/20 cricket registrations for all its programs and teams. All existing and new players should go to www.playcricket.com.au to register. Enquiries can be made to secretary@nnccc.org.au
KANGAROO VALLEY FOLF FESTIVAL October 18-20
KVFF is once again providing an opportunity for young performers/bands to play at the festival.
Every youth act selected will receive a free weekend ticket and will get a performance spot in the "Chill Out Tent", our dedicated youth venue, and will have the opportunity to perform in one of the other blackboard venues.
It doesn't have to be folk music - it can be whatever you like, but we definitely prefer live music rather than a recorded backing track.
To apply, just go to the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival website and follow the links. While you are there, check out some of the acts that will be coming to the festival. It's not strictly folk music-there is something for everyone.
