Filter Content
- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- PASTORAL CARE
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- P&F NEWS
- NEWS FROM RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
- YEAR 7 NEWS
- YEAR 8 NEWS
- GOOROON NEWS
- SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- CAREERS NEWS
- ASSORTED NEWS
- CANTEEN NEWS
- TERM 4 DATES TO REMEMBER
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
Each year we welcome around 180 Year 7 students into St John’s and we enjoy their journey as they grow and learn in our school community.
This week we have farewelled our year 12, 2019 students. They have contributed so much to St John’s and added their own stamp to our story. I have shared with you my address to these wonderful young people at their final school assembly:
LEADERS 2020
We congratulate all the students who were nominated by their peers as leaders for their year group. This is an honour and opportunity to make a difference at a leadership level. They have been identified by their peers and teachers as leaders of a community that focuses on not only personal excellence but developing peaceful positive relationships. They are acknowledged for their contribution to our school community that has led to them being elected.
Families are invited to the Commissioning Assembly of our school leaders and SRC members on Wednesday 16 October 2019.
HSC MUSIC NOMINATION SUCCESS!
We were pleased to report the fabulous achievements by our Year 12 Drama students, receiving 7 nominations for consideration for HSC Excellence in Drama 'On-stage', including 2 group and 5 individual performances!
This week we received additional exciting news and are proud to announce the outstanding achievements by our HSC Music students, with Olivia Delahenty and Morgan Dootson each receiving nominations for possible inclusion in ENCORE! Congratulations Olivia and Morgan!
LAUNCH FOR CATHOLIC MISSIONS
On Wednesday 18 September St John’s hosted the Diocesan launch of Catholic Missions with representatives from each school in the Wollongong Diocese travelling to Nowra. Many travelled from as far as Campbelltown to join us.
Our guest speaker was from Guana and shared stories of the young people and their lives in his country. He also talked of programs that are supported by Catholic Missions that provide home, food and education.
The students from St John’s were acknowledged for their wonderful hospitality. Our musicians were outstanding as were the many students who assisted with welcoming guests, reading, dramatic presentations, Serving food and so many other areas. They certainly displayed excellence in living our school values.
TIMOR 2019
Year 11 students, Mr Muller, Mrs Murphy and Mrs Blades are representing our school on an immersion to Timor during the holidays. They have prepared well with weekly sessions in which they not only familiarised themselves with the culture but also prepared resources to use to teach in the schools during their stay.
We wish them a safe journey and rewarding experience and are looking forward to their reports upon return.
I wish all students and their families a safe and restful holiday break and look forward to returning Term 4!
Mrs. Sandra Hogan
Principal
It is with a mix of sadness and joy that our school community has farewelled our Year 12 students this week. Amongst them so many individuals have given us such special memories and as a group they are truly a gift to the school community.
They have applied themselves diligently with their studies which is clearly evident in the very mature approach to senior study. They have been outstanding leaders and this is clearly evident in their visible presence in all aspects of school life. They have lead many Social Justice campaigns and been proactive at engaging younger students. They have taken great initiative for the betterment of the school community. Some travelled to Timor Leste and we are aware that such experiences have major impacts on these young people. We are confident that they are now ready to be fine citizens prepared to step into their life beyond the school gates. Their contributions have made St John’s a better school community.
TERM 4 STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY
Students commence school on Monday 14 October. For forward planning our Staff Development Day and Pupil Free Day will be in week 3 on Friday 1 November. Our first week back to school is an 'A week' timetable.
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 take pride in the wearing of 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 holidays 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.
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. Have a wonderful holiday break!
Mrs. Leonie Pearce
PAUL DILLON
This week, we were lucky enough to have Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol, Research and Training Australia come to SJE again (4th Year in a row) to speak with our Year 10,11 and 12 students about the realities of parties, drugs and alcohol.
THANK YOU
As we come to the end of Term 3, I would sincerely like to say thank you to all of the staff, students and parents for another great term at SJE.
I would like to wish everyone a well deserved, safe and enjoyable break over the next two weeks and look forward to seeing you again for another amazing Term on Monday 14 October. I have outlined a few of the great initiatives that we have to look forward to in Term 4.
TERM 4
- Year 7: Love Bites Junior Program
- Year 8: MPower Me Focus Days
- Year 9: Love Bites Junior Program
- Year 11: Starting the first term of their HSC Year
- Year 12: Coming back ready to tackle their HSC Examinations and Graduation!
- All: End of Year Activities
I have also attached a fantastic article from Parenting Ideas that explores hints and tips to foster positive relationships in children and young people. Click here to read this article.
Mr. James Eirth
Pastoral Care Coordinator
N-WARNING PROCESS
To be eligible for the ROSA (Yr 10 - 12) and/or HSC (Yr 12) you must satisfactorily complete your courses. If a student receives an N-warning this is giving them the opportunity to address the areas of concern in a timely manner. N Warnings are issued if students do not apply themselves to the learning experiences and/or common tasks. Absences from class may also result in an N warning as the student is not achieving some of the course outcomes.
YEAR 12 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
We wish all Year 12 students all the best for their HSC exams. It is important for students to check their timetable carefully and allow plenty of time to arrive safely and find a parking space. Students need to ensure they are familiar with the Rules and Procedures. Click below to access this guide.
HSC RULES AND PROCEDURES GUIDE FOR STUDENTS
If a student becomes ill or suffers an accident that affects their exam performance, they should submit an illness/misadventure application form (available at the exam centre) through the Principal. Students must also notify the Presiding Officer when entering the exam or as soon as possible. Click below to access the illness/misadventure page for further details.
FURTHER DETAILS ON ILLNESS/MISADVENTURE
Click here to download permission note to attend Mathematics tutoring
OOAAA WINNERS
Year 7 - Cooper Stibbard
Year 8 - Cameron Hertzberg
Year 9 - Chelsea Becker
Year 10 - Arnae McKillop
Year 11 - Zoe Chater
Year 12 - Chilli Engel
Click here to view the OOAAA Nominations
Click here to view the Maths Pathways- 200Plus Club Nominees
CANTEEN NEWS
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.
Much has been happening in Religious Education and spirituality this term at St John's. Earlier in the term was the annual G-Day Mass. Students have also been involved in the Diocesan launch of Catholic Mission Month, class meditations and various social justice initiatives.
Year 11 students have been preparing for their Senior Retreat which takes place early next term. This 3 day spiritual experience provides students with time to reflect upon their own spiritual journey and their relationship with themselves, others and God. In preparation for this retreat students have created a mosaic cross. The design created by each student symbolises the meaning and relevance of the cross in their lives. At the retreat each student's cross will be connected to the various activities and to the final Mass. We wish all Year 11 students a very special and rewarding experience at the retreat.
Mr David Comensoli
Religious Education Coordinator 2019
As we wind down to the end of Term 3 I would like to congratulate the many students who have received Bronze, Silver and Gold Merit awards. Achieving these merit awards demonstrates a student’s commitment to their studies and the school community as a whole.
Year 7 students continue to work hard on their Maths Pathways and are consistently working toward completing their six modules and gaining their place in the 200 Plus Club. If students or parents have any questions about Maths Pathways please contact your Maths teacher.
Students have been reminded this week that if they bring a sports ball to school they are responsible for it. Sports balls are only allowed to be used on the oval and on the basketball courts and this will include the old handball courts where new line marking will be completed shortly. The use of sports balls in the built up area of the school impacts on the safety of students and staff therefore will be confiscated by staff on duty.
As a year group Year 7, on the whole, are working very hard and doing an awesome job of wearing the uniform correctly, completing homework regularly, using their diary correctly and trying their best in all areas of learning and school life. Keep up the great work Year 7!
‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me and loved me as yourself’.
Ms. Sophie Daly
Year 7 Coordinator 2019
Term 3 has been very busy for Year 8 and I am sure they are all looking forward to the break.
DEBATING
Grace Hartigan, Kane Williams & Arabici Talty have been working on their debating skills in a competition against Year 7. Mr McLean has been assisting students with the development of their skills through topics such as ‘Mobile Phones Should Be Banned In Schools’.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Arabici Talty participated in the Illawarra Public Speaking Competition on Tuesday 20 August held at Holy Spirit High School and shares his experience with us.
LOVE BITES
Year 8 participated in the Love Bites program in week 8. This program is designed to develop students’ skills and understanding around positive relationships.
DIOCESAN ATHLETICS
Hannah Brian and Tsar Mandavy have both achieved great results at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival this term taking out the 14 years age champions.
HISTORY PROJECTS
Year 8 have been studying Medieval Europe this term and as part of their learning they had to create a museum artefact. There has been a wide range of topics covered by the students such as, food, architecture, medicine, military defence systems, clothing and music just to name a few.
The students are to be congratulated on their commitment to the task and on the way they have incorporated the SJE Learning Dispositions as a focus for learning.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Year 8 for their efforts this term and hope they all have a well earned rest over the break. Please stay safe and remember “God has no hands but yours”.
Mrs. Lynette Kelly
Year 8 Coordinator
VINNIES CRAZY SOCK, BEANIE, SOUP AND SLEEPOUT FUNDRAISER
Thank you to the many students and staff who supported our crazy sock, beanie and soup Vinnies fundraising event on Thursday 12 September as well as the Year 12 students and teachers attending our sleepout event.
Ms. Susan Surreau
Social Justice Coordinator
NSWCCC STATE ATHLETICS
Congratulations to the following students who represented Wollongong at the NSWCCC Athletics event last week in Sydney. A special mention to Baylee Holland and Matthew Page who won Gold in their event!
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.
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT
School and Diocesan Swimming 2020
Interested students will be invited to complete nominations via Google forms for the following Swimming events in 2020:
100m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 100m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly & 200m Individual Medley
Only serious and experienced competitors will be encouraged to nominate, as students will need to be willing to compete in these events at the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming event held in early Term 1.
Nominations will open at the start of Term 1, 2020 and will be accessed via the Representative Sports Google Classroom page. These nominations will close 1 week before the school Swimming Carnival.
It will be determined by the Representative Sports Coordinator and the school Swimming Carnival Coordinators closer to the school Swimming Carnival if the above events will be raced on the day of the carnival.
In the instance where these events are not raced at the school carnival, swimming times will be considered. Only current long course times swum since August 2019 and that can be verified on the Swimming NSW Website will be used for consideration. More information about longer distance events offered at NSWCCC can be found at https://www.csss.nsw.edu.au/
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
YEAR 12's - UAC APPLICATION
Please note, the UAC Application closing date is Monday 30 September. Remember to apply for SRS also by this date.
YEAR 11 MOCK INTERVIEWS
On Monday 23 September Year 11 students engaged in mock interviews for their chosen area of interest
Thank you very much to the members of the community who have given up their time to conduct these interviews.
POSITIONS VACANT
Hairdresser Apprenticeship in Callala Bay. Please see Mrs Hill for details.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY APPRENTICESHIP
Automotive Industry Apprenticeship positions available at Nowra Toyota, Ulladulla Toyota, Nowra Mazda and South Nowra Auto Group. Positions are highly suitable for senior students. Applications close Friday 18 October 2019. Click here for further details.
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.
NATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL
The National Computer Science School (NCSS) is a ten-day summer school for students going into years 11 and 12. NCSS brings together talented young people from around Australia for an intensive course of computer programming and website development at university.
NCSS 2020 will run from Friday 3 January to Sunday 12 January 2020 (inclusive), at the University of Sydney.
NCSS is organised by the Australian Computing Academy at the University of Sydney. The school is completely residential, with all students staying with NCSS staff in full-board accommodation provided on campus.
Additional information can be found in the following links.
Video overview Program overview Application
NOWRA PLAYERS DRAMA AWARDS
On Sunday 15 September St John's had a significant number of students participate in the Nowra Players Youth Drama Awards. We would like to commend all students who committed to spend up to 6 hours at the theatre performing and supporting their peers, in addition to the amount of time they spent rehearsing.
As always they were outstanding ambassadors for the school and I am very proud of all students for their performance work and the manner in which they conducted themselves.
The following students are to be congratulated for excellent achievements on the day;
JUNIOR DIVISION
Lyn Harnwell Encouragement Award Amelia Willson
2nd Place Individual Madeline Speer
1st Place Group Madeline Speer, Brandia McLeod, Allyx Cornelius
2nd Place Group Jade Poulton, Michelle Su, Tyla McGuirk, Alyssa Toms
Certificates of Commendation Kate Fairbairn, Georgina Hooke
SENIOR DIVISION
Certificates of Commendation Piper Ryan, Jessica Arnold
Colin Andrews Elocution Award Megan Coulson-Knight
Madge Watts Award Ceradwen Cole
Dorothy Portner Encouragement Award Olivia Hodgkin
2nd Place Individual Mackenzie Veale
1st Place Individual Johanna Renwick
Well done to all students who participated. Your outstanding achievements are a wonderful reward for all of your hard work and dedication in your study of Drama. Congratulations!
Mr Mark Burian
CAPA Coordinator 2019
ST JOHN’S STUDENTS TO STAR IN ALADDIN PRODUCTION
Tickets remain available to see the Junior Albatross Musical (JAM) production of Aladdin featuring a cast of 70 local students, including St John’s Year 8 student Finn Lochrin playing 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).
YEAR 12 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY MAJOR WORKS
We are thrilled with the work produced by our Year 12 Design and Technology students for their HSC Projects! Congratulations to Benjamin Haddad, Patrick Dowers, Madison Wandless, Jaiden Merrick, Reuben Hatwell & Jonas Anderson!
HANDS-ON LEARNING
St John’s teachers are constantly striving to provide students with enjoyable and engaging learning opportunities.
Our Junior MC class have experienced plenty of hands-on learning activities recently, including creating ‘healthy animals’ as to learn about nutrition and healthy eating in PDHPE, developing mathematics measurement skills through making slime as well as bouncing balls!
YEAR 10 BUSHCRAFT BATTLE LITTER
Studying the topic 'Public Land Management' Year 10 Bushcraft have cleaned up a 100m strip of public land beside the highway collecting a staggering 30kg of litter!
Students classified the types of waste collected, reflected on the sources of the litter and possible management strategies to prevent such litter.
FRENCH FOOD DAY
Thank you to our wonderful students, staff and volunteers for serving a range of delicious treats for our 'French Food Day' on Friday 20 September. Year 9 French students were enjoying distributing food, dressed in costume beside the Eiffel Tower!
Mon 14 Oct: Students and Staff Return
Wed 16 Oct: 2020 Induction of Student Leaders Assembly (8:45am)
Wed 23 Oct- Fri 25 Oct: Year 11 Senior Retreat
Sun 27 Oct: Mass with a Difference (St Michael's Parish)
Fri 1 Nov: Staff Development and Pupil Free Day
Mon 4 Nov: P & F Meeting (6pm)
Sat 9 Nov: Working Bee & Sausage Sizzle (8:30am - 11am)
Mon 18 Nov: Year 12 Graduation Dinner (6pm)
Thurs 21 Nov: Gooroon End of Year Showcase
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
NOWRA ATHLETICS CLUB
Each Wednesday night a variety of events are offered including sprints, middle distance track runs, and long distance track events; and in the field, high jump, long jump, triple jump, javelin, discus, and shot put.
Everyone is welcome - all ages, sizes, abilities and experience. Come along and check it out.
For more information, see Nowra Athletics Club website www.nowraathletics.org.au or facebook page.
KANGAROO VALLEY FOLK 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.
