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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- YEAR 9 NEWS
- YEAR 10 NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE HSIE DEPARTMENT
- GOOROON NEWS
- CAREERS NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- ASSORTED NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- CANTEEN NEWS
- TERM 4 DATES TO REMEMBER
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
- SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS
IMMERSION TOUR
Welcome back to our fourteen Year 11 students and three teachers, Mrs Blades, Mrs Murphy and Mr Muller who engaged in the Timor immersion tour during the holidays. The experience was a truly memorable one. They are very blessed to have been welcomed into two communities in Timor, sharing their experiences and some fun times together. They took on the challenge of teaching English to the young people in the schools in Timor and did the most wonderful job. We look forward to hearing their stories.
FAREWELL YEAR 12 2019
The highlight of the final week of Term 3 was the graduation of our Year 12 HSC students. They have been a wonderful year group and have made a positive difference on our school community. I have nothing but praise for their positive engagement with the special events in which we celebrated their graduation.
These included the breakfast, mass, special awards presentation and graduation assembly. We wish them the best as they undertake their HSC exams.
FINAL HOUSE POINT TALLY 2019
Congratulations to Benedict House for winning the 2019 House Cup!
St John’s House System has become an integral part of our school and has played a vital role in forging our school identity and ethos. Our PALS groups are named after our Houses and give us a sense of belonging. When we compete at school carnivals we do so in House groups. Points are accrued over 12 months for involvement in a variety of activities including:
- participation in extra-curricular activities, such as debating, at an Interschool, Diocesan and State level
- participation in Liturgy, Social Justice, Community Work: attendance at afterschool study or support sessions
- classroom nominations for the ‘OohAhh” award for excellence in classroom learning
- excellent behaviour in the classroom or playground; and
- participation in Swimming, Cross Country and Athletic events at School, local Diocesan and State/National level.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) MEMBERS
On Wednesday 16 October we gathered as a school community to Commission the students who were nominated by their peers as leaders for their year group. It was wonderful to celebrate this event with so many parents and friends. This is an honour and opportunity for each student to make a difference to the school community in their roles as school leaders. They have been identified by their peers and teachers as leaders of a community that focuses not only on personal excellence but developing peaceful positive relationships. They are acknowledged for their contribution to our school community that has led to them being elected.
CANTEEN IMPROVEMENTS
The school would like to send a special thank you to the Parents and Friends who have provided the school canteen with a new dishwasher, sink and some more effective tools for food preparation. Special thanks to the president, Corey Carter, who has generously donated his time in organising this purchase and installation.
Mrs. Sandra Hogan
Principal
Welcome back to Term 4. I hope everyone is feeling rejuvenated after the school holiday break. This term is an exciting time for staff and students. Year 11 students begin their HSC year and become the new school leaders. They are a wonderful group of young people who I am certain will excel in both areas. I have been impressed by the way they have approached the many key events and programs in recent weeks and we know that the retreat held this week has been an important time to prepare for the year ahead.
For other students, Term 4 provides the opportunity to respond to the feedback they were given at the parent teacher interviews. Students should take every opportunity to get involved in the many extra-curricular activities here at St John's ensuring that they are contributing to their school community. Student learning and school engagement will be reported on at the end of term to help students monitor their milestones.
Mrs. Leonie Pearce
YEAR 11 PRESENTATION AND INFORMATION EVENING
As Year 11 begin their HSC courses it is very important that they attend the information night next Tuesday. This evening will explain the difference between Preliminary and HSC, the rules, procedures and expectations.
An Invitation to Year 11 Students, Families and Carers on Tuesday 29 October, the Year 11 Presentation and HSC Information Evening will be held in the school hall commencing at 6.00pm. It is important that all Year 11 students and their parents/guardians attend this evening.
HSC Information: The evening will cover important information regarding:
- Structure of the HSC and ATAR information
- Assessment Policies and Procedures
- Planning and Studying Strategies
Year 11 Presentation:
- Each student will be formally presented with their report
- Special Awards will also be presented
Students are to wear full school uniform. If you are unable to attend, or have any questions regarding this information evening, please contact the school on 4423 1666 or email info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au.
YEAR 10 SUBJECT SELECTION
Most students have now finalised their subjects for next year. If you are applying for a Distance Education course your application must be submitted to the curriculum office.
N WARNING PROCESS
To be eligible for a ROSA (Yr 10 - 12) and/or a 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 can 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 that students check their timetable carefully and allow plenty of time to find a park. Students need to ensure they are familiar with the Rules and Procedures (see link)
HSC Rules and Procedures Guide for students
If a student becomes ill or suffer an accident that affects their exam performance, they should submit an illness/misadventure application form (available at the exam centre) through the principal and notify the Presiding Officer when entering the exam or as soon as possible. Visit the illness/misadventure page to find more information.
Click here to download permission note to attend Mathematics tutoring
Welcome back to a new term. I do hope each family has had a good break to recharge their batteries for one last term. It’s the fun term with our end of year activities planning already under way. This is our final year for activities for our Year 9 students, it is a fun and important way to finish the term and appreciate all that is on offer here at St John’s. Please support your child to choose well and be organised with returning money and permission notes.
Just a reminder of the attendance policy of the school. Our staff do regular checks to monitor students’ attendance at school. At St John’s we believe that students should attend school except for serious circumstances. Consistent, punctual attendance assists learning and promotes a stronger connection to the school community. Students will be supported in their attendance by the school. Legal requirements must be met and processes are in place to ensure this requirement. If a student falls below 90% attendance you will be contacted so suitable supports can be put in place.
YEAR 10 SRC LEADERS 2020
Congratulations to our new SRC leaders for 2020. They will begin their new role this term. There are many potential leaders in our year group which was obvious from the many names that came forward during our year group voting for SRC reps. I look forward to seeing these students bring forward a positive spirit and be part of the change we wish to see in the world.
CYBER SAFETY
Just a reminder that if families require support in monitoring digital devices around the home and how to supervise phone use specifically, please click here to visit the IParent website. As our Year 9 students are still so young and vulnerable with the pressures that social media may inflict on them I strongly urge parents to be vigilant in regularly monitoring and supervising your child's internet activity at home.
YEAR 9 BUSHCRAFT
Year 9 Bushcraft classes went on their 2 day walk during the end of last term. It was a bit of a highlight for me to be able to join the group, spending 2 days walking through the wilderness with these amazing young students!
Mrs. Maggie Frawley
Year 9 Coordinator 2019
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE
Congratulations to the following students who have been elected as SRC for 2020.This is a great honour and privilege and I have every confidence that they will do a great job under the guidance of Mrs Woodall.
SUBJECT SELECTIONS
Subject selection forms were due at the end of last week. If there are any outstanding forms please hand these to PALS teachers as soon as possible.
UNIFORMS
All students must wear as per school policy guidelines, the correct summer uniform throughout Term Four. Black socks have been worn on occasion so far this term and there is no excuse for this. Students must also adher to jewellery policies. Excess jewellery will be confiscated as per our school policy.
PASSPORTS
Year 10 have been managing their passports throughout 2019 very well. Please ensure all extra- curricular activities have been included in the passport and signed off by the teacher in charge. Students who qualify for a special award at the end of the year must have all of their extra- curricular activities documented in their passport.
RED STAMPS/MERITS
Students are encouraged to pursue positive behaviours in class via attitude, focus and commitment to their studies. Teachers will acknowledge this via our merit system. Continued effective use of diaries is also mandatory and work and assessment tasks must be recorded in the diary, as has been the case since Year 7. The diary should be with students in every class, placed open on the correct day.
WORK EXPERIENCE (WEEK 9)
All Year 10 students were provided with the following information for work experience during an extended PALS session last week. Students should ensure they have followed each step of the process carefully. Please see Mrs Hill (Careers) if there are any questions related to this;
WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS
9 Dec - 13 Dec 2019 (Term 4, Week 9)
You are responsible for organising your own work experience, your PALS teacher and/or Mrs Hill can assist.
Below are the things you need to do:
STEP 1 Read this document carefully. Available in Year 10 Careers Google Classroom (code: lal7u1d)
For more information see – The Workplace Learning Guide for Students (from Year 10 Careers Google Classroom)
STEP 2 Show this document to your parents.
For more information see – The Workplace Learning Guide for Parents and Carer (from Year 10 Careers Google Classroom)
STEP 3 Decide on an occupation.
Notes:
* Work in the building trades e.g. carpenter requires a W.H.S. Construction Induction white card.
* Working with animals is permitted BUT only with special permission e.g. Vet (due to insurance restrictions). See Mrs Hill.
* Work involving sporting activities is not permitted e.g. working in a gym (due to insurance restrictions)
STEP 4 Select your employer.
Notes:
* there are some employers who will NOT deal directly with students e.g. the Navy, Shoalhaven hospital or the Council. See Mrs Hill if you are interested in these.
* You are allowed to go out of the Shoalhaven area, however, this will require special approval from the school. The school will require permission from your parent/guardian and also where and with who you will be staying if you are not at home.
STEP 5 Make contact with the employer by phone or in person.
You may need to go for an interview. If the employer wants the careers adviser to make contact with them, get a contact name and phone number and then email or see Mrs Hill
You will need to show or email the employer the Workplace Learning Guide for Employers and the Student Placement Record (4 page document you have received earlier in the year. It is also available in google classroom or extra copies in the student foyer).
STEP 6 Once you have been accepted by an employer, get the employer to complete the Student Placement Record (page 2 and 3) making sure that you and the employer have read and signed it.
STEP 7 Have your parents read and sign the Student Placement Record (page 1) and hand it to Mrs Hill. Handing in the forms earlier than the due date is strongly encouraged.
Form is due : Monday 18 November 2019
STEP 8 Prior to the commencement of your work placement you will receive more information, including a work experience emergency contact/procedures, work experience diary and appraisal sheet.
MOMENTS!
Joshua Alcock, Holly Habergham and Kayla Rayes in Science
Joseph Nelson with his huge catch on the Marine Aquaculture excursion
Indonesian work from Jake Hadfield, Claudia Newton and Olivia Wilson on display in the Library
YEAR 10 MARINE STUDIES EXCURSION
Mr. Simon Vaughan
Year 10 Coordinator
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mrs Rachel Hennessy for her hard work and dedication as Acting HSIE Coordinator. Mrs Hennessy is moving overseas next year. Ms Sarah Blades has moved into the role of Acting HSIE Coordinator. During Mrs Hennessy’s time as coordinator, her organisation, care for students’ learning and support for HSIE staff was always evident.
As Term 4 starts, we have a large number of HSIE students commencing their content in their HSC courses. This includes Business Studies, Modern History, Ancient History, Society and Culture and Aboriginal Studies who are starting their major projects. During brainstorming topics for them to conduct research and community consultation on, ideas such as Bomaderry Childrens’ Home, Lore, Culture, Family History, Dance and Womens’ Health have all been explored. Good luck to these students who will spend the next 16 weeks working on these projects.
Commerce students have commenced a new ‘Travel’ topic, recently sharing with us presentations of their own travel experiences, from Bali and the USA to Surfers Paradise! Commerce students have joined other St John’s students participating in the Australian Stock Exchange game, with student shares impacted by the crash during the school holidays. Mayson Griffith was placed 6th in Australia prior to the crash however continues to lead St John’s students in our school leaderboard.
Ms. Sarah Blades
HSIE Coordinator 2019
BYRON ON HIS WAY TO A BRIGHT FUTURE
Year 10 student Byron Osgood is certainly on his way to a great future. Recently returning from representing in Futsal in Brazil, where he also played street soccer and bought lunch for homeless children, Byron recently enjoyed 3 days attending the Walanga Muru's Rising Stars Leadership Camp. Well done Byron!
2018 VICE CAPTAIN (JESSIE SHARP) CONTINUES TO EXCEL AT UOW
Former Vice Captain, Jessie Sharp, a journalism student at University of Wollongong has been involving herself in a wonderful cultural canoe project. Click here to read about Jessie's interview with ABC Illawarra.
JIAH ACKNOWLEDGED BY NAVY
Jiah King has been formally recognised by the Royal Australian Navy for his outstanding Didgeridoo performance and support to the Royal Australian Navy Indigenous Dance Group- Bungaree on board HMAS Albatross for the 2019 NAIDOC Ceremony, accepting his certificate and framed photograph last week. Congratulations Jiah on your continual positive contribution to the community!
STEM CAMP FOR GIRLS IN YEAR 9 AND 10
University of Wollongong’s four-day summer STEM Camp provides young women entering Years 10 and 11 in 2020 a fun and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experience and an exciting introduction to care
The Camp will run from Sunday afternoon January 12 to Wednesday afternoon January 15 2020. Camp participants will stay (in small groups) at a UOW student residence with a live-in student leader, a young woman who is a UOW STEM student or a recent graduate.
The Camp fee of $260 (Incl. GST and booking fee) covers all meals accommodation and activities during the Camp. Click here to apply.
LEARNING LABS FOR YEAR 7 -10 STUDENTS
The University of Wollongong invites students from Year 7 to 10 (2019) who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners to attend 'LEARNING LABS', an academic enrichment holiday program to be held at the Wollongong Campus from 8 to 10 January 2020.
YEAR 11 STUDENTS - ANU REGIONAL SUMMER CAMP
The Australian National University (ANU) is inviting Year 11 students from regional, rural and remote Australia to come and experience what it’s like to be a university student. This event will include staying at a residential hall, attending interactive lectures and practical classes, meeting current ANU students, and exploring the city of Canberra.
Date: Monday 9 December to Friday 13 December 2019
Location: ANU Campus, Canberra
This opportunity will be fully funded by the University.
Any students with a genuine interest in experiencing what the ANU has to offer, please complete the expression of interest form available here by Wednesday 30 October 2019.
HEALTH INDUSTRY CAREER EXPO
Those interested in a career in the Health Industry are invited to attend ‘Your Career in Health’ expo. Gain valuable information and talk to experts from health industries about career pathways, opportunities, skills needed, how to get into the industry and more. There will be presentations and hands-on activities available.
Bankstown Sports Club, 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown
Wednesday 30 October 2019 (3pm - 8pm)
Click here to register.
SUMMER CAMP, INTERNATIONAL WORK, INTERN AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CCUSA is running the annual American and Canadian Job Fair in Sydney on Sunday 8 December. Up to 25 American and Canadian summer camps will be coming to Australia to interview and hire staff for June – August 2020 Summer camp.
Graduating students who are still looking for options for next year. Click here for further details.
WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL -CADET, APPRENTICE & TRAINEESHIPS
Wollongong City Council are currently recruiting for next year's intake of cadets, apprentices and trainees who will join the organisation in early 2020. Cadetships, apprenticeships and traineeships are entry level career opportunities that allow you to work and complete a fully paid qualification at the same time.
Traineeships in Property Services, Civil construction and Land & Engineering surveying
Horticulture apprenticeships
Cadetships in Planning, Civil Engineering and Recreation Planning
Click here for further information.
Ms. Carla Hill
Careers Advisor
FABULOUS DISPLAY IN LIBRARY FOYER
Year 8 Indonesian Language Students have been studying traditional Indonesian housing and produced a variety of outstanding models, proudly on display in our library foyer.
Mrs Jenni Allchin
Library Coordinator 2019
Throughout the past month we have seen some excellent results from our St John’s athletes participating in various events including the NSW All Schools Athletics Carnival, Berry Interschools Equestrian Championships and the Diocesan Gala Days for AFL, Basketball and Cricket. A big thank you to all of our staff who have supported and assisted on these events: Miss Hall, Mr Leishman, Mr Watson, Mr Burian, Miss Paton, Mr Chard, Mr Smith, Mrs Frew and Mr Fuller.
It is amazing to hear of some many wonderful results from these events, in particular congratulations goes to Baylee Holland of Year 10 who was awarded Bronze at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships in the 16 Years 800m where she also achieved a personal best time. Congratulations also to Lily, Freya, Jai, Lachlan and Tsar, all achieving a top 11 placing at the same championships! A big congratulations also to our amazing Equestrian team who won the overall Champion High Schools at the Berry Interschools Championships over the holidays. All members of our school are proud of these wonderful results!
In the coming weeks more information and dates for Representative Sport 2020 will be published in the school newsletter. This information will also be made available to students of Year 7 2020.
NSW ALLSCHOOLS STATE ATHLETICS
The NSW Allschools State Athletics Championships provide one of the highest standards of competition combining athletes from all Catholic, Independent and Public High Schools across New South Wales.
We are proud to announce Baylee Holland of Year 10 collected bronze in the 16year girls' 800m in a personal best time (2.14.88) at the event held on 26-29 September, 2019.
Congratulations also to the following athletes who achieved a remarkable top 11 in NSW placing!
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/nswccc-swimming-long-distance-events.aspx
Reminder: 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
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.
Draws and details of the Term 4 Diocesan Sports events can be found at https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/events-secondary/
Miss Kate Davis
Representative Sport Coordinator
ST JOHN’S STUDENTS STARRED IN ALADDIN PRODUCTION
During the holidays several St John's students performed in the Junior Albatross Musical (JAM) production of Aladdin Junior, including St John’s Year 8 student Finn Lochrin in the lead role of Aladdin, whilst sisters Belle and Lola joined fellow Year 7 students Ebony Robinson, Georgia Coleman and Lara Weber on stage with Elizabeth Coulthart (Year 8) and Rommy Hazell (Year 9). Joshua Le (Year 10) also assisted backstage.
Click here to listen to Finn Lochrin (Aladdin) sing 'A Whole New World' live on 104.5FM radio. AMAZING!
KEIRA SURFING SUCCESS
We wish to congratulate Year 8 Student Keira Buckpitt on her recent surfing success, finishing third in the National 2019 Rip Curl GromSearch Series at Newcastle. Keira was also awarded the Rising Star Award following her achievement of a semi final 9.43 score for one wave and finishing with a two wave total of 16.3 points! Click here for the full story published in the South Coast Register publication. Congratulations Keira, this is an outstanding achievement!
YEAR 12 ADVANCED ENGLISH GUEST SPEAKER
Students in Year 12 Advanced English were well supported heading into their HSC exams last week, receiving guidance and support from author Allison Tate. We thank Allison for her visit, which was well received and appreciated by students.
FORMER STUDENT DIGGING IN EGYPT!
GEORGE AND MATTHEW NATIONAL MEDALISTS
Congratulations to George Broome (Year 9) and Matthew Fabreschi (Year 10), members of the St George’s Basin Fire Cadet Crew, achieving 3rd place in 2 events at the Bi-annual Australian Fire Cadet Championships during the school holidays. The Championships included 24 teams competing from across NSW, Victoria, WA, SA and Queensland. This is a fantastic achievement and so wonderful to see our students contributing to the community!
Congratulations George and Matthew!
BERNIE REGAN SPORTING AWARDS
Congratulations to our elite sport stars, Aroha Spillane (Rugby), Freya Robinson-Mills (Triathlon), Koby Hantis (Motorcross), Baylee Holland (Athletics), James Phillips (AFL), Sophie Phillips (AFL) and Keira Buckpitt (Surfing), recognised for their outstanding achievements at the 2019 Bernie Regan Memorial Sporting Awards.
With 23 outstanding nominees from across the Shoalhaven, special mention goes to Aroha, Freya and Koby on selection to receive one of eight sporting grants awarded this year!
AFL SCHOLARSHIPS
Congratulations Kiah Shine, Taylah Clarke and Riley Sutherland on the recent selection in Illawarra Academy of Sport's 2019/20 AFL Scholarship program.
P&F NEWS
Welcome back for the final school term of 2019! The P&F would like to recognise our Year 12 students with a special acknowledgement as they embark in their final term of Secondary School, we wish you all the best in sitting your exams over the coming few weeks.
CANTEEN NEWS
The P&F are pleased to announce that the installation of the new pass through dishwasher in the canteen kitchen was completed during the school holidays. Already this term, the new dishwasher has proven its worth in significantly reducing cleanup time; more importantly the new dishwasher is further improving the canteens high cleaning standards.
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.
Sun 27 Oct: Mass with a Difference (St Michael's Parish)
Tues 29 Oct: Year 11 Presentation and HSC Information Evening (6pm)
Fri 1 Nov: Staff Development and Pupil Free Day
Mon 4 Nov: P & F Meeting (6pm)
Mon 11 Nov: Year 7 2020 Parent information evening
Tues 12 Nov: Year 7 2020 Student Orientation Day
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.
