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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
- YEAR 7 NEWS
- YEAR 8 NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE TAS DEPARTMENT
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- GOOROON NEWS
- TERM 4 DATES TO REMEMBER
- CAREERS NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
- ASSORTED NEWS
- NEWS FROM SOCIAL JUSTICE
- P&F NEWS
- CANTEEN NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
EDUCATING WITH A MISSION LENS
Educating with a Mission Lens has been a focus for staff in 2019 and will continue to be one of the areas for development over the coming years. In simple terms, we consider the actions of Jesus and align our actions with His. This Mission Lens is so evident in the actions of our young people. They actively engage in social justice, they work to create a peaceful community and they support each other to develop positive relationships that will equip them well for a positive life. They are active members of many community focussed groups, both at school and in the wider Shoalhaven. They also use their talents to do their best in their learning, their sporting endeavours and in so many other areas. Educating with a Mission Lens can be understood by asking a simple guiding question; “What would Jesus do?” and it is with this Lens that our staff guide our young people in their actions.
SCHOOL FACILITIES
The school environment and facilities have been greatly enhanced over the last two years with the finalising of the installation of air conditioning an all areas. This is also being progressively supported with 128 solar panels to offset the cost financially and more importantly; environmentally. This has been supplemented with funds from the P&F.
The P & F also installed a new dishwasher in the canteen and provided machines to improve the efficiency of food preparation. The exterior of our school had a facelift with the installation of a new fence also generously supplied by the P&F. Our oval also had a new cyclone fence installed between the football oval and the Agriculture Farm. New eco-friendly timber seating was installed fronting the science area, complemented by new sandstone blocks for seating.
In 2020 our plans are for internal changes to K block, new gardens and upgrade to existing passive seating areas, including shade shelter for many areas.
VOLUNTEERS
We are so blessed at St John’s to have so many parents, carers and families support us by their generous willingness to share their time and volunteer at the school. From the canteen to carnivals and exam assistance, they work in so many areas. Our volunteers are great role models and wonderful community members and certainly make a difference in the lives of our young people. Thanks to everyone who has supported the school with volunteering over the last 12 months.
The Parent and Friends Committee have guided the parental input and given a voice to the parent body at St John’s. Thanks to everyone who attended a meeting this year and a special thanks to the P & F executive: Corey Carter, John Barack, Jacinta Davies, Monica Oke and Janet Gill who have led the Parents and Friends Association in 2019.
BISHOP'S STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARD
Congratulations to 2019 Year 12 student Lachlan Kaszonyi who was recognised at the Year 12 2019 Bishop's Student Excellence Awards recently.
Click here to listen to Mrs Hogan's presentation to Lachlan at the Bishop's Student Excellence Awards evening.
Click here to view CEDOW's report of the evening, including all award recipients.
UNIFORM CHANGE 2020
We will be introducing SJE socks that will replace all socks for all students. It is a white calf length sock with a blue SJE monogram on the side. The socks are to be worn for both formal and sport uniforms and shall be available at Lowes in January.
SJE PARENT SURVEY 2019
Each year we encourage parents to provide feedback to ensure our parent/carer voice is clearly heard, I encourage you to complete the parent survey accessed via the following link.
We ask for you to offer honest survey feedback as an important component of the ongoing process to provide the highest quality educational experience for our students and their families.
Please click here to complete parent survey
Mrs. Sandra Hogan
Principal
YEAR 7 2019
We have had two very exciting events in recent days with our focus firmly set on the new Year 7’s joining us in 2019. It was great to see a mix of new and experienced parents join us for our group parent information evenings. We hope that this small group setting provided parents with the opportunity to meet other parents and to connect with the teachers here at St John's.
Monday 18 November saw the many Year 7 2020 students come along for Orientation Day. Their excited faces were heart-warming. It was such a proud moment to see Year 9 students step into their roles as Peer Support leaders and they did a fantastic job. One memorable moment for me was to see the Year 9 boys greet Year 6 boys with a firm handshake. There were many other signs of hospitality and welcome but I felt so proud of our young men at this moment.
END OF YEAR
As we make our way to the end of the year, it is important keep our expectations high and to ensure that all students have a positive end to the year. Work does continue up until the end of the year, although there are some special programs in place. It is therefore important that all students attend school each day and do so with a positive approach to their learning.
Have a good week.
Mrs. Leonie Pearce
THE LEARNING DISPOSITION IN TIMOR
On our recent immersion trip to Timor Leste I had the pleasure of meeting Teresinha de Deus, a teacher at the English Language Study Centre in Railaco.
During our visit to Teresinha’s classroom St John’s students had the opportunity to teach the students of Railaco. Throughout this and other teaching experiences in Timor we saw many examples of students displaying the SJE Learning Dispositions. The students of Timor are always eager to learn and take every opportunity to practice their English skills. They take ownership of their learning, they are always inquiring and they are definitely not afraid to take on a challenge.
St John’s students were also up for the challenge while making connections and have had the opportunity upon their return to reflect on this amazing learning experience.
We wish to thank Tereshinha as well as the staff and students of Railaco for welcoming St John’s into their school, providing this amazing experience.
Click here to download permission note to attend Mathematics tutoring
OOAAA WINNERS
Year 7 - Jed Montgomery
Year 8 - Zoe Klapsis
Year 9 - Christian Page
Year 10 - Kobie Baker
Year 11 - Bronte Batchelor
Click here to view the Maths Pathways- 200Plus Club Nominees
We are already halfway through Term 4 and edging closer to the end of the year. Year 7 have had a busy term already.
On Wednesday 6 November Year 7 took part in a Reflection Day focusing on Aboriginal Culture and Spirituality. Staff members and volunteers from Gooroon took time with the students to teach them about different aspects of Aboriginal Culture including games, weapons and bush tucker. I would like to thank Mr Hall, Aunty Jo, Aunty Christine, Uncle Rory, Uncle Leland and Aunty Kaitlin for all their work on the day.
I would also like to take this time to draw your attention to the CeDow I.T student agreement students and parents signed at the beginning of the year.The document highlights the responsibilities of students in their use of I.T at school.
In PALS students went through the document so they understood what their responsibilities are and how they can ensure they are using IT safely. I have also attached a link to the Social Media Policy so it is clear what the expectations are around the use of social media both at school and home.
As this will be my last newsletter article for the term I’d like to take this time to congratulate Year 7 on the way they have involved themselves in the school community. I have enjoyed getting to know each and every student and look forward to working with them again next year.
‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me and loved me as yourself’
Mrs. Sophie Daly
Year 7 Coordinator
As I begin to write the final Year 8 newsletter report for 2019 I reflect on the year that has been. Year 8 have had a very busy and positive year. There have been many sporting achievements, academic excellence awards and presentations as well as consistent involvement in community service across the school and wider community. Year 8 have grown as a cohort and there is clear evidence that this group of students are developing strong friendships and a supportive network as peers.
Members of Year 8 continue to be involved in extra curricular activities across the school. There is also a large number of students that put themselves out there in the wider community through sport and other cultural endeavours.
It was wonderful to see our very own Finn Lochrin play the lead role in the Junior Albatross Musical (JAM) Aladdin in October. Finn is a very talented young man and I’m sure we will see him star in many future productions. Elizabeth Coulthart also starred in Aladdin as one of the guards relishing in the opportunity to perform on stage at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Center.
STEM
Marcelle Holden, Amelia McCarthy, Benjamin Royston, and Chloe Poulton all participated in the STEM Workship Day at Wollongong University earlier in the year. The students developed their team building skills through difficult programs and activities.
AFL GALA DAY
Again a number of Year 8 students demonstrated their talent and commitment to a team environment competing in the AFL Gala Day held at Berkeley.
Elizabeth Coulthart, Tayala Clarke, Kiah Shine, Phoebe Szymoniczek, Elle Sims, Keeley Longbottom, Isabella McConville, Haylee Sear, Imogen Schellnegger, Keira Buckpitt, Caitlin Fairs, Madison Carr, Izac Maher, Dylan Johnston, Adam Staunton, Sam Phillips, Jarrah Treweek, Harry Tan, Lachlan Almond, Brad Church, Chad Lyons, Jude Mandile, Reese Manasseh, Isaiah Wellington.
Taylah Clarke and Kiah Shine have been selected for AFL Scholarships at the Illawarra Academy of Sports in 2019/20.
DIOCESAN BASKETBALL GALA DAY
The Basketball Gala Day held in Week 1 of Term 4 had a number of Year 8 students compete in both the boys and girls teams.
The boys team had the talent of Lachlan Almond, Lachlan Callaghan, Mitchell Davies, Finn Lochrin, Harry Petre, Ben Roysten, Austin Shingleton and Daniel Walker who competed at Campbelltown.
The girls team consisting of Kate Fairbairn, Dakota Yates, Phoebe Szymoniczek, Maggie Smith headed to the Illawarra Snake Pit.
Keira Buckpitt competed in the National 2019 Rip Curl GromSearch Series at Newcastle and achieved 3rd place.
HIGH SCHOOL FOR A DAY
Raphaella Creighton, Jack Matthews, Hope Ide, Benjamin Roysten, Haylee Sear and Robert McLean assisted with the running of the High School for a Day for students in Year 5 from Mt Michael’s and St Mary’s to get a taste of high school. These students represented St John’s and Year 8 in such a positive way that demonstrates their commitment to community service.
EQUESTRIAN
Bayli Batchelor and Lois Fleming along with students from across St John’s competed in the Berry Interschools Equestrian Championships. Congratulations to both Year 8 girls on a very successful competition.
MERITS
As a Year Coordinator I have the privilege of awarding students with their Bronze, Silver and Gold Merit awards. This year I have had that role many times and it is wonderful to see so many students working hard to achieve these goals. May I remind students to ask their teachers to mark off Red Stamps and enter subject specific merits this week.
ACTIVITIES
As the year winds down students have chosen their end of year activities. As you are aware this is a special time and a fitting finish to a big year of hard work. Students are reminded that there is still a lot of work to do between now and the end of the year and it is important that they stay focused on a last push toward report time.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank all the parents and carers who have supported their children throughout the year. For the many phone calls, messages, emails and personal contacts that you have made has assisted me in getting to know your child better and being able to support their growth and development.
“God Has No Hands But Yours”
Mrs. Lynette Kelly
Year 8 Coordinator
With the implementation of a new Stage 4 syllabus in 2019 Year 7 Technology Mandatory (TM) are focusing on Digital Technologies and Engineered Systems.
Year 8 TM classes are continuing with the existing syllabus focusing on Built Environment and Products. There is such a wide range of learning opportunities and focus areas including;
- designing and coding a computer game,
- building a hydroponic garden,
- racing dragsters including designing and 3D printing the chassis and soldering the motor and switching,
- constructing a pinball machine around engineering principles whilst designing an engaging playfield.
In 2020 the new syllabus will be fully integrated introducing Agriculture and Food Technologies and Material Technologies into Year 8.
The TM subject is such a new, exciting and innovative learning environment for students to immerse themselves, and experience a range of ways to learn real life concepts and engage at St Johns.
Mr Philip Gould
TAS Coordinator
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT 2020 TERM 1
Google form nominations are now open for the following sporting events in early Term 1, 2020:
- Touch Football (Open and Under 15s only)
- Team Triathlon
- Open Tennis
Nomination forms are available on the representative sport google classroom page. Touch Football nominations will close Monday 2 December (Week 8, Term 4) at 3pm. Open and Under 15 trials will take place where possible during Week 8 of Term 4. Squads for the 2020 Touch Football Gala Days will be chosen from these trials so that teams are prepared for 2020. Under 13 team trials and nominations will take place early in Term 1, 2020.
The 2020 draft representative sports dates will be published in the next Newsletter.
CDF SPORTS AWARDS 2019
Congratulations to the following students who were acknowledged at the CDF Sports awards last Friday evening at St Mary’s School Hall:
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
Miss Kate Davis
Representative Sport Coordinator
A wonderful time was had by students attending the last AIME Day for 2019 at the Shoalhaven Campus of the University of Wollongong on Friday 8 November. Students from Year 7 -11 participated in activities run by the mentors and the day ended with a dance party that all the students enjoyed.
DIDGERIDOO IN A DAY
Tues 26 Nov: Junior Creative and Performing Arts Showcase 5pm-8pm
Tues 3 Dec: Indonesian Food Day (Orders due 29/11/19)
Wed 4 Dec: Year 10 Presentation & Special Awards Ceremony 10:30am
Wed 4 Dec: Year 10 Op Shop Ball Periods 4 & 5
Mon 9 - Fri 13 Dec: Year 10 Work Experience
Fri 13 Dec: Whole School Mass and Year 7-9 Presentation Assembly 9:30am
Fri 13 Dec: Year 10 & Year 11 Final Day of School for 2019
Mon 16 & Tues 17 Dec: Year 7, 8 & 9 End of Year Activities
Tues 17 Dec: Year 7, 8 & 9 Final Day of School for 2019
TRADESWOMEN WORKSHOP DAY
Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT) will be running a workshop at St John’s on Monday 2 December, 2019. The workshop is designed for girls in Years 8 - 10 and run by tradeswomen with many years’ experience. During the workshop there are life skills taught which help young women gain basic tool skills which allow them to be more independent and increase self-esteem. The young women are encouraged to think about their careers and become proactive, don't let life just happen to you.
Each student makes a timber caddy from start to finish to take home and receives a certificate of completion.
Interested students need to collect permission notes from the student foyer and return signed notes to the office. As positions are limited to 25 students allocation will be on a first notes in basis.
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
Work experience will take place from 9 - 13 December for all Year 10 students. A pre-work experience session will be held in week 8 covering safe workplace information as well as a resume writing workshop.
YEAR 12 LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Sanctuary Point & District Community Bank Scholarship is available for 2 local students residing in postcode 2540 who are academically capable and community minded however experiencing difficulty in funding tertiary study.
* $5000 scholarship for Bachelor degree study
* $2500 scholarship for TAFE studies
Applications from 2 Dec 2019 until 28 Jan 2020
Apply at bendigobank.com.au/scholarships (after 2 Dec) or call 1300 304 541 for more information.
SHOALHAVEN EDUCATION FUND GRANTS
Grants are available to local youth who have lived and/or attended school in the region for the majority of their high school years. Your local CEF does not focus on applicant’s academic success. The essential selection criteria are:
- That you have demonstrated financial need;
- You are aged 16-25 years; and
- That you have shown commitment to achieving your goal.
- Click here for further information
POSITION VACANT
Target Nowra are currently recruiting for casual Customer Service Assistants.
They are looking for people who will be able to work after school and on weekends. If interested, follow the link below and sign up to the talent pool:
https://quiz.weirdlyhub.com/talent/target/
Ms. Carla Hill
Careers Advisor
ONLINE RESOURCES
If there are any questions about the use of these resources please contact Mrs Allchin in the Library.
LIBRARY DISPLAY
Thank you to Year 7 Visual Arts for their wonderful 'Aussie Icon' artwork, brightly lighting up our library foyer this week!
Mrs Jenni Allchin
Library Coordinator
INDONESIAN FOOD DAY- Tuesday 3/12/19
Week 8 Tuesday 3 December St Johns will be celebrating Indo Food Day, an opportunity to immerse yourself into the Indonesian culture and cuisine.
Order forms have been distributed and must be returned to the canteen before Friday 29 November, 2019.
There is an option of two dishes to choose from: mie goreng- a traditional fried noodle dish and satay chicken served with rice. The noodle dish is also available in a vegetarian option.
Year 9 language students will be serving a sweet Indo style iced tea which is only available to purchase on the day. There will be limited food available on the day so we encourage you to pre order!
Even if you don’t order- please get down to the canteen area during lunch to view the traditional dress, puppets and instruments to immerse yourself into the Indonesian culture.
Ms. Lisa Cooper
Indonesian Language Teacher
YEAR 9 PBL SHOWCASE
Year 9 PDHPE engaged in project based learning (PBL) researching the topic 'How can I keep my mental health at its best and support the mental health of others?'.
We are proud of the effort students demonstrated in presenting their showcase of work to our staff and Year 8 students. Well done Year 9!
INSPIRING YEAR 10 STUDENT CHASING GOALS TO ASSIST AUSSIE FARMERS
Year 10 student Yasmin Willis has been proactive in realising a future for herself as an Engineer working in the renewable energy industry with a focus on supporting farmers and working with rural communities.
In September, Yasmin attended Macquarie University's 'Women in Engineering' workshop and has since continued to engage in opportunities for furthering her understanding of the future of the renewable energy industry and the role she may play as an engineer working in this field, by travelling to Wagga to participate in a Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo.
Yasmin found the conference to be amazing, taking notes, meeting up with farmers, University Professors and Industry Engineers to plan a positive future for Australian farming with farmers, Universities and organisations promoting towards a 100% renewable energy future transition over the next 10 years. The experience has inspired Yasmin to cement this as her future path and we congratulate Yasmin for her commitment to both her future as well as that of a sustainable future for Australian farming.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Thank you to Year 10 students Hayley Bourke, Kayla Reyes and Matilda Pritchett for your wonderful contributions to the Remembrance Day Ceremony held at Jonathon Rogers Nursing Home on Monday 11 November, 2019.
Thank you also to School Captains Pallas Retimana and Daniru Jayasuriya attending Sussex Inlet RSL Sub-Branch Remembrance Day service. Pallas and Daniru spoke about the inspiration and history behind the poem "Silence Falls" by Henry Weston Pryce. They also laid a wreath on behalf of the St John's community.
ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRATIONS @ SJE ASSEMBLY
Our Polding Basket Launch Assembly on Thursday 14 November included plenty of entertainment with performances from our concert band and EAT (Eleven & Ten) Drama.
Jindi Alston and Eddie Foster presented the upcoming Indonesian Food Day whilst Pallas Retimana, Ella Liberale and Piper Druce reported about their Timor Leste immersion.
We also celebrated recent achievements presenting ICAS, Science & Engineering Challenge, Debating, Maths 200 Club and OOAAA awards. Congratulations to all!
INCREDIBLE SPORTING SUCCESS
We wish the following students the best of luck as they will be representing in their chosen fields this term. We love to hear of all student achievements and ask for significant results to be e-mailed with photos to info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au.
TIMOR LESTE IMMERSION
Students from Year 11 engaged in the annual Timor Leste immersion during the school holidays, with one of the highlights of the trip to be spending time with visiting students at local schools, including the Railaco English Language Study Centre. This visit was well received with the following report included in their school newsletter;
ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE
RAILACO ENGLISH LANGUAGE STUDY CENTRE (ELSC) NEWSLETTER
RAILCACO ELSC VISITING
We welcome a group of teachers and students simply on 2nd of October this year. They arrived at the Railaco ELSC at about 10 to 10am. The came from Australia and this group called Jesuit Mission. Actually they came to visit the Railaco Catholic Secundary school then they gave time to visit Railaco ELSC. And they spent their time almost an hour to sit together with Railaco ELSC students to say hello and talk to each other.
It’s so nice to have you at our school.
Thank you so much for giving time to visit us.
BAKEHOUSE SALE
WORKING BEE
Our last working bee for 2019 was held on Saturday 9 November, 2019. The P & F would like to thank all those who came along and dedicated a few hours to making the school a better place for our kids. Also, a special mention goes out to the families who couldn’t make it and donated food and refreshments for the volunteers at the completion of the day. Overall the weather was very kind to us on the day and we managed to achieve a lot in a very short time.
YEAR 7 2020 ORIENTATION EVENING - SPONSORSHIP
The Year 7 orientation evening was held on Monday 11 November 2019, and as previously advised a sponsorship consisting of $50 Lowes vouchers were awarded to 20 of next years incoming Year 7 students.
Well done to the following students:
Chelsea Duncan, Otto Isaac, Aidan Cook, Jordie Lay, Christian Grasso, Chelsea Edgerton, Jim Watts, William Hodgkins, Zachary Tolhurst-Moon, Maddison Murton, David Sinclair, Luciano Garcia, Abbey Poulton, Elijah Guyatt, Georgia Preston, Ethan Watters, Caitlin McLean, Kayen Bannon-Harrison, Jalen Rees, Callum Cruickshank.
YEAR 7 2020 ORIENTATION DAY - BBQ
The Year 7 Orientation Day was held on Monday 18 November 2019 to welcome our Year 7 students for 2020. The P & F had the pleasure of providing a BBQ lunch to help welcome students. A big thank you to our hard working parent volunteers Liam Malloy, Anu Sivonen and Corey Carter for helping with the BBQ and assisting in the transition of these students to St Johns. We welcome all of the 2020 Year 7 students to the St John's community.
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
