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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- PASTORAL CARE
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- TERM 1 2020 DATES TO REMEMBER
- NEWS FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE
- NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
- NEWS FROM RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
- P&F NEWS
- YEAR 7 NEWS
- YEAR 8 NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
- ASSORTED NEWS
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- CANTEEN NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
Welcome back to the 2020 school year and a special welcome to all our new staff and students. This year we will welcome around 200 new students and 14 new staff, and we look forward to what each of them are going to bring to our school when they share their unique talents.
To our new students and families I would like to extend a special welcome. You have chosen St John’s for your child and we assure you that their learning and growth is important to each of us. This is a wonderful school community and we encourage you to engage with us at every opportunity as it is through getting involved in information nights, working bees, canteen and carnivals.
For each member of this school community we pray that the year ahead brings not only times of joy but also the opportunity to grow and excel. That through the challenges that we set for ourselves and each other we find a great sense of fulfilment in this place of learning.
During the holidays many of us have faced a number of challenges. The devastating bushfires have certainly affected each of us in one way or another. And then the news of Mr Summer’s death brought to us a great sadness. Such a tragic loss. So we will walk gently at the start of this year to support each other, mindful of the grief that many members of our community may be feeling.
At St John’s we have 6 KEY VALUES that guide our actions. So to start our year let’s start our year by thinking of three of them.
The first is COMPASSION.
When we listen to each other we should listen as Jesus did.
On many occasions He was seen to draw in the dirt as he ‘just listened’. For us this is listening with the ear of the heart. We are also called to listen to each other and hear their story.
Then the second value is HOSPITALITY.
A hospitality that calls us to be kind to each other. To say ‘hi’ but, not to just stop there, we should really try to see the best in everyone, to really care about them. To be the Face of Jesus in each person we encounter.
And finally the value of HOPE.
The designer, Jenny Keys, had a beautiful home in the Australian bush. Her home was affected by the fires and along with her sadness Jenny focussed on the value of Hope. I love the words of hope that she shared in the Sydney Morning Herald (19/1/2020 ):
"As much as we love the green and the beauty of the bush before disaster, it's also important to look at it after the fire just to see what happens, because it's extraordinary," she said.
"It shows us what's possible."
"Every time I see those shoots – that green – and you see how tough, how hardy the earth is, you also see how tough we are as people ... I just still feel so optimistic for this country
So I encourage our young people to be mindful of the value of HOPE and have it foremost in their minds as we create a safe and optimistic place for all members of our school community to grow and learn
Even though there are hot days to come and fires may continue to be a concern, be assured that the school is always mindful of ensuring that everyone is safe and have excellent preparation and plans for all incidents that may arise. I encourage students, parents and carers to use the normal school procedures and always seek advice from teachers if you have concerns.
PALS is one of their first support networks, so if they have any concerns or want to chat with someone consider having a word with their PALS teacher or any other teachers they are comfortable to chat to.
We are here as a community in 2020 to help each of you grow personally and in your learning each and every day. Focus on learning, set goals high and work hard to achieve them.
I wish to thank our staff and teachers for their positive contributions and behind-the-scenes work to ensure a smooth start to the year. I'd also like to introduce the 2020 Year Coordinators as follows;
HSC 2019 RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY
During this week's assembly we recognised the HSC achievements of many of our 2019 HSC students. We celebrated success in so many areas from outstanding ATARS, students on the distinguished achievers list and those who had been nominated for their major works. Makenzie Veale, the School Dux for 2019, gave the keynote address.
Have a wonderful 2020 and I pray that it is a very rewarding year for everyone as we all work together as a community for the young people of St John’s.
Mrs. Sandra Hogan
Principal
INFORMATION EVENINGS
I hope that everyone is settling in to the 2020 school year. I know that it has been a very difficult start for many. As we step into the 2020 school year, knowing what to expect for each student in all particular year groups will assist every student in getting a sense of normalcy and empowering their confidence and thus assist them in being successful.
With this in mind, over the coming weeks we are holding parent and student information evenings for Years 7,10 and 11. These meetings will cover the content relevant to the students in the specific year group. We believe that by having students and parents present at these meetings together, we can assist and support you in planning and communicating around important aspects of each student's school experience. In addition, the PALS teachers are involved in these meetings in a significant way.
This will enable you to get to know the teacher who spends each morning with your son or daughter. There will also be light refreshments available before the meetings so that you can informally meet staff and other parents from the same year group.
The dates are as follows:
Week 3: Monday 10 February
Year 10 (5.45pm) and Year 11 (6.30 pm) - Tea and coffee available from 5.30pm
Week 5: Year 7 Monday 24 February
(5.45pm) - Tea and coffee from 5.30pm
It is an expectation that the students do accompany their parents to these events and we hope that much will be gained for all involved.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS FOR SUCCESS AT SCHOOL
I would like to remind students and parents of the importance of attending school everyday with the view of making every lesson count on their educational journey. To ensure success students must learn more than course content.
It is essential that they develop good learning practices and thinking skills. They must develop an ownership of their own learning. Parents can support this development by helping students develop organisational skills. This includes ensuring that they bring their equipment, including laptops, to school each day.
The diary provides ALL students with a very useful tool to help them with their organisation. The diary is a required item for every student from Year 7 - 12, every day. The diary is a useful tool for parents to check in and see how the student is going across all subjects. We ask that you sign the diary once a week upon sighting the diary. Students are aware that there will be consequences if they do not bring their diary to school and each lesson. Parents are encouraged to read the front pages of the diary as they contain essential information for all students. The diary will also contain homework, assignments and key dates and deadlines to assist the students in organising their time and being successful in their learning.
UNIFORM
Our school uniform is distinctive and those who wear it should take pride in it and their appearance. We endeavour to develop in the students a respect for their school and a deeper awareness of their own personal responsibility. Such values are reflected in behaviour and dress. It is important that students abide by the school expectations at the beginning of the year in order that the focus can be placed on student learning. Guidelines are in the student diary and were sent home to each family at the end of Term 4, 2019 to assist in the purchase of new items.
Teachers have discussed uniform with students whose wearing of the uniform is of concern. I would like to highlight the concern I have stated numerous times last year regarding the girls' sports shorts being too tight and too short. I asked students to rectify this over the holiday period. I will be meeting with individual students in the coming days should they not have addressed this uniform issue.
We are grateful for your support in these matters when issues arise. I look forward to meeting our new parents and carers and hope to work in partnership in the education and care of your children.
CAR PARK SAFETY
Parents are asked to collect their children from the front of the school. It is very unsafe to park across from the bus bay and have your child cross the road as buses are swinging around corners and moving quickly through this area - not expecting pedestrians.
Mrs. Leonie Pearce
WELCOME
A big welcome back to all returning students and families and also to our new students and their families joining us for the first time. While the Christmas break has been quite a tough one for many people, I would like to commend our students on an amazing start to the year. It is great to see so many students engaging with their education in such a dedicated manner. I also would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the support that was offered over the holiday period. Please do not hesitate to contact the school or your son/daughter/person in your care’s PALS or Year Coordinator. If we are aware, we can support.
This year our Chapel is also open to staff and students during Thursday lunchtimes providing opportunity for reflection.
I thought I would take this time to remind our students and families of a few key areas and ask parents to familiarise themselves with our policy documents. The following policies are documented on our school website - http://www.sjedow.catholic.edu.au/policies
- Anti Bullying Parent Response Plan
- Anti Bullying Student Response Plan
- Student Behaviour Management Policy
- Peaceful School Policy
- Hands Off And No Put Downs Policy
- Electronic Communication Device Policy
- School Shoe Guidelines
- Student Attendance Policy
- Student Uniform Policy
- Pastoral Care And Diverse Learning Needs Policy
If there are any concerns in regard to these documents, please feel free to call me on the school number.
STARTING WITH SUCCESS
A lot of research shows that students tend to struggle when they return from long periods away from school and that one of the best indicators of success is developing effective habits and strong routines. As such, it would be important, if you haven’t already, to create some strong routines at home to help your son, daughter or person in your care succeed at school.
- Encourage them to use their school diary to organise their day/weeks
- Create a calendar on the fridge where they are to write key events, various tasks and other school related information
- Set clear routines when they come back from school
- Engage with them about their school day
- Allow them to have a quick break and replenish with food and drink
- Set an agreed upon time where your they will show you their diary, and complete their homework. Preferably, this will be in an open area where distractions like phones are less likely to occur.
- Set an agreed upon free time where they are able to use their phones, watch TV or spend a specific amount of time on their computer
- Phones and other devices are kept out of the bedroom.Create strong sleep routines. Specific, agreed upon time for bed,
- If needed, communicate with their teachers via their school diary.
As always, these routines need to work with your family dynamic. If you need any assistance in organising this, please feel free to give the PALS teacher a call.
I have also included two articles from Parenting Ideas on supporting students who are entering a new environment / phase of their educational journey.
Mr. James Eirth
Pastoral Care Coordinator
Week 3
Mon 10 Feb: Year 7 (& Year 8 catch up) Immunisations
Mon 10 Feb: Year 10 ROSA Information Evening (Coffee/Tea 5:30pm for 5:45pm start)
Mon 10 Feb: Year 11 Information Evening (6:30pm - 7:15pm)
Week 4
Mon 17 Feb: P & F Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Wed 19 Feb: Year 12 Parent/Teacher interviews 3:30pm
Thurs 20 Feb: Assembly: National Apology, Year 11 Leadership and Youth Ministry Commissioning (8:45am)
Fri 21 Feb: Swim Carnival
Sat 22 Feb: Working Bee & BBQ (8:30am - 11am)
Week 5
Mon 24 Feb: Year 7 students, parents PALS teacher gathering. Coffee/Tea 5:30pm for 5:45pm start.
Wed 26 -Fri 28 Feb: Year 7 Camp
Week 6
Wed 4 Mar: Year 7 2021 and Future Students Information Evening
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE TERM 1 2020 PARENT CALENDAR
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS REP SPORT DATES FOR 2020
2020 SCHOOL FEE INFORMATION
SCHOOL FEES 2020
Diocesan School Fee Management Policy
It is advisable that all parent/carers have knowledge of the Diocesan School Fee Management Policy, available on the school’s website. A Frequently Asked Questions document is also provided to assist families with interpretation. School Fee Agreement and Direct Debit Application forms can be downloaded from our school website also.
School Fee Agreements
Regardless of how you pay your fees all families MUST have in place a CURRENT School Fee Agreement to advise their preferred method of school fee payment, amount and frequency. For your convenience, this Agreement can be downloaded from the school’s website. Agreements are also accessible from the school’s administration office.
. The School Fee Agreement should be returned to the school office once you have received your School Fee Statement which you should receive by the end of February.
. Families who do not return this Agreement will be subject to full payment
within 30 days.
. Our preferred method of payment is by BPay, other methods of payment are EFTPOS, Cash/Cheque, Credit Card, Centrepay, Direct Debit (Direct Debit Application forms can be downloaded from the school’s website or from the school administration office.)
. Frequencies offered include: Weekly, fortnightly, monthly or intervals that suit the
Family budget. To determine your payment amount, an online “SCHOOL FEE
CALCULATOR” is also available on the school’s website.
If You Have An Existing Or Wish To Apply For Fee Concession
If your family requires consideration for Fee Concession due to financial hardship, it is necessary to submit an Application for Fee Concession, providing evidence of your financial situation and have an interview with the Principal for new approvals.
Families that had a Fee Concession approved in 2019 MUST also reapply for 2020, you will be mailed a new Fee Concession Application.
Parent/Carers should be assured that these situations will be treated with the utmost
confidentiality, respect and empathy.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Finance Office Mrs Connie Crawford if you
require explanation or assistance in relation to school fee matters. Thank you.
Welcome to the new school year of 2020. We have begun the year with enthusiastic students and staff. Below you will find some every day procedures that will be helpful as parents and carers to learn the daily routine of the school. With a student population this year of over 950, you can understand that routine is very important to the smooth running of the school.
The following are a list of procedures, which if followed correctly, will enable us to serve you in a friendly, efficient, professional manner at all times as well as allow students to focus on their learning.
EARLY LEAVERS
If you need to collect your child early from school, please send a note in with them in the morning, which they will bring to the office before school. Students will receive an Early Leaver stamp in their diary providing them permission to leave class. They will meet you at the office and there is no waiting for anyone. It is very difficult to get a child out of class on short notice. It is a disruption for the teachers and the rest of the class. If a student is at sport, or doing a practical class then they can be difficult to locate. If you find you need to pick your child up urgently please ring the school before you come in to give us time to locate them. Notes are needed for audit purposes, so you will be asked to provide a note every time your child is late to school, absent for any reason or leaves early.
It would be appreciated if any change to after school travel arrangements to be communicated to your child is received by the office no later than 2.30pm.
NOTIFYING AND EXPLAINING STUDENT ABSENCES
Our new Compass Communication App allows parents to notify the school of student absences. Please click here for further details.
SCHOOL TIMES
Please ensure your child arrives to school on time. School begins at 8.30am each morning. If they are late they must report to the office to be signed in or they will be marked absent on the roll.
LOST PROPERTY
A real concern is the amount of lost property that comes into the office. There are a number of uniform items each year that end up being sent to St Vincent de Paul as they have no names on them and students do not come to claim them. We cannot return items if they are not clearly labelled. Please put your child's name on all of their uniform items, especially blazers and sports track suits. Hats are another item that often come to the office with no name. Do not think because they are now in high school they will not lose things!
CAMPS & CARNIVALS
With the upcoming camps and carnivals, please label all items that your child takes to camp so everything will be returned to them if it gets mixed up with other students' belongings. Please follow the provided ‘what to bring list’ on camp notes so students have the requirements but not take too much.
ILLNESS
If your child becomes ill during the day you will be phoned to come and collect them. Students who are not well enough to be in class must go home. Please ensure we always have your updated telephone numbers. Students are not to use their mobile phones to ring you if they are sick. Medication (including Paracetamol) will only be administered if supplied to the office with a Medical Consent form.
VALUABLES AT SCHOOL
Students are encouraged not to bring valuables or money to school. The school is not responsible for loss or theft of valuables whilst students are at school. All students are advised to keep valuables with them at all times, either in their pockets or in a pencil case in the classroom. Due to WHS regulations all bags have to be left outside of classrooms.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Mobile phones and other electronic devices are permitted to be used before and after school however they are not to be used during school hours and must be switched off. If a student is found to be using these items they will be confiscated. The first confiscation is classed as their one and only warning, they will have the item returned to them at the end of the day. The second confiscation will result in the phone/electronic device being stored in the school office and the student will be required to attend a playground withdrawal before collecting their device the next day. Third and consequent confiscations will be treated as an act of defiance and dealt with accordingly. Parents are asked not to phone their children on their mobiles or to send them text messages during the day. If you need to get an urgent message to your child please ring the school office and we will relay the message for you.
EXCURSIONS
All monies for excursions, fees etc are to be brought to the office immediately when the child comes to school, or at lunch/recess time. Receipts will be issued for all money paid to the school. Payment for some excursions will be able to be done on-line. This will incur a 30 cent administration fee. Information regarding this is available on our website via the Excursion Letters & Payment link. Excursion notes can also be downloaded from this section of the website.
All monies and permission note must be submitted before the due date or the student may not be permitted to attend the excursion. The office will not accept notes past the due date without prior approval from the Assistant Principal. Notes must be submitted together with payment or online receipt details attached.
If there is any concern over the cost of an excursion or the ability to pay, please contact the Principal’s Secretary via the school office. No child will be excluded from any compulsory excursion due to money constraints, however students or parents must inform their coordinator or appropriate person before the due date.
FAMILY INFORMATION
Please ensure that you advise the office of any change in family circumstances or contact details including email addresses, telephone numbers and residential and postal addresses. This will assist the school with the communication process throughout the year. Important messages will be sent out via Compass and email so it is essential that the school is informed of current email addresses. Carers of students who travel on school buses are now required to update address details online via the Transport NSW website, apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updatedetails.
NEWSLETTER
The school newsletter will be emailed to parents on Fridays and available via the school website. A hard copy may be obtained from the front office. We are trying to cut down on the number of newsletters that are printed. If we have your email address, you will receive a newsletter notification each week.
SCHOOL POLICIES
Please refer to the school website (via the Admin menu) or student diary, for school policies regarding jewellery, shoes, uniform and the consequences involved in non compliance with these policies.
Please do not hesitate to contact the St John’s School Office via email, info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au or by calling the office at any time if you have concerns.
NEW STUDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
This year St John’s has moved to Compass, a new student management computer system replacing Sentral and Skoolbag communication applications.
Portal Login details were mailed to Parents/Carers yesterday and should be received today or early next week.
You are advised that unless we are informed otherwise (eg by providing a copy of court orders), the school assumes that both parents retain a shared and equal parental responsibility for their children. This means that the school will recognise that each parent has equal opportunities, duties, obligations and responsibilities in relation to matters involving their children’s education at St John’s.
With this in mind, both parents, whether residing at the same address or not, will receive their own individual login details. This is in accordance with policy guidelines stipulated from the Catholic Education Office, Wollongong.
Likewise, both parents will also receive copies of communication regarding their children and absentee notifications via SMS.
Should you have any concerns regarding this information, please contact the school as soon as possible. If there are court orders a copy must be provided.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS FOR 2020
Please click here to view the student booklists and requirements for each subject and grade for this year.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS FOR 2020
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR 2020
PRE LOVED UNIFORMS
We would like to thank those families who have recently made donations of uniforms to the school.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2020
We wish to inform parents/guardians and students about the Sacramental Program running this year at St John’s.
Any students who would like to be baptised into the Catholic faith or receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion or Confirmation, are invited to participate in the Sacramental program running during the year and in school time.
Please click here for further information.
Mr. Mark Fuller
Sacramental Coordinator
P&F WELCOME YOU TO 2020
Welcome back to returning students, new students, staff, and other members of our school community. The P&F Executive look forward to another great year helping our community in 2020, we wish all of our students success for the new academic year. If the P&F can help in any way please don’t hesitate to contact us through the school email address and we will try to assist wherever we can.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The P&F is pleased to announce that this year two new positions have been made available on the P&F Executive Committee. The new positions provide greater opportunity for parent involvement and will greatly assist in providing a wider pool for selecting a P&F Committee President in future years. The AGM will be held at St Johns on the 17th of February 2020 commencing at 6:00 pm, at which time all positions will be declared vacant and available for nomination. P&F Executive Committee positions available for nomination in 2020 will be:
President - The P&F President presides at all meetings and provides leadership and direction for the Association by working cooperatively and collaboratively with the Principal and Parish Priest.
Vice-President - assists the President and fulfils the duties of the President when the President is unavailable.
Assistant Vice-President (NEW)- understudies and shares the Vice-President’s workload; observes the roles and duties of the committee with a view to volunteering for any role at some point in the future.
Treasurer - is responsible for ensuring that all the financial dealings of the Association are carried out in accordance with the constitution.
Secretary - manages the day-to-day communications and records of the Association; organises meetings, records accurate draft minutes.
Assistant Secretary (NEW) - understudies and shares the Secretary’s workload; observes the roles and duties of the committee with a view to volunteering for any role at some point in the future.
Parent Liaison Officer - keeps the parent body informed through the school newsletter and website of all P&F events and functions. They contact parent volunteers for various school events such as sporting carnivals, exam supervision and general helpers.
CANTEEN HELP NEEDED
Volunteering in the school canteen is a wonderful way to support the school and at the same time get to meet new people and be an involved and active member of our school community. We are looking for people to offer some time to assist in our canteen, so if you can offer assistance, even just once a month we would love to hear from you. Grandparents are also welcome!
Please contact our school on 4423 1666 or email info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au if you're able to assist.
WORKING BEE
Our first working bee will be held Saturday 22 February, 2020 starting at 8:30am, it will be a great opportunity to get together and meet each other, in some cases for the first time and others to get reacquainted. A sausage sizzle will be provided on completion, if you would like to bring along a plate (fruit, muffins, biscuits etc) to share that would be most appreciated. We would love to see you all there!
Mrs. Jacinta Davis
Year 7 has begun their transition into high school with great energy, enthusiasm and, understandably, some nerves. I want to thank all of the students and families of our Year 7 students for making these first few days as smooth as possible.
The first few weeks will present many new questions and potentially some confusion as Year 7 begin to navigate and adjust to the fast-paced nature of high school. Rest assured, our awesome staff and students here at St John’s will attempt to alleviate any trepidation and assist Year 7 on their journey to the best of their abilities.
Our next big event is Year 7 Camp in Week 5, on Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 February. Initial discussions about equipment lists and tent groupings are beginning next week, with official selections to take place on Wednesday during long PALS. The students have shown great interest and enthusiasm in preliminary discussions about the planning process, and seem to be very excited; fully embracing the spirit of Year 7 Camp. If there are any issues or problems related to Camp please contact the school as soon as possible.
Year 7 will also be participating in the NSW School Vaccination Program on Monday 10 February. Vaccination Cards were distributed last week and need to be returned to the school office. If you do not wish for your child to engage in the vaccination program we ask for return of the completed card noting "Permission not provided".
Year 7 recently participated in the Catholic Culture day, striving to live out our Year group motto, ‘God’s gift to you is your life. What you become is your gift to God’. They explored many aspects of what it means to be a student at a catholic school and how to implement these values in their everyday actions.
Our values will guide us to be active and valuable members of the St John’s community. The teachers at St John’s are keeping an eye out for these particular students, who are living out our year group motto and catholic teachings, nominating individuals for a ‘GIFT’ (Growing in Faith Together) award. These GIFT awards will be presented during our Monday morning briefings to acknowledge the wonderful work the individuals within our year group are achieving.
I am looking forward to a productive and rewarding 2020 for our new Year 7 and their families as they begin their High School journey at St John’s.
Mr. Joshua Watson
Year 7 Coordinator
It was wonderful to welcome Year 8 back for 2020. Students have returned looking refreshed and ready for the year ahead. Year 8 has welcomed a number of new students into the year group as well as new staff to the Pastoral team. PALS teachers will continue to support students with their learning and pastoral needs. A reminder that if there are any issues with your child their PALS teacher is the best person to contact. Any other issues please contact me.
UNIFORM AND DIARY
A reminder to students and parents/caregivers to revisit the uniform requirements and ensure that students are presenting themselves each day to the high expectations of the school. A reminder that sports shorts are to be a suitable length and not rolled up. This is also the case with the girls skirts and the boys shorts. They are to sit on the knee. Please give me a call if there are any issues in regards to uniform. Also, the use of the school diary will be a focus for 2020. Each student is to have their diary with them every day and must take it into PALS in the morning and to each lesson. Consistent and correct use of the diary will assist students in their organisation and keep them focused on achieving success in all areas of their learning.
For any student needing a helping hand with homework and assessments a reminder that the Homework Centre will be open on Wednesday afternoons in Gooroon, listen to messages for the starting date. Maths tutoring on Thursday afternoons will also be an option for any student requiring some extra support in Maths. Students will need to listen to the morning messages to find out when these will start.
YEAR 8 PALS TEACHERS FOR 2020
Mrs. Sophie Daly
Year 8 Coordinator
As we begin another exciting school year at St John's it is imperative to stop and set some real and achievable goals. As I reflect upon our pleasing results in Extension 1, Advanced and Standard English in the 2019 HSC, it is important that I share the one common attribute each student who achieved these outstanding and personal best results developed, as they progressed through the grades at St John's. They read.They read regularly and widely. They asked questions as they read and they developed the ability to form opinions on the worthiness of texts. This reading exposed them to thousands of words that otherwise would be unknown.This in turn enabled these students to develop a sophisticated and highly academic writing style, that they could manipulate according to the academic register they were required to use.
Therefore as students set goals for the upcoming academic year, many will naturally focus on achieving a certain grade. However, I encourage them to set goals that include a regular and wide reading pattern. I also encourage them to enter additional reading and writing competitions that will be advertised in daily notices and the newsletter. This dedication to reading will be of more benefit to a student and will allow them to be exposed to styles and language otherwise unknown.
Of course students will be reading short and longer texts in English but going beyond what is required in class can only enhance the skill development of a student.
In addition to reading, students are encouraged to use both SCRIBO across all grades and Wordflyers for Years 7-9. Both these online programmes assist students with developing the complexity and cohesion of their written texts. Students in Years 7-9 are expected to spend 30 minutes a week at home completing Wordflyers in addition to the one lesson a fortnight they will spend on the programme in class. Of course, should they wish the students can spend more time on Wordlfyers. In the programme students can also access practise NAPLAN papers, which they may use in preparation for the national testing.
We have very passionate and dedicated English staff and should you have any concerns regarding your son or daughter's progress, please contact the class teacher or myself. I look forward to another successful year, full of students reading and improving writing skills.
Mrs. Michelle Selmes
English Coordinator
VINNIES VAN
At St John’s our staff support the local community by preparing and sharing meals each Tuesday through the St Vincent de Paul food van.
Around 30 staff members are assisted by about 30 Year 11 Students on a rostered basis to prepare the food. The staff then support the food distribution. This is the most recent report:
Over the past 6 months 736 individual people have attended the Nowra Service (over 100 children were given a hot meal). That means there were 736 hot meals served and people and families often took hot food home.
Over 600 sandwiches were made and greatly appreciated by our visitors to the van. We gave out 20 boxes of bread (each box contains 10 to 12 bags of bread and rolls) and fruit and vegies and countless cups of cordial, coffee, tea and milo. Everyone always enjoyed dessert: trifle, doughnuts, cake, slice and brownies.
We have given out shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant.
Our Christmas hampers were a great hit and hopefully we will bring more next Christmas to meet the demand for hampers. We were able to provide Christmas gifts for children, men and ladies, and we gave out over 80 blankets and hundreds of beanies and scarves in Winter!
This week we received a lovely letter from Amanda who appreciates the assistance provided by the Vinnies team. She writes;
'I am a regular at the Vinnie's van every Tuesday evening in Nowra. I would like to thank you as it is such a blessing. I get a hot meal and the sandwiches are fresh and delicious ... When provided with toys toiletries it's great.. I share and bring lots of joy to children .... The guy that runs it does a great job. I am very grateful... It is the highlight of my week'
It is a blessing to be able to assist our community and know our efforts are being appreciated. Thank you to everyone involved in this wonderful program.
ST JOHN'S 2019 ARTISTS FEATURE
St John's celebrated a successful year in the Creative and Performing Arts throughout 2019. We wish to congratulate Lara Jamieson, Zali Everingham, Amber Edmunds Lowe, Alexander Robertson and Olivia Delahenty on the selection of their HSC Major Work selected for the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery 'New Horizons' exhibition. Special mention to Lara with her photograph published artwork on the cover of the promotional material.
GREAT NEWS FOR ST JOHN'S DUX OF 2018!
We wish to congratulate our Dux of 2018 Emma McDonald on her acceptance in studying Dentistry at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. Emma had commenced a Medical Science Degree, attaining High Distinction average enabling her for a selection interview and acceptance into the Dentistry Course. Emma has passed on her sincere gratitude to her teachers at St John's for providing the support and education enabling her to pursue her goals. Well done Emma!
Welcome to representative sport at St John’s for 2020. For new members of our school community, the students and staff at St John’s use the Representative Sport google classroom page for most communication. Students are encouraged to join the page as this is where they can nominate for representative sporting teams and also see teams and squads posted throughout the year. The classroom code is oeddp3.
Currently the following nomination forms are open:
- Open Boys & Girls Futsal (closes Feb 10)
- Boys & Girls Soccer - all age groups (closes Feb 10)
- Longer distance Swimming events and 100m Freestyle for the school carnival (closes Feb 14)
- Boys Rugby League and nominations for Wollongong Diocese (closes March 2)
- Boys Netball (closes March 2)
The first school sporting event for 2020 will be the Boys Touch Football Gala Day in Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow on February 19. The Open and Intermediate squads were selected in late 2019. The Under 13's have now attended trials and the team has been named on google classrooms. Notes for this event are due Wednesday, February 12 to the office.
Mia Ryan and Marcus Hargreaves at the 2019 Touch Football Gala Days
The Girls Touch Football Gala Day will be held March 2 at Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow. Like the boys sides, the Open and Intermediate squads were selected in late 2019. The Under 13s trials will be held in the next week and the team will be posted on google classrooms. Due to the early timing of these trials, the girls will not need to have registered on google classrooms, and instead can show their interest by attending the trials which will be communicated via morning notices. Notes for this event will be due Monday, February 17 to the office.
Nominations for the Open Boys Tennis side have now closed. This team has been selected via a paper trial and was announced on the classroom page. Congratulations and good luck to the team who will compete in Wollongong, Thursday Week 4. Due to numbers, there will not be a Girls Tennis team for 2020.
Wollongong Diocesan Tennis Champions 2019!
The St John’s teams attending the NSW All Schools Triathlon are now finalised and students have received their notes and information packs. These notes will be due back to the office on Wednesday, February 12. Any student interested in the Individual event must see Miss Davis for information on how to register. Further details can be found on the new Catholic Schools NSW Sport page: https://csnsw.sport.
2019 Triathlon Teams
Please find attached the draft Representative Sports calendar for 2020, including all NSWCCC closing dates. For all NSWCCC registrations and involvement in school Diocesan Gala days (playing for St John's), students will need to register on the new Catholic Schools NSW site- CNSW Sport https://csnsw.sport.
Bailey Hazlewood (Year 11) on the new CNSW homepage
STUDENT LEAVE FOR ELITE SPORTING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS TERM 1 2020
Week Two:
7 February: BOYS AND GIRLS SOFTBALL - NSWCCC Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
Week Three:
12 February: CRICKET - NSWCCC Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
Week Four:
19 February: INDIVIDUAL TRIATHLON - All Schools Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
19 February: BOYS TOUCH - Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day
20 February: TENNIS TEAMS - Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day
21 February: SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Week Five:
24 February: BOYS TOUCH Backup - Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day
24 February: TENNIS - NSWCCC Closing date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
26 February: TRIATHLON NSW All Schools Individual Event: Penrith
27 February : TRIATHLON NSW All Schools Team Event: Penrith
27 February: TENNIS TEAMS Backup - Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day
Week Six:
2 March: GIRLS TOUCH - Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day
3 March: BASEBALL - NSWCCC Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
4 March: GIRLS TOUCH Backup - Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day
6 March: Volleyball- NSWCCC Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
Week Seven:
12 March: WATER POLO - NSWCCC Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
13March: SWIMMING - Wollongong Diocesan Carnival
Week Eight:
16 March: Hockey - NSWCCC Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
18 March: RUGBY LEAGUE 15’S and OPENS - Wollongong Diocesan Selection Trial
18 March: Golf - NSWCCC Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
Week Nine:
23 March: SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY
25 March: Backup- RUGBY LEAGUE 15’S and OPENS - Wollongong Diocesan Selection Trial
27 March: Diving - NSWCCC Closing Date. Visit https://csnsw.sport/ to register
Week Ten:
31 March: NSWCCC Swimming
1 April: 13’s, 7-9/10 Pathway BOYS & GIRLS Football (SOCCER)- Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day
Week Eleven:
6 April: Backup - 13’s, 7-9/10 Pathway BOYS & GIRLS Football (SOCCER)- Wollongong Diocesan Gala Day
lick here to download the Sports Calendar of Events for 2020 (as 27 Jan 2020)Representative Sport Coordinator
UPDATING STUDENT CLASS DETAILS ON SCHOOL ONLINE LUNCH ORDERS
Some student lunch orders have been placed in the incorrect year group causing frustration and delay in the canteen at lunchtime. Please click here to see how to update your school lunch online account.
Click here to submit an online lunch order
Click here to view the Canteen Menu
TERM 1 CANTEEN ROSTER 2020
Phone 4423 1359
Click here to access the 2020 Canteen Roster
Please contact Vicki in our school canteen on 4423 1359 if you are able to assist this year. We have multiple days needing to be filled. If you could even spare an hour or two it would be greatly appreciated.
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
Friday 7 February, 2020 (7.30- 10pm)
Nowra School of Arts
SiRenics, Leanne and Anthony Girdlestone, Catie Haliday, Olivia Corish, Peter Bishop, Shoalhaven Community Choir, Sing Australia Vincentia, Raised Voices
Adults $20 Seniors/concession/full time students $15
Children aged 5-12 $10 children under 5 free
Family tickets $35 - 2 adults and 2 or more children.
Tickets are now on sale on Trybooking.com – Shoalhaven Bushfire Relief Concert https://www.trybooking.com/BHSLH and available at the door if not sold out.
Includes a light supper.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the Mayoral Relief Fund, which will assist with the recovery of the Shoalhaven and all those affected by the Currowan fire. During interval there will be representatives form the Shoalhaven RFS present – a chance to say thank you and a donation bucket that will go directly to the local brigades for needed equipment.
RISING FROM THE ASHES – A TIME FOR HEALING:
A Bushfire Recovery Family Event
Saturday 29 February 2020 at the Ulladulla Civic Centre
PROGRAM:
Midday – 3.00 Outdoor Food Fair, Music, Family Entertainment, Activities & More!
1.00 – 1.30 Healing Ceremony: Acknowledgement of Country, Singing, Speech, Poetry, Meditation, Scripture Reading, Prayer & Blessing.
This event is being coordinated by the Milton Catholic Parish Outreach Team in collaboration with other churches, regional community service groups and local businesses.
Please bake and cook for a Combined Churches Cake and Condiment Stall, packaging and labelling with the ingredients used for your goodies.
Kindly deliver to the churches outdoor stall at the Civic Centre on the actual day. Kindly volunteer and/or be present for this event.
Contact Vivienne Benson-Hodge E: yulan@westnet.com.au T: 0407 264 665 and/or Fr Michael for further information.
MAMMA MIA- Nowra Players Theatre, Meroo St, Bomaderry
The Trustees of the Mother Ruth Scholarship Fund invite you
to a GALA THEATRE EVENING
“MAMMA MIA”
Thursday 12 March 2020
from 7.30pm for 8.00pm
Click here for further details
ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS
Reduce the cost of your child's registration with Active Kids!
The first of two $100 Active Kids vouchers for 2020 is now available and can be used from now until 31 December. A second voucher will be available from 1 July.
Claim your first voucher now: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelopment/activekids/parents
Click here to view Catholic Care's upcoming courses.
ALBATROSS NETBALL CLUB
Albatross Netball Club are now taking registrations for the 2020 netball year. For more information, head to our website http://albatrossnc.nsw.
Registration Day is at the Netball Courts Saturday 8 February 9.30am - 12.00pm
NORTH NOWRA BOMADERRY NETBALL CLUB
