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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- PASTORAL CARE
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- P&F NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
- NEWS FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE
- YEAR 7 NEWS
- YEAR 8 NEWS
- GOOROON NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
- CAREERS NEWS
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
- CANTEEN NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
The Gospel reading for today speaks clearly to us at this challenging time.
“One of the scribes who had listened to them debating appreciated that Jesus had given a good answer and put a further question to him,
'Which is the first of all the commandments?'
Jesus replied,
'This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one, only Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength'.
The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these.
The scribe said to him,
'Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true, that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice'.
Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.’
Mark 12:28-34
Our world has changed so suddenly in a way we could never have imagined. How we respond to this change should be deeply embedded in our Catholic Faith. At St John’s we focus on living our values and now more than ever we are called to respond with a Catholic World Embedded in our heart, head and spirit.
Here at school we have implemented the guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. We have increased the cleaning practices and ensured that hospital grade soap is available to everyone in the bathrooms.
The staff have changed seating arrangements and worked with students to help them understand and practice social distancing. Our young people have responded in the most positive manner. Not only have they followed the guidelines and made the adjustments required they have continued to focus on their learning whilst at the same time engaging in opportunities to learn new ways and bring joy to others in creative and fun ways.
On Wednesday we had to cancel our Project Compassion event with hay bale carrying and a sausage sizzle but they replaced it with a ‘hoedown’. Such a joy to see students and staff line dancing on the oval, all at a distance of 1.5m apart!
Click here to view the 'hoedown' fun
On Thursday our IT team planned for our assembly to go ahead in ‘remote’ mode. It was streamed into the classrooms so we could all still enjoy the celebration that we all value so dearly each fortnight.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR LIVESTREAM ASSEMBLY T1W8 2020
In the days and weeks ahead we may well be moving to learning delivered to your homes. We have prepared well for this and yesterday when I visited many classrooms and chatted with students and their teachers I am confident that they too will engage in this learning with the same positive approach they have given to all our interventions.
Staff are well prepared and students know that they will follow their usual routine by arising at the usual time, dressing for school and attending to their lessons in line with their school time table. Learning will be delivered using Google Classroom, the platform that they are so familiar with along with other resources including Maths Pathways, Edrolo, Eduperfect, Youtube and Zoom.
More details will be given if we do need to move to school closure however the best place for students to learn is here at school and all students are expected to attend unless they have a health concern or are unwell.
Wellbeing is a priority and managing anxiety amongst this current climate is important. We must be mindful to listen with the ear or our heart and focus on hope.
MESSAGE FROM THE CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF WOLLONGONG
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has launched a new COVID-19 Information Centre on its website. It is the best place to find the latest information about CEDoW's systemic response to COVID-19.
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong continues to receive advice from NSW Health, the Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW), and other agencies to ensure our processes and plans are in line with best practice and the latest expert advice.
At this stage, there has been no direction from government or CSNSW to close any schools, except in response to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in a student or staff member. All CEDoW schools, including ours, continue to operate as normal, subject to the directives outlined on the COVID-19 Information Centre webpage.
We will continue to provide you with updates if the situation changes and as soon as new information becomes available.
This site may be accessed by clicking the following link also found on St John's webpage.
In response to the present situation several excursions and events have been postponed or cancelled. Parents and carers will be contacted individually to organise refunds and credits and due to the large volume of processing required we ask for your patience and understanding. Of particular importance, please note our Pupil Free Day scheduled for Thursday 9 April has been postponed therefore students are expected to attend school as normal on this day, being the final day of Term 1 2020.
Parent/Teacher interviews scheduled for Wedneday 8 - Thursday 9 April have been postponed. We encourage you to contact our school if you have any concerns regarding your child. For further details regarding event cancellations and postponements, please click here.
PARENT SURVEY
At St John’s we aim for continual improvement. As a school we are very blessed with committed staff, engaged parents and a student body that values their learning environment.
Every 5 years an external team reviews the school and provides feedback on the school’s improvement plan. It also allows an opportunity to use the feedback to inform the school’s future plans for improvement.
The purpose of Cyclic Review is to:
- affirm, challenge and endorse the effectiveness of the school’s improvement processes
- provide an opportunity for reflection on the strategic direction of the school’s plans within the context of school, system and Diocesan priorities
Feedback from the school community is very important for this review. Students and staff are surveyed here at school.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE PARENT SURVEY
We would be very grateful to hear your feedback. Please complete the survey to inform our planning. We appreciate your time and feedback.
YEAR 7 2021 ENROLMENTS
We wish to remind parents and carers that our Year 7 2021 Enrolment Applications are due by Monday 6 April 2020. Please select the link below to download an enrolment form. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions.
Mrs. Sandra Hogan
Principal
WINTER UNIFORM
An early reminder for students and parents that winter uniform commences on the first day back next term. Please make sure that uniforms have been organised during the holiday break, as many students may have grown in the last few months. School pants must be the correct St John's item purchased at Lowes. A reminder also that you might like to put blazers in for dry cleaning early, as often dry cleaners find it difficult to meet last minute demands – especially as return to school coincides with ANZAC day and so one of the peak times for dry cleaners.
STUDENT VOICE
During Week 8 and 9 of Term 1, Students will participate in a student voice survey called PIVOT. The survey is a set of 25 questions designed to collect data about how their teachers’ practice supports the learning needs of all students in the classroom. It is anonymous - teachers cannot see individual student responses. Students' voice will provide information about what is and is not supporting learning in the classroom. This will be valuable feedback for teachers as it will help improve teaching, learning and engagement in the classroom.
For additional information click on the link below.
Mrs. Leonie Pearce
QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER TRAINING (QPR)
In order to support the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) initiative staff have completed evidence-based online training; Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) in order to further develop:
- knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal
- confidence to talk to that person about suicidal thoughts
- awareness and ability to refer to available supports.
We also strongly encourage parents and carers to engage with the training costing $10 a license, taking approximately 60 minutes to complete online and remaining active for 3 years. You can access the training via the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative website (www.suicidepreventioncollaborative.org.au/QPR).
If you require any further information on the Youth Aware of Mental Health program or QPR, please don’t hesitate to contact the collaborative on 1300 069 002 or myself on 4423 1666.
ATTENDANCE
I have previously mentioned that, the SJE attendance policy is guided by CEDoW who is informed by Catholic Schools NSW in accordance to the attendance policy outlined by the NSW Department of Education. By law, we are responsible for notifying you of any attendance concern or partial attendance concern, this includes any absences that have been ‘unexplained’ or ‘explained’
If there are any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s PALS teacher or Year Coordinator.
YOUTH AWARE OF MENTAL HEALTH
As mentioned in previous newsletter additions, Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) was scheduled for Year 9 to complete earlier this week and in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, due to the current global situation, this has been postponed until a later date. We will endeavour to communicate all updated information as we receive it from the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Wollongong.
PASTORAL CARE SUPPORT IN THE EVENT OF SCHOOL CLOSURE
Due to the uncertainty we are facing at the moment, I wanted to take the opportunity to discuss pastoral care support in the event of a school closure. At present, we are supporting a number of students and families in managing their wellbeing while at SJE, whether it be through a connection to the Catholic Care Counsellors, Focus Zone, identified support people, PALS teachers, Year Coordinators or classroom teachers. In the event of a school closure, unfortunately, these support structures cannot continue as they would if students were on school grounds.
I urge students and parents who are relying on these as main supports to look to additional, external supports within the community. While I know these are hard to find at times, I have attached our Helping Hands Card that has been issued to every student in our school community as an additional support. This resource outlines a number of support services that students and families can access in person, via the phone or online.
Click here to access the Helping Hands CardMr. James Eirth
Pastoral Care Coordinator
YEAR 12 REPORTS
Year 12 Half Yearly reports will be published at the end of this term.
YEAR 10 - 12 ROSA
Absence/Illness/Misadventure Absence/Non Completion Due to Illness or Misadventure
If a student is absent on the day a common task is due or an examination is to be held, the student must make sure that the office is notified by 8.30am by a parent / caregiver clearly on or before the due date.
The student must complete an Application for Illness/Misadventure Form on their return. These are available from the curriculum office and on the school website under curriculum, assessment schedules and information.
Students must have ALL sections of the Application for llness/Misadventure Form completed before it will be considered by the Assessment Committee. The student must fill out Section 1 indicating why they are applying for Illness/Misadventure and how it has affected their ability to complete a task. A parent/guardian must sign the form. The student must get their class teacher to complete and sign Section 2. An independent authority must complete Section 3. Documentation must be provided.
It is very important to communicate with the classroom teacher and curriculum office.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE OOAAA NOMINATIONS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MATHS PATHWAY 200 CLUB NOMINEES
Week 10
Fri 3 April: Year 7 Immunisations (& Year 8 catchups)
Week 11
Mon 6 April: Year 7 2021 Enrolment Applications Due
Thurs 9 April: Final Day of Term 1 2020
Friday 10 April: Good Friday Public Holiday
TERM 2
Week 1
Mon 27April: Staff Development Day
Tues 28 April: Students Return to School for Term 2
Week 5
Mon 25 May: P & F Meeting
Mon 25 May: Year 10 Immunisations
CROSS COUNTRY
Unfortunately, the annual Cross Country Carnival planned for 23 March 2020 at Willandra has been postponed. Thank you to those who had volunteered to help on the day, we will ask for volunteers again when a new date has been set.
YEAR 7 IMMUNISATIONS (& YEAR 8 CATCHUP) - FRIDAY 3RD OF APRIL 2020
The immunisation date for Year 7 (and Year 8 catchup) has been set for Friday 3 April 2020. We are still seeking volunteers for this event, if you are available to assist your help would be very much appreciated. Please contact Jacinta Davis on 0455 173 924.
NEXT P&F GENERAL MEETING
The next P&F General Meeting will be held on Monday 25 May 2020, time to be confirmed. On completion of the P&F meeting the 'Your Choicez' Parent Presentation will commence.
Mrs. Jacinta Davis
SCHOOL BUS TRAVEL
There are a number of 2020 bus passes which have not yet been collected by students from the office. Please send your student to the school office as soon as possible if they have not received their bus pass. Parents are reminded that the School Free Travel is only valid from home to school as per the conditions on the back of the pass. Fares will be charged for all other journeys.
If you are yet to apply for a bus pass or your details have changed eg: address, please go to www.transportnsw.info/school-students. Alternatively you can call the transport info line on 131 500.
If you have any questions in regards to the correct school bus for your child to catch, please contact the appropriate company:
- Kennedy’s Bus Service: Ph: 4421 7596
- Nowra Coaches (Premier): Ph: 4423 5244
- Shoal Bus: Ph: 4423 2122
- Stuart’s Coaches: Ph: 4421 0332
CANCELLATION OF MASS SERVICES
We wish to inform you of the following message received today from Bishop Brian Mascord in relation to the Coronavirus.
After considering the recent advice from the Australian Bishops Conference and direction from the Federal and NSW Governments, the following measures will be in place, effective Saturday 21 March 2020:
- No public Masses will be celebrated in the Diocese of Wollongong.
- All faithful in the diocese will be dispensed from the obligation to physically attend Mass on Sundays. However, parishioners can honour their Sunday obligation by participating in a time of prayer within the home, reading the Scriptures, or watching Mass on television/online (canon 87 §1 , canon 1248 §2).
- Mass will continue to be said privately by priests throughout the diocese on behalf of the faithful on a daily basis.
- Churches will, as far as possible, remain open for private prayer.
Please click here for further information.
SCHOOL FEE AGREEMENTS 2020
Please note, it is essential for all families to complete and return the School Fee Agreement Form regardless of how you pay your fees. This is a mandatory form that MUST be completed. It is important that the form is returned in Term 1. Please select the link below to access the form or alternatively access via our school website link under the 'parent info/school fees' tab. https://www.sjedow.catholic.edu.au/school-fees
YEAR 7 CAMP
On 26 February, Year 7 travelled to the Bangalee Scout Camp for three days of fun, bonding as a year group and growth as individuals.
Upon arriving, Year 7 attempted to set up their tents in very hot and windy conditions. A few students learnt the importance of using several pegs to anchor their tents as the wind wreaked havoc on some unsecured tents.
Students were then split up into camp groups to participate in their first of two activities for the day, including; Canoeing, Rope Challenges, Wacky Sports, Bushramble, Land and Water and Castle’s Creation’s.
After their activities, the students had dinner and participated in an Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Bush Dance. Congratulations to all of our ‘Dance-off’ winners for displaying superior rhythm, creative moves and for giving our teachers some tips on how to boogie!
Everyone woke up on day two, fully rested and excited to begin their first of three activities for the day.
After the activities had ended for the day, the cohort were treated to an amazing Talent Quest, where many gifted students had the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents to the group. There was lots of laughing and enjoyment shared by all. What a talented group we have!
Before bed, the group participated in a mass meditation, where Year 7 was able to unwind and settle down. Unfortunately the Grasshoppers and Ants in the area had different ideas and made it quite difficult for the students to embrace the mediation.
Day three started with bellies full of sausages and eggs and lots of excitement for the final camp activity.
Once finished, Year 7 packed up their tents, gathered all of their gear and assembled for our final meeting. It was at this meeting we thanked all of the incredible people that made this camp possible:
- Mr Jakimyszyn and all of the St John's staff, for sacrificing several hours of work to make this camp possible.
- Our Year 10 Activity Leaders, for their professional attitudes in running our awesome activities and the time they spent organising and planning before camp.
- Ms Rundle and the rest of our parent helpers. Without you, this camp would not be possible.
- Year 7, for coming to camp as individuals and through their positive attitudes leaving as a Year 7 family.
LENT ALMSGIVING PROJECT
Mr. Joshua Watson
Year 7 Coordinator
As we race through Term 1 finding ourselves already in week 8, Year 8 have hit the ground running. The term has been busy with a number of events students have been involved in.
The swimming carnival saw many Year 8 students participate in events as well as assist with the running of the day.
The Year 7 Open Night also gave students an opportunity to involve themselves in the community by offering their time to showcase St John’s, which they did so in a number of different ways on the night.
Students are also busy with a number of assessment tasks that are due over the next couple of weeks. We ask that you please remind your child that they should be doing 45 minutes of homework every night to keep on top of these demands.
A number of students across Year 8 have been arriving at school without the correct equipment such as charged computer, diary, pens and books. These pieces of equipment are vital for your child's day at school. Good habits in organisation need to be practiced to ensure students are well prepared for their school day.
Our Year group award ARC has been launched. I encourage students to go out of their way to be kind. Live by our year group motto ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me and loved me as yourself” do something kind for someone else. Students and staff are asked to nominate students for this award. Recipients will receive their award at future meetings and I am happy to call parents and carers with this positive news.
I encourage all Year 8 students to become more involved in community activities. As presented at assembly two weeks ago, there are a number of worthwhile initiatives that students can join to be a more involved member of the St John’s community.
Mrs. Sophie Daly
Year 8 Coordinator
It has been a busy start to the year for the Gooroon Team with twelve new students starting Year 7. As usual, there has been plenty going on
2020 ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL APOLOGY - 13 FEBRUARY
We acknowledged the 12th Anniversary of the Apology to Australia Indigenous Peoples in our Morning Prayer and in Assembly in Week 4. Acknowledgement of the past is a key to unlocking the hope of the future. It was wonderful that members of our community were able to join us for this special occasion.
OPEN NIGHT
Our students performed dances throughout the evening while our staff and students highlighted the work done by Gooroon to support learning at St John’s. It was a busy evening and thanks for a job well done must go to all involved.
YEAR 7 CAMP
Uncle Rory joined the Year 7 students at the camp at Bangalee along with some Year 10 students who ran the ‘Bush Ramble’ activity. This was an opportunity for storytelling and yarning.
NAIDOC ART PROJECT
Local artist Kerrie WIlliams continues to assist on our art project in preparation for NAIDOC Week. Visual Arts students Tyrah Wellington, Mya Ellis, Lily Thomas-McKnight, Chloe Couley and Riley Sutherland are working under Kerrie’s guidance to produce four fabulous banners to be used during the assembly presentation.
CLOSE THE GAP SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND ASSEMBLY PRESENTATION
Students and staff assisted with a sausage sizzle with the aim of continuing awareness of the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign. This successful event was followed up by a presentation at assembly this week. While there have been some successes in the campaign, there is still a long way to go and it is important that a high level of awareness of these issues is promoted.
ADAM ELLIOTT DONATION
Adam has recently left St John’s to join the Royal Australian Navy. We wish him every success in his career. As a parting gift to Gooroon, Adam donated a wonderfully decorated didgeridoo. This didgeridoo was made by Adam during a school workshop last year and also completing all the artwork himself. We sincerely thank Adam for his generosity.
CONFERENCE
Gooroon staff recently attended a Diocesan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference in Mittagong. Over the course of two days, many topics were covered and many productive discussions were held with the aim of strengthening the level of support that St John’s can offer for our students.
GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION
Uncle Leland accompanied the Year 10 Geography excursion to Ben’s Walk. Leland was able to give students and staff an insight into some of the local cultural aspects of the site, providing an added depth to the learning on the day.
PRESENTATIONS OF YEAR 12 ABORIGINAL STUDIES CLASS MAJOR WORKS
This week, Year 12 Aboriginal Studies class presented their major works, a culmination of research and community engagement. Students interviewed elders to assist in the development of a log book which was then used to complete the major work. Unfortunately, due to the current situation with COVID-19, our invitation to community members to attend had to be withdrawn.
Several events have also been cancelled. Our dance groups had been invited to perform at the Sydney Opera House this week. Students were also due to perform at functions for Harmony Day and a Nowra Community Event for Close the Gap. Other scheduled events have had to be postponed for now.
Mr. David Muller
Gooroon Coordinator
INDONESIAN LANGUAGE
Selamat datang di kelas Bahasa Indonesia!
2020 has seen a change in it’s Indonesian department with two new teachers returning to their Indo teacher roots. Ibu Manley and Pak Gilbertson are excited to have returned to teaching Bahasa at St John’s and are thrilled at the students' linguistic talents. Nona Prayetno is also joining us this year with a Year 8 class of her own.
Indonesian was well represented at last week's Year 7 2021 Open Night with students from Years 9-12 coming along to play games, Angklung and showcase other learning opportunities offered in Indonesian, at St John’s. Terima kasih banyak atas semua siswa siswe yang begitu!
Senior classes are well and truly in preparation mode and are working hard toward their HSC language goals. Year 12 have now completed two of their in school assessments with some great results whilst Year 11 are starting to find their groove in the rigorous study pattern that is senior language learning. Semoga sukses kelas sebelas dan duabelas!
Year 10 has been learning about youth in Indonesia. Focussing on the similarities and differences between hobbies, crafts, schools and general teen life, they are able to make connections based on real cultural understanding. As an extension to learning about cultural art forms and hobbies we have been trying our hand at Batik making. Students have found that, for the most part, it is a lot harder than it looks!
Year 9 has been studying a unit on Waku Bebas, or free time. Working on vocab and sentence structure that will have them be able to chat about what they like to do in their leisure time with other Indonesian speakers and native speakers. They created posters on some of Indonesia’s favorite past times such as Pencak Silat, Sepak Bola, Bulutangkis and Tenis. We will spend some time next week exploring a few of the more traditional activities in practice!
Year 8 have started the year with great potential. Only 8 weeks in and they can count to a million, introduce themselves with their name, age and where they live, and describe members of their family. In pairs they have performed wonderful role plays and we are seeing some great little language learners emerge! Bagus sekali kelas delapan!!
Mrs. Lucy Manley
Indonesian Language Coordinator
FRENCH LANGUAGE
Bonjour tout le monde,
Term 1 2020 could not have been more satisfying and rewarding for French students. Year 8 French have been an exceptional cohort of students, which is reflected in their Week 7 progress reports. It is such a pleasure to see the enthusiasm bubbling in the classroom and experience the great progress in learning that is occurring. Bravo Year 8 French!
The student support by Year 8 French for the Year 7 2021 Open Night was outstanding. Nineteen Year 8 French students performed role plays, played French games and welcomed prospective students and parents into the French classroom. Merci Beaucoup les élèves!
Year 10 French students have learnt the art of miming which originated in France and remains a traditional French practice. Students performed a mime of a famous French poem ‘Dejeuner du Matin’ by Jacques Prévert in front of the class. The poem is very moving and open-ended. This allowed students to analyse it (in pairs) and write a paragraph in French on what it is about. A variety of proposals were submitted, making for a very interesting analysis. Très bien la seconde!
Bonnes vacances d’avril !
Revenez sain et sauf !
Mrs. Carmel Smallwood
French Language Coordinator
YEAR 10
Year 10 students undertook a Career interest test and began exploring careers suitable to them through the SJE Careers website https://www.sjecareers.com/. All students are encouraged to continue their career exploration through the website and parents are encouraged to look at this site as it provides information about most post-school options.
YEAR 11
Year 11 students participated in a workshop where they began the process of creating a resume, through the SJE Careers website. Detailed information was given on preparing an impressive resume and cover letter. Year 11 students are encouraged to complete this task and have their resume on hand for job applications, scholarship applications and mock interviews that will take place at the end of Term 3.
YEAR 12
UNIVERSITY PREPARATION PROGRAM (UPP)
All Year 12 students considering Uni and able to attend UOW Shoalhaven campus on either Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons are encouraged to apply. Applications close this Sunday 22 March.
ADF GAP YEAR - APPLICATION NOW OPEN
An ADF Gap Year is a unique opportunity to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, without needing to make a long-term commitment. The skills obtained through the ADF Gap Year program will provide valuable work and life experience and are completely transferable. It enables students to develop the confidence for their next endeavour.
Students who take part in the ADF Gap Year program:
- Gain valuable skills and work experience
- Enjoy a great salary package plus free healthcare
- Live a varied, active and healthy lifestyle
- Make friends with like-minded people
- Have the opportunity to see more of Australia
Apply early, with a high quality application, as these positions are very highly sought after. Click here for details. https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year?utm_source=GY_CareersAdvisors&utm_medium=eDM&utm_campaign=2020_21&page=1&perPage=21&query=
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU)
Direct applications to ANU for 2021 have now opened. Please view their website for a detailed overview of the domestic direct application process.
Key points to consider:
- Applications for 2021 domestic undergraduate open 4 March and close 25 May.
- There is no charge for submitting an application.
- There is only one application for ANU that includes admission, guaranteed on-campus accommodation and access to over 200 scholarships in one form.
UAC APPLICATIONS
All Year 12 students will be emailed their UAC PIN on Wednesday 1 April.
Applications for study at University in 2021 will open on Wednesday 1 April. Students will be able to apply for undergraduate study using the PIN they were emailed.
UAC Early bird applications will close at midnight on Wednesday 30 September.
MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SCIENCES SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Entry into undergraduate medical degrees is highly competitive and the selection process is rigorous. Special entry requirements for medicine and medical science courses in 2021 at the University of Newcastle, University of New England, the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University for 2021 are now available. View this information on UAC’s website.
UNIVERSITY CLINICAL APTITUDE TEST (UCAT)
UCAT is an admissions test required for entry into most medical, dental and some clinical sciences degree programs. Students interested in these courses need to check the course description to see if the course they’re interested in requires them to sit UCAT.
Registration for UCAT is open now and closes at midnight on 18 May 2020.
LAW UNSW SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
LAT is a selection test developed to assess the types of aptitudes and skills that are critical to success in the Law program at UNSW Sydney. The LAT is used for selection into undergraduate level programs in Law.
For students interested in studying law at UNSW, LAT 2020 will be held earlier this year, on Tuesday 29 September 2020.
POSITIONS VACANT
WATER OPERATIONS TRAINEESHIP
This traineeship is provided through the Shoalhaven City Council. Click here for further information.
FITNESS CERT III TRAINEESHIP
Full time traineeship in a gym at Bomaderry. Click here for details.
Ms. Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
DIOCESAN TOUCH FOOTBALL
U15 GIRLS
The under 15’s team is to be commended for their commitment and sportsmanship displayed on the day and in the lead up to the carnival. The girls were keen to participate in as many training sessions as possible and really worked on their communication on the field. Due to the very hot temperatures predicted for the day, games were shortened to just 8 minutes long which was difficult in allowing the girls enough time to make their mark in the game. The girls came away with four draws, two wins and three narrow losses. A big thankyou to all the girls for their enthusiasm and effort on what was a very hot day. Ruby Marshall’s experience was evident and many a time would come from nowhere for a try saving dive. Mia Ryan and Elly Simms had some exceptional break away runs and were always backing up in defence. Mel Staunton and Keira Buckpitt were a magic pairing and worked hard at drawing players and creating space. Gemma Taylor and Tahlia Walsh were strong in defence and held our defensive line tight. Marcelle Holden, Charly Poulton and Emma Sivonen were reliable on our wings, always holding their mark on their opposing wingers and ready to take those wide passes for a sideline run. Thanks to all of the girls for a great day of sport!
Mrs Melissa Fulop
U15 BOYS
The Intermediate Boys Touch Football Team traveled to Dalton Park Fairy Meadow on Monday 24 February to participate in the Diocesan Carnival. With eight games in total it was a day testing fitness and muscular endurance. Our first game against John Therry was a 3-1 loss. Adam Staunton showed great game awareness to score our only try.
Second game was against Magdalene and resulted in a 2-0 win. Jarrah Treweek with a magical show and go and Isaiah Wellington with lightning agility were our try scorers.
Third game against Holy Spirit was a 3-0 loss. High levels of enthusiasm in defense by Oliver Hargreaves limited the scoring against tough opposition.
Fourth game against St Joseph’s was cancelled due to an injury.
Fifth game against Edmund Rice was a 4-0 loss. Bradley Church maintained solid defensive structure in a fast tempo match.
Sixth game against St Benedict was a 5-1 win. Try scores included; Henry Parrish, Reece Manasseh and Ty Schott.
Seventh game against Mount Carmel was a 3-2 loss. Harrison Tan finished off some great attacking play to score a try in the corner and Kayd Marsh-Dawson through his directive communication in defense and attack kept us in the game right to the very end.
Last game against Corpus Christi was a 6-1 loss. After a long day the cardiovascular fitness of Cooper Barrett and Macklin Berry enabled them to be running to the last whistle.Congratulations to Jarrah Treweek who was selected in the representative team and Adam Staunton who was selected as a shadow player. Special thanks to Mia Ryan and Ruby Marshall who referreed all of our games. The boys displayed excellent sportsmanship and enthusiasm despite coming up against some more experienced touch football players. Well done! See you all next year.
Mr Jack Lopez
SENIOR BOYS
The senior boys touch had mixed results on the day, but came away with Marcus Hargraves making the shadow opens team.
With an early win in the second game we let ourselves down in some tight matches in the middle of the day.The boys knew the game in theory but sometimes found actions speak louder than words. There were the usual suspects such as Edmund Rice, Corpus and Holy Spirit setting a high standard. To our credit we pushed all sides and played competitively and in the spirit of touch all day.
It was particularly pleasing to see how some of the boys had developed after coaching them in Year 7, particularly Daniel, Taj, James and Marcus. Well done boys on a competitive and mature approach to the day
Mr Phil Gould
SENIOR GIRLS
The girls braved the summer heat competing against nine other schools. Due to the heat and the Southerly change racing up the coast, the games were shortened to only 10 minutes. This required the girls to play fast, but smart touch football.
The first game was unlucky when the referee awarded a last minute try for the opposition, well over the dead ball line. Once the girls warmed up in a few games, May, Piper and Maddie were soon to find the try line and come away with a win.
Excellent defence saw Alira and Brydie chasing in all directions and utilising the speed of Zoe and Eva allowed the girls to come away with 4 wins, 3 loses and 2 draws. Aroha was the last minute hero in more than one game walking away with a double hat trick.
Congratulations to Aroha on her selection into the Wollongong Diocese Team for 2020. I wish her all the best at the next stage. Thank you to all the girls for an awesome day!!
Mrs Hayley Prayetno
DIOCESAN SWIMMING REPORT
What a great day - the sun was shining, the water was warm and we had a team of enthusiastic Johnnies students ready to hit the water and cheer on their teammates! At the end of the day we finished third in the school championship - a strong effort from the team. There were some standout individual performances as well with the following swimmers featuring in the Age Champion pointscore:
Talika Irvine had an outstanding carnival - breaking the carnival record for the 200m IM; finishing first in three events - the 100m breastroke, 100m backstroke, 50m breastroke; second in three events - the 100m Freestyle, 50m backstroke; 100m butterfly and third in two events - the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly. A truly outstanding performance.
Jayden Madge was another consistent performer on the day finishing in the top three in seven events - 2nd 50m Freestyle; 3rd 100m breastroke; 3rd 50m butterfly; 3rd 100m backstroke; 3rd 50m breastroke; 3rd 100m Freestyle; 2nd 50m backstroke.
Kirra Dale was also consistent achieving 3rd 50m Freestyle ; 2nd 100m breastroke; 2nd 50m breastroke; 3rd 100m Freestyle.
Bailey Hazelwood was up against some really tough competition but swam strongly to achieve 3rd in 50m butterfly; 1st in 100m backstroke; 2nd in 50m breastroke and 1st in 50m backstroke.
In her last ever Diocesan Swimming carnival, Freya Robinson-Mills swam consistently all day and reached a special milestone by finishing 1st 100m breaststroke, the same race she has won every year since Year 7!
Other place getters on the day were: Nicholas McGill - 3rd 100m Freestyle; Elise Irvine - 3rd 100m backstroke; Chelsea Edgerton - 3rd 50m breastroke; Anthony DeBruyn - 1st - AWD 50m Freestyle; and 50m backstroke and Will Maher - 3rd AWD 50m backstroke.
Special mention to Cayden Lewis and Kelly McDonald who were the “super subs” on the day, filling in for absent swimmers and giving 100%.
Thank you to the following swimmers who were tireless in their efforts and swam consistently all day, contributing valuable points for our school: Hayden Fuller, Hallie McKnight, Lachlan Sleath and Jack Norton.
There were other swimmers who travelled to swim in just a few events but were valuable members of the relay teams and without them - we wouldn’t have been able to field as many relay teams as we did, so thank you to - Annabelle Fitch; Makynli Dale; Nakita Boatswain; Sebastian Ball; Brynn Robinson Mills; Tristan Walsh, Zane Tebbutt-Mahoney; Brooke Walsh and Melanie Staunton (who was also photographer and assistant team manager!).
Our relay results were as follows;
Junior Medley relay 4th - male and female
Intermediate Medley relay 4th - male
Senior Medley relay 2nd - female
Senior Freestyle Relay 4th – male
Thank you to all the competitors for representing St Johns so proudly. Thank you also to those students who assisted with the setting up and packing up and helping out whenever asked. You are an awesome group of young people and I really enjoyed watching you all compete!
Mrs. Wendy Isemonger
UPCOMING EVENTS
MESSAGE FROM DOW SECONDARY SPORT (Monday 16 March)
IMPORTANT - Diocesan Sport Update
Please be advised that ALL School and Diocesan Sporting Trials and Events are temporarily ceasing until further notice.
This includes the following events scheduled for the remainder of Term 1:
- Wednesday 18 March (and back up Wednesday 25 March) - Secondary Rugby League 15's and Open Trials
- Wednesday 1 April (and back up Monday 6 April) - Secondary Girls Football (13's and Year 7-9 pathway)
- Wednesday 1 April (and back up Monday 6 April) - Secondary Boys Football (13's and Year 7-10 pathway)
Longer term events leading into Term 2 will be under review and advised where appropriate.
Higher level CCC trials and events are also temporarily ceased until further notice from CSNSW Sport.
For parents who have paid levies we will be organising refunds and this process will occur in due course.
MESSAGE FROM CATHOLIC SCHOOLS NSW SPORT (Monday 16 March)
In light of World Health Organisation's declaration of a worldwide pandemic CSNSW Sport has suspended sports events over the next 2 weeks.
CSNSW Sport notes the expert medical advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, Commonwealth, State and Territory who have provided advice against holding non-essential, organised public gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday 16 March 2020.
Resultantly, CSNSW Sport is cancelling upcoming events. This includes:
- Monday 16 March – NSWCCC Water Polo Selections
- Monday 16 March – NSW All Schools 15 Years Cricket Selections
- Tuesday 17 – Thursday 19 March – NSW All Schools U19 Years Cricket Selections
- Monday 23 March – NSWCCC Hockey Selections
- Monday 23 March – Tuesday 24th March – NSW All Schools Tennis
- Tuesday 24 March – NSWCCC Baseball Selections
- Wednesday 25 March – NSWCPS Swimming Championships
- Friday 27 March – MacKillop Football Trials
- Wednesday 1 April – Polding AFL Trials
- Friday 3 April – MacKillop AFL Trials
- Monday 30 March – NSWCCC Golf Selections
- Tuesday 31 March – NSWCCC Swimming
- Wednesday 8 April – NSWCCC Touch
For updates, please visit https://csnsw.sport/news/events-suspended
Students registered for these events & Schools will be notified via the CSNSW Sport Portal Notifications.
NSWCCC Teams will be contacted directly with instructions regarding refunds & uniforms etc.
Potentially we may not be able to reschedule these events, we note SOPAC is closed to the public from Monday 16 March 2020 until further notice.
We thank you for your support during this challenging time.
CSNSW Sport
Miss. Kate Davis
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 Term 1 2020 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.
THANK YOU MOTHER RUTH SF THEATRE GALA
THANK YOU to those who attended MRSF THEATRE GALA and also to our very generous supporters who donated the supper. We have had a great year with $3500 from tickets and $795 from the Raffle!! A fantastic effort by all. We are very close to having next years Scholarship payments. SO THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH
Regards Denise Jones
MASS WITH A DIFFERENCE CANCELLED
