Filter Content
- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- PASTORAL CARE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- YEAR 12 NEWS
- YEAR 11 NEWS
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
- CAREERS NEWS
- ASSORTED NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
- CANTEEN NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
Jesus often used the image of the sheep responding to a shepherd’s voice. He talks of the sheep knowing the shepherd’s voice and responding to it as they know and trust Him.
In the words of Fr Ronan Kilgannon;
“By using this image of sheep responding to their shepherd’s voice, Jesus is suggesting we be similarly attuned to His. And this we must try to do today, among the insistent demands of our mobile phones, Mp3 players, wifi, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the media in general. He wants us to listen to Him over and above all that, and trust what He teaches. He addresses us from the Scriptures, hopefully in some sermons, quietly when we are at prayer, at times through the people we meet or in the events in which we are involved. St Thomas Aquinas wrote, ”Nihil est sine voce”, ”Nothing is without a voice” or, the Divine Presence whispers to us in everything.”
So in the busyness of our lives, and in the quietness of our personal time, let’s attune our hearts to the words of God and as we may hear His voice.
TEACHING REMOTELY
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work that all the teachers have done in ensuring that all students were provided with quality learning experiences delivered remotely. The challenge came to the staff very suddenly and it was very impressive how they engaged so positively with professional learning to develop their skills so that they may provide quality teaching. They have also shared their learning and taught each other new skills. We have had very positive feedback from our community and we appreciate the trouble that so many of you have taken to acknowledge their work.
The teachers have also been supported by hard working School Support Officers who have also engaged in professional learning in Google Classroom and Zoom.
TERM 2
Welcome back to a whole new way of schooling. Who would have thought just 6 weeks ago that our world of learning would change so much? I am in awe of the outstanding way in which our community has taken on this challenge and with our focus on our young people have ensured that this has been as successful as it could be. The pressure that we have faced has challenged us to learn and grow, to think of new ways of doing things. When you’re in pressure situations, you’re doing something special. When you’re under pressure, you’re doing something important. Something that matters and yes, that ‘something that matters’ has been:
teachers creating a new way of teaching, students engaging in a new way of learning and parents and carers supporting their children in their learning. Congratulations, It has been a challenge, and hopefully we have learnt new skills and deepened relationships.
So as we now move into the process of returning to the classroom we are faced with some new challenges that I believe we will manage together. We have a plan and will adjust it if the environment changes but we will always place the wellbeing of everyone at the forefront of our decisions.
As outlined in the letter sent home to parents and carers all students will return to the school next week. For Year 12 that is each day and one day a week for other year groups. Learning will continue for every student, everyday. They are expected to be working remotely each day from 8.30am - 3pm. If you need support please contact your child’s teacher or year coordinator.
For the safety on site at school students will be asked to be mindful of social distancing and hygiene practices. Unfortunately we cannot have volunteers on site at this time. Year coordinators have sent an email to each student with advice on the expectations for students.
We appreciate the support and feedback of our parents and carers.
TERM 2 WEEK 3
This week we begin our return to school using the following schedule:
Students with increased health risks may continue to access remote learning from home, including on scheduled attendance days, to suit their individual needs. Please let the school know if your child/ren will not be attending on a scheduled attendance day.
While the school remains open every day for all students who need to attend, we encourage you to keep your child/ren home wherever possible on days they are not scheduled to attend. This will help us enormously to balance and manage the total number of students on site each day.
Attendance reporting: Roles are marked in PALS each day and attendance and engagement is recorded each lesson.
For the students who are at school on their allocated day; roles are marked here at school. For students who are not present at school on their allocated day an absentee SMS will be sent. If students are absent please note the reason via the sms link. If your child is staying home and online, then you reply to the SMS with an 'Other' reason and add 'Remote Learning' in the description.
For the students who are remote learning; Remote PALS procedures will continue each day (with the exception of allocated on-site day/s). If your child has missed the roll marking in remote PALS you will receive an absentee SMS. If your child is staying home and online, then you need to reply to the SMS with an 'Other' reason and add 'Remote Learning' in the description.
Timetable: there are a number of very minor timetable changes so students need to look at their Compass timetable online on Monday 11 May.
Uniform: All students are expected to wear their full school winter uniform, including the blazer, on days they attend school. Year 12 jerseys may only be worn on Fridays along with school trousers or skirt, not tracksuit pants.
Requiring all students and staff to practise personal hygiene, including regular and thorough washing of hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser.
Adhering to social distancing requirements for teachers and school staff, in line with Government health advice.
Encouraging increased physical space between students (e.g by arranging furniture to leave as much space as possible between students, etc.).
Canteen will be providing its regular service. As always students are encouraged to order their lunch online before 8.30am. Online orders are preferred.
Bubblers will not be available at school however students will be able to fill water bottles and are encouraged to bring their own water bottled, labelled with their name.
Computers and chargers should be brought to school each day. Computers should be fully charged.
Equipment should not be brought into the school. Balls will be available for loan from the library.
Hand sanitiser is supplied however students are encouraged to bring along their own small bottle or wipes. The use of the hospital grade soap supplied in the bathrooms to wash hands is most the most effective method for hand cleaning.
Staff and students only on the school site, no volunteers or providers at this time.
Buses and public transport: Local school buses will be continuing their regular service.
Pick-ups and drop-offs must maintain social distancing.
ANZAC DAY
This year at 6am on ANZAC day I stood at my gate with my husband to honour our ANZACS and those who have given their lives for our freedom. It is an isolated location so there was no-one else nearby and it was so beautiful to watch the sun rise. We lit our commemorative candle and honoured a minute's silence. And then in the distance we heard a bugle playing and we felt so connected to everyone else who was also honouring this moment. In our isolation we found connection. It was a truly special occasion.
And how wonderful it was to see the many pictures that you sent to us and know that as a school community we were there together as we have always been on ANZAC day. Click here or on the image below to view a slideshow of some of the wonderful images received.
Forty St John's families have a parent serving in the Australian Defence Force. Sadly our St John's community lost a much-loved member last year, Petty Officer James Pierson passed away while serving on a Royal Australian Navy Ship in November 2019. Click here or on the photograph below to view our tribute to PO Pierson and our Defence personnel.
Lest we forget.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
It is so good to know that our students will begin to join us back at school in Week 3. There have been so many positive reports from teachers about the commitment to learning shown by the students.
I would also like to thank any member of our St John's community for sending in a photo or two of their Anzac Day experience. It was so wonderful to see the many different ways the dawn was welcomed in silent and respectful commemoration. I hope you have had the opportunity to watch our Anzac assembly on the school Facebook site. Livestream of our ANZAC Assembly is also available by clicking the image below.
We are committed to ensuring that our assemblies are rich and offer all students and their families the opportunity to know what has happened and what is coming up; but most importantly to feel connected. We will, for now, live-stream our assemblies every Thursday A beginning at 8.45am.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
A reminder that students returning to school in Week 3 must wear their full winter uniform. The school blazer is an essential item. Please check the hem length of girls' skirts. Due to Covid, students will not be able to wear gloves to school (these are not a formal part of the uniform. Year 12’s are to only wear their jerseys on Fridays as was the case prior to our movement to remote learning. Students are only to wear their sports uniform if they have a timetabled PE, PASS or SLR practical lesson. Students with extreme haircuts and unnatural colours, and /or piercings will be withdrawn from the playground. It is best for students to fix any problematic uniform issue before returning on the designated day of return. In short, our regular uniform expectations apply and the usual consequences will be in place if these expectations aren't met.
I look forward to seeing all the students soon.
Have a good week.
Mrs Leonie Pearce
ALWAYS ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SOURCES
Plagiarism refers to using another person's ideas and information without acknowledging that specific person as the source.
You must acknowledge any part of your work that was written, created or developed by someone other than you. This includes any material from other sources, eg. books, journals, electronic resources and the internet. Or for practical works, this includes unacknowledged work undertaken by others. You do not need to formally acknowledge material that you learnt from your teacher in class.
YEAR 12 2020 HSC AND BEYOND INFORMATION EVENING ONLINE
The Year 12 2020 HSC and Beyond Information Evening has been moved to Thursday 14 May and will be an online presentation. The link will be emailed to Year 12 students and parents/carers.
All Year 12 students and their families are to view this presentation as it will highlight important NESA requirements and changes for 2020 due to COVID-19. Mrs Hill will also provide information around TAFE, universities and career and Mrs Isemonger will be ready to offer strategies for parents and carers enabling them to support their child during the HSC. Year 12 will have time in their extended PALS in Week 5 to ask questions and further discuss elements of this presentation.
YEAR 12 UOW HSC SUPPORT
Throughout May and June University of Wollongong are providing a variety of free online subject-specific HSC support sessions designed to help students improve their knowledge and understanding of key subject content and discover what HSC exam markers and assessors are looking for. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive tips and strategies directly from education professionals with years of experience. Click here for further information or to register.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MATHS PATHWAY 200 CLUB NOMINEES
RETURNING TO SCHOOL IN WEEK 3
Due to the constantly evolving state of the world at the moment and the numerous decisions being made by the Federal and State Governments regarding health and safety and schooling, we are in a constant state of change and flux. For some, this may not pose much of a challenge, however, for others, these changes may result in additional pressure in relationships, behaviour and decreased attitudes toward schooling.
I wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate what I said in my assembly address toward the end of Term 1; We are here for you, we will get through this together as a united school community.
As such, I wanted to restate the support for yourselves and your child, or young person in your care, while at home or on school grounds.
- Pastoral Support: Our support processes and systems have not changed. If needed, please do not hesitate to reach out to your young person’s PALS teacher, subject teacher, Year Coordinator, or myself (Pastoral Care Coordinator).
- At school: When at school, students may access these support services in person. Whether it be seeing a PALS teacher in person or accessing support via the student foyer or focus zone, the support is here!
- At home: Support can be reached via a phone call or email to the front office who will then put you in contact with the relevant people. Alternatively, students can access support on their own by contacting the relevant staff member via email. Students and their families may also use the numbers listed on the Helping Hands Card below for support via external services.
- Pastoral Care Support Worker: We also have the ability to support families with our Pastoral Care Support worker, Mr Greg Daniels. Mr Daniels has already been in contact with quite a few families, offering assistance, connecting families to additional support services or simply offering a gentle, listening ear. Mr Daniels can also be contacted through the front office.
- Counselling: Students still have access to counselling. While caseloads are quite full, please feel free to speak with your son/daughter or person in your care’s Year Coordinator or PALS teacher about their mental health needs. We will then complete an online counsellor referral and one of our amazing CatholicCare Counsellors will be in touch.
In addition to these supports, I have attached a great article by Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, and one of Australia’s leading parenting educators that identifies some practical ways to ‘Maintain kids’ mental health during the Coronavirus Pandemic’. Click here to access this article.
Please take care of yourselves and each other and do not hesitate to reach out for support!
Mr James Eirth
Pastoral Care Coordinator
TERM 2
Week 3
Mon 11 May: Partial return to onsite learning begins (refer to our website for details)
Thurs 14 May: McCabe Assembly
Thurs 14 May: Year 12 2020 HSC & Beyond Information Evening (Online)
Week 5
Tues 26 May: National Sorry Day
Week 7
Mon 8 June: Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
TERM 3
Week 5
Please note the Year 12 HSC Trial examinations have been moved back from Term 3, Week 3 to Term 3, Week 5.
Wow - how close is the “Grand Final” - , ie. the HSC now for Year 12 2020. And while we have had to adjust the game plan along the way (thanks COVID19!), the goal is still the same - to sit the HSC and do the best we can!
Coming up in Week 3 there will be a presentation for Year 12 students and their families which will provide information on the pathways for students after the HSC. The presentation, “HSC and Beyond”, will have two parts;
- focusing on pathways for students after the HSC presented by the schools careers advisor and curriculum coordinator, and
-‘Supporting your child through the HSC,’ providing information on managing exam stress and building confidence.
The exchange of information between students, teachers and their families is vital in supporting students through the HSC so that everyone is following the same game plan on the journey towards the HSC.
This presentation will be made available to parents and students on line so keep an eye on emails and compass.
Half yearly reports were published to the portal at the end of last term. These reports will look different from previous reports as grades have been replaced by ranks. The main thing to take from these reports is that they are a checkpoint for students, teachers and families to get an indication of what is working and what isn’t! Using our analogy of the HSC being our Grand Final - this is just a round game in which we practiced our tactics and for some students they worked (like the Parramatta Eels undefeated after two rounds) and for other students, they may have to do things differently or work a bit harder (like the St George Dragons!).
I have been impressed with how Year 12 have adapted to the new way of doing things during remote learning - getting into the new groove!!! In fact 'staying groovy' has been the new catch cry for our Year group! I know for some students it hasn't been easy without the physical and social connections that being at school provides but I am sure everyone has a greater appreciation for what the SJE school community provides.
Looking forward to seeing Year 12 2020 back at school with ‘Strong Minds and Gracious Hearts’.
EARTH DAY WITH KAYLEIGH SLEATH
As Earth Day was celebrated globally on 22 April 2020 we acknowledge the efforts of inspiring Year 12 student Kayleigh Sleath, sharing her vision for our planet that is filled with hope and optimism during an interview with Catholic Earthcare .
Click here to listen to Kayleigh's Podcast Interview
Mrs Wendy Isemonger
Year 12 Coordinator
I hope everything with school life at home is going the best it can for you. Try to stay positive and throw away all those negative thoughts you might have, talk to people as much as you can.
Some of the following may be stating the obvious by now however please stay on top of the following:
STUDY
- With your schoolwork and assessments make sure you always check in with your teachers during the subject period you are scheduled for. Look out for a general email from them, an email with a zoom link, or a notification for a post that has been placed on Google Classroom.
- Please make sure you communicate with your teacher, please don’t just tune out and give up, if you are having trouble let your teacher know and be as specific as possible. Be clear on whether your set work is due at the end of the lesson or if it can be completed over a couple of lessons, if you aren’t clear on this, ask your teachers and if you are having trouble meeting a deadline, communicate don’t just think it will go away.
- Try to Collaborate! Set up group chats with members of your class and fire questions at each other, it will be a lot more fun and you get more from it than you might think.
- Make use of Edrolo for your subjects even if your teacher hasn’t directed you in this direction, this is always a relaxed additional way to support what you are doing in your subjects
EXERCISE
- Take short active breaks during the day. Short bouts of physical activity add up to the weekly recommendations.
- Follow an online exercise class. Take advantage of all the hundreds of online exercise classes. Many of these are free and can be found on YouTube. If you haven’t been active lately or are feeling unwell, be cautious and aware of your own limitations.
- Stand up. Reduce your “being still time” which has of course increased lately by standing up whenever possible. Ideally aim to interrupt sitting and reclining time every 30 minutes.
- Relax. Meditation and deep breaths can help you remain calm. - Remember we mentioned the “Smiling Minds App”
Some great things happening for Year 11 - “in class" ..........................while remote learning!
ANZAC DAY @ HOME 2020
With Covid-19 restrictions ANZAC Day this year resulted in the cancellation of Dawn services and marches in which many of our students participate. Despite this, several students, including Shayliegh Chambers, Georgia Carr and Yasmin Willis of Year 11 showed their respect by lighting candles and participating in online ANZAC services from home.
Mr Simon Vaughan
Year 11 Coordinator
Religious education, social justice, prayer and spirituality have continued to be integral to life at St John’s during remote learning. Students are to be congratulated for their engagement in their faith development.
Religious Education lessons have maintained a focus on the development of knowledge, skills and faith. Many classes have also engaged in 'remote meditation', journaling and spiritual activities - students have particularly commented on the benefits of meditation while working at home.
The planned reflection days for Years 8, 9 and 10 have been postponed - it is not clear exactly when they will occur - but they have certainly not been cancelled! The Senior Retreat is still scheduled to take place early Term 4 at Stanwell Tops - parents are kindly reminded that progress payments for the Senior Retreat are still being received by the school office.
Social Justice initiatives for Lent were hampered by the requirement for remote learning. However, the toiletry packs organised by Year 11 were distributed to the homeless and disadvantaged at Easter by Nowra Vinnies, and the flowering annuals potted and cared for by Year 7 were distributed to two local nursing homes. This term many PALS classes will be undertaking simple Social Justice activities while the whole school community will later in the term begin work on the annual Vinnies Winter Appeal.
The Catholic Education Office is assisting schools in the spiritual development of students. They will soon launch a regular weekly Youth Ministry Show with the first episode due for release at 7pm on Thursday 14 May, 2020 via YouTube. Click the image below to view a sneak peak of the show.
ST MICHAEL'S PARISH BULLETIN
Click here to access St Michael's Parish Bulletin.
Click here to access the 5th Sunday of Easter Children's Activity.
Mr David Comensoli
Religious Education Coordinator
So many resources are being made available at this time online to assist with the process of remote learning. SJE Library webpage provides links to resources and subscriptions provided by our school but also links to other online resources available from other libraries.
Gale Reference eBook Subscription. Password: gift
Gale Reference eBook Subscription
World Trade Press. Username:australia Password:schools
AtoZ World Food (states available until May) Username:australia Password:schools
Gale Academic OneFile (for Senior students). Password: gift
Gale In Context: Science – Ideal for Years 7-12 . Password: gift
Gale In Context: High School – Ideal for Years 7-12. Password: gift
Gale in Context: High School- Cross-Curricular
Gale Interactive Science. Password: gift
Gale In Context: World History - ideal for Years 7-12. Password: gift
Gale in Context: World History
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is in the newly created 'Always Available' collection on SORA. JK Rowling has allowed free access to her book for the duration of COVID-19.
Mrs Jenni Allchin
Library Coordinator
UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS
Open days are important to find out information about different universities and courses within universities. Many institutions are offering virtual open days. Details can be found in the latest News from our Institutions, or contact the institution directly to see what arrangements they have in place this year for their open days.
CAREER EXPOS
HSC AND BEYOND
All Year 10, 11 and 12 students have been registered with the HSC and Beyond careers expo. All these students would have received an email confirming their registration and I will provide further details closer to the event.
YEAR 13
Year13, the digital career and life advice platform, have kindly offered all students a free Premium MyYear13 Account at this time, where you can:
- Get your own personalised skills forecast,
- Build your own career plan using their career explorer tool, and
- Access the Year13 Digital Careers Expo, which will be held on 18-22 May.
You'll hear from awesome speakers such as;
o Laura Enever, a Pro Surfer,
o Will Hodgett, the Creative Director of GoPro Europe,
o Hugo Gruzman of Australian band Flight Facilities, and
o Industry experts on a variety of topics, ranging from creative industries, sustainability and apprenticeships!
It’s run by young people, for young people - and they have some really great tools and resources to help students as you think about your future beyond high school.
To get signed up:
- Click this link: https://year13.com.au/account/verify/school/CMRFFQ2X
- Fill out your details
- Click Attending Expo
- Complete your skills forecast and career plan
CAREERS101: GET CAREER SMART WITH UOW - FOR YEAR 12 STUDENTS
When: Wednesday 13 May, 4pm-5pm via Zoom webinar
Are you feeling the pressure of deciding what to do after Year 12, but not sure where to even start? Perhaps you've found an area of study that interests you, but want to learn more about what jobs it will lead to? Or maybe you've got your future all planned out but want to use some careers tools to make sure you're on the right path? Wherever you're at, this session has something for you.
This webinar will explore the steps that are essential to helping you choose a degree that leads to satisfying and meaningful career for you as an individual. Expert staff from UOW's Careers Service will:
- Demonstrate how to use the University's Career Smart Discovery Tool and other resources to better understand the study and work you're most suited to.
- Explain the framework and theories behind good career planning
- Discuss possible changes to our workforce post COVID-19
- Showcase how we support our students at UOW to ensure they are equipped to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.
UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG PARENT INFORMATION EVENING
The UOW Information Evening will take place on Tuesday 16 June and more details will be given once the registrations go live.
ADF GAP YEAR
There's still time for students to apply for an ADF Gap Year, but they’ll need to apply soon so they don't miss out on their preference.
The valuable work and life lessons gained during an ADF Gap Year are transferable and will give your students confidence in their future career paths. They can get real engineering experience, discover their leadership potential as an officer, or find passion in an administration role.
While ADF Gap Year roles initially involve only a 12-month commitment, it could be the beginning of a long and stable career in the ADF.
Students who take part in the ADF Gap Year program:
- Enjoy a great salary package plus free healthcare
- Gain valuable skills and work experience
- Have job security and stability
- Live a varied, active and healthy lifestyle
- Make friends with like-minded people
- Have the opportunity to see more of Australia
ANU
Direct Applications for ANU close 25 May
Tuckwell Scholarship applications due by 3pm 25 May.
https://tuckwell.anu.edu.au/apply?mc_cid=3a9cd4f785&mc_eid=8881147166
CAREERS INTERVIEWS
Year 12 students have been undertaking careers chats via zoom with Mrs Hill and Mr Szota. All Year 12 students will have a careers interview and students are encouraged to make a booking when sent the booking times or email Mrs Hill or Mr Szota a time that suits.
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
BEAUTIFUL CLASS POEM
With Mother's Day approaching this Sunday our Junior MC Class collaborated together via Zoom and created the following acrostic poem. Fabulous work!
REMOTE LEARNING EXCELLENCE
Well done to Savannah Damave of Year 8 on the delicious and beautifully presented learning task completed during remote learning.
YEAR 7 GEOGRAPHY
TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHER
TEACHERS WITH THE TUNES!
Click here to access our website
YEAR 10 IMMUNISATIONS
We have been informed by NSW Health the Year 10 Immunisations planned for Monday 25 May 2020 will no longer be issued at school due to the Corona Virus Pandemic. The Year 10 Meningococcal Vaccination Program will be delivered through community vaccination clinics in June with further details to be provided.
TOMERONG BUS TRAVEL- NOWRA COACHES
Please find the following information received from Nowra Coaches in regard to changes to the School Bus Route for Bus 413AM, 421AM, 423AM, 421PM and 419PM.
Effective immediately the following school buses will now service Jerberra Estate in Tomerong as part of their route, resulting in some minor route and time changes;
413AM –this service will now operate 7 mins earlier from 1st Pick up on Island Point Road
421AM –this service will now operate 7 mins earlier from 1st Pick up opp Willowgreen Rd
423AM – this service will now service Jerberra Estate at 8.55am to Tomerong Public
421PM –this service will be approx. 7 mins later dropping off in Tomerong/Falls creek area
419PM –this service will now service Tomerong at approx. 3.40pm
Please contact Nowra Coaches to obtain further information regarding these changes on 4423 5244 or email rail@premierms.com.au or julia@premierms.com.au.
BUS SAFETY
Please find the following information received from Premier Transport Group in relation to Bus Safety;
Due to incidents involving safety on and around our school buses last term we have decided to send some general information regarding conduct on and around school buses.
It is really important that students understand the risks of crossing the street from in front or behind the bus as oncoming vehicles are unable to see them until it is too late. We had a student run across the road in front of one of our buses and hit a car. Thankfully the student was not harmed but it was traumatic for all involved and it could have been much worse. Please find attached further information regarding code of conduct and school bus safety.
Close off for orders is 8.30am daily, a 25c transaction fee applies.
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
