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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
- CAREERS NEWS
- YEAR 9 NEWS
- YEAR 10 NEWS
- NEWS FROM ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
- ASSORTED NEWS
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- CANTEEN NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
Welcome back to all our families and how pleased we were that we could be together as a learning community, so different to the start of last term. We hope that you have had a restful break. One of our biggest challenges has been the cancellation of events such as sport and excursions at which everyone enjoys such wonderful community engagement. I was however so very impressed at how many ways the staff and students found alternative ways to engage last term. These have been showcased in this newsletter and on social media but most of all they have enriched the learning environment that we share each day here at St John’s. Thanks for your positive engagement and encouragement of our young people to get involved.
EDUCATING WITH A MISSION LENS
On Monday last, our staff engaged in a Spirituality Professional Development day. The focus of the day was ‘Educating with a Mission Lens’. As a Catholic school we are called to live the Gospel and align our actions with those of Jesus. When St John the Evangelist was established by the people of the parish of St Michael’s they chose a school motto focussed on peace.
Our Mission also calls us to be people of peace. This is a daily focus, one which I believe we are very successful. This does not however mean that all actions of everyone are peaceful but it does challenge us to ‘call out;’ when it is not, so that we may all grow to be positive contributors to peaceful relationships, a peaceful community and thereby a peaceful world.
A question that I often ask students is;
‘What does that look like in our school and how will you contribute to it?’
Most will respond that it is people being kind, no bullying, helping each other and most also identify that they would be kind to others and treat them as they themselves want to be treated. And this is an excellent answer and certainly how we bring peace to the lives of others and in turn make our own life peaceful.
However, our Motto is not just PAX, it is PAX CHRISTI, the peace of Christ. So what is the Peace of Christ? Peace of Christ is about how Jesus brought Peace to others. So our challenge is
‘How do we live our lives so that we make others feel more at peace?’.
Yes this absolutely means being kind and caring for others. However it is much more than this.
Jesus also brought peace to others often by challenging them. He challenged the tax collectors and he challenged the Pharisees. He explained to them that their actions were not appropriate. He also forgave them and did not discount them as a person, just challenged them to change their actions.
By ‘calling out’ unjust behaviours we are creating a peaceful community for ourselves and others. We, too, are called to ensure that others feel more at peace by challenging injustice. If someone makes a racist statement or tells a racist joke we must call them out and say that’s not OK. This makes others feel more at peace. If someone's behaviour is rude or inappropriate, if they are disrupting the learning of others, then challenge them. This will make the classroom a more peaceful place and make others feel more at peace.
PAX CHRISTI, the peace of Christ is also a call for justice. Only when we are all treated equally and everyone has access to a just situation do people experience peace.
Jesus always acted for the marginalised and less fortunate. He met with the lepers, the Samaritan woman at the well was treated with respect and tax collectors were amongst his disciples. In fact, Matthew who wrote the gospel, was a tax collector when Jesus invited him to join Him as a disciple
He included them in His teachings and encouraged them to live peaceful lives that brought peace to others and He forgave them. He often made the statement ”Your sins are forgiven”.
Inclusion brings peace. Forgiveness also brings peace.
We are called to be people of peace and live our motto: PAX CHRISTI; the Peace of Christ, we are called to act as Christ did to bring peace to others. We are called to be kind, and we are called to challenge others, seek justice and forgive as it is in creating a peaceful community that we make the lives of others peaceful and that is a wonderful gift to give. This is how we live our lives with a Mission Lens.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
TRAVEL PERMISSIONS IN CASE OF AN UNPLANNED WHOLE SCHOOL CLOSURE
Parents and carers have received an email from the school this week requesting that you indicate the travel arrangements for your child should we need to send students home due to an unplanned closure of the school, due to flooding or a health department order for example. We have given a quick turnaround for the return of this detail. Whilst in uncertain times, having this information will enable a clear response if we need to send students home. Our priority is student safety in these instances.
Should you not reply to the email, we will assume that your child is staying at school until the end of the school day. There will be no allowance for the child to go home with another student or family unless this has already been indicated on the note.
Thank you for your cooperation with this. Our hope is that we will not have to put these plans into place but best to be prepared.
Mrs Leonie Pearce
ICAS COMPETITIONS
ICAS Assessments are designed to recognise academic excellence, students are assessed on their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
ICAS Assessments are online assessments, designed to recognise and reward academic excellence. The assessments are based on the curricula for the relevant year. Students are asked to demonstrate a deeper, integrated, and thorough level of learning.
Please click here to complete the online expression of interest form if you wish to participate in this year's 2020 ICAS Competitions.
Expressions of interest close on Wednesday 5 August.
SUBJECT SELECTION
Year 7 into Year 8 2021
Students will be making their language choice for next year. The process for doing this will be emailed to students this week and they will need to make their selection before Friday 14 August. If you have any questions please email: info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au
Year 8 into Year 9 2021
Students have had information sessions this week with the KLA Coordinators.Click here to access the Year 9 2021 Subject Selection Booklet, issued to Year 8 students this week. This booklet along with our Year 9 2021 Subject Selection Website detailing individual electives and Curriculum information session is also available on our school website, by selecting the drop down menu 'curriculum/subject selection' tabs.
Click here for a direct link to view our Year 9 2021 Subject Selection Website.
Selections are due before Friday 7 August. If you have any questions please email: info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au
Year 9 into Year 10 2021
Students will have information sessions with KLA coordinators this week for their Year 10 elective. The information booklet will be emailed to all students and will also be available on the school website. Selections are due before Friday 14 August. If you have any questions please email: info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MATHS PATHWAY 200 CLUB NOMINEES
TERM 3
Week 3
Mon 3 Aug: Year 10 Immunisations
Week 5 Year 12 HSC Trial examinations
Wed 18 Aug: School Photographs
TERM 4
Week 2- Week 5
Tues 20 October - Wed 11 November: Year 12 HSC
Week 4
Mon 2 Nov: Year 7 Immunisations (1st dose)
Week 5
8-15 Nov: NAIDOC Week Celebrations
FINANCE OFFICE NEWS
The Australian Dance Festival "Resonate" has now been cancelled.
Refunds of $20.00 will be given to students today.
Fee Statements will also be emailed/mailed out. Direct Debits/BPay's have
been receipted up to 31 July 2020.
RETURN TO SCHOOL FOLLOWING ABSENCE
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Students who have been directed to self-isolate and have undergone testing can return to school when: their 14-day isolation period is complete AND they have received a negative test result AND they are not displaying symptoms of illness.
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If a student is directed to self-isolate but chooses not to undergo a COVID-19 test, they must provide a medical clearance in place of the negative test result. They can return to school when: their 14-day isolation period is complete AND they have received a medical clearance AND they are not displaying symptoms of illness.
- Students who have undergone testing but HAVE NOT been directed to self-isolate can return to school when: they have received a negative test result AND they are not displaying symptoms of illness.
Despite the strict measures we have in place, as a school community we must remain vigilant. It is important that we each do all we can to keep ourselves and others safe as we follow the advice of NSW Government and health authorities. With this in mind, we continue to request your assistance in a number of ways:
- If your child is unwell, please ensure they stay home until they are fully recovered.
- If at any point your child is displaying COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolating or undergoing testing, please let us know as soon as you can.
- If your child has attended a known high-risk venue (see the NSW Health website for details) or returned from Victoria or overseas and is required to self-isolate, they must not attend school until their self-isolation period is complete.
YEAR 12 UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
- ATARs released: 9am Friday 18 December
- Deadline for changing preferences for December Round 2: midnight
Saturday 19 December
All 2021 courses from UAC’s participating institutions will be available on UAC’s website from early August.
For students who have already applied, please log-in to your application to review and update your preferences.
For students who haven’t yet applied, remember that the Early Bird period ends on Monday 30 September, at which time the processing fee increases, so even if you’re unsure, students should apply now.
UNIVERSITY EARLY ENTRY
UOW Early admission is currently open and applications must be submitted by Friday 14 August at 5pm. Click here for details.
ACU Guarantee opens on Monday 3 August.
Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer Applications open until Monday 31 August. The program looks beyond academic skills and rewards people with soft skills. In addition to a conditional offer in September, students receive an exclusive support program, welcome events, gifts and a 5 point ATAR reduction for most courses.
SCHOOLS RECOMMEDATION SCHEMES
A reminder that student applications for SRS will be closing earlier this year, on
Sunday 20 September. Click here for details.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships for future teachers opening soon! Apply for a scholarship with the NSW Department of Education to receive financial support whilst you study and a guaranteed permanent teaching position upon graduation. Click here to find out more in a Teaching 101 webinar and to register.
UOW ILLAWARRA PRINCIPAL'S RECOMMENDATION SCHOLARSHIP
A new $5000 scholarship will be awarded (1 per school) from UOW based on your answers to the 4 UOW early admission questions. A great opportunity not to be missed for those wanting to study next year with UOW. Click here for details.
OPEN DAYS
Year 10, 11 and undecided Year 12 students are encouraged to attend open days to get first hand information.
UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS CENTRE (UAC) UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS
Click here to view and register for upcoming University Open Days.
WHITEHOUSE INSTITUTE OF DESIGN
Staff will be available on Zoom to answer any questions you may have regarding tuition fees, early entry for 2021, enrolments and career paths in the design industry. Click here for details.
JMC
August Online Open Day Saturday 15 August 2020. Click here for more information and to register.
EDUCATIONAL ACCESS SCHEMES
In response to COVID-19, two new disadvantages will be recognised under the EAS scheme. From 1 August 2020, applicants will be able to claim financial hardship if a parent or guardian has received Job Keeper or Job Seeker payments for at least three months.
2021 CAREER GUIDE TAFE NSW
2021 Career Guide is now available! Click here to download your interactive copy.
POSITIONS VACANT
Sydney Trains applications for apprenticeships for 2021 applications are now open and will close on Sunday 2 August.
90 apprenticeships available in electrical, telecommunications, mechanical and engineering trades.
Click here for details.
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
Term 3 has started well for Year 9 as students returned from their holidays with renewed enthusiasm and ready to meet the term ahead. As a Year Group we finished Term 2 with a fun activity, “Monday Music Mania”, to get the brains pumping and engaging students. This activity started again this week and Year 9 students are encouraged to have a go at the music question put up on our Year Group classroom page each Monday. The first correct answer emailed to myself will win the weekly prize. Good Luck!! Winner normally announced at our Year Group assembly.
Students have also hit the ground running with their learning. It was great to see students from the various elective classes working hard during their theory lessons.
Click here to view Keira & Imogen speaking in Indonesian
Congratulations to all students on the positive way they have started the term and I would like to remind you that “God has no hands but yours”.
Mrs Lynette Kelly
Year 9 Coordinator
A warm welcome back to all of our students from holidays. I hope students and their families had a restful break and now are refreshed for what is a busy and exciting term. Year 10 is a very important year for students as they build on their conceptual knowledge and skills before the start of Year 11. Students should expect an increase in workload and the amount of homework this semester as we start to transition into our senior years of schooling.
Some tips for Semester Two:
Year 11 2021 subject selections are now in. It was exciting to sit with students and start to plan for their futures and see all the different career pathways our students are considering. Students are encouraged to keep monitoring the Careers classroom page for different opportunities available to them both at school and within the local community as they look toward their futures.
Currently, there are a wide variety of extra-curricular activities available to students at St John’s. These include things such as debating, choir, origami club, maths club, world plant a tree day, dance and school based sporting activities. This is particularly important for those students who missed out on a Year Coordinator award due to lack of community involvement.
At St John’s we are very proud of the positive behaviours our students display. Take a look at the cumulative merits for your child on Compass to see how they are going. This reward system is well explained in your child’s diary. To receive a silver or gold award it is important to participate in extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to get involved in all that our school has to offer.
JUST HANGING AROUND WITH YEAR 10
YEAR 10 DEBATING TEAM
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Year 10 students Jade Poulton, Kirra Dale and Bandria McLeod debating St Patrick’s Campbelltown last week via Zoom excelling in SJE Learning Dispositions of connecting & inquiring!
Both teams were outstanding and provided our Year 7 debating team with a fabulous opportunity to learn from these exceptional students!
YEAR 10 PDHPE TRIBAL CHALLENGE
Click here or on the image below to view the Year 10 PDHPE Tribal Challenge Grand Final!
Mr Aidan Leishman
Year 10 Coordinator
To look forward we must first look back.
Term 2 Semester One was a challenging time for all members of our school community. In undertaking their studies students had to adapt quickly as did the English staff. On behalf of the English teachers at St John’s I would like to thank the parents and students for their hard work, commitment to studies and communication with all teachers. It enabled us to do our job, that is to improve the reading, writing and thinking skills of our students.
As we move forward in Term 3 we do not know what awaits us but there will continue to be a focus on developing core skills. To that end, I remind all students and parents about the importance of home reading. There is no mystery to becoming a strong English student. Students that read regularly and widely open up a wide world of words and situations that stimulate the mind and expand their knowledge. There is a wide selection of texts available in the library for students to borrow and I encourage them to make the most of this resource. I also encourage students to let Mrs Allchin know if there is a particular author or text they'd like the school to purchase.
Year 12 moves into a demanding part of their high school experience. First, I would like to applaud the Year 12 students for their diligence. In the coming weeks I encourage students to revise class notes, access 2019 markers comments and the syllabus rubric on the NESA site. If time permits, reading texts again will also enable students to look at the texts through a sharpened lens. As we do revision in class in the lead up to the Trial HSC, I encourage all Year 12 students to seek and take on feedback and direction given by the English teachers.
To students in Year 7-11, I encourage you to set goals for your study of English this semester. I encourage you to take on board advice given at parent teacher night interviews at the end of last term and set about improving your skills.
Ms Michelle Selmes
English Coordinator
NOWRA PARISH
Click here to access Nowra Parish
Click here to access Nowra Parish Facebook Page
Click here to access the latest Nowra Parish Bulletin
Mr David Comensoli
Religious Education Coordinator
Close off for orders is 8.30am daily, a 25c transaction fee applies.
We have also now received approval for volunteers to assist in the canteen. Volunteers have been identified as essential workers. Vicki has prepared a roster for the remainder of this term however we have several days where assistance is required. If you are able to assist in our canteen, please contact Vicki on 4423 1666 or e-mail info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au. Come alone or it would be lovely to bring a friend along to assist.
TERM 3 CANTEEN ROSTER
*URGENT* SEVERAL POSITIONS NEEDING TO BE FILLED*
Welcome back! It’s hard to believe that it’s Term 3 already. We hope that you all had a safe and happy break and are looking forward to another school term. There have been a few small changes with the Executive Committee during the break. We would like to extend a very special thank you to our departing Treasurer, Janet Gill. Most would know that Janet has provided many years of dedicated service to the St John’s P&F Committee, her work has been greatly appreciated by all and she will be truly missed on the Executive Committee.
We would like to thank Monica and Karen for taking on their new P&F Executive Committee roles. The P&F Executive Committee members will now be:
- President: Corey Carter
- Vice President: Brad Simpson
- Assistant Vice President: Vanessa Cladingbowl
- Secretary: Karen Sewell
- Assistant Secretary: Vacant
- Treasurer: Monica Oke
- Parent Liaison & Publicity Officer: Jacinta Davis
YEAR 10 IMMUNISATION
The Immunisation date for Year 10, is set for Monday 3 August 2020. Students will receive a single dose of Nimenrix (Meningococcal ACWY). We would like to thank all of our parent helpers who have volunteered their time to assist in this program.
Mrs. Jacinta Davis
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
