Filter Content
It is exciting as we return to school and move into the last term of 2020. We hope that everyone had an opportunity to rest a little and enjoy each other’s company.
Mrs Pearce has been seconded to the Catholic Education Office to work on a special project for the first 8 weeks of Term 4. In her absence Mr Eirth will undertake the role of Assistant Principal, Mr Leishman will undertake the role of Pastoral Care Coordinator and Mr Holden will undertake the role of Year 10 Coordinator. These are all outstanding leaders and I look forward to working with them in these roles.
We have been welcomed back to Term 4 with some lightening of COVID restrictions and whilst it has been wonderful to see some students able to attend excursions, I do have to acknowledge the ingenuity of staff in providing alternative opportunities in the previous months.
We all send our best wishes to our Year 12 students who began their HSC on Tuesday. Many of them have taken up the opportunity to seek help from teachers over the first week or attended school to undertake their study.
We began our final term with the commissioning of the new school leaders, the School Representative Council, SRC, for 2020 - 2021 Leadership year. For these, and all our young people who undertake leadership, it brings with it an opportunity to develop our skills in a unique way.
Leadership is an opportunity that challenges us to grow. And the odd thing about leadership growth is that it is not like any other personal challenge. Most challenges that we set ourselves can be measured by our own growth.
For example, we may challenge ourselves to improve our fitness and engage in exercise three afternoons per week. And we are so proud when we fulfill that challenge and we feel so much better for it.
Alternatively, as students we may challenge ourselves to engage with one hour of homework every night. And when we achieve this goal, we are rewarded with better learning outcomes and confidence in our learning.
These are personal goals and personal rewards. Leadership is different.
Whilst the challenge is a one you set for yourself, the reward is not yours alone. The goals they set as a leader at St John’s align with our school vision. They are leaders of a school that has high expectations and works for excellence in peaceful and just relationships and growth in learning for every member of that community.
The goals they set must align with our values, especially those of their house that they lead:
Their goals must also align with our learning dispositions: A student that:
- Inquires
- Is Imaginative
- Takes Ownership
- Enjoys a Challenge
- Connects With others
- Is Reflective on their learning
These are the values and dispositions that they work to embed not just in their own lives but in all the members of our school community.
And that is where leadership is different. Achieving their goals as a leader is not measured by their own success, but by the success of everyone. As good leaders we build the skills of others.
We reflect on the school vision and we work with others to make the vision a reality. And when we are successful, we see others achieve and the whole community of St John’s being a better place.
This is what good leadership is about.
So, congratulations to our newly elected leaders of the St John’s community. We look forward to how each of our new leaders will work to make St John’s a better community and we will celebrate their leadership by creating a school in which all members are valued.
CONGRATULATIONS TAJA!
We received some fantastic news from NESA last week with the Final Body of Work for Year 12 Visual Arts student, Taja Smith being selected as one of the most outstanding pieces in New South Wales. Taja's artwork 'Black Summer' has been nominated for the prestigious Art Express Exhibition. This is an outstanding achievement! Well done Taja!
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
P&F GENERAL MEETING
VIA ZOOM MONDAY 26 OCTOBER 6:00pm
Parents and carers are invited to the P&F General Meeting on Monday 26 October via Zoom at 6:00 pm. A link will be sent out to all parents approximately 20 minutes before the meeting commences.
Please read the details below before choosing to join the zoomed P&F;
- All SJE zooms are recorded.
- Parents/Carers must have the zoom app on their device in order to join
- For security purposes:
- Your username must be your first and last names. If you can’t be identified, you will not be admitted entry to the zoom
- Cameras must be on when parents/carers have been admitted to the zoom.
- Microphones must be muted upon entry
YEAR 7 2021 PARENTS/CARERS INFORMATION NIGHT
VIA ZOOM WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 6:00pm
A reminder of the upcoming Year 7 2021 Parent/Carers Information Night via zoom on Wednesday 11 November from 6:00pm.
A short survey will be sent to all Year 7 2021 parents on Friday 6 November (to be returned by 8:30am Monday 9 November) to indicate attendance and allow us to facilitate and allocate small group zoom meetings.
As indicated above, on the day, zooms will be held in small groups to allow for new and existing parents/carers to connect with a SJE staff member and ask any questions they may feel necessary.
Again,for security purposes, the joining details have been outlined below;
- All SJE zooms are recorded.
- Parents/Carers must have the zoom app on their device in order to join
- Parents/Carers must join the zoom that they have been assigned
- For security purposes:
- Your username must be your first and last names. If you can’t be identified, you will not be admitted entry to the zoom
- Cameras must be on when parents/carers have been admitted to the zoom.
- Microphones must be muted upon entry
Mr James Eirth
THE 'WHY' FOR WEARING A SCHOOL UNIFORM
Wearing a uniform at SJE is a badge of honour, it creates an identity for the school and our students are easily identifiable in the community for how smart and impressive they look. Wearing a uniform is an important part of being a student at St John’s; uniforms show that you are part of the SJE community and you align with the school values and expectations. It closely aligns with St John’s core value of love where students' accept and respect what it means to be a student at this school and justice where students respect their dignity. Similar to sports teams, wearing a uniform says we’re unified, goal driven, passionate about the school and are on this educational journey together.
If you wear your uniform with pride, it means you are being respectful to school and self. It shows pride in your school and aligns yourself closely with the school motto ‘Pax Christi’ Peace of Christ. Peaceful and just relationships through harmoniously wearing school uniforms and sharing in school spirit. A school uniform teaches students to ‘dress for success’ and take pride in their appearance. Uniforms help students to prepare for when they leave school and may have to dress smartly or wear a uniform in their future profession.
To help parents with understanding of uniform requirements, I have attached photographs of skirt length and appropriately fitting sport shorts.
Mr Aidan Leishman
N-WARNING PROCESS
To be eligible for the ROSA (Year 10 - 12) and/or HSC (Year 12) you must satisfactorily complete your courses. If a student receives an N-warning this is giving them the opportunity to address the areas of concern in a timely manner. N Warnings are issued if students do not apply themselves to the learning experiences and/or common tasks. Absences from class may also result in an N warning as the student is not achieving some of the course outcomes.
YEAR 12 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE
We wish all Year 12 students all the best for their HSC exams. It is important for students to check their timetable carefully and allow plenty of time to arrive safely and find a parking space. Students need to ensure they are familiar with the Rules and Procedures. Click here to access this guide.
HSC RULES & PROCEDURES GUIDE FOR STUDENTS
If a student becomes ill or suffers an accident that affects their exam performance, they should submit an illness/misadventure application form (available from Mrs Murphy at the Curriculum Office). Students must also notify the Presiding Officer when entering the exam or as soon as possible. Click here to access the illness/misadventure page for further details.
Click here to view the COVID safe HSC exam protocols for students
Covid Safe Declaration Forms: Students are reminded they must complete a declaration form and submit when entering every exam. Click here to access these forms. Additional copies are also available at school.
Please contact the curriculum office with any questions or concerns.
YEAR 11 into YEAR 12 INFORMATION SESSION
Last week Year 11 had an information session which explained the difference between Preliminary and HSC, the rules, procedures and expectations. This session has been filmed and will be available to parents next week.
The session covered important HSC information regarding:
- Structure of the HSC and ATAR information
- Assessment Policies and Procedures
- Futures and Careers
YEAR 10 SUBJECT SELECTION
Most students have now finalised their subjects for next year. If you are applying for a Distance Education course your application must be submitted to the curriculum office.
TERM 4
Week 2- Week 5
Tues 20 October - Wed 11 November: Year 12 HSC
Week 3
Mon 26 October: P & F Zoom Meeting 6pm
Week 4
Mon 2 November: Year 7 Immunisations (1st dose)
Fri 6 November: NAIDOC Assembly (livestream)
Week 5
Wed 11 November: Year 7 2021 Parent Orientation Evening (Online)
Thurs 12 November: Year 7 2021 Student Orientation Day
Thurs 12 November: Year 12 Graduation Dinner
8-15 November: NAIDOC Week Celebrations
Week 8
30 November- 4 December: Year 10 Work Experience
Week 10
Fri 18 December: HSC Students' Morning Tea
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
I would like to congratulate our Year 7 2020/ Year 8 2021 Student Representative Council team for their election into this position of responsibility and leadership. This peer nominated role identifies those students that act as an example to others in regards to their uniform, behaviour, academics and interpersonal skills.
I am looking forward to working closely with these students for the betterment of our school community and to harness their valuable perspective of a young person at St John's.
UNIFORM
Summer is upon us and our uniform has changed accordingly. Boys are now in their short sleeved button up shirts and shorts, whilst girls can wear either the pants or skirt.
Girls, please see the included image on the appropriate length of skirt at St Johns.
The new SJE socks are stocked at Lowes. As of 21 October 2020 a new supply of socks will be in to replenish any sizes that are low on stock. This means that every student should now be wearing these socks everyday with both their sport and normal uniform.
With the change in the weather, bringing our hats to every sport and practical PDHPE lesson is even more important this term. I strongly encourage all students to write their name on the inside of their hats in permanent marker, as LOTS of hats end up in lost property. If a hat has been lost, another can be purchased from the office. Also, a reminder that our sports shoes need to be predominantly white and the sports shorts are to be down to the knee.
YEAR 7 IMMUNISATION CLINIC
A reminder for Year 7 students the Year 7 Immunisation Clinic will be held at school on Monday 2 November 2020 (Week 4). Students are to wear their sport uniform and ensure they eat breakfast to reduce the likelihood of feeling unwell.
TERM 4
As we look to the end of the year, I challenge all students in Year 7 to continue to push themselves to the best of their abilities, not only in the classroom but on the playground, sporting field and any other extra curricular activities they are involved in.
We are an exceptional year group, flooded with talent and bright personalities. This year, although sometimes difficult, has been a pleasure to lead as your Year Coordinator. I am excited, not only for the remainder of Term 4, but to see what our awesome cohort of students has to offer in 2021!
Year 7 Religious Education - Studying Ways People Pray
Year 7 Mathematics - Fraction Puzzles
Year 7 Science - Radiation Lesson
Mr Joshua Watson
Year 7 Coordinator
I would like to welcome Year 8 back to Term 4 and congratulate them on the positive start they have had already. A reminder that students need to be wearing the correct uniform on the correct days. These have been noted in their diary and students can also ask their PALS teacher if they are unsure what days they should be wearing sports uniform.
I would like to congratulate the students who were voted in as SRC for their PALS groups and look forward to seeing the positive impact these students have on their year group.
Towards the end of last term Year 8 participated in some exciting activities.
I look forward to seeing more positives from Year 8 in Term 4!
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me and loved me as yourself”
Mrs Sophie Daley
Year 8 Coordinator
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Students in Years 7-10 have had the opportunity of late to participate in “Liturgy of the Word” rituals with their Religious Education class. Students assist with the preparation of the Liturgy and actively engage through listening, reflecting and praying. Each Liturgy is held in the Chapel and is often followed by a time of meditation. In many classes, a student has provided a spoken reflection about the Gospel proclaimed during the Liturgy. Students from all classes are thanked for the respectful and reverent manner in which they have participated in these liturgies.
CHAPEL
Our beautiful school Chapel, constructed with mud bricks by students and staff in 1999, is currently undergoing a maintenance program. This involves: repairing a number of the mud bricks; painting the internal walls; repairing, replacing, staining some of the timber support beams; deep cleaning the carpet. It is hoped that students and staff will have access to the Chapel from Week 3 this term.
STUDIES IN CATHOLIC THOUGHT
A new subject began this year in Year 11 called 'Studies in Catholic Thought'. The course covers various aspects of Catholicism and is studied through the lens of philosophy, art, music and literature. Year 11 students this term have begun the HSC course with an initial investigation of what constitutes a 'good life' and what is true 'happiness'.
As one student stated: “It makes me think more deeply about life.”
REFLECTION DAYS
Each year students in Years 7-10 participate in a Reflection Day. This year due to Covid restrictions the planned days were cancelled. Alternate half day Reflection Days are now being organised for Years 8-10 and a whole day is being organised for Year 7.
A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP BRIAN
FUTURE OF MITTAGONG & BOWRAL PARISHES
The Parish of Mittagong (established 1917) and the Parish of Bowral (established 1948) have worked together pastorally and administratively since 2002 when the Parish Priest of Bowral assumed responsibility for the Parish of Mittagong. Having consulted the clergy and faithful of the two parishes, and their parish and finance councils, and having formally consulted the Council of Priests of the Diocese, I have now issued a Decree announcing the Extinctive Union of the Parish of Mittagong and the Parish of Bowral and the creation of the Parish of Mittagong-Bowral. This new parish is to be known as Corpus Christi Parish, Mittagong-Bowral. The Church of St Michael Mittagong and the Church of Saint Thomas Aquinas Bowral are to retain their current titles. The Decree will take effect from 1 January 2021.
I offer my sincere congratulations to Parish Priest Fr Sean Cullen, parish staff, parishioners and school communities as they continue to grow together as one parish, living as the Body of Christ.
Yours in the Lord, Bishop Brian Mascord
NOWRA PARISH
Click here to access the latest Nowra Parish Bulletin
Click here to access Nowra Parish
Click here to access Nowra Parish Facebook Page
Mr David Comensoli
Religious Education Coordinator
CELEBRATING BOOK WEEK 2020
Theme: Curious Creatures, Wild Minds
As part of our Book Week celebrations, Year 7 students have created literature show bags.
Their task involved selecting a text that is meaningful to them from their personal reading. This presentation needed to be revealing of the text’s literary features. Students included items in their show bags that are relevant to the plot, setting, characters, symbols/images and themes of the text. They also decorated the bag.
Prizes will be awarded for each class. A presentation and explanation of the Literature Show Bags was made by most students either in the library or the English class. An impressive display of highlighted entries are on display in the Library foyer.
Mrs Jenni Allchin
Librarian
UOW LEARNING LABS (YEAR 7 - 10)
The University of Wollongong would like to invite students to LEARNING LABS, an academic enrichment holiday program. We are targeting students from Year 7 to 10 during 2020, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Wollongong Campus Dates: Thursday 14- Friday 15January 2021
Applications close: Monday 9 November 2020
Parents/Guardians/students visit our website and read the full list of workshops available by scrolling to the “January workshops overview” section.
For further information about workshops and the application process please contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au or phone on (02) 4221 5557.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY VIRTUAL WORKSHOP (YEAR 9 - 12)
HSC 2021 STUDENTS
UAC PRESENTATION
All Year 11 students attended a presentation from UAC where they covered the following information about the ATAR and the university application process:
- What the ATAR is,
- how the ATAR is calculated,
- Scaling, why we do it?,
- the UAC application process,
- Educational Access Schemes,
- Schools Recommendation Schemes (early entry),
- Equity Scholarships, Adjustment Factors & selection ranks and Offers.
UAC also ran the same presentation via zoom for parents at 6:30pm Wednesday 21 October. Any parents who were unable to attend and would like the information I can provide them with a similar powerpoint presentation.
UOW SUMMER MASTER CLASS 2021
UOW will run a student information session during lunchtime on Wednesday 28 October. It is strongly recommended that the students wanting to attend or just get more information about the UOW Summer Master Class attend this presentation.
This program caters for those Year 12 students who wish to get a head start on their university study and their HSC preparation by completing a university subject over their Summer school holidays.
UOW Summer Master Class 2021 Applications are now open and closing on Sunday 9 November 2020.
Students undertaking the Summer Master Class will:
-
- Complete a University level subject during their Summer Holidays, earning themselves 6 unspecified credit points that can be used towards most UOW undergraduate degrees
- Undertake a subject that draws on and expands on current HSC subject syllabus, 9 different subjects to choose from
- Get a taste of what it is like to undertake university study, including engaging with university staff, systems and processes
- Be guaranteed either an interview or conditional offer through the University of Wollongong Early Admissions program
SCIENCE GUEST SPEAKERS
We wish to thank Nikolas Johnston for his outstanding presentation provided via zoom to all Senior Science students.
Nikolas is a SJE graduate who currently lectures biochemistry and molecular biology at UOW. He completed a PhD focused on genetics and insect science where he discovered and described new species of flies in Australia.
He spoke about his career journey, different career paths in Science and the scientific research he has undertaken.
YEAR 10
WORK EXPERIENCE
All Year 10 students will be undertaking work experience in Term 4 Week 8 (Monday 30 November – Friday 4 December). It is the responsibility of students to organise their own work experience placement, the skills they learn from this activity are very similar to looking for real employment. In the current climate it is important to start early as many businesses are doing it tough and cannot take work experience students this year. PALS teachers and Mrs Hill are available to assist with the process.
FUTURE FINDER WORKSHOP - FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER
Delivered by the University of Wollongong (UOW) Outreach Mentors, this workshop will focus on the 17 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and how future careers can impact on the realisation of these goals. Students will understand how their future aspirations could help impact communities in a positive way as they are introduced broadly to the UN SDGs, before undertaking a project-based learning activity based on one specific goal.
When: Friday 30 October Period 4
Who: Limited to 30 Year 10 students
How: Sign-up in the Career Google classroom or see Mrs Hill
YEAR 9
A guest speaker from the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) spoke to the Year 9IST class on Tuesday 20 October. The presentation covered careers in Australia in Game Programming, 3D Animation and Video VFX as well as the work experience program they offer in November.
FREE NOWRA TAFE SKILLS COURSE (SCHOOL LEAVERS ONLY)
This skill-set is designed to enable learners to be job-ready for the busy tourism season and to enable you as future tertiary students to earn while you learn at University or TAFE.
Monday 7 December to Friday 11 December 2020
Attendance is required at Nowra TAFE (Bomaderry Campus).
Enrolling students must complete ALL 4 units of competence to be eligible to receive the Statement of Attainment – Hospitality Start-Up Certificate including;
SITXFSA001 Use hygienic procedures for food safety,
SITHFAB005 Prepare and serve espresso coffee,
SITHGAM001 Provide responsible conduct of gambling and
SITHFAB002 Provide responsible service of alcohol
The Skill-Set is sponsored by Training Services NSW and there is no fee payable where learners meet the criteria for enrolment.
Should you need assistance with your enrolment, please contact Mrs Hill or the TAFE NSW Nowra Customer Service Team staff on 02 4474 1888.
POSITIONS VACANT
BEAUTY APPRENTICESHIP
Ella Bache, Nowra are looking for an apprentice. Contact directly.
REFRIGERATION APPRENTICESHIP
Dunn & Williams Electrical & Air Conditioning Nowra are looking for a 1st year refrigeration apprentice. If you are finishing school and would like to apply please email your resume to reception@dunnandwilliams.com.au or call in Monday to Friday between 8.30am- 3pm. Drivers licence a must
YEAR 11 HOSPITALITY
We wish to thank the local businesses who supported our Year 11 Hospitality students, assisting in their learning and skill development by hosting students during the final two weeks of Term 3.
MANDAVY MASSIVE MEDAL HAUL
Congratulations to Tsar (Year 9) and Brooklyn (Year 7) Mandavy on their recent athletics results.
Competing at the Lake Illawarra Gala Day the boys walked away with an incredible 11 gold and 8 silver medals between them.
Tsar also broke the carnival under 17 boys long jump record with a jump of 5.71m.
This adds to Tsar's recent records at his St Georges Basin Athletics Club, setting a new mark in the high jump of 1.80m, a 5cm increase on the existing record as well as breaking the 300m hurdle record in a time of 46.04 and the 70m record in 8.30.
Brother Brooklyn impressed smashing the 70m club record by 1.37 seconds in 9.37.
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 4 CANTEEN ROSTER
*URGENT* SEVERAL POSITIONS NEEDING TO BE FILLED*
Welcome back for the final school term of 2020! Hope you all had a wonderful and restful break and are ready to get back into another busy school term. To all the Year 12 Students, the P&F would like to wish you the very best over the next few weeks during your HSC exams. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
P&F MEETING - MONDAY 26 OCTOBER 6PM
We will be holding our first whole of school P&F meeting via ZOOM on Monday 26 October at 6:00pm. We are hoping to have a successful trial with as many people as is possible for the first virtual meeting, a link with all the details will be sent out via compass closer to the date.
YEAR 7 IMMUNISATIONS
Year 7 students will receive their first dose HPV and single dose Boostrix (dtpa) on Monday 2 November 2020 (Week 4). The second dose of HPV will be administered in 2021.
Thank you to the parents who have offered to come and help assist with immunisations on the day, without your assistance the day wouldn’t run as smoothly.
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.
