Announcing the Book Week Winners for 2020

These awards were announced at assembly last week. Prizes are awarded for each class. The winner received a $20 book voucher from Dymocks and the runner-up a $5 canteen voucher. 

The following students were prize winners:

The Library also ran an exciting new challenge, Read, Write, Eat Book Review Challenge for Years 7-10.

A wonderful selection of new books was displayed in L2. Students were invited to choose one of the displayed books, read it and write a review.

All students were welcome to enter.  All appropriate entries received a small treat. Well done to Millie Thulin, winner of the main prize!

Mrs Jenni Allchin

Librarian

As I reflect on the year that was for Year 9 2020, it is difficult to believe they only have a few weeks left of the term and the year. There have been many proud moments throughout this challenging year when I have seen students step out of their comfort zones. This has occurred in and out of the classroom and most of all through their involvement in community service of some sort, however that has looked this year.

SRC

I would like to thank the outgoing SRC members for their dedication throughout 2020. I congratulate the representatives for 2021 on being nominated by their peers as SRC. The new leadership team have been busy preparing for the year ahead. They attended the Leadership Day where they participated in a variety or activities.

 

YEAR 9 PEER SUPPORT TRAINING

This week a large group of Year 9 volunteers attended a training day to assist in leading activities for the Year 7 2021 orientation day next week.

Students showed an excellent sense of maturity and support for one another to encourage all students to feel comfortable in leading activities. We are certain our Year 9 students will provide a fabulous experience for our students of Year 7 2021!

UNIFORM

The start of Term 4 has seen the introduction of the new SJE socks. It has been wonderful to see so many of the students presenting themselves correctly in their uniforms every day. However, as a timely reminder many students have grown which brings with it the issues of skirt length and appropriately fitted sport shorts for the girls. Please take a look at the images of what is expected and address any issues.

ADVENTURE DAY

Camp is normally a highlight for Year 9, however, during this year of bushfires, floods and Covid camp had to be sidelined. Now that restrictions have lifted a little teachers have been working hard to put together an Adventure Day for Year 9. This day will involve lots of fun activities off site and some team activities during an afternoon at school. I’m sure the students will have lots of fun building cohesion and camaraderie within the year group.

VOLLEYBALL 

Hannah Brian is to be congratulated on her initiative in developing a lunchtime volleyball comp for Year 9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Students quickly organised teams so the competition could start in Week 2 of Term 4. It’s great to see such enthusiasm by the players and spectators.  

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Year 9 Food Technology students recently completed a study on the impact of multiculturalism on Australian Cuisine. After researching their country they chose a typical dish that would be presented at a Multicultural Food Fair.

Students were challenged to produce a video, Instagram Posts or poster to advertise their (imaginary) stall using persuasive language and produced a prototype of the food and package that would be served at the event.

Click here to view Arabici Talty's Food Technology video clip.

MATHEMATICS

Year 9 have been enjoying some hands on learning in mathematics, calculating the height of a tree by using similar triangle applications.

 

Students were able to measure the shadow cast by the tree to measure it's height using scale. The class also measured our school library on the Western side using the ratio of shadow to height for the time frame taken.

Year 9 Mathematics enjoyed another of their learning experiences on scale, drawing 'The Simpsons'.

TECHNOLOGY MANDATORY - WOODWORK

As we look to the end of the year, I challenge students 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. 

Year 9 are an exceptional group of young people, overflowing with talent and awesome personalities. Again, it has been a pleasure to work with such an amazing group of students and I look forward to seeing what 2021 brings us.

'God has no hands but yours.'

Mrs Lynette Kelly

Year 9 Coordinator

WORK EXPERIENCE

Thank you to all students who have arranged and finalised the paperwork for work experience in Week 8. With restricted access to many workplaces as a result of COVID-19 our students have needed to be flexible, as such embracing the SJE learning disposition of Challenge. All forms should have been submitted to Mrs Hill. If there are problems with this, students need to see Mrs Hill or myself.

 

TRANSITION WEEK

Week 9 will find Year 10 participating in a training week designed to help them transition to Stage 6. This week will have guest presenters and focus on study habits, wellbeing, mindfulness, careers and further study. There will also be time for students to reflect on their recent work experience and compare thoughts regarding the good and not so good aspects of the workplace.

 

HOUSE CUP

Since Term 3 Year 10 have been participating in the House Cup during lunchtimes. These are head to head battles in a number of regular and irregular sports. House points are awarded for both the result and the number of students who participate. Currently occurring on a Friday before they head to sport, this competition has been held in good spirits with other house groups helping out teams that have been short. A strong fighting spirit was shown through two big comebacks from McCabe and Chisolm demonstrating that accepting a Challenge has become part of the Year 10 fibre.

 

ENTERPRISING GIRLS ACADEMY

A huge achievement!

Last term Jade Poulton, Kirra Dale, Grace Lewis & Bandria McLeod participated in the ‘Enterprising Girls’ Academy’ where they were challenged to provide an environmental solution.

The girls developed the concept of a ‘Beach Buddies’ app, similar to the Pokemon concept, to help clean up beaches.

With many fabulous ideas presented from a number of students and schools, we are excited that the girls’ concept was selected to be involved in a workshop last week to prototype their design and be supported in developing their entrepreneurial skills!

Click here to view the girls' initiative

YEAR 10 SPORT - SURFING

Mr Craig Holden

Year 10 Coordinator (Acting)

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

All Year 10 students will be undertaking work experience in Term 4 Week 8 (Monday 30 November – Friday 4 December). All work experience forms are all due back by Monday 9 November.

Thanks to those who have returned forms early. As it is very challenging this year to locate an employer to take on work experience students we are very grateful to those businesses that have been able to accept our students. If a student has a problem meeting the due date please contact Mrs Hill.

FUTURE FINDER WORKSHOP: FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER

Delivered by the University of Wollongong (UOW) Outreach Mentors, this workshop focused on the 17 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and how future careers can impact on the realisation of these goals. This was followed by the mentors having a relaxed and very informative discussion about University life. 

WHS WHITE CARD COURSE AT ST JOHN'S 

A White Card course will be running at school on Monday 23 November. Any students wanting to work (or do work experience) in the construction industry will need this qualification to attend construction sites. It is a lifetime qualification and will cost $100. To participate students will need to express their interest to Mrs Hill, then receive and return the permission note. 

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY VIRTUAL WORKSHOP 

Virtual Automotive workshop was presented by Apprentices R US on Thursday 29 October and included:

• Discussion about different Careers in the automotive industry
• Discussion about Pre-Apprenticeship and SBAT
• A panel gave answers to live questions
• A day in the life of a light vehicle mechanic video
• Demonstration of a car being serviced involving changing oil, checking brakes and an overall inspection of the car
• Demonstration of Panel Beating including cutting, welding and panel repair

HANDS-ON ANIMATION AND GAMES WORKSHOPS

Expressions of interest Year 9 - 11

An opportunity exists for us to run a free animation and games workshop. An AIE Industry-experienced teacher will be available to run a hands-on workshop teaching students software used in industry in 3D Art, Game Design or Programming. This is a fantastic way for students to be introduced to these skills and kickstart some amazing projects. Any students wishing to participate must let Mrs Hill know. If numbers are sufficient the workshop will run. 

UOW SUMMER MASTER CLASS 2021

UOW ran an information session during lunchtime on Wednesday 28 October providing students with details about the upcoming Summer Master Class 2021.

The program caters for Year 12 students wishing to get a head start on their university study and their HSC preparation by completing a university subject over their Summer school holidays.

Applications close on Sunday 9 November 2020. Mrs Hill can verify student ID and report documentation needed for the application. 

FEE-FREE JOB TRAINER COURSE TAFE (FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS) 

JobTrainer will provide school leavers and job seekers with hundreds of fee-free and low cost courses, to help develop new skills.

Targeted towards the sectors identified as growth areas, JobTrainer will help the economy rebound by ensuring the workforce has the right skills, right now.

POSITIONS VACANT

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION TRAINEESHIP (South Nowra) 

Sanokil has a great opportunity for school leavers who are wishing to start a career in business.

They are offering a 12 month traineeship in Business Administration with on-going employment. 

This is a full time position with on the job training and a Certificate II in Business Administration on completion. 

APPRENTICE BAKER & TRAINEESHIP RETAIL (Huskisson)

There are 4 positions available at Huskisson Bakehouse for school leavers.

2 x apprenticeship as a baker or chef

2 x traineeship in retail/hospitality

All full time positions with Friday/Sat off or Sunday/Mon off

Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.

Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.

St Michael's Primary School

St Mary's Star of the Sea Primary School