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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- YEAR 9 NEWS
- YEAR 10 NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
- CAREERS NEWS
- FROM THE LIBRARY
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- CANTEEN NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
I would like to acknowledge the very positive return to school for most of the members of our school community. It’s so good to see our young people engaged in their learning and getting involved in events like the swimming carnival, the working bee and social justice initiatives.
Congratulations also to our youth ministers who led our Ash Wednesday initiative and a special mention to Jack who shared his thoughts around the message of the Gospel. Jack talked about using his gifts and love of the surf to help others as a volunteer surf lifesaver on weekends.
It is easy to get busy and focus only on our own lives. We are often searching for happiness.
But the real answer is inside our hearts: God is deep in our heart and by spending time just ‘being you’, you will find that happiness.
We have moved into the Liturgical time of Lent, a time for renewal. It is important during this time that we take a moment alone. We may walk on the beach, take a bush walk, meditate, dance and sing or even just lie on your back and watch the clouds. And it is in these moments that we treasure that we really find the ‘you’ that was created in God’s image. Deep inside each of us is our God. Stop, be quiet and listen. God created each of us and we are called to share our gifts and in doing so find fulfilment.
May the Liturgical time of Lent be a time of renewal for all our young people.
OPEN NIGHT
Are you looking to enrol a child at St John’s in 2022?
Do you know someone who intends to enrol a child in St John’s in 2022?
We are holding our Open Night Next Wednesday 24 February and this is always a wonderful evening that showcases many of the highlights of the school. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy St John’s and make a connection to our community.
Many of our students are also coming along as ambassadors, assistants and guides.
This year, to meet COVID requirements, we are asking families to book online. Please make your bookings and remind others to do so as well. We look forward to seeing you on the evening.
Click here to book your Open Night Session
THANK YOU DR ANTONIO
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
Click here to view Term 4 Week 4 OOAAA nominees
MATHS PATHWAY 200+ CLUB NOMINEES (Week 4)
Year 8: Olivia Bugg, Makynli Dale, Rhianna Duff, Natasha Hobday, Zayne Paddick, Matilda Strode.
Maths Pathways Winning Class
This week's winning class is Mr Smith's 8MAT.K with an incredible growth of 153%!
TERM 1 2021
WEEK 5 (Week B)
Wednesday 24 February: SJE Open Night for Future Students & Year 7 2022
WEEK 6 (Week A)
Wed 3 - Fri 5 March: Year 9 Camp
WEEK 9 (Week B)
Friday 26 March: School Cross Country Carnival
TERM 2 2021
WEEK 2 (Week A)
Friday 30 April: School Athletics Carnival
WEEK 5 (Week B)
Saturday 22 May: School Working Bee
Click here to access the 2021 Representative Sports Calendar
Welcome back for 2021! We have a busy year ahead and students have started the year in a positive way. Year 9 sees lots of changes with subjects and classes. While there has been some minor teething problems with these changes there is a good vibe across the year group as they start their elective courses in a range of subject areas. I welcome Mrs Frawley, Mr Gibson and Mrs Fox to the Year 9 PALS team.
It has been such a positive start to the year to see the majority of students wearing their uniform appropriately. There has been some confusion in relation to some issues mainly around girls’ skirt length, jewellery and piercings as well as students not wearing the mandatory SJE socks. All students must wear these socks, this means any student wearing socks with logos or stripes will receive consequences as per school guidelines. The uniform expectations and requirements are clearly outlined in the student diary. Also a reminder that sports uniforms are only to be worn on practical PDHPE days and for the following double period elective classes: PASS, Bushcraft and Agriculture.
A reminder that Year 9 Camp is coming up in Week 6. Notes and payments are due next Friday 26 February. If there are any issues with payment or camp in general please do not hesitate to contact the school and speak to me. A reminder that this is a mandatory event and all students are required to attend. It is also vital for camp to run smoothly we need parent helpers. If you are able to help at any stage during the camp please fill in a parent helper form and return to the school.
'I was a stranger and you welcomed me and loved me as yourself'
Mrs Sophie Daley
Year 9 Coordinator
Year 10 have had a positive start to 2021 and have hit the ground running. As indicated to the students and parents, this year is the start of their senior schooling, which brings with it an added level of responsibility with regard to learning and school involvement.
The RoSA information session presented students with new information that is important for their move into the senior school as well as vital reminders around the use of diaries as the main tool for organisation. Uniform expectations were also highlighted as was the need for students to seriously engage in extracurricular activities and community service. As senior students these areas are to be a focus for the development of each individual as a committed, engaged member of the St John’s community.
Bushcraft students attended Year 7 camp last week with enthusiasm and skill. They assisted with activities and were an integral part of the smooth running of camp. So much positive feedback has been received about all the Year 10 students that attended. Congratulations!
PDHPE classes this term are working on their Future Challenges Project. A reminder that students are not having practical lessons for the first 6 weeks of Term 1 and are therefore, required to wear their regular school uniform for all PDHPE lessons.
Year 10 are also engaging well with their learning across all other subjects and they are to be commended on the way they have commenced the year with enthusiasm and vigour.
A reminder to students and parents that the Year 7 2022 Open Night on Wednesday 24 February is a great opportunity for involvement in community service. Hope to see many students engage in these activities.
SHOALHAVEN CITY COUNCIL YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Last week Year 10 students Kiah Shine, Phoebe Symoniczek and Elly Simms represented our school at the Shoalhaven City Council Youth Advisory Committee Meeting. A meeting is held each term as well as a planning day each year, with the Committee;
- Representing the interests and views of young people to Council and the Community.
- Providing an opportunity for young people to discuss issues of concern to young people.
- Providing a mechanism for young people to make representations to organisations and various spheres of Government requesting appropriate action to improve facilities and services available to young people.
- Giving young people experience in Local Government and community affairs.
- Creating greater awareness and appreciation within the general community of the needs and talents of young people.
- Providing a mechanism for young people to address youth issues themselves.
"God has no hands but yours"
Mrs Lynette Kelly
Year 10 Coordinator
With the start of 2021 already underway, St John’s Maths staff are excited at the opportunities available to our students to really excel in their Mathematics.
It is so exciting that Years 7 and 8 will again follow a learning program which
- Balances the gaining of individual knowledge with applying the knowledge through group work and problem solving.
- is tailored to the individual needs of each student allowing each student to work at their own level.
- focuses on the growth of the individual student and not their peers
- gives regular fortnightly feedback to parents.
Additional information can be found at the Maths Pathway website. (https://mathspathway.com/)
Congratulations to last year's Year 10 students all of whom have passed the Minimum Standards test. This is further evidence of the positive growth we are seeing in the classroom.
HOMESTUDY
Years 7 and 8: As students have access to their own learning program they have homework to undertake each day. It is advised that students complete at least 15 minutes of maths homework every weekday evening (5 nights per week). Any issues that arise should be discussed with the teacher the next day.
Years 9 and 10 can be expected to do about 20 minutes of maths homework each weekday evening whilst Years 11 and 12 would expect at least 30 minutes of maths homework each night.
There will be several other opportunities for students to further explore the wonders and joys of Mathematics. Look out for invitations to join the Maths Olympiad team (Years 7, 8, 9 and 10), ICAS Maths Competition (all years) and Maths in Surveying excursion (10MT.1 or 10MT.2)
AUSTRALIAN TAX OFFICE
Recently we had the ATO speak via video link to Year 11 Standard Maths where they discussed tax file numbers, tax, superannuation and so on. The ATO plans to return next month to do a similar presentation for Year 10 with particular emphasis on the need for tax file numbers when applying for jobs.
MATHS TUITION
Parents often enquire about extra assistance for their child. The Maths staff very generously offer their time every Thursday afternoon in B-block until 4pm. Students come along and do homework or study and have teachers readily available to help. This is always spoken of by departing Year 12 students as being of real benefit to their studies. Click here to download the permission note.
Mr Mark McKinnon
English Coordinator
YEAR 12 UOW DISCOVERY DAY - TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Fifty of our Year 12 students attended UOW Wollongong campus for the day at the 2021 UOW Discovery Day. They experienced the facilities, attended lectures and took in the entertainment provided - It was an opportunity to be a uni student for the day!
Some of the lectures included;
- From pandemics to pimples: discovering the science of the human body,
- This sporting life - Make your sport your career,
- Snap (Chat) This - Photography workshop,
- You can’t eat that! (Nutrition Science) and many more.
YEAR 12 FUTURE ME PROGRAM
The Year 12 Future Me is designed to provide students with the support they need to get the most out of their HSC. Over fifteen school weeks, students will receive online skill development to assist in the HSC and beyond, as well as engaging in peer learning with trained In2Uni Mentors from UOW.
Why Join?
A guaranteed early admission interview or conditional offer to UOW or UOW College after successful completion (attending at least 80% and submissions).
Mentoring to explore post-high school options, including university, college, TAFE and employment based on your Year 12 academic performance and areas of interest
Assistance completing UOW Early Admission and UAC online applications
Super Study Days to finesse exam and interview techniques
When and Where?
Shoalhaven campus Tuesday 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm or Wednesday 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm (online sessions initially). The Year 12 Future Me will commence 26 April 2021 and conclude 20 August 2021.
How to join?
Click here to complete the online application and ensure that a JP certified birth certificate or current passport is uploaded. Applications close Wednesday 3 March 2021.
Click here for a brochure with further details
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU)
Students interested in studying at ANU in 2022 are encouraged to apply directly.
- Applications open 3 March 2021
- Applications close 24 May 2021
- August offer round released 9 August 2021
- September offer round released 22 September 2021
St John’s connect with ANU information session will occur for any interested students during lunchtime on Tuesday 2 March 2021.
YEAR 10
All Year 10 students have undertaken an initial careers session during extended PALS where they have registered with “The Career Department”, the new online careers platform being used throughout the Wollongong Diocese Catholic Schools. The students undertook profiling and have been given the work style that suits them as well as three industries for students to begin investigating.
FUTURE OF FASHION DESIGN CHALLENGE
Do you have a passion or interest in fashion? Do you want to change how clothing is designed, produced, shared and used? This is your chance to be part of innovating the fashion industry! Submit your solution by 14 June. Click here for details.
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT 'CLICKVIEW'?
We subscribe to this service which allows access to many videos that may be useful to our students. Using their school login, students can view documentaries, TV shows and movies both at school and at home. Why not ask your student to show you how it works? It may even be useful for Family Movie Night!
BOYS TOUCH FOOTBALL
On Monday 15 February three St John’s teams represented the school at the Diocese Boys’ Touch Football Gala day. Results were mixed for the teams with the Under 15 Boys teams best performed by coming third overall. If a couple of tight games had gone the other way this result would have improved.
This success was reflected in the DOW 15 Boys representative team selected at the carnival. Congratulations to Henry Parrish on selection with Cooper Barrett and Tyson Walker as shadow players.
Senior boys had a couple of wins and a draw on the day with the Under 13’s starting slowly to come home strong with 3 wins and a draw.
Thanks to Mr Kyriacou, Mr Ellul and Mr Lopez for their efforts in training and managing the teams on the day.
Mr Craig Holden
Representative Sport Coordinator
2021 MEDIA CONSENT FORM
- Group School Photographs
- Annual School Yearbook
- St John's website
- Catholic Diocese of Wollongong Website
- Livstream of assemblies and events
All students are required to return this form to their PALS teacher by Week 3.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING FEES & PAYMENTS
Parents & Carers have received an email today regarding St John’s moving to a new Financial Management system, TechnologyOne, next week.
Please note, during the transition period we will not be able to accept over the counter EFTPOS and credit card payments from Tuesday 23 February to Friday 26 February 2021. Payments by cash and Try Booking through our school website are accepted as normal during this time.
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the school office. We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the next few weeks as we move through this change.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2021 - REMINDER
Thank you to the parents and carers who have already responded to the initial notification that was in the first newsletter for the year regarding the offering of the preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation(Confession), Eucharist (First Holy Communion) and Confirmation.
Formal preparation for the Sacraments will commence in the next few weeks. If you have not responded or may have forgotten to return the reply note, please click here to download a copy.
I look forward to meeting the new candidates preparing for the Sacraments in the upcoming weeks.
Mr Mark Fuller
Sacramental Program Facilitator
NOWRA PARISH
Click here to access Nowra Parish
Click here to access the latest Nowra Parish Bulletin
Click here to access Nowra Parish Facebook Page
MILTON PARISH
Click here to access Milton ParishClick here to access the latest Milton Parish Bulletin
Click here to access the Milton Parish Facebook Page
Mr David Comensoli
Religious Education Coordinator
Volunteers are required to assist in our canteen during 2021. Parents/Carers, friends, grandparents etc are all welcome!
If you're able to assist in our canteen, please contact Vicki on 4423 1666 or e-mail info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au.
Coming Fortnight Canteen Volunteer Roster
We would like to express our appreciation to our wonderful parent/carer helpers who volunteered their time to assist with the most recent Year 7 immunisations on Monday 8 February. A big shout out to Carmen Carter, Vanessa Cladingbowl, Sandra Cocoris, Nicole Creighton, Tina Malady, Jodie Pierson & Sheree Schell. Without their help the day wouldn’t have gone as smoothly as it did.
The Annual General Meeting of the P&F was held on Monday 15 February. Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended, it was so lovely to see some new faces and we look forward to the year ahead.
We would like to welcome and introduce our new P&F Executive Committee members for 2021, they are;
President: Corey Carter
Vice President: Brad Simpson
Assistant Vice President: Sophie Pavlis
Treasurer: Monica Oke
Secretary: Vanessa Cladingbowl
Assistant Secretary: Melissa Alder
Publicity Officer: Jacinta Davis
We would also like to extend a very special thank you to our outgoing Executive Committee member Karen Sewell for her role as Assistant Secretary and then taking on the Secretary role in 2020. Her work has been greatly appreciated by all and she will be truly missed.
WORKING BEE - POSTPONED
Unfortunately due to the wet weather, St John's Working Bee planned for Thursday 18 February had to be postponed. Thank you to the families who provided donations. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next working bee, date to be decided shortly.
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.
NSW YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL 2021– Applications Now Open
Applications are open for the NSW Youth Advisory Council 2021. Children and young people between 12-24 years of age living in NSW are encouraged to apply. Council members are sought from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences. The 12 member YAC advises the NSW Government on subjects relevant to young people across the state. Applications close 14 March, 2021.
More information on the NSW Youth Advisory Council as well as application forms are available here www.acyp.nsw.gov.au
