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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- PASTORAL CARE
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- NEWS FROM THE OFFICE
- FROM THE LIBRARY
- YEAR 11 NEWS
- YEAR 12 NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE PDHPE DEPARTMENT
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- CAREERS NEWS
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- NEWS FROM GOOROON
- CANTEEN NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
NESA AWARD
Congratulations to our 2020 HSC graduate: Jasmine Hair, who has been awarded a prestigious award from NESA. She was awarded the AECG President’s Award for the highest achieving, non-indigenous student in Aboriginal studies in NSW. She will receive this award on Friday 12 March at a NSW Awards’ presentation in Sydney.
Jasmine reflects that it has been her involvement in the girl’s Aboriginal dance troupe and other cultural experiences that created her passion for deepening her learning in this area. This aligns beautifully with the intention of Mrs Christine Finney, who established our Gooroon Aboriginal support, who strongly believed that, by encouraging all students to engage with cultural experiences, they would develop a deeper understanding of the value of Aboriginal culture for all Australians.
We would all like to congratulate Jasmine and her teacher, Mrs Blades, for this outstanding achievement.
OPEN NIGHT AND CATHOLIC SCHOOL WEEK
This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week and it is so timely that we have also shared our school by opening to our community for Open Night. St John’s vision is to deliver quality Catholic education to the young people of the Shoalhaven with a focus on Excellence in learning in a peaceful community. This is certainly what our staff and students showcased on Wednesday night.
Our young people take great pride in their school, and rightly so, as they contribute to it at every opportunity. The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with most of it acknowledging what a welcoming and positive community they experienced at St John’s. I would like to acknowledge our staff and students for the wonderful presentation they showcased on the night and for the wonderful work that they do each day that was reflected on Open Night in its authenticity.
We now move toward the enrolment process for 2022 and I ask that you please remind your friends and family of the closing date for our Year 7 2022 enrolments, Monday 29 March 2021. For those who were not able to attend on the evening; tours will be offered as follows, and they may join us by simply contacting the school office;
YEARS 8, 9 AND 10 SRC
On Tuesday a luncheon was held with the school leadership team and SRC members in Years 8, 9 and 10 to gather and hear their voices.
Students gave us feedback on all aspects of the school and their experiences, hopes and dreams including what they like in their learning and what they would like to see more of, issues they would like to see addressed from playground shelter to rubbish management. These young people have a great passion to ensure that they contribute to our community and we certainly value their feedback.
LAUNCH OF ACTIVITIES WEBSITE
There is great diversity in the talents and interests of the young people at St John’s and with this in mind the staff offer a wide range of opportunities for student engagement in extracurricular activities. We encourage all students to get involved and have a go at something new. To help them know exactly what is available and when, Mrs Blades has established an Activities Website. It is accessible for all students and we encourage you to have a look with your child and discuss what they may like to engage with. The link to the site is available on your student's compass account and our school website, or by clicking here.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
Vaping is becoming a more prevalent issue in society and in particular the Shoalhaven community. They are often referred to as e-cigs, ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems), ANDS (alternative nicotine delivery systems), vaporisers/vapes, e-hookahs, mods, pens, and juuls (pronounced ‘jewels’). Using e-cigarettes is often called ‘vaping’. It is sometimes referred to as ‘juuling’.
They come in many different shapes and sizes, including in the shape of USB’s (memory sticks), pens, whistles etc.
These are widely available in the community and unfortunately some businesses are exploiting our young people by selling the products to them despite being underage. The vaping devices can be as cheap as $25.
A myth is that they are harmless. However, all E-Cigarettes (Vapes) heat liquids, called e-liquids, into an aerosol that users breathe in. They may contain nicotine, flavourings and a range of harmful and toxic chemicals (including plastic fumes). Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive especially for teens. E-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquid may contain nicotine, even if they have been labelled ‘nicotine free’. One e-liquid pod can contain as much nicotine as a packet of cigarettes. Extremely potent!
If you are concerned about a young person, please visit the link below and discuss the harmful side effects of Vaping:
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens/
E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are illegal in NSW. For more information around the legalities of electronic cigarettes, please click on the link below:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarettes.aspx
Mr Aidan Leishman
PROGRESS REPORTS YEAR 7 - 11
Progress Reports will be available at the end of Week 7 on the COMPASS portal. The purpose of these reports is to give a snapshot of how your child has settled into Semester One. Parent, student, teacher conferences have been scheduled for later in the term. During these conferences you will have the opportunity to further discuss your child's progress including any available grades.
Teachers will be reporting on the following two Learning Profiles in the Progress Reports:
- Contributes respectfully and responsibly to the learning environment
A student is seen to contribute to the learning environment in a respectful and responsible manner by:
- Listening to teacher directions/instructions, listening to the ideas and opinions of peers and showing respect and courtesy to other, seeks assistance in an appropriate manner when necessary.
- Working cooperatively in lessons: task focused, supportive of peers, actively engaged in the lesson and displaying a positive approach to learning, completing work to a (personal) high standard
- Showing care for the classroom, all equipment and materials, placing rubbish in appropriate receptacles, leaving the classroom tidy, reorganising desks/chairs appropriately
- Following school and classroom routines
- Demonstrates ownership of learning by being organised and meeting deadlines.
- A student demonstrates ownership of learning by:
- Being punctual to class.
- Having all equipment required for each subject.
- Completing assigned homework by due date.
- Completing assessment tasks by due date to the best of their ability.
- Being proactive in completing any missed work due to absences.
- Effectively using the school diary eg. record homework, tasks, reminders and goals.
YEAR 7 PALS TEACHER/PARENT/STUDENT GATHERING
This event will be held in our school hall on Monday 8 March (5:30pm - 6:30pm). Students are asked to please bring their student diary and laptops to this gathering.
YEAR 11 AND 12 PARENT, STUDENTS, TEACHER CONFERENCES
These will be occurring next Thursday 11 March here at school. Covid-safe practices will be adhered to and we look forward to welcoming our families back onto school grounds.
It is very important that all students and their families attend these conferences. Educating our young people requires a team approach with the students being at the forefront of their learning. With this in mind we would like to see as many families with their Year 11 /12 students attending this important evening.
Staff always look forward to these opportunities to provide feedback and to also make connections with our school community. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Bookings for the Year 11 & 12 parent, student, teacher conferences can be made through your compass portal. Click here to download booking instructions.
Click here to view Term 1 Week 6 OOAAA Nominations
Click here to view the Maths Pathway 200+ Club Nominees (Week 6)
MATHS PATHWAYS WINNING CLASSES
This week's winning class for Year 7 is Mr Kyriacou's 7MT1 with an incredible growth of 220%!
The winning Year 8 class is Mr Kyriacou & Miss Lee's 8MT.N with 185% growth!
TERM 1 2021
Monday 8 March: Year 7 PALS Teacher/Parent/Student gathering 5:30pm
Wed 10 March: SJE Tours for Future Students & Year 7 2022
Thursday 11 March: Year 11 & 12 Parent, Teacher, Student Conference 3.30pm-7.30pm (book via compass)
WEEK 9 (Week B)
Friday 26 March: School Cross Country Carnival (Compulsory Year 7 & 8 Students)
WEEK 10 (Week A)
Monday 29 March: St John's Year 7 2022 Applications Close
Tuesday 30 March: HSC Aboriginal Studies Major Project Presentations
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
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.
GAMES HAVE RETURNED!
We are excited to announce the return of GAMES in the Library! All students are welcome to come along any lunchtime and play UNO, Chess, Connect 4 & many other games!
FABULOUS FOYER!
Our library foyer is continually changing with brilliant displays of student work. This week's display features some impressive student artwork!
Year 11 has had a wonderful start to the year! Beginning their Senior, HSC journey, many students have adapted well to senior study and routine.
Earlier in the term, we met as a year group to go through positive habits and ‘brain training’. The students have been encouraged to spend time at the start of the term, planning and organising their time in an effective way.
Year 11 have been given tips to help make their study more effective, such as using a tally system for how many half hour time slots they have completed, setting up a good study space at home, and factoring in other commitments such as sport, work and down time. Year 11 were also involved in the Year 12 2020 HSC Forum, where students were able to hear the stories and advice from past students, picking up useful ideas and tips to help them with their own management of school, study, assessments and other life activities.
Recently, the Year 11 ‘Walk Awards’ have been reintroduced. These awards will be given on a fortnightly basis and come as a result from staff and peer nominations. The award is modelled after our Year Group Motto:
‘Walk in the way of the good and the just and be the change you wish to see in the world’.
Students who have recently set a positive example within the school can be nominated. Positive examples come from a range of things such as work ethic in the classroom, engagement with brain training, improvements in learning, supporting others, exhibiting one or more of the core SJE values and/or learning dispositions, helping another student (from Year 11 or another year group), helping a staff member or living by Pax Christi. Each week during the Tuesday morning meeting, a winner from the week's nominations will be chosen at random. This student will receive a special 'Walk Award' pin. Other nominees will receive a positive affirmation on Compass.
Well done Matt & Lily!
Year 11 have also just received their passports and leadership pins for 2021. The passports were given to students during our Year Group meeting in Week 5. Mrs Hogan and Mr Eirth were also there to talk to the students about the significance of the passports and the leadership pins.
The passports are a way for senior students to track their involvement in leadership and extracurricular activities at school and in the wider community. As senior students, it is imperative students are developing their leadership skills and embrace the many opportunities to be part of the school community, there are countless opportunities for students to be involved. A few examples include, Choir, Social Justice groups such as JAG, sporting teams, ANZAC marches, involvement in liturgies, working bees and the list goes on. Being involved in these activities contributes to the school's rich community spirit and develops in our students a sense of pride, confidence and connectedness.
Students are expected to record any and all school involvement in their passport. This provides a record for PALS teachers, allows for recognition of significant contribution and is useful for students in reflecting on their own contributions and development. Passports should be kept inside students' computer bags or in their diaries, and they should be brought to school each day.
Already this year, we have had a number of Year 11 students get involved in additional activities at school and it is amazing to see. Many students participated in the Boys Touch Football and school Swimming Carnival during Week 4, and our SRC representatives were also in attendance as helpers at the Swimming Carnival. Also in Week 4, our YML (Youth Ministry Leaders) took ownership of the Ash Wednesday Liturgies for each year group in the Hall and students also helped to make the bookmarks that were distributed to students and staff.
In Week 5, we had a number of Year 11’s assist as Tour Guides and helpers for the school Open Night, and these students were admired for their professionalism and hospitality during this event. We have also had students represent the year group well by involving themselves in social justice initiatives, the Project Compassion Launch and the Dance Troupe.
Well done to Year 11 for such a positive start to the year!
Ms Kate Davis
Year 11 Coordinator
POSITIVE MINDSET TIME!
Year 12 are entering the most important phase of their schooling leading up to the HSC and we are supporting students in every class in every lesson. Students should seek out help from our teachers at every opportunity. We have a culture of support and commitment at St John’s and this is reflected in everything we do. Here are some thoughts for students to consider in the coming months:
- Most skills are always learnable
- Learning is valuable and students must understand what it takes to get there can be difficult
- Learning “does not” always depend on innate talent
- All your teachers, peers and other adults in your life are resources for learning. We all help each other to learn. Everyones’ marks are important.
- Seek feedback as often as possible from your teachers on a task so that you can move forward with it each time
- You don’t need to always get things right the first time, you build towards it being right step by step and always consider what else you can try. Thomas Edison tried 10,000 different strategies before he was able to invent the light globe
- Don’t always do the same old thing ie. using the same approach to solving a problem, ask for help to do it differently and to get it right next time
PALS GROWTH CONVERSATIONS
To enable our talented year group to succeed we are conducting Growth conversations in extended PALS to support students in a simple goal.
– ‘To do the best they can possibly do and create opportunities for pathways in further education and careers.’
PALS teachers are conducting structured conversations with students one-on-one. This produces a SMART goal that is Simple / Measurable / Achievable / Realistic / Timely. Staff engage with students weekly to support them on this journey.
We know that every student is different and learns differently and these conversations support students in identifying areas of their studies that need support and to affirm what they are currently doing well.
LONGER LIBRARY HOURS
In order to further support students on their HSC journey staff are supervising extended study times in the school library allowing students to make use of this to collaborate with their peers. At this point the library will be available to students until 5.00pm on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons instead of the usual 4.00pm close.
YEAR 12 RETREAT
Our Year 12 Retreat will take place in Term 2, Week 3, Wednesday 5 May to Friday 7 May. We are now asking that all remaining payments are made to the school for this. PALS teachers are working with students to remind them about this and a letter detailing the requirements of these special days for Year 12 is being emailed directly to parents from Mr Comensoli.
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
What a day! Year 12 are to be congratulated on their attendance and participation on this day. We were governed by restrictions around COVID and had a competitors and Year 12 only carnival.
Our Johnnies spirit was evident once more and our Year 12’s were awesome in their organisation and commitment to the day.
POSITIVE PEER AFFIRMATIONS
Because we have such an outstanding group of Year 12 students at St John’s (which I knew would be the case when I met them on their first orientation day in Year 7 !) we will be recognising their adherence to our school values and dispositions fortnightly in Year assemblies. Students will nominate their peers through a Google form identifying the school value or disposition they have displayed in a real school example.
This will be known as the “Justice and Education Award”. Students will receive a recognition award based on our school values of Hope, Love, Spirituality, Justice, Love and Compassion and / or related to our Learning Dispositions of Inquires, Imagination, Ownership, Challenges, Connecting and Reflection.
Students must offer a short justification on the Google form as to “why” they have nominated a particular person
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES
Remaining in Term 1
Week 7: Thursday 11 March: Year 11 & 12 Parent Student/Teacher Night
Week 9: Friday 26 March: School Cross Country
Term 2
Week 2: Tuesday 27 Apri HSC and Beyond Evening 6pm - 7pm
Week 2: Friday 30 April School Athletics Carnival
Week 3: Wednesday 5 – Friday 7 May Year 12 Retreat
Week 5: Friday 4 June Foundation Day
Mr Simon Vaughan
Year 12 Coordinator
Mrs Rachel Frew
PDHPE Coordinator
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Click here to see a short clip of our 2021 Swimming Carnival by Isaac Podmore of Year 11
SWIMMING CARNIVAL RESULTS
Outside of school, Year 9 student and swim champion Talika Irvine has dominated in the pool. Following on from her NSW State Title in the 400m Individual Medley, Talika collected a swag of medals at the recent NSW Country Long Course Championships. Well done Talika!
DIOCESAN TENNIS
It was perfect conditions for tennis and the players from St John’s did not disappoint with both teams winning their first round matches. The boys team was a combination of experience and youth with Christian Page, Joshua Miller and Christian Muller following on from last year with Billy Broadhurst bravely stepping up to fill the gap left by the departure of our senior students.
The boys had a comfortable win in the first round but the standard of tennis went up a notch in the second round and the boys went down. The highlight was Joshua Miller’s hard fort 7-5 win against an opponent to whom he lost the previous year. The opposition coach commented on how Josh had tactically outsmarted his opposition. Christian Muller, as our number one player came up against some quality opposition. Christian Page, as always, fought hard and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship in all his matches. Billy Broadhurst enjoyed the competition and is looking forward to coming back next year even stronger.
The girls team were a very young team with two players coming from Year 7 - Hannah Phillips and Amelia O’Neill and two from Year 8 - Sarelle Perkins and Steffi Malady, so we have the basis of a strong team moving into the future as they all gain more experience.
The first round saw wins in the singles to Hannah and Sarelle and with a win to Sarelle and Hannah in the doubles, that was enough to get us through to the next round. Again the quality of the opposition stepped up in the second round and while Sarelle, Amelia, and Steffi all lost their singles, they gained plenty of experience and improved their own game during these matches.
The highlight was Hannah’s comeback from being 5-2 down in the singles to win the match 6-5 in a tie break. There were compliments from the crowd about the quality of the play with some spectators likening it to the tennis they had been watching at the Australian Open!!
All the students represented St John’s proudly and were a credit to the St John’s community. Bring on 2022!!!
Mrs Wendy Isemonger
Tennis Coordinator
DIOCESAN GIRLS TOUCH FOOTBALL
On Monday 1 March three St John’s representative touch teams travelled to Dalton Park for the Diocesean Gala Day.
The Junior Girls put in a great effort for what was for many, their first year at representing in sport for St John’s. They improved immensely each game and their communication and sportsmanship was fantastic.
The Intermediate girls fielded a strong team and came away with 3 wins, 3 draws and a few narrow defeats on the day.
The Senior Girls were very strong on the day working well as a team and came away with 6 wins on the day. Congratulations to Melanie Staunton who was selected as a shadow player for the Diocesean team.
All the girls are to be commended on their efforts and sportsmanship on what was a very hot and dry day. Thank you to our referees James Phillips, Taj Treweek and Jeremy Roberts.
A big thankyou also goes out to Ruby Marshall who not only played on the Intermediate Team but also mentored and trained the junior side in the lead up to the day.
UPDATE TO PARENT/CARERS & SPECTATORS FOR DIOCESE OF WOLLONGONG PATHWAY SPORTING EVENTS
Parents/carers and spectators are PERMITTED to attend CEDoW Sporting pathway and representative events held at external/outdoor venues from Friday 5 March. The ratio and allowance of spectators/parents will be determined by venues ratio and capacity to maintain appropriate adult social distancing. Parents/carers and spectators will be required to follow the COVID Safe plan and precautions set out by the event coordinator.
What does this mean for upcoming trials and events?
Secondary Diocese of Wollongong Swimming Carnival: Friday 12 March
Parents are permitted to attend and requested adhere to the following COVID Safe plan for each event:
- 1 parent: 1 student ratio,
- sit/observe trial from parent/spectator viewing section,
- maintain appropriate adult social distancing
Secondary Diocese of Wollongong Rugby League trials: Wednesday 17 March
Parents are permitted to attend and requested adhere to the following COVID Safe plan for each event:
- sit/observe trial from designated viewing area
- maintain appropriate adult social distancing
Secondary Wollongong Football Boys and Girls Carnivals: Friday 19 March
Parents are permitted to attend and requested adhere to the following COVID Safe plan for each event:
- 1 parent: 1 student ratio
- sit/observe trial from designated viewing area
- maintain appropriate adult social distancing
Mr Craig Holden
Representative Sport Coordinator
WORK EXPERIENCE
Students at SJE can undertake work experience if they are 14 year or older, have completed the appropriate paperwork and it has been approved (based on our insurance policy).
All Year 10 students will undertake work experience in Term 4 Week 9 Monday 29 November - Friday 3 December.
See the link below for some options out of the local area that may be of interest, if arrangements can be made for accommodation.
To undertake a work experience out of the local area Mrs Hill will need a parental note stating who the student is staying with, their relationship to the student, the address and contact number.
Out of Area Work Experience Options
ADF INFORMATION SESSION - WOLLONGONG
Students are invited to the ADFA Information Session
Tuesday 16 March, at 6:00pm
Wollongong Defence Force Recruiting Centre
2/96 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500
The Defence Team are offering the opportunity to speak with students and answer any questions they might have about the recruiting process, jobs available in the Australian Defence Force and ADFA entry.
The session will be held in centre face to face and presented by a Defence member straight from ADFA. Click here to register.
NIDA (ACTING) HOLIDAY SESSIONS
Students of any age can participate in the NIDA school holiday sessions in Sydney. For costs and dates please click here.
YEAR 12
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU)
On Tuesday 2 March an information session was held during lunchtime. It covered the application process and campus information about ANU.
ANU direct applications are now open. It is free for Year 12 students to apply and students will know the outcome of their application around mid-year.
NOTRE DAME
On Thursday 4 March an information session was held at lunchtime. Notre Dame is a direct application only university and there have been many changes to their fee structure in the past year. A great option for those considering Nursing and Primary Teaching.
ADF GAP YEAR - APPLY NOW
An ADF Gap Year is a unique opportunity for your students to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, without needing to make a long-term commitment. The skills obtained through the ADF Gap Year program will provide them valuable work and life experience and are completely transferable. It will enable your students to develop the confidence for their next endeavour.
Students who take part in the ADF Gap Year program
- Gain valuable skills and work experience
- Enjoy a great salary package plus free healthcare
- Live a varied, active and healthy lifestyle
- Make friends with like-minded people
- Have the opportunity to see more of Australia
Whatever their interest, there are a variety of roles to select that will provide young Australians valuable life skills. These include experiences as an officer, in management, engineering, logistics and warehousing, combat and security, and administration. Click here for details.
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
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 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
St John’s will be holding the annual Cross Country Carnival on Friday 26 March 2021 at Willandra. The carnival will be compulsory for all Year 7 & 8 students. Students in Years 9-12 will need to nominate to attend and compete.
We are seeking volunteers to assist with running of the event, if you are available to assist please contact Jacinta Davis on 0455 173 924.
P&F GENERAL MEETING
Our next P&F General Meeting will be held in May, with a date to be confirmed closer to the day. All are most welcome to attend, this is the ideal opportunity to meet other parents and carers in our school community.
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
