Filter Content
- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- PASTORAL CARE
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- YEAR 7 NEWS
- YEAR 8 NEWS
- NEWS FROM THE LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
- NEWS FROM GOOROON
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- FROM THE LIBRARY
- CANTEEN NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
PROJECT COMPASSION
Our busy lives often leave us with little time to reflect and even less to take actions that matter and make a difference in the world. This lent, we are encouraged to join millions of Australians who want to end poverty and injustice in our world. The students at St John’s are always so generous in their actions. Over the weeks of Lent they have regularly held small initiatives that remind of the purpose of Lent and this year they are holding a special Project Compassion Thursday. These little actions are the seeds that engage them with their potential to make a difference in the world and to live the focus of this year’s Lent: to aspire not to have more but to be more.
UNLEASHING POTENTIAL AND AIMING FOR EXCELLENCE
At St John’s we clearly articulate our focus on excellence in learning and whilst initially this seems like an easily achievable goal, in reality it can be very challenging. It requires us to always give our best, take on tasks that are just a little beyond our current skills, seek feedback and then do it all again. This challenge can at times be difficult, it is by discussing their learning with teachers that students access the support and challenge to maximise their learning outcomes.
All student learning targets the outcomes of the courses that they are studying at that time and all students have access to grades from A to E.
A number of cluster groups are established in Years 8, 9 and 10 that extend or support students. For the support group there may be a reduction of outcomes or lower level outcomes taught and for the extension groups higher level outcomes may be addressed to challenge them to a higher level. Students are selected for these groupings based on their achievement data and I encourage all students to engage fully with these opportunities.
We encourage all students to aim at the next level or just above where they are currently achieving. This ‘Bump it up’ approach helps them see the steps they need to improve their overall learning outcomes.
If you have any questions please speak with the teacher or KLA coordinator.
KEY EVENTS
On Thursday 18 March the Year 12 students held a wonderful event raising awareness and funds for Project Compassion.
It was such fun with games, cake stalls, sausage sizzles all accompanied by live music from the LIVE team.
It was also followed by the LIVE Twilight Retreat which was attended by a large number of our young people.
On Tuesday the School Leadership team met with our Senior SRC from Years 11 and 12 to hear their voices across all areas of the school. Their thoughtful feedback will be shared with all staff.
Year 7-10 parent, teacher, student conferences will be held on Wednesday evening (face-to-face) and Thursday (via zoom) of Week 10. We encourage all parents and carers to attend these along with their child as a conversation around their learning is very valuable to ensure they are well supported with their learning growth.
We also have the library open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon for all Year 12 students. They are all encouraged to come along with the opportunity to work collegially with their peers or engage in quiet learning.
ENROLMENTS 2022
We have had a lot of interest in enrolments and along with open night we have held a number of school tours and a visit to Milton to meet with prospective parents. Please encourage anyone you know who is seeking enrolment to submit their applications by March 29.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
As part of our Pastoral Care lessons with all students this week discussions were held around the dangers of vaping.
If this topic comes up at home or you are concerned about a young person, please visit the links below and discuss the harmful side effects of Vaping:
https://www.youthnow.me/
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
CLUSTER AND EXTENSION CLASSES
At St John’s all classes offer Quality Differentiation Teaching enabling all students to access the full range of grades (A - E). Our data indicates the opportunity to further challenge our more capable students. It is for this reason that we have introduced a number of cluster and extension classes in Stage 4 and 5. Students have been placed in these classes based on their literacy skills in Year 8, their English, HSIE and Science grades for Year 9 and 10. Mathematics in Stage 5 continues to have two identified top classes. These groupings allow all students to unleash their full potential.
YEAR 7-11 PROGRESS REPORTS
Please be advised that the Year 7 - 11 Semester 1 Progress Grades have been published to the Compass Parent Portal. The purpose of these reports is to give a snapshot of how your child has settled into Semester One. There is opportunity to further discuss your child's progress including any available grades with your child's teachers at the parent, teacher, student conferences this Term.
YEAR 7-10 PARENT, TEACHER, STUDENT CONFERENCES
The Years 7-10 Parent, Teacher, Student conferences this semester will be held on school grounds and also via Zoom.
Face to Face - Wednesday 31 March 2021 3.30pm-8pm, school hall.
We look forward to welcoming all families on school grounds
All measures will be taken to ensure this is a Covid safe event.
Via Zoom - Thursday 1 April 2021 8.30am-3pm.
Zoom links will be sent out closer to the date.
These conferences are an invaluable opportunity for the parents or carers, the student and teacher to discuss a student's progress and consider opportunities for future growth and learning.
We recommend you select only those teachers with whom you wish to meet. If possible, we encourage your child to attend Parent, Teacher, Student conferences.
All conferences are 5 minutes in length. If you would like a longer conference please discuss an alternative time with the teacher.
Conference bookings are now open and can be made via the Compass Parent Portal.
Click here to view Term 1 Week 8 OOAAA Nominations
Click here to view the Maths Pathway 200+ Club Nominees (Week 8)
MATHS PATHWAYS WINNING CLASSES
This week's winning class for Year 7 is Miss Lee's 7MAT.M class with a huge growth of 214% and in a close second, Mrs Kidson's 7MAT.K 213% .
The winning Year 8 class is Mr Kyriacou and Ms Lee's 8MAT.N with 174%.
TERM 1 2021
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 9:30am
Wednesday 31 March: Final Day of Term 1 for all students
Wednesday 31 March: Year 7-10 parent, teacher, student conferences (School Hall) 3:30pm - 8pm
TERM 2 2021
WEEK 1 (Week B)
Monday 19 April: Staff Development Day
Tuesday 20 April: All students return for Term 2
WEEK 2 (Week A)
Friday 30 April: School Athletics Carnival
WEEK 3 (Week B)
Monday 3 May: P & F Meeting (On-site & via Zoom) 6pm
WEEK 4 (Week A)
Thursday 13 May: School Working Bee 3:15pm
WEEK 5 (Week B)
Saturday 22 May: School Working Bee
Click here to access the 2021 Representative Sports Calendar
Thank you to all the parents who attended the Year 7 Parent Engagement evening. Parents form an important and valued part of the St John’s community and the PALS team appreciated the opportunity to meet you and make connections. It can be daunting being a parent of a student in Year 7 (if this is your first child in high school!) - a good place to go to find information about school policies, administration and your child's progress is your child’s school diary. The obvious use for the diary is for your child to record homework and organisation reminders (such as notes, training etc) but it is also a way for teachers to communicate with parents and vice versa so it is important that you set aside a regular time in the week to check your child’s diary to keep informed.
As a school, we value your involvement in your child’s education and we want you to be informed about your child’s progress and school life so we ask that you sign your child’s diary weekly.
I will also be including a ‘Parent Treasure Hunt Diary Challenge!’ in the newsletter every week to draw your attention to information you may find in your child’s diary. You can write the answer to the Treasure Hunt in your child’s diary when you sign it and they will receive a red stamp on your behalf!
I will be on leave for Term 2, Mr Nick Garner (Purcell boys PALS teacher) will be relieving as Year 7 Coordinator. Nick is an experienced Year Coordinator and as a member of the PALS team knows many of the students well already and will be familiar to them.
Please enjoy reading about the adventures of Year 7 students on camp. There are some very entertaining reflections!
‘Aspire not to have more, be more’
Mrs Wendy Isemonger
Year 7 Coordinator
Year 8 has had a busy Term 1. The cohort was involved in the wellbeing and pastoral focus program, ‘Love Bites’. This program explored many important ideas and topics concerning students’ development as mature young people, including; gender stereotypes, respect, personal boundaries and emotional intelligence.
Year 8 had several students representing our year group in the pool at the Swimming Carnival. It was a fantastic day. I am very proud of all of the students that nominated themselves and participated in the competitors only carnival.
Last week Year 8 also had their Reflection Day. The NET team visited our school, assisted by our Year 11 YML students. The students were challenged to think about their faith in action, empathy for others and lots of fun along the way with group games.
Next week we have our school Cross Country at Willandra. All students in Year 8 will attend. I cannot wait to see you out on the track, proudly representing your House Group. I hope all students give this event everything they have got. You may surprise yourself on how well you can do, or how far you can push yourself!
In Week 10 we also have our Parent - Student - Teacher interviews. I encourage all students to book their interview times early to get valuable feedback from your teachers and to ask any important questions about the upcoming year.
YEAR 8 STUDENT VOICE
Mr Joshua Watson
Year 8 Coordinator
FRENCH
So many French students were very keen to represent St John’s at the recently held Year 7 2022 Open night. These exceptional language students welcomed visitors and participated in various presentations in French. Some greeted prospective parents and students, some played out a dialogue in French and other presented a famous poem, ‘Déjeuner du Matin’ by Jacques Prévert, in the form of a mime. The evening was such a delight and highly successful. Merci beaucoup les élèves! Ça a été si apprécié.
Now that Year 8 French have learnt basic greetings, the numbers 1-20, the alphabet and a number of mini dialogues in French, they will embark on their new topic ‘J’ai faim et j’ai soif!’ (I have hunger and thirst!) Being a very popular topic for conversation, they have already shown great enthusiasm for this new unit of work.
Le Café Français is happening again this year. Every Wednesday, Lunch 1 in C2, students who would like to continue with French, even though they did not choose it as an elective, or those who would like to extend your learning, come along and enjoy this beautiful language. Vous allez l’adorer!
Mme S.
Ms. Carmel Smallwood
French Coordinator
INDONESIAN
Kelas Bahasa Indonesia has begun with a bang this year. Year 8 have embarked on an exciting new project to design and pitch their ideas for an Indonesian garden or Kebun Indonesia. The project will mean we can grow produce and plants native to the archipelago to be used in our language and culture learning. It will be an immersive space that will bring to life the sights and smells of authentic Indonesia. Semangat kelas delapan!!
Year 10 has begun this term exploring the world of youth activities in Indonesia. Never ones to keep learning contained to the classroom, we took a practical approach and held a badminton Bulu Tangkis tournament.
The Indonesian program was well represented at the 2021 open night for future students. Our current students played games of Congkak, marvelled guests with their Angklung skills and expressed Selamat datang to our guests on the night.
We are all excited and gearing up for a great year studying the language and culture of incredible Indonesia.
Walawaani njindiwan - Welcome everybody.
The team at Gooroon has been kept busy by the big number of new enrolments in Year 7 in 2021. It is wonderful to welcome 24 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to St John’s and to help them settle into high school.
Our cultural programs have also benefited from increased interest as students and staff continue to learn about the world’s oldest continuous culture.
The Anniversary of the National Apology Day was marked earlier this term. It is very interesting to note the recent events in Victoria. The Yoo-rrook Justice Commission will be the nation’s first truth telling process and has been developed through partnership between the Victorian Government and First Nations Peoples. In pursuing treaty, the government is committed to acknowledging the truth of Victoria’s history and laying the foundations for new, positive relationships between the State, Aboriginal Victorians and non-Aboriginal Victorians. Is the rest of Australia watching? Are we watching? Click here for details.
National Close the Gap Day was marked on Thursday 18 March. Students and staff from Gooroon presented an item on assembly to describe the campaign and to highlight why this initiative is still so necessary in 2021.
Close the Gap was initiated in 2007 as a collaboration between Australia’s Health and other public organisations. The aim was to reduce disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in terms of life expectancy, access to education, and employment opportunities. Unfortunately, only two of the original seven targets were met by 2020. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples still face barriers when accessing health care and the infant mortality rate is twice that of the rest of the community.
In 2020, the government restructured Close the Gap to give stakeholders a much greater influence over the direction of the initiative. It now provides a genuine partnership between Australian governments and the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations (the Coalition of Peaks). The views and expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including Elders, Traditional Owners and Native Title holders, communities and organisations will continue to provide central guidance to the Coalition of Peaks and Australian governments as the National Agreement is implemented.
What can ‘ordinary’ Australians do to support the Close the Gap initiative? Support efforts to Close the Gap, educate yourself about unequal health outcomes and promote Close the Gap in your community. Click here or see https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/ for more information.
All families are invited to drop in to Gooroon on Wednesday 31 March between 3pm-4pm. This coincides with Parent/Teacher interviews. We would love to see all parents and students, but a special invitation is extended to new families for 2021. Join us for a cuppa, meet the team and find out more about the role of Gooroon in supporting students and promoting culture at St John’s.
SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY
As you would be aware, the three major sport carnivals for St John’s are the School Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics carnivals. The 2021 Cross Country Carnival is taking place next Friday 26 March. This carnival is compulsory for students in Years 7 and 8 and is for competitors only in Years 9-12.
Students in Years 7 and 8 have received their permission notes. These are now overdue and must be returned ASAP or students will be placed on withdrawal. The cost for the event for Years 7 and 8 is covered in school fees.
For students Years 9-12 the school Cross Country Carnival will be for competitors only who have recently nominated to compete via the 2021 School Cross Country Carnival Nomination Form. Students who have nominated have received a permission note with a $10 cost. This is due via Compass by Wednesday 24 March.
The program for the day is as follows:
Students in Years 7 and 8 will attend morning PALS and will then travel by bus to Willandra. Students are required to wear their full sports uniform and must bring water and sunscreen. It is advised students bring a packed lunch, however food will be available to purchase from the 'Willandra Country Canteen'. Students have been asked not to bring laptops. Students aged 12, 13 and 14 years will run the event in the morning and return by bus for Period 4.
Students that have nominated to compete in Years 9-12 will depart school at the end of Lunch 2, approximately 12 noon. They will return back to school in time for afternoon buses.
The following are the distances for each age group:
If you would like to assist on day please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Thank you for your support.
Mrs Rachel Frew
PDHPE Coordinator
DIOCESAN SWIMMING CARNIVAL RESULTS
Friday 12 March saw an early start for the 33 Swimmers representing St John’s at the Diocesan Championships. The team competed strongly with some 4th places in the relays and many students competing often.
There were some very strong performances from Talika Irvine, Jayden Madge, Harley Reid and Kirra Dale all having podium finishes in their respective age championships. Congratulations to Talika and Jayden who have been selected to compete at the NSWCCC carnival later this month.
OZ TAG
Week 7 saw St John's send four teams, two boys and two girls, to the South Coast OzTag carnival at Dalton Park in Wollongong. Whilst many of the students had not played the game at the representative level they were able to transfer their touch football skills to the new game and perform admirably. The best results came from the Under 13 girls.
We would like to thank Mr Ellul, Ms Prayetno and Ms Gray for coaching and supervising the teams with a special thankyou to Mel (Yr 11) and Taj (Yr 12) who helped coach the Under 13 teams on the day.
Mr Craig Holden
Representative Sport Coordinator
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
STUDY SUPPORT
Thanks to the generosity of our teachers after school support is offered for our students as follows;
Tuesday: 4pm - 5pm - Mr Vaughan in the library
Wednesday: 3pm - 5pm - Mr Muller & various teachers in Gooroon
Thursday: 4pm - 5pm - Mrs Frank in the library
Thursday: 3pm - 4pm - Maths teachers in B Block
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
Our annual Cross Country Carnival will be held next Friday 26 March 2021 at Willandra. The carnival will be compulsory for all Year 7 & 8 students. Thank you to those parent/carers who have already indicated their availability, however we are still in need of additional helpers to assist with running of the event, if you are available to assist please contact Jacinta Davis on 0455 173 924.
WORKING BEE
Working Bees are a great way to engage with the school community and be involved in activities that improve the school environment for our students; importantly it is a great way to meet other families. Unfortunately, our first working bee for 2021 was postponed due to inclement weather. Planning is underway for a new working bee to be held on Thursday 13 May at 3:15pm.
P&F MEETING
Our next P&F General Meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday 3 May, both onsite and via zoom. All parent/carers/grandparents are most welcome to attend, this is the ideal opportunity to have a say in how the P&F will contribute to the school community in 2021.
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
