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This Lenten time has been a time of reflection and renewal for all members of our school community. We have been called this Lent to ‘Be More’ and I have witnessed this in so many ways over the last weeks. The students have engaged willingly and joyfully in Project Compassion campaigns. They have raised awareness of the need for equality and opportunity for all and have also raised funds to support Project Compassion.
To really change the world and ensure equality we must deeply value the dignity of every person and it is in this area that I acknowledged the focus on Harmony Day.
Each PALS group worked as a team to develop a message and present it on their PALS room doors. We had a morning of deep conversation and the quality and diversity of messages that they presented in their doors, thirty doors in all, was very impressive. It is through these conversations and actions that our young people learn to ‘Be More’ in ensuring that all people are valued. This has been a significant area of strength in the lenten engagement for St John’s
And now it's Easter! A time of Hope. A time to see the Risen Christ in the current reality of our lives and to recognize His deep love for each one of us. We wish everyone a happy and holy Easter.
CARDS MADE BY STUDENTS IN OUR VINNIES YOUTH GROUP FOR JONATHON ROGERS NURSING HOME
HAVE YOUR SAY SURVEY
Last week staff, parents/carers and students in Years 9, 10 & 11 were provided with an opportunity to complete a short survey to assist in the future direction of our school system and how we can best deliver our mission in a changing world. Because it is not possible to engage directly with each individual, the surveys are an opportunity for everyone to have their say. If you haven’t already completed the survey, I encourage you to find 10-15 minutes to do so before the survey closes on 9 April.
By completing the short survey, you’ll not only help shape the future of our school and Catholic schools across the diocese, you’ll also be in the running to win a pair of Apple AirPods Pro OR a $250 JB HI-FI voucher.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
TERM 2 2021
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Monday 12 April: Year 12 Drama Holiday Workshop 9am-3pm
WEEK 1 (Week B)
Monday 19 April: Staff Development Day
Tuesday 20 April: All students return for Term 2 (Winter Uniform)
Tuesday 20 April: School Cross Country (Compulsory Year 7 & 8)
WEEK 2 - WEEK 4
Monday 26 April - Friday 14 May: Year 7 2022 Enrolment Interviews
WEEK 2 (Week A)
Monday 26 April: P & F Meeting (On-site & via Zoom) 6pm
Tuesday 27 April: Year 12 2021 HSC & Beyond Information Evening 5:45pm for 6pm start.
Friday 30 April: School Athletics Carnival
WEEK 3 (Week B)
Wednesay 5 - Friday 7 May: Year 12 Retreat
WEEK 4 (Week A)
Thursday 13 May: School Working Bee 3:15pm
WEEK 5 (Week B)
Friday 21 May: Foundation Day
WEEK 7 (Week B)
Monday 31 May: Year 8 immunisations (Year 7 2020)
Click here to access the 2021 Representative Sports Calendar
Year 10 have had a very busy first term. Not only have they embarked on the senior years of their schooling but they have taken on the challenges of their new 100 hour electives.
There are often groups of students walking around the school cameras in hand taking in what they see through a lense. The images that the Photographic and Digital Media classes are producing are amazing and the students should be proud of their work.
The Marine and Aquaculture classes have had a number of lessons where they have been snorkeling and immersing themselves in the underwater environment.
Students have also continued on from Year 9 with their main elective courses. The Agriculture classes are currently looking after the very cute, newborn baby goats which have created great interest with many of the students.
Last week saw the PASS students participate in the final assessment for their Bronze Life Saving Certificate. So many positive comments have been made about how the students behaved and participated on the day. This qualification will be a valuable asset to the students.
Harmony Day was celebrated last week 
and many of the Year 10 PALS classes decorated their PALS room doors. The themes highlighted the importance of Harmony in our school as well as in the wider society. It was evident that Year 10 are very passionate about the role Harmony Day plays in our school community.
Our Pastoral Focus lesson 2 weeks ago had a serious theme. Vaping has become a concerning issue within the community. We as a school felt the need to address this issue through educating our students on what Vaping is and the dangers associated with it.
DRAMA
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Term 2 sees the start of the compulsory wearing of the winter uniform. Please check that blazers and long pants still fit and that all students present themselves in their full winter uniform day 1 next term.
As we break now for the holidays let us remember that Easter is a time of prayer. I wish you all a safe and Holy Easter and hope you have a well deserved rest over the break.
Looking forward to seeing you all next term.
“God has no hands but yours”
Mrs Lynette Kelly
Year 10 Coordinator
What an exciting and action packed term it has been for Year 9. We have had a number of different events and experiences that Year 9 have been given the opportunity to engage in. A reminder that when we return to school it is full winter uniform so students will have the holidays to ensure they have all the necessary items. A reminder that students should only be wearing sports uniforms on practical PDHPE days and if they have a double period of Bushcraft, Agriculture or PASS. If any student is not sure of what days they should be in this uniform their PALS teachers have a copy of these days.
CAMP
This was definitely the highlight of the term. Year 9 spent 3 fun filled days at Coolendel. We had fantastic weather and students really bonded as a year group over this time. A special thank you to Mr Jakimyszyn and Mr Higgins for organising the camp and all the staff members that assisted by spending time away from their own families to ensure that Year 9 were able to have this experience
LOVE BITES
Over 2 days Year 9 participated in the Love Bites program. They learnt about positive relationships and the different stereotypes and assumptions people make about different genders. The program was extremely valuable and a special thank you to PALS teachers, Mr Vaughan and Mrs Kelly who assisted and gave up time on these days.
CHILD STUDIES
Year 9 Child Studies had a go at making ‘shoe box’ nurseries. It was amazing to see the products they came up with.
YEAR 9 GEOGRAPHY FIELDWORK
NSW CCC SWIMMING
Mrs Sophie Daley
Year 9 Coordinator
In the Junior MC class, the students have enjoyed learning the three traditions of Lent.
SENIOR MC CLASS
AGRICULTURE & HISTORY
This year’s ANZAC Day will once again look different to what we are used to. Unfortunately due to COVID, many RSLs have changed their plans. Some have cancelled completely, some are limiting numbers and some are not marching, but just holding a service. As St John’s students usually attend 11 marches around the Shoalhaven, it has been quite a big job to work out where they can go and what they can do this year.
As it stands at the end of Term 1, the only normal march is Huskisson. The other places where students can attend ANZAC Services are Berry, Milton/Ulladulla and Shoalhaven Heads. Details of these services are on Compass. Other RSLs are holding limited services or wreath laying ceremonies and senior students have been nominated to represent St John’s at these.
Similarly, our school ANZAC Assembly will have no invited guests this year. The school hall is unable to accommodate guests in a COVID safe manner alongside all the year groups. Our apologies to the many parents who usually attend, especially those who are Defence Force members.
Hopefully, by ANZAC Day 2022, we will be back to normal.
Mrs Wendy Gaudi
Defence Liaison
YEAR 12 - TAFE
Did you know you can become an accountant, a cyber security manager or an engineer through TAFE?
After the HSC is done and dusted, some big conversations are going to be happening around the dinner table. Many families will get lost in discussions over University offers and ATAR cut-offs.
But TAFE should also be at the centre of the conversation. This is because educators like TAFE NSW have more to offer today than ever before. In fact, we’ve found students and parents alike are often surprised at all the opportunities available.
YEAR 12 FUTURE ME PROGRAM
14 SJE students that have been accepted into the UOW Year 12 Future Me program. The program will commence in Week 2, Term 2 and will be delivered primarily online. It is hopeful that students will be able to have a few sessions on campus.
UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS (UAC)
A presentation with information on what UAC is and how to apply for university has been shared with all Year 12 students through the Careers Google classroom.
All Year 12 students were emailed their UAC PIN on Thursday 1 April, this is needed to apply for university in NSW or ACT. These applications are open until September 30, so no need to rush. Now is the time for research.
UAC Year 12 conference will be online Wed 21 Apr 2021, 6pm to 7:30pm.
Hear from all participating Universities about why you should consider them for future study. Each uni will have a 5-minute block to highlight their best qualities and share useful resources. UAC will finish the conference with some key information to help you make the most of your application to uni. Click here to register for this online event.
CAREERS INTERVIEWS
Year 12’s have been undertaking careers chats with Mrs
Hill and Mr Szota. All Year 12 students will have a careers interview and students are encouraged to make a booking if they need further advise before or after their one-on-one interview.
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU)
Direct applications to ANU for 2021 have now opened. Please see the careers google classroom page for details on how to apply.
Key points to consider:
- Applications for 2022 domestic undergraduate close 24 May.
- There is no charge for submitting an application.
- There is only one application for ANU that includes admission, guaranteed on-campus accommodation and access to over 200 scholarships in one form.
YEAR 7 - 10
During the past two weeks students in Years 7 - 10 have undertaken the first lesson of 4 planned for the year in the new Transition and Pathway Program (TAPP). This program aims to make students more aware of who they are by identifying their interests, values and strengths and then explore a range of career options that suit them. The feedback from these initial lessons has been wonderful and students are encouraged to continue exploring career options for their future.
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Last week (after the rain!) students in Religious Education classes participated in an outdoor ‘Stations of the Cross’ commemorating the last days of Jesus on Earth.
NOWRA PARISH
Click here to access Nowra Parish
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
GIRLS' WAMINDA PROGRAM
TERM 1 OVER
With another term over it's time for a well deserved break. Wishing you & your family a Happy & Safe Easter and we’ll see you all in Term 2.
CROSS COUNTRY - NEW DATE
Our planned annual Cross Country Carnival was postponed due to the recent extreme weather and has now been rescheduled for Tuesday 20 April 2021 at Willandra. Thank you to those parent/carers who have already indicated their availability to assist on the rescheduled date, however we are still in need of additional helpers to help with running of the event, the first race will be starting at 9:30am and the final races will be finishing around 2pm. If you are available to assist please contact Jacinta Davis on 0455 173 924
P&F MEETING - NEW DATE
Our next P&F General Meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday 26 April, 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.
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
The annual St John’s Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 30 April. We will be calling for parent/carers to assist in the running of the carnival soon. If you have any time to spare on the day your help in making this a successful event will be very much appreciated. 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.
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
