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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- YEAR 11 NEWS
- YEAR 12 NEWS
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- LIBRARY NEWS
- CAREERS NEWS
- NEWS FROM GOOROON
- DEFENCE FAMILY NEWS
- YEAR 7 DIARY CHALLENGE
- CANTEEN NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
WELCOME BACK
How lovely it was to gather as a school community at the start of last week and welcome everyone back to Term 2. We had a very successful Term 1 and as we move into Term 2 we will be celebrating our School’s 30th Anniversary (postponed in 2020). The history of St John’s is a very interesting one. It was established by the people of the parish of St Michael’s and Monsignor Purcell, the parish priest at the time. The school motto: Pax Christi, has always been central to how we engage with each other in this community.
Parents and carers have always been so very willing to support the school and were always happy to give their time. In the early days they carried furniture and held fundraisers. Today they assist in the canteen, working bees, school events and exams. We are always grateful for the generous way so many of you willingly support our school, it ensures that the community nature of our school is very evident.
We will be celebrating the 30th Anniversary on Foundation Day on May 21 with a special mass by Bishop Brian. The director, Peter Turner and special guests including past principals and the original steering committee will be present.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Our term began for all staff with professional development. All teaching and school learning support staff engaged with professional learning and collegial planning in Student Learning Feedback. The KLA coordinators are the leaders of this and presented workshops on High Intensity Learning Strategies. They will continue to work on this in professional learning teams over the next three terms.
All staff then attended a training session on managing sexualised behaviours. This has become a complex area in more recent years and it is essential that we look at both educational support for our young people along with addressing issues in a timely and effective manner.
At St John’s we recognise that everyone is a part of the learning community and staff are the leaders of this learning. They take their own professional learning very seriously and share their learning in a collegial manner.
PARENT SURVEY
Each year we survey our parents and carers to hear your voice and use this information to inform our decisions. We truly appreciate you taking the time to provide us with feedback. We ask that you please complete the survey for 2021 by clicking the following link.
Tell Them From Me: Parent Survey
CANTEEN
We will be making a few changes to our canteen practices to assist the management of supplying lunches in a timely manner. This will include the termination of written orders. All orders must be entered online. The link for ordering lunches may be found on our school website or by clicking here.
TAS FACILITIES
There have been some major improvements to the facilities in the Technical and Applied Studies building (block I). Earlier in the year the entry area was improved by opening spaces and purchasing new equipment such as the laser cutter. Over the last few weeks the woodworking area was opened up to be one large workspace and a new area was added for the storage of projects such as HSC major works.
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful input by the staff, especially Mr Gould and Gibson, to ensure that the areas were well planned and that the works proceeded with minor interruptions to classes. Many of the students also assisted and I am sure that they are very pleased with the outcome, providing an excellent workspace for everyone.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
WEEK 3 CANTEEN CHANGES
- In order to streamline the canteen and ensure students are getting lunches in a timely manner, from Week 3 onward, only online lunch orders will be accepted.
- While there will still be lunch food available at the canteen, specific, handwritten lunch orders, will not be accepted. Students would need to choose from the items available on the day
- To help facilitate the handing out of online lunch orders, the canteen will be closed for the first 5-10 minutes to students wishing to purchase daily canteen items
- To register for online lunches, please click on the following link and register; http://www.schoollunchonline.com.au
- Please note, all orders are to be placed by 8.30am. You can order in advance all term long to make life easier.
Mr James Eirth
Assistant Principal
TERM 2 2021
WEEK 2 - WEEK 4
Monday 26 April - Friday 14 May: Year 7 2022 Enrolment Interviews
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)
Wednesday 19 May: School Photos
Friday 21 May: Foundation Day
WEEK 7 (Week B)
Monday 31 May: Year 8 immunisations (Year 7 2020)
TERM 3 2021
WEEK 1 (Week B)
Monday 12 July: Staff & Students return for Term 3
WEEK 2 (Week A)
Monday 19 July: P & F General Meeting 6pm
WEEK 3 (Week B)
Monday 19 July: P & F General Meeting 6pm
Monday 26 July - Monday 9 August: Year 12 HSC Trial Exams
WEEK 4 (Week A)
Friday 6 August: Staff Development Day
WEEK 8 (Week A)
Monday 30 August - Friday 3 Sept: Year 11 Yearly Exams
Click here to access the 2021 Representative Sports Calendar
Teachers of Year 11 have maintained an ongoing focus on the St John’s learning dispositions, in preparing students for their upcoming HSC courses. Two dispositions that numerous students have demonstrated so far is their ability to take on challenges & have ownership of their learning. Students have been provided with a range of unique opportunities to support their learning and engagement, ranging from Sport, Art, Hospitality cooking and field trips for both Geography and Biology.
In PALS, we have sustained an emphasis on organisation, goal setting and study skills. Students have been reflecting on their SMART goals set at the beginning of this year, and are encouraged to continually refine these as they progress through Year 11.
In meeting these learning goals, a core group of students have been attending Homework centre on a Wednesday afternoon & Maths tutoring on Thursday afternoons. It has been great to see and hear students seek support from their teachers, peers and families in balancing their school work, assessments and other commitments during the busy times of Terms 1 & 2.
It has also been pleasing as the Year 11 Coordinator, to see so many of our students engage in the extracurricular life of St John’s. Year 11 have been setting an excellent example in the ways they have engaged with Project Compassion, the Easter Liturgy, assemblies and sport. Well done to those students who have participated in the Cross Country, and also to those who have recently represented the school at Diocesan level in Swimming, Tennis & Soccer. I encourage those students who have not yet filled in their passports, to get involved in as many opportunities as they can moving into Term 2.
WALK AWARDS
In celebrating the achievements and positive examples of students in the year group, teachers and students have been nominating Year 11's for the Walk Awards. 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.
TERM 2 IMPORTANT DATES
Week 4:
- Monday 10 May - 2nd payment for Senior Retreat due
- Thursday 13 May - Working Bee after school (3:15pm-5:30pm)
Week 5:
- Wednesday 19 May - School Photographs
- Friday 21 May - Foundation Day
Week 7:
- Friday 4 June - Year 11 half yearly reports published online
Ms Kate Davis
Year 11 Coordinator
RETREAT
At St John’s, we facilitate not just the academic development but the personal and spiritual development of the student, and their Senior Retreat is part of this process.
Retreats offer a rare opportunity for students to stop and think more deeply about the religious and spiritual dimension of their life. They are a compulsory aspect of the Religious Education Program of the School. Students have been expected to make arrangements if part-time work, TAFE or other commitments clash.
The Senior Retreat requires students to maintain exemplary behaviour at all times, aligning with all school expectations. Prior to the Senior Retreat students and their parent/carer will be required to sign an agreement concerning the expectations and behaviours whilst on the retreat.
Families have received a hardcopy letter outlining the expectations around attending this year's retreat and this must be signed by both parents and students. Click here to download a copy of this letter.
Swimming: although it will be relatively cool at this time of year, there is a pool to make use of at particular times as determined by staff. A separate permission note will follow regarding swimming at retreat for parents to sign and return.
RETREAT PREPARATION
All Year 12 students have been designing and making mosaic crosses in preparation for their retreat.
STUDENT PASSPORTS
CONGRATULATIONS
To Bridee Lewis and Aden Aulsebrook who completed Summer Masterclasses over the recent school holidays at the University of Wollongong.
MATHEMATICS
Year 12 Standard Maths Class enjoyed a 'sweet' method of learning about exponential growth & decay using m & m’s last week!
Mr Simon Vaughan
Year 12 Coordinator
On Tuesday 20 April St Johns were blessed with a beautiful day at the Willandra Cross Country Course. The event was compulsory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students in Year 9-12 were able to nominate to compete.
Congratulations to the following students who won the event are the 2021 Cross Country Age Champions. These students will be formally acknowledged at the Representative Sports Assembly.
WOLLONGONG DIOCESE CROSS COUNTRY
WOLLONGONG DIOCESE OPEN BOYS FOOTBALL (SOCCER)
On Thursday 22 April our Boys Open Age Soccer Team represented at the Wollongong Diocese Championships.
Congratulations to the boys on their exemplary conduct and a special mention to Lucas Johnson of Year 11 on his selection in the Wollongong Diocese Team.
In Week 3 Year 12 students will be attending their postponed Senior Retreat. Students will be engaging in a variety of activities over 3 days which will allow them to take time to evaluate their sense of self, and their relationship with others and God. In preparation for the retreat students created a design on a cross using small ceramic tiles - the design symbolises their own spiritual understanding and connection with the cross. We wish and pray for all of Year 12 that they have a successful and rewarding retreat experience.
YEAR 9 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Year 9 have recently finished their unit of work titled 'Sacraments of Healing'. All students created a learning resource, and so our final lessons have been extremely engaging as students have shared their learning resources with their classes. We have had Kahoots, websites, crosswords, slides, games, songs, meditations and more.
Year 9 RE classes are now starting a unit of work titled Biblical Writing, and we will explore the different types of writing styles within the Bible.
YEAR 10 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Year 10 have recently finished a unit of work focusing on Mark's Gospel and how the person of Jesus is portrayed in this section of the Bible. The final part of their assessment involved students writing about the teachings and actions of Jesus and how they are still good news today. Many students linked the teachings of Jesus to our school motto 'Pax Christi' and how we strive to be people of peace. Groups such as Vinnies, JAG and PAX were all mentioned as examples of people living out the actions of Jesus in our school community today.
YEAR 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
At the start of every Religious Education lesson Year 7 has been completing a mantra meditation. This involves the silent repetition of phrases in order to help hone a more focused awareness. During the breathing cycle students have been repeating Pax Christi whilst inhaling and Peace of Christ whilst exhaling. As the year progresses we are hoping to increase the time length of these meditations and enhance student appreciation of the benefits involved in this practice.
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
CAREER EXPOS
Careers Expos are great opportunities for students and their families to seek help and explore possibilities. With most of these being cancelled last year it is highly recommended that students and parents take advantage of either the virtual or face-to face opportunities offered this year. Careers expos are events where industries, employers and recruiters are able to share information with students who are all potential employees.
Monday 17 – Wednesday 19 May (virtual) Click here to register
HSC AND CAREERS EXPO
BASIC BARISTA SKILLS COURSE
TAFE NSW Ulladulla are running TAFE Statement in Basic Barista Skills on Saturday 15 May from 1pm to 4:30pm at a cost of $150. The course will be delivered on campus located at 156 Green Street, Ulladulla.
This is a perfect course for students 15 years or older who are looking to gain employment in a coffee service area. Students will learn to prepare the work area, advise customers, prepare and serve coffee, and maintain the espresso machine. Click here for details.
UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS
Open days are important to find out information about different universities, TAFE and private colleges. With most open days being virtual last year, it is a great opportunity this year for students (and their parents) in Years 10 - 12 to attend the campus face-to-face to get excellent information about courses available. Many open days are occurring in August, but check the full list of open days in NSW and ACT.
YEAR 12
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU)
ANU direct applications are now open and close on Monday 24 May. It is free for Year 12 students to apply and students will know the outcome of their application around mid-year.
NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY
Early admission opened on 12th April and closes 1st September. Results will be known 4 weeks after the application has been completed. In 2021 you will be able to apply for Notre Dame through UAC as well as the direct entry option.
UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Information evenings for Year 12 students and parents in NOWRA
When: Monday 31 May - 6pm
Where: Ray Cleary Lecture Theatre, UOW Shoalhaven campus
UOW Information Evenings are designed for students and parents who would like to know more about studying at UOW.
You probably know what degree you're interested in, the ATAR you need - and we're more than happy to go through this with you - but we know that you'll need to know where you're going to live, how much it will cost, how will you make friends and more. We know because we asked the exact same questions when we were in Year 12!
We'll also talk about:
- UOW Early Admission
- Your ATAR and selection rank (and what it means)
- Important dates and key things to remember for UAC applications
- Our Scholarships
- Opportunities for high-achievers
- UOW's global sports programs
- Student accommodation
- The degrees and opportunities available for you at UOW
- Your options if you don't get the ATAR you need
- Clubs & Societies and Student Life
HSC SUBJECT SUPPORT SERIES
The HSC Subject Support Series is designed in partnership with UOW and InpsirED to provide additional resources that students will need to successfully complete their final year of school and maximise their academic results.
It started on Monday 26 April, and continues running 18 free subject-specific online sessions delivered by experienced teaching professionals. In each hour-long session, students will be able to boost their knowledge and understanding of key subject content, and discover what exam markers and assessors are looking for.
For more information and to register, students should visit the UOW HSC Subject SupportSeries website.
https://www.uow.edu.au/study/events/hsc-support-series/
UAC
UAC applications are now open for NSW and ACT university admission in 2022. The UAC Guide books are in the student foyer for Year 12 students to collect if they are considering University and would like a copy and it is also available online.
UOW SUBJECT SELECTION SESSION WEBINAR (EVENING)
A Year 10 subject selection webinar is being held on Monday 3 May 6pm, this online event is for Year 10 students thinking about studying at university and who would like to know more about UOW's degrees and choosing subjects that will provide a good foundation for each study area. They will also cover Early Admission, opportunities for high achievers, scholarships and more. Expert staff from UAC will go through the ATAR and how it is calculated, and explain scaling. Click here for more information and to register.
UOW YEAR 7-10 LEARNING LAB ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
The University of Wollongong would like to invite students to LEARNING LABS, an academic enrichment holiday program targeting students from Year 7 to 10, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Wollongong Campus Dates: Wednesday 30 June – Friday 2 July 2021
Applications close: Wednesday 26 May 2021
Click here for further details.
YEAR 10 HAIR AND BEAUTY WORKSHOP
South Coast Academy in conjunction with RIEP held a “live zoom” lesson with SJE to discuss EVET (Cert II Beauty -Make up) as part of a HSC pattern, Apprenticeships and SBAT opportunities and employer expectations in the workplace.
Six Year 10 students attended and did make up and hair for a job interview.
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS
Several students and staff members showed their respects this year, attending local ANZAC services on Sunday 25 April as well as many participating in ANZAC Light up the Dawn at home.
THURSDAY'S ANZAC ASSEMBLY
Our guest speaker was Acting Sub-Lieutenant Brad Lewis who has two children at our school. Father Leo reflected on the Gospel and his time in the Australian Army.
JONATHON ROGERS NURSING HOME
Mrs Wendy Gaudi
Defence Liaison
CHANGE TO LUNCH ORDERS
As mentioned by Mr Eirth, from Week 3 onward the canteen will be accepting only online lunch orders. While there will still be lunch food available at the canteen, specific, handwritten lunch orders, will not be accepted.
- To register for online lunches, please click on the following link and register; http://www.
schoollunchonline.com.au - Please note, all orders are to be placed by 8.30am.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
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
WELCOME BACK
It has been a very busy start to the new term with the Cross Country and Athletics Carnival already taken place. To add to these two big events, we also held a P&F Meeting last Monday 26 April 2021.
CROSS COUNTRY
After an earlier postponement, our annual Cross Country Carnival was finally held on Tuesday 20 April 2021. The weather put on a fine showing for what was a very successful day for the School.
The P&F would like to acknowledge the following parent helpers for their contributions in helping make the carnival run like clockwork:
Tracey Barrett, Renae Beattie, Carly and Justin Butler, Vanessa Cladingbowl, Geraldine McGill, Kimberley Norton, and Erin Poulton.
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. Just a reminder that there will be a Working Bee held on Thursday 13 May at 3:15pm, we are looking forward to seeing as many helpers as possible to assist with small projects planned for the afternoon.
YEAR 8 IMMUNISATIONS (YEAR 7 2020)
The second immunisation for Year 7 2020 was not given due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The second dose has been planned for Monday 31 May, we will be calling for parent/carer volunteers in the coming weeks to assist.
P&F NEWS / NEXT MEETING
The P&F have been very active with engagement in new projects to support our students. The P&F is pleased to announce funding for replacement of the pop-up sports carnival marquees (in our school house colours) at a cost of $5,000; and a contribution of $90,000 towards a shade cover to be installed over the outside basketball court. The committee are excited to be back to holding on-site meetings and returning to assisting with carnivals and working bees. Our next P&F General Meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday 19 July. 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.
