Filter Content
- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- YEAR 7 NEWS & DIARY CHALLENGE
- YEAR 8 NEWS
- NEWS FROM HSIE
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- CAREERS NEWS
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- DEFENCE FAMILY NEWS
- YEAR 12 STRONG HEART AWARDS
- CANTEEN NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
FOUNDATION DAY: 30TH ANNIVERSARY
We are all looking forward to next Friday’s celebration of our 30th Anniversary. Whilst the feast day of St John the Evangelist is on 27 December, a difficult time to gather for our celebration, we instead celebrate to align with the feast of Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit, that is on 23 May, 2021.
At Pentecost people came together from all backgrounds as one Christian church and the Holy Spirit empowers us to act on our beliefs. This is reflected in our community in St John’s where we come together as a Christian community from the many communities in the Shoalhaven. We also focus on faith in action and work to live out the values Jesus taught us.
This week our students have been learning of the history of St John's, hearing many great stories of the accomplishments by the community involved in establishing our Catholic High School.
Much of this history has been displayed in our chapel this week with students and staff enjoying learning about St John's history.
We are blessed to have one of St John's original teachers, Mr Greg Kelly to continue to educate students at St John's. Mr Kelly provided an interesting presentation on assembly yesterday, speaking of the school and it's history including commencing at the White Ensign Club in 1990 with 9 staff and 85 students as the grounds of the newly built St John's premises were too wet for the first couple of weeks.
Click here to view Mr Greg Kelly's Recollection of St John's History
YEAR 7 2022 ENROLMENT
Over these weeks we are conducting the enrolment interviews for our Year 7 cohort for 2022. All the middle leaders engage with these interviews and for each of us this is a very special time. It is very clear to us that parents and carers choose St John’s for their child based on recommendations from current members of our school community. This is a very authentic witness to the outstanding learning environment that is St John’s. They name so many aspects of the school from the faith based education to excellence in learning all embedded in a peaceful school community. This is testament to how we all work together to build this culture and then appreciate the community that we have the privilege to share in each day.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Thanks to all the parents who generously give their time to support us in so many areas. From the helpers in the canteen to those who assist with exams, working bees and carnivals, your engagements are truly valued. Thanks also to all the families that provided feedback to the survey, we will hear your voice and consider it in our planning.
WORKING BEE
Thursday 13 May saw our very first after school working bee and it was a resounding success. We had almost 30 parents/family members and close to 90 students attend.
They worked with more than 20 staff who also joined in to weed gardens, paint poles, move mulch, replace desktops and clear out the music room to name a few of the jobs covered. We finished with a BBQ. Thanks to everyone who supported the school and our environment is so much better for your efforts.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Our 2021 School Photographs will take place next week on Wednesday 19 May.
All photos will be taken as individuals with group photos digitally compiled. These will include PALS, Year 12 and staff photos. It is absolutely vital that all students have their individual photo taken. These photos are also the official photos used for compass etc.
All students are to be wearing their FULL WINTER UNIFORM INCLUDING BLAZERS so that students are ready for the photos: hair, shaving, blazers, skirt length and correct socks. Year 12 jerseys are not to be worn. All hair below collar length is to be tied back. Any student who is not meeting the uniform requirements as noted in school diaries, including adhering to hair and jewellery guidelines, will not have their photo taken.
Students who wear their sports uniform on Wednesday (Week B) are to change into their school uniform following their sport lesson and before school photos.
Earlier this year students were issued with a ‘Consent for Use of Student’s Image and/or Work’ form. Students who have not returned this form will not have their photo taken. This form is also available on our school website beneath the ‘parent info/forms and letters’ tab or by clicking here.
Ordering Images: Students have been provided with an envelope for ordering images. This envelope with payment/receipt number is to be provided to the photographers on the day.
If you wish to order a family group portrait, students may collect an order form from our school office.
STUDENT NETWORK NEWS CREW
Established in 2019, our Student Network News Crew work together to produce footage of events at St John's.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
FOUNDATION DAY FRIDAY 21 MAY
Next Friday 21 May our school will be holding our annual Foundation Day celebrating the beginning of St John's in 1990. As Covid-19 cancelled our 30th Anniversary event, this year's Foundation Day event will be extra special, as we commemorate our 30 year event with special guests to include former St John's Principals, Steering Committee and Parish representatives, the Director of CEDOW Schools and other important guests.
The day is compulsory for all students and will begin with Mass, followed by our Foundation Fair and Talent Showcase. The Foundation Day Fair will be raising funds to support both the Timor and Vinnies Appeals.
It is imperative for all students to arrive at school on time wearing full winter school uniform, including blazers. Correct uniform includes adhering to the hair, shaving, skirt length, jewellery and correct sock requirements noted in the school diary. Year 12 jerseys are not to be worn. All hair below collar length is to be tied back. Any student who is not meeting the uniform requirements as noted in school diaries will not be allowed to participate in the events.
Students will not be required to bring computers on this day. Those who arrive late and miss Mass will not be allowed to participate in the Foundation Fair.
Click here for further information surrounding this event.
Mr James Eirth
Assistant Principal
APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION FROM ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL
Click here to view Term 2 Week 4 OOAAA Nominations
Click here to view the Maths Pathway 200+ Club Nominees (Week 4)
TERM 2 2021
Monday 26 April - Friday 14 May: Year 7 2022 Enrolment Interviews
WEEK 5 (Week B)
Wednesday 19 May: School Photos
Friday 21 May: Foundation Day
WEEK 6 (Week A)
Wednesday 26 May: Year 9 Reflection Day
WEEK 7 (Week B)
Monday 31 May: Year 8 immunisations (Year 7 2020)
WEEK 9 (Week B)
Monday 14 June: Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
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 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
I would like to congratulate students on the way that they have involved themselves in these events. We have seen a large number of students participating in all our school carnivals. Students have witnessed the house spirit as they have cheered on their friends and encouraged their house groups.
This week students have been involved with NAPLAN testing. These national tests give teachers feedback on their students and areas in which they can focus their teaching. Students can also use these results to identify areas of strengths and areas of weakness so that students and their families are able to best support their students.
In the next few weeks we have Foundation Day. This is a special day at St John’s where we celebrate the beginnings of our Catholic school in the Shoalhaven. Students will need to come prepared for the mass in the morning followed by a whole school fair full of food and activities.
I look forward to working with year 7 for the remainder of the term and congratulate them on how they have settled into their education of St John's.
Mr Nick Garner
Year 7 (Relieving) Coordinator
I would like to congratulate our junior champions;
Hayley Short (Year 7) and Harry Frew (Year 7) for our 12 years age champions, Nicholas McGill (Year 8) and Addison Nichols (Year 7) for our 13 years age champions and Jess De Witt (Year 9) and Darcy Davis (Year 9) for our 14 years age champions.
We also had our Athletics Carnival in Week 2. The entire school showed their passion for their House Groups by competing in both track and field events to gain points for their House Colour. Our Year 8 students had strong showings across all events, particularly impressing me in the team relay. Our staff relay team had no chance when the smooth baton transitions and blinding speed blew us out of the water, resulting in a 3rd place. My hamstrings are still angry with me!
Once again, I was proud to see our year group take pride in their participation and behaviour at the Athletics Carnival. I saw smiling faces, appreciative manners for the event organisers and amazing competitive spirit.
Next week we have our Foundation Day. Year 8 have not experienced this incredible event at St Johns, due to Covid restrictions last year so we look forward to the day. A reminder that all students must be in immaculate full winter uniform to start the day. There will be an opportunity for students to get changed into mufti later in the day. There will be specific information and reminders regarding Foundation Day provided to students in PALS over the coming days.
I cannot wait to see the stalls our PALS groups have organised over the past few weeks and the spirit in which we will celebrate our 30 Years as a school community.
Keep up the good work Year 8!
YEAR 8 IMMUNISATIONS
Students in Year 8 will be receiving their second dose of the HPV vaccination in Week 7 on Monday 31 May. If your child has already received the second dose of HPV or you wish to withdraw your consent for this immunisation to take place at the school clinic, please contact our school on phone 4423 1666 or email info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au.
We are seeking parent volunteers to assist with the immunisation clinic. If you are able to offer even an hour or two, please contact our P & F Parent Liaison & publicity Officer, Jacinta Davis on 0455 173 924.
Mr Josh Watson
Year 8 Coordinator
SENIORS
ABORIGINAL STUDIES - MAJOR PROJECTS
At the end of Term 1, students presented their Aboriginal Studies major projects to the Year 11 class, family and community members. The impressive projects spanned themes of personal heritage, Art, Circle Sentencing, Knowledge of plants, food and the stars. The projects were of a very high standard.
MODERN HISTORY
Students have been exploring JFK as an element and personality of our Modern History.
SOCIETY & CULTURE
Students have been looking at their personality types and exploring cultural themes related to people.
BUSINESS STUDIES
During week 3 of this term, the school welcomed Kirsten McClennon, owner and operator of Kangaroo Valley Eggs to speak to the year 11 Business Studies classes. She provided a wealth of knowledge on running a business and business planning.
Year 12 Business Studies attended Silos where Raj spoke to students about the marketing of the Business. Silos Winery always generously speaks to our students in Agriculture and Business Studies. We are extremely grateful for his knowledge and generosity.
HISTORY - ELECTIVE
Students from History Elective worked hard on creating a wonderful presentation of the century celebrations of the RAAF.
HISTORY DEBATING
We have a number of history debates- a Year 10 team will be travelling to All Saints College to debate on Friday 28 May.
Further debates will be taking place via zoom including;
That the attack on Pearl Harbour sealed Japan’s fate in WWII.
SJE Nowra vs St Charbel’s Punchbowl
&
That JFK is the modern day King Arthur
SJE Nowra vs Australian International Academy Kellyville
JUNIORS
YEAR 7 HISTORY
Students have been exploring the skills of history by being archaeologists and historians. Completing cookie archeology and looking at evidence related to Otzi and Tollund Man's deaths and proposing theories of how they would have died.
GEOGRAPHY
The Geography department is very excited to see the development of an Augmented Reality Sandpit. Our IT department has been working hard building a computer with the graphics capabilities of an AR sandpit. A big thank you to all members of the school who have worked on turning this into a reality.
GEOGRAPHICAL FIELDWORK
Classes have been enjoying fieldwork. Year 11 went to Kiama and other years have been refining their skills in the school environment and locally. Later this term, Year 10 will complete fieldwork at Ben's Walk.
Mrs Sarah Blades
HSIE Coordinator
ST JOHN'S CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL VIDEO
Following our school cross country carnival at Willandra earlier this term, talented Year 11 student Isaac Podmore has produced a fantastic 2minute snippet of the day. Click below to view.
St John's Cross Country 2021 by Isaac Podmore
CHS SAILING
During the first week of the school holidays, Bryn Robinson-Mills and Saxon Perry competed in the CHS Sailing Championships held at Belmont 16’s sailing club on Lake Macquarie. There were four days of racing and six races overall.
Unfortunately, over the four days the wind and the weather wasn’t very pleasant with most of their time spent bobbing around in the water.
Congratulations to Bryn on taking out 1st place in both the Catamaran Division and the Hobie Class and to Saxon on getting 5th in the Catamaran Division and 4th in the Hobie Class. The two did extremely well and together the St John’s Sailing team took out 6th place!
NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK
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.
MARINE AND MARITIME CAREERS WORKSHOP - THURSDAY 13 MAY
The Marine and Maritime Career webinar provided interested students with an opportunity to gain insights relating to a career in the boat and ship industry. 2021 BIA Careers Day delivered the presentation virtually.
MARINE BIOLOGIST - WORK EXPERIENCE IN 2022
YEAR 10
The Year 10 Future Finder Program is an interactive, project-based workshop delivered in school by University of Wollongong (UOW) In2Uni Mentors.This is for all Year 10 students who are considering University studies in the future or would just like more information.
Workshop will be in 2 parts: SDG goals activity and an open forum Q & A session where you can ask the mentors any questions at all about University.Focusing on the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), this workshop explores how the careers of the future can positively impact on these goals. Students will understand how their future aspirations could help impact communities in a positive way, as they are introduced broadly to the UN SDGs, and undertake a project-based learning activity focused on one specific goal.Students will:
- Develop an understanding of how careers can impact on society and communities in a positive way
- Identify their passions and interest areas and link these to potential future careers
- Build awareness of SDGs and how they can contribute towards the goals in the future
- Consider future pathways and study options
- Build an awareness of the importance of 21st Century work skills.
To take part in this great opportunity Year 10 students need to sign up with Mrs Hill.
YEAR 12
UOW - 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.
Session will cover:
- 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
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
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
YOUNG ENDEAVOUR PROGRAM
Youth aged 16-23 are invited to apply to set sail on Sail Training Ship (STS) Young Endeavour. The 11-day voyages will depart between May – Dec 2021 and sail in NSW, QLD & VIC.
A voyage in Young Endeavour is the adventure of a lifetime, with the Youth Development Program helping to increase confidence and resilience, and grow teamwork and leadership skills within youth.
Youth will learn the skills required to sail a tall ship, and the training culminates in 'Command Day' where youth crew take control of the ship for 24 hours under the watchful eye of the Royal Australian Navy staff crew.
Apply Now: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/apply-now-2021
Mrs Wendy Gaudie
Defence School Mentor
CHANGE TO LUNCH ORDERS
The canteen will be accept 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
WORKING BEE
Thank you to all who were able to attend yesterday’s Working Bee. We were able to accomplish some of the jobs that have been delayed since last year and importantly improve the school environment for our students.
Special mention to Louise Copeta & Liz Hylton-Cummins for your lovely donations of afternoon tea and to the following parents/carers and siblings for assisting during the event;
Robyn Grasso, Melissa Alder, Stephen Willis, Jacinta & Ashton Davis, Sophie, Nicholas & Amara Pavlis, Dale Gilligan, Wendy Lewis, Liam Molloy, Vanessa Cladingbowl, Brett Percy, Isabelle Bribosia, Joanne Perkins, Jenny McDonald, Monica Oke, Corey Carter, Jay Jayasuriya, Sarah Blades, Mark Malady, Simon Vaughan, Phil Gould & Pina Balanag, Toni Hodges & Lisa Murphy.
Thank you to the following students for also assisting;
Year 7
Emily Grasso, Sanuthi Jayasuriya, Taylah Gill, Arianna Johnson, Harriet Percy, Kyri Pavlis, Viktor Creighton, Mason Lawrence, Phoebe Alder.
Year 8
Jim Watts, Georgia Preston, Kelly McDonald, Steffi Malady, Zeke Beattie, Alex McMahon-Albright, Ben McMahon-Albright, Rhiannon Andrews, Sarah Burge, Megan Balanag-Dayusan.
Year 9
Danielle Molloy, Andrew Percy, Kyden Cocoris, Jed Montgomery, Sophie Weller, Joshua Stephanidis, Braydon Flannery, Harry Rigney, Olivia Oke, Eryka Simpson,Tom Gould.
Year 10
Florelise Caron, Phoebe Symoniczek, Kane Williams, Ben Royston, Riley Mason
Year 11
Runako Chidziva, Abbey Teall, Louis Carter, Saxon Perry, Jack Weber, Cody Ewens, Lucas Johnson, Matt Malby, Massimo Copeta, Edward Foster, Victoria Shepherd, Jonathon Percy, Isaac Podmore, Ella Lawrence, Callum Heywood, Rommey Hazell, Ryan Dowers, Isabelle Duncan, Darci Edwards, Shania Cooper, Abigayle Balanag-Dayusan.
Year 12
Emily Symoniczek, Zoe Anderson, Lucy Bell, William Stevens, Yasmin Willis, Declan Cockburn, Taine Penrose, Niamh Murphy, Imogen Jackson, James Phillips, Elise Irvine, Sienna Gentile, Georgia Carr, James Talty, Asha Uebe, Nayana Patmore, Hailey Frew, Grace Smith, Isabel Goodwin, Mikaeli Chapman, Olivia Wilson, Olivia Cooney, Molly Smith, Lucy Jones-Gardiner, Nicholas Dinnen, Matilda Pritchett.
CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS
A big thank you goes out to all our wonderful canteen volunteers, your assistance is greatly appreciated as it plays a big part in making the canteen more profitable. Canteen sales assist in raising income to support P&F school projects such as the soon to be installed basketball court sunshade. We are always in need of more volunteer helpers so if you have any time to spare please contact Vicki on 44 231 359 during business hours.
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 remains scheduled for Monday 31 May. If you are available to assist on the day please contact Jacinta Davis on 0455 173 924.
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.