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Welcome to our new school year to all our school community. How exciting it is that we can be onsite and with COVID-Smart measures in place we hope that the school year can proceed in a productive manner. We hope that you have had a peaceful and restful break and have had the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.
This year we have welcomed over 200 new members to our school community. There are 16 new staff members who bring a great diversity and wealth of experience to their roles. We also welcome students in years 8 to 11. Our new 180 Year 7 students have had wonderful first days and we also look forward to getting to know them and enjoying what they can bring to our community.
2021 HSC STUDENTS
We are very pleased with our 2021 HSC students who achieved admirable results having undertaken their HSC studies in very challenging circumstances. They worked with diligence and resilience and are now well-placed to pursue their future careers.
We celebrated their successes at our recognition assembly on Thursday and they shared their study and scholarship skills with the Year 12 and Year 11 students in a forum.
Many of the students also attended a morning tea at the school with staff on Monday 24 January and it was wonderful to share their excitement for their plans for their futures. Our school dux is Finn Hartshorne. He will be undertaking a degree at University of NSW in Chemical Engineering.
HSC ARTWORK EXCELLENCE
A special mention to Lily Thomas-McKnight, recently interviewed by the South Coast Register in relation to her HSC Artwork, a series of seven charcoal portraits exploring connection to her identity and culture.
From 8,440 student works across NSW, Lily's artwork was selected as one of 43 works for display in the 39th annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition.
Click to view the article on Lily's Work
YEAR 12 LEADERSHIP TEAM
As another school year begins, our 2022 Student Leadership team are prepared to lead and motivate their fellow students. Our students have been featured in the Daily Telegraph's South Coast News on 7 February. Click here to read this article.
COVID SMART
I would like to acknowledge our office staff who have done a wonderful job in the very hectic task of distributing over 4000 Rapid Antigen Test kits. Thanks to our parents and carers for not only collecting the tests for their child but also ensuring that they assisted in undertaking them.
We have a layered approach to creating a COVID smart environment. This includes measures such as:
- Wearing masks indoors or when in close proximity to others (surgical masks)
- Personal hygiene with hand washing and sanitising. Sanitisers are in each classroom.
- Ensuring ventilation is adequate in all rooms
- COVID smart risk assessments for school activities
It is essential that we all undertake these measures with focus on not just ensuring our own health but reducing the risk of passing the virus onto others should anyone contract it.
Students who contact COVID, or have family members who have the virus, are required to self isolate for 7 days before returning to school. It is important to inform the school so that students in that cohort will be informed. Confidentiality should be maintained by everyone as a matter of respect.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
We are excited to announce that we are about to launch the Dogs Connect program in our school. This is a whole school wellbeing program which will see the introduction of a wellbeing dog in our community. Our school wellbeing dog, 'Ziggy', will become a much loved and important member of our community.
Prior to commencement, we ask you to provide any information that may be relevant to your child and our program through completion of a short survey. We are aware of the range of considerations that we need to make so that our work is inclusive and successful. Within the survey is a list of common considerations we like to be aware of.
We ask parents to please complete the Dogs Connect Survey for your child prior to Monday 14 February by clicking here.
At this stage we encourage anyone who would like to know more about this program to look through the website link at https://dogsconnect.net.au.
We have a team of staff who will lead this program.
We would also like to assure the community that this program will not involve anyone who does not wish to be involved. We know that this work will have a really positive impact on many people in our community, and we acknowledge and respect that connection with our wellbeing dog will be offered on a great variety of levels.
Mr Aidan Leishman
YEAR 7 CLASSES
For the first weeks Year 7 have been following their timetable with their PALS class. This has allowed students to form bonds with their PALS class while we gather data in order to inform the core classes. When students return from camp they will be placed in their core classes, their PALS class will remain the same.
Students' new timetables will be reflected on Compass and they will also receive a hardcopy of their new timetable.
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 need to offer opportunities 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. These groupings allow all students to unleash their full potential.
SUBJECT CHANGES
All subject changes should now be finalised.
YEAR 10 AND YEAR 11 ROSA INFORMATION SESSIONS
These information sessions are going to be held at school and shared with families next week. The Assessment booklet will also be distributed to students next week.
NOTE: Year 11 begin their HSC course in Term 4 this year and as such any absence during this time will have a significant impact on students' results.
TERM 1 2022
WEEK 4 (Week A)
Monday 14 February: P & F AGM (6pm) via zoom link
Mon 14 February: Year 7 Immunisation Clinic
Wed 16 - Fri 18 February: Year 7 Camp
WEEK 5 (Week B)
Friday 25 February: School Swimming Carnival (Competitors only)
WEEK 6 (Week A)
Wednesday 2 March: *New date*SJE Open Night for Future Students & Year 7 2022
Year 7 - “Strong minds , gracious hearts”
Wow - Year 7 has had a great start to high school at St John's. Parents and carers, you should be so proud of the way your child and the year group as a whole have settled into the routine of high school. They have been inundated with information but they have listened carefully and followed instructions which has helped them cope with the busyness of school. I have been blown away by all the positive comments I have received from the teachers of Year 7 - already I am a very proud Year Coordinator!
To assist with organisation at home I will go through some of the information that I have been sharing with Year 7 below;
YEAR 7 CAMP
- Notes were due on Monday 7 February - they have been distributed via compass (the school’s online portal) but a signed hard copy needs to be returned to the school. If you have any problems accessing the camp note please email the school (or ask other parents who may be able to assist!)
- A “What to bring” list has been given to your child and there is a digital copy on your child’s PALS classroom page.
- Tent groups have been organised by students. If your child has been nominated as providing the tent, could you please ensure that you practice putting up the tent so you know that it is in working order and that it has all the poles and pegs. Please do this in advance so you have time to organise parts etc if needed.
- Parent Helpers are welcome but you will need to complete the Volunteer form which is also accessed via compass.
- Transport - ALL students must travel to the venue by bus, even if parents are helping.
- Morning Drop Off - students will need to leave all their camp gear on the grass area outside the bus bay. Please be very careful and aware that normal school buses will be arriving and it does get busy in this area. Parents may park in this area if they are assisting with taking gear to camp.
- Labelling of gear - try to label everything - we have 180 students with gear coming on this camp - that means a lot of gear! Make sure your child knows what their gear looks like so they can identify it - luggage tags would be useful.
- Rash vest for swimming - ALL students must have a rash vest or old tight fitting t-shirt to wear for sun protection when swimming.
- Medication Notes - students who will be taking medication should have collected a PINK form from the office. This needs to be returned BEFORE camp.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccination forms are to be returned to PALS teachers by Wednesday 9 February. Year 7 vaccinations will occur on Monday 14 February. Students are to wear their sport uniform and remember to eat breakfast to minimise the chance of feeling unwell. If your child is not participating in the school vaccination clinic, please inform the school prior to Wednesday 9 February on info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au or phone 4423 1666.
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Due to COVID restrictions, we have had to change the way the carnival is organised. Students will need to enter online. Their PE teacher will be able to assist with this. The carnival will be held on Friday 25 February.
CONSENT FORM FOR USE OF STUDENT'S IMAGE
Return of this form to PALS teachers was due on Friday 4 February. If your child has misplaced this form or any other notes please ask your child to check with their PALS teacher. Consent for use of student's image forms may be downloaded here.
DIARY USE
The use of the school diary is an important and compulsory tool to support students in their organisation at St John's. It is also an important communication tool between parents and teachers and for this reason we ask that parents read and sign their child’s diary every week - preferably on Tuesday night, as the PALS teacher will check on Wednesday morning and if the diary is not signed, consequences are put in place by the PALS teacher. This is also where notes should be placed in regards to ongoing illness or injury so that the student has a record of this information with them at all times.
LUNCH ORDERS
The preferred method for ordering lunch is online. This means that your child will receive their lunch more efficiently and allows the canteen staff to plan their day and avoids congestion at the canteen during breaks. The link to order lunch from our school canteen is available on our school website or by clicking here.
CATHOLIC CULTURE IMMERSION
On Friday 4 February Year 7 students experienced a Catholic Culture Immersion. Students gained a greater knowledge and understanding of the school emblem, prayer, motto, song, housing system, Chapel and how Catholicity is practiced at St John's. To conclude the morning students participated in a year group liturgy which focused on the theme of welcome.
Mrs Wendy Isemonger
Year 7 Coordinator
BACK AT SCHOOL
Year 8 have been fully engaged in their first week back into full swing at school.
The year group are now familiar with their routine for playground and canteen processes. If any student has concerns around these structures they should have a conversation with their PALS teachers.
YEAR ASSEMBLIES
We are holding year assemblies on Tuesday mornings in the school hall following social distancing, mask wearing and ventilation requirements. The purpose of the assembly is to highlight positives across the year group in relation to both classroom and extra curricular activities. This is also on occasion used to realign students with our school processes including use of their diary and the correct wearing of the uniform. A positive recognition process will start across the year group in the next couple of weeks, which is informed by student voice.
DIARY USE REMINDERS
It is essential that students continue to make efficient use of their diary at St John’s all the way to the end of the year. Here are some reminders regarding using the diary:
- All students must have their diary with them all day
- At the beginning of every lesson, students should open the diary to the relevant day and place the diary on or near the desk.
- Students should record all homework, assessments, mid-point checks and anything else at the request of the teacher
- Parents should sight the diary at least once a week and sign the diary, this will continue to be check each extended PALS time on Wednesday’s.
- PALS teachers should check this signature once a week.
- The diary should be signed by the classroom teacher if the student leaves the classroom - to go to the toilet etc
- The diary may be signed by a teacher if the student is late to class for a formal reason
- The diary is essential to the merit system as teachers put red stamps into student diaries as affirmations.
YEAR 8 INDONESIAN
8N have started the subject, Indonesian. Students have learnt greetings, numbers and this week in groups, were able to engage in basic conversation! Well done!
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNER - ANYA ELLERINGTON
Year 8 student Anya Ellerington has recently been recognised for her exceptional writing ability, receiving the Shoalhaven City Council's Emerging Artist Australia Day Award.
writing ability, receiving the Shoalhaven City Council's Emerging Artist Australia Day Award.
Anya has excelled in her academic achievement in writing with her first piece of work published at the early age of 13.
Anya contributed to the field of motor neurone disease, inspired by the loss of her grandmother. Her experience inspired her to use poetry to reflect the needs of others including the individual experience, a family journey and as a bystander.
Anya has been a writer since her early primary years and her ability to articulate feelings and emotions on paper has become her passion.
Anya was presented with her award by the Mayor at Ulladulla Civic Centre and had her name mentioned on 2st morning breakfast show.
Anya would like to attribute her success to the support of her teachers at St Michael's Primary School and her Year 7 English Teacher, Ms Carmel Smallwood, who she describes as providing an amazing year in Year 7! Congratulations Anya, we are very proud of you!
Mr Simon Vaughan
Year 8 Coordinator
YEAR 12
UOW DISCOVERY DAY - TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY
The Discovery Day at UOW Wollongong Campus was unfortunately postponed. Hopefully this event will be rescheduled for later in the year and all information will be sent to parents and students should that occur.
UNI CHATS @ LUNCH
Throughout Term 1 there will be information sessions run, during lunchtime, by various Universities for Year 12 students to attend. The confirmed Universities include Macquarie, Notre dame, ACU, UNSW, UNE, UTS and ANU. As many students have not been able to attend open days, as they have been cancelled over the past few years, this is an excellent opportunity for Year 12 students to listen to information directly from the source and ask their question directly.
The University of Sydney (US) is holding information Webinars, in the afternoon for 30 minutes, about their excellent Bachelor degree programs. Upcoming events include Law, Medicine, Pharmacy and Veterinary. These would be recommended for any Year 12 student considering these courses. Find further information here.
Charles Sturt University (CSU) Advantage - early entry program is now open. To apply, students will need to provide Year 11 results, through Studentsonline, and answer some questions.
For more information please see Mrs Carla Hill or register for the information Webinar on Tuesday 1 March.
Girls Engineering UNSW - Year 11 and 12
The GIE FEAS Program is a new alternate pathway program for female-identifying high school students in Year 11 and 12 who will be applying for an eligible engineering degree at UNSW Sydney and expecting an ATAR within the FEAS eligibility* range.
This is for students who want to make a difference in the world, have an interest in helping others and would love to learn how engineering can solve problems in disadvantaged communities, then this program is for you!
It is all online and the fee is returned upon completion. Watch the video for more information and apply here.
CAREER MYTHS
Career myths are thoughts or ideas that we or those around us might have about careers, finding work or landing your dream job that perhaps aren’t necessarily true anymore.
The world is constantly changing, and the ways we can get on with work and careers is changing too.
MYTH #1: THERE IS ONE ‘BEST’ CAREER FOR EVERYONE
We’re bombarded with ideals like ‘follow your passion’ and ‘find your purpose’ to find the work that’s ‘best’ for you.
All the work or jobs we do should be treated as an opportunity to learn, helping us uncover the things we’re innately good at that we can use to motivate us towards the career that fits us best.
You don’t have to be wildly passionate about your job if it’s a stepping stone helping you to develop your career ideas. It’s also important to remember that for many people, their ‘best’ career will be made up of a few different things, rarely is it one concrete thing.
MYTH #2: ‘LOVE WHAT YOU DO & YOU’LL NEVER WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE.’
You can love what you do AND still find it a bit stressful, boring or frustrating at times!
Research tells us that when we don’t feel challenged or that we’ve strived for our achievements, we don’t feel like we’ve achieved them successfully at all.
Feeling like you’re working while enjoying the work is a great sign you’ve found a career path that challenges and pushes you in the right ways.
MYTH #3: YOU HAVE TO MATCH ALL THE ‘REQUIREMENTS’ TO GET THE JOB
The truth is you don’t have to meet every single requirement listed in a job advertisement – especially if you’ve got additional skills or experience that showcase your adaptability and capability.
If you believe you can do the job and are a good match, save for one or two requirements, you should absolutely put yourself out there.
Just make sure you’re realistic when it comes to knowing the difference between being almost qualified and not even close!
MYTH #4: IF YOU DON’T GET GOOD GRADES, YOU WON’T BE SUCCESSFUL
Getting high grades is always helpful, and yeah, it feels good, but grades are only one small part of building a career you love.
There are so many options available now for young people to get onto the pathways that feel right for them. Whether it’s a traineeship, apprenticeship, school-leaver based career roles or something else, don’t let grades define how you approach your career.
A positive mindset, determination, willingness to learn and commitment are all equally important.
MYTH #5: ONCE YOU PICK A PATH, YOU HAVE TO STICK TO IT
Have you heard the story of Terry Robinson, who, at the age of 70, started a new career working in a hardware retail store as an apprentice? After retiring, Terry was bored, so he decided to apply his knowledge by helping customers with their DIY needs — through working at B&Q, a UK hardware store.
It’s a great example that you can always change your career path – anytime you like! If you start in a career and decide that it isn’t for you after all, don’t panic. Use the experience to help you determine what you want to do – and then put in the work to go after it.
We don’t have to stay in one career for our entire lives. You’ll never be too old to start something new or change direction!
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
As we begin another exciting school year at St John's it is imperative to stop and set some real and achievable goals. As I reflect upon our pleasing results in the 2021 HSC, it is important that I share the one common attribute each student who achieved these outstanding and personal best results developed, as they progressed through the grades at St John's. They read. They read regularly and widely. They asked questions as they read and they developed the ability to form opinions on the worthiness of texts. This reading exposed them to thousands of words that otherwise would be unknown. This in turn enabled these students to develop a sophisticated and highly academic writing style, that they could manipulate according to the academic register they were required to use.
Therefore as students set goals for the upcoming academic year, many will naturally focus on achieving a certain grade. However, I encourage them to set goals that include a regular and wide reading pattern. I also encourage them to enter additional reading and writing competitions that will be advertised in daily notices and the newsletter. This dedication to reading will be of more benefit to a student and will allow them to be exposed to styles and language otherwise unknown.
Of course students will be reading short and longer texts in English but going beyond what is required in class can only enhance the skill development of a student.
In addition to reading, students are encouraged to use SCRIBO across all grades. This online program assists students with developing the complexity and cohesion of their written texts.
We have a very passionate and dedicated English staff and should you have any concerns regarding your son or daughter’s progress, please contact the class teacher or myself. I look forward to another successful year, full of students reading and improving writing skills.
Ms Michelle Selmes
English Coordinator
SAILING TO SUCCESS
During the first week of January, Saxon Perry (Year 12), Joaquin Knott (Year 9) and Bryn Robinson-Mills (Year 11) competed in the NSW Hobie Cat State Championships, in conjunction with the Hobie Dragoon National Championships, held at the Vincentia Sailing Club, in Jervis Bay.
The 4-day Regatta consisted of three days with light and fickle wind conditions, which weren’t the most ideal to race in. However, the first day of racing was unfortunately called off midway after the wind picked up a little more than expected, which left boats scattered across the bay on their sides and upside down.
After four days of neck-to-neck racing, in the Dragoon class Joaquin and his crew, placed 5th overall, finishing off with a photo-finish second in the final race of the series.
While in the Hobie 14 Youth Division, Saxon managed to finish the regatta in fourth place, with a 27th in what was the largest ever Open Hobie 14 Fleet.
Meanwhile Bryn took out the victory in the Youth Division, retaining his title for the second year running, while finishing with 13th in the Open Fleet. The boys were lucky enough to be competing against a number of St. John’s graduates including Bonnie Butler, Georgii McKenzie, Nick Eastment, Will McKenzie and Pat Butler.
NSW ATHLETICS STATE COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
During the January holidays, several of our outstanding athletes travelled to Maitland to compete in the NSW Country State Championships.
Year 8 student Max Marshall was a stand out, taking gold in both the 100m and 200m sprints for the under 15 boys races. Max's time of 23.45 for the 200m was also a very impressive meet record, bettering the mark that has stood since 1985!
Congratulations also to Denzel Atkinson, Cooper Barrett, Darcy Davis, Lizzy Davis, Natarsha Mandavy, Nicholas McGill and Ruby Marshall on some fine performances competing with the best athletes from country areas all throughout the state.
MORE STATE MEDALS FOR OUR SUPER SWIMMER
Last year Talika Irvine of Year 10 was within hundredths of a second to qualify for an Olympic Open Age qualifying race. Talika has continued her gruelling training regime and string of success to finish the recent NSW State Age Swimming Championships with an incredible qualification for 5 state finals in her 5 entered events. Talika went on to win 3 medals at these high quality championships. This is an outstanding achievement. Well done Talika!
ELIJAH SAVING LIVES ON BEACH PATROL
Year 12 student Elijah Foster-Percy volunteers his time keeping us safe when using our local beaches. We wish to commend Elijah for his bravery during the holiday period as he was one of the hero lifeguards involved in a dramatic rescue to save the lives of a 40 year old man and his 16 year old daughter. Tremendous work Elijah!
MATILDA TAKES THE CROWN
Year 11 students Matilda Sinclair and partner Logan Marsh have been participating in the blessing of the Fleet.
Matilda attended numerous activities such as dance, etiquette & interviews for the Princess of the Fleet.
On 18 December, Matilda was crowned 2021’s representative ??Princess of the Fleet, a great honour with 33 girls vying for the crown.
Congratulations Matilda! ?
DANCE STUDIO MAKEOVER
YEAR 12 VISUAL ART
Year 12 Art undertook a series of both artmaking workshop and artist talks with artist Nadia Hernandez - an interdisciplinary artist originally from Venezuela who now lives and works in Sydney.
Students had Zoom conferences with Nadia and also did some mentoring for their Body of Work. The works they produced were then made into postcards, mugs and a tote (as Hernandez often takes her original works and makes them into textiles, murals and collaborations) - the students were thrilled to see their works.
LUNCH ORDERS
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
Volunteers are required to assist in our canteen during 2022. Parents/Carers, friends, grandparents etc are all welcome!
If you're able to assist in our canteen, please contact Gerri on 4423 1666 or e-mail info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au.
CANTEEN CLOSED AT RECESS ON TUESDAY 15 MARCH
The following are a list of procedures, which if followed correctly, will enable us to serve you in a friendly, efficient, professional manner at all times as well as allow students to focus on their learning.
EARLY LEAVERS
If you need to collect your child early from school, please send a note in with them in the morning, which they will bring to the office before school. Students will receive an Early Leaver stamp in their diary providing them permission to leave class. They will meet you at the office and there is no waiting for anyone. It is very difficult to get a child out of class on short notice. It is a disruption for the teachers and the rest of the class. If a student is at sport, or doing a practical class then they can be difficult to locate. If you find you need to pick your child up urgently please ring the school before you come in to give us time to locate them. Notes are needed for audit purposes, so you will be asked to provide a note every time your child is late to school, absent for any reason or leaves early.
It would be appreciated if any change to after school travel arrangements to be communicated to your child is received by the office no later than 2.30pm.
SCHOOL TIMES
Please ensure your child arrives to school on time. School begins at 8.30am each morning. If they are late they must report to the office to be signed in or they will be marked absent on the roll.
LOST PROPERTY
A real concern is the amount of lost property that comes into the office. There are a number of uniform items each year that end up being sent to St Vincent de Paul as they have no names on them and students do not come to claim them. We cannot return items if they are not clearly labelled. Please put your child's name on all of their uniform items, especially blazers and sports track suits. Hats are another item that often come to the office with no name. Do not think because they are now in high school they will not lose things!
CAMPS & CARNIVALS
With the upcoming camps and carnivals, please label all items that your child takes to camp so everything will be returned to them if it gets mixed up with other students' belongings. Please follow the provided ‘what to bring list’ on camp notes so students have the requirements but not take too much.
ILLNESS
If your child becomes ill during the day you will be phoned to come and collect them. Students who are not well enough to be in class must go home. Please ensure we always have your updated telephone numbers. Students are not to use their mobile phones to ring you if they are sick. Medication (including Paracetamol) will only be administered if supplied to the office with a Medical Consent form.
VALUABLES AT SCHOOL
Students are encouraged not to bring valuables or money to school. The school is not responsible for loss or theft of valuables whilst students are at school. All students are advised to keep valuables with them at all times, either in their pockets or in a pencil case in the classroom. Due to WHS regulations all bags have to be left outside of classrooms.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Mobile phones and other electronic devices are permitted to be used before and after school however they are not to be used during school hours and must be switched off. If a student is found to be using these items they will be confiscated. The first confiscation is classed as their one and only warning, they will have the item returned to them at the end of the day.
The second confiscation will result in the phone/electronic device being stored in the school office and the student will be required to attend a playground withdrawal before collecting their device the next day.
Third and consequent confiscations will be treated as an act of defiance and dealt with accordingly. Parents are asked not to phone their children on their mobiles or to send them text messages during the day. If you need to get an urgent message to your child please ring the school office and we will relay the message for you.
EXCURSIONS
All monies and permission notes must be submitted before the due date or the student may not be permitted to attend the excursion. Notes and payments are accessed using the Compass Parent Portal.
The office will not accept notes past the due date without prior approval from the Assistant Principal.
If there is any concern over the cost of an excursion or the ability to pay, please contact the Principal’s Secretary via the school office. No child will be excluded from any compulsory excursion due to money constraints, however students or parents must inform the Coordinator or appropriate person before the due date.
FAMILY INFORMATION
Please ensure that you advise the office of any change in family circumstances or contact details including email addresses, telephone numbers and residential and postal addresses. This will assist the school with the communication process throughout the year. Important messages will be sent out via Compass and email so it is essential that the school is informed of current email addresses. Carers of students who travel on school buses are now required to update address details online via the Transport NSW website, apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updatedetails.
NEWSLETTER
The school newsletter will be emailed to parents fortnightly on Fridays and available via the school website. A hard copy may be obtained from the front office. We are trying to cut down on the number of newsletters that are printed. If we have your email address, you will receive a newsletter notification each week.
SCHOOL POLICIES
Please refer to the school website (via the Admin menu) or student diary, for school policies regarding jewellery, shoes, uniform and the consequences involved in non compliance with these policies.
Please do not hesitate to contact the St John’s School Office via email, info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au or by calling the office at any time if you have concerns.
NOTIFYING AND EXPLAINING STUDENT ABSENCES
Our Compass Communication App allows parents to notify the school of student absences. Please click here for further details.
COMPASS STUDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
St John’s uses the Compass student management computer system to communicate with students, parents and carers. This system is also used for parents to view student reports, make parent-teacher interview bookings, receive information and provide approval for excursions.
You are advised that unless we are informed otherwise (eg by providing a copy of court orders), the school assumes that both parents retain a shared and equal parental responsibility for their children. This means that the school will recognise that each parent has equal opportunities, duties, obligations and responsibilities in relation to matters involving their children’s education at St John’s.
With this in mind, both parents, whether residing at the same address or not, will receive their own individual login details for Compass. This is in accordance with policy guidelines stipulated from the Catholic Education Office, Wollongong.
Likewise, both parents will also receive copies of communication regarding their children and absentee notifications via SMS.
Should you have any concerns regarding this information, please contact the school as soon as possible. If there are court orders a copy must be provided.
2022 STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
Click on the link below to access our Parent Information Booklet containing important details for 2022 including student stationery and book requirements.
2022 Parent Information Booklet
PRE LOVED UNIFORMS
We would like to thank those families who have recently made donations of uniforms to the school.
At the beginning of each school year we are required to collect a media consent form from every student, signed by parents/carers and students. These forms are required to enable students to be photographed for a number of events including;
- 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 4.
NOWRA PARISH
Click here to access Nowra Parish
Click here to access Nowra Parish Facebook Page
MILTON PARISH
Click here to access Milton ParishMr David Comensoli
Religious Education Coordinator
Welcome back to returning students, new students, staff, and other members of our school community. The P&F Executive are looking forward to being able to organise and contribute to more hands on activities around the school than we were able to due to last year’s COVID restrictions. If the P&F can help in any way please don’t hesitate to contact us through the school email address (info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au) and we will try to assist wherever we can.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The St John’s P&F AGM will be held via zoom on Monday 14 February 2021 commencing at 6:00 pm, at which time all positions will be declared vacant and available for nomination.
A link to access the meeting will be emailed to parents and carers prior to the meeting.
P&F Executive Committee positions available for nomination in 2022 include;
President - The P&F President presides at all meetings and provides leadership and direction for the Association by working cooperatively and collaboratively with the Principal and Parish Priest.
Vice-President - assists the President and fulfils the duties of the President when the President is unavailable.
Assistant Vice-President - understudies and shares the Vice-President’s workload; observes the roles and duties of the committee with a view to volunteering for any role at some point in the future.
Treasurer - is responsible for ensuring that all the financial dealings of the Association are carried out in accordance with the constitution.
Secretary - manages the day-to-day communications and records of the Association; organises meetings, records accurate draft minutes.
Assistant Secretary - understudies and shares the Secretary’s workload; observes the roles and duties of the committee with a view to volunteering for any role at some point in the future.
Parent Liaison Officer - keeps the parent body informed through the school newsletter and website of all P&F events and functions. They contact parent volunteers for various school events such as sporting carnivals, exam supervision and general helpers.
CANTEEN HELP NEEDED
Please contact our school on 4423 1666 or email info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au if you're able to assist.
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.
