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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- PASTORAL CARE
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- YEAR 7 NEWS
- YEAR 8 NEWS
- CAREERS NEWS
- NEWS FROM LANGUAGE & INDIGENOUS
- ASSORTED NEWS
- BUSHCARE & DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
- DEFENCE NEWS
- CANTEEN NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
Open night is one of the highlights of our year, not just for potential new enrolments to experience the school, but also for the opportunity for current students to showcase their community. This year was no exception, in fact the atmosphere was one of great pride in what our staff and young people have developed and the opportunities that are available in this school.
The guides and other students made people very welcome and the KLA showcases were very popular across all areas of the school.
We had a great attendance on the night and I had wonderful feedback from those who attended. Enrolments are due by Monday 4 April 2022.
BACK TO BUSY
The students are quickly returning to their busy engagement with school life and it is very impressive how much they want to contribute to the community aspects of the school. There is good attendance at after school tutoring and homework centre and the musical is well underway. Students are representing the school in sport and other areas such as chess.
We have many excursions heading out and the Project Compassion Festival was a great success on Wednesday. All of these engagements provide an opportunity for our young people to express themselves in other ways and share their capabilities with their school community.
SRC LUNCHEONS
COVID-19 HEALTH ORDERS
We thank families for working together to follow the NSW Health Guidelines to best protect our community, and provide the following reminder around attendance at school under the NSW Health Orders:
SYMPTOMS OF COVID 19
Staff and students cannot attend school if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19. These include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, extreme tiredness, unexplained chest pain or conjunctivitis (eye infection).
If symptoms occur at any time, you should not attend school and should undertake a rapid antigen test. If a rapid antigen test is positive your child should isolate as someone who has tested positive to COVID-19. If you cannot access a rapid antigen test, you can attend a PCR (nose and throat swab) testing clinic.
Students who test positive for Covid-19 are to self-isolate at home for 7 days from the day and time the positive test was taken and inform the school immediately. The student will be recorded as ísolating under Government Directive and this will not affect their attendance record.
HOUSEHOLD CLOSE CONTACT
If a household member tests positive to Covid-19, all people within the household must self isolate at home for 7 days from the date and time the positive test result was received.
School staff are classified as essential workers and able to continue to attend work, providing they are symptom free and continue to return a negative result.
Students who are deemed as a household close contact may return to school after the 7 day isolation period, providing they do not have any Covid-19 symptoms and return a negative Covid-19 test on the day of their return to school.
Students in this situation will be recorded as ‘Remote Learning’ and not affect their attendance record.
Advice and further resources are available on the NSW Health website including COVID-19 guidelines and fact sheets for People who tested positive or were exposed to COVID-19. Additional resources are also available on the NSW Government website.
The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students are paramount at all times. As such, we will continue to ensure that all necessary health advice is closely followed.
YEAR 7 2023 ENROLMENTS OPEN
Enrolments for Year 7 2023 are now open, closing Monday 4 April 2022. Enrolment packages may be collected from our school office (8am - 3:30pm), downloaded from our school website or by clicking here.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
UNIFORM
At St John’s we prepare our students for a future in a corporate and professional environment. As such we have a clear uniform policy to ensure students are able to meet expectations when they enter the work environment. Currently there are a number of uniform issues present in our student population. Can parents/carers please ensure that students are meeting the uniform guidelines in the diary on pages 20 -24.
- Hair should be off the collar and tied up.
- The mullet style haircuts whilst popular amongst the younger generation are not appropriate for our school setting.
- Students are allowed one piercing in each ear. This must be a single stud and sleeper and must be in the lower lobe.
- No other facial piercings are permitted. Covering these with bandaids is not appropriate
- Boys should be clean shaven.
- The sport jacket can only be worn with the sports uniform. With the current weather, if students are cold they can wear their woollen school jumper or school blazer.
- Sport shorts for boys and girls must be the appropriate length - no shorter than mid thigh and not rolled up.
Please support staff by ensuring your son or daughter are following our uniform expectations.
Any concerns around uniform, please contact your child’s PALS teacher.
Mr Aidan Leishman
OOAAA AWARD WINNERS
Click below to view our Term 1 Week 8 OOAAA Nominees.
MATHS PATHWAY WINNERS
Click below to view our Term 1 Week 8 Maths Pathway Nominees.
TERM 1 2022
WEEK 10 (Week A)
Friday 1 April: Flood Relief Fundraiser & Bake Sale
WEEK 11 (Week B)
Monday 4 April: Year 7 2023 Enrolments Close
Thursday 7 April: Final Day of Term 1 for students
Thursday 7 April: Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences (3:30pm - 8pm on-site)
Friday 8 April: Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences (8:30am - 3:30pm via zoom)
TERM 2 2022
WEEK 1 (Week A)
Wednesday 27 April: Students return for Term 2
Wednesday 27 April: St John's Cross Country (Willandra)
Thursday 28 April: ANZAC Assembly (8:30am for 8:45am start)
WEEK 2 (Week B)
Year 9 Camp
Tuesday 3 May: HSC & Beyond Information Session (Year 12)
WEEK 3 (Week A)
Tuesday 10 May: Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Reading
Wednesday 11 May: Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Writing
Friday 13 May: St John's School Athletics Carnival
WEEK 4 (Week B)
Monday 16 May: Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Conventions of Language
Wednesday 18 May: Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Numeracy
CONNECTING WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
During our Open Night last week, Year 12 SOR 2 unit students participated in a Zoom with the Holy Child Program school in Bethlehem, Palestine.
This school was established by the Franciscans and relates to the students' upcoming study of Francis of Assisi. A number of staff have previously visited the school in Bethlehem and it was great to reconnect with the school.
NEW WHITEBOARD TABLE FOR COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Our Studies of Religion students have been engaging in collaborative learning with a new whiteboard table this week!
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2022 - REMINDER
Thank you to the parents and carers who have already responded to the initial notification that was included in the last school newsletter regarding the offering of the preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation(Confession), Eucharist (First Holy Communion) and Confirmation.
Formal preparation for the Sacraments will commence in the next couple of weeks. If you have not responded or may have forgotten to return the reply note, details may be accessed here.
I look forward to meeting the new candidates in preparation for the Sacraments.
Mr Mark Fuller
Sacramental Program Facilitator
NOWRA PARISH
Click here to access Nowra Parish
Click here to access Nowra Parish Facebook Page
Click here to access Nowra Parish Bulletin
MILTON PARISH
Click here to access Milton ParishMr David Comensoli
Religious Education Coordinator
Thank you to all the parents who attended the Year 7 Parent Engagement evening. Parents form an important and valued part of the St John’s community and the PALS team appreciated the opportunity to meet you and make connections. As highlighted in the image above, successful students require shared input from both parent and teacher, it is definitely a team effort!
It can be daunting being a parent of a student in Year 7 (especially if this is your first child in high school!) but there are some reliable resources that are available to support you and your child in not only their learning but also their wellbeing.
- The School Diary - If you want to find more information about school policies, administration and your child's progress, your child’s school diary is a good starting point. The obvious use for the diary is for your child to record homework and organisation reminders (such as notes, training etc) but it is also a way for teachers to communicate with parents and vice versa so it is important that you set aside a regular time in the week to check your child’s diary to keep informed. As a school, we value your involvement in your child’s education and we want you to be informed about your child’s progress and school life so we ask that you sign your child’s diary weekly.
- Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong Resources for Parents and Carers. - this link has many resources provided by the Diocese to support parents in supporting their child. Topics include - Coping with Change; Engaging with Your Child’s Learning; Online Safety and Wellbeing Resources and Parenting Resources
- Reachout.com - Parent resources - ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. They offer different types of support, depending on what you and your teenager need and want. Topics include- Helping your teen cope with bad world news; Help your teenager feel more confident; Stress and teenagers; Anger and teenagers; Separation and teenagers and many other topics
Year 7 students have been doing a fantastic job at embracing everything that St John’s has to offer including opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities such as challenging their thinking at chess club, practising their public speaking skills on assembly; celebrating their faith by being part of the LIVE festival, showing their creativity and talent as part of the school musical cast and crew or representing their school at sporting events and carnivals. Through this involvement, they are positively contributing to the St John’s community as well as developing their owns skills and confidence
As part of their English classes, Year 7 were asked to write a reflective story about their experiences at Year 7 Camp.
Please enjoy reading about their adventures. There are some very entertaining reflections.
YEAR 7 VISUAL ARTS
Students have been experimenting with warm and cool colours and using the light box to create impressive works of art this term.
With ‘Strong Minds and Gracious Hearts’
Mrs Wendy Isemonger
Year 7 Coordinator
POSITIVE CONNECTIONS
- The “Be More Award”: This Year 8 award recognises students who have displayed contributions to the school values and or the Learning Dispositions as listed in the diary pages 15 and 29.
- Students will be given the opportunity to nominate next time as an effective form of student voice and positive reinforcement.
- The aim is to continue to build a sense of connection and engagement through these awards and celebrate success.
The following is a list of students who received a teacher nominated award:
HANDBALL COMPETITION STARTING IN WEEK 10!
Mr Vaughan wil oversee the draw and competition.
PASTORAL FOCUS LESSON
During PALS Class on Wednesday Year 8 undertook a pastoral Focus lesson, looking at the dangers, smart decision making and supportive strategies for understanding the major issues around 'vaping'.
'Vaping' is the practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapour produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device
Vapour is produced by vapourising 'e-liquid' that is contained in a small pod in the device.
Just one of the major issues to be discussed:
In Australia Vaping is illegal:
- to sell e-cigarettes and accessories to a person under 18 years, regardless of what it contains
- It is llegal to purchase vaping products for a person under 18 years
- Police have the power to seize a device from a minor
- The sale and use of e-liquid nicotine, including in e-cigarettes, is against the law.
- E-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are legal.
- For anyone to use, sell or buy nicotine for use in e-cigarettes, unless a doctor has prescribed it to assist in quitting smoking.
HOMEWORK/STUDY
- Just a reminder to students and parents that Year 8 students should be completing 40 minutes per night of Homework.
- Ensure you have a fixed place for study. It should be quiet, well ventilated and lit and you must leave your mobile phone in another room !!
- Reminder: all students are welcome to attend the after school homework session on Wednesday’s 3:00-4:30pm at Gooroon. Also if you need help with your Maths there are a range of Maths teachers on hand to support you each Thursday 3:00-4:00pm in B Block.
CROSS COUNTRY
Our Cross Country scheduled for today has now been postponed and will be held on the students' first day of Term 2, Wednesday 27 April. The event is compulsory for all Year 7 & 8 students who will be attending the morning session.
The afternoon session will be for competitors only in Years 9-12.
THE NEXT ASH BARTY
On Wednesday 16 March, Year 8 student Hannah Phillips attended the CCC Tennis trials in Parramatta, with the top 32 girls in NSW (Years 7-12) selected to compete.
As rain delayed play, the format was shortened to girls having to play 3 opponents and needing to win ALL matches to be selected in the NSW CCC team.
Hannah achieved this by winning her first match 6-1, coming back to win the second match 7-6 after being down 4-1 and winning in a tiebreaker in a very hard fought match and achieving another convincing 6-1 win in her final match.
Hannah has been selected to represent the NSW CCC team at the NSW All schools carnival in Bathurst on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 April.
Mr Simon Vaughan
Year 8 Coordinator
UPCOMING EVENTS
- White card course - Tuesday 29 March at SJE. This course is full, Mrs Hill is getting a waiting list to run the next course.
- Shoalhaven Professional Business Association Professional Snapshot - Thursday 31 March for interested Year 10 students. Full day excursion around Nowra CBD.
- Smarter Schools STEM Industry 4.0 Hub - Friday 1 April for 20 x Year 8 students nominated by their Science teacher.
- HSC Ancient History Macquarie University Seminar - Wednesday 6 April for interested Year 12 students.
- Illawarra Careers Expo - Tuesday 10 May a compulsory event for all Year 12 students to explore their post school options and refine their career transition plan with stall holders all under one roof. Parents please grant permission through the parent portal.
- UOW Discovery day (rescheduled) - Monday 6 June. More information to come.
YEAR 12
UAC APPLICATIONS OPEN
UAC is a method to apply for Universities in NSW or ACT. It opens Tuesday 12 April. Year 12 students will be given information on how to apply through UAC in early Term 2.
UNIVERSITY EARLY/DIRECT ADMISSION
- Charles Sturt University (CSU) first round of early admission is open now and closes Wednesday 31 August.
- Australian National University (ANU) early entry program is now open and closes Sunday 10 April.
- University of New England (UNE) early admission program is open and closes Friday 23 September.
- ACPE early acceptance is now available.
All information about these programs can be found on the Year 12 Careers Google Classroom page.
COMPETITION - NAVY EMERGING TECHNICIANS
Win big prizes, up to $1400 in prize packs
You must be 16 years or over to enter. Competition closes Monday 7 April 2022.
Scan the QR code on the poster to enter.
YOUTH WEEK FUTURES FAIR - FRIDAY 1 APRIL
WORK EXPERIENCE
Students at St John's can undertake work experience if they are 14 years or older, have completed the appropriate paperwork and it has been approved (based on our insurance policy). Students are encouraged to do work experience during the school holidays. Contact Mrs Hill to set up a work experience.
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
In addition to learning Bahasa Indonesia, Year 8 are learning about their culture and way of life. Last week we looked at Sekolah (school) for high school students in Indonesia, identifying differences to their routine and a day in their life. We loved broadening our perspective and exploring life in a different culture, it is really wonderful to see what the school day is like for teenagers around the world.
Our report for the beginning of 2022 actually starts with the end of 2021. As part of the Staff Development Days at the end of Term 4, all school staff attended a Spirituality Day with a focus on Aboriginal culture. Aspects of Cultural Competency were addressed during the day. Staff participated in various workshops including arts activities and a bush tucker walk. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the rich and enduring cultural history of our area and our nation.
We have welcomed a new cohort of Year 7 students and they are settling into high school very well. Many have joined our cultural programs, which have been able to proceed as usual this term. Many students are involved in Girls and Boys Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo. The didg program has over 60 boys registered this year.
Our dancers have been able to perform at the recent Open Night for Year 7 2023. A smoking ceremony, welcome dance and other dances gave visitors an insight into the approach St John’s has in regard to incorporating culture into our day. Thank you to all of our student helpers on the night. Our students have also been involved in assembly presentations to mark the National Apology Day and Close the Gap Day 2022.
This year there are five Aboriginal students completing a school based traineeship.This program runs concurrently with the school program and allows students to complete practical work experience while they complete their studies. In another careers initiative, a representative from the Royal Australian Navy has visited to provide advice and mentoring for students who are interested in a Navy career. This is an ongoing program.
Another program run by the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation is assisting students to, among other things, gain their driving licence. The independence given by a drivers licence will open up far more career and education opportunities for students.
Three Year 10 students are involved in the local Youth Advisory Committee. This program, run by the Shoalhaven City Council, allows students to have a voice on local matters which affect them. It also gives the students an insight into the running of council and community matters.
During the meeting on Wednesday 16 May, students Sophie Weller, Georgia Coleman and Yasmin Lingard attended the Shoalhaven City Council Youth Advisory Committee Meeting where discussions were held on the effect of the lockdowns on youth, Youth Week 2022 and the NSW Youth Council Conference.
Our Homework Centre has been very well attended this year. This is open to all students, with support provided by teachers and Gooroon staff for any tasks that students choose to work on. This is in Gooroon/H1 from 3 - 4.30pm every Wednesday. Afternoon tea is provided.
As this report shows, there are many activities up and running in 2022. There are also many more to come. We look forward to continuing our support of students and staff. Feel free to contact Gooroon if you have any questions.
WAMINDA YOUNG WOMENS' PROGRAM
Vocal tuition with our new vocal teacher Hannah, will be offered at St John's, commencing Term 2 Week 3.
Hannah has singing/stage experience inclusive of the Wagga Wagga Conservatorium of Music. She focuses on the Bel canto method and aims to train singers to use their voices in the healthiest and most efficient way so that singers can realise their full potential. Specific scales, breathing techniques, mouth placement and work on strengthening of muscles responsible for controlling sound production are important to her teaching.
Students are to see Miss Baker for more information. Students are to complete the Music Tuition form found in the student foyer or downloadable from the school website or by clicking here.
CHESS TOURNAMENT
Congratulations to Year 8 students Lani Richardson, Charles Holden, Jesse Kilpatrick, Charlize Vineyard and Alex Duncan of Year 9 for taking on the learning disposition of Challenge, participating in their first chess tournament with Nowra Christian School last week.
DIOCESE TOUCH FOOTBALL REPS
Congratulations to Ruby Marshall (Year 10), Noah Hinkley (Year 9) and Tyson Walker (Year 9) on selection in the Wollongong Diocese Representative Touch Football Team.
Ruby will represent in the Open Womens Team, whilst Noah and Tyson in the Under 15 Boys team.
DIOCESAN SWIMMING CARNIVAL
On Friday 18 March , fifteen students represented our school at the Wollongong Diocese Swimming Carnival. There were plenty of personal bests achieved by our swimmers, as well as Talika Irvine, Harley Reid and Oskar Driscoll selected to represent Wollongong Diocese at the CCC event.
Special mention to Talika Irvine of Year 10, taking out the 16 years girls Age Champion, with 3 first place, 2 second place and 2 third placings.
Harley Reid of Year 8 also achieved 2nd place 14 years boys Age Champion with a first place and 3 seconds, whilst Jesse Kilpatrick of Year 8 also placed third in his 100m freestyle.
Year 7 student Oskar Driskoll also achieved podium finishings with a first and second place in the Multiclass events.
Congratulations to all of our swimmers on the fabulous sportsmanship and conduct shown at this event!
JAMES & BRYN SAIL TO SUCCESS IN VICTORIA
The Victorian Hobie Cat State Championships were held over three days this month.
James Winchester (Year 9) and Bryn Robinson-Mills (Year 11) both headed down to compete in the championship. Over the three days, wind conditions were mostly light with a maximum wind strength of 15 knots over two of the days, which made for some tough and tight racing in both the Hobie 14 and Hobie 16 fleets. The third day of racing was abandoned after the wind failed to build enough for racing to take place, which concluded the weekend with a total of 6 races sailed.
In the Hobie 16 fleet, James crewed for Newcastle sailor Gavin Luxton, where they managed to pick up a 2nd place in the Open fleet. In the Hobie 14 fleet, Bryn took home a personal best of a 3rd place in the Open fleet, as well as maintaining his title as Youth Hobie 14 champion for the second year running.
STATE ATHLETES
congratulations to the following athletes, qualifying through Zone and Regional Carnivals to earn selection for the NSW State Little Athletics Championships. Some great results were achieved at the State Championships last weekend!
PAX GROUP CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMENS' DAY
Last week our Peace & Advocacy (PAX) group organised a graffiti wall and insta-pic frame to raise awareness of International Womens' Day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women with this year's theme #BreakTheBias.
VINNIES YOUTH STUDENTS COOK FOR HOMELESS
Thank you to our fabulous Year 11 students, volunteering their time after school to cook meals in our commercial kitchen for delivery to local families and people in need.
EASTER CARDS FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
Almost 40 students assisted in making personalised Easter Cards with messages for local nursing home residents during lunch break this week.
Thank you for being so compassionate and caring to others in our Community.
STUDENTS CELEBRATE HARMONY WEEK
KOI FISH ON OUR AG FARM
ST JOHN'S BUSHCARE
The SJE Bushcare Group has recently begun work for the year on our site. We have approximately 30 students volunteering their time to support regeneration of native bushland at the school and surrounding areas. They are an enthusiastic bunch who are very motivated to make a difference to the world we live in, starting in their own ‘backyard’.
We utilise the “Bradley Method” of bush regeneration. This process is simple but highly effective, and we are seeing the benefits after only two years of semi-regular efforts.
The process we are following is:
- Identify and secure the best areas with the least amount of introduced species
- Minimise disturbance to the natural conditions
- Don’t ‘overclear’ and allow new native plants to naturally regenerate
We meet most Thursdays and all students are welcome to attend. Many hands make light work and it is tremendous to see the difference a group of motivated young people can make in a very short time.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
St John's has a very active and growing Duke of Edinburgh Program. The Award is a leading structured (non-formal education) youth development program, empowering all young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
How is an Award Achieved?
To achieve an Award, each young person must learn a skill, improve their physical well being, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment. All Participants are supported by a network of adult Award Leaders, Assessors, and Supervisors.
Recent Success
Charly and Madison have paved the way for others, moving onto their Silver Award. I would like to personally commend these students on their persistence with the award through Covid, which made elements of the award particularly difficult. Fortunately things are getting easier in this space moving forward, with our full range of opportunities for outdoor education resuming in 2022.
Register your interest in participating in an Award using the QR Code.
Mr John Higgins
Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
ST JOHN'S ANZAC ASSEMBLY
ST JOHN'S ANZAC MARCH
Each year on 25 April, students from St John's represent the school at ANZAC marches and services all around the Shoalhaven. At each venue, a member of staff will be present, students will take part in the march, attend the service and senior students will lay a wreath on behalf of the school.
Mrs Wendy Gaudie
LUNCH ORDERS
CANTEEN ROSTER
Thank you to the wonderful parents, carers and grandparents who have nominated to assist in our school canteen. We still have plenty of shifts to be filled, particularly on our busiest day, Friday where we require at least 3 helpers to be able to run the canteen efficiently.
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.
THANK YOU ST JOHN'S STAFF
ST JOHN'S CROSS COUNTRY
Thank you to the parent/carers who volunteered to assist with the School Cross Country event, originally planned for today at Willandra (Browns Mountain Road, Cambewarra).
Due to inclement weather and poor track conditions, the event has been postponed and will now take place on students' first day of Term 2, Wednesday 27 April.
All Year 7 & 8 students will be attending immediately after their PALS lesson in the morning, around 9am commencement and return to school at lunchtime.
Year 9-12 students (competitors only) will attend Period 1-3 and be transported to the course to begin around 12pm.
We are seeking parent volunteers to assist with this event. If you're able to help, even just for one session, please contact Jacinta Davis on 0455 173 924 or
CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS
Each day our school canteen requires 2-3 helpers to ensure students receive their lunch orders. Friday is a particularly busy day, with extra assistance required from 10am to 11:15am to pack and wrap food.
We are seeking parents/carers and grandparents to assist, even for an hour or two. If you may be able to help please contact our school on 4423 1666 or info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au.
Mr Corey Carter
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
TRANSPORT CONNECTED BUS PROGRAM
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has rolled out the Transport Connected Bus (TCB) Program to Nowra/Bomaderry and will soon be going live, delivering state of the art technology to rural and regional NSW to help customers plan their journey and receive real-time trip updates for buses. Students and parents will be able to plan their journey to and from school, and to track the location of the bus and estimated arrival times.
This service will be launched on Tuesday 29 March. Further details on how parents and students can use the Trip Planner tool are available on the transportnsw.info site.