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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- YEAR 9 NEWS
- YEAR 10 NEWS
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- NEWS FROM LEARNING SUPPORT
- NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
- NEWS FROM BUSHCRAFT
- NEWS FROM JAG
- DEFENCE NEWS
- ASSORTED NEWS
- CANTEEN NEWS
- P&F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NOTICES
EASTER
Easter celebrates the rising of Jesus from the dead. As we approach Easter we commemorate Holy Week and travel through the journey of Jesus last week before his death. The celebration of Easter comes after the season of Lent, where fasting, prayers and almsgiving have been our focus. This enables us to renew our spirit and focus on what is important in our lives. It also prepares us well for the time of celebration and hope. The joy that new life can bring along with a renewal of our spirit and a renewed commitment to living a life that reflects the values and practices of our faith.
Here at St John’s we have celebrated with an Easter liturgy. I encourage all our community to take this opportunity to connect with your local parish, the Holy Week calendar for Nowra is attached to this newsletter and more details can be found on websites.
ST JOHN'S AS A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
So here at St John's we are a catholic community.
We are in the season of Lent, a time of reflection and renewal, when we are called to prayer and giving alms to support others less fortunate than ourselves.
Soon we will be celebrating Easter, the season of joy, a time of celebration.
Sharing these seasons indicates that we are a catholic school but: what really makes us a catholic school?
- Is it the prayers and liturgies that we share?
- Is it listening to and reflecting on the words of Jesus in the Gospels?
- Is it our concerted attempt to always be mindful of catholic social teachings, such as our current focus on the Dignity of each human person?
- Is it the school values that we embed in all we do?
- Is it our unrelenting focus on peaceful relationships that aligns with our school motto Pax Christi?
- Or is it our physical environment with many representations of the holy cross?
And then there is our chapel that was built by the hands of our students and staff. In this chapel we have shared so many special times as a faith filled community.
For me personally there was one time when I felt the presence of our God amongst the people gathered there in the chapel. I was with a Year 10 group as they mourned the death of one of our students who had died in a bus accident the day before. The student's best mate *Pete was a keen sportsman, a passionate footballer and cricket player. His grief was deep but he wrapped himself in the warmth of his classmates and openly prayed with their support to God. He entrusted his best mate to God and asked God to support them. Such a precious time to be present and this was clearly a catholic school community.
A catholic school is not a building, but it is a place where catholic values and teachings guide our actions. And there are many other aspects to what makes us a catholic school.
Last week there was a volleyball game. We all wore mufti and donated to the St Vincent de Paul Flood appeal. On this day students gave their time to write a message of support from them personally to other young people in the flood affected areas.
Last week we celebrated here in the hall with games and fundraising and music to take time to raise our awareness of those less fortunate who can use our support through Project Compassion.
This faith in action is what indicates a good catholic school: A community where people live their faith.
On our open night recently our young people showcased their pride in our school and invited others to join our community with such an authentic display of the value of hospitality.
Late at night as the showcase was closing, the classroom doors were locking and school was falling into darkness. I closed the hall doors with a feeling of warmth and pride. As I walked past the science labs and a young man approached me with his family beside him. And as I saw his face I was taken back to that day in the chapel, it was *Peter.
We talked about the school and his time at St John’s. We walked together to look at the memorial here in the school gardens of *Peter's best mate. *Peter was there with his wife and his child. He was looking to offer the catholic school community which had formed him to his own children.
This catholic school is ours, it is not the buildings, it IS the people. We, each and every one of us IS the catholic church and we are called as a part of this catholic school to be the face of Jesus to everyone that we encounter.
This is what a makes a catholic school.
St John’s is a special catholic community, may we always value this and show our gratitude in all our actions.
RETURN FOR TERM 2
We would like to thank staff, parents/carers and students for their support this term and wish you a peaceful and safe Easter break. Staff will be returning to school for a Staff Development Day on Tuesday 26 April. Students return on Wednesday 27 April, in full winter uniform including blazers.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
OOAAA AWARD WINNERS
Click below to view our Term 1 Week 10 OOAAA Nominees.
MATHS PATHWAY WINNERS
Click below to view our Term 1 Week 10 Maths Pathway Nominees.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Thursday 14 April: HSC Workshop Drama (8:30am - 3pm)
Tuesday 19 April: HSC Workshop Visual Arts (9am - 1pm)
Wednesday 20 April: HSC Workshop Business Studies (10am - 2pm)
Monday 25 April: ANZAC Memorial Services - Assorted times & venues
TERM 2 2022
WEEK 1 (Week A)
Wednesday 27 April: Students return for Term 2 (Winter Uniform)
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
Thursday 12 May: Shoalhaven Eisteddfod Dance Competition
Friday 13 May: St John's School Athletics Carnival
WEEK 4 (Week B)
Monday 16 May: Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Conventions of Language
Monday 16 May: P & F Meeting
Wednesday 18 May: Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Numeracy
EVENT REMINDER - ST JOHN'S ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
The annual school Athletics Carnival is being held on Friday, 13th May (Week 3) at Shoalhaven High. Students will come to school as normal and walk to the venue in their House groups after PALS. They are expected to be in sports uniform and will be strongly encouraged to gain points for their Houses by competing in as many events as possible. Permission notes are available on Compass.
A few reminders:
- Year 7-10 students are to wear their full sports uniform and bring appropriate House colour accessories to wear once at the carnival (no singlets).
- Year 11 and 12 students may wear sports uniform or appropriate house coloured clothing.
- If students would like to compete in the 1500m track event, this will take place at 8.30am (before the whole school carnival starts). Students will need to complete the google form on the Rep Sport google classroom page.
- All students are to bring: a hat, water bottle, lunch, and sunscreen. There will be a canteen as well as a BBQ on the day with sausage sizzle and egg and bacon rolls run by Year 12.
- Parent helpers are needed: If you are able to assist at this event as a parent helper, please contact the office (4423 1666 or info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au) and leave your details.
MINNAMURRA EXCURSION
Students learnt the history of the region, the geographic features of this biome and the unique conditions which allow a rainforest to thrive in this area. They also completed a series of data collection and had the opportunity to use a number of different geographical tools.
Three history classes from Year 9 had the opportunity to learn about living conditions and trench warfare during WWI using artifacts and being entertained by Shane from Living History. Shane brought in a wide variety of original artifacts from World War I such as a training rifle used at the Sydney Cricket Ground to train recruits. He also had helmets and fractures of a grenade that were dug up from a farmers field in France.
YARN CIRCLE
Year 9 English are studying the Indigeonus poet Ally Cobby Eckermann, in particular her poem First Time (I Met My Grandmother). 9EN.J went to our yarn circle for a class with Chris Finney, the head of our Aboriginal Learning Centre, Gooroon. They listened to Aunty Chris tell stories of her childhood, growing up in Orient Point and how the policies of the governments Stolen Generations affected her and her family. This was an amazing experience and helped Year 9 understand the importance of learning about this time in our history and also learning how it relates to our poetry unit.
SCIENCE
In Science students have been engaged in the Chemistry topic. Students have been working hard to build their skills and understanding.
Teachers have been very pleased with how the year group has engaged with the learning experiences.
BUSHCRAFT
Bushcraft students began their outdoor education experience by climbing Cullunghutti Mountain. Students managed to clear the lantana from the remainder of the track so they were able to summit the mountain.
On top of the mountain students developed their first aid skills with a practical task while learning about the great outdoors. The highlight was the teamwork challenge to build a stretcher using tree branches and carry Mr Higgins on it!
The track back down was very muddy! A great day for both students and their teachers!
Mr Nic Garner
Year 9 Coordinator
It's been a busy term for Year 10 and while we have had interruptions and challenges, the students have really done their best to overcome and rise above under the circumstances. I am so proud of how the Year 10's have involved themselves in leadership, social justice initiatives and extracurricular opportunities at St John’s. It has been wonderful to see them involved and speaking so passionately on assembly as well as through their work within the school community. Well done Year 10!
For our Year 10's, this is the first time that they have had assessment tasks under the ROSA framework. Earlier this term a blue Assessment Schedule booklet went home with students which gave an overview of the assessment schedules for each subject, outcomes assessed, method of assessment (eg. handing in work, in class essay etc.), approximate hand in dates as well as processes for what happens when assessments are not submitted on time or a student is absent on the hand in day.
While the finer details of the assessments come out with the official Notice of Assessment (along with the dates of Mid Point Checks) from their classroom teachers, the booklet gives students a great overview of tasks so they can start planning!
Over the holidays, I encourage students to ponder and discuss the below thoughts with their parents and carers:
Next term Ms Sophie Daley will resume the role of Year 10 Coordinator for four days a week and I will continue in supporting the Year 10's as Coordinator one day a week with Mr Nic Garner resuming his role as Stage 5 assistant.
I would like to take this time to firstly thank the Year 10 PALS teachers, Mr Nic Garner and Ms Kristy Hall for their ongoing support and collegiality as well as the openness, kindness and respect that Year 10 have shown me during my time as Coordinator. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know students all that bit better.
NSW LAW SOCIETY MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION
SHOALHAVEN PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SNAPSHOT
Ms Tammie Castles
Year 10 Coordinator
CONNECTING WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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
NCCD & PERSONALISED PLANNING
Please note, Friday 13 May 2022 is the final opportunity for adjustments to be in place at school for a student to meet the 10-week evidential criteria to be included in the 2022 NCCD collection.
MC CLASS
The MC Senior Agricultural class are currently enjoying studying a unit on herbs. Students have explored the harvesting and use of herbs.
A special thank you to Mrs Isemonger for bringing in some fresh lemon grass for students to sample. Students used the fresh lemon grass to make lemon grass tea. This was a practical application of students' theoretical concepts.
ANZAC DAY WREATHS
OVERDUE FROM THE LIBRARY
Mrs Kathy Lawrence
Library Coordinator
It's fantastic to reflect at the end of term on all the positive experiences students have had in the outdoors. Year 7 camp was an outstanding event and it was tremendous to be a part of their journey as they make lifelong memories, building new friendships and at times - expanding their comfort zones through new experiences. For many students, camp is an unfamiliar setting and many find this challenging. “Challenge” is one of our Learning Dispositions at SJE - “The learner works hard, takes risks, is persistent and resilient”.
We are so proud of our Year 7 Students for taking these challenges in their stride and we hope these experiences carry forward into the classroom and broader lives.
YEAR 9 BUSHCRAFT
Our three Year 9 Bushcraft classes cover a total of 70 students, which is 40% of the cohort. The classes have been developing their first aid skills, in the theme of “wilderness settings”. It demands students to be resourceful, skilled and focused as they work in teams to treat casualties with a variety of injuries occurring from plausible outdoor accidents.
Two of our classes have been on their first full day walk, which gives the classes their first exposure to the outdoors as a class. The walks certainly challenged the classes in attendance with nature giving us plenty to learn from. Resilience is the reward for enduring challenges, and our students will certainly experience growth as a consequence.
Moving into Term 2, our Year 9 classes will work on their camping and navigation skills in preparation for their next adventure.
YEAR 10 BUSHCRAFT
Year 10 Bushcraft students run the activities on our camps as part of their study of Outdoor Leadership. Those students attending the Year 7 Camp conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. The leadership demonstrated by these students was outstanding, and furthered their skills in group management, teamwork and motivation. The remaining students will have their opportunity to grow in this space on the rescheduled Year 9 Camp, now being held in Term 2.
Our two classes are now studying ‘Expedition Planning’, where the students plan their own outdoor adventure. A significant skill set and attention to detail is essential for safely undertaking outdoor expeditions, and we develop these skills through this topic.
The classes will complete an expedition next term and are busy planning their equipment, fitting their packs and working on their physical fitness. Expeditioning is as much an exploration of ‘self’ as it is of a place, and students will certainly learn a great deal about themselves and their peers through this trip. It is a big trip and a lot of planning is required, but I have no doubt our students will rise to this new challenge.
Mr John Higgins
Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
FLOOD RELIEF FUNDRAISER
During Week 10, JAG ran a fundraiser to raise much needed funds for St Vincent de Paul NSW Flood Appeal. There was a fantastic response by our students and as a school we raised a total of over $2000. This money will go directly to flood victims in Northern NSW. Some of the activities on the day included a mufti day, bake sale and messages of support.
Students and staff were treated to a delicious range of baked goods, baked by students and teachers and donated to the school to sell. In addition to this, students put together a video full of messages of hope and support to send to schools in the Lismore Diocese who have been severely affected by the recent floods. We hope the messages and funds raised will make a difference in the flood recovery.
Ms Amy Freshwater
JAG 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
VOCAL TUITION COMMENCING SOON
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.
NSW STATE MEDALLISTS
Huge congratulations to Talika Irvine (Year 10), Harley Reid (Year 8) and Oskar Driscoll (Year 7) representing at the NSW State CCC Swimming Championships this week. Some amazing achievements by our three swimmers.
FASTEST ATHLETES IN THE COUNTRY
Last weekend three of our students had qualified to compete at the Australian Athletics Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park. These championships bring together the best junior athletics from all around Australia.
Our students finished with incredible results, including;
Max Marshall
- 1st in the u/15 years boys 200m final
- 2nd in the u/15 years boys 100m final
Nicholas McGill
- 2nd in the u/15 years boys 2km steeple chase
Bridget Fairs
- 16th in the u/17 years girls 3km
Click here to view Max's Gold medal race
STUDENTS RECOGNISED FOR POSITIVE VALUES
We are incredibly pleased to hear of students living out the values we uphold at St John's. Students are encouraged to share and celebrate talents and to support each other. We wish to acknowledge the following students who have recently been recognised for doing just this!
Cooper Hambly of Year 7 received the Bay and Basin Community Nippers 'Age Group All Rounder Award' for his ongoing commitment to be his best and supporting his fellow nippers to be their best in every aspect of Nippers.
Jett Goddard of Year 8 was the recipient of the Shoalhaven Little Athletics 2022 Sportsmanship Award.
YEAR 12 PHYSICS ASSESSMENT
Mr Garner was pleased with students in his Year 12 physics class and their response to the assessment task of building a DC Motor last week. Well done!
YEAR 12 DANCE WORKING TOGETHER
LEARNING THE SCIENCE BEHIND COVID-19 TESTING
A fantastic opportunity was enjoyed by students and parents recently, learning the Science behind the test for the Covid-19 virus at our free evening sessions supported by Amgen.
SHORT FILM PRODUCERS
Congratulations to Isaac Podmore, our current School Captain, along with former Captain/Leaders Daniru Jayasuriya & Olivia Hodgkins, who were recently selected for Southland Creative’s Short Film Mentoring Program.
YEAR 12 ABORIGINAL STUDIES
YEAR 11 DANCE
VOLLEYBALL FUNDRAISER
Last week our Senior students organised a Volleyball tournament with spectators and competitors donating a gold coin to participate, with funds donated to Project Compassion.
Year 11 taking the victory, after defeating both the Year 12 and staff teams.
Year 12 finished in second place, after collecting a win over the staff team.
Thank you to everyone who supported this event.
YEAR 8 HANDBALL COMPETITION
This week our Year 8 students took on a lunchtime handball competition, enjoying the opportunity to come together for a year group challenge.
Congratulations to participants and the eventual winners!
YEAR 8 SMARTER SCHOOLS STEM CHALLENGE
Nominated by their Science teachers, 14 of our Year 8 students recently attended the UOW Shoalhaven Stem Workshop run by the Industry 4.0 Hub.
The 'Smarter Schools for a Smarter Planet' workshop was designed to provide students with skills in the construction and use of smart technologies to monitor various issues relevant to their school community environment.
NAVY OPEN DAY
On Friday 1 April Year 12 students Seth Wellington, Wil Osgood and Millie Thulin attended the Navy Open Day base visit at HMAS Creswell.
EASTER MESSAGES FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
Thank you to the wonderful students who donated their lunch break to prepare cards with personalised messages for the residents of local nursing homes.
Over forty students attended our card making session, producing many beautiful cards to brighten the day of others!
GRATITUDE FROM TIMOR LESTE
Our school continue to support the food and medical programs at Railaco with an annual donation of funds raised from our Foundation Day. It is pleasing to see the support provided to the community is making a difference to the lives of many.
LUNCH ORDERS
CANTEEN ROSTER
We would like extend our gratitude to the parents/carers, grandparents, staff and students who kindly assisted in our school canteen this term.
We are currently putting our Term 2 Canteen Roster together and require assistance for the following dates;
- Friday 29 April
- Tuesday 3 May
- Wednesday 4 May
- Friday 6 May
- Tuesday 10 May
- Wednesday 11 May
- All days from Week 4 onwards
If you or any family members, grandparents etc may be available to assist, it would be greatly appreciated. No experience is necessary. Tasks are not difficult and mainly include assisting with food preparation to ensure our lunch orders are ready for collection. Even if you're able to spare just an hour or two in the morning, this would be extremely helpful.
Please contact our school on info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au or phone 4423 1666.
With Term 1 over it's time for a well deserved break. The Parents and Friends Committee would like to wish our school community and families a Happy & Safe Easter.
CROSS COUNTRY - NEW DATE
Our planned annual Cross Country Carnival was postponed due to the recent poor weather and has been rescheduled for the first day back in Term 2 on Wednesday 27 April 2022 at Willandra. Thank you to those parent/carers who have already indicated their availability to assist on the rescheduled date, however we are still in need of additional helpers to help with running of the event.
If you are available to assist please contact Jacinta Davis on 0455 173 924
P&F MEETING
Our next P&F General Meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday 16 May 2022. 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 2022.
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.
TENNIS HOLIDAY CLINIC & WINTER COMPETITION
NORTH NOWRA/BOMADERRY NETBALL CLUB
North Nowra Bomaderry Netball Club are looking for players to fill our teams from 7 to 13 years of age. All abilities welcome.
BOMADERRY AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL CLUB
