As we head into the last term of the Preliminary Year, I would like to remind Year 11 students that they need to keep their focus clearly on the goals they have set for themselves. There is still a lot of learning to do, assessments to complete and community service to participate in. 

For those who attended the school musical, The Curse of the Mummy, and witnessed the many talents of the students here at St John’s, it was very pleasing to see so many Year 11 students share their skills either in the cast and chorus or in the band. I would like to congratulate the following students for their contribution to the musical: Finn, Monique, Dylan, Betty, Hannah, Arabici, Georgina, Cindy, Lauren, Caitlyn, Bryn, Sophie, Maeve, Francine, Anthony and Caitlin.

Students in Exploring Early Childhood attended their required placement in Week 2. The feedback from the 10 centres were that students who attended were very positive and they were impressed with the way each student engaged in the work. The students are a credit to St John’s and are to be commended on how they present themselves in the wider community.

The Year 11 PDHPE classes attended their hike in Week 2. The feedback from the teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. All students took on this challenge with a great attitude, even through harsh conditions. Their involvement in games, camp preparation and supporting each other was amazing. Well done to all the students who attended.

TRIAL EXAM SUPPORT

A number of Year 11 students have volunteered as readers and writers for the trial exams. This is a great opportunity for students to support our Year 12 students and get a taste for what the HSC looks like. Thank you to those students who have stepped up to support students during their trials.

SAHSSI CARE PACKS

A huge thank you must go out to the students who support the SAHSSI fundraiser. Last week several Year 11 students stayed back after school to pack donations into care packs for SAHSSI to have available for homeless women and children, and those escaping domestic violence. It is heartwarming to see the generosity of the year group as they continually live out their motto “God has no hands but yours”.

CATHOLIC MISSION IMMERSION

Last Thursday the students and staff attending the Catholic Mission Darwin Immersion in October had their first training session. Mr Muller led the session supported by Berni Sullivan from Catholic Mission on Zoom. Students shared prior knowledge, asked questions and had discussions around their “hopes” and “concerns”. The next session will be held on Thursday, August 11 from 3 - 5pm.

YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP DAY

On Thursday, Year 11 were involved in their Leadership Day. The day involved students participating in activities where they looked at different aspects of leadership, developed collegial relationships and trust as well as taking the time to look at themselves as future leaders, not only here at St John’s but into their future. I would like to congratulate the students on how they involved themselves on the day and I encourage them to look seriously at the role of leadership for 2023.

Nomination forms are to be completed and handed in by Monday August 15, along with your completed Passport.

EXAMS WEEK 8

This is a reminder that Year 11 exams are in Week 8. Students need to be well prepared and should look into a study timetables.

Thank you Year 11 for always going over and above and continually seeking ways to show compassion and care for others.

“God has no hands but yours!"

MILTON PARISH 

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE - Term 4 Week 9 (Monday 5 Dec - Friday 9 Dec)

Work experience is mandatory for all year 10 students. Students are responsible for organising their own work experience, to practise skills required in applying for jobs. Ms Hill and PALS teacher are available to assist. 

Below are the steps for Year 10 students, this information is all in the Careers Google Classroom page:

STEP 1 Open the work experience information in the Year 10 Careers Google classroom page and read it carefully. For more information see – The Workplace Learning Guide for Students.

STEP 2 Show/email your parents–The Workplace Learning Guide for Parents and Carer 

STEP 3 Decide on an occupation.

Notes:

• Work in the building trades e.g. carpenter requires a WHS Construction Induction White Card.
• Working with small animals is permitted BUT only with special permission e.g. Vet (due to insurance restrictions). See Ms Hill.
• Work involving sporting activities is not permitted e.g. working in a gym (due to insurance restrictions).

STEP 4 Select your employer.

• Try to choose an area of interest to you.
• If you can’t do work experience in an industry that is your preferred future career, be open minded and try other workplaces.
• Doing any work experience at all is very valuable as you will gain experience, learn about work culture and where your strengths and weaknesses lie in the work environment. 
• Choose an employer you will be able to get to each day. You can do out of area work experiences, but extra information will need to be provided detailing who you are staying with and their contact information.  

STEP 5 Make contact with the employer by phone, email or in person. 

You may need to go for an interview.

• If the employer wants the careers adviser to contact them, get a contact name and phone number and then email or see Ms Hill

You will need to show or email the employer the Workplace Learning Guide for Employers and the Student Placement Record (4 page document. It is also available in google classroom or extra paper copies in the careers office).

STEP 6 Once you have been accepted by an employer, ensure the employer completes the Student Placement Record (the date and pages 2 and 3) making sure that you and the employer have read and signed it.

STEP 7 Have your parents read and sign the Student Placement Record (page 1) and hand it to Ms Hill. Handing in the forms earlier than the due date is strongly encouraged.

This form is due: Monday 7th November 2022

STEP 8 Prior to the commencement of your work placement you will receive more information, including a work experience emergency contact/procedures, work experience diary and appraisal sheet.

2022 TERTIARY OPEN DAYS

Most Universities, TAFE and private colleges are opening their doors to showcase their institute to prospective students. Students and families in years 10 -12 are encouraged to attend open days to see and feel what tertiary providers are like. 

YEAR 12

Early admission to University

Many early admission programs for 2023 are closing soon. Each University has a different program for early admission. The Year 12 Careers Google Classroom page can be used to access a document for information on all the programs, including what is required and closing dates for Universities in NSW and ACT.

POSITIONS VACANT

There are many local apprenticeship opportunities for commencement in 2023 with reputable employers and RTO’s. Applications for these positions require submission of a resume and cover letter, Ms Hill is available to assist with or check documents before applying for these positions. 

The carnival included some tough competition, with athletes from 13 schools vying for selection in the Wollongong Diocese Representative team. This was a tough feat, with only first place getters in field events and 400m, and the first two place getters in track events earning selection.

Congratulations to the following students selected to compete at the NSWCCC State Athletic Championships at Sydney Olympic Park on Monday 12 September;