As a school we have a very clear goal to ensure that all our students are supported to achieve their best. Over these few weeks our HSC students have been showcasing their major works. These have been outstanding. The dance, drama and music performances, along with the art, technology and design projects have all shown great diversity in their focus and quality in their presentation. They have also had the added bonus of bringing great joy to those with whom they are showcased. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge both the students and the staff that work collaboratively to develop the skills and understanding and present such wonderful major works. I also acknowledge our Year 12 students who are focussing on preparing for the HSC exams during their final weeks of school. They are an outstanding group of young people and I am confident they are well supported by teachers and parents/carers who have given them both direction and support.

 

SENIOR SHOWCASE ASSEMBLY

Last Thursday our school celebrated the dedication and commitment of our Senior students, sharing talents in our Showcase Assembly. It was such a great opportunity for the school community to see their works and appreciate the talents and hard work culminating in outstanding presentations. 

 

HSC EXCELLENCE IN DANCE

Following our HSC Dance students recently performing their Core and Major Study assessments, our school have received news that an incredible 6 performances have received nominations for possible inclusion in the NSW Callback Showcase to be held at the Seymour Centre in February 2023!

This is an outstanding achievement to be selected as one of the best in the state!

Congratulations to Lily Webster, Allyx Cornelius, Madeleine Allen, Molly O'Neill and their teacher Ms Savannah Lloyd on this fabulous news!

South Coast Register Newspaper Article

 

WAKAKIRRI STORY DANCE COMPETITION

I enjoyed the pleasure of watching 53 of our students supported by their Dance teacher, Ms Savannah Lloyd, perform at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on the evening of Tuesday 30 August in the Wakakirri National Story-Dance Festival.

Our students presented a very moving performance, commended by adjudicators as creating a powerful and sincere performance that was so heartfelt!

Following this incredible performance, our dance troupe, comprising of Years 7-12 students of all abilities, have been invited as one of only 8 performances in the state to dance at the NSW Performance Awards at NIDA on Friday 23 September. We are incredibly proud of you and wish you well for your next performance!

 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM 2023

Last week we announced the positions of our 2023 Student Leadership team!

Congratulations to all students who nominated for a position - all students were outstanding and we are certain will continue to demonstrate their leadership skills and contribute to SJE and the wider community.

We look forward to working with this amazing team and the class of 2023!

Mrs Sandra Hogan

Principal

Year 9 have been actively involved in their lessons this term, with the following student reflections on their learning;

BUSHCRAFT ROGAINE

On Monday 29 August, our 3 Year 9 Bushcraft classes ventured out to Curramben State Forest to engage in their Rogaine activity.

We wish to thank all of the volunteers who came along to assist at checkpoints. Without youu, this fabulous activity would not have been possible.

Mr Joshua Watson

Year 9 Coordinator

On Monday 5 September, six students from St John’s joined in the celebration of their graduation from Year 12 at the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Graduation Ceremony. Almost sixty students from the Shoalhaven will graduate this year. The presentations involved dance and didgeridoo performances, inspirational addresses and, most importantly, a celebration of the success of our young people and the contributions of their families.

Congratulations to Mitchell Bisat, Louis Carter, Courtney O’Mullane, Wil Osgood, Millie Thulin and Seth Wellington. We are very proud of your achievements and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours. We look forward to continuing our celebrations with the St John’s graduation in Week 10.

Following on from our National NAIDOC celebrations in July, there have been many requests for performances by the Garindja Dance Troupe. Our students have been to several schools and preschools to help celebrate and share the rich culture of the First Peoples. These performances are always well received and provide an opportunity for our students to showcase their hard work and dedication to their craft.

The Waminda Bulwul Balaang program for young women continued this term with 25 students participating in the recent workshop in Gooroon. A big thankyou to the ladies from Waminda for presenting this fantastic program.

Our Aboriginal Education Assistants recently attended a conference organised by the Wollongong CEO. This conference provided an opportunity for collegial learning and connection for all AEA’s throughout the diocese. One of the many activities was the creation of a possum skin coat which will be shared among schools of the diocese for use in significant ceremonies.

Jordan from Navy Recruitment visited St John’s to provide Career Counseling for Gooroon students. This involved giving insight into the pathways program and aptitude testing. Two of our senior students are currently considering a career in the Royal Australian Navy.

Our regular programs continue throughout the term. The dance and didg cultural programs have many keen students involved. Homework centre is well attended each Wednesday afternoon, with afternoon tea and learning support provided. These programs are open to all students. 

Several Gooroon staff and students will be attending the World Indigenous People’s Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Adelaide in the upcoming holidays. I look forward to reporting on this wonderful event next term.

One of the key goals of Gooroon is to share culture with all people. Through knowledge comes understanding and appreciation. Please contact Gooroon for any questions or further information.

On behalf of the Gooroon Team,

Mr David Muller

Gooroon Coordinator

YEAR 7 - 10 TRANSITION AND PATHWAY PROGRAM (TAPP)

During weeks 9 and 10 all students in Year 7 - 10 will undertake a Transition and Pathways lesson during one of their timetabled classes. This is the third such lesson for each year group FOR 2022 and is part of their overall career education program at St John's;

• Year 7 - Personal Discovery - Who I Am?
• Year 8 - Career Exploration - Me at Work 
• Year 9 - Career Discovery - The World of Work
• Year 10 - Career Planning - What is my Career Action Plan?

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

TERM 4 WEEK 9 (MONDAY 5 - FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER)

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. Mrs Hill and PALS teachers are available to assist.

It is recommended that students get this organised by the end of the holidays and return the completed forms to the Careers office.

Forms are due no later than Monday 7 November 2022, to be approved. 

NAVY AVIATION PROSPECT SCHEME (NAPS) NEXT STEP EXCURSION

NAPS is a program offered to students across the Shoalhaven who have an interest in Navy Aviation. On this excursion students participated in team building activities in the gymnasium, had a presentation from Navy recruiting, lunch in the mess followed by resume and interview tips. 

 

NURSING AND HEALTH CAREERS TASTER WORKSHOP EXCURSION

The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) and University of Wollongong (UOW) Nursing and Health Careers Workshop took place on Wednesday 17 August. The workshop consisted of some basic medical and career pathway information into nursing, practical hands-on activities and an opportunity to speak with other health industry professionals such as; Age and Disability care, Social Work, Occupational Health, Paramedic and Shoalhaven Health.

BUTTER A BRICK: WORK READINESS PROGRAM

The “Butter a Brick” work readiness program is for any student thinking of a career pathway into the brick laying industry.

This is an exciting opportunity for students to participate in the following activities:

• Brick & Block Careers in conjunction with Skillsroad will hold an interactive workshop where students will hear from an Industry Ambassador, Industry partners, use VR headsets, parent engagement, videos just to name a few! (This will be held in Wollongong and students will need to make their own way)
• White Card training (can be arranged locally)
• TAFE taster day (This will be held at the Wollongong TAFE campus and students will need to make their own way)
• Hi Vis Work shirt and boots provided (boots for eligible students)
• Work Experience (Brick & Block will connect student with local employer)
• SBAT and Full time Apprenticeships on offer to suitable students

Expressions of Interest to please see Mrs Hill in her office before Monday 12 September 2022.

EMERGENCY SERVICES EXPO - TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

The Emergency Services Expo will be held at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sporting Complex on Tuesday 20 September 2022. St. John's students are invited to spend 1 hour of the school day there, exact time TBC. This event is targeting Year 9 – 11 students. 

Emergency Services however do not just focus just on the response agency and there are lots of other careers that involve emergency participation including:

• Local Land Services
• Health
• Media
• Utilities such as Shoalhaven Water and Energy
• Communications
• Local Government
• Recovery

This is a good opportunity to explore career possibilities you may not know about.

YEAR 12

SCHOOL RECOMMENDATION SCHEME (SRS)

School Recommendation Schemes (SRS) is one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students. They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR, this information is provided by the school. 

SRS Applications close Sunday 19 September.

UAC

Just a reminder that early bird (on time) UAC applications close on Friday 30 September so you only pay the early bird fee of $73, rather than over $200 if you pay after that date. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Year 12 students are encouraged to apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible for. Scholarships are available to all school leavers. They can be awarded for students from rural areas, families in financial hardship, sporting, academics, having a passion for a particular industry and many other reasons. 

The Shoalhaven Education Fund (SEF) gave a presentation to Year 12 students on Friday 2 September and gave details about how they assist local students with a need to fund study or training. 

NOWRA ADF OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

Defence Force Recruiting invites you to the Nowra ADF Open Day. This event will be held at the Fleet Air Arm Museum on Saturday 17 September. 

This is your opportunity to gain first-hand experience with some of Defence's advanced equipment and learn about the careers available in the Navy, Army and Air Force. This will be a great opportunity for students to gain plenty of information speaking to ADF members from all roles and services, along with experiencing interactive activities.

What can you expect on the day?

• Navy, Army & Air Force equipment, vehicles and demonstrations
• Experienced ADF Personnel to chat to about all your career questions
• Simulators and Virtual Reality
• Drone displays 
• Merchandise and Brochures for attendees

This event is free to attend.

POSITIONS VACANT

Matty’s Toys & Baby has casual positions available now. 

Ms Carla Hill

Transition and Pathways Specialist

Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.

Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.

St Michael's Primary School

St Mary's Star of the Sea Primary School