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YEAR 12 GRADUATION
The motto for our Year 12 students has been their focus since Year 7:
“Walk in the way of the good and the just and be the change you wish to see in the world”
They have certainly exemplified this in their words and actions here at St John's.
This week has been such a wonderful celebration for the graduating class of 2022. They are an outstanding group of young people who have made so many proactive contributions to the community here at St John’s. They have applied themselves with diligence to their studies and as I walked around chatting to them at the Year 12 farewell breakfast on Tuesday morning I was heartened by their plans post school. So many of them have early entry to universities or have secured apprenticeships. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours and look forward to hearing from them in years to come.
HSC NOMINATIONS
This year we have had an outstanding number of nominations for HSC major works. In addition to the 6 nominations for Dance, this week we were informed of five new nominations:
These works have been identified as some of the best HSC major works in the state.
VET AWARD
Lat week the Wollongong Catholic Diocese held their annual Vocational Education & Training awards. Congratulations to St John's teacher Mr Jack Lopez, recipient of the VET Trainer of the Year for the Fitness course.
PRINCIPAL 2023
I am very excited to announce that the person selected to take up the principalship of St John’s in 2023 is Mr Wayne Marshall. I have attached the formal announcement that outlines his credentials and experience, I believe that we have been truly blessed with this selection. Wayne is a very experienced principal who has worked in a diverse range of schools. He is very competent and relates well to students, staff and parents and carers. He has a strong faith commitment. He undertook the role here at St John’s for a period of time in 2021. I know that he will take an already outstanding school forward with a focus on outcomes for all our students.
Principal Appointment - Mr Wayne Marshall
RETIREMENTS
Mr Greg Kelly and Mr Peter Szota have retired from St John’s after 33 and 32 years of service respectively.
Mr Greg Kelly
An original staff member of St John’s and an English teacher in the early years, Greg taught many subjects. He also teaches religion and is a man of great personal faith. Additionally Greg has undertaken the roles of English Coordinator, General Coordinator and Assistant Principal.
His School engagement includes supporting English areas such as Debating and Public Speaking.
He attended many school camps and weekend Ski trips along with excursions to Indonesia with Indonesian students and New Caledonia French students and completed an exchange in Canada for 12 months.
Mr Kelly loves to be in the classroom and is passionate for young people’s improved learning outcomes.
He is a very clever man, is well read, well informed and likes a discussion. He is very good at thinking about what he knows and analysing and critiquing it with others in conversation.
He has a very dry sense of humour and often brings a smile to our face. We wish him the best and thank him for his contribution to St John’s.
Mr Peter Szota
Pete joined St John’s in its second year and as such has worked here for 32 years. He is a Maths teacher but has taught other subjects including Science.
His skills in Maths have seen him teach at all levels including Maths Extension 2. He was also the Maths and Curriculum Coordinator in the early years of the school.
He has taken on the roles of Year Coordinator, VET Coordinator and taught Careers for a long time.
He was the School Debating Coach that won two state titles for Years 7 and 8.
He is a keen sportsman especially in athletics. He was chosen to train for the 1980 Australian athletics team but due to injury he failed to make the team. He has shared his talent coaching many SJE teams.
One of his greatest contributions to the school has been in the area of performing arts. He played in a band and has been the guitar and singer for the teachers' band on many school events.
Peter directed the School musical for 20 years, that’s 10 musicals!! He also supported many of the school productions as the Stage Manager. Mr Burian truly appreciated his support.
Peter is such a positive member of our school community. There is always a smile on his face and a happy hello. He always see the best in things and people. And has a reputation as a practical joker: many stories to share.
I thanks him for his great contribution to St John’s and wish him all the best in his retirement.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
I would like to wish all parents/carers, staff and students a restful and safe holiday break. Thank you for your support during this busy term. We look forward to seeing all staff and students (in summer uniform) return on Monday 10 October.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
TERM 4 2022
WEEK 1A
Monday 10 October: Students & Staff return for Term 4
Wednesday 12 October: HSC Commences
Thursday 13 October: Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
WEEK 3A
Monday 24 October: P & F General Meeting 6pm - All Welcome!
Saturday 29 October: St John's Working Bee 8am
As the Preliminary year draws to a close, Year 11 students are receiving their exam results. I would like to congratulate all students on the way they conducted themselves during the exams and the effort put into preparation.
WORK PLACEMENT
Last week also saw almost 40 Year 11 students attend work placement for their VET courses, Hospitality, Construction and Fitness. The positive feedback again highlights the commitment of the students.
LEADERSHIP 2023
I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the outstanding nominations put forward for Leadership in 2023. Following the Year 11 Leadership Day 42 students put themselves forward for leadership. Every student conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism throughout the process and I thank them all for their dedication and respect of the formal process undertaken. I would also like to congratulate the leaders for 2023 and wish them every success in their future role.
HSC HELPERS
Year 11 students have also stepped up to assist Year 12 during their Trial exams as readers and/or writers as well as supporting the HSC music student in their HSC practical performances. I know I can speak for the Year 12 students in saying thank you for your support during this time, your efforts do not go unnoticed.
JERSEYS
A number of students have been asking about jerseys and when they will be arriving. It is expected that they should arrive early in Term 4. Jerseys will be delivered to the school and distributed to students during an allocated time, yet to be determined.
NURSING HOME VISITS
The residents of Jonathan Rogers Age Care Home continue to have visits from Year 11 students on a weekly basis, if possible. The students sit and have engaging conversations with the residents or play some fun games. It is obvious that it is not just the residents that get a great deal out of the visits which I’m sure the students do too.
Mylea, Imogen, Taylah, Amelia, Hannah, Annabelle, Dylan and Charly had a great time playing the game of ‘Never Have I Ever’ with the residents on their visit!
CATHOLIC MISSION IMMERSION
I would like to wish all the students heading off on the Immersion in the holidays all the very best. I know you will experience something special that will deepen your faith. We look forward to hearing about your experiences next term.
SENIOR RETREAT
This week Year 11 students were provided with the Senior Retreat Positive Behaviour Agreement. This has also been emailed to parents/carers and students. Year 11 students must return this form to their PALS Teachers before Friday 14 October 2022. Click here to download this form.
TERM 4
I am sure I do not need to remind students that their HSC courses begin at the start of Term 4. PALS teachers have been encouraging them to revisit their goals as well as their study timetable. We all need to make sure that we start off strong and not get complacent because it is Term 4.
Thank you for a great term Year 11, you have worked hard and stepped up on so many occasions. I look forward to the beginning of your HSC year next term.
Thank you also to the parents and guardians for always supporting your child and the school.
Have a really restful break and come back refreshed and ready to hit the ground running.
IAS ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
'God has no hands but yours.'
Mrs Lynette Kelly
Year 11 Coordinator
FINAL WEEK
A massive thank you goes to all of Year 12 for the amazing way they concluded their final week of school! We have had a jam packed few days and even in these final moments have shared some very special memories. It has been an absolute pleasure to lead you Year 12 as your Coordinator for 2022!
A thank you also goes to the wonderful support of the parents and family members who came along to celebrate the graduation events with us this week.
Mrs Jennings ♡
SPORTS CUP & CRAZY PHOTO DAY
More images available on Facebook.
YEAR 12 GRADUATION LITURGY & SPECIAL AWARDS CEREMONY
& WHOLE SCHOOL GRADUATION ASSEMBLY
On the evening of Tuesday 20 September we held our Year 12 Liturgy and Graduation Award Ceremony. The following day our school community joined us for the Year 12 Graduation Assembly.
During this event, tradition continued, announcing the winning house for 2022. Congratulations to House Cup winners, Benedict!
YEAR 12 BREAKFAST
On Tuesday 20 September we held our traditional Year 12 Breakfast, with the opportunity for students and staff to catch up during their final week.
HSC DRAMA OnSTAGE NOMINATIONS
HSC MUSIC ENCORE NOMINATIONS
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HSC DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY NOMINATIONS
VET AWARDS
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
STRESS LESS PACKS
IMPORTANT DATES - TERM 4
- 12 October - 4 November - HSC Written Exams
- Thursday 17 November - Year 12 Graduation Dinner
- Thursday 15 December - 2022 HSC results released
Mrs Kate Jennings
Year 12 Coordinator
This was a valuable experience developing student’s understanding and value of money.
Ms Karin Corton
Learning Support Teacher
WAKAKIRRI TROUPE - ONE OF ONLY 8 SELECTED IN NSW
SOUTH COAST PUBLIC SPEAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS
YEAR 10 MARINE STUDIES EXCURSION
YEAR 7 BOOK WEEK - FABULOUS WORK!
NOWRA PLAYERS - SHOALHAVEN YOUTH DRAMA AWARDS
On Sunday 18 September 8 students from St John's participated in the annual Shoalhaven Youth Drama Awards. The students were successful in winning a number of awards.
In the Senior Division Group Performance Tyla Mc Guirk, Jade Poulton, Thomas Hodgkins and Milla Watts were awarded 1st place for their performance “The Thespians”.
In the Senior Division Individual Performance Thomas Hodgkins achieved 1st place for his piece “Stuck” and Jade Poulton won the Madge Watts award for her piece “Joan”, Tyla McGuirk won the Coin Andrews award for her piece “Rhonda” and Milla Watts won the Dorothy Portner award for her piece “The Defenceless Creature”. Congratulations to all of our amazing senior Drama students.
In the Junior Division Group performance Kate Broome and Amelie Wells were awarded 1st place for their performance “Fool for Love” and Johanna Pichler and Charlotte Hertzberg as part of a group from Nowra Players were awarded a certificate of commendation.
In the Junior Division Individual Performance Johanna Pichler was awarded 1st place for her performance of a piece she developed at Nowra Players and Amelie Wells achieved 2nd place for her piece “Doing it for the Penguins”. Congratulations to our wonderful junior Drama students.
I would like to thank all of the Drama students who took the time to prepare for and then perform at the Shoalhaven Youth Drama Awards. Not only did your dedication and talent shine brightly but so did your positivity and support for all competitors. You were great ambassadors for St John's. Congratulations and well done to all students.
HANNAH KICKING GOALS
YEAR 7 - 10 TRANSITION & PATHWAY PROGRAM (TAPP)
During Weeks 9 and 10 all students in Year 7 - 10 undertook a transition and pathways lesson during one of their timetabled classes. This is the third such lesson for each year group this year and is part of their overall career education program at SJE. Parent can ask the following questions to engage with their children:
Year 7 - What jobs did the career test suggest for you? What is a vocation?
Year 8 - What is an entrepreneur? Did the test suggest you would be a good entrepreneur?
Year 9 - Which of the fast 5 industries will you explore more?
Year 10 - Is your work readiness certificate email to Mrs Hill? Do you have a good resume?
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 teacher 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.
All Year 10 students have access to the paperwork electronically through the Year 10 Careers Google Classroom page, have been given a hard copy in PALS and can get spare copies from the careers office.
EMERGENCY SERVICES EXPO EXCURSION
Interested students from Year 9 - 11 investigated career pathways, discovered volunteering opportunities and researched what qualifications were needed for certain emergency services careers.
YEAR 11
UOW SUMMER MASTER CLASS
A great opportunity for Year 11 students to get better prepared for their HSC study and a huge advantage if they are considering going to UOW in the future, with a guaranteed interview into a related course. Study commitment is 3 weeks over the summer holidays. Courses are FREE as we are an In2Uni school and give credit points as a University course.
Applications close on Sunday 25 September.
https://www.uow.edu.au/engage/outreach-pathways/year-12/year-12-summer/
YEAR 12
UAC
Just a reminder that early bird (on time) UAC applications close on 30th September so you only pay the early bird fee of $73, rather than $200 if you pay after that date.
SUMMER SKILLS - FREE COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
The Summer Skills website is now live!
Free RSA, RGS, first aid certificate, white card and many more in industry specific training - locations all over NSW.
16+ year old school leavers may be interested in taking up a short course over the Summer to gain an extra qualification or statement of attainment to help them into employment or further study.
Link to website here: https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills
If you’re looking through the course finder and can’t see something in your area, it may be that the training organisation hasn’t confirmed the course yet, so keep checking back and TAFE are also still working through their offerings, so their courses will appear on the website soon.
PRODUCTIVITY BOOT CAMP - 5 WEEK ACCELERATED COURSE
Specifically aimed at Year 12 School leavers wishing to undertake an Apprenticeship or Traineeship. The best bit about this free Bootcamp….we have employers interested in interviewing and providing potential employment opportunities commencing early 2023. During this 5 week Bootcamp, beginning in mid-November, we will provide time off for students to attend HSC exams based on individual exam schedules (if required).
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.
Ms Carla Hill
Transition and Pathways Specialist
NSW CCC ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
P&F NEWS
P&F MEETING - MONDAY 24 OCTOBER 6PM
WORKING BEE - SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
