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As members of a Catholic school it is important to continue to reflect on our own spirituality and consider our faith journey. A Catholic school is a place where the beliefs, teachings and practices of our Catholic faith are taught and experienced. Catholic Social Teachings also underpin how we live our lives as individuals and as a Catholic community. However a spiritual journey and personal faith practice is a decision that each of us may make in our own lives.
For me personally I grew up in a practicing Catholic family and attended Catholic
school. I do believe however that it was as a young adult that I finally made my deep commitment to my Catholic faith. Some of the pivotal aspects that supported my commitment to my Catholic faith were:
- My passions for science and the awe of creation that it showed me.
- My love of nature and spending time in this space helps me to feel the close presence of God.
- Becoming a mother and its role in the creation of new life.
- Feeling supported by my faith and faith community and practices during difficult times.
- Being a part of a faith community that shares my values and being able to engage with that community regularly through going to church, engaging with prayer and social events.
- And finally the fact that the Bible and Catholic teachings provide a moral code and source of inspiration for life.
St John’s, as a Catholic school, is a place to learn about what a spirituality may offer them. I encourage all our young people to engage with the opportunities that their Catholic school provides for their faith and spiritual development and reflect on what it may mean to them in their lives.
CHANGES TO PARKING & PICK UP/DROP OFF AT ST JOHN'S
As advised during the week, council have commenced works on the netball courts opposite our school, impacting the parking and pick up/drop off at St John's.
Click here to view these changes.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal
TERM 4 2022
WEEK 9A
Monday 5 - Friday 9 December: Year 10 Work Experience
Thursday 8 December: Creative & Performing Arts Showcase 6pm
WEEK 10B
Thursday 15 December: HSC Results released. 11am Year 12 Lunch.
Thursday 15 December: Year 7-10 Presentation Assembly
Friday 16 December: Activities Day. Final day for students.
RETURN TO SCHOOL DATES TERM 1 2023
Friday 27 & Monday 30 January: Staff Development (Pupil Free Days)
Tuesday 31 January: Year 7, 11 & 12 return (& Year 10 Peer Support)
Tuesday 31 January: New students in Year 8-11 (Partial day)
Wednesday 1 February: Year 8, 9 & 10 return.
In their new role as members of the Students Representative Council the Year 7 leaders from each house group were asked to share with the rest of the school community the many ways that Year 7 students contribute to and the diverse activities they participate in, in the Shoalhaven community. As you will read, the list is many and varied.
As this is the last report for the year, I would like to wish all the Year 7 students and their families a joyful and peaceful Christmas with lots of quality time shared together with family and friends (and hopefully lots of sunshine?!!)
Look forward to seeing you all again next year!
'With strong minds and gracious hearts''
Mrs Wendy Isemonger
Year 7 Coordinator
REMINDER - SOCIAL MEDIA
There are both benefits and challenges around the student use of social media. Positive conduct around the use of social media is obviously encouraged and this can involve effective communication in some circumstances between friends and families. However uploading material to the internet using any variety of social media platform can be harmful and dangerous.
If confronting or negative personal statements or videos are uploaded to the internet this can be extremely damaging for those whom they target. The following issues need to be considered by all students at St John’s:
- It can be offensive to a range of people even if it was not meant to be. It can be interpreted as such and have a big negative psychological impact on people.
- All students at St John’s have signed an agreement (technology) that outlines expected appropriate use of computers and mobile phones, this does not include posting inappropriate material through any social media platform.
- Individuals and families have the right to involve the police if any material proves to be offensive or harmful to anyone in any way.
In summary we are saying this to support you in making the right decisions and also to report anything that you feel is having an effect on you or someone you know. Please report any incidents of social media misuse that you know may be affecting the peaceful relationships and/or the positive learning environment at St John’s.
UNIFORM
There is a recent move towards students choosing the wrong uniform on the wrong day, particularly wearing the sports uniform instead of our regular school uniform. We are asking that parents support our students in wearing the correct uniform, not just the sports one because it is easy. Any student wearing the incorrect uniform will have their lunch and recess time taken away from them via withdrawal.
YEAR 8 DODGEBALL COMPETITION 2022
Students have entered teams on Google Classroom and this social competition is scheduled to commence Week 9 in the gym.
Rules at a glance...
- 10 Players per team (5 Male and 5 Female Students).
- All players stand behind their baseline until directed by the referee.
- Once indicated by the referee players can run to grab a ball but must retreat behind the white line before they can initially throw the ball.
- If you are hit from the shoulders down by the ball you are out.
- If the ball is caught on the full, the player who threw the ball is out. One player from the team who caught the ball can return to play; players are to return chronologically in order as to when they got out.
- The team becomes the winners when all opposition players are eliminated.
Don't forget, to be at your best be sure to utilise the 5 D's of Dodgeball... Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge!
Mr Simon Vaughan
Year 8 Coordinator
NAVAL AVIATION PROSPECT SCHEME
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY WORKSHOP
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
Mrs Carla Hill
Transition & Pathways Specialist
Year 7 and 8 have yet again experienced a range of different learning environments and projects. The Year 8 classes have just finished their subject Technology Mandatory continuing on from Year 7. This has given them a great taste to continue in their electives in Year 9 & 10.
Some students in Year 8 have been in the kitchen, preparing, cooking and baking. We thought we would share the recipe of one of their practical lessons!
Other classes have been in the Agricultural Farm. We are in the process of upgrading the garden beds. Students have been digging up old sleepers as well as general farming duties.
Mr Higgins loves teaching his eco lamp project where students solder, bend metal and shape timber!
Students have been using the laser cutter in Digital Technology and our new 3D printers are now online!
Mr Phil Gould
TAS Coordinator
WOLLONGONG DIOCESE SPORTS AWARDS
Click below to view the South Coast Register article on these talented athletes!
?TEAM TRIATHLON NOMINATIONS- EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 2023
In previous years St John's has been well represented in this event with close to 80 students attending pre-covid.
Teams event: Friday 24 February 2023
Location: The International Regatta Centre, Penrith
Nominations close: Wednesday 14th December 3pm.
Complete ONE nomination per team using the form on the google classroom rep sport page.
Please be aware that the amount of teams a school can nominate could be capped for 2023, so completing this form will not guarantee your teams entry for the event.
Cost of the event will be determined by the number of students participating.
Teams chosen to compete will be accepted on a 'first in best dressed' manner. This will include both google form nomination and notes returned.
Once you have nominated, Compass will provide you and your team with permission notes to complete. If team members fail to return these notes in a timely manner, your team's entry may be withdrawn.
WORLD INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION
On Wednesday 30 November we hosted the 2022 WIPCE Reconnector. Students and staff from John Terry and St Joseph's visited St John's to reconnect after participating at 2022 WIPCE in the September holidays.
We started the day with a Welcome to country by Aunty Chris Finney and a prayer in the chapel. We reflected on our time at WIPCE around the yarn circle and participated in the activity yarning with yarn.
BULWUL BALAANG (YOUNG WOMEN'S) PROGRAM
The Bulwul Balaang (Young Women's) Program was held on Tuesday in Gooroon by Waminda.
The session activities are guided by the participants but often focus on physical wellbeing, social and emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, Culture, goal setting, working towards study or employment, planning for the future, building skills and confidence.
Thank you to the wonderful ladies at Waminda.
GIRLS' SPIRITUALITY DAY
On Monday 28 November our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Years 7 & 8 and non Aboriginal girls from the Aboriginal Dance Troupe participated in a Girls' Spirituality Day with Aunty Chris Finney.
They began with prayer in the chapel and they connected their faith through storytelling and self esteem activities. After lunch the girls participated in weaving and yarning. The day ended with a gratitude prayer in the chapel.
Ms Joanne Coleman
on behalf of Gooroon
YEAR 10 REFLECTION DAY
Last Friday Year 10 students participated in a Reflection Morning which focussed on Catholic Social Teachings.
Students participated in a small group human dignity activity and then participated in workshops which focussed on Aboriginal Reconciliation, creating gifts for those in need in the Shoalhaven, and undertaking a "water walk" to further understand the poor access to fresh water endured by many communities in our world.
NOWRA PARISH
VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL - WE NEED YOUR HELP!
YEAR 10 SPORT
YEAR 10 CHILD STUDIES
DENZEL -BEACH CHAMPION!
AWESOME VIRTUAL REALITY LESSON
DANCING FOR THE ELDERLY
YEAR 9 DANCE
ANOTHER DRAGON SELECTION!
JAMES RECIPIENT OF PRESTIGIOUS SPORTS AWARD
AWESOME YEAR 11 VOLUNTEERS
REP FOOTBALLERS
CAPTAIN ON TRACK TO INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS IN 2 SPORTS!
An incredible achievement by a remarkable young lady! Good luck Mel! We look forward to following your journey!
KEIRA CONTINUES TO SHINE IN THE SURF
Keira has been excelling at the Australian Surfing Championships in Queensland. Despite several top seeds knocked out in the challenging conditions, Keira rose to the challenge as the standout under 18 women's competitor dropping a 9.00 opening ride in heat three to finish with a 15.00 two-wave score to qualify for the quarter finals.
Keira South Coast Register Article 1 December 2022
We look forward to sharing Keira's final results!
THRIFT SHOP SALE
HSC ARTWORK EXCELLENCE -
AN INCREDIBLE 6 STUDENTS SELECTED FOR EXHIBITION!
DIDGERIDOO IN A DAY
YEAR 11 HOSPITALITY
LUNCH ORDERS
SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.