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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
- PASTORAL CARE
- FROM THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
- UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
- YEAR 9 NEWS
- YEAR 10 NEWS
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
- CAREERS NEWS
- NEWS FROM SPECIAL EDUCATION
- NEWS FROM DEFENCE
- ASSORTED NEWS
- REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
- NEWS FROM GOOROON
- NEWS FROM CREATIVE ARTS
- NEWS FROM VINNIES
- P & F NEWS
- SHOALHAVEN COMMUNITY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
- COMMUNITY NEWS
As we move into the Term 1 school holidays, I pray that you can all enjoy a restful holiday and enjoy the beautiful Easter weather and immerse yourself in the solemnity and joy of the Easter liturgies during Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. I trust that all families will make time to visit their local Parish and enter into some of the services and events offered.
Palm Sunday, last weekend, was the commencement of the holiest week in the
Catholic year. Jesus arrives into Jerusalem to a thunderous welcome - the messiah,
the saviour. Less than a week later the same people wanted him dead. And a terrible
death, of torture and humiliation on the cross. This week is so pivotal to all of
humanity.
The symbolism and messages are immense and so very pertinent to all of us. The
messiah, a few days later betrayed, then crucified. However, the final scene is one of
victory and overcoming human death - because of faith. This magical week is a
summary of life - to be able to have a Resurrection Sunday, we need to suffer the
trials of a Good Friday. Again, I urge all families to attend their local Parish services.
This is the time to ask yourself questions, to look inside, to be open to the new and
to be changed for the better. What do I stand for, what do I want in my life?
This week at St John's we celebrated our Easter Liturgy. I would like to praise our students of St John's for the respect that was displayed during the liturgy.
TERM 1 PROGRESS REPORTS
As your child leaves school for the holidays they will receive the Term 1 Progress
Report. One significant way of supporting your child’s learning is to sit down and
discuss the contents of this report. Ask questions, show interest and make notes so
that you might call the Staff early next Term.
PARENT / TEACHER / STUDENT CONFERENCES
I would also like thank all those parents who made the time and effort to attend the P/T/S interviews, we had a tremendous turnout on Wednesday Evening at our face to face conferences and also on our Zoom meetings. I am aware that for some families this means a significant amount of travel or re-organsing of other commitments. I thank you and I am not sure if your child will but the interest and support of their learning will pay off.
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. We commence Term 2 with a Pupil Free day on Monday 24 April, as the Staff work on improvements in learning outcomes here at SJE. ANZAC Day public holiday is on Tuesday 25th. Students return on Wednesday 26 April, in full winter uniform including blazers.
SMILING MIND
The team at Smiling Mind have launched a free to Resilient Families Program. Supporting kids to develop their emotional regulation, coping and social skills and to build resilience. The program fosters Children’s social connections and provides parents with the tools to help get them there.
What is the Resilient Families Program
Featuring six modules with bite-sized activities, the Resilient Families Program helps kids develop key social and emotional skills and equips parents and carers with the tools to support them to build their mental fitness.
Benefits of the Resilient Families Program
Children develop key social and emotional skills, including:
- Understanding and navigating emotions.
- Building self-worth and strong relationships.
- Learning flexible thinking skills.
Parents & carers learn alongside children with a series of videos that:
- Explain the children’s activities and intended learning outcomes.
- Offer practical tips for you to assist your children to develop key social and emotional skills.
- Guide you to support your children whilst they build their mental fitness.
QPR Training
Early next term, staff will undertake an online suicide prevention program (QPR). QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer - the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
QPR suicide prevention training will teach you to:
- Identify warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide
- Confidently ask if someone is thinking about suicide
- Connect them to appropriate support
This training is available online for any families wishing to complete:
https://www.suicidepreventioncollaborative.org.au/training/question-persuade-refer/
Mr Aidan Leishman
Pastoral Care
TERM 2
WEEK 1 (Week A)
Monday 24 April: Staff Development Day (No students)
Tuesday 25 April: ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Wednesday 26 April: Students return for Term 2 (Winter School Uniform to be worn Term 2 & 3 including School Blazer to & from school)
Thursday 27 April: ANZAC Assembly (8:39am - 9:30am)
WEEK 2 (Week B)
Monday 1 May: P&F Meeting (6pm start)
Monday 1 May: Diocesan Cross Country at Willandra
Wednesday 3 May: Year 7 Reflection Day ( Period 1 - 3 )
Friday 5 May: Vinnies Trivia Night (4:30pm arrival for 5pm start - 6:30pm finish)
WEEK 3 (Week A)
Tuesday 9 May: HSC and Beyond Information Evening - Year 12 2023
Wednesday 10 May - Friday 12 May: Year 9 Camp
Thursday 11 May: St John's Working Bee (3pm)
YEAR 9 PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
Thanks to those families who were able to attend the Parent information evening that was held at the school on the 22nd of March 2023. The following is some key information that was delivered on this night. This includes the Camp information, support and advice around Vaping and a preview and explanation of the YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health) sessions being conducted at school later in Term 2.
Our school motto PAX CHRISTI builds the core of everything we do at SJE
Our fundamental focus areas of being a Christian community, recognising the dignity of every member of our school community, always having high expectations of every student, continually striving for excellence in learning and mapping and supporting positive growth is the basis of what we do. Discussions included being together on camp and how this will work with a new approach, highlighting important issues for young people and their health and being proactive with positive mental health are all shaped by our combined approach to quality Catholic education.
YEAR 9 CAMP - BAY & BEYOND
Please find parent info and packing list information for students for camp.
EQUIPMENT UPDATE FOR CAMP FROM ORGANISERS:
1) You do not need to purchase or borrow a 70 litre Hiking pack that is on the equipment list for your child. A duffel bag will be OK for this camp as we will be staying at base camp.
REMINDER TO COMPLETE ASAP FOR CAMP:
- School based permission note - by giving Consent on Compass.
- Behaviour contract - signed by parent/student and returned to your childs PALS teacher.
- Camp Registration - online via the link below and use Code - student https://oe.venueregistrations.net/0410-year-9-bay-and-beyond
VAPING
Mr Simon Vaughan
Year 9 Coordinator
YEAR 10 CHOICEZ DAY - STUDENT REFLECTION
Last week, Year 10 participated in the Choicez Day on the 29th of March, hosted by Your Choicez. We discussed topics in a seminar such as sexual consent and sex, sexuality, pornography, intimacy and healthy relationships. The girls and boys were split into groups for the day, each discussing different elements of relationships and ourselves. We also participated in small group discussions and activities after each topic of the day. The day was very insightful and we became more confident about ourselves, and know what is right for us in any relationship.
Steffi Malady
YEAR 10 MUSIC ASSESSMENT
“Miss Baker’s Year 10 music class have just completed their first assessment where students performed an Australian piece of music as a soloist or as a member of an ensemble. Students also learnt the new skill of arranging. This was as an added component of the task as students were encouraged to take their piece in a new direction and explore other genres. Well done Year 10!”
Year 10 Coordinator
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Student's and staff participated in 'Station's of the Cross' during the last 2 weeks of term. This Christian ritual traces the final events in the human life of Jesus, from being condemned to death to being laid in the tomb.
GIDEON'S DISTRIBUTING THE NEW TESTAMENT
St John's would like to thank Bob from Gideon's for distributing a copy of the New Testament to all of our Year 7 Students last week as part of their mission to spread God's word. The Gideon's International currently distribute an average of 70 million copies of the Bible annually.
MASS
Mass on Wednesday 29 March was celebrated by Fr Tiziano and attended by 7RE.J & 7RE.K in our beautiful St John's Chapel.
HOLY WEEK MASS PROGRAM 2023
MILTON / ULLADULLA / SUSSEX INLET PARISHES
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2023
A brief note to inform parents/guardians and students about the Sacramental Program
running this year at St John’s.
Any students that would like to be baptised into the Catholic faith or receive the Sacraments
of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion or Confirmation, are invited to participate in the
Sacramental program that will be running during the year and in school time.
Please see the attached letter that accompanies this newsletter for further information.
Mark Fuller
Sacramental Program Facilitator
NOWRA PARISH
Click here to access Nowra Parish
Click here to access Nowra Parish Facebook Page
MILTON PARISH
YEAR 12 - LOOKING TOWARDS 2024
Do not panic! Whilst UAC opens on Wednesday, use the Easter break to do some research on:
- The fields you are interested in. Find out the range of career pathways it can lead you to
- What the job entails. Connect with community members who are working in the fields you have researched. Find out firsthand what it is that they do. Ask questions!
- Tertiary institutions; where they are located? Do you see yourself living in these locations? How will you support yourself?
- Which institutions offer the courses you are interested in? I strongly suggest you look at the course structure, including assessments
- Scholarships and early offer opportunities
- Tertiary institutions; direct applications for 2024
UAC applications are open for a while, however, key dates must be adhered to, to avoid late fees.
To help you with the application process, check the information below:
UPCOMING EVENTS AND INFORMATION
April 5 Live UAC Information Session starting at 5.30 pm
Kim Paino, UAC General Manager, Marketing and Engagement, will give you an overview of UAC and answer some FAQs. The live session will be available to be rewatched immediately after the Live Session.
If interested, go to the link attached for details:
Equity Scholarships are awarded to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those who receive Centrelink income support payments such as ABSTUDY, Austudy, Youth Allowance, JobSeeker Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment (Single) or the Carer Payment. There are two types of Equity Scholarship: Institution Equity Scholarships: these are funded by individual institutions and their value, eligibility criteria and duration differ between institutions Indigenous Student Success Program: these are funded by the Australian Government and are not covered on this website. Most institutions also offer merit scholarships: apply directly to the institution for these.
Go to the Link for further information
UAC - Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS)
Applications open again on 5 Apr 2023 The Schools Recommendation Scheme (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. Information about applying this year, including application and offer dates, is being updated progressively, so check back at this link regularly.
Go to the Link for further information
University of Sydney Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme (CASAS)
The Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme offers talented Year 12 students a chance to receive an early offer to study music based on their audition and academic performance in year 11 and 12 so far, prior to getting an ATAR.
Go to the Link for further information
Fee-Free Apprenticeships
There’s never been a better time to start an apprenticeship in NSW. The NSW Government is paying the course cost for 100,000 new apprenticeships – meaning apprentices undertaking a government funded apprenticeship no longer face a student fee of up to $2000. Apprenticeships are a great career pathway. They combine on-the-job training with classroom study to give you the skills and experience employers are looking for. Apprenticeships generally take around 3-4 years to complete, and apprentices earn a salary while they learn. There are more than 120 different apprenticeship courses available in NSW, in a range of industries including construction, cooking, aviation and automotive.
Go to the Link for further information
Careers at Council
Students looking for information about job opportunities in local government, and any related qualification requirements, should visit www.careersatcouncil.com.au. Careers at Council lists the job vacancies of over 100 councils in NSW and features videos and career path stories of many of the sector's employees.
Traineeships, Cadetships, Apprenticeships - Information & Opportunities
Professional Cadetships Australia | Applications for Business Cadetships are open and close on 24 May. Cadets combine university study with paid work at leading companies. Applications for Technology Cadetships will open on 24 April and close on 2 June. www.professionalcadets.com.au
Study and Work Traineeship Opportunities | If you are looking for traineeship opportunities so you can learn and earn at the same time, check out what www.studyandwork.com.au has on offer.
Ms Marcia Arenas
Transition and Pathways Specialist
VIETNAM VETERAN VISIT
In Week 11, the Junior MC Students invited a Vietnam Veteran Mr. Blundell to talk about his experiences during the War. This was a cross curricular connection with both outcomes in the English curriculum and History. The students were well prepared and asked the Senior MC class to be an audience so they could have an interactive survey at the end of the interview. The concepts covered were based around 'Conscription'. The students were asked to verbally construct an argument around opinions on this topic. Mr. Blundell not only gave great information around the Vietnam War, he also was a great assistance in the debate. Both MC classes would like to thank Mr. Blundell for his time and of course for his service to our country.
ANZAC DAY WREATHS
What a fabulous job our students in Learning Support have done making wreaths for distribution to local ANZAC Day Memorial Services!
SENIOR MC FOOD TECHNOLOGY
The MC Senior Food Tech class has been cooking up a storm this term, including making some delicious ANZAC Biscuits.
Ms Ruth Fox
Special Education Coordinator
ST JOHN’S ANZAC ASSEMBLY
The annual St John’s ANZAC Assembly will be held at 8:39am on Thursday 27th April. Guests are to arrive and sign in at our school office by 8:30am.
Year 12 History students are preparing a presentation, a guest speaker from HMAS
Albatross will give an address and Father Michael will give a short homily. During the formal part of the assembly, our students who are Navy, Army and Air Force cadets form a guard, the Last Post and Reveille are played and the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia are sung. It is always a very moving and special 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. For students who have signed up to take part in these very special ceremonies, please see the following table for details of meeting places and times.
Ms Natalie Hayes
Defence Mentor
YEAR 7 SPORTS AWARDS
Year 8 Geography students from Ms Swan and Mr Standen's class had a fun adventure on Tuesday. They went to Brown's Creek to undertake some water testing as part of the "Water in the World" topic. Students had a great time exploring their natural environment around the school and loved learning outside!
YEAR 12 - PHOEBE SZYMONICZEK
Congratulations to Phoebe Szymoniczek from Year 12 for making the SK Metro Seahawks Netball team.
YEAR 12 WORK PLACEMENT
St John's would like to express our sincere thanks to the following businesses for their support with our Year 12 students on work placement: Tim Webster Building, Simmark Electrical, Seascape Excavation & landscaping, Joel Perkins Electrical, Vogue Landscape & Design Stand Fast Fencing, Benchmark Building & Design, Stand Fast Fencing, and Klaasen Plumbing.
YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY
In honour of Earth Hour School Day on Friday 24 March the Year 12 Geography class spent their double lesson outside using only their brain power. We practiced our mapping skills and learnt more about the marine life of the Great Southern Reef.
SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY
On Friday 24 March St John's School Cross Country was held at Willandra. We would like to thank the parents & carers that helped out at the cross country, your support is much appreciated. Students are also to be congratulated for their participation in the event. Here are some photo's of our students enjoying the day.
HARMONY WEEK
DIOCESAN SOCCER GALA DAY - JUNIOR & INTERMEDIATE BOYS
The Intermediate Boy's from team displayed exceptional football and the boys certainly were able to hold their heads high. Our first game ended in a nil-all draw against Edmund Rice with some outstanding plays from Isac Norton and George Hyam keeping a clean sheet. Our second game was a 2-0 victory against St Josephs with Tom Rutkowski scoring a brace with some fine play out wide from both Jonathon Martinez and Beau Lynch. Next up was our first loss against the grand finalists, Holy Spirit. It was a tough loss with sensational goals from our opposition and impressive performances from our own Hugh Duff, Alonso Garcia, and Luciano Garcia. Needing a win, we played our best football of the day against Corpus Christi, however, the goal-scoring touch had deserted us, but it was not without some fine performances from James Winchester, Jackson Hill, and Arlyn Duffy. This meant we had slipped down the pool in our points and had our final game against St Benedicts was a close affair with our player of the day Denzel Atkinson leading from the front and Nicholas Rayes and Joquain Knott within minutes of their 4th clean sheet of the day, conceding a penalty and the game. The boys were gallant all day in their performances and should be proud of how they played each of their games throughout the day. Boys came 8th in the end with 1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses.
Both teams put together some great performances however the results of the day did not reflect how well both teams played and had a lot of fun. A big thank you to Nathan and Lucas for their umpiring for the under 13's team.
DIOCESE SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2023
SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY AGE CHAMPIONS
On Friday 24 March St John's School Cross Country was run at Willandra. Congratulations to all the Age Champions!
NSWCCC SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
TERM 1 2023 REPRESENTATIVE SPORT OPPORTUNITIES
Below are the NSWCCC individual pathways sports events that students can nominate.
Check the registration process and events via the web site https://csnsw.sport/ or see this link for help
https://csnsw.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/article/198901765?src=-916282111%20%20?
Please see below the 2023 Flyer to promote NSWCCC individual pathways and the process for registering through the CSNSW Sport website for students and parents information.
Please feel free to contact our school with any questions.
OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF WECOMING POLES
On Wednesday 5 April the official commissioning of the 'Welcoming Poles' was held. St John's would like to thank the community members that were present especially Aunty Christine George who joined our principal Mr Wayne Marshall in the cutting of the ribbon. The whole school community would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to Aunty Kerrie Williams, the artist who created and painted the poles that not only look beautiful but make us aware of our indigenous history and culture.
SCHOOL PLAY
VINNIES TRIVIA NIGHT
Hello SJE families!
St. John's is holding a TRIVIA NIGHT!!!!!
Come join us on Friday, the 5th of May for a family friendly evening of fun. There will be pizza, raffles and a variety of questions so get your team of 8 together! Book your tickets online ($10 adults, $7 students), and come ready to WIN!!! It is an excellent opportunity to be involved in our SJE community, and raise money for a good cause. Tickets will be available in Week 9 of this term. Get together a group of friends and purchase a table of 8. Alternatively, buy a smaller amount and make some new friends as you are made into a team. You are welcome to bring snacks or dinner along, or you may purchase some pizzas when you book your tickets.
All funds raised will go towards the St Vincent de Paul Winter appeal - we are running on donations!
St Vincent De Paul is an organisation that works alongside Vinnies to support those in need in our community, specifically those who are homeless. Every year, St John’s hosts a Winter Appeal to help support those who are less fortunate and the trivia night is running in support of this event.
We have already received some very generous donations from a few local businesses and corporations around the Shoalhaven, but need some extra support to ensure the fundraiser is successful..
In the spirit of giving back to the community, Vinnies is asking for donations to help the trivia night be the best it can be!
We ask you to please consider donating to help support Vinnies!
If there are any family businesses within our school community that are able to donate suitable prizes, experiences or vouchers, it would be greatly appreciated in support of the trivia night and St Vincent de Paul.
If you are wanting to donate or have any further inquiries, please contact the school on 4423 1666
We appreciate your support of Vinnies and look forward to seeing you all at the trivia night in Term 2!
EASTER CARDS FOR JONATHAN ROGERS HOUSE
St John's Vinnies Youth Group have been busy again this year making Easter cards to deliver to the residents at Jonathan Rogers House Nursing Home. Our students gave up their lunch times to make these beautiful Easter cards to spread some joy to the residents of Jonathan Rogers House this Easter.
CROSS COUNTRY
P&F MEETING - MONDAY 1ST MAY 2023
Our next P&F General Meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday 1st May 2023. 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 2023.
HAPPY EASTER
Keeping in touch with the Catholic Primary Schools within the Shoalhaven District.
Please select below links to the Shoalhaven Catholic Primary Schools websites.
JUNIOR WINTER TENNIS COMPETITION
