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WONDERFUL ANZAC DAY CELEBRATIONS
Anzac Day is such an important time in our country. To remember, celebrate and pay respects to those who served our country to allow us to have what we do today. In the following pages you will see how the school worked with the local communities and also had its own celebration.
We were privileged, at the school assembly, to hear from Warrant Officer William McConnell as our keynote speaker and then a stirring speech from Mr Gary Gilligan of the Nowra RSL. Finally, Fr Michael spoke beautifully about the often unrecognised work and key role of military Chaplains.
LEST WE FORGET
At St John’s we focus on quality education and peaceful relationships. This takes some hard work and a bit of focus to achieve. But is so worth it in today’s society where spur of the moment and sometimes thoughtless actions seem to become the norm.
So, I was devastated to read of some of the gun violence that continues to be inflicted upon society in the USA. 44 mass shootings in the month of April so far. When will this stop? We give thanks for the society that we have in Australia, not perfect, but so much better than so many other places.
MY LONG SERVICE LEAVE THIS TERM
I am a bit of a cricket tragic. And a few years ago I had organised some Long Service Leave (LSL) to go to England and watch some of the Ashes. That was postponed because of covid and travel implications. So last year it was discussed with the Director of Schools, approved and booked for this year. That was before I knew that I was coming to St John’s.
So I will be absent for Week’s 8, 9 and 10 of this Term. I am very pleased to announce that Mr Eirth has been appointed as the Acting Principal during my absence.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE HEART OF GOD...
Life is not an exercise to be endured. It is a mystery to be unfolded. Life comes from the living of it, from the attitudes we bring to it and the understandings we take away from
each of the moments that touch our own. The truth is that life is the only commodity each of us actually owns. It is the only thing, in the universe over which we have any real control whatsoever, slim as that may be.
It is a busy world. A frightfully busy world. It is the kind of world that consumes us, drains our soul, dries out our hearts, damps our spirits, and makes living more a series of duties than a kind of joyful mystery. We find ourselves spending life too tired to garden, too distracted to read, too busy to talk, too plagued by people and deadlines to organise our lives to reflect on our futures, to appreciate our present. We simply go on, day after day after day.
Where is what it means to be human in all of that? Where is God in all of that? How shall we ever get the most out of life if life itself is our greatest obstacle to it?
Joan Chittister CONTEMPLATION IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS
TERM 2
WEEK 3 (Week A)
Tuesday 9 May: HSC and Beyond Information Evening - Year 12 2023
Illawarra School Careers Expo - Year 12
Wednesday 10 May: Year 9 Camp Departs (2 nights/3 days)
Thursday 11 May: St John's Working Bee (3pm)
Shoalhaven Eisteddfod -Dance
Friday 12: Year 9 Return from camp
WEEK 4 (Week B)
Tuesday 16 May: Year 10 Immunisation Clinic
Thursday 18 May: Shoalhaven Eisteddfod - Vocal Group
Friday 19 May: St John's School Athletics Carnival
WEEK 5 (Week A)
Monday 22 May: Diocesan Cross Country - Willandra
Friday 26 May: St John's Foundation Day
EVENT REMINDER - ST JOHN'S ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
The annual school Athletics Carnival is being held on Friday, 19 May (Week 4) at Shoalhaven High. Students will come to school as normal and walk to the venue in their House groups after PALS. They are expected to be in sports uniform and will be strongly encouraged to gain points for their Houses by competing in as many events as possible.
A few reminders:
- Year 7-10 students are to wear their full sports uniform and bring appropriate House colour accessories to wear once at the carnival (no singlets).
- Year 11 and 12 students may wear sports uniform or appropriate house coloured clothing.
- If students would like to compete in the 1500m track event, this will take place at 8.30am (before the whole school carnival starts). Students will need to complete the google form on the Rep Sport google classroom page and meet at school at 8.10am.
- All students are to bring: a hat, water bottle, lunch, and sunscreen. There will be a canteen as well as a BBQ on the day with sausage sizzle and egg and bacon rolls run by Year 12.
- Parent helpers are needed: If you are able to assist at this event as a parent helper, please contact the office (4423 1666 or info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au) and leave your details.
What a busy and exciting start to the term it has been for Year 11. Students have now settled into senior school and have adjusted well to the huge change that is moving from Year 10 to Year 11. The students need to be congratulated on the way they have been wearing the uniform. Just a reminder winter uniform means blazers, pants and if girls choose to wear the skirt they must wear stockings. If there are any issues with the uniform please ask students to speak to their PALS teacher or myself.
We have some exciting events coming up this term. A reminder that the athletics carnival is in Week 4 and all students are encouraged to participate in the events on offer for the day. A reminder that the event is a compulsory school day and all students are expected to attend. We also have foundation day coming up in week 5. Year 11 have busily been preparing their stalls for this day. Again this is a compulsory day of school and all students are required to attend. Another reminder that this day begins with a whole school mass and all students are required to wear their full winter uniform. There will be the opportunity to change after the mass for the fair. Again any questions speak to the students PALS teacher or myself.
ANZAC DAY MARCHES
I would like to congratulate all of those Year 11 students who marched to commemorate ANZAC Day.
I encourage Year 11 again to seek opportunities of leadership this term.
‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me and loved me as yourself’
Year 11 Coordinator
YEAR 12 2023 - YEAR GROUP PRAYER
Christ has no body now on earth but yours;
No hands but yours;
No feet but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world.
Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands with which He is to bless His people.
Amen.
2023 HSC & BEYOND INFORMATION EVENING
TUESDAY 9 MAY 5.30pm - 6.15pm
An Information Evening is being held focusing on 'The HSC and Beyond'.
Information will be presented on:
- Supporting your child during the HSC
- Transition and Pathways
- ATAR Information
- Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Cadetships
- University, TAFE and further education enrolments
- Calendar of Events for Year 12 2023
It is expected that all Year 12 students and their parents/carers attend this evening. Please ensure you answer the Additional Questions within the Compass Portal to indicate your attendance.
The Information Evening will be held in the School hall from 5.30pm to 6.15pm. Refreshments will be available from 5.15pm.
We look forward to meeting with you at the Information Evening on Tuesday 9 May 2023.
ILLAWARRA CAREERS EXPO
All of Year 12 students will be attending the Illawarra Careers Expo on Tuesday May 9 2023 in Wollongong. Permission must be completed on Compass and we will be traveling by bus to the event.
Students are to wear their school uniform if they do not have a sports uniform and may wear their jersey. Students must also bring their own food and drink.
PALS GROWTH CONVERSATIONS
Year 12 have continued to engage with their growth conversations in PALS. With the support of the Y12 PALS teachers and mentors, students are provided with the opportunity to reflect on their current learning and devise SMART goals for further growth and improvement.
UNIFORM/JERSEYS
It is wonderful to see the students now wearing their jerseys for three days a week. It is a credit to the year group that they have earned the extra days. I encourage all Year 12 students to continue to wear their uniform to a high standard as they are very visible as leaders of the school community when wearing their jersey. A reminder also, that they must wear their correct uniform underneath their jersey as well as on Tuesday and Thursday which includes their blazer.
SPORTING SUCCESS
Jarrah Treweek is to be congratulated on his achievements in the Laurie Daley Cup competition. Jarrah’s team won the final with Jarrah scoring two tries and being named man of the match.
Jarrah has now been chosen in the NSW Country U18 team to play at the NSWCCC trials.
Harry Tan has been chosen to represent the Wollongong Diocese in rugby league and we wish him and the Dio team good luck in their upcoming competition.
Madi Doosey is about to embark on the State & National Surf Life Saving Competition and we also wish Madi the best of luck.
Bryn Robison-Mills has just returned from a sailing competition in the Queensland Hobie State Titles. Bryn sailed a Hobie 16 and managed to achieve a first place in the youth fleet and 10th place in the open fleet sailing against previous world champions. It was a three day regatta but due to tough wind conditions races were only held on two days.
Phoebe Szymoniczek is currently competing in the Shoalhaven/Kiama Seahawks Netball Metro League
Scarlett Mahony is dancing in the Stars of Nowra as a dance coach and partner of one of the contestants.
ABORIGINAL STUDIES MAJOR PROJECTS
Year 12 Aboriginal Studies students completed their major projects last term and presented them to members of the local community. As the teacher of this class I am very proud of their achievements and of the hard work and dedication they displayed throughout the whole process. Here is a glimpse of some of the incredible work done by this terrific group of students.
BLESSING OF THE FLEET PARADE
Over the Easter holidays the annual Blessing of the Fleet Parade took place in Ulladulla. During Covid, Matilda Sinclair took out the Princess of the Fleet but the parade was canceled. This year Matilda entered her float and was supported by Lexi, Georgina, Charly, Cindy, Amelia-Kate, Makyla, Dylan Tsilifis, Betty, Annabelle and Logan. Matilda’s Barbie float came 2nd which was very exciting for all involved. Congratulations Matilda and friends.
ANZAC ASSEMBLY
This year’s ANZAC assembly was again a special event on our school calendar. Year 12 students represented the school at the assembly with Hunter marching on with the guard as an army cadet, Finn sang the New Zealand National Anthem and said the ode, Ella sang the Australian National Anthem and the Last Post and Reveille were played by Bryn on trumpet and Jamie on didgeridoo.
I would also like to thank the students who represented St John’s in ANZAC marches across the Shoalhaven as well as laying wreaths.
YEAR 12 BUSINESS STUDIES - TARONGA ZOO
On Friday 29th May, Year 12 Business Studies students travelled to Taronga Zoo. Students attended an education program aligned to Marketing. This case study was very engaging and informative. Thanks to Ms Blades and Ms Berryman for providing this invaluable learning experience to our students.
YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY - MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST FIELDTRIP
The Year 12 Geography class spent the day at Minnamurra Rainforest conducting fieldwork related to their Ecosystems at Risk case study. They collected data related to the functioning of the rainforest and evaluated the management strategies being undertaken in the park.
“God has no hands but yours”
Ms Lynette Kelly
Year 12 Coordinator
YEAR 7 REFLECTION DAY
Today Year 7 experienced their Reflection Morning. The theme for the morning was Solidarity. Students explored how they can work together and make the world a better place by experiencing three different rotations. Students experienced an Aboriginal ritual where they touched the Earth, washed their hands in Water and walked through a Smoking Ceremony prior to participating in a Liturgy focussing on Earth, Water and Fire from Catholic and Aboriginal perspectives. Students also completed a "Let your light shine" creative arts activity - where they reflected upon a reading from Matthew 5:14-14 and made a lantern to symbolise their year group motto. Students were taught our School song "Pax Christi" in preparation for our Foundation Day. Overall, students improved their knowledge and connections of Solidarity with Aboriginal Spirituality, their year group and our school community.
Mr Jack Lopez
Assistant Religious Education Coordinatinator
SERVICE TO OTHERS
To serve others basically means to do something without the expectation of payment or reward. Service to others is a central theme evident in the liturgical and outreach life of the school.
- During the season of Lent, the school community donated generously to Project Compassion. Through donations in PALS, donations on Crazy Sock day and other initiatives, over $1,700 was raised and forwarded to Caritas Australia to serve various communities in Australia and across the world.
- Stations of the Cross - most RE classes participated in a Stations of the Cross liturgy in the last 2 weeks of Term One. At various stations students and staff reflected upon the service of Simon of Cyrene, Veronica, Joseph of Arimathea and Jesus himself.
- Easter Liturgy - the whole school community participated in an Easter Liturgy held on the final day of term One. The Liturgy focussed on three key events - the washing of feet at the Last Supper, the crucifixion of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus. Each of these events highlighted the acts of service humbly and sacrificially offered by Jesus. During the liturgy each House group offered a prayer of service.
- ANZAC Day assembly - focussed on the service to our country given by all who serve in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
- In Week 5 this term we will celebrate Foundation Day. This special day commemorates the foundation of our school - which was only made possible by the “service” of so many people. This day also draws our attention to the “service” the school offers to the Shoalhaven community.
CLASS MASS
Each Wednesday during Period 1 Mass is celebrated in the school Chapel. Two RE classes attend each week and are supported by two Youth Ministry Leaders who proclaim the readings. Fr Joseph and Fr Tiziano have been the presiders at these Masses.
CLASS MASS - TERM 2 WEEK 1 & 2
Mass on Wednesday 26 April was celebrated by Fr Tiziano and attended by 7RE.H and 7RE.I in the St John's Chapel.
Mass on Wednesday 3 May was celebrated by Fr Joseph and attended by 9RE.I and 9RE.J in the St John's Chapel.
Mr David Comensoli
Religious Coordinator
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
ANZAC MEMORIAL
ANZAC MARCHES
St John's students and staff represented the school at all eleven ANZAC Day marches and services within the Shoalhaven region. The reverence and grace shown by all participating students was exemplary.
IN MEMORY OF MR LEN SEYFFER
Ms Natalie Hayes
Defense School Mentor
TERM 1 - REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
TERM 2 - REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
DIOCESAN SOCCER GALA DAY - OPEN GIRLS
DIO EVENTS
Southern Country Girls 16's Rugby League Trials Nominations 2023 see MRS GRAY
NOMINATIONS CLOSE: FRIDAY 26th May, 2023, emailgraye01@dow.
TEAM OPPORTUNITIES
-see google classroom for nomination forms and use the code: aovy4gq
AFL (year 7-9 ) boys and girls (keep an eye out for nominations)
AFL (year 10-12 closed) 19 May
Netball - girls all ages
Netball boys teams all ages (closed)
Volleyball (opens) 21 June
Hockey (opens) 19 June
Basketball (intermediate boys) 1 June
Basketball All ages (still to come - keep an eye out) 16 October
Cricket Boys (year 7-9) 11 October, keep a look out for registrations
- NSWCCC 16 years Boys Football Selections registrations close: 28/5/23
- NSWCCC Hockey Selections - 16 years and Open Girls and Boys registrations close: 5/5/23
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.
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.
SJE EVENTS
NURSING AND HEALTH TASTER DAY
Wednesday, May 3
Students from Yr10 to Yr12 attended UOW’s Shoalhaven Campus for a two-hour information session about this diverse and highly dynamic industry.
2023 ILLAWARRA SCHOOL CAREERS EXPO
Year 12 - Tuesday May 9 & Year 10 - Wednesday May 10
SJE students have the fantastic opportunity to liaise face-to-face with over 100 industries under one roof; The Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley. Amongst those exhibiting, will be Career Experts from TAFE, Universities, Local Businesses and Training Organisations, all of whom can help find career direction.
The Careers Expo Booklet can be found on the Careers Google Classroom. It is highly recommended that students prepare carefully for this event. A map of the stadium exhibitors and a list of exhibitors (alphabetical and numerical) can be used to select and prioritise the stands students wish to see. A hard copy of the Expo Booklet will be provided on the day of the excursion.
STEP INTO TEACHING - SCHOLARSHIPS UP TO $20,000
Wednesday, May 24
This is a great opportunity for students thinking about taking up teaching as a career. The information seminar will take place at SJE.
See Ms Arenas in the Careers Office for information
NAPS - NAVAL AVIATION PROSPECTS SCHEME
Year 10 students interested in taking up a career in Defence are invited to participate in this very exciting program hosted by HMAS Albatross. All information can be found on the Year 10 Careers Google Classroom. An expression of interest must be filled in and submitted to Ms Arenas.
YEAR 12 EVENTS
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY YEAR 12 WEBINAR SERIES
Join us for our Year 12 webinar series to learn everything you need to know about university – from applying and exploring our courses and entry programs, to reducing Year 12 study stress and leaving home.
3 May - Year 12 guide to uni
7 June - Early Entry info session
14 June - Study without stress
19 July - Relocating to Macquarie
https://page.mq.edu.au/FS-UG-WEB-2023-05-1689--Year12WebinarSeries.html
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY YEAR 12 INFORMATION EVENING
Get a feel for our campus, and find out about university entry, scholarships, study options and more at our information evening for Year 12 students and their parents/carers.
This is an ideal opportunity to explore your options and ask any questions you have about the next steps to joining the Sydney community next year.
Discover why we’re ranked 1st in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability.
UTS INTRODUCTION TO CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
10 May
Civil and environmental engineers are problem solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and global leaders. At UTS, we are developing real-time solutions to complex problems and contributing to the improvement of society. We are excited about our future, and we invite you to join us.
Studying this major will give you the key skills you need to become a professional civil engineer plus develop a holistic perspective on environmental issues. You will learn to design environmentally sustainable strategies and develop solutions for environmental topics including air, water, soil, climate change and energy in your community.
https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aqw0e0YQSK6EUwCz4uiy4g#/registration
UTS INTRODUCTION TO BACHELOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
4 May
This course offers a sound education in all aspects of computing and information technology for students who intend to make a career in the profession, as well as providing a pathway to honours, postgraduate study or a research career.
In this webinar, you will hear from key academics and current students about what it's like to study Information Technology at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.
https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LcEtb8V4QOCo11lE9p8YAQ#/registration
UTS INTRODUCTION TO BACHELOR OF GAMES DEVELOPMENT
8 May
This course offers a sound education in all aspects of information technology and develops the diverse skills necessary for a career in computer games development. Graduates gain enhanced work-ready expertise in games development, iterative design processes, team project planning and management, and games-specific technology.
In this webinar, you will hear from key academics and current students about what it's like to study Information Technology at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.
https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C0iupsNyRBaFPODMBXbUgA#/registration
YEAR 10 EVENTS
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY YEAR 10 GUIDE TO UNI WEBINAR
10 May
Join us online and learn everything you need to know about planning for your dream degree (or the one you think you’re interested in!).
We’re here to help with all you need to know about uni – how to maximise your options, how extra-curricular activities can make a difference, and how to select subjects that reflect your interests.
This is where you choose your own adventure – and we’re here to help you get there.
You’ll hear from Macquarie students who were Year 10 students not so long ago. They'll share their tips on subject selection, getting into uni, and life once you’re here.
https://page.mq.edu.au/FSUGWEB2023051688Year10GuidetoUniwebinar.html
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY YEAR 10 INFORMATION EVENINGS ONLINE
11 May
This event will assist you with subject selection and help you start planning your career.
Join us for a fun and informative evening where we will answer important questions such as: What is the ATAR? How does scaling work? What should you consider when selecting your subjects for Year 11 and 12? What are prerequisites and assumed knowledge? What is university really like? You will hear from a range of speakers including University staff and students.
The event is suitable for current Year 10 students and their parents/caregivers.
https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QRDVlhy-TcW0IydA5-EbnA#/registration
TAFE TO UNI WEBINAR
9 May
Are you looking at studying a university degree after completing TAFE or another vocational qualification?
We invite you to join us for our TAFE to Uni webinar via zoom.
Tune in to hear from our admissions staff and student ambassadors that will cover the following topics:
- Info about our University
- How to apply
- TAFE entry pathway
- Scholarships
- Support and services
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/events/future-students/tafe-to-uni-webinar
JOB VACANCIES !
SYDNEY TRAINS EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
APPRENTICE AND TRAINEESHIP PROGRAMS (2024 INTAKE)
Register your interest in our Apprentice and Traineeship Programs.
Are you looking to start a new career where you can combine hands on practical learning with theoretical technical training that will develop your skills and set you up with a well-paid job and rewarding career for life? Then becoming an apprentice could be just for you.
The Apprentice Program combines paid work and structured training, allowing you to learn a trade and receive a nationally accredited qualification while working.
Possible trades:
- Telecommunications
- Signal Electrical/ Electrical
- Substations
- Rail Traction
- Rail Maintainers (Electrical and Mechanical)
- Bridge Carpentry
- Business Traineeship
- Civil Construction
- Heavy Diesel Mechanical
- Electrical
- Project Management
Ms Marcia Arenas
Transition and Pathways Specialist
Ms Kristy Hall
Agriculture Coordinator
YEAR 10 BUSHCRAFT - MORTON NATIONAL PARK
Students in Year 10 Bushcraft are currently studying their Expedition Planning Unit. Students learn the knowledge and skills needed to plan for an outdoor adventure, all of which are transferable to planning for any of life's adventures!
As part of the topic, students are expected to complete an overnight bushwalk, carrying all their belongings in a backpack. Students led navigation throughout the journey, prepared their own meals using a portable stove and set up their own tents or tarp shelters. Water was collected from natural creeks and purified prior to drinking. The trip was held in Morton National Park and covered a distance of approximately 20 km. With packs weighing around 12-15kg, this is a substantial effort for students. Highlights for the students included the views, being out in a remote wilderness area, the campfire and the sense of freedom. Our students are to be commended for taking on the challenge and completing it with a positive mindset.
The next trip occurs in week 5 and we look forward to seeing more students have an experience like this as part of their education.
MAX MARSHALL - YEAR 9
ALICIA MUSTAPIC - YEAR 10
Congratulations to Alicia Mustapic of Year 10 on placing 8th in the finals of 400m Hurdles at the Australian Junior Track & Field Championships held in Brisbane from 13 - 16 April. Alicia made the final with a massive 4 second PB!
NICHOLAS McGILL _ YEAR 10
Congratulations to Nicholas McGill of Year 10 on placing 6th in U16's 2000m Steeplechase held at the Australian Junior Track & Field Championships in Brisbane from 13 - 16 April with a new PB!
JAMES WINCHESTER - YEAR 10
James participated in the QLD Hobie State Championships over the weekend. Racing was held over 3 days, and he came 4th in the Youth Division and 18th in the Open Division.
JOSHUA STEPHANIDIS & HARRY RIGBY - YEAR 11
Joshua Stephanidis and Harry Rigney of year 11 performed with their band Phonophobia at the Night is Young Youth Festival held in Ulladulla last weekend.BRYN ROBINSON-MILLS (YR 12) & JAMES WINCHESTER (YR 10)
SCHOOL PLAY
YEAR 10 IMMUNISATION
Year 10 students will receive the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination.
Consent for your childs immunisation now needs to be done online.
Please complete the on- line consent for your child to receive their vaccination at school ASAP on the link below.
Providing consent for your child to receive a vaccination at school
If your child is going to have their immunisation at your own GP please email the school:info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au.
Regards
St John's
WORKING BEE - THURSDAY 11TH MAY
Our first working bee for the year will be held on Thursday 11 May between 3:15pm - 5:15pm. There will be a BBQ provided on completion. All students, family and friends are welcome to join us as we look to accomplish gardening, painting, book covering, and general school maintenance. If you are able to bring along some gardening tools to assist, it would be much appreciated (eg shovels, rakes, wheel barrows, gloves etc). If you are unable to attend but would like to support the event in other ways like providing a plate of food for afternoon tea or gardening donations, it would be very much appreciated.
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.