Perseverance: A Virtue for Our Time

Last Sunday’s Mass readings offered us a powerful reminder of the virtue of perseverance—holding fast to faith, hope, and commitment, even when challenges arise. The Gospel spoke of remaining steadfast in times of trial, trusting that God walks with us through every difficulty. In the Letter to the Hebrews, we were encouraged to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us,” keeping our eyes fixed on Christ as our guide and strength.

This message feels especially relevant in today’s world, where quick fixes and instant results often overshadow the value of patience and endurance. Yet, the truth remains: the greatest achievements, the deepest relationships, and the most meaningful growth come through perseverance.

We see this in our own Australian context. Consider our athletes preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games—years of training, discipline, and countless early mornings, all for the opportunity to represent our country on the world stage. Their success is built not on a single moment of brilliance but on consistent effort over time.

We also see perseverance in the countless Australians who face hardship with resilience—farmers enduring drought, communities rebuilding after floods and bushfires, families navigating financial challenges. These stories remind us that perseverance is not about avoiding hardship, but about responding with courage, faith, and hope.

One of our greatest Australian saints, Mary MacKillop, embodied this virtue in an extraordinary way. Despite facing criticism, financial struggles, and even excommunication for a time, she never wavered in her mission to provide education for all children, especially the poor. Her famous words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” remind us that perseverance is rooted in love and service. Through her steadfastness, generations of Australians have been blessed with the gift of Catholic education—including all of us today.

As a school community, this virtue calls us to stay committed to our learning, relationships, and spiritual journey, even when the path feels difficult.

For our Year 12 students, perseverance is especially important as you approach the final stage of your HSC journey. The trial exams have given you valuable feedback—not just a mark, but a roadmap for improvement. Now is the time to reflect on what worked well and where extra effort is needed. Use your teachers’ advice, ask questions, and focus on the small daily habits that lead to success. Remember, the HSC is not a sprint but a marathon, and every step you take now brings you closer to finishing strong. Stay committed, stay balanced, and trust that your persistence will bear fruit.

Let us encourage one another to remain steadfast, remembering the words of Saint Paul: “Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

May this week be a time for each of us to reflect on where we are called to persevere—and to trust that God will provide the grace we need.

Reflection on Teamwork

In St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he reminds us: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Just as each part of the body has a unique role, each member of our school community has gifts and talents to share.

Teamwork calls us to recognise and value the contributions of others, knowing that together we can achieve far more than we could alone. It is in the spirit of collaboration that we build a community where every student feels supported, every voice is heard, and every success is celebrated.

May we continue to follow the example of Jesus, who gathered disciples not to work in isolation, but to share in His mission together. In our classrooms, playgrounds, and beyond, let us encourage one another and work as one body, united in faith, hope, and love.

Fortnightly Focus

As we wrap up our first Fortnightly Focus, I’d like to thank students for their positive engagement. It’s been great to see over 200 students recognised for demonstrating our Learning Focus, with only a small number of students breaching the Uniform Focus.

At St Joseph’s, we are committed to supporting one another to grow and succeed.

For Weeks 5 and 6, our Learning Focus is “Actively helping a peer to succeed in their learning”, because together we achieve more.

Our Uniform Focus reminds us to take pride in our presentation by wearing the sports jacket only on sports days. The sports jacket should not be worn with the normal school uniform.

This fortnight, we’re also introducing a Character Strength focus. Our first Character Strength is Teamwork, which links directly to our Learning Focus. Teamwork is about collaborating, sharing ideas, and supporting each other in all that we do.

Pupil Free Day - Monday, 18 August

On Monday, 18 August, staff will participate in our annual Spirituality Day. This is an important part of our vocation as Catholic educators, allowing us to deepen our connection with our Josephite values and mission.

Students will return to normal classes on Tuesday, 19 August.

Year 12 - Final Weeks

On Tuesday, we welcome Year 12 back from their Trial HSC Examinations. Over the coming weeks, students will receive their results and feedback from teachers. As the name suggests, these exams are a rehearsal for the HSC, and students are encouraged to celebrate their strengths and focus on areas for improvement.

We are now approaching the end of 13 years of schooling for our Year 12 students, and there are many special events to look forward to in the next five weeks:

• Final House Assembly – Monday, 22 September, 11:00 am
  
  
• Graduation Rehearsal – Monday, 22 September, 12:30 pm
  
  
• Picnic Day – Tuesday, 23 September
  
  
• Graduation and Presentation – Wednesday, 24 September, 9:00 am
  
  
• Final Assembly – Wednesday, 24 September, 11:00 am
  
  
• Formal – Thursday, 13 November, 6:30 pm
  
  

E-Bike Safety

We have received important safety information about E-Bikes from NSW Police. Families whose children own or ride E-Bikes should ensure they are familiar with the laws surrounding their use. The link for the flyer can be found here.

Year 12

Congratulations to Year 12 who have now completed their Trial HSC exams. Students are now turning their sights towards finalising major projects and course work in preparation for their final HSC exams starting in Term 4.

Year 11

Year 11 Yearly exams will begin in Week 9. The exam schedule will be distributed shortly. Students should be in the process of organising a study schedule focussing on revising key content and practising application activities such as past/sample exam style questions.

Year 9 and 10 2026 Electives

Applications for Pathways 2026 will be finalised early next week. Congratulations to all the students who stepped up and submitted applications for the pathways program. While we are unable to accommodate all applicants it is pleasing to see students willing to push themselves out of their comfort zone and consider this challenging opportunity.

Year 9 students have completed their selection process for Year 10. For Year 8 students the online elective process will be opened this afternoon. Students will have until Monday morning to access the online selection portal and submit their choices.

Once all elective submissions have been received we will determine the composition of the elective lines and allocate students to classes. Students in Years 8 - 10 will receive formal notification of which electives they have received for 2026 in coming weeks.

Recent News and Events

Childcare & Aged Care Work Readiness - Thursday 14 August, 2025

This week, a group of Year 10 students took part in a workshop exploring the experiences and opportunities within the childcare and aged care sector. They had the chance to connect with industry experts, take part in hands-on training, and learn about post-school pathways, including further study and career opportunities.

Some insights on job demand in the childcare and aged care sector:

On the Australian Government’s Job Outlook webpage, there were 175,800 people employed in aged care in 2018 (4 years ago). An additional 110,000 are needed over the next 10 years.

The need for childcare workers is at crisis point. More than 3,000 are needed in Sydney alone, and 16,000 are needed across the country (The Sydney Morning Herald, 2024).

An additional 21,000 childcare workers are needed across the country (Australian Financial Review, 2025).

Young people leaving school today will have an average of 17 jobs or 5 different careers.

Apprenticeship Success

Congratulations to our Year 10 students Cooper Thomas and Callum Greig for securing apprenticeship positions. Both Callum and Cooper are true “doers”—young men who thrive on rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in hands-on, practical work. These roles are a perfect match for their ambition, skills, and work ethic.

The Joeys community is proud of their achievement and wishes them every success in this exciting next chapter.

Year 12 Step Into Teaching Scholarship Applications

This scholarship opportunity is aimed at Year 12 Students interested in Primary or Secondary teaching. Successful Scholarship students receive:

•  Total benefit of $20,000 distributed over a 4 year period- $5,000 per year
•  Paid SSO employment for the first 3 years (1 day per week in a CEDoW school)
•  An indentured full-time teaching position in the Dioceses upon completion of the  course
•  An academic mentor for support
•  Spiritual development and support throughout the degree.

Click on the LINK to apply. Application period - 8 August to 19 September 2025.

For more information, please contact Mr Morley via email.

Upcoming Work Experience / Industry Networking Events

Girls on Fire Australia - 15th October 2025

What the event offers:

The program's aim is to inspire young women to explore volunteering or careers in the fire and emergency services while fostering an understanding of emergency management and the importance of community safety and resilience.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025

Times: 09:00-15:00 (arrive by 08:45am)

What's Involved: Engaging workshops and

hands-on activities - check out the reel 

Fill out the Expression of Interest form if interested.

For further information speak to Mr Morley

Equine Careers Industry Tour - 16th September 2025

What the event offers:

This event offers students a unique opportunity to explore careers in both the racing and thoroughbred sectors, as well as gain insights into broader equine industry pathways.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, 16th September 2025

Departure: 8:00 AM Kembla Grange Racecourse Return: Approximately 4:30 PM

Location Visited: Kembla Grange Race Track, Mitch Beer Racing, Kembla Stable and Silverdale Farm in the Southern Highlands.

Fill out the Expression of Interest form if interested.

For further information speak to Mr Morley

Trivia Sport Fundraiser - 3 weeks to go!

Come join our 2025 St Joseph’s Catholic High School Trivia night that is fundraising for our school representative sport teams for 2026. All funds raised will go towards new team uniforms, updated sporting equipment and assisting with transport costs. 

The theme for the night is ‘Countries of the World’, so come dressed in your best costume attire. 

Tickets are $80 per table with 8-10 people. BYO snacks, drinks and table decorations.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an adults only event with no students able to attend.

We will have a raffle available with $7000 worth of prizes to be won. Tickets can be bought before and on the night and prizes to be won for best dressed & lucky seat, as well as the 1st place table taking home $700 worth of prizes. There will be plenty of games on the night to buy in on, so please bring some cash to join in on these games for your chance to win some incredible prizes.

Booking link:  https://www.trybooking.com/DBPMY

See event flyer and raffle prizes for further details!

Aspiring/Elite Athlete Program

St Joseph's Catholic High School has partnered with local businesses to develop our Aspiring/Elite Athlete Program. The program is for students who are aspiring to or participating at elite level in their chosen sport. The program encompasses not only their sporting achievements but creates a viable future pathway which includes their academic studies.

Please refer to the Information booklet and the Online Application form.

Applications close: Week 7, 4pm, Friday 5th September.

NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Emily Hollingsworth

Congratulations to Emily Hollingsworth who represented our school as part of the NSW All Schools U15 Girls AFL team in Brisbane. Emily was named captain for NSW and led her team to 3rd place beating South Australia in the Bronze medal match 57-3. She was also named overall Coach MVP of the NSW team and was selected in the Australian All Schools Merit Team.

Sam Huetter

Congratulations to Sam Huetter who was selected to referee at the Australian All Schools Hockey Championships in Canberra.

Bianca de Swardt

Congratulations to Bianca de Swardt who placed 5th out of 95 girls and 2nd in the CCC team at the recent NSW All Schools Cross Country.

If your child has had sporting success outside of school we want to hear about it.

Please email details through to Miss Power (powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au)

For all things sport follow our new social media page.

SJCHS SPORTS

SCHOOL FEES: 

A reminder about school fees for those families who have significant amounts still outstanding. 

We have been asked by the CEO to follow up outstanding school fees. We ask that you address any outstanding fees as soon as possible. 

We appreciate your support with the payment of your fees. If you are experiencing significant financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to speak to the finance office.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

Vinnies Lunch Snack Pack

Students, staff and families are asked to bring in various healthy snack items  to support our local St Vincent de Paul branch at Albion Park and Oak Flats. 

We are seeking donations such as:

Packets of muesli bars

Poppers (juice boxes)

Pretzels or popcorn

Fruit cups

Small chocolate bars or Chupa Chupas (as a treat)

The SRC will then pack these items into individual  lunch snack packs for children from families in need. The snack packs will be included in family meal bags that are distributed to families that are struggling. Vinnies NSW supports tens of thousands of individuals and families each year who are experiencing financial and housing insecurity. Your support is very much appreciated.

Students are to bring donations to the office to receive a gold coin token to receive house points. Students will also receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a canteen voucher.

Comfy Day  Week 7 - Friday 5 September

Wear your comfiest clothes for a gold coin donation. On the day there will be a student voted lunchtime movie in the Hall. The Café will be open so students can purchase hot chocolate and other beverages. Popcorn, fairy floss and lollies will also be  available to purchase.

Catholic Mission

Father’s Day Stall Week 6

The SRC will be selling socks with a card for Fathers Day which is fast approaching. These will be available from Week 6 until sold out.
All proceeds will go to the Catholic Mission.

CEDoW Step into Teaching Scholarship Program

"Teaching is a noble profession that shapes the character, calibre and future of an individual." - Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Applications are now open.

All Year 12 students are invited to apply for one of the following scholarships:

Step into Teaching Scholarship Program

Step into Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program

To learn more, students should speak with their TAPs Coordinator or visit the Catholic Education Office website here.

Applications close on Friday 19 September 2025 (Week 9). 

Dapto Retail Store

Shop Details:

Address: 2 Marshall Rd, Dapto NSW 2530
Phone: (02) 7259 9200
Email: dapto.retail@permapleat.com.au

• Tuesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
• Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
• Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Ph: 02 7259 9200

Parking Information:

Customer parking is available at the rear car park on Bong Bong Rd, with a ramp leading directly to the uniform shop. Limited street parking is also available nearby.

Don’t forget that online orders can still be placed through the school website and will continue to be delivered to the school for student collection.

Thank you from Perm-A-Pleat

CatholicCare courses are Now Open for enrolments! Their range of Courses focus on: 

•    strengthening relationships
•    parenting
•    post-separation
•    supporting parents with children in care
•    managing challenging emotions
•    grief and loss

Courses are held in a supportive environment with others who share similar life challenges. 

They are held online or in-person at our Nowra, Campbelltown and Wollongong offices. Please see below flyer which outlines the courses and dates: