National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

Last Sunday, 26th May was National Sorry Day, where we were asked to pause and remember the stolen generations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This then leads us into a week of prayer for reconciliation and National Reconciliation Week which runs until June 3rd.

The theme for National Reconcilitiation Week 2024 is - NOW MORE THAN EVER.

I would like to thank Miss Dakota Acevedo, Mrs Jo Ball and the students who participated in the Reconciliation Walk on Monday 27 May. Thank you for representing our school at this event.

School Photo Day - Thursday 6 June

Thursday 6 June is School Photo Day!  Students will be photographed in full winter uniform with blazers. I ask for parental support in ensuring that your child is dressed appropriately for these photos.

As always, parents and carers can purchase student portrait photos and sibling photos.

We encourage parents to order online by taking the following steps.  The online order must be completed by photo day.

• Visit AdvancedLife.
• Enter the online order code: EYT LFZ GBV
• Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard or PayPal

 If you are unable to order online, please have your child collect a photo envelope from the front office.  Your completed envelope with payment is to be handed to the Photographer on photo day.

Sibling photos can also be ordered online OR a sibling photo envelope can be collected from the front office.

YAM - Youth Aware of Mental Health - Coming Soon

The Catholic Education Office has been collaborating with multiple school systems to run a school-based peer support and mental health literacy program called Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM). The Wollongong Catholic Education Office is committed to delivering the YAM program to all Year 9 students across the diocese.

What is YAM?

YAM is a program aimed at addressing the mental health needs of young people.

YAM involves discussion and role play. It aims to get young people involved and talking about mental health. By doing this young people will learn problem solving skills and gain knowledge about mental health.

Who is it for?

All Year 9 students

What is in the program?

There are 6 themes addressed in the program:

• What is mental health?
• Self-help advice
• Stress and crisis
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Helping a friend in need?
• Who can I ask for advice

How will YAM run in our school?

YAM will run over 3 weeks and is delivered in the classroom setting (up to 30 students) by accredited trainers external to the school.

Session 1 - Thursday 20th June 2024

Session 2 - Thursday 27th June 2024

Session 3 - Thursday 4th July 2024

Students will be given a booklet to keep. It will include a guide of local health resources as well as a list of different organisations that work with youth in the local community.

Who can I contact to discuss YAM?

St Joseph’s Catholic High School - Mr Cameron Dribbus (Leader of Student Wellbeing)