A Compass Event was shared today for Year 7 parent/carers to RSVP their attendance for catering purposes.

There will be a short information session for parents/carers to support you in supporting your childs transition into high school.

Mr Chris Shelton

Acting Principal

Welcome back to 2024 and a warm welcome to the new students and families who have joined us this year. As you would be aware, the start of the year has presented many challenges for our school community. I would also like to pass on the thanks of our staff and students for the many thoughts, prayers and support that we have been fortunate to receive during these trying times.

A few reminders regarding school procedures and policies to be aware of to ensure that students can maximise their learning while at school.

Ready To Learn

This is a framework based on students own responsibility for their learning. Our Ready to Learn focus is one of our main focus areas at the start of the year and has been covered in great detail with students. The full framework can be found on page 7 of the school diary, please review, and discuss with your student to ensure they understand. Having students consistently following the Ready to Learn framework will allow teachers to focus on delivering deeper learning for students.

Attendance

Attendance at school is a legal requirement. It goes without saying that for quality learning to occur students need to be at school and in class. This year we are targeting a school attendance rate for students of 95% in line with the target of the Catholic Education Office. Students not meeting this requirement will be identified and interventions put in place to assist in getting students to school. We appreciate that for some student’s significant illness issues may arise requiring extended leave in which case support will be provided to support learning as required. Where possible we ask families to limit extended leave/holidays to allocated school holidays as far as possible. This is especially crucial for students in Years 10-11 working towards their ROSA/HSC credentials.

Uniform

Uniform is an integral part of our school community. Upon accepting enrolment at St Joseph’s all students and their families agree to abide by the school uniform policy. We ask for your support with this from the start of the year as dealing with uniform issues takes time away from teaching/learning for students and staff. The uniform policy is found on pages 13-15 of the school diary but in particular we are asking for your support with the following:

• Black leather school shoes with full school uniform (black leather joggers are not acceptable)
• Jogger style shoes with sport uniform - no skate shoes, cons style shoes or slip-ons
• Socks to be worn with shoes at all times. Socks need to be above the ankle at a minimum.
• Sport uniform only to be worn on allocated sport/PE days. For seniors the only classes that have practical PE lessons are SLR so all other students should be in normal school uniform each day.
• Hair below the shoulders is to be tied back at all times.
• Only one piercing / ear and nose piercings are to be a clear stud only.

Notice

Next Monday (12 February) will see students involved in House Liturgies. To help get into the spirit of the occasion students will be allowed to wear a t-shirt that matches the colour of their house on the day. The shirt should predominately be the colour of their house and have no inappropriate words, slogans, or images. Students can wear the shirt with their sports uniform or their normal school uniform if they do not wish to wear the sport uniform, students are not to wear any other items of clothing (apart from the shirt) that do not meet the school uniform requirements.

Mr Brett Moran

Acting Assistant Principal

This week we celebrated the success of our HSC class of 2023 with our High Achievers Assembly. Whilst we were proud of the achievements of all students who completed their HSC last year it was great to be able to recognise those who did particularly well. A general summary of last year’s HSC includes:

• 14 Band 6/E4 results.
• 92% of results in the Band 3 to 6 range
• 11 courses above the State Mean
• 3 courses were 1st in the Diocese
• Nominations for On stage, Encore, and Shape showcases.
• Diocesan VET Student of the Year
• AND 2nd Place in NSW for PDHPE

Our Dux for 2023 was Daniella Avtarovski who spoke well to the students about her experiences and provided an insight into the process she followed to achieve such a fantastic result. We will watch with great anticipation the progress that the class of 2023 make as they follow their path beyond St Joseph’s.

Stage 6 students (including Year 10 Pathways students) have settled back into their studies quite well. We have had meetings outlining the expectations of Stage 6 and NESA requirements. These students are encouraged to start the year strongly setting high standards in their approach to learning both in class and at home. Students have been informed that changes to patterns of study must be completed by the end of week 3. Stage 5 students have begun the year with new electives as part of their schedules. The big focus for Year 10 this term will be the beginning of the subject selection process for Year 11 subjects in 2025. This will begin in coming weeks with detail provided to students and their parents / carers in due course. Stage 4 students have been a bundle of energy. Year 8 are adapting to new classes and teachers, Year 7 have made the transition to high school with ease and getting to know their way around and engaging with their teachers and peers.

This week students have been completing PAT tests for Reading and Numeracy. These tests provide a baseline for students understanding and skill level in these learning domains. Students will complete the same tests at the end of the year to help provide a snapshot of the level of growth they have achieved in these areas across the year. The tests are also used to help finalise class lists which will happen in the next week.

Next week students in Years 7-11 will be issued their assessment manuals for 2024. These are an important resource as they contain all the information around school-based assessment, illness/misadventure procedures as well as the scheduled dates of formal assessment tasks for each subject. Students as well as parents/carers are asked to review and keep in a place for future reference.

We wish all students the best for 2024 and hope the year is filled with lots of learning and enjoyable experiences both in and out of the classroom.

As always if there are any issues with anything related to Curriculum feel free to email or call the Curriculum office at any time.

Mr Brett Moran

Curriculum Coordinator

Enrolling Now - Year 7 2025/2026 Open Afternoon and Information Evening

Enrolments are now open for Year 7 2025 and Year 7 2026. We are also accepting enrolment applications for other year groups.

On Wednesday 28 February, prospective students and families are warmly invited to see first-hand what St Joseph's has to offer.

• School tours will depart hourly at 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
• Tour bookings are essential and can be made using the TryBooking link
• An Information Session will be held in the Hall at 7:00 pm to allow families the opportunity to participate in both a School Tour and the Information Session

Applications have moved to a digital platform this year. Please head to the Enrolments section on our website or scan the QR code below for the Open Afternoon TryBooking link and Enrolment Application Form:

You can also go to the school website to start your online application. Places are limited so don't miss out and make your application today!

Introducing Careers Services available for our school community through the Transition and Pathways Specialist (Careers Adviser).

My name is Sue Kennedy, I provide the following services for our Joey’s community:

• Students in Years 7-10 will have 4 Careers lessons this year relating to their transition from school to the workforce, these are called TAPP Lessons (Transition and Pathway Program), parents can view these lessons via the TAPP google classroom.
• Careers events like excursions, guest speakers and in school events are advertised throughout the school and open to students to assist with transition to the work force or further study. These are usually advertised through email and/or google classroom.
• Life Coaching on assemblies via the SRC- messages to get students thinking about their future careers are delivered throughout the year.
• One to one career exploration interviews- these can be booked by parents and students, often teachers will refer students for this service, students will have the opportunity to explore interests and career aspirations under the guidance of a career practitioner.
• Support is offered to students in career planning, job interviews, resume building and job seeking.

To contact me please email kennedys01@dow.catholic.edu with your request.

CAREERS EVENTS

UOW Discovery Day

Year 12 students will be going to UOW for Discovery Day on February 14th.

This is an opportunity for students to spend a day on campus and experience lectures, just like a university student. Statistics suggest that if you spend time on campus at a university, you are more likely to opt for tertiary study in the future. Students have registered for lectures with a great variety of diversity. The following are details for the day:

WHEN: 14/02/2024

TIME: 7.45 am

WHERE: to meet Church St Entrance to the school

DRESS ATTIRE: Full School Uniform

RETURN TO SCHOOL for afternoon buses

PARENTAL PERMISSION - please approve  your child’s attendance at this event on the COMPASS PARENT PORTAL

WINGS DOWNUNDER- March 1st

This is the new name for the Airshow, this year it is being held on March the 1st at Shellharbour Airport. Students in Year 10 and 11 have been emailed an expression of interest form to attend this event. This is a career-based event and students who are interested in the following career areas are encouraged to apply to attend:

Career insights include: 

• Being an engineer
• Working at an airport
• Flying drones and UAVs
• Being an air traffic controller
• Being a pilot
• Working in Defence
• Developing cutting-edge industry technologies

WOMEN IN CAREERS CONVERSATIONS - March 6th

Students will be invited to attend this event.

There will be 5-6 employers grouped into 4 x Industry groups with 50 students per group. It will be a Q&A session for approx. 20mins per rotation x 4. More details soon.

TAPP LESSONS Year 7-10

TAPP (Transition and Pathway Program) Lessons will be held in Week 8 of this term.

Students will be encouraged to delve into career exploration as part of their transition from school to their future career.

Sue Kennedy

Transition and Pathways Specialist

We have a big and exciting year ahead of us for both school sport teams and individual athletes.

All sporting nominations for school, Diocesan and NSWCCC teams will be posted on Compass and the fortnightly newsletter. However if you wish to look at the pathway dates further in advance this information can be found below in the important links. I recommend you save these links for future reference.

Any issues regarding 2024 sport rep teams please contact the Sports Coordinator Miss Power.

Email: Powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au

IMPORTANT LINKS:

1. Diocesan Sport 
2. CSNSW Sport

Term 1 Sports Calendar 

Tennis Teams

Firstly, a very big thankyou to parents who travelled and transported the Tennis Team to Campbelltown, for the Diocesan Tennis Competition. The boys team consisted of Austin Lewis, Keiran Blissett, Alexander Daly and Noah Jewiss. The girls team consisted of Madeline Varga, Katelyn Blissett, Emily Daly and Madeline Suleman Wright.

The boys played well throughout the day with a 1–2 win-loss record. Austin, playing in the number one position, came across some very talented tennis players. He played very well, improving each match with very close games. Keiran played against boys who were older and a little more experienced. He represented the school with pride, chasing down every shot and having some very good rallies. Alexander and Noah were a very good doubles combination recording wins in most of their matches. Their teamwork and understanding of the finer points of the game shone through.

The girls played extremely well with a 2-2 win-loss record. Madeline Varga was undefeated in her singles and paired with Katelyn to record some very good wins in their doubles matches, losing only one set throughout the day. Emily and Madeline played well in their doubles, improving with each match. They both showed enthusiasm and school spirit during the day.

Coach: Mr Lowrie

School Team Nominations

2024 Swimming Carnival Nomination

The annual Swimming Carnival will take place on Friday 23rd February 2024 (Week 4). Please nominate if you would like to attend and list the events you will be participating in.

This is one of your first opportunities to contribute to your house points...Warrigal took it out last year...

Who will win the 2024 swimming carnival?

Nominations close: Friday 16th February

Nomination Link: Click Here

Swimming Carnival Helper Nomination Form

Please fill in this NOMINATION form to be considered as a helper at the upcoming swimming carnival. This is for non-swimmers who are wishing to attend but not swim and would like to still contribute to the day.

You will be notified if you are a successful applicant and are eligible to attend the carnival to assist.

Please note, this role will involve you completing activities such as timing, writing on ribbons, sorting heats and any admin jobs required by the teachers. You must be diligent and hardworking.

If you are successful you will receive house points for your volunteer work on the day.

The swimming carnival is on Friday 23rd February (Week 4).

Nominations close: Friday 16th February

Nomination Link: Click Here

SJCHS Dance Company Auditions

If you are interested in applying for the St Joseph's Dance Company please fill in the following form.

Students who are successful, will have the opportunity to develop choreography skills and improve their dance technique. Students will also be given multiple opportunities to perform as part of the dance company including school open days and competitions. The company operates as an extracurricular activity before school on Tuesday mornings (8am).

Audition requirements:

• Students will be required to perform a 1min 30sec - 2 minutes routine to a style of their choice (no tap due to floor restrictions). Please use age appropriate music.
• Students should wear appropriate dance clothing for the audition (no crop tops).
• Audition time slots will be allocated once nominations have closed.
• Once you have been allocated an audition time slot, you will be asked to email your music through.

Nominations Close: Friday 9th February (Week 2)

Audition Date: Wednesday 14th February (Week 3) during school hours

Nomination Link: Click Here

Any questions, please email Miss Power (powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au)

13s Boys & Girls Soccer Nominations

Please complete this form if you are interested in trialling for any of the below teams:

1. 13s Boys Soccer
2. 13s Girls Soccer

Trials will commence:

13s Girls - Monday 12th February

13s Boys- Thursday 15th February

More information will be sent out about the trials closer to the date.

Nominations Close: Week 3, Monday 12th February

Nomination Link: Click Here

Competition Date: Week 10, Friday 5th April

Any questions, please see Miss Power or email: powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au

15s & Open Boys School Rugby League Team Nomination

If you are interested in playing in our Rugby League teams in 2024, you need to nominate using the below form.

Please note, current experience in this game is highly recommended and attendance from Term 4 (2023) will be taken into consideration as to whether or not we are eligible to compete.

Nominations Close: Monday 12th February

Nomination Link: Click Here

Diocesan Team Trials

2024 Southern NSW Boys U15's AFL Trials Nomination Form

Nominations are open for the 2024 Boys U15's Southern NSW AFL Trials to be held at Macquarie Fields on Thursday 29 February 2024. This trial is open to boys turning 14 or 15 in 2024. (students who are turning 13 must apply for consideration through their school sport coordinator).

The structure has changed and a Southern NSW team will be selected from the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Parramatta Diocese and the Diocese of Wollongong. The selected team will play at the NSWCCC trials in Wagga Wagga over two days - 6th & 7th of May, 2024.

Please note this nomination is the first step in the selection process, all nominations will be reviewed by sport coordinators, students will be notified directly if they have been approved to attend the trial.

Nominations Close: Friday 16th February

Nomination Link: Click Here

2024 Rugby League Boys 15's & Opens Selections & Girls 16s Selections

Nominations are open for the 2024 Boys U15's & Open & Girls 16's Wollongong Rugby League Trials to be held at Centenary Park, Albion Park  on Wednesday 27 March 2024.

Please note this nomination is the first step in the selection process, all nominations will be reviewed by sport coordinators, students will be notified directly if they have been approved to attend the trial.

Nominations Close: Monday 4th March

Nominations Link: Click Here

Under 15's and Opens Netball Trial Nomination Form

A team of 10 players in each age division will be selected in the Wollongong representative team to go to participate in the NSWCCC Netball Selection Trials in Menai.

Please note this is a nomination ONLY to attend the Wollongong Selection Trial to be held on 8 April at Berkeley Indoor Stadium. Student nominations will be reviewed, those nominations that are successful will be provided with confirmation and a letter to attend the Wollongong Selection Trial. Please note this form is for the nomination process ONLY. 

NSWCCC Trial Dates

15's NSWCCC Selections 8 May 2024

Opens NSWCCC Selections 27 August 2024

Students who nominate should be playing regularly in a registered association, be highly skilled and have representative level experience.

Nominations Close: Friday 8th March

Nomination Link: Click Here

NSWCCC Trials

Registrations are now open for the 2024 NSWCCC Trials.

If your child plays at a high/rep level for their sport and is keen on trialling for a NSWCCC team, please register via the link below:
https://csnsw.sport/

Please note:
- No late entries are accepted.
- Students attending these trials should be at a representative level/standard.
- Further information regarding each sport is available on the website (see link above)

For assistance with registering your child please see the document below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kFW57cps5mTHPK7PfJMvpVK4qtM651keNVZcu014gVQ/edit

If there are any further issues please contact me: powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Upcoming Events

U15 Girls & Boys Cricket Selections - EOI close 22 Feb 2024 - Selection Date - Tuesday 12th March (TBC)
More information - https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/cricket

NSW All Schools Triathlon (INDIVIDUAL ONLY) - close date 14 February 2024 - Championship date - Wednesday, 21 February at Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/triathlon

NSWCCC Baseball Selections - close date 22 February 2024 - Selection date - Tuesday, 5 March at Castle Glen 1 & 2, Castle Hill  - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/baseball

NSWCCC Tennis Selections - close date 22 February 2024 - Selection date - Monday, 4 March at North Parramatta Tennis Courts - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/tennis

NSWCCC Golf Selections - close date 29 February 2024 - Selection date Monday, 11 March at  Belmont Golf Club - More information  https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/golf

NSWCCC U15s Volleyball Selections - close date 23 February 2024 - Selection date - Friday 8 March at Menai - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/volleyball

NSWCCC Open Volleyball Selections - close date 15 March 2024 - Selection date - Friday 5 April - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/volleyball

NSWCCC Diving - close date 22 March 2024 - Selection date - Thursday 4 April at Olympic Park - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/diving

Sporting Success

Congratulations to Ben Maloney who has been very busy over the holidays with his cricket. Ben has been part of the Illawarra Rep team, Youth Championship team and the NSW State Challenge Cup. Congratulations Ben.

Congratulations to Ashton who recently completed a triathlon in Batemans Bay competing in the super sprint race (300m swim, 10km bike ride and 2km run) and he came 2nd outright! Ashton will be competing in the individual and team NSWCCC triathlon event in week 4. Congratulations Ashton.

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

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

St Joseph’s Sports Instagram Page 

For all things sports follow social media page @SJCHSSPORTS

Our new Year 11 Hospitality Cookery Cert II class started their road to cookery by learning to sharpen their knives.

As I told them, a blunt knife will be more dangerous than a sharp one as they need to use more pressure to cut the food being prepared. We also learnt how to set up our practical bench space and how to clean and sanitise the commercial kitchen.