This week we had our Laudato Si Liturgy and Vinnies winter appeal launch. This is a call to action - to do something for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It is our responsibility to look after our common home, the environment, the flora and fauna and also the people.

The Vinnie’s appeal is asking us to give. It is important to the development of our young people that they can see the ‘other’ because they often get caught up in their own selves and drama. Being kind to each other costs nothing but can make a huge difference to the other person. It is also important that kindness is freely given without any expectation of it being returned or doing for personal gain or to look good. Because if we are doing it for those reasons, it is not kindness it is self-interest. Please make an effort to contribute what you can to these appeals.

The Athletics Carnival on Thursday was a spectacular day. We were very blessed with the weather. I hope to enjoy seeing the photos from the day on social media. Thank you to the Year 12 students who made such an effort with their dress ups - it was an excellent day. Thank you to the staff for organising and supervising on the day.

Parents are the primary educators of your children. I would ask that you have discussions about the current issues hitting the media with your children around Domestic violence, the giving of consent and the importance of respect. There have been a couple of instances of late where it appears to be a shock to the young person - like a concept they have never heard before or that it doesn’t really apply to them. We can only reinforce the values of home and when enrolling at SJCHS I ask that your family values align with the school otherwise it doesn’t work well for the young person as there is a conflict in their developing identity. 

Teenage rudeness and self-centeredness is no excuse for not showing respect to parents, teachers and peers. Being held to a standard of behaviour creates young people who are resilient and can cope in the future because they can see the point of view of another person.

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)

Stage 4 & 5 Assessment Weeks

Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 will be undertaking there exams this week and next week (Weeks 5 & 6). The exam schedule's have been distributed to parents, carers and students and can be accessed via your compass portal.

We wish all our Stage 4 & 5 students all the very best as they begin their Exams on Monday. 

Semester 1 Reports 2024 - Year 11, 12, Pathways & VET Students

The Semester 1 Reports for Year 11 & 12 were distributed via compass on Thursday 16th May. This included Pathways students and VET Reports.

You can access this via your compass portal on the Reports tab and via the APP. You can also download your report from compass and save to your personal device.

Year 11 2025 Subject Selection

Due to some ongoing considerations around the structure of Year 11 2025, the Subject Selection Information night has been pushed back to Tuesday 11th June (Week 7). We will start preparing students with some background understanding of Stage 6 requirements in coming weeks to prepare students for this process. A letter will be sent out to all Parents/Carers closer to the date outlining further information and details with regards to the information night.

Trial HSC Exams

The Trial HSC exams for Year 12 will be held in Weeks 3/4 of Term 3. The exam schedule is currently being finalised and will be distributed to students once it is finished.

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

TERM 2 2024

Week 5

• Monday 27th May - Friday 31st May - Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8) Assessment Week

Week 6

• Monday 3rd June to Friday 7th June - Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) Assessment Week
• Thursday 6th June - School Photo Day

Week 7

• Tuesday 11th June - Year 11 2025 Subject Selection Information Evening

Week 9

• Tuesday 25th June - Year 9 2025 Subject Selection Information Evening

Week 10

• Tuesday 2nd July - Years 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews via zoom

Year 9 Food Technology

Year 9 Food Tech caught up a missed practical of Anzac biscuits and then a sushi recipe on our double this week. The two recipes kept the class busy but they were finished and cleaned up by the bell!

Year 9 Mackillop Class

The Year 9 Mackillop students, are currently undertaking a non-bake cooking class. Students made delicious fruit skewers, which were shared with the staff and students.

Year 11 Cookery

Year 11 Cookery made some Sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach scrolls, which they served with a garden salad. Then they learnt how to make a yummy bread n butter pudding from leftover bread, fudge sauce and a custard...the staff really enjoyed it!

Year 11 Cookery Work Placement

Joey's budding Chefs had a week on work placement this week. The class experienced a range of different kitchen experiences. From all reports they worked well, enjoyed the week but were quite tired by the end of it.

Aspiring/Elite Athlete Program Update

This week our athletes headed out to Bai Med for Term 2 Testing. The emphasis on this workshop was around managing workload physically and mentally as an athlete. Students commenced the day with their testing protocols and it was great to see many of them achieving progress, including Hayley who achieved a 4 minute plank (a 3 minute PB). Students also were pushed to their cardiovascular limits with the Yo-Yo test, where many students excelled in this area.

Last week students also had the opportunity to meet with Nutritionist Nicola Jaffrey from Embody Nutrition. This workshop gave students practical ideas of what their food should look like and ways to balance this with their training as well as strategies of where to start on improving their diet. It was great to see the students ask so many questions and get the most out of this workshop.

SJ Fit Club

Last week we had 16 students attend SJ Fit Club. It was so great to see so many involved and giving it their best. Fit club will be back on next Thursday and runs from 7:45am in the gym.

Upcoming 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

NSW ALL SCHOOLS CANOEING – Close date  SOON

Individual registrations via Sports Unit DASH portal – Canoeing log in >>  For More Information >>https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/Events/View?eventId=16717  25 & 26 May  South Grafton & Jackadgery.

NSWCCC 18 Years Boys Rugby – Close date 28 May

Individual registrations via CSNSW. Sport portal. 18 Years Boys – 3 June. Rowland Park, Daceyville.

NSWCCC 16  & 18 Years Girls Rugby Selections – Close date 28 May

Individual registrations via CSNSW. Sport portal. 16 & 18 Years Girls – 4 June. Rowland Park, Daceyville.

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

What’s happening in the careers space?

UOW Yr 11 Information Session

Last week, Year 11 students had the opportunity to attend a session to help them plan for their future career, including information on courses and early entry.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE Yr 11 and 12 Teaching Scholarships Information Session

Students were informed of scholarship opportunities to step into teaching by CEO representative Sherryn Moore.

Scholarships are well worth applying for as they help with uni fees and pathways into employment. Students were given information about how to apply, this has been posted on the student’s google classrooms for career education.

Year 11 and 12 UAC Application Process

At the Year 11 and 12 stage meetings this week, students were walked through the application process to apply for universities. Students have a fact sheet, link to the application form and a slide presentation on the career google classroom sites with instructions as to how to apply. Applications in the early bird offer close September 30.

Upcoming Events

Students have the opportunity to attend various career events that are occurring in the coming weeks. Should your child be interested in any of these events please ask them to apply via an expression of interest form is available through their emails and/or google classroom.

TUESDAY May 28th - UOW VISIT to JOEY’S- Year 12 Early Admission Workshop ins & outs of Early Admission and tips and strategies to apply is the content we explore.

LIBRARY LUNCHTIME - Expression of Interest Form on Career Google classroom to attend.

JUNE 4th Apprenticeship Support Morning - mini EXPO here aimed at Year 9-12 students interested in information about Apprenticeships. This is a great opportunity for students to rotate around exhibitors including apprenticeship providers and employers to ask questions and get information relating to careers in trades. Students to see TAPP and career google classroom for expression of interest forms to attend this event.

JUNE 26th UOW Yr 10 DISCOVERY DAY

…and for those students NOT interested in university

WORK READINESS PROGRAM

Year 10 have been asked to nominate which event they wish to attend on the day. They can go onto UOW campus  and be involved in the following activities: Session 1, 2 and 3 will run concurrently with classes rotating through:

• a subject selection & career planning seminar
• an interactive workshop based on student interest areas
• a current UOW student-led mentoring session

The Work Readiness Program will be run at school and will involve students developing skills in resume writing, career exploration on trades available, resources, group training organisations , mock interviews and apprenticeship support representative here on site to help students.

DATES

UOW OPEN DAY June 22

UAC APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sept 30

EARLY ENTRY UOW open June 17, close 9 August

4th of June for Yr 10 parents subject selection webinar -see below for link to register

UOW NEWS and Opportunities

SUBJECT SELECTION WEBINAR YEAR 10 HELP

4th of June -  Join this online event hosted by UOW Student Advisers, designed to guide Year 10 students through subject selection for Years 11 and 12. Gain valuable insights into how these choices impact future academic and career paths. Covering pre-requisites, assumed knowledge, ATAR considerations, and the importance of Year 11. Engage in an interactive Q&A session and live chat to get all your questions answered. Don't miss this opportunity to make informed decisions about your academic journey.

UOW link here to register

Joycean Journeys – Year 11/12 HSC English Advanced/Extension Student Opportunity

This one-day event is designed for Year 11/12 HSC English Advanced/Extension students or aspiring young authors. UOW academics will educate students in the skills necessary to write high-level monologue pieces. Participants are encouraged to wear an Edwardian-style outfit (1901-1910) – prizes for best costume!

Date & Location: Friday, 14 June at Wollongong Campus, UOW
Registration closes 24 May – Check out the website for more details

HSC Chemistry Workshops - Year 12 Chemistry Students

Students will participate in two hands-on workshops in the lab covering experiments featured in Module 7: Organic Chemistry and Module 8: Applying Chemical Ideas. This event is suitable for Year 12 students studying Chemistry.

Details: Thursday, 25th July, 2024, from 9am-3pm at UOW, Wollongong campus

Cost: $50 per student

Registration: Find out more here

UOW Performance & Theatre School Holiday Workshops

We are excited to introduce a new selection of school holiday workshops offered on 17 & 18 July 2024 for students in Years 11/12 - Monologue Masterclass and Playwriting Masterclass. Spaces are limited! EOIs are now open

Details & Location: Term 2 July School Holidays @ UOW Wollongong Campus

Registration: Find out more here.

UOW Future Talk: Parent & Carer Webinars

Details: Upcoming topics covering UOW Degrees, Pathways to UOW Study, Early Admission, Scholarships, Accommodation + more!

Registration: UOW Future Talk - Parent & Carer Webinars - Register Here

CAREERS NEWS BULLETIN

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact:

Sue Kennedy

Transition and Pathways Specialist/ Career Adviser

kennedys01@dow.catholic.edu.au

St Joseph's annual School Photos will be held on Thursday 6th June, 2024. Please see below information with regards to pre-ordering your photos:

Being a part of the Saint Joseph's School vocal ensemble has a myriad of benefits that extend beyond musical proficiency. The Saint Joseph's School vocal ensemble fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, offering a supportive environment where individuals collaborate towards a shared artistic goal.

Through regular rehearsals (every Wednesday Week B Lunchtime in Music room E01) and performances, students develop discipline, time management skills, and resilience in overcoming challenges. Vocal groups also provide a platform for self-expression, allowing students to explore their creativity and build confidence in their abilities. Not to mention singing is also loads of fun!

All levels of vocal ability and every year group from 7-12 are invited to attend. 

Happy Singing!

Mrs Minns 

Edward Robinson, a Year 9 student at our school, has achieved remarkable success with his robotics team, Project Bucephalus. In March, the team won the Southern Cross Regional competition in Sydney. They then went on to participate in the East Bay Regional competition in San Francisco USA in April, where they won the Engineering Inspiration Award.

Most notably, the team qualified for the World Championships in Houston USA, where they were one of only six finalists (out of 600 teams worldwide) for the Impact Award. This outstanding achievement has earned the team automatic entry into next year's World Championships in Houston.

Project Bucephalus's success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and ingenuity of Edward and his teammates. They have demonstrated exceptional skills in robotics, engineering, and teamwork. Edward’s achievements are a source of pride for our school community and an inspiration to all students.

Edward's story is particularly inspiring because it highlights the importance of pursuing one's passions and interests. His success in robotics results from his dedication and hard work, both inside and outside of school.

We are incredibly proud of Edward's accomplishments and wish him continued success in his future robotics endeavours.

In June 2024, hundreds of thousands of Australians will participate in The Push-Up Challenge to improve their physical and mental fitness, have fun and raise funds to make a difference to mental health in Australia. This year, the St Joseph's Community will join this challenge with our two student ambassadors being Tyler Morris and Thomas Hofman.

SJCHS will again celebrate Book Week this year between 17th-23rd August 2024. The theme is "Reading is Magic". So put on your thinking hats and start thinking of ideas for this year's dress up!

SJCHS is also participating in the Premier's Reading Challenge for 2024, so don't forget to log all the books you are reading into the PRC online. Your English teacher will have your username and passwords.

The Library Staff

SCHOOL BACK PACKS ARE BACK IN STOCK!

If you require a new back pack, please visit the Uniform Shop.

UNIFORM REMINDER

A reminder to all students regarding your Blazers. Please ensure your Name is clearly labelled on your blazer incase you misplace it. There have been blazers handed in with no name and it is important that they have a name on them so they can be returned to the student.

NORMAL TRADING HOURS

Monday 11:30 am - 4:30pm

Thursday 8:30am - 1:30pm

ORDERING UNIFORMS

Online Ordering - click link below

ONLINE ORDERING

By Appointment - click link below

BY APPOINTMENT

This is an opportunity for you and your supervisor to experience a variety of driving conditions including night time driving to increase safe driver behaviour.

All learner drivers must have 40 or more log book hours.

Bookings are essential click on the link to register. https://forms.office.com/r/kBM2Vdzgr8