Welcome back to Term 3, the beginning of a new semester of learning at St Joseph’s.

At our recent school assembly, I spoke to students about the concept of ‘Engagement’. Engagement is a key part of our school theme for 2025 - “Engagement, Effort, Excellence”.

As a school, we strive to engage students in their learning. Engagement is not about the class teacher putting on a performance and a show each lesson. It is more complex than that and needs to be self-driven from within our students. Student engagement refers to the degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion that students show when they are learning or being taught. This extends to the level of motivation they have to learn and progress in their education. Goal setting is an important strategy. When we have something to strive for, we have nothing to run from.

Students have been challenged to reflect on where they place themselves in the engagement triangle shown below. They can use their school reports, particularly the ‘Personal Profile’ section to assist with this self-reflection.

Semester 1 Reports and Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

At the end of Term 2, students received their Semester One Academic Reports and Parent Teacher Student Interviews were conducted during Week 10 and Week 1. I thank all parents who made the time to attend Years 7-10 Parent Teacher Student Interviews. These were such an important opportunity to come together and work in partnership to support your children and send the clear message that their education is important.

Students, in particular, are encouraged to look closely at their reports to identify areas of progress and improvement and use these to set goals for Semester 2. It is important that reports are used as a valuable tool in enabling growth for all students in their learning. Should you have any questions regarding your child’s academic progress, please do not hesitate to contact their class teacher, the relevant Leader of Learning or PALS.

Good Luck HSC Students

Over the last few weeks, our HSC students have been preparing for the Trial HSC which begins on August 5.  Many HSC Teachers volunteered their time in the holidays to run Study Workshops and to provide opportunities for students to work on Major Projects. It was great to see some of our students take up this opportunity in preparation for their examinations and key NESA due dates. 

We wish the students well during their Trial HSC Examinations and implore them to remain focused and seek advice from their Class Teachers. I wrote to Year 12 families at the end of Term 2 and provided them with a comprehensive outline of the key events for Term 3. If you have not had a chance to view this letter on Compass, it can be found here. Please revise this information with your children in preparation for their examinations.

Welcome Back

Next week we welcome back Ms Wilson and Mr Dribbus who have both been on leave. We also welcome Mrs Claire McCann to the Creative Arts Department for Term 3.  I would like to thank the following staff who have stepped into significant leadership roles over the past 5 weeks; Mrs Biddle (Acting Assistant Principal), Mr Miller (Acting Leader of Student Wellbeing), Mrs Curcio-Borg (Acting Leader of Religious Education and Mrs Musgrave (Acting Stage 5 PAL and Sport Coordinator. The students have been well supported by your contributions through these roles.

Farewell Mrs Tamburini

Today, we farewell Mrs Sandra Tamburini. Sandra has worked in our Library for the past 17 years and has made a significant contribution to our school community. She has also been responsible for the development of our annual school magazine, ‘Cooback’. We wish Sandra well for her future and thank her for all her care for our students, the library and our school community.

As always, thank you for your support and cooperation with your child’s learning and wellbeing and in particular, the smooth return to school over the past fortnight.

Term 3 Key Dates

August

2nd - Diocesan Athletics Carnival

5th - 19th - Trial HSC Exams

8th - Feast of Mary of the Cross Mackillop

15th - Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

19th - Staff Development Day - New Curriculum Implementation

September

12th - R U OK? Day

16th - 27th - Year 11 Preliminary Exams

16th - 20th - Year 12 HSC Intensive Week

23rd - Final House Assembly, Year 12 Activity Afternoon

25th - Year 12 Final Assembly & Year 12 Graduation (Day Events)

27th - Last Day Term 3

Mr Chris Shelton

Acting Principal

Welcome back, students have generally returned to school after the break focussed and ready to take on the challenges of a new semester. Semester 2 is always busy with plenty happening across all year groups. As previously communicated the focus for Years 7-10 should be taking on board the feedback from Semester 1 students received by way of grades, reports (comments and profiles) and parent teacher interviews. The challenge for students is to apply that feedback and set some personal goals to try and improve/grow academically across the semester. A few options to consider to support this include:

• Organisation (bringing all materials to class, organising books and digital files etc)
• Greater focus on formal assessments (starting early, completing drafts and submitting for feedback etc
• Minimising distractions in class (devices, friends/peers), paying more attention to teacher instruction and completing set work to the best of your ability
• Establishing a regular home study routine/program
• Increasing engagement in class (setting personal learning goals, working collaboratively with others

The approach students take to learning in Semester 2 is up to them however, a collaborative approach between the student, teachers and families is always the most effective way to support students to reach their academic potential.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thanks to all who made the time to attend our Zoom and Face to Face Parent Teacher interviews in recent weeks. The number of parents/carers making interviews was the highest we have seen since Covid and it is encouraging to see families eager to work collaboratively with teachers to support our students. A reminder that teachers are always available to discuss any concerts you may have regarding your student(s).

Trial HSC Exams

Good luck to our senior students who undertake their Trial HSC exams starting Monday (Week 3).

Students have been well prepared and are encouraged to use the 2 weeks of flexible attendance to apply the knowledge and strategies they have been developing to navigate this experience. Students are strongly encouraged to follow all the exam requirements that have been shared/discussed with them. A reminder if any student is unable to complete an exam, they need to contact the school prior to the exam to inform us, complete an Illness/Misadventure form and submit to the Curriculum Office ASAP along with the appropriate documentation eg. Medical Certificate from a GP/Pharmacist.

Year 11

Term 3 is the final stage of the preliminary HSC course for Year 11. This is a great opportunity for Year 11 to adapt and modify their approach to learning both in the classroom and at home before starting the HSC course ion term 4. Students should be well into the process of implementing a regular home study routine in preparation for their end of year exams in weeks 9 and 10.

Subject Selection 2025

Year 11 2025

Students completed their initial selections over the holidays. We have now finalised the lines for 2025 based on these selections and will share with students Monday. Students will receive an email with log in details to the online selection portal and will be required to make their final selections by early Week 3.

Years 9 and 10 2025

With senior subject selection finalised we will now proceed to finalise elective choices for students in Years 9 and 10 2025. Students will receive an email with log in details to the online selection portal in Week 3. Students will be required to select their elective choices in order of preference. Final allocation of elective subjects will be determined by student selections and staff availability in each faculty.

If there are any issues or concerns around subjects and lines please contact the Curriculum office to discuss.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN was held for students in Years 7 and Year 9 earlier this year in Term 1. We have now been provided with the students results which we have sent home with students last week. The student reports have changed this year.  Education ministers have agreed to change the way NAPLAN results are reported to parents and carers, now that all students are taking the tests online, and with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March. New proficiency standards with 4 levels of achievement for each year level will replace the previous 10-band structure that covered all 4 levels tested and the old National Minimum Standard set in 2008 when tests were on paper. The new proficiency standards include a baseline benchmark to identify students who are likely to need additional support.

The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard will be replaced by the following 4 levels of achievement:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support

The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress.

Please refer to the flyer attached from ACARA for more information. https://www.nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplan-information-brochure-for-parents-and-carers.pdf)

Mr Brett Moran

Curriculum Coordinator

School Fees

Thank you to all the families that make such an effort to ensure that their fees are up to date. Your URGENT attention to school fees payments is requested. For those falling behind we urge you to make every effort to bring your account up to date.

For those experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the finance office or email accounts@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au.

TERM 3 2024

August

5th - 19th - Trial HSC Exams

8th - Feast of Mary of the Cross Mackillop

15th - Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

19th - Staff Development Day - New Curriculum Implementation

September

12th - R U OK? Day

16th - 27th - Year 11 Preliminary Exams

16th - 20th - Year 12 HSC Intensive Week

20th - Final House Assembly, Year 12 Activity Afternoon

25th - Year 12 Final Assembly & Year 12 Graduation (Day Events)

27th - Last Day Term 3

Year 9 & 10 Food Technology

Year 9 & 10 Food Tech students made a hearty and healthy lentil soup this week, getting them ready for when they leave home....being to cook for themselves.

The Premier's Reading Challenge - 26/2/24 -23/8/24

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.

CBCA Book Week "Reading is Magic" - 17- 23 August 2024

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!

We have an exciting term ahead as we build towards state championship titles in Netball for boys and our 9-10 girls as well as trials beginning for our upcoming Term 4 sports. I would like to pass on my biggest thanks to Mrs Musgrave who replaced me as Sports Coordinator whilst I was away on leave. She has done a tremendous job and I am grateful for all her efforts and work. If you see her around the school, please thank her for all her efforts.

It was great to see our Open Girls Hockey team presented with their Diocesan Championship certificates at assembly on Monday. Congratulations girls on being back to back Champions!

Diocesan Athletics Team

Best of luck to all St Joseph’s students competing at the Diocesan Athletics competition this Friday 2nd August in Campbelltown. It will be a very early start for the team of 39 boys and 26 girls accompanied by Miss Power, Mrs Sharkey & Mr Lewis. We know they will try their best and do their school proud. Go Joeys!!

South Coast Secondary Schools Regional Oztag Tournament

Congratulations to the five St Joseph’s teams that competed at the South Coast  Secondary Schools Regional Oztag Tournament on Thursday 26th July at Fairy Meadow. It was an early (7:30am) start for all the teams. A big thank you to Mr Sutton (9/10 boys), Miss Sneddon (7/8 boys), Mrs Hartup (senior girls), Mr Kinyua (7/8 girls), Mrs Rasmussen and Mr Paterson (9/10 girls) for all their work training and coaching the teams.

7-8 Boys

On Thursday 25 June, year 7/8 boys competed at the All Schools Oztag Competition in Fairy Meadow. The boys competed against 4 other schools from across the Illawarra. The first game against Bulli High showed a tough defensive side, unfortunately coming away with a loss. Josh Sail scored our try for this game, intercepting the ball and running the length of the field up the side-line and scoring.

In our second game against Edmund Rice, the boys showed improvement from tips given by coach Quinn Rippon and were much quicker in defence, holding off the Edmund Rice boys for the first half of the game. We had a few great try scorers during this game aswell, coming out with a tie.

Our third game against Figtree and last game against Woonona were again very tough games. The boys persevered and worked strategically together, managing to gain some try's during each game but unfortunately coming away with a loss.

The great sportsmanship of each player was demonstrated as they applauded their opponents and shook hands after each game. It was a great day out!

MVP: - Levi Thomas

Special thanks to Quinn Rippon for attending on the day and all his assistance in coaching.

7-8 Girls

The team had girls from a mix of football ability, from Rep players to girls that have never played before. The first game started off against Illawarra Sports High, the girls were nervous as they knew it would be a challenge but they showed great courage in defence and created plenty of opportunities in attack but just couldn't capitalise. We got unlucky in the last 2 minutes of the game going down to a run away try, but it gave confidence to the team as they matched up well against a top team.

The 2nd game was against Kiama and after a 2 hour break the girls showed great confidence and resilience in attack and defence. The girls created multiple opportunities in attack but got unlucky in executing them. After hard fought defence on the line Kiama scored 2 tries and Lani Graham scored 1 and put us back in the game. In the end Kiama won 2-1.

The third game against another top team St Mary’s posed a challenge and after a long day the girls were feeling fatigued. They still showed great courage and after we scored first from Scarlett Richardson the energy was up. The team chemistry seemed to favour St Mary’s and they scored two tries winning 2-1.

The last game against Wollongong Performing Arts, showed the fatigue from the day but the girls put their best foot forward and with another try from Scarlett, they finally got the win. 1-0

Overall I was proud of the girls and they were outstanding and they gave it their all and showed a lot of potential for the future in football based sports. Thank you to Paige Hogben for helping and assisting with coaching on the day and trainings.

Notable mentions also go to: Jayda Stringer, Lani Graham and Ruby Evans.

9/10 girls

The day started early with a frosty morning. First game was against Bulli High. The girls played well and fought hard but unfortunately went down by 1. With heads high, the girls went into their second game against Warilla. As expected, the Warilla girls came out strong. Although the Joey's girls showed some great defence and teamwork, Warilla secured the win. Game 3 saw Joey's taking on Woonona High. The scores were even for most of the game but Woonona managed to sneak a try in on the horn to claim victory. The girls moved onto their final game for the day against Figtree high. They found structure in the middle and weren't letting opposition run through them. This saw them out to an early lead which lasted the entire game. Joey's secured their first win and smiles were contagious. A great day was had by all.

MVP - Mia Tarlinton

Senior Girls

Congratulations to our senior girls OzTag team on a great day at the South Coast regional comp this week. The girls faced teams from Kiama, Moss Vale, Keira and Nowra and after a tough first game against Kiama they found their feet and worked really well together as a team. They came back to win the next two games 2-nil and showed some amazing team work.

It is honestly too difficult to choose one MVP for the day as every single player was equally involved and displayed great skills. Some notable mentions from each game include Kiana Rieck, Alexa Davies, Charlee Buckman and Bella Sacco.

Thanks for an excellent day to all the Joey’s players and teachers.

9/10 Boys

The boys played 4 pool games in the Oz-Tag tournament coming up with 2 wins, a loss and a draw.

First up we faced Bulli High School going up 2-1 with 30 seconds to go. A turnover from an attempted cut-out pass led to a last minute set for Bulli who managed to break through the line and score a try as the final siren sounded. During our second game we were able to display great teamwork, speed and ball skill and put on a clinic to beat Moss Vale High School 8-3.

Third we faced Edmund Rice and put up a valiant effort for most of the game, leading 4-2 until we ran out of puff and they came back to beat us 5-4.

Another rematch against Bulli High school in game 4, though we came away with the win, hanging on 4-3 as they attacked our try line with 30 seconds to go.

We had done enough to finish 6th out of the 13 teams in the tournament to make the Quarter Finals, facing Edmund Rice College. Once again, we led by 2 points for most of the game. Edmund Rice had a squad of 16 players and they subbed a whole fresh side who ended up putting on a few late tries and winning the match 4-3. Notable moments were Lachlan Hoggard scoring late in the game on the wing, Sam Shepherd's ability to make a line break and run the length of the field and Jake Thompson being a tagging machine.

The boys worked through some issues on the field in attack, defence and team morale, but rallied hard all day for a good display of Oz-Tag and represented St Joseph's with pride.

MVP - Samuel Shepherd

St Peter & Paul’s Athletics Carnival helpers

Fifteen St Joseph’s students were selected to help out at the Ss Peter & Paul’s Athletics carnival on Thursday 25th July. They were wonderful representatives of the school and did Joey’s proud. A teacher from Ss Peter & Paul’s said of our students “They were incredible. So helpful and polite. A credit to St Joseph’s.”

The students had a great day helping run field and track events.

"We were honoured to represent our school at the St Peter and Paul athletics carnival. All the kids were so joyful, eager and enthusiastic to compete in the activities. Seeing them get out of their comfort zones and try something new shows how great our encouragement was. Overall it was a really good experience and all the teachers were so lovely" Brooklyn B (year 9).

"I was very appreciative that I got to be one of the helpers at the athlete's carnival of Ss Peter & Paul. Helping with this event I had a great time organising the events, supervising stations, and encouraging students which increased the excitement. Being a part of this event allowed me to support students and encourage them to do their best in every activity." Brianna M (year 9)

Soccer referees needed

Please complete the form below to be considered as a referee at the 2024 Primary Gala Day Soccer Day. The gala day is on Friday 23 August 2024. Referees will be required at Albion Park - Terry Reserve at 8:15am. The gala day concludes at approximately 2:00pm.

CLOSING DATE to complete form 9 AUGUST 2024

https://forms.gle/phcDumsEL9E77r5B7

We are able to send up to 50 referees from St Joseph's Albion Park. However, the students who are picked must be exceptional leaders of our school. Student Role – to assist in the refereeing of all student games

St Joseph's Olympics

To celebrate the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, St Joseph’s will have a sporting tournament run over the next few weeks. We are looking forward to getting our olympic/paralympic spirit on!

Nomination closes: Sunday 3rd August

Nominate here: https://forms.gle/EH3E6XNMtcn17MBD9

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for ex Joey’s student Blake Govers who is playing in the Open Men’s hockey team in Paris.

Girls Rugby League Opportunity

The Steelers are a Rugby League rep team that play in the NSW junior rep competition and play against the Wests Tigers, Eels, Bulldogs, Sharks, Roosters, Panthers etc in the Lisa Fiola (Under 17's) and Tarsha Gale (Under 19's) competitions.

Steelers have now opened expressions of interest (EOI) to trial for their rep teams and I would appreciate it if you could pass this information on to  appropriate students. These would be females born in 2008 or before and are currently playing tackle rugby league in local competitions

The link to register their expression of interest is:\

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-B4PFTSDhk/?igsh=b3Fmem55OTRwOTBx

Sporting achievements of Joey’s students

Solomon Liu (Year 9)

Congratulations to Solomon who competed at the U16 National Basketball Championships in Bendigo over the holidays representing NSW Country. Solomon was a key member of the team.

Jamie Martins (Year 7)

Congratulations to Jamie Martins (year 7) who was part of the Shellharbour Junior FC team that were the Under 13’s Kanga Cup champions. The Kanga Cup is the largest youth Football tournament in the Southern Hemisphere and took place in Canberra during the holidays. Congratulations Jaimie!

Alani West (Year 8)

Congratulations to Alani West in Yr8 who competed in a National Dance competition over the school holidays. Alani came 8th in the competition. Well done Alani!

Charlee Buckman

Congratulations to Charlee Buckman who played in the NSWCCC Open Girls Hockey team at the end of last term. Charlee has had a sensational hockey career over her years here at St Joseph’s and been a vital team player in assisting our team in becoming back to back champions of Wollongong Diocese.

Emily Hollingsworth

Congratulations to Emily who was selected for theNSW All Schools AFL team and has been competing in QLD at the Australia Schools Nationals. We look forward to hearing all about her experience when she returns next week.

Bianca de Swardt

Congratulations to Bianca who competed last week at the NSW All Schools Cross COuntry Championship. She placed 38th in  her age group and this was a tremendous effort against some incredible girls. Bianca is in her final preparation before her World Championship Triathlon Multisport event in Townsville in the coming weeks. Well done and goodluck Bianca.

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

Please email details to Mrs Musgrave - Acting Sports Coordinator (musgravec01@dow.catholic.edu.au)

St Joseph’s Sports Instagram Page 

For all things sports follow social media page @SJCHSSPORTS

Events this week and notes for diary....

WORK READINESS PROGRAM 

Year 10 students have had the opportunity to build their resume and complete cover letters as part of their transition from school to the workforce. We had a guest speaker from Apprenticeship Careers Support, Jacob Mouwad, walk the students through Interviews and expectations of employers. The next step will be mock job interviews for work experience positions. This was a wonderful opportunity for all the students involved. The key learning was making a good impression in an interview using these vital points : having a genuine interest, enthusiasm, confidence, eye contact, presentation skills, organisation, eagerness to work, clearly speaking, knowing the company through research, punctuality and knowledge of the job you are applying for. All of these points were discussed as part of this workshop.

UOW early Admission

Applications close August 9th. If the students need application support please contact me.

ITEC OPEN DAY

Excursion coming up Thursday August 8

Nursing Workshop

coming up August 15

Spotlight on a career by a student 

So you want to become an AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

As an Air Traffic Controller in Australia, you'll play a crucial role in managing 11% of the world's airspace. Working with world-class technology, you'll ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient use of our skies. Your primary concern will be safety, guiding aircraft during takeoff and landing, managing the flow in and out of airport airspace, and monitoring flights. Additionally, you'll work to minimise delays, connecting people safely with their destinations.

Skills required for this role include effective communication, decision-making, stress management, ability to operate well under pressure, organisation and teamwork.

There are 3 main courses available for people who want to become an Air Traffic Controller. These include Bachelor of Aviation Management, Bachelor of Aviation or Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control). There are currently ​1,600 ATCs in Australia. Air Traffic Controllers ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in controlled airspace and aerodromes by directing aircraft movements. This career plays a crucial role in safeguarding the skies and beyond.

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

Sue Kennedy

Transition and Pathways Specialist/ Career Adviser

kennedys01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong’s (CEDoW) Standard Collection Notice for parents and students has been updated.

This notice explains how CEDoW handles the personal information of students and parents, and replaces the notice previously provided to you in our enrolment package. You can access the updated notice by visiting our website http://www.sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au/about/policies/ 

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

The Learner Log Book Night run is scheduled for Tuesday 6th August, 2024. Event starts at 6pm at the Lake Illwarra PCYC.

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