Congratulations to all our participants in Illuminate. This event celebrated the Creative and performing arts of the Diocese. It was wonderful to see the gifts of talent that exist and are being so well displayed. We sincerely hope that this event becomes an annual celebration of talent. We are grateful to our CAPA staff who so ably contributed to the staffing of the event. 

Our SRC is working diligently on our Christmas in the Cola event that is coming up to help fundraise for Vinnies Christmas appeal. We are looking forward to the goodies on the day so save up!!!

Students will participate in PAT testing in the coming weeks.  Please make sure you read the information that is sent home through the COMPASS notification. This is an important measure of student growth for the year and the results will be sent home to parents.

Year 11

Most students have now finalised their HSC pattern of study. Students whom have dropped a subject now have 9 free lessons across their cycle (more for students who have completed a HSC pathways subject this year). It is important to note that these lessons are not to be viewed as free time. The time is to be spent in the library working actively. Students are to use the time to complete unfinished class work, set homework, preparing for upcoming assessments or general study/revision.

To support students each we have created a study matrix that has been shared with students. Each subject has provided at least one 25 - 30min activity to guide students to actively engage in coursework/revision during this time. This leaves students with at least 4 full lessons where they can use the time to work on the areas they feel are required.

Year 10

With most assessments now completed the focus for Year 10 is building the skills required for Stage 6 studies. Classes are still operating with tis express purpose in mind. Students are strongly encouraged to talk with their teachers about their progress and what areas they can consolidate over the remaining weeks to provide them with a more successful transition to the work requirements of Year 11.

We are really proud of our students' participation and what they have achieved at ILLUMINATE 2024 on Tuesday 19th November at the University of Wollongong's Great Hall.  Illuminate showcased all 9 of our Diocesan secondary schools and their achievements in the Creative and Performing Arts.  Notably, our performers: Tristan Denmeade who skillfully performed a stunning Chopin piece on the piano, and Georgia Macdonald, Alyssa Shepherd, Bella Brennan and Myah Bramstedt who presented a lively and entertaining jazz dance piece to "Let's Get Loud". We also had some very successful Visual Arts Yr 12 Bodies of Work by Prince Burian, Elisha Matta, Sky Neilson, Sienna Jankovic and Charlee Buckman on display.   The entire event was well received with audiences impressed with the standard of the works shown. 

Importantly we are extremely proud of the opportunity ILUMINATE 2024 offered our students to come together as a community and showcase their creative gifts and talents. The students were outstanding not only in their creative presentations, performance discipline but also in how they conducted themselves over both the rehearsal and performance days. A big thanks to all the teachers involved in the many aspects of bringing this event together. Well done everyone. 

Recently Rebecca McGlashin, Katelyn Blissett and Ellie Micovski were selected to showcase their PDHPE - PBL initiaive called 'Pinky Promise' at the STEM MAD Showcase. 

Their initiative is impressive, involvong an App the focuses on keeping young women safe.

5 major awards were given to both primary and secondary schools divisions. The girls were awarded the Secondary Catholic Ethos Award. They were super excited to be acknowledeged as the quality of the projects was outstanding.

Years 9 and 10 Food Technology

Years 9 and 10 Food Technology made fresh fruit tarts this week. The students blind baked some shortcrust pastry, made a creme patissiere (custard) and garnished with fresh fruits. They then made cinnamon cookies from the pastry offcuts.

Year 12 Cookery II

Year 12 Cookery II students completed a sandwich assessment, making a Club Sandwich, served with triple fried chips and aioli.

Week 7 is fast approaching and will be exciting and busy in the Creative and Performing Arts. 

An artist in residence will be working with us over a range of dates across this week developing skills in the use of Ceramics as a vehicle for expression. Ceramicist Alanna Askew will be working with groups of students from Years 7 - 10 on this enriching project. 

Parents of Years 7 - 9

On Wednesday 27th November, we are holding an open afternoon in the Creative Arts building (E Block) with some Music performances, a student Art Exhibition and our performance of Alice in Wonderland. 

The afternoon commences at 3.30, for Music and Exhibition with a light afternoon tea. The performance piece Alice will start at 4.30 and should be concluded by 5pm. 

We hope to see as many parents in attendance as possible, especially the parents and families of our Musicians and the Alice in Wonderland cast. We warmly welcome you to attend.

Please note that the Drama space seats approx 35 people, so seating will be allocated on a first-come basis. 

CDF Sport Awards

2024 Sport Awards

U16's Mixed Touch Football

It was positive signs from the start of the day that St Joseph’s was going to do well, as we arrived first and secured the undercover area in front of the field we were playing on. We were at Croom Road, Albion Park, for the NRL Under 16s Mixed Touch Football Gala Day.

Game 1 saw us face a strong Lake Illawarra side and we found our feet straight away and scored first. Which was advantageous as the scoring was 3 points for the first try of the game and 2 points for subsequent tries. We ended up winning 5 to 2.

Games 2 and 3 we were equally impressive, winning both games and only having one defensive error that let a try in. We topped our pool which meant we faced Holy Spirit in the Grand Final.

The teams were evenly matched at the start, but soon after, Holy Spirit College scored first with a solo try by a student with lightning fast feet and blistering pace. St Joseph's responded with a try, but were outmatched on the day, losing 4 tries to 1.

The players voted both Emily Hollingsworth and Jacob Pollard the MVP's of the tournament. With only one MVP ball to allocate, Emily kindly passed it on to Jacob to be the recipient.

A great day was had by all and I thoroughly enjoyed coaching this time.

Dance Company - Illuminate 2024

This week the St Joseph's Dance Company were selected to perform in Illuminate 2024. This performance was a culmination of Diocese High schools coming together to perform their best music, dance, drama and Visual Arts projects from this year. It was such a great show and the girls in the Dance Company were phenomenal getting the show dancing in their seats to ‘Let’s Get Loud’. Congratulations goes to Georgia MacDonald, Alyssa Shepherd, Bella Brennan and Myah Bramsdet.

Elite/Aspiring Athlete Program - Day 1 -

This week commenced the start of our first program day for the 2024/25 Aspiring/Elite Athlete Program. The day commenced in the library where students were inspired by a short video of Ellie Cole’s journey through injury, school and Olympics. They then did some reflection on what it takes to be ‘elite’ and worked through developing their own SMART goals for the upcoming months. We are lucky enough to be the first school in NSW to be working with the NSW Office of Sport on two programs which will aim to improve mental health and resilience of these athletes as well as developing themselves as a holistic athlete (not just the physical component).

We then jumped on the bus and headed into Bai Med Performance Centre to commence the baseline testing. Students completed a range of tests including, strength, range of movement/flexibility, power and cardiovascular endurance by completing the Yo-Yo test. Once they had completed their testing in year groups, they then moved into sport specific groups to go through a gym program. It was great to see them out of their comfort zone, encouraging each other and pushing to do their best. They finished the day with some reflection on their testing results to highlight some weaknesses and added these into their goals. They will head back to Bai Med in Term 3 to complete their post testing to see the improvements they have made over the 12 months in this program.

A massive thank you to Dylan Hoogendoorn who attended to take photos of our crew. We really appreciate your work.

Student Sporting Success

Jayden Mare

At the indoor hockey state champs this past weekend Jayden competed in the division 1 comp for Illawarra South Coast 1's team and won the state champs 1st division. Jayden has also made the New South Wales shadow squad. Congratulations Jayden.

Te Ari'i Aperau Bob

Te Ari'i competed in the SESA Swim Championships in Corrimal over the weekend 16-17th Nov, where he placed 1st in all his events. He is also the 'New Record Holder' for 14yr Boys - 50m Backstroke, 30.49sec [previous record 31.23sec 05/02/2022]. Next month, in December from 06/12 - 14/12/24 he will be competing in all the Backstroke events at the NSW Senior State Age Championships, held at Sydney Olympic Park. This being his 3rd State Championships he's attended. Congratulations Te Ari’i what a sensational effort.

Jaxon Moran, Lucas Glover and Mitchell Whalan

Congratulations to our junior boys who were selected to attend the NSWCCC U15s Cricket trials. Whilst they were not chosen in the team, they took a lot away from the day and got some great experience against the older kids as well as a big trial like this.

Next week I will be delivering the Transition and Pathway (TaPs) lessons to Year 7 to 10 students. The TaPs program has been in place at St Joseph’s for over three years. Its purpose is to ensure students are provided with the opportunities and the means to be fully prepared for post school life.

The week will begin with a whole school assembly, where I will reinforce the value and purpose of the program by emphasising the journeys each student embarks on when entering highschool:

The OUTWARD Journey. Discovering the world around you. Starting in Stage 4, students uncover subjects that align with their interests. Moving to Stage 5, where students enter the world of work and begin searching for part-time positions, work experience and traineeships. Through to Stage 6, where student work placement, apprenticeship and further education decisions are made.

The outward journey is full of endless possibilities and the TaPs lessons are a place to unlock those possibilities and discover what opportunities are available.

The INWARD journey. Discovering the person inside you. Starting in Stage 4, students identify the activities, interests and hobbies they participate in and learn how these can align with work-based competencies. Moving to Stage 5, students appreciate and build awareness of their unique talents and how these personality strengths transfer into the world of work. Through to Stage 6, where students mature into adulthood and begin to realise their potential, their purpose, their “why”.

The inward journey helps direct students to the right opportunities and has a strong connection to their well-being and general success and happiness.
 

Lee Morley
Careers Advisor / TaPS coordinator
morleyl01@dow.catholic.edu.au

University of Wollongong:

UOW Discovery Day 2025 - Registration OPEN!

Student registrations for Discovery Days opened on Tuesday, 19th November 2024, allowing students to sign up and submit their details. Unlike previous years, students will not select their timetables at this stage. Timetable selection will be available in the new year, once schools return, and we will notify you of the exact date soon. 

During the initial registration period, students will select the study areas they are interested in, and UOW will use student responses to design a tailored program based on these preferences.

To accommodate this there will be a limited registration window and will open Tuesday, 19th November 2024, at 9:30 AM and close Friday, 15th December 2024 at 3:00 PM.

Students will be able to find the registration link at uow.edu.au/engage/schools-parents/high-school/discovery-days

Once timetable selections are available in the new year once school returns, students will receive a direct link to complete their timetable registration easily ensuring they have speedy access to plan their day.

UAC News

Videos on Nearly Every Topic for Uni

UAC hosts a series of short videos about applying to uni through UAC: from the application basics to the ins and outs of early offers, changing course preferences and what students can do if they've been disadvantaged during their final years of school.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1s0OQdLq16Ee3mwajbhfhA/videos

Useful links

Other University / TAFE news

Jobs Board - Term 4, 2024

SJCHS Careers Instagram

SJCHS Careers Facebook

Welcome to our third edition of House News! We are thrilled to keep our community connected with everything happening within the House community at St Joey’s.

Spotlight on the Macquarie House Leaders

In this edition, we're shining the spotlight on our two new House Leaders from Macquarie Declan Lake and Lola Garcia. These dedicated students are excited about the year ahead.  We asked them what being part of a house means to them. Check out what they had to say! 

What does being part of Macquarie mean to you?

Declan: Being part of house Macquarie to me means that you support each other, collaborate and share ideas and goals with each other.

Lola: To me, being a part of Macquarie creates a sense of belonging within the school, bringing individuals together and fostering community.

Why did you choose to become a Macquarie House Leader?

Declan: I became house leader in order to become a role model to the younger students in our community in hopes that they will provide their own services to Macquarie as well. I also hope that I can build on my leadership skills by working closely with those around me. 

Lola: I chose to become house leader to build the community here at St Joseph's and to create an enjoyable environment within the houses. 

What are your particular interests as a house leader?

Declan: As your new house leader, I am keen in promoting the well being of the individuals of our house, to create an atmosphere where everyone can feel included, welcomed and valued, no matter their interests.

Lola: As House leader, I am interested in getting to know my house individually and creating new initiatives and fun ways to integrate house systems into everyday school life.  

What are you looking forward to this term? 

Declan: This term, I am thrilled to start boosting our Macquarie house spirit, to advocate for its needs and ideas, to earn more house points so that next year we can get 1st place and earn our trip to Jamberoo Action Park!!!

Lola: This term, I am excited to lay the groundwork for Macquarie in preparation for next year and to strive to be the best house.

We look forward to working with the Macquarie Community!!

Miss Sarah-Jane Janson
Macquarie House Patron

Toy Drive/Christmas Food Hamper Donations

Thank you to all the students and their families and staff that have donated toys/gifts and food for Christmas Hampers for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Donations will be accepted up to the 6th of December. Your generously donated toys or gifts will be distributed by Vinnies Albion Park volunteers to ensure every child/teen in need will experience the joy of having a gift under their Christmas tree this year. Christmas food items will be provided to families to make Christmas more special.  

Please bring your gifts to the front office. Each toy/gift, Christmas food item is worth 5 points.

Giving Liturgy/Christmas Carols in the Cola/Christmas Bake Sale

On the 12th December there will be a Giving Liturgy and the donated toys and food will be presented during the Liturgy, followed by Christmas Carols in the Cola at lunchtime. There will be a bake sale and fairy floss for students to purchase.

All proceeds will go towards the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.

Details of all upcoming events will be provided on Compass.

Mrs Curcio-Borg
SRC Coordinator

2025 School Fee General Information

School fees for 2025 will be invoiced and statements will be issued by the end of Week Two with annual or first instalment payment due on 28 February 2025. All school fees are 30 days accounts payable in full unless you wish to pay by instalment or agreement (Both explained below). You may view school fees in the Compass Parent Portal.

IF YOU WISH TO PAY BY INSTALMENTS
Many families have already elected to pay their school fees by instalments. If you wish to avail yourself of this option, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on St Joseph’s website or in the holder on the wall at St Joseph’s finance office. On completion of the request either email it  to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit at St Joseph’s office.

Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your account and a schedule of payments and due dates will be provided on your detailed school fee statement at the beginning of the year .

Please note if you are paying by instalments at St Joseph’s or at a primary school you are coming from, no need to complete another request to pay by instalment form unless you want to change the frequency. It is only necessary to complete this form ONCE during the period of child/children’s enrolment unless you wish to amend your payment frequency. You may only have ONE instalment frequency across schools eg fortnightly at both.

Completion of a Request to pay by instalment IS NOT an authority for payment from your bank account, you need to setup BPay or a regular payment from your bank.

IF YOU WISH TO PAY BY AGREEMENTS
Many families wish for a more flexible payment arrangement paying irregular lump sums throughout the year ensuring fees are paid in full by year end or an annual payment at tax time or after the 30 days deadline in February has lapsed. Your Agreements need to be updated yearly, please contact St Joseph’s Finance office by phone 4230 8525 or email accounts@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au .

REMINDERS FOR LATE PAYMENTS
These reminders are automatically generated based on the number of days a payment is overdue and are distributed by the Catholic Education Office. For those families that may have difficulty in paying their school fees, these reminders may cause some distress. This is not our intention. Our intention is to manage the collection of school fee accounts with new technology.

SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES
The invoicing of school fees and the distribution of school fee statements each month, is carried out by the Catholic Education Office. Payment of fees, whether as an annual payment or payment by instalments is due on the date/s provided on your school fee statement.
St Joseph’s will always be your point of contact for matters pertaining to fees. If you wish to discuss your school fee account, please contact St Joseph’s finance office.

DIFFICULTY WITH PAYMENT
If you are experiencing financial difficulty and unable to increase your payments or pay, there are concessions available. We encourage you to contact St Joseph’s to discuss an arrangement that will assist you meet your commitments. This includes the completion of a Diocesan Application for Fee Concession which is available from the holder on the wall at St Joseph’s finance office.

Once the completed Fee Concession form is received, the school may be able to write off some of your outstanding fee balance. Be reassured that your situation will be treated with strict confidentiality and respect for your circumstances.

For those families that received a Fee Concession in 2023, you will receive an email prior to your annual review date attaching a further Application for Fee Concession. If you wish to submit the application, please do so at your child’s school. Please note, if you have children in more than one school, it will only be necessary to submit one application.

TERM 4 2024

November

Wednesday 27 - 29
Bishop's Student Leaders Retreat

Thursday 28
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day

December

Monday 16            
Presentation of Awards - 10:45am in the Gym

Wednesday 18
Last day of school for students

 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