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As we come to the close of another remarkable year at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park, it is my great pleasure to share with you the many achievements of our students and staff.
This year’s HSC results highlight the tremendous growth and improvement displayed by our Year 12 students. Across the cohort, we have seen significant advancements in academic performance, with many students surpassing their personal goals and achieving commendable results in their respective subjects. This progress reflects their hard work, resilience, and determination, supported by the commitment of our staff and the encouragement of their families. To our Year 12 graduates, we pray for God’s blessings as you embark on the next chapter of your journey, confident in the foundation you have built here at St Joseph’s.
Across the school, we have seen significant improvement in literacy and numeracy outcomes. These gains are a testament to the strategic efforts of our staff, who have worked diligently to provide engaging and innovative learning opportunities. Our focus on tailored support and intervention programs has enabled every student to grow and thrive. To our students, your commitment to learning and willingness to strive for your best has made this progress possible—well done!
This year, we are saying farewell to a remarkable group of educators and staff, each of whom has left an indelible mark on St Joseph’s. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to our students and school community will be deeply missed.
Among those leaving us is a blend of highly experienced educators who have devoted upwards of four decades to teaching and mentoring, as well as brilliant early career teachers who are moving on to broaden their horizons and gain valuable experience in other school settings.
We farewell:
Mr Akai
Miss Curcio
Miss Refalo
Miss Sneddon
Mr Wilson
We know they will bring their unique talents and dedication to these new chapters in their professional journeys.
At the end of Term 3, we had the privilege of farewelling Mrs Kennedy after many years of service to St Joseph’s. Her guard of honour was a fitting tribute to the immense impact she has had on generations of students and staff in our community.
We also bid farewell to Mrs Tamburini, Miss Daley, and Mrs Jennison who have all provided outstanding SSO support to our students and teachers. We thank them for their valuable contributions to our community.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of Mrs Smith in HSIE this year and also to Mr Radic for his time covering Mr Armstrong’s classes.
Our building works on our Science Labs and the Carpark extension are progressing well with a handover date expected shortly after we return to school in 2025.
As we approach Christmas, we are reminded of the hope and joy that comes with the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this season of giving, let us also reflect on the many blessings in our lives, including our vibrant and faith-filled school community. May the love of Christ bring peace to your homes and guide us into the new year with hearts full of hope and gratitude.
On behalf of the staff at St Joseph’s, I wish you all a happy and holy Christmas. May your holiday season be filled with joy, rest, and the company of loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for another exciting year of learning, growth, and faith-filled experiences.
Mr Christopher Shelton
Years 9 and 10 Food Technology
Students finished off the year with a batch of Gingerbread Men. They rolled, they stamped, they baked, they cooled, they piped, they decorated and then they ATE!
MLC Cooking
MLC Students did some Christmas cooking to finish of the year.
Year 10 Science
Students in Year 10 Science have been learning about the visible light spectrum and refraction. Students have been using light boxes and prisms to separate white light into all the colours of the rainbow.
When looking at refraction, students were tasked with trying to concentrate the beams of sunlight through a magnifying glass to create a fire with a dry leaf. Students were also able to use this technique to write in pieces of bark.
Morgan Sneddon
Science Teacher
Last week Year 10 students completed their First Aid Certificates during their PDHPE classes.
Congratulations to the Year 12 2024 on their HSC achievements. Their efforts in pursuit of academic excellence will unlock boundless opportunities. With so many students selecting university pathways in Wollongong, Sydney and beyond, we look forward to following their journey and celebrating their future successes.
For parents and students who are still contemplating next steps and trying to demystify the impact of their ATAR on their Uni application - UAC have provided some useful video links to help - Understanding ATAR and Uni Admissions
Now that the hard part is over, the exams are done and results are in, students are encouraged to enquire into scholarship opportunities. Many universities have 2025 scholarship applications still open, especially equity scholarships. Information relating to key university programs can be found below. It costs nothing to apply and the financial benefits can be a game changer.
University of Western Sydney Scholarships
As we come to the end of the school year, we also get to celebrate further apprenticeship success, with Robert Kynes (Year 12) and Jack Smith (Year 12) both gaining electrical apprenticeship with Bluescope Steel and the Defence Force respectively. Congratulations gentlemen, we wish you all the best for 2025 and beyond.
Years 7 to 9 Girl's Cricket
Last Tuesday the Joey's junior girls cricket team played Holy Spirit in a 'friendly'. For most of the girls this was their first experience playing an actual game of cricket so there were more than as few nerves as the girls padded up to bat first. The game structure saw the girls bat in pairs for 4 overs / pair. Kiara S led the way with the bat making 13 off her allocated overs with support coming from Emily H (7), Maya H (7) and Kobi E (5). At the end of the set 24 overs the girls made a handy 75 runs.
Taking to the field the girls understandably took some time to find their grove. Once they settled into their grove the fielding picked up and they started to apply pressure to the Holy Spirit batters. Emily H made the initial breakthrough taking 2 wickets in her first over as did Kobi E in the next over as momentum started to turn. At the drinks break the girls were just behind but in a very competitive position. Unfortunately the experience of the opposition proved too much in the end and despite the efforts of Lilly W, Emma Lee S and Kiara S who all took wickets Holy Spirit managed to compile a total of 155 to run out comfortable winners.
While the result was not one the team wanted, the girls put in a solid performance against a team that had played a number of games already. With further experience the girls showed enough potential to demonstrate that with further practice and experience they can be a very competitive cricket side. Thanks to Sam, Lucas and Jax from the junior boys cricket team who helped with umpiring and scoring duties on the day. Congratulations to this girls team who are St Joseph’s very first girls cricket team!
Sports Awards 2024
As a school, we’ve had an amazing year in sport. The girls’ hockey team dominated this season, winning the Diocesan championship for the second year in a row whilst the boys’ hockey team did an incredible job too, finishing 3rd despite not being able to field a full team.
We took a massive run of silver in 2024…just missing the podium on several occasions. In Rugby 7s our girls were runners-up at the Illawarra competition and qualified for the NSW State Championships. Both our 7-8 & 9-10 Boys’ netball teams placed 2nd at the NSW Regional Championships, the Junior Boys Cricket Team and Junior Boys Basketball Team took 2nd at the Diocesan Gala Days and we finished 2nd in our U16s Girls Blues Tag and U16s Mixed Touch Tournaments. These results show just how competitive St. Joseph’s is across a variety of sports and a huge improvement from 2023.
This year, at the CDF Sports Awards Night we didn’t place in the top scores of the Vince Villa Cup, however it is worth noting that we were competing against much larger schools. If we averaged our points per student, we would have come in 1st place overall which is an outstanding feat. That, along with our Elite Athlete Program, really shows the strength of our school’s sporting culture.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge some great sporting success by Jacob and Julius Ong who represented our school at Australian All Schools for Judo and placed 2nd for their age and category. Other students who have represented at a high level have been Bianca de Swardt across a range of sports. She also qualified and competed at the World championships multisport in sprint duathlon earlier this year. And last of all Te Ari’i Aperau-Bob who was selected in the Open Men’s Cook Islands Team to represent his country at the Oceania Swimming Championships in Queensland in 2024.
In 2025, we are taking on the theme of this year's Olympics - Stronger, Higher, Faster, Together. We hope that as a school community we can continue to develop our teamwork, resilience and belief as a school to achieve more. Alone we can do so little but together can do so much.
Thank you all for an incredible year of sport.
Miss Power - Sport Coordinator
Major Award Winners
Overall Courage Award
Over the year students have been nominated by their coaches for displaying the values of courage, respect and service in representative sport. Students have accrued points based on these nominations and we will now acknowledge our overall winner of these value awards for each category.
The Overall Courage Award goes to a student who shows leadership in training, who continually gets out of their comfort zone, a student who works hard to improve and someone who is willing to try new things.
Congratulations to Libby Knight
Libby has taken on many new sports this year and she is being recognised for getting out of her Netball comfort zone and giving AFL a go where she was an outstanding Ruck as well as taking on the Girls Cricket Team. She also played in our Blues Tag and Basketball Team this Year. Congratulations Libby.
Overall Respect Award
The Overall Respect Award goes to a student who shows exemplary behaviour towards their coach, team members and also students and staff from other schools. This student is committed to their training and making the team better as well as being a role model of what it means to be a Joey’s student.
Congratulations to Kiara Shelton
Kiara has represented the school in 9 sporting teams this year and her talent not only stands out in each sport she has played but her respect for each player, other schools and the coach go above and beyond. She is a great role model for our sporting teams and students here at St Joseph’s. Congratulations Kiara.
Overall Service Award
The Overall Service Award goes to a student who assists others who are in need. This may be coaching other students, assisting their coach with equipment and training as well as serving the school by refereeing or coaching duties at sporting events.
Congratulations to Mackenzie Best
Mackenzie is one of the most loyal students here at St Joseph’s. Whilst completing her Year 12 studies she has never turned down an opportunity to assist and coach our junior teams. Mackenzie is always the first in line to give back to our sporting community and she is a well deserved recipient of this award. Congratulations Mackenzie.
The Dragons Medallion Winner
The Dragons Medal goes to a student who represents their school with pride both on and off the field, and has made a significant contribution in their schooling life. The medal recognises a student with good character, positivity and teamwork.
This years Dragons Medal goes to Cate Mansbridge
Cate has played in 6 of our school teams this year. She is a player that consistently contributes to a positive team environment and is always willing to give her coaches a hand or help out at any sporting event. Cate goes above and beyond for St Joseph’s and will always give her best no matter what she does. She is a great role model who displays the Josephite values both within competition and off the field. Congratulations Cate.
Sportsperson of the Year
Congratulations to Emily Hollingsworth who took out the 2024 Sports Person of the Year Award. She is an exceptional multi-sport athlete, representing the school in a wide array of disciplines. She plays a pivotal role in the School AFL, Touch, Oztag, Rugby 7s, and Junior Basketball team, where her athleticism, versatility, and leadership shine. In AFL, Emily’s talent extends to the state level, representing both the NSWCCC AFL Team and the NSW All Schools AFL Team, showcasing her elite skills and competitive spirit. Whether on the football field or court she consistently demonstrates her dedication and excellence, making her a standout representative for the school across numerous sports and a well-deserved recipient for this year's award.
Student Sporting Success
Cricket
We wish our cricket boys, Sam Huetter, Mitchell Whalan, Ben Maloney, Ben Gooda, Jaxon Moran, Lucas Glover, Blake Knight and Cody Cartwright who are out at Dubbo this week competing at the Youth Championships for Cricket. We hope they have a successful campaign and are successful in further selection of representative teams.
NSW Indoor Hockey
Congratulations to Max Elliot who has been selected in the U14 Boys NSW Indoor Hockey Team and Maya Huetter who has been selected as a shadow in the U14 NSW Girls Indoor Team. An outstanding achievement and we wish you the best of luck over the summer holidays competing in this team.
2025....Lock It In!
Warrigal House News
Shakira Buys
What does being part of Warrigal mean to you?
Being part of Warrigal as a house leader is a privilege that means inspiring teamwork and building a strong sense of community. It’s about supporting and encouraging everyone to strive for their best, whether in competitions, creative projects, or everyday efforts. I feel truly honored to represent Warrigal and lead a group where people can come together, showcase their unique talents, and express themselves freely through sports, art, and other pursuits. Seeing everyone grow and thrive as part of our house is what makes this role so meaningful to me.
Why did you choose to become a Warrigal House Leader?
Being a Warrigal house leader means working as a team and helping others succeed. I love supporting and encouraging people to try their best and reach their full potential. It makes me proud to lead and represent Warrigal with positivity and determination.
What are your particular interests as a House Leader?
I am committed to supporting everyone in our house and making sure they feel included and valued. I want to create a positive and welcoming environment where people can share their strengths and feel proud of their contributions. No matter what your interests are, everyone deserves a chance to shine, and I’m here to help make that happen.
What are you looking forward to this term?
I’m excited to wrap up this first term as your school house captain on a high, particularly with the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Collecting toys for this cause will not only help those in need but also strengthen our sense of community. I’m also looking forward to the exciting Christmas activities we have planned in Cola, which will be a great way to bring everyone together and celebrate the holiday season :)
Samuel Lautousi
What does being part of Warrigal mean to you?
Being part of Warrigal represents a sense of belonging to a supportive community that values teamwork, respect, and personal growth. It’s about contributing to a legacy of excellence and fostering a positive environment where everyone can thrive.
Why did you choose to become a Warrigal House Leader?
I chose to become a Warrigal House Leader to inspire others and help build a strong, inclusive house spirit. Leadership offers the opportunity to guide, support, and motivate my peers, ensuring that everyone feels encouraged to participate and contribute their best.
What are your particular interests as a House Leader?
My interests as a House Leader include promoting teamwork through sports and house events, mentoring younger students to develop their confidence, and creating opportunities for everyone to feel involved and valued in Warrigal activities.
What are you looking forward to next term?
Next term, I’m looking forward to leading our house in competitions, fostering a vibrant sense of camaraderie, and celebrating the achievements of all Warrigal members. I’m also eager to see the impact of initiatives aimed at strengthening participation and unity.
Whole School Improvement in PAT-R and PAT-M Achievements
We are thrilled to share some outstanding news regarding our students’ progress in literacy and numeracy this year. Recent results from the Progressive Achievement Tests in Reading (PAT-R) and Mathematics (PAT-M) demonstrate significant improvement across all year groups, both against national norms and in comparison to their first semester results.
Highlights of the Achievement:
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Progress Against National Norms: Every year group has shown growth in PAT-R and PAT-M scores, with many students exceeding the expected standards for their age and grade. This improvement highlights the effectiveness of our targeted teaching strategies and the hard work of our students and teachers.
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Growth Within the School Year: Comparisons between first semester and end-of-year results reveal consistent upward trends in both reading comprehension and mathematical problem-solving skills. These gains affirm the impact of our data-driven approach to teaching and learning.
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Focus on Excellence: Teachers have been implementing differentiated teaching strategies, intervention programs, and enrichment opportunities to meet the diverse needs of our students. The results reflect the success of these initiatives in fostering a culture of high expectations and achievement.
Acknowledgments:
This whole-school achievement is a testament to the commitment of our teaching staff, the dedication of our students, and the support of our parent community. By working together, we have built an environment where every student is encouraged to strive for their best and is supported in achieving it.
We look forward to continuing this positive trajectory in the coming year as we focus on sustaining and building upon these gains. Congratulations to all involved in making this success possible!
Mr Dennelly and Mr Miller
Last week, staff and students celebrated Christmas in the Cola after attending the special Christmas Giving Liturgy. Staff and students dressed in festive Christmas themes and enjoyed singing Christmas songs while having the option of some sweets. One of the highlights of the event was a special appearance by Santa, creating a joyful atmosphere and capturing the true spirit of Christmas.
Thank you to all for the donations of Toys/Food items to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Thanks to all the various Staff members that assisted the SRC students with the organisation of All Things Christmas. Money raised was close to $1300. All proceeds went to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
School Fees
TERM 1 2025
February
Tuesday 4
First day for Years 7, 11 and 12
Wednesday 5
First day for Years 8, 9 and 10
Monday 10
Swimming Carnival
All Year 7 students and competitors only from Year 8 - 12
Extended trading hours in 2025
Monday 20 January 8:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 23 January 8:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 28 January 8:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 30 January 8:30am – 4:30pm
Monday 3 February 8:30am - 4:30pm
Normal Trading Hours Resume Thursday 6 February
TRADING HOURS
Monday 11:30 am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 1:30pm
ORDERING UNIFORMS
Online Ordering - click link below
By Appointment - click link below