Next week students in Years 7 and 9 will sit their NAPLAN tests. Tests will begin on Wednesday 12th (Week 7) and finish on Friday 21st (Week 8). There will be days allocated in Weeks 7 and 8 to run catch up tests for any students who miss any of the tests on the scheduled days.

A few reminders about the tests.

• Firstly there is no need to stress about NAPLAN. The tests simply provide a measure of students current level of performance in each of the testing areas. This information is used to determine how much growth students have made since their previous NAPLAN tests as well as to provide an insight into their areas of strength as well as areas that may need further work.
• For this reason we ask that students take the tests seriously so that the information we receive with their results is as accurate as possible so we can understand where students are at and help them progress as much as possible.
• Please make sure students devices have been checked by the IT dept to ensure the most recent Lockdown Browser (LDB) version is installed so they can access the online testing platform
• Students will need to ensure they have earphones/earbuds etc linked to their device to access any audio files that may be linked to questions across all the tests.
• Devices and earpods etc need to be fully charged each night before each exam
• I strongly suggest students take time to access the online practice tests. (They take about 10 mins each). This will help students to understand how to navigate the online test platform, access the resources such as audio files, calculator, ruler etc as well as the types of questions they can expect to do as part of the tests. The practice tests can be accessed from the NAP Public Demonstration Site

A compass notification will be sent out today providing you with a link to the Naplan 2025 - Information Site. This site includes the Naplan Test Schedule, Device Requirements, Practice Test Information etc.

Further information regarding NAPLAN including the exam schedule can be found on the school NAPLAN website. If you have any questions or issues regarding NAPLAN please email or call at anytime.

Minimum Standards Tests

To receive a HSC students must complete NESA’s HSC Minimum Standards Tests. Students need to achieve Level 3 or 4 in short online numeracy, reading and writing tests of skills for everyday life to meet the HSC minimum standard.

This means that students who demonstrate the standard have the skills to do things like:

• follow safety instructions in equipment manuals
• understand a mobile phone plan
• write a job application
• create a personal weekly budget.

Further information can be found on the NESA Website. Students begin sitting the tests in Yr 10 and get multiple opportunities to complete the test and reach the minimum standard each year.

This term we will run the first round of tests for Year 10 students as well as those in Yr 11 and 12 who still need to complete any tests in weeks 10 and 11. Dates will be provided for each test in coming weeks, we ask that students ensure they are present on the day of the scheduled tests to help ensure they meet this NESA requirement.

Year 12 Cookery

Year 12 Cookery II class started their pasta practical lessons this week. The students made fresh fettuccini and served it with carbonara sauce. They also made a chicken stock for our ravioli practical lesson and some sheets of pasta to make a blind lasagne with chicken cacciatore for next week.

Year 12 Food Technology

Year 12 Food Tech students made Moroccan Chickpea and Cous Cous

Year 7 Food Technology

Year 7 Food TechnologyA made yummy mini pizzas under the supervision of Mrs Lyddiard, she said they were a beautifully behaved class with good cooking skills.

Open Night Service Period

Students had a fantastic time preparing food for parents and students visiting our school for the Year 7 2026/2027 Open Night. There were so many wonderful compliments given about the food on the night, our students should be very proud of themselves.

Upcoming Events!

@Joeys:

Women in Careers Conversation - 12 March 2025

This event is for female students in Year 10, 11 or 12 who are considering vocational pathways, with a particular focus on nontraditional trades. (Jobs that tend to be more popular with boys. Such as: Construction, Mechanical, Plumbing etc.)

The Women in Careers conversation event will take place on the 12th of March 2025 at Illawarra Sports High School.

They have over 25 industry female guests from a vast range of industries to help empower our female students to think about career pathways they may not have heard or thought of. This is their time to shine and ask questions about females in nontraditional trades, barriers and career highlights.

Expressions of interest for this event are now closed.

Stage 5 Trade Readiness Program - 18 to 20 March 2025

This program is designed to inform, guide and support students of Stage 5 Years 9 + 10 ONLY)  interested in pursuing careers in trade pathways, specifically construction, electrical and plumbing. The three day workshop will be run at school, but delivered by an external training provider - Fusion Training Solutions.

Students will learn basic electrical and carpentry skills. They will gain an understanding of work, health and safety requirements in the workplace, along with valuable industry insights from trained professionals with many years of experience. Places are limited, so if you are interested, please complete the expression of interest form no later than Monday 10 March 2025:

Trade Readiness Expression of Interest Form

@UOW:

Year 11 Parents and Carers’ Webinar

Location: Online

Date: March 17, 2025

You play a key role in guiding your teen through their university journey. Join our informative webinar to learn about the UOW Early Admission program, the significance of Year 11 results, and how to help them choose a degree that aligns with their strengths and passions. Our experts will walk you through the process, provide valuable insights, and answer your questions so you can provide support with confidence.

Find out more and register

General Careers News / Upcoming events:

Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

Organisation: University of New South Wales

Location: Online

Date: March 12, 2025

Are you interested in a career in medicine?

Start your medical career at one of the top medical schools in the world. Studying the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experiences you need to launch your career as a medical professional.

UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening, for current year 12 students, will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2026 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes.

Join us online where you will hear from our expert panel of academic staff, current students and advisors, and get all of your UNSW Medicine questions answered.

Find out more and register

Study Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at Sydney

Organisation: University of Sydney

Location: Online

Date: March 12, 2025

The Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at Sydney offers you the opportunity to acquire an industry-oriented science-based education that leads to a career in a wide variety of veterinary and animal science industries. Whether you wish to become an animal welfare champion or an expert consultant in animal behaviour and management, the future holds endless possibilities. Join us as we explore the field with our very own expert and academic coordinator.

Find out more and register

ADFA Careers Virtual Information Session

Organisation: Australian Defence Force

Location: Online

Date: March 12, 2025

At the Australian Defence Force Academy you will receive service training while studying for your UNSW degree, and graduate as an Officer in the Australian Defence Force.

Join us for a virtual info session to find out how the Australian Defence Force Academy can change your life.

Find out more and register

Sydney Defence Comms, IT & Intelligence Roles Information Session

Organisation: Australian Defence Force

Location: Sydney ADF Careers Centre & Online

Date: March 13, 2025

Get connected with a future-focused career, using technologically advanced sensor and communication systems to keep the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in touch, informed and operating effectively.

Join us for an info session and speak with current serving personnel about Communications, IT and Intelligence careers in the ADF.

Find out more and register

Sydney West Careers & Employment Expo 2025

Organisation: Kym Jones Exhibitions

Location: Sydney Showground

Date: March 14 to March 15, 2025

Sydney West's New Careers & Employment Event will open on March 14 & 15, 2025, at the Sydney Showground. The Expo will showcase over 120 organisations and employers with career opportunities for all ages. Entry is free.

The event is for school students, parents, teachers, graduates, job seekers, people looking for courses and workers seeking new opportunities.

Find out more and register

BiG Day In, UTS Day 1

Organisation: ACS Foundation

Location: The Great Hall @ UTS

Date: March 18, 2025

Join us in The Great Hall @ UTS on Tuesday 18 March for the 2025 BiG Day In IT Careers Conference. Hear from speakers from Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Westpac, Woolworths, Wisetech Global, Defence Jobs Australia, Animal Logic and more to come to learn where a STEM career can take you.

Find out more and register

BiG Day In, UTS Day 2

Organisation: ACS Foundation

Location: The Great Hall @ UTS

Date: March 19, 2025

Join us in The Great Hall @ UTS on Wednesday 19 March for the 2025 BiG Day In IT Careers Conference. Hear from speakers from Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Westpac, Woolworths, Wisetech Global, Defence Jobs Australia, Animal Logic and more to come to learn where a STEM career can take you.

Find out more and register

Career Conversations @ Home – Helping parents have positive career convos!

Organisation: Arrive & Thrive

Location: Online

Date: March 20, 2025

Come join Tyson Day, the Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator of Arrive & Thrive, as he shares the best way to have impactful career conversations in and around your home environment that produce clarity, career discovery, and momentum. Tyson will share concepts and practices that he has learned through his 10+ years of experience in career education and the 85,000 students who have attended Arrive & Thrive workshops since 2019.

In our webinar, you can expect to learn:

How can you positively influence your young person in their career decisions.

How can you effectively navigate the future of work and understand your young person's options.

How to communicate effectively through the GROW model to support your young person in career exploration.

We can't wait for you to join us!

All participants will receive a Career Conversation Kit to kick off conversations with their young person as soon as possible!

Find out more and register

Open Day, April

Organisation: Sydney Design School

Location: Sydney Design School

Date: April 5, 2025

If you’re considering studying with us, our Open Day is a great way to get to know us better. Explore our studios, browse through our Graduate Exhibition, meet students and Educators, watch a live Info Session and get creative making a mood board or digital model.

Find out more and register

Holiday Workshop – Performance, Sydney

Organisation: Australian Institute of Music

Location: AIM Sydney Campus

Date: April 14, 2025

AIM’s new school holiday workshop is designed for high school students interested in music performance. Created for students in Years 9-12, the workshops provide incredible opportunities to experience playing and performing music, mentored by AIM’s own accomplished musicians and educators.

Learn, practice and perform contemporary and classic pop, rock and soul tunes, under the expertise of Australia’s leading music mentors.

Find out more and register

Discover Law, Criminology and Human Rights at ACU Blacktown

Organisation: Australian Catholic University

Location: ACU Blacktown Campus

Date: April 14, 2025

All rise! Aspiring lawyers, criminologists, and human rights advocates, it’s time to sharpen your analytical skills and discover the excitement of the courtroom. Join us for interactive workshops designed to give you a taste of what it's like to study law, criminology, and human rights at ACU.

Dive into hands-on sessions where you’ll test your courtroom strategies, unravel criminal cases, and explore the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in these fast-paced fields. Plus, engage in a dynamic and interactive human rights session, preparing you with valuable insights into the complexities of human rights law and the importance of advocacy.

Whether you're interested in the legal system, criminology, or human rights, this event will give you an exciting taste of your future career path.

Find out more and register

Designing My Career – School Holiday Bootcamp for Teenagers

Organisation: Impactify

Location: Oakhill College, Castle Hill

Date: April 24 to April 25, 2025

This workshop focuses on helping young people design a career that they’ll love (from the inside-out) whilst also teaching valuable employability skills in order to bring their career aspirations to life!

What can you expect to gain from this workshop?

A new perspective on how to design your career & life

Awareness of strengths

Awareness of interests

Awareness of motivators/values

Awareness of 3+ jobs/career pathways that align with you

A vision for your future career & life

Creation of a powerful resume

Opportunity to develop your communication & confidence

Authentic feedback from peers & industry to propel success

Clear next best steps for designing your career & life

Find out more and register

Career Insights:

Personal Skills

Why you should set goals

Planning for your future or just wanting to get the most out of your year? Gain long-term vision and short-term motivation by setting some goals. Whether you’re thinking about subject selection, post-school pathways, gap year options, your next holiday destination, or how to get fitter and healthier, you’re already forming goals. Here are some reasons why you should set goals.

Provide focus and find your passion

Spending some time thinking about what you'd like to achieve in the future (either in a year, five years, or even ten years) can help you work out what's really important to you. If you care about something, you're more likely to stick with it and feel a sense of achievement when you follow through. Writing down your goals and putting an action plan in place are the first steps to finding your passion.

See and measure your progress

No matter how big, challenging, or daunting your aspirations are, goals can help you break them down into manageable steps and plan ways to work around obstacles. Eventually, lots of small goals will lead you to your ultimate destination (plus, it feels good to celebrate milestones along the way).

Overcome procrastination

"Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."

Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield

Putting things off is so easy to do, but it means you’ll probably end up achieving less.

Setting goals helps you be more accountable to yourself. Instead of brushing it off and thinking “I’ll do it tomorrow”, your goals will stick in your mind. If you don’t complete an action or step, it might nag at you. Goals can work as a constant reminder of what you should be doing, and prompt you into action.

Increase your motivation

Once you’ve gone through all the effort to discover, plan, and set goals, statistically there is a much higher chance you'll be more motivated than ever to see them through to the end. You don't want all that hard work to be for nothing, right?

Take control of your future

Goals can help to keep you productive and preserve your sanity by making you feel a bit more in control. Planning our futures can help us to feel less stressed, and even improve our mental health. Despite the unknowns of the future, goal setting still has great value – so try not to get sucked into the “why bother” attitude and instead opt for making the best out of what you have to work with.

You can set goals anytime

If you haven’t set any goals yet, don’t stress. It's never too late and there's no perfect time or deadline. You could take some time to think about what you’d like to achieve right now, or book it in for this weekend. Then you can get stuck in and start taking action once you have a bit of direction.

Make sure your goals are:

Realistic and achievable

Measurable

Valuable and meaningful

Flexible – it’s OK to change your goals or milestones if they’re not working out for you!

Find out more

You can find lots more resources about goal setting and skill building on the Study Work Grow website here.

University

How to choose the right international university for you

Deciding to study at university is a huge step - and going overseas to do it is even bigger. With thousands of options out there, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to choosing the right international university to study at. So where do you begin? We have some tips you might find helpful.

Think about what you want to study

Knowing what you want to study can help narrow down your options. Follow your heart and choose something you're passionate about - but don't forget to be realistic as well. Consider whether your dream job requires certain qualifications, if international qualifications are recognised in your home country, or if your qualification will be sufficient to help you find work if you want to stay after your study is finished.

Start researching locations

Chances are if you want to study overseas, you already have your heart set on a location. Do some research about the country or city you'd like to study in. What is it like to live there? What are living costs like? If you're moving to a country with a different native language, do you feel comfortable speaking it (or are you willing to learn)? If you want to stay and work after finishing your studies, what are the career opportunities like in your chosen field?

Climate and weather can also be a big factor, including whether or not you'll need to be prepared for natural disasters. Depending on how far you move, you might need to buy an entire new wardrobe of clothes!

You might also like to research a country's laws and attitude towards certain communities, particularly if you're a woman or LGBTQIA+, as you might find your rights and safety are different compared to your home country.

Take a look at universities

Now that you know what you want to study and where, you can start looking at universities. Check out university websites and see what kinds of courses they offer, or do some research into their rankings and ratings. Carefully research their admissions process for international students, and see if you can read reviews from current or former students about their experience. Importantly, find out what language classes are taught in and if this will work for you.

Don't forget to consider other factors too, like clubs, extra-curricular activities, student support services, accommodation options, and careers guidance.

You can also attend virtual open days and webinars to learn more and ask any questions you might have.

Do up a budget

Moving out of home and studying both come with a lot of expenses. Here are some things you'll need to make sure you can cover:

Tuition fees and study expenses (textbooks, etc.)

Accommodation fees or rent

Daily living expenses (food, essentials, luxuries)

Flights to your destination

If you're bringing stuff with you, the cost of having things moved

Visa or sponsorship costs

Extra money set aside for emergencies

This is also a good time to research scholarship and funding opportunities that might be able to help cover some of these expenses.

You'll also need to consider how you're going to cover these costs on an ongoing basis - are you lucky enough to get funding from parents, or will you need to find part-time work while you study?

Make your move

Once you've done your research and feel confident, the final step is to apply! Or if you're still not quite sure, that's OK too - universities often have multiple intake dates, or you might like to look into similar options like student exchange instead.

Whatever your future holds, we wish you the best of luck, and hope these tips have helped you choose the right international university for you.

You can read more about your study options on our website here.

Study Tips

Student exchange programs

Have you always dreamed of travelling overseas and experiencing new things? Through a student exchange program, you could have the opportunity to study and live in another country. Let's learn a bit more about them in this blog.

What is student exchange?

As the name suggests, student exchange gives you the opportunity to travel to another country and attend school there - and in return, a student from the country you're visiting will live and study in Australia.

You'll attend school and learn just like the other students, and experience life with a host family. You can study overseas from as little as four weeks all the way up to an entire year.

Where can I go?

There are lots of countries you can choose from - you'll need to check with your school or private provider. The most popular destination countries for Australian and New Zealand students include USA, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Spain and Argentina.

Am I eligible?

If you'd like to participate in a Student Exchange program, you generally need to be between the ages of 15-18 (in Year 9-12), and an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Some schools and states might have additional specific eligibility criteria, including minimum academic requirements, so make sure to check first - you should be able to ask your school for details.

You'll also need to be prepared to travel away from your friends and family, feel comfortable in an unfamiliar place, and potentially meet language requirements (depending on where you'd like to travel).

How can I organise a placement?

You'll need to speak to your school or find a registered provider in order to organise your exchange.

If you're organising exchange through a private provider, make sure they are registered to provide programs in your state or territory - this means the provider is safe and reliable, meaning you can travel with less stress.

You should start organising your placement as soon as possible, as you'll generally need to apply quite early and there may be caps on how many students can go on exchange each year.

Where can I find out more?

Find out more about student exchange in New South Wales

You can also find out about other travel options like gap years, or read more blogs on your future study options.

Work Experience

Work experience options for future medicine students

When it comes to a career in medicine, gaining first-hand experience early on can be invaluable. Work experience offers you a chance to step into the shoes of medical professionals, providing insights that textbooks simply can't replicate. Here are some work experience ideas for students who are thinking of studying medicine in the future.

Hospital placements

One of the most direct ways to gain exposure to the medical field is by doing a placement in a hospital. This commonly involves observing doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in their day-to-day activities. You'll witness various departments, procedures, and patient interactions, giving you a first-hand look at the dynamic world of healthcare.

Placements in clinics and general practices

Local clinics and general practices are excellent places to gain a more focused perspective. Here, you can interact with healthcare providers in a smaller setting, allowing for more personalised attention and a deeper understanding of primary care. If you already have a speciality in mind, this is also a great way to see if it meets your expectations.

Volunteering at healthcare events

Many communities host health-related events and workshops. Volunteering at these events can expose you to a wide range of medical professional, and it's also an opportunity to engage with the public and see the impact of healthcare on a community level. You'll also gain valuable skills like communication, interpersonal skills, and organisation.

Consider research institutions

If you're more interested in the scientific side of medicine, you might like to seek out opportunities in research. Many universities and research institutions offer programs for high school students to get involved in ongoing projects, giving you a taste of the investigative side of the medical field.

Virtual placements and online courses

Thanks to the internet, virtual internships and online courses have become more accessible. Consider enrolling in programs that offer virtual experiences, allowing you to learn from professionals in various medical disciplines all from the comfort of your own home.

Making the most of your experience

Remember to approach your placement, wherever it is, with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Take notes, ask questions, and reflect on what you've observed. This will not only enhance your understanding, but also demonstrate your genuine interest and dedication - and you might even make some important contacts you can use down the track.

If you want to find out more about work experience or search for placements in health or medicine, take a look at the Study Work Grow website here.

Job Spotlights

Discover career pathways in Utilities

The utilities field encompasses the essential services that keep our daily lives running smoothly. It includes electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications, among others. These services are vital for both residential and commercial use, providing power, clean water, heating, and communication facilities.

This pathway might be right for you if you are interested in managing and maintaining essential services like electricity, water, and gas, or if you enjoy ensuring that communities have access to reliable utilities for their everyday needs.

What do careers in this pathway involve?

The utilities industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the convenience and comfort we often take for granted. From powering our homes to enabling us to connect with others, utilities are an indispensable part of our modern society.

Because this field provides essential services that keep our communities running, it can be a rewarding field with good job security and opportunities for advancement.

What are some important human skills for this pathway?

Adaptability

Innovation

Digital literacy

Critical thinking

Collaboration

What are some of the tasks involved?

Maintain equipment and infrastructure

Troubleshoot and repair system failures

Install new equipment and connections

Ensure compliance with safety regulations

Create and update technical documentation

Inspect facilities and infrastructure

Analyse usage data and consumption patterns

Write reports on completed work

Collaborate with team members

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?

Many utilities jobs involve working outdoors in various weather conditions. But administrative, engineering, and management positions typically involve desk work in an office environment.

Most employees in this pathway work full-time, with shifts often covering 24/7 operations to ensure continuous service. While office roles may offer some flexibility with remote work options, field-based positions generally require on-site presence.

The Clusters in utilities

Find out more about the kind of work people in each Career Cluster might do in this pathway.

Guardians

Guardians in this pathway ensure the safe and reliable delivery of utility services.

Linkers

Linkers in this pathway connect utility providers with consumers, regulators, and emergency services.

Coordinators

Coordinators are vital in this pathway to manage utility operations, from infrastructure to customer service.

Informers

Informers in this pathway are rare, but some are needed to educate consumers on utility usage, safety, and conservation.

Makers

Makers are very common in this pathway, building, operating, and maintaining utility equipment and networks.

Innovators

Innovators in this pathway develop new utility technologies and sustainable practices.

Where can a utilities pathway take me?

Interested in a career in utilities? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.

Entry level roles

These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and are great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

Plant Operator

Work with heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, or cranes to move materials, dig trenches, or clear sites on various projects.

Drainage Labourer

Assist with installing, maintaining, and repairing drainage systems by digging trenches, laying pipes, and ensuring proper water flow away from buildings and roads.

Meter Reader

Travels to residential and commercial properties to accurately record utility consumption data from electricity, water, or gas meters.

Mid-level roles

Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.

Water Engineer

Design and oversee water management systems including treatment facilities, distribution networks, and stormwater systems.

Gas Technician

Install, inspect, and repair gas lines and appliances in homes and businesses, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently while meeting safety regulations.

Water Inspector

Conduct comprehensive assessments of water quality, infrastructure, and treatment processes, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Senior level roles

These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.

Environmental Compliance Manager

Develop and implement comprehensive programs to ensure utility companies meet all environmental regulations.

Infrastructure Planning Director

Lead long-term planning for utility infrastructure expansion and replacement, analysing population growth, regulatory requirements, and technological advances.

Operations Director

Oversee all operational aspects of a utility company, including distribution networks, maintenance programs, emergency response systems, and teams of workers.

Similar pathways

If these careers aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.

Road Transport

Operate vehicles, transport goods, deliver services, and maintain road infrastructure.

Civil Engineering

Design and construct infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and buildings.

Industrial Design

Design and create innovative and functional products, from everyday objects to high-tech gadgets.

How can I build experience in this pathway?

If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in utilities is right for you, here are some activities you can do:

Study utility management to understand resource distribution

Research energy efficiency methods to understand sustainability

Tour a local utility plant or talk to workers in the industry

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

English

Mathematics

Technology

Engineering

Physics

Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:

Water treatment plants

Energy companies

Environmental consulting firms

Municipalities

Local councils

13's Touch Football - Miss Smith

The girls had an outstanding day playing with their friends. It was extremely hot conditions and even despite this, all girls continued to show determination throughout the day. The sporting skills of the players were showcased throughout the ten round games the girls played, with the little time they had between games being spent socialising with each other and students from other schools. Some girls even decided to do their own spin of 'Mic'd Up' which was hilarious. Overall it was a great day where the girls made schooling memories that will last a lifetime.

MVP - Lilly Partridge

15's Touch Football - Mrs Rasmussen

The 15s had a challenging start to the day with our first few games being against some very strong teams. The girls found their confidence after a win against John Therry and held their own against a very strong Holy Spirit team, scoring a try despite some very tight defense from this team. A couple of losses and two draws saw the 15s girls strengthening their teamwork and fine-tuning positions and tactics to keep the scores level. We finished the day on a high with a convincing win over Mt Carmel. Congratulations to Lucinda Akele who was our leading try scorer on the day! The 15s girls were an absolute pleasure to coach and were outstanding representatives of St Joseph's.

MVP- Scarlet Richardson

Open's Touch Football - Mr Sutton

A great day out was had by all with the girls taking on the competition with great gusto and fierce determination. Some great stand out moments across the day by the girls but honestly their positive attitude and teamwork was the best thing to see. They had a couple of wins and draws and came out 7th overall. Well done girls!

MVPs - Kiara Shelton and Emily Hollingsworth

NSWCCC Triathlon

Last week we had several students compete at the NSWCCC Triathlon at the International Regatta Centre in Sydney. This competition took place over two days with students on the first day competing individually. Our student’s had great success with all completing the triathlon despite warm temperatures. Bianca de Swardt placed 3rd in NSWCCC and 7th against all other schools. She has been successfully granted a position on the Nationals team and will head over to Perth in a few weeks time to compete over there. This is a huge effort and we congratulate her on her outstanding success!

Day two saw our teams events where we had 15 students (5 teams) compete against the state. All teams were successful in completing the triathlon again in very hot conditions. It takes great courage to take on this event as an individual or team member, so I would like to congratulate our kids who took this event on. I would also like to thank Mrs Linsley for all her effort in getting the students organised into teams and prepared for the day and the parents who took the time to attend and support our teams. Without this support, an event like this would not be possible for our students to attend, so thank you.

Diocesan Swimming Championships

Goodluck to our team of 27 swimmers attending Monday’s Dio Carnival. We wish you all the best and hope all your hard work pays off!

Elite Athlete Program Day

Week 6, saw our 32 students who are in the 2024/25 Elite/Aspiring Athlete Program take up their Day 2 adventure and head to Definition Fitness in Wollongong. This was the first time our crew has headed to this gym so a good opportunity to take on something new. The day started with an educational session run by Daniel Knust (Gym owner), who broke down the basic concepts of becoming an elite athlete. There were 12 main concepts he spoke about including sleep quality, nutrition, building a strong base (fitness and strength), mindset and having the ability to be a coachable athlete.

Students then were partnered up and went into a big workout session based on the new fitness craze - HYROX. They completed 3 rounds of the workout which started and finished with a buy in partner run. It was great to see them out of their comfort zone and trying something new.

After this, Dan made them all recovery smoothies which was a massive highlight for the kids. They then completed the afternoon sessions which had a strong focus on slowing down the body and recovering correctly. Students were led through a Wim Hof breathing session and then headed for the ice baths and compression boots whilst chilling in the recliner chairs.

It was a sensational day out and the kids gained so much from this experience. They are already begging to go back. Well done to all the athletes for taking on the day’s challenges.

Athletes will have their nutrition workshop with Nicola from Embody Nutrition in Week 10 on Friday 4th April. Stay tuned on Compass for more details.

U15 Boys Rugby League - Ben Creagh Shield

St Joseph’s faced off against Warrawong High school in a highly competitive Under-15 rugby league fixture. Both teams showed great determination, with St Joey’s demonstrating solid teamwork, strong defence, and attacking skills.

The first game started with high intensity against Warrawong High School, as St Joey’s quickly gained momentum through strong carries and aggressive defence. Joey’s opened the scoring with a well-worked try, followed by an unsuccessful conversion. However, the opposition responded with a try of their own, but by half time Joey’s had a comfortable lead. In the second half, Joeys continued to apply pressure, with standout performances from our forwards who led the attack with powerful runs. Final Score 16-12 to St Joseph's

In our second match we faced off against Dapto High again our forwards laid the foundation in defence and attack we were winning this contest up until the last 2 minutes 12-10 when we gave away 3 penalties allowing Dapto to be right on our line where they scored the winning try and conversion. Final Score 16-12 to Dapto High school.

As their coach I was proud of the boys performances many played above their weight but played to the best of their abilities.

MVP - Quinn Rippon

Dance Auditions

Goodluck to all students who are auditioning on Monday for the SJCHS Dance Company. Please make sure you are prepared with appropriate dance attire and meet Miss Power at the Hall for the start of Period 5. Please email your music to Miss Power ASAP and check your emails for further information.

Upcoming Diocesan Representative Events

Please see the list of upcoming Diocesan Representative Trials. You are required to nominate via the forms below and your application will be reviewed by a panel of coaches. If your application is successful, you will be notified by Miss Power.

To be eligible for these nominations, your child MUST have experience in the sport and be currently playing.

Representative experience is an advantage, however not compulsory.

Please see the below website for all further information:

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/student-experience/sport/secondary-sport-events

Any further questions, please see Miss Power.

Please note: NO late nominations will be accepted.

Southern Country Girls 18's Rugby League Trials Nominations

This girls combined Rugby League trial is for students from the Wollongong diocese to gain pathway access to NSWCCC Rugby League Selections.

Eligibility:

Students are required to gave experience in the game of Rugby League, be playing in regular competition. Have not had a head injury/concussion in the past two weeks or have been cleared if head injury as occurred. Representative background in Rugby League, although not compulsory, is a major consideration for this trial.

Nominations Close: 5th March

Nomination Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0EBq_6aWGnjDy-eEdZtBXLLwh31IGWTOnuqNlWAJo4C1Jkw/viewform

Netball 15s & Open Girls Nomination

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 to be staged in Penrith 15's NSWCCC Selections 29 May 2025 & 18's NSWCCC Selections 30 May 2025

Eligibility: 

Players who nominate should be experienced in Netball, play regularly and have representative background.

Nominations Close: 7th March

Nomination Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSentuvFuVRMOX6XN1dx9IkGMORgVhDB1XR9nXdnE7eJ7QyhGg/viewform

18s Boys & Girls Football (Soccer)

Due to the success of last year's selection process through an individual trial. The secondary sports council will be conducting an individual trial to select the 2025 18's Boys & Girls Wollongong representative teams.

Eligibility to nominate:

- students must be selected as members of their school based 18's team

- students must participate in the Opens Wollongong Schools Championships day

- students nomination will be reviewed and offered a position at the selection trial

Students who nominate for the Open selection trial, need to meet the following criteria:

Be available to represent Wollongong 27 & 28 May at the NSWCCC Football Championships

should be playing regularly in a registered association

be highly skilled and advanced in their Football skills

have representative level experience. e.g. Youth grade, reserve, first grade and or NPL1 (should only be recommended standard of student nomination)

Be a member of their school Opens Football team and participated in the Diocese Championships Day with their school team

Please read the information on the nomination form.

Nominations close: April 4th

Nomination Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHKZsfaoBV_GcsY6OXLwsvS_dVVNhBZrPSkw5Xh-HdOeCeyQ/viewform

Upcoming NSWCCC Events

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

NSWCCC 2025 Individual Triathlon

Entries are now open for the 2025 NSW All Schools Triathlon for 26 February at Penrith. Individual entries are through the Sports Unit DASH system (not the CSNSW Sport portal). Entry is $60 per participant.

For more information>>

To REGISTER>>

NSWCCC Volleyball 18 Years Selections 

Close date - 19 March 2025 
Selection date - 28 March at Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park   
More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/volleyball

NSWCCC Hockey 15's & 18's Selections 
Close date - 21 March 2025  
Selection date -  7 April at Newcastle  
More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/hockey

2025 SCHOOL FEE GENERAL INFORMATION

School fees for 2025 will be invoiced and statements will be issued 7 February 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 have 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 2024, 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 1 2025

March

Friday 7
Cross Country Carnival

Wednesday 19
Feast of St Joseph

Wednesday 19 to Friday 21
Year 12 Retreat

Wednesday 12 to Thursday 24
NAPLAN testing window

April

Tuesday 8
Year 7 Immunisations

Friday 11
Last day of Term 1

The Annual General Meeting of the St Joseph's Parents and Friends will be held on Wednesday 19 March from 7:00 pm in the Administration Building.
We look forward to seeing some new faces joining the group this year!

 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

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel like you need some more support with parenting?

CatholicCare Wollongong offer professional counselling services to support you through life's challenges. Their counsellors provide a listening and independent ear and will equip you with strategies and tools for coping with stress and major life changes.

Counselling is available in-person in Nowra, Wollongong and Campbelltown or via phone or online.

Visit our website to learn more: https://catholiccare.dow.org.au/services-and-programs/family/family-care/counselling/