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- From the Principal and Assistant Principal
- From the Curriculum Office
- TAS - What's Been Happening?
- Careers News
- Sport News
- Administration Reminders
- Dates to Remember
- SRC/YML News
- Uniform Shop
- School Student Travel
- Learning Curve
- Catholic Care - Find Your Balance
- NDIS Advocacy Support Evening
- IDO Expo
- Foundational and Disability Support
- Learner Log Book Run
This week, we recognize and celebrate several important events:
- St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) and St. Joseph’s Day (March 19) – Honoring the values of faith and service.
- The conclusion of Harmony Week – A celebration of cultural diversity and inclusion.
- Neurodiversity Celebration Week – A time to embrace and appreciate the many ways individuals think, learn, and experience the world.
Each of these occasions reflects the importance of unity, understanding, and respect for all. At our school, we strive to foster a strong sense of belonging among students, staff, and families. True belonging comes with a responsibility to be inclusive, acknowledging and valuing everyone within our community.
Staff Prayer
Our staff prayer this week, prepared by Ms. Jones, beautifully captured the essence of Neurodiversity Celebration Week:
"This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a time to recognise and embrace the many different ways people think, learn, and experience the world. Neurodiversity includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other unique ways of being that bring strengths and diverse perspectives. This is a topic close to my heart. This is a topic close to my heart, as many of my own family members are neurodiverse including my two beautiful kiddos. I've seen how essential understanding and support are in helping individuals thrive."
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Loving God,
As we gather this morning, we give thanks for the gift of each person in our school community, unique and beloved in Your sight.
We ask for Your grace to guide us in our work, that we may embrace the diversity of every mind, heart, and soul with compassion, understanding, and respect.
During this special week of reflection on neurodiversity, we remember the words of St. Mary MacKillop: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
May we, like her, respond to the needs of all our students, recognizing that each individual is made in Your image and called to flourish.
Grant us the wisdom to celebrate the gifts that neurodiversity brings to our community, to see the strengths in each student, and the patience to create a space where all can learn, grow, and thrive.
May our hearts be open, our actions intentional, and our spirit always guided by the love of Christ.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
St. Joseph, St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
Amen.
Cross Country Event
Congratulations to all students who participated in last week’s Cross Country event – it was a fantastic day! A special mention to:
Keira – winners of the chant competition.
Macquarie and Kembla – joint winners for best-dressed.
A huge thank you to our staff for their efforts in organizing the event, especially Ms. Power and the PDHPE team for their coordination and dedication.
Year 11 & 12 Catholic Studies – Clean Up Australia Day
We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 and 12 Catholic Studies students for their outstanding volunteer efforts on Clean Up Australia Day. It was a big day, but their commitment to caring for the environment was truly commendable.
Thank you to Mr. Fenech and Mrs. Burns for their guidance and support in making this initiative a success.
Uniform Reminder
As we transition into the winter months, please ensure that students have the correct winter uniform:
- Blazers are required for all students.
- Boys must wear long pants and a tie for Terms 2 and 3.
Please allow sufficient time for uniform orders if needed.
Thank you for your continued support in maintaining our school’s standards and fostering a strong sense of community.
NAPLAN
Congratulations to Years 9 and 7 on the way they approached this years NAPLAN results. From what we observed most students applied themselves diligently to each of the tests completed and seemed to be using the time to write plenty of notes etc. We look forward to seeing their results when they are distributed later in the year.
Year 11/12 assessments
We are approaching the end of the term which means assessments for students in Years 12 and 11. This can be a busy/stressful time and the best way to manage the workload is by being organised, starting tasks early and spacing the work out over as much time as possible. This week we had a conversation with Year 11 around the appropriate use of AI to complete school work. AI sites such as ChatGPT can be a valuable resource to further a students knowledge/understanding or even help getting responses started. Like all resources though students should always ensure they act ethically by correctly citing when cites/resources such as these have been used and not try to pass the work off as their own.
Important Information for Year 10 - HSC 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 Year 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 Year 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 11 2026 Subject Selection Process
The process of meeting with Year 10 regarding choosing subjects for Year 11 2026 will begin early next term. Students and their parents/carers are encouraged to spend time over the next few weeks and holidays thinking, discussing and researching potential pathways beyond Year 10 eg: University, TAFE, apprenticeships, etc, and start investigating the requirements needed to assist in achieving those outcomes. To get started students may consider looking at online career aptitude sites/quizzes to get an idea of careers that they may be interested in/suited to. Examples can be found on websites such as:
TAFE and University websites also have information on the courses they offer and potential careers that are linked to those courses.
Whilst we are not expecting students to 100% lock in their future career aspirations at this point in time, exploring and having an idea of the possible options you are considering does make the process of subject selection a lot easier in most cases.
Year 7 Technology A
Year 7 Tech students made fried ham and egg rolls this week. They did a great job and had it finished in one lesson and then started their formal folio task.
Year 12 Cookery ll
In Week 7 Year 12 Cookery ll finished their pasta making competencies this week. They made four cheese ravioli/o (depending on size), they served this with a chicken and saffron broth, tomato strips and grilled asparagus.
The students then made a blind lasagne with a filling of chicken cacciatore.
In Week 8 the Year 12 Cookery ll class peeled, shallow fried, crumbed, washed, steamed, simmered, top and tailed, cut into batons, boiled, seasoned, mashed, beat, and enjoyed their lesson!
The students made Chicken Kiev, honeyed baton carrots (a class favourite), steamed green beans, a wickedly smooth potato mash made with lashings of cream and butter. It was a real restaurant meal! The Kiev was made properly, shallow fried in oil and butter and finished in our combi oven...not deep fried. Dinner was covered for all!
Recent Events
ADF Careers Presentation and PT Session - 6 March 2025
It was great to welcome Corporal Michael McIntrye from the ADF Careers Office, Wollongong, to Joey's.
As well as delivering an informative and insightful presentation on pathways in the Defence Force, he also put our students through a recruitment fitness test - remarking how impressed he was with the fitness levels and determination shown by those involved.
Corporal McIntrye spoke at length about the many opportunities currently available within the Defence Force. He explained the application and recruitment processes, and provided the school with plenty of resources and support material. If you would like to know more about careers in the armed forces, please speak to Mr Morley - morleyl01@dow.catholic.edu.au or contact the local ADF Careers Office directly - 13 19 01
Women in Careers Conversation - 12 March 2025
I accompanied a small group of Year 10 and 11 students to Illawarra Sports High last week to attend the Women in Careers event. Our students gained valuable insights and perspectives from women in non-traditional female trades, including construction, transport and emergency services. It was a great opportunity to network and hear empowering stories from trailblazing women in industry. Our girls found the experience informative and rewarding.
Stage 5 Trade Readiness Program - 18 to 20 March 2025
This week we welcomed trainers from Fusion Training Solutions to guide a select group of Year 9 and 10 students through a three day trade readiness workshop. Students were trained in carpentry skills and tasked to construct two park benches that the school gets to keep and use in the play areas. They were also taught basic electrical procedures, allowing them to gain an insight into the practical aspects of vocational training courses available to them once they complete their Year 10 study.
All students gained a certificate in recognition of the competencies they obtained. The experience itself was a valuable opportunity for all involved to reflect on whether vocational pathways suit their interests and strengths.
Future Events
@Joeys:
Apprenticeship Support Australia - Careers Talk 24 March 2025
On Monday, Week 9, we welcome the team from Apprenticeship Support Australia to present to our Year 10 Work Readiness students about apprenticeship and traineeship pathways. Key topics for discussion include:
How to seek out apprenticeship / traineeship opportunities.
What they can do to be "work ready" (qualifications, licences, documentation etc.).
The process / steps involved in setting up an apprenticeship / traineeship / SBAT
What is their role as an apprenticeship supervisor?
If you have any questions or would like further information about apprenticeship or traineeship pathways, please get in touch - morleyl01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Year 10 TAFE Excursion - 9 April 2025
On Wednesday, Week 11, we have arranged for Year 10 students interested in vocational pathways / studying at TAFE NSW to visit the TAFE Shellharbour and Wollongong Campuses. This is a whole day event where student will be offered guided tours and unique learning experiences in the following areas:
Shellharbour -
Nursing
Allied Health
Automotive
Wollongong -
Engineering
Construction
Metal Fabrication
Food and Hospitality
If you are in Year 10, and seriously considering TAFE as a pathway, please fill out the expression of interest form below:
Year 10 TAFE Excursion 2025 - Expression of Interest Form
University
We know that Year 12 is big - huge, in fact. You probably already have a lot on your plate, but have you thought about early entry? It's a pathway to university that could save you a whole lot of time and stress later in the year. If you have some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about early entry, we're here to provide you with all the answers.
What is early entry?
Some Universities and Tertiary Admissions Centres (TACs) have programs in place that allow them to process applications for specific programs that allow offers to be issued before the main rounds begin after the academic year is over. By applying for one of these programs, you could receive an offer earlier than if you apply through the normal process, often before you've even sat your end of year exams.
It's a way to give you some peace of mind knowing you have a place secured at university next year and one less thing to stress about during exam time.
Who is eligible to apply for early entry?
Each program has it's own eligibility criteria, but here are some of the most common:
- Academic achievement
- Community involvement, e.g. volunteering
- Leadership roles, e.g. school leader, team captain
- Disadvantage - consideration of factors that may have cause challenges to your studies during your final years e.g. financial, social, or physical
If there's a program you’re really interested in applying for but you’re unsure if you meet the criteria, it’s definitely worth doing some more research. Get in touch with the university or TAC and ask what your options might be.
Which universities have early entry programs?
A lot of universities now provide early entry programs. Here's a list:
- Australian Catholic University: Opens 21 July 2025
- Australian National University: Opens 3 March 2025 and closes 15 May. Offers released 4 September.
- Avondale University: Opens 6 March and offers released from 2 September. Applications close 11 November.
- Bond University: Apply now and receive an offer from early September
- Campion College: information will be updated in May 2025
- Charles Sturt University: Early bird applications close 31 July 2025 and offers will be made from 1 September 2025. Round two applications close 31 August 2025 and offers will be made from 19 September 2025.
- CQUniversity: Open 1 August 2025, and closes 1 December 2025. Offers will be released from 1 September 2025
- Curtin University: TISC applications open 3 June 2025
- Deakin University - Regional Access Scheme & Indigenous Access Scheme
- Edith Cowan University: TISC applications open 3 June 2025
- Federation University: Opens April 2025
- Flinders University: Apply through SATAC before end of December 2025
- Griffith University: Opens 1 August and closes 14 October, offers made in 3 rounds from 6 September
- James Cook University: Opens 1 August and closes 11 October, offers made in 4 rounds from 6 September
- La Trobe University: details TBC
- Macquarie University - Leaders and Achievers (applications open June, close September, offers released from 1 September), ATSIEP (TBC) & Schools Recommendation Scheme (TBC).
- Murdoch University: TBC - last year applications closed at the end of November
- National Art School: 2025 application dates TBC, Schools Recommendation Scheme
- Queensland University of Technology: Opens 1 August and closes TBC October, offers made in 2 rounds in November
- RMIT University: TBC - expected to open in June, close in September with offers from late September
- Southern Cross University: opening soon
- Swinburne University of Technology: TBC
- Torrens University Australia: TBC
- UAC: Opens 2 April
- University of Adelaide
- University of Auckland: TBC
- University of Canberra: Early Offer Scheme (opens 19 May, closes 15 August, offers 15 September), & Portfolio Entry
- University of Melbourne: through the Elite Athletes and Artistic Performers Entry Scheme only - TBC for 2025 applications
- University of Newcastle: Opens 2 April (closing dates TBC) offer released 4 or 25 September
- University of New England: Opens March, round 1 closes July and offers released from September
- University of Notre Dame: Opens 1 May and offers from 1 September
- University of Southern Queensland: TBC for 2025 applications
- University of the Sunshine Coast: TBC for 2025 applications
- University of Sydney: Portfolio Admissions, CASAS & Gadigal - apply through UAC from 3 April
- University of Tasmania: opens 26 June, closes 28 July, offers from 4 September
- University of Technology Sydney: Early Entry & Edge TBC
- University of Western Australia: Apply through TISC 2025 - application dates TBC
- University of Wollongong: Opens 16 June, closes 8 August, offers TBC
- UNSW (excluding UNSW Canberra/ADFA): Opens 10 April - closing and offers dates TBC
- Victoria University: closes 14 October at 10pm AEST (check open dates and offers dates)
- Western Sydney University: HSC True Reward (4 rounds, first one closes 3 September with offers from 11 September) & ATSI Pathway Program (assessment days from June, offer dates TBC)
Don't see your chosen university on this list? You might like to contact them directly anyway and ask about their pathway options.
Note: many of these programs are still showing information from 2024, and it is up to the university whether they will be offered again in 2025. Dates, courses, and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Please see the attached file for general careers news and upcoming events:
13 Boys Touch
On Thursday the 6th of March the St Joseph's U13’s Boys Touch Football Team competed in the Diocesan Touch Football competition, where they displayed great skill, speed and sportsmanship. The team played a total of 9 games, coming away with 5 wins and 4 losses. The boys should be super proud of their achievement as two of the losses came by a narrow margin of just 1 point. These close results highlighted their competitive spirit and ability to challenge even the toughest opponents. Well done to all the U13 players: Lachlan Sail, Hayden Attard, Cooper Robinson, Samuel Barrett, Laikyn Shelton, Cooper Shepherd, Isaac Stoneham, Aiden Szutowicz , Blake Crawford, Ari Evans, Rylan Kearnes.
MVP - Lachlan Sail
Coach's Player -Hayden Attard
Spirit Award - Cooper Robinson and Sammuel Barrett
15 Boys Touch
The Touch Football Gala Day was an enjoyable day, with a lot of potential for growth in the team for the future. The 15s boys started the day off against some challenging opposition, with a lack of experience and in the team the boys showed great courage amongst themselves and overcame adversity. All the boys gave their best effort and it was a great day of exciting touch.
MVP - Max Elliot
Open Boys Touch
The St Joseph’s Opens Touch boys team put in a strong performance in their 8 matches, with 6 losses and 2 draws demonstrating teamwork, and determination. The team showed attacking play, with quick ball movement creating multiple scoring opportunities over the tournament. It was very hot playing conditions, but all players gave their all and never gave up.
The 2 draws were against the strongest teams in the competition. Defensively, the players worked hard to shut down opposition attacks, showing good discipline. Despite some tough competition, the team remained resilient and continued to improve with each game. With a focus on refining set plays and maintaining intensity. Well, done to all players for their effort and commitment on the day. Proud of your effort. All the boys showed great gamesmanship on the day.
MVP - Tasman Rippon
Thank you to our referees on both the Boys and Girls Gala Days:
Kiara Shelton
Emily Hollingsworth
Paige Hogben
Rhys Braley
Nathaniel Gamble
Caiden Judd
Without these students volunteering their time, we would not be able to send our teams to compete.
Dio Swimming
On the 10th March, 2025 our Joey’s swim Team attended the Diocesan Swimming Carnival at Corrimal Pool. It was great to see so much team spirit on the day with our kids showing so much improvement from last year’s carnival. Congratulations to Trent Middleton and Oliver McDonald for placing 3rd for overall Age Champion. We also had two of our relay teams place 2nd - Congratulations to the Boys Intermediate Medley Relay: Josh Sail, Oliver McDonald, Te Ari’i Aperau-Bob and Keiran Blissett and also the Boys Senior Medley Relay: Flynn Gould-Anthony, Declan Bone, Samuel Shepherd and Te Ari’i Aperau-Bob.
Everyone who competed on the day, put in 100% and swam against some talented swimmers. We had many who placed in the top three throughout the day, with special mention to the three students who will progress through to the NSWCCC Championships later this term.
Oliver McDonald - 1st in the 100m Breaststroke and 50m Breaststroke
Te Ari’i Aperau-Bob - 1st in the 100m Backstroke and 50m Backstroke
Katelyn Blissett - 3rd Place 50m Freestyle & 3rd Place 50m Backstroke. She will also progress through in 50m Butterfly & the 100m Freestyle Multiclass events
School Cross Country
Another year, another Cross Country Carnival…however…this one was one of the best to be seen. Whilst we postponed a week earlier due to wet weather, we saw an outstanding sunny day ahead of us at Integral Energy Park. The carnival consisted of 5 rotation activities including House vs House Volleyball, Minute to Win it Games, Water Bucket team challenge, Brain Strain Trivia organised by our wonderful Science staff and of course the Cross Country course. We started the day with our might house chants where Keira took 1st, Marshall in 2nd and Warrigal in 3rd. But things changed for the best dressed house category where Macquarie and Kembla took the wins.
This carnival provided an opportunity for every student to be involved in accruing house points and getting involved. The Cross Country course offered students a competitive 3-6km course to challenge themselves against their peers or students could simply take the 1km walking course. An added feature on the day was the food trucks which gave students ample choice to load up on some goodies inducing burgers, hot chips, mini donuts and dippin dots. Whilst the weather was steaming hot, the house spirit couldn’t be defeated and it was great to see the Year 11/12 students cool things off at the Water Challenge activity which finished in a water fight and a very wet Mr Moran.
I thank all the staff who attended the day, without their support, effort and enthusiasm, this day would not be possible. We look forward to seeing an even better turn out at the Athletics Carnival in Term 2.
Champion House and Age Champions will be presented in the coming weeks.
Fast 5 Netball
The atmosphere at the Shoalhaven Netball Courts was exciting as teams took to the court for the inaugural NSW Senior School Fast Five Netball Competition. The games delivered a much higher intensity than a regular game of netball. With some different rules, power plays, and long-range shots on offer, the Joey’s crew were pumped.
After a fierce round-robin competition, our Joey’s team were able to showcase their speed, skill, and teamwork. Accurate shooting from all distances and relentless defensive pressure proved the difference as we dominated the court, convincingly winning all five games played.
The team made up of both boys and girls in Years 11 and 12, worked seamlessly together on the court and more importantly off the court. In the breaks they talked, listened to music and played games (not a phone to be seen).
The ball skills by the girls and elevation by the boys made it hard to pick a player of the day. Congratulations to every player for a sensational performance.
It was a fantastic start to what promises to be an exciting annual event!
TEAM LIST:
Thomas Avterosli
Thomas Hoffman
Archie Faulks
Sarah Wyber
Chloe Norris
Kiana Reick
Chelsea Whalen
Cate Mansbridge
MVP’s: Kiana Rieck & Archie Faulks
Athletics Carnival
This year, High Jump will be a COMPETITORS ONLY event, the you MUST be nominated and have consent before participating in this event on the day of the carnival.
There will be NO opportunity to sign up for this event on the day.
To nominate in this event, you should have some knowledge of how to complete the jump. On the day, students will be expected to demonstrate a basic jump before proceeding to their competitive jump height.
Nominations close: Friday 4th April
Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/QzXRivxnxhHkuLLw6
Diocesan Nominations
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.
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
NSWCCC Nominations
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 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
NSWCCC Rugby Union
Girls Rugby 7’s & Boys Rugby
16s - 13th May
18s - 14th May
Location: Rowland Park, Daceyville
Registrations close - 28th March 5pm
Student Sporting Success
Lucas Glover and Cody Cartwright
Lucas and Cody played in their grand final on Wednesday as part of the Albion Park u17s cricket team. The boys took the win with Cody making 31 runs and Lucas bowling 4/14 off 4. Congratulations boys on a great cricket season.
Jet Thomas
Congratulations to Jet who placed 10th at Wakeboarding Nationals recently in the 10-14 years Boys age group.
Trent Middleton
Trent competed at the South Australia Age Championships as part of a Tour with 6 of his squad/club mates. Competing over 4 days Trent swam 6 events achieving significant PBs in all events. Trent qualified for the 200 and 400m finals but was sadly relegated as there is a “visitor rule” with only two visitors going through to the final. This meant Trent was first reserve and had to still prepare like he was going to swim the final. Trent enhanced skills around resilience and mental strength to handle the situation so well. Trent was even lucky enough to snap a picture with Kyle Chalmers. Congratulations Trent.
Max Elliot
Congratulations to Max who played in the NSW Hockey team recently and placed 3rd overall. He also was the highest goal scorer in Australia with 11 goals throughout the tournament.
If your child has had sporting success outside of school we want to hear about it.
Please email details through to Miss Power (powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
St Joseph’s Sport Instagram Page
For all things sport follow our new social media page.
SJCHS SPORTS
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.
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.
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
Wednesday 12 to Thursday 24
NAPLAN testing window
Monday 24
Feast of St Joseph Liturgy
April
Tuesday 8
Year 7 Immunisations
Friday 11
Last day of Term 1
CARITAS (PROJECT COMPASSION)
The SRC students have been involved in a number of Project Compassion fundraisers since the beginning of the year. The year started with our traditional Valentine’s Day fundraiser where students had the opportunity to gift chocolates and a card to someone special. Then on Shrove Tuesday, 4th March, the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent in the Catholic tradition, pancakes with maple syrup and cream were sold to a number of students. Currently, the SRC students are selling tickets for the Canteen Fast Pass whilst the YML students have organised an Easter Egg Guessing Competition.
Thank you to our families and our school community for either donating and/or supporting a fundraiser at school in helping raise money for Project Compassion so far. Funds raised directly support Caritas Australia's work to alleviate poverty, promote justice, and uphold dignity in vulnerable communities.
YOUTH MINISTRY LEADERS (YML)
On the 21st February, the YML students participated in their first introduction and planning session at school with Mr Matt Turner from the CEO. The students came together to develop their formation plans for this year’s Jubilee Year of Hope. Students started to set goals and strategies for our school and learned how Ministry and Mission culture is developed. They also had the opportunity to attend Mass at St Paul’s with Fr Leo.
Thank you to Mr Matt Turner for running the session on the day.
OPEN SCHOOL TOURS
On the 4th March, a number of SRC Students from Yr 7-12 had the opportunity to be school tour guides for our Open Afternoon/Evening for prospective students and families for 2026/2027. Thank you and congratulations to these students for giving up their afternoon and especially for being passionate and proud of our school and what St Joseph’s has to offer.
IFTAR DINNER
Mr Shelton, some of our Senior SRC students and I had the opportunity to attend the Annual Iftar Dinner at Amity College on the 11th March. This special event is held during the sacred month of Ramadan, where staff and students share a meal together. It is a celebration of unity, understanding, and friendship among students from diverse backgrounds and other local schools. It is a chance to reflect on shared values, celebrate differences, appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our communities and foster meaningful connections.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ASSEMBLY
Senior SRC students Amelia Dimitrievski, Chloe Norris, Taylor Darke and Ethan Thompson organised the International Women’s Day Assembly on the 10th March. This is an annual occasion to express our gratitude for all the women in our lives. Students provided information to create awareness of such an important topic. They organised purple ribbons representing the significant event, conducted a school survey to educate and inform, included a video of student perspectives and presented awards to female staff and students from each year group. Well done to the students for organising the Assembly.
LIFELINE BOOK FAIR
The Lifeline Book Fair is a major fundraising event for Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services in the Illawarra and South Coast. With over 85,000 pre-loved books that go on sale from 20 -23 March 2025 at the Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkele, this event plays an important role in raising vital funds.
This year two groups of students volunteered to assist setup and pack up books for the Lifeline Big Book Fair. Some of the SRC students attended on the 19th March and some of the Yr 10/11 students attended on the 24th March. Our students enjoyed the opportunity to contribute and be part of such an important cause.
Due to unforseen circumstances the
Uniform Shop will be closed Monday 24 March
Normal trading hours will resume Thursday 27 March
NORMAL 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
School student travel information for parents and students
School Travel Passes
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.
This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.
All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
IDO Expo: A Networking Opportunity for NDIS Participants
The Illawarra Disability Options (IDO) Expo provides an opportunity for families of NDIS participants to familiarise themselves with local disability service providers and registered training organisations. This annual event is of particular relevance to students with disability planning post-school pathways.
When: Thursday 3 April 2025 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Foundational and Disability Support for Children and Young People in New South Wales
A NSW Parliament select committee has been established to inquire into and report on child development, early childhood intervention services, and other foundational and disability supports available for children and young people with developmental concerns, delays, differences, or disabilities in New South Wales.
Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee's website here.
As part of the inquiry, the committee is seeking online submissions from NSW residents through the following questions. Responses are due by Monday 31 March 2025.
Responses may be used in the committee's report. Names and contact details of respondents will not be published. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Individual contributors can complete an online questionnaire.
The very popular Ultimate Learner Log Book Run Experience is back and is bigger and better than ever in 2025!
!!!! THIS EVENT IS FREE – NO COST TO LEARNERS AND THEIR SUPERVISORS !!!!
Please click the link below to access online registration:
https://forms.office.com/r/
