WELCOME TO TERM 2!

Welcome back to another busy and exciting term at St Joseph’s Catholic High School. I hope all students had a restful and enjoyable break and are feeling refreshed and ready to engage in the opportunities ahead.

Year 11 & 12 Mid-Course Reports and Parent-Teachers Interviews 

Mid-Course Reports for Year 11 and 12 students—including Year 10 students undertaking HSC Pathways subjects—will be distributed on Tuesday, 13 May. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend Parent-Teacher Interviews on Wednesday, 14 May. These interviews will be held face-to-face in the School Hall, and bookings can be made via Compass. Bookings Close 9am Monday 12th May.

We strongly encourage all families to take up this opportunity for valuable, one-on-one feedback. For Year 12 students, this will be the final formal interview opportunity with their teachers before the HSC, and attendance is highly recommended.

Tell Them From Me - Parent Survey

As part of our ongoing commitment to school improvement, St Joseph’s is again participating in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey—a confidential, online tool designed to gather feedback from parents, staff, and students about school life and engagement.

The survey provides valuable insights into how parents perceive student wellbeing, learning environments, school communication, and relationships between staff, students, and families. It only takes 10–15 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

All families are encouraged to participate. If you have multiple children at the school, your responses can reflect either their shared experiences or those of your eldest child.

In 2024, we received a record number of parent responses. This year, we are hoping for even greater participation so that we can continue to strengthen our school community through your feedback.

• Complete the survey at: http://tellthemfromme.com/joeys25
• Survey closes: Friday, 30 May 2025

You’ll receive reminders via email and SMS over the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for helping us capture the voices of as many families as possible.

Winter Uniform Expectations

Thank you to the overwhelming majority students who have returned in full winter uniform. As a school, we are continuing to lift the standard of student presentation, with a particular focus on wearing the School Blazer during Terms 2 and 3.

Students are expected to wear their blazer to and from school every day and are encouraged to wear it throughout the school day. Your ongoing support in ensuring your child is dressed in full school uniform—including bringing their blazer each day—is greatly appreciated.

Staff will continue to notify families via Compass if a student is out of uniform. Your assistance in following up these matters at home plays a vital role in maintaining our high expectations.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the information above. I look forward to working in partnership with you throughout Term 2.

Welcome back to Term 2. We hope students and families had an enjoyable holiday and have returned ready to jump into Term 2 and finish off Semester 1 strongly.

Curriculum Dates to Remember:

• Week 3 (Tuesday 13th May) - Year 11 and 12 Semester 1 Reports released
• Week 3 (Wednesday 14th May) - Year 11 and 12 Face to Face Parent Teacher Interviews 
• Week 5 (26th - 30th May) - Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8) Assessment Week
• Week 6 (2nd - 6th June) - Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) Assessment Week
• Week 7 (11th June) - Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Information Evening

A reminder about the use of AI

As the use of AI tools like ChatGPT becomes more common, we’d like to remind students and parents that while these platforms can support learning, they must be used responsibly. AI should not be used to complete assessment tasks or assignments on behalf of students. Work submitted must reflect the student's own understanding and effort.

Using AI inappropriately may be considered a breach of academic integrity. We encourage open discussions at home about how to use these tools ethically—for research support, idea generation, or study assistance, not for copying or submission.

For seniors use of AI may seem like an efficient way to stay on top of course work and assessments. In the long run it does not support the students capacity for critical thinking, application of knowledge and the ability to write individual responses that may be required in exam like situations.

Thank you for helping us maintain a culture of honesty and learning.

At Home Study

With Semester 1 Assessment Weeks approaching students in all years should now be into a routine of regular study/revision at home to prepare for exams. A few things to notes about home study/revision:

• Home study/revision is separate to homework and working on assessment tasks
• It is recommended students should be doing around 2-3 hours/week minimum study revision
• Students should be working with their class teachers to understand what content is going to be covered in exams and use this as the basis of any study/revision program
• There is no one correct way to study. Students should choose the method that best suits their learning style as well as the course they are working in ie the approach to prepare for a Maths exam may be different to the preparation for a HSIE or Science exam.
• Some sample strategies can include summary notes, tables, flash cards, practice exam questions, revision activities/quizzes.
• Students should also share their work with their class teachers to get feedback that they are getting the work correct, developing their understanding of key content and developing the skills to apply this knowledge as required in the subject
• Whilst this can seem overwhelming, starting small (eg 10-15 mins at a time) for a particular subject, with a clear goal of what to achieve (eg improve my understanding of fractions, decimals and percentages) and how they will do this (eg review textbook and class notes, complete summary quiz/activity and submit to my teacher for feedback
• Practice writing extended responses. This may sound silly but as students spend more time on devices, the ability to write for extended periods is becoming more challenging
• As students engage more in this process they will develop a better understanding of what works for them and the specific subjects they are preparing for. Class teachers can be a highly beneficial resource in this process.

Year 11 2026 Subject Selection

This Term will see the beginning of the Year 11 2026 Subject Selection process for Year 10 students. Further information will be provided in coming weeks. For now, Year 10 students should be focussing on their class and home studies to maximise their Semester 1 results to allow access to as many subjects in Year 11 as possible.

Trial HSC Exams

The Trial HSC exams for Year 12 will be held in Weeks 3/4 of Term 3. The exam schedule is currently being finalised and will be distributed to students once it is finished.

Year 12 Cookery

Year 12 Cookery II made a lemon scented creme brulee this week, they served it with grilled pears, orange segments and some crunchy hazelnut  biscotti. 

We used lots of methods of cooking and learnt about flavour combinations and the importance of always checking that there is an acidic element to a recipe, so the flavour combinations are balanced and that each dish should have a variety of textural elements.

Recent News and Events

Careers Assembly - 5 May 2025

This week, I had the pleasure of coordinating the school assembly, which centered on the theme of career exploration and the cultivation of one's interests, strengths, and sense of purpose. To inspire our students, we were fortunate to enlist the assistance of several distinguished ex-students from the Class of 2016.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sienna Casolin, Elise Conte, and Amalia Tavernese for generously dedicating their time to share their personal journeys with our students. Their diverse career paths vividly illustrate the many post-school opportunities available: Elise has embarked on a career in the Navy, Sienna has secured a position as a research scientist at the University of Wollongong, and Amalia has successfully established her own business, Marley Janes Cafe, in Albion Park.

The overarching message from our guest speakers was a powerful one: "Back yourself, pursue your interests and seize every opportunity with both hands." In an era where young people often look to compare themselves and seek validation from others, it is reassuring to hear such an empowering and positive message from our alumni. Their stories embody the foundational principles of developing interests, strengths, and purpose that our students are actively nurturing during their time at school.

Illawarra Careers Expo - 6 May 2025

On Tuesday, we had the privilege of taking our Year 10 and Year 12 cohorts to the Illawarra Careers Expo at the Illawarra Sports Stadium. With over 90 exhibitors, including major universities and local apprenticeship providers, our students had the opportunity to engage directly with professionals who could answer their career-related questions and provide guidance on their future pathways.

Year 10 TAFE Excursion - 9 April 2025

Students from Year 10, who are considering vocational pathways, were invited to tour the TAFE NSW Wollongong and Shellharbour campuses. This day-long event showcased the diverse learning faculties and state-of-the-art facilities available at these institutions. Highlights included visiting the School of Nursing, where students interacted with highly realistic dummy patients at the Shellharbour campus. Additionally, students had the opportunity to try their hand at virtual welding and boilermaking at the Wollongong campus. Overall, it was a positive and enlightening day, providing our students with a deeper understanding of the opportunities available at TAFE.

Upcoming Events at Joeys:

Step into Teaching Scholarship Talk - 22 May 2025

Jan Hutton from the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong will be delivering a presentation to Year 11 and 12 students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching after completing Year 12.

Expression of interest form below:

https://forms.gle/GGVb518X7aMjRuZS6

St Joseph's Apprenticeship Careers Exhibition - 10 June 2025

This event will offer our senior students a valuable opportunity to explore various industries and career prospects within the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region.

We have secured representatives from a wide array of industries and training organizations. Each representative will be stationed at their own 'Industry Conversation Table.'

Students will rotate between tables, allowing each representative to discuss topics such as: a typical day in their profession, training pathways, employer expectations (including desired skills and qualities in new employees), tips on job preparation, strategies for securing employment, and future career opportunities within their industry.

More details will be provided in the next fortnight’s newsletter and via our social media channels.

UOW Y12 Early Entry Presentation + Y10 HSC Subject Selection unpacked - 16 June 2025

On Monday, June 16, 2025, our UOW school liaison officer, James Terry, will visit St Joseph’s. Accompanying him will be current university students who will assist our Year 12 students with their early entry and UAC applications. Additionally, James will conduct a separate session for our Year 10 students, guiding them through the HSC subject selection process and exploring pathways into university.

U13 Boys Rugby League

The Under 13s had an interesting day of footy, taking on both Figtree and Dapto in two

games that tested Saint Joesph’s under 13 rugby league team at Croome Road fields on

Tuesday 8 April

Game 1: vs Figtree

The boys started nervously against Figtree, showing fragile defence, slow line speed and

disjointed teamwork early on. A couple of quick tries gave Figtree momentum, when their

big number 10 proved hard to tackle but our boys hit back with some determined runs of their own. Score at half time Figtree 8 Joey’s 6. In the second half our defence and ball control improved greatly, and we beat Figtree 18 to 16 at the final bell. Hard running by Levi

Murphy proved the difference.

Game 2: vs Dapto

Facing Dapto 30 minutes after the first match, the boys dug deep and gave it everything. It

was a physical contest. Dapto came out fast and hard and we never recovered. Some fatigue started to show in the second half, but the team never gave up, finishing the match with determination and pride.

Standout Performances:

MVP: Levi Murphy: Great running and hard defence

Never-say-die attitude from the whole team.

Overall, it was a good day of footy. Playing games in quick succession is no easy task, but the boys showed heart and teamwork. As their coach I was proud of the effort and attitude

displayed.

Well, done, boys!

Mr Hetherington

Open Boys Soccer 

The boys enjoyed a sleep in this time, as they travelled in their own team bus to the Shellharbour FC fields in our local area.

The team arrived and completed a brief warm up and drills before checking out our draw for the competition. The Gaffa - Mr Dribbus attended the managers meeting and returned with the news that we would face Edmund Rice College in the first round,

With our heads held high the boys took to the field and put up a good fight to a very strong side to only concede 2 goals.

Some outstanding saves by Cody Cartwright - at one point we thought he had switched with Yann Sommer from Inter Milan.

Round 2 saw us share the pitch with Edmundson Park. A solid performance again by the boys, with some great runs forward by Chase and Georgie however a conceded goal ended the match in defeat.

Round 3 we faced our local derby team - Corpus Christi. With a fierce game that gave similar vibes to the North London Derby.

With some great football played by both teams, some impressive work by Kobe Healy, Faulks, Phoenix and Ryan in the mid, and a defensive masterclass by Matty Sheppherd and Koby Cox at the back.

The Gaffa made some positive last minute changes that can be compared to Jose Mourihno's 'parking the bus strategy' that allowed us to put a stop to Corpus' push for the finals. Holy Spirit celebrated with us and we were proud of our result, once again having an impact on Corpus' ability to reach the finals.

We ended our day with a noble loss to Holy Spirit, a friendly but competitive game.

The boys dug deep, for a team consisting of mainly Year 9, 10 and 11 students, they displayed great courage and grit.

Back to the academy for 2026

(Gaffa is looking to be backed by leadership for some big signings)

MVP: Cody Cartwright (GK)

Honourable mention: Sam Goodwin - Linesmen and team support

2025 SJCHS TRIVIA FUNDRAISER - REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

Come join our 2025 St Joseph’s Catholic High School Trivia night that is fundraising for our school representative sport teams for 2026. All funds raised will go towards new team uniforms, updated sporting equipment and assisting with transport costs.

The theme for the night is ‘Countries of the World’, so come dressed in your best sporting attire.

Tickets are $80 per table with 8-10 people. BYO snacks, drinks and table decorations.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an adults only event with no students able to attend.

We will have a raffle available on the night and prizes to be won for best dressed, winning tables as well as other competitions on the night.

There will be plenty of games on the night to buy in on, so please bring some cash to join in on these games and there will be prizes for best dressed and winning tables.

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 social media page

SJCHS SPORTS

Vinnies Winter Appeal Fundraiser 

The Year 9 SRC students recently held a Mother’s Day fundraiser, selling beautifully gift wrapped candles and cards.The initiative provided students with a valuable opportunity to support and show compassion for those doing it tough during the winter season. The candles and cards were warmly received as thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts, and the success of the fundraiser was made possible by the generous support of our school community. Over $160.00 was raised.

St Paul’s Mother’s Day Event

The Year 8/9 SRC students proudly supported the Mother’s Day event at St Paul’s this week, assisting with setup and helping create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their involvement reflected the strong sense of connection and service shared across our school communities. A special thank you to Albion Park Enchanted Florist for generously providing the stunning floral arrangements, which added to the occasion.

SCHOOL FEES

Thank you to all the families that make such an effort to ensure that their fees are up to date. School fees are essential for the financial viability of Catholic schools. School principals have the responsibility of ensuring school fees are collected. 

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to make payments, please contact the finance office or email accounts@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au

Change in Location to our School Uniform Shop - effective from Tuesday 20th May, 2025

Online Orders

Orders can still be made online via the school website, and these will be delivered to the school office for pick-up.  A delivery will be made once a week and office staff will notify students when their order has arrived.

Online Ordering - click link below

ONLINE ORDERING

We thank you for your understanding and support.

CatholicCare courses are Now Open for enrolments! Their range of Courses focus on: 

•    strengthening relationships
•    parenting
•    post-separation
•    supporting parents with children in care
•    managing challenging emotions
•    grief and loss

Courses are held in a supportive environment with others who share similar life challenges. 

They are held online or in-person at our Nowra, Campbelltown and Wollongong offices. Please see below flyer which outlines the courses and dates:

William Campbell Foster Care Agency are reaching out to local schools as they would love the opportunity to spread the word about the need for carers, as there are many children and young people who need a safe, loving, and nurturing home right now.

They are urgently seeking foster carers for children of all ages to provide emergency, respite, short-term or long-term care. Please see below flyer for more information: