Love of Learning

At St Joseph’s, we often speak about being lifelong learners. The VIA Character Strength Love of Learning is more than enjoying school subjects. It is about finding joy in discovering new ideas, deepening our understanding, and embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.

In our Catholic tradition, learning is not just about gaining knowledge but about seeking truth, which ultimately leads us closer to God. St Augustine reminds us: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This restlessness is a holy curiosity; a desire to learn, to question, and to explore the world God has created.

When students show a love of learning, they are not only building skills for the future but also living out their vocation to grow in wisdom and understanding. They learn to see feedback as a gift, mistakes as part of growth, and effort as a way of honouring the talents God has given them.

For our community, nurturing a love of learning means celebrating curiosity, effort, and perseverance. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or through creative pursuits, each new lesson helps us respond to God’s call to “grow in wisdom, stature and favour” (Luke 2:52), just as Jesus did.

Fortnightly Focus - Weeks 7 and 8

For Weeks 7 and 8, our Learning Focus is:

“Actively seek and apply feedback to improve your work.”

Feedback is one of the most powerful ways we can identify where and how to improve, and we encourage all students to embrace it as an opportunity for growth.

Our Uniform Focus is:

"Wearing the sports uniform only on designated sports days"

Students should wear their sports uniform only on days they have:

Double PDHPE

CASA

Morning Fit Club / Get Active

Representative team training or trials

If, for an unavoidable reason, your child needs to wear their sports uniform on a non-sport day (e.g., washing not done), please write and sign a note in their diary for that day.

Our Character Strength for this fortnight is:

"Love of Learning"

When we enjoy what we are doing, it becomes much easier to engage deeply and experience success.

Diocese of Wollongong Vocational Education & Training Awards

On Thursday afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending the Diocese of Wollongong Vocational Education and Training Awards. I am delighted to share that Heidi Colless was awarded VET Student of the Year for Construction. Congratulations, Heidi, on this outstanding achievement!

Heidi’s dedication and hard work have already opened doors for her future, with an apprenticeship secured through her work placement this year, a wonderful step forward as she prepares to graduate from Year 12.

A special thank you also to Mr Gilbert for the guidance and support he has provided Heidi as her Construction teacher this year.

The Year 12 awards season continues in the coming weeks with the Bishop’s Excellence Award and the Workplace Learning Illawarra VET Award, where we look forward to celebrating more student success.

Year 12 HSC Major Works Showcase

I warmly invite our St Joseph’s community to attend the Year 12 Major Works Showcase on Monday, 1 September, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Held in the School Hall.

This special event will feature the outstanding Major Works from our Year 12 students in:

- Design and Technology

- Industrial Technology

- Visual Arts

- Drama

The showcase will be open between 4:00 and 6:00 pm, so you are welcome to drop in at any time. Come along to celebrate and admire the creativity, innovation, and hard work of our graduating class.

Book Week and Science Week

This week we celebrated both Book Week and Science Week. These events remind us of the joy of reading and the wonder of discovery, and they provide our students with rich opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

I would like to particularly thank Mrs Schneider, Mr Webb, and the English Faculty for their organisation of Book Week, and Mrs Elphick and the Science Faculty for bringing Science Week to life. Your creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment make a real difference.

I am truly grateful to our teachers who go above and beyond to create these opportunities for our students.

Yours in learning,
Mr Chris Shelton

Acting Principal

Year 12

Year 12 are now on the final stages of their HSC journeys. Students doing courses with major projects have been / are busy finalising these ready for submission. Students have been getting results back from Trial HSC exams to provide a snapshot of their course progress and what areas to focus on in coming weeks.

In Week 8 students will take part in our HSC Intensive sessions program. Each class will have a half day block designed to allow greater time to explore in depth course content, revision and exam preparation strategies.

The schedule for the sessions has been shared earlier this week. All students are required to attend each session and must be at school working in the library at any time they do not have a scheduled session.

Year 11 and 12 AI Study Work Shop

On Tuesday 9th September students in Years 11 and 12 will take part in a workshop run by specialist staff from the CEO on how to use AI to support effective study. The 2 period workshop is designed to show students a range of AI tools and platforms that make the process of study simpler, more effective, engaging and hopefully encourage students to adopt a regular revision program.

This will be most beneficial to Year 12 leading into their final HSC exams and Year 11 who have their yearly exams fast approaching and begin their HSC courses in early Term 4. Attendance at the courses is considered compulsory for all students.

Year 11 Yearly Exams

Year 11 yearly exams are scheduled for Weeks 9 and 10. Students have been issued with the exam schedule and should now be very much focussed on preparing for these exams both in the classroom and at home.

Students in Year 11 have flexible attendance during these times however they are expected to be at school for the big school gatherings such as the Final House Assembly and Year 12 Final assembly.

Students in Year 10 doing SOR1 of elective Pathway subjects will also have a period of study leave available to them to allow them to prepare for their exam(s). A form has been shared via email which these students need to complete indicating what day they wish to use to prepare. This needs to be completed and submitted by the start of Week 8.

Mr Brett Moran

Year 12 Food Tech

Chicken and Quiona Salad

Recent News and Events

Early Admission Scheme Offers Released - Week beginning 1 September, 2025

The University of Wollongong will begin releasing their Early Admission Scheme Undergraduate offers for 2026 from Monday 1 September, 2025.

44 of our 67 Year 12 students have applied for the Early Admission Scheme. If successful in receiving an offer, the student will not need to apply for that course through UAC. An Early Admission offer from UOW is an official offer to that course. If the student receives an Early Admission offer, they will not need to accept the offer immediately. There will be a place for them in the course/s that they are offered, and the University will be in touch when it is time to start enrolment.

If a student is unsuccessful in receiving an Early Admission offer, they can still apply for the same course through the University Admissions Centre (UAC) - A guide to completing your UAC application can be accessed by clicking this LINK.

For more information and guidance around the university application process please reach out to Mr Morley.

Week 8 - Wednesday 10 September: UOW Year 11 Information Session

On Wednesday, 10 September, James Terry, from the University of Wollongong, will be visiting the Year 11 cohort to discuss upcoming events, namely: UOW Summer Master Class 2026 and UOW Discovery Days in 2026, while also emphasising the significance of the Year 11 Preliminary Exams, which play a key role in determining eligibility for Early Admission offers in 2027

Cadetship Success

Congratulations to our Year 12 student Alexandra Tololeska for securing a prestigious accounting cadetship position with BLG Business Advisors. Alexandra’s friendly nature, strong motivation, and eagerness to learn were key factors in securing her new role.

The Joeys community is proud of Alexandra’s achievement and wishes her every success in this exciting next chapter.

Year 12 Step Into Teaching Scholarship applications

This scholarship opportunity is aimed at Year 12 Students interested in Primary or Secondary teaching. Successful Scholarship students receive: 

• Total benefit of $20,000 distributed over a 4 year period- $5,000 per year

• Paid SSO employment for the first 3 years (1 day per week in a CEDoW school)

• An indentured full-time teaching position in the Dioceses upon completion of the course

• An academic mentor for support

• Spiritual development and support throughout the degree.

Click on the LINK to apply. Application period - 8 August to 19 September 2025.

For more information, please contact Mr Morley via email.

Diocesan Tennis

The Joey's Tennis Team travelled up to Campbelltown for the Annual Diocesan Tennis Tournament. A bye round 1, saw us progress straight into the second round.

We faced Holy Spirit College who were formidable tennis opponents and we were unable to progress any further in the main competition.

We were eligible for the consolation Doubles round where we faced John Therry, who defeated us 6-2 and our day on the court was done.

The team consisting of Austin Lewis, Noah Jewiss, Keiran Blissett and Daniel Bennett, gave their all in every game, set and match.

It was a pleasure to watch and support these boys throughout the day.

Diocesan Athletics

Last Friday, St Joseph's attended the Diocesan Athletics Carnival held at the Campbelltown Athletics Stadium. Whilst it was a little cold and rainy, our Joey’s crew showed up in full force ready to turn up the heat in their track and field events.

Throughout the day our students put on a magnificent show of talent with many students getting out of their comfort zone in a range of events. Our school ended up placing 3rd overall in a tremendous effort to take out some of the bigger schools in our Diocese.

This is our best result ever! Well done Joey’s and congratulations to all our competitors who placed in the top 3 of their events as well as those who have made it to the next level.

3rd place 14yrs Male Long Jump - James Gauci

3rd Place 12yrs Male Javelin - Ryan Slater

2nd Place 13yrs Mael Shot put - Levi Murphy

3rd place 15yrs Male Triple Jump - Levi Thomas

2nd place 16yrs Male 800m - William Stoneham

2nd Place 15yrs Male 100m - Max Tubby

2nd Place 17+ Male Shotput - Samuel Shepherd

3rd Place 17+ Male Long Jump - Tasman Rippon

1st place 16yrs Male High Jump - Brady Tomasi

3rd Place 17+ Female 400m - Bianca de Swardt

1st Place 17+ Female 1500m - Bianca de Swardt

1st place 17+ Female 800m - Bianca de Swardt

3rd place 14yrs Male Shotput - Jackson Jongsma

3rd place 14yrs Male Javelin - Jackson Jongsma

3rd Place 16yrs Male 1500m - Chase Vilarinho

2nd Opens Male Triple Jump - Chase Vilarinho

3rd place 16yrs Female 400m - Lily Bargallie

3rd Place 16yrs Female 200m - Lily Bargallie

3rd place 15yr Male 200m - Christian Oanea

3rd place 15yrs Male Long Jump - Christian Oanea

3rd Place 12yrs Female 100m - Piper Hall

2nd Place 12 yrs Female 200m - Piper Hall

3rd Place 16yrs Male Discus - Kobe Dunn

2nd place 16yrs Male Shotput - Kobe Dunn

1st Place 13yrs Female Shot Put - Kaylie Murray

3rd Place 13yrs Female Javelin - Kaylie Murray

2nd Place 15yrs Female Long Jump - Isabella Clowes

1st Place 15yrs Female Triple Jump - Isabella Clowes

1st place 15yrs Female Shotput - Isabella Clowes

1st Place 15yrs Female Discus - Isabella Clowes

1st Place 15yrs Female Javelin - Isabella Clowes

 

Relays

2nd Place - Intermediate Boys Relay

Christian Oanea, Deakin Cook, Max Tubby & Callum Attard

3rd Place - Open Girls Relay

Amelia Porter, Lily Bargallie, Bianca de Swardt & Jayden Godbold

 

3rd Place - Jnr Boys Relay

Archie Savell, Aiden Szutowicz, Bailey Mcintyre, James Bezold

 

Age Champions

1st Place - 15yrs Female Age Champion - Isabella Clowes

2nd Place - 13 yr Female Age Champion - Kaylie Murray

3rd Place - 17+ Female Age Champion - Bianca de Swardt

 

Next Level Reps:

Bianca de Swardt

Piper Hall

Kaylie Murray

Isabella Clowes

Max Tubby

Brady Tomasi

William Stoneham

Trivia Sport Fundraiser - 1 week to go
(Ticket sales close September 3rd)

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 costume 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 with $7000 worth of prizes to be won. Tickets can be bought before and on the night and prizes to be won for best dressed & lucky seat, as well as the 1st place table taking home $700 worth of prizes. There will be plenty of games on the night to buy in on, so please bring some cash to join in on these games for your chance to win some incredible prizes.

Booking link:  https://www.trybooking.com/DBPMY

See event flyer and raffle prizes for further details!

Elite Athlete Applications Open Now

St Joseph's Catholic High School has partnered with local businesses to develop our Aspiring/Elite Athlete Program. The program is for students who are aspiring to or participating at elite level in their chosen sport. The program encompasses not only their sporting achievements but creates a viable future pathway which includes their academic studies.

Please refer to the Information booklet and the Online Application form.

Applications close: Week 7, 4pm, Friday 5th September.

NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Individual Sporting Success 

Congratulations to Christian Oanea who made the NSW Country teams. He competed in the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships (the Home of the Matildas) at La Trobe University in Melbourne  6 – 11 July 2025. This is a state of origin where they play other states.

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

YEAR 12 STUDENTS - SCHOOL FEES: 

School fees are important, the school relies on fees and the payment of fees is part of the agreement you signed with the school upon enrolment of your child. 

Students completing their Year 12 schooling at St Joseph’s Catholic High School this year, it is a requirement that all outstanding fees be paid in full by December where possible. 

Please note any existing fee arrangements are to continue.

Vinnies Winter Appeal Continues

Vinnies Lunch Snack Pack

Students, staff and families are asked to bring in various healthy snack items  to support our local St Vincent de Paul branch at Albion Park and Oak Flats. 

We are seeking donations such as:

Packets of muesli bars

Poppers (juice boxes)

Pretzels or popcorn

Fruit cups

Small chocolate bars or Chupa Chupas (as a treat)

The SRC will then pack these items into individual  lunch snack packs for children from families in need. The snack packs will be included in family meal bags that are distributed to families that are struggling. Vinnies NSW supports tens of thousands of individuals and families each year who are experiencing financial and housing insecurity. Your support is very much appreciated.

Students are to bring donations to the office to receive a gold coin token to receive house points. Students will also receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a canteen voucher.

Comfy Day  Week 7 - Friday 5 September

Wear your comfiest clothes for a gold coin donation. On the day there will be a student voted lunchtime movie in the Hall. The Café will be open so students can purchase hot chocolate and other beverages. Popcorn, fairy floss and lollies will also be  available to purchase.

Catholic Mission

Father’s Day Socks Week 7

The SRC will be selling socks with a card for Fathers Day which is fast approaching. These will be available from Week 6 until sold out.
All proceeds will go to the Catholic Mission.

CEDoW Step into Teaching Scholarship Program

"Teaching is a noble profession that shapes the character, calibre and future of an individual." - Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Applications are now open.

All Year 12 students are invited to apply for one of the following scholarships:

Step into Teaching Scholarship Program

Step into Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Program

To learn more, students should speak with their TAPs Coordinator or visit the Catholic Education Office website here.

Applications close on Friday 19 September 2025 (Week 9). 

Dapto Retail Store

Shop Details:

Address: 2 Marshall Rd, Dapto NSW 2530
Phone: (02) 7259 9200
Email: dapto.retail@permapleat.com.au

• Tuesday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
• Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
• Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Ph: 02 7259 9200

Parking Information:

Customer parking is available at the rear car park on Bong Bong Rd, with a ramp leading directly to the uniform shop. Limited street parking is also available nearby.

Don’t forget that online orders can still be placed through the school website and will continue to be delivered to the school for student collection.

Thank you from Perm-A-Pleat

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: