Filter Content
- From the Principal
- From the Assistant Principal
- P & F Meeting
- Curriculum News
- From the Administration Office
- SOLE Goals of the Week
- Joey's News
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander News
- Sport at Joey's
- Tournament of Minds
- Careers
- School Fees and Excursions
- Book Week Article from the Catholic Education Office
- Uniform Shop
- Permission Notes & Excursions
- Community News
Our Book Week Assembly was a memorable event. The guest speaker Randa Abdel-Fattah provided thought provoking ideas about the life experiences some people have, as well as opening our student’s eyes to the world that they live in. This was followed by the book week parade. What an exciting parade it was! Please see the photos of the staff and students. Thank you to Ms Nascimento for organising the event and the support of the staff for their enthusiasm. They do love a good ‘dress up’! I encourage even more students to get involved next year and join in the fun of the morning.
Our Year 12 students attended the ‘Conversation with the Bishop’ on Tuesday. The students were respectful and attentive and through a long morning they sustained their attention - well done. I am hoping that you learned something around catholic social teachings on the day.
Unfortunately our gym was broken into and vandalised, as well as equipment stolen. It is so disappointing to see people being so disrespectful to our school community and it also stops students using the facilities. As a community we are moving to increasing the CCTV coverage around the school, so that these people can be prosecuted with the available evidence provided by the footage. The notice for the area under surveillance, that is required by law, is located on the entrances to the school.
On an extremely positive note, our TAS block completion date is getting closer. We are looking at Week 3 Term 4 for the full completion. I would ask that all students be respectful of this new facility that is there for the education of all our students now and in the future. Our official opening will occur next term.
‘Challenge and Change’ has been the theme for us this year. It is interesting to see what students perceive to be a ‘challenge’. It is different for every single person but it is this diversity that makes the need for teamwork and collaboration so important. High School is preparation for the workplace. I want this school to be a place where students are moved outside of their comfort zone, so they can learn life lessons in a ‘soft environment’ where they can have fresh starts and learn from mistakes. I want students to be able to do their best and have experiences that are beyond the curriculum, hence the development of significant enrichment activities such as the Aspiring Athlete Program, the Elite Academic Group, the enrichment activities of musical, spirituality and creative arts. I am currently working on a different student leadership model that will provide students with learning that will give them a step up in employment. I want these young people to have opportunities for success but to also give back. It is in giving back to others without any expectation of a gain, that makes it so joyous when we do this. We all have God given gifts and talents, and our challenge is to use them well and to give back to others.
Ms Amanda Wilson
Principal
ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - SCHOOL UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
Upon joining the St Joseph's community, all students and parents have agreed to follow our behaviour management policies and abide by the school uniform requirements as stated in the School Diary.
Therefore, it is expected that all students will present in full correct uniform each day and this is non-negotiable requirement of every St Joseph’s student.
It is very pleasing that the vast majority of our students are acting justly by wearing their uniform in a manner that reflects that they are proud to be St Joseph's students.
Many students are feeling the cold during the winter months. To address this issue, a plain white bonded shirt as shown will be permitted as an undergarment with the winter uniform for the remainder of Term 3. We trust that this inclusion as an extra layer of warmth will be a welcomed inclusion to the St Joseph’s uniform. We are in the process of consulting with our school uniform suppliers to have a uniform plain white bonded shirt available for sale at the School Uniform Shop in 2020.
Students wearing anything other than a plain white bonded shirt under their uniform will be issued a uniform demerit and will be required to remove the item and hand the item to staff. The clothing will be held in the front office as a confiscated item. Replacement clothing will be provided to students so they are kept warm and the costs of this will be appear on your school fee statement.
We aim to ensure that every student who graduates from St Joseph's Catholic High School enjoy the benefits of having attended a school which has a good reputation in the community. Our students are very visible when travelling to and from school, so a high standard of presentation is absolutely necessary. We are also preparing your sons and daughters for the work place, where many uniform rules will often apply.
Excess or unacceptable jewellery will also be confiscated and a uniform demerit will be issued. These items will be held securely at the front office.
Any items confiscated can be collected by students at the end of the term. Alternatively parents or carers may collect the item from the office should they wish to do so.
On Monday morning, students will be told at assembly that there will be no further warnings given if they out of uniform at school. They will also be reminded during homeroom and through Sentral notifications. Please have a discussion with your child to ensure that they are wearing the correct items to school.
On the spot consequences of lunch withdrawals with a uniform demerit will be issued. As per our current policy, when a student receives a third uniform demerit the consequence will be an after school community service.
We would appreciate the support of all parents and carers in this matter.
At this meeting, Leading Learning Coordinator, Ms Amanda Nascimento will be doing a presentation to inform parents of a new pedagogical tool being used at St Joseph’s. This tool is called Literatu/Scribo. The Literatu/ Scribo suite is an online platform that the school has subscribed to, which teachers and students can use to analyse and improve their writing. Ms Nascimento will run a short demonstration to show parents and carers how their children can access Scribo at home and use it to check the quality of their writing, and will also showcase how teachers are using Literatu to monitor and improve learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy at St Joseph’s.
Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have successfully completed their trial examinations. Students will receive their Year 12 Semester 2 Report at the Graduation Mass and Presentation evening on Wednesday 25th September 2019. In the meantime, 'in class, on task' remains our focus!
YEAR 8 RELIGIOUS LITERACY ASSESSMENT
All Year 8 students will take part in the Religious Literacy Assessment on Monday 26th August. Students are asked to be punctual to Homeroom on this day, as the exam will commence at the completion of roll marking. This assessment is a Diocesan wide assessment for all Year 8 secondary students.
Students will be tested on the units of work covered in Years 7 and 8. The Assessment gives students an opportunity to express their religious literacy in a test situation comprising of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The Test has been constructed so that students can show evidence of the cognitive skills being knowing, working with, valuing and applying the Catholic tradition.
YEAR 11 END OF YEAR EXAMINATIONS
A reminder that Year 11 End of Year Examinations will be held in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term (Monday 16th September to Friday 27th September). The exam timetable will be published in our next newsletter and will also be emailed to all Year 11 students once finalised.
- Yr 7 - HPV 2nd dose
- Yr 7 - HPV 1st dose (students who missed the vaccination earlier in the year)
- Yr 8 - HPV Students who missed either dose 1 or 2 last year
- Yr 10 - Meningococcal (students who missed the vaccine day last term)
As always students must have returned the consent form to receive the vaccination.
A schedule for Yr 7 will be provided closer to the day. Students arriving at school late or leaving early on the day are asked to see me so we can arrange for their vaccination to take place.
Students receiving a vaccination are allowed to wear sports uniform on the day. Students are also encouraged to bring a bottle of water with them on the day.
Any questions regarding vaccinations feel free to contact me at any time.
Brett Moran
Administration Coordinator
General behaviour expectations for all students in the classroom RESPECT for LEARNING
- Ensure your work reflects best effort
- Sit in allocated seat
- Bring required equipment
- Stay on task
- Remain in the classroom unless otherwise permitted by the teacher
- Minimise disruption to other classrooms
- Mobile phones kept out of sight before 3:25pm
- Follow the Student Responsibility Agreement for Digital Devices and the Mobile Phone Policy
On Friday 9 August 2019, a small group of Stage 4 students travelled to Amity College Shellharbour. This visit was in aid of Amity's Annual Qurban Festival, a fundraising event also celebrating multicultural diversity.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Amity staff and students, after which we were given a presentation on the school and the Islamic faith. The students actively participated in the wonderful events organised by our hosts, including the most delicious kebabs, henna painting, doughnuts, as well as activities such as touch football and a soccer goal kicking challenge. It was wonderful to see the students interact so wonderfully with the Amity College students, and there was genuine interest on behalf of both groups in learning about the other.
This was a wonderful experience for students and staff alike, and participating Stage 4 students are to be commended on their behaviour and involvement on the day.
Book Week at St Joseph's is a big deal and this year was a celebration of the theme Reading is my Secret Power! Here's a summary of the fun we've had:
Students have been taking part in the Book Week Book Worm Competition, which challenges students to complete reading-related activities in order to go in the draw to win prizes.
- On Wednesday we held our Book Week Assembly. Our keynote speaker was acclaimed author, lawyer and human rights advocate Randa Abdel-Fattah, who captivated us with her address about using writing as a powerful tool to spread awareness and promote acceptance of all people. Randa also facilitated a writing workshop for some of our talented Year 11 English students.
- Wednesday's assembly also included a costume parade of staff and students dressed as their favourite literary characters. Congratulations to everyone who participated; you all looked AMAZING!!!
- This Friday we will hold our Donut Stop Reading! Blind Date with a Book afternoon tea; we invite students to wrap up a pre-loved book, write a short blurb about it on the front, and bring it along to F03. Students can munch on a donut while browsing the mystery books, and select a new book to take home.
A big thank you to the St Joseph's Community for embracing Book Week, and we hope you will all continue to discover Reading as your Secret Power!
Markers will attend the school on 5th and 6th September for HSC Drama performance marking. We will again have markers at the school for the Music HSC performances and Viva's on 19 September.
The families and friends of Yr 12 HSC Music students are invited to attend a performance evening being held on Monday 2nd September at 6 o'clock in room E01. This will be a valuable opportunity for students to practice and refine pieces for their HSC exam in front of a real audience. The 6 students will be performing 2 of their HSC pieces, as well as a few guest appearances from some of the guitar students who have been working with our guitar teacher Glenn Whitehall throughout the year. We are very much looking forward to the evening and hope to see you there. A big thanks to Mrs Burns for supporting her class and additionally to Mr Denelly and Mr Ellul for their work in accompanying our students.
Also on Monday 2nd September, the Visual Arts students' Bodies of Work are due for completion and submission. This marks the culmination of nearly a year of engagement with subject matter and materials. Students and staff are looking forward to seeing the final results. Below are some images of a few of the students working on final decisions about their works.
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL DAY
On Friday 9 August St Joseph's welcomed students from local Feeder schools to our first Aboriginal Culture day. Our amazing Aboriginal education team and students hosted students from year 5 and 6, who were invited to attend and join in on a day full of culture, laughter and fun. Engaging the younger students from our feeder schools was an opportunity for the current students to meet and interact with the younger students, whilst also being able to learn about Aboriginal culture.
The students were greeted in the hall, after walking in with smiling faces showing such excitement. Aunty Jo Ball began the day with a Welcome to Country followed by Mr Brown giving a warm welcome. Everyone was eager to get started and learn more about their culture.
The first session was a painting session led by Uncle Kevin Butler, where he demonstrated how to do dot painting, draw some animals and provided an insight into different symbols and cultural art pieces the students could paint. Mr Brown cur and prepared cheese boards for the students to paint an expression of how they felt about their culture or something from their heart. Some wonderful art pieces were created - from Aboriginal Flags to Kangaroos and many beautiful dot paintings. St Joseph's students sat in amongst the students chatting and painting as well, giving some friendly advice. The younger students engaged with the older students asking questions about High School and talking socially.
Morning tea was prepared by Mr Col Ferderer in our hospitality kitchen. There was an arrangement of bush tucker cakes and slices, with the wattleseed anzac biscuits being the most popular.
Kim Hobbs lead the weaving lesson where students had the opportunity to create a fish. Students were carefully taught how to weave using three rafia pieces, using the method of over, under, over. They quickly caught on and soon fish were being made with colours of all sorts. The weaving proved to be a bit tricky at times but all the staff and older students were happy help. Ms Jo even stitched Mr Brown up by sending all the students his way to ask for help. He had a whole line of students waiting. By the end of the session every student had completed their bright and colourful fish, some had even begun a second one.
The final session led by Kim Hobbs and Ms Jo allowed students to learn about some traditional artefacts. You could shout out if you knew what the artefacts were and then were given the chance to ask questions.
The day was an amazing opportunity to spend with our local feeder school students - happy, bright and full of culture.
Thank you to all staff and students that were involved in the day.
POLE PAINTING
A reminder that this term we'll have students continue to paint our poles, which will become message sticks at the entrance of the school. Once complete they will be placed in a concrete bed, which will eventually contain a Dry river bed made by all students and staff.
STEAM YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CAMP
The New South Wales Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG Inc.) in conjunction with WestConnex will be conducting a STEAM Youth Development Camp for Aboriginal students from Years 5 to 11. To commence the process the NSW AECG Inc. is calling for Expressions of Interest from schools with Aboriginal students in the nominated years.
I have given out forms to all students and need these back by Friday 30 August 2019 at the latest.
On Friday 16 August 2019, a 60 member squad caught the bus bright and early or travelled with parents to Campbelltown Athletics Stadium for the Annual Diocesan Athletics Carnival.
Students sprinted, leaped, jumped, ran, put and threw against the 10 other Diocesan Schools competing for individual and team glory.
All students represented the School with pride and gave their best efforts. Some even filling in for impromptu events when the need called for it.
Congratulations to all members of the team and the 5 students selected to compete in the NSWCCC Carnival (by coming first in their event), representing the Wollongong Diocese on the 20th September at Homebush.
Tayissa Buchanan (Year 8) - 400m, 800m
Grace Pomery (Year 8) - 800m, 1500m
Harrison High (Year 9) - Shot Put, Discus
Sarah Walker (Year 10 - Discus
Grace Shaw (Year 11) - High Jump
Many thanks to Mr Reavel, Mrs Sutton and M r Sutton for acting as Long Jump officials on the day. Also to the many parents who came to support the students on the day!
Our students will be required to solve demanding, open-ended challenges from one of the following disciplines:
THE ARTS
- The long term challenges will involve research before developing a creative interpretation in response to the Challenge. Plenty of opportunities for artistic expression in the form of dance, song, musical instruments, theatre and all forms of the Visual Arts.
- This year's challenge is titled The Wizard of Aus. It deals with a journey and the challenges faced along the way set to song.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- The combination of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics principles provides an integrated approach for students to deepen their conceptual understanding and use their creative and critical thinking skills to solve the challenges within an authentic context.
- This year's challenge is titled Calliopes Carousel Conundrum. It deals with DNA sampling from a constructed machine to secure the future of 5 endangered species.
Objectives
- Provide the stimulation of real, open-ended challenges
- Develop creative problem solving approaches and techniques
- Foster cooperative learning and team work
- Promote knowledge and appreciation of self and others
- Encourage experimentation and risk taking
- Expand and reward creative and divergent thinking
- Stimulate a spirit of inquiry and a love of learning
- Develop enterprise
- Celebrate excellence
Students involved this year are:
ARTS TEAM
Lauren Clancy
Harvey Andrews
Lucas Thompson
Emma Schulz
Ruby Oliver
River Jardim
Lara Wishart
STEM TEAM
Isabelle Plattner
Cooper Reay
Kailtyn Michlmayr
Neave Keenan
Alex Bierczynski
James Windle
Harry Barnett
Thanks to Miss Swift, Mr le and Mr Lemmon for your support with out terms this year.
UNSW TALK
This week we hosted a careers talk and heard about course information from UNSW. The students attended a lunchtime talk and were encouraged to attend their open day September 7. The university offer some great courses in medicine, design, engineering and business to name a few. We thank the university for travelling down to Joey’s for the talk.
ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP SHOALHAVEN COUNCIL
Closes 8 September 2019
Follow this link:
EARLY ADMISSION UOW
Closing date 30 August 2019.
UOW SUMMER MASTERS
See brochure below.
SCHOOL FEES
Thank you to everyone that has already paid the school fees and to those families who are paying their fees by by regular instalments.
The Catholic Education Office has strict guidelines that the school is obliged to follow. Any family unable to meet their financial commitment in the payment of schools MUST contact the school and make arrangements for a confidential meeting with the Principal.
Options for payment
Payments can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, BPAY.
CENTREPAY OPTION IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PAYMENT OF THE SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNT
Centrepay deductions will be made on a regular basis and deducted directly from the Centrelink payment before payment is deposited into the bank account. This deduction will then be paid directly to St Joseph's Catholic High School. If you would like to take advantage of this payment option, please contact the school office.
Thank you for your assistance.
DIOCESAN SCHOOL FEE MANAGEMENT POLICY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following are answers to commonly asked questions in relation to the Diocesan School Fee Management Policy.
What is a 30 day account?
School fee acounts are a 30 day account. This means 30 days after the date of the invoice you must pay the account in full. If it is not paid it is overdue unless you have provided the school with a School Fee Agreement.
What is a School Fee Agreement and why do I need one?
A School Fee Agreement is formal advice to the school that your family wishes to access a flexible payment arrangement and pay the account over the school year rather than pay the account in full after 30 days. A School Fee Agreement allows you to pay your account by instalments at regular intervals that suit your budget. Access to a flexible payment arrangement is only available to those families that intend to pay their account in full within the school year. Families who experience hardship and are not able to pay their fees in full are not required to complete this form. Applications for Fee Concession are available from the school office for families in these circumstances.
Why do I need to provide an amended School Fee Agreement each year?
A new or amended School Fee Agreement must be submitted each year prior to the expiry of 30 days of when your school fee account is invoiced if you wish to commence or continue a flexible payment arrangement. School fees change annually, so completing an Agreement each year ensures that the school has the following information current for the school year: How often you intend to pay – eg fortnightly, weekly, etc. How you will pay – eg BPay, Direct Debit, Centrepay, etc. The amount you will pay- The amount of your regular payment.
How do I know how much I have to pay?
A School Fee Calculator is provided on each school’s website to assist you to work it out. (Link to School Fee Calculator). You will need your annual school fee statement and the date of your first instalment. The calculator works out how much your regular payment will be to pay your fees in full by the first Friday in December. The calculator will provide a weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalment amount
How do I change the amount of my current payment?
Completion of a School Fee Agreement IS NOT an authority for payments from your Bank Account or Centrelink benefit and the following applies according to your method of payment: In the case of BPay or regular internet banking payments you must log on to your bank account and make adjustments to your payment. In the case of a Direct Debit, where the school is taking money from your account, you must complete an amendment to your Direct Debit Authority. These forms are available from your school office. The school will lodge the amended authority on your behalf. In the case of a Centrepay Payment, where Centrelink is making payments on your behalf, you must complete an amendment to your Centrepay Authority. These forms are available from your school office. The school will lodge the amended authority with Centrelink on your behalf.
Why are school fee accounts not split between parents/carers?
When parents/carers enrol their child/children, all parties enter into a contractual agreement to pay school fees for the time that their child is enrolled at the school. This contract includes payment of school fees under joint and several liability. One school fee account allows us to manage your account as one debt in accordance with joint and several liability. Under joint and several liability, we are obligated to keep all parties informed of the status of their school fee account. Splitting fees and creating separate accounts with individual school fee statements does not align with this obligation. What does joint and several liability mean? Put simply, joint and several liability means that each person who has signed the Enrolment Application is individually responsible for payment of all school fees and levies regardless of actual fee payer arrangements.
How can we manage our account when we are separated?
It is an expectation that parents will come to their own arrangements regarding payment of fees. Schools will accept School Fee Agreements and therefore two payments, from two parties to an account if necessary. Please note that Child Support and Family Law Court Orders do not obligate schools to spilt fee accounts.
Who do I Speak to if I Can’t Afford the Fees?
In the case of hardship, families are encouraged to seek an Application for Fee Concession from the school office. On submission of the application with appropriate documentation, an interview with the Principal will generally be made. Matters of hardship are treated with respect and in the strictest confidence.
What is an Application for Fee Concession?
These applications are a formal way of applying for consideration in relation to hardship. They provide information and evidence to support your claim so that consideration may be given to such concessions as reduced payments, extensions of time or reduction in school fees. Fee concessions are reviewed annually and applications will be required to provide up to date financial information. In the case of families attending more than one school, schools may share this information so that assistance can be considered across schools. Concessions granted are generally based on your capacity to pay rather than set discounts.
Why do you need my personal and financial information?
Fee Concession consideration is a financial decision requiring financial information. Therefore, there are certain things we ask you to commit to providing in order for us to consider your request for hardship assistance.
- We ask that you complete an Application for Fee Concession and provide us with the reason/s that are the cause of your hardship
- We ask that you provide personal and financial documentation to assist us make sound financial decisions that will have the right outcome for your family
- We ask that you work with us, and respond to reasonable requests we make both verbally and in writing to you for further information and/or documentation
- We ask that you attend an interview with the Principal to discuss your situation.
- We are unable to consider your Application unless this information is supplied.
Why do I need to have an annual review of my school fee concession?
School fees are invoiced annual and therefore your commitment changes each year. There is also the possibility that your family’s situation has changed. Fee Concessions decisions must be made on current information.
Thank you.
Stockings are at the uniform shop. Purchase in store or online.
All girls should be in full winter uniforms - stocking with skirts or long girls pants.
New Uniform Shop phone number is: 0413 441 892
Hours: Monday 12pm - 4pm and Thursday 8:30am - 1:30pm
Please click the link below to be directed to the School website for access to current Permission Notes.
NET Team to visit St Paul’s Parish, Albion Park
Saturday 21 September at the 6pm Vigil Mass
THE NET TEAM National Evangelisation Teams Australia (NET) do incredible work in Australia and around our Diocese, bringing young people to an encounter with God’s love. The NET Team will be visiting Albion Park Parish on 21 September for the 6pm Vigil Mass. This will be an opportunity for the youth of the parish looking to deepen their faith and have a relationship with Jesus to meet with other young people who will share with them their love of the Lord. We ask all parishioners to share this notice with family and friends; and encourage parents to bring their children, particularly those aged 12-17 to the Vigil Mass next weekend.
