Writing the newsletter this week has been interesting. We are living in unprecedented times, and it is rapidly changing daily. Levels of anxiety across society are high. Our normal routines have changed and the expectations of each and every one of us to be responsible has been highlighted with the spread of the Coronavirus. We are living in times of uncertainty and many people and students are looking for what is comfortable. They want to hear platitudes that ‘it is not that bad’ in order to make themselves feel better and calm themselves down. 

However, we need to embrace what feels uncomfortable so we can be safe. Having anxiety around the current situation, availability of goods, provision of business and schools, the health care system etc is a normal reaction, and we cannot disconnect ourselves from reality. It is however more useful to feel anxiety and be prepared for what lies ahead, than to pretend there are no risks. Our emotions remind us of what is important to us, and the significance of the commitments we make. Young people need the adults in their lives to be prepared, vigilant and use the fear and anxiety in their life intelligently. We should not become psychotic and panic driven. 

Over the next few months our lifestyles are going to change, without all our usual distractions of children's activities, sporting events and the usual socialising. What are you going to do with the time? Time to spend with your children and young people, to teach them about what is important in your family, to share the stories of family history, to clean out the cupboards you haven’t touched in years, read the books you have always intended to read, and support your child in their learning at home. Yes, I do believe that these scenarios will happen at some stage. 

In slowing down, what are the positives that you are grateful for? I was reading the other day about Wuhan. It is the first time in years that residents have seen clear skies as the factories are shut down. Some children are seeing their first sunset and sunrise. How can they go back to what they once experienced? They have seen life in a totally different way and may want things to stay like that.  

In this crisis situation we need to recognise that most of us are going to get a dose of the virus, and for many, it will fortunately be mild. All the actions the government is introducing are to protect our most vulnerable people. When we act with good judgement we are doing the work of Jesus. To all our doctors, nurses, medical people, researchers and disaster and first responders, thank you for working so hard to find a way forward. Over the coming months, you may need to make difficult decisions that will come up along the way.

May God bless you in all that you do. 

Ms Amanda Wilson

Principal

STORMBIRDS 2020

Josephite Student leaders unite to support young people suffering the effects of bushfires and drought

When young student leaders gathered from around Australia and New Zealand to share together what it means to be a leader in a Josephite school, they were overwhelmed by the impact of the bushfires and drought that had devastated the country.  Together, they decided they wanted to help heal land, creatures and people. Our school captains Bianca Cacciola and Jayden Allen attended this gathering and wanted to bring this initiative to our school to support such a great cause

Student leaders from 27 schools have united to kickstart Stormbirds 2020, an initiative born out of the leadership experience they had at St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre at Kincumber. In an active response to the devastation caused by the bushfires across Australia, they have made a pledge, as Josephite leaders, to support Good Grief’s Stormbirds program.

The Stormbirds program was developed by the Josephite Good Grief National Office in 2009, following the Black Saturday bushfires.  It aims to help primary and secondary students understand and respond to the loss and devastation they have experienced, and develop skills for adapting and recovering from the disaster.  Since January, there have been overwhelming requests from across Australia for teachers and other professionals to be trained to offer the Stormbirds program to their students.  Josephite student leaders have united to support the program in two really practical ways.

Natural disasters can impact in ways and at times we least expect, sometimes leaving individuals and families feeling vulnerable.  Student leaders hope to assist in making the burdens easier to bear.

“JJAMM was an incredible opportunity for us to acquire new skills and knowledge,” agreed the MSJ leaders.   Through Stormbirds 2020, we hope to use our voices and do something practical, following the example of Mary Mackillop and Julian Woods.  It is one clear way we can play our role in making a difference to the wider community at this time, living out in our lives, the Josephite charism and our commitment to justice and a fair deal for all.”

More information about Stormbirds can be found here:

www.goodgrief.org.au/stormbirds

IMPORTANT OPAL CARD INFORMATION - FROM TRANSPORT FOR NSW

From January onwards, there will be a number of School Opal cards expiring, as the physical card has reached its lifespan.

These are cards for students who will be in years 8 to 12 in 2021, and only those Opal cards which haven’t been replaced in the last five years.

Impacted students and/or their parent/guardian will be contacted directly by Transport for NSW via email or post. They will be asked to confirm their details online in order for a new School Opal card to be sent to the correct postal address in time for the new school year.

If contacted by Transport for NSW, details should be submitted online by December 1, 2020 at the latest. Affected students who do not confirm their details in time will have a new School Opal card posted to the address we currently have on file.

2021 SCHOOL TRAVEL APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Applications for student travel in 2021 opened on Monday 12 October 2020.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass for 2021 can now apply online. A new application should be submitted if a student is applying for a school travel pass for the first time or requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who have changed school/campus, changed address, repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should re-apply or update their details.

Where there is a change of distance eligibility based on a student’s grade, the system will automatically update a student’s entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2020 to ensure that current student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card remains valid. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2020, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.

Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2021.

Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Please refer to flyer attached for further information.

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UNIFORM SHOP 

Blazers, Jumpers and Tracksuit Jackets are in stock ready for purchase.

Blazers will be required for Term 2.

New Uniform Shop phone number is: 0413 441 892
Hours: Monday 12pm - 4pm and Thursday 8:30am - 1:30pm