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- From the Principal
- Award Recipients
- ENROLLING NOW FOR YEAR 7 2022 and 2023
- Last Day of Term
- Staff Development Day
- Curriculum - Save the Date
- Cross Country Carnival - Update
- Sport News
- Touch Football - Girls
- Touch Football - Boys
- Congratulations - Sport
- The Joey's Way
- Uniform Shop
- Canteen
- School Fees
Dear Parents, Carers and Students,
While Ms Wilson is on leave until the end of the upcoming holidays, I will be Acting Principal. Mr Cameron Dribbus is Acting Assistant Principal and Mrs. Emma Vlaski is fulfilling the role of Acting Leader of Student Wellbeing.
As a Josephite community, on Friday 19 March our school celebrated a very inspiring liturgy for the Feast Day of our school patron, St. Joseph. Many students participated by reading the prayers and reflections; they are to be commended for the reverent and meaningful way that they spoke and led the school in prayer and reflection. Thank you to our Religious Education Coordinator, Miss Biddle for sharing her gifts of time and spirituality to prepare this thought provoking liturgical experience for students and staff.
During the liturgy, a student representative from each Homeroom processed their Year's symbol into the sacred space as follows:
Year 7 - The Heart to represent Joseph’s compassionate loving nature: a Father's Heart, with students reminded that to truly love one another is about wanting the best for each other and to respect each other.
Year 8 - The Star to represent Joseph’s shining light to his family. His role was to be hopeful, positive and kind. In the same way, we expect our students to be shining lights to one another.
Year 9 - The leaf to represent Joseph's creative courage. Joseph was extremely courageous in looking after his family in the circumstances he found himself in. Students were reminded to be courageous in their lives and to approach difficult situations with a creative mindset. In the same way that Joseph was courageous, our young people need to be courageous by always doing what is right and in their best interest. This is the one sure path to a peace-filled , happy and successful life.
Year 10 - The Cross as the symbol of the crucification of Jesus. In the lead up to Holy Week next week and Easter the week after, students were reminded of the unconditional love of Jesus and how His sacrifice of dying on the Cross allowed us to have new life.
Year 11 - The Lily as the official symbol of St Joseph represents peace and care for ourselves and those we meet and share our lives with. Students were reminded of the importance of being calm and promoting peace in their world.
Year 12 - The Shield: The Shield to symbolise Joseph’s protective nature. In the same way that Joseph did, we are called to help those in need. As the leaders of our school Year 12 were encouraged to look out for each other as they complete the HSC year and to care for those less fortunate than themselves.
"How does St. Joseph exercise his role as protector? Discreetly, humbly and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand.”
Pope Francis
Congratulations to the following students who were the proud recipients of Micah Awards at our St. Joseph's Day Liturgy. These students demonstrate through their words, deeds and actions each day -that they espouse to live their lives according to the values of our school Motto: to Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God (Micah 4:6): Ashton Grieg & Chloe Norris (Year 8), Lucas Thompson & Olivia Wishart (Year 9), Alexia Petrovski & Ryan Ward (Year 10), Finley Galway & Neave Keenan (Year 11) and Alexander Bierczynski & Telina Kolyvas (Year 12).
This week, a number of girls have been reminded that their skirt and/or shorts lengths are too short. These must be lengthened to comply with the School's uniform regulations. Students have until next Monday, 29 March to ensure that the length of their skirts or shorts are rectified in accordance with school regulations. The School Uniform Regulations can be viewed on the Compass Portal under the pencil icon - School Resources.
Wishing all members of our community a wonderful week!
Mrs Jenny Bell
Acting Principal
Congratulations to the following students who recently received Principal’s Awards:
The last day of term 1 is Thursday 1 April 2021 and students are expected to attend on this day for their usual timetabled classes and learning.
The staff will be participating in a staff development day on Monday 19 April 2021 and students will return to school on Tuesday 20 April with the Cross Country Carnival.
Parent teacher interviews for year 11 and 12 students will be held on Wednesday 21 April 2021. Further information will be shared via the Compass App.
After two rain delays, the St Joseph’s Annual Cross Country Carnival is being held at the Kembla Joggers Running Park at Brownsville on Tuesday 20 April. It is a full school community event. The carnival is compulsory for all students in Years 7-12. Please be advised that the school office will be closed on this day. Students who have medical certificates will be allocated as officials. Students have formed their own teams of 6 and will participate in a tabloid of events (including inflatables!). Prizes will be awarded and the aim of the day is for maximum participation and enjoyment. Teams are encouraged to dress up as a team and prizes for the best dressed teams will be awarded.
The Diocesan Cross Country Carnival is being held on Monday 26 April 2021. If the school cross country carnival is washed out again, and we are unable to have a competitors only event, a team will be selected from the beep test results conducted at lunchtimes in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term.
Sports News
Our St Joseph’s School Swimming Carnival was held at Corrimal Pool on Wednesday 24th February. Thank you to Mr Moran and Mr Armstrong for organising the event and to our Year 11 SLR helpers: Jamie Puljak, Ellexis Turnbull, Tom Eastham, Nick Thooey, Harrison Best and Jacob Kitinovski. Many thanks also to our wonderful parent timekeepers: David & Andrea Leembruggen, Kylie Bone, John & Dell Brand, Cheryl Blissett, Sonya Robertson and Telina Kolyvas (our sports captain).
We witnessed many keen and talented swimmers. Congratulations to the following students who are our 2021 Swimming Age Champions:
|
Age |
Place |
Male |
Female |
12 |
1st |
William Stoneham |
Emily Daly |
|
2nd |
Samson Schwingen |
Cate Mansbridge |
|
|
3rd |
Kobi Price |
Tess Jenkins |
|
13 |
1st |
Declan Bone |
Chelsea Whalan |
|
2nd |
Samuel Shepherd |
Charlotte Van De Voorde |
|
|
3rd |
Tasman Rippon |
Gemma Cresswell |
|
14 |
1st |
Flynn Gould-Anthony |
Janae Robertson |
|
2nd |
Jack Pomery |
Breanna Cresswell |
|
|
3rd |
Wil Moran |
Katelyn Blissett |
|
15 |
1st |
Lucas Thompson |
Hayley May |
|
2nd |
Xavier Davis |
Kate McLaughlin |
|
|
3rd |
Caleb Short |
Isabelle Sweet |
|
16 |
1st |
Matt Leembruggen |
Halle Bone |
|
2nd |
Jack Miller |
Grace Pomery |
|
|
3rd |
Connor Zimmermann |
Abbey Hillard |
|
17+ |
1st |
Alex Bierczynski |
Charlotte May |
|
2nd |
Zac Hollingsworth |
||
|
3rd |
Noah Lepre |
||
Congratulations to the following students who broke records on the day:
Janae Robertson- U14 50m Freestyle, Junior Female 100m Backstroke, Junior 100m Freestyle & Junior 100m Butterfly.
Matt Leembruggen: Intermediate Male 100m Backstroke, 200m Individual Medley & 100m Butterfly
Flynn Gould-Anthony: Junior Male 100m Breastroke
The Diocesan Swimming Carnival was held at Corrimal Pool last Friday. Thank you to our team of swimmers who represented St Joseph’s. Congratulations to Flynn Gould Anthony who won the U14 50m & 100m Breastroke and placed 3rd in the U14 Boys Age Champion award. Well done also to Matt Leembruggen who won the U16 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly and 100m Butterfly and was runner up as U16 Male Age Champion. Best of luck to Flynn and Matt as they represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSWCCC Swimming Chamopionships at Homebush on the 29th March.
Congratulations also to Janae Robertson was runner up for the U14 Girls Age Champion. Thank you to Mrs Schneider and Miss Cavanagh for managing the team and to Ms Sharkey for assisting with judging.
Please email me if you have a good news sports story that you would like published in future newsletters. We have many talented athletes at St Joseph’s and we love celebrating sporting success. My email address is: garbuttm01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Mrs Garbutt
Representative Sports Coordinator
Girls Touch Football
U13’s Report
The U13s team started well with a draw against Magdalene, and two wins against John Therry and St. Benedict's. In these games the girls showed great teamwork, drive and communication to get the ball over the line and keep the opposition from scoring. Throughout the day the team tactics, individual skill level and team cohesion improved markedly. Unfortunately, the strong competition and the unrelenting heat meant that the girls didn't come away with any more wins. The U13s team showed a high level of skill, fitness and good sportsmanship in all their games, and were excellent ambassadors for St. Joseph's. Well done girls!
Mrs Rasmussen (Coach)
U15’s Report
The girls under 15 touch team had a very successful day, with many wins, a draw and two losses. Throughout the tournament, the team showed some excellent team work and touch footy skills. The team was led through the middle by Sommer Sacco, Alex Tolesca and Kiana Rieck. Our last game of the day was a showdown with St Mary's, with the winning team taking second place. Unfortunately two early tries by St Mary's made it very difficult in a short game for the Joey's girls to fight back. St Mary's winning 2-1.
Congratulations on finishing in 3rd position. The team was Tayissa Buchanan, Lauren Clancy, Heidi Colless, Hunter Graham, April Gray, Emma Judd, Anastasia Kolyvas, Kiana Rieck, Sommer Sacco, Alex Tololeska and Olivia Wishart.
Coach: Joel Smith
Assistant Coaches: Jesse Blackmore
Referee: Colins Kinyua
Congratulations to Sommer Sacco and Alex Tololeska for being selected in the Wollongong Diocesan team, with Tayissa Buchanan being named as a shadow player in the wing position.
Mrs Linsley
Open Report
The Open Girls team played well and gave it their all against experienced opposition.
Thank you to our student coaches and referees: Rome McGrath, Adam Giudice and Kobe Ross. Jackson Rieck did a great job in assisting with refereeing the team. The team consisted of Monica Tololeska, Grace Pomery, Kirra Moylan, Makiya Shaw, Sophie Smith, Abbey Hillard, Summer Moylan, Emma-Jane Johnson, Liana Franco and Bella Sacco. Congratulations to Monica Tololeska for being named a shadow player in the Wollongong Open Girls Team.
Boys Touch Football
On Monday the 15th of February, three teams travelled to Dalton Park to represent St Joseph’s in the Diocese Boys Touch Football competition. The teams were made up of 12 under 13 players, 10 under 15 players and 10 open players.
Although there were very strong winds and cold weather, that didn't stop St Joseph's determination to try their best. All three divisions played eight, twelve minute games with around 12 minutes rest between each game.
The Open boys kick started their day with a tie resulting in one all to Holy Spirit. The team was led extremely well by their team captain, Rome McGrath who insisted that the boys stayed positive and played as a team at all times. Harry Barnett showed his great leadership skills as he took on the role as team manager and constantly kept the boys on their toes and informed of when and where their next game was. A special thank you to Jackson Rieck who generously volunteered to referee multiple games for the U15 and U13 boys. Your kindness was greatly appreciated. Jackson was also named as a shadow player in the Wollongong Diocese Open Boys Touch Football team. Congratulations!
U/15 Boys
The U15 boys had a great day with mixed results. Isaac Galea was named the team’s Best & Fairest Player.
U/13 Boys
The Under 13 boys faced tough opposition and were challenged to remain positive and cohesive as a team. It was a frustrating experience for the boys who despite being really competitive in all of their games, couldn’t get the win. The boys seemed to enjoy spending the day with the new friends they had made in their first few weeks of high school. Congratulations to Phoenix Hiscocks who was the ‘Best & Fairest player’.
Overall St Joseph’s demonstrated excellent leadership as well as sportsmanship throughout the day and came together from all different ages and friendship groups. Finally a special thank you to Mrs Garbutt for organising the day as well as organising referees and coaching the u13’s team. Thank You to Mr Sutton for coaching the u15’s team and continuously encouraging and giving them tips throughout the day. Mr Sheather generously put his hand up to manage the U13’s team, so a massive thank you for your generosity and knowledge.
Miss Cavanagh
Matt Leembruggen has qualified to compete in the 100m Butterfly at the National Age Swimming Championships to be held at the Gold Coast in April. Good luck Matt.
Holly Czornobej was a member of the Div 1 Shellharbour Steelers Oztag team who were crowned the U13 NSW State Oztag Champions. Holly and her team played 9 games over 2 day's in the heat at Coffs Harbour. In the semi final game, the team came from 2-0 down to score 2 tries in the last 5 minutes of the game. Holly ran the length of the field to score the equalising try in the last minute of the game. The grand final match went into extra time with the girls scoring another spectacular try to win the game. Holly has been selected to play in the Country Pride team in the City v's Country Oztag Tournament held at Central Coast in June.
Kiana Rieck, Alex Tololeska and Heidi Colless were bronze medalists in the U14’s age group at the NSW State Oz Tag Championships.
Molly Jewiss’ acrobatic trio won the State trials. They achieved such a high score that they have qualified for the National Championships.
Tayissa Buchanan has been running exceptionally well, competing in the Open A Women’s age group in 1500m events in Canberra and Sydney. She has previously met the National times and has a new PB of 4:32. More recently Tayissa pushed through challenging weather conditions at the 2021 Athletics NSW Junior Championships to produce high-quality performances. She did the middle-distance double, winning both the U16 800m and 1500m. This is incredible considering Tayissa is the youngest runner at only 15 years of age!
Lewis Mercieca was recently selected in the NSWCCC Open Boys Baseball team. This is an incredible achievement as Lewis is only in Year 9 and is the youngest person to be selected in this team in the history of the event.
Harrison High has been selected in the Wollongong Diocese Open Boys Rugby League team.
UNIFORM SHOP - CHANGE OF HOURS
The uniform shop hours have changed! It is now open
Every Monday 11.30am-4.00pm
Thursday 9.15am - 1.45pm
Uniform Shop phone number is: 0413 441 892
CANTEEN ONLINE ORDERS
The canteen will be opened as usual for recess but only opening first half of lunch for drinks and snacks. Online orders are still necessary.
Thank you.
Donna Niceforo - Canteen Manager
An information flyer is attached to order your lunch online.
If you do not have an account, please click here to access an online form.
PARENT VOLUNTEER ROSTER
| Date | Volunteer |
| Monday 29 March | Mary Daly |
| Tuesday 30 March | Christine Brown |
| Wednesday 31 March | Linda Pallone |
| Thursday 1 April |
Helen Cheetham |
If you are able to volunteer your time, please find attached a volunteers form to complete and return to the school office. Thank you.
SCHOOL FEES
School fee statements have been sent out to families. If you have not reveived your statement, please contact the Finance Office.