Dear Parents and Carers, 

SCHOOL ANZAC DAY CEREMONY

This was held on Monday, 26th April. Thank you to those students who read or wore their cadet uniforms and marched with exemplary respect at this ceremony.

Students were reminded that ANZAC day is a day for all Australians, regardless of religion, racial background or even place of birth. It is a day to commemorate the bravery and self-sacrifice of past and present generations. It is a day to acknowledge the selflessness of all those who have been prepared to lay down their lives for Australia so that it can be a place of freedom for all. As a school community, we thanked and recognised those who served in the first and second world wars, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam and more recently, Cambodia, Somalia, Rwanda and the Persian Gulf, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thank you to Ms Sarah-Jane Janson for organising this very meaningful event.

ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE

Thank you to the students who attended the Albion Park RSL Sub Branch ANZAC Day Dawn Service held on 25th April. Isabelle Plattner (Year 9) sang the New Zealand National Anthem and all students respectfully represented St. Joseph's Catholic High School by remembering with thanksgiving, those who made the supreme sacrifice for us in times of war.

The names of students in the group photo from left to right are: Jimmy Windle (Vice Captain), Noah Lepre (School Captain), Cooper Hili (Year 7), Sophie Heath (Year 12) and Paris Abela (School Captain).  The student on her own in the second photo is Isabelle Plattner (Year 9).

SCHOOL UNIFORM REGULATIONS

All students were reminded this week that it is an expectation that all students wear their blazers to and from school.

The school tracksuit top is only to be worn with the school sports uniform. Consistent with the requirement that all students wear the school uniform correctly every day, students have been warned tracksuit tops will be confiscated if these are worn with the winter uniform. The Uniform Policy also requires all students to wear white socks and non-fluro coloured sports joggers with the sports uniform. If parents and carers could please assist by having your child present themselves accordingly. 

Mrs Jenny Bell 

Assistant Principal

NAPLAN

A reminder that Naplan gets underway for Yrs 7 and 9 next week. We are supporting students to do the best they possibly can on these tests with the view of using the data from their results to better support their learning and progress ihere at school. To facilitate this students please ensure that:

• Students devices have been updated and they can access the Naplan lockdown browser required to complete each test. Students not sure are asked to take their device to the IT window beside the library to check before Tuesday next week
• Ensure that devices are fully charged at the start of each day
• Access the online practice tests for Naplan (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) 

This is important to help students understand the types of questions they may be asked, how to navigate the online test platform and use the resources available eg calculator, ruler, protractor etc)

• Access the support videos that can be found on the school Naplan Classroom page to help understand the test, how to navigate the online platform etc
• Follow the Naplan Classroom page as well as emails for any updates, last minute tips etc
• Students are reminded to bring a pen for working out/taking notes, ear buds/headphones if they wish to access the audio support files for tests as provided as well as a book to read if/when they complete each test

A reminder if students are absent we will be running catch up tests until the end of week 5. If there are any questions or issues please feel free to email or contact the Curriculum Office.

YEAR 11 2022 SUBJECT SELECTION

This week we started the process of subject selection for Yr 11 2022 with Yr 10 students. Over the next few weeks we will run a series of meetings with Yr 10 to help develop their understanding of stage 6 education and the different options/pathways available to them. As the term progresses we will also provide opportunities for students to hear from each of our Leaders of Learning regarding what subjects each KLA will be offering, we will be holding a market stall event one afternoon for students and parents to attend to gain specific information about courses. This will coincide with one to one interviews with each student/parent-carer and a teacher to help mentor students regarding their ideas around subject selection, transitioning from school etc. More details will be provided in coming weeks and will also be holding interviews after school with each student/parent-carer to mentor them regarding.

As always if you have any questions or concerns regarding curriculum matters please email or call the Curriculum office to discuss.

Mr Brett Moran

Curriculum Coordinator

MATHS PATHWAY UPDATE

This year St Joseph’s Stage 4 Maths classes have been using the Maths Pathway platform. This is an individualised approach that enables us to tailor your child’s learning in Mathematics.  All students should now have completed three adaptive diagnostic assessments online using tools provided by Maths Pathway. The diagnostic identifies precisely where each student has gaps and competencies within the curriculum and automatically designs a personal learning plan for each student based on that data. Maths Pathway contains problem sets, information and structure that is typically in a text book with 10 grade levels available to your child rather than just one and the material is continuously adapted to your child’s specific learning needs.

Students are assigned 6 modules to work through per learning cycle. Approximately 70% of class time is taken up with this individualised work, which is set for homework as well. The remaining 30% of class time is spent with the class learning in a hands-on fashion, solving problems in groups, engaging in rich task and participating in class discussion about key mathematical concepts.

Once a fortnight, the students also complete a maths test, part of which is done on paper, with only some of it directly on the computer. To achieve 100% growth rate a student must master 3 of the modules. If they master all 6 of their assigned modules they achieve a 200% growth rate! As well as Growth, Effort and Accuracy are recorded. 

For example:

Parents/Carers can have continuous feedback on your child’s progress in maths throughout the year via the Parents and Carers Portal.  The Parents and Carers Portal is accessible through your child's online login. We recommend logging in with them, then clicking the “parents and carers” link at the top right corner of the home screen. You're also able to register for email updates to get the results of your child's latest test delivered to your inbox.

Mrs Bridget Davis

Mathematics Coordinator

U13 Boys Report

On the 31st March the under 13s soccer team had to get up early to catch a bus to go to Campbelltown for the Wollongong Diocesan Secondary Boys Soccer Championships. When we arrived at the ground we had to get our gear on quickly because we were playing the first game of the day. We played Holy Spirit College, unfortunately we went down to them in the first game. Our second game of the day was against Corpus Christi but again we lost. Our third game of the day was also a loss, it just wasn’t our day on the park. Despite this the team had a great day with lots of camaraderie and fun. We would like to thank Mr Garbutt for transporting us and coaching us on the day.

Archie Faulks (who was named Most Valuable Player by the Chipper’s Coaches)

7-10 Boys Pathways Report

I was very impressed with the year 7-10 squad. All the boys put in an unbelievable effort and did themselves and the school very proud. The maturatuity in between games was fantastic, they boys knew they were representing the school and did so fantastically. Football wise the boys played really well and were a delight to coach, There was a period where we were in second place and looking very likely to qualify in the top four which would have been a fantastic result and thoroughly deserved. The heart and determination to go out and give it everything each game is incredible to see. Special mention to Luke Kolts who dug deep and followed instructions excellently throughout the whole day. The mentality was to go out and win every game and the boys gave it everything. I left the ground a very proud coach, fantastic effort boys.

Anthony Tugral Chipper’s Finishing School Coach

Open Boys Soccer Report

The cross-sectional team with players ranging from Year 9 through to year 12 played some amazing football up at Ocean Park Woonona.

After a great bus ride to have some serious team chat, the boys played 4 rounds in the round robin draw in Pool B. We started off with a tough game against, semi-finalist Magdalene. The boys played hard but the speed and size of the Magdalene boys, certainly was an advantage.

In the next round the boys played some superb football, Dylan 'Mesi' Martos scoring a great goal, as well as Jesse 'Kane' Blackmore, scoring a well-earned goal too. Jesse played some great football throughout the day, and was selected as a shadow player for the Diocesan team.

In the next 2 games we were unable to capitalise and unfortunately did not make the semi-finals.

Some very honourable mentions:

- Sam 'Ramos' Eve at the back

- Bowen 'Bale' Spencer in the middle

- Jet 'De Bruyne' Stromer in the middle

The whole team played some exceptional football, and we look forward to coming back stronger next year!

Mr Cameron 'Klopp' Dribbus

Manager

7-10 Girls Pathways Report

After an early morning start and a long drive to Nowra the under 15's team played their first game against Mt Carmel, followed by St Mary's, St John's and St Benedicts. As the gala day progressed, the skill level, understanding of the game and teamwork improved. St Joseph's was competitive and held their own in all games. Sierra Jayde-Martos scored Joey's only goal against Nowra securing a 1 all draw. Mackenzie Best led her team with some brilliant defense. All players showed massive improvements throughout the day. Undoubtably Isabella Toohey took the prize for the most improved player, saving some magnificent goals in the final round game against St Benedicts.

A huge thank you to Chippers and Kaelah Austin who prepared our teams for this Gala Day. The quality of play and improved skill level of the girls is a credit to the quality coaching received by all. We look forward to seeing what the girls can do next year after another year of coaching.  

Members of the team are :

Jessica Cheetham, Ava Boschiero, Isabella Toohey, Alexs Villella, Kalani Smith, Breanna Cresswell, Leyla Crnogorcevic, Amelia Porter, Mackenzie Best, Tasia Kolyvas, Hunter Graham, Maddi James, Janae Roberston and Sierra Jayde-Martos.

Mrs Linsley - Coach

Open Girls Report

I had the privilege of looking after the Open Girls soccer team at the Diocesan Gala Day. The team consisted of enthusiastic young ladies from years 7-12, which is unusual for an Opens team, and it was awesome to see students from all years supporting and encouraging each other on and off the field.

While we didn’t come away with a win, the players deserve a huge congratulations for the way they approached each game with a positive attitude and exceptional sportsmanship. There were displays of fancy footwork, fierce defending and determined attacking from every player, and all-round stellar performances from Halle Bone, Mackenzie Best, Amelia Porter and Neave Keenan.

A massive thank you also to our student coaches, Alessandro and Munesu. Munesu was great all day, running lines, becoming the official team photographer, and helping out with coaching between games. Alessandro was absolutely brilliant as coach, making sure that all players were warmed up, knew their positions on the field, and got to have a go in their preferred playing positions. He was positive and encouraging all day, and an asset to the team.

Mrs Nascimento 

Tayissa Buchanan and Grace Pomery represented NSW at the Australian Track and Field Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. Tayissa placed 4th in U16 Female 800m and 4th in the 1500m. Grace finished 18th in the U17 Female 800m. Congratulations to both girls who competed for their state against the best in the country. Tayissa is also the most worthy recipient of the Kerryn McCann Scholarship for Sport. Click here to read about Tayissa’s sporting achievements which was published in the Illawarra Mercury for International Women’s Day. 

Harrison High has been selected in the Southern Country Rugby League Team to compete at the NSWCCC Rugby League Selections on 20th May. 

Rhianna Boag has been selected into the NRL 2021 National Women’s Championship Squad to be held in QLD in May (highest women’s NRL event in the country) to referee and undertake further training. Rhianna was the only female referee from Group 7 to be selected. 

Charlee Buckman and Zali Schofield have been selected in the NSWCCC U15’s Hockey Team. 

Best of luck to Molly Jewiss who will be competing in the 2021 Australian National Acrobatics Championships on the Gold Coast in May. 

1. What is your greatest achievement?   My greatest achievement has been being chosen to represent Australia twice. I also competed in China at the World Championships in 2016. 
2. What accomplishment have you achieved this year so far?  Coming first at State Trials and making it to National Championships.
3. What is your plan for the future?  My plan for the future is to continue training for the National Championships and my goal is to place first. 
4. Who do you admire most?  I most admire my coaches. 
5. How long have you done acro?  I have done acro around 8 years.
6. How do you overcome challenges?  I overcome challenges by looking at how far I have come and how I can work harder.
7. Do you have any advice for athletes inspiring to be elite?  My advice would be to get through the hard times to get to the good times and to be 100% committed.
8. What has been the most challenging thing to overcome?   The hardest thing I've had to overcome was having the World Championships cancelled in May 2020, where I was going to travel to Switzerland with the Australian team to compete. COVID prevented us from going in and my dreams were shattered.  I overcame this by setting a new goal that I could work towards.

Matthew Tonini, a past student of St Joseph’s Catholic High School (1996-2001), was ordained a priest on Saturday 17 April 2021 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Middle Park in Melbourne.

Following his high school education at St Joseph’s, Albion Park, Matthew studied science and education at the University of Wollongong, worked with Questacon in Canberra and also taught at St. Joseph’s primary school in Hillston, NSW.

In 2012 Matthew joined the Carmelites and has been training in pastoral ministry in Australia, Timor-Leste and the USA. Most recently he has been living and working as a deacon in the Carmelite parish of Coorparoo, where he will return as Assistant Priest in the parish.

We congratulate Matthew and pray that he will have the courage and wisdom to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God, in his role as a faith leader in the communities he serves.

CANTEEN ONLINE ORDERS

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.

If you are able to volunteer your time, please find attached a volunteers form to complete and return to the school office. Thank you.

UNIFORM SHOP HOURS

Every Monday 11.30am-4.00pm

Thursday 9.15am - 1.45pm

Uniform Shop phone number is: 0413 441 892