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- From the Principal
- The School Musical is coming soon!
- The Joey's Way
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- Congratulations - Sport
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- Community News - Free Maggie Dent evening for Parents of Teens Thursday 27 May 2021
- St Vinnies Winter Appeal
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Dear Parents, Carers and Students,
This week we are celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education. It started with humble beginnings in the outskirts of Sydney with Fr John Therry setting up the first school. Over the years it has grown to what it is today with about 20% of the population being educated in the Catholic system. Our Joey’s student leaders Paris and James attended mass on Monday with all the schools in the Diocese with the Bishop.
It was a great occasion with a good sense of community spirit as all the contributors were recognised. Catholic education brings a lens of love over everything we do - it is for everyone but it must bring hope to the world. Our young people are full of hope. They can often see opportunities that are beyond their years - even though there are new challenges and stressors overall, what St Joseph's is proud of is it’s past and present students and all they have contributed and are yet to contribute to the world.
Over the last two weeks we have been having a blitz on students learning, especially those students with potential who are not concentrating in class in the way they should. It is making students more accountable for their time and how they are using it to learn. Most students have been responsive and we are seeing improvements in their learning gains - but learning doesn’t just occur inside a classroom. It happens everywhere and our more successful learners are able to convert and translate to different environments. This is the future.
I look at lessons on social media - if students can critically analyze and think about the validity of what they are being presented with, then they are halfway there. Taking that next step and being responsible for what you post and how it can affect others is the final step - being kind and not so judgmental is a skill. We live in a world where opinions are often seen as equal - we need to have respect for experts - not all opinions are equal, some are so much more informed than others. Our curriculum is set by the NSW government - they determine the content and skills that students need. We deliver that education in a Catholic context and try to create meaning and real world experiences for the students. Not all learning can be ‘fun’, sometimes it is challenging as students have to be challenged to learn. Sometimes they do not like this - but you don’t learn if you're in your comfort zone - we guide and scaffold students for success. What we ask parents to do is to encourage student perseverance.
Ms Amanda Wilson
Principal
A number of Joey’s students and staff have been rehearsing since Term 1 on the upcoming musical The Pajama Game.
The Pajama Game is about the working conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory where it is anything but peaceful as sparks fly between new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7½ cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labour, but a battle of the sexes as well.
This production will be presented at Roo Theatre in Week 10 of this Term - 23 June - 26 June 2021. Tickets will go on sale next week so keep an eye out on our school social media pages for ticket details and some other fun things from the cast.
Year 11 & 12 Hospitality students were out on Work Placement this week in the local cafes, restaurants and catering businesses. All reports were extremely positive from the students, supervisors and staff.
All the students enjoyed putting their skills and knowledge to the test in the real world of work. Many showed initiative and a high skill level early in the week so they were trusted to make cakes, desserts and other culinary preparations. The students proved to themselves that they have the skills and knowledge to do well in this possible career choice.
Thank you to all the employers and supervisors for giving these students this invaluable experience.
Mr Col Ferderer (Hospitality Teacher)
There is plenty happening in the Curriculum Office.
Naplan
Year 7 and 9 students have completed their Naplan assessment for 2021. We would like to congratulate students who generally approached these tests in a well prepared and studious manner as well as the parents/carers for their support in helping prepare the students. We look forward to reviewing the students results later in the year.
Year 11 Reports
Year 11 half yearly reports have been released this week. Reports can be accessed via the Compass portal. Students are reminded to download a copy and keep in their personal files. Reports should be used as a means of reflection to evaluate current performance across all courses. The feedback provided in the comments should be carefully considered and students are encouraged to discuss this further with their teachers and follow these suggestions as they enter the final stages of Year 11 before starting their HSC studies.
Stage 4/5 Assessment Weeks
Students in Years 7-10 will have their formal assessment weeks for Semester 1 over the next 2 weeks. For a number of subjects this will involve set exams in the hall, whilst other subjects may have in class or hand in tasks due. Please discuss with your child to ensure they are organised and well prepared for the tasks they have coming up. Students saying they have no homework can take the opportunity to begin revision and preparation for these exams.
Year 11 2022 Subject Selection
Year 10 students have continued their preparation for Year 11 2022 Subject selection. Next week we hope to start a series of year meetings with each LoL providing a brief overview of the courses each KLA provides for stage 6 studies. We hope to have our subject selection website updated late next week which will have all the details of each course, as well as general information about the HSC Stage 6 requirements and other relevant information for students This will be supported by the subject selection handbook which will be distributed to students that will contain information about subjects and the various requirements needed to obtain the various credentials such as the HSC and ATAR. This will be followed up with a subject marketplace and student/parent interview afternoon. This is a chance for students and parents to sit with a school leader to personally discuss current academic performance, pathway options and subject selection suitability. The purpose of these interviews is to provide an opportunity to have 1-1 discussions to help students make the most appropriate choices when making their subject selections. Further details on this opportunity will be provided in coming days.
Year 12
This is a busy time for Year 12 students. A number of subjects have formal assessments due in the next few weeks, some subjects have HSC performances quickly approaching, students are nearing the finishing stages of their major projects while trial HSC exams will begin early next term. Now is the time to ensure that students are well organised, plan out their work and allocate time to both complete assessments/projects as well as starting to get into a regular study routine for their upcoming trials. This time of year is also a good time to evaluate the impact of outside influences on learning such as part time work etc. Whilst we recognise the importance of these activities they should not be engaged to the point where they impact on a student’s ability to complete classwork, assessments/projects and study for exams. A reminder that there is plenty of support at school via the Year 12 PAL's, class teachers and LoL's. The curriculum office is always available to discuss any issues and assist students with anything they need regarding their learning.
As always if there are any questions regarding your child’s learning please email or call the Curriculum office at school at anytime.
Thanks.
Mr Brett Moran
Leader of Learning Curriculum
Dear Parents and Carers,
As discussed at the recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Education information meeting, we discussed the new Cultural Centre being renovated and furnished, which should be open to students at St Joseph's and St Paul's in Term 4.
The team met last Friday and we have agreed on the following names, which were found in the Aboriginal people of the Illawarra book.
Dance group - Pallingjang Mullamulla, which means saltwater stars
Cultural Centre - Mudjungaal Kullilla, which means friends meeting place
We would like to open these names up to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island parents and carers for consultation and approval. If we do not hear back from you within the next two weeks, we will take that as approval of these names.
We have a number of activities coming up in the following weeks and months for you to be aware of. You will be able to invite a mate to some of these, and others are just for our Aboriginal students.
Friday 21st May (Aboriginal students only)
University of Wollongong's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre will be visiting our year 7-10 students in the Library.
Year 7 and 8 will meet during period 5, where students will participate in goal setting and faculty taster sessions to increase students’ awareness of future career options. Students will also receive a free T-shirt!
Year 9 and 10 will meet during period 6, where students will set goals related to study as well as participate in subject selection, taster sessions and career planning activities.
Monday 31st May (invite a mate)
Reconciliation flag walk 9am - 2:00pm.
We will be taking as many of you and a friend. We will also be taking students from St Paul’s.
The event will incorporate the flag walk, Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, Dance, as well as an official exchange of flags with Elders, Civic Leaders, Community and School flag bearers.
After the walk, groups will gather for the main formalities of the day. Once complete, students will be encouraged to go and introduce themselves to one of the local Elders and spark up a yarn over a free BBQ lunch!
Wednesday 16th June (dance group and selected students only)
Bangarra Aboriginal dance performance Sydney
Students will meet at Oak Flats train station and travel to the Opera house, where we will have lunch and watch the performance.
Thursday 19th August (All Aboriginal students only)
Bangawarra Culture and Careers Expo
Years 7 - 9 Cultural Day - (9:00 AM Arrival) 9:30 AM - 2:10 PM
The day will include: Engagement with Community Elders, Smoking Ceremony, School Dancers/Didgeridoo Players, Cultural Workshops, Career Exhibitors.
Tuesday 24th August (All Aboriginal students only)
Bangawarra Culture and Careers Expo
Years 10 - 12 Cultural Day + Career Expo - (9:00 AM Arrival) 9:30 AM - 2:10 PM
The day will include: Engagement with Community Elders, Smoking Ceremony, School Dancers/Didgeridoo Players, Cultural Workshops, Career Exhibitors.
Thank you.
Kane Brown - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Coordinator
ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Our 2021 St Joseph’s Athletics Carnival is being held at John O’Dwyer Oval at Croome Rd on Thursday 27th May. The carnival is a full school community event and we are looking forward to another great day of competition and participation.
GOOD LUCK
Matt Leembruggen and Flynn Gould-Anthony take on the best swimmers in the State at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships to be held at Homebush. Matt is competing in the U16 boys 50m Fly and the Boys 15-16 100m Fly. Flynn is swimming in the U14 boys 50m and boys 12-14 100m Breastroke.
Harrison High is representing the Southern Country Region in the U18’s team at the NSWCCC Open Rugby League Trials at St Marys in Sydney.
Tayissa Buchanan, Emily Allen and Lochie Haining are representing the Wollongong Diocese at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships at Eastern Creek.
NETBALL UMPIRES
Please complete this consent form if you are a confident umpire and would like to assist at the South Coast Primary Schools Netball Gala Day on Tuesday 15th June.
ASPIRING/ELITE ATHLETE PROGRAM NEWS
Below is an extract from the BaiMed Newsletter highlighting what our Aspiring/Elite Athlete Program Students have been working on this term.
With Term 2 underway, the BaiMed Performance Centre has been busy with new programs, education sessions and re-testing for the students. Students receive programs specific to their sport which follow the LTAD pathway (long-term athletic development) focusing on developing competent movement literacy and slowly introducing resistance training with the view to develop into more sport-specific programs.
This is our second year of working with St Joseph’s Catholic High School Albion Park and we are seeing great developments in all students. On Wednesday 5 May, St Joey’s students attended BPC to go through Term 2 assessments including musculoskeletal screening, injury assessments, jump testing, strength assessments, sprints, agility and fitness testing. Each term the students also participate in an education module, this term Nic Rowston presented a session on recovery strategies and management.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
|
Sport |
Date |
|
27th May |
St Joseph’s Athletics Carnival |
|
June 15th |
South Coast Primary Schools Netball Gala Day |
|
June 16th |
Diocesan Open Boys & Girls Volleyball Championships |
|
June 16th |
Diocesan Open Boys & Girls Hockey Championships |
|
July 19th |
Diocesan Netball Championships |
|
July 23rd |
Diocesan Athletics Carnival |
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 Michelle Garbutt
Representative Sports Coordinator
Charli St Clair, Ellie Mitchell and Molly Jewiss have been crowned Australian Champions in their events at the National Gymnastics competition on the Gold Coast. Representing NSW, the girls have performed extremely well in their respective trios and have achieved their goal after months of hard training. Well done!
Tayissa Buchanan has been selected in the Athletics New South Wales Target Talent Program (TTP). The TTP is closely aligned with the activities of Athletics Australia's High Performance Department and is set up to encourage NSW best young athletes to be part of a state level squad. This enables Tayissa access to the best state coaches and education opportunities. It is hoped that this program will assist Tayissa to achieve her potential and to represent Australia at youth, junior and senior levels in the future.
Robert Frew has been selected in the NSWCCC U16 and Open Boys Hockey team to compete in the NSW All Schools Hockey Championships.
- a Hospitality experience for Year 10 at the Novotel Wollongong,
- resume and Interview workshops,
- guest speakers from the Defence Force and
- the completion of our 2nd school-wide Transition and Pathway Education Program for years 7-10.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 also are participating in work placement this week as part of their Vocational Educational Courses for Stage 6. Using the skills they are developing at St Joseph’s through VET, will provide them with the necessary work experience to be successful in post-school pathways
We look forward to strengthening school to work pathways across the school and engaging with community partnerships in the future.
For more information on events in Careers and post-school options please contact
Ms Sharkey or Mrs Kennedy.
The St Vinnies Winter Appeal is here. The Winter Vinnies Appeal will provide emergency relief to people at risk and experiencing homelessness.
Your donation will help our Vinnies volunteers to rebuild lives in our local area.
This year we are asking for cans containing meals or granulated drinks to help those in need. Donations should only be in a tin or jar that has a long shelf life and is easy to store. The following are examples of products you can give:
Meals: Soup, Baked Beans, Spaghetti etc.
Granulated Drinks for Children: Milo or Ovaltine etc.
Canned Vegetables
These will be collected at the front office or can be given in homeroom to be taken to the front office.
We will be having numerous fundraisers to raise money to help support our local St Vincent De Paul Society. We encourage all students, parents and teachers to be a part of our fundraising efforts. Our donations as a school community go a long way to change the lives of others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btkJDI9TpDE
Thank you for your support.
Your URGENT attention to school fees payments is requested. For those falling behind we urge you to make every effort to bring your account up to date.
For those experiencing difficulties it is most important that you make an appointment with the Principal Ms Wilson to discuss the matter.
Thank you.
Ms Susan Easter
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