We had a wonderful Liturgy celebration with Bishop Brian Mascord on Friday recognising our 40th year anniversary. The Bishop then had morning tea with Year 12 students and staff, visitors present.  I was present to celebrate the 10th anniversary and am now back to see the 40 year is a real privilege. The school has grown and it is wonderful to see that ex students are bringing their children back to have a joey’s experience. Our school motto of Act justly is just as relevant now as what it was when it was set by the steering committee that was led by Fr Ward from Dapto parish. My hope for all Joey’s students is that they know the Joey's way - respect for self, others learning and the environment and always ‘Act justly’ in all aspects of their life. 

Thank you to Year 12 for their excellent participation in Retreat last week. It gave the students an opportunity to reflect on where they are and where they are going. The relationship and bonds in the group have come back so much stronger. Thank you to the teachers who gave their time for the students to have this experience. 

This week we have Year 8 and 9 Activity days. I hope this gives the students an opportunity to move outside their comfort zone and have a shared experience that can build up their confidence and resilience. 

Musical 

Our school Musical has unfortunately had to be rescheduled to next term. Thank you to the staff and students who are working hard on this so we can all enjoy a theatrical experience. 

Uniforms

I would ask for parent support in students' uniforms. The school has a reasonable uniform and we ask that students wear it everyday. It is not a mix and match - sports uniform items only on sports uniform days. All students require a blazer with normal uniform. There is the option of either a wool or a cotton blend jumper for warmth. We are currently sourcing a ‘coat’ option that would not be a compulsory part of the uniform but would be wind and shower proof for students requiring additional warm items. It is disappointing that there are chronic offenders of students who are out of uniform.  One of the questions we ask of parents when enrolling is that you as a family support the uniform rules. 

School Buses and School Times

Mrs Bell is sending out a parent survey for school buses that may affect the start and finish times of the school. It is very important that parents have a voice in this survey. Students will be surveyed after the parental response is received. Please read the survey carefully and take note of the issues that are currently present at school due to the changes in the traffic conditions in Albion Park.

Stage 4/5 Reports

With Assessment weeks for stages 4 & 5 completed staff are now in the final stages of finalising marking and compiling reports for Semester 1. Reports will be distributed online via Compass by the end of the term. There will be an opportunity to discuss the progress of your child with their class teacher at our upcoming Parent/Teacher Interviews at the start of term 3. More information regarding interviews will be provided in the next school newsletter.

Yr 11 2023 Subject Selection

Today Yr 10 students will receive access to the online subject selection portal. Students will have this week to determine the subjects they are interested in studying in Yr 11 2023. We will then use this information to determine which subjects will/will not be offered and develop the lines so students can make their final choices by early term 3. As always if there are any issues accessing the online form or regarding subject selection in general please contact the Curriculum Office at any time.

A reminder about school fees for those families who have significant amounts still outstanding.

We have been asked by the CEO to follow up outstanding school fees. We ask that you address any outstanding fees as soon as possible.

We appreciate your support with the payment of your fees. If you are experiencing significant financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to speak to the finance office.

Congratulations to the following students who have been achieving some amazing things in school sport. 

Here at St Joseph’s, we have many enthusiastic and talented writers who have been working on entering a variety of writing competitions. 

Recently, we had students pitching ideas for The Global Advocate, which is the official UN Youth NSW magazine. The publication aims to explore international affairs and global issues from a youth perspective. Students had the opportunity to pitch their idea for a topic of their choosing that relates to the theme of ‘Boundaries’.

The English Faculty is very proud to announce that four of our students were selected. They will have the opportunity to work with an editor from the magazine to compose and publish their work. Congratulations go to Miah Williams (Year 10), Emily Di Pietro (Year 9), Taylor Darke (Year 9), and Kelsey May (Year 8).

As we are approaching the end of Term 2 there are a range of activities, exams and events happening in Creative and Performing Arts.

St Joseph’s are currently running acoustic guitar tuition in small groups, an opportunity for students who are interested in learning this instrument to do so at school. The students are being taught by Glenn Whitehall, and will continue on Thursdays next term. A small fee is charged to cover the tuition. This is a fabulous opportunity for students to gain some experience in playing an instrument. Parents and /or students are invited to contact Mrs. Burns to find out more info regarding costs and times etc for guitar tuition.

In addition to Guitar, we are currently offering free singing lessons at lunchtimes on Tuesdays with Mrs Serafina Minns. These lessons are offered to any interested students who are keen to develop their vocal and musical skills.  Singing lessons are in E01. 

Card Art club is also continuing on Tuesdays at Lunchtimes. Students interested should attend in room E03 with Mrs Berto.  New students are always welcome.

Students in Year 12 who are completing HSC courses in Visual Art, Music and Drama are currently very busy preparing for their Trial and HSC practical examinations which will take place from mid next term.  There are a range of areas our students are focusing on including performances, practical submissions and Bodies of Work all of which involve many hours of commitment and persistence in order to resolve. We wish Year 12 well as they move into the final stages of their Creative Arts courses next term.

Students in Years 7 to 11 have been undergoing a range of assessments leading up to the completion of Semester 1.  There have been many examples of very successful work submitted in this period, with students engaging in their learning in meaningful ways and attempting to extend their potential through honing skills and refining work.  Well done. 

This year’s School Musical, Cinderella, has been postponed to be performed in Term 3 from August  17th  to  20th. Keep an eye out early next term for ticketing information and sales. 

Many of our talented students have fulfilled two terms of rehearsals both on Mondays and Wednesdays after school and some full Sundays to bring this production to life. We look forward to seeing the show which will be a rewarding experience for all involved.  Thank you to our dedicated staff for your continued support of our students with the school musical in 2022.

Year 10 Food Tech made Chicken Stir Fry this week.

Year 10 Food Tech made Lebanese Wraps this week.