HM Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Service

On Monday 19 September, Year 10 students, Rhianna Hogben and Xavier Infante proudly represented St. Joseph’s Catholic High School along with Assistant Principal, Mrs Bell at the HM Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Service at Shellharbour Civic Centre. Thank you to Rhianna and Xavier, who attended this important event and laid a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the School community.

Congratulations to the following students who recieved Principal Silver Awards and Principal Bronze Awards.

Last week two of our year  9 SRC students  travelled to celebrate the Catholic Mission launch with our school Diocese. "Build brighter futures for families in Ethiopia" is the theme of the 2022 Catholic Mission World Mission Month Appeal, celebrated at a Diocese of Wollongong school launch at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Ruse. 

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor is based on his work as a lecturer at Harvard and his expertise in Positive Psychology.

Shawn discovered that when students started at Harvard their anxiety levels rose significantly particularly for students who felt they were “not as smart” as other students.

To compensate some of the students who felt anxious neglected their wellbeing, their activities and experiences that made them feel happy and joyful and as a result their academic performance suffered!

In his research Shawn has discovered that when we are well, when we are happier, more joyful, peaceful etc. dopamine is released in the brain. Dopamine not only makes us happier but also turns on all the “learning centres” in our brains.

The Happiness Advantage brings significant advantages:

• When you are more happy and positive you overcome obstacles, and reverse bad habits.
• The more happy you are the more you become more efficient and productive, and make the most of opportunities.
• The happier you are the more you conquer your most ambitious goals, and reach your fullest potential.

The good news is that research from Positive Psychology shows us that happiness in not in the future but more in the present. These proven activities increase your wellbeing and happiness levels:

Meditate

Studies show that in the minutes right after meditating we experience feelings of calm and contentment as well as heightened awareness and empathy. Also research has shown that regular meditation can permanently rewire the brain to raise levels of happiness, lower stress and improve immune function. Meditation can be as simple as closing your eyes and counting as you breathe in and out, or just focusing on your breathing.

Look forward to something

Studies found that people who just thought about watching their favourite movie actually raised their endorphin levels by 27%. Often, the most enjoyable part of an activity is the anticipation.

Infuse Positivity

Your physical environment can have an enormous impact on your mindset and sense of wellbeing. You may not have complete control of your surroundings, but you can make specific efforts to infuse them with positivity. Photos of loved ones around your room is an example. Making time to go outside on a nice day also delivers a huge advantage; one study found that spending 20 minutes outside in good weather not only boosted positive mood, but broadened thinking and improved working memory.

Exercise

The benefits of exercise are:

1) Boosting mood and enhancing work performance.

2) Improving motivation and feelings of mastery.

3) Reducing stress and anxiety.

4) Helping you get into that state of flow.

Thank you for your patience with the changeover to the invoicing of school fees and the distribution of school fee statements each month, is now a function carried out by the Catholic Education Office.

School fees are essential for the financial viability of Catholic schools.  Upon enrolment of your child, you have given an undertaking to meet payment of school fees as they fall due.  School principals have the responsibility of ensuring school fees are collected. The Catholic Education Office has strict guidelines, so it is suggested that all overdue payments are required now to avoid further action.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty and unable to increase your payments or pay, there are concessions available. We encourage you to contact St Joseph’s to discuss an arrangement that will assist you meet your commitments.  This includes the completion of a Diocesan Application for Fee Concession which is available from the holder on the wall at St Joseph’s finance office. 

Once the completed Fee Concession form is received, the school may be able to write off some of your outstanding fee balance. Be reassured that your situation will be treated with strict confidentiality and respect for your circumstances.  

Registrations for our school holiday workshops at Zig Zag Hub Nowra and Wollongong are now open!