Filter Content
- From the Principal
- Year 12 Retreat
- From the Assistant Principal
- From The Curriculum Office
- Enrolments 2024 2025
- Learning Curve
- CASA Activities - VEX Robotics
- Year 7 Geography Excursion
- Science - Under the Microscope
- TAS - What's Been Happening
- Sports Update
- Careers
- Administration Reminders
- Study Skills Handbook
- Positive Partnerships Workshop
- Premier's Reading Challenge
Dear Parents, Carers, and Students
‘Let your light shine’ was the theme of the Year 12 Retreat and the students were magnificent! I was in the privileged position of being able to lead the retreat for our young men and women. Our world is in good hands after seeing the level of engagement our Year 12 cohort showed in the program. I hope they always let their light shine. One of the highlights was the dance party. They have some groovy moves!!! This experience explored their relationships with themselves, God, family, and friends and asked them to determine what their values are and to stand tall. I hope this influences them for many years to come. This morning I went up to where the homerooms are and the junior students had written messages for the seniors which were up on the walls. The seniors were so surprised and pleased by the messages. They thought it was wonderful! Thank You to our juniors and in particular to the Kembla students whose messages were extra thoughtful and passed on some good advice as well.
There is a small element of our community that is not aligned with the values of Joey’s. It is disappointing that they are not embracing the way of Jesus. The values of tolerance, peace, and compassion are central to being at Joey’s. It is very concerning that some students are not keeping to the values of the school and feel that the school has to put up with how they behave, which is not the case. Students have a responsibility to follow the school rules. Intimidating or violent behaviour has no place at Joey’s and continued behaviour in this manner will meet with significant consequences. I am also disappointed to hear about students filming and passing on inappropriate behaviour. Given the level of education they receive around this issue, I thought they should have known better and I would ask parents to reinforce their responsibilities in using a service in this regard.
We are coming up to the School Cross Country day. The last one was rained out so hopefully, the weather will remain fine for next week. It is a great community experience so I highly encourage full student participation.
Over the next two weeks, we will be doing a two part Easter Liturgy. A whole school element prior to Palm Sunday followed by a class element. This will allow students to engage at a deeper level with the story and impact of Easter as this is central to our Christian tradition.
Staff Changes
We say goodbye to Mrs Kim Heggen SSSO who has moved to a position at the Catholic Education Office and Ms Brittany Sharkey who has also taken a position as a Professional Officer for a short term contract. We wish them well in their new endeavours and thank them for all the service to St. Joseph’s they have given over the years.
We welcome and congratulate Mrs Penny Corradini who is the new SSSO and wish her well as she undertakes this significant position. We welcome Mr Joshua Mucveski to staff as part of the PDHPE staff. He will be sharing with Mrs Smith.
Ms Wilson
Principal
Regards
Amanda Wilson
Principal
Safety in the School Staff Carpark
This is an important Work, Health and Safety reminder to parents who drop off and pick their students from school that the school carpark at the front of the school on Macquarie Street is for Staff only. Parents and carers who are dropping off and picking up their children are not permitted to drive into the school car park as this poses a significant risk to staff and student pedestrians. Parents are required to drop their children off and pick them up by waiting in their cars in Macquarie Street or other neighbouring streets. Students are also required to use the pedestrian only access and egress path which has been provided to prevent an accident causing injury or fatality from occurring.
Please speak to your child about ensuring that they are using this path for their safety.
Temporary relocation of bus stop 2527226 on Escarpment Drive, Calderwood
In the coming months, Sydney Water has advised that they will be installing a new water main along Escarpment Drive, Calderwood. They will temporarily be relocating bus stop number 2527226, 90 metres down the road for about one week (see attached map). During this time, they will have traffic controllers in place directing traffic and assisting pedestrians to move safely around the area. While the students will be informed via Compass, if parents of students who catch buses that may utilise this particular stop could pass this information onto your students to remind them of this upcoming short term change.
Regards,
Jenny Bell
Assistant Principal
NAPLAN
Naplan testing for 2023 has now closed. I would like to congratulate the students in Years 7 and 9 who, in the main, were very diligent in their approach to completing the NAPLAN tests this year. We look forward to reviewing their results and using the data to help support their learning in the future.
Parent Teacher Interviews Years 7-12
A reminder that our second opportunity for Interviews will be next Wednesday 29 March from 3:40 pm to 8 pm. Interviews will be held via Zoom. Please take this opportunity to meet your child’s teachers for 2023 and to keep up to date with their progress so far this year.
Year 11 2023 Subject Selection Process
We hope to begin the process of meeting with Year 10 regarding the process of choosing subjects for Year 11 2023 in the coming weeks. Now is the time for students and their parents/carers to think about and discuss their potential pathways beyond Yearr 10 eg: University, TAFE, apprenticeships, etc and start investigating the requirements needed to assist in achieving those outcomes.
Assessment Reminder - Plagiarism
A reminder to all students about the importance of doing your own work in regard to formal assessment tasks. The purpose of assessment is to determine a student's ability to apply their understanding and knowledge in regard to set content and outcomes. Submitting work that is not your own not only impacts this process but is also unethical. It also has serious consequences especially when students are in Years 10-12. The best way to avoid issues around plagiarism is to start tasks early, plan your work thoroughly, get feedback from teachers, and provide an accurate bibliography/reference list. Again we ask parents and carers to have conversations with your children regarding this matter to assist in avoiding these issues as much as possible.
Year 7 students are currently undertaking the topic of Water in the World. During this topic, students have studied water as a resource and the factors influencing water flows and the availability of water resources in different places.
They have been investigating the nature of water scarcity and assessing ways of overcoming it. Students have discussed variations in perceptions of people about the value of water and the need for sustainable water management. They have also investigated processes that continue to shape the environment including atmospheric or hydrologic hazards.
As part of this unit, they partook in a fieldwork excursion at Woronora Dam and Stanwell Park Reserve on Thursday 23rd March.
Science rolled on this week even without our Year 12 students (away on retreat) and Year 7’s and 9’s dragged away to do Naplan. Year 8’s and 10’s held down the fort with SRP’s coming to a close with some great tech posters (8’s) and investigations completed at home (10’s) - well done.
Hospitality
Marine Studies
As part of the Yr 11 Marine Studies, students attended and participated in a field trip to Minnamurra River. This trip was of great value to the students and introduced them to mangroves and estuaries. There were instructors from "South Coast Safaris," an Outdoor Education company based in Wollongong, who guided the students throughout the trip. They canoed along the Minnamurra River and terminated at the boat ramp at the mouth of the river. It was a long but enjoyable day for everyone involved.
Sports Update
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” - Wayne Gretzky
The above quote is something that strongly resonates with me and my role as Sports Coordinator at St Joseph’s. I am passionate and dedicated to giving students every opportunity to create success for themselves, to get out of their comfort zone and try something new and to simply have a go…even if it means they aren’t successful in making a team. Sport teaches us so much. It teaches us how to deal with pressure, how to overcome adversity, it allows us to experience failure in a safe environment and build new relationships. It is so much more than ‘fitness’ or becoming an ‘elite athlete’. In fact some of the best athletes in the world were not the best in high school. They tried out for teams, but didn’t make the cut. They tried new sports, but were not good at them. But one day, after trying over and over again, working hard and staying resilient, they started to see progress and change. This is what I hope for our St Joseph’s Community in the coming months and years.
I encourage all parents to have a conversation with their child about trying something new this year and get out of their comfort zone. As part of our commitment to improving the sporting culture at St Joseph’s there have been some small changes implemented. Our three focus areas are based around the school values of courage, service and respect. We want our students to be proud of the privilege to represent our school but also know the responsibility that comes with that.
Students who make a selective school team, will be given a player contract for both themself and parents to sign. This contract explains to students their roles and responsibilities as a member of the team and the commitment to training and the team itself.
Cross Country Update
A reminder that our School Cross Country will take place on Tuesday 28th March. Students are encouraged to be dressed in their house colours and in suitable attire to participate in all activities on the day. A sausage sizzle, drinks, donut van, coffee van and ice cream van are available on the day to purchase food. Please bring cash as some options will not have eftpos. We are looking forward to a great day out and hoping that the weather will clear over the weekend.
Diocesan Swimming Report - Mr Bryan Ie
The DIO swimming carnival started off bright and early with Joey's fielding a cheerful and enthusiastic team. As we arrived at the event, we were greeted by several parents and grandparents camped out and ready to support our team. Joey's was competitive in every event with several third place finishes including Oliver "Filet-O-Fish" McDonald and Ben "Too" Gooda taking home bronze medals in their events. Many PBs were also achieved on the day starting with the Sensational Samson Schwingen smashing his 50m butterfly record. The Joey's Dio swimmers were fantastic ambassadors for our school as each and everyone competed with perseverance and positivity - the Joey's way.
Lani Ly
12yr Girls
5th Overall
Grace Pomery
18yr Girls
1st Overall
Beau Ledwidge
12yr Boys
3rd Overall
Oliver McDonald
13yr Boys
3rd Overall
Declan Bone
15yr Boys
4th Overall
Flynn Anthony-Gould
16yr Boys
4th Overall
Lucas Thompson
17yr Boys
5th Overall
Boys Diocesan Touch
Congratulations to our boys touch teams who competed at the Diocesan Gala Day.
Results & MVPs:
13yrs: 8th Place - Dakodah Hicks
15yrs: 9th Place - Samuel Shepherd
Opens: 5th Place - Jackson Rieck
Special mention to Samuel Shepherd (15yr boys team) who has been selected as a shadow for the boys Diocesan team.
I would also like to thank our three referees and coaches who attended on the day.
Referees:
Hunter Graham, Emma Judd and Alexandra Tololeska
Coaches:
Mr Young, Mr Hetherington & Mr Sutton
U13s Team - Mr Young
What a day. The day for the U13s Boys Touch Football side with a bit of a rush, straight off the bus and onto the field! The boys showed a lot of heart against Corpus Christi despite the rushed warmup and held out with a 1 all draw.
The following matches saw a couple of tight losses, but the boys showed great sportsmanship and bounced back with a convincing win right after the break.
The boys fought well for the final three matches, suffering 2 losses, but capping the day off with a win.
Big congratulations to all the boys.
U15s Team - Mr Hetherington
I would like to start off by thanking the boys for being part of this year’s touch team. All players did their best to play to their potential and support each other. We had a mixed bag of results ending up in 9th position on the day. In total we had 3 draws and 5 losses. Congratulations to Samuel Shephard on being selected as a shadow player for the DIO team. Thank you to our keen referee Hunter Graham who worked all day in the hot weather and did herself and the school proud.
Opens Team - Mr Sutton
An awesome day was had by all the boys who displayed impeccable behaviour and sportsmanship. A few tough games with wins and losses saw the boys drop down to 5th place overall. I am incredibly proud of their performance on the day and congratulate them all. Well done.
Junior Soccer Teams
Over the past few weeks, we have had over 100 students trial for our junior soccer teams. We were lucky enough to have had Neil Mann from the Wollongong Wolves come out and assist in developing our student's skills in the lead up to our gala day next week. Students will compete at the Diocesan Gala day next week. We wish these teams and their coaches the very best of luck.
I would like to congratulate the following students for their selection in this year's junior soccer teams.
Diocesan Netball Selection Trials
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to attend the Diocesan Netball Trials next Thursday held at Berkeley. We wish you all the best of luck.
Diocesan Rugby League Selection Trials
Congratulations to the following boys who have been selected to trial for the Boys Dioceans Rugby League teams. These trials will be held next Wednesday. We wish you all the best of luck.
St Joseph’s Dance Company Update
Thank you to everyone who has shown interest in the Dance Company. Audition times and information will be emailed out in the coming days. Please check your emails for this.
Upcoming School Team Nominations
Netball
Netball nominations are now open. If you are interested in trialling for these teams next term please fill in the nomination form by the end of the term. Trial will begin next term.
Teams available:
7/8 Girls
9/10 Girls
11/12 Girls
Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/nx6NjZPgDpmpgFN67
Nominations Close: Thursday 6th April
AFL - Junior Boys & Girls
If you are keen on trialling for the Junior AFL teams, please fill in the below form. Experience is preferred but not compulsory. You will be given adequate training to prepare for this game. Trials will begin next term.
Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/tXRUgXN2UFAWpVoD8
Nominations Close: Thursday 6th April
Upcoming NSWCCC Trials
Registrations are now open for the 2023 NSWCCC trials.
If your child plays at a high/rep level for their sport and is keen on trialling for a NSWCCC team, please register via the link below:
Please note:
- No late entries are accepted.
- Students attending these trials should be at a representative level/standard.
- Further information regarding each sport is available on the website (see link above)
For assistance with registering your child please see the document below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kFW57cps5mTHPK7PfJMvpVK4qtM651keNVZcu014gVQ/edit
If there are any further issues please contact me:
powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Term 1 & 2 - Upcoming Events:
NSWCCC/Allschools Volleyball SELECTIONS U15s Boys & Girls @ Netball Central (Sydney Olympic Park) 6 April CLOSE DATE: 31st March @5pm
NSWCCC RUGBY SELECTIONS 18's & 16's - Boys @ Rowland Park 26 & 27 April CLOSE DATE: 14 April
NSWCCC RUGBY 7s SELECTIONS GIRLS - @ Rowland Park 27 April CLOSE DATE: 14 April @5pm
NSWCCC WATER POLO SELECTIONS Open Boys & Girls @ Ryde 1 May CLOSE DATE: 21 April @5pm
NSWCCC AFL SELECTIONS U15s Girls @Wagga Wagga 1 & 2 May CLOSE DATE: 14 April @5pm
NSWCCC Basketball SELECTIONS Open Boys & Girls @ Sutherland 8th May CLOSE DATE: 28 April @5pm
NSWCCC Basketball SELECTIONS U16's Boys & Girls @Sutherland Sutherland 9th May CLOSE DATE: 28 April @5pm
NSWCCC Football SELECTIONS U16's Boys @ Kareela 10 May CLOSE DATE: CLOSE DATE: 28 April @5pm
Sporting Success
Congratulations to Gemma Creswell who has been selected for the Illawarra Representative A Team for the U15s. She will play in the tournament later this year in June. Gemma is part of our Elite/Aspiring Athlete Program and is showing tremendous progress this year in her sport. Well done Gemma.
Congratulations to Jackson Rieck who has been selected to represent Australia in the U18's Tagaroos team. He will be playing in a Big 4 International tournament on Sunday 2nd April. Jackson also represents the Illawarra South Coast Dragons Laurie Dailey Cup Under 18's. They will be playing the Grand Final this Saturday 25th March. Congratulations on all your success Jackson and goodluck in both the finals and OzTag International Tournament.
Congratulations to Xara-Jade McCrimmon who competed at the Tasmanian State Age Championships last weekend. She made finals in the 200m backstroke and came 7th, I made finals in the 100m freestyle and came 13th in the 12/13 age division. Congratulations Xara-Jade.
Congratulations to Te Ari’i Aperau-Bob who also competed at the Tasmanian State Age Championships. He placed 7th in the Boys 12-13 100m Backstroke and achieved several PBs over the weekend across a range of events. Well done Te Ari’i.
If your child has had sporting success outside of school we want to hear about it.
Please email details through to Miss Power (powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au)
For all things sport follow our new social media page.
@SJCHSSPORTS
Regards,
Stephanie Power
Sports Coordinator & PDHPE Teacher
Photo Consent
There are still some outstanding approvals for photo consent. No pictures can be posted online unless these consent forms are approved by you through your compass portals. Please ensure this is checked if you are still yet to do so.
Compass
Please ensure you are checking Compass regularly. All Important information and urgent announcements including Events, wet weather arrangements, cancellations, and any other general announcements will be posted through Compass.
School Fees
Payment can be made by eftpos, Bpay and in cash. School fees are important, the school relies on fees and the payment of fees is part of the agreement you signed with the school upon enrolment of your child/ren.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty and are unable to pay the account, there are concessions available which may be of assistance. You may wish to complete an Application for Fee Concession form enclosed. The process of concession involves completion of an Application for Fee Concession with supporting documentation. Once the completed Fee concession form is received, the school may be able to write off some of your outstanding fee balance. Please contact the finance office or email accounts@sjchsdow.catholic.
Thank you to all the families that make such an effort to ensure that their fees are up to date. School fees are essential for the financial viability of Catholic schools. School principals have the responsibility of ensuring school fees are collected. If you are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to make payments, please contact the finance office or email accounts@sjchsdow.catholic.
Uniform Shop Winter Hours
Resume of normal trading hours from
Monday 17.4.23 – 11.30am-4.30pm
Thursday 20.4.23 – 8.30-1.30pm.
MINDSET: Creating Vision and Purpose
Discovering your WHY - your reason for achieving your personal best.
Some students can find it difficult to be motivated for school.
Having a core reason, identifying your WHY as Simon Sinek refers to it, can help transform not only a person’s individual motivation, but also that of a school or workplace.
Often we are caught up in what we need to do and how we need to do it. Both what and how questions are important. However, to discover your purpose, your belief, your inner motivation you need to ask “Why is this important”?
When you discover your WHY, that is your reasons for why school or a subject is important - those answers increase your inner motivation and drive. So rather than waking in the morning and dreading going to school you wake in the morning and remind yourself why this is important to you and your learning.
Once you have your WHY (your reason) you can set small goals using the WOOP method below.
To learn more, login into the Study Skills Handbook site and click on the green Study Samurai icon at the top.
www.studyskillshandbook.com.au
School's Username: stjosephsalbionpark
School's Password: marymackillop
Remember too that our school also has access to all of the video lessons in the Study Samurai Library. Just click on the green link at the top of the page when you log in.
To access the online library, go to studysamurailibrary.com and login with the above username and password.
Please note, the above username and password is for the use of the parents and students AT OUR SCHOOL ONLY – please do not pass our school’s details onto students or parents from other schools or other individuals or organisations as this is a prosecutable breach of copyright and also will result in frequent password changes for our school.
Positive Partnerships is offering a free 2-day workshop to parents of students with Autism.
The Library is running the Premier's Reading Challenge for Year 7-10 students again this year. Visit the School Library for more infomation!
