Ms Amanda Wilson
Principal

ANZAC Day

On ANZAC Day, the School community was well represented at both the Albion Park RSL Dawn Service and Shellharbour City ANZAC Day Commemoration Service.
We thank those students and members of staff who respectfully represented St Joseph's by attending and laying wreaths at these events.

Thank you to Mr Dowdell and the HSIE Faculty for the organisation of the School 's ANZAC Day Memorial Service which was held on Wednesday, 26th April.
A big thank you to our senior SRC students who most ably conducted this assembly. We were also very proud of the manner in which all students most respectfully conducted themselves throughout this assembly.

We had a great start to the term, with students returning in full school uniform and feeling refreshed and ready to engage in another term of learning.

Full Winter Uniform

A reminder that students are required to be in full winter uniform from next Monday, 8 May. This includes ties for boys and black tights for girls with their skirts and blazers being worn to and from school each day by all students.
The new warm over- blazer school jacket is now available from the School Uniform Shop for Years 7-12 students wishing to wear another layer of clothing during the upcoming winter months. Students are not permitted to wear other non-uniform items of clothing at school.
The Uniform Shop opening hours are published for parents and students on the School Website (in the 'For Parents' links) and on the School Parent Calendar.

Monitoring Your Child's Progress at School

All merit stamps for respect for self, others, learning and the environment are available for parents to view for your child via your personalised Compass Parent Portal.
From this year, these Merit Stamps are accumulating House points towards your child's House. We encourage parents to access your child's Compass record to see the effort your child is putting into these areas at school.
Should you have difficulty accessing Compass information please notify our Senior School Support Officer, Mrs Penny Corradini at corradinip01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Making Arrangements to Meet with Staff

A reminder that parents are very welcome to contact the school if you have concerns regarding your child's learning or wellbeing.
If the matter relates to learning in a particular subject the Teacher or the applicable Leader of Learning may be contacted via email or calling the School Office on 42308500.
If there is a pastoral concern, your child's Pastoral and Learning Support Teacher (PALS) is the staff member to speak to. The Leaders of Learning and Stage PALS' names are listed in your child's School Student Planner.
If you would like to arrange a face to face meeting, please call the Office to make an appointment to avoid disappointment.

Mrs Jenny Bell

Assistant Principal

Uniform Shop

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

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.
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 financial difficulties, please contact the finance office or email accounts@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au.

School Photo Day is Thursday 8 June. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on school photo day.

2 easy ways to purchase:

• Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal
• Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au

And enter online order code: EYT LFZ GBV

School photography information:

Online orders - Do not require an envelope returned to your school.

Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. 

Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately.

Package delivery - School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.

Lest We Forget

On Wednesday 26 our whole school attended an ANZAC Day assembly commemorating the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli.

Thank you to Mrs Bell, Mr Dowdell, Mrs Ball, Te Ari'i Aperau-Bob, Jordan Miller, Vincent Dall'Asta, Bailey Miller, Levi Botica and Charlie Dall'Asta, who represented our School at the Shellharbour City ANZAC Day Memorial Service.

Some students also attended the dawn service for ANZAC Day at the Albion Park RSL at 4 am, the same time as the ANZACs landed at Gallipoli in 1915. All students were solemn and respectful to the beautiful service. Ebony McCloy and Cooper Hili laid the school wreath in respect of our attendance. Thank you also to other students who attended: Mia Hili, Heidi Lewis, Katelyn Blissett, Kieran Blissett, Ella Alessi, Paige Hogben, Rhianna Hogben, Jordan Miller, Bailey Miller, Harvey Andrews.

Next Friday 12th May, Mothers are invited to join our school community for a Mothers Day Cuppa Morning before school 8.00-8.55am at the Cafe at the Trade Training Centre. Each mother will receive a raffle ticket to go in the draw for Cafe Vouchers/Hamper. This will be drawn on Friday 12th May at lunch time.

Also, the students have the opportunity to purchase from the SRC student's Mother’s Day cards and wrapping paper next week. The YM students will be walking around during lunch times to sell tickets for the Mother's Day Raffle.

On Monday 24th April St Joseph's staff attended the Staff Spirituality Day at Kembla Grange. The day was about seeing Christ's love in everyone, unpacking the paschal cycle and making mosaics which will be made into a large school cross. Thanks to all the staff who attended. It was a great and enriching way to start the term.

Sport Update

We are starting Term 2 off with a bang! There are lots of events coming up and lots of nominations and trials for students to sign up for. All students can nominate for school sporting teams via google forms on Compass. Please remind your child to check regularly for updates and closing dates to avoid them missing out.

I would like to remind parents that we are currently improving our sporting program for all students to develop their skills but also their leadership and pride in representing St Joseph’s. Students who are successful in a team selection are now provided with a player contract. This allows students to understand the value and importance of their position and the privilege of being part of our school teams. 

I wish all our Term 2 sporting teams the very best of luck for the weeks of training and competitions ahead.

Diocesan Cross Country

Due to poor weather conditions, Diocesan Cross Country Carnival will now be held on Week 5, Monday 22nd May. Parents, please check Compass for further details of this carnival.

2023 St Joseph’s Representative Team

Open Girls Soccer

The girls attended the Opens Soccer Gala Day on Thursday 27th March. We were off to a slow start, sadly losing our first game however this came as the motivational kick the girls needed for the rest of the day. With the help of our wonderful coaches - Jett Stroemer, Noah Bechara and Munesu Marevanhema, the girls were excited to give it their best for the rest of the day. We ran through some training drills and worked out our best strategic plays before playing our second game against Mt Carmel. Lola Garcia scored the tying goal in the second half, with the girls coming off the field cheering together. Mackenzie Best was offering insightful plays throughout the game, encouraging the girls to get involved in tackles. It was great to see this support shared throughout the day as we had many players who had come from a football background and were trying out something new.

Whilst unsuccessful in making it to the final play-offs, the girls demonstrated great team spirit and collaboration across the entire day, often cheering on for their teammates and offering playback advice at the end of each game. We saw a major improvement in the girls on field communication and overall skill as the day went on, which was very impressive!

Overall, the girls should be very proud of their representation of the school and for giving a new sport a go. It was a great day in the sun at Ocean Park, Woonona and the girls had a blast. A big thanks to the girls for their participation throughout the day and our three year 12 boys (Noah, Jett & Munesu) who helped as linesmen and in coaching the girls throughout the day.

Miss Sneddon
Coach

Olympics Unleashed

Last week, Olympian Sarah Carli visited our Elite/Aspiring Athletes for a chat about her journey from a high performing student to a very successful Olympic Athlete. Sarah currently competes in the 400m hurdles and her story of resilience is truly inspiring. Students in this program were also given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their sport and goals with Sarah. 

Upcoming Events

Boys Basketball Development Squad

Girls Netball Trials

Get Active Friday’s

Every Friday, students will have access to the school gym before school to get active before classes. Physical activity is proven to improve brain health and focus, improve mental health, improve strength of muscles and bones and make everyday activities easier. This program aims to get kids active before school starts and improve their focus throughout the day. All students are invited to attend this program from 8:15am each week. 

Dance Company

SJCHS Dance Company commenced this week and it was great to see all students keen and eager to begin learning their routine. The Dance Company will perform at Wollongong Eisteddfod on Saturday 1st July. We are excited to see this group develop and work together over the coming terms. Stay tuned for further performance opportunities.

14s/16s/Opens Girls Rugby League School Team Nominations

St Joseph's is looking to put together 3 Girls' Rugby League teams for the Sam Bremner Girls Tackle Day. 

These teams will receive tackle and development training to ensure the safety of the players. If you are interested in trialling for these teams, please nominate using the form below. 

Team training will only proceed if we can get enough numbers. Team training MAY occur before school to allow adequate preparation and limited class disruption. 

Age groups are as follows:

Under 14s

Under 16s

Opens

Tournament Date: Term 3, Week 2, 25th July

Location: Albion Park

Nominations Close: Week 3, Friday 12th May

Nomination Link: https://forms.gle/2ALXddyMFYDrdDG49

Southern Country Girls 16's Rugby League Trials Nominations 2023

Nominations are open for the 2023 Girls 16’s Southern Country Rugby League

Venue: Trials to be held in Bruce, ACT on Tuesday 27 June 2023.

Age limitations: Students must be born in 2007 or 2008 or turning 15 or 16 in the year of competition.

Combined Trial: This trial will involve students from Wollongong, Bathurst, Canberra/Goulburn, and Wagga Dioceses for selection in the Southern Country girl's rugby league team.

Rugby League Pathway:

If selected, players will attend a training afternoon from 1pm – 4pm at the Centre of Excellence in Homebush on Wednesday16 August. The NSWCCC selection carnival will follow on Thursday 17 August, 2023 at St Mary’s where the southern country team will trial against two metro teams from Sydney and a northern country team.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE: FRIDAY 26th May, 2023

Nomination Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaV_qTMuSKdAbaCKIZgI9JuQ4nLE-ZnZlMJVUshMlK3Mttvw/viewform

Upcoming NSWCCC Events:

NSWCCC Hockey SELECTIONS Open Boys & Girls & U16 Boys & Girls @ Bathurst 15 May CLOSE DATE: 5 May @ 5pm

NSWCCC Rugby League SELECTIONS MUST have trialled through DIO selection Trial

NSWCCC Cross Country MUST attend DIO carnival (May 22nd)

Sporting Success

Mackenzie Best

Congratulations to Mackenzie Best on being selected for the Diocesan Soccer team. She will compete later this month at the NSWCCC Football Championships. We wish her all the best in further selection.

Emily Hollingsworth

Earlier this week Emily attended the U15 Girls NSWCCC AFL trials in Wagga Wagga. Emily was successful in her trial and was 1 of the 6 girls chosen from the Wollongong Area to be part of this team. She will compete later this month to make the NSW All Schools team. We wish her all the best for this selection.

Tayissa Buchanan

Congratulations to Tayissa who placed 3rd at the Australian U18s Championships in the school holidays. She has had a tremendous season returning from injury and we look forward to seeing her compete in the upcoming school athletics season.

Declan Bone

Congratulations to Declan Bone who recently competed at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast. Declan competed in the 4x50m Medley Relay and the 4x50m Freestyle Relay. In both events, Declan swam a 2-second PB. Well done Declan. Keep up the good work.

Thomas Hofman

Thomas was recently selected for the U15 Boys NSW Indigenous Basketball Team. This is a huge effort to be selected but on top of this Thomas was chosen to Captain the team. Congratulations on your selection Thomas.

Caitlin Brooker

Congratulations to Caitlin who has recently been selected to represent Australia at the Shukokai World Karate Championships in Cape Town, South Africa in July. Previously, Caitlin has represented both QLD and NSW in competitive kata (individual display of the karate techniques), competitive team kata, and competitive kumite (defensive and offensive sparring/physical fighting). Over the course of the past eight years she has trained under many international coaches and world champions attending seminars and camps to further enhance her style and technique and her goal has always been to represent Australia so this has been an immense achievement. 

Caitlin has achieved a brown belt in two separate karate styles (Shitoryu and Shotokan) and will grade into her black belt in a third style (Shukokai) later this year. 

Well done Caitlin! We are looking forward to seeing your results in July.

Ellie Mitchell & Indianna Surian

Congratulations to our Acrobatic superstars Ellie Mitchell (Year 12) and Indianna Surian (Year 8) who have just returned from competing in the Vegas Acro Cup (USA). 

Ellie Mithcell placed 1st in the Balance and Dynamic events and then took 1st place overall in Level 10. Indiana placed 4th overall in the ‘International Seniors’ Division.

These girls will also be competing at Nationals in May up on the Gold Coast. Both Students have a sensational future ahead of them and we cannot wait to see their ongoing results and potential. Well done girls!

If your child has had sporting success outside of school we want to hear about it. 

Please email details to Miss Power (powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au)

St Joseph’s Sports Instagram Page 

For all things sports follow our new social media page.

@SJCHSSPORTS

Hospitality 

On Wednesday 3 May, Year 12 Hospitality completed their service period on catering for our Joey's staff. The food quality was high and skill and speed of production were a credit to the class. Thank you to Mr Ferderer for his guidance, Ms Attard for her assistance and great photos, and also to Ms Rogers for ordering and storing the food.

Slow start to the term with a few pupil free days and the Athletics Carnival, but good to see students back refreshed and ready to learn.  Shout out to year 12, with now less than 100 school days to go!

The Women’s College Applications for 2024 are now open

https://enews.thewomenscollege.com.au/t/d-e-zkuldtk-ikhyykhyuj-r/

Singing Lessons will be held in the music rooms every Thursday at lunch time with Mrs Minns. All students are welcome regardless of experinece or training.

Problem Solving Process

Finish this sentence, “If you ask bad questions, you’ll get? Yes, bad answers!

Asking the right type of questions to solve a problem or a challenge will help you discover what we call “your next best step”.

At times there may not be a solution to a problem or challenge, at least, not one you like or prefer.

It’s important you don’t give up and look to find “your next best step”.

Asking good questions will help move you in the right direction to improve the problem.

 It’s not as easy asking good questions, you need to be in the right emotional state and pay attention to what’s going on around you.

The Problem Solving Process has 3 steps:

1)

Get into a resourceful state. If you are feeling upset or angry do something to be in a more positive state. Start with a relaxation exercise, go for a walk, listen to music, be in nature, or spend time with positive friends

2)

A)Act – Nothing changes unless you take some action.

B)Notice – What you are doing.

C)Adapt – Change what you are doing if it’s not working.

D)Model – Find others who have achieved what you want and model what they did. Model their actions and their attitudes and ask them for help.

3) 

Ask Good Questions. Here are some examples:

1. What could be something good about this problem?
2. What is not perfect yet?
3. What am I willing to do to make it the way I want it?
4. What am I willing to no longer do in order to make it the way I want it?
5. How can I enjoy the process while I do what is necessary to make it the way I want it?

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 below username and password.

School's Username: stjosephsalbionpark

School's Password: marymackillop

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.