Welcome Back to Term 3

My name is Ray Wooby and I’m very pleased to be able to join the St Joseph’s community as Acting Principal until Mrs Wilson returns from her Long Service Leave. Normally Mrs Bell, the previous Assistant Principal, would have acted as Principal but as she accepted a position at Edmund Rice College in Wollongong I was asked to come to your beautiful part of the world in an interim role.

The recruitment for the permanent position to replace Mrs Bell as Assistant Principal has already begun and you will be kept informed of any developments and announcements. My work as Principal has been in South Western Sydney schools and it’s been my pleasure to work with the staff and students of St Joseph’s in these first two weeks of Term 3. 

I do love a good daily prayer…see what you think of this one!

“A mother was concerned about her young son walking to school. He did not want his mother to walk with him. 

She wanted to give him the independence, but yet know that he was safe. So, she had an idea of how to handle it.

She asked a neighbour if she would follow him to school in the mornings, staying a distance, so he would probably not notice her. The neighbour thought that since she was up early with her young daughter anyway, it would be a good way for her to get some exercise, so she agreed.

The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbour’s boy that he knew.

She did this for a whole week. As the boys walked and talked, Timmy’s little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.

Finally, he said to Timmy, “Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?

Timmy replied, “Yeah, I know who she is.” The friend said, “Well, who is she?” “That’s Shirley Goodnest, Timmy replied and her daughter Marcy.” “Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us?”

“Well,” Timmy explained, “every night my Mum makes me say Psalm 23 with my prayers, cuz she worries about me so much.

And in the Psalm, it says -‘Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life’, so I guess I will have to get used to it’. 

May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always.” ☺

PSALM 23 - SURELY GOODNESS and MERCY shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Courtesy the late Fr John Langtry)

Start of Term

I hope you and your families are well and your children are feeling refreshed after their holidays. Hopefully you yourselves had a break from the routine that school days bring to family life. Term 3 has started well.  Most students have returned understanding expectations in relation to behaviour and learning, both in and out of the classrooms, which has been pleasing to see. The students have been particularly welcoming to me as well as being polite and courteous. This is a credit to you the parents and carers!

Mrs Needham will commence LWOP for the remainder of this year and most of her classes will be taken by Mrs Williams and Mrs Messiah. We thank Mrs Needham for her service to the students of St Joseph's, wish her all the best for her leave and hope to see her back in 2024.

Year 12

Our prayers and thoughts are with Year 12 as they prepare for the Trial Higher School Examinations which commences on Monday July 31st. Our prayer is, as always, that each student has the grace they need to do, the best they can, at this time and in these circumstances. Thanks to all of the staff who have given their time so generously to assist our Year 12. In addition, we wish all those students who are finishing major works, rehearsing or performing for or speaking with HSC examiners in the coming weeks, the best of luck.

Congratulations

Well done to Mr Hetherington and the Junior Girls Rugby League team for their successful participation in an inter-school carnival this week. Well done! Huge thanks to Ms Power for organising a lunchtime “World Cup” football competition. Much appreciated!

Many thanks to Mrs Kennedy, Careers Adviser, for organising a highly successful Apprenticeship Support Morning that saw a large number of local employers speak to the students and give them the opportunity to ask questions. Great work!!!

Mr Ray Wooby

Acting Principal

Week 2 Term 3

Subject Selections for 2024

The processes for subject selection impacting students in Years 8-10 are well underway. Students in Year 9 and 10 have been spoken to in relation to their choices for 2024. Parents are encouraged to have conversations with their children to determine what options are best for them. Year 9 will have the option of selecting a Year 11 Course as part of their studies next year. The Pathways initiative is enabling students to control the pace of studies through Stage 6. Students in Year 10 are making their final choices this week. Students in Year 8 will be spoken to about their elective choices in the coming weeks. I encourage parents to contact me in the Curriculum Office if you have any questions shanahanm01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

HSC Trial Exams

We wish all our Year 12 students and Year 11 Pathways students all the very best as they begin HSC Trial Exams on Monday. These exams provide students important preparation for the actual HSC Exams later in the year.

Naplan

NAPLAN was held for students in Years 7 and Year 9 earlier this year in term 1. We have now been provided with the students results which we have sent home with students this week. The student reports have changed this year.  Education ministers have agreed to change the way NAPLAN results are reported to parents and carers, now that all students are taking the tests online, and with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March. New proficiency standards with 4 levels of achievement for each year level will replace the previous 10-band structure that covered all 4 levels tested and the old National Minimum Standard set in 2008 when tests were on paper. The new proficiency standards include a baseline benchmark to identify students who are likely to need additional support.

The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard will be replaced by the following 4 levels of achievement:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support

The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress.

Please refer to the flyer attached from ACARA for more information.

Mr Michael Shanahan

Acting Curriculum Coordinator

School Fees & Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you to all the families that make such an effort to ensure that their fees are up to date. 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. 

See below some frequently asked questions:

• When parents/carers enrol their child/children, all parties enter into a contractual agreement to pay school fees for the time that their child is enrolled at the school. This contract includes payment of school fees under joint and several liability.
• One school fee account allows us to manage your account as one debt in accordance with joint several liability.
• Under joint and several liability, we are obligated to keep all parties informed of the status of their school fee account. Splitting fees and creating separate accounts with individual school fee statements does not align with this obligation.

How can we manage our account when we are separated?

• It is an expectation that parents will come to their own arrangements regarding payment of fees.
• Schools will accept a Request to Pay School Fees by Instalment per account. Parents/Carers may make additional payments to their account if necessary.
• Please note, that Child Support and Family Law Court Orders do not obligate to split fee accounts

HSIE Happenings

Year 12 Hospitality

Mr Ferderer's Year 12 Hospitality class made Chicken Kiev's this week.

They served it with steamed beans, boiled jardiniere style carrots and buttery mash potatoes. Only two more practicals to go now.

Australian Mathematics Competition 

We look forward to your child's participation in this competition.

Welcome back to Term 3! We have kicked off Semester 2 with our girls Rugby league, SJCHS World Cup Soccer and the Diocesan Athletics carnival. Make sure your child keeps an eye out for upcoming events and information on Compass to avoid missing out on any upcoming events.

Jump Rope for Heart

Last Friday, our Year 7 cohort launched Jump Rope for Heart where they are skipping to help fundraise money for the heart foundation. Parents with students in Year 7 are encouraged to register their child for this event to help contribute to our final fundraising goal ($3000). We hope our school can make a difference in the lives of Australian people and their health.

Upcoming Events

SJCHS World Cup Soccer

This week, students began the preliminary round of our SJCHS World Cup Soccer tournament. We had 16 junior teams register for this event and it has been an unreal week of games so far. Next week we head to the quarter finals, semi finals and the grand final (Thursday). Good luck to the remaining teams. Please check compass for the quarterfinals draw.

The senior tournament will take place in week 5 with the winner of this versing the winner of the junior competition.

NSWCCC Netball Teams

After a successful campaign at the Diocesan Gala Day, we have decided to compete at the NSWCCC tournament in Week 5. This will take place in Penrith where students will compete against other teams from around the state. As an added bonus we have also been able to enter an Open Boys Netball team, coached under the guidance of Mrs Behl. We are excited to have our very first Boys Netball team and look forward to seeing them compete at this competition. 

Elite/Aspiring Athlete Excursion

Students who are in the 2022/23 Athlete program will attend their final testing and program day at Bai Med in Week 6. I hope students have gained valuable experience and knowledge over the past 4 terms that they can use in their training. Applications for the 2023/24 program will open later this term. Stay tuned for more information.

Champion of Champions Oztag - Year 9/10 Girls

Our year 9/10 Girls Oztag team will compete at the Champion of Champions (State championship) event in Week 8 this term. These girls have been training to develop their fitness and skills and we hope they can gain some great experience and results at this championship.

Sporting Success

James Allen

Congratulations to James who competed in the Oran Park Rumble Series for skateboarding and placed 1st in the 13 and under category. Keep up the good work!

Grace Pomery

Congratulations to Grace who competed in the 18+ girls 6km as part of the NSWCCC team. She placed 6th, which is an automatic qualifier for Nationals through the schools system which is in Canberra on the 26^th August. Goodluck with training and lead up to this competition.

Caitlin Brooker

Congratulations to Caitlin who over the past few weeks has been competing as part of the Australian Karate Team. Caitlin placed in the top 20 worldwide for kata and top 15 worldwide for kumite in her age and weight category. This is a magnificent result and we hope she is extremely proud of herself. Caitlin also had the privilege of being the flag bearer for Australia in the closing ceremony. Well done Caitlin. You have a very exciting future ahead of you.

Zali Schofield

Congratulations to Zali Schofield who has been selected in the NSW All Schools hockey team. Zali recently represented our school as part of the NSWCCC Opens team and although their team did not win, her success in the next level of selection speaks volume of her talent. Goodluck at the next level Zali.

Cate Mansbridge & Kiara Shelton

During the holidays Kiara and Cate represented Kiama Netball Association and competed at the Junior State Netball Titles in Liverpool in Division 3 U14’s. The team finished 7/18 teams. Well done girls on your amazing effort. Both these girls will represent our school at the upcoming NSWCCC Teams event and are also part of our Elite/Aspiring Athlete Program.

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

This week students participated in two significant events in the career space at Joey’s: 

• Med Entry Webinar
• Apprenticeship Support Morning

Med Entry Webinar

Students interested in studying Medicine and Dentistry were invited to the webinar to learn about the UCAT, the interview process and to try some of the questions.

Apprenticeship Support Morning

Joey’s hosted a mini careers expo with 12 Industry Representatives here at school to present valuable career path information to 70 of our students. We also invited Corpus Christi students to our event. The Industries/employers represented at our event included:

ENDEVOUR ENERGY

BLUESCOPE

HVTC

TSNSW

DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING

IRT

SOUTH COAST ACADEMY

LUESSINK

ALLMEN INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

ECTRAC

NOVOTEL

Vet Ambassador

The students were placed in small groups and rotated around all the industry providers.

This was an opportunity that created awareness for all attendees of opportunities in a competitive labour market. Students’ responses were positive, some examples were:

I found the morning valuable because…

• I learnt what to put in my cover letter.
• How to get apprenticeships and what they include.
• Communication with Employers such as Endeavour, BlueScope, HVTC, so that I may be able to work for them in the future.
• That the bigger companies are probably the best to get an apprenticeship with because they have more connections.
• It made me aware of what each industry does.

70% of students said that they hope to apply to these companies in the near future and all students valued the event and were enriched by their attendance.

Thank you to Jenny Watts, Senior Project Officer Regional Industry Education Partnerships

Training Services NSW Illawarra, for helping us secure the participants and ensuring the event ran smoothly. We look forward to on-going projects and securing this event on our calendar for 2024.

Career Interviews

These are on-going and can be tailored to individual needs. If your child would like to see the Careers Adviser for support in career pathways please email me kennedys01@dow.edu.au 

Year 12

This week Year 12 have completed a survey outlining their career pathways for 2024.

Year 10/11/12

Students have been emailed about apprenticeship opportunities at BLUESCOPE

Year 7/8/9

TAPP LESSONS coming up next week for all students

Sue Kennedy

Transition and Pathways Specialists

Position Vacant 

Canteen Volunteers Wanted

We need your help! Mum's, Dad's, Grandparent's and Friend's, if you are able to support the canteen any weekday, please let us know by emailing info@sjchs.dow.catholic.edu.au and provide your contact details and availability. 

If you can give a couple of hours would be extremely helpful!

Please be advised that there will be a Staff Development Day/Pupil Free Day next Friday 4th August (week 3).

Within the week beginning the 31st July, there may be some Bus Service interruptions due to a detour being put in place on Broughton Avenue, Tullimbar, due to Sydney Water installing new water main across a section of Broughton Avenue for future homes in the Calderwood Development Area.

The interruption should only be in place for one day within the week of the 31st July to 4th August, the exact day is yet to be confirmed.

Sydney Water will have their traffic controllers in place to assist traffic around the area and will do their best to avoid school drop off and pick up times where possible.

See below flyer outlining further details.

Catholiccare offers a range of group work courses focusing on strengthening relationships, parenting, post-separation, supporting parents with children in care, managing challenging emotions and grief. Group programs are held in a supportive environment with others who share similar life experiences.  

Click below to view the Term 3 2023 group work courses.

Learning Collaboratively

We all have unique preferences when it comes to learning. Some students thrive in group settings, while others prefer solitary work. Certain individuals enjoy discussing topics over the phone or video calls, while some thrive in face-to-face collaborations. The saying "two heads are better than one" holds true, and it is interesting to explore how this applies to different types of students. 

If you tend to work alone most of the time, there are a few aspects worth considering:

• It's commendable that you are self-sufficient and confident in your abilities. However, it's important to recognise that at times, not asking for help when needed can make things more challenging for yourself. Don't hesitate to seek assistance when facing difficulties or struggling to comprehend something. Asking for help is a valuable skill that contributes to academic success. Become more aware of your tendency to avoid asking for help and make an effort to reach out when needed.
• Engaging in discussions with others often offers fresh perspectives and the opportunity to clarify your thoughts. By collaborating and exchanging ideas with another person, you may enhance the development of your own concepts and uncover potential issues that a new perspective can identify. If you haven't explored collaboration extensively, consider giving it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised by the value it adds to your learning experience.

On the other hand, if you already enjoy working with others, here are some points to keep in mind:

• Ensure that you contribute equally in group work and avoid relying on others to do all the work for you. Fair and balanced participation leads to a more productive and fulfilling collaborative environment.
• Remember that collaboration is distinct from cheating. While discussing an assignment and sharing thoughts on its approach is acceptable, it is not appropriate to jointly write the assignment or submit similar pieces of work. Maintain academic integrity and respect the boundaries of collaborative efforts.
• Stay focused and avoid wasting time during collaborative sessions. It's easy to get sidetracked, so make a conscious effort to remain on task and avoid distractions when working with others.
• Occasionally, challenge yourself to tackle tasks independently. If you consistently rely on your friends to complete your Maths homework, you may not truly gauge your own abilities. This lack of self-assessment can become problematic during tests or exams. Consider whether collaboration will genuinely enhance your work or if it is more suitable to attempt certain tasks on your own.
• Allocate specific time for independent work each night. If you prefer to collaborate while working from home, establish dedicated periods for collaboration and separate blocks for independent work. Avoid spending the entire evening on video calls with friends and instead create a balance between collaboration and individual effort.
• By reflecting on these points and adapting your approach to learning, you can maximize your potential and create a well-rounded academic experience. Embrace the strengths of both solitary work and collaboration and leverage them accordingly to foster personal growth and academic achievement. 

You and your parents can learn more about groupwork skills at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

Username: stjosephsalbionpark

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.

The FREE Learner Log Book Night Run scheduled for Tuesday 8 August 2023 provides young drivers and their supervisors the opportunity to participate in a planned drive which follows a route that includes a range of driving experiences. This event contributes to mandatory 20 hours of night time Log Book hours. Event starts at 6pm at lake Illawarra PCYC.

This event is an initiative of Shellharbour and Kiama Councils with their collaborative partners. All participants will receive an event goody bag and be in the draw to win a number of prizes. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL.

Link to REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.office.com/r/kBM2Vdzgr8