It is my pleasure to announce, following a recruitment process, Christopher Shelton has been appointed to the substantive position of Assistant Principal at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park, commencing in Term 4, 2023.

Christopher has taught and led in our diocese since 2006. Christopher has held the roles of Leader of Curriculum and Improvement at Corpus Christi Catholic High School, and Director of Learning and Teaching at St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park.

In addition to his substantive positions outlined above, Christopher has also completed extended periods of acting in the role of Assistant Principal.

We welcome Chris back to the St Joseph’s community and I am looking forward to working with him on the leadership team. 

Year 12 - we are coming to the final weeks of school. Keep working, do your best and take the opportunities that are offered to you for growth and development. To those students who receive early entry to university, let this take the pressure off but continue to show and do your best for yourself as this will give you more choices in the future.

Year 11 is moving to the phase of leadership as we are electing the 2024 School Captains. I commend all candidates as their insight and maturity they showed during leadership training yesterday was excellent.

Thank you to all parents and carers that came to our award ceremonies for students receiving Gold Principal’s Awards. It was great to see all students receiving recognition for all their hard work. We will be continuing with this format into the future and I look forward to seeing many more people receive awards.

Ms Amanda Wilson

Principal

Week 6 Term 3

In the world of Curriculum at St. Joseph’s, students in Years 8-10 are involved in subject selection processes. Students in Year 9 who have nominated themselves to study a Pathways Course in 2024 have started attending group conferences to give the students the opportunity to articulate why they would like to do these courses and reflect on the future as they move toward the HSC. So far, the students have presented themselves extremely well and are a credit to themselves. 

Next week Year 8 students will be given the opportunity to select the course preferences for 2024. Last Friday they were presented with information from the Leaders of Learning to supplement the information supplied in the Stage 5 Subject Information Book. Year 9 students not doing a Pathways course will be asked to nominate their subjects also next week.

Year 12 have recently completed their HSC Trials and should be now receiving their results back. We must commend students for their presentation and application to these exams. The Trial Exams are an opportunity to practice the processes involved in external exams as well as completing the exams themselves.

Year 12 Intensive Sessions

To support students in Year 12, students will be involved in Intensive Subject Sessions to assist in the preparations for the HSC Exams. Each session will be allocated approximately 3 hours in which the students will be supported through workshops to improve their exam preparations. These will be a combination of lecture style presentations and exam style practices. The timetable for the week is attached and it is an expectation that all students attend each session relevant to their studies. Where a student is in a class that does not have a HSC Exam, they will be directed to study venues to maximise what they have learnt. On Monday 11th September, there will be normal classes for all students. History Extension Students will have their session in the afternoon.

On Friday 15th September these sessions will conclude in the morning. This will be followed by the Finale Assemble for the House System. Again, all Year 12 students are expected to attend. Major Projects and HSC Performance Exams will be submitted over the next few weeks. We wish all students the very best with their results.

Mr Michael Shanahan

Acting Curriculum Coordinator

School Fees & Frequently Asked Questions

See below some frequently asked questions:

• In the case of hardship, families are encouraged to seek an Application for Fee Concession from the school office.
• On submission of the application with appropriate documentation, an interview with the principal will generally be made.
• Matters of hardship are treated with respect and in the strictest confidence.

What is an Application for Fee Concession?

• These applications are a formal way of applying for consideration in relation to hardship.
• They provide information and evidence to support your claim so that consideration may be given to such concessions as reduced payments, extensions of time or redunction in school fees.
• Fee concessions are reviewed annually and applications will be required to provide up to date financial information.
• In the case of families attending more than one school, schools may share this information so that assistance can be consdiered across schools.
• Concessions granted are generally based on your capacity to pay rather than set discounts.

Year 12 Hospitality

Year 12 Hospitality have created three recipes last week as well as completing their last practical this week. Chocolate mousse, sweet crepes with orange, chocolate and ricotta filling. Savoury crepes with ham, cheese and spinach filling.

For their last practical this week, they made a lovely Pasta Marinara. Fettuccine cooked to al dente swathed in mussels, scallops, ling pieces and prawns. The sauce was made with brunoise of onion, crushed garlic, tomato concasse, white wine and cream and garnished with parsley and basil. They also made Cajun spiced barramundi fillets with tomato, shallot and tomato salsa, served with a yogurt and coriander dressing, with coriander sprigs as a garnish.

NSWCCC Netball

Open Boys Netball

MVP - Thomas Avtarovski

What a privilege it was to be the coach of the inaugural boys Netball team that participated at the NSWCCC Netball Carnival. This Senior Team - made up of Year 9 and 10 boys, made St Joseph's proud with their sportsmanship, behaviour, cheering, helpfulness, smiles and gratefulness. Their skills developed over the weeks prior to the carnival and exponentially throughout the day. Some of the highlights from the day included the minimal stepping calls, some sleek passages of play, some great shots and players sharing a chicken nugget on the court. We can't forget the athleticism of some of the opposing teams too.

Open Girls Netball

MVP - Monica Tololeska

A sensational day out for our senior girls' team in Penrith. The girls showed exceptional athleticism and teamwork as they took on other schools from around the state. Monica Tololeska showed outstanding leadership in this team and the girls ability to bounce back from a few losses was great. Well done girl's on a great Netball season.

9/10 Girls Netball

MVP - Chloe Norris 

On Tuesday the 15th of August, students from SJCHS travelled to Penrith to compete in the CCC Netball Gala Day. It was an early start for all students involved on an unusually warm August Day. The girls team played 5 games of Netball against schools from across the State. This was the second Netball Gala Day the intermediate team participated in for 2023. They all showed tremendous school spirit and respect for each other as well as their opposition both on and off the court.  A special mention to our MVP Chloe Norris from year 10 for her outstanding efforts in all areas of the court, playing centre for most of the games. Well done and amazing job to Chloe and all the girls for their wonderful efforts and sportsmanship.

Amelia Dimitrievski (GA), Dior Doherty (GS), Chelsea Whalen (GK), Gemma Creswell (WD), Bethany Campbell (GA), Chloe Norris (C, WA), Amali Warrener (reserve), Isabella Micovski (GS), Kelsey May (GD, GK), Cate Mansbridge (WA, C) and Sarah Wyber (GD, WD).

7-8 Girls Netball

MVP - Sienna Kaschubs

Last Tuesday the Year 7/8 girls had the pleasure of participating in the NSWCCC netball championships in Penrith. The day turned out perfect with the weather, sun was shining, and girls were exceptional. Even though we only came away with 1 win for the day, the girls put their all onto the court and gave it their very best! Teams were rough, but the girls held strong and pushed to the final whistle. These girls should be extremely proud of themselves for the effort and sportsmanship they showed throughout the day!!

Well done girls!

SJCHS World Cup Soccer

The past few weeks have been awesome to watch our students participate in the SJCHS World Cup Soccer Tournament. Last week we commenced the senior tournament with Years 10-12 playing to make the finals.

Unfortunately, the Year 12’s bowed out in the preliminary rounds which saw the Year 10, and 2 x Year 11 teams progress to the semis. In a close battle in the semi-finals, the two Year 11 teams (Darwizzy & Hashtag United) moved to the Grand Final. This was a hotly contested game until the final minutes which saw Hashtag United take the win.

The playoff for the final World Cup was played between the Junior winners (Brexit FC) and the Senior winners (Hashtag United). This game was a sensational turnout by the school with the sidelines busily cheering on their favourite team to win. A confident goal to start the second half of the game by Hashtag United saw them feel confident in winning but after a free kick to Brexit FC, the scores became level and led to a penalty shootout to finish the game.

On the fourth attempt at penalty, Brexit FC scored to take out the overall winner of the 2023 SJCHS World Cup tournament.

I would like to congratulate both teams on making it to the grand final and also thanks all the other teams for participating in this tournament.

Elite/Aspiring Applications

St Joseph's Catholic High School has partnered with BaiMed Performance to develop our Aspiring / Elite Athlete Program.  The program is for students who are aspiring or participating at elite level in their chosen sport.  The program encompasses not only their sporting achievements but creates a viable future pathway which includes their academic studies.

Applications are NOW open via our school Website and on Compass.

Applications close: Wednesday 30th August, 4pm.

No late applications will be accepted.

Champion of Champions State Oz Tag

In Week 8, our Year 9-10 Girls Oz Tag Team will be competing at the State Championships in Sydney. This is a 2 day tournament that the girls have been training for and we are looking forward to seeing their hard work pay off. Goodluck to the following girls representing our school:

• Olivia Alaban
• Kayleigh Alaban
• Heidi Colless
• Dior Doherty
• Lola Garcia
• Chantel Hristovska
• Tasha Moylan
• Mia Neill
• Kiana Rieck
• Mia Tarlinton
• Alexandra Tololeska
• Keeley Tynan

Health and Physical Education Week

Australian school children rank among the lowest in the world when it comes to their physical activity levels. To tackle this problem, they need to be taught skills and have better knowledge and understanding of how to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

That’s why National Health and Physical Education (HPE) Day has been designed to raise awareness of, and advocate for, a greater focus of HPE in our schools.

The theme of HPE day is Good for Children, Good for Schools and Good for Communities and in 2023 HPE day will be celebrated throughout Week 8. We will have a range of activities that focus and promote holistic health.

Year 12 Staff vs Students Volleyball

On Friday 8th August (Week 8), Year 12 will verse our amazing staff team in a hotly contested Volleyball match in the gym. The staff are looking forward to showing their athletic prowess on the court against the Year 12s in their final weeks at St Joseph’s. Students from other year groups are invited to watch the game in the school gym, by donating a gold coin donation on entry. The raised funds will go towards Year 12 fundraising.

There will be limited seating available, so it will be first in, best dressed on the day. This is something you won’t want to miss out on watching!

Jump Rope for Heart

Our school has so far fundraised $378 for the Heart Foundation. We have 4 weeks left to fundraise for this great cause.

Donations can be made to our school page here:

https://www.jumprope.org.au/fundraisers/37FC7A/jump-rope-for-heart-2023

Upcoming Events

Junior Boys Cricket (7-9)

Trials have commenced with 27 boys nominating for this team. Please stay tuned for further information regarding the next trial.

Boys & Girls Basketball

Teams have now been confirmed and information will be sent out to those players regarding the tournament early next term. Please keep an eye out for this on Compass.

Rugby 7s

We are looking forward to commencing our Rugby 7s training in Week 8. Mr Denelly and Mr Shanahan will be looking to select multiple teams to take to the tournament next term.

If you have not nominated yet and would still like to, these will remain open until Wednesday next week.

Nominate here: https://forms.gle/LNYgKQ8Uz7KiqQXc9

Sporting Success

Sienna Bourke (written by Sienna)

During the first 2 weeks of August my fellow teammates and I had the privilege to represent Australia in Pattaya, Thailand at the Dragon Boating World Championships. After a weeklong fight against other countries, we placed 3rd overall, coming home with bronze.

During the weeklong racing event competing in over 30 races, I learnt the gruelling and tasking effect it has on not only the physical tiredness but also the mental strength needed to keep pushing. I went through this experience with all the others I paddled alongside. We battled the heat and we raced our hearts out, competing against countries with far more experience than many of those I am proud to call my teammates. Throughout the week we were successful in saying that we gave our all during the races and left it all on the water. Despite not taking the win, we won in our hearts gaining experience and friendship along the way.

Latisha Akuoka

Congratulations to Latisha, who represented the U16 Girls Southern Country Team in Sydney last week. An amazing experience for her and we can’t wait for her to develop further over the next few years in this sport.

Tyler Morris

Congratulations to Tyler Morris who recently competed at the Martial Arts Open Invitational and placed 1st in Gi BJJ & 2nd in MMA.

Zane Ristevski

Congratulations to Zane Ristevski who was one of five U14 boys selected to represent the Illawarra at the NSW Basketball Country Talented 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

What's Happening in the Careers Space?

LIFE COACHING SRC LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Student Representative Council (SRC) members are upskilling and practising their
teamwork, collaboration and communication skills on assemblies. The program is based on the Blueprint for Careers Development and links career education to topics like Lifelong Learning. Thanks to Oliver Farrugia, Xavier Infante and Heidi Lewis for delivering a great speech to the school community.

SES WORKSHOP

On the 18th August our students participated in a SES Workshop. The students really
enjoyed the activities and this experience has inspired some of them to apply to be
volunteers. Thank you to Mr Fenech for accompanying the students and writing a report which is included in this newsletter.

ONGOING ONE TO ONE INTERVIEWS

Students can email me for appointments to discuss career opportunities, interview
techniques and job applications. Over the last fortnight many students have taken up this opportunity. Year 12 students are welcome to drop into the careers room at lunchtimes should they need any further support in their transition from school to the workforce and beyond. A recent survey was conducted to our Year 12 students to indicate their future plans and career needs before they leave school.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Coming events include guest speakers at lunctimes as part of Social Science Week (Week 8). Students can enrol to be in the audience to hear about careers in the following areas: archaeology, park ranger and tour guide, climatologist/ environmental science and town planning.

CAREER SPOTLIGHT on ASSEMBLY

This will be a regular addition to assemblies every fortnight. Last week the role of the careers adviser was discussed to inform students of the services provided within our school for them to access.

POSITIONS VACANT

Labourer position with Concretor

Should any students be wishing to leave school and start their career as a labourer we know of a 2-3 day position. This could be an excellent opportunity to network with other trades people to secure a future apprenticeship.

Landscaping Apprenticeship
A position has become available with a local Landscaping business. If you would like more information on either of these positions please contact Mrs kennedy.

Transport for NSW Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Currently, Transport for NSW have a number of Apprenticeship and Traineeships open for 2024 in both metro and regional areas. Currently on offer are:

• Business Traineeships
• Bridge Construction Apprenticeship
• Heavy Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship
• Project Management Traineeships
• Electrical Apprenticeship
• Civil Construction Apprenticeship
• Painting and Blasting Traineeship

A number of trainee roles are also available.

MOCK INTERVIEW REQUEST

We would like to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a mock job interview. This would take place early Term 4. We are seeking parents who may be interested in interviewing students, who have a volunteer WWCC to contact Mrs Kennedy to participate in this worthwhile event.

COMING UP SOON…

UOW Year 12 Summer Master Class Information Sessions 12th & 20th September - ATTENTION YEAR 11 PARENTS

Our 3-week Summer Master Class program allows you to complete a university subject and secure an offer to a UOW degree or diploma to kick start your higher education journey. Want to learn more about our Summer Master Classes program? We are hosting live online information sessions for students, parents and teachers about the January 2024 course. In this session we will provide an overview of the program benefits, structure and dates, with an opportunity for you to ask any questions at the end. If you are unable to attend either live session, please still register below and we will send you a recording of the session after the event. This event has been flagged with yr 11 students.

Creative Arts Opportunities ….

- Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School September Open Day 16 September
- National Summer Art Scholarship - National Gallery of Australia. Applications close 15 October
- NIDA Holiday Courses 28 Sept - 8 Oct
- Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School September Open Day 16 September
- Sydney Actors School - Acting Technique Classes September School Holidays Starts 25th September
- Sydney Film School - Make A Short Film - September School Holidays Starts 25 September

UAC Key Date Reminders Details of all Semester 1, 2024

Courses offered by UAC’s participating institutions are now available, so it's a perfect time to get started on your UAC application if you haven't already. Remember, if you apply before 29 September, you’ll avoid a significant increase in the application fee.
Your Key Dates:

• 18 September - School Recommendation Scheme applications close 29 September - Early Bird Deadline - Significant increase to application fee after this date

• 23 November - Educational Access Scheme (EAS) application and documentation deadline for December Round 2 Offers

• 14 December - 2023 ATARs released

• 21 December - December Round 2 Offers released

UAC Schools Recommendation Scheme Applications Close 18 September

The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) is one way institutions make early offers of undergraduate admission to Year 12 students. They do this by using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR. Each institution has its own policy for determining SRS eligibility and making offers. For example, you may also have to submit an EAS application, institution-defined dates, or attend a school in a particular region.

UOW - Online Pathways Information Session 6 September Looking for a pathway to get into uni? Use your time wisely and get started on your pathway to UOW. UOW College offers pathway courses that can guarantee* entry into a range of bachelor programs, some with direct entry into the second year.

University of Sydney Webinar Architecture and the Built Environment 13 September
University of Sydney Webinar Nutrition and Dietetics at Sydney 13 September
Early Offer to Study Visual Arts at the Sydney College of the Arts Submit by 31 August
UTS Early Entry Closes Soon Closes 4 September
Charles Sturt Advantage Round 3 Closing Soon Applications Due by 31 August
University of Canberra Open Day 2023 16 September
Notre Dame Young Achievers Early Entry Program Applications Close 30 September
UCAT and Pathways into Medicine Information Session 13 September

Please contact Sue Kennedy on kennedys01@dow.catholic.edu.au for any further information.

Sue Kennedy

Transition and Pathways Specialists

The Inaugural Year of our House System is coming to an end, with our Finale Assembly to be held on Friday 15th of September.

At this assembly we will have time to reflect on the year that was for each house, recognise the contribution and efforts of individuals from each House and announce the House Champions for 2023. Parents and Carers are most welcome to attend this celebration. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the House Leardership Teams for the outstanding work they have done throughout the year supporting the development of this community building initiative. Our leadership group includes:

• Keira - Mr. Young, Chloe Bloomfield, Xavier Infante
• Kembla - Mrs. Hartup/Mrs. Musgrave, Olivia Wishart, Lucas Thompson
• Warrigal - Mr. Maguire, Mackenzie Best, Isabelle Dimitrievski
• Marshall - Mr. Fenech, Harvey Andrews, Hunter Graham
• Macquarie - Miss Sneddon, Lara Grimson, Isabelle Plattner

Our new leaders will be presented to the school on the 15th of September. Students in Year 10 are asked to complete the Expression of Interest from that has been sent out through Compass if you are interested in becoming a House Leader for 2024, beginning Term 4 2023. To be eligible to be a House Leader, you must have exhibited positive and supportive behaviours while at St. Joseph's. It is important to note that this is not a "Sports Leader" role, rather it is for someone who will support all community, faith, environmental, leadership, and sports activities. You will be required to be part of the 2024 SRC and undergo any training associated with the SRC role. Submit your Expression of Interest by Thursday 31st August.

I look forward to a fantastic finale and another big year in 2024. Some addition will be the displaying of house banners at major events and house meetings. These can be viewed below. 

Mr. Michael Shanahan

Last week Year 9 travelled into the chilly Southern Highlands for their overnight camp at Camp Wombaroo. With two days filled with adventure and challenges, hopefully it was an experience that has left a lasting impression on Year 9.

Camp started on Thursday morning with Year 9 gathering with anticipation at the school gates waiting to board the coaches to take them to Camp Wombaroo. The journey was eventful as Macquarie Pass was closed and the coaches had to travel via Picton, taking nearly two hours to arrive. This journey was a bit too long for some with a quick bathroom break needed halfway!

Once Year 9 arrived they were given the lay of the land, assigned rooms for the night and divided into their groups for the next two days. Activities ranged from pulse-pounding adventures to thought-provoking initiatives. Raft building put students' engineering skills to the test, while canoeing allowed them to navigate the tranquil waters as a team. The vertical challenge and high ropes courses had hearts racing and provided an opportunity to conquer fears and support one another.

After dinner, each group retreated to their own campfire sites, where laughter, stories, and the warmth of the fire brought them even closer together.

Friday morning brought a new set of challenges as the weather had turned as it started to rain and the temperature dropped even further. Luckily the rain cleared up for the students to enjoy their last two activities for the camp.

Student Reflections:

• I believe that Year 9 camp was a wonderful learning experience. Not only did we learn life lessons, but we also learned how to work as a team. - Mondre Gella, 9 Keira
• Year 9 Camp is a highly anticipated annual event that brings us closer together through teamwork and individual challenges. Our group 'Shazam,' led by Miss Power and Matt, tackled each challenge with a positive outlook, fostering strong bonds amidst tough weather and stepping out of our comfort zones.  - Mia Tarlinton 9 Kembla
• Year 9 camp was a really good experience and we got to participate in lots of fun activities. - Amelia Dimitrievski, 9 Kembla
• I had a fun experience getting to be with my mates away from school for 2 days doing plenty of fun activities with the group. The lasagna was pretty good too. - Tristan Denmeade 9 Keira
• Year 9 camp was a great experience and was really fun. The instructors were nice and helpful and created fun activities for us to do. I would definitely go back. - Bethany Campbell 9 Kembla
• The camp staff were really kind and compassionate. Camp was a good place to bond with peers and share new experiences together. - Kelsey May 9 Marshall
• Year 9 Camp was a highly positive experience for all. The activity that I enjoyed the most was the vertical challenge as it was great to see many people get out of their comfort zone. I enjoyed spending time with my friends and making memories.  - Lauren Kotevski, 9 Macquarie
• Year 9 Camp was an amazing experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the Campfire and spending time with my friends. - James Billett, 9 Macquarie.

The success of the Year 9 camp would not have been possible without the dedication of our teachers, the support of parents, and, most importantly, the enthusiastic participation of our students.

Peer Support has continued over the last two weeks and we are now halfway through the program for 2023.  Year 7 have been enjoying sessions about healthy relationships and strengthening the connections they have made as well as getting to know their leaders even more. 

Session Three - Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships

Understanding the qualities of a healthy friendship were explored during this session. Students identified and discussed the qualities they admire and value in their friendships and explored ways to promote these. Discussing the diverse responses deepened the understanding of the students about accepting and embracing different views and different people. 

Cyber safety was also explored during this session. Students explored the importance of behaving responsibly and respectfully online. They used skills such as empathy to consider how posts or texts might make another person feel. Students explored how Cyber communication can seem faceless but have a dramatic effect on another person. 

Session Four - My View

The focus of this session was strengthening our connections. Students explored the importance of being encouraging, thankful and looking for opportunities to exercise kindness in everyday relationships. Students were led by their Peer Leaders in discussions about behaving in a friendly manner towards others while not having to be friends with everyone. Research supports the development of these important skills in building strong young people and thereby minimising unkind or bullying behaviours. 

The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Review were discussed in the context of all students and staff playing a role in creating a safe and supportive school. The activities during this session explored the emotions that are felt when people are disrespectful to students or their friends. Students brainstormed ways of responding to this disrespectful behaviour that will cool the situation down and keep the 3R’s in mind. Research supports the influence that Bystanders and Upstanders can have on unkind or bullying behaviour. 

I encourage you to ask your young person to share with you some of the ideas they have learnt over the last 2 weeks. Please visit the Student Wellbeing Hub and gather ideas on supporting your child in contributing to the positive environment at school. The next two sessions will focus on relationships and how to address conflict.

Mrs Brooke Tomajka

Stage 5 PALS Coordinator

On the 11th August some of the Year 9 and Year 11 SRC students were invited to represent St Joseph’s at the Whitlam Youth Roundtable with Stephen Jones MP.

The Whitlam Youth Leaders Roundtable brings together students from across the area to talk about issues and concerns that are important to them with Stephen Jones such as climate change, mental health, education, unemployment etc. Throughout the day, the students participated in workshopping ideas and collaborating with other students. The students also learnt to work as a team by being involved in team building exercises and learning about how to be effective leaders with the Dragon football players.

It was an enjoyable day and a great opportunity for students to be heard and voice their opinions as future leaders. 

Mrs Flora Curcio-Borg

SRC Coordinator

• Angus Craddock (Year 10)
• Alexander Daly (Year 10)
• Phoenix Chetcuti (Year 9)
• Samuel Duke (Year 8)
• Kieran Blissett (Year 7)

Social Sciences Week runs across Australia from the 4^th to the 10^th of September.

It is a week that celebrates and showcases the diverse range of social sciences disciplines and research in Australia. Social sciences are key to understanding humanity, society and the institutions which govern our daily lives.

During Social Sciences Week (Week 8), the HSIE faculty will be running a series of events, activities and competitions to celebrate everything Social Science. Students will also partake in a careers and TAPPS lesson about jobs and careers in the social science field.

On Wednesday 6^th of September during social sciences week, we are encouraging students and staff to dress as their favourite person in history (no dictators allowed) 

There will be a range of guest speakers at lunchtime to discuss their career in social science and where social science subjects can take our students. We have the following guest speakers at lunch time during the week:

• Archaeologist Sarah McGuiness
• Park Ranger from Minnamurra Rainforest
• Environment Manager and Town Planner Jessica Lintern
• Environmental Scientist from ANSTO Alexandra Boyd 

Parents are asked to encourage their students to attend these lunchtime sessions. Parents need to give consent on Compass for their child to attend these lunchtime sessions.

We are looking forward to a great week of Social Science activities!!

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.

The Diocese of Wollongong are running numerous events in the second half of 2023 which may be of interest to families. Please see details outlined below for the upcoming events held in October, 2023:

Growing Good Men Father and Son Weekend/Father and Teenage Son Weekend Experience: 20-22 October 2023 Cataract Scout Camp, Appin

One of the most important influences in the lives of men is the relationship they had with their father or significant father figure. The encouragement and affirmation that this relationship could, and should, provide, is a key ingredient for how young men view themselves and embrace their gifts as they take their place in the world. Don't miss this life-changing father and son weekend! Spots are limited to just 25 fathers with their sons aged between 12 and 16 years. This is a unique opportunity for dads and their sons to embark on a quest of discovery with Robert Fakzon and the team from menALIVE.

Register online dow.org.au/events/menalive-growing-good-men-weekend/

menAlive_Growing_Good_Men_2023_DL_brochure.pdf

menAlive_Growing_Good_Men_2023_DL_brochure _pdf 1.02 MB

Family Camping Weekend 27-29 October

Held at Guntawang Catholic Youth Centre - Woolgemai Campground near Picton, this weekend is growing in popularity and bringing Catholic families from around the Diocese together for food, fun and fellowship with camping and bunk room accommodation options. More information and bookings: dow.sh/CompassCampingOct23

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!