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- From the Principal
- From the Acting Assistant Principal
- From the Curriculum Office
- Administration Reminders
- Upcoming Events
- TAS - What's been Happening?
- Career News
- House System Final Assembly
- Health & Physical Education Week
- Peer Support Program at Joey's!
- Social Sciences Week 2023
- The Environment Club
- Year 7 Kendo Martial Arts
- Bangawarra Cultural Day
- 2023 Australian Geography Competition
- See, Act, Judge Workshop
- VET Award Winners
- Premiers Reading Challenge
- Catholic Family Camping Weekend (27-29 October)
- Catholiccare Term 3 Courses
- Singing Lessons
- School Canteen
- Football South Coast - FREE Girl's Football Sessions
- Learning Curve
St Joseph’s is a place of “Hope”, it is a gift from God as part of grace…hope for the future, hope in making a difference …. Hope has many aspects. Over the last week I heard of Hope being a ‘place’ where you have the freedom from fear, humiliation, and destruction. I thought this was a very thoughtful image. Jesus brings hope and brings it to a place when people act with compassion and kindness and inclusion …. I want St Joseph’s not just to be a place of ‘hope’ but a beacon of ‘hope’. Where students take on the Josephite values to make a difference in the world.
Good luck to Year 11 who are moving into their exams next week, this is the culmination of your preliminary year. Please give it your best effort. Doing exams is a skill and it takes practice to learn to manage your time and nerves so you can do your best thinking and show what your knowledge about your subject areas and apply the skills you have learnt to different situations.
Our Year 12 move into the intensive week of learning to prepare you have your HSC examinations. Congratulations to those students who received early entry but now is the time to keep working towards your HSC and put your best effort in to reach your potential. The Early entry is to be celebrated but achieving the best result from thirteen years of school is really what you should be aiming for. I would ask that parents and caregivers support their young person to be the best they can be.
I would like to thank the Science and HSIE faculties for the last two weeks of activities promoting their areas including related professions for students to think about. It is wonderful the efforts the staff have put in to make the students learning dynamic and engaging.
I would like to thank Anna Watson, the member for Shellharbour for her visit last Wednesday. Anna is helping with our bus dilemmas and assisting us to move forward with the possible change of bell times to miss the traffic congestion around the Dapto, Albion Park and Shellharbour area to reduce student travel time and that then allows them to better engage with their learning.
Ms Amanda Wilson
Principal
Term 3, Week 8
Mobile Phones
I would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone about our mobile phone policy, why it is in place and seek everyone's support in following this process. We are aware that in today’s society most students have access to mobile devices and other technologies such as smart watches. Our challenge is to support students to navigate the use of this technology in a way that does not have a negative impact on their learning and overall sense of wellbeing. For this reason, we developed a school wide policy regarding mobile phones at school several years ago. The newly elected State Government has implemented a ban on mobile phones across all NSW public schools from the beginning of term 4. Considering this, it is appropriate to remind the entire St Joseph’s community of our mobile phone policy.
In essence the use of mobile phones at St Joseph’s is banned. Students are required to turn their phones off once they arrive at school (i.e. as they walk through the gates). They are then allowed to turn their phones on once the school day has ended at 3:25pm. In some cases, students may be given permission from a teacher to use a phone for educational purposes e.g. seniors taking photos of major projects as part of the process of completing their folios. Students found to be using their phones outside of these guidelines will have their phones confiscated and held at the front office where they can be picked up at the end of the day.
We have recently noticed an increase in students not prepared to follow this policy. Not only does this detract from learning, but it also creates a lot of unnecessary extra work for teachers and office staff as well. There is overwhelming evidence that supports the positive impact of a ban of mobile phones in schools in generating positive learning outcomes and decreases in behavioural issues. In short, the benefits include:
- Fostering focussed learning as students are more engaged in what is happening in the classroom when free from distractions of SMS, and social media notifications.
- Supporting wellbeing by encouraging students to engage in face-to-face interactions with fellow students and teachers.
- Reducing cyberbullying and digital stress as the 6 or so hours at school can provide students a respite from constant digital exposure they may have outside of school.
- Fostering responsibility by forcing students to manage their time and communication outside of school hours helping them to better develop time management practices and prioritise academic responsibilities.
- Enhancing teacher-student interactions by focussing on supporting and understanding students rather than having to enforce disciplinary measures for actions that in no way support the key goal of learning.
Whether it is learning to play an instrument, writing an essay, solving a maths problem or playing a sport, one of the key ingredients to being successful is to be present and concentrating to understand and develop the required knowledge and skills. School should be a place where students switch off their phones and switch on their minds. All we are asking is for everyone's support to have students turn their phones off for 6 or so hours out of a 24 hour day.
For decades before mobile phones were so prevalent families would contact the school office if there was a need to contact a student throughout the day. This is a very efficient process, and we ask that families support our efforts in this matter by continuing to follow this process should the need to contact your student arise.
By creating a distraction-free environment, promoting face-to-face interactions, and reducing digital stress, we aim to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed academically and in life. We believe that this decision will ultimately benefit our school community and prepare our students for a future where they can responsibly use technology as a tool for learning and growth.
We ask for the communities’ support regarding this matter and that parents/carers discuss this with their students.
Mr Brett Moran
Acting Assistant Principal
Week 8 Term 3
Year 11 Exams 11th - 22nd September
We wish all our Year 11 students and Year 10 Pathways students all the very best as they begin their Exams on Monday.
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.
Subject Selection Stages 5 & 6
Subject processes for Stages 5 and 6 will finalised over the coming weeks. If students have questions about their subject selections they are encouraged to contact the Curriculum Office. Information pertaining to Year 12, 2024 will be communicated to the students by the end of the term.
Mr Michael Shanahan
Acting Curriculum Coordinator
P&F Meeting - Monday 11 September
Our next P&F Meeting will be held on Monday 11 September via Zoom commencing at 7 pm. Please join our Zoom - everyone is welcome. Zoom link here!
School Fees & Frequently Asked Questions
A reminder about school fees for those families who have significant amounts still outstanding.
We have been asked by the CEO to follow up outstanding school fees. We ask that you address any outstanding fees as soon as possible.
We appreciate your support with the payment of your fees.
If you are experiencing significant financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to speak to the finance office.
See below some frequently asked questions:
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.
Why do you need my personal and financial information?
Fee Concession consideration is a financial decision requiring financial information. Therefore, there are certain things we ask you to commit to providing in order for us to consider your request for hardship assistance:
- We ask that you complete an Application for Fee Concession and provide us with the reason/s that are the cause of your hardship.
- We ask that you provide personal and financial documentation to assist us make sound financial decisions that will have the right outcome for your family.
- We ask that you work with us, and respond to reasonable requests we make both verbally and in writing to you for further information and/or documentation.
- We ask that you attend an interview with the Principal to discuss your situation.
- We are unable to consider your Application unless this infiormation is supplied.
Why do I need to have an annual review of my school fee concession?
- School fees are invoiced annually and therefore your committment changes each year.
- There is also the possibility that your family's situation has changed.
- Fee Concession decisions must be made on current information.
SJCHS Upcoming Events during Week 9 & 10
Monday 11th - Friday 22nd September - Year 11 Exams in the Hall
Friday 15th September - The House System Final Assembly will be held in the Gym from 11:30am to 1:00pm
Tuesday 19th September - Year 12 Picnic Day
Wednesday 20th September - Year 12 Graduation and Final Assembly. Year 12 Graduation will commence at 9:30am in the Hall followed by the Final Assembly, which will be held in the Gym
Friday 22nd September - Last day of Term 3 for Year 7-10
Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber Projects
An amalgamation of 10 months work has resulted in an outstanding presentation of hard work and dedication. Students are commended on their fantastic results in designing, managing and constructing a timber project and accompanying portfolio.
What's happening in the careers space!
This week has been Social Science Week and to help support and inform students of opportunities in the humanities area students have had opportunities to attend lunchtime sessions with guest speakers. The guests have been Sarah McGuiness, a Principal Archaeologist and Cultural Heritage Specialist at Curio Projects, Melissa Le Curf from Minnamurra Rainforest who spoke about careers as Park Ranger, Field Officer and informed students of opportunities to do volunteer work. Thursday, we had Jessica Lintern from Shellharbour City Council talking about Town Planning as a career and Friday from Ansto Alexandra Boyd spoke about opportunities in the environmental arena.
TAPP Lessons
Students from Year 7-10 have had careers lessons which focused on career planning and awareness. Year 7 specifically looked at their favorite subjects and started to align their interests and passion with future career paths. Year 8 focused on entrepreneurship and considered a pathway to owning their own business. Year 9 have developed a game plan using a platform called the Careers Department. Year 10 focused on writing cover letters.
SBAT Opportunity
See flyer attached.
Western Sydney University Bizfluencers Workshop 25-26
September School of Business will be in its second year running a series of workshops for all students, especially those who are hoping to learn more about the entrepreneurial journey. Bizfluencers is an exciting school holiday workshop program offered by the School of Business at Western Sydney University, targeted at high school students in Years 9 – 10.
The program aims to connect aspiring Business Influencers (‘Bizfluencers’) with business leaders, researchers and practitioners in the 1PSQ Business Lab to explore the future of business.
Bizfluencers will consist of a range of two full-day workshops offered on Monday, 25 – Tuesday, 26 September 2023. Please see the University website for more details.
ATAR Notes Free HSC Revision
Head Start Lectures 25-29 September
Join thousands of students that tune in to our live-streamed lectures. Our legendary lectures, delivered by elite past students, can give you a huge study advantage. Lectures in a variety of topics, including:
- English (Standard and Advanced)
- Biology
- PDHPE
- Chemistry
- Mathematics (Extension 1, Advanced and Standard 2)
- Physics
- Economics
- Legal Studies
- Business Studies
- Modern History
- Studies of Religion
The House System Final Assembly will take place next Friday, 15th September, in the Gym. We will take the opportunity to look back over the week that was and celebrate the achievements of all students.
Parents and Carers are welcome to attend, with the Assembly starting at 11.30am and finishing by 1.00pm.
Our new house leaders will be presented to the school at the final assembly.
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 saw Year 7 participate in Session Five of the Peer Support program - Make it Work. Students discussed skills for effective conflict resolution including understanding perspectives, empathy, listening and responding. Students were led through activities that explore the fact that conflict and disagreement between friends is a very normal occurrence and as such some conflict can be avoided and other conflict can be worked through with a smooth resolution. It is important for your young person to learn these skills and have the opportunity to practise them.
Relationship conflict can occur when actions and words are misinterpreted or perceived differently to the way they were intended. Students explored strategies to repair relationships after an argument. Activities led students to discover tactful ways of communicating with others, so conflict is minimised. A range of successful strategies and responses were shared and explored with a clear understanding that everyone has the right to be treated with respect. This approach also applies to online interactions and behaviour.
I encourage you to keep open communication with your child regarding all behaviours and build understanding how important it is to be kind to others as we never know what they’re going through. Ask your child to look for opportunities to be kind.
Mrs Brooke Tomajka
Stage 5 PALS Coordinator
This week we celebrated Social Sciences Week. It is a week that celebrates and showcases the diverse range of social sciences disciplines and research in Australia. It is an important week as social sciences are key to understanding humanity, society and the institutions which govern our daily lives.
During Social Sciences Week the HSIE faculty ran a series of events, activities, and competitions to celebrate everything Social Science. Students partook in artifact painting, geocaching, geography scavenger hunts, break out rooms and participated in a TAPPS lesson with Mrs Kennedy where they learnt about the careers available from studying Social Sciences. On Wednesday, there was also a dress as your favourite person in history day.
We would like to thank the students and staff who helped celebrate Social Sciences Week!!
The environment club has been very busy over the past month getting ready for the Edmund Rice Sustainability Conference and the start of Season of Creation which was launched on Monday 4 September with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Liturgy 2023. The liturgy reminded the school community of our duty to care for the environment. Students and staff were encouraged to commit to lifestyles of less waste and unnecessary consumption so that together we can care for God’s creation.
The school community is invited to consider these five options for making a difference to the environment. We have a month to see results from our care and commitment to the task.
- Place rubbish in (correct) bin
- Plant trees to clean the air
- Reuse rather than purchasing new
- Bring a waste-free lunch and reusable drink bottle
- Walk/ride rather than drive
After the liturgy, there was a House Clean up around the school with Marshall winning with 42 bags of rubbish. A total of 141 bread bags filled with rubbish were collected from the school grounds.
The sustainability conference held at Edmund Rice on 25th August was a wonderful, community filled day. Schools came together from the Illawarra and Sydney region to share ideas, collaborate, and discuss the issues our environment is faced with in 2023 and beyond. We were so blessed to have the General manager of Green Connect - Robert Servine, talk to us about the hardships they endured during the pandemic and how they are dealing with it. Green Connect is a not-for-profit social enterprise that employs young people and former refugees in jobs that help the planet and the community – reducing waste and growing fair food.
We also had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Costa from Gardening Australia. He was one incredibly passionate person who shared his concerns and solutions with us. Our six Year 10 Joey’s students represented us with pride and enthusiasm - sharing our ideas but also gathering as much information as possible to help us implement some new ideas in the future. Some of the students said:
“I particularly enjoyed listening to the initiatives happening in other schools right now, as it allowed me to come up with new ideas on what we could implement at our school”
“I learnt about other schools and how they are dealing with sustainability. I was also taught a lot about how to be confident in my own mission to save the environment and that I shouldn’t let other people stop me.”
“Sharing ideas was enjoyable and insightful. It was a fun day and meet heaps of new people with great ideas.”
Thanks for a wonderful term of all things environmental!
Nat Behl and Clare Musgrave
Environment Coordinators
Last Thursday, some students in year seven got the opportunity to learn kendo. Kendo is the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship or fencing. We were taught three striking techniques, men, do and kote. We were able to practise on the sensei’s and some people were lucky enough to be able to fight each other. They got dressed in the traditional kendo gear and used the shinai (sword) to challenge each other. Kendo is a good sport as it develops both the mind, body and spirit. We are very grateful for the opportunity, and we had lots of fun!
Geography students from St Joseph's tested their geographical skills and knowledge against students from all around Australia in the 2023 Australian Geography Competition.
Mr Dowdell had recently received the results and was very pleased with the results. We had a number of student geographers at our school who performed to a very high level in the Competition this year with 12 participants, 3 of which got High Distinctions, 2 distinctions and 2 credits.
Over 65,000 students from 700 schools across Australia entered the Australian Geography Competition so the results gave us an external benchmark as to how our students are doing in certain aspects of geography. The competition aims to encourage student interest in geography and to reward student excellence. Geography is such an important subject because it develops in students a holistic understanding of the world around them , and their place in it.
- Arianna Barlow - Year 7 - Participation
- Keiran Blissett - Year 7 - High Distinction
- Mackenzie Emmerson - Year 7 - Distinction
- Jackson Jongsma - Year 7 - Credit
- Gabriella Marsala - Year 7 - High Distinction (Top 10% in her age group)
- Daniel Medina - Year 7 - High Distinction (Top 5% in his age group)
- Charlotte Pike - Year 7 - Participation
- Noah Sutherland - Year 7 - Participation
- Chloe Uremovic - Year 7 - Participation
- Jacob Vilella - Year 7 - Participation
- Angus Craddock - Year 10 - Distinction
- Alexander Daly - Year 10 - Credit
On Monday, September 4th, representatives from the Student Representative Council attended a social justice workshop led by the Catholic Education Office of Wollongong. The See, Judge, Act workshop’s focus was to ‘Listen, Learn, Love - A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’. Students and teachers gathered from all high schools around the diocese to unpack the Catholic Bishops annual Social Justice Statement.
Throughout the day, students witnessed a traditional First Nations smoking ceremony. Students engaged in positive and productive conversation across schools on how to better listen, learn and love. At the end of the workshop, students painted what this theme meant using traditional Aboriginal symbols. Our school was gifted with a message stick which will be used in our liturgies to foster reconciliation in our community.
Yesterday afternoon the Catholic Education Office held its RTO VET Student of the year awards ceremony for 2023. We had several students nominated, recognising their outstanding contribution and achievement in their Vocational studies:
- Michael O'Callaghan- Certificate of Excellence in Construction
- Noah Bechara- Certificate of Excellence in Electrotechnology
- Tara Massey- VET Student of the year in Cookery (Hospitality Kitchen Operations)
- Sienna Bourke- Highly Commended (School Based Apprentice)- Electrotechnology
Tara was awarded the overall VET Student of the Year award- a very deserving accolade!
The Premiers Reading Challenge is now closed.
All students who entered the PRC and entered 20 + books, will receive a certificate via email from the PRC.
Thank you to all SJCHS Students who entered the Challenge!
Catholic 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. For More information and bookings:
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.
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!
Girls Intro to Football Sessions
