Congratulations to Year 12 2023 - what a sight you were in your beautiful graduation gowns. Please see the photos of the event. It was just a lovely day ! A huge thank you to the family and friends who attended on the day.

May you study hard for your exams and I am looking forward to seeing you at the Formal to celebrate the end of the exams.

It has been a busy week with the Yr 12 celebrations and finish of school. Thank you to all the staff who supported all the events and to the Year 9 Food Tech class students for their catering and student helpers in the cafe. 

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday break. Term 4 is a busy term for learning and we start with the new Year 12 2024.... time flies by. 

Ms Amanda Wilson

Principal

Week 10 Term 3

Congratulations to Year 12 who have completed their formal learning journey at St Joseph’s. Over the past 2 weeks, Year 12 have participated in a range of HSC Intensive Sessions for most of their subjects. This is a new approach the staff implemented this year to keep students fully engaged in the learning process and support them in their final preparations for the HSC exams in early Term 4. Staff are to be congratulated for the extra work they put in to prepare and run these sessions as are the students who in the main have accepted the challenge of ‘playing until the final whistle’. We are confident the Class of 2023 are in a good position to do well this year and we wish them all the best for their HSC exams and life beyond the walls of St Joseph’s.

Year 11 are wrapping up their yearly exam block and are to be congratulated on the way they have approached this important milestone in their education. They will return next term jumping straight into Year 12 course work as their road to the HSC begins. Whilst taking the time over the holidays to have a well-deserved break, students are encouraged to reflect on their successes and challenges of Year 11 and develop a school/home plan to support their HSC journey. Term 4 is important to establish positive learning habits and the first school-based assessment task that can really support maximising the school-based assessment component of the HSC course. As always, class teachers and the Curriculum Office are available to offer any support to students required in these matters.

Years 7-10 will return with their Semester 2 assessment weeks not too far away. Again, students should enjoy the opportunity to rest over the break but like Year 11, students are strongly encouraged to ensure they have a school/home plan to support their preparation for these exams and final assessments they will be completing. 

Last week we spoke to Year 9 students regarding senior (Year 11) subject selection. While this may seem a long way off, these students will begin this process during Term 1 next year. As part of our updated process, we have set automatic eligibility requirements for a range of senior (HSC subjects) based on student academic performance in Year’s 9 and 10. At the end of the term, once students' grades have been finalised, they will receive their first subject tracking sheet. This will provide students with an initial indication of the subjects that they can consider as part of the subject selection process. The purpose of this process is to help students recognise the importance of Years 9 and 10 in preparing students for senior studies. Our goal is to ensure students have as many options regarding subject selection available to them as possible and the best way to ensure this is to maximise their grades in years 9 and 10. To achieve this the approach of students to completing work/assessments both at school and at home is highly encouraged.

Mr Brett Moran

Curriculum Coordinator

The end of another term is here and whilst this term could be considered a “quiet” sporting term, it has been nothing short of a busy one with our World Cup Soccer Tournament, Health & Physical Education Week and also preparation for Term 4 sporting teams. To every student who got involved over the past term's activities, thank you. Your contribution does not go unnoticed.

We have one BIG and EXCITING term left to go…Let’s make the most of it!

Term 3 Sporting Value Awards

The Term 3 Sport Value Awards recognise students in our sporting teams who show respect, courage and service. These students have been nominated by their coaches over sporting events from this term.

Respect:

The respect awards go to students who show exemplary behaviour towards their coach, team members and also students and staff from other schools. These students are committed to their training and making the team better as well as being a role model of what it means to be a Joey’s student. Congratulations to the following students:

Junior - Emma-Lee Sutton

Intermediate - Nash Burling

Senior - Tayissa Buchanan

Courage:

The courage awards go to students who show leadership in training, who continually get out of their comfort zone, students who work hard to improve and students who are willing to try new things. Congratulations to the following students:

Junior - Mackenzie Hutchinson

Intermediate - Thomas Avtarovski

Senior - Lachlan Haining

Service: 

The service awards go to students who assist others who are in need. This may be coaching other students, assisting their coach with equipment and training as well as serving the school by refereeing or coaching duties at sporting events. Congratulations to the following students:

Junior - Libby Knight

Intermediate - Toby Hokin

Senior - Monica Tololeska 

Health & Physical Education Week

Week 9, saw many different events take place for students to celebrate their talents and courage to participate in the daily challenges. The winners of these challenges received prizes ranging from Rebel Sport vouchers, Zambrero vouchers (thank you to Albion Park Zambrero for their kind donation) and canteen vouchers. Thank you to everyone who got involved and gave it a go…We look forward to making it bigger and better next year!

Monday

Basketball Challenge Winner - Brady Tomasi

Tuesday

Plank Challenge winners - Noah Jewiss (9 min 13 seconds) and Katelyn Blissett

Beep Test Challenge Winners - William Stoneham & Emily Hollingsworth

Wednesday

Skipping Challenge Winner - Tyler Morris

Thursday

R U OK Day Events

Staff Ice Bath Challenge

Friday 

Footy Kicking Challenge - Dean Rossi

Mindful Mondays

From week 2 next term, we will be introducing Mindful Mondays. This aims to promote a safe and quiet space for students to be involved in some mindfulness activities at lunch time. Mindfulness has been proven to improve mental health, decrease anxiety, improve memory and increase emotional regulations. We look forward to seeing you there!

Primary School Cricket Umpiring Nominations

If you are interested and capable of umpiring cricket for the upcoming Primary School Cricket Gala Day at Thomas Dalton Park (Fairy Meadow), can you please complete the following form.

Details:

Date: Thursday 12th October (Week 1)

Location: Thomas Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow

Transport: Own transport

Time: 8:30am-2:30pm

Nominate here: https://forms.gle/7usHDZ5Y4b8Hu5n76

Nominations close: Monday 9th October

Upcoming Events for Term 4

Week 1

• Wednesday 11th October: JNR Boys Cricket
• Thursday 12th October: Primary School Cricket Umpiring
• Friday 13th October: Girls & Boys JNR AFL Dio Gala Day

Week 2

• Monday 16th October: JNR & SNR Boys & Girls Basketball Dio Gala Day
• Wednesday 18th October: U15s & U17s Boys Rugby 7s
• Thursday 19th October: U15s & U17s Girls Rugby 7s

Week 3

• Wednesday 25th October: U14s & U16s Girls Illawarra Blues/League Tag

Week 6

• U16s Mixed Touch Teams (selected by coaches from previous teams this year)

Week 10

• Wednesday 13th December: Sports Assembly (Time TBC)

Other Events:

• JNR Boys Cricket Berg Shield - Dates TBC
• CEO Diocesan Sporting Awards - Friday 10th November

NSWCCC Nominations

Registrations are now open for the 2023/4 NSWCCC trials.

If your child plays at a high/rep level for their sport and is keen on trialling for a NSWCCC team, please register via the link below:

https://csnsw.sport/

Please note: 

- No late entries are accepted.

- Students attending these trials should be at a representative level/standard.

- Further information regarding each sport is available on the website (see link above)

For assistance with registering your child please see the document below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kFW57cps5mTHPK7PfJMvpVK4qtM651keNVZcu014gVQ/edit

If there are any further issues please contact me: powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Upcoming Events:

NSWCCC Girls 18 Years & Under - Cricket Selections

Date: Tuesday 14 - Wednesday 15 November 2023

Eligibility - Students must meet all of the following criteria

DOB: 1/1/2006 - 31/12/2010

Years: 8 - 12

Expression of Interest

An expression of interest must be submitted prior to confirmation of attendance at the selections.

A paper selection of student registrations to attend the trials will take place after the close of EOI.

EOI CLOSE DATE - Friday 3 November 2023 - 5 pm

If your EOI is successful, you will be notified by email by Wednesday 8 November 2023

 

NSWCCC Boys 18 Years & Under - Cricket Selections

Date: Tuesday 21 - Wednesday 22 November 2023.

Eligibility: Students must meet all of the following criteria

DOB: 1/1/2006 - 31/12/2008

YEARS: 10 - 12

Expression of Interest

An expression of interest must be submitted prior to confirmation of attendance at the selections.

A paper selection of student registrations to attend the trials will take place after the close of EOI.

EOI CLOSE DATE - Friday 10 November 2023 - 5 pm

If your EOI is successful, you will be notified by email by Wednesday 15 November 2023

Sporting Success

Xara-Jade McCrimmon

Congratulations to Xara-Jade who swam 2 x PBs at the Senior Short Course Championships. She competed in two relays, freestyle and the butterfly leg of the medley relay. It is great to see your hard work and training paying off.

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

I am Lawrie Burns and I have been the School Chaplain at St Joseph’s since 2020.

I am married to Elise. We have four adult children and are expecting our first grandchild in December.

I am employed by CatholicCare Wollongong under a grant from the Commonwealth Government’s National Student Wellbeing Program (formerly known as the National Schools Chaplaincy Program). The program provides ten hours of support to the school per week to improve the wellbeing of young people, teachers, and families by supporting the delivery of pastoral (spiritual) care and wellbeing services.

What is Pastoral/Spiritual Care?

Spiritual Care Australia defines it as care that:

“Encompasses all the ways in which attention is paid to the spiritual dimensions of life. It is most commonly offered in a one-to-one relationship, is person centred and makes no assumptions about personal conviction or life orientation. It offers a way for people to experience and make meaning of their hopes and fears…….

…..It may include presence, conversations, ritual, ceremonies, and the sharing of sacred texts and resources……

…..It may include presence, conversations, ritual, ceremonies, and the sharing of sacred texts and resources……

….Spiritual Care is not about proselytising and does not impose the practitioner’s beliefs or values.”

Young people are struggling with their identity; with fitting in; and coping with the day-to-day experience of their lives at home, at school and in the online world.

I work with the PALS staff at the school who identify the students that I work with. I talk to students (and staff) about their hopes and fears, and while this may take on a religious flavour, that is not the most common use of my time. I work with students one-on-one or in small groups, I visit classrooms and I wander the playground, always available for a chat.

I hold a Bachelor of Theology from the University of Notre Dame Australia and a Graduate Certificate in Arts (Chaplaincy) from the Sydney College of Divinity. I have also been recently ordained by Bishop Brian Mascord as a Deacon for the Diocese of Wollongong, and I am involved in many aspects of the school’s liturgical and prayer life.

If you or your child would like a chat or would like to make use of my services in any way, please contact the school Ph: 4230 8500 email: info@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au or by contacting your child’s PALS teacher.

What's happening in the careers space!

This fortnight has provided students with opportunities to explore career opportunities in a number of ways. These included: an Intergenerational Visit to Warrigal Care in Albion Park Rail for students interested in Nursing and Aged Support Worker Careers, Work Readiness Program for Year 11 and Year 12 students and opportunities posted to google classroom for Year 11 and Year 12.

Intergenerational Visit to Warrigal Care

Warrigal Care at Albion Park Rail hosted an event for seven of our students last Friday September 15th. Students nominated to attend as they wanted to explore careers in nursing and aged care support. The students were accompanied by Diane Banks, teacher from our Maths Department, thank you Diane for supporting our Transition and Pathways program.

The students were asked to give digital support to the residents by sharing their mobile phone skills. This help was well received by the residents. The students were also given a talk about career paths in this industry by the Human Resources Department. The stand out student was Michael, who seemed to be a natural working in this industry.

All the students were complimented on their politeness and good manners to the residents.

Work Readiness Program

Some students in Year 11 and 12 had the opportunity to participate in a 6 lesson program to build their resumes, design cover letters, explore job opportunities and to develop their phone skills whilst actively seeking employment. This is an ongoing program offered to students in small groups.

Google Classroom - Careers

Students in all year groups have a google classroom for career support. Year 10, 11 and 12 have had many opportunities placed on the classroom in the last fortnight. Parents are encouraged to ask their children about what opportunities have been placed on the classroom. Support for all students is available one to one via email to kennedys01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Positions Vacant

• Daley- Trainee Accountant- send resume to daley@daley.com.au
• Dental Assistant Trainee - Please send these to - The Practice Manager at wollongongdentist@gmail.com
• Apprentice Construction Landscaper-Cloud 9 Pools are looking for a 1st Year Apprentice Construction Landscaper. A local company. Students will need to have their license and have or are willing to obtain their whitecard ASAP. Qualities include a willingness to work hard and get their hands dirty.

It would be great to get in early to secure this apprenticeship, as it will lead to a long professional relationship. Professional resume, which includes an about me section (has been explicitly asked for). Email: Attention to: Cyrene info@cloud9pools.com.au

Other Information

NIE | JCU Medicine & Dentistry Application Advice and Strategies Webinar

September 23, 2023

https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/ucat-preparation-courses/product/2964-jcu-medicine- dentistry-application-advice-and-strategies-webinar

WSU | Free HSC Study Sessions

September 25 to September 29, 2023

From 25-29 September 2023, Western Sydney University will be offering a range of online study sessions to assist Year 12 students in their preparations for the HSC. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/free-hsc-study-sessions

ACU | Talk with Psychologists, Youth Workers and Social Workers

September 26, 2023

Join us online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences in the field. Take part in a Q&A session with our graduates and learn about the rewarding and challenging careers of psychologists, social workers or youth workers.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/september/talk-with-psychologists-youth-wor kers-and-social-workers

iscd | Virtual Info Session

September 28, 2023

Our interior design information sessions are a great way to explore the foundations of design and discover if a career in interior design is for you.

https://info.iscd.edu.au/info-session-registration 

If you or your child would like to explore careers, build a resume, have coaching for a job interview or explore any other aspect of careers please email me kennedys01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Sue Kennedy

Transition and Pathways Specialist

CONGRATULATIONS to WARRIGAL HOUSE on becoming HOUSE CHAMPIONS for 2023!!

A fantastic effort by all involved. Warrigal have been great competitors all year and even though it came down to the wire, they were able to pip Kembla in the final days of counting to come out Champions. They now look forward to celebrating at Jamberoo Action Park during Term 4.

The re-introduction of a House System at St. Joseph’s this year has been an outstanding success. Our first steps of making it known and visible have seen the community of St. Joseph’s excited and drawn to the many events that have taken place. The aim of the House System was to connect all aspects of school life to engage the community and begin developing a true sense of belonging amongst our community.

Throughout the year we had House Liturgies, CASA, Carnivals, Card Club, Vex Club, Chess and Games Club, Representative Sporting Teams, Environmental Club, School Leadership opportunities, and The NOOK. All gave students and teachers the opportunity to develop stronger relationships and a sense of belonging. Tokens were handed out for students demonstrating actions to reflect our Josephite Values in the playground and Merits were given to those who demonstrated actions related their learning.

Points were allocated to Houses based on the student’s participation and success in these activities. It was fantastic to see that each carnival was won by three different Houses. Congratulations to Warrigal on winning the Swimming Carnival, Keira the Cross Carnival and Macquarie the Athletics Carnival. Kembla House were dominant in CASA and Marshall had the highest rate of representation in Diocesan Events.

I would like to give a special thanks to all our staff and student House Leaders. To Mr. Young, Xavier Infante and Chloe Bloomfield from Keira House; Mrs. Hartup, Mrs. Musgrave, Olivia Wishart and Lucas Thompson from Kembla House; Mr. Maguire, Isabelle Dimitrievski and Mackenzie Best from Warrigal House; Mr. Fenech, Harvey Andrews and Hunter Graham from Marshall House; and Miss Sneddon, Isabelle Plattner and Lara Grimson from Macquarie House, thank you so much for your passion and commitment to your Houses and the House System in general. You have inspired so many through your leadership and involvement in all aspects of school life at St. Joseph’s. Due to your efforts, we have an outstandingly successful start.

I thank all staff, students and parents for your efforts and support throughout the year.

Mr Shanahan

This week we held the final sessions of Peer Support.  I hope that Year 7 has a renewed sense of resilience from this experience and knowing that the bonds they formed with their Leaders will continue as they move along their educational path at Joey’s. 

Session Six - Fix It

Many skills and processes that our young people need to become independent have to be explicitly taught to them. Understanding and showing empathy to others assists students in choosing the right strategy in dealing with a broad range of behaviours.

Behaviour that is harmful, intentional, and repeated (bullying) is explored and students discussed the best strategy in this case is to tell someone. Everyone has the right to feel safe from harm. 

During this session, students identified and applied their strengths to resolve various hypothetical conflict situations. These activities assist in building a young person’s feelings of competence which is a very important aspect to adolescent development and results in feelings of achievement.

This session also provided activities that explore ways to apologise if you know you have hurt another person either intentionally or unintentionally and identifies practical strategies to repair a relationship.

Session Seven - Knowing When

In previous sessions, students have discussed the varied responses to harmful behaviours, acknowledging the wonderful differences and diversity in the school. During this session, students explored the emotions felt in a variety of situations and developed appropriate responses when feeling angry or hurt ensuring that responses are not, in turn, unkind or hurtful.

It is important for students to realise that their own wellbeing has an impact on the way they feel and act. If students are tired, grumpy or stressed it can prevent them from seeing a situation clearly and their ability to respond appropriately may be impaired and could escalate conflict.

Students identified and practised strategies in order to speak up if they are not being treated well by a friend. It is important to acknowledge that this is sometimes very hard to do but when we can comfortably assert ourselves, we find our relationships can be strong and healthy.

It is important that our young people know that they have options when they are on the receiving end of unkind behaviour. Developing strategies to cope and navigate the complex world of adolescent relationships is critical especially when there are many relationship challenges right through the adolescent’s life.

Session Eight - Make a Difference

The focus of this final session was to review skills, concepts and strategies covered throughout the Peer Support sessions this Term, stepping up and reporting bullying behaviours were clarified via interactive activities. As with all the sessions, attention was given to the student’s individual and collective responsibility in creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. Discussions were held about the student’s responsibility to stop and think about the harm they might be causing to another and in turn if they are the target of harmful behaviour to explore the intent behind the action and to consider appropriate responses.

Please encourage your child to continue to share ideas and strategies that work in forming and maintaining great friendships, some of these will include discussion on positive social values like honesty, compassion, kindness, acceptance of difference, friendliness and respect. You could also share with your child what attributes you value most in friends. 

It is also important to establish open communication with your child, talk about how they feel in various situations. Always let them know that they have options and that they can discuss difficult relationship situations with you.

Brooke Tomajka

Stage 5 PALS Coordinator

Year 12 students are required to formally sign-out of school. This process includes returning all school resources including any IT items, library books and class textbooks. Students will also return their Graduation Gown on this day (if they did not purchase the gown outright). Students will be permitted to sign-out on the following days and should do so by going directly to the Library:

• Friday 3rd November or Wednesday 8th November

When the students have followed the sign-out process, they will be issued with their ticket to the school formal.

Earlier this term a contingent of St Joseph's students participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition. This is a highly-esteemed event designed to challenge students' problem solving proficiencies. The Mathematics faculty extends their congratulations to the following students who exhibited determination, courage and persistence in their participation. We would like to especially recognise Jake Soutter for achieving a Distinction.

• Tynnan Fuga Paglialunga
• Aiden McEwan
• Keiran Blissett
• Olivia Stuart-Almeida
• Lily Whittle
• Ebony McCloy
• Brandon Smith
• Noah Jewiss
• Abbey Yau
• Bibish Psaras (achieving a Credit)
• Kevin Praveen (achieving a Credit)
• Jake Soutter (achieving a Distinction)

From the 19th - 25th August, we celebrated Book Week 2023 by dressing up as our favorite children's storybooks. The theme was "Read, Grow, Inspire". It was a great success! Thank you to everyone who participated!

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 4 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!