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- From the Principal
- From the Assistant Principal
- From the Curriculum Office
- Administration Reminders
- Career News
- Sports Update
- Peer Support Program at Joey's!
- Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad
- Lifeline Book Fair
- Shakespeare Excursion
- Year 12 Sign-Out Days
- Catholic Family Camping Weekend (27-29 October)
- Catholiccare Term 4 Courses
- Combined Churches Ladies Morning Tea
- Learning Curve
Welcome back to a busy Term 4. I hope you had a restful holiday break.
We are returning to school at a time of unrest in the world and in our country. The Hamas-Israel conflict is very complex, but we cannot condone the killing of civilians in any context. The public nature of the conflict with postings on social media is distressing. Please make use of the resources and advice already provided if this is affecting your young person.
In our own country the referendum of the Voice outcome does not negate the aspect that we all need to work to close the gaps in education and health care for our first nations people. Over the last week there were many people who were grieving the outcome. Our catholic teachings tell us that we can hold different points of view and still be tolerant of each other. I encourage families to have discussions and healthy arguments over important issues so that your young person can also do this in a broader context without destroying relationships with peers.
The month of October is Mental Health Month - so take steps to look after yours! It is also a devotion to the Rosary as part of our Catholic Tradition. Prayers for our mother Mary to intercede on our behalf, it is a mindful way of praying and is a good step towards Christian meditation.
Our Year 12 2023 students started their HSC exams well and I hope they keep up their study routine right till the end of the exams. Our congratulations also to Joshua Memmo whose Industrial Technology Timber project has been selected for consideration for Shape - the showcase event for TAS.
To our Year 12 2024 - welcome to your last year of schooling. It is a time of settling in as some students have left for a trade, friendships change, and some students are reaching their strides and starting to focus on their studies. I would remind parents that our young people’s first responsibility is to their studies not to their part time employment. Short term money versus being well educated to earn high incomes is always better than not doing the work and being locked into low paying jobs in the future. I would ask parents and cares to please support our young person to do their best in all aspects of their studies.
This term we welcome our new Year 7’s for 2024 on their orientation day coming up quickly on 14 November. We will be training our Year 9 students to be Peer Support Leaders for 2024. They will have the responsibility to run a small group and assist them with their transition to high school. This is a very privileged position to assist others, we will be looking at the suitability of students during the training and not all students will get to participate. I would encourage all year 9 to be on their best behaviour if you wish to be part of this activity.
Ms Amanda Wilson
Principal
Term 4, Week 2
I am excited to rejoin the St Joseph’s Community, this time in the role of Assistant Principal. It is an honor to again be a part of this vibrant community. Having been a graduate of St Joseph’s in 2001 and having previously taught here from 2006-2012, returning feels like coming home. The embodiment of Josephite values - respect, courage, hospitality, compassion, justice, humility, and service - remains at the heart of our school.
First and foremost, I extend my sincere appreciation to the staff and students for the warm welcome I have received in these initial weeks. I eagerly anticipate connecting with as many parents and carers as possible throughout this term, fostering a strong partnership for the benefit of our students.
By now, you are aware of the mobile phone ban in place for students in NSW during Term 4. Our stance on this matter at St Joseph’s has been consistent for many years, phones/airpods/headphones are banned. This was again conveyed by Mr. Moran before the school holidays and reiterated by Ms. Wilson during our recent assembly. In addition, at the end of Week 1, I shared our Electronic Communication Device Policy with all families through Compass Newsfeed and Email.
I kindly urge parents, if you haven't already, to engage in a conversation with your children about the necessity of turning off and storing these devices in their school bags from the moment they step onto school grounds until 3:25 pm. Regrettably, a few students have chosen defiance and non-compliance when challenged, leading to in-school withdrawal and suspensions. Defiance and non-compliance will not be tolerated towards any member of our St Joseph’s staff.
Many schools have opted to use lock boxes or pouches that disable students’ phones at school. However, at St Joseph’s we have opted to work with our students and asked them to ensure that their phones are turned off and kept in their school bags, thus teaching them the importance of self-discipline and responsibility.
The school is also grateful for family support in ensuring that students meet this expectation. Should your child have their phone confiscated you will receive communication via Compass simply stating that their Electronic Communication Device (phone/airpods/headphones) was confiscated. Please discuss this with your child, as after the third confiscation parents/carers will be required to collect the device from the office and an After School Community Service will be issued.
During our recent school assembly, I encouraged our students to strive for their personal best in their upcoming assessments and examinations for Term 4. Emphasising growth and improvement from Semester 1, I encouraged them to reflect on their past performance and implement the strategies recommended by their teachers. Let us collectively work towards fostering a culture of improvement, empowering our students to reach their highest potential.
I extend my best wishes to all students for a successful and fulfilling Term 4.
Mr Chris Shelton
Assistant Principal
Week 2 Term 4
Welcome back to Term 4 and thank you to Mr Shanahan for steering the ship throughout Term 3. Students have settled in well and plenty of things have been happening in the world of Curriculum.
Year 12 are in the middle of their HSC exams. Students are settled and working hard, and we offer them our ongoing support over the remaining 2 weeks of the exam period.
Year 11 students are now in the beginning stages of starting their Year 12 HSC courses. Yearly exams were completed at the end of last term and are being returned, reports are also being finalised this week and will be released shortly. This week a number of students doing VET subjects have been on work placement providing an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge covered in class to real workplace situations. Last week we had our first year meeting of the HSC year where we spoke about school based expectations including attendance, school and home learning requirements. Term 4 should really be used as an opportunity to establish the good habits around learning needed to be successful across the entire HSC and students were challenged to consider this and what changes they need to make to establish a solid foundation to take them through the next 12 months. Next week we will have a further meeting where we will distribute the HSC Assessment Handbook, talk specifically about NESA’s HSC requirements and outline the process for removing a subject from students final patterns of study.
Year 10 students should be preparing for their Semester 2 formal assessment week which is scheduled for Week 4. Students should also be looking to spend the term establishing the learning behaviours both in the classroom and at home that will support their efforts in Year 11. Students will also be receiving final confirmation of their chosen Year 11 subjects in coming weeks.
Years 9, 8 and 7 all have their Semester 2 assessment weeks in weeks 5 and 6. Again these students should be busy preparing both in class and at home for these tasks.
Year 10 2024 Studies of Religion Pathways
There will be a zoom meeting for Year 9 parents and students on Monday 23rd October from 6-6:30pm to provide information about the opporunity for students in Year 10 2024 to undertake the Studies of Religion Pathways Program. Please see below zoom link:
https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/67350008650
Semester 2 Parent Teacher Interviews
Please note that Parent Teacher Interviews for Semester 2 will take place on Friday 15th December 8:30-11am. These interviews will take place via zoom. More information will be provided in coming weeks.
Mr Brett Moran
Curriculum Coordinator
School Fees
DIFFICULTY WITH PAYMENT
If you are experiencing financial difficulty and unable to increase your payments or pay, there are concessions available. We encourage you to contact St Joseph’s to discuss an arrangement that will assist you meet your commitments. This includes the completion of a Diocesan Application for Fee Concession which is available from the holder on the wall at St Joseph’s finance office or on the school website.
Once the completed Fee Concession form is received, the school may be able to write off some of your outstanding fee balance. Be reassured that your situation will be treated with strict confidentiality and respect for your circumstances.
For those experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the finance office or email accounts@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au.
What's happening in the careers space!
This week students from Year 7-10 were engaged in Transition and Pathways Program lessons. Each student is actively involved in career planning through this program a total of four lessons per year. This week the following topics were covered by our students:
Year 7 Career & Life Goals- this included an Insights survey
Year 8 Work & Jobs of the Future
Year 9 Which Pathway will I take - this included a career plan
Year 10 Virtual Work Experience
Lessons were facilitated by the child’s classroom teacher and designed by the career practitioner to provide career planning for the child’s progression into the world of work.
Career planning one to one sessions
One to one career planning sessions are ongoing by request. These can include: resume building, interview coaching, career pathway exploration and goal setting.
These are available to all students. The process to book is to email me at kennedys01@dow.catholic.edu.au or to pop into the careers room at lunchtime when the door is open.
Positions Vacant
COCO Accounting
Admin/ Personal Assistant for Year 12 school leaver. Role includes :
- Offer administration support
- Complete document management, data entry tasks and manage projects
- Need good time management skills and have the ability to adapt
If you are interested please email me for more information.
Shellharbour City Council
Shellharbour City Council is offering numerous exciting opportunities which we would appreciate you forwarding to the Careers Advisor within your school to distribute to relevant students.
Council’s commitment to expand our Cadet, Apprentice and Traineeship (CAT) program will aim to grow our skilled workforce capacity by creating job opportunities and a talent pipeline for specialised roles. This is the first stage of this expansion of a number of new roles created, with a focus on the Open Spaces team.
These opportunities include:
Sports Turf Maintenance Apprentice - https://shellharbour.applynow.net.au/jobs/SHELL897 Closing Date: Sunday 29 October 2023
On successful completion of the apprenticeship they will have achieved a Certificate III in Sports Turf Management and have up to 4 years practical experience in turf maintenance to keep the city’s sportsfields and turf surfaces well presented and maintained.
Horticulture Apprentice (4 x positions) - https://shellharbour.applynow.net.au/jobs/SHELL898 Closing Date: Sunday 29 October 2023
On successful completion of the apprenticeship they will have achieved a Certificate III in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens) and have up to 4 years practical experience in parks and reserve maintenance to keep the city’s open spaces well presented and maintained. They will also have the opportunity to gain an MR licence, forklift ticket, loader competency.
Arboriculture Trainee - https://shellharbour.applynow.net.au/jobs/SHELL899 Closing Date: Sunday 29 October 2023
On successful completion of the traineeship they will have achieved a Certificate III in Arboriculture and have up to 3 years practical experience in a supportive team conducting pruning, rigging, tree removals and tree planting projects to green our city.
Please email me for more information kenendys01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Other Career Events…
Sydney Design School | Open Day
October 28, 2023
Be open to creativity! We’re opening our studios for a day of exploration. Meet our passionate Educators, view our exhibition space and get hands on building an interiors mood board or 3D model.
Western Sydney Uni
November Assessment Days for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program
13 & 14 November - Hawkesbury Campus
16 & 17 November - Campbelltown Campus
20 & 21 November - Online
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Entry Program is an alternative University Entry Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants can gain entry to any undergraduate degree* at Western Sydney University by completing our entry assessment and be supported throughout your education journey. To gain entry to your dream degree, you are required to complete an Entry Assessment. The entry assessment includes a short essay and comprehension task. If your preferred degree requires numeracy, you will also be required to complete a short numeracy assessment. We provide you with access to online resources and practice tests, to help you get prepared.
BOND UNIVERSITY- Medical Program Information session
November 15th
Master Builders Association of NSW Pre-Apprenticeships
Register your interest for the course starting 27th November. Want to be a carpenter? This is your best first step.
Master Builders will help prepare you to become the best 1st-year carpentry apprentice. This 3-week entry level training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship. This 3-week entry level training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship.
Childhood Education Careers Day
October 25th
The event is for students considering a career in the high-demand industry of Early Childhood Education. Our campus is a learning hub and industry leader in Early Childhood Education, and during the Careers Day you can speak with childhood educators and several employers. You can also learn about our courses (Cert III, Diploma and Degree), traineeships and career pathways.
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
We have had the most exciting and busy start to Term 4 with already 9 teams competing in the first 2 weeks of school. We have also had some major achievements with our sporting teams, with some of our best results in years. I want to thank all the coaches who have been putting in immense effort with these teams to make them ready to compete. In particular, Mrs Linsley who has been training the Boys Basketball teams since Term 2 this year. As we build towards the end of the year, we will be starting to develop our teams for Term 1 next year. Keep an eye out for nomination forms and training information.
Junior Boys Cricket
Yesterday Mr Maguire took the junior boys cricket side to Dalton park for a gala day. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding day and a very successful one.
The boys did really well and we have some really strong junior cricketers. After a close loss to Corpus Christi to start the day the boys bounced back to beat Magdalene, John Terry and St Francis.
We snuck through to the final on net run rate and unfortunately couldn't beat a strong Edmund Rice team in the final.
They ended up finishing second to a strong Edmund Rice side in the final to take out Runners up in the Wollongong Diocese. We have a strong future for cricket and it is exciting times. Good luck to this team who will begin competing in the NSWCCC Berg Shield in Week 3.
Boys AFL
On Friday 13th October I took the Junior AFL boys to North Dalton for a Gala day. I would like to congratulate the team for the effort the boys put in all day.
We only had a couple of players with AFL experience. We didn't pick up a win on the day but I am super proud of the effort the boys put in all day without any subs.
Thanks for keeping the spirits high all day boys and I hope you enjoyed AFL and thank you for giving it a go.
MVP: Pacey Molan
Girls AFL
Mrs Hartup had the pleasure of taking our 7,8,9 girls to the AFL Gala Day and wants to congratulate them on a great day out.
They started strong with a convincing win against St Pats and ended up winning 4 out of the 6 games they played today, beat only by Corpus and St Johns. Their final was won with an on-the-buzzer goal to win by 1 point! Very exciting.
Very few of these girls had any AFL experience and they were so enthusiastic in every game- it was so much fun to watch them. They were kind, friendly and dignified even in the face of some not-so-pleasant interactions. A group of wonderful sportswomen and an asset to Joeys.
Basketball
Junior Girls
After beating Mt Carmel 8-0 and St Francis 18-4, they lost against St Patricks, St Benedicts and Holy Spirit.
They made it to the Play offs where they lost to CC in a tight 18-9 game, where they played their hearts out but just couldn't capitalise on opportunities.
Finally, we beat John Terry 24-2 to come 7th Overall! So pretty great day winning 3 games and losing 3 really close games. The girls gave every game their all, committed to the team and playing every game in the best spirits possible, despite some behaviour from other schools.
Kiara Shelton Was the MVP, with an average of 5 steals a game and non stop running and playmaking. Her heart was in the right place, running till she couldn't anymore, getting ice and hydrolite, then running for another game after that!
Senior Girls
Despite no wins on the day, the Senior Basketball girls were competitive, consistent, and had a lot of fun. They came very close twice and did not give up on the games where the other team got away.
Our MVP was Chloe Norris (followed closely by Hunter Graham). Her Netball skills, aggression (Yes Chloe Norris is aggressive on the court) and tenacity was outstanding.
The girls were very excited to get their photo taken in front of Mrs Musgraves photo.
Junior Boys
The junior boys lost their first game by 13 to a stacked ERC team but went on to win their next three pool games beating St John's by 14, Magdalene by 20 and St Francis by 26 points. Their excellent performance in the round games meant we progressed through to the semi finals against defending champs John Therry who had some very old looking year 9 boys! It was a tough battle with everyone trying their hardest, but we ended up going down by 10.
This meant we had another chance against ERC in the bronze medal playoff. ERC started strong, but we clawed our way back to be up by 3 with 5 minutes left. Unfortunately, ERC pulled away from us and we lost by 7. The boys should be very proud finishing 4th in the Diocese.
Shout out to Mrs Linsley who trained them before school every week for two terms... it paid off with some great teamwork and improvement from some of the players who don't play outside of school. The MVP was Tom Hofman who carried the team, top scoring every game. The future looks bright for Joey's basketball with two year 7 students, Zane Ristevski and Jake Burling playing leading roles.
Senior Boys
The senior basketballers' work with Ms Linsley, every Thursday morning since term 2, paid dividends in their first game with a great team victory over Magdalene. Next up were the Harlem Globetrotters (aka John Therry) who brought the boys back to earth.
The boys shook themselves off for games 3 and 4 against ERC and Holy Spirit, both heavyweights of the comp. But ERC didn’t brace themselves for a tenacious Joey's team that had them at 10 all at half time, before a narrow loss. Then an ultra tall Holy Spirit team on a packed show court 1 had to work hard to shake off a Joey’s team that continued to never lay down. They have improved so much this year and I was very proud of a team that is one of the best we have produced in quite some time. Shout out to Tom Avtarovski for being everywhere on court, Zep Truen and Luke Kolts for keeping us in games and everyone on the team for consistently playing up a weight division.
Girl's Rugby
A great day of rugby at Saunders Oval where the 15's and 17's girls teams battled bindies, bumps and bruises to represent our school so amazingly. The 15's where the most competitive team in their division coming away with 3 wins from 5 and the 17's down on numbers battled forever minute but unfortunately did not come away with a win from their 4 games.
Upcoming Events
Week 3
Wednesday 25th October - 14 Girls League Tag
Please see Compass for consent and complete this ASAP.
Friday 27th October - Junior Boys Cricket - Berg Shield
Please keep an eye out on Compass for this consent and complete ASAP.
Week 6
Tuesday 14th November - U16s Mixed Touch
Week 10
Wednesday 13th December - End of Year Sports Assembly
All parents are welcome to join us in celebrating a great year of sport.
Soccer Nominations
This year, we will be commencing soccer trials early to prepare better for our 2024 tournaments.
Please complete this form if you are interested in trialling for any of the below teams:
- 13s Boys Soccer
- 13s Girls Soccer
- 7-10 Boys Pathway (move to next level if we win)
- 7-9 Girls Pathway (move to next level if we win)
You will be required to attend trials for these teams starting in week 5.
More information will be sent out about the trials closer to the date.
Nominations close: Week 4, Friday 3rd November
Nomination Link: https://forms.gle/4sT5kwBDNc7K4uXU9
Boys & Girls Rugby League Nominations
If you are interested in playing in our Rugby League teams in 2024, you need to nominate using this form.
To make sure we are prepared for Rugby League competitions early next year, we will be commencing trials/training this term starting Week 4. This will alternate between Boys & Girls. If you do not show up to training, you may not be considered in the team for Term 1 next year.
Starting Week 4:
Boys - Week B - Tuesday Lunch
Girls - Week A - Tuesday Lunch
Nominations Close: Week 3, Friday 27th October
Nominate here: https://forms.gle/ydCzwvDpXVmjhMfVA
U16's Mixed Touch Team Nominations
This competition will take place in Week 6 (Tuesday 14th November).
We will be running 2 x lunch trials for this team and will make a selection from these trials.
Any questions please email Miss Power: powers01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Nominations close: Week 3, Friday 27th October
Nomination link: https://forms.gle/btMhVRSKantaHB9Q6
Sporting Success
Grace Pomery
Congratulations to Grace Pomery who placed 3rd at NSW All Schools in the 1500m. She has qualified for the Open National Championships next year in South Australia.
Tayissa Buchanan
Congratulations to Tayissa Buchanan who won the 400m at NSW All Schools. She has now qualified for Australian All Schools in December over in Perth. We wish her all the best of luck with this event. Tayissa has also signed with Penn State University in America. She will move over to the USA mid next year to commence her training and study. Congratulations Tayissa!
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
In Term 4, Year 9 will be involved in a training course for Peer Support Leadership. The attached leaflet outlines the importance of Leadership as well as helping to develop effective leadership skills in your child.
I encourage you to discuss with your child some of the qualities listed in the leaflet and if they might like to become a Peer Support Leader in 2024.
Brooke Tomajka
Stage 5 PALS Coordinator
Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad - Distinction
Congratulations to Jake Soutter for attaining a distinction in the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad, a rigorous math competition especially crafted to stimulate and test the abilities of gifted students. The exam extends over a duration of four hours, during which participants must tackle an array of demanding problems that require creative problem-solving skills.
Well done Jake - your accomplishment is outstanding!
Lifeline’s Big Book Fair is a major fundraising event for Lifeline’s 24-hours crisis support service in the Illawarra and South Coast. The second-hand book sales are important as its purchases help deliver the essential crisis services that are much needed within the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast.
This week, some of our Year 10 and 11 SRC Students were fortunate enough to assist with preparation for the Book Fair by unpacking boxes and setting up books on tables ready for the upcoming Book Fair. Students enjoyed being part of such an important cause and service to the community.
A big thank you to Mrs Alicia Ferderer, the Retail Area Manager/Book Fair Coordinator for Lifeline South Coast who guided the students throughout the whole process.
Last week, 38 very lucky students selected from Year 9 Drama and Year 10 and 11 English, travelled to Nowra to see Bell Shakespeare perform the Twelfth Night. Originally written around 1602, this romantic comedy play was brought to life for a contemporary audience with evocative staging, movement and costumes and enhanced with beautifully composed music by Sarah Blasko.
It certainly shone a new light on the power of Shakespeare for our students!
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.
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 4 2023 group work courses.
Ladies, you are invited….
The Albion Park Catholic Women’s League invites you to attend the Combined Churches Ladies’ Morning Tea on Saturday 28 October, from 10am in the Parish Meeting room, 249 Tongarra Rd Albion Park. The guest speaker will be Kelly McCrohon, the Vinnies Van Coordinator.
The Vinnies Van operates out of the Coniston Homeless Hub and would be grateful, in lieu of the usual gold coin donation, for donations of food items, small toiletries, snacks/poppers, etc for school age children.
RSVP by Monday 23 October to the Parish Office on : office@stpaulsparish.org.au or 4256 2038.
