Filter Content
- From the Assistant Principal
- From the Curriculum Office
- Administration Reminders
- Career News
- Sports Update
- Warrigal House Celebration
- Peer Support Program at Joey's!
- Year 8 CSSA Debating Competition
- Youth Ministry Leaders 2024 - Formation Day
- Year 12 Students Sign-Out Process/Days
- Shellharbour City Council Mayoress' Giving Tree Appeal
- Uniform Shop Trade Days
- Catholiccare Term 4 Courses
- Learning Curve
Term 4, Week 4
The past two weeks have been incredibly busy at St Joseph's. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the Class of 2023, who have successfully completed their HSC Examinations. We eagerly anticipate the release of your HSC results in mid-December.
Meanwhile, Year 9 and 10 students have been diligently preparing for their own Semester Examinations, and Year 7 and 8 students are making great progress on their formal assessment tasks.
We're pleased to note the ongoing positive response from our students regarding the Mobile Phone and AirPod ban. It's evident that the number of confiscations is steadily decreasing, and our teachers have been commenting on the increased student engagement in their learning.
As we approach the end of the school year, it becomes even more critical to maintain our focus on the little things that contribute to a positive and productive learning environment. St. Joseph's takes pride in its "Ready to Learn" statement, and when consistently followed by both staff and students, it ensures highly productive and dynamic learning environments.
Listed below are the fundamental expectations we have for all our students, and we greatly appreciate the continued support from parents in helping their children understand and adhere to these expectations.
Mr Chris Shelton
Assistant Principal
Year 12
Congratulations to Year 12 who finished their final HSC exams this week. We are very proud of the way they have approached not only the final exam period but the entire HSC course. We wait eagerly for their results to be released later this year and hope they are reflective of their ability and effort they have put in. A large number of these students have already gained early entry into University for 2024 or gained apprenticeships or other forms of employment. We wish them all the best for their futures beyond St Joseph’s and will watch their progress with much interest.
Year 11
Year 11 are now well on the path for their Year 12 courses. They seem to have settled into this process quite well and have been responsive to our meetings around NESA HSC requirements. A reminder students are able to potentially drop a subject from their pattern of study if they choose, the forms for this process are available form the Curriculum Office. It is anticipated these changes will be reflected on students' schedules over the next week or so. The Year 12 2024 HSC Assessment Handbook was shared with students last week. The end of this term is always very busy with numerous assessment tasks for these students. It is strongly encouraged students refer to the handbook and plan out when their tasks are scheduled and begin working on tasks ASAP to help manage the workload that will be in front of them at the end of the term.
Year 10
Year 10 students are currently completing their Semester 2 Assessment Week. Once completed the remainder of the term should be seen as an opportunity to consolidate the skills needed to engage in senior course studies (both in class and at home) so they are in the best possible position to start Year 11 at the start of 2024. Students have also been issued a note with final confirmation of their Year 11 courses for 2024. A reminder that these are required to be signed by parents and returned to the Curriculum Office by wednesday 8th November.
Years 7-9
Years 7-9 have their Assessment weeks over the next two weeks and should be busily preparing for their assessments. Students in Years 8 and 9 will also receive final confirmation of their final elective choices for 2024 in coming weeks.
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
Thank you to all the families that make such an effort to ensure that their fees are up to date. School fees are essential for the financial viability of Catholic schools. School principals have the responsibility of ensuring school fees are collected.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to make payments, please contact the finance office or email accounts@sjchsdow.catholic.
What's happening in the careers space!
CAA CONFERENCE
Last week I attended the Careers Advisers Association Annual Conference at Darling Harbour. I was able to network with other careers advisers and visit AIE and Notre Dame campus’. The keynote speakers were inspiring and I have already been able to use knowledge gained from the conference to support our school community.
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.
Year 12 Sign out
Congratulations to all our Year 12 students. I will be in touch early next year to inquire about your pathways. Thanks for all completing the survey listing your personal email addresses which will enable me to do this. It has been a pleasure to work with each of you. Good luck in the future.
Year 11 Career Planning Interviews
Year 11 students are currently havin one to one career planning sessions to support their transition from school to their pathway 2025.
UOW Discovery Day will be held February 14th, details will be available for parents and students soon
Positions Vacant
Apprentice Greenkeeper Jamberoo Golf Club
Aged 17+ with drivers licence
Send cover letter telling the club why you want this job along with your resume to golf@jamberoogolf.com.au
Apprentice Electrician
Students are required to have a manual driver’s licence and have demonstrated high performance in a construction subject. Please contact me for more details.
Interested in a career in dentistry or medicine?
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MJhHkf06QkOMhyCQ9U9cug#/registration
APPRENTICE CARPENTER
Send a resume to:
Toptierrenovations@outlook.com.au
Luke Hunter - Top Tier Renovations
Drivers Licence must 17+
Interesting Career Events to share with our school community
University of Sydney | Exercise and sport science
November 8, 2023
Interested in exercise and sport science? Join this session to hear from the program director for exercise and sport science at the University of Sydney. Find out more about which study options are available and where this degree could take you.
University of Sydney | Why study Business at Sydney
November 8, 2023
Discover how our Commerce degree prepares you for the future of work and a wide range of career opportunities. You will learn about the range of study areas (or majors) available – such as Marketing, Finance, or Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship – and the many ways in which you can combine your interests, with over 100 study areas to select from our shared pools of majors and minors. Find out more about internships, industry-focused experiences, and global mobility opportunities on offer to our Bachelor of Commerce students.
The Hotel School | Information Evening, Sydney
November 8, 2023
Are you passionate about a career in hospitality, tourism or events? Join us to explore how you can start an exciting global career within the hospitality, hotel and tourism industry by attending our Information Evening.
Highlights of the session include:
- Meet faculty team members and the Head of Campus
- Discuss career opportunities with the Work Integrated Learning team
- Find out about our courses and the application process
- Chat with our current students
Bring your parents or friends along and get all your questions answered.
November 18, 2023
Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Open Day on Sat 18 November 2023. This event will be held at AIE Campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide from 10am to 3pm.
AIE’s Open Day is a great opportunity to meet our teachers, staff and students. The day will cover everything you need to know about the:
- careers in games and VFX that we train students for;
- studios and industries that we work with;
- courses we offer – from beginners to professional mastery, and;
- the software, skills and knowledge we teach.
AIE’s Open Day will also include presentations on entry requirements and how to apply. Find out how AIE can get you into a creative career.
https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/open-day/
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
Boys Rugby 7s
A competitive day held at JJ Kelly Park saw our Joey’s boys claim some early victories in their games. With some talent of speed and agility displayed throughout the early matches the boys were feeling confident. Unfortunately we came up against some tough competition in our later games which saw our boys lose their last rounds and bow out of the competition. Overall, a lot of experience was gained on the day, with many of our boys playing this game for the first time. We look forward to developing these teams more for next year's tournament.
Girls Rugby 7s
A great day of rugby at Saunders Oval where the 15's and 17's girls teams battled bindis, bumps and bruises to represent our school so amazingly. The 15's were 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.
Berg Shield - Round 1
After the call was made to go ahead with the game this morning we braved the weather and completed a great 20/20 game against St John's from Nowra at Des King Oval.
We batted first and our batters never really got going. Cody Cartwright was the stand out with 24 runs. We ended up scraping together 63 runs and were all out after 18 overs.
We knew this score wasn't as much as we wanted, however the boys went out there and had a great attitude and never gave up. We bowled aggressively and targeted the stumps. St John's put together a good opening partnership and were 0-30 off 6 overs.
Mitch Whalan took the big wicket of their opening batsmen and from then on it was all St Joey's. We took wickets regularly with Sam Heutter completing a 3 wicket maiden from one of his overs and bowled full and straight at the stumps. Ben Maloney also bowled well coming on and picking up 3 wickets and only going for 4 runs.
It came down to the wire and we needed two wickets and St John's needed 10 runs. Sam Huetter came back on and took another wicket and then Tristan took it on himself to bowl and took the final wicket. We ended up bowling St John's out for 55 runs. Sam finished with figures of 4-6 and was the MVP.
Was a great win and we never gave up and we are now through to the next round.
Round 2 will be held at Bateman’s Bay against Pambula if our team is successful they will then play Edmund Rice in the afternoon.
14 Girl's League Tag
I had the pleasure of taking the under 14's girls league tag team. We played our two Pool A games against Holy Spirit and Warilla High. The girls were competitive and showed excellent teamwork and sportsmanship. We didn't progress to the semi-finals but still had a lovely morning together.
There were so many outstanding players it was hard to pick an MVP. Lily Bargallie, Elah Batistuzo-Hale, Mia Hill, Emily Hollingsworth, and Kiara Shelton were all stand out players, however, MVP goes to Angel Barbaro. She was a great competitor, showed commitment to training prior to the day as well as being respectful, showing sportsmanship, supporting her teammates and being an all-round great representative for St Joey's.
Relay 4 Life
It was an honour that our school dance company was asked to dance at this year's HOPE ceremony for Relay for Life in Wollongong. Our girls performed beautifully and represented the school with pride. They thoroughly enjoyed this performance opportunity and felt touched by the ceremony held before their dance.
Team Training & Trials Update
Mixed Touch Trials
U16s Mixed Touch trials will be on Monday at lunch time. There will only be one trial to make this team and therefore attendance is imperative. Please make sure you have your sports uniform and show up promptly.
Rugby League Training
We have commenced our training for Rugby League. This is development training to prepare for trials and games next year. Students are encouraged to show up to these sessions in order to be considered in the teams next year. If they do not meet the session requirements, they will not be allowed to play in the tournaments.
Boys Training - Week B Tuesday Lunch
Girls Training - Week A Tuesday Lunch
Soccer Training
Soccer training starts in Week 5 with both Boys and Girls teams training on Wednesday lunch times. Students are encouraged to show up to these sessions in order to be considered in the teams next year.
Tennis Nominations
We are looking for students to trial for our Tennis Team for 2024.
If you are an experienced tennis player, can you please nominate below.
Trials will begin in Week 7.
Nominate here: https://forms.gle/oB8SMNKUPKuGfszL8
15s & Opens Touch Nominations
We will be trialling for our 15s and Open 2024 Touch teams. This will involve 3 trials to select our teams for the Term 1 gala day. Please note that 13s Touch Teams will be chosen early Term 1.
Students are expected to show up to all 3 trials and failure to do so may result in not being selected. Reserves will be chosen and expected to continue to train with the team in case of injuries or students not meeting player contract expectations.
Trial dates are TBC.
Nominations close: Week 6, Friday 16th November
Nominate: https://forms.gle/dP8jwmu4Jh8yB4Zr9
Student Sporting Success
Travis McGeorge
Congratulations to Travis who recently competed at the Australian Hillclimb Championships. Travis took the win and now has the title of Australia’s Fastest Junior.
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
Warrigal House will be celebrating their winning of the Murphy/Mackillop Cup at Jamberoo Action Park on Friday 24th November. With the support of St. Joseph's Parents and Friends, staff and students will be able to share a well-earned day of fun and excitement!
Students will be taken to and from the venue by bus, leaving school at 9:30a.m and returning by 3:00p.m.
Parents are asked to complete the consent form on Compass by NO LATER than Friday 17th November.
Mr Shanahan
The below video is for Peer Support training Year 9. Please view below video with relation to Parent Awareness Raising - Peer Support.
CSSA Debating Year 8 - St John the Evangelist Catholic School, Nowra
On Monday October 23, our Year 8 debating team competed in the Catholic Secondary Schools Association Debating Competition held at St John the Evangelist Catholic School at Nowra.
The students participated in three debates on the day, one prepared and two impromptu, focusing on a range of contemporary issues including ‘That the Barbie image does more harm than good’. Our team won their first debate and learnt a lot about the art of debating and are keen to compete again next year.
Throughout the process, they developed valuable skills in devising and presenting a logical argument and speaking in a convincing and persuasive manner. This competition gave our students the opportunity to develop their debating skills as well as mix with like-minded students from across the region. Our team proudly represented their school and they all had an enjoyable day.
A huge thank-you to Mrs Emma Williams and Mrs Senitta Messieh for preparing the students for the debate, Mrs Emma Vlaski for fascilitating the competition and Mr Tim Wilson for his support, encouragement and guidance with the students and adjudication on the day.
Team – Jacob Ong, Sophie Pease, Alexander Sipka and Brandon Smith
On Wednesday the 25th of October, our Youth Ministry Leaders for 2024 attended a Formation Day at Stanwell Tops run by the CEO.
The YMLs, with other leaders around the diocese, unpacked the meaning of a Youth Ministry Leader. A Youth Ministry Leader uses Jesus' ministry as an example of leadership, called to use their gifts to evangelise and promote Gospel values in our community. Importantly, the YMLs were commissioned by Father James Arblaster during our mass. The leaders also worked collaboratively to develop a four step plan for our school to be implemented next year, focussed on responding with faith in action.
Congratulations to our wonderful Youth Ministry Leaders for 2024:
- Maryam Barakat
- Finn Carson
- Matthew Shepherd
- Alexandra Tololeska
- Chloe Norris
- Bethany Heys
- Ashley Claridge
- Madeleine Varga
- Hayden Smith
- Katelyn Blissett
- Oliver Gana
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).
Also prior to signing out, they are required to complete 3 separate surveys which have been sent out to students school emails.
When students have followed the above sign-out process, they 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
Once sign-out has been completed, they will be issued with their ticket to the school formal.
Shellharbour City Council is undertaking a 'Giving Tree Appeal' for families in need this christmas. Some 450 children, who come from low income families within Shellharbour City, will not receive Christmas presents this year. The assistance and support received from local schools last year greatly ensured the success of the 2022 Appeal.
If you wish to make any donations of gifts to the Shellharbour City Council Mayoress’ Giving Tree Appeal they can be left in the box located next to the tree in the foyer on the ground floor at the Shellharbour Civic Centre from 3 November 2023. Please note, Donations of gift vouchers should be marked to the attention of Joanne Frasca and left with customer services on the ground floor at the Shellharbour Civic Centre. Gift Vouchers for Target and Kmart are preferred, not Coles Myer as they cannot be used for Alcohol.
If you have any queries please contact Joanne Frasca on 0422 794 483. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated and will contribute to the success of the appeal.
Thank you for all of the support over the past twelve months. It has been a pleasure to serve the St Joseph’s School Community.
The Online Booking System is now open for parents to be able to make their fitting appointments. Please see below last day of trade for 2023, back to school trading hours and resumption of normal trading hours.
Last day of Trade:
Thursday 14th December - 8:30am - 1:30pm
Back to School Trade 2024:
Monday 15th January - 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 18th January - 8:30am - 4:30pm
Monday 22nd January - 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 25th January - 8:30am - 4:30pm
Monday 29th January - 8:30am - 4:30pm
Resume Normal Trade 2024:
Thursday 1st February 8:30 - 1:30pm
Tracey
St. Joseph’s Catholic High School Uniform Shop
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.