21 August 2023

A Message from the Principal

Principals Welcome Speech - Izumgaioka Junior High School

Good Morning on behalf of Mrs Hales, Mr Dart, Mrs Peel, Mr Johns, Mr Zahra, Mrs Cunningham and the staff and students of St Joseph’s, I extend a warm welcome to Mr Ishiura, Miss Goto and Mr Terashima, and to the students of Izumgaioka Junior High School.

This year we celebrate two very special milestones: St Joseph’s 140th Birthday and the 10th anniversary of the Sister School agreement with Izumgaioka High School. We are very honoured that our friends from Japan are here to celebrate with St Joseph’s in the year of such special milestones.

In 2012 when Mr Kitizawa and Mr Greaves, the Principals of both schools came together to sign the Sister School Agreement it was in hope of a friendship and since then we have both crossed over the Pacific Ocean to share in each other’s schools and we have learned about the culture of both Japan and Australia. The first exchange took place in 2013 with students from Izumigaoka attending St Joseph’s. In the past ten years there have been many visits between our two schools, but sadly this was interrupted by COVID and so we are very pleased that your staff and students have been able to travel to our school after a long break.

For Mr Ishiura, we welcome you back to St Joseph’s, a place that has grown and changed since you have last visited. Miss Goto, this is your first visit to Lochinvar and for Mr Terashima, you will learn since your last visit our school has grown much larger, with 1000 students and over 100 staff. Our Japanese friends, you have left the last of the summer in Kyoto as we are about to welcome the spring and say goodbye to the cold winter mornings. St Joseph’s will soon farewell our Year 12 students whilst at Izumgaioka the school year has just begun! We have welcomed a few new additions of our own on the school farm and this is just one of the many things we will learn about each other whilst you are here and we look forward to making many new memories.

One of the most important things to learn about St Joseph’s was that the school was founded by the Sister’s of St Joseph in 1883 and they have a strong tradition of hospitality. We hope to carry on that tradition during your visit where you will meet many of our students and their families. I particularly thank Claire, Jack, Mackenzie, Anna, Luka, Lucy, Kiara, Sienna, Samuel, Cooper and your families for opening your homes to Kokoa, Mizuki, Kokomi, Saku, Konoha, Reina, Shido, Rinoka, Keito and Rio and trust that each of you will become life long friends. To the students of St Joseph’s, it is a rare and special opportunity that you can meet people who have travelled from very far to be with us and I am sure that you will take the opportunity in the next week to be kind and respectful hosts to our friends from Izumgaioka.

We hope that this cultural experience will be a time of shared understanding of our cultures, that there is lots of fun and laughter, and you will have an opportunity to walk on the land of the Wonnaru people who have cared for this place for over 60 000 years. Today we become part of its history and memory with this very honoured visit from Izumgaioka. As our guests I hope you have an enjoyable time and I take this opportunity to recognise Mrs Cunningham who has worked very hard in making this visit a special experience.

Anikanya (hello in Wonnaru language) and Sentojozefu e yōkoso.

Mrs Elizabeth Stokes

Acting College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Staffing 2024

We have commenced the process of staffing for 2024 and will move into advertising of all permanent and temporary vacancies in the next six weeks. Leadership positions have been filled in the first instance. We congratulate Mr Robert Bain – Leader of Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Stage 5 on being appointed to the position of Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement at McAuley Catholic College Medowie for 2024. As a result of Merit Selection processes to replace Mr Bain, Ms Abbie Marston has been identified as the preferred candidate. Ms Marston is currently sharing the role of Leader of Wellbeing & Pastoral Care with Ms Lynch but will take on the role full time in 2024. We congratulate Ms Marston on being appointed to this important position.

Purchase of Buses

As a result of two years of research and financial planning, the college has received approval from the Diocese to purchase two x 13-seater buses. This is an exciting opportunity to provide flexible transportation to events, especially when we have small numbers of students involved. As with all vehicle purchases there is a wait period, however, we hope that in coming months you may see at least one bus travelling around the area and proudly displaying our school crest.

Year 12

We congratulate Year 12 on completing their Higher School Certificate Trial Examinations and wish them well in the final weeks of their studies. This week they will lead the school in a number of initiatives for Sunnyside up Week – bringing about positive energy and enthusiasm.

Celebration of 140 Years

On 3^rd September 2023 we will come together with the Sisters of St Joseph to celebrate 140 years of life and ministry in the spirit of Joseph at Lochinvar. This is an opportunity to honour the past, focus on the present and look forward to the future. Importantly for the college to recognise the great legacy of the Sisters that we are called to honour in our service and education.

Pupil Free Dates 2023

Term 4 – Friday 15^th December – Parent/Teacher Interviews – students attend interviews with parents – no scheduled classes.
Term 4 – Monday 18^th & Tuesday 19^th December

IMPORTANT - 2023 Calendar Dates 

Note that Staff Development – Pupil Free Days are also highlighted

Ministry Musings

On Monday, 7^th August, Year 9 journeyed to Tocal Agricultural College to partake in their annual Formation Day. Our focus for the day was based on the Year 9 theme of “Respect” inspired from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-5). Paul emphasises that each and everyone is bestowed with gifts which flow from the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christ, and the Father. The unity and diversity of the Trinity, models the unity and diversity of gifts shared in Christian communities, such as ours. When students are encouraged to act with a humble and healthy confidence in the gifts that God has placed within them, the person that God created comes alive. It is through faith experiences such as our Year 9 Formation Day, students can recognise the gifts that God has given them.

Year 9 engaged in various activities, immersing themselves in spirituality, deep thinking, group activities and conversations to draw upon their faith. Students explored:

• The concept of respect from a Catholic view and their own perspective and evaluated the qualities needed for respect, what it looks like and what it sounds like.
• The relationship between our Catholic faith and respect, that Christ calls all to “love your neighbour as yourself” honouring the dignity of each person.
• Respect for our Common Home, recognising that God has employed humanity as stewards of the earth, a duty to respect His sacred Creation through faith and action.

Throughout the formation experience, students deepened their friendships, built connections, created everlasting memories, and most importantly experienced a positive change within themselves through the workings of the Holy Spirit.

Lastly, I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the staff who attended the formation and contributed to the success of the program through small group facilitation. Thank you, Mr Mills, Mr Bain, Ms Madden, Mrs FitzGerald, Ms Jenkins, Ms Holmes, Mrs Kodi, Mr Fiorenza and Mrs Rebecca Piefke Co-ordinator of Youth Ministry at St Joseph’s East Maitland, who kindly volunteered her time to join us.

Pillar of Focus - Hope

This is a fitting Pillar to focus on for this newsletter, as we have only just celebrated the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop, a compassionate, adventurous, and courageous woman, filled to the brim with hope. St Mary followed Jesus’ radical footsteps, risking everything to educate and bring about God’s love to children living in poverty and the marginalised. She lived by the code of “never seeing need without doing something about it” living a life service, trusting wholeheartedly in God’s providence. It is through her Christ-like, actions the message of the Gospel and God’s grace that she brought hope to many. Recognising that hope is when God we place at the centre of our actions and aspirations. Hope is knowing that God is there with us even though we may not be able to see Him. Mary MacKillop’s example teaches us that in any circumstance we must be charitable, trust in Christ’s promises, relying on his strength and presence to persevere and overcome all challenges.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

Formation Dates

From the Assistant Principals....

Playground Reflections

During the last few weeks when walking around the playground it is always lovely to chat to students about their day, say good morning and wish them well for the day ahead.  As the weather warms up, it is a little bit nicer on cold morning duty.  During Sunnyside Up Week, one of the most important initiatives is the gate welcome, where our Year 12 students and staff welcome students on the gate each morning. We have some music playing and just say hello. It is a great way to start the day.

A few staff have commented in the last few weeks about student’s use of inappropriate and offensive language that we overhear as we walk past students or used casually in conversation. This is always disappointing when students who are just chatting feel the need to use this type of language.  A wellbeing initiative we introduced in 2022 is “We are what we speak,” which focused on our day to day language being reflective of our school values and our code of conduct.  We expect students to use language that is acceptable in a public space and educate students about the need to have an understanding of context and awareness of audience in conversations.  We will be asking students to consider their language on a day to day basis and be mindful of the people who can hear them and we will be encouraging them through a range of activities.

Year 12 Students and Parents

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who completed their HSC trials. During the period of the trials, the students were punctual, organised and some great preparation had taken place. Students are to be commended on their attitude. Teachers will be providing feedback in the coming weeks, dependant on the security periods that apply to particular exams.  Students are encouraged to concentrate on their feedback and begin planning for the HSC exams later this year.

In addition, over the past weeks there has been a number of communications provided to parents around the key events that are occurring as well as the lead up to the end of term. We encourage parents to contact Karen Hickling or myself (Liz Stokes) to discuss any questions or concerns regarding these events. We are looking forward to enjoying a very special time with your child and their family as they approach the end of formal schooling.

We also encourage all families to join the Chisholm Family Mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Church East Maitland on Sunday 17^th September 2023 @ 6.00pm. Father George Anticad has organised a Mass to celebrate this special time for families. 

Exam Preparation

During week 8, year 11 will be completing their end of Preliminary course exams. Exams have also been scheduled for weeks 4 and 5 next term for years 10 and 9 respectively. As such, it is an opportune time for students to consider their organisiation and study habits.

Organisation and Study

Before we get to studying, lets look at your organisation. A well organised space is crucial to creating a conducive space to study. A good study space should contain the following:

You should also have a space that contains storage. Some ideas are below. I find an ‘In and Out’ tray can be really good, in addition to book storage such as the images here.

Studying

There are two types of studying;

• Passive
• Active

Passive studying is where a person reads over their notes. This is not the most effective way for the brain to learn content and build neural pathways (brain’s ability to recall information).

Active Studying is a longer process that includes the following steps;

• Learn it – learn the content in class
• Know it – creation of summaries
• Practice it – creation of study notes, mind maps, quizzes, flip cards, acronyms and mnemonics.

Learn it – this is largely completed in class by the classroom teacher and is in the form of class notes, explanations and diagrams that cover the syllabus content.

Know it – this is the process of creating summaries.

• Have a summary book for each subject
• Have a highlighter and a red, blue and black pen
• Complete the following process at the end of each school day as you will remember more of it. This can also be done at the end of the unit
• In your Physics summary book, write the Topic Heading eg ‘Module 1 Kinematics’
• In black pen, write the subheading
• Read over the notes covered for the day’s lesson
• Now go back and read the first 3-5 sentences and write the big ideas in black pen. Continue this with the rest of the class notes in 3-5 sentence chunks
• Get your blue pen, read over the first 3-5 sentences and write the next level of information. Continue this with the rest of the class notes in 3-5 sentence chunks
• Lastly, get your read pen, read over the first 3-5 sentences and write any examples, dates, equations. Continue this with the rest of the class notes in 3-5 sentence chunks
• By the end of this process, you have read the class notes 4 times AND used parts of your brain to synthesis information. This is building your neural pathways and will help you remember the content.

Practice it – this is where you use you summaries to create any of the following

• Mind maps
• Further condense the notes (see above process)
• Acronymns eg NESA – National Education Standards Authority
• Quizes quizlet.com is good. Alternatively, write down a bunch of questions and give them to someone else to test you
• Study groups
• Flip cards
• Read, cover, repeat – read the notes, cover it with a piece of paper and repeat what you remember. Make sure you check your response
• Practice tests – complete past HSC papers and ask your teacher to look over them to provide feedback. Excellent for mathematics, but all subjects are applicable.
  

Brain information

Your brain is like any other organism; it gets better at something the more you do it. The more you practice a task the better you can get at it. The more you repeat an action, the thicker the neural pathways and the more easily you can recall information.

Change of Assessment Dates

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

Parent Guide to Cyberbullying and Online Drama

Ms Caitlin French & Ms Julia Preistley
St Joseph’s Professional Officers

Wellbeing

During Week 6 SJL will be celebrating Sunnyside up week. Below is an outline of activities students will be participating in:

We are what we speak

This term the focus during LMG has been ‘We are what we speak’. Students have been and will continue to participate in activities around how we speak to our peers, teachers, families and members of the community.  Students have been given the following message to consider:

• At its core, this concept suggests that the language we use goes far beyond just conveying information. It plays a crucial role in shaping our identity, relationships, and personal growth.
• Think of language as the building blocks of our thoughts. The words we choose to express ourselves not only communicate our feelings but also mould how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.
• In a world flooded with words through social media, conversations, and self-talk, understanding the impact of language becomes essential.
• By delving into how language influences us, we gain the power to create positive change in our lives and the lives of those we interact with.

We encourage ALL students and families to watch the following clip on negative self talk and discuss the impact this can have on oneself and those around them.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWDo-y-tK7k

LMG classes have discussed the importance of positive self-talk and the impact of negative self-talk. Some points are outlined below:

Positive Self-Talk

• Using positive language when talking to ourselves can be a game-changer. It boosts our self-esteem, promotes resilience, and helps us handle challenges more effectively.
• When we replace self-doubt with self-encouragement, we cultivate a mindset of possibility and potential.

Negative Self-Talk:

• On the other hand, negative self-talk can be damaging. Constantly berating ourselves, using harsh language, and focusing on our shortcomings can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
• Negative self-talk limits us and prevents us from reaching our true potential.

Finally, students have discussed what empathy is and how they can use empathy in their daily interactions. How we treat others and the language we use tells others a lot about you. Showing empathy and understanding is a skill and a personality trait that shows others that we care.

We ask families to continue to reinforce these messages at home by discussing these concepts and challenging their children to be mindful of the language they use.

Ms Alison Lynch, Ms Abbie Marston, Mr Johns and Mr Bain

Leaders of Learning-Wellbeing

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Solutions Puzzle 10

1 The potato now weighs 250g.

2 24 eggs.

3 Five cards are missing. Dividing the number of cards by three or five leaves a remainder of two, so there must be two more than a multiple of fifteen. i.e. 2, 17, 32 or 47. Dividing by four has a remainder of three, so the number of cards must be three more (or one less) than a multiple of four. The only number that matches these criteria is 47 (five less than 52). Working with numbers based on remainders in this way is an example of modular arithmetic first examined in detail by Carl Friedrich Gauss in 1801.

Puzzle 11

1 Fill in the circles using the numbers from 1 to 7 such that the sum of each line is equal

2 Are there any numbers which, when written in English, have all of their letters in alphabetical order?

3 Maurice and Minerva sell apples at the markets. Maurice sells three apples for a dollar. Minerva’s apples are a little better, so she sells two for a dollar.

One day Minerva was unwell and asked Maurice to sell her apples on her behalf. They both had the same number of apples. Maurice mixed all of the apples together and sold them at a rate of five for two dollars.

At the end of the day, Maurice had sold all of the apples but was seven dollars short of what he and Minerva would normally receive.

How many apples did Maurice sell?

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Year 10 External Vocational Education and Training Courses 2024 (EVET)

Throughout Years 11 and 12 students can undertake study of vocational subjects that are not offered on site at St Joseph’s College Lochinvar. These are EVET Courses (External Vocational Education and Training).

EVET courses are delivered at TAFE campuses and private Registered Training Organisations. All EVET Courses contribute to a student’s HSC, but not all courses contribute towards their ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). Students completing EVET courses will be working in an adult learning environment, while studying in industry standard workshops and environments. These courses are generally delivered on a weekday afternoon from 2pm-6pm but depending on the unit value may also be delivered in a full day.

Some funding is made available to schools to support the provision of these courses, however it is limited, so there is a $300 per unit, per year parent contribution fee for all EVET courses that must be paid prior to the commencement of the school year.

If current Year 10 students are interested in completing an EVET course in 2024, they are required to see Mrs Peattie for an Expression of Interest form. The EOI is due no later than the 21^st August. By submitting this form, there is NO guarantee that the student will proceed with enrolment in the course, as viability for courses will be determined by student demand.

If a student has an interest in a particular area not offered by the school or on the EVET course list they are encouraged to see Mrs Peattie.

Year 10 - School Based Traineeship St Nicholas Early Education

By participating in the School Based Trainee program, students will gain valuable vocational training, employment in the industry and the entry-level qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care. The course is dual accredited, which means it contributes to student’s HSC and is an AQF qualification recognised by industry.  While it does not contribute to an ATAR, the completed Certificate III can be used as a pathway to university.

Further information and the application process can be found in the link below.

APPLY HERE

Applications for the program are now OPEN and will close on 3^rd September.

Please encourage your son/daughter to see Mrs Peattie for further information or assistance with the application process.

Students interested in applying for the program have an opportunity to complete the Immersion Program in Weeks 7 -10 of this term. Information has been provided to students so if anyone would like to participate they are encouraged to see Mrs Peattie.

Year 10 - Term 3 Work Experience

Year 10 students interested in completing Work Experience in Term 3 have now received an Expression of Interest form. The EOI form must be returned by Wednesday 23^rd August to be considered for Work Experience. Students will be provided with a Work Experience Information Pack including the Student Workplace Learning Record and information for the employer and parent. The Student Workplace Learning Record must be accurately completed by all parties (student, parent, employer and school) before a student can start Work Experience.

Term 3 Work Experience:     

Monday 18^th September - Friday 22^nd September (Week 10)

Further information about the program can be found on the Expression of Interest note.

Please contact Kylie Peattie if you have any questions regarding Work Experience.

Year 10 - Short TAFE Courses

TAFE NSW has an opportunity for students to participate in a program called Youth Engagement Strategy (YES). The short courses within this program will incorporate both practical vocational tasters and general employability skills. They are primarily designed for students with a strong interest in a vocational pathway post school.

The courses will run in Term 4. A copy of the courses and the permission note required for enrolment has been emailed to students and placed on Compass.

This is a funded program so there is no cost involved. If a student has already completed a YES program, they are not able to complete a second program due to funding requirements. 

Students will need to make their own transport arrangements to the campus and will be under the supervision of TAFE staff.

Seniors Newsletter

Mrs Kylie Peattie
Careers Advisor
kylie.peattie@mn.catholic.edu.au

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Last week our Aboriginal Dance Group had an experience sharing culture with our friends at St Patricks and St Nicholas Early Education Centre. Our students explained the importance of dance throughout Aboriginal history and then performed our Dance which was composed and taught to us by Hilary McEntyre, a proud Worimi woman. The young students from St Pats and St Nic’s then had an opportunity to practise some of the animal movement components of the dance and we were very impressed with their enthusiasm and skills. We had a great time sharing culture and we are excited to continue to build our relationship with our new friends. It was wonderful seeing our students for being great role models and leaders. Well done to all involved. There are always opportunities to join our fantastic Aboriginal Dance group. If this is something that you are interested in please reach out to one of our Aboriginal Education Teachers.  

Upcoming Events

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Numeracy/Rugby League Day

In week 10, there is an opportunity for 12 of our year 7 and 8 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to participate in a Numeracy Day which is based around Rugby League. The day is a chance for students to improve on their numeracy skills in an engaging way not to mention meet some new people who share their culture.

Japanese Student visit Yalawa

Next week, students from St Joseph’s Sister School in Japan will be visiting Yalawa Centre to participate in activities and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will be teaching the Japanese students how to weave, engage in Aboriginal art techniques as well as how to throw a boomerang. This will be a great experience for students to teach and learn about each other’s cultures.

Community Events

                                                   Plants can be collected at 285 High St, Maitland

Student Support

If there are any issues that we can support students with or that you think that we need to be aware of please do not hesitate to contact one of us. The earlier that we can intervene with matters, the better the chance of a successful outcome. Below is a table of when our Aboriginal Education Teachers are on site and relevant contact details.

If your student is also doing amazing things in the community, please let us know so we can give them a shout out in the ‘Yalawa Yarnings.’

Ms Zara Francisco, Mrs Hannah Allen and Mr Frank Hales
Aboriginal Education Teachers

Message from the Finance Office

Thank you to families who are continuing to make regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments and to those families who have finalised their School Fees.

A friendly reminder fees are due by 30^th November 2023, please contact our Finance Office on 0249 307 291 or email finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au if you have any concerns in meeting this due date.

Statements are emailed for you to review at the beginning of every month and were last emailed on Tuesday, 1^st August.

Bpay is our preferred method of payment, however payment can also be made via Credit Card, Cash, Cheque and Centrepay.

Health Care Card and Pension Card Holders

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle offer a lower tuition fee to ‘means tested’ low income families such as Health Care and Pension Card holders. This rate is 50% of the Diocesan Tuition Fee full rate for each child. 

If you are a current holder of an Australian Government Health Care Card or Pension card you may be intitled to a discount on your school fees.  Please complete the attached forms and email to finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au along with a copy of your current health care card or pension card.

Mrs Cathy Duff
Finance Officer

Canteen News

Lunch Orders

Lunch Orders are still available through the QKR app. Orders made via QKR need to be placed by 8.15am.

Canteen Menu

Qkr! – Getting Started

Mrs Tania Cullity
Food Operations Manager

Contact us (Email addresses)

In order to keep our records up to date:

FOR STUDENT SERVICES – Please email studentservices@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au 

FOR FINANCE – Please email finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au

ALL OTHER MATTERS (other than Finance) - please use the email admin@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au

Alinta Uniform Shop

Shop Opening Hours

Our opening hours have changed, please see new hours below:

Blazers

Due to the lead time associated with the delivery of blazers for our senior students we are asking if parents/carers could place their orders as soon as possible. This will alleviate any delays as the weather gets cooler.

Community Announcements