21 September 2023

A Message from the Principal

Congratulations to all of our Year 12 students who graduated on the evening of Wednesday 20^th September. It was a wonderful celebration with families and staff present.

Special congratulations to our major award winners.

                 Dominik Traub-Rehm                             Emma Phelan                                  Sheleeya Wurzer

                  College Blues Award                     Christian Leadership Award                Sisters of St Joseph Award                                                                       

                   Katelyn Lawrence                              Joseph Goodwin                                  Paige Brinkley

                   Cultural Award                                       Cultural Award                                 Sr Agnes Hopper Award

                                                                                                                                                Lochinvar Medal         

                                                                                                                                            Vice Chancellor Award             

                       Tess Peel                                           Baiden Smith                                       Logan Culley

               ADF Long Tan Leadership                     ADF Future Innovators                             Ampol All Rounder

                    & Teamwork Award                                  

                     Baley Sorensen                                Bella Linton-Hall                                     Demi Cant

                   Principal's Award                                  Lochinvar Medal                                 Spirit of Lochinvar           

Year 12, during this week you have experienced many of those ‘last times’ and this brings with it both excitement and joy and maybe just a little tinge of sadness. As you prepare to leave the College, we give thanks for you as individuals; for the change that you have initiated in yourself and others; for the challenging times that have inspired you to be courageous and for the laughter and joy that has resonated across classrooms and playgrounds. We give thanks for your willingness to wonder, to learn and to be of service; we give thanks for the actions you have taken, and the words that you have spoken. There is no doubt that in ways both big and small you have made a difference and we are the richer for your presence.

On behalf of the staff and the students of St Joseph’s, we wish you farewell knowing, that this is not the end, rather it is just a beginning; take pride in how far you’ve come; have faith in how far you can go, enjoy the adventures ahead, know that you will always be part of the Lochinvar story. I hope that you are eager to forge ahead, to seek opportunity and adventure; to see what is possible and to dream about what some say may be impossible. As you look around today I hope that you can genuinely say that you left things a little bit better than you found them – especially because you have had purpose and hope.  Cherish the good times and remember how in the difficult times you rose up together and defined your year not by the challenges but by love, resilience and spirit.

Year 12, as you leave the College, I challenge you to continue to be great human beings; I challenge you to bring what is already inside of you fully to life for what is in you is the capacity for understanding; what is in you is the capacity for compassion; what is in you is the capacity to forgive; what is in you is love. Share your light!

In addition, all the very best as you prepare to sit for your HSC Examinations commencing on Wednesday 11^th October.

2024 School Leaders

As a result of our process of discernment for College Captains 2024 the following students will represent the College as our student leaders in 2024.

                       Ava Grant                                          Bethany Knight                                Isabelle Jordan       

                      Lachlan Wills                                      Sienna Davidson                                   Xavier Wills

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Farewell and Thank you

Mrs Liz Bailey will retire from her position of School Officer – Administration this week. Liz has worked at the college for 22 years and has seen enormous change both within the college itself and in the nature of work. Liz has been a wonderful ‘worker in God’s vineyard’, always ensuring the highest standard of work, building positive relationships, being prepared to go ‘above and beyond’ for our students and staff. While Liz will from time to time return to the college as a casual, we formally acknowledge her contribution and dedication and give thanks for the many gifts she has shared with this community.

Attendance

As we come to the end of the term, I strongly encourage all parents to log into Compass and review their child’s attendance. There is a very clear connection between attendance and success at school – both in learning and wellbeing. Students should be at school unless they are unwell. Too often we are seeing some students taking a very casual approach to attendance and many students being picked up early from school.

Commencement Dates 2024

The NSW Government has confirmed that staff will return on Tuesday 30^th January 2024. This day and the following day (Wednesday 31^st January) have been designated by the Catholic Schools Office as Pupil Free for Staff Development related to Governance and Curriculum. Therefore students will return in 2024 as follows:

Thursday 1^st & Friday 2^nd February – Years 7, 11 & 12.

Monday 5^th February – all students Years 7-12 in attendance

Remaining 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

Note that Staff Development – Pupil Free Days are also highlighted

IMPORTANT - 2023 Calendar Dates 

Ministry Musings

It has been a remarkable week as we witnessed our soon-to-be graduates from Year 12 engage in a period of contemplation and reflection on their journey here at St. Joseph's College. The week was filled with daily prayers, guided by various esteemed members of our community who have been deeply involved in the development of our Year 12 students.

Monday: Our week commenced with a heartfelt prayer led by the Year 12 LMG teachers. These dedicated mentors have walked alongside each student throughout both their preliminary and HSC courses, nurturing their growth and knowledge,

Tuesday: Prayer was led by the Sisters of St. Joseph, living examples of our Josephite charism, took the reins in demonstrating to our students how to live a virtuous and fulfilled life of faith. Their unwavering guidance has been a source of inspiration for our young graduates.

Wednesday: Our College Leaders facilitated prayer and set the tone for the cohort, exemplifying leadership, and delivering a heartfelt message of community, friendship and love which was felt by all.

Thursday: As the week drew to a close, our Executive Team led a sincere morning prayer, seeking the Lord's guidance for our Year 12 who will embark on the next phase of their lives very shortly.

To culminate this momentous week, we congregated in our cherished Chapel one final time, joined by parents, staff, and students, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving presided over by Fr. George Anthicad. Following the ceremony, we headed to MacKillop Place for a shared breakfast, where we reminisced, shared memories and laughter while enjoying a delicious spread prepared by our talented Hospitality Team.

As we bid farewell to Year 12, I extend my warmest wishes for their future endeavors. Each one of you has undoubtedly left a positive mark on our College, and you will be greatly missed. We have every confidence that your journey beyond these walls will be filled with success, growth, and continued positive contributions to our world.

Thank you for being an integral part of the St. Joseph's College family. We look forward to seeing all the amazing accomplishments that lie ahead for our graduates.

Pillar of Focus - Hope

Hope is one of our College’s Pillars and is one of the Church’s theological virtues, which teaches us to trust in God’s promises, knowing that God will provide even in the most adverse times. Hope is not wishful thinking but confidence in knowing that God is with us and will support us. Thus, I find this virtue to be fitting for our departing Year 12 students and encourage you (Year 12) to continue your journey with Christ and place your trust in him. Unfortunately, there will be tough times, in which everything seems to be going downhill, but I encourage you to maintain your faith in God and place your hope in His promises and transformational grace. God wants the best for all of us, even though sometimes it does not seem like it based on the challenges we might be experiencing, and potential future difficulties. I encourage each of you to unite these times, with the suffering experienced by Christ on the Cross, because He will guide you to true happiness and fulfillment. The greatest thing about our God, is that He is a God that truly understands the human experience in its highs and lows, which is unique to the Christian faith. Christ understands each of us personally, he knows what is best for each of us, and knows how to overcome adversity by enduring difficulties and trusting in the Father. So, if there is any last advice that I would like to leave you with Year 12, it is to place all hope in God, he will provide because “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

Pet Blessing Ceremony

We invite you to a special Pet Blessing Ceremony on Tuesday 17^th October at 4.30pm at St Joseph's East Maitland to celebrate the furry, feathered, and finned members of our families. Bring your beloved pets, big or small, and join us for a meaningful blessing.

This event is an opportunity to:

• Receive a blessing for your pet.
• Share stories and fellowship with other pet owners.
• Celebrate the bond between humans and animals.

We look forward to seeing you and your cherished companions at this heartwarming event. All are welcome!

To ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees please remember to keep your pets restrained with leaches, carries or other appropriate means.  

Look forward to seeing you there!

Rebecca Piefke,
ACTiv8 Youth Coordinator
Chisholm Pastoral Region

From the Assistant Principals....

Year 11

Commencement of HSC Course

Well done to all of year 11 for completing the Year 11 Final Assessment tasks over the past two weeks. It was terrific to talk with so many of you both before and after the exams. The conclusion of the assessment tasks also marks the completion of the Preliminary Course for your subjects. This means that you will now move into the HSC courses. It is also a time to re-evaluate your direction and goals. Have your goals changed since the end of year 10 when you chose your subjects? Has your direction changed in the past three terms? Do you want to go to university, TAFE, get an apprenticeship or enter the work force? These are all very valuable questions that might help shape your goals for the end of Year 12. Both Mr Dart and Mrs Peattie can assist you to re-align your goals as you begin the HSC.

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

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

Wellbeing

3-9^th September was National Child Protection Week, where we continued to champion the message that ‘every child, in every community, needs a fair go. The aim of Child Protection Week is a significant one; to ensure communities are functional – that all the ‘pieces’ to the puzzle - all the essential parties involved with children and keeping them safe – are available and working together to ensure all children in our community are safe and supported.

If you would like to learn more about all the ‘pieces of the puzzle’ click here.

In conjunction with National Child Protection Week staff and students of our College have worked collaboratively to create a display that demonstrates our commitment to this most worthy cause. Last week you may have noticed that the space outside MacKillop place (near the carpark student pick up zone) we ‘Decorated Our Gate’. This display, which is pictured below, was a show of our commitment to the safeguarding of our students. This years theme was ‘Where we Start Matters’. The posters created are original and authentic work from the students and staff members, representing THEIR perspective on how St Joseph’s promotes a safe and supported environment for all members of our community.

The various areas of St Joseph’s, encapsulated in the posters, symbolise our whole school and ongoing approach to safeguarding at the College. They symbolise that ‘where we start’ with all stakeholders ‘matters’ and

• Is, and always will be, centred on Christ and our Josephite tradition at St Joseph’s
• begins when you join our community, and extends beyond the gates, through the skills and knowledge gained
• includes working with our families and community organisations
• ensures all students can experience support and a feeling of safety through our strategic whole-school approach

The image above pictures just some of the students that worked collaboratively with staff to create the various parts of the display.

STUDENTS include: Abigail Parkes, Eloise Levido, Isabelle Hockley, Jeremy Campbell, Zavier Harriden, Jaiden Jotanovic, Zikra Khalifa, Mikayla Whaler, Blair Quaine, Keely Davidson, Jordan Porter, Jamalia Taylor, Arabella Harrod, Belle Brand, Layla Kostrzewski, Madison O’Donnell, Alarna Bradica, Cooper Johnson, Lawson Swaine & Mishka Tibbets.

STAFF include: Lisa Peel, Caroline Donohue, Lisa Donnelly, Emily Fitzgerald, Gabby Madden, Georgia Jenkins, Chris Johns, Robert Bain, Ali Lynch, Abbie Marston, Virginia Burke, Hannah Allen, Zara Francisco, Carley Leonard, Mel Hawke & Taylor Zahra. 

We thank the students & staff that so willingly contributed to the display. Yet another example of our College staff & students going above and beyond – & particularly during such a busy time of the school year.  THANK YOU!

This week marked our annual R U OK Day. It was a great week that focussed on how a conversation can change a life. Our LMG activities and promotion within the school was to inspire our young people to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

Our LMG activities focussed specifically on HOW students can engage in that ‘R U OK’ conversation. Students learned to use the four steps and have a conversation that could change a life;

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Building these skills will hopefully provide them with the confidence to believe that they “don’t need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend & a great listener” (ruok.org.au).   

Holiday tip for Parents of teens: think safe risk rather than no risk

As we move towards the holidays, this time can bring about many anxieties and thoughts of how you will manage your teenager wanting to ‘spread their wings’ and exercise some independence, whilst also trying to keep them safe.

There is helpful information on the ‘Raising Children’ website, outlining and reassuring parents that exploring new experiences and testing boundaries is a normal part of a teens life, and importantly it is KEY for parents to help their teen test these boundaries safely.

The website outlines some strategies that parents can use to help their teen take healthy risks in less concerning ways:
Five things Parents can do:

• Taking positive risks: Look for activities or programs that allow for positive risk . mountain biking, indoor or outdoor rock-climbing
• Build self-esteem: Sometimes teens take risks to fit in with a group, but when they feel safe and supported at home it helps them think of consequences and they are less likely to respond to peer pressure. A parent’s love and support is essential for teens’ self-esteem.  Building self-esteem includes showing genuine interest in their hobbies and friends and taking time to really listen when they want to talk.
• Have agreed boundaries: It helps if families can talk about their values and rules and set agreed boundaries and expectations with their teens.
• Support teen decision making: Talking about pros and cons of actions, working through scenarios and brainstorming options on how to say ‘no’ helps teens navigate tricky situations, and can help parents feel more confident in their teen when they are out and about.
• Let teens know you are there to support them: no matter what, and that they can come to you whatever happens.

Should you wish to read more click here.

We wish all students and their families a safe & enjoyable holiday.

We look forward to seeing your child(ren) return in Term 4 for a productive end to the Year!

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Solutions Puzzle 12

1. 60 Days

2. 47 Years old

3. 20cm² (for a simple solution, consider the following construction -

Puzzel 13

1. Can you connect the nine points with four straight lines without lifting your pencil?

2. An aeroplane takes of from the North Pole and flies due south for 50km. It then turns and flies east for another 100 km. At the end of the journey, how far is the aeroplane from the North Pole?

3. Maurice has a room with four walls. He has five different coloured paints. Maurice wants to paint the room so that no adjacent walls are the same colour. How many ways can this be done?

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Over the last two weeks, three students have attended Cultural Engagement camps run by the Wollatuka Institute. Jaydah Corney and Jasmyn Chenery attended the year 9 camp and Gabrielle Richardson attended year 10 camp, both of which went for three days. The camps gave students the opportunity to learn about academic pathways and explore more of their Aboriginal culture. All students reported they had a positive experience meeting new people and learning about career options for the future. They participated in a number of activities including Aboriginal art workshops, canoeing, think tank challenges and q &a sessions with local Aboriginal business owners as well as current students at Newcastle University who discussed University life and academic pathways.

Upcoming Events

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.

Community Events

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 please check your emails for September’s Fee Statement.  If you would like your account changed to be a Joint Account please review and complete the form below, these can be emailed to finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au

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

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Community Announcements