17 October 2023

A Message from the Principal

Over the weekend we witnessed a moment in our Nation’s history with the referendum regarding and indigenous voice to parliament. While the referendum did not gain enough votes to pass and there will be analysis for months to come, as well as the important question of ‘where to from here’ for our nation and importantly our First Nation People, St Joseph’s College remains fully committed to walking with our indigenous students, families and community members for reconciliation and justice. From an educational perspective, we are passionate about ensuring that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have every opportunity to succeed in all spheres of school life, and that we as a College know the ‘gaps’ and work consistently and with determination to ‘close the gaps’. Our Yalawa Centre is a safe haven for indigenous students, and our staff in the centre know all students, work with them on developing Personalised Learning Plans which includes goal setting and strategies to achieve those goals. Likewise, our teaching staff know their students and how they learn. Let’s all be united in seeking growth for all students.

Bishop Michael, together with the Diocesan Liturgy Council has released a number of prayer resources to support us in praying for peace – especially in Israel and Palestine. I encourage everyone to take some time each day to pray for all those impacted by the tragedy unfolding, especially for children who are facing so much suffering.

Let us humbly pray to God the giver of peace and source of unity

For enemies to be turned into friends, we turn to you. God of peace …

Hear our prayer

For fear to be turned into trust, we turn to you God of peace …

Hear our prayer

For hatred to be turned into love, we turn to you God of peace …

Hear our prayer

For despair to be turned into hope, we turn to you God of peace …

Hear our prayer

For oppression to be turned into freedom, we turn to you God of peace …

Hear our prayer

For resistance to be turned into harmony and reconciliation, we turn to you God of peace …

Hear our prayer

For war to be turned into true peace, we turn to you God of peace …

Hear our prayer

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Staffing 2024

HSIE - Ms Taylor Robbins has been appointed to replace Mrs Lisa Peel (2024-2025) while Lisa is seconded to the Catholic Schools Office. Taylor is very familiar with the College as during terms 1-3 she replaced Mrs Vikki Jordan who was on long service leave.

TAS - Mrs Anne O’Connor has opted for a Flexible Work Arrangement in 2024, working Tuesday to Friday. Mrs Amanda Nowland has been appointed to this job share position. Amanda is a highly experienced TAS teacher having worked over 20 years teaching TAS in Stage 4, 5 and 6. Her most recent teaching experience has been at St Paul’s Catholic College Booragul.

HSIE/Religion – Mrs Gabbie Maloney has decided to take leave for 2024, supporting family and travelling. Ms Emily Holmes has been appointed to replace Gabbie for next year. Emily has been working as a full time temporary HSIE/Religion position at the College this year and will seamlessly continue in this similar role. We wish Mrs Maloney all the best for 2024.

PDHPE – Mrs Alex McCormack has opted to continue her Flexible Work Arrangement in 2024, working each Monday and Tuesday. Mr Thomas Germon has been appointed as Mrs McCormack’s job share partner for 2024. Thomas is currently working at MacKillop College in Port Macquarie is is very much looking forward to moving back to the Hunter and working in another Josephite school.

HSIE – Mrs Jade Slevin will return to St Joseph’s in 2024 after having a year of leave. She will opt for a Flexible Work Arrangement in 2024, having Wednesday off to care for family. Ms Kathryn O’Malley has been appointed to this job share position. Kathryn is currently teaching at St Catherine’s Catholic College Singleton.

Looking for work as a part-time cook? Can you help our local Sisters of St Joseph?

The Sisters of St Joseph at Tenison Court, 892 New England Highway, Lochinvar are wanting to employ a part-time cook to prepare the mid-day meal Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9.30 am  – 12.30 pm. Miscellaneous Award 2010; Weekend loadings apply.

Contact:     Business Manager,  Mark Noonan

                    Phone:  4948 4063

                    Email: office@ssjl.org.au

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

Attendance

Education in New South Wales is compulsory. Specifically, in NSW students are required to commence school by age 6, complete Year 10 and remain at school until they reach the age of 17 or be enrolled in approved education or training for example TAFE, or be in full time employment (average 25 hours per week) or in a combination of work, education / training.

The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school, or, are registered with the NSW Education and Standards Authority for home schooling.

Regular attendance at school is essential if students are to maximise their potential. Schools, in partnership with parents/carers, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students. While parents/carers are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children, school staff monitor part or whole day absences as part of their duty of care for students’ welfare.

The Importance of arriving  on time - Arriving at school and class on time:

• Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day
• Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
• Give students time to greet their friends before class
• Reduces classroom disruption

Note - Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.

What if my child has to be away from school?

On occasion, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:

• being sick, or having an infectious disease
• having an unavoidable medical appointment
• being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
• exceptional or urgent family circumstance (e.g. attending a funeral)

Following an absence from school you must ensure that within 7 days you provide the school with a verbal or written explanation for the absence. However, if the school has not received an explanation from you within 3 days, the school will contact you to discuss the absence.

Remember that parents can provide an explanation for absence via Compass or notifying student services.

Travel / Holidays

Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, parents need to apply to the principal for leave at least 2 weeks prior to the leave.   A Leave Notification will then be completed and forwarded to parents. Arrangements for assessment tasks during the leave will be identified – note that in class assessment tasks during the time of leave will  likely have zero recorded which will impact on a student’s report and GPA. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year.

Traffic Management

Morning drop off of students

Just a reminder that supervision does not commence until 8am and therefore no student should be onsite before that time – please do not drop off your child just because the drive in gate is open.

Road rules on site

Parents and those who drop off and pick up students are reminded that road rules apply within and around all of areas of the school apply and that no-one is above the law – imperative in all of this is the safety and wellbeing of students, parents and staff. There are two pedestrian crossings in school grounds – cars must not park on or within 20 metres before and 10 metres after a children's' crossing or pedestrian crossing.

 There is a Student Pick up/Drop off Zone in front of Mackillop Place. All students being collected after school are to wait in this area for collection. For everyone’s safety students are not permitted to find their parent/carer in the line of traffic. All cars must progress past Mackillop place and then out of the college grounds.

2023 Important Dates

Note that Staff Development – Pupil Free Days are also highlighted

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 

Ministry Musings

Welcome back to our final term of the year, a term with great religious significance as we begin to quickly approach one of the most important events of our Catholic calendar, the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Before I get ahead of myself with the miracle of what is to come at the end of term 4, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible act of generosity and service demonstrated by our whole St Joseph’s College community. Throughout the entirety of Term 3, as a college we committed ourselves to a whole school social justice initiative, to support the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society through contributing to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. For this Winter Appeal, we focused on raising canned/ non-perishable food to support various peoples and families who may be experiencing adversity in our larger community. Both staff and students raised a tremendous amount of canned/ non-perishable food, which was collected and organised by the school MacKillop Team, as depicted in the Team’s photo. Our college has truly personified the wise words of Saint Mary MacKillop “to never see a need without doing something about it” through the generosity and love shown through faith and works.

On a similar note, four Year 10 students Isabelle Dixon, Gabrielle Richardson, Jacob Fara and Tom Carvosso represented the College at the Diocesan event Socktober, established by Catholic Mission. On October 10^th, our representatives and myself, headed into Newcastle, to McDonald Jones Stadium, in which they participated in the Socktober liturgy presided by Bishop Michael Kennedy, and participated in fun soccer drills using sockballs. The purpose of the event was to launch World Mission Month, to kick off a fundraising initiative back at school, to support the work of Catholic Mission in providing aid for our brothers and sisters in Timor-Leste experiencing the effects of poverty, low quality healthcare and infrastructure, limited access to education, corruption, and inequality. At the conclusion of the day, Isabelle, Gabrielle, Jacob, and Tom brainstormed some brilliant ideas to raise funds to support the missionary works of the Salesian Sisters who bring about aid to the peoples and families of Timor-Leste, such as Crazy Sock Day on the 26^th of October. More details about this initiative will be given to you in LMG this week, stay tuned.

Pillar of Focus – Faith

This month, since the year 1571, the Catholic Church has dedicated October to the Most Holy Rosary, specifically celebrating the Rosary’s feast day on October 7^th. To me, when I think of the Rosary, my mind immediately takes me to the Joyful Mystery of the Annunciation from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26-38. Similar to the prophets of the Old Testament such as Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and many more, Mary experiences a test of faith, which has now become an example of faith for all Catholics. What takes place in Luke’s Gospel is nothing short of a miracle, in which Mary is visited by a messenger of God, the angel Gabrielle, who informs Mary that she would be the Mother of God. Such an event would most certainly create doubt in the mind of any ordinary person, questioning if it really happened or was it a dream. But such doubts did not enter the mind of Mary, her unwavering faith, courage, and hope in God’s salvific plan gave her the strength to say, “let it be with me according to your word”. Her response to God’s call was of profound submission and trust in God’s will, even in the face of harsh judgement from an ancient society that was sure to come.

As 21^st century readers of the Gospel we can sometimes miss the degree of difficulty such a decision to trust in God can be, and the hard implications it can have on one’s life. But Mary placed her faith in God, knowing that only good can come from Him, even if she could not clearly see it at the time. This is what faith is, placing God first regardless of what is to come, because he will provide. We are to look to Mary as the model of faith, and in this month of October, through the mysteries of the most Holy Rosary pray for her intercession, to help us live a life of faith as she did.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

Year 8

In the coming weeks Year 8 will receive their electives for 2024.  Electives are in place for Years 9 and 10, therefore it is important that students ensure they are correct. Students will receive this information via their school email address.

Year 10 Term 4

In the coming week, Year 10 students will be provided with a calendar of events that are taking place after their examinations.

Year 10 students are encouraged to be preparing for their upcoming tasks. They will receive their final ROSA grades via Students Online in December as well as their formal school report.  All Year 10 students should now be accessing Students Online to complete their HSC All my Own Work and update their personal details.  During Transition Preparation lessons students have the opportunity to access these activities and receive support from their teacher.

Year 11

Congratulations to all students in completing the Preliminary Course pathway. By now you should have received your marks for each subject and have begun to plan your direction moving forward. Things to consider are:

• how can I consolidate or improve my results?
• do I have solid organisational practices?
• do I have pro-active ways of condensing my class notes and study habits?
• Am I managing my own wellbeing and mental health - creating a good balance of friends, family, school work, employment and exercise?
• do I have the right pathway of course moving into year 12? Can I 'drop' a subject to allow for study lessons and focus on improving results in remaining subjects?

If you haven't considered any of the above mentioned  points, I encourage you to consider these and begin working on them.

Moving forward into the HSC courses, students were spoken to about 'stepping up' as they commence the term. Students were reminded about the following:

• upholding the senior uniform expectations (shirts in, no facial piercings etc)
• driving privileges - red P plates can have a sibling, green P plates can have one other passenger, be a safe driver both to ad from school and whilst on school premises
• classroom expectations - students should be engaged in class work and there should not be any behaviour management issues in senior classes
• cohort effect on HSC marks - it is important that all students work to the best of their abilities.

In addition, all year 11 students have been sent via Compass, a document that contains simple organisational and study tips. I would encourage all students to read through this and seek Mr Dart if they need some assistance.

Year 12 HSC examinations

We continue to offer our prayers and support for students currently sitting the HSC. The HSC concludes on Friday 3^rd November. 

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

Support Services

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

Wellbeing

Welcome to term 4!

As we get settled back into school life, we have some exciting events coming up this term.

Upcoming events in October

World Mental Health Day 10^th October https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

World Teacher’s Day (27^th October) https://worldteachersday.edu.au/

During our Week One assembly to celebrate world mental health day, we welcomed the St Joseph’s Councillors’ team; Caitlan French, Julia Priestley and Brittany Hirst to address students, they gave students strategies on how to look after themselves and explained the services they offer here at St Josephs. If you feel your child would benefit from seeing someone from our school counselling team, please reach out to the relevant Leader of Wellbeing.

The Wellbeing time would like to further welcome our school Leaders for 2024, Sienna Davidson, Bethany Knight, Ava Grant, Isabelle Jordan, Lachlan Wills and Xavier Wills. We thank these leaders in advance for all the hard work they will put into the wellbeing space, playing a pivotal role in connecting and bringing together our community at St Josephs.

Term 4 focus – We are what we speak.

During LMG students will explore this topic.
To improve the quality of your life, take a close look at your language.

“If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought." - George Orwell

Most of us know that when we think positively, our words and lives begin to reflect those thoughts. The opposite, however, is also true. When we speak negatively of ourselves and the world around us, those words impact our state of mind and wellbeing. This is the case for even off-hand comments; we often say that we’re tired, that we wish it were Friday, that we are bored, or that we can't do it.

We all see the world differently, as well as ourselves in it. And we use and listen to language accordingly.

Listening is an important skill as it is in our speaking. We can’t control the words others use, but we can control how we respond to it.

Ms Alison Lynch, Ms Abbie Marston, Mr Royce Geoffery and Mr Robert Bain
Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Solutions Puzzle 13

1. See diagram below

2. 50Km

3. 280 ways

Puzzle 14

#1: A man is half the age of his father and twice the age of his sister. Fifty years later, the sister will be half the age of her father. How old is the man now?

#2: Place the numbers from 1 to 12 in the shapes below so that the sum of the squares, the triangles, the circles, the two centre rows, and the two centre columns are all equal.

3. A train was travelling from Ghent to Aix. An hour into the journey, one of the engines broke down and the train had to slow down to three-fifths of the former speed. The train arrived at Aix at 3 pm, which was two hours later than was expected. If the train had been able to last fifty kilometres more before breaking down the train would have arrived at 2:20 pm.

How far is it from Ghent to Aix?

Ag News

The College show team recently attended the Singleton Show. The students participated in a range of activities including junior judging, parading, showing trade steers and heifers and showing chooks. They represented the College wonderfully and a couple of great days out were had by all. I would especially like to thank Ms Squires, Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Stokes for their help.

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Mr Simon Ramage
AG Teacher

HSIE News

Stage 4 History

During Term 4 Year 7 students will continue the study of The Mediterranean World – Ancient Egypt, a unit that incorporates elements of everyday life, social structure, religious beliefs, significant events and people during this time period. To compliment this learning, the College was fortunate to have The Tutankhamun Roadshow https://www.tutroadshow.com/ visiting the College on Monday, 9th October and Tuesday, 10th October 2023 to provide a tour of the purpose built trailer whereby students engage in an informative session to enrich their study of the Stage 4 Mandatory History course.

Over these two days, Year 7 students toured the bus and moved through the three theatrettes to view objects that were made thousands of years ago, examine replicas and learn about the significance of these items today.  We thank the Tut Roadshow team for this engaging and interactive experience.

Stage 5 Geography

In second semester this year, Year 9 students began their study of Geography investigating Sustainable Biomes. They undertook practical fieldwork at ‘TailorMade’ Fish Farm, Bobs Farm, an environmentally responsible fish and vegetable production business, near Nelson Bay. As part of the Stage 5 Geography course, students are required to undertake mandatory fieldwork whereby they undertake the process of geographical inquiry – acquiring, processing and communicating information. During this fieldwork excursion, students investigated how biomes are modified to produce food and investigated sustainable food production models, specifically the tailor made growing of Barramundi in order to address the overfishing of wild fish stocks. Students then undertook fieldwork activities at Finnan Park, near Grahamstown Dam. Year 9 should be congratulated on how they engaged with these educational experiences that also assisted their completion of a Summative Assessment Task.

Stage 6 HSIE

The inaugural overnight excursion to Canberra, ACT occurred in Week 10 of Term 3. This experience aimed to supplement learning in Year 11 HSIE courses and visit relevant site studies as a foundation for the commencement of Year 12 HSIE courses in Term 4, 2023. A number of students across a range of HSIE courses such as Business Studies, Geography, History (Modern/Ancient), Legal Studies and Society & Culture attended this unique opportunity to visit a number of key venues in our National Capital from Thursday, 21^st September to Friday 22^nd, September 2023.  The schedule included:

• Australian War Memorial - “We Will Remember Them” Program
• High Court of Australia
• Museum of Australian Democracy - “Our Voices Our Choices” Program
• National Arboretum
• National Museum of Australia “Indigenous Rights & Freedoms”
• Parliament House – Education Program and Tour

Students immersed themselves in this experience that included a tour of the National Museum of Australia with our tour guide sharing an emotive personal experience of the Stolen Generation, an interactive role play experience of debating a bill in the Senate, whilst at Parliament House, and attending the court room where the infamous “Mabo Decision” was handed down, being just some of the highlights. The students in attendance were outstanding representatives of the College while undertaking this educational tour of the National Capital.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding of $45.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards the cost of this excursion. The rebate will be paid directly to the College following completion of the excursion.

Ms Renee Wilcher
Leader of Learning HSIE

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly achievements

Congratulations to Logan Culley and Bayley Sorenson who received major awards at the Year 12 Award Ceremony last term. Logan was awarded the All-Rounder Award and Baley received the Principal’s Award both of whom are very deserving winners. Logan and Baley are College Leaders and have worked hard to promote change for the school community but also the Aboriginal community. They have been heavily involved in cultural events in the school and on top of this, Logan has also been involved in cultural celebrations at local primary schools as well as attending the Gadigal program in Sydney which supports University pathways for Indigenous students. We are very proud of them and wish them the best of luck with their year 12 HSC exams.

Well done to Tahj Ryan Lockwood and Heath Connell who competed in the recent Koori Cup which is an annual Aboriginal rugby league tournament. The carnival was held at the Central Coast during the school holidays and involves several games across the long weekend. Tahj played for Maitland United and Heath played for Mindaribba Warriors. The Mindaribba u15 team were successful in winning their division.

Recent events

In week 10 last term, 11 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and Miss Fransisco travelled to McDonald Jones Stadium for a cultural Numeracy Gala Day. The day was enjoyed by all students as they liked the hands-on approach to learning and meeting new people. The students were involved in activities such as learning about angles through converting goals, finding average speed during sprints, and adding up player salary caps.

Upcoming Events

Transition Day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

On November 28th, our incoming year 7 Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students will participate in a cultural Transition Day. This day will allow the students who are from a range of primary schools to meet new people, familiarise themselves with the Yalawa staff and centre and engage in cultural activities such as some traditional sports and art.

Community Events

See Joblink for more information on design and prizes

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

A friendly reminder fees are due by 30^th November 2023, it is important to 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 October’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

General News

St Joseph's College Creative Arts

At St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar, we are very lucky to have talented Creative Arts teachers who participate in local productions. Two such teachers performing in Newcastle this year are Mrs Alicia Paterson in Billy Elliott the Musical and Ms Emma Clunies-Ross in Clue.

Billy Elliott the Musical:  Civic Theatre, Newcastle - now until October 22

Set in a northern town during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, the show follows Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance. Faced with the daunting path of forging out a new destiny, Billy leaves behind his close-knit community upbringing where family and tradition means everything, to unite his family, inspire his community and change his own life forever. Billy Elliot the Musical tells an electrifying tale of determination, acceptance and daring to be different.

Clue On Stage: Civic Playhouse, Newcastle - November 15-18

On a dark and stormy night, six unique guests, plus a butler and a maid, assemble for a dinner party at the home of Mr. Boddy. When their host turns up dead, it is clear that no one is safe! Soon the guests are racing to find the killer and keep the body count from stacking up. Based on the popular board game and adapted from the cult classic film, Clue is the comedy whodunit that will keep you guessing (and laughing) to the very end.

TICKETS are available online through the Civic Theatre Newcastle’s website.

Design Ensemble 2024

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: