19 February 2024

A Message from the Principal

Welcome everyone to the 2024 school year – a very special welcome to the community of St Joseph’s to our new families, students and staff. This year we welcomed the largest cohort of Year 7 and Year 11 students since the college commenced and 10 new staff members.

Our adopted theme for 2024 is ‘Follow me’ Mt 4:9. In these simple yet profound words, Jesus extends an invitation that transcends the ordinary. “Follow me,” he beckons to Simon Peter and Andrew, inviting them on a journey of discipleship that would redefine the purpose of their lives. This invitation is not a mere call to walk alongside Jesus but a summons to be transformed by Him. It’s an invitation to step out of the familiar confines of our personal “boats,” the routines and securities we cling to, and embrace a life marked in trust, faithfulness and love. Throughout the year each member of the St Joseph’s community will have the opportunity to reflect on this call to ‘Follow Me’ and consider what this means in our daily lives.

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the Catholic Schools Office HSC and RoSA High Achievers Assembly. Mrs Jacqui Wilkinson – Assistant Head presented the awards on behalf of the Diocesan Leadership Team. At the assembly we were also delighted to present Bella Linton Hall with the DUX of St Joseph’s College 2023 Award and Shield.

Congratulations to the following students who received HSC Academic Excellence Awards –

Bella Linton Hall - ATAR of 97.00

Paige Brinkley - ATAR of 95.30

Emily Pockett - ATAR of 93.40

Charlotte Jackson - ATAR of 91.95

Congratulations to the following students who received First in Course Diocese of Maitland - Newcastle –

Paige Brinkley - First in Course Earth and Environmental Science

Bella Linton-Hall - First in Course Studies of Religion 2 Unit

Chloe Nicholson - First in Course VET Buisness Services Examination

Emily Pockett - First in Course Modern History

Sarah Yeatman - First in Course Mathematics Standard 1 Examination

Congratulations to the following student who received VET Student of the Year

Joseph Goodwin

Congratulations to the following students from Year 10 2023 who received Diocesan Academic Excellence Awards for receiving 6 or more Grade A results in the Record of Student Achievement (RoSA).

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Pupil Free Dates 2024

All Catholic Secondary Schools in Maitland Newcastle Diocese are entitled to 7 pupil free days each year for staff to complete required training and professional learning. This year St Joseph’s will have 8 pupil free days as we are in the 6^th year of our Child Protection Training.

• Term 1 – Monday & Tuesday 30^th & 31^st January and Tuesday 2^nd April
• Term 2 – Monday 29^th April
• Term 3 – Monday 22^nd July
• Term 4 – Monday 14^th October, Thursday 19^th December & Friday 20^th December

How do we Safeguard our students

At St Joseph’s College Lochinvar we place safety of our students at the core of how we plan, think and act.  The Diocese has a positive obligation to reduce the risk of abuse to children derived from law and regulation.

Our Diocese has to ensure we comply with 2 sets of standards, both derived from the Royal Commission into Institutional Historic Child Sexual abuse.  This includes the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS).

The ways in which our school meets these standards include:

• Our staff Code of Conduct and Commitment Statement is displayed on our website and posters in our school for transparency and to ensure that we all embrace a safeguarding culture, emphasising that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• We have a Safeguarding Promoter in our school whose role it is to monitor compliance and risk and promote all things safeguarding as a priority.

• We educate our students about safe relationships, protective behaviours and ensure they understand their human rights.
• Our Student Representative Council (SRC) allows students to have a voice and be heard.
• We encourage parents to have a voice through our PEG meetings.
• Parents and students have access to support information via SchoolTV on our website.
• Equity is promoted and diversity is respected in our school through education and special events .

• Our staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training.
• Our staff regularly undertake professional development as well as invite external speakers into the school to discuss safeguarding topics to students and staff including online safety, bullying, trauma informed practice etc.
• Our are supported in their roles, especially new staff.
• Our school follows Diocesan student placement protocols and procedures.

• We promote all Safeguarding policies by ensuring they are communicated with families on our websites and through our communication channels.
• Our classrooms, counselling rooms and other areas in the school are safe spaces with visibility from the outside but does not compromise our students right to privacy and wellbeing.
• We have an effective complaints management system in place, with students and families having a variety of avenues to provide feedback or complaints.

Fees

2024 Fees have been finalised and parents can access their account through COMPASS. Thank you to all those parents who have already commenced payments – this is greatly appreciated.

It is expected that all fee payers determine the payment that needs to be made each week in order to acquit fees by the 30^th of November 2024. It is challenging when parents contact us because they find themselves in a difficult position at the end of the year needing to pay a lump sum payment as they had not been checking their account and making regular payments.

Where family circumstances change such as separations, please remember that it is not the role of the school to negotiate who is going to pay fees – parents must come to an agreement and honour the enrolment contract.

While the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle states that no family who supports the Catholic ethos should be denied a place at a Catholic school due to financial circumstances, it is the fee payer’s responsibility to contact the school to arrange a mutually agreed payment arrangement. Please note that fee concessions are not automatically granted on request as we need to ensure justice and equity. Therefore, fee payers must complete the Fee Concession Form and provide evidence to support the concession application such as payslips.

When extra-curricular activities are offered to year groups or whole school such as the Ski Trip, students will not be permitted to attend if school fees are not up to date and / or a fee agreement in place and being adhered to – this is only fair as school fees contribute to the ongoing costs of the school and cover excursions / events / resources that are not billed as separate items. It is also expected that if parents are approving Flexi Learning activities that incur a substantial weekly fee then fees are also up to date. Parents will be contacted if anomalies such as these occur.

Parents / Carers can contact Mrs Kim Harvey – Executive Assistant to request a Fee Meeting with Mrs Hales or contact Mrs Cathy Duff – Senior Finance Office to obtain fee information, or concession forms.

Attendance

Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier, and your child will build and maintain friendships with their peers. It is important that parents schedule appointments outside of school hours where possible (we acknowledge specialist appointments need to taken when offered) and that family holidays are scheduled within the school holiday breaks. Leave will not be approved for students during examination or during in class summative assessment tasks. Attendance letters are sent regularly to ensure parents are aware of the impact of non-attendance on their learning and wellbeing.

IMPORTANT - 2024 Calendar Dates 

Complaints Resolutions

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

We have instituted a pick up point in front of MacKillop Place this year as communicated via Compass – last week every car in the line had accessed their child for pick up within 15 minutes of the final bell. We will continue to monitor the process while parents become accustomed to the new process and I expect all parents to be polite to staff who are supervising. There have been some unnecessarily rude and aggressive comments made to staff that are completely unacceptable and against the Community Agreement that all parents signed when enrolling their child.

I have also contacted police to ask them to monitor the highway this week and provide feedback to us in regard to safety.

Traffic Management

Child Protection Matters

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has an absolute and abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children.  As a parent sending your child or children to a Diocesan school, you should be aware of your rights and obligations in protecting your child and all children in our schools.

The Children and Young Person’s (Care and Protection) Act 1998

In NSW we can report certain information to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).  If we are concerned for one or more of the children in the school, we can discuss our concerns with a teacher, Assistant Principal or Principal.  We can report our concerns to the Child Protection Helpline (Ph. 132 111, 24 hrs/7 days) if we have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child or young person is at risk of significant harm and our concerns are current.  Risk of significant harm may occur from a single act or omission or to a series of acts or omissions.

It is better to be safe than sorry, so if uncertain, talk to a staff member at the school.

Part 4 of the Children’s Guardian Act 2019

This legislation defines Diocesan schools as a ‘schedule 1 entity’ and as such we must have systems for preventing, reporting (to the Children’s Guardian) and investigating reportable conduct.

All staff and volunteers that hold a working with children check in Diocesan schools fall within the scope of Part 4 and may be investigated for alleged ‘reportable conduct’ which includes sexual offenses, misconduct, assault, ill-treatment, neglect and behaviour that causes psychological harm to children.

The Office of Safeguarding is the Diocese’s specialist child protection service who works with the Children’s Guardian to ensure the Diocese meets its obligations under Part 4 of the Act.  Information about the role and functions of the Office of Safeguarding can be found here: https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au/

The Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012

Under this legislation people who undertake a role in child-related work in a paid or volunteer capacity in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are required by law to have a Working with Children Check Clearance.  This ‘Clearance’ can be obtained from applying online at check@kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au.

As a parent, if we learn about a staff member or a volunteer working in the school without a Clearance, we should talk with the Principal or Assistant Principal as soon as possible.  If we believe that nothing is being done about our concerns, we can contact the Office of Safeguarding directly (Ph. 4979 1390 Mon-Fri).

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Reporting Policy

As a parent we can report any concerns we have for a student, or group of students, to our principal, assistant principal or directly to the Office of Safeguarding (Ph. 4979 1390 Mon-Fri). Information about reporting concerns for a child can be found on the Office of Safeguarding website: https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au/reporting-abuse/

As parents we are entitled to contact the Office of Safeguarding directly about any concerns we have about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or if we are concerned that the school isn’t addressing allegations of reportable conduct or abuse. (Ph. 4979 1390 Mon-Fri).

Compass

If you haven’t already done so, download the Compass App. As you create your account, please check that your email is correct; if it isn’t change it yourself or contact the school office. Make sure Notifications are turned on. For any Compass-related issues contact Mrs Natalie Brooker from Student Services/Office. 

Compass is a comprehensive system that will enable the school to effectively manage all information relating to your child/children. This forms part of a broader implementation of a student information system for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. This solution will offer a secure, yet easy connection to essential information you need in relation to your child.

A compass account will be created for you which will provide secure access. The different types of information you will find as part of the Compass system include:

• Viewing ‘My News’, a news feed of school announcements, alerts and updates.
• Monitoring your child’s attendance and entering explanations for late arrivals or absences.
• Downloading and viewing your child’s Student Reviews and Semester Reports
• Viewing your child’s timetable and the school calendar

• Booking parent-teacher interviews

Ministry Musings

Welcome back for a great year staff, students and family!

For new families and students to the college, my name is Taylor Zahra, and I am the acting Leader of Ministry. I have been fulfilling this position for the last year and will continue to through the to the end of this year, while Mrs Erin McCort completes her secondment at the Catholic Schools Office as an Education Officer – Religious Education and Spirituality.

Each year we are given a diocesan theme, and this year our theme is inspired by the simple, yet profound words Jesus spoke in the Gospel of Matthew – “Follow me!” Originally Jesus extends this invitation of discipleship to two fisherman brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, who immediately accept the call. Simon and Andrew soon discovered that this was more than a simple invitation, but rather a summons to be transformed and elevated as men of God, through His divinity, grace, and sacrifice. This invitation was not limited only to Simon and Andrew, it is an invitation for all of humanity, which is still being shared by Christ and His Church. This year we will explore our diocesan theme within the context of our themes at our college of:

Year 7 - Belonging                  Year 8 - Responsibility                Year 9 - Respect

Year 10 - Compassion             Year 11 - Faith                           Year 12 - Service

On Shrove Tuesday, both Isabelle Dixon and Blair Quaine represented our College at the annual Diocesan Project Compassion Launch, with excellence. The launch was held in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, where we celebrated the plans and good works of Project Compassion through a beautifully structured liturgy. This was followed by pancakes and ice cream in the Victor Peter Suite, which I can say on behalf of Isabelle, Blair and for myself, that they were delicious. Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge Isabelle Dixon for her commitment to her faith and service within the Liturgy through supporting Bishop Michael Kennedy, as the Alter Server for the service. It was a very special moment to see a student from our College serving our diocesan community on this significant occasion.  

After Shrove Tuesday, the College came together to celebrate Ash Wednesday which was presided by Father Camillus and Deacon Solomon, assisted by the College Leaders and the Executive Team. As a Catholic community, Ash Wednesday is a significant event as it is the threshold of the Lenten Season. It is a time in which we follow Christ into the wilderness for 40 days where He overcame temptations presented by the devil and overcame desires of the human mind to give in, to consume food and water, in preparation for His ministry. For Catholics lent is a time for spiritual preparation, where we too try to be Christ- like through self-discipline, prayer, and contemplation, fasting, repentance and almsgiving. All of which we do in preparation for Easter, which is a time of renewal, new life and redemption which has been purchased for each and everyone of us through the greatest sacrifice and gift given to humanity, the death and resurrection of Christ.

Lenten Reflection and Prayer - Heart Meets Heart

The nature of giving is best illustrated in the life of Our Blessed Lord, who one day was approached by a leper who asked for healing. The gospel tells us that Our Lord stretched forth His hand and touched the leper. Jesus could have healed without the touch, as he healed the servant centurion at a distance. Why, then, in the face of one of life’s greatest miseries and a disease from which the healthy often recoil, did the Lord cure with a touch…? The Son of God Made Man touched the leper in order to annihilate distance between the Giver and the receiver, between the Lover and the beloved, to prove sympathy by contact, to identify himself with the woes of others. (Fulton J. Sheen, Footprints in a Darkened Forest)

Prayer

Christ our Redeemer, in faith let us pray that we will be healed of our failings even though we can only touch you with our hearts and not our hands. Do not let us doubt as did Thomas. Turn our weakness into strengths for your sake. Amen.

Lenten Action

The 40 days of Lent commemorate the 40 days Jesus remained in the desert where the angels waited on Him during His temptations by Satan. Let us begin our Lent by serving as “angels” to those around us who are tempted, since the devil, according to St Thomas Aquinas, is more disposed to attack those who are alone and have no support. Be a good companion if only for the day. (Lent and Easter Wisdom From Fulton J. Sheen)

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

Ministry Calender

From the Assistant Principals....

Year 10 and 11 ROSA Information Evening

All students in Year 10 and 11 are invited to the ROSA information evening on Tuesday 5^th March from 5.30pm in Mackillop Place. During this evening, students will be provided with important information in relation to the year ahead, the process involved in obtaining your ROSA credential and what mechanisms are available for support.

Year 7 Camp

A reminder that Year 7 camp is almost here and will take place from Wednesday 28^th February – Friday 1^st March 2024. The camp is an awesome opportunity to build connections, meet new friends, challenge yourself and seek adventure. We can’t wait to go and are looking forward to a wonderful time.

Year 7 are to be commended on the great way they have started 2024. It has been lovely to meet many new faces and we look forward to wonderful times ahead.

Year 9 Electives

Year 9 students have now all settled into their new electives. Changes to electives closed on Friday 16^th February. We look forward to hearing about great learning taking place in these classes. Year 9 have made a wonderful start to 2024 and have been working hard to have a settled start to the year.

NAPLAN - Years 7 and 9

Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is undertaken by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN 2024 will take place from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March.

NAPLAN is just one part of our school learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school.

In preparation for NAPLAN, our school will undertake activities to help students become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended. 

The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) is available to see the types of questions, tools and functions used in the NAPLAN tests.

Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website (https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/naplan/parent-information).

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.

Communication Protocols

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

Wellbeing

Welcome back from the Wellbeing Team!

This year our Wellbeing Team consists of Christopher Johns (Stage 4) Alison Lynch & Alberta Kauter (Stage 5) & Abbie Marston (Stage 6). Mrs Abbie Marston joins the team in a full time capacity, as does Mr Chris Johns, with Miss Alison Lynch & Ms Alberta Kauter job-sharing across our fortnightly timetable. See staff photo’s below, so you and your child can put a face to a name. 

We were very excited to see our students back at school for another great hear ahead. It was pleasing to see that the start to the 2024 year was a smooth one for our students, with them settling back into routine very well.

Again this year we have key theme’s that our Wellbeing program will focus on. The outline for Term 1 is as follows;

Weeks 1-4 will focus on the College Theme, which is unique to each Year group. The theme’s are progressive and one builds on the next. They are explored throughout the year at liturgies, form meetings, retreats, community / spirituality days, and now in Learning Mentor Groups also.           

The Year 7 College theme is BELONGING. At this point of transition in their lives students will be given the opportunity to explore who they are as a person, guided by Christ. 

RESPONSIBILITY is the Year 8 theme. Students are challenged to think about how they, as people who are loved by God, can act responsibly in their lives.    

Year 9 students learn about RESPECT. How they are made to function by faith and love, in-turn respecting ourselves and others.     

Following respect, the Year 10 theme is COMPASSION. Students will be challenged to live with Mercy and explore the two facets of compassion; the ‘heart’ of compassion whereby the student displays the desire to show compassion, and then the ‘hands’ of compassion where they act on the situation.   

Stage 6 covers Faith and Service. Year 11 students examine their religious, spiritual and personal FAITH in themselves and their capacity to grow and develop. They will explore their unique gifts and abilities, and how they can use them for the good of others.  

Last but not least, Year 12 look at SERVICE and how they can make a difference in other people’s lives by responding to their needs, and doing so without expectation of anything in return. Students are reminded that when they’re empowered to serve, they have the capacity to make a real difference in the world and that this has a lasting effects for both themselves and their communities.   

Weeks 5-10: FAILURE: your key to success

Students 7-12 will develop their understanding that failure is not a bad thing. That it in fact, helps us to learn and appreciate that success does not come easy or happen overnight. It is essential that students have a deep understanding that we need to work hard to achieve our goals and that failure also allows us to put things in perspective; that failure is not the opposite to success, but rather a part of it.

Building students GROWTH MINDSET is a key objective for St Joseph’s. Exploring how Failure and growth mindset go hand-in-hand will help students to understand that FAILURE IS A CHANCE TO LEARN. With our ultimate goal being that students are more inclined to accept challenges and be less afraid of failure.  

Again this year we will be offering Breakfast Club to any student who does not have access to breakfast prior to school.

Breakfast Club runs every Term on a Wednesday morning from 8:05 – 8:40am in the PENOLA Centre. Access is via the front entry, near PENOLA reception.

Any changes or notices relating to Breakfast Club can be accessed on Student Notices on COMPASS.

Students can access toast (with a range of spreads), fruit, cereal, juice & water. At times there may be special treats such as hot Milo during the colder months.  

A nutritious breakfast is a key element to student success as it ensures better brain function, memory and attention. A good breakfast also helps children to better deal with frustration. Attending Breakfast Club is also a great opportunity for students to meet new people, enhance social skills and build a sense of belonging. 

We are very grateful to Woolworths Rutherford for their kind and generous donations of bread and fresh fruit each week so we can sustain the program throughout the year. 

Breakfast Club begins on Wednesday 21^st February this year.

Students, or parents, please contact one of LOWE’s at school if you have any questions.

2024 Wellbeing Team

Stage 4  - Mr Chris Johns

Stage 5 - Miss Alison Lynch and Ms Alberta Kauter

Stage 6 - Mrs Abbie Marston

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Puzzle 1

1.  Some Year 7 students have headed off to camp.

For their breakfast they are having toast, baked beans and bacon.

Every student gets their own plate of toast.

Every student shares a plate of beans with another student.

Every student shares a plate of bacon with two other students.

The cook used 55 plates. How many students are on camp?

2. The number of girls who do wear a watch

Is double the number who don’t,

But the number of boys who don’t wear a watch

Is double the number who do.

If I tell you the number of girls in my class

Is double the number of boys,

Can you tell me the number I teach? Here’s a clue:

More than 20, below 32.

3. Fill all the circles with the numbers from 1 to 9 so that the sum of each side is equal:

Religious Education

Welcome to Term 1 of 2024 of Religious Education at St Josephs College.

The Religious Education team are excited for the term and Year ahead and look forward to embracing active learning, engaging in creative pedagogy to engage students in their Religious Education journey and continuing to seek excellence in all students. This term is a busy term in RE, and around the college.

For those new to Catholic schooling or as a reminder, Religious Education at St Joseph’s College aims to provide students with opportunities to research and critically reflect upon religious, social and moral questions within the context of the Catholic Tradition and become familiar with some of the religious traditions that are part of multicultural, multifaith Australian society.

The courses from 7-10 provide students with a systematic and thorough study of Catholicism by allowing opportunities to develop skills of critical reflection, social analysis, encounter and moral decision making within the Christian context.

The skills developed in the RE classroom far transcend Religious Education and should benefit students in their post school life. We aim to help students understand differing world views, appreciate cultural and religious difference, and recognise the inherent dignity of each individual through the Catholic lens. This will allow our students to become global citizens with ability to empathise, respect, and enact social change.

As a reminder, Year 7, Year 9 and 10 students across the Catholic Diocese of Maitland Newcastle will be engaging in the new curriculum that aims to promote deep thinking through exploration and enquiry. Driven by contemporary teaching practices and a pedagogy of encounter, we will aim to create a learning space that encourages students to explore the world around them. This will allow them to become better decision makers and problem solvers as they learn to take in differing views and stand points and be confident in articulating what they believe to be true.

As a teaching team we are excited for the term ahead and look forward to exploring the new curriculum with our students. Please see below information regarding the release of the new Curriculum for Year 7.

How to support your Child's Religious Education Journey

You can support us at home by helping to ensure your child comes to class prepared. All students will need an exercise book, pen and CHARGED device. The Religion Faculty use the learning platform ‘OneNote’ to aid in the delivery of teaching and learning experiences. Therefore, it is very important that your child has a charged device for each lesson. Should your child be away, they can log on to the OneNote to catch up on any work missed which will be indicated via Compass lesson plans.  

If there are any issues concerning your child and their Religious Education the first and best port of call is for them to speak directly to their teacher.

We look forward to a wonderful 2024.

Ms Melissa Blandford
Leader of Learning Religion

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Welcome to the start of another busy year in the Careers and Transition space. I am introducing myself as the new Career’s Adviser at St Joseph’s College, students can contact me via email or by dropping into the Career’s Office next door to Room A213.  My role as Careers Adviser at the College is to support and provide guidance to students as they navigate and explore post school opportunities. 

Students are encouraged to seek assistance and ensure they check Compass, their emails and newsletters for future pathway opportunities. These opportunities will include Work Experience, industry presentations, white card and first aid courses, university                                                                  presentations, career expo’s and many more. 

St Joseph's Lochinvar Careers Website

The SJL Careers Website is a comprehensive career resource for students and parents. It provides information and links to a range of career and pathway opportunities, whilst students are at school and transitioning into further training or education. 

Information includes: 

Higher School Certificate information, including HSC requirements, past HSC exams and Students Online access.

Record of School Achievement (ROSA) requirements and links to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

University Admissions Centre information and resources

A range of post school training and education resources

University scholarships, Early Entry programs, Open Days and financing tertiary study

Overseas study options and programs 

TAFE and Registered Training Organisations

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Defence Force

Gap Year Programs 

Emergency Services

A parent section with useful links and resources to assist students with career planning and decision making

A secure student portal with resources to assist with transition planning, career websites, videos and study skills advice

Money matters, including tax file numbers, superannuation, budgeting and managing finances and preparing a tax return. 

Link to website: https://www.sjlochinvarcareers.com/

A link to the website can also be found under the Student Resources section on Compass.

Year 11 and 12 University Roadshow

Year 11 and 12 students are invited to attend the University Roadshow held in MacKillop Place on Tuesday 27th February during Period 1. Students will be asked to indicate their interest shortly. 

The University Roadshow will include representatives from the University of Newcastle, University of New England, Charles Sturt University and Southern Cross University who will provide a presentation covering topics including; benefits of university study, how to apply, financial considerations and how to offset costs, accommodation options and life as a university student. 

Following the presentation the universities talk directly to students about their specific degrees and answer any questions. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for senior students to start gathering some information about their post school education options. 

Year 10 Transition Preparation 

Year 10 students have started a new timetabled lesson called Transition Preparation, occurring once per cycle. This lesson will give students an insight into careers and transitioning into further study or the workforce. Below is an outline of the program and the topics covered throughout the year. Importantly, these lessons will assist students in navigating this important stage of their lives so they can make informed choices about their future direction. 

Mrs Vikki Jordan
Careers Advisor
vikki.jordan@mn.catholic.edu.au

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Congratulations to Gabrielle Richardson who received a ROSA award for achieving an ‘A’ grade in six subjects in year 10. This award is no easy feat and requires lots of hard work, organisation, and persistence. Despite the time she dedicates to her studies, Gabrielle is always willing to get involved and volunteer at Aboriginal cultural events along with music/theatre events. We are very proud of Gabrielle and her many achievements.

Best of luck to Porschea Longbottom who is competing in the BMX National series in Queensland next month.

Recent Events

Over the last two weeks the Yalawa staff have been checking in with our 30 year 7 students. It has been great to be reacquainted with these students since meeting them at our Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Transition Day last year. Many year 7 students have already taken up the offer to hang out at the Yalawa centre at break times where they have been involved in playing the didgeridoo, art as well as board games and table tennis. The Yalawa centre is open at both breaks (second half only) and is open to all students, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.

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

Health Care Card and Pension Card Holders - 2024 Tuition Fee Discount

If you are a current holder of an Austalian Government Health Care Card/Pension Card you may be entitled to a discount on your school fees, please complete the attaached forms and return with a copy of your card to finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au .

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle offer a lower tuition fee to 'mean 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.

2024 fees are in the process of being billed with statements emailed beginning of March, please check your emails and also your junk email to review.  It is important to commence regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments which are due in full by 30th November 2024. If payment preference is lump sum payment please finalise by 30th June 2024.

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

Mrs Cathy Duff
Finance Officer

General News

Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Sport Website

There is a Diocesan specific website for Sport that has all the dates for Diocesan sport as well as general information about the sports.

• The Maitland Newcastle Secondary Tile allows parents to view basic information for secondary pathway sports including Diocesan event information and details, Diocesan results, the diocesan sports calendar and important notices for sports including wet weather information. The sports that are on the Diocesan website include swimming, athletics, x country, netball, league, football, touch, AFL and gala tennis, golf & basketball. All other sports have information on the csnsw.sport website as students apply directly to NSWCCC for these.
• Any further questions beyond the sport specific information on this website should be directed to your school sport coordinator. 
• No parent should register their child for any sport without seeing the school sport coordinator. Sport Coordinators approve all pathway sports before progressing.

Step 1. Go to csnsw.sport website

Step 2.  MN Secondary Tile

Scroll down to the Diocesan/Associations section of the home page and select the Maitland Newcastle Secondary Tile

Step 3.

You are now on the MN Secondary Sport Website.

https://csnsw.sport/maitland-newcastle/secondary/home

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