4 March 2024

A Message from the Principal

On Friday 23^rd February we were delighted to commission our 2024 College Leadership Group including our 6 College Captains, SRC President & Vice President and 8 House Leaders. The Commissioning is one of our most significant events as it also includes our opening school liturgy and is an opportunity for us as a community to come together in faith and united in our goals which are centred on growth. In my address to those assembled I shared a story of watch rowers on the Yarra River in Melbourne and observing how they worked together. I have included an excerpt of the address to set the context

Our college motto is “Strength in Difficulties”. Our leaders commissioned today will need to be our rowers, and each of us will need to be like the coach, encouraging from the side, offering advice, promoting learning, but ultimately also acknowledging that the leaders have to work as a team, setting their own course and sometimes rowing hard against a rising tide. It is at these times that you, our leaders will be called upon to show your strength, to rise to the occasion and as Fr Julian Tenison Woods said to the early Sisters of St Joseph – ‘do all you can to serve God and each other’.  

Linked to this idea, it is important to hightlight that each year Catholic schools in our Diocese embrace a theme from scripture to guide us in our faith, challenge our thinking and to remind us of the presence of God in our lives. The 2024 theme ‘Follow me’ is derived from the Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ’s invitation to the disciples to join him in his ministry. It is appropriate today, that as we witness and affirm the commissioning of our 2024 leaders that we consider Christ’s call to follow him and that we accept the invitation that has been extended to everyone here today to follow or support our 2024 College Captains, SRC President & Vice President and Year 11  House Captains.

In asking us to follow them, our leaders accept the mantle of leadership in this school – leadership that embraces the mission, history and culture of St Joseph’s Lochinvar and importantly, like Christ embraces everyone regardless of their background or status. The call to be leaders who “follow me” is a commitment to a journey of encounter and transformation.

Leaders, your experience of leaderhsip may ultimtatly be like that of our rowers – you have to first find the courage and self belief to get in the boat; you have to steady your oars, listen to the count and at some point pick up the rhythmn. You also have to recognise that the river is dynamic – always changing in small and sometimes significant ways and therefore you need to be alert, ready to respond and sometimes to be ahead of the tide; importantly you need to accept that you will always need someone to help you paddle.

In all your endeavours this year, remember that we stand with you, we walk with you, we pray with and for you, and in keeping with the spirit of the Josephites we will be ready to ‘roll our sleeves up’ and help you in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Listen to your hearts and imagine what is possible, pay attention, and learn how to synchronise the paddles; focus on your goals, trust the person who steps forward to be the coxswain, because they will not only providing guidance, they will also be watching out for obstacles.

Importantly though, lean into what you don’t know. Be the Masters of your Fate, and the Captains of your Souls.

Congratulations to our College Leaders 2024.

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Welcome to Mr Eliah Dean - Leader of Learning Support

As previously notified Ms Ash Beavan concluded her role at St Joseph’s last week to take up a role as Assistant Principal with the Department of Education. Mr Eliah Dean will commence as our new Leader of Learning Support on Monday 4^th March. Eliah previously held the position of Learning Support Coordinator at Emanuel College Randwick – a position he has held for a number of years. Eliah has a double degree Bachelor of Communication and Applied Economics from University of Canberra, Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education; and Post Graduate Certificates in Differentiated Learning for Gifted Learners, Specific Learning Difficulties & Behaviours and Literacy Intervention. Prior to working at Emanuel College, Eliah held positions in a variety of schools including roles in teaching and managing high special needs and behavioural/social/emotional needs. We warmly welcome Eliah to St Joseph’s College and look forward to benefiting from his experience in the domain of Learning Support.

NAPLAN

As you are aware NAPLAN commences on the 11^th March 2024. The data we receive from NAPLAN provides an essential opportunity to review student learning and capacity and to target areas for improvement as well as flag students who would benefit from enrichment. Therefore is is highly important that all students are in attendance during the week of NAPLAN.

Uniform

Just a reminder that our uniform and grooming standards and expectations are clearly evident in student handbooks and on the website, and that if students are not adhering to these requirements parents will receive a Compass Notification ‘Uniform Non-Compliance’. This is to ensure you are aware of any issues and can support your child to meet requirements. By wearing our uniform students signal their connection to the community and despite differing opinions of what is or isn’t acceptable in the broader community it is essential that parents uphold the commitment they made when enrolling a child to support the school's values, policies and expectations. 

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

IMPORTANT - 2024 Calendar Dates 

Ministry Musings

Just recently, two of our College Leaders, Ava Grant and Isabelle Jordan, returned from the JJAMM (Julian, Joseph, and Mary Mackillop) Leadership Retreat. This retreat, meticulously developed and presented by the Sister Jan Barnett and the JAMM Team, stands as a transformative experience for nurturing the future leaders of Australia. It is a significant opportunity for our leaders to learn about the various leaderships styles, drawing inspiration from the exemplary leadership models of Mary Mackillop, Father Julian Tenison Woods, and Joseph, the earthly father of Christ.

Taking place from the 17th to the 20th of February, both Ava and Isabelle fully engaged in a myriad of activities that included prayer, goal setting, reflection, collaboration with peers from other Josephite schools, and the strategic formulation of plans to enhance our College community.

Ava and Isabelle showcased exceptional dedication in representing our College, earning praise from fellow staff members and program facilitators alike. We express our sincere gratitude to Ava and Isabelle for their steadfast commitment to advancing the College's mission and contributing to the continual improvement of our community.

Some pictures of the retreat can be found below.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 13

Next

Easter Raffle Chocolate Donations

Easter is quickly approaching and so is our Easter Raffle.  We're on the lookout for delicious chocolate goodies to make this raffle an unforgettable treat for everyone. Imagine winning a basket full of chocolates just in time for Easter!

Gift your favourite chocolates, Easter-themed treats, or any sweet delight that would make someone's day egg-ceptionally special!

Donate Easter theme chocolates for the Easter Raffle, by handing them into student services, which will then be passed onto me for safe storing. 

We will begin to sell tickets for these chocolate prizes soon, in which all money raised will go towards our Project Compassion initiative.

Lenten Reflection and Prayer - Heart Meets Heart

ACCEPTING THE UNACCEPTABLE (4th March) 

And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. …” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. (Luke 4:24, 28–30).

Contemplating the Word

Look out for the ‘popular prophet’ operative in the world today. Their ability to garner support by telling people what they want to hear while reinforcing their prejudices and stoking their anger is the sign of the false prophet. They can be operative anywhere, in political, social or even the ecclesial sphere. True prophets do not reinforce our prejudices. They question the status quo and risk making us feel uncomfortable. They are prepared to say unpopular things when required, yet their words console us as we listen to them. They speak with conviction and with compassion. They do not put others down, humiliate others, make unsubstantiated accusations or stretch the truth for their advantage. They are not interested in promoting themselves but only in promoting the truth and helping those whose voices are not easily heard.

Putting the Word into Practice

The phrase “no prophet is accepted in his hometown” is so familiar that we may not have thought about what it means for who each of us is called to be. Why do true prophets have such a hard time in the company of those who know them best? Surely those who know and love them would be the most open to hearing what they have to say? Do we not recognise God’s presence most easily in those who have shared their hearts with us? Is it not the stranger we tend to have a problem with? As already asserted in this Lenten resource, we get to choose. In this context, the choice is between a true and a false prophet. There will be times when your attempts to speak and live the truth, your unwillingness to attack and denigrate those who disagree with you, and your desire to speak on behalf of the suffering and the marginalised will lead to tension with those who know you. If that is the case, you are in good company.

Prayer

Jesus, write your wisdom on my heart and empower me to live the joy of the Gospel in our world. Amen.

By Shane Dwyer, A Resurrected Life: Daily Reflections for Lent

God Bless,

Mr Taylor Zahra

Leader of College Ministry

Ministry Calender

From the Assistant Principals....

NAPLAN

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, grammer and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN 2024 will take place from Wednesday 13 March to Tuesday 19 March 2024.

The timetable is as follows:

In preparation for NAPLAN, our school will undertake activities to help students become familar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activites 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.

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

Year 7 Camp

Thank you for your support of the Year 7 Camp and for entrusting us with your young people.  Since arriving back at school and talking with staff over some of the highlights, i reflected on this opportunity to get to know more about many of the students and what a great experience we shared.

Our school moto is "Strength in Difficulties" which is always a great motivator when enduring challenges, both physical with the warm weather, some early mornings and some of the more physically intense activities, as well as the emotional moments with some students missing home, out of their familiar places, navigating new and emerging friendships, feeling a bit sick or not always liking every meal prepared by the staff.  However, during the last few days so many students have amazed the staff with their courage, determination, compassion and kindness.  I would often be talking to staff and they would share how another student really cheered on their peers to do the abseiling or high ropes or how they made sure another student was incuded, or let someone go before them in the meal line. So many students would excitedly talk about their day.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mrs Karen Hickling and Mr Chris Johns for their fantastic organisation, group leaders, Mrs Hall, Mr Gill, Mr Buckley, Miss Madden, Mrs Kennedy, Mr Fiorenza, Mr Clancy, Ms Blanch, Mrs Eagleton as well as Miss Hirst and Miss Williams for their wonderful support of students.

For studentrs who were not able to attend camp or had to pop away early for some different reasons, you are in our thoughts. 

Year 8

This year is a chance to consolidate your learning as you look ahead to elective choices at the end of the year. It is important that you develop some very good organisational and study habits as these will see you through the next few years of your education.

Year 10

For some of you in year 10, this may be your last year of schooling at St. Joseph’s before you move on to other endeavours. For these students, making the most of this years’ learning opportunities as this might assist in gaining employment, particularly a trade. It is important for all students to set your goals for the year in every subject. Do you want to improve your mark or grade in a subject, do you want to receive better comments so that employers might give you a job or do you want to extend your social group? Figure out what you want to achieve this year and break this down into smaller, manageable chunks. 

Year 12

For year 12, this year marks the culmination of a long educational road. You have assessment tasks, trial exams and the HSC examinations all coming up. Therefore, you have a lot of hard work ahead of you and I encourage you all to be organised, diligent and committed as this is a proven way to achieve your best at the end of the year. Develop a study plan, create an organiser to put on your wall, set some goals and stick to them, ask for help when needed, get some sleep and make time for friends and family. Don't forget to complete all formative tasks and learn from the feedback given by your teachers. And make sure that you check in with each other regularly and ask your friends and peers "Are you OK?" 

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

Year 9 and 10 Wellbeing Day

In Week 4, Year 9 and 10 students experienced their Wellbeing Day. I encourage all parents/carers to engage in conversation with their young person about their day and what they took away it.

Our young men will be spoken to by Glenn Gerreyn from The Hopeful Institute who delivered his Men of Honour program. You can access supporting information from Glenn that compliments his program entitled 5 Positive Parenting Ideas.

Our young women were spoken to by Danielle Miller from Enlighten Education who delivered her Girl’s Essentials Program.  Her program will consisted of three workshops: ‘Forever Friends’, ‘Love the Skin You’re In’ and ‘Stop, I Don’t Like It’. Click on this link to learn more about her program.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and below is some feedback from the Year 9 & 10 female students:

My favourite part of today was engaging in conversation. I learnt to stand by all

girls, that everyone is different, that I can’t always tell that something isn’t right, to

always look out for myself, and that I am loved.

I loved Danni talking to us and getting the affirmations from my friends. I learnt to

be strong, to love myself and others, to look after myself, and the different forms of

abuse.

It was so nice writing things about my friends. I learnt about consent, that no means

no, to only say nice things about other people, and that one mean thing can

affect someone for the rest of their lives

The best part of today was how inclusive it was. I learnt the types of abuse, to be

who I am, to speak up, and that I’m enough. Thank you!

I loved when Danni shared her stories and involved everyone in the activities. It

was a stress-free environment where anyone could say anything. I learnt to be kind

to each other, that everyone is different, that everyone has difficult experiences,

and about consent. Thank you.

I really enjoyed the storytime at the start because it helped me feel closer to you

and know that it’s normal to go through that phase. I learnt that no means no, that

consent is important, that the media heavily influences young teens, and that

women stand together.

Upcoming events at the College

-International Women’s Day celebrations

-St Patricks day celebrations

-Harmony week

Students are encouraged to engage in LMG activities and check notices for the upcoming weeks.

We look forward to celebrating the above significant occasions and will provide a recap in next weeks newsletter.

Miss Alison Lynch, Ms Alberta Kauter, Mr Johns and Mrs Marston
Leaders of Learning-Wellbeing

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Solutions Puzzle 1

1.  30 Students

2.  27 Students

3.

Puzzle 2

1.  A square number is a found when a whole number is multiplied by itself. 1 (1 x 1), 4 (2 x 2), 9 (3 x 3) and so on are square numbers.  3² is 3 x 3 expressed in index notation.

Some numbers can be expressed as the sum of two squares.

2= 1² + 1²
5 = 1² + 2²

The number 50 is the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two squares in two different ways:

50 = 1² + 7²

50 = 5² + 5²

What is the next smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two squares in two different ways?

2.  The factors of a number are the smaller numbers that divide it.

The factors of 6 are 1, 2 and 3. The factors of 10 are 1, 2 and 5.

If the sum of the factors is equal to the number, it belongs to the group called perfect numbers; 6 and 28 are two numbers that belong to this group.

If the sum of the factors is greater than the number, it belongs to a group called abundant numbers. 12 is an abundant number because 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +6 = 16..

There are 5 other abundant numbers less than 40. What are they?

3. Can you find the missing number from this diagram?

Maitland Show 2024

Year 11 VET Primary Industries and Stage 5 Agriculture students recently participated in the Maitland Show. Students participated in parading cattle and junior judging. The students all represented the College with pride in very hot conditions. We came away with many ribbons for our Boer goats, as well as gaining a few first places with our Australorp and Silkie chooks. This was a valuable learning experience for our Agriculture and Primary Industries students and they continue to develop their skills in handling livestock and preparing for shows.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 19

Next

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Congratulations to Frederick Richardson who recently competed in the NSW Country Championships for swimming this month. Fred qualified for State Championships in several different events, many of which he achieved personal best times. In addition, Fred also broke the school record in the 50m butterfly at our recent swimming carnival.

Congratulations also goes out to Jasmyn Chenery who was one of the Stage 5 Agriculture students who participated in the Maitland Show this month. Students can nominate themselves for this event which obviously involves a strong commitment to preparing and presenting the cattle.

Community Events

Barkuma Neighbourhood in Sawyers Gully has recently opened The Lemon Turtle Gallery and Eats Centre. The Centre comprises of a gallery, homewares and gifts, Bush Tucker inspired treats and a children’s play area. The Barkuma Centre is a non-profit community-based centre helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Cessnock, Maitland and Dungog areas.

Deadly Home Reading and Deadly Futures Program

Whilst this is not for St Joseph’s students, it may benefit some of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander families who have younger siblings. The Deadly home reading and Deadly Futures are free programs run by Australian Catholic University.

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 billing has been completed with statements emailed last week, 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 30 November 2024.  If payment preference is via a lump sum payment please finalise by 30 June 2024.

Please contact me to discuss fees issues and any concerns in meeting the 30/11/24 due date for fees.

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

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.