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St Joseph's College Lochinvar

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New England Highway
Lochinvar NSW 2321
Subscribe: https://sjclochinvar.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: admin@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4930 7291

St Joseph's College Lochinvar

New England Highway
Lochinvar NSW 2321

Phone: 02 4930 7291

  • Visit our Website
  • Newsletter Archive
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Absentee
  • School Calendar

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18 March 2024

  • A Message from the Principal
  • Principal’s Jottings
  • Ministry Musings
  • From the Assistant Principals....
  • From the Counsellor’s Desk
  • Wellbeing
  • Curriculum News (KLA’s)
  • Careers – Opportunities & Notices
  • Yalawa Yarnings
  • Message from the Finance Office
  • Canteen News
  • Contact us (Email addresses)
  • Alinta Uniform Shop
  • Community Announcements

A Message from the Principal

Prayer for Feast of St Joseph - 19th March 2024

Joseph we honour you; ​

In your unconditional love and protection of Mary… ​

In your courageous trust in God’s provident care… ​

In your silent listening to the whisperings of God in your heart… ​

In your acceptance of the mysterious action of God in your life.. ​

In your nurturing love for Mary and Jesus…​

In your fatherly instruction of Jesus in the ways of wisdom, love, mercy and forgiveness. ​

 St Joseph, Deeply Loved – pray for us ​

St Joseph, Tender and Loving – pray for us ​

St Joseph, the Obedient One – pray for us ​

St Joseph, the Accepting One – pray for us

Due to NAPLAN, we will celebrate St Joseph’s Day during the last week of Term 1.

Use of Social Media and Guidance From the eSafety Commissioner

Parents make a decision to provide their child with a phone and part of this provision is an expectation that parents will have oversight of their child’s use of Social Media and discuss with them appropriate use and interactions. Unfortunately experience shows that often, students are engaging inappropriately online outside of school hours and parents then expect the school to solve the issue. While the use of social media by young people has become common place, they seem to be either not aware or not ready for the implications. Sadly, all too often young people say or do things via social media that they would not do in a face-to-face interaction. To assist parents in supporting their child’s use of social media, the eSafety Commissioner provides the following advice and guidelines. I would strongly encourage parents to read these guidelines.

Does your child know how to deal with negative online experiences? 

If you think your child would be very upset by a negative experience online, you may need to guide them closely if you allow them to establish a social media account.  

Look through online profiles and public feeds together, and talk about how some people behave differently online. Teach them how to filter abusive comments, block and report people.  

Does your child understand the importance of protecting their personal information?  

Explaining to a child why privacy is important can be difficult. Start by describing what personal information is. Emphasise that it includes anything that can identify them, such as their mobile number, email address, photos, the name of their school, and any sporting clubs they belong to. Remind them that photos can contain information that could be used to identify them, such as a photo taken right outside your house or a photo of them in their school uniform.  

Let them know that if they share personal information online, it could mean that others, including strangers could use it in ways they may not have thought about. Someone could even post bullying messages or inappropriate photos on social media while pretending to be them.  

Does your child understand how privacy settings for social media work? 

Show your child how to view the privacy settings for each social media service you use. Talk about the settings you have selected for your accounts and why you chose them. You can find advice on privacy settings in the esafety Guide.

eSafety Guide

If you would like help with technology, including how to use social media services yourself, Be Connected External Link provides step-by-step advice on the basics and more.  

Be Connected External Link

Does your child understand what is safe to share online? 

If you are concerned your child may post personal information that allows people to identify and locate them – even after you have talked about  the dangers – then they may need your help to use social media sites. 

Discuss the risks of 'checking in', tagging people in photos, sharing nude or sexually suggestive pictures, meeting online friends in person, making offensive comments and other behaviour that is considered unacceptable. 

Does your child know how to report cyberbullying and other kinds of abusive content? 

Although there are huge benefits to being connected through social media, your child may experience some form of online bullying or harassment. If this happens, it is important that they know how to manage and report this behaviour.

Together with your child, check the safety resources for individual social media services and look for information about how to block and report other users.  Read The eSafety Guide (above). for more online safety advice including how to report inappropriate content on different platforms.

You can also report online harm to eSafety. We can help you with: 

  • Cyberbullying – when someone uses online content or communication to seriously humiliate, seriously harass, seriously intimidate or seriously threaten a child or young person under the age of 18.
  • Image-based abuse – when someone shares, or threatens to share, an intimate photo or video of a person without their consent, no matter what their age. 
  • Child sexual abuse material – we prioritise the investigation of online child sexual abuse material and work with law enforcement to remove this content wherever it is hosted. 

Find out more about how ro make a report to eSafety.

How to make a report to eSafety

Is your child willing to let you establish clear rules and supervise their social media activity? 

It is a good idea to supervise your child’s online activity, at least initially and certainly with younger children. Be clear on things like when and where online devices can be used and when they need to be switched off. The way a preschooler or younger child begins to use connected devices will instil good online habits from the start and help them transition to using social media later on. 

When your child first starts to use social media, talk with them about how to do this in a way that you are both comfortable with. Help them to understand why and how you would like to support them as they begin to explore. It may be tricky having this conversation, particularly with tweens and teens, but getting their agreement will keep the lines of communication open between you and ensure that they feel able to come to you for help if they encounter any problems. This is especially important so you can continue to support them.  

Talk with your child about which social media services they would like to use.

Come to an agreement you are both comfortable with about how they can use these services. You might discuss the following: 

  • Which types of content they can post – it is a good idea to look at examples together and discuss the pros and cons of different posts. 
  • How often they should post. 
  • How often you are comfortable with them checking social media. 

To determine how to make a report about safety online go to the website shown below

Report online Harm

Social media can be a great tool that assists with not only keeping in touch but exploring our world. With positive conversations and a focus on moral and respectful behaviour online as well as modelling for young people acceptable use, the world of social media can be a positive experience, however, we as adults need to aways be alert to the darker side that can cause harm, especially to young people struggling with their identity and relationships. A lot to ponder this week.

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Year 7 Formation Day - 25th March 2024

All of Year 7 will have the opportunity to engage in a Formation Day next week. It is really important that every student attends the day and has the opportunity to continue to develop peer relationships and explore their connection to St Joseph’s, our Catholic Identity and Josephite Charism. Days such as Formation Days are integral to ‘who we are’ and parents, when choosing a Catholic school commit to supporting our Catholic ethos.

Student Use of Phones

Just a reminder to parents that students in Years 7-10 if bringing a phone to school must have their phone in their bag and with notifications silenced. They are not to have their phones in their pockets nor be accessing their phones from 8.30 till 3.15 pm inclusive. Students who do not abide by this policy will have their phones confiscated and placed in the office, The exception is if they are using a phone to pay for items at the canteen – at such time the phone is to be immediately returned to their bag. As you would be aware, students need to disconnect through the day and focus on their learning. I would also like to remind parents not to text or call their child through the day. If matters arise, please call the school and request that a message be passed on through Student Services.

Newest Trending App for Teens

The Office of Safeguarding have advised that this app is gaining popularity amongst teenagers.  Wizz is similar to other dating apps where you can swipe through profiles to match up and chat with people either alone or in groups.

By uploading a selfie, this app uses AI technology to estimate your age so it can connect you to other people of similar ages.  It is important to know that this app can match adults with children and does have some content that is for mature audiences.

Check out safety for more information:

Wizz - eSafety Guide https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/wizz

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 6th year of our Child Protection Training.

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

IMPORTANT - 2024 Calendar Dates 

Date

Event

21st March 

Year 8 Excursion to Taronga Zoo

25th March

Year 7 2025 Enrolment Information Meeting

25th March

Year 7 Formation Day 

26th March

Year 8 World Watert Day Excursion

28th March

Easter Liturgy

29th March

Good Friday 

1st April  

Easter Monday

2nd April

Mandatory Child Protection Training for all Staff - Pupil Free

10th April

St Joseph's Day Liturgy and Celebrations

12th April

Last day of Term 1

29th April

Term 2 Commences - Pupil Free Day

6th May

Year 12 Semester 1 Parent/Teacher Interviews - commencing 4pm

10th May

Year 12 Semester 1 Awards

13th – 15th May

Year 12 Retreat

17th May

Hunter Valley Careers Expo

20th – 24th May 

Catholic Schools Week

21st May  

St Joseph's Open Afternoon

27th – 29th May 

Year 9 PASS Camp

3rd June

Year 11 2025 Subject Selection Evening

10th June 

Kings Birthday Holiday

11th – 12th June 

Year 10 Retreat

14th June 

Dio Sounds ar Civic Theatre

21st June  

Year 9 Geography Excursion - Fort Scratchley

25th – 27th June 

School Musical - Fame

28th June 

Athletics Carnival

2nd July

NAIDOC Assembly

4th July 

Parent Teacher Interviews commencing 4pm

5th July 

Parent Teacher Interviews all day

22nd July

Term 3 Commences - Pupil Free Day

22nd – 26th July

Year 11 Ski Trip

29th July

Year 9 2025 Elective Information evening

2nd August

Year 7-11 Semester 1 Awards Ceremony @ 10:35am

5th – 19th August

HSC Trial Examinations

4th September

Interviews for 2025 College Captains

9th – 18th September

Year 11 Final Examinations

19th September

Year 12 Mass of Thanksgiving & Breakfast

20th September

Passing of the Light of Leadership Ceremony & Year 12 Final Assembly

23rd September 

Year 12 Graduation

24th – 27th September

Year 12 HSC Tutorials

27th September

Last Day of Term 3

14th October

Term 4 Commences - Pupil Free Day

15th October 

HSC Examinations Commence

21st October

Year 12 2025 HSC Assessment Information Evening

22nd October

Year 10 Geography Excursion

4th – 8th November

Year 10 Final Examinations

8th November

Year 12 Formal

11th – 15th November

Year 9 Final Examinations

18th – 29th November

Year 10 Transition Program

3rd December 

Major Awards Evening

11th December

Year 10 Social

18th December

HSC Results Released

18th December

Parent Teacher Interviews

19th December

Pupil Free Day 

20th December

Pupil Free Day 

Ministry Musings

Feast Day of St Patrick

On Friday 15th of March, the College came together to celebrate the feast day of St Patrick, the “Apostle of Ireland”. Inspired by St Patick’s passion for service and all things green in Ireland, the MacKillop Team hosted a St Pat’s Day – Green Bake Sale. Various members of the MacKillop Team and Staff contributed to the stall through preparing an abundance of baked goods, such as green blondies, green jelly, green fudge, green rocky road and many more green goodies. The response of the community was impressive, with the line at one point extending from the café, almost all the way to Mr Dart’s office window. Thanks to the generosity of the bakers and customers, the SJL community raised a substantial amount of money for Caritas Australia, to support their initiative - Project Compassion. 

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. 

Easter Raffle Prizes

Just a friendly reminder that the MacKillop Team will be selling tickets for the Easter Raffle during the First Break, for the next two weeks. To be in with a chance to win the below prizes, make sure you bring in cash to purchase your tickets. Prizes include:

Draw 1: Chocolate (Various packs) - Purchase blue tickets
Draw 2: Signed Broncos Jersey - Purchase red tickets

Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5 (Cash). All money raised will be going to Caritas – Project Compassion.

Keep an eye out for our MacKillop Team members.

Lenten Reflection and Prayer - Solemnity of St Patrick (18th March)

PLACED HIGH UPON THE WALL

Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” … [H]eal the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” (Luke 10: 4–5, 9)

CONTEMPLATING THE WORD

Today is the solemnity of St Patrick, and the theme of today’s readings is missionary discipleship. Like Patrick, we are to proclaim the truth of God’s love and mercy to all who come our way. Doing so is the essence of the mission for each one of us as the baptised sons and daughters of God. This is about who we are. For, if we are not primarily intent on becoming the sons and daughters of God, then it makes no difference what we say and do. The world is tired of ostensibly Christian people whose lives and hearts do not reflect the person of Jesus Christ. If people do not take what we say seriously, it is because they do not experience Jesus Christ in us.

We do not have to be perfect to begin the mission to which each of us has been called. If we were to wait for perfection, we would be waiting a long time. The disciples Jesus sent on the mission in today’s gospel reading were far from perfect. It is about where our hearts are directed.

PUTTING THE WORD INTO PRACTICE

Do we regularly come into God’s presence in prayer, asking to become the merciful and loving presence of Jesus Christ in the world? Do we take that we are to move beyond our egos and preoccupations with what others should or should not be doing seriously and instead, with all humility, seek to serve and love? Do we expect God to endorse whatever we think is a good idea rather than asking God to work in and through us in whatever way God would like? Are we willing to become refashioned in Christ, going on a journey that will take us well beyond our comfort zone into a way of being that we can scarcely imagine? Or are we looking for easy answers while waiting for ‘someone to do something’? The time when we could sit back on our laurels and leave everything to others to fix everything for us is well passed. There is only one way forward: become the person God is creating you to be and take the paschal journey through death and resurrection to the life God has for you in Christ. There is no shortcut, and there is no other way.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of St Patrick, we are grateful for the inspiration of a man whose legacy of example and teaching echoes down the ages. In Patrick’s Confession (#12), we read: “I know for certain, that before I was humbled, I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and he that is mighty came and, in his mercy, raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall.” St Patrick’s Confession connects with the Scripture for today. The reference to purse, bag and sandals emphasises one instruction: do not trust in the things you usually rely on to see you through. The proclamation of the kingdom is dependent on your trust in God and what God is doing in you, not on the various bits and pieces you have at your disposal.

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

Ministry Calender

Date

Event

19th March

Feast Day of St Joseph

25th March

Year 7 Formation Day

28th March

Easter Liturgy

10th April

St Joseph’s Day Celebrations


From the Assistant Principals....

NAPLAN

Well done to all students in Years 7 and 9 for their work in NAPLAN. All tests are now complete and students and their parents will receive results later in the year. NAPLAN is a snapshot of student achievement and provides students, parents, teachers, schools, systems and governments with key information in relation to student achievement in a range of domains.

Students have been overwhelmingly cooperative in this process and are to be commended on their personal level of organisation and receptiveness to NAPLAN.

School Buses

As the beginning of the year is now settled, students are reminded to carry their OPAL cards on the bus and tap on at every opportunity. As our student population continues to grow, so do our numbers of a range of services. We are constantly advocating for increased services in some areas, particularly in relation to growth in Aberglasslyn and Branxton, however services remain largely unchanged. It is imperative that students are catching their correct bus number to allow for students that live in specific areas to be able to access their service.

It is also important that students remember to be safe at all times, allowing the driver to pay attention to the road and not be distracted. We are really grateful to the students who do the right thing everyday and maintain bus safety.

Assessment Handbooks

A reminder to all parents that assessment handbooks are being published via Compass and can be found under the school documentation tab – 2024 Assessment Handbooks. Year 9 will be published this week and Year 7 and 8 will follow shortly.  We will host a parent information session to help navigate Compass and allow parents to fully experience all that Compass has to offer.

Support at St Joseph College

From time to time, students may need a little extra help in a range of areas. They may have had a falling out with friends, have an issue with their learning or be impacted by events outside of the school environment. In these instances, it is important for open communication between home and the College. We have a range of ways in which to support your child, which are most beneficial when the College is made aware of these concerns as they occur, rather than months after the event.

It is also important to work through matters with the most appropriate person. Your child’s classroom teacher and Leader of Learning are the first contacts when there are concerns relating to their learning or summative assessment tasks. Where there are wellbeing concerns, please engage with the relevant Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement. The appropriate Assistant Principal can also assist with matters that are more urgent and or critical in nature.

Course

Name of Task

Original Due Date

New Date

Percentage of Course Assessment

Year 12 HSC PDHPE

Task 2 – 

Health Priorities in Australia

Week 8 – Thursday 21st March

Week 8- Friday 22nd March 25%
Year 11 Physics

Task1– 

First Hand Investigation

Week 9 – Term 1

25th March 2024

Week 10 – Term 1

3rd April 2024 

30%

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

Why Many Autistic Girls are Overlooked
How Girls With ADHA are Different

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

Wellbeing

International Women's Day

At the school assembly in Week 6 the college came together to celebrate the contribution that women make in the world and to advocate for equality for all women in the world today. This year’s student led assembly was both informative and thought provoking. Students were educated on issues such as violence against women, capacity to earn equal pay, leave from work and career disruption, retirement disbalances and under-representation in government, while our college captains challenged all in attendance to be leaders in the change they want to see in the world. During the weeks LMG lessons, students were given time to reflect on women in their lives who they would like to celebrate their achievements, and to promote inclusiveness. Cards were then used to help decorate Mackillop Place. Perhaps the highlight of the assembly was the heartfelt deliveries from students and teachers who stepped forward to the lectern to honour the wonderful women from their own cards.

St Patrick's Day

St Patrick’s Day has long been a favourite at St Joseph’s and 2024 was no different. St Patrick is credited with helping spread Catholicism throughout Ireland in the 5th Century. As an out-of-uniform day, students took the opportunity to deck themselves out in their greens and to raise funds for CARITAS. As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of St. Patrick and the profound impact of his teachings on Australians today. While St. Patrick is widely revered for his role in bringing Christianity to Ireland, his influence extends far beyond the Emerald Isle. In Australia, St. Patrick's Day serves as a celebration of Irish heritage and culture, but more importantly, it embodies the universal values of faith, resilience, and the power of spreading goodwill.

Harmony Week

Harmony Week (Week 8) is the celebration that recognises Australia’s diversity as a country that brings together people from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.​ The college is proud of its diversity and the steps taken to ensure that all members feel safe, supported and valued. This Friday we ask students to wear ORANGE ACCESSORIES to show their support.

As we embrace Harmony Week (Week 8) at St Joseph’s, we recognise its profound significance for our young people. Harmony Week serves as a poignant reminder of the rich diversity that enriches our college and our nation. In a world where differences can sometimes divide, Harmony Week provides a platform for fostering understanding, respect, and inclusivity among our students. It encourages them to embrace each other's cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives, cultivating a sense of unity. By celebrating Harmony Week, we empower our young people to become compassionate global citizens, equipped with the empathy and intercultural skills necessary to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. It underscores the Catholic values of acceptance, love, and solidarity, inspiring our students to strive for harmony not only within our college community but also in society at large.

To help celebrate Harmony Week, the Wellbeing Team with the assistance of the Hospitality Team and a number of generous teacher’s will offer both Cultural Activities such as Origami making and a range of sports, and Foods of the World.

A Menu for the week can be seen below:

Harmony Week Menu

Please find below the menu for Harmony Week available to order through Qkr.
Orders will close 8.15am each day & students will need to pick their food up from the Cafe.
 

Monday 18th March 

Assorted Sushi $3

Fried Rice $5

Vegetable Spring Rolls (8) $3

Tuesday 19th March

Beef Ravioli $5

Margherita Pizza $5

Churros $3

Friday 22nd March

Cheeseburger $5

Hot Dog $4

French Fries $3.50

Wellbeing Tips

  • Encourage Cultural Exploration: Parents are encouraged to expose their children to diverse cultural experiences outside of their own background. This could involve attending multicultural events, visiting museums showcasing different cultures, trying out diverse cuisines, or participating in language exchange programs. By embracing cultural exploration, children develop an appreciation for diversity and gain valuable insights into different traditions and ways of life.
  • Foster Open Dialogue: Parents are encouraged to initiate open and respectful discussions about cultural diversity with their children. Encourage them to ask questions, share experiences, and explore their own cultural identities. By fostering open dialogue at home, parents create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing curiosity, addressing misconceptions, and embracing diversity. This helps children develop empathy, understanding, and respect for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Solution Puzzle 2

1. 65 = 1 x1 + 8 x 8 = 4 x 4 + 7 x 7

2. 18, 20, 24, 30, 36

3. 54

Puzzle 3

1. Maurice is in a dark room with 100 coins on the floor. He knows that 10 are HEADS and the other 90 are TAILS but does not know which is which.

Maurice needs to sort the coins into two piles that each have the same number of HEADS.

How can he do this without seeing the coins?

2.  Which fits better: a square peg in a round hole or a round peg in a square hole?

3. Dr Brunton has a fish tank.

All bar three of the fish are red.

All bar four of the fish are black.

All bar five of the fish are white.

How many fish does Dr Brunton have in the tank?

Virtual Academy 2024

A big SJL welcome to our six Virtual Academy students for 2024!

Welcome to Year 7 students, Rubi Walters, Charlie Collins, Laith Kadri, Jayan Paris and Year 8 students, Nikhil Nishad and Samuel Ramsey. The Virtual Academy is a unique innovation of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools Office that aims to meet the needs of highly and profoundly gifted students in Years 5– 8. It is a supportive pathway that operates online, with students being supported by dedicated staff trained in the field of high potential and gifted education and with regular video conferences. The Virtual Academy offers students the opportunity to be challenged through inquiry and to develop skills across disciplines to solve real-world problems.

Our six Virtual Academy students recently attended The Virtual Academy Connect Day 2024 on Friday the 16th of February at the CSO in Newcastle West. This day offered an unparalleled opportunity for Virtual Academy students to engage with their like-minded peers from across the Diocese. This dynamic event was designed to ensure that all students are well-equipped with the necessary digital tools and platforms required for navigating their learning journey, setting the stage for a successful academic year. The Virtual Academy Connect Day 2024 fostered a sense of belonging and collaboration among students, serving as a crucial touchpoint for building relationships and exchanging ideas.

Good luck to Rubi, Charlie, Laith, Jayan, Nikhil and Samuel in their Virtual Academy journey this year.

Lochinvar students can do anything!

Mrs Caroline Donohoe
Gifted Education Mentor

Year 11 Business Studies Excursion

On Tuesday, 12th March 23, the Year 11 Business Studies Cohort travelled to Thornton, visiting the renowned Mortels Sheepskin Factory for a fieldwork excursion. Immersed in the rich history of the business, students delved into the onsite museum, unravelling the narrative of Mortels' evolution within Australia and the ‘Ugg Boot War’ legal case they battled against US Company UGG.

Venturing into the heart of the factory, they were able to experience a production line, witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship behind Ugg Boots and an array of other products. Engaging in discussion with the employee’s, students explored contemporary business dynamics, delving into topics such as supply and demand, the seismic impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and the strategic decision to diversify operations by incorporating a café within the factory premises. This immersive experience not only broadened their understanding of business intricacies and how this business could be used as a Case Study in their writing but also instilled a profound appreciation for entrepreneurship and adaptability in the face of challenges in the business environment.

Ms Gabbie Madden
HSIE Teacher

Year 12 Geography Excursion

Year 12 venture to the Hunter Valley!

Our Senior Geography class recently conducted fieldwork at Mount Pleasant Winery to gain insight into People and Economic Activity.

With local businesses in mind, we were given a chance to look inside the world of viticulture and winemaking and learn balance between our environments and sustainable businesses.  Mount Pleasant were gracious enough to provide a world clas tour and access to their vineyards, demonstrating traditional and emerging technology.  After learning the challengers of life on the holls, Nicholas Cooper gave us exculsive rightsto their events spaces as pulled back the curtain to the operatios behind Mount Pleasant.  The class spent the day learning the threshols of winery ownership and competition on a local and global scale over a well put together charcuterie board.

Thank you Nic and the whole Mount Pleasant team for being so accommodating during harvesting season.

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Year 11 Geography Excursion

Year 11 head to the coast!

Our Senior Geography class took part in fieldwork at Merewether beach and Swansea Headlands to investigate the earth's natural processes.

With coastal management in mind, students unearthed the relationship between the natural operations of our land and the innovative techniques our councils are using to maintain shorelines in conjunction with Indigenous Australian practices.

The group learnt about new urban planning, had a chance encounter with a rare slug (which was more exciting than it sounds) and research tree stumps over 200 million years old! Thank you to the HSIE team for all the resources leading up to the day.

Mr Samuel Reilly
HSIE Teacher

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

ANY YEAR 12 STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN MEDICINE OR DENTISTRY WILL NEED TO SIT A COMPULSORY ENTRY EXAM KNOWN AS THE UCAT (UNIVERSITY CLINICAL APITITUDE TEST) BEFORE THEY CAN APPLY FOR RELEVANT PLACEMENT IN MEDICINE OR DENTISTRY.  Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2024 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2025 should note the following key dates. 

UCAT ANZ 2024 Key Dates 

Concession Scheme opens

1-Feb-2024

Access Arrangements open  

1-Feb-2024

UCAT BOOKING OPENED via ucat.edu.au

5-Mar-2024

Concession application deadline

10-May-2024

Access Arrangements application deadline  

17-May-2024

BOOKING DEADLINE

17-May-2024

Late UCAT booking deadline

31-May-2024

Late Access Arrangements application deadline

31-May-2024

FINAL late booking deadline

5-Jun-2024

Cancellation deadline

10-Jun-2024

Testing begins

1-Jul-2024

Last testing date

9-Aug-2024

Results delivered to universities

By early September 2024

PLEASE NOTE: UCAT registration is only via the UCAT ANZ website -

ucat.edu.au

UCAT & Pathways into Medicine Information Session 
Free Webinar: 3 April 2024 at 7.00pm (AEDT)

The National Institute of Education ( UCAT NIE) is proud to present the free information seminar all about UCAT and the undergraduate pathways into medicine and dentistry.  This forum is an excellent opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to find out about the UCAT and to have their questions answered by an expert who has been working in the field since 1999.
The session is PACKED with loads of valuable information during which we will be covering the following topics and more. 

  • What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?
  • The Undergraduate Selection Criteria
  • Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry
  • When and who can sit the UCAT
  • UCAT vs GAMSAT - How is UCAT different?
  • Can you prepare for the UCAT?
  • Undergraduate medical school interview explained and medical school interview preparation advice
  • Gap Year
  • Alternative degrees and career choices
  • Q & A
REGISTER HERE

Careers Newsletter

Careers_Newsletter.pdf

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Well done to all of our deadly students who are getting involved in their cultural and school community. I am hearing that many students have signed up to trial for sports teams, attended the swimming carnival, presenting the Acknowledgement of Country and being responsible for flag duty. It is great to hear so many students are making the most of the opportunities available both at school and in the wider community.

Best of luck to our  year 7 and 9 students who will be completing their NAPLAN assessments across the next two weeks.

Upcoming 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.

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.’

Mrs Hannah Allen

Ms Zara Francisco

Mr Frank Hales

hannah.allen1@mn.catholic.edu.au

Days: Monday-Friday

zara.francisco@mn.catholic.edu.au

Days: Monday - Friday

frank.hales@mn.catholic.edu.au

Day: Thursday


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.

HCC_Pension_Card_Concession_Application_Form.pdf
CCeS_Customer_Consent_Form.pdf

Statements are emailed at the beginning of each month, 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.

Please contact me to discuss fee issues and any concerns in meeting the 30 November 2024 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.

Community Announcements

Maitland Catholic Region 

Over the next two weeks we are offering Reconciliations to our parishioners in preparation for Easter and the children who are going through the sacramental programme.

2nd Rite of RECONCILIATION at 6.00pm

Wednesday 13th March – St Paul’s Church Rutherford 

Thursday 14th March – Our Lady of Lourdes Church Beresfield  

Wednesday 20th March - Campbell’s Hill community at St Paul’s Church Rutherford

Thursday 21st March – St Joseph’s Church East Maitland

Please remember you only attend one of the above liturgy

OR the 1st Rite of Reconciliation is held every Saturday at St Joseph’s Church East Maitland after the 8am Mass.

Louise Gilchrist
Parish Business Manager

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