27 May 2024

A Message from Steve Lemos: Head of Catholic Schools Diocese of Maitland Newcastle

On Monday 27^th May, parents and members of the community received notification from Mr Lemos of Mrs Hales’ intention to step down from the role of Principal at the end of 2024.

“On behalf of the Diocese and all those who have worked alongside Trish, I would first like to thank her for her hard work, commitment, and exceptional leadership in our schools.

Trish joined our Diocese in 1986 and spent 15 years as a teacher in various roles at St Peter’s Maitland, before joining the Catholic Schools Office as an Education & Professional Officer. In 2006, Trish was appointed Assistant Principal at St Catherine’s Catholic College Singleton before joining St Francis Xavier’s College Hamilton as Assistant Principal in 2009.

In 2018, Trish commenced as College Principal of St Joseph’s College Lochinvar, her alma mater. Since this time, Trish has made a significant contribution to the school, reintroducing Years 11 and 12, refurbishing and developing facilities, and ensuring all Lochinvar students continue to believe “they can do anything” as many of us have heard Trish say.

We will commence the recruitment process to secure a new principal for St Joseph’s in 2025 and further information, including how the school community can contribute, will be shared in due course.”

As a school community we will have an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contribution of Mrs Hales later in the year.

A Message from the Principal

On Friday 24^th May at our Catholic Schools Week Liturgy we were delighted to formally recognize and badge our Student Representative Council members. Congratulations to all SRC members who have accepted the responsibility to lead their peers and be their voice in the College.

Year 7 SRC Representatives

                       Ella Grainger                                       Isabelle Ward                                  Archer Kowalski

                                                                                  Robert Campbell

Year 8 SRC Representatives

                     Freya Tomy                                           Lilly Allgood                                    Nathan James

                                                                                    Brock Wishart

Year 9 SRC Representatives

                     Isabella Newman                                     Ava Craft                                           Bailey Ross

                                                                                 Lochie Lennard

Year 10 SRC Representatives

                      Jaydah Corney                                    Sophie Murrell                                 Cooper Johnson

                                                                                    Samuel Bell

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Tell The From Me Survey

I urge parents to complete the TTFM Survey this week. The survey information guides our School Improvement Agenda and is an important opportunity for parent, staff and student voice.

Staffing Update

Mr Frank Hales – Aboriginal Support Teacher has tended his resignation effective from the end of Term 2. We thank Mr Hales for his dedicated service to the College and his enduring support of our Indigenous Students and Programs. Recruitment to fill this position temporarily for 2024 will occur later this term with then the opportunity to advertise for 2025 and beyond.

Staffing 2025

The Catholic Schools Office will commence the process of recruiting staff for known vacant positions in the next two weeks. One such position at St Joseph’s Lochinvar will be for a Leader of Learning Mathematics as Mrs. Melissa Hurn has decided to step down from this position at the commencement of 2025. I am grateful to Mrs Hurn for indicating her intentions early so that we will have the opportunity to advertise externally and recruit the best person for the position. Mrs Hurn will remain at St Joseph’s as a Mathematics teacher from 2025. For the remainder of the year though it is ‘business as usual’.

Supervision of Students Before School

Just a reminder that there is only limited supervision from 8.05 to 8.15 therefore, parents who drop off students at this time do so knowing that all students are required to remain in one section of the playground ie. Northern Lawn, COLA and MacKillop Place. No student should be dropped off at school prior to 8.05 even though the gates are open to allow staff access.

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

Over the 13^th-15^th May, our Year 12 students experienced a transformative retreat at the St Benedict XVI Retreat Centre, located in Grose Vale. This retreat plays a vital role in their spiritual growth, offering a precious opportunity to reflect on their lives, their relationships, and their faith. It invites them to embrace Mary MacKillop's advice to "believe in the whisperings of God in your own heart", allowing students to contemplate on the present, fostering growth for the future.

At the start of the retreat, students were encouraged to "be present and open to the opportunities presented," a challenge they wholeheartedly accepted. Throughout the retreat, they stepped away from their everyday routines and the hustle and bustle of daily life, dedicating time to self-reflection and communal contemplation. They delved into their spirituality, embracing Josephite values such as simplicity, mindfulness, trust in God's plan, compassion, and service to others. Engaging in various activities, they built friendships, forged connections, created lasting memories, and considered how to integrate their insights into their daily lives.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students for their enthusiastic participation in the retreat's activities. Additionally, we are grateful to the staff members who generously volunteered their time to support and guide our students during this meaningful experience.

God Bless,

Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

We are approaching a busy period of assessments tasks, particularly for students in Years 9, 10 and 11. It is important to focus on right routines for positive outcomes in learning.

In our bustling school environment, maintaining focus and employing effective study strategies are vital for academic success. As we progress through the term, it's essential to develop habits that enhance concentration and optimise learning.

Firstly, creating a dedicated study space free from distractions is crucial. Choose a quiet area, keep it organised, and ensure all necessary materials are within reach. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where 25 minutes of focused study is followed by a 5-minute break. This not only keeps the mind fresh but also improves retention.

Regular breaks and proper nutrition also play a role in maintaining focus. Short walks, healthy snacks, and staying hydrated can greatly enhance cognitive function and overall well-being.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. Teachers, peers, parents, and online resources can provide valuable support and clarification on challenging topics.

Tell them From Me Survey

Dear Parents and Students

You may recall that in 2022 parents, staff and students participated in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM®.) online survey. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve.

The data we receive provides us with valuable feedback in relation to faith, learning, student engagement and wellbeing and will help to better inform the direction of the College.

The survey is now open for you to complete either by clicking the link below, scanning the QR code or by clicking the link on the promotional page in this newsletter.

The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete and will close on Friday 14^th June . Students and staff will also be completing different versions of the survey at school.

As parents and carers of students in our school, we deeply value your feedback and encourage you to partner with us and complete this survey. The information we gather allows us to hear directly from you and gain insight into what you think is important about the work we do, how we communicate with you and where you think we need to improve.

We want every student in our school to thrive and we know that working together, listening and sharing ideas, helps all students.

If you have questions about this survey, please don’t hesitate to contact me on paul.dart@mn.catholic.edu.au .

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

We have had another successful start to Breakfast Club this Term. We want to remind you that all students are welcome to attend this space.

We have students from years 7-12 attend Breakfast Club each week and it has been a wonderful environment for students to build connections with each other & to the school community.

COME AND JOIN US:

Where: PENOLA CENTRE (Student hub building)

When: Every Wednesday

Time: 8-8:40am

Tip of the Week

Each week we, Leaders of Wellbeing and Engagement (the LOWE’s), see a large number of students struggling with stress, worries and anxieties. One of our main goals is to help our students understand that they can help themselves to manage these feelings. One such way to do just that is to practice GRATITUDE.

Research has shown that consciously practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It has the biggest effect when done consistently or on a regular basis. It is recommended to engage in gratitude at least 3-4 times per week.

You can begin to practice gratitude by thinking of what you’re thankful for — like family and friends, your home or a beautiful sunny day — rather than being consumed by what is going wrong. Writing these thoughts down or saying them aloud can even help you stay positive during difficult times.

We encourage parents to engage in this activity with your child/ren as it can be a valuable opportunity to improve & build your relationship with one another.

A key aspect of practicing gratitude is celebrating small victories. We often get caught up in celebrating large accomplishments — a win at sport, a good assessment task result, improving your skills at training, coming first etc. And while these things are certainly great things that should be celebrated, it is equally important to celebrate the small moments of life. Sometimes, simply getting out of bed on a bad day, holding the door open for someone or using your manners can be cause for celebration too!

But more often, our daily lives are full of distractions and stress, and we let our small achievements go unnoticed, even internally. Think about the past few days — what have you accomplished that went unnoticed? Did you help cook a delicious meal, start a new book, help someone at school/work, answer a question in class, seek help from someone or chat with a loved one? 

Encourage your child, & yourself, to take a moment now to celebrate that, to express gratitude for ALL the MEANINGFUL things you’ve done.

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Solution Puzzle 5

1. The potato now weighs 250g

2. 24 Eggs

3. Five cards are missing

Puzzle 6

1.  Fill in the circles using the numbers 1 to 7

     such that the sum of each line is equal.

2.  Are there any numbers which, when written in English, have all of their letters in alphabetical order?

3. Maurice and Minerva sell apples at the markets. Maurice sells three apples for a dollar. Minerva’s apples are a little  better, so she sells two for a dollar.

One day Minerva was unwell and asked Maurice to sell her apples on her behalf. They both had the same number of apples. Maurice mixed all of the apples together and sold them at a rate of five for two dollars.

At the end of the day, Maurice had sold all of the apples but was seven dollars short of what he and Minerva would normally receive.

How many apples did Maurice sell?

Vocational Education and Training News

Year 10 students are just about to start selecting subjects for Year 11 and 12 in 2025-2026. Students can select from a range of VET subjects as part of their pattern of study. VET courses are quite different from the type of subjects they have participated in up till now.

VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. The aim of a VET course is to create a direct link with post-school career pathways. Students develop skills to make them work ready and they participate in mandatory work placements in these courses.

VET courses allow a student to achieve both a HSC and a Vocational Certificate or a Statement of Attainment. Students work towards a nationally recognised Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) credential.   

The courses are competency based meaning that students develop and master skills in which they are signed off for by an accredited trainer. All courses described below can be used to count towards a student’s ATAR calculation except VET Manufacturing and Engineering.

VET Course Offerings at St Joseph's College

VET Business Services (BSB30120 Certificate III Business Services)

This course provides training in Work Health and Safety, using digital technologies, keyboard speed and accuracy, digital documentation and maintaining workplace information.  At the completion of this course students are well qualified for a number of entry level positions in customer service and business administration. 

VET Construction (Qualification -CPC20211 Certificate II in Construction Pathways)

This course provides training in general construction and covers a range of skills and knowledge appropriate for entry level positions in the building and construction industry. As part of this course students will undertake an externally delivered Workplace Health and Safety General Induction for Construction Work (White Card).

VET Entertainment Industry (Statement of Attainment towards CUA30415 Certificate III in Live Production and Services)

 This course provides training in lighting and audio-visual operations, staging, front of house, Work Health & Safety, stage management, dealing with patrons and professionals and maintaining costumes, sets and props.

VET Hospitality (SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery)

This course provides training in safe and hygienic food preparation and handling. It also is centred around developing skills in communication and working as a member of a team. Students will gain skills in preparing dishes, working in a commercial kitchen, and using a range of equipment.

VET Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM10119 Certificate I in Engineering and Statement of Attainment towards MEM20413 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways)

This course is based on units of competency which have been developed by the metal, engineering and related service industries to provide the skills and knowledge required by workers in this industry. Students will gain skills in WH&S, measuring and marking out, welding, machining and using a wide variety of tools and equipment.

VET Primary Industries (AHC20116 Certificate II in Agriculture)

This course develops skills and knowledge in WH&S, operating tractors and machinery, handling and caring for livestock, fencing, applying chemicals and observing and reporting on the weather.

VET Retail Services (SIR30216 Certificate III in Retail)

This course will develop a student’s skills in customer service; operating retail equipment, developing sales and merchandising stock control and developing good communication skills and teamwork.

The College also has a range of External VET courses that students may choose as part of their pattern of study. For more information on these courses please contact Mrs Vikki Jordan who is the College Careers Adviser.     

There will be more information in the subject selection handbook on both internal and externally delivered VET in the subject selection handbook.   If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Simon Ramage
VET Leader of Learning

Fame Jnr - The Musical

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

It’s finally here! The cultural phenomenon that is Fame Jnr comes to St Joseph’s. Join us for a great night out as the students of St. Joseph’s College, Lochinvar entertain you with  Fame Jr.  Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs. You know the tunes, you’ll remember the fashion, you’ll be dancing in the aisles.  Don’t miss out. Tickets on sale MONDAY 27th MAY at Ticketebo..

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Congratulations to Allie Bowditch year 10 who is currently competing in Hawaii for Cheerleading. She is part of the DC Global Games.

This month many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait students competed in the Diocesan Cross Country at Aberdeen. These students include Seb Howlett, Brody Sarina, Coen Cremona, Chase Pearson, and Eve Lantry. All students had to qualify to compete at this event and all put in an amazing effort. Brody Sarina and Coen Cremona finished 3^rd and 4^th respectively therefore will progress to NSW CCC level next month.

Recent Events

This term we have started a Cultural Group at St Joseph’s which allows students to put forward their ideas and organise cultural events at the school. We have had a small turn out of students however the students who did attend had some excellent ideas and were motivated to be part of making change at our school. If you could please promote this to your child/children that would be appreciated. Meetings happen at lunchtime and students will be reminded via email and Compass.

Upcoming Events

Aboriginal Dance Group

An email has been sent to all ATSI students calling for interest to join our school’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance group. We have organised Hilary McIntyre, a Worimi woman and dance teacher, to choreograph a dance especially for St Joseph’s. Both males and females are welcome to join the dance group. Again, we are keen for some more dancers so if you could talk to your child/children about this it would be appreciated.

Reconcilliation Week

In week 5 we will celebrate Reconciliation Week. This important celebration will be commemorated through LMG activities, student videos, trivia, and lunchtime activities. We hope to have many students participating and learning about the importance of Reconciliation Week.

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 Anabell Holle and Mr Thomas Germon
Aboriginal Education Teachers

Message from the Finance Office

2024 School fees can be viewed at any time through Compass and updated statements are emailed at the beginning of each month, please check your emails and also your junk emails.  Families who have a nil balance will not receive a statement. 

Thank you to the families who have commenced payments, it is important to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments regularly which are due in full by 30/11/24. 

If payment preference is via a lump sum payment please finalise by 30/06/24. 

If youhave any concerns in meeting the 30/11/2024 due date please contact me on 0249 307 291 or email finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au 

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

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

If you are a current holder of an Australian Government Health Care Card/Pension card you may be intitled to a discount on your school fees, please complete the attached 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 ‘means tested’ low income families such as Health Care and Pension Card holders. This rate is 50% of the Diocesan Tuition Fee full rate for each child

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.