11 June 2024

A Message from the Principal

Student attendance at school is an essential element of their learning and wellbeing, yet schools in Australia are seeing an over all decline in attendance rates. Students who do not meet attendance expectations and benchmarks may have complex physical or mental health concerns, challenges with peer social relationships

Whole school attendance is measured in two ways – an attendance rate and an attendance level. The attendance rate measure the number of actual full-time equivalent student-days attended by full-time students. The attendance level measures the proportion of full-time students in Years 1–10 whose attendance rate is equal to or greater than 90 per cent

The 2023 National Report on School indicated “that there was little difference in the 2023 national average attendance rate for girls (88.7%) and boys (88.6%). Average attendance rates though were higher in major cities than regional and remote areas. The report also shows that attendance rates have not returned to the pre COVID levels which is very concerning.

Research confirms a strong link between attendance and student outcomes. While some student absences are unavoidable and understandable due to illness and the like, many are not. Poor school attendance can be linked to a number of related short and long-term adverse outcomes for students including lower academic outcomes, early school leaving, substance use, poverty, unemployment and negative health outcomes. However these factors may be interrelated in complex ways and factors that lead to low levels of attendance may also independently lead to some of these adverse outcomes.  A student’s regular absence from school may be a critical indicator in disengagement, leading directly to some of these adverse outcomes. Regardless of the nature of the relationship, poor school attendance, particularly with a high number of unexplained or unauthorised absences, is a readily observable warning sign for potential longer-term adverse outcomes.

School personnel understand the importance of student attendance. We work hard to identify and mitigate the school factors that impact on student engagement and attendance, however, we have limited influence over numerous additional student and family factors related to attendance. The primary responsibility for a student’s attendance at school rests with the parents/caregivers. Therefore, parents / caregivers need to show by their actions that they value school attendance and communicate with the school to seek support regular attendance.”

All parents can view their child’s attendance through Compass. I urge parents to log on and check the impact of non-attendance and in particular, to look at subjects that may be impacted by partial absences. See below a sample of an attendance overview in Compass for a Year 7 student. Some parents may actually surprised at their child’s attendance percentages due to a variety of factors.

Part of the Annual School Visit, which for St Joseph’s, will occur this week, is a session entitled ‘Student Potential is Realised’. Realising student potential must be considered in light of their attendance.

The overall attendance rate at St Joseph’s currently stands at 89.1% - with an expectation that by the end of the year this will increase to 95%. However, there are a substantial number of student’s whose attendance in less than 65%. Letters regarding attendance concerns are regularly sent to parents and there are a variety of support mechanisms in place for these students including the involvement of Leaders of Wellbeing, the counselling team, our Beyond the Gates Caseworker Ms Hirst.

Parents who regularly explain a child’s absence for reasons other than illness or medical appointments will be contacted to discuss what is happening for their child. An analysis of some students’ attendance patterns shows that in inclement weather they are more likely to be absent which is very concerning and not acceptable. In addition, while we recognise that parents often seek to give their child experiences such as holidays, sporting events, concerts etc. these are not classified as acceptable reasons for absence. We have noticed an increasing workload for our staff in trying to manage catch up assessments and examinations when students are absent for these reasons and therefore, in these cases most often students will receive a score of zero, if they are absent from a task for reasons that are not determined as legitimate or warranted.

If schools and parents work together with a shared vision of regular, sustained attendance we can make a difference in the lives of young people.

Enjoy the week

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Student use of Social Media

It has been reported by members of the public and some parents that a student or group of students have appropriated the school crest for a tik tok account. Postings in this account include copying the images of staff from various sources and running commentaries about staff. It also includes very inappropriate commentary regarding some students. These matters have been reported to Tik Tok, the eSafety Commissioner and our Diocesan Communications Team. I would like to make it very clear that use of a school’s crest / brand without their authorisation is illegal as is using a person’s image without their permission. Students found to have been using social media to harass staff or students are in clear breach of our Code of Conduct and potentially face suspension – especially if they are inciting negative actions or are damaging the reputation of the school.

I ask that all parents converse with their child about these matters and be aware that some students are creating fake Tik Tok accounts to protect their identity.

Staffing Update

TAS Faculty

Mr Matt Wilks – TAS Teacher has tended his resignation effective from the end of Term 2 as he has decided to take up an important position in industry related to safety training. We thank Mr Wilks for his 9 years of dedicated service to the College and in addition to his commitment to teaching VET and TAS, his enduring support of our students who he has coached in Rugby League and Cricket. Matt will take long service leave in the last two weeks of term so his last day of work will be Friday 14^th June. We wish Matt all the very best for the future. Recruitment to fill this position is underway.

English Faculty

We welcome Ms Natalie Young to the College as she commences a job share position with Mr Mark Edmonds. 

English Faculty

Mr Aidan Linehan – Leader of Learning English will be taking leave in the last two weeks of Term 2. We are in the process of appointing an Acting Leader of Learning for this block of time.

Science Faculty

Mr Glenn Horder will be on Long Service Leave in Term 3 – we are in the process of appointing a replacement teacher. Ms Amanda George will be taking leave in Terms 3 & 4 this year – we are in the process of appointing a replacement teacher

Executive

I will be taking leave in the first two weeks of Term 3 – Mrs Stokes & Mr Dart will share responsibility for the leadership of the school during this time.

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

Today Year 10 have embarked on their two-day Retreat in which they will attend two separate sites – The Collaroy Retreat Centre in North Sydney and the St Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in Richmond. Staff and students had an early start this morning, gathering at 6:30am, departing the College’s premises by 7:00am. Staff and students will have an amazing time engaging in a range of activities and formation experiences, drawing themselves closer in friendship with peers, staff and God. More details about our time on retreat will be revealed in our next Newsletter.

Dadirri - Prayer and Reflection

For some time members of our staff have engaged in fortnightly prayer and reflection in our Chapel every second Friday at 8:25am. We call this formation experience "Daddiri", which is an Indigenous word meaning “Deep listening and quiet, still awareness.”  Dadirri recognises the deep spring that is inside us. We call on it and it calls to us. It similar to the term "contemplation".

We would like to open up this formation experience to parents in our community and invite each of you to pray and reflect with us. Please note that you do not have to attend each fortnight, but please feel welcome to come when you can and enjoy the reflection, prayer and stillness that is offered.

To access the Chapel, follow the directional sign located on the school driveway as you enter. Our next schedule Dadirri session is Friday 21^st June, 8:25am.

Media Release - Window on Creation Book Launch

In celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June, a new online educational resource titled Window on Creation has been launched by the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Written by Carmel Jones rsj, Window on Creation has been created for upper primary and secondary school staff and students. The e-book is an invitation to all who care about the environment and offers an opportunity to explore how to make a difference, right where we are. The reader is invited to look at our world, as if out of a window, with St Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis, and Fr Julian Tenison Woods (co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph alongside Mary MacKillop).

The e-book Window on Creation is available for reading and download via FlippingBook here

St Vinnies Winter Appeal

This term we have kicked off our annual Vinnies Appeal. This year we ask all members of our community to generously donate canned food, sleeping bags, beanies, gloves, blankets etc to Vinnies, to support those who are marginalised, less fortunate or experiencing hardship. Students are encouraged to bring in their donations throughout the duration of this term. Items will be collected in LMG and transported to Vinnies in Week 10.
I thank you in advance for your generosity.

God Bless,

Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

Sunday's Gospel - Mark 3: 20-35

Jesus went home with his disciples, and such a crowd collected that they could not even have a meal. When his relatives heard of this, they set out to take charge of him, convinced he was out of his mind.

The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, ‘Beelzebul is in him,’ and, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.’ So he called them to him and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot last. And if a household is divided against itself, that household can never stand. Now if Satan has rebelled against himself and is divided, he cannot stand either - it is the end of him. But no one can make his way into a strong man’s house and burgle his property unless he has tied up the strong man first. Only then can he burgle his house.

‘I tell you solemnly, all men’s sins will be forgiven, and all their blasphemies; but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness: he is guilty of an eternal sin.’ This was because they were saying, ‘An unclean spirit is in him.’

His mother and brothers now arrived and, standing outside, sent in a message asking for him. A crowd was sitting round him at the time the message was passed to him, ‘Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside asking for you.’ He replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking round at those sitting in a circle about him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother and sister and mother.’

Reflection:

Family members are often the last ones to allow us to change from who we have been to who we want to become. Unintentionally, family will sometimes continue to treat us as the child we were growing up in the family environment, despite our various accomplishments and changes in direction. Sometimes it’s easier to continue to treat someone we love as we have always treated them, rather than learning to adjust and accommodate a new way of relating. When you’re the one seeking to establish a new life or a new way of operating, family can appear to be ‘keeping you in a box’.

In a style typical of the Gospel of Mark, the two incidents with Jesus’ family ‘sandwich’ and focus attention on the interaction with the Scribes who accuse Jesus of being under the influence of Satan. Like the family of Jesus who don’t want to see him for who he really is becoming, or has become, the Scribes misunderstand Jesus’ fight against evil. Jesus dismisses their claims through his use of the image of binding the strong man before entering the strong man’s house. Jesus has ‘bound’ Satan – the strong man – proving himself the stronger and has set about undoing the work of evil in the world.

Today’s gospel paints a picture of Jesus’ family wanting him to play safe and remain the person they’ve known him to be, rather than growing into his ministry and preaching his challenging message. They can see that his actions are causing the authorities to pay attention and their reaction is to try to get Jesus to stay under the radar; to live small.

Gospel Focus – Binding the strong man

The incarnation of Jesus in the world – God becoming fully human and physically present in the world – was an act of supreme love for the world. The image of binding the strong man echoes this act of love. The image is reminiscent of a bully or tyrant who is wreaking havoc and terrorising a community. Before justice can be restored and the victims/survivors lifted up, the ‘strong man’ must be restrained and subdued. To bring about the loving act of God in the world, the power of evil must be resisted and bound up.

Living the Gospel – Who is my mother or brother?

At the end of the today’s gospel passage, Jesus states, ‘Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’ Family bonds were critically important in First Century Palestine. Jesus does not deny his family kinship, but expands it to include anyone who does the will of God. All those who work to bring about the Kingdom or Reign of God share a bond with Jesus, they share a familial link with him. Whenever we act to bring about God’s dream for this world, we join our efforts with those of our brother, Jesus.

Scriptural context – Mark’s Messiah

Throughout the Gospel of Mark, the author explores the question of who people believe Jesus to be. Whilst his disciples have a less than perfect understanding of the question, ‘Who do you say I am?’, those whose faith reveals the truth of Jesus are quickly sworn to secrecy. In today’s gospel, the misunderstanding of Jesus’ family and the misunderstanding of the Scribes show their incomplete grasp of who Jesus is. Whilst the language about Satan, evil and unclean spirits is unfamiliar language today, the gospel writer uses this imagery to further his point that Jesus is the Messiah, the one who saves the world.

Reflection Questions

- How does the image of Jesus’ family seeking to keep him in his place speak to your own experience?

- Who are the unrelated but kindred spirits in your life who are your ‘mother and brothers’ gathered around you?

- When have your actions been misunderstood and misrepresented?

- Who or what is the ‘strong man’ in your life that needs to be ‘bound’ so that fullness of life can flourish?

PRAYER

Lord, unite us in Your love as we follow Your will, just as Jesus embraced all as His family. Forgive our sins and guide us in truth, that we may stand together in faith. Amen.

Ministry Calendar

From the Assistant Principals....

Year 10

Thank you to all families who attended the Year 11 2025 Subject Information Evening. It was terrific to see so many people engaging with teachers about their pathways moving into next year. Just a couple of small points to consider;

• All students must complete the subject selection form regardless of their pathway next year. Some students are planning on apprenticeships or further education and training elsewhere, however choice still need to be made as a back up.
• Students have until Friday the 14^th June to submit their choices
• Once their choices have been made, students will receive an email confirming this. All students will need to print the Subject Confirmation and submit this to Student Services. This form is very useful when we discuss subject choices with students in Term 3.
• If students are unsure what to choose or need more assistance, please speak with Mr Dart.

Tell them from me Survey

Thank you to all families who have completed this survey to date. This is still open until Friday 14^th June and I would encourage you to take 20 minutes to provide useful feedback to the college. Please use the link below 

Year 8

The Year 9 2025 Elective choices will be occurring in early Term 3. Now is a good time to discuss subjects your child might be interested in taking into year 9 and 10. More information about each subject will be coming in the next few weeks.

Uniform Policy Update

Over the course of 2024, Leaders of Wellbeing and Engagement, along with staff have been involved in reviewing the College’s uniform requirements. In 2017, significant work was undertaken to develop a new uniform in line with the change to St Joseph’s College Lochinvar.   We have now looked to elements of our uniform procedure and updated to a uniform policy and as a result implemented some minor changes to the grooming aspect of the uniform.  From Semester Two, the College will implement the Uniform Policy below. It is an updated version with clearer guidelines for students, parents and staff.

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

Wellbeing

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

This week we will launch our Push-up Challenge campaign to raise awareness for mental health in Australia. In June, the St Joseph’s College community will proudly join hundreds of thousands of Australians will participate in The Push-Up Challenge to improve their physical and mental fitness, have fun and raise funds to make a difference to mental health for all Australians.

Along with the increased awareness of the lives lost to suicide in Australia, we urge all students to get involved in some way as it will help promote social connections and teamwork.

The PDHPE faculty will facilitate this challenge. The first 10 minutes of each practical lesson will be used to invite students to complete push ups or an alternative exercise (e.g. squat / lunge / sit up) whilst they are educated on the facts around Mental Health. During June the challenge for each class to complete 3,249 push-ups in 24 days, from 5-28 June (or 1,625 if you're aiming for the half-target). This represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022 (the most recent available data).

This initiative aligns with both our Wellbeing Program and the PDHPE curriculum focussing on physical activity to support good mental health.

As we move into the colder months here in the Lochinvar, it is essential that our students are not only well-prepared for their academic challenges but also equipped to handle the brisk winter weather. Ensuring that students are in the correct uniform plays a crucial role in maintaining our school’s standards and fostering a sense of unity and pride. We urge parents and students to double-check that they have all the necessary winter uniform items, including jumpers, blazers, and appropriate footwear and to engage with Student Services if missing items or the Alinta Uniform Shop at the college if needed. It is important that ALL clothing is labelled clearly with the students name so the item can be returned to them if lost.  If anyone requires assistance with this please see or contact one of the Leaders of Wellbeing & Engagement. Students accessing sporting fields during the morning periods are likely to encounter dew, a spare change of socks in the bag may be a pleasant addition come Lunch time. A well-dressed student is a confident student, ready to take on the day.

To further support our students, the Breakfast Club is open every Wednesday morning in PENOLA. This wonderful initiative is generously supported by Woolworths Rutherford and supplemented by staff donations. We believe that a nutritious breakfast is a key start to the day, and we invite all students who may be struggling to access breakfast at home to join us for a healthy meal that will fuel their minds and bodies for the day ahead. Students are to be congratulated on their manners and mature approach around Breakfast Club, always ensuring that they wash up their own plates and keep the Penola Centre clean and tidy.

Additionally, our school community is actively engaged in various fundraising efforts to support our programs and activities. In Week 6, the SRC will be selling cans of soft drink during lunchtime. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to contribute to the school’s fundraising goals, while enjoying a refreshing treat for $2 cash per can. The money raised will support our Breakfast Club - this is one of the many areas of student need which we aim to fulfill. Furthermore, on Friday mornings, Mr. Hickling and Mr. Mills will be serving up delicious bacon and egg rolls for $4 cash. This weekly event has become a favourite among students and staff alike, and all proceeds go towards supporting our students.

We are also proud to share that our school recently participated in the Young Carers Open Night hosted by Carergateway, The Benevolent Society. This event was an enlightening experience, highlighting the important role young carers play in our community. It provided valuable resources and support for those students who balance their studies with caregiving responsibilities. We commend our young carers for their dedication and resilience and encourage any student in a caregiving role to reach out for support if needed.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a nurturing and vibrant school environment. Let’s work together to ensure our students are well-prepared, well-fed, and warmly dressed as we embrace the winter season.

Kind regards,

The Wellbeing Team

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

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

Career's News

On Friday 17th May, Year 10 and 12 students had the opportunity to attend the Hunter Valley Career's Expo in Maitland. At the expo, students engaged with representatives from a variety of industries, employer and professional associations, universities, TAFE and other training providers, as well as employment agencies. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and listen to many different people speak about jobs and training options to help our students decide on their future career goals.

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

We wish the best of luck to Brody Sarina and Coen Cremona who travel to Sydney on Wednesday for the NSW Cross Country Championships on Wednesday. Both students (along with many other SJL students), progressed through school and Diocesan levels to compete at this event and we are s proud of their effort and commitment.

Congratulations goes to Sarai Evans in year 7 who has been selected to compete in the girls NAIDOC Cup team during the school holidays. We wish her and her teammates the best of luck and look forward to hearing all about the event.

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.

Reconcilliation Week

Thank you to all students and staff who were involved in our LMG activities including an art activity and trivia. Many students were involved in assisting with these cultural activities including Willow Garnham who drew the Aboriginal symbols which will be displayed around the school during NAIDOC week. Other students involved include Jaydah Corney, Kurtis Leverton, Amy Crick, Tyler Culley, Xavier Martin, Jasmyn Chenery as well as all our Cultural group members.

Community 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 Anabel Holle and Mr Thomas Germon
Aboriginal Education Teachers

Message from the Finance Office

2024 School fee account 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. 

Families who have indicated a lump sum payment please finalise by 30/06/2024.

It is important to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments regularly which are due in full by 30/11/2024, thank you to the families who continue with these regular payments.

If you have 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 email 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.