23 September 2024

A Message from the Principal

Congratulations to all of our Year 12 students who graduated on the evening of Monday 23^rd  September. It was a wonderful celebration with families and staff present.

Special congratulations to our major award winners.

Ava Grant

Christian Leadership Award

Isabelle Jordan

Sisters of St Joseph Award

Neave Fogarty

Cultural Award

Faith Rafferty

Sr Agnes Hopper Memorial Mathematics Award
Lochinvar Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement
Newcastle University Vice Chancellors Award

Sienna Davidson

The Spirit of Lochinvar Award

Claire Puckeridge

Principal's Award

Bethany Knight

Ampol Best All Rounder Award

Oscar Archbold

College Blues Award

Mackenzie Wills

College Blues Award

Lachlan Wills

ADF Long Tan Award

Xavier Wills

ADF Long Tan Award

Kayleigh Kriel

ADF Future Innovators Award

Year 12, during this week you have experienced many of those ‘last times’ and this brings with it both excitement and joy and maybe just a little tinge of sadness. As you prepare to leave the College, we give thanks for you as individuals; for the change that you have initiated in yourself and others; for the challenging times that have inspired you to be courageous and for the laughter and joy that has resonated across classrooms and playgrounds. We give thanks for your willingness to wonder, to learn and to be of service; we give thanks for the actions you have taken, and the words that you have spoken. There is no doubt that in ways both big and small you have made a difference and we are the richer for your presence.

On behalf of the staff and the students of St Joseph’s, we wish you farewell knowing, that this is not the end, rather it is just a beginning; take pride in how far you’ve come; have faith in how far you can go, enjoy the adventures ahead, know that you will always be part of the Lochinvar story. I hope that you are eager to forge ahead, to seek opportunity and adventure; to see what is possible and to dream about what some say may be impossible. As you look around today I hope that you can genuinely say that you left things a little bit better than you found them – especially because you have had purpose and hope.  Cherish the good times and remember how in the difficult times you rose up together and defined your year not by the challenges but by love, resilience and spirit.

Year 12, as you leave the College, I challenge you to continue to be great human beings; I challenge you to bring what is already inside of you fully to life for what is in you is the capacity for understanding; what is in you is the capacity for compassion; what is in you is the capacity to forgive; what is in you is love. Share your light!

In addition, all the very best as you prepare to sit for your HSC Examinations commencing on Tuesday 14^th  October.

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Japan Exchange Trip 

Wishing Mrs. Cunningham, Mr. Goodwin and Mrs. Stokes and students safe travels as they embark on their trip to Japan to visit our Sister School Izumigaoka Junior High School which is located in the town of Ide in Kyoto. There has been an enormous amount of work carried out by staff to ensure a safe and worthwhile trip. Our Sister School relationship with Izumigaoka Junior High is highly valued and a wonderful way for students across two nations to understand culture and diversity.

14th October  - Pupil Free Day

Just a reminder that the first day of Term 4 is Pupil Free – our support staff will engage in the Faith, Story Witness Program led by Ryan Gato – Assistant Head – RE and Spirituality and all teaching staff will be involved in planning for the new curriculum which will is being rolled out by NESA.

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 Calendar Dates

Ministry Musings

Year 12 Events

Over the last fortnight, Year 12 has been involved in various events as they conclude their time here at the College. From Thursday, 12th September to Tuesday, 17th September, Year 12 and staff engaged in a week of prayer based on the theme of the School Pillars: Strength, Faith, and Hope. Each prayer session was led by members of our community, beginning with the Executive Team, Year 12 LMG staff and LOWEs, the Sisters of St Joseph’s Lochinvar, and the College Leaders. During each session, prayers were reverently spoken, asking our Lord directly and through the intercession of the saints to guide and give strength to Year 12 as they prepare for their final exams and approach new horizons post-HSC.

Our morning gatherings in prayer spiritually prepared Year 12 for the Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated on Thursday, 19th September, marking the pinnacle of their spiritual journey. The Mass of Thanksgiving was beautifully celebrated by Father George Anthicad, who was assisted by our 2025 College Captain, Isabelle Dixon, as the altar server. The Mass represented the culmination of Year 12’s hard work, hope for the future, faith in the providence of our loving God, and the dedication of all who have supported these young men and women in the successes they have achieved. It truly demonstrated our commitment to community, with the presence of families, staff, students, and members of the parish united in our Catholic faith to bless the cohort of 2024 in their future endeavours.

Year 12 also processed into their final formal college assembly, the Passing of the Light, on Friday, 20th September. This assembly is a significant event for our College, as it represents the transference of Jesus’ guiding light of wisdom, truth, and responsibility from our outgoing College Leaders to our 2025 College Captains. The ceremony, beautifully delivered by the school leaders and staff, served as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the ongoing legacy of faith, hope, and service that each leadership group contributes to the future of our school. I would like to personally thank our 2024 College Leaders: Isabelle Jordan, Ava Grant, Xavier Wills, Lachlan Wills, Bethany Knight, Sienna Davidson, Ella Brenna, and Issabelle Trichlin, and congratulate our 2025 College Captains: Isabelle Dixon, Rhys Kelly, Molly Martin, Jackson Brooker, Gabrielle Richardson, and Pyper Jacobs.

Lastly, I would like to say a special thank you to our Year 12 students: Sam Brennan, Ella Brennan, MacKenzie Wills, Xavier Wills, Lachlan Wills, Avah Purdon, Bethany Knight, Lily McDonald, and Sienna Davidson, and the staff who joined our local parish community on Saturday, 21st September at St Joseph’s, East Maitland, for the HSC Student Mass. They represented the College with reverence and service through their contribution in proclaiming Scripture, offering prayers, presenting gifts, and participating in the Mass. Thank you to each of you for coming to the Mass and offering prayers to our Lord on behalf of our 2024 Year 12 cohort.

Overall, I would like to take this moment to express my deepest thanks to the Executive Team, Year 12 Staff/Team, the CAPA Team/Choir, and the Hospitality Team for supporting the success of these events and ensuring that our Year 12 cohort has the best conclusion to their education.

Socktober

On Tuesday, 17th September, members of our MacKillop Team and SRC represented our College at the diocesan event Socktober, organized by Catholic Mission. Mia Hickey, Ellie Cronin, Keely Davidson, Blair Quaine, Sophie Murrell, Freya Tomy, Samuel Bell, Bailey Ross, and Lochie Lennard headed down to McDonald Jones Stadium, participated in an engaging liturgy, and actively took part in various soccer drills. The purpose of the event was to launch World Mission Month and to kick off a fundraising initiative back at school to support the work of Catholic Mission in providing aid for the Don Bosco Centre in Mongolia, which supports families and youth experiencing adversity and poverty. Stay tuned for upcoming efforts at school to support our brothers and sisters in Mongolia.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

Year 12 Community Day

Last Wednesday, year 12 students participated in the final Community Day of their schooling. Students travelled into Newcastle to play Putt Putt and then complete an adventure style race around Nobby's and Newcastle Beaches. There was a wonderful energy as students moved through the course, completed challenges and enjoyed each other's company. 

HSC Exams

During this week, students will also receive the HSC timetable and rooming. It is important that students read this document thoroughly and follow all instructions for their exams. This document also includes instructions for students in the case of Illness and Misadventure. If your child is unwell for an HSC exam they need to do the following;

• notify the relevant Assistant Principal via email the morning of the exam. In this case, it will be Mr. Johns as he will be acting Assistant Principal whilst Mr. Dart is on leave.
• if possible, attend and complete the HSC exam.
• let the presiding officer know before the exam starts, that you are unwell and will be making an Illness and Misadventure application
• the presiding officer will observe your child throughout their exam and make notes that will be used as supporting evidence for the application
• See Mr. Johns (Acting Assistant Principal) and inform him of your intention to submit an Illness and Misadventure application. Mr. Johns will provide you with the relevant documents to complete. 
• At the completion of the exam, your child MUST obtain a medical certificate on the same day as the exam. The certificate must state that your child "was unfit to sit their HSC exam". Your GP will also have an Illness and Misadventure document to complete
• Return all completed documentation to Mr. Johns to submit to NESA

Year 11 Updates

Firstly, I would like to recognise Year 11 students on their outstanding application during the Year 11 Preliminary Examinations.   Their attendance, punctuality and respect were all exemplary and they are to be commended.

Students are returning to lessons this week, where they are receiving a number of results for these examinations.  This is always a time mixed with excitement, and disappointment as well as a time to reflect on the important lessons in preparation for the HSC.

Students are encouraged to discuss their individual performance with their teacher and look for an opportunity to discuss ways to develop personal academic growth.

The HSC begins in Term 4 from Tuesday 15^th October.

Save the Date - Year 11

MONDAY 21^st October – HSC INFORMATION EVENING.  Students in Year 11 and their parents/ carers (beginning Year 12 Term 4 2024) are required to attend an Information Session about the HSC program and in particular, rules of the HSC and Internal, school-based assessment.

The evening will begin at 5.30pm and is expected to finish at 6.30pm.

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

As we come to the close of this term, it is a pleasure to reflect on the remarkable events and initiatives that have brought our students, staff, and wider community together. At the heart of our school’s mission is the commitment to foster inclusiveness, respect, and a strong sense of community. Week 8 was a big week in the Wellbeing Space, with our school raising awareness & educating the community on the importance of Mental Health and Child Protection.

R U OK? Day - Promoting Mental Health and Respect

R U OK Day was celebrated on Thursday 12^th September. It is a National Day of Action where everyone is encouraged to ask R U OK? because a conversation could change a life. It is a very important cause for our school, & the wider community, because it normalises having regular and meaningful conversations to ensure that all people know they are supported through life’s ups & downs. 

Through assembly presentations, discussions, and LMG activities, students learned the importance of active listening and providing a safe space for their peers to express themselves. Our student leaders also played an integral role in leading initiatives that encouraged their classmates to be aware of the emotional well-being of others. The day reinforced the values of respect, care, and compassion that are so vital to maintaining positive school environment.

The wellbeing team was supported by Year 9 & 10 SRC student representatives in decorating our “wellbeing way”. Their handywork transformed the main avenue & thoroughfare of our school into a space that reminds members of our school community what R U OK Day is all about and most importantly HOW we can check in on those around us. We thank the following students for their time & effort contributing to this great cause;

Isabelle Newman, Jaydah Corney, Ava Craft, Samuel Bell, Bailey Ross, Lochie Leonard & Cooper Johnson.

A big thank you to Mick Hickling, Chris Mills & the LOWE Team for running the BBQ on Thursday morning where students could begin their day with Bacon & Egg rolls, R U OK muffins & juice to accompany a chat with each other &/or the staff.

Thank You!!

A big thank you to Woolworths Rutherford for their continued support of our Breakfast Club by providing fresh fruit and bread each Wednesday.

Without the generosity of these donations our Breakfast Club would run at a very limited capacity. Both our students and staff are so very grateful for their fresh goods.  

National Child Protection Week 1-7th September 2024

As part of National Child Protection Week 2024, last week we also ‘decorated our space’ (see photo below) to represent our commitment as a school community in the Safeguarding of Children and Young People.

This years theme ‘Every Conversation Matters’ aims to encourage the community to engage in important conversations around child protection and promote the value of conversations in keeping children safe.

A big thank you to Carley Leonard who supplied the wonderful Year 8 artworks which were converted to images. These amazing pieces were the basis to the decorated space, with their lovely characters representing the various stake holders in our community that begin & maintain the important conversations we all have around the safeguarding of children.

Holiday Time!

With the potential for your child to be spending more time alone during the holiday period because they are not at school this can increase their time spent online. Over this next week as we approach the holidays it may be a great time to have a conversation with your child/ren which ‘refreshes’ them of their rights & responsibilities when online & how to keep safe.

Below is a link to some information which you may useful:

Have a safe and restful holiday and we look forward to seeing you all next term.

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Congratulations Year 12 Industrial Technology

It has been a very exciting year in Industrial Technology with our wonderful group of Year 12 students showing off their talents in the production of Major Projects in Timber Products and Furnishing Technologies. Students have worked solidly throughout the year and have put in many hours outside of school hours to complete a range of projects demonstrating unique design elements.

Students have also documented their progress in an accompanying Design Folio of up to 80 pages in length and a video of around 8 minutes. The products, designed and created by students, were truly amazing. Every student should be commended on the hard work that they have put in to complete their works. The projects were admired by all who visited to see them.

I would especially like to commend and thank Mr. Bernard Frize for supporting the students through their learning and for sharing his substantial skills with them. I am sure the students would agree that Mr. Frize gave his all to ensure students were able to produce such fine works. Well done to all.

Bethany Knight

Ella McDonald

Cameron McLeod

Byron Carey

Marcus Papuckoski

Harrison McEwan

Jordan Dorante

Katharyn McWhinney

Mrs. Julie Elliott
Leader Of Learning - Technological & Applied Science

Year 12 VET Construction

Year 12 VET Construction students have been gaining skills in excavation, formwork, reinforcing, laying concrete and finishing. These students are working towards a Certificate II in Construction as part of their HSC studies. Thank you, Mr Frize and Mr Rankin, for all you hard work with the class.

Year 12 VET Primary Industries

Year 12 VET Primary Industries students have been gaining skills in mixing and applying chemicals, treating weeds and fencing. These students are working towards a Certificate II in Agriculture. They have been a wonderful asset to the College Farm.

Cattle Showing - Merriwa Show

Agriculture, VET Primary Industries and Flexi students who are a part of the Cattle Show Team attended Merriwa show over the weekend. Students participated in junior judging and cattle parading. One of the steers ended up third in his class and we had two students who placed in the junior judging. The students represented the College wonderfully and to be commended for giving up their time to prepare the animals and show over the weekend.     

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Mr. Simon Ramage
Leader Of Learning - VET / TAS Teacher

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Congratulations to Gabrielle Richardson in year 11 who has been selected as one of the 2025 School Leaders. The process is a rigorous one which involves teacher recommendations, a speech and an interview with Executive staff thus it is quite an achievement to be selected. We have no doubt that Gabrielle will do a fantastic job in this space.

Over the last month there have been many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students competing in representative sports teams. Students have participated in a range of carnivals and sports such as athletics, soccer, rugby union and basketball. We are so proud of them and hope all students continue to be involved in a range of sports and school activities.

Congratulations to Coen Cremona who competed at NSW CCC Athletics this week. Coen participated in the 100m and 200m sprint events. Coen placed 10th overall which is an incredible achievement at state level.

Recent Events

Indigenous All Stars v Student Leaders

This month we held our second Indigenous all stars vs leaders match, this time competing in oztag. We had many students involved in the oztag game as well as a crowd of supporters to watch and cheer. We thank Willow Garnham in year 9 for designing our poster to promote the event.

Yakka Work Ready Program

This term we ran a Yakka Work Ready program at Yalawa with year 10 students. The program is facilitated by Yakka who provided students with a wide variety of information, tips and quizzes for them to make future career choices. We appreciate the commitment of the year 10 students for showing up each Wednesday to engage in the program.

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 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 indicated a lump sum payment and have now paid. Please contact finance to discuss if needed as this is now overdue.

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 entitled 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

General News

An Introduction to Catholicism

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:

New Uniform Price List

Booking Calendar and Holiday Trading