28 October 2024

A Message from the Principal

During the recent school holidays, I had the great privilege of participating in the Japanese Sister School Exchange Experience at Izumigaoka Junior High School in Ide-Town Japan.

Since 2012, St Joseph’s have embarked on visits to Izumigaoka every second year, and we have hosted students from Japan bi annually as well.  After a long hiatus from COVID, in 2023 we welcomed students and this year we had the opportunity to visit again. 

Izumigaoka sits on the Tamagawa River, which is scattered with Cherry Blossom Trees and surrounded by mountains. The town is an older town in the Kyoto Prefecture. With only 134 students and 25 teachers, the school is a small community with lots of spirit. During our stay, the school hosted 12 students from St Joseph’s.  The 12 students comprise our of 8 Japanese Continuers students and 4 Japanese Elective students from Years 11 and 10.

We acknowledge and thank Mrs Alex McCormack for her efforts to obtain the signed Australian Wallabies jersey to give to the Izumigaoka to remember and acknowledge the visit in 2024. I also acknowledge the work and planning of Mrs Midori Cunningham to bring the tour to life. Mr Goodwin and I were very grateful for her efforts in preparing the tour.

At the end of the tour, we were able to visit a few key landmarks in Japan, including Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Toyko.  During our visit to Hiroshima, the group visited Peace Park. Peace Park is a space that is alive with tourists and school children.  As far as the eye could see where hundreds of Primary School students on an excursion.  They are visible from their little red, white or yellow peak caps and their study booklets. In seeing these little people, moving around and completing their work, you cannot help but be reminded of the senseless and incomprehensible act of igniting the nuclear bomb was to this beautiful city. On the morning 6^th August 1945, hundreds of school children were outside in Hiroshima helping with repairs in the city – all of who died horrendous and painful deaths when the bomb was dropped.  In all, over 100,000 died on impact and many more due to nuclear exposure.

One of the most poignant moments on the trip was placing our paper cranes by the statue of Sadako. Under the statue, we gathered and as a group, said a prayer for peace. We prayed for our students, that they continue to be people of peace in our world. We prayed for all those who are impacted by war and violence, that God’s loving hands would be with them and they would know mercy. These moments were particularly moving and a reminder that we have great capacity for good in our world.

Let Us Be Midwifes! An Untold Story of the Atomic Bombing

by Sadako Kurihara, translated by Richard Minear

Night in the basement of a concrete structure now in ruins.
Victims of the atomic bomb jammed the room;
It was dark—not even a single candle.
The smell of fresh blood, the stench of death,
The closeness of sweaty people, the moans.
From out of all that, lo and behold, a voice:
"The baby’s coming!"
In that hellish basement,
At that very moment, a young woman had gone into labour.
In the dark, without a single match, what to do?
People forgot their own pains, worried about her.
And then: "I'm a midwife. I’ll help with the birth."
The speaker, seriously injured herself, had been moaning only moments before.
And so new life was born in the dark of that pit of hell.
And so the midwife died before dawn, still bathed in blood.
Let us be midwives!
Let us be midwives!
Even if we lay down our own lives to do so.

Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Acting College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

We acknowledge Mr Glenn Horder, who has been fulfilling the role of Science Leader of Learning whilst Ms Phillips has been on leave. We thank him for his commitment during this time.

SRC President and Vice President

We acknowledge Madison O’Donnell, SRC President and Matthew Ferraro Vice President who have elected to the roles for 2025. We thank all students who participated in the process and congratulate Madison and Matthew on their election.

Important Calendar Dates

Ministry Musings

Welcome back to our final term for 2024! We have lots of exciting events and activities to complete our year beginning with World Mission Month - Socktober. This week we begin our October journey, inspired by the theme: “Go and invite everyone to the banquet” (Matthew 22:9) to support the work of the Don Bosco Caring Centre in Mongolia.

To raise money for the people of Mongolia, the MacKillop team has put together various activities which will run throughout this week:

• From Monday through Thursday, you can purchase tickets for the Giant Sock Raffle. Buy a ticket for a chance to win a giant sock filled with lollies and chocolates! $2 per ticket or 3 for $5.
• Tuesday 29th October, there will be a Socktober/ Mongolia themed trivia during LMG.
• On Wednesday, 30th October, head to the Crazy Sock Design Station in the Bertrand Centre during the second break, where you can donate $2 to design and decorate your very own pair of crazy socks for Crazy Sock Day!
• On Thursday, 31st October, we’ll be celebrating Socktober with a Crazy Sock Day! Don’t forget to wear your wildest socks and bring a gold coin donation to support the Socktober cause. A gold coin donation is to be given during LMG.
• Also, on Thursday, 31st October, join us for a fun Soccer Shoot Out Competition during the first break on the backfield. For just $2, you can enter and compete to see who can score the most goals. The last three standing will win some cool prizes!

Eftpos will be available for all activities; however, students will need to provide a physical gold coin donation for Crazy Sock Day, which is to be handed in during LMG.

The funds we raise will help provide nutritious meals, education, school supplies, and warm clothing to families in Mongolia.

• For just $30 we can provide warm clothing and school uniforms for children
• For $50 we can provide every child with pencils, books and other stationary items.
• For $100 we can help purchase food such as milk, vegetables and meat.
• For $200 we can contribute towards a school bus for safe transport to and from school.

It’s a small way we can make a big difference in the lives of people who are experiencing hardship.

October The Month of the Most Holy Rosary

This month, since the year 1571, the Catholic Church has dedicated October to the Most Holy Rosary, specifically celebrating the Rosary’s feast day on October 7^th. To me, when I think of the Rosary, my mind immediately takes me to the Joyful Mystery of the Annunciation from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26-38. Similar to the prophets of the Old Testament such as Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and many more, Mary experiences a test of faith, which has now become an example of faith for all Catholics. What takes place in Luke’s Gospel is nothing short of a miracle, in which Mary is visited by a messenger of God, the angel Gabrielle, who informs Mary that she would be the Mother of God. Such an event would most certainly create doubt in the mind of any ordinary person, questioning if it really happened or was it a dream. But such doubts did not enter the mind of Mary, her unwavering faith, courage, and hope in God’s salvific plan gave her the strength to say, “let it be with me according to your word”. Her response to God’s call was of profound submission and trust in God’s will, even in the face of harsh judgement from an ancient society that was sure to come.

As 21^st century readers of the Gospel we can sometimes miss the degree of difficulty such a decision to trust in God can be, and the hard implications it can have on one’s life. But Mary placed her faith in God, knowing that only good can come from Him, even if she could not clearly see it at the time. This is what faith is, placing God first regardless of what is to come, because he will provide. We are to look to Mary as the model of faith, and in this month of October, through the mysteries of the most Holy Rosary pray for her intercession, to help us live a life of faith as she did.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

Ministry Calendar

From the Assistant Principals....

HSC Information Evening

On Monday 21^st October, St Joseph’s hosted the HSC Information Evening for Year 12 2025 students and families. During the evening we distributed the HSC Assessment Handbook for students, which can also be found online at Compass > School Documentation > 2025 Handbooks > Year 12 2025.

In addition, we also provided a copy of the HSC Rules and Procedures provided by NESA below. This guide provides up to date information regarding HSC exams protocols and key checklist activities to be completed in along the road.

Year 9 and 10 Examinations

The 9 and 10 examinations are scheduled for Weeks 4 and 5 of Term 4. Students are encouraged to look at the examination timetable and the times allocated to their examinations and be prepared. Students are also reminded that if they miss their examinations, they will be required to complete a Summative Assessment Variation Form via Compass.

 Mrs Elizabeth Stokes & Mr Matthew Johns
Assistant Principal & Acting Assistant Principal

From the Counsellor’s Desk

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

Wellbeing

Welcome back to term 4. We hope students and their families had a restful and safe break. This term will be another busy will plenty occurring throughout the final term of the year.

In LMG students will be exploring the theme ‘Service’. Each Thursday students will be guided through content and challenged to provide examples about how they have provided service in their lives. Students will work in groups to complete activities which are accompanied by insightful clips. In week one students learnt about:

• Definition of service- Service is the act of helping or doing work for others, often without expecting anything in return. It can include volunteer work, acts of kindness, or participating in community efforts to improve the lives of others or the environment. Service involves giving your time, skills, or resources to support individuals, groups, or causes in need.
• Examples of service in daily life- Helping a class mate, volunteering at a local charity, oicking up litter, checking in on a neighbour, donating unused items, participating in school activities, Acts of kindness, helping at home, mentoring young students or engaging in community events

They then completed an interactive worksheet which asked them to list examples of service they've provided in their life. Then, categorize these into “acts for family,” “acts for community,” and “acts for strangers.” They then reflected on  "What does service mean to me?". We hope students enjoy engaging in this content and it promotes meaningful conversations.

Year 9 and 10 students are busy preparing for their exams. The exam block for Year 10 will occur in Week 4 and Year 9 will sit exams in Week 5. Year 7 and Year 8 will continue working through formative assessment tasks which will form their grades for Semester two reports. A reminder to access the following resource available to students to help with exam preparation:

Parent Webinar Sessions

As always if you are concerned about your child please reach out to the relevant LOWE or Leader of Wellbeing.

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

HSC 2024/2025 Disability Provisions Application Process

As detailed at the Year 12 Information Evening, some students might be eligible to apply for Disability Provisions (DPs) for their HSC examinations, on the basis of a medical, social, emotional, academic or physical issue that places a student at a disadvantage relative to the cohort of all HSC students in NSW.

The application process and related matters can require considerable time and be complex. Any student who believes that she/he has grounds to submit an application must make an appointment to speak with Mr. Whiting or Mr. Dean, by Friday 1 November 2024. Delays in making appointments and providing essential information will lead to delays in processing applications.

Whilst the decision is ultimately out of our hands, we (including subject teachers) are here to support students as best we can. We wish to work effectively with parents and students to ensure NESA receives the necessary information in time for students to potentially receive Disability Provisions, thus providing as much certainty as soon as possible.

Mr. Eliah Dean and Mr. James Whiting
Leader of Learning Support and Learning Support Teacher.

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Deadly achievements

We wish our year 12 students especially Jordan Dorante, Lindsay Rowcliff, Ella Sales, Rory Curtis, Savannah Mahony, Isabella Mahony, Lilah-J Heard and Charlie Dunn the best of luck with their HSC exams.

Congratulations to Allie Bowditch and Arabella Harrod in year 10 who have been chosen to complete a School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) for year 11 and 12. Allie will engage in the Child Care program and Arabella in Nursing. This selection process is an extensive one and therefore a great achievement for Allie and Arabella.

Another shout out goes to Taylem Grieve and Taireeq Jackonia who competed at the Koori Knockout in Bathurst over the holidays. They played for Mindaribba LALC in the under 15 years and 13 years respectively. Taylem’s team had great success at this tournament and won the statewide competition. Well done to both Taylem and Taireeq for getting involved in their sport and culture.

Recent Events

Prior to the term 3 holidays, we had many students in Yalawa who assisted in decorating and folding paper cranes. The paper cranes were part of an art installation which was made as a gift to be given to our sister school in Japan. We especially thank Jamalia Taylor in year 10 who designed and painted the boomerang in which the paper cranes hung from.

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

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