25 November 2024

A Message from the Principal

Next Sunday we commence the 2024 Advent Season and in the weeks ahead leading to Christmas we are encouraged to reflect on this time of preparation for the anniversary of our Saviour’s birth. Advent is a time of waiting, hope and joyful expectation. In Australia our climate and all associated with this time of the year is in direct contrast to the traditional images from the northern hemisphere. Yet as lilac is the Church’s colour for advent, it is interesting that in Australia we see this colour reflected daily in the blooming of the jacaranda trees – the sight brings joy and a sense of renewal as spring blooms.

Within the four weeks of the Advent season, the Church’s liturgy draws attention to different facets of how God’s plan has been revealed in Christ, is now revealed in every Mass we celebrate, and that Christ will be revealed in his glory at the end of time. For each Sunday of Advent, we take our focus for the wreath from our Advent traditions.

The second reading on the first Sunday of Advent – a reading from St Paul to the Thessalonians is a perfect reflection

“May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.

Finally, brothers, we urge you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus to make more and more progress in the kind of life that you are meant to live: the life that God wants, as you learnt from us, and as you are already living it.”

Art Show

The Creative Arts Faculty, most especially Mrs Hawke, Mrs Challinor, Miss Leonard, Ms Burke, Mr Dart and Mrs Murphy have hosted the first St Joseph’s College Art Show in many years. Titled ‘Emerge’ it captured art works from students from Year 7-12 in a vast array of mediums.

The breadth, depth and stories that accompanied each and every piece was extraordinary and the ability to bring this all together for parents and the wider community was generous. I never tire of talents of our students and to see so many emerging artists showcasing their work was a privilege.

The world, our culture and our lived experience is fed by creativity and art.  In the busyness of everyday life, it can be difficult to carve out the necessary time to enjoy beauty and allow our imagination to thrive.  Thank you to our wonderful staff for fostering this love of imagination and allowing our young people to flourish in this field.  The pieces often provided insight into the student’s hearts and minds and we are grateful for this window. 

Stay tuned for the next newsletter for photo's of this wonderful event.

The Season of Advent

This year, our 2025 College Captains have initiated the 12 Days of Christmas in the lead up to the Christmas Giving Day on 6^th December.  There are many activities taking place each day and it has been lovely to see our community come together to spread joy at this time of year. 

We are also reminded as we step into the Season of Advent of Jesus’ impending birth. Like all new parents awaiting their child, it must have been a time of trepidation as well as excitement for Joseph and Mary.

As our students prepare for the end of the school year, with many exciting times ahead, it is wonderful to see the hope of many of our young people and their generosity toward others.

Well done to Year 12 Leaders for their initiative and we look forward to seeing the many wonderful celebrations on 6^th December.

Shape Nominations

This year, five students in Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber received nominations to showcase their work in the Annual Shape Exhibition showcasing the best of work from NSW.

Congratulations to

• Ella McDonald
• Bethany Knight
• Marcus Papuckoska
• Harrison McEwan
• Kathryn McWhinney

Congratulations to these students and most particularly to Mr Bernie Frize for his knowledge and skill in teaching the students.

Ella McDonald

Bethany Knight

Marcus Papuckoski

Harrison McEwan

Katharyn McWhinney

Mrs. Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Sport Awards Ceremony

Thank you to those parents who have already responded to the invitation to attend the Sport Awards; unfortunately due to limited seating we cannot accommodate more people than the invitation stipulates.

School Fees

A final reminder that all fees are due by 30^th November – thank you to the many parents who have already finalised – this greatly assists us in our end of year processes.

Parent / Student/Teacher Conferences

Parents of students from Years 7 to 11 will have the opportunity to review student learning over the course of 2024 on the 18^th December. Times will be offered across the day and we are conscious that many parents may not be able to attend in person due to the busyness of work schedules particularly at this time of the year. If that is the case you could request a phone call from a particular teacher and we will do our best to accommodate this conscious that the time would need to be negotiated.

Important Calendar Dates

Advanced Notice - Return to School and Pupil Free Days 2025

In discussion with the Executive Team and the incoming principal Mr Peter Antcliff, please be aware of the following important dates for 2025

Ministry Musings

Advent will officially begin this coming Sunday, which means we are beginning the preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! As you are more than likely aware, it is a time of celebration, and a time of hope, peace, joy and love. Such themes are central to our Vinnies Christmas Appeal, focusing on bring hope, peace, and joy in the lives of others through loving generosity. Our initiative for this year is to support Vinnies and their work with the many vulnerable families experiencing poverty and financial hardship, who are unable to provide gifts for their children during the advent season. With our Josephite spirit and Jesus' model of charity and love, I ask all staff, parents and students to give what you can in the means of gifts for children, teenagers and adults (parents), so that all can celebrate the joys of Christmas. The drive has already started and will continue through to Friday 13th December (Week 9). 

Year 8 Formation Day

On Friday 15^th November, Year 8 participated in their Formation Day which was held at Tocal Agricultural Centre. The theme for the Formation Day was “Responsibility”, which is built out of the Gospel of Matthew “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (6:14). Christ explicitly tasks all of humanity with a responsibility to uphold all his teachings, particularly forgiveness, which is built upon the very nature of God, which is love. The responsibility to forgive and to love all was integrated within every aspect of the Formation Day, in which students explored their responsibility to themselves, neighbours and Creation through fun and engaging activities. All students positively enjoyed the day as demonstrated by their smiles, laughter, and conversations throughout the day. But most importantly they learnt more about themselves, built stronger relationships with their peers and with God, helping them to grow emotionally, spiritually, socially, and mentally. Lastly, I would like to thank all the teachers involved in the Formation Day, Mr Johns, Ms Blandford, Mrs O’Connor, Ms Hodgson, Mr Clancy, Ms Atkinson, and Ms Madden, for their facilitation of the various sessions and dedication to our students.

Diocesan Secondary Students' Leadership Retreat - College Leaders 2025

On Wednesday 12^th November through to Friday 15^th November, our College Leaders (Isabelle Dixon, Molly Matin, Pyper Jacobs, Gabrielle Richardson, Rhys Kelly and Jackson Brooker), made their way into Newcastle to participate in the annual Diocesan Secondary Students’ Leadership Retreat. The focus of the retreat was to accompany new senior leaders to grow in their faith, skills and personal attributes for their role in our school community and beyond.

During the retreat, which included all diocesan secondary schools and was facilitated by the Religious Education and Spirituality (RE&S) team, students:

• Reflected on their personal faith journeys and leadership growth.
• Explored the principles and practical applications of servant leadership as modelled by Christ.
• Celebrated the Eucharist as a unified leadership community, embracing the true meaning of communion.
• Engaged with Catholic Social Teachings and the See, Judge, Act model through immersion visits to local Diocesan Catholic Social Justice Agencies. Our students visited St John’s Villa Aged Care Home in New Lambton, where they had the opportunity to connect with and learn from the residents.

The students found the retreat deeply rewarding, and we eagerly anticipate the initiatives and contributions they will bring to our school community as a result of this experience.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms. Squires, our Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement, for her dedicated care and guidance of our students throughout the retreat. We are truly grateful for her leadership and commitment to their success.

Dadirri - Sunday's Gospel

WE CONTEMPLATE 

Sunday’s Gospel – John 18: 28 - 40

Jesus before Pilate

Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to

them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put

anyone to death.” (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated

the kind of death he was to die.)

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked

him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on

your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?”

Jesus Sentenced to Death

After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.

HOMILY – Richard Leonard

Pope Pius XI established the feast of Christ the King in the Holy Year of 1925. It appears to have its roots in the 1880s when many European bishops were worried with what they saw as the rise of secularisation. I’m pleased they’re not around today! These bishops were concerned at how governments were increasingly asserting more power over and against the church. Especially in France and Italy Bishops started to

venerate Jesus as the Universal King. This devotion took off. By 1922, at the Eucharistic Congress in Rome, sixty-nine cardinals petitioned the Pope to establish this feast. Within three years the Vatican had been inundated with requests, and so the solemnity was established. It’s clear from today’s Gospel, and the New Testament in general, that while Jesus frequently spoke of his Kingdom, is hailed like a king on Palm Sunday and is facetiously given the title of king by Pilate, his kingship is vastly different from those of Caesar, Herod and even David and the other Kings of Israel.

The earliest Christians seem to have understood this very well. We find very little writing or artistic representation of Jesus as a king before 324 AD. In that year Emperor Constantine becomes a catechumen and Christianity becomes the religion of the Roman Empire. After this time Jesus starts to appear wearing a crown and holding an orb. Mary is styled as the Queen of Heaven and begins to be pictured as such. This is all understandable as the previously persecuted Christian sect now emerges to become the most powerful unifying force in the Roman Empire. It was a sweet victory, but it meant that whatever was said of the Roman Emperor, even more must be true of Christ the Universal King and Lord.

As centuries passed and the Roman Empire passed away, the Church maintained many of its now long- standing royal prerogatives and language. Just as an example, to this day the Pope and some bishops live in places called palaces. They wear jewels and rings and have feudal coats of arms. Worse still by far, however, is the mentality and behaviour of a very few Bishops, who seem to think that the church is above the scrutiny of the faithful, and the law of the land. The problem with all these historical accretions is that

they directly contradict the way in which Jesus spoke about himself as a King. Almost all references to Jesus’ kingship occur within the passion narratives. Today’s extract from John’s gospel is among the most famous of them all. ‘You say I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’

There are not too many Kings or Queens today who would love their people so much that they would be prepared to die for them. We know from history that when the going gets tough many monarchs get going. But what we get in Jesus as King is one who did not compromise his humanity, who would not yield from his preaching and does not abandon us in our desolation. Jesus’ kingship is revealed in his utter fidelity to us – even to the end.

So let’s not be seduced by the power, pride, riches and greed which worldly rulers so crave. Let’s keep our own eyes on Christ our King who loved people more than things, who spoke the truth with love, and who died that we might live. And let’s not shrink from challenging the entire Church to do the same.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, our true King, you reign not with power or pride, but with truth and love. Help us to listen to your voice, follow your example of selfless service, and live as witnesses to your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Mary Mother of God… Pray for us

St Joseph… Pray for us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop… Pray for us

Fr Julian… Pray for us

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

School TV

This week we focus on Youth Anxiety.  With an introduction host by Professor Pat McCorry, along with other amazing experts, this edition of School TV can really unpack some of the challenges, mind sets and realities of living with anxiety.

We encourage all parents to visit our School TV portal for many topics that can assist in navigating adolescence in an ever-changing world.

Examinations and End of Year Tasks

Year 9 and 10 can now breathe a sigh of relief as they finish their examinations and prepare to move into the next phase of the year.  In speaking with many students in the playground, some had studied for their exams, some not quite enough. With in excess of 150 students in Mackillop Place to complete these examinations, students were ready and in the mind set for achieving to their best. 

Staff are now preparing reports and we look forward to celebrating many wonderful achievements next week at the Major Awards Ceremony.

Mrs. Elizabeth Stokes 
Assistant Principal 

Wellbeing

With the end of the year fast approaching students and staff have been busy finalising content and finishing assessments. We congratulate Year 9 and Year 10 on how they conducted themselves during the exam period and hope they were happy with their results.

A reminder of a few keys events happening during the back half of the term:

-Friday 29^th Sports Awards Assembly

-Tuesday 3^rd December Major Awards Evening

-Wednesday 4^th  December Year 10 Community day

-Thursday 5^th December Year 9 Community day

-Friday 6^th Christmas giving day (Come dressed in Christmas theme!)

-Monday 9^th December Year 8 Community day

-Thursday 12^th December Year Community day

-Tuesday 17^th December final day for all students

The SRC and Year 12 Leaders have organised a whole school initiative to generate Christmas Spirit within the College in the lead up to our much anticipated and celebrated Christmas Giving Day on Friday 6^th December. Each day is centred on a theme and there are lots of fun and joyful activities organised to bring our community together. The overall theme is ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’. Below is a table outlining activities occurring.

We encourage all students to be involved and spread the Christmas Spirit.

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Professional Development at St Joseph's Penola Centre

The Penola Centre, located in the Student Hub, provides a critical structure for students that might require specialist teaching throughout their learning journey at St Joseph’s College. We equally support the development of those interested in furthering their professional learning and development in the field of diverse learners and inclusive education.

More recently, the team has greatly benefited by having Ms Emma Geary complete 100 hours of practicum placement at St Joseph’s College as part of a TAFE Certificate III in School-based Education Support. This learning experience is typically a point of engagement for those interested in becoming a Learning Support Assistant (LSA).

During this placement, Ms Geary showed a genuine commitment to supporting the school’s broader principles of inclusion and demonstrated a reflective practice regarding differentiation, adjustments and student engagement. A big thank you, Emma.

Placements within this area are welcome, subject to a conversation with the course provider and relevant school contact, including College Principal and Leader of Learner.

Mr. Eliah Dean
Leader of Learning - Learning Support

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

A shout out to Harrison Hawke who recently competed in the Singa Cup soccer tournament in Singapore. Harrison was selected in the under 14s representative team who played a total of seven games over a 9-day period. His team played against teams from both Australia and the rest of the world, and they placed 3^rd overall which is a phenomenal achievement. Well done, Harrison!

Congratulations to the students and staff who were nominated for an award at the Maitland AECG Wanay Kuwaykuway awards which were held on 21^st November. Wanay Kuwaykuway translates to ‘proud child/children’ in the Wonnarua language with the awards recognising the range of contributions made by individuals to support and empower the local Aboriginal community. The following individuals from St Joseph’s College have been nominated: Mrs Karen Hickling (staff), Taireeq Jackonia, Pippah Corney, Rory Curtis, and Arabella Harrod. Our year 12 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students have also been recognised for their achievements in completing their HSC which include: Jordan Dorante, Isabella Mahony, Savannah Mahony, Ella Sales, Lindsay Rowcliff, Charlie Dunn, Rory Curtis and Lila J Heard.  

Recent Events

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Transition Day

On the 22^{nd of} November we held our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Transition Day for our 2025 year 7 students. The day allowed our incoming year 7 students to meet Yalawa staff members and to learn about how the Yalawa Centre can be a supportive and safe space for them during their time at St Joseph’s. Photographs will be included in our next Yalawa Yarnings.

Welcoming back Miss Francisco

In week 6 we welcomed back Miss Francisco to the Yalawa space. Miss Francisco has been on Maternity leave since early this year and has returned on a Thursday and Friday until the end of the year.

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

School Fees are due on 30/11/24, thank you to families who have now finalised their fees.

Please note, it is our policy that financial hardship should not prevent a child from attending a Catholic School and no child will be denied a Catholic Education because of a family’s genuine inability to pay the required school fees. For families experiencing financial hardship or wishing to discuss other payment arrangements please contact the College Principal or Finance Office on 0249 307291 or email finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au

These discussions and arrangements regarding fees are strictly confidential.

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. 

Each school year the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, through its agency the Catholic Schools Office, reviews the fees for students in our diocesan schools for the coming year. By far the greater part of our schools’ funding now comes from State and Commonwealth government grants, but the commitment and continuing financial contribution of parents and parish communities is still essential to fill the gap between the funds provided by government and the actual cost of running our schools.

Health Care Card and Pension Card Holders / Family Discount on Tuition Fee

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.

If you are a fee payer and hold a current 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

In 2024, the family discount on full rate diocesan tuition fees are:

• 1 child family 0% - full rate to be applied
• 2 child family 15% - each child
• 3 child family 25% - each child
• 4+ child family 50% - each child

If you receive a family discount and hold a Health Care Card/Pension Card a combined total of 50% tuition discount is applied.

Mrs Cathy Duff
Finance Officer

General News

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