19 December 2024

A Message from the Principal

Christmas Blessings

As the year draws to a close and we move closer to our celebration of Christmas I would like to take the opportunity to wish all families the greatest of blessings and thank you for your support throughout 2024. I would also like to acknowledge the staff of St Joseph’s and their dedication & commitment and in particular thank the staff who have been working at the College either long or short term and those taking extended leave in 2025

• Mrs Hannah Allen (on leave for Terms 1-3)
• Mrs Caroline Donohoe
• Mr Michael Doyle
• Ms Caitlin French
• Ms Carly Harland
• Mrs Julie Hunter
• Mrs Iglal Kodi
• Ms Alison Lynch (on leave for Terms 1-3)
• Mrs Gabrielle Maloney
• Mr Robert Matuelewicz
• Mrs Erin McCort
• Ms Cindy-Lee Phillips
• Mrs Emily Piddington
• Ms Sarah Richardson
• Ms Karuna Sarin
• Ms Jasmyn Williams
• Mr Wayne Guyver

As a school community, at this time of year, there is a sense of excitement as the school year draws to a close and holidays beckon. Most importantly however, we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Saviour and listening to God’s message as He speaks to us so tenderly and simply through the loving image of the Holy Family. Joseph and Mary’s acceptance of His will, moved by faith, trust and love in God, guided them to that “night of nights”.  We pray that God will guide us as we journey through the coming year. May we live with courage, love with compassion and be the voice of Peace on Earth.

On a personal note I again extend my gratitude to the staff, students and families who I have had the opportunity to serve during the 7 years of my principalship at St Joseph’s Lochinvar – it has indeed been a privilege. As I wrote in the magazine, thank you for all that you are and all that you bring to this community. Thank you for making St Joseph’s a place of ‘hearth and home’ for so many and for keeping alive the mantra that ‘Lochinvar students can do anything’

I would like to wish Mr Peter Antcliff all the very best as he commences his principalship in 2025 – I know he will bring new ideas, energy and enthusiasm and a sense of renewal while honouring the past, responding to the present and preparing for the future.

Goodbye, God Bless and thanks for the memories – it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to lead, work at and amongst the people of St Joseph’s College Lochinvar. In the words of St Paul in his letter to the Philippians: “I thank my God whenever I think of you; and every time I pray for you, I pray with joy.”

Mrs. Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Return to School Dates 2025

• 31st January and 3rd February - Pupil Free - Staff Development Days
• 4^th & 5^th February – Years 7, 11 and 12 return to school
• 6^th February – all students in attendance
  

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

Isaiah 40:3-5

"A voice cries:
In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed."

As Advent draws to its joyful peak, we stand on the threshold of Christ’s arrival! This sacred season reminds us of Isaiah’s ancient prophecy, calling us to prepare the way for the Lord. Today, we continue this preparation in myriad ways—through acts of love, moments of prayer, the sharing of the Gospel, and gathering in community to welcome the presence of God into our lives.

At St Joseph’s College, we have been preparing our hearts for Christ by embracing both faith and good works. Guided by Jesus’ teaching to “love thy neighbor,” our community has supported the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, offering gifts to families in need within our local area. This outpouring of generosity has ensured that many will experience the joy and hope of Christmas. On Tuesday, we will unite in faith for our End-of-Year Advent Liturgy. This special celebration will invite us to reflect on the meaning of Advent and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, as we spiritually prepare for His birth with prayer, song, and ritual.

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every member of the community for your ongoing commitment to the life of our school and its Catholic culture. Your contributions—whether through acts of service, participation in liturgical celebrations, or supporting our programs—help to create a vibrant and compassionate faith community.

As we conclude this year, I pray that the Christmas season brings you peace, joy, and rest. May the holiday period be a time of deep connection with family and friends, renewal in God’s grace, and anticipation for the year to come.

Let us close with this prayer:

We thank You, Lord, for this year
For the challenges that have shaped us, the successes that have uplifted us, and the lessons learned along the way. Be with us as we gather with loved ones.
Grant us the courage to live our faith through acts of kindness and service. Help us to find joy in giving and peace in our hearts and homes.
Protect us in our activities; may we find refreshment in rest and celebration.
We thank You for our friends, families, teachers, and community—blessings that remind us of Your abiding love.
May we always walk with You, Lord, and carry the light of Christ into the new year.
Amen. Prayer by Rebecca Methven

Want to do more this Advent?

I have provided some excellent Catholic resources to support you in celebrating this Advent season:

Catholic Culture: Offers articles, prayer, and family acivities to aid you in celebrating Advent. 

Loyola Press: Includes reflections, activities for children and prayer for this Advent season.

Word on Fire: A personal favourite of mine – Bishop Robert Barron offers videos, reflections and articles on the meaning of Christmas in Catholic life. An EXCELLENT resource for parents and young adults.

Pray More Novenas: Features novenas for Advent and Christmas, like the Christmas Novena or the St. Andrew Christmas Novena.

EWTN: Broadcasts Christmas liturgies and offers on-demand videos of Christmas Mass, prayers, and teachings. Also you will be able to find articles about the Catholic tradition and Christmas

Advent Mass and Reconciliation Times

Please find a timetable below, identifying the Mass and Reconciliation times for this Advent Season within the Chisholm Region.

If you have any queries please contact the Parish Office via 49338918

God Bless, 

Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

As I write this, our year 12 students are reflecting on their HSC results. It was wonderful to speak with so many of them at the HSC Breakfast, share in their achievements and discuss their plans moving forward into 2025. Many have been accepted into university both here in Newcastle but also in Sydney, Port Macquarie and Armidale. Students have enrolled in TAFE, have begun apprenticeships, work or will be taking a 'gap' year to save and then travel around Australia or to an overseas destination. What struck me the most was how much these young men and women have grown over the course of 6 years and how so many of them, have demonstrated growth in the past 12 months. Their growth both academically and personally, is the thing that matters to me the most. ATAR's are wonderful things to strive for as a stepping stone in their chosen pathway, however it is their growth which will have a lasting impact and a reflection of their family, friends and time at St. Joseph's College. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the year 12 class of 2024 for their achievements and wish them well in their next journey. Please drop us an email and tell us how you are going, knowing that you will always take SJL with you.

Take care, God Bless and enjoy the Christmas break.

Mrs. Elizabeth Stokes & Mr Paul Dart
Assistant Principal 

From the Counsellor’s Desk

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Literacy group in Yalawa this term. Yalawa staff were impressed with the students’ dedication to show up for each session and their willingness to further improve their learning.

Recent Events

This term we were lucky enough to hold two Indigenous all-stars vs Student Leaders games with the most recent game following a Christmas theme. The chosen game this round was Capture the Flag where the ball was wrapped in a Santa hat. It was a great event, and we thank the year 12 Leaders and our Indigenous all-stars for getting involved.

Community Events

There is a wide range of Aboriginal cultural events on Wonnarua country across the school holidays. For more information, please see Mindaribba Land Council and Maitland AECG Facebook pages.

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

2025 Fee Schedule

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

Technical Support 2025

We will have technical support available onsite in the holidays, if you require any technical support for the upcoming year with your device. Mrs Brooker will be onsite & available between 28^th January 2025 to 3rd February 2025, please email natalie.brooker@mn.catholic.edu.au before coming onsite.

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

Holiday Closure and January Trading

New Uniform Price List