31 May 2023

A Message from the Principal

St Joseph’s College Lochinvar acknowledges the Wonnarua Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the College is built. We pay our respect to Elders, past, present and emerging and acknowledge their continuing relationship to this land and the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. Through respectful relationships, we will continue to commit to reconciliation, seeking unity and equity.

This week – from 27 May to 3 June we celebrate and highlight National Reconciliation Week. The date of National Reconciliation Week remains the same each year and commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

On the 27^th May 1967, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90% of Australians voted to give the Australian Government the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

On 3^rd June 1992, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to ‘terra nullius’ – land belonging to no one, and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week.

In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation. In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week-and subsequently across bridges in cities and towns-to show their support for reconciliation.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 – Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

As Australians we are called to act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation Australia states “Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.” 

 ....... Lord, we pray for Reconciliation:

That the wrongs of the past may be recognized, That our awareness of the journey so far be awakened, And that the Spirit move us to walk the talk and see through what has been started. We ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  AMEN

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Success in many forms at SJL

Over the last few weeks students at St Joseph’s have been involved in a diverse range of activities and have represented the College with dignity, passion and pride. Congratulations in particular to the students who participated in the Hunter Regions Young Environmental Champions Program and were named Champion Secondary School; to the students who competed in the Bill Turner Soccer Competition and won their region round; students who won the Diocese Soccer Gala Day; students who have been selected as part of Combined Catholic Colleges Teams and will progress to State. We also received wonderful feedback regarding the way that students who attended the Careers Forum recently engaged with presenters. Students have many and varied opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities and to pursue their particular interests – this would not be possible without the support of our teachers who give up much of their own time to mentor, coach and encourage.

Mental Health First Aid

Over the course of two days in June – Friday 9^th and Tuesday 13^th all teaching staff will be engaged in a Mental Health First Aid Course. This course is accredited by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority. 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health problem in any given year. That means that every person is likely to know someone who is experiencing a mental health problem, whether that is a family member, a friend or colleague. In fact, mental illness is now said to affect every Australian either directly or indirectly. Mental Health is increasingly becoming a challenge for many young people and it is essential that we have the skills to recognise risk factors, understand mental health and mental illness, provide early intervention and utilise support agencies. This training will benefit the whole community and thus the priority we have given to the program. Hopefully scheduling the program either side of the long weekend will lessen the impact of the Pupil Free Days.

Support for Student Wellbeing

Just a reminder that there is significant support for student wellbeing incorporated into our staffing and parents are urged to contact the relevant staff if concerns arise –

Learning Mentor Teachers see students three times per week for 20 minutes each session

Classroom teachers see students between 8 -4 times per fortnight depending on the subject

Leaders of Wellbeing & Engagement are as follows:

Year 7 – Mrs Mahony

Year 8 – Mrs Squires

Year 9 – Mr Mills

Year 10 – Mr Goodwin

Year 11 – Mr Hickling

Year 12 – Mrs Hickling

Leaders of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing offer additional support as well:

Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8) – Mr Geoffrey

Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) – Mr Bain

Stage 6 (Years 11 & 12) Mrs Marston & Mrs Lynch

Our Assistant Principals also work closely with staff to support student wellbeing, with special responsibility as follows:

Mr Dart – Years 7, 9 & 11

Mrs Stokes - Years 8, 10 & 12

Fee Payments

Just a reminder to parents that fee payments should now have commenced in order for you to be able to acquit the debt by November 30^th 2023. It is expected that parents / carers will be making regular weekly or fortnightly payments. If you find yourself in financial difficulty or are seeking a concession it is urgent that you contact either myself or Mrs Cathy Duff, our Senior Finance Officer to discuss your situation. We know cost of living increases have impacted the family budget and our school budget so want to work with you.

2023 Important Dates

Note that Staff Development – Pupil Free Days are also highlighted

Pupil Free Dates 2023

Term 2 – Monday 24^th April, Friday 9^th June & Tuesday 13^th June
Term 3 – Monday 17^th July
Term 4 – Monday 18^th & Tuesday 19^th December

IMPORTANT - 2023 Calendar Dates 

Ministry Musings

At the beginning of this week Ms Bielby and the Ecological Team started their Laudato Si initiative. Laudato Si Week is a week-long celebration, based on the teachings of environmental stewardship, justice, and care for creation, founded within Pope Francis’ encyclical letter. During this week communities engage in various activities and initiatives promoting sustainable practices, solidarity, and awareness.

The Ecological Team contributed to the celebration of Laudato Si Week through their return and earn initiative which will raise funds for future initiatives and educate the College on the importance of recycling. The members of the team collected second hand bins, painted them in bright colours with unique patterns and symbols representing God’s creation. These bins have been placed all over the College for students to place any plastic bottles, cans, and cartons for recycling. So please remember to do your bit to create a sustainable St Joseph’s, by placing plastic bottles, cans, and cartons in the colourful bins.

Lastly, I would like to say a big thank you to Ms Bielby and the Ecological Team for their commitment to God, His creation, and advocacy of Pope Francis’s call to respect, love and care for our common home.

Pillar Focus – Faith

Since the 13th century our Church has devoted the month of May to our Mother Mary, due to her role in God’s salvation plan, her motherly characteristics, and he FAITH. It is in the Gospel of Luke where we see Mary take a leap of faith, trusting in the message of the angel Gabriel, saying ‘yes’ to being the mother of God, embracing the responsibility of raising Jesus, regardless of the social consequences, adversities, and judgement she would face because of her pregnancy. Mary responds to God’s call by saying, "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Mary's faith is exemplified by her obedience to God's call. She willingly accepts the role assigned to her by God, and trusts in His providence. Mary is an inspirational figure for all Christians, an example of absolute faith. To end, how does Mary’s deep faith inspire you?

Formation Dates

Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

Year 10 Activities

Year 10 are excitedly moving into a phase of choosing their pathway for Years 11 and 12. This offers a new experience in their education and allows students to consider their gifts and talents, strengths and passions. The subject selection night was very well attended and reflected the great array of interests our current Year 10 students enjoy. Over the next two weeks students have a window to make their subject selections and submit these by Thursday 8^th June.  During this time it is important that students meet with Mrs Peattie or Mrs Stokes to discuss any questions or concerns they may have in the process.

Year 10 will attend retreat on Monday 5^th and Tuesday 6^th June. This promises to be a great ‘step away’ from the life of everyday school and a chance to reflect on our uniqueness as a Catholic community. Students have had a variety of meetings and reminders regarding the event and we thank Mr Zahra for his extensive organisation along the way.

Year 8

Last week, Mrs Squires and Mrs Peel met with Year 8 to reinforce expectations particularly regarding respect, which is the first point on our student code of conduct. Year 8 is a time for great physical and personal growth, leading to many emotions and decision making. We will continue to reinforce our culture of THINK – is it True, is it Helpful, is it Inspiring, is it Necessary and is it Kind? These are important conversations for our students and parents to be having in relation to their everyday interactions. Most importantly, we must focus on the importance of learning and taking advantage of every opportunity, everyday.

Year 12

Year 12 jerseys have arrived and we acknowledge Mrs Hickling’s organisation in this process. The design is fantastic! Year 12 have permission to wear their jerseys on a Wednesday and Thursday as a layer of warmth.

On Friday 16^th June, Year 12 will be provided with their Year 12 HSC Trials Information booklet. This booklet will offer students the opportunity to look at their timetable and confirm the process of examinations. The trials are an extremely busy time in the calendar so planning ahead is important. Trials will occur from Monday 31^st July until Monday 14^th August 2023.

Change of Assessment Dates

From the Counsellor’s Desk

Coach 2 Cope Event

Teaching & Learning

The da Vinci Decathlon

As part of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools high potential and gifted learning program, St Joseph’s Lochinvar students Samuel Ramsay (Year 7) and Kiara Howson (Year 10) participated in the 2023 da Vinci Decathlon, representing the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools Office on the 9^th and 10^th of May.

The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. Students competed in teams of eight across 10 disciplines.

1. Mathematics – problem-solving, number patterns and logic puzzles
2. English – spelling, word origins, definitions, textual analysis and writing tasks
3. Science – engage with higher-level scientific concepts and test your ability to apply them
4. Code Breaking – decipher complex, mysterious codes
5. Engineering Challenge – a design task that tests problem-solving skills, creativity and ingenuity
6. Ideation – The process of creating NEW ideas
7. Creative Producers – create and perform a short drama or commercial to promote a product
8. Art and Poetry – develop an original poem and a connected artwork on a given theme
9. Cartography – interpret spatial information, decipher and create imaginative maps
10. Legacy – focus on honouring significant people, inventions and events from the past and the present.

The theme for the 2023 da Vinci Decathlon – Hunter Region was Chaos. Teams of 8 students from across the Maitland – Newcastle Catholic Schools received the tasks for each discipline at the beginning of the session to work out the best way to distribute the tasks among themselves. Each team could only submit one response to each task.

Sam’s Year 7 team achieved first place in the Art and Poetry discipline which involved developing an original poem and connected artwork on a given theme. Kiara’s Year 10 team achieved multiple first place results including English, Science and Code Breaking, eventually placing second overall.

Both Sam and Kiara found this experience to be very rewarding saying, “The decathlon provided me with an incredible academic and social opportunity. I enjoyed being able to work on challenging tasks with new people.” "I found the engineering subject really challenged me and gave me really good ideas."

Congratulations to both students who represented our school and demonstrated excellent critical and collaborative abilities. Well done Sam and Kiara!  

Thanks to Mrs Caroline Donohoe, our Gifted Education Mentor, for her support of these students and facilitation of this event.

Writing Focus

St Joseph’s College is focused on developing a range of skills and capabilities with our students in order to improve outcomes. One of our current focuses is on improving student writing skills through utilising explicit teaching strategies. One model for writing paragraphs is a TEEEC Writing structure. Students are being provided with teaching support to assist in improving their writing skills.

Our Pedagogical Mentor, Mrs Lisa Donnelly, has been instrumental in providing pedagogical support for both staff and students in this learning space.

Learning Walks and Talks

A critical element of understanding how students learn is asking them questions on their own learning. A means to understand this from the perspective of our students is to ask them some specific questions. The five questions listed below, developed by Lyn Sharratt, are useful in collecting data on how well students are taking ownership of their learning.

This term we are recommencing our classroom Learning Walks and Talks with our students. These are designed to be positive and offer insights into student learning at the College.

Mrs Lisa Peel
Leader of Growth and Development

Wellbeing

Its been another busy fortnight for our staff and students. Next week SJL will be starting the push up challenge. Below is some information on how the foundation started written by founder Nick Hudson.

In mid 2018, I found out that I needed open heart surgery – this was the real deal, where they cut your chest open and change out some bits. It hit me pretty hard. I fell into a depression leading up to the surgery and withdrew from those around me. Although the operation was successful, the recovery was a mess. Despite the efforts of family and friends, I couldn’t drag myself out of my depressed mental state. I needed a focus and so I put my heart and soul into making The Push-Up Challenge a bigger event that could make a difference – to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

With nothing to do but lie in bed and rest, I armed myself with a laptop and phone and brought a team together to help make it happen. We developed a website and tracker, did some pretty heavy promotion, and before long (insert montage of working tirelessly) we had almost 50,000 people who joined us to push for better mental health around Australia. We raised $2.5M for mental health and participants completed over 50 million push-ups as part of the event. With a population of 25 million, I like to think we improved the average health of Australians by 2 push-ups each.

The 2020 Push-Up Challenge was originally scheduled for June, until COVID-19 hit. We decided that our community needed a boost. If we could help bring people together through push-ups and potentially help those suffering with mental ill-health, then we needed to get our act together fast.

We managed to kick-off The Push-Up Challenge 2020 a month early. It was a huge learning curve for us (with a few glitches to put it politely) but we were so proud of what we achieved. We had 130,000 participants across Australia, banked 121 million push-ups and raised $5.1 million for mental health supporting headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation.

In October 2020 we established our very own charity, The Push For Better Foundation. We love what we do and are passionate about raising awareness and engaging people in mental health through physical activity, connection and education.

We were blown away! We brought together over 170,000 people from across Australia to push for better mental health. We are so proud to be sparking thousands of conversations and raising funds for mental health.

It was another big year for push-ups and mental health. Over 153,000 people joined the push for better and it was the first time we cracked $10million raised for mental health. Lifeline joined us for its second year and we welcomed Movember to the push for better crew. Our Student Ambassador program was a great success and we had our first ever dollar match day thanks to Northern Star Resources. And once again our social channels and media exposure were off the charts. 

But the best part, as always, was seeing push-ups connect so many people and inspire so many conversations about mental health.   

This is an excellent initiative that SJL is excited to start next week. During LMG students will register for the challenge. Each student who registers and completes the challenge will earn points for their house which will go towards the spirit cup.

Breakfast club has been running for the past three weeks with a fantastic turn out of students and staff. A reminder it occurs every Wednesday morning 8-8:40am in Pennola Place.

The Wellbeing team would like to shout out Year 11 House leader who did an excellent job at running last weeks assembly. They all spoke confidently and did the college proud. Some future Captains in the making! Well done.

Finally, assessments for all students will be occurring this term and we encourage all students who feel stressed or anxious that they touch base with their teachers, LMG teachers and the Wellbeing team for extra support and strategies. We are here to help.

Ms Alison Lynch, Ms Abbie Marston, Mr Geoffrey and Mr Bain.
Leaders of Learning-Wellbeing

Curriculum News (KLA's)

Mathematics News

Solution 5

1. 

2. Six goats – 3 black, 2 grey, 1 white.

3. 13, 39 and 48

Puzzle 6

1. Below is a list of the numbers from 1 to 19, although five numbers are missing from the end of the sequence:

      8, 18, 11, 15, 5, 4, 14, 9, 19, 1, 7, 17, 6, 16, __, __, __, __, __

     In what order should the missing numbers be added to the sequence?

2. I have an 8 litre bucket full of water. I also have two empty buckets: one holds 3 litres and the other 5 litres. How          can I measure exactly four litres of water using only the three buckets?

3. “How old are you?” I asked the man on the train.

    “Twenty-four plus half my age,” he replied.

    How old was the man on the train?

Flexi Learning News

On May 24 two teams from our school participated in a trial Minecraft Challenge against two teams from St Bede's. Their task was to create a recognisable landmark and our Year 7/8 team won with their version of the Statue of Liberty. Both our teams conducted themselves well and Mrs Clarke is very proud of their efforts. Marc Hattam (CSO DIAL and organiser) will be giving all the teams a small prize in recognition of their participation. The following students completed the challenge:

Year 7

Malakai Tomkins 

Year 8

Xavier Brown 

Luca Heibel 

Elijah Tibbetts 

Year 9

Declan Osborne

Joshua Murray

Bailey Jackson

Kiran Olive

My New Gallery

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

2024 Hunter New England Health School Based Trainee Program (HNEH SBAT) Health Services Assistance (Acute Care)

The HNEH SBAT program is a fabulous opportunity to kick start a career in Nursing. The program involves the completion of the Certificate III Health Services Assistance course and paid work at a local hospital whilst completing the HSC. The Certificate III course is a part of the Human Services Framework so can also contribute towards an ATAR if the student’s study pattern allows. The Certificate III can also be used as a pathway into the Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled Nursing) or an Undergraduate Degree at University. It also allows a student to work as an Assistant in Nursing when they successfully complete the course.

Applications can be accessed through the following link;

Nursing School Based Trainee - Hunter New England Local Health District Careers (nsw.gov.au)

Please encourage your son/daughter to make an appointment if they would like some assistance with the application.  Applications close Monday 3^rd July.

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 students who have expressed an interest in completing Work Experience in Term 2 have now been issued with the relevant paperwork. Please ensure all components of the Student Placement Record are completed correctly before returning by the due date, Wednesday 14^th June. Additional requirements including the insurance payment and WHS online module can be found in the student pack.

There will be a Term 3 Work Experience opportunity in Week 8 (4^th September – 8^th September) with details provided to student’s early next term.

Please contact Kylie Peattie if you have any questions regarding Work Experience or would like some assistance in sourcing an employer.

Apprenticeship Support Sessions – Years 10-12

On Wednesday 31^st May there will be an Apprenticeship Support day for students wishing to find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships. Hunter Valley Training Company and MEGT will visit to discuss applications, employer expectations and pathway opportunities. A representative from Bloomfield will attend in the afternoon to discuss their apprenticeship program and provide an insight into their apprenticeship program and application/interview process. There will also be advice on resumes, cover letters and aptitude tests. The sessions will occur from Periods 2-5 and interested students have been asked to register their interest with Mrs Peattie if they would like to attend.

Hunter Valley Career Expo

On Friday 19^th May, Year 10 and 12 students attended the Hunter Valley Careers Expo at Maitland Federation Centre. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore post school pathways and speak directly with exhibitors about courses and future employment. A range of providers were in attendance including NSW universities, TAFE NSW, Registered Training Organisations, apprenticeship training companies and employers.

The University of Newcastle Parent Information Session – Subject Selection

A parent session will be held on Wednesday 31^st May from 6.00pm – 7.00 pm regarding Stage 6 subject selection. The session will be approximately 40 mins and a Q&A session at the end where parents and students can ask questions. Student Ambassadors from the University will share subject selection information and advice on the transition to university.

Webinar registration

Seniors Newsletter

Mrs Kylie Peattie
Careers Advisor
kylie.peattie@mn.catholic.edu.au

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly Achievements

Congratulations to Tahj Ryan-Lockwood who has been awarded year 10 Student Representative Council (SRC) member. This process involved Tahj nominating for the role which is followed by a student vote. We wish him luck in the role and hope he and the other students can work towards some positive changes at St Joseph’s.

Gracie Dunn receives two deadly shout outs this week- one for doing a fantastic job at leading the Bill Turner soccer team as both player and captain. The second is for her exceptional Aboriginal artwork which will be used as part of the NAIDOC invitations.

Further congratulations goes out to Lachlan Lovell, Riley Meers and Alexis Lantry who have all been selected to partake in a 6 week program put on by Hunter Academy of Sport. Alexis, Lachlan and Riley all attended the Hunter Academy of Sport Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Talent ID Day last term and were chosen to progress to this next stage. Great effort!

Upcoming Events

Next week we will celebrate Reconciliation Week at SJL. This will include a student led assembly, cultural activities at lunchtime, compass announcements with facts/information about Reconciliation, and trivia.

NAIDOC assembly will occur on Tuesday 27^th June. All families of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are invited and welcome to this assembly which will be held at 10.30am in Mackillop Place. We would love for you to attend and encourage you to promote these events to your child/children whether that be being part of the assembly or attending cultural events at lunch which include traditional Aboriginal games, weaving, didgeridoo.

Community Events

Message from the Finance Office

Mrs Cathy Duff
Finance Officer

General News

ASPIRE Concert Band

Aspire Pirate Code

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)

Alinta Uniform Shop

Community Announcements

Safety Matters - Safety on Wheels