14 March 2025

A Message from the Principal

The Tortoise Won

We humans like to do things fast when really, we need to do things slowly. Be it get rich quick, lose weight fast, buy now pay later, binging series on Netflix, no matter what it is we appear to want it now or sooner, easier, and with minimal interruption to our lives. I am probably as guilty as anyone with this.

Opposing this desire are the experts in each of these fields who tell us that, if you want to have lasting results then it takes time. Financial experts tell us to build wealth slowly using the magic of compound interest. Health experts tell us that when you lose weight fast you tend to put it back on just as quickly, creators of content want us to take time over their work, not just push through episode after episode. The point is, consistently experts in their field tell us that progress and improvement takes time.

Growing up, I don’t recall all that many references to nursery rhymes, however, The Tortoise and the Hare stuck with me. The cocky hare goading the Tortoise into the race and then totally underestimating the determination and consistency of the Tortoise.

Sometimes, when we think everyone else is going better than we are, it’s helpful to remind ourselves that the Tortoise won.

Learning is a bit like this, some people appear to fly right through, however, when it comes to true learning gain and achievement, it’s often our consistent and determined students who achieve the greatest results.

There are a few simple messages I try and instil in our students whenever I get the chance:

• Clarity has to be earned.
• Aim for 1% improvement each day.
• Learning is messy, it’s hard, stick with it.

We have to resist the belief that there is a quick and easy way to develop skills and knowledge and remember that if a student is going to develop a deep understanding of the course material, they need to be committed, challenge and stretch themselves. It’s going to be hard work; at times it will be confusing and uncomfortable…. and that’s ok.

What does this look like on a daily basis? Completing all homework tasks, revising classwork, preparing thoroughly for assessment tasks and, possibly the most important of all, being genuinely engaged and open to challenge every day in class are all hall marks of a student who is developing deep knowledge and understanding. This is not something that happens overnight or by a short period of intense effort. It requires consistency.

It’s easy to look for the quick results, or to give in to the desire to move fast. It’s also important to remember that when the hare threw down the challenge to the tortoise, it was the tortoise who won the day.  

Regards

Mr Peter Antcliff
Principal

Important Dates

Term 1

Term 2

Ministry Musings

The Lenten season has begun—a holy and sacred time in which we reorient our hearts and minds toward our loving God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving over the next 40 days. Our journey toward Easter Sunday began on Wednesday, 5th March, with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, beautifully led by our student social justice and faith team, the MacKillop Team.

The liturgy emphasized the importance of relying on Christ during this sacred season as we commit ourselves to penance, traveling with Him through the desert, overcoming difficulties and hardships. We are reminded to place our hope in the Father, using His Son as our light to renew us through His sacrifice—raising us from the ashes to a new and eternal life with Him.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Fr. Anil Kuchpudi for joining us during this liturgy and sharing his wisdom with our College.

Blessed Carlo Acutis Exhibition

On Thursday, 6th March, Chloe Meyer (Year 9), Blake James (Year 9), Blair Quaine (Year 10), and Ava Craft (Year 10) attended the Carlo Acutis Exhibition at the Catholic Schools Office. I would like to personally thank our wonderful students for representing our College with great enthusiasm and respect. Their attendance and participation in this event demonstrate their curiosity and commitment to learn more about our Catholic faith, which was reflected in their interest and awe inspired by the legacy of Carlo.

For those who are not familiar with Carlo Acutis, he was a remarkable young man who loved God and Our Lady and, unfortunately, passed away from leukemia at the age of 15. Carlo dedicated his short life completely to Christ and Our Lady, praying the Rosary every day by the age of four and attending daily Mass from the time he was seven. He devoted himself to developing a website from the age of 11, dedicated to Eucharistic miracles as a means of evangelization, mastering computer coding by the age of nine. Alongside his digital mission, he also dedicated himself to helping and feeding the homeless.

His love and dedication to God will be truly recognized on 27th April when he will be canonized as a saint. Carlo Acutis is an inspiring figure and a role model for young people worldwide, as his life is a testament to spreading God’s loving message in our digital age.

Carlo's Website

Jubilee Launch 2025

A massive thank you to all our staff, students, and families who made their way to Foreshore Park in Newcastle for the Jubilee Launch – Pilgrim Walk. We had a fantastic turnout, with our contingent walking from Nobby’s Beach to Sacred Heart Cathedral, celebrating Mass, and coming together to share in food and festivities.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, as your presence made this event even more meaningful. Your commitment to coming together in worship and community is a beautiful reflection of our shared faith and fellowship, all of which is rooted in our love for Christ.

Dadirri

This is a friendly reminder that we will be running our Dadirri Lenten Program, this Friday at 8:25am in the Chapel. This reflective gathering will take place weekly until the end of the term, providing an opportunity to pause, listen deeply, and enter into the spirit of Lent.

What is Dadirri?

Dadirri is an Indigenous word meaning "deep listening and quiet, still awareness." It speaks to the practice of contemplation—of drawing upon the deep spring within us, listening to the voice of God, and being present in the moment.

Throughout Lent, Dadirri will serve as a space for reflection, allowing us to embrace the season’s call to prayer, stillness, and renewal.

You are Welcome to Join Anytime

We warmly invite parents and staff to join us in this experience of prayer and reflection. There is no expectation to attend every session—simply come when you can and take time for stillness in the presence of God.

Accessing the Chapel - For Parents

To enter the Chapel, please follow the directional sign located on the school driveway. The gate will be open for your convenience, follow the path up the stairs to the Chapel doors.

We look forward to sharing this sacred time with you.

2025 Young Voices Awards - Let your Voices Soar!

Calling All Young Voices! Enter the 2025 Australian Catholics Young Voices Award

Do you have a passion for speaking up about important issues? Do you love writing, photography, or creating digital content like podcasts and videos? This is your chance to make your voice heard!

Theme: Let Your Voices Soar

Who Can Enter? Students in Years 5 to 12

Categories:

• Intermediate (Years 7 to 9)
• Senior (Years 10 to 12)

Showcase your creativity and advocacy skills by submitting a print, photo, or digital entry on a topic you care about.

How to Enter:

• Entries must be submitted electronically by your class teacher.

      • No email submissions are accepted

Visit the below link for full details

Don’t miss this opportunity to let your voice be heard and inspire others!

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

ROSA Information 

Recently, I had an amazing opportunity to speak to students in Year 10 and Year 11 about the ROSA. The Record of School Achievement is an important credential for any student and it allows students to showcase what they know against a Common Grade Scale. The biggest difference in Year 10 and Year 11 is the complexity of the Common Grade Scale changes and jumps in Year 11. This can lead students to question their abilities, especially if they have moved from an C to a D or an A to a C!

It is great for parents to read about the Year 10 Common Grade scale here:

and the Year 11 Common Grade Scale here.

During the presentation, we also discussed academic integrity and honouring your work. Students (and teachers) are often sick of hearing me prattle on about the privilege of reading students work! We love seeing what our students produce and always look for ways to help them make it better. It is really important that students value their own capabilities and trust in them, even when it is really hard, and don’t use AI tools to write their work, but maybe use these modern tools to help them get started or refine their work. Honouring the “All my own work” process is important to gaining the best possible learning experience.

A reminder to all parents and students that Assessment Handbooks are located in Compass > School Documentation.

Year 12 Assessment Block

Year 12 will begin their Assessment Block on Monday 24th March – Thursday 27th March. During this time, students will come in for their relevant assessments, but also have flexibility during this time. A reminder the calendar for assessments has been published to students and families.

A dedicated study space is available in the Dilley Library for students who are not transporting throughout the day.

Good luck Year 12 and continue the good study!

Student and Screen Time

Many parents have reported excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting kids, especially now in the hyperconnected world we live in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time at all for children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged from two to five, and less than two hours for five to 17 year olds. However, these guidelines have been disputed by experts and often ignored by families. Parents must play an important role in modelling a positive approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they access.

For more information, please see the link below.

Year 11

By now, all students should have settled into their pattern of study. As part of this process we register their subjects with NESA Schools Online. In the coming week, I will provide students with a document that contains their subjects, address and evidence of Minimum Standards completion. Students will need to confirm the information provided and amend if there needs to be changes. This process will be completed during a form assembly.

In addition, some students will need to complete their Minimum Standards test, which is the minimum literacy and numeracy standard to obtain their HSC credential. I will start this process again in the coming weeks. Students have multiple chances throughout years 11 and 12 to pass the Minimum Standards.

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

Mr Christopher Gabrielides & Mrs Julia Priestley
St Joseph's School Counsellors

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)! 

Deadly Achievements

Well done to all of our deadly students who are getting involved in their cultural and school community. I am hearing that many students have signed up to trial for sports teams, attended the swimming carnival and presenting the Acknowledgement of Country. It is great to hear so many students are making the most of the opportunities available both at school and in the wider community. 

I would like to congratulate Denver Robertson who played didgeridoo for the first time at our Ash Wednesday liturgy along side our regulars Brock Wishart and Xavier Richard.

Sienna Drage in year 7 is another Deadly achiever! She is competing in the NSW Little Athletics Junior State Championships in Sydney. We wish her all the best for her 400m race and can’t wait to hear how she goes!

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. The earlier that we can intervene with matters, the better the chance of a successful outcome. Below is a table of when our Aboriginal Education Teachers are on site and relevant contact details. Alternatively, please phone reception on 49307291 and ask to speak to someone in the Yalawa Centre.

Ms Zara Francisco, Mr Thomas Germon & Ms Nicole Small
Aboriginal Education Teachers

Message from the Finance Office

School Fees have been invoiced for the full school year.

Statements will be emailed at the beginning of every month, please review your balances and commence weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments with fees to be finalised by 30/11/2025.  Payments can be made via BPay, direct debit or credit card.

Families who have opted to pay a lump sum are due on 30/06/2025. 

Please call the Finance Office on 0249 307 291 or email finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au to discuss payment options if families are experiencing financial hardship.

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 2025, 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

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.

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

In-Store Payment Options

New Uniform Products

Shop Opening Hours

Our opening hours have changed, please see new hours below:

Blazers

Due to the lead time associated with the delivery of blazers for our senior students we are asking if parents/carers could place their orders as soon as possible. This will alleviate any delays as the weather gets cooler.

General News

School Student Travel

Aspire Programs

Community Announcements

Parish Mass Times

St Joseph's, East Maitland
(Cnr King St & New England Highway)
Vigil 5.00pm
Sunday 8.30pm
Youth Mass 6.00pm

Sacred Heart
(New England Highway, Campbell's Hill)
Vigil 6.30pm

Holy Family
(11 John St, Largs)
Sunday 8.00am

St Columba's
(Cnr Prince & Church St, Paterson)
Sunday 9.30am

Immaculate Conception
(Cnr George & James Sts, Morpeth)
Sunday 7.15am

St Patrick's
(55 New England Highway, Lochinvar)
Sunday 9.30am

Our Lady of Lourdes
(Cnr Anderson Dr & Delprat Ave, Beresfield)
Vigil 6.00pm

St Paul's
(10 Young St, Rutherford)
Sunday 8.00am