28 March 2025

A Message from the Principal

The Importance of Study: A Guide for Parents of High School Students

As parents, we all want our children to succeed academically and develop a love for learning. However, the path to academic success is often paved with challenges. Learning is not a passive pursuit; it takes deliberate action and consistent work away from school to maximise learning gains.

We forget sometimes that studying is a skill that must be taught to students if it is to be effective. In an effort to support you to support your child, here are some essential tips to help our students make the most of their study time and achieve their goals.

1. Remove Distractions: Encourage your child to study in a distraction-free environment. This means no phones, social media, or other interruptions. Learning in isolation can significantly boost concentration and productivity.
2. Consistent Study Routine: Consistency is key. Encourage your child to study for extended periods of time, broken into manageable chunks. This approach prevents burnout and helps the student retain information better.
3. Teach Others: One of the most effective ways to reinforce learning is by teaching others. The "see one, do one, teach one" method ensures that your child fully understands the material and can explain it to someone else.
4. Focus and Attention: Remind your child that focus, and attention are limited but renewable resources. Taking regular breaks can help recharge their mental energy and maintain high levels of concentration.
5. Regular Study Intervals: Establishing a routine by studying at the same time every day can create a habit and make studying a natural part of their daily schedule.
6. Motivation Through Goals: Help your child set broad, aspirational long-term goals. These goals can provide the motivation needed to persevere through challenging subjects.
7. Challenge: Study strategies that feel challenging (like practice tests or flash cards) are often the most effective. Encourage your child to tackle difficult topics head-on, as this can lead to deeper understanding and retention.
8. Effort Matters: Effort is the cornerstone of learning. Remind your child that consistent effort, even when it's hard, is crucial for academic success.
9. Testing Knowledge: Regular testing is one of the best ways to build knowledge and offset forgetting. Encourage your child to take practice tests and quizzes to reinforce their learning.

Remember, "Never mistake activity for achievement." It's not just about being busy; it's about making meaningful progress. By following these tips, our students can develop effective study habits that will serve them well throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Regards

Mr Peter Antcliff
Principal

Ministry Musings

Year 8 Formation Day

On Monday 24^th March, 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, Mrs Hickling, Mr Mills, Mrs Nowland, Mrs McCool, Mr Reilly, Mr Buckley, Mrs Leonard, Mrs Challinor, Mr Fiorenza, Mrs Holle, and our special guest Mrs Rebecca Piefke Parish Youth Co-ordinator of Chisholm region, for their facilitation of the various sessions and dedication to our students.

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.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

Academic Rigour and Attendance

Recently, the College's executive team met with members of the Catholic School's Office to review our HSC data. In preparing for this, it became quite clear the link between high attendance and the top 10 students of the 2024 HSC class. In fact, the top ten students, all had an attendance rate of over 88%; with the College dux having an attendance rate of 95%. Whilst being at school each day does not necessarily equate with high marks, what data such as this shows is that it provides the best opportunity for academic development and growth in our young people. As can be seen in the table below, regular pattern of non-attendance, adds up to a significant amount of lost learning hours.

In relation to senior attendance, missing two lessons a week equates to large amounts of work to catch up on, potential loss of content knowledge and a decrease engagement in schooling and the subject. We will continue to encourage all students to improve their level of attendance through the coming terms.

Inspiring students of St Joseph's Lochinvar

This month, Aurora Magazine printed an article on former St Joseph’s Lochinvar student Liam Woods.  

Liam has faced a number of health challenges over the past 11 years, but has refocused his energy to raise awareness for many worthy causes, including Bone Marrow Transplant awareness.  This year he was awarded Cessnock City’s Council Citizen of the Year for his advocacy and participation in the Transplant Games.

Stories like Liam’s continue to inspire each of us everyday in our work at St Joseph’s, but especially our students.  At St Joseph’s, many of our families are touched by cancer and stories like Liam’s remind us of the power of community and the importance of overcoming strength in difficulties.

We encourage you to jump on and read this article.

Year 12 Assessment Week

Congratulations Year 12 – as always, you did an amazing job at being organised, on time and ready to put you best foot forward.  Teachers are busy marking and organising your Semester 1 Reports.

For parents, St Joseph’s will hold Parent Teacher Student Conferences for Year 12 parents on Monday evening, 12^th May. Bookings will be open during the first week back of Term 2.

Assessment Handbooks

A reminder that Assessment Handbooks are available to parents and students via Compass. This is for all Year levels from Year 7-12 and are accessible via School Documentation > 2025 Handbooks. The most helpful aspect for all parents is the calendar in the back of the handbooks, which can help with planning.

Change of Assessment Information

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

Reach Out

How does your family solve its problems?  How does your family balance responsibility and freedom? Is there room for negotiation and compromise?

Take this quiz to find out…

Clickbait aside, ReachOut is a safe place where young people (see link below) can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future.

ReachOut also has support pace for parents (see link below), helping you to support them, whatever challenge your teen is facing. Free expert advice, coaching and support for parents and carers in Australia.

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Theatresports

We are so excited to announce that St Joseph’s College are again the annual Diocesan Theatresports Champions bringing home the trophy again this year in 2025!

A group of 26 Year 9 and 10 Drama students from SJL took to the stage to compete in a number of improvisation games each marked by a panel of judges with specific criteria.  Most of these students had never previously performed in front of an audience, let alone competed in such a competition but they bravely stepped up and the rewards were plenty.

We placed first in the Year 9 section and equal first overall with Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie in the whole competition!

Students went into this day with a view of simply having fun whilst experiencing an opportunity to broaden their skill set and increase their stage confidence. Winning was a bonus!

Congratulations to all students involved!

Ms Emma Clunies-Ross
Drama and Music Teacher

Documenting the ‘Body of Work’. A series of musings 

Earlier this month, our schools Year 12 Visual Art students submitted their first official checkpoint in the making of their Body of Work. This required each and every artist to possess a strong sense of direction, compiling their months of hard work and expression into a digestible portfolio to be marked on the clarity of the works direction. Whilst the assignment is designed to be marked and graded the same as any other, its primary purpose for our artists is to serve as a point of compilation and integration of every past and current concept, theme, material, or inspiration, allowing for a space in which each student can take a step back from their current vision and look at their progress thus far and make a judgement on what’s working, what isn’t, and what maybe is evident to the audience that was not intended. By allowing each member of the cohort the opportunity to see their art through the markers eyes, we can understand how to better translate our internal thoughts and feelings to the mind of others. As the term’s end nears closer, assessments began to pile up, hours were devoted towards study, and every senior student was caught in a balancing act between their priorities and their life, our artists translated this pressure into a sea of clarity amongst their vast ideas and creations. Climbing up to this first checkpoint, we as artists and learners look out on the long journey ahead, having shed off the weight of half-baked concepts and practices sketches, ready to continue down our paths towards September 1^st.

Ms Carley Leonard
Visual Art Teacher

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)! 

This week in Yalawa, we reflect on our Closing the Gap assembly, a powerful and important event that highlights the ongoing efforts to reduce inequalities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. This initiative focuses on key areas such as health, education, and employment, working towards a future where all Australians have equal opportunities.

A huge congratulations to our incredible students—Kurtis Leverton, Gracie Dunn, Cade Ellis, Jaydah Corney, Pippah Corney, Denver Robertson, Xavier Richard, and Brock Wishart—who spoke with confidence and passion during the assembly. Your voices and leadership inspire us all!

Deadly Achievements

A special shout-out to Brock Wishart, who has been chosen by his peers to represent student voice as a member of the Student Representative Council. This is a fantastic achievement, and we are so proud to see Aboriginal students stepping up as leaders in our school community. Well done, Brock.

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 for review and regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments are required with fees to be finalised by 30/11/2025.  Families who have opted to pay a lump sum are due on 30/06/2025. 

Payments can be made via BPay, direct debit, credit card or cash.

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

Maximum Tuition Fee discount of 50% applies and can be made up with the sibling discount and the Health Care Card/Pension Card if both discount options are applicable.

If you are a Health Care Card/Pension Card holder the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle offer a lower tuition fee to ‘means tested’ low income families. 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

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