9 May 2025

A Message from the Principal

Habemus papam! We have a pope!

I woke early on Friday morning to check the news to see if there had been puffs of white smoke from the famous chimney above the Sistine Chapel, and indeed there had been! Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost had been elected and taken the name of Pope Leo XIV.

One can only image what it must be like to have the responsibility bestowed upon you. His first words, spoken in Italian (one of the five languages he speaks) were the same that the risen Jesus offered his disciples “Peace be with all of you”. At a time where our world has so many flash points of tension and open conflict, we pray that Pope Leo XIV, like Pope Francis before him, be a great advocate and example of love and peace for our shared world.

Next week we will bid farewell to our Assistant Principal Years 8, 10 and 12, Mrs. Liz Stokes. Liz, as you would all know, is a highly capable, passionate and professional educational leader. Recently it was announced that she has accepted a secondment to Catholic Schools Maitland Newcastle in the role of System Lead (Secondary) Curriculum and Pedagogy. This is a new role that aims to assist all our secondary schools along the path of continual improvement. I have no doubt that Liz will be an amazing success in this role, and we look forward to her many visits to SJL in the future.

On Thursday we had our own moment of white smoke, as we announced that Mrs. Lisa Peel will step into the role of Assistant Principal Years 8, 10 and 12 for the remainder of 2025. Lisa brings with her extensive professional experiences and academic credentials. Lisa had recently returned to SJL following the completion of a secondment to Catholic Schools Maitland Newcastle as an Education Officer, working on curriculum and pedagogy throughout the diocese.  

During week 3 Liz and Lisa will be working through a handover process and, on Monday 19 May, each will formally commence in their new roles. We wish them both every success and know that the values of our Josephite heritage will be clearly evident in their words and actions as they take on these important leadership positions.

Finally, on Tuesday I had the great pleasure to travel to Sydney and spend the day with our Year 12 students as they were experiencing their final Retreat. A hallmark of this cohort of students is the strong bonds of community and togetherness that is evident in everything that they do. I am very grateful to our staff, led by Leader of Ministry, Mr. Taylor Zahra for their time and care that goes into supporting and leading these experiences for our students.  

Regards

Mr Peter Antcliff
Principal

Ministry Musings

Year 12 Retreat 2025 - A Time for Reflection and Growth

From the 5th to the 7th of May, our Year 12 students embarked on a meaningful and transformative retreat at the St Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in Grose Vale. This important milestone in their senior year offered students the chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with God.

Guided by the quiet strength and example of St Joseph, students were invited to embrace the retreat as a time to listen deeply and trust in God’s presence in their lives. St Joseph, a model of humility, courage, and faithful service, reminds us that spiritual growth often happens in silence, simplicity, and love as seen in his actions to protect, be present and be of service to his family, “Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” – Matthew 1:24. Students were invited to be present to the moment and open to God’s call as they journeyed through the retreat experience, just as St Joseph was.

Throughout the three days, students stepped away from the busyness of school life to engage in personal reflection and communal sharing. They explored Josephite values such as compassion, simplicity, love and service. Through meaningful activities, discussions, and moments of prayer, students grew in self-awareness and spiritual depth, forming strong bonds with one another and creating lasting memories.

Some of the highlights of the retreat included the Trust Experiment, where students stepped out of their comfort zones and into deeper connection; Ruby Murray was crowned the undisputed champion of the legendary Lemon Game; and Mr Hickling’s Auction Extravaganza had the students in a frenzy bidding for the most important values. Our retreat culminated in a beautiful and reverent Final Liturgy, where we gathered as one community in God's house to reflect and give thanks. And of course, no retreat would be complete without the unforgettable student dance-off and karaoke session—a joyful celebration and vibrant with spirit.

But a special highlight of the retreat was the heartfelt presentation of a beautiful book thought of, organised and created by the Year 12 students for Mrs Stokes. The book, filled with personal letters and well wishes, was a touching tribute as she prepares to begin her new role at the Catholic Schools Office. This gesture of love and gratitude captured the heart of the retreat: a community grounded in care, generosity, and faith.

We extend our deepest thanks to all the students for their openness and participation. We are also grateful to the staff who gave their time and presence to accompany our students on this sacred journey. Together, they helped make this retreat a profoundly moving and spiritually enriching experience.

Our Students Involved in the Parish Life

We are proud to acknowledge one of our Year 9 students, Natasha Drummond who generously volunteered her time on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, to take part in the ACTiv8 Youth Ministry’s Stations of the Cross at St Joseph’s East Maitland. As part of this powerful reenactment, she contributed by proclaiming Scripture to the congregation, helping bring the story of Christ’s Passion to life for the many parishioners who gathered. Her involvement reflected a deep sense of faith and service to the wider Church community—an inspiring example for our junior students.

Furthermore, we commend our College Leaders who proudly represented the school at two significant diocesan events. On April 27, 2025, they attended the Carlo Acutis Youth Mass at St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm, a vibrant celebration in honour of Blessed Carlo Acutis—an inspiring young soon to be saint and role model for the digital age. As part of the entrance procession, Jackson Brooker and Molly Martin carried the College banner with reverence and pride, Isabelle Dixon altar served and Pyper Jacobs participated in the Liturgy of the Word, joining with students from across the Chisholm Pastoral Region in a Mass led entirely by youth.

Additionally, our leaders attended the Diocesan Memorial Mass for Pope Francis, held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton, offering their presence and prayers in solidarity with the wider diocesan community. A special mention to Isabelle Dixon, who also altar served at this very special mass, guiding and leading the younger servers. Our Student Leaders participation in these events reflect a deep commitment to faith, service, and leadership, something of which we are very proud to witness.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

As this will be my final newsletter item at St Joseph’s, I take this opportunity to indulge a little and write a message to the community, especially parents, who have been very supportive over the years.

Firstly, to parents, I say thank you!

Parenting is the most wonderful yet challenging responsibility in the world. Parents then entrust their most loved children to teachers, a responsibility I have never taken lightly in the past 24 years of teaching. The older I become and having witnessed my own children start and finish school, I am reminded of the indelible role we as teachers have in the lives of young people and the trust of parents.  To the many parents I have come to know and shared joys and tears, I thank you for the support you have offered throughout my many years at St Joseph’s.

I have been very blessed to work at St Joseph’s Lochinvar since 2010, most especially to work in the tradition of the Sisters of St Joseph. This has been a remarkable privilege, and the Sisters have been mentors, neighbours and friends. I am forever grateful for the example and sacrifice they live daily and their dedication to education is inspirational. I have always aspired to model myself on their example and hope that I have shared this with our students at the College.

The young people of this community have left an imprint on my heart. We shout that ‘Lochinvar students can do anything´ and I bear witness to this every day. Our students inspire me, from witnessing a new skill be mastered, to the sporting prowess and the service to others.  Journeying beside students and families who have experienced significant loss, tragedy and disappointment is a deep privilege and the resilience of our young people never goes unnoticed.

My favourite week of the entire school year is Sunnyside Up Week, where our community finds the joy in all things. This was an initiative of Year 12 2019 and watching subsequent Year 12 students make their own mark throughout that week never ceases to amaze me.  The life that students bring to our school on a daily basis has made teaching the most meaningful vocation.  

Along with wonderful families and students, I have also been very lucky to work with an amazing group of staff.  Every member of our teaching and support staff is dedicated to making our little part of the world a better place. Our staff care for our students, and to ensure they are the best possible versions of self.

I will miss this community immensely and whilst another challenge and opportunity await, I have been blessed to work at this incredible school and this love will sustain me when developing curriculum direction that impacts young people across our Diocese.

I wish Mrs Peel all the best in her new role of Assistant Principal, a role she will fulfil with great expertise and grace. To Mr Dart and Mr Antcliff, thank you for your patience, collegiality and support, we have been a great team, and I will miss the dynamic.

Finally, this week at Year 12 Retreat, I was honoured to reflect on the Gospel at our final liturgy.  I include this reflection. This was written for Year 12 2025, a year group that has captured my heart.  The care the students demonstrate for each other is exemplary and the leadership demonstrated by the College Captains and entire year group is unrivalled. 

Whenever we listen to the word of this Gospel, we can hear many different things…and our reading tonight has equal amounts of wonder and mystery.

When you come across a reading like this, it is important to find the message that is really speaking to you. Ultimately, at its core, the reading is about listening to Jesus’ teachings, not hiding or turning away from his word, but it is also about so much more than that!

I want you to think about when you first started kindergarten. When you first step into the world of school, you are never quite sure where it will lead. But here you are, ready to take the next leap of faith into a new and exciting experience. They say that everything you need to learn, you learned in Kindergarten:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don’t hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don’t take things that aren’t yours.

Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life—learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

Wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

 These instructions are clear, you’ve learned them already. Sometimes, it is easy to forget to trust in your heart, that you know the way even when you can’t see it ahead.  The parables we read often teach us the very same messages, be kind, share, be hospitable and generous.

Importantly, whilst we all know these lessons, do we always pay attention to them and listen? That is the hard part – we all know these things, but doing them every day isn’t always easy. From here, as an English teacher and purveyor of words,  I draw inspiration,  in particular the words of  American poet, Mary Oliver  who wrote in her poem, “A Summer’s Day,”

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

So Year 12, what is it that you intend to do with your one wild and precious life?  Don’t allow yourself to hide in fear or keep secrets that burden and weigh you down.  Most of the beauty in nature is designed to grow in sunlight, even on the cloudiest of days.  Allow that light, the one from within, to shine brightly always, and love every second of your wild and precious life.

Thank you seems so little and small, but captures so much. Thank you St Joseph’s – you are amazing and I will miss you.

Liz Stokes

Uniform Update

Just a reminder that with the beginning of Term 2 and the cooler weather, there is a light change to the uniform expectations for Seniors. Please see the table below.

We now also a busy time for teaching and learning with a number of summative tasks due for students in year 8 to 12 occurring within the next month. It is important for all students to manage their workload, prepare early for these tasks and seek assistance where necessary. 

Assessment Date Changes

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Religious Education Welcome to Term 2 of 2025

We warmly welcome all students and families back to what promises to be a fruitful and faith-filled Term 2. As we continue to journey through the liturgical season of Easter, we are reminded of the joy and hope that the Resurrection brings. This term provides fresh opportunities for spiritual growth, academic achievement, and deeper connection with our Catholic identity.

Year 8 Religious Literacy Diocesan Testing

This term, our Year 8 students will participate in the Religious Literacy Assessment, an important initiative across the Diocese. This assessment helps us to gauge students' knowledge and understanding of key elements of the Catholic faith, including Scripture, Church teachings, and Catholic practices. It also supports our commitment to forming well-rounded, faith-informed individuals.

For Year 8 this test will occur: Monday 23 June

N.B. Section 1: Multiple Choice will be done online using a Microsoft Form. Students are required to have a device to complete this. Sections 2 & 3 will be done on paper.

Supporting My Child’s Religious Education

Faith formation begins at home and is nurtured at school. Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting their child's religious education. Simple practices like attending Mass as a family, praying together, and discussing Gospel values at home can deeply enrich a child’s understanding and appreciation of their faith. We also encourage families to engage with the RE curriculum by asking children about what they’re learning and exploring those topics together.

Team Focus- Getting to know your RE teachers

Our Religious Education team is dedicated to walking alongside our students and families this term. With a focus on building a stronger connection between faith and everyday life. Please enjoy getting to know a few of our staff below:

Ms Melissa Blandford
Leader of Learning Religious Studies

Tocal Field Day

Year 10 Agricultural Technology students recently attended the Tocal Field Days. Students were able to experience a range of technology, livestock and equipment. Students were able to talk to a range of industry experts and services who support agriculture.  They had a wonderful time and were able to stay fairly dry!

Mr Simon Ramage
Leader of Learning VET/TAS

CogAT Administration for Year 7

In Term 2, students in Year 7 will participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) across our System.  CogAT testing is similar to NAPLAN - there is absolutely nothing to worry about or prepare. Information from this test will be used to help teachers build strategies for the classroom. 

This test evaluates students' reasoning abilities in three key areas essential for success in school: 

1. Verbal Battery: Assesses students' ability to reason with words and concepts, crucial for reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and verbal learning tasks.
2. Quantitative Battery: Measures students' ability to reason with quantitative symbols and concepts, which are vital for problem-solving in mathematics and other disciplines.
3. Nonverbal Battery: Evaluates students' ability to reason with geometric shapes and figures, requiring them to implement strategies for solving novel problems.

These batteries provide a comprehensive view of each student's learned reasoning abilities, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. CogAT aims to support differentiated practice in education by helping teachers adapt instruction to meet the unique needs and abilities of each student. 

It's important to note that CogAT scores are not integrated into report grades or other conventional measures of school achievement. The focus is on tailoring instruction and fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment based on each child's ability. 

When will CogAT be held? 

This will occur for our Year 7 students in Week 4 on Tuesday the 20^th of May across the first four periods of the day.

Where will students need to go?  

Most students will complete CogAT in Mackillop Place. Due to numbers and individual needs, some students will complete this assessment in Rooms A17, A18 or A19. Students will be given further directions about rooming on the morning of the testing.  

What do students need to bring?

A charged laptop, a pencil or pen and enthusiasm. 

If you have any questions or would like your child to complete this assessment in a smaller setting, please contact our Gifted Education Mentor(GEM) Maree Pittaway (maree.pittaway@mn.catholic.edu.au)

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the best educational outcomes for our students. 

Ms Maree Pittaway
Gifted Education Mentor Project Officer

Volunteer Japanese Host Families Wanted

We are excited to welcome students from our sister school, Izumigaoka Junior High School in Kyoto, Japan, as part of our biannual exchange program. Our Sister School agreement has been in place since 2013, and this year we are seeking 10 volunteer host families to accommodate Japanese students from Years 8 and 9.

This is a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange. You will learn a great deal from the visiting students about life and school life in Japan and you will have to chance to show off some local Australian lifestyle and culture.

As a volunteer host, your family will be required to provide accommodation for 8 nights. You will need to provide 3 meals a day at your own expense.

If you are interested in a cultural exchange experience and would like to offer a Japanese student the opportunity to learn about Australian family life and culture, please collect a Volunteer Host Family Application Form from Student Services.

Applications close on Thursday, 15 May 2025.

For further information or any questions, please contact Mrs Cunningham at St Joseph’s College.

Ms Midori Cunningham
LOTE Teacher

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

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 and the fee review process is now commencing, thank you to families who have commenced regular payments or been in contact.

Statements are emailed at the beginning of every month, please 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

Shop Opening Hours

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

In store Payment Options from 1 June 2025

New Products

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.

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