23 May 2025

A Message from the Principal

‘Lochinvar students can do anything’ is something that I have heard said many times in the past 14 weeks. What I like most about it is that I don’t just hear it from teachers, but often from our students as well. Hearing teenagers casually repeat this tells me it’s not just words, this is something that is a real and tangible aspect of our culture.  

Last week, we not only heard it repeated, but we also had a living example speak to those assembled for the Year 12 Mid-Course Awards. St. Joseph’s alum Jane Healy flew in from Canberra specifically to speak at our assembly. An outstanding and humble student in her time at SJL, Jane achieved an outstanding UAI, the equivalent of the modern ATAR and obtained a scholarship to study economics at the University of Sydney, where she was awarded the University Medal for outstanding academic success in her chosen field. Jane would subsequently complete a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Sydney and move into the world of work as an Associate to the Chief Justice of the High Court.  

In 2008, Jane was awarded the Chevening Scholarship to study at the prestigious University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. This scholarship enabled Jane to specialise in Civil Law, and from Oxford, she would accept a position at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva Switzerland as a Dispute Settlement Lawyer.

In 2013, Jane returned to Australia to work for the Australian Government in Canberra, where she continues to serve as the Senior Executive Lawyer for the Australian Government in Civil Law.

Jane’s presentation to students was, as you might imagine given her background, outstanding. She spoke about her deep connection to our community, she talked about the mantra that “Lochinvar students can do anything” and most importantly she focused on two key points of advice for our students 1) take opportunities 2) work hard, there are no short cuts.

Without overly simplifying a very thoughtful presentation, the central message of being open to and having the confidence to not only take but seek out opportunities is, I think, important for our students. There are any number of scholarship opportunities and pathways available to our students that go unfilled each year. Being open to the worst outcome being someone saying ‘no’ and putting yourself out there is an example of the courage we want all our students to have.

It's often said that young people ‘can’t be what they can’t see’ and I think there is a lot of truth in that. It was a privilege to hear from someone who walked the same halls as our students, sat in the same classrooms, even had a couple of the same long-serving teachers. She, like our current cohorts, heard the call that ‘Lochinvar students can do anything’ and, like many others before and after her, excelled.  

Mr Peter Antcliff
Principal

Upcoming Events

Ministry Musings

SJL - Service Learning and Leadership Program

During Week 3, our students were introduced to something new and exciting —Service Learning and Leadership Program, a practical and meaningful way for them to live out the Josephite values that are at the heart of who we are.

The program is built around our College Pillars of Strength, Faith, and Hope, and each pillar links to values we want our students to embody and are based on the Josephite tradition—courage, justice, humility, compassion, presence, service, and more. Whether they’re helping at the Breakfast Club, altar serving at Mass, assisting at carnivals, volunteering with the SES, or simply standing up for what’s right, students now have a clear, structured way to reflect on their contributions and be recognised for them.

Through this initiative, students can work toward receiving awards that honour the spirit of St Joseph, St Mary MacKillop, and Fr Julian Tenison Woods. As they clock up service hours across different values, they build toward the ultimate recognition—the SJL Service Learning and Leadership Award.

But it’s about more than just hours. It’s about living out Christ commandment of “loving thy neighbour”, by never seeing a need without doing something about it, just like Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian

As stated previously, the program was rolled out during Week 3, and we’ve already seen strong engagement.

We can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll do.

Vinnies Winter Appeal

As the colder months approach, we are once again supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal—a chance for our community to live out our call to compassion by helping those who are doing it tough this winter.

We’re collecting essential winter items to be donated to our local Vinnies centre. If you’re able, please consider bringing in:

• New blankets and sleeping bags
• Warm coats, jackets, beanies, gloves, scarves etc.
• Non-perishable food items (soups, tinned goods, long-life milk, pasta, etc.)
• Toiletries and hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc.)

All donations are to be collected in LMG, which will be gradually collected by the MacKillop Team throughout the remainder of the term. Please have all of your donation in by Week 9 – Thursday 26^th June.

Let’s work together to bring warmth and dignity to those in need this winter. Every donation makes a difference.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

We know it has been a challenging time for many families with the recent weather event, and we hope that everyone is safe and well. If you are experiencing isolation due to the flood waters, students should be able to access lesson overview on Compass and through their respective one note documents.

There are a couple of College events on the horizon. Firstly is our Open Afternoon on Tuesday 27^th of May from 4-6pm. This is primarily directed at families who might be new to the College next year or have a child starting in year 7. The College will be offering tours so that new students and families can see the wonderful learning spaces and opportunities on offer.

The second event is the Year 11 Course Information Evening on 2^nd June. This is for students in year 10 who will be seeking further study in 2026 and want to find out more about the subjects we have on offer.

Over the next few newsletter articles, I'll endeavour to provide some organisational, study and revision tips for students to help manage their learning. We are entering a very busy assessment period for all students, and being organised is key to managing this workload. 

TIP #1

Print your assessment notifications and place these on the wall where you do your homework and assessment tasks. That way,  you can see which is due first, second, third and so on. 

Mr Paul Dart  
Assistant Principal Years 7, 9 & 11

Thank you to St Joseph’s for the warm welcome back into the community. I look forward to working with our students, families, and staff at the College.

Year 10

Monday 2^nd June is our 2026 Year 11 Subject Selection Evening.

The evening is an opportunity to gain information about individual courses being offered in 2026 at the College, and to assist students in making informed decisions with their senior studies.

Teachers and members of our leadership team will be available on the night, as well as at school, to provide assistance throughout this process. 

We look forward to welcoming students and families to the College on this evening.

Year 12

In the coming weeks Mr Antcliff, Mrs Squires, Mr Hickling and Mrs Peel will be catching up with our Year 12 students to check in and see how they are going with their studies, and to offer any additional supports. We look forward to these opportunities to meet with our Year 12 students during their HSC year. 

Mrs Lisa Peel 
Assistant Principal Years 8,10 & 12

Change of Assessment Information

Careers - Opportunities & Notices

Senior Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

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

In-Store Payment Options

New Uniform 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.

General News

Parent Line NSW

Parent Line NSW is a free telephone counselling, support and referral service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in New South Wales. Parent Line is also an information service for professionals working with children and families.

Whether you need some help or just want someone to talk to, the qualified and experienced counsellors are available seven days a week to support you.

What Can I Talk to Parent Line NSW About?

The service receives calls from parents, carers and professionals who have questions or concerns about babies, children, or teenagers. Parent Line counsellors can help to support you, offering advice and guidance on concerns such as...

• Child and adolescent mental health
• Friendship issues and bullying
• Social media and increased screentime
• Anxiety in children
• Child and behaviour development 
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Support during family separation
• School transitions
• Family violence
  

Call Parent Line NSW on 1300 1300 52 to access free and confidential counselling. Open Monday to Friday (9am to 9pm) and Saturday & Sunday (4pm to 9pm). For further information please view the below link.

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