6 June 2025

A Message from the Principal

Emmaus Awards

Last Friday night at a gala celebration, the diocese presented the annual Emmaus Awards, celebrating excellence in both student and staff achievement and St. Joseph’s was recognised on both fronts. Class of 2024 Dux Faith Rafferty was presented with the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for being 1 of 9 students in the diocese who achieved an ATAR above 95, placing her in the top 5% of ATAR students in NSW.

This is an outstanding achievement, and we celebrated Faith and our other high achievers earlier this year at our academic awards ceremony. Faith also spoke with our students and offered her advice on what it takes to achieve your best. Spoiler alert – hard work is the answer!

Along with Faith’s wonderful achievement, our college received three major awards for our dedicated and highly professional staff. It is not common for a school community to win more than one of these awards, so for staff from St. Joseph’s to be recognised three times, was something quite special. Our award winners are:

• Gabie Madden – First Five Years in Teaching.
• Simon Ramage – Vocational Education and Training
• Liz Stokes – Sisters of St. Joseph Lochinvar Award.

I am sure that you will join me in congratulating Faith, Ms. Madden, Mr. Ramage and Mrs. Stokes on these outstanding achievements.

Catholic Schools Week - Pilgrims of Hope

Last week we also celebrated Catholic Schools Week and its theme of Pilgrims of Hope. I think at times we can be guilty of taking Catholic education for granted. Today, it stands as one of the great pillars of education in Australia educating 1 in 5 students across the country. This was not always the case.

From it’s more than humble beginnings in the 1820’s and through the commitment and dedication of its pioneers, including the Sister’s of St. Joseph who established our storied community in 1883, today our system of schools is known for academic excellence, social justice and spiritual development.

Our theme, taken from the jubilee year, ‘pilgrims of hope’ is especially poignant for our schools. For many young people, the world can feel overwhelming. There’s pressure to succeed, uncertainty about the future, and constant noise from social media and the world around us. Some face loneliness, anxiety, or challenges at home or school. In times like these, hope isn’t just a nice idea—it’s something we need.

Hope reminds us that we are never alone. It tells us that no matter how hard things get, God is walking beside us. Hope gives us the strength to keep going, to believe in ourselves, and to believe in a better tomorrow.

As pilgrims of hope, we are called to carry that light for others too. Through our words, our actions, and our faith, we can lift each other up. We can be the reason someone else feels seen, supported, and loved.

Being a pilgrim of hope means believing that every step we take matters. It means lifting each other up, being present to each other, learning with open hearts, and serving those in need.

Regards

Mr Peter Antcliff
Principal

Ministry Musings

Last Friday, students and staff from Catholic schools across the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral for the annual Catholic Schools Week Liturgy. Held during this special week that honours the unique gift of Catholic education, the celebration was a vibrant expression of our faith, brought to life through heartfelt prayer, uplifting music, and a strong sense of community. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Michael Kennedy, who warmly welcomed everyone and reminded us that each of us plays an important role in our Catholic story.

This year’s theme, “One Call. One Mission. Pilgrims of Hope,” was at the heart of the celebration. It’s a powerful reminder that God calls each of us, students, teachers, families, to something greater than ourselves.

• One Call is about listening to what God is asking of us in our lives, whether it’s being kind to someone who needs a friend, standing up for what’s right, or using our talents to help others.
• One Mission reminds us that as Catholic schools, we all share a common purpose: to love like Jesus, serve those in need, and create communities where everyone is respected and included.
• And Pilgrims of Hope invites us to keep walking forward together, even when times are tough, trusting that God is with us and guiding us into a future filled with promise.

For us at St Joseph’s College Lochinvar, this theme connects beautifully with our Josephite tradition. Like Saint Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods, we believe in taking action when we see a need and trusting in God’s plan, even when the road ahead isn’t clear. They lived with hope in their hearts, and we try to do the same, whether we’re learning in the classroom, helping in our community, or encouraging each other to be our best.

Isabella Newman, Robert Campbell, Keely Davidson, and Frey Tomy attended the liturgy, joining with peers from across the Diocese to celebrate the gift of Catholic education. They participated fully and respectfully in all parts of the celebration, from singing hymns to joining in prayer and responses. Their presence was a quiet but powerful witness to the spirit of our College. They represented St Joseph’s with pride, showing reverence, unity, and a deep appreciation for the opportunity to come together in faith.

The Catholic Schools Week Liturgy reminded us that we’re never on the journey alone. Whether we’re students learning new things, teachers guiding and supporting, or families cheering from the sidelines, we’re all pilgrims, travelling together with hope, faith, and purpose.

As we look ahead to the rest of the year, may we continue to hear God’s call, live out our shared mission, and keep walking forward as Pilgrims of Hope, just like Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian did.

St Vinnies Winter Appeal

This term we have kicked off our annual Vinnies Appeal. This year we ask all members of our community to generously donate canned food, sleeping bags, beanies, gloves, blankets etc to Vinnies, to support those who are marginalised, less fortunate or experiencing hardship. Students are encouraged to bring in their donations throughout the duration of this term. Items will be collected in LMG and transported to Vinnies in Week 9.
I thank you in advance for your generosity.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

From the Assistant Principals....

Academic Rigour

The concept and definition of ‘academic rigour’ is somewhat difficult to clarify. If you read any number of educational journals, scholarly articles or books, you would find an array of experts citing their understanding of the concept.  In fact, a quick google search comes up with the following AI definition.

Academic rigour is often at the centre of teaching and learning; teachers might lament that there is a decline in academic rigour and stress the need to change teaching and learning, whereas some schools promote it as a point of excellent – “At Hogwarts, we promote positive wellbeing and a strive for excellence through academic rigour”. The term seems to be a catch all and everyone seems to know what it is. For some, academic rigour relates to;

• The degree of difficulty of the learning ie “harder work”
• The volume of tasks ie “double the work”
• The length of the task ie “longer work”

Increasing the degree of difficulty of a task or providing “harder work” has its benefits, particularly when challenging students to develop along the learning horizon. As educators, we want students to incrementally grow their learning and apply it to different contexts.

Increasing the volume of the tasks or “double the work”, only creates more for the student to complete and can have negative consequences. If the student does not understand the tasks in the first place, giving them more to complete, isn’t going to help them.

“Longer work” simply refers to a student completing a more detailed and complex task. Whilst these have their place if designed well and assessing different concepts, students can often feel overwhelmed by ‘how much they have to do’.

Simplistically, I would argue that academic rigour has two parts;

1. Helping students learn at higher levels and;
2. Students practicing to improve their level of learning

These two concepts will be unpacked over the course of the next couple of newsletters.

Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Evening

Thanks to our students and families who attended our Year 11 2026 Subject Selection Evening. It is always such a wonderful night to see students enthusiastic about selecting their senior study pathway. Students have been having some valuable ongoing conversations in this space.

A reminder that subject selections are due by Friday 13th June 2025.

Wishing you all a restful long weekend.

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Lisa Peel
Assistant Principals

Assessment Date Changes

From the Counsellor’s Desk

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

CogAT Testing Rescheduled

As you are aware, due to the recent rainfall and flooding event, there was a need to reschedule CogAT testing for our Year 7 cohort. 

Please be aware that this will now occur on Thursday 12^th June (Week 7) during periods 1-4. Students will not be attending normal classes during this time, however, will return to class during period 5. 

CogAT testing is similar to NAPLAN - there is no preparation needed for students. The majority of the students will complete the testing in MacKillop Place, however, some students will also be located in rooms A17, A18 and A19. Students have all been allocated to their room and this is reflected on their timetable for Thursday 12th June.

Thanks for your continued support and understanding with the changes.

It is appreciated greatly.

Ms Maree Pittaway
Gifted Education Mentor Project Officer
Maitland Newcastle Diocese

Flexi Learning

As this year is our sixth year of Flexi Learning existing with in the St Joseph’s community, I thought it a timely reminder of the vision and spirt in which Flexi Learning was created, looking to support and build on our college pillars of Faith, Strength and Hope. Below is the vision and functional workings that former College Principal – Mrs Hales publish to the wider school community at the inception of Flexi Learning.

FLEXI-Learning occurs each Wednesday morning, focused on broader opportunities for choice in learning – during the session students will opt to participate in a learning activity, which may include activities that are related to sport, cultural activities, workshops, community or service learning. Students will have a choice of activities each term – attendance is mandatory. There will be an opportunity to meet students from other year groups while participating in these activities and this will hopefully build positive relationships and enhance community spirit

We acknowledge the importance of the development of the whole child in terms of their academic, spiritual, social, wellbeing and physical lives. Through the introduction in 2020 of Wednesday morning FLEXI learning session, students from Years 7-10 will participate in a range of activities that allow them to meet students from various year groups, work with a variety of staff in changing contexts, engage in different experiences and challenges and have the capacity to increase their ownership of learning through exercising choice.

Years 11 & 12 will not be required to participate in FLEXI-Learning, and as such will not need to be on-site on Wednesdays till approximately 10.45am. Students may be onsite with their choice of onsite study, Penola study, School Based Trainee Program (SBAT) and Musical Productions.

Mr Guy Perrin
Leader of Flexi Learning

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)! 

The past two weeks has been an important time in the Aboriginal calendar, marking three significant dates.

•  26 May: National Sorry Day (a day of remembrance for the Stolen Generations). 
• 27 May - 3 June: National Reconciliation Week (a time to reflect on reconciliation and the journey towards            reconciliation). 
• 3 June: Mabo Day (commemorates the High Court's landmark Mabo decision, recognizing Aboriginal people's native title). 

During LMG time, students worked on an activity based on Reconciliation Week and the theme of ‘Bridging now to next’. Here is a video reminding us of the importance of acknowledging the difficulties faced by our families and ancestors and re-establishing our commitment towards a reconciled Australia.

Deadly Achievements

Fred Richardson recently competed at NSW All Schools Swimming. Fred was selected to swim in five events which in itself, is a very impressive achievement. He also smashed all of his personal best times which demonstrates not only his talent in the pool, but his work ethic and perseverance to improve. Below is a list of Fred's achievements at the meet. We are very proud of you Fred.

• 200 Breaststroke (5^th)
• 50 Breaststroke (7^th)
• 200 Individual Medley (6^th)
• 100 Butterfly (7^th)
• 100 Breaststroke (4^th)
  

Upcoming Events

Indigenous Talent Identification Day 2025

On June 26^th interested students will be attending an Indigenous Talent ID Day which is designed to uncover sporting potential, with the opportunity for identified students to move into fully funded scholarship positions within our elite HAS programs. This is a great day where students get access to great activities with experienced coaches across a variety of fields. We look forward to sharing our experience with you. 

Community Events Notice

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, if paying via a lump sum this is due by 30/06/2025.

Regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments are noted on the bottom of your statements with fees to be finalised by 30/11/2025, please review your payment schedule and adjust if needed.  Statements are emailed at the beginning of the month and payments can be made via BPay, direct debit, credit card or cash.

The fee review process has commenced, thank you to families who have commenced regular payments or been in contact.

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

New Uniform Products

In Store Payment Options

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

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