24 July 2023

A Message from the Principal

On Monday 17^th July all staff participated in a Formation Day based on the 2023 theme ‘Encounter’ which was led by Ryan Gato – Education Officer Formation, RE & Spirituality from the Catholic Schools Office, and also included a series of workshops led by members of the Executive Team. It was a wonderful day with time for reflection, discussion, and prayer and a very important part of our connection with our mission as people who choose to work in a Catholic School.

The theme of Encounter: Journeying Together invites us to consider various themes. Together, they offer an exploration of what it means to be an accompanist: “not an instrusive judge who scolds and condems but a companion who has reverence for the mysterious ways in which God may be working in the life of the other.” (The Joy of the Gospel, #172)

To accompany others is a sacred task. Our daily “walking with” becomes “accompaniment” only when we lead others ever closer to the heart of God. If all we do with others all day is “chatter,” then we are merely standing side by side without that all-important common, inner force that is the Spirit. Our task as accompanists is not to affirm everything in each other’s lives, but to invite each other to the freedom of God. Therefore, we can say that to accompany another is more than merely “to walk with him or her.” Accompaniment is more intimate and intentional: it’s more dynamic and lifechanging.

Prayer

Be with us, Lord Jesus, on our road to Emmaus, guide us on our journey and nourish us as we continue to walk in Your light. Open our eyes that we may see Your presence among us; Open our hearts, that we may reflect Your love; and empower our each of us and our whole community to echo the truth that is found in You alone. Amen

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Mrs Patricia Hales
College Principal

Principal’s Jottings

Period Positivity

As a result of student research related to the Senior Community & Family Studies course at St Paul’s Booragul, an initiative called Period Positivity – accessibility, equity, dignity, the Diocese committed to installing free period products in dispensing machines in Diocesan schools. This is a wonderful initiative to support students. We are still awaiting delivery of some products but the dispensers are in place. We sincerely hope that students appreciate the intent of the program and act respectfully.

Term 3 Reminders

Student Drop Off - students are not to be on site in the morning prior to 8.15 am due to supervision availability.

Phones – students in years 7-10 are not permitted to use their phones or ear buds once they enter the site in the morning and throughout the day until the final bell at 3.15 pm.

Leave Applications – where parents are aware that their child will not be at school for three days or more, an application for leave should be submitted for approval. This process ensures we are able to monitor assessments and provide advice to the student and parent in regard to

Fees – it is expected that all parents are making regular payments towards fees rather than just paying for events. This is to ensure that fee payments do not become difficult to manage .

Pupil Free Dates 2023

Term 4 – Monday 18^th & Tuesday 19^th December

2023 Important Dates

Note that Staff Development – Pupil Free Days are also highlighted

Pupil Free Dates 2023

Term 4 – Friday 15^th December – Parent/Teacher Interviews – students attend interviews with parents – no scheduled classes.
Term 4 – Monday 18^th & Tuesday 19^th December

IMPORTANT - 2023 Calendar Dates 

Ministry Musings

Welcome back to Term 3! This term we have lots of events happening in Ministry, which include: 

• Year 9 Formation Day, in which students will be engaging in pastoral activities as an opportunity to step outside the usual comforts of the classroom, and engage with peers, staff and encounter Christ through various activities and reflections. 
• Celebration of Mary Mackillop’s Feast Day, Australia’s first Saint, a Josephite Sister and a pioneer for women within the Church. 
• We will be celebrating 140 years of Catholic education on our site with lots of activities. 
• Lastly, celebrating the achievements of Year 12 and proudly watching them move onto the next phase of their lives.  

To start off this term, Staff participated in our annual Spirituality Day on Monday, 17th July. We were very fortunate to have a guest presenter from the Catholic School Office, Ryan Gato, who guided the staff through prayer, reflection, and discussion. The day was based around the Diocesan theme “Encounter: Journeying Together” which is drawn out of the Emmaus Story from the Gospel of Luke. With the theme as the focal point of the day, we explored various contemporary issues through the lens of our faith facilitated by the Executive Team, we engaged in small group discussion accompanying one another in our faith journey and spent time in personal reflection opening our hearts to the Spirit as people of hope. It was a wonderful day spent with staff to begin Term 3 providing spiritual nourishment through an opportunity to be thankful, to share stories and journey together, with the accompaniment of our Lord Jesus. 

 Pillar of Focus – Strength 

When I think of the pillar of strength, the first person I think of is Samson, one of the Judges from the Old Testament. Samson was not a Judge in the way that we understand the term today, for example a legal expert. The title of Judge was given to Samson as well as many other biblical figures such as Samuel and Gideon because they were military heroes commissioned by God to save and deliver Israel in times of crisis. Samson’s gift was his physical strength, which was given to him by God, as long as he kept to his Nazerite vow which include not cutting his hair, which was to be kept secret. He used his physical strength to defeat many enemies, however, it was Samson’s lack of emotional strength, impulsive decisions and lack of self-control which led to his death. Samson’s strength ultimately came from God, but being human he was flawed. For us today, Samson serves as an example of immense strength, but as a reminder of the importance of obedience, self-discipline and faith which is needed to uphold the true Christian virtue of strength.  

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

Formation Dates 

From the Assistant Principals....

Year 7 and 9

NAPLAN 2023 individual student reports (ISR) and additional student reports (ASR) will be dispatched to schools from 20 July. Once we have received these, we will sending them home with your child. NAPLAN results will look a little different from previous years and I have attached documentation from NESA that explains this.

Year 8

Year 8 received a copy of the Year 9 Elective Handbook for 2024 last week and a reminder that the College will host the Year 9 2024 Elective evening on Monday 24^th July from 5pm in Mackillop Place. We look forward to seeing many families present on this evening.

Student choices remain open from Monday 24^th July until Monday 31^st July at 9am.

Year 10 – Preparing for Year 11 2024

On Friday 21^st July, Year 10 students transitioning to Year 11 were provided with their pattern of study. Students will now meet with Mrs Peattie, Mrs Peel or Mrs Stokes to discuss their pattern of study as they find their best fit. Students will have an opportunity to experience their subjects in Week 7 and 8 of Term 4. After this experience, students and parents have an option of Senior interviews in Week 9 and 10 to discuss confirmation of pattern of study.

This is both an exciting time and one of many questions as students enthusiastically receive their pattern of study. As outlined to the Year 10 cohort on Friday, they have made mature and wise decisions and it is clear they have thought about their pattern of study in an informed manner. Congratulations Year 10!

For students who are not continuing into Year 11 and 12, a survey will be sent to all families this week requesting information regarding destinations for students. It would be very helpful if parents attended to this quick check in point to allow the College to plan effectively and thoughtfully for 2024.

Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations

A reminder that Year 12 Trials Examinations begin on Monday 31^st July. Students have been supplied with their timetable and it is also available on Compass. A reminder that students must be present 20 minutes prior to their examination.

If a student is ill or suffering from misadventure on the day, please contact Student Services immediately in the morning to alert the relevant staff.

Good luck Year 12!

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

APP Checklist for Parents

Ms Caitlin French & Ms Julia Preistley
St Joseph’s Professional Officers

Wellbeing

Welcome back to Term 3. We hope your holiday break was a restful one filled with many things that make you happy. We are excited for a busy, yet wonderul Term ahead.

This term Mr Christopher Johns is working in the wellbeing and engagement space. We extend a warm welcome to him and look forward to having him as part of the team while Mr Royce Geoffrey (Stage 4 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement) is on leave for the duration of Term 3. Should any student or parent in Year 7 or 8 need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Johns.   

A CLEAN SLATE

Whilst it can feel as though the year is quickly getting away from us as we arrive at the start of Term 3, this time of year also presents itself as an opportunity to take stock of your progress so far and to look forward.

Term 3 brings the beginning of Semester Two – an opportunity to start afresh. A clean slate in a sense to set new goals for yourself and to move forward purposefully trying to be the best version of yourself; making conscious choices that reflect a growth mindset (believing that you are capable of improving) in both your personal and academic life.

Remember, Lochinvar students can do anything!

WE ARE WHAT WE SPEAK

A big focus for our Term 3 Wellbeing program will be our ‘We are what we speak’ campaign. The language we use in all areas of our lives has a significant impact on our state of mind and wellbeing. This initiative began last year and we look forward to continuing to build on that by examining more deeply the concept that the words we choose, and the meanings attached to them, influence our decisions, beliefs and wellbeing. The purpose of the program is to provide students an opportunity to examine;

• Their self-talk. How they speak to themselves and the language they use
• What impact the language they use may be having on theirs and others lives
• How language can be a barrier to diversity and inclusion
• How language can help people feel more supported and less alone
• How we can replace negative language that we may be using
• Tips to stop negative self-talk  
• Benefits of positive self-talk
• Resources and support which are available for students who find negative self-talk overwhelming

Lots of great information and resources can be found via the following link:

SUNNY SIDE UP WEEK

A huge highlight of Term 3 is also SUNNYSIDE UP WEEK. This is an annual College initiative which is essentially a Wellbeing week where staff and students work together to promote positivity.

We are very excited to work with the College’s staff and student leadership team over the coming weeks to plan and promote the various activities and good deeds that will help make all people in our community feel happier, brighter and more optimistic.

BREAKFAST CLUB

Breakfast Club began last Term and has been a great success. Approximately 50 students attend each week, consuming fresh fruit, cereal, toast and juice to start the day with energy and focus!  

A huge thank you to Rutherford WOOLWORTHS for their generous donations of fresh fruit and bread each week.

We are very grateful for their support!

 STRESS MANAGEMENT

As many students progress toward examinations and busy assessment schedules begin to roll in, in the coming weeks, we are very mindful that will this comes stress.

It is how we manage and respond to this stress that can determine how our body & mind feel. Thus, generally affecting our overall wellbeing.  

We encourage students to draw on the knowledge and techniques learned in their LMG sessions & to refer to the below resources which may help students and parents & carers to navigate this potentially challenging time;  

• Top 10 Stress Management Tips for students

https://www.verywellmind.com/top-school-stress-relievers-for-students-3145179.

• FREE study planner and timetable

https://clueylearning.com.au/study-timetable-planner/

• Headspace resource; supporting young people with school stress

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/school-stress/

• POD CAST: Time Management is anxiety management (36 mins)

https://suelarkey.com.au/time_management_equals_anxiety_management/

• Black Dog Institute - The impact of exercise on mental health:

https://soundcloud.com/user-739013830/health-happiness-the-impact-of-exercise-on-mental-health-expert-insights-for-health-professionals

• The BRAVE Program (FREE anxiety program – teen and parent component)

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/partners/the-brave-program

APPS

• ‘This Way Up’ – app (or website) that has expert tips and free online tools to help you navigate a challenging time.

https://thiswayup.org.au/coping-and-resilience-tools/

• Colorfy – A (Free)

Colorfy is the ultimate app for hours of relaxation. With 1000+ images to choose from including mandalas, florals, animals, patterns, cats, gardens, famous paintings and so much more, your teen can take their mind off of all their worries, troubles and stress and delve into the beautiful designs which will distract them from their anxious thoughts and help them calm down and relax. They can even upload their own drawings to give them more life. 

• Stop, Breathe, Think (Free app available on google play and App store).

A mindfulness and meditation app that does just as the title states – it encourages you to stop for a moment, breathe and think. Whether your teen feels anxious, angry, sad, sleep-deprived or anything in between, this app will help them find their quiet place. It offers short mindful activities to help them tune into their emotions – because how they feel impacts how they respond to life, their outlook, their ability to concentrate, relationships and so much more. 

• 7 Cups

7 Cups, advertised as the world’s largest support system, offers free, totally anonymous 24/7 emotional support and counselling from trained active listeners. They have listeners available especially for teenagers and their community forums and chat rooms allow your teen to share what they’re feeling or going through with other teens who understand and can relate.

• Moodtrack Social Diary (free with in app purchases)

Moodtrack is an awesome app to help your teen track their moods. (Every teen could benefit from this app.) Whether they’re feeling happy, nervous, anxious, miserable, angry or uninspired, Moodtrack will help them identify their mood and help them track their mood swings in a graph. They can track their moods over days, weeks, months or even years which will give them better insight into their emotions and feelings as well as the triggers of anxiety and stress. Plus, teens can see what other kids are going through and optionally chat anonymously. Just knowing they’re not alone and building a support group (and maybe even a few friendships) with other kids who can relate to them, can be just what teens need to get them through those mood-swinging days. 

For parents;

• A guide on 5 proven strategies to help your child with revision

https://www.theparentsguideto.co.uk/post/helping-your-child-with-their-revision

Regardless of what support you or your child may access, it is important to remember that it often takes time and experimentation with the resources available to know which strategy works for you. In the mental health space, it is not simply the one size fits all approach. So allow yourself time, or encourage your child to explore what is available, & to have patience when doing so. Building skills to help oneself is a process to work through.

Ms Alison Lynch, Ms Abbie Marston, Mr Johns and Mr Bain.
Leaders of Learning-Wellbeing

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Solutions Puzzle 8

1: Jimmy has the better strike rate for each innings, but Pat has a better strike rate if the figures are combined. This is an example of Simpson’s paradox. 

2: Round peg in a square hole (79% > 64%)

3:  3, 3 and 8 years old.

Puzzle 9

1: What are the next two numbers in this sequence: 8, 12, 18, 20, 27, 28, 30, 42, …

2: You are given eight identical balls and a ninth that is ever so slightly heavier. You are also given a set of balance scales to compare different weights.

Identify the heavy ball using the scales only twice.

3: I have a drawer full of unpaired socks. There are 18 black socks and 10 white socks. If I grab socks at random, what is the minimum number I need to grab to ensure that I have a matching pair?

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Seniors Newsletter

Mrs Kylie Peattie
Careers Advisor
kylie.peattie@mn.catholic.edu.au

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly achievements

A shout out goes to Logan Culley (year 12) who gave up his time in the holidays to participate in the Taghara program at University of Sydney. The Taghara program is a cultural engagement and education program for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who are currently in year 11 and 12. Logan was involved in study skills sessions, cultural cooking classes, presentations on Indigenous pathways as well as witnessing Bangarra dance company perform at the Sydney opera House.

Recent events
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Netball Gala Day

Late last term, a team of year 9 and 10 students travelled to San Clemente High School to participate in a cultural Netball gala. The day combined netball and cultural activities such as Aboriginal art and weaving. The gala allowed both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students to engage in all activities to promote sport and a learning of culture.

NAIDOC Assembly

On the 27^{th of} June, we celebrated NAIDOC at St Joseph’s. We are so proud and grateful for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who were involved in the assembly as well as the morning tea afterwards. The assembly was a lovely occasion to celebrate the successes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples especially our Elders with the theme, For our Elders. We were very fortunate to have Aunty Louise Campbell, Aunty Judy West and Aunty Sue Bowden attend the ceremony as well as our special guest, Finnian Johnson. Finnian is an ex-student of St Joseph’s who competed on ‘The Voice.’ Finnian has since gone on to win awards at Tamworth Country Music awards and is a prominent artist in local music scene. He performed several songs during the ceremony as well as afterwards where he sung and participated in a Q & A session with Drama and Music students.

Community Events

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.

If your student is also doing amazing things in the community, please let us know so we can give them a shout out in the ‘Yalawa Yarnings.’

Ms Zara Francisco, Mrs Hannah Allen and Mr Frank Hales
Aboriginal Education Teachers

Message from the Finance Office

Thank you to families who have settled 2023 School Fees and are making regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. 

Statements were emailed on Tuesday, 4^th July, please review your statement with settlement of outstanding balance due by 30^th November 2023.

If you haven’t received your statement or have any concerns in regard to your account please contact Finance Office on 0249 307 291 or email finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au

Bpay is our preferred method of payment, however payment can also be made via Credit Card, Cash, Cheque and Centrepay.

Health Care Card and Pension Card Holders

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 current holder of an Australian Government Health Care Card or Pension card you may be intitled to a discount on your school fees.  Please complete the attached forms and email to finance@lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au along with a copy of your current health care card or pension card.

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.

Canteen Menu

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:

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

Online Safety Webinar

Music Lessons