7 August 2023

A Message from the Principal

I have a flip calendar for my desk that has a quote from Mary MacKillop for each day of the year. It is deliberately placed so that it is in my direct line of vision. It never ceases to amaze me, though it shouldn’t, how often the message of the day can be so poignant and meaningful – the Spirit at work through the words of Mary MacKillop.

I have come to realise that there is a deliberate intention in the words chosen for each of the days leading up to the Feast of Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Far from being a random selection, these words embody in many ways the essence of Mary MacKillop – a person whose words and actions are still relevant to each of us in some shape or form.

Mary MacKillop took the religious name Mary of the Cross, as she believed that it was through the cross that Jesus’ great love and the power of redemption were shown. Mary’s mission began in Penola in South Australia, more than 150 years ago when she and Fr Julian opened the first St Joseph’s school. What happened 150 years ago can seem so far removed from the world that we live in today. However, just as Mary’s words have resonated with me this week, her vision and work, her charism, inspired generations of women to commit to a life based on trust in God; to, as we heard in St Paul’s letter to the Colossians, clothe themselves in compassion, kindness, and humility. These women, known to us as the Sisters of St Joseph, were not, and are not today, inspired by self-serving grandiose plans, but they had and still do today the vision, energy and simple commitment to hard work to establish orphanages, hospitals, shelters and schools out of a concern for the poor, for people in need such as refugees, for the sick, the elderly, the dying and the lonely, for those affected by injustice, and for the homeless. Importantly, for you and me and thousands of others like us, the Sisters committed to educating children, because they believed that it is through educating the child, especially when the education is based on Gospel values, that you can change lives and change the world – for the better! This view, together with Mary MacKillop’s belief that each person is equally loved and cared for by God, and that no one should be treated as if they were more important - or less important than others, is foundational to our mission and your mission at St Joseph’s College.

Mary is a shining example to us in her charity and forbearance towards those who were unjust to her, for her sense of duty and for her trust in God despite overwhelming challenges. Our school motto “Strength in Difficulties” is a deliberate call to us to have the same trust in God that St Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph had when they needed strength and courage to cope with the many difficulties they faced. It is a reminder of the strength within each of us, of our capacity for vision, passion and creativity despite the challenges that we meet along the way.

“Through the example of Mary MacKillop, may we learn to recognise God's will for us and trust in God's providence. May her life of service awaken in us a deep respect for the poor and a passion for justice. May we share in her courage, see with her vision, and love with her heart.” (Solemn Blessing Feast of Mary MacKillop) and just in case you are wondering which of Mary’s words were chosen for the Feast of Mary MacKillop  – they are simply ‘God is good’.

Principal’s Jottings

Term 3 Events

Term 3 is always busy with a range of events planned for Year 12 as they complete their formal schooling prior to the HSC Examinations, however, this year there are some additional very special events – these include:

Sister School Visit

Staff and Students from our Sister School in Japan - Izumigaoka Junior High, led by Principal  will Mr. Ishiura, will visit in August. I am sincerely grateful to Mrs Cunningham and Mrs Stokes supported by a number of other staff for the huge amount of organisation and documentation that is needed for such a visit. Importantly too, the visit can not proceed without the generosity of our host families for the 10 students from Japan. The experience will no doubt be richly rewarding for all those involved and we very much look forward to providing a warm Lochinvar welcome.

Celebration of 140 years

On 3^rd September 2023 we will come together with the Sisters of St Joseph to celebrate 140 years of life and ministry in the spirit of Joseph at Lochinvar. This is an opportunity to honour the past, focus on the present and look forward to the future. Importantly for the college to recognise the great legacy of the Sisters that we are called to honour in our service and education.

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

IMPORTANT - 2023 Calendar Dates 

Attendance

Regular attendance at school is essential for students to achieve quality life outcomes. Everyday counts, as regular attendance helps students:

• Develop a sense of belonging
• Develop and maintain friendships
• Be more engaged at school
• Progress with their learning
• Be more aware of career and life options.

Supporting positive school attendance is a shared responsibility - everyone has a role to play in promoting the regular attendance of students.

Ministry Musings

Last week we started our annual Vinnies appeal. This year we are conducting a Canned Food Drive, encouraging staff, students, and families to generously donate canned food. The purpose of this canned food drive is to support the work of the St Vincent de Paul society, who are a charitable organisation invested in continuing the mission of Christ to feed the hungry, cloth the poor, welcome the stranger, look after the sick and give to the poor. Similarly, our Josephite Charism, calls us to do the same which has been traditionally exemplified through the works of the Sisters of St Joseph, past students, staff, and families, in we strive to show Christ in our community through values of:

• Presence
• Courage
• Hospitality
• Compassion
• Humility
• Justice
• Service

This year is no different, as we encourage all our staff, students, and families to donate whatever you “can”. Students are to bring in their donations throughout the duration of this term, as they will be collected in LMG, gathered by the Mackillop Team periodically throughout the term and transported to Vinnies in Week 10.

I personally thank you all in advance for your generosity.

Pillar of Focus – Faith

Earlier in the year we reflected on the pillar of Faith, recognising that faith is not just an intellectual belief or a set of religious doctrines, but a personal and relational trust in God. It involves both the heart and the mind and requires us to live in a way that places God at the centre. When thinking about faith in this way, as a “relational trust in God”, I am taken back to the Apostles, who walked with Christ, particularly Peter and his relationship with our Lord. Jesus tests Peter’s faith multiple times throughout the Gospel, pushing Peter’s trust in Him to the limits. We see this unfold in Matthew 14: 22-33, when the disciples saw Jesus walking on water during a storm, Peter asked to come to Jesus on the water. With faith, Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. However, when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm, he began to sink. This event demonstrated Peter’s faith in Christ through his attempt to walk on water, and his challenges when doubt in faith arose. As with Peter, when we do not fully trust in the providence of God, we can experience chaos within our life, similar to that of the storm. But it is through trusting Christ, by opening our hearts and minds to God, that we can enter into a true encounter and relationship with Him. Through faith, order and purpose is brought into one’s life, as seen through Peter’s maturation of faith, leading to his ultimate fulfillment, as the first Pope of the Catholic Church. Overall, we learn from Peter that trust in God is central to one’s faith, that sometimes there will be challenges but by placing trust in God, we can overcome it.

God Bless,
Mr Taylor Zahra
Leader of College Ministry

Formation Dates 

From the Assistant Principals....

Year 12

Year 12 continue to work through their trials this week and next. It is both a nervous and exciting time. One of the challenges of HSC Trials, especially post examinations is managing the expectation around results as it can sometimes be overwhelming.

Here are some tips to help focus on “growth” after the trials. It is important to have discussions with teachers, acknowledge the areas of improvement and develop a plan of action.

#1: Pick your worst performing subject in your HSC Trials

Write down the subject, and identify what you did to study for the subject, your exam preparation in the days immediately prior to the HSC Trial exam, and your exam technique.

#2: Identify what you will Keep, Start and Stop

Write down specifically what things worked for you that you will keep doing for your HSC Exams.

Also, identify what you need to start doing.

Finally, identify what DID not work that you MUST stop doing for your HSC Exams.

#3: Stick it up on your wall!

Remember, out of sight, out of mind! You need to actively change your habits and the best way to do this is to have a constant reminder in front of you of what you need to change.

Ask for Help!

The KSS protocol will help you identify your weak areas – things you need to focus on more.

And it’s critical that you lean into these areas. Don’t avoid them (even if it’s painful!).

With a short time between HSC Trials and your HSC Exams, now is also the time to get help.

Having someone there who can fast-track your learning, and the process you need to get on top of your HSC subjects will make a HUGE difference.

Year 9 2024

Update: Thank you to the parents and students who attended our Year 9 2024 Subject Selection evening on Monday 24th July. Year 8 students were very quick to respond to their subject choices. The school is now working through the next steps in relation to the electives offered in 2024 and we will inform students later this term in regard to the subjects they have received.

Izumigaoka Junior High School visit 2023

On Thursday 17th August, St Joseph’s will welcome staff and students from Japan as part of the Sister School Arrangement with Izumigaoka. This is the first year since 2019 that this cultural exchange has been able to occur, so we are excitedly preparing for this visit. We particularly thank Mrs Midori Cunningham for her hard work and dedication in working with Izumigaoka to ensure we can reestablish the visits, which happen every year. In 2024, students will represent St Joseph’s and return to Kyoto to visit their school.

Change of Assessment Dates

Mr Paul Dart  & Mrs Elizabeth Stokes
Assistant Principals

From the Counsellor’s Desk

Staying Connected (Carers Sessions)

Upcoming Webinar - Online Relationships and consent: Sending nudes and sexting

As part of the Catholic Council of School Parent’s ongoing collaboration with eSafety the Term 3 parent education webinar Online relationships and consent: Sending nudes and sexting will be held on 15 August 2023.

This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school. It would be appreciated if you could please promote this event to your school community’s parents/ carers/ staff, with suggested wording as follows;

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT in collaboration with eSafety are presenting a free 30-minute webinar:

The webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.

It will cover:

• the impact of sharing nude images without consent
• practical suggestions for starting the chat about respectful relationships, consent and pressure to send nudes
• where to get support for a young person who has experienced abuse. 

Date and time:            Tuesday 15 August 7.30pm – 8.00pm

Register:                     https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5491931265697591563

QR Code:                   

Parent Guide to Online Sexual harassment and Image Based Abuse

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

Wellbeing

A busy Term 3 is well and truly underway and there are a number of dates in the calendar to draw attention to. We look forward to facilitating the following:

Sunnyside Up Week

Sunnyside Up Week is fast approaching! During Week 6, 21^st-26^th August, there will be a range of opportunities for students to engage in activities where students will both “see” and “be” the sunshine! Songs will replace the traditional school bells and there will be bake sales, music on the lawn, hand art work, library activities and trivia will be on offer throughout the week just to name a few. Students are asked to keep a look out on Compass for activities throughout the week and to bring with them their positive energy to help make this Sunnyside Up Week the SUNNIEST one yet.

Students have kicked off the preparations already by spending LMG time during Week 3 preparing staff shout outs to recognise their ongoing great work and to show appreciation for the positive relationships shared.

RUOK? Day

During Week 9 we will turn our focus to RUOK Day which is held Thursday 14^th September throughout the country. It is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is the day to ask ‘ARE YOU OK?’ Throughout the week students will be introduced to different ways to ask ‘ARE YOU OK?’, they will learn the signs of someone who may not be ok, how to listen and respond as well as how to look after and to check in on mates. Any parent or carer who would like further information about the week or would like to engage with the college in regards to their child’s own wellbeing are encouraged to contact the relevant Leader of Wellbeing & Pastoral Care. Contacts are as follows:

Breakfast Club

A reminder to all families that Breakfast Club runs weekly on Wednesdays from 8-8.40am in the PENOLA Centre. This initiative is facilitated by the Wellbeing team in order to provide a free meal to those students who may have arrived to school without having had breakfast. Due to the inclusion of the initiative into the school timetable, approximately an extra 50 students are now arriving to Flexi Learning to begin their day having enjoyed a healthy and nutritious meal. A huge thank you to Rutherford WOOLWORTHS once again for their generous donations of fresh fruit and bread each week as well as to staff for their kind contributions of cereals and spreads. A special mention to those senior students who stop by to offer their support, it is wonderful to see the Josephite values of Hospitality and Service so alive within our leaders.

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

Curriculum News (KLA’s)

Mathematics News

Solutions Puzzle 9

1: 44 and 45. The numbers in the sequence are all products of three primes, arranged in ascending order. 

2: Sort the balls into three groups of three. Compare the weight of one group with another to find the heavy group. If both groups are equal in weight, the third group is the heavy group. Weigh two of the balls from the heavy group against each other. If they are the same, the third ball is the heavy one.  

3:  If I choose two socks at random I either have a matching pair, or I have one black sock and one white sock. Choosing one more sock (three in total) guarantees a matching pair. This is an application of the pigeonhole principle.

Puzzle 10

1: I have a potato that is weighs 500 g and is 99% water. I place the potato in the oven to dry it out, and it is now 98% water.

How much does the potato now weigh?

2: If a hen and a half lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs will half a dozen eggs lay in half a dozen days?

3: I had a regular deck of 52 playing cards, but my children were playing with them and lost some.

If I make three equal piles, I have two cards left over. If I make four equal piles, I have three cards left. If I make five equal piles, again I have two cards left over.

How many cards are missing?

Year 11 VET

Year 11 VET students have recently completed their first work placement. Work Placement gives students valuable ‘real world’ experience in the industry area they are studying. We have had glowing reports back from their employers. We would like to thank all of the employers who so generously give their time to this program.   

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Mr Simon Ramage
Leader of Learning VET/TAS Teacher

Year 12 VET

Year 12 VET Manufacturing and Engineering have been fabricating a hay feeder for our cattle. They have done a wonderful job working to an industry standard and have produced a high-quality product. The College cattle love the job they did too! A special thanks to Mr Ribbons for his expertise and Mr Paul Mahony for his skills and dedication with this project.

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Mr Simon Ramage
Leader of Learning VET/TAS Teacher

Careers – Opportunities & Notices

Year 10 - External Vocational Education and Training Courses 2024 (EVET)

Throughout Years 11 and 12 students can undertake study of vocational subjects that are not offered on site at St Joseph’s College Lochinvar. These are EVET Courses (External Vocational Education and Training).

EVET courses are delivered at TAFE campuses and private Registered Training Organisations. All EVET Courses contribute to a student’s HSC, but not all courses contribute towards their ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). Students completing EVET courses will be working in an adult learning environment, while studying in industry standard workshops and environments. These courses are generally delivered on a weekday afternoon from 2pm-6pm but depending on the unit value may also be delivered in a full day.

Some funding is made available to schools to support the provision of these courses, however it is limited, so there is a $300 per unit, per year parent contribution fee for all EVET courses that must be paid prior to the commencement of the school year.

If current Year 10 students are interested in completing an EVET course in 2024, they are required to see Mrs Peattie for an Expression of Interest form. The EOI is due no later than the 21^st August. By submitting this form, there is NO guarantee that the student will proceed with enrolment in the course, as viability for courses will be determined by student demand.

If a student has an interest in a particular area not offered by the school or on the EVET course list they are encouraged to see Mrs Peattie.

School Based Traineeship St Nicholas Early Edication

By participating in the School Based Trainee program, students will gain valuable vocational training, employment in the industry and the entry-level qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care. The course is dual accredited, which means it contributes to student’s HSC and is an AQF qualification recognised by industry.  While it does not contribute to an ATAR, the completed Certificate III can be used as a pathway to university.

Further information and the application process can be found in the link below.

APPLY HERE

Applications for the program are now OPEN and will close on 3^rd September.

Please encourage your son/daughter to see Mrs Peattie for further information or assistance with the application process.

Students interested in applying for the program will also have an opportunity to complete the Immersion Program in Weeks 7 -10 of this term. Further information will be provided about the program next week.

Term 3 Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 students interested in completing Work Experience in Term 3 will receive an Expression of Interest form next week. The EOI form must be returned by the due date to be considered for Work Experience. Once returned, students will be provided with a Work Experience Information Pack including the Student Workplace Learning Record and information for the employer and parent. The Student Workplace Learning Record must be accurately completed by all parties (student, parent, employer and school) before a student can start Work Experience.

Term 3 Work Experience:     

Monday 18^th September - Friday 22^nd September (Week 10)

Further information about the program can be found on the Expression of Interest note.

Please contact Kylie Peattie if you have any questions regarding Work Experience.

Seniors Newsletter

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

Yalawa Yarnings

Anikanya (Hello)!

Deadly achievements

Congratulations to all award recipients at the Semester 1 awards last Friday. There were a range of awards given out including First in class, Improved Grade Point Average and Academic Excellence awards. We had a huge number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who received such awards including; Jasmine DeMamiel, Harrison Hawke, Scarlet Holmes, Imani Brind, Taylem Grieve, Kohan Hayden, Alexis Lantry, Addyson Kirby, Allie Bowditch, Jasmyn Chenery, Jaydah Corney, Amy Crick, Elijah Poole, Porschea Longbottom and Phoebe Barton.

We challenge you to keep working hard and asking for support when needed to achieve your goals.

Upcoming events

Aboriginal Dance group visiting local schools

To help improve cultural connections within our local Wonnarua community, we will be taking our Aboriginal Dance group to St Nicholas Early Learning Centre and St Patrick’s primary school to perform/teach their dance to the younger students.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Numeracy/Rugby League Day

In week 10, there is an opportunity for 12 of our year 7 and 8 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to participate in a Numeracy Day which is based around Rugby League. The day is a chance for students to improve on their numeracy skills in an engaging way not to mention meet some new people who share their culture. Students have been asked to put their names down at the Yalawa Centre if they are interested.

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, 1^st August, 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

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

ASPIRE 2024

Music Lessons