St Johns College Dubbo Term 3, Week 6 2024

Principal

Dear St Johns Community

This week we welcomed our Year 12 students back into the classroom after having their Trial HSC Examinations over the past two weeks. This can be a challenging time for many of our senior students. There will be some students that are thrilled with their results. There will be some that are disappointed with their marks and others that understand that they need to do more work. 

Strong academic results are very important, as is having high expectations of oneself and working towards excellence and at capacity. The desire for staff is that students work to capacity in a consistent, sustainable manner and receive a mark that reflects their consistent hard work. Is this the measure of success? Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador said to his congregation not long before he was killed: ‘Judge not your success by your numbers and buildings…judge your success by the quality of your hearts and your efforts to live the call of the Gospel.’

There was a wonderful interview with Australian bronze medallist Jemima Montag at the recent Paris Olympics. It is certainly worth watching, with her interview exploring her desire for success at the games. She says, ‘It’s a careful balance of wanting that medal but not needing it. It's a really nuanced difference. So not needing it for your own self worth, or feeling that people love you. But wanting it, saying Yeah, I’m willing to give this a crack and be tough. And if it doesn't happen, the sun will rise tomorrow, but let’s give it a go.’ I found these impressive thoughts and articulated so well from a young lady who had just completed the 20km Walk at that Olympic level. There is a message in there for us all and particularly our students as they complete this short sprint towards their exams. Be brave enough to challenge yourself and ‘have a go’ but do not be defined by your results.

Let us not merely measure the excellence of our school only by its buildings or by its academic results. What matters most is the people who make up the community and that they use the talents that God gave them and offer them as a gift to the world. 

God bless

Justin McCarney
Principal

Appointment of Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

My favourite term of the year is clearly identified by the amount of time that I spend in forward planning. Much of my time of late is dedicated to the creation of the timetable for 2025 and the opportunities that our students will have over the next year.

Subject Selection for 2025

Stage 6 

I am in the process of working through the creation of lines for 2025. Over the remaining weeks of this term, some students will have a meeting with myself or Mrs New to discuss subject choices for next year.

Subject choices will be finalised and students notified by Week 3 of Term 4.

Stage 5

I met with Year 8 and 9 students on Wednesday during Academic Care to go through the subject selection process for Stage 5 2025. Each student and their parent has been emailed a copy of the presentation that was used at this meeting.

If you have subject specific questions, I ask that you reach out to the relevant KLA Leader in the first instance. Following that, Mrs New will be able to assist you with any queries that you may have.

Subject Selections will be closed Friday 6th September. I encourage parents to discuss subject choices for Year 9 and 10 with their child over the next week.

Lines for Stage 5 should be finalised and communicated with students by the end of Week 6, Term 4.

Uniform Updates

Please be aware that for the remainder of the term, students may wear either full winter or full summer uniform. Parents are reminded that students must be in black, leather, lace up shoes when wearing the College uniform. 

It is clear that some of our girls have grown over the winter and we ask students and families to be mindful of the length of skirts as we move into the warmer months.

Attendance - Paid work during school hours

Students are not to be working for an employer on a school day, unless they are in Year 11 & 12 and completing an SBAT built into their pattern of study. If the student is absent from school then the school can request a medical certificate to explain the absence. 

Attendance Matters

The impact of school absences, even seemingly small ones, can accumulate and affect a child's learning significantly.The cumulative effect of absences over time can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding. 

Consistent attendance is vital for academic success, as each day in school provides valuable learning opportunities.

If your child is expressing reluctance to go to school regularly, it's essential to address the issue promptly.

Warm regards

Mrs Emma Chater
Assistant Principal

Religious Education

Dear Families,

Last week we had students involved in two events, both of which, whilst different to one another, were reflective of how everything we do at the College is grounded in the words and actions of Jesus and our faith in him.

Approximately 30 Year 10 students headed to Orange on Friday for an event called ‘Rise Up’. These students, who take part in CSYMI (Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International), joined with other young people from across the Bathurst Diocese in praise and worship. Run by a group called ‘Emmanuel Worship’, the day was full of music, prayer, discussion, reflection and making new friends. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the day and many have since talked about how special it was to gather with other students who share the same faith. As a Catholic school, it is important that we provide our students with the opportunity to explore their faith. Events like this allow this to happen. Many thanks to Miss Kendall Ward and Mrs Sam Coyle for accompanying our students to Orange. They were very proud of how our students conducted themselves and got involved.

On the same day, 40 Year 11 students who have put themselves forward for a leadership position gathered at the beautiful Lazy River Estate for a Nominated Leaders Retreat Day. Students completed challenges in groups to foster teamwork and leadership skills. They also had the opportunity to discuss leadership at the College and the role they plan on playing. Students were asked to reflect on their own leadership characteristics and the characteristics they see in their peers. 
We were honoured to be joined for part of the day by Vice-Chancellor of Macquarie University Mr Bruce Dowton. Mr Dowton has had an extremely distinguished career and had a lot of first hard experience in leadership to share with our students. Mr Dowton spoke about ‘servant leadership’, which is exactly the style of leadership we promote here at the College and the style of leadership Jesus Christ used. It was wonderful to watch our students ask some very thoughtful questions and be engaged in meaningful conversations with Mr Dowton.  

There was lots of laughter and friendly competition on the day. Only 12 students will be voted into a leadership position next week, and we have been absolutely spoiled for choice. Each and every student who has nominated for a role have proven themselves to be kind, motivated, thoughtful, empathetic and respectful students. I know that no matter who the leadership team consists of, they will do an amazing job. Thanks to Year 11 Leader Ms Easman, Mr McCarney and Father Greg who were all able to give of their time to spend with these future leaders. We are all extremely proud of these students for having such pride in the College and wanting to play a part in making it the best school it can be.

A few parish announcements in closing. Firstly, please note that Sunday night Mass time has moved back to 6pm. Secondly, anybody interested in becoming Catholic, the RCIA program that can make this happen starts up soon. Simply get in touch with St Brigids Parish. Thirdly, a Parish Picnic will be held on Sunday, 22nd September from 10-12pm on the grounds of St Brigid’s. Face painting, games and music for all. It promises to be a lovely time in the sunshine with other parishioners. All are welcome. 

Yours in Faith

Elissa Burden
Leader of Ministry and Mission

Yr 11 Leadership Retreat

Teaching and Learning

Academic Excellence Awards Semester 1

Last newsletter we celebrated our Academic Excellence award recipients. Today we take the opportunity to recognise those students receiving an Academic Achievement Award. 

These awards were presented at Year Group Assemblies to those students who demonstrated the effort and consistency to earn a GPA of 2.6+ in their Semester 1 report.

Congratulations go to:

Year 7

Lucius Morley Pauco, Jedd Wrigley, Ruby Asimus, Sarah McKechnie, Ava Baker, Aidan Doherty, James Stevenson, Jett Barton, Lyla Cross, Grace Ellis, Amity Henry, Bo Gordon, Isabel Young, Emily Baltins, Eknoor Kaur, Leila Pearce, Evangelique Ferguson-Edwards, Ellie Heywood, emma Fraser, Tilly Ray, Sophie Sorenson-Wykes, Xavier Bowen, Alice Williams, Riley Caton, Amelie Gilby, Ryan O’Neill, Brittan Lyons, Bob Salloum, Madeleine Moses, Charlotte Wonderley, Billy Zell, Addison Skinner, Isla Townsend, Ella Anderson, Harlie Williams, Grace Christiansen, Scarlett Roberts, Cleo Hawcroft, Sasvidu Warnakulasooriya, Layla Quigley-Scott, Lincoln Lunn

Year 8

Sophie Bleechmore, Ellie Williams, Poppy O’Leary, Roxy Lane, Sienna Newstead, Emilia Muller, Eva Taylor, Elsa James, Polly Simmons, Evangeline Ellis, Axel Kearney, Dekoda-Lea Walsh, Angus Johnston, Millicent Walker, Jade Potter, Lucy Walsh, Niomi O’Sullivan, Noah Cobby, Annabelle McNamara, Jessica Pile, Abe Jones, Archer McCarthy, Sophie Swane, Eleanor Smith, Oscar Goedhart, Audrey Cook, Lara Hile, Pia Den, Jotham McNair, Isabella Baldwin, Tanveer Kaur, Lily Holmkvist, Ruby-Rose Gillett, Charlie Seton, Nikita Gordon-Thompson, Grace Braybon, Michael Chifamba, Mitchell Clark, Armani Hodges, Bella James, Alexander Brown, Ruby Jackson, Holly New, Amelia Baun, Elouise Dowton, Ashar Taurau

Year 9
Sienna Bennett, Lila Good, Jazzy Gordon, Mia Richardson, Julia Sales, Jonah Walker, Ronan Narayan, Hayley Carolan, Lachlan Dent, Leanne Galang, Alexus Gordon, Katie Hathway, Jett Hope, Taylor Howell, Lilly McPherson, Sarah Stevenson, Darcy Morris, Archie Aird, Aiden Alexander, Harrison Cody, Patrick Edwards, Thomas Maas, Anameika McLeod, Manan Rana, Dhanesh Weerapperuma, Emma Weir, Jaxon Kenny, Maxwell Boland, Xavier Cubillo, Orlando Ryan

Year 10

Ezeline Ferguson, Grace Alley, Archer Gibbons, Millah Hutchins, Ekaterina Kalinina, Rhianna McMulln, Kade Ryan, Aidan Webeck, Isabelle Ravot, Amelia Heckendorf, Chloe Richards, Lachlan Brook, Liam Ireland, Millie Jackson, Isabel Smith, Alyssa Sutton, Abigale Swane, Addison Matthews, Charlotte Baun, Angus Campbell, Angus Etcell, Tate Field, Polly Goodridge, Josey Kearney, Jackson McGlynn, Taj Parkes, Hayley Prout, Laura Skene, Miley Carr, Claire Harvey, Gabrielle Liu, Tenelette Pieterse, Bailey Letfallah

Year 11

Hannah Bush, Lachlan Weir, Hugh Bevan, Rica Jane Dumlan, Saphira Barton, Felicity Talbot, Jack Taylor, Sienna Angus, Rithika Jose, Brianna Shuttle, Torrie Andrews, Cameron Barber, Max Hawkins, Alexander Maas, Christina Seton, Tilly Wilson, Clare Bonnington, Cameron Davis, Jessie Letfallah, Mia Petty

Year 11 Preliminary Exams

Our Year 11 students will complete their end of course exams in Week 7 and 8. 

Last week, many students had the opportunity to attend the study skills day. Students learned some revision skills and content with a focus on English and Maths, and gained access to the study skills course in their digital learning platform, Atomi.

The Atomi Study Skills Course covers topics:

• Goals and mindsets
• Assessment and Study Techniques
• Cognitive Verbs
• Memory and Learning
• Staying Productive and Looking after Yourself

Often students say that they want to study, but just feel a bit lost as to what to actually do with their study time. The Atomi course is a perfect starting place.

We wish them all the best in their final preparation over the next week..

Year 11 Examination Timetable

7 - 9 Exams

Term 3 assessment tasks for 7 - 10 students are examinations. These are a formal style of examination that will take place in a study hall.

Notifications for these assessments are now in Canvas. 

These notifications have a revision guide linked, and appear like the example below. 

Students are expected to be starting to incorporate some revision activities into their routines at home to ensure they are prepared and confident approaching their exams.

For some additional support, don’t forget about the Canvas course that focuses on study skills and is found on student's Canvas Dashboards.

Year Leaders are preparing students for the examination period with this presentation:

Am I Exam Ready?

Here are the exam timetables:

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 8 Subject Selection

Year 8 met with Assistant Principal Emma Chater and Curriculum Leader Jacinta New on Wednesday to start the process of subject selection. 

This is an exciting time for Year 8 as they take their first steps towards shaping their education according to their strengths and interests.

Information was sent to parents so that you understand the process and courses on offer too, and can have some important discussions at home about selecting courses that best fit the interests and talents for the student.

Year 12 Post Trials Period

There are so many things on the horizon for Year 12 with end of school celebrations in view. Sometimes the important work of staying on track with study towards the HSC can get a little sidelined in the post trial period.

On Tuesday our Year 12 teachers will meet to look at Trial Examination data, and from there, create a really high impact program of learning for the remaining weeks of term and the holidays prior to the HSC. Schedules will be shared with parents and students. 

Importantly, students should note the important work happening at school and how vital it is that they are attending all lessons - there is a lot of great work that can be achieved before the exams to set you up for success.

Warm regards

Catherine Jones
Leader of Teaching and Learning

Digital Technology

This week Year 7 digital technology classes and Year 9/10 ISOFT were treated with a visit from a group of university students from the University of New South Wales, studying Computer Science and Engineering.They run and are a part of CompClub, a social and educational University club at UNSW, that aim to reach as many high school students as they can, spreading their passion for programming. On the day CompClub introduced students to fundamental coding concepts in a simple way and programming with Python through engaging and entertaining lessons spread out throughout the day. They also supported students in learning about career opportunities and university experiences.

Mr Cody Mcdonald | Teacher

Pathways Hub

Hub Deadly Pathways Festival 2024

Students, check your emails.

Mrs Strain | VET KLA Leader and Stage 5 Pathways Coordinator
Mrs Strahorn | Stage 6 Pathways & ASPA Coordinator
Miss Lappa | Careers and Pathways Assistant

Yr 7 2025 Orientation Day

The Year 7 Cohort for 2025 joined us at the College yesterday to experience a taste of specialised subjects we offer here.  
We hope you had a fantastic day and we can't wait to see you for our next Orientation Day in Term 4.

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Agriculture

Schools Wether Challenge

Ten brilliant Agriculture students attended the National Ram Sale and Schools Wether Challenge here in Dubbo. Over 600 students from schools across NSW participate in the Wether Challenge for a comprehensive two day immersion into the sheep and wool industry. Over the last months, SJC Agriculture students have been preparing six wethers that were donated to the school from Egelabra Merino Stud at Warren.
These six wethers were taken to compete in a range of classes.

SJC placed 2nd in our group for wool restocker value and 2nd in our group for carcass value.

SJC students were also highly commended on their knowledge and preparation of the wethers and professional engagement with the judges.

In addition to the competition, students took part in career development sessions, industry workshops ranging from wool classing, to carcass evaluation and junior judging. The students were exceptional ambassadors for themselves and our school.

Special thanks to David Knaggs for his expertise in nutrition and preparation of the wethers, Barbara Wonderley for supporting our team across both days, Vanessa Creed for assisting with uniforms and to Luke Bussey and Tony Samuels for delivering the wethers to the competition.

Miss Emma Rice | KLA Assistant Science

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HSC Exhibitions

After months of hard work, our talented Year 12 students are ready to unveil their incredible major works at the upcoming Exhibitions.

Music

Interest Electives

During Year 8 interest elective, students in the cultural centre have been learning about various Dreamtime stories, painting and learning how to weave with Miss Rapley. These activities have been a great way for students to work with their hands, slow down, connect with themselves and each other and to also engage with culture. The cultural centre has been a calming place for them to escape the busy rush of school and life. It has been a pleasure to watch these young people grow and share.

Miss Rapley and Miss Rice

Sport

Diocesan Basketball Gala Day - Bathurst

On Monday, our Junior and Intermediate Basketball Teams braved a 5am departure to attend the Dio Basketball Gala Day in Bathurst. It was a great day of Basketball with our students representing the school with pride. On the day our Junior boys won all of their games, defeating St Matthews in the Grand Final 24-10. The Junior Girls played some great games, coming away with 2 wins before being defeated in the semi final by MacKillop College. The Intermediate boys also finished the day undefeated, winning some outstanding and closely contested games. The stand out performance was the win against St Matthews who until that point were also undefeated. The Intermediate girls played well throughout the day before being defeated by MacKillop in their Semi Final during overtime. All of the players should be extremely proud of their efforts.

Mr Josh Parkinson | Basketball Coach

Diocesan Athletics Carnival

Last week we had 60 students compete in the Diocesan Athletics Carnival at Barden Park, Dubbo. The students did well with some outstanding results including the 13yrs boys 1500m Diocesan record broken by Jarvis Penman in a time of 5:03:03. St John's also won the 14's and 15's boys age divisions. 20 students will now represent the Bathurst Diocese at the CCC Carnival, Newcastle in September. Congratulations to all students involved.

Mr Dave McAlister | Sports Coordinator

NSWCCC Netball Carnival

A windy and hot day in Penrith on Wednesday at the NSWCCC Netball carnival. Both the girls and boys played incredibly well.

Opens girls all played really well against some tough competition.

Coach: Miss Emily Atlee.

Intermediate girls had an outstanding day, showcasing great talent, grit and intensity. The girls were undefeated until we met an undefeated St Joseph's Lochinvar team in the last round, unfortunately going down in a tight, low-scoring game.

Coach: Miss Jesse Doran.

Junior girls had a great day on the court. They won 4 games and narrowly lost 2 games. Coach: Miss Tegan Douglas.

Junior boys also had an awesome day. The boys won 3 of 4 games, unfortunately going down to an undefeated St Matt’s Mudgee in a close last game.

Coach: Mr Connor Burke.

All players represented the school with pride and showed real strength. The moment of the day goes to the girls that pushed the bus in the morning to get us to the courts.

Jesse Doran | Intermediate Girls Coach

Resource Hub - Library

Dubbo Stampede Results

On the morning of Sunday 25 August, 21 St Johns College students and staff Members (current and alumni) completed  under very trying conditions at the Dubbo Stampede across the 5.3k Dingo Dash, 10k Cheetah Chase and 21.1k Zebra Zoom races. The races took in the Zoo Circuit, Obley Rd and the entire pedestrian pathway around the river.

This was the first occasion in my 17 year running career of over 50 events where it rained from start to finish for all events. Regand Park Trail and Tracker Reily both turned to rivers of mud by the time the Half Marathoners went through and the Zoo circuit was transformed into a waterlogged skating rink for everyone, meaning it was slow going overall.

Congratulations to the following individuals for taking part. Category placings have been given for participants where available. 

We also had a number of parents, siblings and former students take part as well (Including one Lochie Townsend who won the 5.3k event, but before he could celebrate the win he lined up for the 10k event and won that too!!).

Run of the day goes to Luke Doyle who managed a 4s PB (1:27:41) for the 21.1k Zebra Zoom under difficult conditions.

5.3k Dingo Dash

Brodie Pearson 25:41 5th (8) 1851
Julian New 31:54 14th (11)
Jonah Walker 32:51 (9) 1551
Ray Wooby 4th (FS) 1681
Olive Kerin 39:47 12th (9) 
Sienna Cavanagh 12th 39:47 (9)
Molly Knight 39:48 13th (9)
Jack Street 40:41 18th (10) 1656
Kate Davis 40th (S)
Patricia Strahorn 15th (S) 
Holly New 1:01:05 32nd (7)
Michael Minney 37th (S) 1114
Isaac Minney 1:08:54 11th (11)

10k Cheetah Chase

Molly Jones 48:54 4th (8)
Josh Fardell 51:47 7th (9)
Gus Campbell 56:13 5th (10)
Emma Robinson 1:07:54 5th (7)
Jacinta New 24th (S)

21.1k Zebra Zoom

Luke Doyle 4th (S)
Richard Eggleston 28th (S)
Nick Bakker 33rd (S)

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Attendance

We care about attendance because we care about your child.

Attending school special events are a break from the routine, providing students with a chance to enjoy themselves and have fun interacting with peers outside the regular classroom setting. Special events that occur during school hours or after school hours can introduce variety and novelty into the school routine. They offer a break from the everyday classroom activities, providing students with fresh and engaging experiences. Special events create a more relaxed and informal setting compared to regular classroom environments. This atmosphere encourages social interaction and allows students to interact with peers in a more laid-back manner. Participating in enjoyable and celebratory events contributes to positive emotional experiences. Students can experience joy, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie, fostering a positive outlook on their school experience. Encourage your child to attend and participate in school events to help create lasting positive memories of high school.

School Fees

Dear Parents/Guardians 

Thank you to our families who have paid their College fees.

Families paying their fees by the term please note instalment 3, the last instalment for the year, is now overdue, please ensure prompt payment.

For families making regular, weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments please ensure your payment plan is on track to have your College fees account finalised by 30 November 2024.

To ensure your College fees account is on track please note from today, Friday 30 August 2024 there are 14 weeks, 7 fortnights or 3 months until fees are due. Contact the College Fees Office if you need to adjust your payment plan.

HSC fees are due by 31 October 2024.

If you wish to discuss your account please contact the College Fees Office on 6841 5142 or email m.carlow@bth.catholic.edu.au.

Kind Regards 

Maree Carlow
Administration Finance Leader

Canteen

Free Parent/Carer Webinars

Council of Catholic Schools Parents Free Webinars for Parents and Carers (CSNSW Ref: 167/24)

Breaking Point with Dr Justin Coulson
Wednesday 11 September from 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Join Dr Justin Coulson, Australia’s leading parenting expert, as he unpacks the mental health crisis enveloping our kids. He’ll cover:

• The root causes behind the deteriorating state of mental health, and who (or what) is responsible
• The tools you need to reverse this trend for your children
• Science-backed, relationship-focused strategies to remedy school refusal
• Realistic approaches for managing screen time in a way that protects your child’s wellbeing without completely alienating them from their peers
• Creating margin in your home and family life to protect and promote mental wellness

To register click here.

Important Dates

Term 3 2024

If you would like to add the St Johns College Calendar
to your google calendar please click on this link.

Monday 2nd September
Year 7-10 Exams begin

Tuesday 3rd September
Year 12 Captains Speeches
HSC Industrial Technology Woodwork Exhibition

Wednesday 4th September
NSW Rugby Union Secondary Schools 7's Regional Gala Day

Thursday 5th September
Netball NSW Schools Cup
Yr 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

Wednesday 11th September
Elective Music Performance Night

Friday 15th September
HSC Visual Arts Exhibitiion

Monday 16th September
Year 10 Workplacement Week

Community News