St Johns College Dubbo Term 4, Week 2 2024

Principal

Dear St Johns Community

Last Friday night I sat and watched the first game of the Pacific Championship with my family. It was so wonderful to see two former students, Matt Burton, HSC Class of 2018 and Isaah Yeo, HSC Class of 2012, representing Australia in this game. Isaah was recently named captain of the team which made me reflect on his journey from student at the College to receiving the highest accolade in the game. I was lucky to have a conversation with Isaah’s father, Justin about his rise to the top. It is a great story which I think is very worthwhile for students to understand. Isaah was a good, solid underage footballer but was never considered outstanding and was certainly not first chosen in representative sides.

What Isaah may have lacked in natural ability he more than made up for in his desire to play in the NRL. He made sacrifices during his time at the College and was strategic in the way he spent his social time. He got a start in the NRL system with Penrith and continued to work hard and made his way through the grades. During this time he saw more naturally talented players fall by the wayside, and lose their opportunities as they lacked the commitment required to succeed at that level. Isaah has been steadfast in his commitment to work to capacity. One element of his game that I find remarkable is that each year he is better than the year previous. After so much success it would be understandable to plateau or become complacent. I think that there is a lesson for all in this and that is to be open to continuous improvement and keep learning. Isaah doesn’t leave anything to chance in his preparation and meticulously plans for his performance. I think the lesson for our students is that excellence isn’t an accident, excellence comes from working hard, elementing excuses by controlling the controllables. 

It is important that we take the opportunity to reflect on not merely Matt and Isaah’s success on the rugby league field but how their skills and work ethics provide inspiration and a template for us in getting sustained improvement in our classrooms and beyond.

God bless,

Yours faithfully

Mr Justin McCarney
Principal

Ministry and Mission

Dear Families

It is always a pleasure to be able to share with our community times when our students have brought to life the values of the College. On Tuesday, I took a group of Year 10 and 11 students to St Michael’s Primary School in Dunedoo for a Music Spirituality Day. The students assisted me in leading the Infants and Primary students in prayer, reflection and discussion. We used live music to structure the day, teaching the St Michael’s students 3 songs with actions. The songs had themes of being created by God and knowing how unique each of us are, Jesus being a lighthouse who shines the way and letting our own lights shine, and knowing that we can and should rely on Jesus for love and support. These are themes that were wonderful to share with young students but are also extremely relevant to our students at the College. It was a joy to watch our students interacting with the St Michael’s students, to watch them encouraging and supporting them. Most importantly, that our students were themselves shining their lights, sharing their gifts and celebrating the unique young people they are. 

There was a palpable sense of joy and love in the room and our students got a lot out of the day, as did the St Michael’s students. Please enjoy the photos below. I look forward to being able to run more of these Spirituality days in the future. 

Yours faithfully

Mrs Elissa Burden
Leader of Ministry and Mission

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NSW Youth Advisory Council

We are incredibly proud to announce that Mia R from Year 9 has been selected as one of just 12 members from hundreds of applications across NSW to join the NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC)! The YAC plays a crucial role in advising the NSW Government on issues relevant to young people, meeting regularly throughout the year to provide insights to the Minister for Youth and the Advocate for Children and Young People on policies and laws affecting children and youth in our state.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, Mia attended the groundbreaking Social Media Summit over the holidays, co-hosted by the NSW Government and the Government of South Australia. This summit gathered policymakers, academics, and youth to discuss the impacts of social media on young minds and explore ways to safeguard children from potential harm. At this influential event, Mia engaged directly with the Premiers of NSW and South Australia, sharing her thoughts on these vital issues.

Congratulations, Mia, on your outstanding accomplishments and for representing our school and your peers with such passion and dedication! We can't wait to see the positive impact you will make!

Miss Tegan Douglas | Yr 9 Leader

Cattle Team

Our cattle team students have been practicing Junior Judging on Steers, Heifers and Bulls. They are learning about market specifications in steers, structural integrity, reproductive traits and femininity in breeding females as well as improving their public speaking skills.

Mr Ben Toll | Cattle Team Coordinator

Music

Combined Catholic Schools Ensemble

We welcomed musicians from St Laurence's and St Johns' Primary Schools in a combined rehearsal learning some great new music.

Ms Jane Bowen | Music Teacher

Student Road Safety

Yr 11 students participated in the interactive RYDA Road Safety Program providing students with tools, habits and motivation to take action and stay safe on our roads as both drivers and passengers throughout their lives.

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Sport

Dubbo League Tag Gala Day

On Tuesday 90 girls represented the College at the Dubbo League Tag Gala Day run by NRL Western. We had eight teams playing throughout the day, with the girls winning the majority of their games. It was a record breaking day as this is the largest representation from one school at any Western High Schools Gala Rugby League day! The girls were terrific ambassadors for the College showing competitiveness and respect throughout the day. This concludes the rugby league program for 2024. This year we have had 250 students represent the College in Rugby League (tackle or tag).

Mr Andy Haycock | Rugby League Coorindator

CCC Basketball Finals

Last week the SJC boys basketball teams travelled to Penrith to participate in the CCC Basketball Finals. It was a great couple of days for the boys who participated at this high level of competition. Both teams qualified for the quarter finals following their pool matches. The Junior team were beaten by St Edwards Gosford 59-30 while the Intermediate team lost to Mater Marie Warriewood 50-49 in their quarterfinal. A shout out to James Robinson of Year 11 who coached the Junior side and Mr Josh Parkinson who coached Intermediate boys.

Mr Dave McAlister | Sports Coorindator

Resource Hub - Library

Attendance

We care about attendance because we care about your child.

Ensuring that students arrive at school on time every day is crucial for their academic success and wellbeing. Parents play a crucial role in instilling the importance of punctuality in their children. Here are some strategies for parents to make getting students to school on time every day a top priority:

- Establish a Consistent Routine. Set a daily routine that includes specific times for waking up, getting ready, having breakfast, and leaving for school. Consistency helps children and develop good habits.

- Model Punctuality. Children often learn by example. Demonstrate the importance of punctuality by being on time for family events, appointments, and other commitments. 

- Limit or Have No Screen Time in the Morning. Minimise distractions such as excessive screen time in the morning. This helps your child stay focused on getting ready for school without unnecessary delays.

School Fees

Dear Parents/Guardians 

Welcome to Term 4. 

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 Friday 25 October 2024 there are 6 weeks, 3 fortnights or 1 month 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

Parent Webinars

Breaking Point, with Dr Justin Coulson
Wednesday 30 October
7pm - 8pm
Email us on office@ccsp.catholic.edu.au for the link

Important Dates

Term 4 2024

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

Monday 28th October
Yr 11 Elevate Education

Tuesday 29th October
NSW Vaccination Clinic - Catch ups

Thursday 31st October
U15 Berg Shield Cricket

Saturday 2nd November
First Lego League Competition Sydney

Monday 4th November
The UpGen Project

Tuesday 5th November
Year 11 Food Tech Excursion Little Big Dairy

Wednesday 6th November
GRIP Leadership Day (Yr 10 & 11 Students)

Thursday 7th November
Yr 10 Elective Science Excursion
Yr 11 Parent/Teacher/Student Conference

Friday 8th November
Yr 10 Elective Science Excursion

Community Notices