St Johns College Dubbo Term 2, Week 4 2024

Principal

Dear St Johns Community

It’s lovely to be able to write my first newsletter article in the role of St Johns College Principal. I feel blessed to have been so warmly welcomed by the community. On Monday we had a full school assembly in the Hall where we were able to come together to celebrate many successes that students achieved over the weeks prior.

At the assembly I had the chance to address the community and introduce myself. This may be a good forum to also introduce myself. I started my teaching journey in Sydney Catholic Schools prior to teaching at an Independent Catholic School. In 2003 I started teaching here at St Johns College Dubbo. During this time I met and married my wife Cass and we had our four children. At the end of 2013 we moved to pursue some new leadership opportunities within our diocese and for the last six years I have been the Head of Campus at St Matthews Catholic School in Mudgee. I am excited to be back in Dubbo, a place that I hold very close to my heart. 

The timing of starting this week has been brilliant as it gave me my first taste of Interschools Catholic Cup, what a day! As a school we are incredibly grateful for all the hard work that staff put into the organisation of the Interschools Catholic Cup, the day ran so smoothly due to their efforts. It was great seeing the students work hard and work together in their chosen endeavours. This effort paid dividends with much success throughout the day. What was extremely evident during the day and the days prior was the enormous amount of pride and school spirit that all the students demonstrated. The students supported and encouraged each other and celebrated each other's successes. Whilst I have not had many opportunities this week to visit many classes, I very much look forward to witnessing the same hard work, support and encouragement occur inside the learning environment so that our students can achieve the same successes in their learning that they experienced during the most recent Interschools Catholic Cup.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work that Mr Ray Wooby has done as Interim Principal at the College. He has an enormous amount of expertise in leading schools and his calm and measured demeanour has been a great asset to the community. Mr Wooby finishes with us next Friday 31st May, I am sure you will join me in wishing Mr Wooby the best for the future.

God Bless,

Justin McCarney
Principal

Religious Education

Dear Families,

“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

                                                          John 14:15-31

On Tuesday Week 3 and Tuesday Week 4, I had the pleasure of running, with the help of some amazing Year 10 CSYMI students, two Year 6 pre-Confirmation Retreat days. The days saw our 4 Catholic feeder schools, St Johns Primary, St Laurences, St Mary’s and St Pius come and join us here at the College for a day of games, reflection, discussion, music and prayer in order to prepare our Year 6 students for the Sacrament of Confirmation which takes place at St Brigids over the next few weeks. Both days were a wonderful opportunity for our Year 10 students to connect with the Year 6 students (most of whom will come to the College next year) and lead by example as to what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Our Year 10 students who took part are to be commended on the kindness, patience and positivity that they displayed to our Year 6 visitors. 

I explained to our Year 6 visitors something that I hope our St Johns College community already knows. Christianity is not just words on a page. It does not become all it can be until people are living out the teachings of Jesus. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are reminded of who Jesus was and what He taught us. We are reminded of His example of tolerance, patience, compassion and empathy. I have asked many of our students during class and liturgies to imagine a world in which every person treated one another the way Jesus treated all He encountered. I ask all members of our community to consider how incredible St Johns College could be if every single member lived out every single day the teachings of Jesus. If every one of us made sure our actions and words were ones of kindness. If we all displayed compassion and empathy. As a Catholic school, we have the ultimate guide in terms of how to live our lives - Jesus Christ. It is my hope that as a community we are constantly striving to bring to life His teachings. 

Yours in Faith

Elissa Burden
Leader of Ministry and Mission

Learning and Teaching

Assessment:

Assessment tasks for Term 2 are now being posted in Canvas. 

To ensure you are organised and planning your time effectively in the lead up to assessment, students should check their calendar in Canvas regularly. This shows tasks as they are posted and their due date.

Parents wanting to stay up to date can similarly check the calendar in Canvas. If you have more than one child, this calendar will combine their tasks and can be colour coded for each child. 

The Canvas Portal for parents is in the Parents and Families menu on our College Website.

Especially in the early years of highschool, parents can be vital in helping students adopt a regular homework/study routine at home.

Best advice:

• Don’t put off assessment tasks, chip away at them from the date of distribution
• Complete all homework and Canvas tasks
• Catch up through Canvas if you are away
• If you are a senior student, get a study routine mastered - there is lots of help available
  

Maths Homework:

Completing skills and drills at home can really advance student understanding in Maths. 

The Maths Department has launched a new approach to homework for Years 7 - 10. Students will complete a weekly homework drills sheet, which we encourage parents to sign. This homework sheet should be supplemented with the assigned Maths Pathway modules. 

We are really pleased by the impressive uptake of this homework in Maths, and encourage all of our students to keep up this application.

N Awards and Year 10, 11 and 12

The awarding of external credentials such as the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) is a worthy goal for students from Years 10 through 12 as these credentials can be used as a means of accessing post-school training and other career opportunities. For these reasons, and to maintain the integrity of the system, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has put in place strict guidelines regarding students’ satisfactory completion of courses. 

If a student is not meeting requirements, they are sent a ‘Non-completion Warning’ (or N Award Warning). A copy is posted home, which outlines: 1) any issues of concern or outstanding work, and 2) a date by which students should redeem the outcomes of the missed work.

A warning is typically given if a student does not submit, or is absent for, an assessment task, and/or, has not demonstrated sustained diligence and application in class.  

A student may not be showing sustained diligence and application for reasons such as disengagement in class activities, not completing required class or homework and/or not making a serious effort to achieve outcomes. A teacher will make this assessment over a period of weeks.  An N warning can also be issued for a non-serious attempt in an assessment task (e.g. a frivolous or inappropriate response).

Year 12 Study Skills and Atomi

Now is the time for our Year 12 students to start to get exam ready. 

With most courses having 2 assessment tasks to come (including the Trial Examination) students can still have a huge impact on their ultimate achievement in Year 12 and the HSC.

In the coming fortnight we will be commencing guided study opportunities in some of our study periods. These are designed to help students maximise their study time and ensure that what they are doing when they study will have the most impact on their learning, skills and retention.

In addition, we encourage Year 12 to make use of their Study Skills course through their Atomi login. This is a motivating and practical course that ranges in topics from Goals and Mindsets, Assessment and Study Techniques, and Cognitive Verbs. 

Don’t forget that if you are having trouble planning a study routine and find that you have many commitments you are trying to juggle, there is plenty of help available. Mrs Jones, Mr O’Dea and Mrs Strahorn can help you get on track.

Year 10 Subject Selection

We are very excited to start working with students in Year 10 on their subject selections for next year.

This is a lengthy process as we aim to ensure that every individual has all of the information they need to make the best decisions for their future. While some students will already have some career aspirations, most will not, so our key message is: select the subjects you enjoy, are good at, and can be most successful in. 

Here is a brief rundown of our upcoming subject selection events for Year 10 this term:
Weeks 3 - 5:         Individual meetings with all students
Week 6:         Stage 6 information evening for parents and students
Week 7:        Faculty Fair, Subject Workshops, and Parent and Student Interviews
Week 9:        Subject selection

There is much more information to come through Compass and our Newsletter.

Literacy Focus 2024 

Teaching writing is the key focus of our professional learning for teachers this year. 

We know that teaching writing is the quickest way to improving outcomes for all students, and can be a discerning factor in higher range responses in HSC examinations. 

Over the next two weeks, students in Year 7 will undertake ACER testing. This is a short test that assesses student writing. The data will give us a great sense of how students are progressing in their writing and how our strategies are going.

Here is the SJC Literacy Focus for 2024:

Warm regards

Catherine Jones
Leader of Teaching and Learning

Pathways and Careers

UAC presentations just a click away

While our Community Engagement team travels far and wide to meet thousands of students, it's not possible to visit every school in person. However, their expert presentations on subject selection, the ATAR and university applications are now ready for you to share with your students at any time. They're available on our UAC Digital YouTube channel, along with a new step-by-step video guide to completing the UAC application, and much more.



Year 10 presentation:
The ATAR and subject selection

• Gives advice on choosing HSC subjects
• Explains course prerequisites, assumed knowledge and recommended studies
• Addresses additional selection criteria

Year 12 presentation:
The ATAR and applying through UAC

• Explains the ATAR calculation process (including scaling) and the difference between HSC marks and ATARs
• Provides an overview of how to apply for admission to uni in 2025
• Defines selection ranks and adjustment factors

Step-by-step video guide:
How to apply for uni through UAC as a Year 12 student

Runs through the complete application, from registration through to changing preferences and checking offers.

Patricia Strahorn | Stage 6 Future Pathways
p.strahorn@bth.catholic.edu.au

Pathways Hub - White Card

Sign up for white card for Term 3!
10 Spots available for that session!

Miss Lappa - Pathways Assistant

Student Leadership Program

School Captains Visit Parliament in Sydney

Each year secondary school leaders from all NSW high schools are invited to visit the Parliament of New South Wales to participate in the Secondary Student Leadership Program.  
This year our School Captains, Isabella and Ajay attended the event along with Mrs Michelle Morgan.  
The program recognises the school leadership role of students and provides them with the opportunity to meet their elected representatives and to develop their knowledge of constitutional and parliamentary processes including the role of the Governor. During the program students hear from Members and Parliamentary Officers, view proceedings from the public galleries and visit Government House to meet with Her Excellency, the Governor.

English

Evatt Model UN - Bathurst
St Johns students created a new world order at the Evatt Model UN. Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Malta and Japan worked with other delegates to pass resolutions on asylum seekers and universal healthcare. 

Highlights included Swiss delegate Butcherine challenging Russia on its plans to invade Ukraine, and then Russia forming unlikely allies with the United Kingdom to negotiate outcomes with Syria to deal with a political crisis. 
A rewarding experience for all of our teams - we wait to hear of the results next week, with the winning teams advancing to the semi-final round in Sydney.

Mr Chris Rollo | Assistant KLA English

Agriculture

Native Stingless Bees

Our Agriculture students have been learning about the importance of bees in our farm ecosystems and the pollination services they provide. SJC was grateful to receive some Native Stingless Bees during the holidays through the 2024 Native Bee Enterprise Program. The Native Bees Enterprise Program is a joint endeavour between the Rural Learning Exchange (RLE) and the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP), in collaboration with Bee Innovative, a leading company in the bee industry. This program supported our Year 10 Agriculture students in particular who completed a unit on Bees as an alternative enterprise during Term 1.

Emma Rice | Teacher

Resource Hub - Library

Book Review

Mrs Bruce | Teacher Librarian

Sport

Diocesan Basketball Gala Day

On Thursday 16th May, our open boy and girls basketball teams participated in the Dio Basketball competition in Bathurst. It was a great day filled with talent, skill, sportsmanship and many laughs.The girls team won 3 out of 4 games, unfortunately going down to James Sheehan in the final. A massive thank you to Year 12 student Molly Croft for taking the lead and coaching this team. The boys teams won 4 out of the 5 games placing them in the final against James Sheehan. The boys had a convincing win in the final, coming home with the shield. Well done to those involved!

Mrs Sophie Brotherton & Mrs Stacey O'Neill

Jazzy Selected for the NSW CCC U16 Basketball

Congratulations to Jazzy G who has been selected for the NSW CCC U16 Basketball side following selections in Sydney this week. Well done Jazzy!

Chloe selected for the Southern Country CCC Girls Open Soccer Team

Congratulations to Chloe O. who has made the Southern Country CCC Team!  
She will be competing/trialing in Sydney 27th - 29th May to potentially make the NSW CCC Opens Team.
Good luck Chloe!

Interschool Catholic Cup - St Johns v's Red Bend (Rnd 2)

St Johns Wins the Day!

St Johns and Red Bend had a great day of fun and sportsmanship competing for the Interschool Catholic Cup on Thursday 23rd May.  St Johns won the day winning 9 of the 13 events!  

Chess - Win (46-18)     Most valuable player - Hugh Bevan
Theatre Sport - Win     Most valuable player - Olivia Elton
Engineering - Loss (112-111)    Most valuable player - Harry Meadows
Debating - Loss    Most valuable player - Jonty Winsley
Boys Touch - Win (3-1)   Most valuable player - Cooper Townsend
Girls Touch - Win (9-0)   Most valuable player - Sienna Angus
Volleyball - Loss (2-1)   Most valuable player - Luke O'Neill
Girls Basketball - Win (73-10)   Most valuable player - Abby Osborne
Boys Basketball - Win (78-32)   Most valuable player - Callum Bowen
Netball - Win (20-11)   Most valuable player - Ruby Morgan
Frisbee - Win (5-3)   Most valuable player - Ryan Boland
League Tag - Draw (18-18)   Most valuable player - Ava Francisco
Rugby League - Win (32-22)  Most valuable player - Cooper Townsend

Cold and Flu Season

To assist in preventing the spread of illness, we seek your co-operation keeping children at home if they are symptomatic.

Transmission and Contagiousness
Both colds and flu are highly contagious and can be easily spread from person to person. Cold viruses are typically spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Flu viruses are also spread through the air but can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces. Practicing good hygiene and taking preventative measures to reduce the spread of illness is essential.

We thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

Cambodia Immersion Project 2024 Fundraiser

Cambodia Immersion Project 2024 Fundraiser
Cambodian Evening of Canapes and Live Entertainment
Saturday 1st June
5pm - 9pm
Tickets $30 per person

Lazy River Estate in support of St Johns College Dubbo invite you to help raise funds to assist the 2024 Cambodia Immersion Project by St Johns College.
Children and staff of the College, along with the directors of Lazy River Estate will embark on an 8 day intensive home building project this July, that will house local and underprivlidged families for the next 30 years.
All ticket proceeds will be donated towards St Johns College 2024 Cambodia Immersion Project.
https://www.lazyriverestate.com.au/event/cambodia-immersion-project-2024-fundraiser

Parents and Caregivers Online Seminar

Respectful Relationship Seminar
Monday 3rd June @ 6.30pm

The topic 'Respectful Relationship' is something that our young people are faced with more than ever. Parents often find it difficult to deal with, or even speak with, their children about this topic. Talking to your children about consent, teen culture and technology is extremely important in this day and age. 

The CEDB have organised an online seminar run by RealTalk for our parents and carers  that covers this topic. 
Join Zoom Meeting

Attendance

We care about attendance because we care about your child.

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 2 is due by this Friday 24 May 2024.

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 this week, Friday 24 May 2024 there are 28 weeks, 14 fortnights or 7 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

Important Dates

Term 2 2024

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

Thursday 23rd May
Interschool Cup - St Johns v's Red Bend

Tuesday 28th May
ANU Math Competition - Canberra
U15 State Basketball Championship

Wednesday 29th May
ANU Math Competition - Canberra
U15 State Basketball Championship
Dioesan Spelling Bee

Thursday 30th May
Netball NSW Schools Cup Carnival
White Card Course

Friday 31st May
NSW Junior Chess Competition

Tuesday 4th June
Country Cup Rugby League Dubbo Gala Day
Dubbo Eisteddfod - SJC Band

Wednesday 5th June
P&F Meeting

Thursday 6th June
SJC Athletics Carnival, Barden Park
Dubbo Eisteddfod - Rock Bands

Monday 10th June
Kings Birthday Holiday

Community News

The Dubbo Stampede

The Dubbo Stampede is on again, on Sunday 25th August. We are looking for the greatest participation ever from staff and students of St Johns College for one of the largest events on Dubbo’s annual sporting calendar.

A variety of events are on offer. The 5.3k Dingo Dash comprises of one lap of the Zoo, open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The 10km Cheetah Chase adds an extra challenge of an out and back loop on Obley Road, also open to all ages.

For existing runners aged 16 and above, the 21.1k Zebra Zoom is a challenging Half Marathon event taking in a lap of the Tracker Riley, Regand Park and Zoo circuits. At 3 months out, now is the time to start training for this demanding outing. And finally, again for those serious runners aged 16 years or over, we have the Rhino Ramble, a full 42.2km Marathon that is the ultimate test of fitness, strength and determination.

Visit the event website DUBBO STAMPEDE for registration, course maps and elevation profiles, and entry fees. Students are welcome to get in touch with Mr Eggleston to help decide which event might be appropriate for them, and for advice and support in training and preparation.