St Johns College Dubbo Term 3, Week 4 2025

Principal

Dear Families

Last Friday we came together as a school community for our Academic Awards Assembly to celebrate the successes from Semester 1. It was wonderful to acknowledge the students who demonstrated excellence in their learning during Semester 1. We also celebrated those students who received the Shining Light Award for each cohort as well as those that have represented at a Combined Catholic Colleges level for sport. 

In the month leading up to the assembly the British and Irish Lions Rugby Union side was in Australia playing against the different Super Rugby franchises, which built towards a three test series against the Australian team the Wallabies. A former St Johns student Tom Robertson played in this test series. Tom, who has played over 30 tests for Australia, came to the College on Monday afternoon and spoke with our U14 Cochrane Cup Team. During the Principal’s Address I referenced a conversation that Tom Robertson had with those students. 

During his Q&A session, Tom shared his journey — not just as an elite athlete, but as someone deeply committed to learning and self-improvement.

​​Tom holds a Bachelor of Science and three Master’s degrees, he is currently finishing his studies to become an anaesthetist. That in itself is remarkable — but what stood out even more was his mindset. He was asked a question about the time that he really started to apply himself to his studies. He was honest in his response about a time in school when he made a mistake and was suspended. But instead of letting that define him, he took the time to reflect on his journey and look at the effort he was putting in with comparison to the sacrifices his parents were making and the effort of his teachers. That incident at school became a turning point. He realised the sacrifices his family had made for his education and made a decision to take responsibility, lift his game, and keep moving forward and be better everyday.

The reality is that all of those assembled will make mistakes along life's journey, we need to focus on our response to our mistakes and seek to always improve and be better.

Later, when Tom injured his ACL, he faced another setback. He could’ve rehabbed in Australia for 12 months. But instead, he used that time to push himself academically, taking up an opportunity at Oxford University and study another Masters Degree over two years. When things didn’t go Tom’s way, rather than feel sorry for himself he looked at what opportunities came from the set back and tried to reframe the incident to a positive.

Tom is a wonderful example of someone living our school theme — Resolve to be good today but better tomorrow. He’s focused on consistent and constant improvement, in every area of his life.

The point was made to the students that the assembly was a great opportunity for all to reflect on how they’re tracking this year — as a student, and as a person. Asking themselves whether they are showing up? Where could they further lift? Students have been encouraged to set challenging goals for the remainder of the year to ensure they become a better version of themselves.

Students can reflect on their current grades; they could strengthen their friendships or aim to become more organised, or simply they could just show more kindness — the question is always the same:

What can they do today that helps them to be better tomorrow?

I invite families to have a conversation with their child/ren about goal setting for the remainder of the year.

God bless

Mr Justin McCarney
Principal

Faith and Mission

Dear Families,

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This celebration is one of the four great Solemnities by which our Blessed Mother is honoured. Obviously, no other person other than our Lord is honoured and celebrated with as much solemnity as the Mother of God. The Solemnity of the Assumption honors the fact that when the Blessed Virgin Mary completed her life on earth, she was taken body and soul into Heaven to be with her resurrected Son so as to adore the Most Holy Trinity forever. A little bit of Church history for you - though this dogma of our faith had been held and believed by the faithful from the earliest times of our Church, it wasn’t until November 1, 1950, that Pope Pius XII solemnly proclaimed it to be so, raising this teaching of our faith to the level of a dogma, meaning, it must be held and believed by all. This morning in our homerooms, all students took part in a prayer service for the Assumption of Mary. We finished with the following prayer:

Father in heaven,
all creation rightly gives you praise,
for all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom
she who bore the Christ in her womb
was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Last week we were joined by Year 11 students from De LaSalle, Caringbah. As I mentioned in our last newsletter, both ourselves and De LaSalle Caringbah share the charism of St John Baptiste De LaSalle. Lots of our Year 11 students gave of their time on Wednesday afternoon and evening and Thursday night to welcome our guests and show them our wonderful school. Lots of new friendships were formed and the connection between our two schools deepened. It is so wonderful to watch our students step up when asked. They always represent our school with pride and I personally am always proud to ‘show them off' to our visitors. 

I got to show off another group of our students when I took 11 Year 10 CYSMI students over to St Brigid’s Catholic Primary school in Coonamble to help me run a Confirmation Retreat Day for their Year 5 and 6 students. We had a wonderful day in which our students were able to share their faith with the young people from Coonamble. It was a joy to watch the group connect with the Year 5 and 6 students but also with the younger students from the school at recess and lunch. If you need to smile, watch a group of Year 10 girls play Duck Duck Goose with a group of Year 1 kids!! The staff of St Brigid’s told me they were so very impressed with our students. I am so privileged that in my role I get to spend time with students ready to step up, shine their lights and share with others what it means to be a St John College student. 

Yours in faith

Mrs Elissa Burden
Leader of Faith and Mission

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Teaching and Learning

Academic Excellence Awards Semester 1

At our awards assembly last Friday we congratulated those students who have achieved outstanding academic results in Semester 1.

We celebrate their achievement, as well as the high level of dedication, and often tough decisions they have to make to focus on their study and assessment tasks. High grades don’t come for free. 

To determine our award recipients we have used a grade point average system. Simply, we have turned student grades into numbers and then calculated the average based on the number of subjects studied. This system rightly acknowledges the high level of consistency and effort students have shown across their subjects, as they have maintained a GPA of 3.4+

We also have a really large group of students who will be awarded Academic Achievement Awards at the next year group assemblies. These students have demonstrated great effort and achievement with GPAs of 2.7+.

Well done everyone - you are an inspiring and motivating force in our school.

Our assembly was hosted by Year 11. This has been their first opportunity to lead such an event, and they did so with absolute polish. 

YEAR 7
Luxi Liu, Lincoln Letfellah, Enya Xiao, Anne Campbell, Poppy Doughan, Willow Scott, Aleena Barlow, Thallien Abenoja, Nellie Goodridge, Claire Carolan, Nelisha Giri, Lyla Mikulic, Darcy Macleod, Chelsea Zukaukas

YEAR 8
Fiona Chen, Rihaana Jose, Harrison Edwards, Sienna Blackhall, Ellie Carrigan-Green, Ava Cross, Lilly Butler, Isla Maas, Risandi Herath-Pathiratnage, Phoebe Lavelle, Sarah McKechnie, Amelia Laws Kye Bywater, Cleo Hawcroft Amarni Reidy, Taylah Eames, Ivana Giri, Lilith Hanson, Lucius Morley Pauco, Lachlan Webeck, Sashmi Perera, Thaksan Seeralan

YEAR 9
Molly Jones, Angelina Perea, Riya Khamar, Ma Yzabela Jane Ampongan, Lucy Heckendorf, Trish Sophie Gonzales, Tatiana Pieterse, Brodie Pearson, Sophie Bleechmore, Rochelle Faber, Steven Ronquillo

YEAR 10
Jessica Ibe, Charlotte Newtead, Matilda Pickering, Zara Simmonds, Sarayu Prakashbabu, Callum Bowen, Harrison Cooke, Jonah Walker, Archie Dickson, Manan Rana

YEAR 11
Vaylia Sunderland, Bella Burden, Thashiru Abayawickrama, Noah Finlay, Heidi Connolly, Maggie Cowell, Liam Crowley, Angela Evans, Michael Ibe, Kirralee McAlister, Alayna Haque, James Fletcher, Isabella Minney

Parent Teacher Student Conferences 7 - 10

We are pleased to welcome 7 - 10 Parents and Students for Parent Teacher Conferences:

SJC Hall
28th August
3.30 - 7pm

Please keep an eye on Compass for booking information.

This is a great opportunity to discuss steps towards the upcoming exams for 7 - 9, and increased rigor in Semester 2 for Year 10 as they prepare to become Stage 6 students. 

7 - 9 Exams and Academic Care

Students in 7 - 9 have been understanding the significance of exams and ways they can become prepared for these important assessment tasks through their Academic Care lessons.

Topics have included:

• Understanding the purpose of exams
• Beating procrastination
• Setting up a study routine and schedule
• How memory works
• Tools for study
• How to structure study time

Parents have access to these resources through the Academic Care Course in Canvas.

Parents can support students in their preparation by:

• Helping students find a space to study
• Helping them to stick to their study plan
• Reading over exam notifications with them
• Testing them on flash cards or mind maps
• Reading over the Academic Care lessons in Canvas

Year 11 and Preliminary Examinations

Students continued their steps towards Preliminary Exams with Senior Study Mentor Cass McCarney during Academic Care this week. They built on their skills from the Elevate Education presentation.

Year 10 Subject Selections

With subject selections closing this week, students are participating in subject tasters and individual interviews with their families.

Parents can access our subject selection meetings, including presentations from our Faculty Leaders through our Canvas course here: https://cedb.instructure.com/courses/1275

Trial Examinations

We wish our Year 12 students all the very best for their continuing HSC Trial Examinations.

These continue until Monday 18th August. 

Mrs McCarney has been providing students with lots of study advice, and our teachers have been running many tutorials at lunch and after school.

Here are some really useful links to boost Trials study and preparation:

Study Planner Template

HSC Examinations - Past Papers

HSC Standards Materials - Sample Responses

Atomi Study Tips

Art of Smart Trials Mark Calculator

It is an extremely busy and often stressful time for students as these important exams typically coincide with the submission of major projects in many subjects. Students are reminded that there are lots of supports in place to navigate this time.

Here are some essentials:

• Understand all of your commitments over the next 2 weeks - including those relating to sport, work, social life, family etc.
• Plan your time so you have a clear understanding of when you can study and what to focus on.
• Use the resources in your “Year 12 Study Skills” course in Atomi.
• Make sure you know how your exam paper works by viewing past papers and doing some practice questions. 
• Ask for help - from your teachers, your Year Leader, your family - to help you stay on track, to help you clarify your understanding, and especially, to help you create a strategy if you are feeling really stressed.
• Look after yourself. Sleep, eat, drink lots of water, move your body, stay in contact with others.

Thinking about University?

Between 70 - 80% of students graduating from SJC head off to uni. 

If you are starting to think about uni, you are encouraged to reach out to our Pathways Coordinator Mrs Strahorn, who has a wealth of expert advice and can point you in the right direction.

The Art of Smart has released its full list of open days. These are brilliant ways to compare institutions and see first hand the resources available.

ART OF SMART Full list of Uni Open Days

Warm regards

Mrs Catherine Jones
Leader of Teaching and Learning

Academic Assembly

Last week, we proudly recognised the outstanding achievements of our students during the Academic Assembly for Term 1 & 2.

A huge congratulations to all award recipients — your dedication, focus, and perseverance are a testament to what can be achieved through hard work.

Greatness is built on discipline, resilience, and a willingness to grow. It’s the extra hours of study, the questions asked, the setbacks overcome, and the mindset that every challenge is an opportunity to learn.

At St John's College, we are incredibly proud of our students’ drive for excellence and their determination to make the most of every opportunity. You inspire us all.

Keep striving, keep growing, and keep believing in what’s possible.

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Literacy

Mr Keith Hill | Literacy Coordinator

Pathways

Orana Youth Forum 

SJC Year 10-11 and 12 students are invited to express interest in attending the Orana Youth Forum by completing this EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

Yr 11 2025 Subject Selection & Faculty Fair

Last week we held our Year 11 2025 Subject Selection and Faculty Fair — a fantastic evening filled with insight, exploration, and future planning! Thank you to all our Year 10 parents and carers who joined us. It was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with you and your child in shaping their final years of schooling for success. Your support plays a vital role in helping students make informed, confident decisions about their academic pathway.

Chess

St. Johns College travelled to Gilgandra High School on Monday 11th August, 2025 to play Round 5 in the NSW Junior Chess League Competition - Western Region Division. Our team of four players - Sarayu, Callum, Archie and Dilan - plus Reserves - Leanne and Jonah - played against the Gilgandra team consisting of Beau, Xavier, Jarvis and Daksh. The students really enjoyed playing their games. Board 2, in particular, battled fiercely for an hour and most of the chess pieces were taken before St. Johns was declared the winner. The Gilgandra Chess Team also played friendly games against our players in the interim. This puts St. Johns College into Round 6 of the competition and the game will be played later this term.

We would like to thank Gilgandra High School for their friendliness and hospitality.

Congratulations and thank you to our Chess Team.

Mrs. Bruce | Chess Team Leader

Culture

Minokamo Japanese Delegation Visit SJC welcomed students and chaperones from Minokamo, Dubbo's Japanese sister city. Students compared life in Australia and Japan and attended classes. They discovered Aboriginal culture, visited our Ag farm and enjoyed an Aussie BBQ. Some of our students and teachers are looking forward to visiting Minokamo in September.

Mrs Patricia Strahorn | Stage 6 Pathways & ASPA Coordinator

Geography

2025 Australian Geography Competition

The results are in for the 2025 Australian Geography competition that Year 10 and Year 12 participated in Term 2. 52,000 students participated from 600 schools nationwide. Our best result was Erica L from Year 12 who was placed in the Top 10 in Australia. This is a fantastic individual achievement. Overall the College had some terrific results. Congratulations to the following students on their success.

TOP 1%
Year 12 - Erica L
Erica's mark was Equal 2nd in Australia. (Shared by 9 other students) and this placed her in the Top 10 Year 12 Students in Australia. This is the best result the College has received since first participating in the annual competition over 25 years ago.
HIGH DISTINCTION
Year 10 - Harry M and Elsie O
DISTINCTION
Year 10 - Jonah W
Year 12 - Zavier N
CREDIT
Year 10 - Jessica I and Harrison C
Year 12 - Archie M

Mr Andy Haycock | Teacher

Lanuage

French Fashion

Year 10 French students have been learning about French fashion and acquiring vocabulary and grammar to describe what people wear. The unit ended with a fashion parade where students had to design garments using newspaper, ribbon, staples and sticky tape. Congratulations to Lily and Annabelle for winning first prize and thank you to Mrs Bussey for being our guest judge.

Mrs Patricia Strahorn | Stage 6 Pathways/ASPA Coordinator

Sport

NSW Country All Schools Final

After being crowned Western Region Premiers, the Under 15 Boys Bill Turner Cup team travelled to Albury to compete in the finals.The boys played two strong matches against Maribyrnong College and St John Paul II (ACT). While they were unfortunately unsuccessful in securing a win, they showcased impressive skill, sportsmanship, and represented the College with pride. Congratulations, boys! The school is proud of your efforts and looks forward to seeing what you can achieve next year.

Mr Zac O'Leary | Wellbeing Assistant/PDHPE Teacher

Parent Webinars

AI & The Digital Generation

Thursday 21st August 12:30pm - 1:15pm

AI-assisted image-based abuse: Navigating the deepfake threat - AI tools are evolving rapidly and unfortunately, some are being used to harm children through deep fakes and altered images. Join the eSafety Commissioner for a free 45-minute webinar exploring the risks of AI-assisted image-based abuse and how you can help protect your child.

SJC Flash Sale

Resource Hub - Library

RESOURCE REVIEW

School Fees

SJC - School Fees - Term 3 Instalment Due 15 August 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians 

Thank you to those families who have already paid their College school fees.

Families paying their school fees by the term please note your final instalment for the year, instalment 3, is due by this Friday 15 August 2025.

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 2025.\

To ensure your College fees account is on track by the due date, please note from this Friday 15 August 2025 there are 16 weeks, 8 fortnights or 4 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 2025.

You can check your balance owing and make payments via the Compass App or BPAY.

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 | Finance Leader

Important Dates

Term 3 2025

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

Monday 18th August
U14 Rugby League - Cochran Cup, Albion Park
 Year 11 Nominated Leaders Day

Tuesday 19th August
U14 Rugby League - Cochran Cup, Albion Park
NSW CCC Netball Carnival
Yr 11 Legal Studies Court Visit

Wednesday 20th August
NSW CCC Netball Carnival

Thursday 21st August
Simon Dewar REAL School vists
Diocesan Athletics Carnival

Friday 22nd August
Simon Dewar REAL School visits
CSYMI Rise Up - Blayney

Monday 25th August
Futsal State Championships

Tuesday 26th August
Futsal State Championships
SJC String Ensemble - RSL Lifecare Performance
Rotary Public Speaking Competition 6pm

Wednesday 27th August
Whitecard
Yr 11 Music Soiree

Thursday 28th August
Parent Student Teacher Conferences 3.30pm - 7pm

Friday 29th August
Bathurst Diocesan Basketball
Yr 12 Music - Final Soiree

Community Notices

2025 Dubbo Stampede

The entries are flowing in thick and fast for the 2025 Dubbo Stampede, to be held on the 7th September 2025. This year's relocation to Ollie Robbins Oval brings with it a new event village and all-new courses.

On offer for all are the 5.3k Dingo Dash and 10k Cheetah Chase. For 16s and over we have the 21.1k Zebra Zoom Half Marathon and the 42.2k Rhino Ramble Marathon for over 18s only.

Part of this annual event is the Regional Australia Bank Schools Challenge. This year, those taking part can earn more points for their school by undertaking more challenging events. Including these two young lads.....

Angus Campbell (Yr11) and Hugh Bevan (Yr12) took advantage of a special offer of free event entry put forth by Mr Richard Eggleston in his role as a Stampede Committee member and have both signed up for the challenging Half Marathon. 

This gruelling event will take runners on a large loop around the Macquarie River, including an out-and back spur on the LH Ford Bridge and a reverse lap of Dubbo Zoo, before finishing back at Ollie Robbins Oval. A fully certified 21.095km Half Marathon with a total of 140m elevation gain.

A Parkrun regular, this will be Gus' first Half Marathon. Tracksesh aficionado Hugh is looking to improve upon his recent 2:36 Half Marathon in Canberra back in April. Who will emerge victorious? As always, the sport of road running will have the final say....

For more information about the Dubbo Stampede, get in touch with Mr Eggleston in the Maths Faculty or visit www.dubbostampede.com.au

Mr Richard Eggleston.