SJRC Newsletter: Term 2 Week 10 - 4th July 2025

Term 2 Highlights – A Semester of Growth, Achievement, and Creativity

As Term 2 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable dedication shown by our students, staff, and families throughout the semester. It’s been a term marked by hard work, creativity, and a strong sense of community spirit.

Celebrating Student Achievement

Today, we hosted our Year 7–10 Semester One Awards Ceremony, recognising the outstanding effort and academic growth of our students. The number of awards presented is a testament to the positive learning routines and strong study habits our students have developed this year.

Congratulations to all award recipients - you’ve demonstrated what it means to be focused, consistent, and committed to learning. A sincere thank you also to the families who attended the ceremony. Your ongoing support makes a significant difference and is a crucial part of your child’s success.

Award recipient names can be found in Mr Lutton’s, Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching article.

SJRC Dance Company Triumphs at Kempsey Eisteddfod

We are thrilled to announce that the SJRC Dance Company has taken out First Place at the Kempsey Dance Eisteddfod!

Their performance—a moving exploration of vulnerability and resilience—left a lasting impression on both the audience and the adjudicator. This result reflects the incredible dedication, talent, and teamwork of our dancers, who rehearse each Monday morning under the expert guidance of choreographer Ange Jamieson and Leader of Creative Arts, Mrs Jenny Grein.

Congratulations to each member of the company for your commitment and hard work. You continue to represent SJRC with passion and excellence both on and off the stage!

Dance and Drama Showcase: A Night of Artistic Brilliance

On Thursday evening, our community gathered to celebrate the creativity and courage of our Dance and Drama students at the annual Showcase Evening.

From emotional contemporary dance pieces to high-energy jazz and musical theatre numbers, as well as powerful dramatic performances. The night was a celebration of performance in all its forms. Students from various year groups shared their talents on stage, many presenting works-in-progress that will be further refined for upcoming assessment tasks.

It was inspiring to see students embrace the opportunity to perform and reflect on their creative growth. Thank you to our enthusiastic audience of family and friends, and our dedicated staff—Mrs Jenny Grein and Mrs Fiona Jensen—for their tireless support and encouragement.

Most importantly, thank you to our students. Your courage to perform, your willingness to grow, and your respect for each other truly reflect the spirit of the performing arts at SJRC.

Year 11 2026 Information Evening

Enrolment for Year 11 2026 is fast approaching. Our current Year 10 families are invited to attend the evening. 

Register here to attend the evening

Wishing all families a safe and restful holiday break. We look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready for a dynamic and rewarding Term 3.

Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal

Studies of Religion Intensive Enrichment Day: A Resounding Success at CSU Port Macquarie!

On Wednesday, 2nd July, Charles Sturt University's Port Macquarie campus warmly welcomed Year 12 Studies of Religion students from St Joseph's Regional College and St Paul's College Kempsey for a vibrant and insightful Intensive Enrichment Day. This event provided a valuable opportunity for our students to engage with the diverse and complex world of religion at a university level, moving beyond their typical classroom curriculum.

Throughout the day, students immersed themselves in dynamic workshops and interactive sessions led by both CSU academics and distinguished external guest speakers. Professor Dominic O'Sullivan led a session on the Indigenous Land Rights Movement. Diverse Christian traditions were represented by Rev. Anthony Gooley, a Catholic Deacon, Rev. Mark Worthing, the pastor of the local Lutheran church, and Rev. Lofa Anga’aelangi from the Uniting Church, who spoke about Baptism from their respective traditions. Additionally, Ahmet Ozturk and Uzair Hussain from the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) of CSU led insightful sessions on the Hajj Pilgrimage and Aisha. The day culminated in a stimulating Q&A session, which allowed students to engage directly with these academic experts and religious practitioners.

Student feedback overwhelmingly highlighted their appreciation for the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects, ask challenging questions, and connect with peers who share similar interests. The Studies of Religion Intensive Enrichment Day at Charles Sturt University's Port Macquarie campus proved to be a valuable experience for all participants, fostering intellectual curiosity and providing a unique platform for pre-tertiary students to engage with this fascinating discipline. We are confident that the insights gained will significantly benefit our students as they complete their HSC Studies of Religion course!

Embracing Compassion: Our College Supports the Vinnies Winter Appeal

St Vincent de Paul Society, or Vinnies, plays an incredibly vital role. Vinnies provides a comprehensive and holistic safety net for those in need. They offer far more than just a bed for the night; they provide wrap-around support, advocacy, and crucial community connection to help individuals exit homelessness permanently. They are truly on the front lines, addressing immediate needs while tirelessly working towards long-term solutions for those doing it tough.

Among other fundraising and awareness activities, such as out-of-uniform days, clothing collections, and food drives, there is still the Vinnes School Sleep Out, in which students can participate. 

• Vinnies School SleepOut: For those seeking a truly impactful experience, we invite you to join the Vinnies School Sleepout! This incredible opportunity allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of what it might be like to experience homelessness. You’ll spend one night "sleeping rough" – typically on cardboard, with just a sleeping bag, and a simple dinner of soup and bread. It's not about replicating homelessness, but about fostering empathy, challenging perceptions, and raising crucial funds for Vinnies' homelessness services right here in our local community. Our College Sleepout will be held on August 1st here at the College. Keep an eye out for more details, and if you wish to sign-up, please see Emily or Mr. Hyland in the coming days.

Sign up for the Vinnes School SleepOut

Imagine the collective difference we can make together. By participating in these initiatives, we are not just raising money; we are raising awareness, fostering empathy, and demonstrating our unwavering support for those in our community who need it most. Every action, whether big or small, contributes to Vinnies' inspiring mission of creating a more just and compassionate Australia where no one has to endure the harsh realities of homelessness.

Let’s come together as a College community and make this Vinnies Winter Appeal our most successful yet! Your generosity and compassion can truly warm a life this winter.

St Agnes' Church Gospel Reflections

Fr Paul Gooley is continuing to provide Gospel readings and reflections via email and online Monday to Saturday for those interested in connecting with their faith in this way.

Click to watch Fr Paul's Gospel Readings and Reflections.

St Agnes' Parish News Bulletin

The Parish news bulletin will now be published monthly.

The latest edition is available via this link Parish News Bulletin

Mr Shane Hyland
Acting Assistant Principal - Mission

Year 7-10 Awards Ceremony

To receive an Outstanding Application and Achievement Award, students in their respective years must have received:

• Six or more Excellence and Application Awards in Years 7, 8
• Five or more Excellence and Application Awards in Years 9, 10

Congratulations to the Outstanding Achievement Award recipients:

FLINDERS	HASTINGS	INNES
Ava Cole Armani Daley Lachlan Ding Isabelle Familar Amelia Goodridge Sophie Kahler Louisa Smith	Lilliana Anderson Peyton Berry Aaron Joseph Biju Cassandra Hill Zoe Lawrence Angelique Zeeman	Hollie Black Eloise Conway Alexandra Ellis Addison English Oliver Hallum Ella Herbert Riley Robinson Maddison Saville Estella Sonter Riley Tattersall
MACQUARIE	OXLEY	WILSON
Lucinda Giurissevich Jade Hanks Noah Langdon Siya Modi Jaina Thakrani	Chelsea Copeland Sydney Forsyth Tallowa Hill Aislinn Suveesh Janisa Vinod	William Ashton Jasmine Bi Leyna Casey Alyssa Eggins Anika Grogan Tahlia McIlveen Myfanwy Rawlings Evan Rowe Dakota Simpson

Outstanding Application

To receive an Outstanding Application Award, students in their respective years must have received:

• Eight or more Application Awards in Years 7, 8
• Seven or more Application Awards in Years 9, 10

Congratulations to the Outstanding Application Award recipients:

FLINDERS
Laya Maria Abraham Ruby Andrews Miley Ashcroft Lacey-Rose Barnes Helayna Butler Bonnie Croft Abbey Delforce Theodore Ding Cordelia Fazzolari Mahli Forster Bronte Gawith	Elloise Gleeson Bryce Handley Theodore Haynes Zali Heagney Anastasia Heffernan Diya Elizabeth Joby Noah Joyce Summer Macey Montana Newell Zahra Parker Coen Purcell	Charlotte Skellern Owen Smith Bailee Taylor Shanay Taylor Isabel Thompson Pippa Wade Lily Walker Tara West Benjamin Williams Jaxon Williams Ruby Winters

HASTINGS
India Addison Violet Bellia Kalani Berry Izabel Bingham Milla Bourne Lucas Constantine Luke Davies Ruby Dean Maddison Evans Elise Grein Amaya Hayden	Marlee Hearne Chloe Higgins Maxwell Hill Harry Hoad Harvey Jensen Liam Jones William Keena Ruby Lambert Savannah Loosemore Lucas Lynch Tilly McDonald Cooper Preston	Millie Schneider-Smith William Smith Lyla Stevens Zoe Swan Kaley Troy Nellie Walker Henry Warren Tora Wehlow Cooper Westley Charlotte Zeeman Gabriella Zeeman

INNES
Mollie Absalom Jewel Anosh Mira Arnold Matilda Coleman Gemma Cooper Miley Cooper Alyssa Donohue Nate Downing Lacey Gayler Samantha Goodwin	Lachlan Harman Alivia Johnson Georgina Keogh Matilda Kos Lachlan Matheson Ava Mitchell Lincoln Mostran Imogen Mulligan Ebony Munt Indianna Singh	Miley Skellern Lilly Smith Danielle Steele Harrison Thrum Hannah Tony Haylee Vos Lailah Watson Eadie Whatson Ava Wheeler Layla White

MACQUARIE
Charlie Adcock Karolina Al-Khameesi Olivia Austin Edvin Benny Layla Caller Lainey Campbell Violet Coote Eva Costigan Finn Crawford	Evie Curtis Jessica Dennes Ella Dinham Lenny Dixon Peyton Dunkley Edie Edwards Megan Germany Teleah Holbert Jade Hoolahan	Alice Kennedy Cassidy Langdon Brinkley McHugh Ruby Redman Charlotte Smith Amara Starkey Lucy Styles Ardiena Willott Hayley Ylias

OXLEY
Matisse Bayly Ella Comer Natalia Eyles Sianne Gomez Brayden Hill Abbie Hudson Joann Jamu	Sienna Little Glynnie Mae Domingo Isabelle Moane Zara Moore Rose Parker Zoe Pead Della Rogers	Naomi Scott Ellie Seymour Alicia Smith Macie Taylor Araminta Walker Taj Walmsley Kyala Watson

WILSON
Blaze Banyer Ethan Bouldin Willa Corless-Brown Jayda Deeks Tyson Eggins Miller Farrington Mia Franklin	Paxton Goldring Felicity Goldstein Frankie Green Willow Houston Hayley Jess Kaitlyn Joyce Olivia Larkan Jacob Leech	Leila McDonnell Isla McNeil Harriette Tape Isabella Tape Tessa Taylor Evangeline Thompson Liam Wright

Mission Awards for Service

Awarded to students who have achieved 10 or more hours of Service work, etiher within our College, home or the wider community.
Congratulations to the following recipients of a Mission Award for Service.

Peyton Berry Travis Brooks Lainey Campbell Matilda Coleman Eliza Crombie Felix Dy Sydney Forsyth Samantha Goodwin Ayla Green Anika Grogan Anastasia Heffernan Ella Herbert Harry Hoad

Alyssa Hyland Lachlan Hyland Tahlia McIlveen Ada Neale Ignatius Przbylo Myfanwy Rawlings Toby Rawson Alicia Smith Riley Tattersall Harrison Thrum Janisa Vinod Haylee Vos Caylana Willott

Empowered and Inspired: Year 12 Students Embrace Pathways to Success

This week, Year 12 students at St Joseph’s Regional College participated in a series of enriching and future-focused experiences designed to support their preparation for the Trial and HSC exams, while also helping them explore exciting pathways to university in 2026. The week was a celebration of learning, personal growth, and future planning, leaving students feeling both inspired and well-prepared for the journey ahead.

Studies of Religion Immersion Day
On Wednesday, students participated in a Studies of Religion immersion day held at Charles Sturt University. Students engaged in thoughtful and reflective discussions on faith, ethics, and philosophy, led by guest presenters who are experts in their religion. TThe university setting provided a unique opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the syllabus in a mature and academic environment, while also offering a glimpse into university life.

Trial HSC Study Skills Seminar 
Following this, students participated in a Trial HSC Study Skills Seminar—a highly practical and motivating session focused on developing effective revision strategies, time management techniques, and exam confidence. Run by Ms Marchment, our Leader of Curriculum, Mrs Goldie, Leader of Pedagogy and Mr Rossington, Leader of PDHPE, the seminar provided students with personalised tools to help them tackle their Trial HSC exams with greater organisation, resilience, and clarity. Feedback from students highlighted the value of having focused time to reflect on their study habits and reset their goals.

Trial HSC Preparation Seminar
Following the immersion day, 65 Year 12 students took part in a Trial HSC Preparation Seminar in the College Library. The session, led by Mr Rossington (Leader of Learning – PDHPE), Mrs Goldie (Leader of Pedagogy), and Ms Marchment (Leader of Curriculum), offered highly practical strategies to help students approach their Trials with confidence. 

• Mr Rossington led a dynamic session focused on exam preparation strategies. Drawing parallels between studying for exams and Mr Berger’s recent successful marathon effort - completed with impressive time and stamina. Mr Rossington emphasised the importance of nutrition, quality sleep, organisation, and self-belief, and students valued the insight and commitment he brought to the session.
• Mrs Goldie and Ms Marchment guided students in developing purposeful study notes and using AI tools to summarise and retain information effectively. They also explored how sensory learning techniques can support long-term memory, assisted, of course, by a few well-placed lollies!  Students were also equipped with a practical study toolkit, including mini whiteboards, markers, highlighters, and examples of AI prompts to enhance revision strategies.  Students appreciated the opportunity to pause, reflect, and reset their goals heading into a demanding period of study.

University Pathway Information Evening 
Later that evening, families and students attended the University Pathway Information Evening, a key event that offered insights into early entry schemes, scholarships, ATAR requirements, and vocational or alternative routes into higher education. Representatives from several universities and TAFE were on hand to answer questions and provide advice. The evening demystified the application process and empowered students to begin shaping their post-school journey with greater confidence and clarity. I would like to thank Mrs Leanne Tinsey, Leader of Future Pathways and Ms Heidi Flanagan, our Leader of Student Wellbeing for Year 12, for the time and effort in organising and presenting this information evening.

University of Newcastle
On Thursday, many students visited the University of Newcastle, where they toured the campus, explored lecture theatres, accommodation, and student hubs, and participated in Q&A sessions with current undergraduates. Many students commented on how seeing university life up close made their future feel both exciting and achievable.

This incredible week has renewed our Year 12 students’ motivation and equipped them with practical tools, clear goals, and a sense of purpose as they approach their final months of school and transition into life after school. We are immensely proud of their engagement, resilience, and commitment to their future success.

Year 11 Semester One Awards Ceremony 

The Year 11 Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, 30th July, from 9:05 am to 10:00 am in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC).

This date accommodates the large number of Year 11 students undertaking work placement during Week 10, ensuring all award recipients can be present. As a result, Semester One reports for Year 11 students will be published later, to align with the ceremony in Week 2 of Term 3.

A Compass alert will be sent to families by the middle of Week 1, Term 3, notifying those whose child will be receiving an Outstanding Application Award, Achievement Award, or a Mission Service Award. This is to avoid any confusion with the Year 7–10 Awards notifications.

Parents and family members are warmly invited to attend as we celebrate the efforts and achievements of our Year 11 students throughout Semester One.

Issuing of Year 7–11 Semester One Academic Reports

Semester One academic reports will be released as follows:

• Years 7–10: Reports are now available via the Parent Portal.
• Year 11: Reports will be issued on Wednesday, 30th July, following the Year 11 Awards Ceremony in Week 2, Term 3.

These reports offer valuable insights into your child’s academic progress during the first half of the year and will include three key components:

• Common Grade Scale (Years 7–10) / ROSA Grade (Year 11)
  An A–E reporting scale that reflects overall achievement in each subject.
• Academic Profile – Knowledge, Skills, and Understanding (KSUs)
  This section reports on the student’s grasp of subject-specific content and outcomes.
• Learning Behaviours – Commitment to Learning (CTLs)
  A consistent set of descriptors across all subjects that reflect the student's work habits and classroom engagement.

We encourage all parents and carers to take the time to review and discuss the reports with their child to celebrate achievements and identify areas for growth.

Year 10 into Year 11 Transition Program

To support a smooth and informed transition into Stage 6, parent and student information sessions will be held at the start of next term. These sessions are designed to guide students as they begin to consider their pathway for Year 11 in 2025.

This week, students received their St Joseph’s Regional College Year 11 2025 Enrolment Handbook, with the Newman Senior Technical College handbook to follow shortly.

Families are encouraged to attend the following important information evenings:

• St Joseph’s Regional College – Year 11 2025 Information Evening
  Monday, 28th July at 6:00 pm in the College Hall

• Newman Senior Technical College – Year 11 2025 Information Evening
  Tuesday, 29th July at Newman College

These sessions are key opportunities to learn more about course options, expectations, and the enrolment process for Stage 6.

Mid Coast Careers Market - Winner

On Tuesday, 13th May, Year 10 attended the Mid Coast Careers Market. It was a fun, interactive, hands-on Expo held at the Race Course. As part of the event, to involve and engage students in accessing the exhibitors, a ‘treasure hunt’ activity was organised. Students had to interact with exhibitors, collect their stamps, and return their cards to be eligible for the major prize draw.

SJRC had a winner! Congratulations to Zoe Swan, who industriously completed this task and won the major prize from the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. She will be a volunteer trainer for a day, where she will learn how to interact with all the animals, feed and swim with the seal lions and dolphins…just to name a few activities.

Thank you to Mid Coast Connect for your continued support of our students.

UNSW Professor Tara Mackenzie - Associate Dean of Rural Health for UNSW visits SJRC

Many thanks to Professor Tara Mackenzie, Associate Dean of Rural Health at UNSW, and Head of School for the five rural UNSW medical campuses, for visiting the College last Friday, 20th June. Professor Mackenzie is based in Wagga, where she also works as a respiratory physician. She spoke with our Year 10, 11 and 12 students about the UNSW Medicine program, their allied health programs and discussed what it is like being a rural doctor. Thank you also to 4th year UNSW medical student Hugh Robertson, who assisted the Professor with her presentation.

We feel very honoured to have had such a prestigious and knowledgeable guest visit our College and know that our students were very engaged and appreciative of this opportunity.

UNSW Engineering Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 student, Cassie Hill, recently completed an Engineering Work Experience program at the University of NSW. Cassie was a successful applicant selected from thousands of applications across NSW.

During the Work Experience program, Cassie gained valuable insights into chemical, environmental, civil, and structural engineering, as well as city transport infrastructure planning. She travelled around Sydney to different sites and met many engineers, all the while developing skills and deepening her understanding of the engineering industry. Cassie says, “This was a really interesting week where all of the activities were engaging. I made new friends and learnt about career possibilities that I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. My favourite activity was the bridge building competition where we were challenged to use our critical thinking skills to create the lightest bridge that supported the maximum amount of weight, and our group were the winners! Our bridge weighed 81grams and supported 8kgs of weight!”

Well done, Cassie, on making the most of this opportunity.

Alumni - Ethan Green

Ethan Green is the first in his family to undertake post-secondary education, and also the first to graduate – he completed his initial degree, a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (with specialisations), and has now commenced further studies in Physiotherapy with Charles Sturt University. Ethan speaks of his long-held interest in physical activity, fitness, and rehabilitation, and his desire to learn and develop skills in the field with the aim of helping others as a driving force in his career path.

Congratulations, Ethan – the combination of specialisations from both your degrees puts you in a strong position to have a positive impact on public health. Well done.

#aHSC4opportunity #wherearetheynow #exercisescientist #physiotherapist

ICAS 2025 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools

SJRC is inviting students in Years 7-10 to participate in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) this year. ICAS is an online academic competition that provides students with the opportunity to challenge their higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, and Science.

We encourage you to consider registering your child for ICAS this year. The assessments provide an excellent opportunity for students to extend themselves academically and engage with thought-provoking questions. Each test is developed by subject experts and is designed to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills. Students do not need to complete any additional preparation or revision.

The 2025 ICAS Assessments are online and will be held at school in the following weeks:

• Term 3 Week 4 (12/8/25) – English
• Term 3 Week 5 (20/8/25) – Science
• Term 3 Week 6 (27/8/25) – Mathematics

Parents can now register and pay for ICAS using the University of NSW online portal.

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here: icasassessments.com
2. Go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here: Parent Portal
3. Enter our school’s access code – BAP567
4. Enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed
5. Online registration and payment will close on Monday 28th July, 2025.

Bronwyn Canning
Leader of High Potential Learners

BIG NEWS COMING!

Encounter Youth

The Encounter Youth Program is held every Friday at the Youth Hub. 

Come along and join in the fun.

Encounter Kick-on’s (Sunday’s after the 5:00 pm Mass)

 Group games and supper. Come join us.

Zac Parnell

We have a delicious variety of 'Lunch Specials', available for $7.00 from Tuesday to Friday, and an everyday menu.

CLICK HERE to view the Canteen's everyday menu.

Breeanna Stone
Food Services Manager

St Joseph's Regional College has a number of different social media platforms. We would love for you to follow us.