News in Brief

A Spirit-Filled Pentecost Sunday for Our Community!

Pentecost Sunday, June 8th, was a truly remarkable and spirit-filled day for our parish, as we came together for a special Pentecost Pilgrimage and celebration. Rooted in ancient Catholic tradition and inspired by the Holy Spirit, this day-long journey was a powerful response to the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.

Pilgrims from across the diocese, including Port Macquarie, Lismore, and Ballina, embarked on this sacred walk of faith. Locally, we were blessed to have our dedicated Youth Coordinator, Zac Parnell, lead our local pilgrimage from the serene Francis Retreat in Bonny Hills all the way to St Agnes’ Church. It was truly inspiring to see so many members of our community participate, whether by walking the entire route, serving breakfast and lunch, joining for a section, offering prayers from home, or being present for the concluding Mass. The sight of pilgrims arriving, reflecting their journey of faith, was deeply moving.

To warmly welcome our dedicated pilgrims, we held an additional Sunday Mass at 3:00 PM to reflect on the journey and celebrate together the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost – truly the "Birthday of the Church"!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in and supported this special Pentecost event. It was a beautiful testament to the strength and unity of our community, filled with prayer, movement, and a renewed sense of hope. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and inspire us all!

Year 12 Trial Preparation Seminar – Wednesday 2nd July

As the Trial HSC exams approach, St Joseph’s Regional College is pleased to announce a dedicated Year 12 Trial Preparation Seminar, scheduled for Wednesday 2nd July, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm in the College Library.

This important seminar is designed to support Year 12 students as they enter the critical final phase of their HSC journey. The session will focus on practical skills and essential tools that will help students prepare effectively for the Trial exams. Areas of focus will include effective study techniques, time management strategies, managing exam stress, maximising performance under pressure, and understanding how to make the most of feedback from practice tasks.

Led by experienced staff, the seminar will also provide students with opportunities to ask questions, share study tips with peers, and access useful resources tailored to each subject area. It aims to empower students to approach the Trial period with confidence, clarity, and a clear plan for success.

Afternoon tea will be provided, and all Year 12 students are strongly encouraged to attend. This is a valuable opportunity to set the tone for the remainder of the year and refine preparation strategies before the Trials begin.

We look forward to seeing our senior students take full advantage of this support. Parents and caregivers are welcome to contact the College if they have any questions about the event or their child’s exam preparation. Together, we can help our students feel ready and confident for the challenges ahead.

SJRC Parent Consultative Group (PCG) Meeting

When: Monday 30th June

Time: 5:30pm

Where: SJRC Library

All parents are invited to our second SJRC Parent Consultative Group (PCG) Meeting.

As requested by parents at our last (PCG) meeting in Term 1, the topic of this term’s meeting will be Student Wellbeing and Social Media.

We will be showcasing Student Wellbeing initiatives at SJRC. The evening will conclude with a “how to” demonstration of recommended privacy settings across social media platforms used by teens.

Please bring a phone with access to the Snapchat App. Keep an eye on your inbox and Compass notifications for more information and RSVP details.

Embracing Compassion:
Our College Supports the Vinnies Winter Appeal

As the crisp air of winter begins to settle, it's a time when many of us look forward to the comfort of warm homes, cozy blankets, and hot meals. Yet, for thousands of Australians, winter brings a stark and often brutal reality: homelessness. This year, our College is proud to launch our annual Vinnies Winter Appeal, an initiative close to our hearts, aimed at making a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing hardship.

This is where the 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.

How our College can make a difference this year:

We are thrilled to announce several fantastic opportunities for our entire College community to get involved and support Vinnies in their vital work this winter:

• Out of Uniform Day! On Thursday of Week 9, students are invited to come to school in their casual clothes by making a gold coin donation. Every coin, no matter how small, helps Vinnies provide essential services to those in need.
• Warm Clothes Collection: It's not just about monetary donations. We are also collecting donations of warm clothes. Please consider those jumpers, scarves, and coats you may have outgrown or no longer wear. If they are in good condition, clean, and warm, please bring them in! Your generous donation can make a world of difference to someone braving the cold this winter.
• 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.

Understanding Screen Addiction

Proudly hosted by headspace Port Macquarie in partnership with Charles Sturt University; 'Understanding Screen Addiction' in teens is designed for parents, carers and those who work with youth including health professionals & educators, who want to understand the impacts that screen and gaming use can have on the brain, how it may look in teens and some practical strategies for support. Facilitated by Dr. Wayne Warburton, Professor of Developmental Psychology at Macquarie University and a registered psychologist. Dr. Warburton brings a wealth of knowledge to this event—one you won’t want to miss!
FREE TO ATTEND

Bookings are essential as theatre capacity is limited.
Your free ticket includes session entry and light refreshments.

For more info & tickets - Humanitix

College Leadership Team