Term 3 Week 1 - 24th July 2020

On behalf of the staff of the College, I would like to welcome families back to Term 3.

Upon our return, we are very cognisant of the COVID outbreak in Victoria and various clusters in NSW. To this end, we are committed to adopt a “business as usual” approach to life at the College as much as feasibly possible. Notwithstanding, we are dedicated to being attentive to our wellbeing at this time. Indeed, we are all conscious that in one way or another the spectre of COVID has affected each and every one of us. In this regard it is important for us to be attentive to each other in an environment where everyone is cared for, valued and loved. We endeavour to remain calm with one another and aware that some of us may feel vulnerable and somewhat anxious about what may or may not transpire.

In a spirit of optimism, let us continue in hope that our young people be afforded those College experiences which enable them to grow, flourish and prosper.

School Improvement Process

St Joseph’s Regional College is embarking on a multi-year School Improvement Process with the aim of improving our College in targeted areas while also preserving and building upon the many fantastic aspects that already exist. This process will involve consultation with staff, students and the wider College community. Over the coming weeks, students will be involved in this process through an activity in Pastoral Care time where they will be asked to consider what an Ideal School would look like. Where possible, we invite you, as a parent community, to engage in home-based discussions with your children to assist them in preparing for this activity and help formulate their thoughts regarding a school that they would be most proud to attend. Their feedback and ideas will help form the core of our data to inform this process and design our College goals.

A forthcoming invitation will also be sent to our parent community to solicit your thoughts and ideas to inform our process. On behalf of the School Improvement Team, I thank you for engaging with your children in this process to help improve our College.

If at any time you have questions regarding the School Improvement Process, I encourage you to contact the College Office on 02 5525 4100.

Tom Inatey
Representative of the School Improvement Team

College Theme Pillars Beautified

Visitors to our College will be greeted with a fresh coat of varnish on the College Theme Pillars located in the garden at the entrance to the office. A big thank you to Teacher's Assistant, Mr Jeremy Bates for coordinating the project and to Year 7 students Harry Holloway, Ben Hopper and Myles Cooper for the great work in sanding and painting the pillars.

Year 10 Visit to Newman Senior Technical College

Our Year 10 students are currently looking at pathways for their senior years of education. Yesterday, they visited Newman Senior Technical College. This visit enabled students to gather information about the educational opportunities and pathways.

I invite you to peruse Mr McCosker's newsletter article in regards to the process of enrolling in Year 11 in 2021.

God Bless

Jim Dempsey
Principal

Senior PC Volleyball Competition

Congratulations to Mr Toohey's PC, M09, on being crowned the winners of the Senior PC Volleyball Competition. Thank you to Wellbeing Coordinator, Ms Kylie Wallis, for organising this pastoral activity. I refer you to Kylie's report below.

In Term 2, Senior PC groups were involved in a volleyball round robin. After five weeks of round games, finals were played this week. Final one saw Macquarie 9 vs Innes 9 and final two saw Oxley 8 vs Innes 8. Both games were close with some excellent sportsmanship displayed with final winners Macquarie 9 and Innes 8 moving onto the grand final.

The grand final was closely contested even though Innes 8 were down several class members on Thursday morning due to Hospitality commitments. However, this did not decrease their level of enthusiasm or teamwork. Unfortunately, a late comeback was not to be with Macquarie 9 showing great composure and skill to take out the grand final 22-21.

I thank all PC groups, it was great to see the high levels of involvement, and we look forward to completing another competition this term.

Kylie Wallis
Wellbeing Coordinator

Busways- Afternoon Transport to a Different Destination

With the re-commencement of sport for many of our students, after-school training and competitions have begun this week.

Busways have informed us that their current bus capacity is unable to accommodate the extra students wishing to catch the bus to sport/training. Students regularly catching a bus to their homes are guaranteed a position on the bus, and must have their bus pass. Those wanting to catch the bus to other venues can not be guaranteed a position on the bus once it reaches capacity. Unfortunately, this week, some students were unable to catch a different bus to attend sport training.

Busways have recommended that you make private arrangements for your child to attend after school sport or training.

Research Survey

We have received a request to share the following research survey from Professor Rylee A Dionigi of Charles Sturt University. Please refer to the information below.

How did you feel when you couldn’t play or watch sport due to COVID-19 restrictions?

Perhaps you are still unable to play or watch sport. 

My colleagues and I are doing a research study on the social and emotional impact of the disruption to sports due to COVID-19 in rural and regional NSW. We are keen to learn from your experiences.

If you’re interested in completing an online survey, click on the link below and/or share it with your contacts, particularly local sporting clubs or anyone you know who plays sport, and/or coaches, officiates or manages sport, and/or watches sport, be it parents watching their kids play or anyone who likes watching professional sports on TV or online!

The survey is for those 18 years and over and it takes about 15-30 mins to complete, depending on how much or fast you write!

Survey link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZ2JK5Q

Professor Rylee A Dionigi
School of Exercise Science, Sport & Health
Faculty of Science
Charles Sturt University

Lost Property

The College has a large amount of brand new jumpers and sports jackets in lost property.  All WITHOUT NAMES.

Please ensure your child's name is written on all items of clothing, this also includes sports bags that contain sports clothes and practical equipment. Clearly labelled items are easily returned when lost.

St Agnes' Uniform Shop - New Trading Hours

St Agnes' Uniform trading hours are:

• Monday to Friday  from 12noon to 5.00pm
• Saturday from 9.00am to 12 noon.

Tanya Daley
Assistant Principal - Staff and Pastoral Care

Year 11 - 2021 Enrolment

Please find below a timeline for students in Year 10 who intend to enrol in Year 11 in 2021 at St Joseph's Regional College. The following are two important dates to mark on your calendar.

• Wednesday, 29th July 2020 Q & A ZOOM sessions 2.00pm & 6.00pm 
  
  
• Wednesday, 5th August 2020 Year 11 Enrolment Interviews for students at St Joseph's Regional College Library between 8.00am and 3.30pm   

ZOOM Q & A Information Sessions
Wednesday, 29th July 2020

Access the ZOOM Q & A Information Sessions by downloading the Year 11 2021 ZOOM flyer above and clicking on the links in the flyer or go directly to the ZOOM sessions by clicking on the following.

2.00pm - https://lismcatholic.zoom.us/j/95043543794#success

6.00pm - https://lismcatholic.zoom.us/j/93755911796#success

Year 11 Enrolment Interviews
Wednesday, 5th August 2020

Information regarding the booking process for Enrolment Interviews will be emailed to Year 10 families next Thursday, 30th July.  This information will also be available in next week's newsletter.

SJRC #aHSC4opportunity

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding enrolling in Year 11 for 2021.

Mr Tim McCosker
Assistant Principal - Curriculum & Administration

Ph) 5525 4100

There are two fantastic days for SJRC students coming up to support the great work that St Vincent de Paul does for those in need, particularly, during the colder months.  

1. Friday, 31st July (Week 2) is Vinnie's Out-of-Uniform day! All students are invited to come to school in casual clothes.  Remember to bring a gold coin for donation to the St Vincent's de Paul Winter Appeal.
   Students are also asked to bring in an item of clothing they wish to donate at the end of the day to the St Vincent De Paul society. (Jumpers, trackies, beanies, scarves, etc.)
   
   
2. Friday 14th August (Week 4) nothing warms a belly like a delicious cup of Hot Chocolate.  Hot Chocolate will be on sale for $2.00 a cup at recess in front of the canteen on this day. All money raised will also be donated to the St Vincent's de Paul Winter Appeal.

Thank you to our YMO's, Chloe Nash and Amelia Stennett who have created a display board that will show a progressive tally of the money raised and items donated over the weeks.

Our Environmental Club is back in operation after the COVID break. Our enthusiastic crew have been concentrating on the direction they would like to go in Semester Two. We hope to keep you updated through regular contributions to the newsletter… so stay tuned!

Several areas of our College have incorporated new ‘Green’ initiatives that we would like to promote.

Our Canteen Manager, Donna Hamlin, has converted all serving containers and cutlery to Bio Pak products. These bioplastic products are made from plant-based products such as reclaimed and rapidly renewable sugarcane pulp rather than fossil fuels. These products are compostable, meaning less waste ends up in landfill.

Our library, with the huge support of our resident ‘Greenthumb,’ Mrs Claire Gerke, is gradually replacing all of the artificial plants with the real thing! True blue greenery!

Ms Karyn Mooney
Environmental Club Organiser

Year 11 Design and Technology students have been busy working on their design brief to design and produce something to carry an item in.

The students have come up with some very innovative designs which include:

• a folding hook which can be attached to a wheelchair so that a bag can be hooked onto it;
• a reusable cup holder which would reduce landfill;
• a key holder and a skateboard holder which is attached to a backpack.

Students are using computer-based technologies, the 3D printer and the laser cutter to make prototypes of their design project, which will be submitted with their design folio.

Well done and congratulations to all students for these great designs.

Mr Phil Pares
Leader of TAS

HAPPENING IN TERM 3...

Debating
2020 St Joseph's Regional College v MacKillop College Debating and Public Speaking Competition: Thursday, 27th August. Week 6 of Term 3.

Coaching has resumed for Year 7-10 debaters and teams will be announced around Week 4.

It’s very exciting for our debating coaches Mrs Bell, Mrs McKee, Mrs Mooney and Mr McMillan to witness students embrace the challenge of research, teamwork and argument. And there’s been lots of current topics to discuss and debate of late.

Public Speaking
Coaching for Public Speaking will commence this term. Students who are interested will need to email Mrs McKee to be put onto the SJRC Public Speaking mailing list.

Books That Have Changed Me

This week, we are sharing stories about the stories that have changed us. These might be books from our childhood, our youth or simply last week!

Thank you to the following staff who have contributed to the first part of our series. 

The SJRC Literacy Enrichment Team

Significant Literary Dates

The Fellowship of the Ring is the first of three volumes of the epic novel The Lord of the Rings by the English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It is followed by The Two Towers and The Return of the King. It takes place in the fictional universe of Middle-earth. It was originally published on 29 July 1954 in the United Kingdom.

St Joseph's  Regional College Library
Karen Bale (Mon-Thu)
Tracie Hartley (Fri)
@sjrcexchange

Background

As a school library, we like to think that part of what we do is connect people, ideas and information. The “Humans of New York” phenomenon was used as a basis for introducing the idea to students in the Library. Historically, the HONY project started out as photography only, but then morphed into people willingly sharing something of their story. The premise is that “everyone has a story”. The project fosters opportunities for active listening, courageous conversations, and empathy. Individual storytelling is celebrated.

We hope to bring you a “Humans of SJRC” story once a week for a little while. We are proud of our ‘humans’ who acknowledge that they have a story to share that is meaningful to them.

Introducing this week's Human of SJRC - Blake Ellis.

Word of the week:

Pandemic
Meaning: (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world

The COVID-19 is a pandemic, and we all need to look after ourselves and each other.

Prayer through Music

If you are looking for some background music while you are studying or just relaxing at home, I encourage you to check out our focus song on Spotify.

Check out some of the great music featured this week on the SJRC Digital Ministry Blog https://sjrcministry.wixsite.com/digitalministry

Featured Music

Keep checking this playlist as more songs are on the horizon!

Digital Ministry

We invite you to click on the links below to see the great resources on the SJRC Digital Ministry Blog and Instagram Page put together by our Youth Ministry Officers, Chloe Nash and Amelia Stennett.

SJRC Digital Ministry Blog https://sjrcministry.wixsite.com/digitalministry

SJRC Digital Ministry Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/sjrcdigitalministry/

Timo Gobius
Leader of Evangelisation

Guitarists 

Great news for our budding guitar players..... Mr Mark Spence, who is also our Drumline coordinator, will be directing the Guitar Ensemble this term.

If you can play a few chords, we would love for you to join the Guitar Ensemble. Sign-up is on Monday, 27th July during recess in the Music room.

We welcome all students to come along on Monday and find out more information about this great opportunity.

Sharon Green
Leader of Co-Curricular Music

The Yearbook is a great historical record of the 2019 St Joseph's Regional College school year. It also includes a special common section of events and information about all Parish secondary schools.

Students in Year 8 and 11 have already received a copy of the Yearbook; this cost was included in their enrolment fee.

Students in Year 12 (2019) are now able to collect their copy of the Yearbook from the College Office. Students with siblings at the College have had their Yearbook sent home.

For all other families interested in buying a 2019 Yearbook the cost is $20.

Please send the money to the College Office in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and PC class written on the front.

Hastings and postcodes 2443, 2444, 2445, 2446 and 2439

The Hastings Education Fund was established to provide much needed financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post-high school education, training and vocation aspirations. We recognise that the cost of regional students pursuing their post-high school goals is often much greater than those of their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes these costs can be prohibitive.

With this in mind, the Hastings Education Fund fundraises throughout the year and accepts donations from local residents and businesses in order to provide financial grants to students who need an extra helping hand. The funds come directly from your local community – none of it is government-funded – celebrating the aspirations of local youth and working to help them achieve these aspirations. It’s our way of saying “we believe in you and want to support your goals”.

As we were unable to have our mid-year sponsors and supporters appreciation event this year, we have made a short video which provides feedback from our students and the HEF committee. You will learn from this video that your generous and continuing support for the 2020 students in pursuing their further education and career goals is very much appreciated - especially in helping them cope with this year's challenges.

We are keen to offer a high level of support to students in 2021 and you can be assured that all donations and sponsorships are valued and life-changing for our young grant recipients.

To donate to the Hastings Education Fund or find further information about grants, click the following link: https://cef.org.au/foundations/hastings/?fbclid=IwAR1VJv4OQxNMuSQKTmpR8g-JkdYYGoJAvqvCEJlcI6RrVUfuoQjGZTMlr-o

Hastings Education Fund Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/hastingseducationfund/

Warm regards,

Jim O'Brien (Chairman)
Helen and John Ross (Our Patrons)
and all the HEF committee

Michelle Mitchell is an award-winning speaker and parenting author. Her latest book is called Everyday Resilience: Helping Kids Deal with Friendship Drama, Academic Pressure and the Self Doubt of Growing Up. In this interview-style webinar we'll be asking Michelle questions about how to foster resilience, promote mental health and wellbeing and help our kids deal positively with challenges.

This event is being hosted exclusively for the parents of Lismore Diocesan Catholic Schools by Parent Assembly. All interested staff are also invited to register for this event via the link on the attached flyer.