SJRC Term 4 Week 6- 17th November 2023

Remembrance Day

Thank you to our College Vice Captains, Aryan Vaishnav and Zoe Copland, who respectfully represented St Joseph's Regional College by laying a wreath at the Port Macquarie Remembrance Day service.

As a nation, on Saturday, 11th November, we remember all those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought, and died for our freedom. Lest we forget.

Welcome Year 7, 2024

Today, we welcomed our new Year 7 2024 students to the College for their Orientation Day. Seeing some students join the early morning band practice was terrific. Families also had the opportunity to connect and mingle at a beautifully prepared morning tea.

During the day, students had a taste of what college life is all about. They participated in sport and both practical and theory lessons. 

Thank you to our Student Leadership Team, who welcomed and ushered our visitors to the College Hall.

Farewell Ms Hyde 

Flinders House Captains Grace Kruk and Gabriel Moore delivered a farewell tribute to Ms Cheryl Hyde for her 26 years of service to St Joseph's Regional College at this week's assembly. As a Principal and colleague, I can honestly say what a privilege it is to have worked alongside Ms Hyde. Her contribution to education is exemplary. 

Cheryl, the staff and students of St Joseph's Regional wish you every success and happiness in your relocation to be with family in QLD.

Please take a moment to read the farewell speech below:

Today, we say a heartfelt farewell to an extraordinary teacher who has enriched us with knowledge and left a significant mark on our lives through her endless generosity and encouragement to all. Ms Hyde has been an incredible source of inspiration, wisdom, and guidance for all students, whether in Flinders or not. With her encouragement and energetic outlook on life, she has increased participation and positivity for Flinders students by easily a million percent.

Through her unwavering dedication, passion for teaching and love of learning, she has enriched our minds and touched our hearts. She has shown us the power of education and the difference a caring and patient teacher can make in a student's life. Generous in giving her advice and time, she always gives her all, even though we may have zoned out from time to time… because we know Ms Hyde likes to talk, and talk, and talk… and talk. We love her anyway.

Ms Hyde, as we say goodbye, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your tireless efforts, for believing in us, encouraging us, and ultimately supporting us in reaching our full potential. As Leader of Student Wellbeing, Flinders and organiser of PC programs, you have made an impact on everyone at this school - even if that impact involved hunting us down to attend student leadership meetings every second Friday at lunchtime. We will never forget your words: “Be prompt!”

Ms Hyde, you are energetic, to say the least and full of love. You show this through your teaching and the three wonderful girls you have raised - Rhani, Tait and Mia. You always have your door open to welcome the people who need it. You are always engaged in an upcoming activity, through your love of arts and crafts and also the HSIE department, history in particular. These are just some of the things we love about you.

When asking a few teachers about their favourite memory of Ms Hyde, there were a couple of recurring answers… The dress-up-the-HSIE-department-as-a-state-of-Australia was a popular one. Sorry to … for being named Tassie! Also, many teachers recalled the various times she's taken over the library in pursuit of creating something amazing.

Ms Hyde always has great ideas, some which turn out marvellous and others which turn out.. well... artistic. You can always find Ms wearing green to support the Flinders House, but always being supportive of other projects such as anti-bullying day, the Blue Tree for Mental Health and lots of other activities. She is consistently taking on more and more, going out of her way to be a part of any cause she can.

Ms, we wish you the best of luck in your future, and we hope your journey will be as fulfilling as the one you have taken us on. Thank you for everything, Ms Hyde. We are very lucky to have had you as our House coordinator for the past two years.

As captains of Flinders, good luck Ms Hyde.

Movember

Our senior students and staff at St Joseph's Regional College are actively participating in the "Mo" movement to raise awareness for men's health. The Movember Foundation has successfully used the moustache as a symbol to start conversations about men's physical and mental well-being.

Growing a moustache not only serves as a visual symbol but also provides an excellent opportunity to engage in important conversations surrounding men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. This initiative helps break down stigmas and encourages men to prioritize their health and seek support when needed.

I ask that, if you are able to, please support them in their efforts to raise funds and awareness for this important cause.

Donations via the following link: https://movember.com/t/st-joseph-s-regional-college?mc=1

Macquarie University ‘InspirationEd’ Pathways to Success HSC Workshop

This week, our new HSC cohort emersed themselves in a Macquarie University ‘InspirationEd’ Pathways to Success HSC Workshop. This program was delivered by Shane Hardcastle, an experienced educator, senior HSC marker and the Coordinating Senior Marker for Sports Medicine. As part of this presentation, Shane covered the following areas: 

Firstly, the students were introduced to what Shane referred to as ‘The Rules of the HSC Game’- this aspect challenged our Year 11 students to focus on moving beyond just knowing the content, with a strong emphasis on being able to analyse and apply the subject knowledge to the exam question. Year 11 students were led through Shane’s experiences as a senior HSC marker, and he helped them to unpack HSC questions and to hone in on what the markers are looking for and, in effect, gave them the ‘rules of the game’.

Secondly, the students were guided through a range of effective exam skills. As part of this, he gave the students five prompts to assist them in preparing for the upcoming assessment period, as well as being able to perform to the best of their ability under exam conditions. During this aspect of the presentation, he emphasised five key exam tips:

1. Understand the marking rubric. The marks allocated to a question strongly indicate the depth of analysis needed; don’t leave marks on the table.
2. Plan for success, know the format of the exam and prepare accordingly. There should be no surprises when you walk into the exam room.
3. Respond directly to the criteria, read the question carefully and answer what it is asking, not just what you know about the topic.
4. Slow down your writing, take time to clarify your thinking and clearly address the question consistently throughout the response.
5. Feedback after assessments is crucial. Listen to the feedback provided and aim for consistent and incremental improvement over the HSC year.

Thirdly, the cohort was led through a process to ‘Set themselves up for success’. Here, the messaging was for students to set priorities, allocate time accordingly and to understand the HSC journey is all about consistency. It is not a journey of short periods of intensity around assessments, rather strive to achieve the right work/life balance and keep an eye on the ultimate goal at the end of Year 12 so as to be able to maximise their choices they prepare for the next phase of their life.

Finally, the students were provided with a range of HSC support services that covered HSC exam resources and subject-specific study resources.

The feedback from the students was very positive, and the manner in which they engaged with the presentation was a credit to them. I want to thank Mrs Leanne Tinsey, our Leader of Future Pathways and Mrs Kellie Croft our Leader of Student Wellbeing Year 11, for helping to facilitate this great opportunity afforded to our students.

We look forward to providing many other opportunities for our HSC cohort to achieve their aspirations as they complete their HSC journey throughout 2024.

Year 10 Transition to Stage 6 Orientation Day

On Friday, 1st of December, our Year 10 students will undertake a day of transitional activities to prepare them for the challenges of Stage 6. For the students who have elected to continue their education at St Joseph Regional College, they will have a day at the Port Macquarie Campus of Charles Sturt University. As part of this day, they will be provided with advice and strategies on how best to prepare for, what is, a significant jump in intensity, as they commence their two-year HSC academic journey.

Those students attending Newman Senior Technical College will undertake an induction program at Newman College as part of their preparation for the next two years of their educational journey. Details relating to this transition day have been sent to parents via the Compass platform. We look forward to these exciting initiatives.

Calculator Price Increase 2024

We have been advised that in the new year, the price of calculators will increase from $25 to $26.50.

Ian Lutton
Assistant Principal- Learning & Teaching

The New College Merits System Kicks Off 

As you may already know, we have updated our College Merit System, which is currently being trialled for the remainder of 2023. This system aims to recognise student effort, encourage progress and generate positive conversations between students and staff and between students and their families.

This new merit system is primarily digital through our Compass platform.

This system offers a progression of awards and incentives for students, beginning with the Bronze Award at 10 merits through to a Platinum Award at 50 merits.
Other key points include:

• Personal points can be accrued across a Semester.
• Points add to your house total through to the awarding of the House Shield.
• With regards to the Platinum Certificate, the canteen express pass is valid for the remainder of the school year.

Here are some quick statistics:

• As of last Monday, 13th November, our College had 1884 merits awarded
• The Leading House total is 374. Congratulations Flinders!
• Year 11 received 64 merits
• Year 10 received 339
• Year 9 received 300
• Year 8 received 443
• Year 7 received 743
• The Leading PC total is 81. Congratulations F04. They have earned a PC Pizza Lunch!

Congratulations to these students who are the first to receive a Bronze Certificate.

• Aaron Biju
• Lucinda Giurissevich
• Jesse Leslie
• Ava Mitchell
• Siya Modi
• Logan Young

We congratulate all students who have received any merits so far and we encourage students to advocate with their teachers for merits where they feel they are merited! Areas of success include:

• Improved application to learning
• Significant learning growth
• Improved conduct
• Act of kindness
• Act of Service
• College Representation
• Outstanding results

SJRC Student Leadership Model Update

A few years ago, our senior leadership grew from Captains, Vice Captains and House Leaders to incorporate Mission Leaders, Well-being Leaders and Sustainability Leaders. Junior (7-11) leadership was primarily in the form of PC leadership. This updated model introduces a few improvements and hopefully greater clarity around the roles and responsibilities of each leader.

The conceptual model shows that the senior student leadership team and College staff sit in the outer circle. The senior leaders then have a place in each of the four quadrants. We have four senior student leaders in Mission, Stewardship and Wellbeing and our 12 House Leaders.

Here’s where Years 7 to 11 come in!

We are forming Junior Leader teams in each area. The Senior Student Leadership teams explained their relevant areas at this week's College assembly. They encouraged others to consider applying for a position on one of the teams: Mission, Wellbeing and Stewardship or becoming a PC Leader. At least for the Mission, Wellbeing and Stewardship teams, these positions will be by application, not voting. Completed applications will go to the facilitating teacher and senior leadership teams, who will review the applications to form their junior leadership teams. When our current Year 10 students become Year 11, we will invite them to apply along with our new Year 7 students during Term 1 next year. As we form these teams, we will induct students with a badging ceremony at a future assembly this term.

At this time, we are inviting applications from Years 7 to 9 students

If any of the six ideas below of what was presented at the assembly resonate with students, we invite them to apply to become a leader in any of the four leadership areas.

Application forms can be found in the front office, with Leaders of Student Wellbeing or with Mr Bushe. Leadership applications close for current Year 7 to 9 students next Friday (24/11/23)

Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal- Mission

Positive Parenting to Support a Successful Teen

Reminder: Parenting Workshop at SJRC on Monday 20th November 6:00pm - 7:00pm in the College Library. We warmly invite all families to attend the College for a parenting workshop that will provide strategies and support for parents of today’s teenagers. Please see the flyer below and RSVP place via THIS LINK.

RYDA Safe Driving Program

On Tuesday, our Year 11 students will spend the day participating in the RYDA Safe Driving Program. This national program is widely acknowledged as the leading evidence-based educational program for young and beginning drivers. We are very excited to offer this program to our Year 11 students for the first time.

RYDA facilitators, including Police, driving instructors and other community sector specialists, commented on our students' positive engagement and the College's welcoming atmosphere.

Thank you to Mrs Kellie Croft (Year 11 Leader of Student Wellbeing) and Year 11 PC Teachers who spent the day with Year 11.

Attendance Matters

As we approach the end of the year, it is timely to remind all families of the importance of student attendance. Whilst we may be tempted to “switch off” and relax into the festive season, quality learning and teaching is still happening at the College and will continue until the end of the year. Important community events such as the Christmas Mass and Awards Ceremonies provide points of connection for students, and full attendance is expected on days when these events are held.

Family Connect

All families are reminded of the fantastic Family Connect service offered free of charge to all SJRC families. Please refer to the flyer below for additional information and self-referral information. Families can access this service by contacting the College Office or our Family Connect Worker, Jerico, on the mobile phone number provided.

Are you not sure if Family Connect could be of benefit to you? Please get in touch with us to find out more information. This is a free and confidential service for families, including parents and siblings of enrolled students.

Jennifer Furney
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

The SJRC Display Showcase Evening is back!

Secure your ticket to one or both concerts via - 

This week we feature two Alumni's: Lucy Westcott and Paul Olson

Lucy Westcott is currently completing her final placement at St Joseph's Regional College as she moves towards completion of her B Education (K-12) specialising in Mathematics. Former student Lucy was College Captain and Dux of the college in 2019, and has successfully juggled the competing demands of work, study and travel in the intervening time. Great work Lucy! Best wishes for the future.
#wherearetheynow #aHSC4opportunity #teacher Charles Sturt University.

Paul Olson is a recipient of the prestigious University of Newcastle Ma & Morley Scholarship and with his completed law degree will be living the specific value attributed to scholars of that program - Equity and justice for all peoples.

Autism Australia Camp

Located near Tweed Heads, a beautiful camp has come highly recommended for families with children aged 7-14 with autism and NDIS funding.

Further information can be found on the website: https://www.autismcampaustralia.org/the-tweed-byron-hinterland-package

Janine Handley
Leader of Learning (Diversity & Inclusion)

Sunday the 19th of November: What's your Name?

6-8PM | @THE YOUTH HUB | $5 for dinner

The rom-com response when someone meets the love of their life for the first time.

When we meet the person we’ve been looking for, we can’t help but want to get to know them. If you’re curious about who Jesus is, or even if you’re not, there’s no better night to come along to Youth @the Hub, this Sunday, from 6-8pm.

Dinner
Games
Good Vibes

Thursday, 23 November

 Holy Hour at St Agnes’ Catholic Church from 5-6pm

The Proclaim band 'Wildfire' will be playing on this evening.

All are welcome to attend.

2024 School Travel Applications are Now Open

Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2024 can apply HERE. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for the first time, or if they are requesting additional travel entitlement because of new shared parental arrangement (e.g. joint custody).

Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of Term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications, and entitlements remain valid for the start of the 2024 school year. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card.

If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade (i.e. grade two to grade three), the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, we will send them an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their Student Opal card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2024.

Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may come via the school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Travel from Term 1 2024

We ask that parents plan ahead and make sure their child knows which service/s to use and has a valid ticket to travel; either a School Opal card or Child/Youth Opal card (within Greater Sydney) or a School Travel Pass (outside Greater Sydney), from the start of the school year.

Applications for 2024 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel open at the start of Term 4 2023, so parents/students can apply or update details early and be ready for the start of the new school year.

Most students using the Opal network will not need a new Opal card and can continue travelling on their existing card each year.

The start of the year is a busy period for local transport operators, and students travelling without a valid ticket make service planning and operations difficult.

We recognise that for some families last minute changes to school enrolments mean they may not have a School Opal card or Travel Pass for the start of term. In the Opal network, we strongly encourage these families to have their children travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Bus operators are flexible and understanding, particularly at the start of the school year, and will ensure students can travel safely to and from school. But to best support our operators we encourage all students to have a valid ticket, as early as possible, from the start of the school year.

The Canteen opens at 8.00 am every school day.

CLICK HERE for the Canteen's everyday menu.

Breeanna Stone
Food Services Manager

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