SJRC Newsletter: Term 4 Week 2 - 25th October 2024
Lunchtime Mass with Bishop Greg Homeming
In his homily on Luke 12:39-48, Bishop Greg compared the vigilance of a householder guarding against a burglar to our modern lives with social media. Just as the householder lost freedom by constantly being on guard due to uncertainty, we too could lose our freedom by becoming overly consumed with social media. Spending too much time scrolling through our feeds, we might have unknowingly allowed it to dominate our attention and lives, distracting us from more meaningful pursuits. The key message was to maintain balance, stay alert, and not let social media steal our freedom to truly live and be present in the world around us.
Catholic Mission Month - Socktober
Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international Mission agency in Australia. It is an international organisation that partners with communities, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and spiritual care. A network of religious and lay missionaries operates in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Americas. Catholic Mission’s work supports children, communities, and future Church leaders across education, healthcare, and spiritual care.
Socktober for Mission Month cultivates the passion of students to rise up, engage their local community, and take action against poverty through the world game of soccer. It provides young people in Australia with the opportunity to lead in mission, encouraging them to think not only of what they will do to help, but why they will do it.
The world game of soccer has the rare power to unify people of all ages and backgrounds, while clearly representing the concept of the "haves and have nots". Nowhere is this clearer than in the balls used to play. Socktober weaves these concepts together, celebrating the values inherent in sport, but reminding students that we have the power to change injustice and imbalance in the world.
The website says: By centering Socktober around soccer, we get to bring people together in a fun and relatable way, while also teaching important values like teamwork, resilience, and community spirit. Soccer helps us spread the word about Socktober, making it more exciting and accessible for everyone to get involved and support our mission projects. Whether you're kicking a ball around with friends or raising funds, you're part of a global team making a real difference!
This year the Socktober appeal is raising awareness and funds for the Caring Center in Mongolia. The Caring Center provides a home for Otgonbayar and his friends who have nowhere else to call home. Learn more here.
On Thursday we held a Crazy Socks and Wacky Ties day where students were asked to bring in a gold coin donation and to add those items to their uniform. From Thursday, we raised $390.55 for this cause which means that less than half of our students donated to the cause.
If students and their families still want to donate to our Catholic Missions Appeal, they can do so through this link.
https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/stjosephsregionalcollegeportmacquarie
Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal
In Week 10 of Term 3, our College community came together to announce and inaugurate the Student Leadership Team for 2025. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Senior Leaders of Student Wellbeing, Mrs. Croft and Ms. Flanagan, for their diligent efforts in preparing the students for these important roles.
Our College candle represents the light of Jesus and the life and faith of our College. It assists in lighting the way for our journey through our school years and into adult life. It also represents the collective leadership shown by our past Year 12 students.
As one group graduates and departs the College, another step up to fill the role, and as such, at the Ceremony of Light, our 2024 College Captains Alaska Webber and Jamie Vinod, passed on this symbol to the newly elected College Captains for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, Bonnie Clark and Jacob Hill. 
2025 Student Leadership Team |
|
| College Captains | Bonnie Clark and Jacob Hill |
| College Vice Captains | Esther Cummins and Gideon Marr-Grogan |
| Student Leaders - Mission |
Jazmin Cook |
| Student Leaders - Wellbeing | Audrey Cassegrain Ella Ecott GraceKeena HannahThompson |
| Student Leaders - Stewardship | Brooke Instrell Brae McGregor Sienna Monk |
| House Leaders - Flinders | Cooper Taylor and Ashton Daley |
| House Leaders - Hastings | Madison Wyndham and Grace Field |
| House Leaders - Innes | Mia Lawrence and Alannah Steele |
| House Leaders - Macquarie | Lilly Maher and Kate Ainsworth |
| House Leaders - Oxley | Eliza Bajt and Lauren Kelly |
| House Leaders - Wilson | Phoebe Stubbs and Charli Paine |
We look forward to working with these tremendous young adults in their leadership roles next year.
2025 Student Leadership Team
College Captains & Vice Captains
Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal
HSC Exams
We continue to wish our year 12 students our thoughts and prayers as they enter the third week of the HSC exam period. It has been pleasing to speak with many of the students after their exams and get a sense of how much of their hard work over the last two years enabled them to tackle the challenges of the exams. Year 12 Hospitality students prepared for their Hospitality exam yesterday, enjoying the brain snacks generously provided by Kenny Little's Fruit and Veg.
Year 11 Exams
The Year 11 students have commenced their HSC pattern of study and have already received their assessment handbook for Year 12. They are to be commended on the manner in which they have started their HSC journey. It has been especially pleasing to see many Year 11 students already take advantage of the ‘Food for Thought’ program afterschool and preparing for the end of year assessment period.
Years 7-10 Assessment Calendars
Finally, students in year 7-10 have received their assessment calendars for the term and are reminded about the processes relating to assessments. If a student misses an assessment, they will be timetabled for a catch-up exam period on their Compass daily schedule and they will need to attend this allocated period or assessment penalties may apply. If a student knows that they are unable to attend an assessment they must contact Ms Anne Marchment to organise an alternative time.
Friday 8th November Curriculum Planning Day
Friday the 8th November will be a student free day. On this day staff will continue to program, resource and prepare to implement the large number of new syllabus documents that Nesa is implementing over the next few years. The syllabuses cover all subject areas and mirror the changes that have also been occurring in the primary schools.
Next year will see the implementation of new syllabuses in most subject areas across Years 7-11. The implementation program will continue over the following two years.
Mr Ian Lutton
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Year 9 Camp Information Night
Parents of Year 9 students are asked to save the date of Monday 11th November for the Year 9 Camp Information evening. The evening will commence at 5.30 and is expected to be no more than one hour. This event will cover crucial information for the Year 9 HSIE Camp to Sydney in Week 9, 9th - 11th December. Information covered will include:
- Itinerary and learning experiences;
- What to pack;
- Camp staffing and organisation;
- Student expectations and support.
It is hoped that each student and a parent/carer will attend the evening.
VIA Character Strength Testing for Students
At SJRC, we believe in strength-based practice that encourages each young person to recognise and draw on their God-given strengths and talents to face life’s challenges. This week students in Years 7 - 11 enjoyed an extended Pastoral Care
lesson in lieu of our usual school assembly time. During this time, students completed their VIA Character Strength testing. We suggest that parents review their child’s character strengths (refer to page 6 of the student diary) and perhaps even take the VIA test yourself as a self-reflection and family discussion tool. The VIA Character Strength test can be accessed via the free VIA website. Keep an eye on your child’s Compass Profile for a pinned template that will soon be visible to parents, identifying the top 5 character strengths of your child/ren.
World Teachers Day
On World Teachers Day, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the amazing work done by each and every Teacher at SJRC to support the wellbeing of our students. We are blessed to have teachers in our College who understand that optimal learning can only be achieved through optimal wellbeing for each student. A reminder that PC Teachers, subject teachers and Leaders of Student Wellbeing are available to discuss learning and wellbeing needs with parents. We encourage and welcome parent contact as part of our partnership with families. Please contact the Office to arrange an appointment with the relevant staff member, or reach out directly via Compass contact, should you wish to discuss how we can best support your child at school. I am also available to meet and speak with parents by appointment. Don’t hesitate to contact me directly to provide feedback, ask questions or request support.
jennifer.furney@lism.catholic.edu.au
Mrs Jennifer Furney
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
Community Celebration - Sunday 24th November
On 24 November, we will be combining all Sunday Masses so we can celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King as One Body in a tangible way, with Mass at St Joseph’s Regional College at 10am and festivities to follow. After Mass, you can enjoy:
- Food
- Music
- Dancing
- Kids’ activities
We encourage everyone to consider registering to attend, getting an act together to perform, or joining in by serving on the day. Just follow the link below to RSVP or express interest in performing/serving.
Links:
- Please RSVP here so that we can ensure we cater for all
- If you would like to provide some entertainment with a performance, please complete this form
- If you can support this day by serving, please complete this form
Catholic Schools NSW 'Spirit on Country' Conference
This week I was privileged to attend the Catholic Schools NSW Spirit on Country Conference in Tamworth, bringing together educators, students, and community leaders to celebrate and deepen our understanding of Aboriginal culture and spirituality. I travelled with Carly Taylor, one of our Aboriginal Education Workers, and Mrs Jennifer Furney, as we were invited and sponsored by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools.
The event highlighted the importance of embracing our rich First Nations heritage within the educational framework of Catholic schools.
One of the most moving parts of the conference was the on-country experience at the Myall Creek Massacre site. This sacred place serves as a powerful reminder of the painful chapters in Australia's history and the resilience of Aboriginal people. The opportunity to walk on this land and reflect together was a deeply emotional and transformative moment for all involved.
Throughout the event, we were inspired by the proud display of Aboriginal culture, particularly the participation of students from Catholic schools in the Armidale Diocese. Many of these students performed traditional dances and spoke in language, showcasing their strong connection to their heritage. It was heartening to witness young people embracing their identity with such pride, a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate Aboriginal languages and customs.
We were also privileged to hear from renowned role models like Greg Inglis, whose words of wisdom and personal journey resonated with many. Additionally, several teachers from our own Diocese, including those from St Mary's Primary School in Casino and St Mary's Primary School in Bowraville, shared their experiences of embedding Aboriginal perspectives into their teaching.
We also heard from Dallas McInerney who is the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Schools NSW who spoke about the 2024 Annual Report on Aboriginal Education Outcomes in NSW Catholic Schools. There was much to celebrate in the work being done. The report can be accessed here.
This conference was a powerful reminder of the importance of listening, learning, and walking together with Aboriginal people as we continue to build a more inclusive and compassionate society within our Catholic schools.
Mr Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal - Mission
2025 School Travel Applications are Now Open
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.
Students progressing from year 2 to year 3 and from year 6 to year 7 do not need to re-apply if they:
- are continuing at the same school, and
- are residing at the same address, and
- have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification.
Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification for their school travel entitlement need to renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications, so their travel entitlement can remain valid for the start of the 2025 school year.
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.
In the Opal network, students should 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.
Encounter Youth
Where: The Youth Hub
When: Every Friday from 5:30-7:30pm
What do we do: Dinner, games, and a great time
Who can come: You and your mates
Cost: $5 for dinner.
Week 2: The Finishing Line (Friday 25th October)
Encounter Kick-on’s (Sunday’s after the 5pm Mass)
Group games and supper. Come join us.
Zac Parnell
Youth Coordinator
St Agnes' Catholic Parish
49 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
T 02 6588 7444
E zac.parnell@stagnesparish.org.au
After completing his HSC at St Joseph’s Regional College in 2020, Thomas Merkus enrolled in a Doctor of Medicine at Charles Sturt University. Across the years of 2021-2023, Thomas was the recipient of the Executive Dean’s Award, and presented at the Australia and New Zealand Health Professional Educators’ Conference in 2022 and 2023. The eldest of 3 siblings, Thomas expects to graduate in 2025 with a Doctor of Medicine.
When asked why this field of study is important to him, Thomas responded with ‘I chose Medicine as I was interested in sports science throughout high school and studying Medicine provides me with a great opportunity to learn about human physiology and anatomy. On clinical placements I enjoy meeting patients and learning about their interesting journeys and life experience. Studying at a rural medical school is particularly important to me as there is a shortage of rural medical professionals to serve our communities, with many more doctors needed to improve access to rural healthcare.’. Touchingly, his proudest moment to date was ‘When I put a sling on a 6-year-old girl in the emergency department after she hurt her arm and she said "Thank you, Dr. Tom!".’
Congratulations Thomas – you have chosen a challenging career and are already realising the great privilege and rewards that come with that role. We wish you all the best.
#doctor #medicine #wherearetheynow #aHSC4opportunity
Careers Pathway
| Term 4 Week 3 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Cheese & Bacon Burger |
| Tuesday | Fried Rice |
| Wednesday | Burrito Bowl (GF) |
| Thursday | Pasta Salad |
| Friday | Chicken, Pumpkin, Feta & Macadamia Salad |
| Term 4 Week 4 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Chicken Pesto Pasta |
| Tuesday | Zucchini & Feta Fritters |
| Wednesday | Chicken Caesar Wrap |
| Thursday | Pulled Pork Sliders |
| Friday | Bacon & Cheese Stuffed Potatoes |
The Canteen opens at 8.00 am every school day.
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.
 |
 |
 |
St Joseph's Regional College
Website - https://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SJRCPort
Instagram - @sjrcport
St Joseph's Regional College - 50 year Celebrations
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SJRC50years
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sjr50years/
Digital Ministry
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sjrcdigitalministry
Library
Website - https://pmreglism.libguides.com/home
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sjrcexchange
Instagram - Instagram - @sjrcexchange
Careers
Website - https://www.sjrcportcareers.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sjrcportcareers
"Turning the Tide on Ocean Plastic," a free family workshop ideal for children aged 8+ and adults. The event will help participants learn about plastic pollution, discover practical ways to reduce plastic use, and engage in a hands-on recycling activity.
- Date: Tuesday, 12 November
- Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Location: MakerSpace, Port Macquarie