SJRC Newsletter: Term 4 Week 6 - 22nd November 2024
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day
Today, we were thrilled to welcome 225 enthusiastic Year 6 students from 18 different schools for their Orientation Day. This special day gave our future Year 7 students a chance to meet new friends, connect with their teachers, and get a taste of what to expect when they officially join our community next year.
The day was filled with excitement, including fun team-building games and a delicious BBQ lunch that brought everyone together. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy and anticipation as these young students took their first steps toward becoming part of our school family.
Thank you to Mrs Jennifer Furney, our Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care and to the Leaders of Student Wellbeing, in particular, Mrs Crilley, for organising the day and supporting our newest students where needed. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the 38 amazing Year 9 helpers who guided and supported the groups throughout the day. Your leadership and kindness made the day even more memorable.
We can’t wait to see these bright, eager faces again next year as they begin their high school journey with us!
Enrolment 2025
It would be greatly appreciated if parents/carers could notify me at the College as soon as possible if their son/daughter will not be attending St Joseph's Regional College in 2025. We have a number of applications for places at the College for 2025, and it would be good to be able to offer places where known vacancies will occur. If you are relocating or moving your child to another school, please notify us. Thank you.
Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal
Christ The King Community Celebration Sunday 24th November
Our parish community is wonderfully diverse, with many of us gathering together within schools, at chapels, and aged care centres throughout the year. Outside of our regular local gatherings, we sometimes hear about the wider community but rarely come together as One Body.
This Sunday, 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 here at the College at 10.00 am with food and festivities to follow.
We would love to have lots from our school community in attendance on this day. Many of our Senior Hospitality students will be here as well as many from the College Band Program and SSAPS Drumlines (junior and senior).
This is a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate leadership and service within our Parish community.
We have approximately 700 people who have indicted they are coming to the special day.
All volunteers are asked to be at the College on Sunday at 8:30 am for a briefing. Please note that the carpark spaces in front of the Administration building will be reserved for those who are less mobile and disabled. Volunteers are asked to park at the rear of the hall in the carpark adjacent to the TAS Block.
For attendees of the day, parking attendants will direct you to parking on arrival.
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
Hamper Donation Day: Spreading Christmas Cheer
“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” - St Mother Teresa
Friday, 29 November, is our designated Hamper Donation Day. Students are encouraged to bring in their donations on Friday if they haven’t already done so for this heartwarming initiative for local families in need.
Why Donate?
Our Parish Hamper Drive is a wonderful opportunity to spread Christmas joy to those in our community who may be experiencing financial hardship or going through a difficult time. By everyone donating a small item, we can make a big difference and brighten a family’s Christmas season. Our College will have nearly 30 hampers as part of the St Agnes Catholic Parish Hamper drive, which will see hundreds of families across the Hastings receive hampers in the lead-up to Christmas.
How to Participate:
- Bring Your Donation: On Friday, 29 November. Please bring your donation (which has been allocated or discussed in PC classes) to your PC class for checking off.
- Casual Dress: In line with the College Code of Presentation (page 12A of the student diary), students may wear casual clothes on this day, provided they adhere to the guidelines. Students may wish to wear festive Christmas attire that would be appropriate for such a day.
If You Can’t Donate: If you are unable to bring a donation on or before the specified day, please inform your child’s Pastoral Care teacher. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated.
Let’s come together as a College community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. By donating, we can spread hope, joy, and the spirit of Christmas.
UPCOMING
● St Agnes Parish & Schools Christmas Hamper Drive with Hamper Donation Day with Out of Uniform - Friday 29th November
Mr Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal - Mission
HSC Nominations
We have received notification of another outstanding result from our HSC Drama students. Congratulations to Teleah Hicks and Gabriel Moore for their OnStage nominations for Individual Project.
Tealeah Hicks
My set for ‘Stories in the Dark’ embodies a symbolic juxtaposition to contrast between themes of war and conflict. At the same time, the warmth from storytelling serves as a comforter for the main characters. Within my set of an abandoned warehouse, which symbolises turmoil, designed for the Upstairs Theatre Belvoir Street, rose vines are overgrown, taking over the set, symbolising peace overcoming war.
Gabriel Moore
Inspired by the dystopian speculative fiction series Black Mirror, my short film “Drone” was created in order to spread awareness of the dangers of placing too much trust in artificial intelligence. This is a heavily debated contemporary issue, prevalent with the rise of OpenAI software systems such as ChatGPT. Hence, I felt I could emphasise the viewer to ponder their own stances regarding humanities trust of artificial intelligence.
English Seminars
Our latest group of Year 12 students (Year 12 2025) have started their HSC year strongly this term with an impressive turnout at English-focused Food For Thought sessions in our library. Running before school, and after school, students have been offered the chance to grapple with HSC style short answer questions for their first module, Texts and Human Experiences.
More seminars and opportunities will be offered throughout their HSC year and we encourage all students to avail themselves of these opportunities as they present.
Thank you to our English team for facilitating these sessions.
Display Night - Illuminate 2024: A showcase of talent.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at Illuminate 2024 on Thursday, 5th December, which will be held here at the College.
The College will be buzzing with energy and creativity as we showcase the amazing talents of our students in TAS and Creative Arts. Last year’s event was an absolute hit, with students, families, and friends coming together to celebrate our talented community. And this year, it’s going to be even bigger and better! The evening will be packed with food, fun, and incredible displays and performances.
You’ll have the chance to admire the outstanding work created by students in Timber, Textiles, Visual Arts, Metal, Marine Studies, iSTEM, Music, Dance, Drama, Design & Technology, Food & Hospitality and Languages. This night is all about celebrating the creativity, hard work, and skills of our students in these hands-on subjects.
The evening will feature two captivating concerts:
- Concert 1: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
- Concert 2: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Families of participating students will receive a link via the Compass App next week to access early bird tickets. General ticket sales will open to the wider College community on Thursday, 28th November. Students have been informed of which concert they will be performing in.
Join us for this celebration of talent and achievement as we shine a light on the amazing efforts of our students!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Mr Ian Lutton
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Requisites for Year 7 2025 and Years 8 to 10 2025
Mr Ian Lutton
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Year 9 Camp Information
Thank you to those parents and students who were able to attend the Year 9 Camp Information Evening. A brief summary of the information covered appears below for those unable to attend:
- Learning experiences aligned with the Year 9 History Syllabus were discussed. These included a site study visit to the Jewish Museum and a guided walking tour of the historic Rocks district.
- The itinerary, including an overview of bus groupings, accommodation arrangements and activities, was discussed.
- Student access to mobile phones was outlined. Some activities within the itinerary are designated phone-free times. Whilst students are under the duty of care of College Staff, a phone curfew and check-in will be in place.
- Expectations of respectful, exemplary student conduct were explained.
- Medical and wellbeing support for students attending the Camp was discussed.
- Processes for students to nominate rooming arrangements were outlined.
- Packing and dress requirements (outlined at the Compass event) were detailed, and a rationale was provided.
Should parents have further questions, they are directed to the information within the Compass event in the first instance. Leader of Student Wellbeing, Mr Chris Kalchabuer or Leader of Learning, Mr Jason Warnekan, may also be contacted at the College should more detailed information be required.
Year 11 RYDA Program
All Year 11 students will once again be participating in the RYDA Driver Education Program. This year’s program is scheduled for Tuesday, 26th November during Periods 1 - 4. Information has been emailed to parents of Year 11 students. The contact person for this event is Ms Heidi Flanagan, Year 11 Leader of Student Wellbeing.
Safe on Social
Thank you to Kirra Pendergast from Safe on Social, who has once again delivered a quality education program to our Year 7-10 students.
Kirra is a leading international expert in online safety, with a career spanning over three decades. Her extensive experience includes leading groundbreaking projects such as whole-of-QLD government cybersecurity initiatives and post-9/11 counter-terrorism strategies. Kirra's pioneering work in cybersecurity since 1995, social media risk management since 2008, and her development of industry-first policies and training programs highlight her deep expertise and innovative approach.
Some of the age-appropriate topics included:
- The impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing
- AI, Deepfakes, Synthetic Relationships - Safety, Policy and The Law
- Digital identity, reputation management and Legal responsibilities
- Strategies to maintain health and well-being
- Basics of keeping personal information safe and understanding privacy
- Creating strong passwords and the importance of not sharing them
- Building and maintaining respectful relationships both online and offline
- How to report issues and why it is always safe to speak up
- Cybersecurity and online fraud prevention
- Why Sleep is your superpower and why you should never have devices in your room
- Respectful online relationships, Sexting and the law
- Managing cyberbullying and online hate and support for victims
- How to create a positive online presence
- Image-based abuse online sexual harassment, and sextortion
- Strategies for managing screen time and digital dependence
- The impact of social media algorithms and what you signed up for
- Online activism in the age of social media
- Fake news and misinformation online
- Misinformation and Disinformation
- Technology and Sustainability
- Group chat management
- Safe online and metaverse gaming
- Online Ethics, and more.
To visit the Safe on Social website and for further information about the programs that Kirra offers, please click here.
Busways - Closure of Matthew Flinders Drive
I ask that parents please be aware of the following changes to the buses and how these changes will impact your child.
- Morning School Buses - S370, S443, S444, S445, S458 & S462
- Afternoon School Buses - S522, S554, S559, S562, S566, S567, S586, S590, S595 & S597
- Route Service 322 – Port Macquarie to Lighthouse Plaza
- Route Service 322 – Lighthouse Plaza to Port Macquarie
- Route Service 333 – Port Macquarie to Kendall
The letter below outlines the changes to accommodate the traffic switch between Emerald Dr/Matthew Flinders Dr, which has been delayed and will instead commence on Thursday, 28th November 2024.
The attached letter will be distributed to students on the affected Busways service. ensuring all students and parents are aware of how these changes will impact them and can plan their travel accordingly.
In the event there are further delays to the rescheduled commencement date, please regularly check your School’s Bus Timetable, which will be updated to reflect the most up-to-date commencement date of these changes at www.busways.com.au/nsw/school-services/school-timetables
For further information, please contact Busways Customer Service at 1300 69 2929 or infoline@busways.com.au.
Mrs Jennifer Furney
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
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.
Careers Pathway
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 7 - Friday 29th November – Survivors Ready
Who’s ready to outwit, outplay and outlast?
What does faith have to do with Survivor.
Come to Encounter Youth to ignite your torch and cast your vote.
Encounter Kick-on’s (Sunday’s after the 5pm Mass)
Group games and supper. Come join us.
Year 6 students are welcome to come along too.
Ignite Summer Camp: 8-12 January
Ignite Summer Camp is four massive days of fun, friends and getting closer to Jesus! The camp is from the 9-12th of January up in the mountains of Mapleton, which is why we leave early on the 8th and arrive home late on the 12th.
We’re currently taking $100 off our $580 all-inclusive Ignite Summer Camp Ticket (8-12 Jan).
This is for the first ten teenagers who pay their $150 deposit, so get in quick! For more information and details to make your deposit, please contact our Youth Coordinator: Zac Parnell (M 0487 971 744).
We’re currently taking expressions of interest, if you are interested, please contact our Youth Coordinator: Zac Parnell (M 0487 971 744).
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
| Term 4 Week 7 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Loaded Bacon & Egg Roll |
| Tuesday | Zucchini & Feta Fritters |
| Wednesday | Potato Salad |
| Thursday | BBQ Chicken & Bacon Pizza or Cheese Pizza |
| Friday | Asian Chicken Salad & Sesame Dressing |
| Term 4 Week 8 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Pasta Salad with Bacon |
| Tuesday | Roast Vege toasted Turkish sandwich |
| Wednesday | Beef Burrito Bowl |
| Thursday | Gourmet Sausage Dog |
| Friday | Chicken Schnitzel Salad |
Note: From the commencement of the school year in 2025, Lunch specials will not be available on Mondays, and there will be an increase in pricing on some items.
The Canteen opens at 8.00 am every school day.
Breeanna Stone
Food Services Manager
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