SJRC News in Brief: Term 1 Week 9 - 4th April 2025
- News in Brief
- School Community Group Gathering
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Parish Education Council - Seeking Parent Expression of Interest
- A message from Catholic Schools NSW
- Year 7 2026 Enrolment
- Immunisation - Year 7 & Year 10
- Busways - Change to Bus Route
- CoCurricular Music
- 2025 NSWCCC Swimming Report
- Canteen News
- Encounter Youth
- SJRC Social Media
- Community News
Important Dates to note
Friday 11th April 2025 - Pupil Free Day
All staff will be participating in a Spirituality Day.
No staff will be on-site on this day.
Monday 28th April 2025 - Pupil Free Day
Professional Development Day
Tuesday 29th April 2025 - Term 2 commences
Students - Term 2, first day
Save the Date - College Mass - Wednesday, 9th April
In Week 10 on Wednesday, we are celebrating Mass in the Hall from 9:10. We extend a warm welcome to families in our College community to share in this special event with us. As we are on the downhill run in Lent, journeying to the Resurrection of Christ at Easter, this could be a wonderful opportunity to engage in prayer with us. Prayer is one of the three pillars of Lent.
Easter Egg Raffle supported by students in FLINDERS and INNES
We are approaching the most egg-celent, most egg-citing day of the year. The Easter Egg Raffle will be drawn in Week 10, the last day of this school term!
This year, the raffle is being supported by Flinders and Innes houses, although all others are welcome to contribute to the prizes.
We still need more donations of chocolate eggs, bunnies and other Easter treats we can collect to make this year's raffle the best ever. Donations can be handed into the Flinders and Innes Leaders of Student Wellbeing
Tickets for the raffle are now on sale each day, outside the canteen. Tickets are 50c each or 3 for $1.
Please support Project Compassion and our fundraising efforts for Caritas Australia by donating eggs and buying tickets.
Easter Mass Times
Ubuntu African Choir Visit
The African Children's Choir Returns to Port Macquarie!
We are excited to welcome 14 Ugandan UBUNTU AFRICA friends to our College next term in Week 5.
Fourteen inspiring African Children's Choir graduates embark on an unforgettable eight-week tour along Australia’s eastern coast every two years. They raise vital funds for the education of underprivileged children in Uganda, and with each performance, they share their stories and vibrant culture.
These 14 young people are gifted singers, musicians and dancers who were part of the globally acclaimed African Children’s Choir. We actually hosted the children in 2015. These young people have freshly graduated from High School through the sponsorship of the African Children’s Choir and are ready to make a significant impact back in their villages in Uganda. As they gear up for university, they are excited to share with us how their dreams have been realised through this inspirational tour. Their Australian Tour is titled “Colour My World”.
Our Drumline and Choir will also be participating in a Masterclass workshop with the group while they are here which is very exciting.
Everyone has the opportunity to attend a concert at the Glasshouse on Thursday, 29th May, where they will bring a dynamic performance to our local community, featuring our College performers also.
Book your tickets now and be part of something truly special! Glasshouse Tickets
Billets Wanted – Host the Ubuntu African Choir
We are seeking expressions of interest from families willing to host members of the Ubuntu African Choir during their time in Port Macquarie.
Hosting Dates: Wednesday, 28th May – Saturday, 31st May (3 nights)
If you’re interested in this incredible opportunity, please register your interest today!
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE
ANZAC March Community Marches and Ceremonies 2025
On Thursday, 10th April, we will hold our College’s Anzac Day commemoration. We hold this special event on this, the last day of the term for students as a precursor to the community commemorations. We have a tradition at the College where we support three local community Commemorations. We typically have outstanding attendance from our students.
ANZAC Day (25th April) is the last Friday of the upcoming holidays.
The three marches and meeting places for our students are as follows:
- Port Macquarie - Thai House Restaurant (formerly Thai Tastic), corner Horton and William Streets 9:30 am
- Wauchope - RSL Club, Young Street at 10:15 am
- Laurieton - United Services Club, Seymour Street at 10:00 am
Dress - Please note that students are asked to wear their full "white" uniform and bring their College hat or cap. Shirts should be tucked for this occasion. Senior students are to wear the College tie. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle on the day. We ask that students remain for the duration of the ceremony.
If your child is able to join one of our school groups at one of the three venues, please complete this Google Form.
College Leadership Team
Mrs Tanya Daley - Principal
Mr Matthew Bushe - Assistant Principal, Mission
Mr Ian Lutton - Assistant Principal, Learning and Teaching
Mrs Jennifer Furney - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care
Join Us for Our First School Community Group Gathering!
At St Joseph’s Regional College, we know that strong partnerships between parents, students, and staff play a vital role in every child’s learning and wellbeing—not just in primary school, but throughout their high school years. Your involvement, input, and feedback are truly valued.
Our first School Community Group Gathering is an opportunity for parents to hear about and share feedback on the upcoming changes to Stage 5 electives. While this will be of particular interest to Year 7 and 8 parents, we warmly welcome all parents and carers to join us.
When: Wednesday, 9th April
Where: College Library
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM
We’d love to see you there! Click here to RSVP.
We are excited about this new model and look forward to engaging with parents throughout 2025.
Tanya Daley
Principal
Child Safeguarding Policy
The Child Safeguarding Policy is located on the College Website. This policy contains:
- Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct
- Staff & Student Professional Boundaries Policy
- Child Safeguarding Complaints Management
- Confidentiality and Privacy
Please be assured that all tutors, volunteers and staff members hold a current Working with Children Check and are provided with regular professional learning regarding Duty of Care and mandatory Reporting requirements.
Under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, all employees of the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools are mandatory reporters. We are mandated to provide the following for students in our care: to provide an environment free of violence and exploitation and provide services that foster their health, development needs, spirituality, self-respect and dignity.
Tanya Daley
Principal
Parish Education Council
St Agnes’ Catholic Parish has a Parish Education Council, whose role is to assist and advise the Parish Priest on educational and developmental matters related to the general management of our Early Education Centres and Primary and Secondary schools.
This Council is made up of a number of members, including priest/s, staff members, school principals, and parent representatives.
The Council is seeking an expression of interest from any parent interested in participating in this endeavour.
Your commitment would involve attending meetings during the business day. These are held twice per term, with a maximum duration of two hours.
Your expression of interest, outlining your background, etc, should be sent to the Secretary of the Council. Applicants progressing for consideration by the Council will then be invited to meet with the Chairperson and Parish Priest.
Your enquiries can be directed to the Secretary, Lily Rogerson, by email to:
Lily.rogerson@lism.catholic.edu.au
We look forward to hearing from any interested parents.
Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal
Keeping School Funding Fair – Supporting Families in Choosing the Best Education
Catholic schools have long provided families with quality education, strong values and a sense of community. New research confirms that parents make thoughtful financial choices to ensure their children receive the education that best suits their needs.
With rising costs affecting many households, families continue to prioritise education, valuing the academic, spiritual and personal development that Catholic schools provide. Ensuring school funding remains fair helps families continue to access the right school for their child.
Read the Catholic Schools NSW media release below and visit keepfundingfair.org.au to learn more about how we support families.
Year 7 2026 Enrolment Applications Now Open
Year 7 & Year 10 Schools Immunisation Program
Each year, our College provides the venue for NSW Health to conduct the NSW Schools Vaccination Program. Please be advised that all students receiving an immunisation need to register online via NSW Health.
Year 7 students to register as soon as possible prior to Monday 7th April.
Year 10 students can register now, even though their immunisations aren't until next term.
Year 7 and Year 10 Vaccination Program Dates
Term 1 – Monday 7 April 2025
- Year 7 - Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (Boostrix) (1 dose)
- Year 7 - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (1 dose)
- Catch up from previous year - Year 8 & 9 HPV and Boostrix
- Catch up from previous year - Year 11 & 12 Nimenrix (Meningococcal)
Term 2 – Friday 23 June 2025
- Year 10 Nimenrix (meningococcal ACWY)
- Catch up from previous year - Year 8 & 9 HPV & Boostrix
- Catch up from previous year - Year 11 & 12 Nimenrix (Meningococcal ACWY)
Term 3 – Friday 29 August 2025
- Year 7, 8 & 9 HPV and Boostrix - catch up from Year 7
- Catch up from previous year - Year 10, 11 & 12 Nimenrix (meningococcal ACWY)
Student Information - What to expect
Providing Consent for School Vaccinations
A printable copy of the consent form is available to download and print. This form has also been sent to Year 7 families via the Compass App.
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
How to provide consent:
Give Consent:
Ocean Drive Roadworks – Bus Service Changes Morning and Afternoon
Please find attached a letter outlining select bus service changes for students travelling along Ocean Drive, commencing Friday, 11th April 2025.
This letter will also be distributed directly to students using the affected Busways services.
For further details, please visit the Busways website: www.busways.com.au/nsw/school-services/school-timetables.
Alternatively, you can contact Busways Customer Service at 1300 69 29 29 or via email at infoline@busways.com.au.
FREE Lunchtime Concert – Mark your Calendar
Percussion Ensembles from St Joseph's Regional College & MacKillop College Port Macquarie!
On the 2nd-3rd April four students from SJRC traveled to Homebush in Sydney for the NSWCCC Swimming Championships. Congratulations to Blake Higgins, Chloe Higgins, Axl Pope and Zoe Lawrence who were looking for a top three finish to progress to the NSW All Schools carnival to be held in June at the same venue.
Congratulations to Chloe Higgins who broke two College swimming records at the meet and won gold in the 100m Backstroke and 50m Backstroke!
- 13 Girls 50m Freestyle in 29.56s
- 13 Girls 100m Backstroke in 1:10.06s
- 13 Girls 50m Backstroke in 32.94s
- 13 Girls 100m Freestyle in 1:04.77
- 13 Girls 50m Fly in 32.71s
Damien Kelly
Leader of Sport
3rd April 2025
| Term 1 Week 10 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | No Specials |
| Tuesday | Chicken Caesar Wrap |
| Wednesday | Wombok Salad & Honey soy chicken wings |
| Thursday | Hawaiian Chicken Burger |
| Friday | Pupil Free Day |
Our College Canteen opens at 8.00am every school day.
We have a delicious variety of 'Lunch Specials', available for $7.00 from Tuesday to Friday, and an everyday menu.
Breeanna Stone
Food Services Manager
Stations of the Cross:
Some good news for Good Friday!
St Agnes’ Catholic Parish is taking the Stations of the Cross to Oxley Beach. Join young people from across our Parish as they celebrate the Stations of the Cross. If you would like to assist in any way, please contact our
Youth Coordinator, Zac Parnell, 0487 971 744
Encounter Youth
The Encounter Youth Program is held every Friday at the Youth Hub. Come along and join in the fun.
When: Every Friday
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: @ The Youth Hub
Cost: $5 for dinner
Encounter Youth: Friday 4th April
I’m not sure about you, but it definitely feels like Lent. It may be from the news, the weather, or our Lenten observances. But, this Friday at Encounter Youth we’re taking time to Rejoice… to talk about a joy that lasts and a love that never fades.
Week 10 Encounter Youth: Bowling (11th of April)
To celebrate the end of Term 1 Encounter Youth is going bowling!
5:30-7:30pm
@ The Bowl Port Macquarie
$25 for one game of bowling and some pizza
RSVP is essential.
Encounter Kick-on’s (Sunday’s after the 5:00 pm Mass)
Group games and supper. Come join us.
Journey into the Catholic Faith for Teens:
If you are a teenager or know a teenager who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, the Journey into the Catholic Faith is for them. Over the course of term 2 we will go on a deep dive into the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Faith, learning heaps and having fun whilst doing it. In Term 3 we will wrap up our journey, and if a participant has not completed their sacraments of initiation, they will have the opportunity to do so.
To find out more and express your interest, please fill out this form.
St Agnes' Catholic Parish
49 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
T 02 6588 7444
E zac.parnell@stagnesparish.org.au
St Joseph's Regional College has a number of different social media platforms. We would love for you to follow us.
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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/
Ministry
Encounter PMQ - encounter.pmq
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
Calling all budding photographers!
As part of the Jubilee Year, the Vatican is promoting an international photography contest, titled: ‘Sport in Motion’. It is for young photographers, professional or amateur, under the age of 25.
There are five categories: sport and hope, sport and family, sport and disability, sport and politics, and sport and ecology.
The winners will be awarded a meeting with the Holy Father, a visit to the Vatican Museums, a workshop in the Osservatore Romano newspaper and their photo will be published internationally.
Do you know a young person - student or teacher - who may be interested in entering this competition?
The deadline to enter is 30 April 2025.
