SJRC Newsletter: Term 3 Week 4 - 15th August 2025

High Potential Learners - 'Write a Book Competition'

On Wednesday, 37 students were given a seemingly impossible task: in only 12 hours they were to brainstorm, write, edit, illustrate and publish an entire book. To make things more complex, our teams were given very specific parameters with which to write their story, such as including a refrigerator as a minor character or setting their story at a bike shop.

Congratulations to our four SJRC teams who completed this challenge with flair and skill! They worked all day, overcoming creative challenges and learning how to work effectively within a team. The books they created were interesting, perceptive and illustrated beautifully. We couldn’t be prouder of our students! These books will now be published and distributed to children in hospitals across Australia — bringing joy, comfort, and imagination to young readers.

I extend my sincere gratitude to our Leader of High Potential Learners, Mrs Bronwyn Canning, for her dedication and guidance. Over the course of the program, Bronwyn not only inspired and encouraged our students but also devoted an incredible 12 hours to supporting them as they brought their creative visions to life. 

This competition is also about giving back. Our teams are fundraising for The Kids’ Cancer Project — and need to raise at least $240 so our books can be in the running for a state or national award. All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to vital childhood cancer research.

You can support our students’ creativity and compassion by helping them reach their fundraising goal by donating via the links below:

• Year 7: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1159
• Year 8: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1160
• Year 9: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1161
• Year 10: https://writeabookinaday.com/teams/?id=1520   

Focus Magazine Feature

Be sure to look out for the next edition of Focus, where three of our talented students will be featured in the “Kids Who Rip” section. Congratulations to Brinkley McHugh, Sophie Marchment, and Ysaac Nieva on this exciting recognition!

Feast of the Assumption: A Celebration of Hope

Today, August 15th, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You may have heard this term before, but what does it really mean?

In simple terms, the Assumption is the belief that when Mary's life on Earth was over, God took her body and soul directly into Heaven. Think of it as a special homecoming party for Mary! This isn't just a story from the Bible; it's a core teaching of the Catholic Church, officially declared by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

During lunch time today, we had a special Mass in the Chapel for staff and students who wished to attend. It was presided over by Fr Anselm and our very own Deacon Shane. Fr Anselm is the newly appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Wauchope, coincidentally this Church’s name is another title for Mary.

Why Is This Feast Day So Important?

This celebration is a big deal for a few reasons:

• A Sign of Hope: Mary's Assumption is a powerful reminder that our ultimate home is in Heaven with God. It gives us hope that one day, we too will be reunited with God, body and soul. It's a preview of the resurrection promised to all of us.
• Mary, Our Example: Mary lived a life completely dedicated to God. She said "yes" to God's plan, even when it was difficult. Her Assumption shows us the incredible reward that awaits those who live a faithful life. She is a perfect example of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
• A United Church: The Feast of the Assumption is a celebration shared by Catholics all over the world. It's a day when we all come together to honor Mary, who is seen as the Mother of the Church.

Mary, mother of Jesus is known by many titles and one of those is ‘Mary, help of Christians’. With this title, Mary is Australia’s official Patron Saint however with the canonisation of Mary MacKillop, many would consider St Mary of the Cross the patron of Australia. In Australia, the Feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation. This means that Catholics are required to attend Mass today, just like they would on a Sunday. It's a special opportunity to join our community in celebrating this important feast.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, on this special day, we thank you for the gift of Mary. Just as you welcomed her into Heaven, we ask that you help us to follow her example of faith and trust. Guide us to always say "yes" to your will and to live our lives with hope and love. May we one day share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Vinnies SleepOut 2025

Vinnies SleepOut 2025 held at St Joseph’s Regional College was a great success. 40 students from MacKillop, Newman and St Joseph’s Regional College got together for an evening of games, prayer, fort building with cardboard, and reflections on being homeless. Students were excited to be together but very conscious of being grateful for the lives that they live.

The night began at 6:00pm with some input from Michael O’Brien who shared how Vinnies are supporting people who are homeless in the Port Macquarie area. Terry Memory provided some insight into the challenges that homelessness poses today and shared some of his personal story. This was followed by a game where students had to find facts about homelessness hidden around the school grounds. Dinner consisted of warm soup and bread kindly prepared by Chef Dave Constantine. The evening was rounded out by a fort building competition with Cardboard before finishing the evening with a reflection and prayer in solidarity with homeless people.

Special thanks to Emily Burg who did a huge amount of preparation and ran the event. Also thanks to Mrs Gobius, Mrs Daley, Mrs Rich and Ashlinn de Dassell from Mackillop College, Mrs McLeod, Mr Gobius, Mr Jennings, Mr Bushe and Deacon Shane for being there on the night and supporting our students.

A grand total of $2961 was raised by SJRC students to support the great work of the St Vincent De Paul Society.

A Big Week for Mission!

Next week is a huge one for mission and faith in our school community. We have two amazing events that will help our students grow in their faith and leadership.

Shine Gathering

Next Thursday and Friday, 95 of our students from Years 9-12 will travel to Coffs Harbour for Shine, a big gathering for the Lismore Diocese. Students from across the diocese will meet at St John Paul II College for two days of prayer, worship, and inspiring workshops. We are sending a large group of students and staff to this event. Please join us in praying that everyone who attends will have a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit and be inspired to bring their renewed faith back to share with our community.

For those involved, we will be hosting an evening for students and parents, called ‘Shine Together’. It is a chance for students to share with their parents, their experience of this life-changing gathering. This evening will involve hearing from students and a shared meal. More information will be sent through Compass next week.

Accendere Retreat

Next week, our Year 9 Youth Ministry class will be hosting Accendere in our College Hall. Accendere, a Latin word, means to 'switch on,' or 'kindle to catch fire.' This retreat day is designed for Year 4 students from our neighbouring Catholic primary schools. Through prayer, reflection, and fun activities, our Year 9 students will guide them in learning about how to be Jesus' presence in their friendships, families, and communities. It's a wonderful opportunity for our older students to lead and mentor the younger ones in faith.

Mr Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal - Mission

A Generous Gift for Our Music Program

We are thrilled to share some exciting news; a beautiful upright Kawai piano has been generously donated to our school’s music program! This wonderful instrument will give our students countless opportunities to practise, perform, and experience the joy of making music.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the donor, Mr Ross Coker, for this incredible contribution to our school community. Your generosity will inspire and enrich our music students for years to come.

Year 11 Exam Timetable and Preperation

To support our Year 11 students as they prepare for their upcoming end of course exams in week 9 and 10, we have provided students with the 'Think With Ink' study booklet and the exam timetable. Students should be prioritising the finalisation of their notes in the next two weeks.

The study booklet is a fantastic resource packed with useful revision strategies, including the highly effective Traffic Light System on page 6. We encourage all Year 11 students to use this system as they finalise their notes.

The booklet also contains study timetable templates that the students should use to plan their time for the rest of the term. Mrs Croft will be regularly meeting with Year 11 to ensure they are set up for success in their exams. Parents are encouraged to assist students with a quiet study space at home and to consider their work and sporting commitments as the exams approach.

HSC Trials

Please continue to keep our Year 12 cohort in your thoughts and prayers as they continue with their HSC Trial exams.  HSC trials conclude on Monday, August 18th.

Please find below a copy of the exam timetable.

Parent-Teacher Interviews - Years 7-11

Monday, 18th August 2025  4:00pm- 7:00pm

Parent-teacher interviews are an important opportunity for parents to discuss the progress of their sons/daughters with teachers and to help formulate strategies to assist their children in their educational journey. 

• As many teachers have a full programme of interviews through the night, I would ask that parents respect the 5-minute time allocation for interviews (if an extended discussion is needed, a separate time should be booked through the College office to see the teacher).
• Also, I would ask that parents adhere to the allocated time slots.

How to book a Parent-Teacher Interview:

All interviews are to be booked via the Compass App.

Further information regarding the evening and the link to book an interview will be sent out via the Compass App on Monday.

Bookings will open on Monday 4th August and
close on Monday, 18th August at 10:00am

We look forward to meeting with you.

Ian Lutton
Assistant Principal - Mission

Year 11 Students Selected for Prestigious University Program

Congratulations to Dane Bittu, Kailas Nath Praveen Remya, Darryl Bijoy, Jack Duff and Phoebe White, who have been selected to attend the prestigious University of Sydney Year 11 Residential Program during the September/October holidays.

These students will spend a week on campus, enjoying an immersive experience that includes faculty workshops, accommodation tours, in-depth admission sessions, and a firsthand snapshot of student life at the University of Sydney.

Well done on your successful applications—we look forward to hearing all about your experiences when you return in Term 4.

#aHSC4opportunity

Mrs Leanne Tinsey
Leader of Future Pathways

Happening Soon - HSC Showcase

Come join us for this Creative Arts spectacular!

This is a free event.

Alumni - Jessica Daley

After graduating from St Joseph’s Regional College in 2020, Jessica commenced a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Charles Sturt University, but then transferred to a Bachelor of Environmental Science, graduating in 2024 with a Major in Ecology & Conservation.

Jessica grew up on a farm west of Wauchope, which may have contributed to her love for the environment, nature and animals. “I love the environment, nature and animals. I completed a year of Veterinary Technology before deciding it wasn’t for me, and then I connected with Environmental Science. The field of study enabled me to grow my knowledge of the environment and connect with my surroundings at a deeper level. I believe this is important because the environment is constantly evolving and growing. Combining innovative ideas with the changing environment is occurring daily and will continue in the future”.

#HSC4opportunity #wherearetheynow #environmentalscientist

We have a delicious variety of 'Lunch Specials', available for $7.00 from Wednesday to Friday, and an everyday menu.

CLICK HERE to view the Canteen's everyday menu.

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.

Encounter Youth

The Encounter Youth Program is held every Friday at the Youth Hub. 

Come along and join in the fun.

Encounter Kick-on’s (Sunday’s after the 5:00 pm Mass)

 Group games and supper. Come join us.

Zac Parnell