Term 1 Week 2 - 11th February 2022
Welcome Back!
Welcome to the first edition of our College Newsletter for 2022. Please note this will be published FORTNIGHTLY in 2022.
A link to the College Calendar and upcoming events for the week will be emailed on the alternate week.
On Wednesday at the Opening College and High Achievers Assembly, my message to students and staff was as follows:
Good morning staff and students and welcome to the 2022 school year.
We ended 2021 with much hope and positivity - looking forward to 2022 where things would return to normal for us and COVID-19 would be a weird distant memory. A global pandemic that we all lived through and managed to come out the other end. As 2022 began, it became increasingly apparent that that wasn’t going to be the case. So here we are again - masks, vaccinations, RATs, sanitising, checking in, social distancing, ZOOMs and Google classrooms - all our reality once again. Many of us, our friends or family members have experienced COVID and many more will. But we will continue to stay positive and hopeful and keep each other safe until the day comes when we do look back and say “remember the COVID-19 pandemic”.
So as we embark on our year of “Excellence” remember just how resilient we all are. We are a community that needs to continue to support each other with kindness and respect. We need to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus and help others wherever we can, both at school and in the wider community. Make the most of your opportunities this year in this wonderful College.
Today we have heard from some of our 2021 HSC High Achievers. Year 12 2021 are an inspirational group of young people. Last year, our College received the best HSC results we have ever had in the 11 years since the first HSC cohort completed the HSC at our school.
Despite the disruption to their Year 11 and 12 studies and the adversity they faced, this group of students maintained their focus on the bigger picture and were rewarded with personal and group success. It is important for every student listening today to reflect on this.
This morning is a time to be appreciative for the many gifts you have been given, to welcome the best person you can possibly be.
Also, this morning it is very important to show gratitude to those people in your lives who believe in you.
Your friends who lift you up by saying positive things; your parents who encourage you always to do your best; and your teachers who share with you their wisdom.
I am privileged to be continuing as your College Principal this term while Mr Dempsey continues to take leave.
Today it is also important to officially welcome our new staff and students.
I would like to make special mention of our 225 new Year 7 students and the 21 new students in other year groups. We know you will enjoy your time at SJRC and I am sure you already feel welcomed.
Prayer of Excellence
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we begin the new year we ask that you help us learn the value of work,
discipline and striving for excellence in all that we do.
That we may demonstrate excellence by seeking to serve others, by seeking healthy relationships,
by accepting and celebrating difference in our community,
by collaborating with others, and by our individual attitudes and actions,
Father, we ask that you would strengthen us in our moments of weakness.
Let us be filled with the Holy Spirit and your perfect will for our lives.
We give you thanks for the excellent achievement of all our students and
for those who have come today to share the wisdom of their success last year.
All this we ask in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.
Staff 2022
College Leadership
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Acting Principal |
Acting Assistant Principal
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Assistant Principal |
2022 Leaders of Pastoral Care
We congratulate Mrs Jennifer Furney who has taken up the new position of Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care. Jennifer comes from St John’s Dubbo where she has held the position of Executive Leader of Pastoral Care for 2 1/2 years and Year Coordinator for 14 years. Jennifer is currently studying a Masters of Leadership and Theology and is passionate about the wellbeing and pastoral care of students. Jennifer will oversee our College Houses; working collaboratively with all House Leaders and our Acting Assistant Principal - Mission, Mr Michael Walsh.
Mr Michael Morson
Acting Leader of Student Wellbeing
(Behaviour Support) Term 1
Year groups and Houses are led by a Leader of Wellbeing. This year the following staff are in these roles:
| Ms Cheryl Hyde Acting Leader of Student Wellbeing Flinders House & PC Programs  |
Mr Tom Inatey Leader of Student Wellbeing Hastings House & Year 10  |
Mr Chris Kalchbauer Leader of Student Wellbeing Innes House & Year 7  |
Mrs Claire Goldie Leader of Student Wellbeing Oxley House & Year 8  |
| Mr Shane Hyland Acting Leader of Student Wellbeing Macquarie House & Year 9  |
Mrs Heidi O'Reilly Leader of Student Wellbeing Wilson House & Senior Leadership Team  |
Ms Heidi Flanagan Leader of Student Wellbeing Year 11  |
Mrs Kellie Croft Leader of Student Wellbeing Year 12  |
On behalf of the College community, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our returning staff Mr Ryan, Mrs Lahey, and Mrs Tarrant, and new staff to St Joseph's Regional College.
Welcome to New Staff
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Mr Marcus Beeby Marcus joins the Mathematics faculty in 2022. Marcus holds a Master of Education Studies and Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching. Before moving to Port Macquarie Marcus taught at Mackellar Girls Campus and Northern Beaches Secondary College. Marcus was employed as a casual at the College in 2021. |
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Mrs Bronwyn Canning Bronwyn joins SJRC from Georges River Grammar School. Bronwyn holds a Master of Teaching (Secondary), a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Divinity. Bronwyn has experience teaching Years 7-10 English, English Advanced, English Extension 1 and Christian Studies. |
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Mrs Jacqui Crilley SJRC welcomes Jacqui to the PDHPE Faculty in 2022. Jacqui holds a Bachelor of Teaching PDHPE from Newcastle University. Jacqui has previous experience as a Sports Coordinator, Faculty Technology Representative and coach of several sporting teams. |
| Mrs Holly Daly Holly is an ex-student of SJRC and joins our TAS faculty. She has completed a double degree in Bachelor of Teaching (secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Technology) at the Australian Catholic University, majoring in Textiles and Food Technology, and minoring in computers. She has taught for over 10 years and has had the privilege of teaching at St Catherine’s School, Waverley; Geelong Grammar School, Corio; and MacKillop College. |
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Ms Taylee Eames Taylee has completed a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education at the University of Newcastle. Taylee is an ex-student and a Gap Year Trainee. Since completing her degree Taylee has been employed as a casual teacher at SJRC. |
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Mrs Dale Hamwood Dale returns to the College as a Teacher’s Assistant in 2022 after joining the staff on a temporary basis in 2021. Dale holds a Certificate IV in Education Support and Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education. Dale has years of experience in Education and moved to Port Macquarie from Sydney. |
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Ms Shari Holtham Shari returns to SJRC as part of the Administration team. Shari was employed on a temporary basis in 2021 and has experience in office and reception duties. |
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Mrs Jessica Hulbert Jessica has completed a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching from the University of New England. Jessica has experience teaching History, Geography English and Japanese. Jessica joined us from the Northern Territory in July 2021. Jessica will be continuing to work in the HSIE faculty. |
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Mrs Jacinta Kroon Jacinta joins the College with experience teaching Stage 4&5 English at Heritage Christian School. Jacinta completed a PRAC at the College in 2020. Jacinta will work in the English faculty. |
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Ms Nerida Laurie Nerida also returns to the College as a Teacher’s Assistant after working on a temporary basis in 2021. Nerida has previous experience as a Student Learning Support Officer at Wauchope High School and was a member of the NSW Police Force. |
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Ms Mahni Lewis Mahni has recently completed a Master of Teaching at Charles Sturt University. Mahni also holds a Bachelor of Media (PR and Advertising) with Distinction from University of New South Wales. Mahni joins SRJC from St Columba where she held the position of Media and Communications Officer for the past 4 years. Mahni will join the English faculty. |
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Mr Steve Manning Welcome to Steve Manning who recently completed a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) with Distinction at Charles Sturt University after more than 20 years' experience in business, marketing and copywriting. Steve will be working within the HSIE faculty. |
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Mrs Sarah McLeod Sarah joins the College with a Bachelor of Education (K-12), Arts Elective Units Literature, Ceramics, Printmaking & Drawing, a VET Certificate IV in Hospitality Operations and Certificate II in Equine Studies. Sarah will work with students with Literacy Intervention. |
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Ms Katelyn Oppedisano Katelyn joined SJRC in Term 4 2021 teaching Dance and Religious Education. Katelyn holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) from the University of New England. |
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Mrs Elizabeth Morgan Elizabeth joins the College working in the English Faculty. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from Wheaton College near Chicago USA. Elizabeth was employed as a casual teacher in 2021. |
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Ms Roxanne Montgomery Roxanne joined the HSIE faculty in Term 3, 2021. Roxanne has completed a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Charles Sturt University. |
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Mr Brendan Prince Brendan has completed a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) at South Cross University and a Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science. Brendan was employed as a casual teacher at the College in 2021 and will be joining the PDHPE faculty. |
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Ms Tanith Reardon SJRC welcomes Tanith to the English Faculty in 2022. Tanith holds a Bachelor degree in Arts (English and History) with honours as well as a Graduate Diploma in Education. Tanith joins SJRC from Oakhill College, Castle Hill. |
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Mrs Emily Smallwood Emily holds a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Music from University of New England. Emily is a dedicated and passionate music teacher with extensive teaching, performance and band/choral leading experience. Emily was employed as a casual at the College in 2021. |
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Ms Breeanna Stone Breeanna will join the SJRC Canteen as an assistant. Breeanna has worked on a casual basis within the local Catholic schools filling temporary roles as Canteen Manager and assistant in 2021. We look forward to Breeanna joining the College in 2022. |
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Mrs Jenny Tarbox Jenny joins the College as an Administration Assistant with strong administration and customer service skills working in a variety of private business and public departments for over 10 years. Jenny holds a Bachelor of Business and a Certificate IV in Business. |
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Ms Lydia Toms Lydia joins the College working in the Science faculty. Lydia has completed a Masters of Teacher and a Bachelor of Marine Science and Management from Southern Cross University. Lydia completed a PRAC at the College in Term 2, 2021. |
Emilee Gibbs and Emily Burg are staying on for an additional year in the Hospitality trainee role and Youth Ministry role respectively.
Trainees
Nelson Young – Indigenous Education Trainee
Abigail Gammon – Creative Arts Trainee
Jorjia-Rose Styles – Co-Curricular Music Trainee
Jordyn McAnnally – TAS Trainee
Ella Smith – Youth Ministry Officer
Maddison Baxter – PDHPE/Sport Trainee
Many thanks to John Sprague for his excellent management of the College areas over the break, to Martin Loane, for mowing and general maintenance, and Jegathees Sanmugarasa for cleaning and general maintenance over the holidays to ensure that the College is in excellent condition for the commencement of the year.
Also a sincere thank you to Mrs Wendy Welsh and Mrs Michelle Reynolds who worked at the end of the holidays to prepare for the year ahead.
Traffic Management Plan
Dear Families, please see the information below and the maps of our traffic management plan to peruse and ensure you know how traffic is managed at the College.
I recommend delaying car pick-up of students until 3.30 pm where possible to allow school buses to efficiently enter the grounds to keep to their schedules.
Attending the College
Restrictions apply at our College in accordance with the NSW Health Guidelines. Further information regarding the guidelines can be found in the link below.
A reminder:
- Parents and carers MUST check-in using the NSW Service QR code, and show proof of vaccination on entry to the school site.
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ALL visitors MUST wear a mask when entering College grounds unless they have been granted an exemption. If you cannot wear a face mask because of a disability, physical or mental health illness, or condition, you must carry either
- a medical certificate or letter signed by a registered health practitioner (such as a doctor) or a registered NDIS provider; or
- a statutory declaration.
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Wherever possible, we ask that you stay in your car and call the office 5525 4100 for assistance.
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Only three visitors in the College Office foyer at any time.
- If you have an arranged appointment, please ensure you sign into the QR when entering the College office.
Drop off and pick up students and/or items
Parents and carers are asked to follow changes to drop off and pick up including:
- If safe to do so, when:
- collecting your child early, if you have a planned appointment please send a note in with your child in the morning to obtain a leave pass, when you arrive at the College please stay in your car and we will send your child out to you; it is imperative that your child leave their class on time to meet you with this leave pass.
- dropping off your child, please stay in your car and call the office to notify us of their late arrival. - Please phone the office if dropping off items for your child, a staff member will collect the item from your car.
- Maintain physical distancing by avoiding gathering outside of school gates.
- Follow mask-wearing requirements and wear your mask correctly.
Unwell students, staff, and visitors
Peace and Joy
Mrs Tanya Daley
Acting Principal
This year, the College has been able to split the existing Assistant Principal - Mission and Pastoral Care position into two positions. This will enable the College to be more authentic to both the important elements of this leadership position.
The new Assistant Principal - Mission position will focus on the Evangelisation and Missionary responsibilities within the College. This entails working with the Religious Education teachers in the RENEW program, Diversity and Inclusion, and Indigenous Education teams, overseeing Feast days, Retreats, Community Service Program, awards ceremonies, staff spirituality and wellbeing, and building on the Parish and community connections.
I look forward to working with, and supporting the very professional and capable members of our College in these areas, as well as connecting with Parish and community members to continue to carry out our evangelisation work at the College.
Community Service at the College
Serving others is more than keeping up with your to-do list. To be a servant means we genuinely need to care about people. It’s keeping our eyes, hearts, and schedules open for serving others.
As Christians are compelled to use their gifts and talents to build the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ’s central message. We are called to be a part of the solution, not the problem. The purpose of service is so God can reach others through our hands and feet.
Last year we reviewed our Community Service Program and as a result, we will be implementing some changes that will hopefully give a better understanding of why it is important for all of us to engage in service to others through community service.
We will be presenting this to the students in the near future through our assemblies at the College.
College Theme 2022 'Excellence'
Our College theme for this year is ‘Excellence’. As you know each year we choose a word that reflects what we value and believe to be important in our college community. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians (4:8), says “… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
At St Joseph’s Regional College we believe God wants us to excel in both who we are, what we do, and what we say. We demonstrate excellence by seeking to serve others, by seeking healthy relationships, by accepting and celebrating differences in our community, by collaborating with others, by our individual attitudes and actions, and by striving to excel in all aspects of our life in our school community.
In two weeks’ time, we will have a Welcome Liturgy during our assembly time. After the liturgy, we will spend time as PCs dedicating our Sacred Space in the PC Room and deciding what we’ll need to do in each of these areas of excellence to create an Excellent PC this year.
Mr Michael Walsh
Acting Assistant Principal - Mission
It has been a wonderful start to the year here at St Joseph’s Regional College, with students and staff enjoying a calm and seamless transition into the 2022 academic year. We are particularly delighted to welcome our very enthusiastic incoming Year 7 students to our College Community.
Thanks must be extended to our families and staff for the collaborative participation in our Year 7 and Year 11 Positive Partnership Conversations. Whilst we acknowledge the significant work output for staff in facilitating these meetings, and the time commitment of our families, the benefits of these meetings for our students are immeasurable. Here at SJRC, we are committed to fostering strong home-school partnerships to support students' wellbeing and learning. Our Positive Partnership Conversations are paramount to our strong relationships with students and families alike. Thank you to all involved!
As a brand new member of the SJRC community, I have myself experienced a very warm welcome this year and feel grateful to have landed in such an inclusive and caring school. I look forward to working closely with our students, staff and families to foster the wellbeing of our young people. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Pastoral Care Teacher, Leader of Wellbeing, or me directly, if you feel your child may benefit from additional support at school.
Swimming Carnival
The College Swimming Carnival will take place at the Port Macquarie Swimming Pool on Thursday, 17th February.
Students are encouraged to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and House spirit.
Please check that your child’s swimwear is modest and appropriate for a school swimming carnival ie. no bottom cheeks or breasts revealed. As a general rule, swimmers designed for race-swimming are preferable. While we discourage bikinis, we understand some brands of two-piece swimwear are specifically designed for pool swimming (Kozi, Funkita, Speedo etc.) and these are acceptable. Please check the pictures below. College rash shirts will be issued to students who are competing in swimwear deemed to be inappropriate.
We regret that due to COVID restrictions, we are unable to invite parents to our Swimming Carnival this year.
Further information about the day can be found on the College Website under the SPORT tab.
https://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/
https://sjrcportmac.schoolzineplus.com/newsletter/article/1571
We look forward to a great day. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
20th January 2021
Our annual SJRC Swimming Carnival is to be held on Thursday, 17th February 2022 (week 3) at Port Macquarie Olympic Pool. This is a compulsory day for all students and attendance is marked on this year's report.
There are four main events swum on the day – freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. Students have a choice of swimming these races in the 50m or 25m pool. 4x50m freestyle relays (worth double points) are held after lunch.
Participation is what wins the House Shield. Participation points in the 50m pool are worth 5 points and the 25m pool – 1 point. Students who finish in the top 4 times in the 50m pool are awarded bonus points. The students who finish first and second in the points race over the day are awarded Age Champion trophies and Runners-up medals.
Students who live in Port Macquarie or have parents who work in Port Macquarie may meet us at the pool on carnival day. Students can be dropped from 8.15am onwards. PC teachers are keeping a record of this. Please provide a note if meeting at the pool or wanting to leave from the pool to PC teachers prior to carnival day. All other students are bussed to the pool. The cost of the day is $9. This is non refundable for withdrawals on the day and will be billed to your College account.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions, parents/guardians are not permitted onsite at school events. Students wishing to remain at the pool at the completion of the carnival must leave the premises and then re-enter paying any fee necessary. NB: No student may leave the carnival until after the presentation – 2.45pm.
Uniform requirements: students may wear house colours to and from school.
Students who finish in the first 2 places for each event (on times) qualify for the Diocesan Carnival to be held in Lismore on Thursday, 10th March 2022.
Due to our large number, some events are not swum on carnival day. Students who wish to compete in the following events have to provide times (from the NSW Swimming Website) to Mr Kelly by 8.30am Monday, 21st February – 100m freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 100 backstroke, 100 butterfly, 200 IM & 200 freestyle. The top two times will progress in each division. Students wishing to nominate for the 400m Freestyle please do so at the link below.
2022 Diocesan 400m Freestyle Nomination Form – deadline 2nd March 2022
Dean Kelly Memorial House Trophy - past winners
Mr Damien Kelly
Leader of Sport
10th February 2022
Our College library has welcomed our Year 7 cohort through the doors over the past week. Many students have taken the opportunity to visit the library before school and during lunchtimes as well. It is great to see so many enthusiastic library visitors and once they receive their new library cards we look forward to them borrowing lots of books.
A reminder that our library opening hours are:
Monday - Thursday
7.30am - 4.30pm
Friday
7.30am - 3.30pm
We are closed at recess every day. Students are most welcome to borrow a book, find a quiet spot and sit and read or work on homework/assessment tasks.
Looking Ahead
On Monday 14th February it is Library Lovers' day. To celebrate, we are inviting any keen readers down to the library at lunchtime for a variety of short stories all revolving around the theme love in all its guises. If you're a keen reader of short stories we would love to see you there!
Week 4: We are looking to have the Page Turners book club up and running in Week 4 this term. The book club is open to any enthusiastic reader both students and staff. A survey has been sent to Year 7 students to gauge interest in a Year 7 only book club… stay tuned for further developments.
For photos and information on the Library, follow us on social media:
Click HERE to like us on Facebook
Click HERE to like us on Instagram
Ms Karyn Mooney
Teacher Librarian
Weekly Lunch Specials
| Term 1 Week 3 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Vegetarian Ravioli w/ Pesto |
| Tuesday | Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap |
| Wednesday | Mexican Chicken Quesadilla |
| Thursday | SWIMMING CARNIVAL |
| Friday | Beef Lasagne |
| Term 1 Week 4 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Spaghetti Bolognaise |
| Tuesday | Hamburgers |
| Wednesday | Beef Burrito |
| Thursday | Chicken Parmi Burger |
| Friday | Chicken Pasta Carbonara |
The Canteen opens at 8.00 am every school day.
Ms Donna Hamlin
Food Services Manager
Monday to Friday: 12 noon - 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am - 12 noon
6 Boronia Street, Port Macquarie
