St Johns College Dubbo Term 2, Week 8 2024
Principal
Dear St Johns Community
It was wonderful to see so much College spirit at the Year 12 Trivia Night last friday night. There was a large crowd who enjoyed coming together and taking part in the trivia and raising money for the Year 12 charity Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre. It was a fantastic night.
At the moment staff are working very hard finalising the Semester 1 Reports for Year 7-10. Recently we spoke as a staff about being reflective in our practice so we can look for opportunities for ongoing improvement. Student reports provide a wonderful opportunity for students and families to do the same regarding being reflective of their academic performance. If students' feel that their results are not truly reflective of their ability, the opportunity is there to assess study routines, accessing feedback and other factors that may affect performance.The upcoming holiday period provides the perfect opportunity to discuss, set and write down goals for Semester 2 and beyond.
The subject selection night for Year 11, 2025 is scheduled for Tuesday of Week 1 of Term 3 (23/7). There has been discussion happening with our current Year 10 students about subject selections and pathways. The information night that will occur in Week 1 next term will give families a wonderful opportunity to gather information so that our students make the best choices for their learning so they can maximise their opportunities here at the College and set themselves up for future success.
God bless
Justin McCarney
Principal
Assistant Principal
Uniform Reminders
Black leather lace up shoes are to be worn with formal uniform. The cold weather is not an acceptable reason for students to wear sports uniform. Uniform exemptions are only provided in consultation with the Principal.
Late Bus Reminder
If your child catches a bus that arrives at school after 8:55am, they are required to sign in at the late bus register at the Front Office. Students who do this will have their attendance adjusted to reflect that late arrival of the bus.
Students who choose not to sign the late bus register will be marked absent from school.
Could you please encourage your child to follow this process so that we can ensure that all students are accurately accounted for.
Thank you for your support.
Yours in faith
Emma Chater
Assistant Principal - Acting
Religious Education
Dear Families,
I write my newsletter instalment this week with my heart full. At the start of this week, I was lucky enough to take our wonderful Year 11 students to Great Aussie Bush Camps Lake Macquarie for their Retreat. What an amazing group of young men and women!
Students and staff spent the days challenging themselves on activities such as high ropes, rock climbing, giant swing, flying fox, initiatives, gully crossing and the power fan (a delightfully scary activity where you climb up a very tall post then jump off Tom Cruise style). It was wonderful to watch our students supporting one another. Many students were able to face their fears and challenge themselves because of the support from their peers.
At night, we focused on our relationship with God, self and others. Students were asked to think about their gifts and talents, what they have to offer the world and how important it is that as a year group, they feel safe and supported in letting their lights shine.
The cohort was an absolute credit to their families and the College. Our missional values were very much on show. Our students respected staff from both the College and Great Aussie Bush Camps and one another. They encouraged their peers to face their fears and be themselves. During our final liturgy, you could see and feel the love and sense of belonging that our students are lucky enough to experience.
I cannot thank staff who attended enough for their time, guidance and professionalism. Retreats are extremely valuable and a huge part of what we do at the College and they would not happen without our amazing staff members. Thank you to Madie Easman, Steph Leslie, Connor Burke, Chris Rollo, Zac O’Leary, Will O’Connor, Claudia Mulholland and Emily Atlee for coming along.
Since a picture speaks a thousand words, I will leave you with some photos to enjoy.
Yours in Faith
Elissa Burden
Leader of Ministry and Mission
Teaching and Learning
Semester 1 Reports
Semester 1 Reports for students in Years 7 - 10 will be available via Compass at the end of Week 10.
Our teachers have dedicated an exceptional amount of time to ensuring every student has a clear understanding of their progress in their courses at this halfway point. Reports are a great opportunity for families to reflect on the last two terms, celebrate successes, and set some achievable goals for the remainder of the year.
The reports contain a grade, performance against subject outcomes, performance within some key learning habits and a personal comment.
To access reports at the end of the term, login to Compass, and head to the “View Academic Reports” menu. If using the app, it works best if you go to “More”, and then “Open in Browser”.
Year 12 Trials
HSC Trial Examinations are on the horizon, commencing Monday 12th August and continuing until Monday 26th August.
In Academic Care in Week 9 we will look at this critical preparation period, and equip students with some knowledge and tools to be strategic in their study.
It is an extremely busy and often stressful time for students as these important exams typically coincide with the submission of major projects in many subjects. Students are reminded that there are lots of supports in place to navigate this time.
Here are some essentials:
- Understand all of your commitments over the next 7 weeks - including those relating to sport, work, social life, family etc.
- Plan your time so you have a clear understanding of when you can study and what to focus on.
- Use the resources in your “Year 12 Study Skills” course in Atomi.
- Make sure you know how your exam paper works by viewing past papers, and doing some practice questions.
- Ask for help - from your teachers, your Year Leader, your family - to help you stay on track, to help you clarify your understanding, and especially, to help you create a strategy if you are feeling really stressed.
Semester 2 Course Changes
Students in Year 7 and 8 study some of their subjects over a term or a semester, meaning a change in lots of courses next term.
- History changes to Geography
- Music Students will move to Visual Arts and vice versa
- Technology subjects will change
Year 10 Subject Selection
Our subject selection process for Year 10 is underway, with students completing a series of tasks in PDHPE lessons, as well as meeting one-on-one with our Stage 5 and 6 Pathways Coordinators, Mrs Strain and Mrs Strahorn.
This work is intended to get students thinking about the decisions coming up. Our key message for Year 10 is to really reflect upon the subjects they enjoy, the subjects they are finding success in, and, if they have some post school goals already, subjects that will help them towards these.
Important dates for Subject Selection are:
Week 1 Term 3, Tuesday 23nd July
Year 11 2025 Subject Selection Evening and Faculty Fair
Week 2, Term 3
Students have the opportunity to “try on” some subjects by attending nominated Stage 6 classes
Week 3, Term 3, Tuesday 6th August
Individual interviews with all Year 10 students and their families
Week 3, Term 3, Friday 9th August
The first round of subject selections closes
Warm regards
Catherine Jones
Leader of Teaching and Learning
Pathways and Careers
Paid Gap Year in the UK - Activity Assistant
Participants work in an Outdoor Education Centre (similar to a US Summer Camp). The centre provides accommodation, access to meals and participants receive a monthly salary; this is often more generous than most schools. Participants can usually be placed with a friend and have a choice of locations.
These placements commence throughout March / April and conclude in September / October. Most placements will allow several weeks of “leave” throughout August for participants to travel around Europe during the summer holidays. Further information is available using the link.
Patricia Strahorn | Stage 6 Future Pathways
p.strahorn@bth.catholic.edu.
Empowering your Future - Your digital career journey with Grandshake!
As the year progresses, I wanted to take this chance to remind you of our free partner resource - Grandshake – a national skills platform tailor-made to fuel your journey through the ever-evolving future.
Picture this: Free career resources for you, courtesy of LBHS and Grandshake. We have unlocked high growth field such as technology, construction, environmental, future green careers and STEM careers with partners such as Google, Inland Rail, Queensland Government and more.
What's Grandshake?
Grandshake is a platform that provides you meaningful virtual work experiences & upskilling opportunities. You gain access to Grandshake’s catalogue completely free which includes skills, experiences and opportunities.
Grandshake programs are on-demand adventures that fit snugly into your mobile, tablet, or laptop. Join the revolution anytime, anywhere – because your future doesn't wait.. It’s completely free to sign up and use, so please get started now at www.grandshake.co
Contact information for Grandshake team is hello@grandshake.co
The future is yours for the taking – let Grandshake be your launchpad!
Science
USYD CEDB Induction Day for Year 10 Elective Research Course was held on June 14th. Prof Patrick Brennan's PhD students, Dr Sahand Hooshmand and Dr Louise Puslednik, helped engage our students from St Johns and St Matthews, Mudgee, in the world of scientific research and breast cancer detection.
The program helped our students understand the nuances of scientific research and its real-life applications in society. It was great to see our students engaging with the fantastic work during the day.
Mr Jose Sunny | KLA Leader - Science
Yr 12 Charity Trivia Night
Year 12 recently held their Charity Trivia Night in support of their 2024 charity partner The Dubbo Neighborhood Centre.It was a great night filled with fun, live music, and some very competitive trivia masters. Year 12 sincerely thanks our sponsors who made the night possible with some very generous donations and prizes. St Johns College is proud of its long tradition of charity work and community engagement.
Mr Matt O'Dea | Yr 12 Leader
Chess
SJC Chess Team News
St. Johns College Chess Team played against Bourke High School in Round 4 of the NSW Junior Chess League Competition on Tuesday 11th June, 2024.
The game was played online in a lively match between the two teams. Our team of Sarayu (Captain), Milind, Callum and Manan played well, with Leanne playing against the Bourke High School reserve and Archie as support.
St. Johns won this round and will move on to Round 5, to be played early in Term 3.
A thank you to Callum and Manan, who stepped in at the last moment for two of our regular players, who were absent.
Mrs Rhonda Bruce | Chess Team Leader
Sport
Western Rugby League Finals - Boys
SJC U15'S Boys Rugby League Westen Champions!
They will now compete in the Southern Country Semi Final at Wagga Wagga in August.
Man of the match was Levi S. He is pictured below with Penrith Panthers Development and Recruitment staff.
Congratulations to the boys on an outstanding victory and a massive thanks to Andy Haycock for coaching the team.
Western Rugby League Finals - Girls
U16s Girls placed 3rd at the Western Rugby League Finals this week.
Great effort girls!
AFL Girls Gala Day - Bathurst
Our Girls AFL team travelled to Bathurst yesterday to compete at the Central West AFL GALA day.
We were successful in defeating James Sheahan and McKillop College, but went down to overall winners Orange High School.
Well done to all players and thanks to Danielle Stein for coaching the side.
Mr Dave McAlister | Sports Coordinator
Moore Wins Athletics Carnival
Overall House Results:
🥇🔵Moore 3238
🥈🔴McAuley 2469
🥉🟢Lennon 2167
🏅🟡La Salle 2088
Age Champions:
12 Years Boys Kyle Charinderguta
12 Years Girls Maebelle Clark
13 Year Boys Jarvis Penman
13 Year Girls Phoebe Lavelle
14 Year Boys Harry Mongan
14 Year Girls Naomi O'Sullivan
15 Year Boys Aiden Alexander
15 Year Girls Gabrielle Liu
16 Year Boys Zamael Berger
16 Year Girls Heidi Connolly
Open Age Boys Blaike Gilholme
Open Age Girls Ella Penma
Resource Hub - Library
Attendance
We care about attendance because we care about your child.
School Fees
Dear Parents/Guardians
Thank you to our families who have paid their College fees.
Families paying their fees by the term please note instalment 2 was due by Friday 24 May 2024.
For families making regular, weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments please ensure your payment plan is on track to have your College fees account finalised by 30 November 2024.
To ensure your College fees account is on track please note from this week, Friday 7 June 2024 there are 26 weeks, 13 fortnights or 6 months until fees are due. Contact the College Fees Office if you need to adjust your payment plan.
HSC fees are due by 31 October 2024.
If you wish to discuss your account please contact the College Fees Office on 6841 5142 or email m.carlow@bth.catholic.edu.au.
Kind Regards
Maree Carlow
Administration Finance Leader
Important Dates
Term 2 2024
If you would like to add the St Johns College Calendar
to your google calendar please click on this link.
Friday 21st June
Dubbo Eisteddfod - SJC Strings
Wednesday 26th June
Whole School Assembly
Thursday 27th June
Eistedfodd Showcase
Friday 28th June
Netball Gala Day
Monday 1st July
Yr 11 & 12 Spirituality Day - Dunedoo
Tuesday 2nd July
Drama Camp
Wednesday 3rd July
Cambodia Immersion
Thursday 4th July
Mini Dance School
Friday 5th July
Last Day of Term 2
TERM 3
Monday 22nd July
Pupil Free Day
2024 School Term Dates
Term 2: Monday 29th April - Friday 5th July
Term 3: Monday 22nd July - Friday 27th September
Term 4: Monday 14th October - Friday 20th December
2024 Diocesan Sports
The Diocesan Sports Calendar is now available to view. We may have some students who are involved in sports that we are unaware of and who may want to attend the trials. There are many different sports on the Diocesan Calendar such as Diving, Triathlon's, Baseball, Volleyball, Sailing, Hockey etc. If your child is of a competitive standard and wishes to compete in the events on the calendar please let us know.
Community News
