St Johns College Dubbo Term 4, Week 8 2024
Principal
Dear St Johns Community
This week I met with each of the various year groups to discuss some elements of the Annual Improvement Plan for 2025. The plan is developed over the course of the year by gathering information on areas for development in 2025 and beyond. There has been a real concerted effort to narrow the focus for next year onto some high impact areas where we can begin to gain some increased traction with our students' learning and wellbeing. We will implement a model of Homerooms to increase connection and community. As part of the beautification program of the school we will increase the Catholic iconography within the school and use the visibility of our Catholic story to assist in educating our community on our proud history.
From 2025 students will be placed in vertical homeroom groups, these will be based on the House that the student is in. So there may be ten classes in each of the four houses, and each of those classes will be made up of students from each of the year groups. Siblings will be in the same Homeroom class. The intention would be that the same teacher wherever possible would remain on the same Homeroom group. The students will remain in the same Homeroom throughout their time at the College. What is the why? Students will have an increased connection to their House. A teacher will not only know the student really well and assist and advocate for them throughout their time at the College but will know the family really well and be a point of contact. With the increase of connection it reduces the chance of a student getting lost in a large cohort of students and having the feeling that they are merely a number. Another main benefit beyond connection is the opportunity provided for informal and authentic leadership and mentoring. Students’ lockers will be in Houses rather than in year cohorts as they currently are. This will lead to a significant decrease in any issues that we might currently experience around the lockers.
There will still be opportunities for year groups to meet in a formal manner. There will be one timetabled lesson each week for the whole school where students will participate, in their year group, in either a Learning Lesson or a Wellbeing Lesson. A systematic schedule is being created where students will follow a program from Year 7 through to Year 12 to enhance their learning and also nourish their wellbeing, providing them with the tools to cope with an ever changing world. Students will be taught age appropriate skills for learning, assessment strategies, study planning and study tips and tricks.
St Johns College has had a very proud history. I am not at all confident that the way the uniform is currently worn by all of our students accurately reflects the high expectations and history of the College. I have been very fortunate to have attended over 20 schools throughout NSW over the past 4 years. One thing that really stood out was that in the schools where the uniform was worn with pride and purpose there was a high level of engagement in the classroom setting with learning. The high expectations regarding uniform translate to high expectations around all facets of school life particularly in relation to learning. This is not necessarily about making significant changes to the uniform, merely reinstating our former high standards and understanding that attention to detail matters.
God bless
Mr Justin McCarney
Principal
Faith and Mission
Dear Families,
I write this last instalment for the year from the Year 12 Retreat. We have had a wonderful few days together. This is a very special year group. They are extremely considerate of one another and have given one hundred percent to everything that has been asked of them. We have had lots of deep and meaningful reflective discussions but have also had fun in the pool, on the tennis court and just enjoying each other’s company. I hope that each Year 12 student is able to take something away from this Retreat that they can use as they head into their final year as St Johns College students. We are truly lucky to have this cohort leading our school in our endeavour to make the College the best school it can be.
I would like to thank all teachers and staff that have joined me on this Retreat. They have led and guided our students over the past few days with passion and energy. Retreats are very important to the College and they do not happen without the generosity of our staff. Thank you to Year Leader Madie Easman, Matt O’Dea, Chris Rollo, Tim Long, Connor Burke, Kerry-Lyn Strain, Anthea Joshua and Emily O’Dea. Special thanks to Father Greg Kennedy. I cannot express enough how lucky we are as a College to have Fr Greg guiding us. He is the busiest man I have ever met and yet takes the time to come away with us on Retreats as often as he can. They are made all the more special when he does. He has a genuine connection with our students and has been a huge influence on them.
I would like to wish all our families a safe, happy and holy Christmas. It is such a special time for the Catholic Church and I hope all families consider attending Mass over the Christmas season.
I am very much looking forward to 2025 and having further opportunities to help or students explore their faith.
Yours in faith
Elissa Burden
Leader of Faith and Mission
Learning and Teaching
7-10 Assessment and Feedback
Congratulations to our 7 - 10 students who have now finished all assessment tasks for 2024.
Results are starting to roll in and will appear in Canvas.
Parents can log in to Canvas through the Canvas Portal on the College website.
Within feedback, in addition to marks and comments, parents and students can find comparative information like this:
To access this,
- Select a course from the dashboard
- Click “Marks” on the top left
- Click “Show All Details” on the top right
End of Year Academic and Special Awards
We are preparing for our end of year awards.
Teachers have nominated students for special awards, including Commitment to College Life, Missional Values and Shining Light Awards.
As grades are determined for student achievement, we will start to look at our Academic Excellence Awards, which recognise students who have achieved a grade point average of 3 or above.
Invitations will be sent to the families of students receiving awards on Wednesday 11th December.
Parent Webinar: How You Can Set Your Child Up For Success
Wednesday 11th December 6:30-7:30pm (AEDT)
It’s no secret that if students don’t hit the ground running at the start of the academic year, they can spend the rest of it trying to catch up.
This webinar is designed to help parents give their child a head start come January by equipping them with the skills needed to get – and stay – ahead.
Please find the flyer in this newsletter for more info and registration link.
Yours faithfully
Mrs Catherine Jones
Leader of Teacher and Learning
The Gift of Giving
Last weekend, the residents of Bracken House were delighted to be visited by Year 8 student Angie P. Angie is a talented violin player and played for the residents who clapped their hands and sang along. Angie's younger sister Brianna then joined her and danced for a Sri Lankan Indian cultural song. Both girls brought a lot of joy to the residents. It is wonderful to see our students sharing their talents with others.
Keep shining your light, Angie!
Agriculture
Year 9 Ag have been practicing their butchery skills by learning how to butcher a pork carcass. This was a great opportunity to learn about the different primals and cuts of meat and where they come from.
Thank you to Mr David Knaggs preparing the carcass and sharing his skills.
Miss Emma Rice | Assistant KLA Leader Science
Matt Burton visits SJC
Australian Rugby League Kangaroo and St Johns Alumni Matt Burton called in to visit the College yesterday.
He met up with his former school coaches Mr McCarney and Mr Haycock, and reflected on his professional sport journey that started after he completed Year 12 here at SJC in 2018. Matt also was able to see his framed 2022 World Cup jumper that he donated to the College. He was back home in Dubbo visiting before his Bulldogs NRL 2025 pre-season starts next week.
Thank you for coming to visit us Matt. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a successful year ahead.
Food Technology
Yr 10 Food Technology
Yr10 Food Technology finished on a high note creating a celebration cake for their last practical lesson this year. Students created their own design and planned their ingredients, equipment and a workflow to ensure they completed this on time.
An amazing effort from everybody, well done!!!
Mrs Nicole Bussey | KLA Leader TAS
Uniform
Job Vacancies
Resource Hub - Library
Attendance
We care about attendance because we care about your child.
Regular school attendance establishes a strong foundation for academic growth and paves the way for future achievements and enhancing life opportunities.
Regular school attendance is not just about meeting a requirement; it is a fundamental building block that sets the stage for academic growth, personal development, and the pursuit of life's opportunities. It lays the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling educational journey.
Consistent school attendance is a key factor in preparing students for success in college and future careers. Employers and higher education institutions value the dedication and commitment demonstrated through regular attendance.
Expect that your child attends and actively participates in their school community.
School Fees
Dear Parents/Guardians
The College Fees Office will be closed for the school holidays.
Wishing all our families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Kind Regards
Maree Carlow
Administration Finance Leader
Parent Webinars
Important Dates
Term 4 2024
If you would like to add the St Johns College Calendar
to your google calendar please click on this link.
Wednesday 4th December - Friday 6th December
Yr 12 2025 Retreat - Blue Mountains
Friday 6th December
Diocesan Golf Day
Tuesday 10th December
Last Day for Yr 10
Wednesday 11th December
Yr 8 Retreat SJC College
Thursday 12th December
Crhistmas Dress Up
Monday 16th December
Academic Awards
Wednesday 18th December
Last Day for Students
2025 Term 1
Monday 3rd February
Staff Return
Tuesday 4th February
Yr 7, 11 & 12 Start
Wednesday 5th February
Yr 8, 9 and 10 Start
Thursday 13th February
School Photos - Full Summer Uniform
Monday 17th February
Catch up student & group photos
Friday 28th Febraury
SJC Swimming Carnival
2025 School Term Dates
Term 1: Monday 3rd February (Staff) Tuesday 4th February (Yrs 7, 11 & 12) 5th February (Yr 8,9 & 10)
- 11th April 2025
Term 2: Monday 28th April - Friday 4th July
Term 3: Monday 21st July - Friday 26th September
Term 4: Monday 13th October - Friday 19th December
2025 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 Notices
