St Johns College Dubbo Term 1, Week 2 2025

Principal

Dear St Johns Community

A very warm welcome to the College for the 2025 academic year. It was wonderful to be able to greet and welcome our students as they returned, some for the first time, to the College on Tuesday 4 February for Year 7, 11 and 12 and Wednesday February 5 for 8,9,10. It was lovely to see them reconnect with their friends and teachers and share stories of their experiences over the Christmas break.

Our staff formally started with Mass at St Brigids with all the staff from the Catholic Schools in Dubbo present on Friday 31 January. At the conclusion of Mass our new staff and those returning after some time away from the College were formally welcomed into our community:

• Rita Finlay- LOTE, Mathematics
• David Gregory- PDHPE/ Science
• Peter Maher- Leader of Wellbeing, Mathematics
• Ella McIntosh- PDHPE/English
• Alexander Montoya- Mathematics/Science
• Emma Tudgey- PDHPE/English
• Emily Wooster- English/ LOTE
• Geoff Wainwright- Casual

RETURNING:

• Shannon Isbester - TAS
• Mark Barnes - English
• Cassandra McCarney - PDHPE

I am sure you will join me in welcoming them into our wonderful College community.

Our staff then embarked on two days of Induction and Professional Development prior to the students returning. 

It is so pleasing to see the vast majority of our students return to school wearing their uniform correctly. A big focus for the whole St Johns College community this year is around attention to detail and doing the little things right. I will write more about our focus in our next newsletter after I have addressed our students at our first assembly. In short our focus comes from the Mercy Charism and is “Resolve to be good today but better tomorrow”.

For our students there are high expectations with high levels of support. The high expectations are around things such as attendance, behaviour, wearing of the uniform correctly and respect of the learning environment.

The support for students comes in many forms but noticeably in the addition this year of Academic Care where students will have alternating lessons each week focusing on learning or wellbeing. The College has partnered with The Resilience Project to assist with the rollout of wellbeing lessons. There will be information to families about how these lessons will work and support your child to achieve to capacity.

Another support is the movement to vertical homerooms within the wider House structure. Student lockers are situated within their Houses now and not in Year Groups. Siblings are in the same vertical homegroup which will increase the connection of families to the school and vice versa. Students will remain in the same Homeroom during their time at the College providing many opportunities for authentic connection, mentoring and leadership.

Please find attached some information from the CEDB regarding attendance. It is critical for the development of our children that they attend school everyday. If a student misses as little as four days each term, they will have missed over a year of learning by the end of their schooling. The students who achieved most success in last years HSC all had attendance over 95%.

God bless

Mr Justin McCarney
Principal

Faith and Mission

“We place our trust in you” - Psalm 33

This Psalm is one of my favourites. It reminds me that even when things are challenging, we must place our trust in God that He will take care of us. As I am sure you are aware, we had a very sad start to the year with the loss of one of our students from Year 10 last year, Tao. I personally placed my trust in God that Tao was at peace and that as a community we would look after one another. I pray that our young people did the same. 

As the year begins, I would like to remind our community of our school prayer. 

Teach me God of love and light,
To act justly, with courage and integrity,
To accept both my strengths and my faults, and those of others,
To find comfort in my struggles, and humility in my success.
Learning together, loving together,
May our St Johns community welcome, respect and include.
Striving to better ourselves and society,
May we always have Christ as our guiding light.

Amen.

I was explaining to our new Year 7 parents that while the entire prayer is obviously what we are all about, the last two lines in particular are especially significant to who we are as a College. “Striving to better ourselves and society” - we aim for our students to be that little bit better every day so that we can send young people out into the world who will make a difference. “May we always have Christ as our guiding light” - we are not alone in this. Christ has given us an example to follow. If we can live out the same characteristics as Jesus - kindness, patience, tolerance, empathy, compassion and most importantly, love for one another - then we are on the right track. 

I look forward to another year of helping our students, staff and families explore their faith and helping them follow Christ’s example so that St Johns College is a place of learning and love. 

Yours in faith

Elissa Burden
Leader of Mission and Faith

Teaching and Learning

It’s great to be back for 2025.

Academic Care

We are proud and excited to be introducing an Academic Care lesson to all students this year. 

Academic Care takes place once a week and offers an alternating wellbeing and learning program.

During lessons focused on learning, we are supporting students to become informed, organised, confident and independent in their learning. They will learn theories and skills for developing a growth mindset, setting goals, independent study, assessment and exam strategies, overcoming procrastination, thinking and writing routines, approaches to research and how to work with feedback.

Senior Tutor

Cass McCarney joins us in the role of Senior Tutor this year. In this role she will be providing one-to-one support for our Year 11 and 12 students with study, study skills, assessment planning and organisation. Cass will also lend her expertise to our Academic Care program, leading workshops for all year groups as we head into important assessment and examination periods.

Cass and her role are such an amazing advantage for our students, providing them with really practical skills. 

Literacy Focus 2025

We welcome Keith Hill to the role of Literacy Coach for 2025. Keith has a long history of supporting students to develop practical skills to improve their writing. He has been identifying some of our strengths and areas for growth in writing in the HSC and in NAPLAN and supporting our faculty leaders in their planning. Keith has included our 2025 focus areas in writing in this newsletter. 

NAPLAN

Year 7 and Year 9 have been preparing for NAPLAN in Academic Care. They have been learning about why NAPLAN is important data for schools and have been becoming familiar with the style of questions they will be answering.

Students will undertake NAPLAN on the following dates:

Year 7 Chromebooks

During Week 3 we will have the opportunity to meet with Year 7 to issue chromebooks and to work through care and learning expectations for these devices. Parents can view this presentation here: Year 7 Digital Learning Orientation.

Some key ideas from this are:

• Digital learning builds essential skills for the future
• Chromebooks remain the property of St Johns College
• Students need to bring them to school fully charged and ready to go every day
• Students need to follow all of the safety instructions to avoid having to pay for breakages. Especially, make sure it is always transported in its case
• Chromebooks will grow executive skills, helping students stay up to date with their timetable, emails, school notices, and their learning through CANVAS
• Students should make sure that their Google Drive is organised and maintained to avoid misplacing important documents

CANVAS

Soon parents will receive their logins and passwords for CANVAS. CANVAS is one of our most significant tools for strengthening the relationship between parents and school, and supporting parents in understanding their child’s learning. 

Through CANVAS you can:

• See classroom learning
• See your child’s submitted work
• Find a calendar for upcoming assessment tasks
• Find marks, feedback and comparative information
• Support your child in their learning and relearning of key ideas

Watch the newsletter and socials for links to short clips to support you in accessing, using and making the most of the platform.

Catherine Jones
Leader of Teaching and Learning

Pathways

University Presentation

Students recently attended a very informative session on pathways to the University of Sydney and Macquarie University. A huge thank you to our former SJC students Charlotte and Elizabeth Meadows who shared their insights about courses, scholarships, accommodation options and life at a university college.

Mrs Strahorn | Stage 6 Pathways

Music

Welcome to Music at St Johns College

 Please come and join our fabulous family of musicians. We would love to have you play music with us. 

SJC String Ensemble

This group is for any students who can play string instruments. 

Mondays 3:30 - 4:45pm

SJC Concert Band

This band is for all musicians that can play an instrument.

Wednesdays 8:20 - 8:50pm

SJC Musical

Rehearsals started for our 2025 Musical last year. Performances will be in Term 1, Week 9. Watch Compass for dates and times. Whilst roles have been fulfilled, students can still participate through a variety of different jobs. Please speak with Mrs Burden ASAP.

Rehearsals are Wednesdays & Sundays (Contact Mrs Burden or Mr Caton for the schedule).

Starting in TERM 2 - SJC Choir

We strongly encourage all of our students to have lessons with teachers at the Macquarie Conservatorium or any of our other local musicians. Please let us know if you have any questions.

WATCH COMPASS FOR MESSAGES ABOUT WHEN OUR BANDS WILL START.

Catherine Crossing  c.crossing@bth.catholic.edu.au KLA Leader, Creative & Performing Arts 
Adam Caton a.caton@bth.catholic.edu.au Music Teacher
Jane Bowen j.bowen@bth.catholic.edu.au Music Teacher

Yr 11/12 Computing

St. John's College Launches New NESA Course in Year 11/12 Enterprise Computing

St. John's College is excited to announce the introduction of its new Year 11/12 Enterprise Computing course, set to equip students with the skills and knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This program, now part of the school’s curriculum, will be taught by one of the College's newer staff members, Cody McDonald, a passionate educator with a wealth of experience in the field.

The Enterprise Computing course is designed to give students hands-on experience in computing technologies, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities in commercial, industrial, social, and environmental sectors. The program teaches students to use computing tools effectively for user interaction and information access. It places a strong emphasis on practical project work, where students can apply their skills in areas like interactive media, networking, cybersecurity, data science, and intelligent systems.

Through collaboration on projects, students will develop teamwork and communication skills, essential for success in today’s interconnected world. A core focus of the course is the ethical use of digital systems, ensuring that students are aware of their responsibilities as developers and users of technology. Topics like cyber safety, cybersecurity, and digital footprints will be integral to the curriculum, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness in students about their digital presence.

The course also explores enterprise information systems, providing students with insights into technologies that improve access to computing across various industries. By learning about these systems, students will be well-equipped to understand how businesses leverage technology to streamline operations and drive innovation.

With the expertise of Mr McDonald and the comprehensive nature of the course, St. John's College is poised to prepare the next generation of tech-savvy leaders ready to thrive in the world of enterprise computing.

Sport

College Swimming Carnival
The Annual College Swimming Carnival will be conducted on Friday 28 February at the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre. The day is a compulsory school day. All students are to attend and participate throughout the day. Student admission is included in school fees.

Homerooms will be conducted at 8.50am to ensure the carnival begins on time (9am). Students will need to make their own way to and from the pool. If your child has no transport to and from the carnival, contact needs to be made with Mr McAlister prior so that transport can be arranged from the College. If any students wish to remain at the pool at the completion of the carnival, they must leave the pool grounds and then enter once everyone has left. Pick up time is 3pm.

All students in Years 7-12 are to dress appropriately in their house colours. Thongs/slides are permitted to wear also.  Coloured face paint, coloured zinc or coloured hairspray is NOT to be brought onto the pool grounds. The Aquatic Centre canteen will operate on the day. Students are encouraged to bring plenty of water, apply sunscreen and wear hats for sun protection. Please ensure all clothing has student names on them.

Please note that if parents / guardians wish to collect other people's children from the pool, a note must be provided by those children’s parents / guardians giving permission for them to go with someone else. Students will not be released without written permission for them to go with someone else.

The railway station has asked that there be no parking in their car park due to the volume of passengers coming throughout the day.

Parents and other spectators are welcome to attend. Spectator entry to the Centre is $2.70. While students will be seated with House groups, they are welcome to be with their spectating parents.

Event winners and placings will be issued based on times. The Diocesan Carnival will be held on Monday 10 March at Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre. Winners and second placings in the 50m Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke and Butterfly will qualify for the Diocesan Carnival as well as winners of other long distance events.

Permission will be distributed to attend the Diocesan Carnival in the days following through the Compass email system. If your child qualifies and does not wish to compete at the next level, they need to inform the College after receiving their Compass communication so that other students have the opportunity to participate.

Most events are run in age groups (12/13 combined, 14, 15,16 and 17+) in the 100m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 100m Breaststroke). However, some events involve Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions (200 Freestyle and 200 Individual Medley).

AGES:
Junior 12,13 and 14 years
Intermediate 15 and 16 years
Senior 17 + Years

Due to time constraints, the100m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly and 200m freestyle will not be run on the day. Students wishing to represent the College in these events at the Diocesan Carnival will need to nominate their current season swimming times to Mr McAlister for consideration.

Students in Years 8-12 will have the opportunity to nominate the events they wish to swim in through a Google form document that has been emailed to students in the lead up to the carnival. If students have not nominated and wish to compete, they can do so on the day by approaching the marshals when the event is called. Year 7 have or will have the opportunity to nominate in their Health classes.

College Sport
The College runs many sporting events throughout the year. In the coming month, students will have the opportunity to nominate for these sports. This is completed through a Google Form emailed to students via their College accounts. Students will have the opportunity to nominate and then trial at a later date should there be enough interest in the sport. Students were emailed a calendar of sporting events for 2025. It included College, Diocesan and CCC Sports

Sport Success Acknowledgement 
Throughout the year, many of our students achieve success in sport. The College, through its newsletter and socials would love to share these achievements with our community. If your child has achieved success, please let either myself or the College's Media Officer Sally May know about it (s.may@bth.catholic.edu.au). We are happy to include photos if you wish to send them in. 

General Sport Information
All permissions for College sport are sent through the College Compass system. Payments and consent are completed via this method and are normally due 2 working days before the scheduled excursion.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr McAlister at the College.

Have a great 2025.

Canteen

Resource Hub - Library

Library Lovers Day

Library lovers day is celebrated on the 14th of February each year. It promotes the love of books and knowledge. Each year the library staff aim to give the students something new to try. This year students had access to a board with different genres and quotes from those genres. This gave students an Idea of what each genre had to offer. From here we had a variety of books from those genres wrapped up with the genre label on the front. This served as a lucky dip for students to borrow a surprise book. Our Movies genre is quite popular!

The staff organised a Library Competition for students to enter. Students simply needed to create a poster with the words “We love our library”. There will be 3 winners, one from each stage group. These winners would receive a $10 Canteen Voucher and have their posters displayed in the Library. 

We are pushing the due date for this competition back to Friday the 21st. Please hand your entries to Miss Lappa or Mrs Bruce before the 21st. Staff will vote on their favourites and the winners will now be announced on the 26th February. 

We certainly love our Library and look forward to running more events with our students each term. Make sure to keep an eye out for our Library competition winners on social media.

RESOURCE REVIEW

School Fees

Dear Parents/Guardians 

Welcome to our new families joining the College this year and welcome back to our existing families

The 2024 College statements/invoices will be emailed to families in early March 2024.

On the invoice will be Compass and BPAY details and also term payment amounts for those families wishing to pay their fees in Terms 1, 2 & 3.

For existing families that have an additional student join the College this year you may need to adjust your payment plan accordingly. Please contact me to discuss your account.

For new families who wish to start a regular payment plan via Direct Debit, BPAY, Credit Card or Compass please contact me to discuss details and payment options.

Please note all College fees are due by 30 November 2024.
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

Attendance

Important Dates

Term 1 2025

If you would like to add the St Johns College Calendar
to your google calendar please click on this link.

Monday 17th February
Opening whole school mass
South Sydney Rabbitoh's Wellbeing Tour - Yr 8

Tuesday 18th February - Friday 21st February
Canberra Royal Show

Wednesday 19th February
Australian Defence Force Careers School Visit

Monday 24th February
World of Maths - Yr 7

Tuesday 25th February - 27th Febraury
Mancave - Yr 9 Boys

Wednesday 26th February
Fletchers Visit - Yr 12 Business and FTE

Thursday 27th February
CSYMI Yr 6 Leadership Day

Friday 28th Febraury
SJC Swimming Carnival

Monday 3rd March
EEC Hospital Visit - Yr 11 EEC Students

Tuesday 4th March
Taiko Drumming - Yr 7

Thursday 6th March
Yr 11 Welcome Evening
Multikulture Music Camp

Friday 7th March
2025 University Showcase

Monday 10th March - Wednesday 12th March
Year 10MNOP Retreat at Lake Keepit

Wednesday 13th March - Friday 15th March
Year 10QRST Retreat at Lake Keepit

Wednesday 13th March - Tuesday 18th March
Naplan - Year 7 & 9 students

Friday 21st March
Harmony Day

Community Notices

Become a Catechist!

We are looking for volunteers to help with teaching scripture to students in the state schools. 

If you are interested and would like to know more please contact Sue Oldfield.

sboldfield@live.com

SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES

Start February, 2025 on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 4.30pm

Year 1-12, Limited numbers in each class of similar age. A trial period is offered from your start date for 3 weeks. These structured classes help increase self confidence & self esteem. Learn techniques to become an effective speaker, reader,
presenter and performer. Voice care for projection, modulation, enunciation and articulation along with breathing and relaxation exercises. Some speech therapy work.

Miming, improvisation and drama helps develop problem solving, imagination and creativity.  Games for life skills such as listening, focusing, observations, self control etc develop awareness of feelings of self and others. Prepare for regular presentations: egs End of term presentations, Speech and Drama Eisteddfod in June and/or Exams and an end of year
concert/play.

1 day School Holidays Workshop are held in January & July
A Group public speaking & debating class is held fortnightly for grades 5-12. Small class of 6.
Creative/active kids vouchers accepted.

Phone Karen (registered, qualified, professional teacher of 40 plus years) on 0438732009 for more information or enrolment. An Information night will be held in West Dubbo on Monday 24 th February, 2025 from 7.30pm for approximately an hour.

All welcome.

SCHOLARSHIP

Study tour of the Republic of Korea and Singapore

Are you a Year 10 or Year 11 student with a passion for History? Applications are open for the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship - a unique opportunity for NSW History students to embark on an unforgettable study tour of the Republic of Korea and Singapore. Guided by a military historian, scholars will explore significant historical sites, deepening their understanding of Australians at war while honouring their service and sacrifice. Applications close 9 March. In 2025, the PAMS study tour will take place in the Term 3 school holidays (29 September to 10 October 2025).

For further info and to apply, visit https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/