St Johns College Dubbo Term 1, Week 4 2025

Principal

Dear St Johns Community

It was wonderful to celebrate our Opening Mass on Monday of last week. We are blessed as a school community to have such a wonderful Parish Priest such as Father Greg be such an active member of our College community. It is always a pleasure listening to Fathers Homilies and at the opening Mass it was no different. Father spoke of using our time and talents for the betterment of the wider community and to take care of the environment including at a school level. This Homily dovetailed beautifully into the assembly that occurred at the conclusion of Mass. 

At our assembly we joined to celebrate the amazing success of the students that were a part of the NESA Honor Roll (achieving a subject mark over 90) in the 2024 HSC. We were also able to celebrate our dual Dux’s of 2024 James Doick and Jonty Winsley. The last time the College had dual Dux was back in 1980. Jonty and James were joined by family members and presented to the College Community. It was lovely to be able to recognise these former students for their dedication, application and ability to consistently strive for continuous improvement.

As discussed in the previous newsletter, the College has a theme for this year based on the words of Catherine McAuley, the Foundress of the Mercy Sisters. The theme is “Resolve to be good today but better tomorrow”. As a College community we want to be reflective in our practice, and take care of the little things so that we are on the path of continuous improvement. There will be ongoing conversations around this topic throughout the year. It is most pleasing to have heard staff and students already talking about this.

God bless

Mr Justin McCarney
Principal

Assistant Principal

Dear Families,

As 2025 has started we are finding that a number of parents are dropping off and picking up their child from the staff car park, accessed via Gate 1. This carpark is usually filled by staff and accessible to students as a walkway as they make their way to the designated parent pick up zone and the bus bay. Thus, parents driving in this space during pick up and drop off times is a massive safety concern.

We please ask that parents picking up their child do so from Gate 2 and use the designated pick up zone. 

Please find attached a short video from 2024 that outlines our request.

Warm regards

Emma Chater
Assistant Principal

Faith and Mission

The next couple of weeks are busy ones in terms of faith here at the College.

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. A small liturgy and the distribution of ashes will be held in homeroom that morning. Lent is a wonderful time to reflect. To think about our actions and whether certain changes need to be made. The words said when marking a cross in ash on each person’s forehead are “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel”. The entire Gospel is the story and teachings of Jesus. When we say ‘be faithful to the Gospel’, we are asking students to speak and act like Jesus did. Lent really shines a light on the people God has asked us to be. A time to ask ourselves whether we are being the kind, patient, tolerant, empathetic, compassionate and considerate people we are meant to be. If we find ourselves lacking in any of those areas, it is up to us to think about how to change. One area that people who live in first world countries like Australia could always do better in is empathy and compassion. I think some of our students are not actually aware of how lucky they are. I love the following passage that has been used by many authors over the years:

“If you woke up this morning with more health than illness—you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation—you are better off than five hundred million people in the world. If you can attend a church meeting, or not attend one, without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death—you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep—you are richer than 75 percent of this world. If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, or spare change in a dish someplace—you rank among the top 8 percent of the world’s wealthy. If you can read this —you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. So count your blessings and remind everyone else how blessed we all are!”

Unfortunately, many of us take for granted things like shelter, education and running water. It is for this reason that during Lent, we promote Project Compassion. Run by Caritas, Project Compassion raises money for different projects across the world. This year, Project Compassion focuses on projects in Samoa, Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The College has always fundraised in Term One for Project Compassion. Could I ask families to discuss with their children the importance of being part of these types of fundraising initiatives. First up is next Tuesday - Shrove Tuesday (sometimes known as Pancake Tuesday). Pancakes will be on sale Tuesday recess. I would love it if lots of our students could support this fundraising initiative and buy a pancake or two. 

Week 6 sees our Year 10 Retreat. This is the first overnight Retreat for these students. I am really looking forward to spending time with this cohort and for them to spend time discovering who they are, their gifts and talents and getting to know their peers. I cannot wait to share some photos and stories with the community when we return. 

In closing, I ask the College community to pray for Pope Francis, who we all know is very ill.

Please see below a prayer to use.

Yours in faith

Elissa Burden
Leader of Mission and Faith

Teaching and Learning

Academic Care

Year 7  

In Week 4 our Year 7 students completed the NAPLAN demonstration test to remember how to use all of the platform’s online tools. They ensured they could do everything from answering the different question styles to using tools like the online protractor.

In Week 5 they will have the opportunity to work with Mr Hill to learn some thinking, structuring and writing prompts with which to tackle the NAPLAN Writing Test.

See the demonstration test here: https://nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site

Year 8 

Year 8 has had a strong pastoral focus for Academic Care so far this term. In Week 5 they will have their first learning focused lesson. They will be learning about Growth Mindset and what they can do to keep improving it.

Year 9

Mr Hill presented Year 9 with thinking routines, writing structures and writing prompts that they can use to feel confident in the NAPLAN Writing Test. In Week 5, the focus will be on the Numeracy Test.

Year 11

For Year 11, the focus has been on getting a handle on the increased workload. They have looked at their assessment calendars in Canvas and used their diaries to backwards map their tasks, thinking about where they would want to be up the week before an assessment is due, and then a week before that.

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 lead into important assessment and examination periods.

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

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:

Term 1 Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks are now appearing in Canvas.

Teachers use their judgement to assign grades to student performance, and summative assessment tasks are a big support for teachers in this. These tasks combine the learning for the term and give students an opportunity to transfer the skills they have learned and demonstrate their best efforts.

Assessment task notifications are easy to identify in CANVAS. On the Homepage of each course, they appear with the prefix “SAT”

All tasks look the same, 7 - 12, like the example below:

If there is a reason that students can not hand a task in on time, they need to apply for an extension through the Curriculum Guides menu in Student Resources.

CANVAS for Parents - Logins are changing for all

Parents will receive their logins and passwords for CANVAS via email next week. If you have used canvas before, please note that you will have new login credentials for this year.

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.

If you want to know more about Canvas, this is a great orientation page:

What is the Canvas Parent App?

Catherine Jones
Leader of Teaching and Learning

Pathways

ANU Solar Racing

The Australian National University Solar Racing team visited SJC to present their journey into solar-power and sustainable technology. Interested students learnt about how the team designs their cars to compete in the biennial Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

Mrs Strahorn | Stage 6 Pathways / ASPA

Australian Defence Force Visit

Members of the Army, Navy and Air Force visited SJC to present information on the many careers available through the Defence Force. Students and parents took the opportunity to meet with the ADF personnel to discuss future pathways.

Mrs Strahorn | Stage 6 Pathways / ASPA

YES Program

The "YES" Program (Youth Engagement Strategy) targets individuals interested in attending TAFE to pursue an apprenticeship or traineeship. The program provides students with a hands-on experience in exploring potential career paths. It is government and CEDB sponsored and delivered for free. If you are interested please complete the Expression of Interest which has been emailed to students.

Mrs Strain - VET KLA Leader and Stage 5 Pathways Coordinator
Mrs Strahorm - Stage 6 Pathways & ASPA Coordinator
Miss Lappa - Careers and Pathways Assistant

Literacy at SJC

Keith Hill | Literacy Focus

Maths

A World of Maths

Students in Year 8 explored their knowledge of Math in problem solving scenarios. Thank you to "World of Maths" for bringing Maths to our fingertips.

Ms Rita Finlay-Joseph | Teacher

Sport

College Swimming Carnival

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Cattle Team

The SJC livestock cattle team have come out on top this year at Canberra Royal Show winning the inaugural Most Successful School Exhibitor Award. 

Champion non-kill led steer – Led by Lachlan P
1st Lightweight non-kill led steer – led by Charlotte W
1st Medium domestic non-kill led steer – led by Lachlan P
2nd Medium domestic non-kill led steer – led by Jade P
4th Export non-kill led steer – led by Sophia R
5th Export non-kill led steer – led by Lucy G
2nd Export class Hoof & Hook led steer – led by Fletcher G
5th Export class Hoof & Hook led steer – led by Liam C

School Paraders
12-14yrs
Heat 1 1st Coby P, 4th Fred O
Heat 2: 1st Jade P, 4th Liam C, 5th Harriet B
Heat 3: 2nd Ellie H, 4th Charlotte W, 5th Q’Dell M
Heat 4: 4th James W

Reserve Champion: Jade P

15-16yrs
Heat 1: 3rd Jemima F
Heat 2: 2nd Zoe S
Heat 3: 2nd Lachlan P
Heat 4: 2nd Sophia R

Junior Judging
All students participated in the junior judging with Sophia R and Zoe S selected for oral presentations. Sophia R came away with 3rd place, closely followed by Zoe S in 4th place. Sophia R was also selected to be a reserve at Sydney Royal 2025. Well done girls.

Meat Judging
Outstanding results by our senior members of the team – Jemima F, Lachlan P, Sophia R and Zoe S. The four competed individually and as a team.
Individual results:
1st Lachlan P
3rd Zoe S
4th Sophia R
Overall St Johns won Champion School Team for meat judging! 

Ben Toll | Cattle Team Leader
Kerry-Lyn Strain | VET KLA Leader & Stage 5 Pathways Coordinator

Canteen

Resource Hub - Library

Library Lovers Day 

Winners from our Library Competition have been announced! Congratulations to our four winners! 

These students designs will be made into posters and displayed in the Library

Library Shelving 

The Library has set up two new shelves in the space. One set of shelves is for ‘What’s New?’, any new books into the space from either LAMONT Books or Student Requests. Our second shelf is our Lucky Dip Shelf. If you come into the Library and don’t know what to borrow try one of these books!! 

Mrs Bruce | Teacher Librarian
Miss Lappa | Library Technician

RESOURCE REVIEW

CCSP Parent Survey

Tell us about your experiences as a Catholic school parent and what you'd like to know more about

We value every parent's thoughts and opinions!

CCSP would like to know how involved/engaged you feel you are in your child's learning at a NSW/ACT Catholic school, how connected you feel in your child's school, and your thoughts on how schools could enhance family-school partnerships.

This data informs our parent learning program and provides us with valuable information about how our dioceses and schools are engaging with families.

Thank you so much for taking time out to give us your feedback.

Please click the link to go to the survey:

https://ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/survey/71

School Fees

Dear Parents/Guardians 

2025 COLLEGE FEE STATEMENTS

The 2025 College Fee Statements will be emailed to families next week. Balances are available on the Compass App and payments can be made via the Payment Centre. Please contact the College Fees Office on 6841 5142 or m.carlow@bth.catholic.edu.au if you do not receive your statement or you wish to discuss your account.

Kind Regards 

Maree Carlow
Administration Finance Leader

Compass Tips

How do I sign my child out during the day?

If you are needing your child to sign out during the day please follow these simple instructions to complete your entry on Compass. We would appreciate it if you could enter this prior to the appointment as this will avoid us having to call you for approval. Please call us if you need assistance or view the compass manual on our website: https://www.compass.education/guide/#section-08

Have your contact details changed?

Now is a good time to check if the contact details you have provided us are up to date. It is very important that we have a current email address to keep you up to date with Communication, Student Reports and Invoices/Statements. It is also imperative that we have a current contact phone number to ensure your child’s safety if we need to contact you in an emergency. In the event we can't reach you, the nominated emergency contact will be called. Please make sure that these contacts and their phone numbers are also still current. You can change all these details directly through your compass app. If you require help please contact our office on 6841 5100 or email - stjohnscollege@bth.catholic.edu.au to update your details.

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.

Friday 28th Febraury
SJC Swimming Carnival

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

Tuesday 4th March
Taiko Drumming - Yr 7
Diocesan Soccer Trials - Bathurst

Wednesday 5th March
Ash Wednesday

Thursday 6th March
Yr 11 Welcome Evening
Multikulture Music Camp

Friday 7th March
2025 University Showcase
Moorambilla Workshop

Monday 10th March
Diocesan Swimming Carnival - Dubbo

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 12th March - Tuesday 18th March
Naplan - Year 7 & 9 students

Monday 17th March
Yr 11 Enterprise Computing

Tuesday 25th March - Thursday 27th March
Yr 12 Legal Studies Law Day Out

Thursday 27th March
Bathurst Diocesan U15's & Opens Netbll

Wednesday 2nd April
CCC Swimming - Homebush

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.