St Johns College Dubbo Term 2, Week 8 2025

Principal

Dear St Johns Community

Thankyou to all families that participated in the recent School Improvement Survey. We had a large number of families take time to complete the survey and provide feedback. This feedback is incredibly valuable in assisting us with the direction of the College including in our planning and is considered for both our Annual Improvement Plan and our longer term Strategic Plan. Our next Staff Meeting will be dedicated to looking at the data from this survey and reflect on the successes over the last 12 months, along with the challenges that the College has faced and potential responses to these challenges. 

It was wonderful to see the school spirit on display on Monday for the final round of Interschools Cup for 2025. There were some very good results throughout the day in a whole range of activities. The supporter engagement from our students was excellent and it was nice to come out on top against a very good James Sheahan Catholic High School on the day.

As a Catholic Community we bid farewell to Father Nam Le who relocates to the Parish of Bathurst at the end of the month. Father has been a great supporter and friend to the College and we wish him all the best in his new role in Bathurst.

God bless

Mr Justin McCarney
Principal

Faith and Mission

Dear Families

Last week I was lucky enough to attend a Diocesan/AP Retreat with my counterparts from across the Bathurst Diocese. There was rich discussion about a range ot topics, mainly social justice. Something that the presenter said that really stuck out for me, was that in Australia, empathy is our poverty. We certainly do not know financial poverty like people in other parts of the world, and we are lucky enough to live in a country where there is government assistance. That is certainly not to say many people are not doing it tough. But many Australians have a lot. At the Year 11 Retreat a few weeks ago, we were playing a game and I asked the cohort to raise their hands if they had been overseas. Well over half raised their hand. I am certainly not criticising families who have been overseas. But more and more, and this was agreed with by my counterparts, we are seeing young people form the ‘I’ generation. We have iphones and ipads, but we also have lots of young people who think about themselves first and others a very distant second. Many of our young people cannot ‘put themselves in someone else’s shoes’, because they cannot envision themselves in that situation. So that begs the question. Are you born with empathy or are you taught empathy? I read an article that said in Finland, one of their subjects is Empathy. They actually have classes on it. It is my hope that we do not need specific classes. That as a school we can work to make our students aware of how important it is to look outside oneself. To be aware that they are in a class with 25 others. That they are part of a community where some people are doing it tough. The world is struggling at the moment. Hatred and war seems to be getting worse. Our students need to realise that whilst they cannot fix what is happening in Iran and Israel, Russia and the Ukraine (to name but a few), they can make a difference in their homes. In their town. At their school. St Johns College needs to be a place of peace, love and kindness. Our students need to make sure they are treating everyone with love. That they are following the example of Jesus to be kind, caring, patient, tolerant, inclusive and empathetic. If every student was doing this all the time, there would be no holding us back. Our young people could take these same characteristics out into the world, and, little by little, they would play a role in making this world a better place.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those families who generously donated to the Vinnie’s Winter Appeal. Together with the generosity of our staff, we have been able to put together two trailer loads of blankets, doonas, pillows and even a couple of swags to take to Vinnies. Little by little, we can make this world a better place.

Yours in faith

Mrs Elissa Burden
Leader of Faith and Mission

Teaching and Learning

Summative Assessment Tasks - Feedback and Results

A reminder that parents and students can find feedback for Term 2 appearing in Canvas. Canvas will have marks, rubrics, comments and comparative data.

Access Canvas through the Canvas portal on the homepage of our website, here.

Academic Care - Focus on Assessment Reflection

In Week 9, our Year 7 and 9 students will be reflecting on their efforts in Term 2, and how well they engaged with good assessment practices, including:

• Using the assessment rubric
• Completing drafts and asking for feedback
• Extending their work at home
• Using the provided scaffolds and examples

They will have an opportunity to think of ways they could improve one of these practices in Term 3.

Year 10 Subject Selection for Year 11 2026

Our Week 9 Academic Care will focus on the World of Work. Students will also hear from VET Leader Kerry-Lyn Strain about the range of VET and TVET options available, and from PDHPE Leader Sue McAlister about the range of subjects on offer in this faculty. Importantly, our KLA Leaders are sharing with students not only the content of each course, but the kinds of skills and interests that would make them successful in them.

Please find the subject selection process outlined below:

Year 12 ATOMI Visit

To build on their work with Elevate towards Trial Examination preparation, Year 12 will be working with the ATOMI team on Monday of Week 9.

Atomi has excellent resources for breaking down, reviewing and studying complex content.

With 6 weeks til Trials, Year 12 students should be increasing their study efforts. A reminder that we have an excellent resource in Senior Study Mentor Cass McCarney, who can support students in developing study programs.

The below image is from ELEVATE Education and is advice for helping students set up their study space.

Warm regards

Mrs Catherine Jones
Leader of Teaching and Learning

Literacy at SJC

Mr Keith Hill | Literacy

Pathways

iStem

Year 9 iSTEM Problem Solvers in Action!

Our Year 9 iSTEM students have been diving into the world of mechatronics and robotics, tackling real-world challenges through project-based learning. Working collaboratively, they identified problems, designed innovative robotic solutions, and brought their ideas to life using coding, sensors, and creative engineering.

From obstacle-avoiding bots to automated delivery systems, each group showcased unique designs and clever problem-solving strategies. Their final presentations highlighted not just technical skill, but teamwork, resilience, and critical thinking.

Huge shoutout to our future engineers and tech innovators — the way you approached each challenge was inspiring! #iSTEM #Robotics

Mr Cody McDonald | Class Teacher

Faith

The Word of God Year 7 Examine the Scriptures with our Seminarian, Dai. The students are exploring "God breathed" Scripture in both the Old and New Testament.

Ms Rita Finlay-Joseph | Teacher

Aboriginal Studies

This term, Year 9 students completed an assessment for Aboriginal Studies where they created original artworks inspired by the artists and styles we have explored in class.

Each piece celebrates an Aboriginal community, with students choosing to reflect personal connections to culture or places of cultural significance. A fantastic effort from everyone – thoughtful, creative, and respectful work all round!

Miss Stephanie Leslie | HSIE KL1 Coordinator

Commerce

Year 10 Commerce – Business Pitch Assessment

The Year 10 Commerce class recently completed their Business Pitch Assessment Task, where they worked in teams to develop and present original business ideas. Seven groups presented to guest judges Mr. Lloyd Gallaway and Mr. Ron O’Brien from the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce.

Students demonstrated a clear understanding of small business operations, including legal requirements such as copyright, trademarks, and business registration. They also applied marketing knowledge, including elements of the promotion mix, to support their ideas. Business concepts included Neuro Weave, Boxes of Wonder, Smart Spout, Good Bite Co., Chill Rest, H2Glow, and ARK Kings—each showing creativity, research, and strong presentation skills. The judges were highly impressed with the student's professionalism, teamwork, and effort.

Congratulations to all Year 10 Commerce students on their excellent work and thoughtful presentations.

Ms Pranika Sharma | Teacher

Dubbo Eisteddfod

Congratulations to all our students in music and dance that have been so successful in the Dubbo Eisteddfod. We have many quietly super talented students at St Johns College and are proud of them all. Here is one taste of our triumphs.

Class 3875: Secondary School Ensemble
1st SJC Yr 10 Trio

Cathy Crossing | KLA Leader CAPA

Sport

Rugby Leauge Country Cup - Boys

The College rugby league program continued last week with the Boys 13's, 15's and Opens playing in the Dubbo Country Cup Gala Day.

The Under 15's won their division defeating MAGS, South Campus, Delroy and Redbend Forbes. It was a comprehensive effort as the boys didn't have a point scored against them in the 4 games. They will now compete in the Western Schools Final on June 24 in Parkes.

The College Opens were undefeated on the day, but were announced runners up by countback. They defeated Senior Campus, MAGS and drew a hotly contested match against Redbend. The Opens coached by Mr O'Leary were very competitive. Led by the experienced Year 12 campaigners, combined with the six Year 10 students, played some quality rugby league in front of a large crowd of SJC supporters.

Our Under 13's were defeated by Red Bend, and then had a win against MAGS. The junior boys learnt a lot on the day and will be better next time they play gala day matches. The Under 13's displayed a really positive attitude and were terrific ambassadors of the College.

Thanks to Mr O'Leary and Mr Haling for coaching the teams. Also thanks to the NRL Development team for organising the opportunity for students to play rugby league for the College. 

Mr Andy Haycock | Rugby League Coordinator

Rugby League Country Cup - Girls

Yesterday the College Under 14 and 16's girls attended the Country Cup Dubbo Gala Day. It was a successful day for all the SJC teams that played tackle at Apex. The Under 16's (Year 10) team have qualified for the Western Finals to be played in Parkes next Tuesday. They were dominant in their 3 games, remaining undefeated throughout the day.

Our Under 14's team were the real improvers yesterday. They had a win, and a couple of losses (both by only 2 points) which could have gone either way. The Year 7 & 8 girls ended up playing in a very competitive game against eventual winners Red Bend showing how they'd developed in their tackle football since the 1st game earlier in the day.

The Year 9 &10 combined team showed some real resilience in their performances against South Campus (a close loss) and a hard game against Red Bend. They also improved significantly in their footy as the day went on..

Well done and congratulations to all the girls for their efforts yesterday. They all represented the College with respect, and displayed real sportsmanship throughout the day. Thank you to Miss Easman and Miss Doran for helping out with the teams.

Mr Andy Haycock | Rugby League Coordinator

Interschool Catholic Cup

On Monday the Interschools Cup concluded where St Johns College hosted James Sheahan. Having beaten Red Bend in Week 1, St Johns needed to beat James Sheaham comprehensively to win back the cup for the second time in its 5 year history. Each school is awarded 3 points for a win, 2 for a draw and 1 point for a loss.  Following Monday's matches, St Johns College had wins in Debating, Theatre Sports, Volleyball, Netball, Boys Basketball, Boys touch, Rugby League and a draw in Boys Soccer and Girls Touch Football.. The College had losses in Chess, Engineering, Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Girls League Tag and Frisbee. St Johns ended up winning the day narrowly 31 points to 29. Although we won the day, we did not win the Cup as James Sheahan had beaten Red Bend 13 activities to 2 accumulating a higher overall total. Well done to all our players on their efforts and thanks to all our Coaches/Managers for giving up their time to prepare their teams. Thanks also to the College community for supporting this annual community day.

Mr David McAlister | Sports Coordinator

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Soccer Gala Day

We braved the cold to attend the Opens Soccer Gala Day in Orange on Thursday.The girls played 3 games and were unfortunate not to come away with any wins despite 3 very close results with only one or two goals in each game. The team displayed outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork and high spirits. They are to be commended for the way they represented the college in such a positive manner.The boys opens soccer team had an amazing day in Orange.After starting with a 0-0 draw against St Matthew's Mudgee, the boys had to win their next game by more than 9 goals to progress to the final. They met the challenge and beat La Salle Lithgow 13-0 to face James Sheahan Orange. Unfortunately, the boys faced a strong James Sheahan team and lost the final, finishing 2nd.Overall, the boys had a good day and demonstrated some excellent skills.Well done to you all especially in the freezing weather!

Mrs Nikea Goodwin and Mr Zac O'Leary

Parent Webinars

The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) are providing a series of very pertinent free, one-hour webinars to support parent carers to be engaged with the schooling of their high school children. Please share this information.

• Parenting Tweens: What kids need to know before the teen years 24 June 7 – 8 pm. Register here 

• Parenting Teens: Staying connected through the teen years 25 June 7 – 8 pm. Register here

Wellbeing

SJC Flash Sale

Resource Hub - Library

RESOURCE REVIEW

Attendance

School Fees

Dear Parents/Guardians 

Thank you to those families who have already paid their College fees.

Families who pay their fees by the term, the Term 2 instalment was due by 23 May 2025.  If you have not yet paid the Term 2 instalment please ensure prompt payment before the end of this term, 4 July 2025.

The Term 3 instalment will be due by 15 August 2025.

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 2025.

To ensure your College fees account is on track by the due date, please note from this Friday 20 June 2025 there are 24 weeks, 12 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 2025.

You can check your balance owing and make payments via the Compass App or BPAY.

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 2025

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

Thursday 19th June
U14 & U16 Girls Tackle - Rugby League
Eisteddfod - HSC Performance
University of Sydney

Friday 20th June
Dubbo Eisteddfod - SJC Strings

Tuesdsay 24th June
All Schools Touch - Orana Division
Western Rugby League Final - Parkes

Thursday 26th June
Yr 11 Business Studies
Yr 10 Food Tech - Providing Dinner for Homeless

Tuesday 1st July
Bell Shakespear Performance

Thursday 3rd July
CEDB Drama Camp - SJC

Friday 4th July
Last Day of Term 2
Yr 12 MTP Textiles Workshop

Community Notices

2025 Dubbo Stampede

The entries are flowing in thick and fast for the 2025 Dubbo Stampede, to be held on the 7th September 2025. This year's relocation to Ollie Robbins Oval brings with it a new event village and all-new courses.

On offer for all are the 5.3k Dingo Dash and 10k Cheetah Chase. For 16s and over we have the 21.1k Zebra Zoom Half Marathon and the 42.2k Rhino Ramble Marathon for over 18s only.

Part of this annual event is the Regional Australia Bank Schools Challenge. This year, those taking part can earn more points for their school by undertaking more challenging events. Including these two young lads.....

Angus Campbell (Yr11) and Hugh Bevan (Yr12) took advantage of a special offer of free event entry put forth by Mr Richard Eggleston in his role as a Stampede Committee member and have both signed up for the challenging Half Marathon. 

This gruelling event will take runners on a large loop around the Macquarie River, including an out-and back spur on the LH Ford Bridge and a reverse lap of Dubbo Zoo, before finishing back at Ollie Robbins Oval. A fully certified 21.095km Half Marathon with a total of 140m elevation gain.

A Parkrun regular, this will be Gus' first Half Marathon. Tracksesh aficionado Hugh is looking to improve upon his recent 2:36 Half Marathon in Canberra back in April. Who will emerge victorious? As always, the sport of road running will have the final say....

For more information about the Dubbo Stampede, get in touch with Mr Eggleston in the Maths Faculty or visit www.dubbostampede.com.au

Mr Richard Eggleston.

Don't miss........Come From Away

Featuring our very own staff! Get ready for an unforgettable night of theatre! The Dubbo Theatre Company is proud to present the internationally acclaimed, Tony Award winning musical Come From Away - and we're excited to share that three of our amazing staff members, Mrs Burden, Mr Doyle and Mr Barnes, are part of the cast.

Set in the days following 9/11, Come From Away tells the inspiring true story of a small town in Newfoundland that welcomed 7000 stranded passengers with open arms. It's a powerful tale of compassion, community and unexpected friendship.

Come along and support our talented staff as they take the stage in this moving and uplifting production.

Show Dates: Friday 25th July and Saturday 26th July
Friday 1 August and
Saturday 2 August

Location:  Dubbo Regional Theatre, 155 Darling Street, Dubbo

Tickets: www.drtccc.com.au

Help Me Help My Teen - live event with Maggie Dent

This 2-hour event, based on Maggie’s latest book, is a reassuring, practical guide for parents, carers and educators to help teenagers navigate adolescence and grow into confident, capable adults.

Maggie will provide clear and compassionate ‘what to do’ advice for some of the most difficult, sensitive topics – such as technology use, sex, drugs and alcohol, dropped school grades, school refusal, mental health and identity – and shows us how we can provide a safe and supportive environment for all our teens.

NOTE: Sensitive topics are discussed. Teens 13+ can attend with their parent/s or carer at their discretion. All attendees require a ticket.
Link to information and tickets