St Johns College Dubbo Term 3, Week 6 2025

Principal

Dear Families. 

It has been lovely having our Year 12 students back after their recent HSC Trial Examinations. These exams go a long way to mimicking their final exams and provide an opportunity to sit exams in the formal setting for the same time as what the final exams will be. Sometimes these exams are three hours in length. Students will use the next period of time completing coursework, making adjustments based on feedback from their teachers and attempting practice HSC questions. Whilst this is a very exciting time for these students as their schooling comes to an end It can be a challenging period also as they can see the finish line and fatigue sets in and there are other distractions.

I ask that families keep our Year 12 students in their prayers as they make final preparations leading towards their HSC and complete their 13 years of schooling. 

God bless

Mr Justin McCarney
Principal

Assistant Principal

Dear Families

At St Johns we work together with our community and families to ensure that our school is a collaborative, safe and supportive environment. Our students are able to achieve this by ensuring that they are in class, on time, on task and ready to learn. This week, members of the College Executive and Year Leaders took some time to meet with Year Groups from Year 7 to 10. These meetings were a reminder about the expectations we have for all students at SJC. 

We ask that you continue to reinforce this messaging at home. Please check with your child if they need new workbooks, or their pencil case needs restocking. Daily reminders to charge their chromebooks ready for the next day are also supportive in setting your child up for success. All students in Year 7-9 have their exam timetables and have been encouraged to prepare for these thoroughly.

Our families can help in the creation of a collaborative, safe and supportive environment by ensuring that access to the school is via the front office. I would also like to remind families to familiarise themselves with the CEDB Community Charter which is available on the College website.

Warm regards

Mrs Emma Chater
Assistant Principal

Faith and Mission

Dear Families,

With exams coming up for most year groups, I wanted to write about how here at the College, we are constantly promoting ‘shining our lights’. I was talking to a parent at the Parent/Teacher conferences this week and they were concerned that their child was not ‘shining their light’. That in fact, they seemed to want to dim their light so as to not call attention to themselves. I have to admit my heart broke a little bit. In our liturgies and masses, I am constantly talking to our students about how we have been given gifts from God and that we must share these gifts with others. A motto we have also been using this year is “Resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow” (Catherine McAuley). The only way we are going to make St Johns College the amazing place I know it can be is if our students are prepared to shine their lights. And this can only happen if our students allow others to do so. Our students must encourage one another. They must allow every student to be who they want to be, to have interests in whatever makes them happy, without judgement.

I would love us to get to a place where, when we have an assembly, students are proud to walk across the stage in front of the school community. That they are not nervous that they will be judged, but instead confident that they will be admired. I would love it if our families could take the time to talk to their children about the importance of shining their lights, but also the importance of encouraging peers and allowing each student to be themselves. Our school motto “Christ is My Light” should not just be words on a crest. They should be words that we live by. Jesus lights the way for us, but we are also asked to shine our own lights. 

Yours in faith

Mrs Elissa Burden
Leader of Faith and Mission

Teaching and Learning

Parent Teacher Student Conferences 7 - 10

Our examination period commences in Week 8. Please find exam timetables below, as well as information about exam expectations. Academic Care has had a focus on exam preparation and study tools. Parents can access all of these materials through the Academic care course in Canvas. Additionally, all exam notifications and revision materials are available in the respective Canvas courses.

A great way to get started in supporting students with study is to help them to create a plan. Linked below is the Year 7 version of a document we started with all Year groups in Academic Care. It helps students get organised by making an exams to do list. An example for Geography is provided:

Year 7 Exam Timetable and Expectations

Year 8 Exam Timetable and Expectations

Year 9 Exam Timetable and Expectations

Year 11 and Preliminary Examinations

Year 11 Exams are just around the corner, and all students should be engaged in a regular pattern of study beyond lesson time.

They have had opportunities to work with Elevate Education and Mrs McCarney to refine their study skills.

They are reminded of all of the great tools they have access to through Atomi for many of their subjects, as well as the study skills course.

The Atomi Study Skills Course covers topics:

• Goals and mindsets
• Assessment and Study Techniques
• Cognitive Verbs
• Memory and Learning
• Staying Productive and Looking after Yourself

We wish them all the best in their final preparation over the next week..

Final Weeks for Year 12

There is so much for Year 12 to look forward to over the coming weeks and months, and it can be hard to stay focused when in school assessment is complete.

The reality is that they still have so much control over their final HSC marks, and the time they invest in study now will pay great dividends in the not too distant future.

Every subject has a Post Trial Plan in place to work on content and skills that can be honed before the HSC. Additionally, in Academic Care Week 7 we are inviting students to join the 100% club, by really analysing excellence in one subject, and working with the feedback to see what can be achieved.

Thinking about University?

Between 70 - 80% of students graduating from SJC head off to uni. 

If you are starting to think about uni, you are encouraged to reach out to our Pathways Coordinator Mrs Strahorn, who has a wealth of expert advice and can point you in the right direction.

The Art of Smart has released its full list of open days. These are brilliant ways to compare institutions and see first hand the resources available.

ART OF SMART Full list of Uni Open Days

Warm regards

Mrs Catherine Jones
Leader of Teaching and Learning

Literacy

Mr Keith Hill | Literacy Coordinator

Pathways

Orana Youth Forum 

Students attended the Orana Youth Forum where they networked with regional employers, learnt about a range of work fields and heard from inspiring speakers about succeeding in a variety of pathways.

Mrs Patricia Strahorn | Stage 6 Pathways & ASPA Coordinator

Legal Studies

Our Legal Studies students swapped the classroom for the courtroom this week at Dubbo Courthouse!

They met with District Court Judge Anderson, spoke with police prosecutors and lawyers from the Aboriginal Legal Service, and witnessed real cases unfold. An eye-opening look at the justice system in action.

Mr Chris Rollo | Assistant KLA Leader English

Lego League

The St. John’s First LEGO League teams are back in action! This year’s theme is “Unearthed” – all about discovery, digging into the past, and learning through the eyes of an archaeologist.

This season, students must design and program a robot to solve missions on the field, while also working as a team to tackle an archaeological problem using innovation and creativity.
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With two exciting teams—the Sparky Squad and the Circuit Wizards—our young engineers are exploring:
Sparky Squad – designing a drone and camera system to help archaeologists reach caves and hard-to-access sites. Circuit Wizards – developing a way to safely extract and transport artifacts using thermo jelly.

Meet our teams:
Circuit Wizards – Kye B, Lucius M, Thaksan S, Jackson W
Sparky Squad – Toby C, Peyton M, Brodie P, Thomas R, Jye R

The teams are now practicing and preparing for the First LEGO League competition in Sydney this November, where they’ll put their ideas, teamwork, and robotics skills to the test.

From coding and robotics to problem-solving and invention, these students are unearthing new ideas and showcasing the power of creativity in STEM. We can’t wait to see what they discover this season!

Mr Cody Mcdonald | Teacher

Economics

RBA Visit and Economics Seminar

Year 11 and 12 Economics students were fortunate to welcome representatives from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), who presented an engaging session on the role and implementation of monetary policy in managing Australia’s economy. Students gained valuable insights into how RBA decisions around interest rates impact inflation, employment, and growth.

The day also included an intensive HSC Economics seminar led by St John’s Economics teacher, Mrs Eddy, focusing on exam planning, preparation, and strategies to maximise student potential. This combination of expert perspectives and tailored support gave students the chance to deepen their knowledge while building confidence for the HSC.

Studying Economics equips students with the ability to understand real-world issues, think critically, and engage meaningfully in discussions about Australia’s future. We are very grateful to the RBA and Mrs Eddy for providing such an enriching and inspiring learning experience.

Mrs Samantha Eddy | KLA Leader - HSIE

Library

Book Week 2025

Book week for 2025 was from Saturday the 16th of August until Saturday the 23rd of August. The theme this year was ‘Book an Adventure’. St Johns College Library had a few fun activities following this year's book week theme. The Harry Potter week display is still set up and a new display entitled “Can you guess the book” was created. This entailed a puzzle with emojis and partial images of book covers to help guess the titles and it was placed in the Library for students to complete and also in the Staff Common Room as well. It was wonderful to see groups of people crowding around and working together to decipher the images and emojis. 

For those of you who came into the Library you might have noticed Miss Lappa wearing familiar outfits each day. Subtly dressing up as book characters throughout the week for a bit of childhood nostalgia. There was a choose your Character Video put on instagram for students to see the outfits and try and guess who each Book Character was. 

Monday - Princess Fiona - from Shrek by William Steig
Tuesday - Wendy Darling - from Peter Pan by J.M Barrie
Wednesday - Dorothy - from the wonderful Wizard of OZ by Frank Baum and Noel Langley
Thursday - Princess Leia - from Star Wars -Tie-in novel written by Alan Dean Foster at George Lucas request
Friday - Where’s Wally - by Martin Handford

On Friday, we drew out three names for our Goblet of Fire competition. There were 138 Names in the Goblet! The three winning students won a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. Congratulations Sam (Yr 7), Luxi (Yr7) and Felicity (Yr 12). 

The week after book week, a video was uploaded to the school's instagram page revealing the characters from the week using sounds from Tik Tok. This was a fun activity that students participated in as well. Make sure you check it out. See if you can spot Wally in his unveiling video. 

Keep an eye out for more Library events.

Remember to ‘Book an Adventure’ this book week and be as courageous as the characters in our books.

Mrs Bruce - Teacher Librarian
Miss Lappa - Library Technician 

RESOURCE REVIEWS

Science

St Johns College celebrates National Science Week 2025 - Decoding the Universe

Last week, St John’s College came alive with curiosity and excitement as students and staff joined together to celebrate National Science Week 2025. Embracing this year’s inspiring theme, “Decoding the Universe,” the college created a vibrant space where science met imagination, and discovery became an adventure.

Throughout the week, our laboratory was buzzed with activity as students engaged in hands-on, thought-provoking challenges designed to explore the mysteries of the universe.

The celebration wasn’t just about learning — it was also about having fun. Students collaborated in teams, took part in science quizzes and competitions, and shared their creative interpretations of the universe through art, models, and presentations.

By the end of the week, it was clear that science is not just about answers but about asking bigger, better questions. St John’s College is proud to have celebrated this national event, reminding everyone that the universe is a vast, fascinating, place waiting to be decoded by curious minds.

Mr Jose Sunny | KLA Leader Science

Sport

Bathurst Diocesan Athletics 

A huge congratulations to all the students who represented our school at the Bathurst Diocesan Athletics Carnival last week in Dubbo! Despite some challenging conditions, every athlete gave it their all and showed great determination, sportsmanship, and school spirit.

We're proud to announce that 16 of our students have qualified to compete at the NSW CCC Athletics Carnival at Homebush on Monday, 15 September!

Congratulations to:Harrison C, Grace C, Wesley C, Lacey B, Aiden D, Nullah B, Reuben D, Charlotte W, Logan P, Jarvis P, Addison S, Willow S, Max R, Tatiana P, Ryan S and Molly J.

Well done to Jarvis P who broke the 14Years 1500m record in a time of 4:46.85!

Best of luck as you go on to represent the Diocese – we’ll be cheering you on all the way!

Mr Dave McAlister | Sports Coordinator

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SJC Flash Sale

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 final instalment for the year, instalment 3 was due by 15 August 2025. If you have not yet paid the term 3 instalment please ensure prompt payment by 12 September 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 29 August 2025 there are 14 weeks, 7 fortnights or 3 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 | Finance Leader

Important Dates

Term 3 2025

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

Friday 29th August
Bathurst Diocesan Basketball
Yr 12 Music - Final Soiree

Monday 1st September
NSW CCC Teams TEnnis Carnival

Thursday 4th September
Netball NSW - Central West Finals

Monday 8th September
Yrs 7 - 9 Exams begin

Wednesday 10th September
Diocesan Secondary - Rugby Union Gala Day

Monday 15th September - 26th September
Work Placement for VET Students

Tuesday 23rd September
Dolly's Dream Workshop
Yr 11 Business Studies - It's Zoo Business Excursion

Friday 26th September
Pupil Free Day - Staff Development Day

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.