SJRC Newsletter: Term 3 Week 10 - 27th September 2024
Important Dates in Term 4
Monday 14th October - Staff return
Tuesday 15th October - Students return
Tuesday 15th October - Friday 8th November - HSC Examinations
Thursday 14th November - Year 12 Graduation Dinner
Congratulations and Farewell Year 12 2024
This week, Year 12 celebrated the culmination of their six years at St Joseph’s Regional College. On Monday, they had a beautiful end to formal lessons with a special lunch and informal awards ceremony in the Library. On Tuesday, they continued the theme with a trip to Stoney Aqua Park, a great opportunity to finish their last full day as students at the College.
On Tuesday night, our Year 12 students and their families joined in a wonderful celebration with the Graduation Mass at St Agnes’ Church. This mass, celebrated by Fr Paul, was a wonderful spiritual event that brought together all elements of our College community to recognise the connection this special cohort of students has with both the Parish and the College.
Wednesday saw the celebrations continue with our Major Awards Ceremony, where we celebrated the outstanding academic and cultural achievements of our Year 12 students. As part of this ceremony, the staff, under the leadership of Mr Matthew Bushe, Assistant Principal - Mission, received a special blessing sung to them by the staff of the College; this brought tears to many eyes of both students and parents. Finally, the highlight of the day was the final procession of our Year 12 cohort through a Guard of Honour lined by all the students across Years 7-11.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have assisted me as I have been in the Acting Principal role during Mrs Daley’s absence, who will return from leave at the start of Term 4.
Year 12 Graduation Mass – A Time to Reflect and Give Thanks
On Tuesday evening, students, families, and staff came together at St Agnes’ Church to give thanks to God for our graduating Year 12 Class of 2024. It was a truly beautiful and meaningful celebration for all in attendance.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr Paul Gooley for his support and the invaluable words of wisdom he shared during the Mass. Fr Paul spoke about the importance of gratitude during life’s significant moments, drawing an inspiring parallel with astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Upon landing on the moon, Aldrin broadcasted a message asking listeners to pause, reflect, and give thanks in their own way. He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way." Fr Paul encouraged us to do the same, inviting us to pause and reflect on the journey of our Year 12 students and give thanks for all they have achieved.
Our appreciation also goes to our commentator, Mr Matthew Bushe, Assistant Principal-Mission, and Mr Shane Hyland, Leader of Evangelisation, for organising the Mass.
Special recognition goes to Year 11 students Lauren Kelly and Mia Lawrence, whose thoughtful farewell speech to Year 12 students was a highlight of the evening. Our talented musicians and singers further enriched the celebration. We are grateful to Sam Duff, Darcy Richards, Elijah Koivu, Isabella Campbell, Imogen Baker, and Phoebe White, who, under the guidance of Miss Mikaela Grob and Mr Shane Hyland, enhanced the atmosphere of the evening with their musical gifts.
A special thank you also goes to Janisa Vinod and Dane Bittu, who served as altar servers, bringing solemnity and grace to the occasion. Your contributions made this Mass truly memorable for everyone who attended.
Year 12 Major Awards Ceremony
| Abhishek Amada Lilly-Rose Bajt Logan Bourke Riley Clarke Zoe Copeland Liam Cusack Isabel Dickinson Jack Downing Rhea Edden-Moore Alexander Farley Ella-Jasmine Gardner Arin Godbole Eli Greenwell Ava-Grace Hawker Olivia Heppingstone Brock Holliday Mackenzie Jenkins Lauren Johnston Marli Leighton Deegan Mason Annie Mepham Bailey Moore Olivia Moore Jorja Paine Hudson Potter Cora Puttick Daniel Reeves Manmeet Saini Mary Slater Maisy Taylor Caitlyn Toomey Imogen Van Vledder Alaska Webber Aden Young |
Hailey Asher Danny Barratt Reghan Buckley Adam Cook Lara Crawley Eli Davies Sophia Dominguez Keiana Dreelan Amber Evans Cooper Farrington Teliya Gayler Natasha Graham Elokin Harrison Hamish Hawkins Teleah Hicks Nicholas Honeysett Thomas Jenkins Grace Kruk Thomas Little Mia McCullough James Merkus Dakota Moore Mackenzie Moreta Mia Pepper Lilah Potts Lucas Pynaert Elizabeth Rogers Lachlan Shea Laura Smith Marlee Taylor Madeleine Tunbridge Jamie Vinod Emma Wheeler Hannah Young |
Makai Avery-Hoy Amelia Bell Zoe Bulmer Lachlan Cook Geordie Curtis Jack Davies Jye Donovan Ceceaila Ducker Ziggy Ewart Emilee Franklin Jessica Glover Kaden Green Bella Harvey Max Hennessy Oscar Hoad Joseph Jackson Jak Jenner Jacob Kruk Aiden Loughland Lara McDonnell Jaylen Miles-Davis Gabriel Moore Jake O'Leary Rocco Polacci Byrnes Rachel Purnell Aydin Rae Maya Roser Charlotte Shee Roy Stevenson Alana Toogood Aryan Vaishnav Portia Way Jett Willows |
Year 12 Major Awards
| Student of the Year | Aryan Vaishnav |
| College Leadership Award | Jamie Vinod Alaska Webber |
| Father Donnelly Outstanding College Service Award | Lauren Johnston |
| College Commitment Award | Sophia Dominguez |
| Quiet Achiever Award | Adam Cook Ava-Grace Hawker |
| St Agnes’ Parish Service Award | Jamie Vinod |
| ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award | Maisy Taylor |
| ADF Future Innovators Award | Aden Young |
| Citizenship Award | Mia McCullough |
| Outstanding Community Service Award | Ziggy Ewart |
| St Joseph’s Regional College Spirit Award | Thomas Jenkins Annie Mepham Olivia Moore Charlotte Shee |
| Instrumental Award | Aryan Vaishnav |
| Vocal Award | Lauren Johnston |
| Senior Sports Person of the Year | Emilee Franklin |
| Excellence in Sport | Thomas Jenkins |
| Outstanding Involvement in Sport | Emilee Franklin Olivia Moore Roy Stevenson |
| Father Donnelly Champion House Shield | Flinders |
Congratulations, Major Award Recipients
First Place in Course
| Dance | Isabel Dickinson |
| Economics | Jamie Vinod |
| Food Technology | Rhea Edden-Moore |
| Industrial Technology - Timber | Deegan Mason |
| Investigating Science | Rachel Purnell |
| Mathematics - Standard | Thomas Little |
| Modern History | Brock Holliday |
| Music 1 | Hudson Potter |
| Personal Development, Health & Physical Education | Ava-Grace Hawker |
| Studies of Religion 1 unit | Lauren Johnston |
| Textiles & Design | Mary Slater |
| 1st place in the Diocese Online Education Course in Aboriginal Studies | Ella-Jasmine Gardner |
| Business Studies Hospitality - Kitchen Operations |
Charlotte Shee |
| Chemistry English Advanced |
Aryan Vaishnav |
| Community & Family Studies English Extension 1 |
Sophia Dominguez |
| Design & Technology Mathematics Advanced |
Aden Young |
| Engineering Studies English Standard |
James Merkus |
| Geography Visual Arts |
Keiana Dreelan |
| Legal Studies Studies of Religion 2 unit |
Zoe Copeland |
| Ancient History Drama Earth & Environmental Science History Extension |
Gabriel Moore |
| Biology Mathematics Extension 1 Mathematics Extension 2 Physics |
Abhishek Amada |
Congratulations to First Place Award Recipients
Academic Excellence Award
Awarded to students who have been ranked in the top 10% in three or more of their courses.
| Abhishek Amada Zoe Copeland Sophia Dominguez Keiana Dreelan |
Ava-Grace Hawker Lauren Johnston James Merkus Gabriel Moore Bailey Moore |
Charlotte Shee Aryan Vaishnav Jamie Vinod Aden Young |
Senior Sports Person of the Year
Excellence in Sport
Excellence in Sport Award is awarded to a student who has Represented
NSW Combined Catholic Colleges or NSW All Schools in a team or squad, or
have excelled individually in their chosen field.
Congratulations: Thomas Jenkins
Thomas has excelled in his sports of mountain biking and cross triathlon is a huge understatement. In 2024, Thomas competed internationally, earning gold in the 18-19 Men’s Cross Triathlon and Cross Duathlon, making Tom a dual World Title holder.
Outstanding Involvement in Sport
To receive this award, a student has represented the College in
five or more sports during Year 12.
Olivia Moore
Roy Stevenson
House of the Year
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award is awarded to those students who have volunteered their time for ten or more hours. Congratulations to the following students:
| Oscar Hoad Maya Roser Laura Smith Alaska Webber Keiana Dreelan Lauren Johnston Lucas Pynaert Alana Toogood Sophia Dominguez Alex Farley |
Ava-Grace Hawker Grace Kruk Gabriel Moore Adam Cook Ziggy Ewart Mia Mccullough Annie Mepham James Merkus Charlotte Shee Aryan Vaishnav Zoe Copeland |
Arin Godbole Bailey Moore Maisy Taylor Jamie Vinod Cooper Farrington Brock Holliday Olivia Moore Dakota Moore Jorja Paine Cora Puttick |
Award Sponsors
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the local businesses, organisations and families who have so generously sponsored our awards.
On behalf of the College,
we express our sincere appreciation to each and every one of the sponsors.
Mr Ian Lutton
Acting Principal
On Wednesday, our College community came together for a very special day of celebration to farewell our Year 12 students. Events such as these are an essential part of fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness at school. All students are required by law to attend school every day unless they are too unwell to be present. Please refer to the information below from the Lismore Catholic Schools Office regarding attendance at special events.
Attending special school events fosters a sense of belonging to the school community. Expect your child to attend and participate in events.
Setting the expectation that children attend and actively participate in special school events is a positive step toward creating a supportive and vibrant school community. It contributes to a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond the academic curriculum. Expecting children to attend and participate in school events instils a sense of responsibility. It teaches them that being part of a community involves active involvement and a commitment to shared experiences.
We wish all families a safe and restful school holiday period.
Mrs Jennifer Furney
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
SJRC Students Attend Ignite Conference in Brisbane
Last week, a group of 42 students from St Joseph’s Regional College embarked on an inspiring journey to the Ignite Conference in Brisbane. This annual event hosted by the Emmanuel Community draws over 1,000 young people from all corners of Australia and is a significant highlight on the Catholic youth calendar. It offers an incredible opportunity for students to deepen their faith, engage in the sacraments, and have meaningful discussions with other young Catholics from diverse backgrounds.
Held over four days, the Ignite Conference provides a vibrant space for spiritual renewal and personal growth. With a mix of keynote speakers, workshops, and dynamic worship experiences, students were immersed in a range of activities designed to inspire and lead them into a deeper relationship with Jesus. The event offered a chance to explore contemporary issues, share personal stories, and learn from the experiences of others.
For many of the SJRC students, attending the Ignite Conference was a life-changing experience. Year 11 student, Mia, shared, “Ignite was so powerful. Being surrounded by so many people who share your faith made me feel like I’m part of something much bigger. It has given me a lot of inspiration for my own journey.”
The theme of this year’s conference, “Arise,” resonated deeply with the students. Workshops focused on living out faith in today’s world, cultivating leadership, and finding hope amidst life’s challenges. The combination of energetic praise and worship sessions, thought-provoking talks, and opportunities for quiet reflection allowed each student to experience a profound connection with Jesus.
Accompanying the students were SJRC staff members, who were deeply moved by the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the group. “Our students went out of their way to make sure that the students, who came from schools that only brought a small number of students were included.” said Mrs Goldie, one of the teachers who accompanied students on the trip.
The Ignite Conference was more than just an event – it was an invitation for each student to discover the deeper purpose in their lives and to be the light in their own communities. The SJRC group returned home not only with unforgettable memories but with a strengthened sense of community and identity and a passion for making a positive impact on the world around them.
We look forward to seeing how these students will continue to live out the values they explored and shared during the conference, making their mark as compassionate leaders and faithful individuals within our College and beyond.
Ex-Student Lachlan Morton Cycles Around Australia
We are proud to share that ex-student and professional cyclist, Lachlan Morton is currently riding 14,200 km around Australia to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. On Thursday, students contributed to a special coin line, mapping Lachlan's completed journey so far. By Thursday, Lachlan had reached Esperance, WA, having already cycled approximately 10,000 kilometres!
With the Great Australian Bight, Victoria, and the South Coast of NSW still ahead, Lachlan is expected to arrive back in Port Macquarie in just over two weeks.
The coin line raised $215, which, combined with funds from Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week campaigns, brings our total donation to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to $1,027!
A heartfelt congratulations to all who supported this meaningful cause. It’s inspiring to see SJRC alumni like Lachlan doing incredible things, especially when their efforts benefit others.
Special thanks to Mrs Gray and Mr Harper for championing this campaign.
Use THIS LINK if you would like to continue following Lachy’s journey.
SPOTLIGHT ON ST VINCENT de PAUL
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of St Vincent de Paul each year on 27th September, a saint renowned for his remarkable compassion and dedication to the poor. He was born in France in 1581 and raised in a modest family; he later became a priest. His heart for the suffering led him to establish the Congregation of the Mission, commonly referred to as the Vincentians, and the Daughters of Charity, both focused on serving the needy. Today his work is done by an organisation known as the St Vincent de Paul Society. It is a body that comes in to help people in poverty and hardship the world over, including here in Australia.
The relevance of St Vincent de Paul is based on the very practical way he lived Gospel values of love and charity. He didn't simply preach a message of concern for others; he established support structures to provide ongoing care for the poor, the sick, and the most marginalised. To this end, he serves as a model for us of living faith through action.
We have much to learn from his life and example in Australian society today. His commitment to social justice heeds values of equity and inclusion that continue to have relevance in the framing of needs within vulnerable communities. Whether through personal acts of kindness or joining in the work of initiatives like those taken up by the St Vincent de Paul Society, we are called to this mission. St Vincent's life is a gentle reminder to an often indifferent world of the powerful effects brought about by generosity and of the need to walk in solidarity with those who struggle.
As we consider his life, may we be inspired to reflect on how we might imitate his example here at school, in our families, and in the greater community with our hands and our hearts.
Lord God, we thank You for the work of St Vincent de Paul, whose life shows us that we are called to look after the poor and the marginalised. Give us strength and courage to follow in his footsteps, so that our lives may be guided by love and service for others. Amen.
St Vincent de Paul… Pray for us.
Journey Into The Catholic Faith For Adults
Have you been considering becoming Catholic? If so, this could be the Holy Spirit gently inviting you to take that bold step!
St Agnes' Catholic Parish warmly invites those interested in joining the Catholic faith to participate in JCFA (Journey into the Catholic Faith for Adults) in Term 4. This program incorporates the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), offering an opportunity to explore the core teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. It also includes preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion.
Program details:
- When: Tuesdays, 5:45–7:15 pm during school terms (starting 15th October and ending 8th April)
- Where: Parish Hall (with some exceptions)
- Commitment: Participants are encouraged to attend Sunday Mass regularly.
- Sacraments of Initiation: Will be celebrated at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, 19th April.
- Mystagogy sessions: Monthly sessions will follow after Easter (Learning about the mysteries of the Faith)
If you're interested or have any questions, feel free to contact Vanessa Denham at vanessa.denham@stagnesparish.org.au.
You can also reach out to me, Mr Matt Bushe or Mr Shane Hyland (Leader of School Evangelisation) and we may even be able to connect you with others who have recently been on this journey.
We would love to support you as you consider this special opportunity. Take some time to pray and reflect on it!
Save the Date for the St Agnes' Parish Community Celebration Day
Mr Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal - Mission
Reminder for HSC support and supervision
Students are strongly encouraged to continue to access the full range of support services at the College and make the preparation for the HSC exams their core priority over the next month. To further support our Year 12 students, the College will be open throughout the Term 3 holidays from 9.00 am until 12.00 pm each day (excluding the public holiday on Monday 7th October) to provide a quiet supervised environment for students to prepare for the exams.
Mr Mark Robertson
Acting Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Congratulations to the 26 students who participated in the Port Macquarie & District Eisteddfod! These dedicated students have been rehearsing during lunchtimes over the past few months to perfect their performances.
The SJRC Dance Company performed "Drowning in Life," a powerful piece that explores life's struggles and our resilience in overcoming them. Their hard work earned them a well-deserved 4th place. Special thanks to Ange Jamieson for providing the Dance Company the opportunity to collaborate with a professional choreographer. Additionally, our Jazz Ensemble delivered a lively and fun performance of "Play That Sax," choreographed by our Creative Arts trainee, Caitlin Judd, which received a highly commended award.
"Drowning in Life" - 4th Place
Jazz Ensemble - "Play That Sax" Highly Commended
Jenny Grein
Leader of Creative Arts / Dance Teacher
Nyiirun Djiyagan Wakulda Women’s Festival
On Friday, 13th September 2024, Indigenous Education Workers Carly Taylor & Naomi Mendes took 15 Mitjigan (girls) to this year's Nyiirun Djiyagan Wakulda Women’s Festival hosted by Djiyagan Dhanbaan (strong sister movement support group) at the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council. They are an inspiring Aboriginal women’s group who promote the revival of culture through language and practices, self-empowerment, leadership and self-care.
This free event allows Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women to come together and celebrate culture and connect with each other. The girls could learn and participate in cultural activities such as weaving, art, face painting, and language workshops. Local TAFE students were offering hairdressing and nail workshops. Local community service providers held information stalls in a culturally safe environment to answer any questions.
Aunty Rhonda Radley opened the day with some of the very talented local dance groups. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the day. This was a great opportunity for our students to connect with our local community.
Deadly Pathways Festival
On Wednesday 25th September, Year 9 & 10 Aboriginal students attended the Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie campus for their annual Deadly Pathways Festival.
Students had the opportunity to hear from Aboriginal role models in science, Corey Tutt from Deadly Science, technology (Microsoft) and health professionals. They also got to experience hands-on activities/workshops within Science, Health, Social Work, Technology and Early Childhood Education faculties.
This was a great opportunity for the students to get a taste of what university might be like and the support that is on offer.
Year 12 Morning Tea & Bag Presentation
On Monday, 23rd September, we congratulated our Year 12 Aboriginal students on their graduation from SJRC. We celebrated with their family and friends and awarded them a Certificate of Achievement and a bag as a token of pride and support from the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office.
The entire College community extend their heartfelt best wishes to these students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, confident in their future successes.
#jockey #wherearetheynow #aHSC4opportunity
Careers Pathway
St Joseph's Regional College has a number of different social media platforms. We would love for you to follow us.
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St Joseph's Regional College
Website - https://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SJRCPort
Instagram - @sjrcport
St Joseph's Regional College - 50 year Celebrations
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SJRC50years
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sjr50years/
Digital Ministry
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sjrcdigitalministry
Library
Website - https://pmreglism.libguides.com/home
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sjrcexchange
Instagram - Instagram - @sjrcexchange
Careers
Website - https://www.sjrcportcareers.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sjrcportcareers
| Term 4 Week 1 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Pupil Free Day |
| Tuesday | Chicken BLT Wrap |
| Wednesday | Hawaiian Chicken Burger |
| Thursday | Honey Soy Chicken Wings & Fried Rice |
| Friday | Beef Nachos |
| Term 4 Week 2 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Hamburger |
| Tuesday | Chicken Pesto Pasta |
| Wednesday | Tandoori Chicken Wrap |
| Thursday | Asian Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing |
| Friday | Loaded Sausage Dog |
The Canteen opens at 8.00 am every school day.
Breeanna Stone
Food Services Manager
We will be closing submissions to the NSW Children’s Week Art Competition on 11.59PM on Sunday, 13 October 2024.
To enter, children and young people can submit a drawing, painting, photo or digital illustration that shows us how they connect with and enjoy the environment around them.
The competition is open to all children and young people up to the age of 18 living in NSW. Group entries are allowed and encouraged.
Learn more about the competition
The NSW Children's Week 2024 Art Competition is open to all children and young people up to the age of 18 living in NSW. Children and young people can enter by creating an artwork that shows the ways they connect with and love the environment around them. The artwork can be about:
- which parts of the environment they enjoy being in regularly
- where they feel connected to the environment and why
- how they show the environment love and care.
Nine winners (three winners for each age group: Age 5 and under, 6-11 and 12-18) will receive an award and prize.
Steps on how to enter for children and young people:
Brainstorm
Before you start creating your artwork, take a moment to brainstorm:
Which parts of the environment you enjoy being in regularly?
Where you feel connected to the environment and why?
How you show the environment love and care?
Create
Create your own artwork that shows us the ways you connect with and enjoy the environment around you. Your artwork can be in the form of drawing, painting, photograph or digital illustration.
We encourage using materials for your artwork that are easily accessible and already available to you.
Describe
In 50-150 words, explain what your artwork represents including the reasons how and why you feel connected to the environment and how you show it love. This description will be provided through the submission form alongside your artwork.
Submit
Once you have completed your artwork please take a clear digital picture of your artwork. Then, click on the submission form and fill in the appropriate details. Insert the picture and description of your artwork in the sections provided.
Prizes
There will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place chosen for each of the three age groups (5 years and under, 6-11 years and 12-18 years), with up to nine winners in total.
The winning entries will be decided by the Advocate for Children and Young People, with the support of the NSW Youth Advisory Council and members of the NSW Children’s Week Council.
