SJRC Newsletter: Term 4 Week 4 - 8th November 2024
Esther Cummins attends the NSW Constitutional Convention
Congratulations to our Vice Captain, Esther Cummins, who had the great honour of representing the College at the NSW Schools Constitutional Convention at the State Parliament in Sydney. This program is in its 30th year and seeks to promote understanding and informed discussion amongst young Australians about the Australian Constitution and system of government. At the end of the day, all delegates had to elect 30 representatives to attend the National Convention in March 2025.
We are excited to announce that Esther has been chosen by her peers and will represent NSW at the convention next year. As part of this prestigious honour, Esther will attend receptions at both Parliament House with the Prime Minister in attendance and Government House, where Esther will meet the Governor General. Well done, Esther, on such a magnificent achievement.
Esther was nominated by her Legal Studies teacher, Mrs Elaine Hempsell, who said, "Esther is an outstanding student, and I am very proud and not surprised that she impressed the organisers with her intelligent questions and excellent understanding of Constitutional issues".
Image: group photo with The President, The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC and Professor Emerita Anne Twomey AO in the Legislative Council chamber.
Please take a moment to read the following written by Esther about her experience at the convention.
On Tuesday, I attended the NSW Schools Constitutional Convention alongside 94 other delegates from across NSW. We had the privilege of hearing from The President, The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, who informed us of the history of the Legislative Council, which, this year, is celebrating its Bicentenary. We then heard from Professor Emerita Anne Twomey AO, who shared her knowledge and interpretation of our focus topic for the day, ‘Limits on Freedom of Political Expression’. We had the opportunity to ask Professor Twomey questions. I asked her a question on how Australia can effectively balance the protection of children, as detailed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with the implied right of political expression, in reference to the world of social media and recent campaigns to raise the minimum age for holding a social media account. We were then divided into groups where we participated in discussions on key constitutional issues related to our focus topic. One of the questions that we discussed was whether laws governing protests should limit and regulate the subject matter of protests or whether they should regulate the time, place and method of protests instead. We concluded these group discussions by holding a plebiscite on the regulation of misinformation, disinformation and electoral spending caps and by voting for 30 delegates to attend the National Schools Constitutional Convention.
At the conclusion of the day, groups presented their views on the discussion questions and the delegates to the National Convention were announced. I had the honour of being selected to attend the National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra in March of next year alongside student delegates from across Australia.
Esther Cummins
Images taken in the Legislative Assembly Chamber
1) selected 30 NSW delegates
2) selected five delegates from Esther's discussion group.
Enrolment 2025
It would be greatly appreciated if parents/carers could notify me at the College as soon as possible if their son/daughter will not be attending St Joseph's Regional College in 2025. We have a number of applications for places at the College for 2025, and it would be good to be able to offer places where known vacancies will occur. If you are relocating or moving your child to another school, please notify us. Thank you.
Health Alert
We have received notification of a confirmed case of Whooping Cough within our College community. Please take a moment to read through the following information available on the NSW Health website.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/whoopingcough/Pages/default.aspx
Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal
End of HSC exams
This week saw the completion of the final week of HSC exams. Today, our Year 12 Geography students sat the last HSC written paper and were relieved that not only was the month-long exam process finished, but the final step in their HSC pattern of study was also completed. The Year 12 students should be commended for the manner in which they approached this exam period, and we look forward to celebrating their success when HSC results are released on Wednesday, 18th December.
Well done, Year 12, on a fantastic HSC journey over the last two years.
Thank you!
A special thank you to our HSC presiding officer, Sonia Johl, for her outstanding work in managing HSC papers and supervisors, along with ensuring that our students had their needs met during the exams.
Year 11 Semester Two Awards
This week, we celebrated the end of the Year 11 Preliminary course academic results. It was pleasing to see so many students receive awards for consistent academic performance and a commitment to their learning. At the awards ceremony, Mrs Daley acknowledged the hard work of this dedicated cohort and how quickly the next 12 months will pass. This time next year, their academic studies will have been completed, and they will then move on to the next exciting phase of their lives. We congratulate all those award recipients and those students who placed first in a course.
Thank you to the parents and friends who joined us for this celebration. Well done, Year 11 and keep challenging yourself academically.
St Joseph’s Regional College Spirit Award
Our College prayer aims to capture all that we stand for at St Joseph’s Regional College. It speaks of respect, justice, faith, striving for excellence and preparing for the challenges of creating a better tomorrow. It is everything that Catholic education is about.
The St Joseph’s Regional College Spirit Award recognises those students who do not settle for less. It isn’t for excellence in one area but for those students across the school who live out the words of our prayer, whose actions and thoughts make this world a better place – in the classroom, the playground, with friends, in areas of interest and even when doing things they might not particularly enjoy.
Congratulations to the worthy College Spirit Award recipients:
Ashton Daley and Eliza Bajt
First Place in Course
Congratulations to the following students on receiving first place in their course.
| Biology Earth and Environmental Science English Extension 1 Geography |
Eliza Bajt |
| Business Studies Economics English Advanced Studies of Religion 2 |
Esther Cummins |
| Equal first place Chemistry Mathematics Advanced Mathematics Extension 1 |
Jamieson Walsh |
| English Standard Hospitality Kitchen Operations |
Charli Paine |
| Engineering Studies Industrial Technology - Timber |
Jackson Cooper |
| Ancient History Studies of Religion 1 |
Brooke Instrell |
| Equal first place Chemistry | Khussh Sachan |
| Community and Family Studies | Madison Wyndham |
| Design and Technology | Rae Venice Gaviola |
| Drama | Matilda Shields |
| Food Technology | Ashton Daley |
| Investigating Science | Candice Ronson |
| Legal Studies | Grace Keena |
| Music | Millie Read |
| Modern History | Isabella Johnson |
| Mathematics Standard | Elkie Croft |
| Personal Development, Health and Physical Education | Ella Hurrell |
| Physics | Kieran Copeland |
| Visual Arts | Paige Haleblian |
Outstanding Achievement (Gold)
To receive an Outstanding Achievement Award, students in Year 11 must have received Excellence and Application Awards in four or more subjects
Congratulations to the Outstanding Achievement Award recipients:
Charli Paine
Sienna Monk
Esther Cummins
Outstanding Application (Green)
To receive an Outstanding Application Award, students in Year 11 must have received Application Awards in five or more subjects.
Congratulations to the Outstanding Application Award recipients:
| Kate Ainsworth Layla Armstrong Nevaeh Bayly Audrey Cassegrain Bonnie Clark Jazmin Cooke Kieran Copeland Elkie Croft Ashton Daley Bianca Duong Rebecca Ebrole Emily Eggert |
Grace Field Lilly Fraser Paige Haleblian Lilah Hawkins Jacob Hill Charlotte Hollingsworth Ella Hurrell Brooke Instrell Isabella Johnson Lauren Kelly Brielle Latham Talia Marsh Nina Mcgahey |
Matthew Nicola Anna Reynolds Candice Ronson Khussh Sachan Alannah Steele Phoebe Stubbs Hriday Thakrani Hannah Thompson Caitlyn Thompson Max Troth Jamieson Walsh Madison Wyndham |
100% Attendance
Congratulations on an outstanding effort in achieving 100% attendance during your Year 11 course.
Christie Preston
Jamieson Walsh
Hriday Thakrani
Joshua Kobelke
Year 11 Community Service Awards
To receive a Community Service Award, students must have completed 10 or more hours of community service.
| Layla Armstrong Eliza Bajt Audrey Cassegrain Bonnie Clark Jazmin Cooke Elkie Croft Grace Field Lilly Fraser Jacob Hill Brooke Instrell Grace Keena |
Joshua Kobelke Lilly Maher Brae McGregor Sienna Monk Charli Paine Christie Preston Alannah Steele Phoebe Stubbs Hannah Thompson Jamieson Walsh |
Mr Ian Lutton
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Christ The King Community Celebration Sunday 24th November
Our parish community is wonderfully diverse, with many of us gathering together within schools, at chapels, and aged care centres throughout the year. Outside of our regular local gatherings, we sometimes hear about the wider community but rarely get the chance to come together as One Body.
Here is just a snapshot of some aspects of St Agnes Catholic Parish demonstrating the size of our Parish community. When you look at these statistics, you realise just how big the St Agnes Parish is and how many people are served in our local community in big and small ways. These are the 2023 figures:
- Nearly 4000 students from K to 12.
- Over 200 preschool-aged students.
- And another 950 people enrolled in post-school courses through the John Henry Institute.
That’s just the Education services!
On 24 November, we will be combining all Sunday Masses so we can celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King as One Body in a tangible way, with Mass here at the College at 10.00 am with food and festivities to follow.
We would love to have lots from our school community in attendance on this day. Many of our Senior Hospitality students will be here as well as many from the College Band Program and SSAPS Drumlines (junior and senior).
You can RSVP to attend, help by serving the community or even perform! Over the next few days, in the notices, there will be more information about how you could get involved or simply attend.
This is a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate leadership and service within our Parish community.
Links:
- Please RSVP here so that we can ensure we cater for all
- If you would like to provide some entertainment with a performance, please complete this form
- If you can support this day by serving, please complete this form
Through Our Eyes Memoirs Project
- By Phoebe White and Zoe Cooke
We’re excited to share a little about a special project we recently completed called 'Through Our Eyes'. This project has been a big part of our lives across Terms 2 and 3, and it took us on a journey we’ll never forget.
Through Our Eyes involved a series of visits to Emmaus Nursing Home. Each of us was paired with a resident there, and over many sessions, we spent time with them, having conversations about their lives. These visits weren’t just quick chats—they were deep, meaningful conversations that allowed us to connect on a personal level with each resident.
It was incredible to hear the stories and memories our residents shared with us. Through these sessions, we got to know the significant events and important people who shaped their lives.
Zoe: My resident, Dorothy, was absolutely lovely. She openly shared her life experiences and opened my eyes to what life was like for her. It was an unforgettable experience being able to hear the story of her life and being able to see the joy on her face, as well as her family's face when she received her memoir, was priceless.
Each resident had a unique story, full of rich experiences and wisdom, and we were privileged to listen and learn.
Phoebe: My resident, Diane, is one of the sweetest people I have ever met, and I am incredibly grateful to have been able to learn the life story of such a beautiful woman. Diane was and continues to be a lady of many talents, and being able to see just some of her accomplishments on paper brought joy to me and all who were fortunate enough to see them. Diane got the opportunity to play the piano at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and she then became a local Port Macquarie celebrity and actress at the Players Theatre.
From these stories, we put together a book filled with their memories, stories, and photos. The book is a way to capture these moments and honour the lives of our residents. We tried to make each page reflect the beauty of their journeys so their stories live on, not only with them but with us and everyone who reads them.
The project culminated last week with a special presentation afternoon where the resident and some family members, as well as us and even some of our family members, gathered to unveil the finished works. It was so heartwarming to see how moved the residents and their family members were to have this special keepsake.
One of the best parts of this project was forming real connections. We all grew close to our residents, and those bonds made it so much more than just a school project. It was a chance to learn from another generation, gain new perspectives, and share in moments of laughter, reflection, and sometimes even tears.
Being a part of the Through Our Eyes project, we learned that everyone has a story worth telling and that taking the time to listen can teach us so much about life, resilience, and friendship. We’re incredibly grateful to the Emmaus Nursing Home residents for trusting us with their stories and to our school for supporting this project.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen: Mr Hyland, Mr McLeod, The St Agnes Pastoral Care team, The Emmaus staff and everyone who contributed in large and small ways. The project may be over, but the memories and connections we made will stay with us. We hope that one day, more students will have the chance to experience a project like this, to connect and learn through the eyes of someone else.
Annual Christmas Hamper Appeal
As a Catholic community, we’re called to live out Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves. One of the most meaningful ways we can do this is by considering what it might feel like to have nothing to celebrate on Christmas morning, while others around us are waking up to joy, gifts, and a table full of food. Jesus made it a priority to stand with those who are forgotten or struggling, and that’s exactly what we aim to do here with our Christmas Hamper Appeal.
For many years now, our Parish has come together to create and deliver hundreds of hampers to families facing tough times during the holiday season. It’s our chance to step into the real spirit of Christmas—the spirit of giving to others. Across all our schools in the parish, classes will be gathering items to build these Christmas hampers, reaching out to families in our broader community who need an extra hand.
This year, as we do every year, Pastoral Care groups will collaborate to put together these hampers that will provide all the essentials for a Christmas day experience. To make this possible it is a huge team effort. Every bit we contribute brings us one step closer to helping another family. Knowing that we can truly brighten someone’s Christmas is an amazing feeling.
It’s a real opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and it’s heartwarming to see the joy on others’ faces when they receive a hamper unexpectedly. By working together, we can bring a little Christmas light to those who need it most. Let’s make this a Christmas to remember for everyone in our community!
Our Hamper Appeal launches this week but in Week 7 on Friday 29th we will have an Out-of-Uniform day as a major Hamper Donation Day. PC groups will have discussed and allocated the items to be donated. Students can bring items in before that day but that will be the day we finalise all donations.
Thank you for your support and remember the words of St Mother Teresa: "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." Or perhaps the words of Margaret Mead (author and anthropologist): “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
UPCOMING
● Catholic Missions Milkshake sale - Friday 15th November at Recess and Lunch - $3
● St Agnes Parish & Schools Christmas Hamper Drive with Hamper Donation Day with Out of Uniform - Friday 29th November
Mr Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal - Mission
Year 9 Camp Information Night
Parents of Year 9 students are asked to save the date of Monday 11th November for the Year 9 Camp Information evening. The evening will commence at 5.30 and is expected to be no more than one hour. This event will cover crucial information for the Year 9 HSIE Camp to Sydney in Week 9, 9th - 11th December. Information covered will include:
- Itinerary and learning experiences;
- What to pack;
- Camp staffing and organisation;
- Student expectations and support.
It is hoped that each student and a parent/carer will attend the evening.
The Movember / Nailember Cup
For a number of years now, staff and senior students have been invited to participate in Movember, an annual fundraiser for men's mental health. This week, we launched the SJRC Mo Bro's 2024 Movember / Nailember Cup games. We also welcome the support of our 'Polish Pals' who are jumping on board to support a local women's wellbeing charity with some Gnarly nails.
Similarly to previous years, teachers and students will buddy up to compete for the coveted Movember and Nailember Cups. This involves some fun weekly activities on Friday lunchtimes during November, a final presentation and BBQ lunch.
For the boys, once again, we aim to raise $5000 after exceeding our goal in 2023, raising $5621, an absolutely amazing effort by our staff and senior students. If you would like to support their fundraising efforts, please do so by clicking on the link below or via the QR code. You may also choose to support an individual student within the team.
For the girls, fundraising will be done via a 'walkathon' style collection, where the students will personally seek money or pledges.
https://movember.com/t/st-joseph-s-regional-college
Busways - Matthew Flinders Drive closure update
The attached letter(s) will be distributed to students on the affected Busways service.
For additional information, please refer to your schools timetabled services at: https://www.busways.com.au/nsw/school-services/school-timetables and select the link adjacent to your school’s name; “New timetable | 21 November 2024”, we have also attached a copy for your convenience. Alternatively, you can contact Busways Customer Service on 1300 69 2929 or infoline@busways.com.au.
Mrs Jennifer Furney
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
We are excited to introduce you to two new tutors at St Joseph's Regional College. Luisiana Morton and Brian Cousins.
Luisiana Morton - Violin
Brian Cousins - Piano
Brian Cousins has a great depth of professional experience as a world-class pianist, accompanist, conductor and coach for dancers and singers. He is comfortable teaching beginners to advanced students in various styles, including classical, modern, jazz, and contemporary. An in-demand composer, Brian has written ballets for several professional dance companies. He is also available for composition and arranging tuition in this space. Brian lives in Port Macquarie with his two beautiful children.
Please contact him for lessons 0413 332 694
Sarah Butler
Cocurricular Music
This week's alumni focuses on Grace Robb, a St Joseph's Regional College graduate from the Class of 2020. Grace moved seamlessly into the Royal Australian Air Force after finding her love for that life whilst undertaking the ADF Gap Year in 2021. During that year, she was awarded Dux of Air Force Security Common Course 0017, after which she commenced her Bachelor of Law (Hons) in 2022 through QUT (Queensland University of Technology) . Grace is the first in her family to take on post-school education.
‘After taking legal studies in year 11, I have been interested in the subject since then. It wasn’t until I joined the Air Force and received briefs from legal officers within the organisation did I realise that that was what I wanted to pursue in my career. After further research, I realised that even if I was to change my mind, a Bachelor of Law can lead to multiple different careers paths. I love taking different subjects that I enjoy and learning about the different fields of law.’
Grace recounts a couple of proud moments. ‘The first moment is when I received Dux of my course - Air Force Security. My hard work, knowledge, dedication and teamwork had been recognised. The second was when I first began my degree and was working full time and studying full time. I realised I was capable of more than I give myself credit for.’
#lawyer #airforce #wherearetheynow #aHSC4opportunity
Careers Pathway
2025 School Travel Applications are Now Open
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.
Students progressing from year 2 to year 3 and from year 6 to year 7 do not need to re-apply if they:
- are continuing at the same school, and
- are residing at the same address, and
- have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification.
Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification for their school travel entitlement need to renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications, so their travel entitlement can remain valid for the start of the 2025 school year.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.
Encounter Youth
Where: The Youth Hub
When: Every Friday from 5:30-7:30pm
What do we do: Dinner, games, and a great time
Who can come: You and your mates
Cost: $5 for dinner.
Week 5 – Sacred Space (Nov 15th)
Where do you find God?
At mass?
In nature?
In music?
In your Bible?
Encounter Youth on the 15th of November is all about finding your Sacred Space. Join us as we learn how to make room for God’s presence in our everyday lives
Encounter Kick-on’s (Sunday’s after the 5pm Mass)
Group games and supper. Come join us.
Year 6 students are welcome to come along too.
Ignite Summer Camp: 8-12 January
Ignite Summer Camp is four massive days of fun, friends and getting closer to Jesus! The camp is from the 9-12th of January up in the mountains of Mapleton, which is why we leave early on the 8th and arrive home late on the 12th. The total cost of the camp is $580 and includes registration, transportation, and accommodation (this may become cheaper depending on numbers).
We’re currently taking expressions of interest, if you are interested, please contact our Youth Coordinator: Zac Parnell (M 0487 971 744).
Zac Parnell
Youth Coordinator
St Agnes' Catholic Parish
49 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
T 02 6588 7444
E zac.parnell@stagnesparish.org.au
| Term 4 Week 5 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Hamburgers |
| Tuesday | Spinach & Ricotta Quiche |
| Wednesday | Chicken Schnitzel Salad wrap |
| Thursday | Thai Beef Salad |
| Friday | Chicken Pesto Toasted Turkish Sandwich |
| Term 4 Week 6 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Beef Burritos |
| Tuesday | Hawaiian Chicken Burger |
| Wednesday | Pasta Salad w/ bacon |
| Thursday | Beef & Vegetable noodle stirfry |
| Friday | Caesar Salad Bowl |
The Canteen opens at 8.00 am every school day.
Breeanna Stone
Food Services Manager
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
"Turning the Tide on Ocean Plastic," a free family workshop ideal for children aged 8+ and adults. The event will help participants learn about plastic pollution, discover practical ways to reduce plastic use, and engage in a hands-on recycling activity.
- Date: Tuesday, 12 November
- Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Location: MakerSpace, Port Macquarie