SJRC Newsletter: Term 1 Week 6 - 14th March 2025
Compass Events – Parent Action Required
A reminder to all parents and carers that Compass event notifications require your consent or consent and payment for your child to attend scheduled events throughout the year.
We kindly ask that you respond to these notifications in a timely manner, as we are unable to proceed or finalise event arrangements without your response. Please note that events are only open for a limited window of time, and your prompt action is greatly appreciated.
When responses are delayed, our staff are required to follow up with phone calls and emails, which adds significant pressure to their already busy workloads.
We ask that you please make responding to Compass events a priority to help everything run smoothly for both students and staff.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
College Fee Payments – Thank You & Reminder
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the many families who have already commenced making payments towards their College accounts for 2025. Your commitment is greatly appreciated.
For families who have not yet started payments or set up a payment method, this is a friendly reminder of the available payment schedule options. If you wish to change your instalment frequency, please contact the College.
|
Frequency |
Number of Payments |
First Payment Date |
|
Final Payment Date |
|
Weekly |
40 |
1-Mar-25 |
|
29-Nov-25 |
|
Fortnightly |
20 |
1-Mar-25 |
|
22-Nov-25 |
|
Monthly |
10 |
1-Mar-25 |
|
1-Dec-25 |
|
Quarterly |
4 |
1-Mar-25 |
|
1-Dec-25 |
|
Annual |
1 |
29-Mar-25 |
|
Not applicable |
If a payment plan has not been arranged, and no payments have been made to date, installments are now overdue. We kindly ask that you commence payments as soon as possible to avoid falling into arrears or having an outstanding balance at the end of the year.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Year 7 2026 Enrolment Applications Now Open
Handa Higashi High School Visit
Sincere thanks to Vanessa Gray and Dale Hastings who organised and facilitated the Handa Higashi High School visit 2025. We were excited to host 19 students and two teachers from Handa Higashi High School as part of our sister city relationship with Handa, Japan. Staying with St Joseph’s Regional College families, the visitors immersed themselves in our school and community.
They attended classes, visited the Yarning Circle, met the Mayor, and explored Australian culture at the Surf Life Saving Club. Highlights included our Ash Wednesday liturgy and encounters with koalas and kangaroos at Billabong Zoo.
Even with Cyclone Alfred looming, we adapted with a town tour and visit to our parish church. This exchange fostered new friendships, deepened cultural ties, and strengthened the connection between our schools. Deepest gratitude to the wonderful St Joseph's Regional College families who hosted our Japanese friends in their homes.
Harmony Day Celebration - Friday 21st March
Information Evening - Fathering Teens and Pre Teens
An evening to further support Fathers, Grandfathers, Step-Fathers, Uncles and any man who plays a significant role in the life of teenagers.
- Monday March 24, 2025
- 6:00pm
- MacKillop College Theatre
The evening, hosted by two male psychologists from Redstone Psychology, will focus on strategies for being a better father to pre-teens and teenagers. They will share the latest research and insights to support you in your most important role, and offer opportunities for discussion and exchanging experiences and ideas.
Please register via THIS LINK to secure your place.
Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal
Rescheduled: Year 7 Meet and Greet and Year 11 & Year 12 Parent Teacher interviews
Just a reminder that the date has changed to Monday 31st March. This night is an excellent opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and to see how they have settled into the start of a new academic year.
On Monday, 31st March, we will hold Meet & Greet interviews for parents of Year 7 students and subject interviews for parents of Year 11 and 12 students. Interviews will commence at 4.00pm and will be held in the College Hall.
Bookings open Monday, 17th March, and close at 10am on Monday 31st March. Families will receive a push notification about the interviews via their Compass App.
Interview appointment times are booked through the Compass App. Instructions on how to use the Conference Booking section can be found in the following link:
https://watch.screencastify.com/v/4nQeOJjyhEj1YeTpiCwf
Completion of Naplan Tests
This week Year 7 and 9 students started their Naplan tests across the first two of the key domains with writing and reading. It was pleasing to see so many students confidently tackle the elements of each test and strive to the best of their ability. Next Monday and Tuesday they will complete the final two domains of language conventions including spelling and grammar and numeracy. I would like to thank the dedicated team of teaching and support staff who enabled this complex testing program to run so smoothly during the start of the testing window and will continue to ensure our students have an environment in which they can confidently tackle the challenges of the NAPLAN tests.
The assessment cycle continues across Years 7-12 with a range of in class and hand in type tasks occurring over the next few weeks of the term. If a student in Years 7-10 is absent on a day of a task they need to see Ms Marchment upon return to school to sit the missed tasks. Students in Years 11 and 12 also require a medical certificate in the case of illness or some other form of documentation in the case of misadventure. Finally, in relation to hand in tasks, a failure to submit by the due date may result in assessment penalties applying. A reminder to our year 11 and 12 students regarding the new NESA rule around assessment penalties if deadlines are nor met or assessment procedures not followed. Thank you for your continued support in supporting the assessment practices in the College.
Academic Support
Once again it has been fantastic to see so many students access the facilities in the Library after school to stay on top of the rigours of their courses. Seminars continue to be offered for our senior students and many teachers have been making themselves available to support our senior students as they work methodically through the Term 1 assessment cycle.
Ian Lutton
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Schools Liaison Police Officer (SLPO) Visit
This week, our SLPO, Senior Constable Steve Jeffrey visited the College for our annual Cyber Safety presentations. Officer Steve met with students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to share his expertise and offer recommendations for how students can safely navigate the online environment. Potential implications of young people conducting themselves unlawfully in the online world were also discussed. We encourage parents of our Years 7 - 9 students to engage their child in a reflective discussion about the learning they experienced during these sessions.
Young Men Online - A Report from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner
eSafety has published the latest in a two-part body of research investigating young men and boys’ online experiences, drawing on insights from 16 expert practitioners and psychologists who work with young men.
Practitioners observed that:
- Young men are interested in learning how to become good, kind men, and can be empathetic and think critically.
- Being online can be positive for young men, allowing them to express themselves, connect socially and develop their critical thinking skills.
- Young men are feeling defensive, disenfranchised, uncertain, rebellious and lonely.
- Harmful online content, creators and communities can appeal to young men by meeting their needs for validation, guidance, edginess and belonging.
- Algorithms and recommender systems push harmful content onto young men.
Read the full report from the eSafety Commissioner via THIS LINK.
Upcoming Webinars from the eSafety Commissioner that may be of interest to parents:
- Algorithms and adolescents: the rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people - 19th March, 12.30pm
- Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online - 14th May, 12.30pm; 3rd June, 3.30pm.
Learn more about these parent webinars and register via THIS LINK.
Love Bites Program
Unfortunately, the Year 10 Loves Bites Program needed to be rescheduled due to last week’s unexpected school closure. The new date has been set for Monday 7th April (Week 7). This will be a compulsory day of school attendance for Year 10 with really valuable, essential learning on offer. A copy of the parent communication about this program can be accessed at THIS LINK.
Attendance
jennifer.furney@lism.catholic.edu.au
St Joseph's Regional College hosting at 5pm Mass Sunday 23rd March
On Sunday, 23rd March, the 3rd Sunday of Lent, St Joseph's Regional College is hosting the 5pm Mass at St Agnes Church. Our talented students will be providing music, and we'd love for you to join us in celebration!
Whether you'd like to assist with welcoming parishioners or simply be present to support our school and parish community, your presence is warmly invited.
Interested students should contact Mr Bushe via email or come to the school office for more information.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Year 10 Retreat: A Journey of Reflection and Growth
The recent Year 10 Retreat proved to be a deeply enriching experience for our students, fostering reflection and personal growth. Over the course of the retreat, students engaged in a variety of activities designed to encourage self-discovery and strengthen their understanding of the three pillars of the retreat: Dignity, Respect, and Honour.
One of the highlights was the exploration of our family trees, prompting students to reflect on their roots and the journeys that have shaped them. This exercise provided a powerful sense of connection to their past and a deeper appreciation for where they come from.
Students also participated in insightful gender-specific discussions, where they explored the attributes of positive role models and considered the qualities they aspire to embody. These conversations provided a valuable space for students to share their perspectives and gain inspiration from one another.
The retreat culminated in a beautiful closing ritual, thoughtfully crafted by the students themselves. This moving ceremony genuinely reflected their desire to live out the retreat's pillars in their daily lives, demonstrating a profound understanding of Dignity, Respect, and Honour.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Deacon Shane Hyland, Mr Chris Kalchbauer, Julie Hickling, Michelle Reynolds, and all the dedicated office staff for their invaluable support in making this retreat a success. We are also extremely thankful to Joady, Jess, and all the Francis Retreat staff for providing us with wonderful food and spectacular facilities, contributing significantly to the positive atmosphere of the retreat.
A special thank you also to the teachers who generously gave their time to attend the retreat. Their commitment to our Year 10 students, even when it meant leaving loved ones behind, is deeply appreciated and truly embodies the spirit of our College community. This pivotal moment in our students’ educational journey was made richer by your presence.
Easter Egg Raffle time for students in FLINDERS and INNES
We are approaching the most egg-celent, most egg-citing day of the year. The Easter Egg Raffle will be drawn in week 10; the last day of this school term! This year the raffle is being supported by Flinders and Innes houses although all others are welcome to contribute to the prizes.
Let’s see how many chocolate eggs, bunnies and other easter treats we can collect to make this year's raffle the best ever. Donations can be handed into the Flinders and Innes Leaders of Student Wellbeing
Tickets for the raffle will go on sale from during the week, outside the canteen. Tickets are 50c each or 3 for $1.
Please support Project Compassion and our fundraising efforts for Caritas Australia by donating eggs and buying tickets.
St Agnes' Church Gospel Reflections
Fr Paul Gooley is continuing to provide Gospel readings and reflections via email and online Monday to Saturday for those interested in connecting with their faith in this way.
Click to watch Fr Paul's Gospel Readings and Reflections.
St Agnes' Parish News Bulletin
The Parish news bulletin will now be published monthly.
The latest edition is available via this link Parish News Bulletin
Mr Matthew Bushe
Assistant Principal - Mission
School Travel Passes
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
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.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Terms of Use
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.
This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.
All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
The Encounter Youth Program is held every Friday at the Youth Hub. Come along and join in the fun.
When: Every Friday
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: @ The Youth Hub
Cost: $5 for dinner
Week 7 – Pyjama Party & Movie Night (March 21)
It’s cooling down and autumn is setting in, it’s time to pull out the winter woollies and watch a movie. It’s been a wild term so we’re going to take some time to slow down and enjoy some time together. Join us at the Youth Hub from 5:30-7:30 on the 21st of March for a pyjama party and movie night. Wear your favourite pair of pyjamas, bring your mates and some snacks, as well as $5 for dinner.
Encounter Kick-on’s (Sunday’s after the 5:00 pm Mass)
Group games and supper. Come join us.
Journey into the Catholic Faith for Teens:
If you are a teenager or know a teenager who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, the Journey into the Catholic Faith is for them. Over the course of term 2 we will go on a deep dive into the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Faith, learning heaps and having fun whilst doing it. In term 3 we will wrap up our journey, and if a participant has not completed their sacraments of initiation, they will have the opportunity to do so. To find out more and express your interest please fill out this form.
St Agnes' Catholic Parish
49 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
T 02 6588 7444
E zac.parnell@stagnesparish.org.au
Karyn Mooney
Teacher Librarian
| Term 1 Week 7 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | No specials |
| Tuesday | Tandoori Chicken Wrap |
| Wednesday | Bacon & Cheese Burger |
| Thursday | Vegetarian Nachos |
| Friday | Chicken, Sweet Potato & Almond Salad |
| Term 1 Week 8 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | No specials |
| Tuesday | Bacon & Egg Loaded Roll |
| Wednesday | Burrito Bowl |
| Thursday | Fried Rice & Honey Soy Chicken Wings |
| Friday | Gourmet Sausage Dogs |
We have a delicious variety of 'Lunch Specials', available for $7.00 from Tuesday to Friday, and an everyday menu.
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
