SJRC Newsletter: Term 1 Week 8 - 28th March 2025
- Principal's Message
- Year 7 2026 Enrolment
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
- Encounter Youth
- Library News
- Alumni
- 2025 Diocesan Swimming Carnival Report
- 2025 15s Boys CCC AFL Trials
- School Student Travel Information
- Canteen News
- SJRC Social Media
- Community News
Pupil Free Day
Friday 11th April 2025
All staff will be participating in a Spirituality Day.
No staff will be on-site on this day.
Year 7-11 Student Leaders Induction
On Wednesday, our College community came together to celebrate and commission our new Year 7-11 Student Leaders from Flinders, Hastings, Innes, Macquarie, Oxley, and Wilson houses. It was wonderful to see so many families in attendance, sharing in this special occasion.
To our newly appointed student leaders—this is a significant moment. You have been chosen for your potential and willingness to serve. Leadership is not about power but about empowering others. Embrace the opportunities ahead, lead with integrity, and strive to make a positive impact.
To the St Joseph's Regional College students, I encourage you to support and uplift these young leaders as they take on their responsibilities.
A special thank you to Deacon Shane, who blessed the Leadership badges during the ceremony.
As part of the induction, students recited the following pledge:
"Almighty Father, we stand before You as Student Leaders for 2025, filled with optimism and hope for the year ahead.
We ask for humility and generosity in all our works and actions as we seek to strengthen a sense of belonging, understanding, and harmony within our Leadership Teams and the broader school community.
We accept this responsibility to our College: to lead with service, to show commitment, and to uphold the values of our College prayer."
Congratulations to all our student leaders—we look forward to seeing you work together as a voice for students and to enhance our College.
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Staff Long Service Award
On Wednesday evening at St Agnes' Church, many staff members and their families gathered to celebrate colleagues who have reached significant milestones in their service to our parish and students.
Congratulations to:
Leanne Tinsey - 35 years
Ged Toohey - 30 years
Toni Howard - 30 years
Jo Farthing - 25 years
Frank Johnston - 20 years
Catherine Morton - 20 years
Julian Cole - 10 years.
Ubuntu African Choir Visit
The African Children's Choir Returns to Port Macquarie!
We are excited to welcome 14 Ugandan UBUNTU AFRICA friends to our College next term in Week 5.
Fourteen inspiring African Children's Choir graduates embark on an unforgettable eight-week tour along Australia’s eastern coast every two years. They raise vital funds for the education of underprivileged children in Uganda, and with each performance, they share their stories and vibrant culture.
These 14 young people are gifted singers, musicians and dancers who were part of the globally acclaimed African Children’s Choir. We actually hosted the children in 2015. These young people have freshly graduated from High School through the sponsorship of the African Children’s Choir and are ready to make a significant impact back in their villages in Uganda. As they gear up for university, they are excited to share with us how their dreams have been realised through this inspirational tour. Their Australian Tour is titled “Colour My World”.
Our Drumline and Choir will also be participating in a Masterclass workshop with the group while they are here which is very exciting.
Everyone has the opportunity to attend a concert at the Glasshouse on Thursday, 29th May, where they will bring a dynamic performance to our local community, featuring our College performers also.
Book your tickets now and be part of something truly special! Glasshouse Tickets
Billets Wanted – Host the Ubuntu African Choir
We are seeking expressions of interest from families willing to host members of the Ubuntu African Choir during their time in Port Macquarie.
Hosting Dates: Wednesday, 28th May – Saturday, 31st May (3 nights)
If you’re interested in this incredible opportunity, please register your interest today!
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE
"Colour My World" Out of Uniform Day
To assist with the cost of the tour, today, St Joseph's Regional College held a "Colours of Africa" themed out-of-uniform day. Thank you to all the students who made the day with their colourful outfits.
Child Safeguarding Policy
The Child Safeguarding Policy is located on the College Website. This policy contains:
- Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct
- Staff & Student Professional Boundaries Policy
- Child Safeguarding Complaints Management
- Confidentiality and Privacy
Please be assured that all tutors, volunteers and staff members hold a current Working with Children Check and are provided with regular professional learning regarding Duty of Care and mandatory Reporting requirements.
Under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, all employees of the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools are mandatory reporters. We are mandated to provide the following for students in our care: to provide an environment free of violence and exploitation and provide services that foster their health, development needs, spirituality, self-respect and dignity.
Parish Education Council
St Agnes’ Catholic Parish has a Parish Education Council, whose role is to assist and advise the Parish Priest on educational and developmental matters related to the general management of our Early Education Centres and Primary and Secondary schools.
This Council is made up of a number of members, including priest/s, staff members, school principals, and parent representatives.
The Council is seeking an expression of interest from any parent interested in participating in this endeavour.
Your commitment would involve attending meetings during the business day. These are held twice per term, with a maximum duration of two hours.
Your expression of interest, outlining your background, etc, should be sent to the Secretary of the Council. Applicants progressing for consideration by the Council will then be invited to meet with the Chairperson and Parish Priest.
Your enquiries can be directed to the Secretary, Lily Rogerson, by email to:
Lily.rogerson@lism.catholic.edu.au
We look forward to hearing from any interested parents.
Mrs Tanya Daley
Principal
Primary School Visits
Over the past two weeks, I had the privilege of visiting our local feeder Catholic Primary Schools alongside a group of outstanding Year 7 students. These students shared their personal experiences and insights into their secondary education journey at St Joseph's Regional College, offering Year 6 students a valuable glimpse into life at our school.
During these visits, Year 6 students also received important information about the enrolment process, helping them take the next steps towards joining our College community.
A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful students who participated—you represented St Joseph's Regional College with pride and enthusiasm. Your contributions make you truly deserving ambassadors of our school.
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Year 7 2026 Enrolment Applications Now Open
The Fourth Sunday of Lent
This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday. It’s a moment of joyful anticipation in the midst of our Lenten journey, a pause to refresh our spirits as we draw closer to the glory of Easter. The word "Laetare" means "Rejoice!" and the readings for this Sunday invite us to do just that.
This year, our Gospel reading comes from Luke 15, the beautiful and profoundly moving parable of the Prodigal Son (or, perhaps more accurately, the Loving Father). It’s a story we know well, but one that always offers new insights and reflections.
A Story of Love and Mercy
We encounter a young man who, driven by selfishness and foolishness, demands his inheritance and leaves his father’s home. He squanders everything, ending up in a state of utter destitution. In his despair, he remembers his father's kindness and decides to return, hoping to be accepted as a servant.
But the father, who has been watching and waiting, sees his son from afar and runs to embrace him. He doesn't wait for apologies or explanations; he simply welcomes his son home with open arms, celebrating his return with a feast.
More Than Just a Story
This parable is more than just a heartwarming tale. It's a powerful illustration of God's boundless love and mercy.
- The Father's Love: God, like the father in the parable, is always waiting for us to return to Him. He sees our struggles and our failings, but His love remains unwavering.
- Our Return: Like the prodigal son, we all stray from God at times. Lent is a time for us to reflect on our own journeys and to turn back to God with sincere repentance.
- God's Forgiveness: God’s forgiveness is not conditional. He doesn't hold our past mistakes against us. He welcomes us back with joy and celebration.
- The Older Son: The older son, who resents his brother’s return, reminds us of the importance of compassion and forgiveness. It is a reminder that we are called to rejoice in the return of our brothers and sisters to the fold.
- No matter what we do in life, nothing can touch our goodness. “God is too busy loving us to have any time to judge us” (Fr Gregory Boyle SJ).
Laetare Sunday and Our Lenten Journey
Laetare Sunday, with its emphasis on joy and reconciliation, serves as a reminder that Lent is not just about penance and sacrifice. It’s also about hope and the promise of new life. The story of the prodigal son reminds us that no matter how far we stray, God's love is always there, waiting to welcome us home.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us take this message to heart. Let us open our hearts to God's mercy and extend that same mercy to others. May we all experience the joy of returning to our Heavenly Father and the warmth of His loving embrace.
Let us rejoice!
Transitus
This week, Mrs Fiona Jensen took 20 Year 7 students away to Transitus. This retreat is organised by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office and facilitated by our very own Deacon Shane Hyland. It was a prayerful and fun-filled experience where Year 7 students from across the Diocese could reflect on their relationship with Jesus Christ. Students explored their faith through games and small group sharing. We thank our two staff members for giving up time with their families to support our students on their faith journey.
Mrs Jensen even had to sacrifice her normal daily coffee and go for good old Nescafe instant! Does this count as Fasting?
Lead
Last week, 19 senior students embarked on the transformative LEAD retreat, accompanied by Deacon Shane Hyland, Mr George McLeod, and Mrs Anne Twomey. This two-day Catholic leadership event, inspired by Pope Francis' Christus Vivit, aimed to equip students for ministry leadership.
LEAD focused on empowering students to recognise their inherent goodness, God's unconditional love, and their calling to a deeper communion with Him. The retreat emphasised that they are "created for more," destined to live in the freedom, joy, and peace of Jesus. Students were challenged to become the "light of the world" within their schools and communities, empowered for mission through connection, commitment, and courage.
The retreat's vision is to instil in each student the understanding that they are good, loved, and created for a purpose. Post-retreat, the hope is that students will return to their communities, ready to serve through Senior Ministry Teams, social justice initiatives, and parish activities. A follow-up gathering is planned to reinforce the retreat’s impact and encourage continued engagement in Youth Ministry.
Among the many highlights was our own alum Jacob Somers, who is now the College Youth Ministry at St John Paul II College in Coffs Harbour, giving a testimony about his own faith journey.
We are blessed to have students and staff members in our College community who are willing to answer the call to serve others and to accompany others on their faith journey. We look forward to seeing the fruits of this faith-filled experience.
Save the Date - College Mass - Wednesday, 9th April
In Week 10 on Wednesday, we are celebrating Mass in the Hall from 9:10. We extend a warm welcome to families in our College community to share in this special event with us. As we are on the downhill run in Lent, journeying to the Resurrection of Christ at Easter, this could be a wonderful opportunity to engage in prayer with us. Prayer is one of the three pillars of Lent.
ANZAC March Community Marches and Ceremonies 2025
On Thursday 10th April, we will hold our College’s Anzac Day commemoration. We hold this special event on this, the last day of the term for students as a precursor to the community commemorations. We have a tradition at the College where we support three local community Commemorations. We typically have outstanding attendance from our students.
ANZAC Day (25th April) is the last Friday of the upcoming holidays.
The three marches and meeting places for our students are as follows:
- Port Macquarie - Thai House Restaurant (formerly Thai Tastic), corner Horton and William Streets 9:30 am
- Wauchope - RSL Club, Young Street at 10:15 am
- Laurieton - United Services Club, Seymour Street at 10:00 am
Dress - Please note that students are asked to wear their full "white" uniform and bring their College hat or cap. Shirts should be tucked for this occasion. Senior students are to wear the College tie. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle on the day. We ask that students remain for the duration of the ceremony.
If your child is able to join one of our school groups at one of the three venues, please complete this Google Form.
Easter Egg Raffle supported by 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.
We still need more donations of 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 are now on sale each day, 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.
Easter Mass Times
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
Year 7 & Year 10 Schools Immunisation Program
Each year, our College provides the venue for NSW Health to conduct the NSW Schools Vaccination Program. Please be advised that all students receiving an immunisation need to register online via NSW Health.
Year 7 students to register as soon as possible prior to Monday 7th April.
Year 10 students can register now, even though their immunisations aren't until next term.
Year 7 and Year 10 Vaccination Program Dates
Term 1 – Monday 7 April 2025
• Year 7 HPV
• Year 7 Boostrix
• Catch up from previous year - Year 8 & 9 HPV and Boostrix
• Catch up from previous year - Year 11 & 12 Nimenrix (Meningococcal)
Term 2 – Friday 23 June 2025
• Year 10 Nimenrix (meningococcal ACWY)
• Catch up from previous year - Year 8 & 9 HPV & Boostrix
• Catch up from previous year - Year 11 & 12 Nimenrix (Meningococcal ACWY)
Term 3 – Friday 29 August 2025
• Year 7, 8 & 9 HPV and Boostrix - catch up from Year 7
• Catch up from previous year - Year 10, 11 & 12 Nimenrix (meningococcal ACWY)
Online consent for school vaccinations
If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide online consent for their routine school vaccinations.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
How to provide consent:
Give Consent:
Uniform Supplies
Our College keeps a supply of uniform items available for purchase on-site. Please be advised that there has been a price increase for the following items: Blue/White Aprons, White Chef Caps, and EarphonesBus Travel - Reminder
Students are reminded that they should only be travelling on the bus that takes them home.
Buses are allocated based on addresses provided in bus pass applications. Students are not covered for bus travel to locations other than their home address under the School Travel Scheme. Students boarding incorrect buses results in over-crowding. We thank students and families for their support in ensuring bus travel is within the framework of the School Travel Scheme.
Busways - Real-Time Bus Tracking
Use the NSW Transport Departures tool to find bus services leaving from your stop in real-time. By choosing the departure stop as St Joseph's Regional College, you can track your bus in real-time.
This is similar to a departure board you see at the bus stop, it's a tool designed for people who already know where they're going.
Upcoming Webinars from the eSafety Commissioner that may be of interest to parents:
- 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 - Rescheduled
The Year 10 Loves Bites Program is now set to go ahead on Monday 7th April (Week 10) This is 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.
Thrive in 2025 - Save the Date
jennifer.furney@lism.catholic.edu.au
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
Assessments - Years 7- 10
Ms Marchment, Leader of Curriculum, spoke to the assembly this week about assessments.
She noted that Years 7-10 assessments are in full swing as the end of term approaches and reminded students that it is important to try their best and also to attend school to complete all assessments.
Assessments are an important part of the learning process. They inform teachers what students have learned and what they haven’t, allowing for targeted improvement strategies going forward. Assessments allow students to consolidate their knowledge and commit content and skills to long term memory. If students do not transfer their knowledge in new and different ways via assessment, it is likely that the learning received will be short term. This is one of the reasons why we make sure students complete their assessment tasks.
Assessments Years 11 - 12
Year 11 is embarking on their first round of Stage 6 assessment tasks. They were asked to be mindful of the rules and procedures for assessment here at the College. This included a reminder about absences due to medical conditions and the one-day rule. If any items about this require further clarification, students are encouraged to reach out to Ms Marchment, Mrs Croft or Mr Lutton.
Year 12 is completing their second round of assessments and are encouraged to reach out if they have any concerns, although we are confident that they are well versed in processes and procedures.
We hope all of our students try their best in assessment and set some positive learning goals for the future.
Ms Marchment
Leader of Curriculum
Stations of the Cross:
Some good news for Good Friday!
St Agnes’ Catholic Parish is taking the Stations of the Cross to Oxley Beach. Join young people from across our Parish as they celebrate the Stations of the Cross. If you would like to assist in any way, please contact our
Youth Coordinator, Zac Parnell, 0487 971 744
Encounter Youth
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
Encounter Youth: Friday 28th March
At this point of Lent, we need the Holy Spirit to help us overcome fears, give Jesus our burdens and come back to our true selves.
Encounter Youth: Friday 4th April
Having celebrated Laetare Sunday, come and join us at Encounter Youth as we rejoice with joy and love.
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 Two, we will dive deep into the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Faith, learning heaps and having fun while doing it. In Term Three, 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
Natasha Small grew up in Lake Cathie, and upon completion of the HSC at St Joseph’s Regional College in 2020, she became the first in her family to move out of home, and first to start university studies. Natasha commenced a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography) in 2021 before transferring to a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Newcastle in 2023. During the course of her studies, Natasha has engaged in the industry, working as a physio student with a soccer club and an AFL club in relation to strapping and game-day injuries. She has also been working in Aged Care and also for a private practice. Natasha’s thoughts around healthcare are worth sharing for their wisdom. “It’s more than ‘a job’. It’s caring for a life; the whole person. Physiotherapy is relevant to every single person in one way or another. We work with people of any age, from developing babies to old people reaching the end of their life, with athletes both on game days and behind the scenes, with people who have suffered a brain injury, people in hospital after surgery….. the scope is truly limitless. I love being able to reach people deeply enough to facilitate a feeling of hope within them during a time they feel vulnerable. I love sharing my passion for health and helping people see it as an ‘opportunity’. I love that this career will always be challenging, but it centred around providing support, compassion and empathy towards others.” What a wonderful testimonial to your passion, Natasha. Congratulations!
#physiotherapist #aHSC4opportunity #wherearetheynow
On Wednesday 26th March, the SJRC Swimming Squad travelled to Alstonville Aquatic Centre to compete at the Lismore Diocesan Swimming Carnival. This was a rescheduled event following its postponement due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Congratulations to all students on your efforts. In particular to Bella Fede, Chloe Higgins, Zoe Lawrence and Axl Pope who qualified for the Diocesan Team to compete at Homebush on Friday the 2nd - 3rd of April.
There were stand out performances from:
- Chloe Higgins breaking the College 100m Backstroke record in 1.12.95s, 50m Butterfly record in 32.85s, 50m Backstroke in 34.15s
- Sophia Fox who placed 1st in the 12s Girls 50m Freestyle
- Isabel Thompson breaking the Colleg 400m Freestyle record in 5.17.17
- Zoe Lawrence breaking the Diocesan 13s 100m Breaststroke record in 1.29.86
Thank you to our staff members who traveled with the team – Miss Toms and Mr Kelly.
Damien Kelly
SJRC Leader of Sport
27th March 2025
Congratulations to our SJRC student, Jack Wilson who trialed for the NSW Northern Country CCC AFL team last week.
Jack was successful in making the team and will travel to Wagga Wagga in May to trial for the NSWCCC team.
Thank you for respresenting your College with great pride.
Mr Kelly
Leader of Sport 2025
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.
| Term 1 Week 9 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | No specials |
| Tuesday | Zucchini Fritters |
| Wednesday | Turkey, Cranberry & Brie Wrap |
| Thursday | Chicken Pumpkin Macadamia & Feta Salad |
| Friday | Mexican Chicken Quesadillas |
| Term 1 Week 10 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | No specials |
| Tuesday | Chicken Caesar Wrap |
| Wednesday | Wombok Salad & Honey soy chicken wings |
| Thursday | Hawaiian Chicken Burger |
| Friday | Pupil Free Day |
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
Calling all budding photographers!
As part of the Jubilee Year, the Vatican is promoting an international photography contest, titled: ‘Sport in Motion’. It is for young photographers, professional or amateur, under the age of 25.
There are five categories: sport and hope, sport and family, sport and disability, sport and politics, and sport and ecology.
The winners will be awarded a meeting with the Holy Father, a visit to the Vatican Museums, a workshop in the Osservatore Romano newspaper and their photo will be published internationally.
Do you know a young person - student or teacher - who may be interested in entering this competition?
The deadline to enter is 30 April 2025.
