Term 1 Week 9 - 26th March 2021

Gratitude Morning Tea - Long-Standing Teacher, Kay Curran, Retires

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Today, as a staff, we came together for a 'Gratitude' morning tea for our dedicated staff and to celebrate our long-standing teacher, Ms Kay Curran's retirement. We also welcomed, former St Joseph's Regional College principals, Mr Jim O'Brien and Mrs Anne O'Brien.





Please find below a tribute to Kay for her 35 years of service throughout the St Agnes' Parish.

It is with a great sense of joy that we are able to come together this morning to recognise and acknowledge, Kay Curran’s outstanding service, spanning four decades at St Joseph’s Regional College.

Kay, you have been a devoted teacher of St Joseph’s Regional College serving St Agnes’ Parish and the Catholic Schools Office, Lismore since 1986. In these 34 years of service, you have taught generations of families in the Hastings Region. Having had the experience and joy of also teaching the grandchildren of many of your former students was not uncommon.

From the very outset, Kay, you championed the cause of students who experienced difficulty with their learning. At the very heart of it was your belief that, all young people had the right to feel confident with their literacy and numeracy skills. Kay, you do certainly possess the gift of empowering these young people to ensure they were ready to face the challenges the world posed.

Kay, you have always approached your students with a great sense of gentleness and respect. There was never any doubt that in Ms Curran’s class, one was always valued, cared for and loved. Kay, you never were one to raise your voice, use sarcasm or even threaten detention. Instead, you chose to approach your students with a deep sense of kindness and with regular praise and encouragement. For this reason, many students that you taught blossomed beyond what they thought they could, and today, attribute much of their success to “get on in life” to your dedicated teaching.

We know that Kay is a woman of great faith but also possesses a deep affinity with Aboriginal Spirituality. Prior to joining the St Joseph’s Regional community, Kay had a period of time teaching at a Missionary School in Wadeye (Port Keats) established by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Here, known as, “Aunty Kay”, you were much loved by the indigenous community, and on a number of occasions was welcomed back as a mother of their children. Kay you also regularly attended Diocesan Indigenous gatherings where you are held in high regard.

Here are some things that you may or may not know about our Kay….

Kay is a lover of music and enjoys listening to all genres from opera to blues (and everything in between), she attended many concerts with her friends, mixing with the ‘cool kids’ at Bluesfest and Fotsun. Kay’s youthful spirit has seen her be a daredevil, a number of staff here will remember Kay skydiving on her 60th Birthday. Most of us here also know that…. Kay loves to travel and has journeyed widely over the years. Kay is intensely interested in people, not only within her own community but also has a thirst for knowing the struggles and strengths of people from other countries. One of Kay’s many travel memories includes the incredible Bhutan...known as the happiest place on Earth, Kay you spoke so fondly of this place and the many others you have visited over the years, and you have entertained many of us with your unique stories and experiences.

Most of us here are also aware that you have such a wide assortment of passions, from your years behind the wheel racing Mini Coopers, cultivating orchids, walking the hills of the beautiful property you owned at Comboyne, and let’s not forget your love of a get together with ‘the girls’ Barb, Judy, and Nora, but please...no one wears purple!

You are the epitome of the ‘glass half-full’ mindset. Always choosing to see the world through a positive lens. Your dual cancer battles have certainly shown the benefits of being resilient and refusing to give up.

After 34 years of service as an educator, Kay, your contribution to building the fabric of St Joseph’s Regional College cannot be underestimated. We are eternally grateful to you for your exceptional contribution as a colleague, teacher and mentor to staff and students alike.

Kay you will ever be remembered as a most dedicated Catholic Educator; a woman who has literally transformed the lives of all that have come into contact with you. Indeed, you have taught us much about the values of what it means to be truly compassionate, forgiving, empathetic, gentle and loving to all.

And for this and more, we thank you and wish you all the very best for your retirement. We know that your retirement will be full of: spending time with Phillip, doting on your precious cats Asher & Khara, tending to your tropical fish, clocking up some extra travel miles and enjoying your beau garden and ocean views at Lake Cathie.

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Student Collection Point

Student safety is of the utmost importance to us. We have noticed an increasing number of students being collected outside of the College grounds. This is a practice that we do not encourage. For the safety of all our students, I ask that when collecting your child please collect them from the pick-up area at the front of our College Office.

End of Term Dates - Pupil Free Day

Students last day of attendance for Term 1 is Wednesday, 31st March. This is a compulsory school day for all students. On this day, we will present our Junior PC Leaders with their badges and also celebrate Easter with a Liturgy, ending the day with our Giant Easter Egg raffle.

Thursday, 1st April is our Staff Spirituality Day. This is a Pupil Free Day.

Mr Jim Dempsey
Principal

Principal's Message

St Agnes' Parish Flood Relief - Out of Uniform Day

Here, at St Joseph's Regional College we are very proud to be a part of a bigger community. This week the generosity of our College community has really shone with offers of help and support. 

We will be holding an 'Out of Uniform Day' on Tuesday, 30th March to support the St Agnes' Parish Flood Disaster Relief. While there are many items that are required by families affected by the floods, St Joseph's Regional College has been asked to collect donations of the following items for the appeal. 

  • Pasta
  • Pasta sauce
  • Canned soup
  • or a Gold coin

Donations can be dropped off at the College Office. Alternatively, you may wish to contribute funds to the St Agnes' Parish Flood Relief appeal. This appeal raises funds to support the various needs of those adversely impacted by flooding in March 2021. Donations are tax-deductible.

I thank you for your support. If you are facing difficulties please contact the College Office to seek assistance.

I refer you to an update from our CEO - Adam Spencer in regards to the Flood Disaster Relief. 

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Mrs Tanya Daley
Assistant Principal - Mission

Assistant Principal - Pastoral

Year 7 2022 Information and Open Evening

An Information and Open Evening will be held next term on Monday, 26th April 2021 at 5.00 pm. The night will consist of a College Tour followed by a presentation. Information regarding booking an online enrolment interview will be provided on the evening.

Enrolment Welcome Pack

Prospective families are invited to collect an Enrolment Welcome Pack from our College Office. These packs will be available from Tuesday 23rd March 2021. The pack contains important information about the enrolment process.

Online Enrolment Application

Our College has moved to Online Enrolment Application. 

Access to the application is via our College website. -

https://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/how-to-enrol

Do you know someone who would like to enrol at SJRC in 2022?

It would be appreciated if you are aware of friends or siblings wishing to enrol for 2022 that you inform them about the upcoming Information and Open Evening.

For further information please contact our Enrolment Officer, Mrs Michelle Reynolds at our College Office on 5525 4100.

Mr Jim Dempsey
Principal

Enrolment

Come and spend time with Jesus this Easter.

Watch the personal invitation from Fr Paul where he invites you to celebrate Easter with us at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish this year.

https://youtu.be/0ZHbWv-qyK4

Year 10 students attended the Francis Retreat Centre at Bonny Hills for their retreats held in Week 8. Well done and congratulations to Mr Inatey and Ms Woods who facilitated the Retreats at Bonny Hills and to Mr Chris Kalchbauer and Mr Gobius who coordinated the preparation and accommodation aspects of the Retreat.

With the theme of 'Commitment', the retreat encouraged students to spend time to not only reflect on themselves but also on their families and the influence that they have in their lives through a variety of activities. Students were given the opportunity to share with others in small groups and get to know other students with who they don’t normally interact. The participation by all students in the group activities and forgiveness reflection was wonderful to see; bringing students closer together for the experience. Our wonderful Youth Ministry Officers, Emily Burg, and Matthew Strumolo (SJRC), Juliet Eyles, and Ella Ippaviz (MacKillop), ran games and icebreakers as well as sharing deeply from their own life experience.

A big thank you to the staff who attended the retreats, demonstrating their care for our students by leaving their families overnight and sharing their own stories with students. Students were able to gain valuable insights and a new respect for each other and who teachers really are and their life’s journeys. 

Thank you also to Year 10, for the way you embraced the retreat and participated in activities. I am sure you have grown from the experience.

Evaluations from some students are:

What were your expectations?

  • “To be honest I didn’t expect anything, I was just excited”
  • “I had no idea what to expect but I’m glad this happened!”

Which sessions did you find most meaningful? What was the best experience?

  • “Monday's session writing letters to our parents. On top of the teachers sharing their personal stories!”
  • “The letter (from parents), reflection night and just all of it!”
  • “Affirmations as it was good to think about what we liked about our friends and we could tell them.”
  • “The most meaningful session for me was the forgiveness reflection, during it, I felt God and found my Faith.”

Please write one statement/thought on your experience on the retreat.

  • “Year 10 retreat was an incredible experience that led me to my faith, to God!”
  • “Year 10 retreat was a really good time, exceeded my expectations, was a good time to reflect, open up feelings and hang with mates.”
  • “Year 10 retreat was a great opportunity to develop new friendships and our understanding of forgiveness!”
  • “The Year 10 camp was really eye-opening, made me see not only teachers differently but my peers!”
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Mr Jim Dempsey
Principal

Recently, some of our Year 11 and 12 students had the privilege of participating in a LEAD. LEAD is a Student Leaders Conference that enhances School Youth Ministry Teams of Years 11 and 12 students to be equipped for ministry in our schools. Returning from LEAD, these students are encouraged to facilitate Youth Ministry Initiatives within their school and at other regional events.

The conference allows for young people from across the Diocese to come together for a common experience – encountering Jesus Christ and the Church, experiencing dynamic faith, being equipped for ministry and living the Christian life, and empowered to impact the Church and the world.

The gathering included a SHINE-style rally on Thursday night with Wildfire (The Diocese of Lismore band) with dynamic keynote speakers including Zac Parnell (ex SJRC School Captain), student testimonies on the couch facilitated by Ellen Hales (another ex SJRC student), small group discussions, seminars and interactive workshops to provide formation and equip participants Youth Ministry Skills, and a concluding Mass.

It was so great to see so many of our senior seniors attend this retreat and put so much into it.

Our SJRC Youth Ministry Officers Matthew Strumolo and Emily Burg, both Year 12 graduates from 2020, helped to run the two day Conference at McAuley Catholic College in Grafton.

Our thanks go to Emily and Matt and all the wonderful students who attended and the great work they are doing in evangelisation of younger students in our school.

Timo Gobius
Leader of Evangelisation

Caritas Australia is Hope in Action

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. With hope, support and compassion at the core of what Caritas does, they work towards a world where all people may thrive.

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Families wishing to donate can do so online via the Caritas Australia website lent.caritas.org.au

Saint Oscar Romero is our inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let’s “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

Holy Week - Week 10

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As we enter Holy Week, we continue to reflect on the lives of people vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice and how we can respond through supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal.

Let us take time to remember the life and teachings of Saint Oscar Romero. His many lessons include: live a simple life, commit to bringing peace to the world, speak the truth and of course aspire not to have more, but to be more. Some words from what has become known as the Oscar Romero prayer;

“We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.”

Thank you for supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion Campaign. Your generosity will work for the freedom of those living in poverty, challenge unjust structures, and empower people to work for a sustainable way of life.


“Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au

Working together for justice and dignity. Walking together in hope. Building together a thriving future for all.

Walk with us towards a world of hope.

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Mr Timo Gobius
Leader of Evangelisation

Charity

The annual giant Easter Egg Raffle is on again!

Each year, students from two House groups are responsible for running and contributing to the raffle. This year, it is Innes & Wilson House turn to donate Easter eggs. All students are welcome to donate.

Our Easter Egg raffle is held in the College Hall, on Wednesday, 31st March 2021.

Tickets will be available for sale from Monday, 8th March during recess and lunch. All proceeds will go towards our Caritas Australia - Project Compassion fundraising efforts.

Together, we can make this year's Easter Egg raffle the biggest yet.

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Mrs Tanya Daley
Assistant Principal - Mission

Charity

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North Coast Area Health Service is holding an Immunisation Day at St Joseph’s Regional College on

Monday, 29th March for Year 7 students

A Parent Information Kit has been sent home today with students in Year 7. The kit contains information about the following vaccinations and the disease that it protects against as well as a consent form.

Immunisations offered to Year 7 students on Monday, 29th March are:

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- Dose 1 of 2 (given six months apart), and 
  • Boostrix (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis) 1 Dose only

NO VACCINATIONS WILL BE ADMINISTERED TO STUDENTS WITHOUT A SIGNED CONSENT FORM, VERBAL CONSENT IS NOT SUFFICIENT.

Signed consent forms are to be returned to the Area Health Nurse on Immunisation Day.

Please do not return completed forms prior to this day.

A record of vaccination will be kept by the Area Health Service and a copy will be provided to the vaccinated student for their records.

Please understand that if you do not have your child immunised in the Year (eg. Year 7 – 10) that is offered by North Coast Public Area Health, you are able to access this vaccine at a later stage at your General Practitioner. The cost of the vaccine, however, will not be covered by this program.

Any questions or concerns regarding the vaccinations can be addressed by calling Kylie Wood at the Public Health Unit on 6589 2120.

Mr Mark Robertson
Leader of Administration

What is ‘Literacy Enrichment’ at SJRC?

It’s opportunities in and out of SJRC that enrich students’ understanding of and experience with media, film, reading, writing, and language in general. It’s excursions, festivals, writing, debating and public speaking competitions and live performance.

Check us out at - SJRC Literacy Enrichment

    On the Literacy Enrichment radar this week:

    Year 10 English Bell Shakespeare 

    Sadly this event has been postponed due to the recent weather event. SJRC and Bell Shakespeare will liaise to bring a new date in Term 2.

    For more on Bell Shakespeare, visit https://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/whats-on/in-schools/


    Sydney Literacy Links Excursion 3rd-4th May 2021:

    We have only 12 spots for this excursion and students will be advised by Monday Week 10 if they have a confirmed spot or are on the waiting list.
    We’re very excited to see so many students express an interest in attending this first-ever overnight Literacy Links excursion and we thank parents and guardians in advance for their support of this opportunity.

    This overnight excursion involves attendance at The Sydney Writers Festival Secondary Schools Day and a Ghost Tour around The Rocks as a stimulus for creative writing.

    Expressions of interest are welcome. Please contact Mrs McKee at the College of via email: penny.mckee@lism.catholic.edu.au

    For more on The Sydney Writers’ Festival Secondary Schools Day visit:
    https://www.swf.org.au/secondary-school-days-2021/

    Have you checked out these writing challenges?

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      For more on The Sydney Writers’ Festival Secondary Schools Day visit:
      https://www.swf.org.au/secondary-school-days-2021/

    2. Little Stories.Big Ideas - a Flash Fiction Competition for all students 7-12
      Visit: https://littlestoriesbigideas.com.au/
    3. What Matters? Writing Competition (Closes May 14)
      WHAT MATTERS? is an online writing competition open to students in years 5-12. What Matters? is a 'catalyst for young thinkers and young writers to develop a perspective, a point of view, on where we're heading as a society'. 

      What Matters? is an exciting way for our students to have a say, challenge themselves and develop their writing skills.

    See you next week!

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    The SJRC Literacy Enrichment Team

    Literacy Enrichment

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    Our College canteen is in need of volunteers. If you are able to spare an hour or so of your time, we would love for you to join us. Please contact Donna Hamlin through the College Office 5525 4100 to arrange.

    Weekly Lunch Specials

    Term 1 Week 10 Lunch Specials 
    Monday Hawaiian Chicken Burgers
    Tuesday Cheese and Spinach Ravioli
    Wednesday Thai Green Chicken Curry
    Thursday Staff Development Day - Pupil Free
    Friday Good Friday

    The Canteen opens at 8.00am every school day.

    CLICK HERE for the Canteen's everyday menu.

    Ms Donna Hamlin
    Food Services Manager

    Canteen

    The Yearbook is a great historic record of the 2020 St Joseph's Regional College school year. It also includes a special common section of events and information about all Parish secondary schools.

    Students in Year 8 and Year 11 have received their copy of the Yearbook; this cost was included in last year’s enrolment fee. Students in Year 12 (2020) are now able to collect their copy of the Yearbook from the College Office.

    For all other families interested in buying a Yearbook, the cost is $20. Please send the money to the College Office in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and PC class written on the front.
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    Administration News

    Enrolment

    Please download the above PDF for links to be clickable

    St Agnes' Parish News

    Youth Week will take place next month from 16th - 24th April 2021. Youth Week is a time for young people between 12 to 24 years of age to celebrate and participate in a variety of activities, opportunities and events across NSW and in their local area. The theme this year is Together more than ever.

    Rotary Club World Record Attempt

    You may have heard or read about the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West's attempt to break the existing world record for the 'Longest washing line of socks'. The attempt is planned for 4th-5th June 2021. We are asking families to check their washing machines, under beds and lounges for those missing socks. If you find a lonely sock, bring it in and pop it in the specially marked tub in the College Office. Together we can help the Rotary Club of achieving its goal of pegging 100,000 socks on the washing line.

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    Following the popularity of this program, we are delighted to announce that Arts Up is returning again this school holidays! The “Arts Up” program will be delivered by local artists and supported by Headspace.

    It is a free Art program for youth and includes complimentary lunch and all resources. I have attached all the flyers and below is a list of where we are delivering this and with which artists. Excitingly we have a new street artist joining us this holidays and again fun programs that have swopped locations which include screen printing, Batik, painting and more! The website and registration is as follows: https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Community-Culture/Arts-Culture-and-Heritage/Arts-Up

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    Join Charlie Tubbs from Kanooka Creek Art -Charlie is an artist based in the Pappinbarra Valley, 45 mins drive west of Port Macquarie. Her works are inspired by nature and in these workshops, she will be presenting techniques in Batik (a wax and dye process) and screen printing with handmade stencils.

    • Lake Cathie Community Hall: Tuesday 6th April and Tuesday 13th April 11am-2pm
    • Byabarra Hall: Thursday 8th April and Thursday 15th April 11am-2pm
    • Pappinbarra, Hollisdale Hall: Friday 9th April 11am-2pm

    Damon_Moroney.JPGJoin Damon Moroney from Iknograffix professional street art (New artist)- Damon Moroney from Iknograffix is a respected Port Macquarie based street artist and does all types of custom artworks, murals and canvas and you would have seen many of his works across our region. Join Damon and find your inner street artist vibe!

    • Wauchope Arts Hall: Wednesday 7th April and Wednesday 14th April 11.00am-2.00pm
    • Emerald Downs Hall: Friday 9th April and Tuesday 13th April 11.30am-2.30pm

    Vivianne_Hazenveld.JPGJoin Vivianne Hazenveld from The Art Sanctuary- A full-time artist and tutor for over 15 years, Vivianne provides a supportive space for you to explore your creativity. With a broad range of skills and gentle personalised guidance, she helps empower you to make your own unique art with confidence while having a lot of fun along the way! Have fun splashing paint around using tools made from natural materials and/or create a personalised Ezine during our holiday workshops.

    • Laurieton Arts Hall: Tuesday 6th April and Tuesday 13th April 11am-2pm
    • Long Flat Hall: Thursday 8th April and Thursday 15th April 11.00am-2.00pm

    Learn to play the Bagpipes or Scottish Drums

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    Port Macquarie Hastings Pipes and Drums will be starting their next learners' program starting Monday, 3rd May 2021 from 5.00pm-6.00pm at St Josephs Primary School, Walters St, Port Macquarie.

    Everyone is welcome, whether you can read music or not, or play a musical instrument or not.

    Tutoring will be subsidised by the band and instruments and learning material will be provided initially.

    Classes fill up fast, so call and book your spot asap. Or pop in and have a look!

    Don't forget to bring a friend too!

    Call or text Pipe Major Joy McKenzie 0413 794 213 for more information.

    Community News