Term 1 Week 10 - 7th April 2022
- Acting Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Acting Assistant Principal - Mission
- Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal
- St Agnes' Parish
- Assistant Principal- Learning & Teaching
- Year 8 Passion Project
- Year 7 2023 Enrolment
- Leader of Curriculum
- Senior Student News
- SJRC Social Media
- 2021 Yearbook
- Library News
- Canteen News
- St Agnes' Uniform Store
- Community News
Farewell Principal Jim Dempsey
As you are aware, our College Principal, Jim Dempsey, has made the decision to stand down from the position of Principal at the College at the end of 2022. He will, however, not return to the College as he remains on extended leave. It has been a privilege to work alongside a man who has served in Catholic education with such dedication, compassion and faith. Jim’s loving, kind and gentle nature endeared him to students, staff and parents.
Since 2013, Jim has made a significant impact at the College. A few of his legacies include:
- Creating a welcoming and student-centred environment. Jim was actively involved in student initiatives such as "Dump it Like Dempsey" playground clean-up, "From Little Things Big Things Grow" assembly item, UpBeat appearances.
- Building teacher capacity through the introduction of Feedback Teachers and the Learning Framework.
- Committing to projects for upgrading College facilities for innovative learning environments eg. The Library, The Hospitality kitchen, the Marine Studies Centre.
- Creation of leadership positions to improve student pastoral care and wellbeing. eg. additional House Coordinator roles, leader of Wellbeing role, Behaviour Support role.
- Valuing student and staff wellbeing through the implementation of Positive Education.
- Encouraging student learning growth through the creation of the High Potential Learner leadership position and initiatives such as "Food for Thought" for senior students.
From the entire St Joseph's Regional College community, we wish Jim well and sincerely thank him for his 10 years of service to our College. He will be missed, and we look forward to farewelling Jim as a College community next term.
Year 12 Astrid Fairhurst representing Youth
A huge congratulations to Year 12 student, Astrid Fairhurst, on her determination and commitment to representing the youth of Port Macquarie.
Astrid, along with all Year 12 students were encouraged last year by Acting Leader of Student Wellbeing, Ms Cheryl Hyde, to apply for the Regional Youth Taskforce - a government opportunity for two young people within the Port Macquarie region to have a voice and create change. Although Astrid's application was not successful, the NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) contacted her based on her application.
The YAC plays an important role in advising the NSW Government on issues that are relevant to young people across the state. Astrid is now a part of the Mid North Coast YAC and will meet regularly throughout the year to put forth pertinent issues affecting young people within Port Macquarie. As well as this, Astrid is in the interview process for Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP). The ACYP speaks up for children and young people to ensure that their rights are respected and their points of view heard by the NSW Parliament. The YAC works in tandem with the ACYP to create a sense of equity and equality for youth and children. These organisations will prepare a three-year strategic plan for children and young people within the state, they will focus on systemic issues affecting children and young people, give priority to the interests and needs of vulnerable, disadvantaged children and young people and promote for children and young people to participate in activities and decision-making about issues that affect their lives. This plan will then be put forth to the Parliament of NSW Government and Ministers.
We congratulate, Astrid, again on her role within the Mid North Coast YAC where she will be part of a team making recommendations, holding inquiries, conducting research, and working collaboratively with YAC and ACYP.
We also wish Astrid all the very best as she continues the interview process for Advocate for Children and Young People.
Alumni Student Success
I am always pleased to hear of our ex-students successes. I congratulate ex-student, Monique Rudder, who is carving out a very successful career in her chosen sport of Basketball.
Monique has undertaken the exciting pathway to further her studies and sport at Roane State Community College. Study & Play USA.
I refer you to an extract of the letter,
"As you know, an essential part of an individual’s personal and professional success as they transition from schooling into the workforce is resilience and the ability to grow and prosper in an ever-changing world.
We commend St Joseph’s on providing Monique with the opportunities to develop as a person, student, and athlete".
We wish Monique all the very best as she moves into the next chapter of her journey.
Special Update for Sport Excursions
Please be advised that all future sporting excursions will have the following clause in regards to travel costs:
'As it is much preferred that the group travel together on the coach, ALL students will need to contribute to the cost. Therefore, all group members invited to attend will be charged the same amount for the cost of the coach whether they travel on it or not'.
Thank you!
As we reach the end of Term 1 2022, I would like to take the opportunity to thank families for their continued support and patience in another extraordinary term. Many families have faced COVID and isolation and that has brought disruption to learning and planned activities. Flooding and other adversities have also affected community members. We will continue to support each other and pray Term 2 brings with it continued positivity.
I wish you all a most restful deserved Easter Holiday break.
Staff Spirituality & Development Days - Pupil Free Days
Friday 8th April and Tuesday 26th April 2022Staff will be participating in two Professional Learning Days. Students will not be required to attend school on these days.
On Friday, 8th April, the last day of Term 1, SJRC staff will be participating in our annual Spirituality Day. The aim of the day is to engage and support staff in their faith development. The program has been developed by the Bishop of Lismore and the Catholic Schools Office and will be presented by the Leadership Team of the College.
On Tuesday, 26th April, staff will be undertaking professional learning focusing on three key areas: NESA requirements around registration and accreditation, differentiation, and continued development of literacy and numeracy programs within the College.
Term 2 will commence for students on Wednesday, 27th April.
Mrs Tanya Daley
Acting Principal
Student Attendance
We often make contact with our families to discuss a student’s school attendance because we know that optimal school attendance equates to optimal learning and wellbeing outcomes for young people. Additionally, the NSW Education Act 1990 requires all students of compulsory school age to be enrolled in and attend school unless they are registered for home schooling. Under the Education Act and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) registration requirements, schools are responsible for monitoring, recording, and following up on student absences. Schools are also required to implement intervention strategies to improve student engagement and school attendance. All parents and carers need to be aware that there is no special leave for the COVID 19 pandemic, with the exception of COVID positive students and household contacts of a registered COVID 19 case.
We wish all our SJRC families a safe, joy-filled and holy Easter season.
Mrs Jennifer Furney
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
jennifer.furney@lism.catholic.edu.au
Easter Liturgy
This week we held our Easter Liturgy in the College Hall. The liturgy was presented as the Scriptural Way of the Cross and each static scene was acted by the following Year 10 Youth Ministry (YM) students.
| Danny Barratt Dane Bittu Keiana Dreelan Ceceailia Ducker Jack Duff |
Samuel Duff Brock Holliday Adam Jennings Lauren Johnston Jacob Kruk |
Marli Leighton Cora Puttick Madeleine Tunbridge Alaska Webber Stage manager: Cooper Winn |
Mr Jennings and his tribe of readers:
| Leo Hunt Amelia Stubbs Don Bittu Jamie Vinod |
Maisy Taylor Caitlyn Toomey Zoe Copeland Alana Toogood |
Mia McCullough Rhiannon Slater Lauren Johnston Amber Evans Elokin Harrison |
took us on a journey through each of the 14 Stations of the Cross focusing on Scripture, a Reflection on contemporary challenges in our world today, and finished with a Prayer. Although Jesus died on the Cross in the final scene, we were reassured that story does have a happy ending when he rose again. His death on the cross for our sins offers us salvation in Him if we believe in Him. St Paul said in Romans 5:8 says, "But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." He goes on to say that you receive this gift by faith alone for in Ephesians 2:8 it says, "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast."
The Liturgy was prepared and presented by the Year 10 YM class, some wonderful Year 8 boys and representatives from our senior leaders, all ably led by Ms Kathryn Gill, Yr10 YM class teacher, and assisted by Mr Jennings.
A huge thank you to Ms Gill and Mr Jennings.
Giant Easter Egg Raffle
A huge THANK YOU to all students and their families who contributed to making this year's Easter raffle the biggest ever. Your generous donations allowed us to have over 100 prizes.
All money raised will go towards our Caritas Australia, Project Compassion fundraising effort. We will announce the final total raised next term.
Thank you to Flinders and Macquarie Houses for coordinating the raffle, and to the Leaders of Student Wellbeing, Ms Hyde and Mr Hyland for so beautifully wrapping the prizes.
It was an eggcellent (hahaha) way to finish Term 1.
ANZAC Day March - Monday 25th April 2022
All students are invited to join our College community in the march and wreath-laying service on ANZAC Day, Monday 25th April 2022. This date falls on Monday before students return for Term 2.
If your child wishes to participate at one of the following march locations, please complete the online permission form emailed to families last week.
Port Macquarie
All students marching in Port Macquarie will meet outside Thai Tastic Restaurant on the corner of Horton Street and William Street between 9.15am - 9.30am. Students are asked to wear their full uniform and bring their College hat or cap. Senior students are to wear College tie.
The contact teacher for Port Macquarie will be Mrs Tanya Daley.
Wauchope
All students marching in Wauchope will meet outside the RSL club on Young Street, at 10.00am. Students are asked to wear their full uniform and bring their College hat or cap. Senior students are to wear College tie.
The contact teacher for Wauchope will be Mr Michael Walsh.
Laurieton
All students marching in Laurieton will meet at the United Services Club at 10.15am. Students are asked to wear their full winter uniform and bring their College hat or cap. Senior students are to wear College tie.
The contact teacher for Laurieton will be Mrs Jennifer Furney.
Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle on the day.
This is a great opportunity for the students to represent their College in a community event and show respect for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country. The time spent representing the College can be counted towards students’ Community Service record.
Upcoming Event
The Ironman Australia race is coming to Port Macquarie on Sunday, 1st May 2022.
This is a wonderful community event where students can interact with athletes and immerse themselves in an act of giving to our community.
Any student interested in volunteering at a drink station, please submit your details via the following link:
St Agnes' Parish News Bulletin
Each week the Parish produces a news bulletin. In this week’s bulletin:
- Reflection on The Gaze of Jesus
- Lent and Easter Calendar including Easter Mass times
- Stations of the Cross on Good Friday 15 April
- Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation
- Spirituality in the Pub / on the Sofa
- Volunteers needed for Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday
- Journey into the Catholic Faith
- Wool Needed for Wraps with Love
- Ladies Morning Tea - Lake Cathie 14 April
- Mass times & COVID safe rules for attending Mass
Click to read this week's Parish News Bulletin
Mr Michael Walsh
Acting Assistant Principal - Mission
Caritas Australia is Hope in Action
As the term ends, it also brings a close to our Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. We would like to sincerely thank every student for their contributions to this appeal.
To date, the students and staff of St Joseph's Reginal College have raised over $3500. A huge effort.
We continue to 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
Caritas at Work - Compassion in Action!
We would love for you to take a few moments to watch the YouTube videos below to see and hear how Caritas is positively affecting the lives of individuals and communities and how small amounts of money join together to support the work that Caritas is doing.
Rosalie's from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Shaniella's from the Solomon Islands
"I was in school that time when the landslide occurred. I was devastated because I had no knowledge of what to do and where to get information. I saw students in the school panic, I could hear people’s screaming, crying and shouting as if the world is going to end". Shaniella
To read more about Shaniella's life and how Caritas Australia has helped her, go to https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/shaniella-story/#
Mr Timo Gobius
Leader of Evangelisation
Stations of the Cross
The 14 Stations of the Cross adorn the walls of almost every Catholic church and chapel. Many parishes commemorate the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday with a prayerful remembrance of the passion of Christ by walking the stations with him.
Throughout our history, Christians have longed to literally walk in the footsteps of Christ. The shrines of the holy places in and around Jerusalem have drawn pilgrims inspired by the life and death of their master.
However, not everyone is able to travel to the Holy Land. So, ever since the Middle Ages, churches and chapels began erecting images devoted to an aspect of the passion. By the 15th century, the Franciscans had developed a devotion they called "stations." The word means a place where people stand still or gather together. So even though it implies something "stationary" the service obviously must include the movement of pilgrims following the footsteps of Christ. It took a while to fix the number and the names of the stations, but in 1731 Pope Clement XII established the 14 we know today.
We still find some variations in the number. Many places add a 15th station, for example, the ‘Resurrection of Jesus’. Discontent with leaving Christ in the tomb when our faith expresses so much more, worshipers have found consolation in completing the story of the cross.
Over the years our church has authorized various versions of the stations for different occasions. For example, Pope John Paul II altered the traditional stations for his Good Friday service in Rome in 1991. He eliminated some stations which derived from tradition and substituted them with events from the Gospels. The following are the ones he used:
- Jesus in the Garden of Olives (Matthew 26:36-41)
- Jesus is betrayed by Judas (Mark 14:43-46)
- Jesus is condemned to death by the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71)
- Jesus is denied by Peter (Matthew 26:69-75)
- Jesus is judged by Pilate (Mark 15:1-5, 15)
- Jesus is beaten and crowned with thorns (John 19:1-3)
- Jesus carries his cross (John 19:6, 15-17)
- Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21)
- Jesus encounters the women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27-31)
- Jesus is crucified (Luke 23:33-34)
- Jesus promises the kingdom to the good thief (Luke 23:39-43)
- Jesus speaks to his mother and the disciple (Luke 23:44-46)
- Jesus dies on the cross (John 19:25-27)
- Jesus is placed in the tomb (Matthew 27:57-60)
On Good Friday, 15th April, our Parish will commemorate the Way of the Cross using this ‘scriptural version’. Each station will be represented with a modern ‘justice’ theme that challenges the Church today.
All are invited to come along at 10.00am to St Agnes’ Catholic Church to commemorate Jesus’ Way of the Cross.
College Reports
We no longer print paper copies of student College reports. Families are able to access their child's report via our Parent Portal.
Year 7-11 families are now able to access Semester One reports via the Parent Portal platform.
Year 12 Mid Course reports will be available on the portal on Thursday 5th May.
Please find below the instructions on how to log into the Parent Portal.
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is a secure web-based application that contains information about the College and your child, including timetables, attendance, semester reports, and class and teacher information. (All past reports can be accessed on the parent portal, and future reports will be uploaded as they become available).
An account needs to be created as a first step. For security reasons, the username for this account must be your email address recorded at the school.
Instructions on how to access the Parent Portal are below and can also be found on the College website.
Log into the Parent Portal at - https://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/parent-portal
Mr Tim McCosker
Assistant Principal - Curriculum & Administration
The Passion Project is a new initiative for Year 8 students who wish to explore an area of passion. The project was launched earlier this term, followed by a process of self-nomination through an expression of interest. Students were then selected based on their submissions.
Students are pursuing their interests in a wide range of areas including:
- analysing the nutrition and training of elite athletes;
- creating podcast reviews of favourite movies;
- applying mathematical concepts to music pitch;
- the impact of celebrities on teenage mental health; the history of feminism;
- the functioning of the limbic cortex;
- protecting endangered species;
- creating piano tutorials; and
- investigating the history and societal impact of some famous musicians.
We can't wait to see how our project participants present their new learning next term.
Mrs Amanda Cassegrain
Leader of High Potential Learners
Year 7 2023 Enrolment Information Night and College Tour
We are now taking expressions of interest for enrolment into Year 7 2023.
If any members of our current College community are aware of families, who currently don't attend a St Agnes' Parish primary school, please forward the following link to submit an Enrolment Expression of Interest.
Year 7 2023 Information and Open Evening will be held at St Joseph's Regional College Hall on Tuesday, 3rd May commencing at 5.00 pm. College Tours will commence at 5.00 pm followed by a presentation. We encourage all potential students to attend with their parents/guardians.
'Enrolment Welcome Packs' are available now for collection.
Online Applications are now open at the link below:
https://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/how-to-enrol
Kindergarten 2023
The enrolment process for Kindergarten 2023 has begun. Further information can be found on the St Agnes' Parish website: https://stagnesparish.org.au/education/ or enrolinexcellence.org.au
NAPLAN 2022
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. All NSW schools will sit NAPLAN online in 2022.
Our school will be participating in NAPLAN between 10th and 17th May 2022 and the following tests will occur on the dates indicated:
Tuesday 10th May: Writing
Wednesday 11th May: Reading
Monday 16th May: Conventions of languages
Tuesday 17th May: Numeracy
Additionally, catch-up exam times will be organised for those students who miss a NAPLAN test on one of the four nominated test dates.
In preparation for NAPLAN, our school will also be participating in practice tests on 24th March 2022. The practice test is a trial run and key preparation activity for NAPLAN in May. It is not an assessment of student ability, and the tests will not be marked.
Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in NAPLAN.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact our NAPLAN Coordinators, Ian Lutton, Lisa Freeman or Matthew Bushe
Mr Ian Lutton
Leader of Curriculum
Year 11 & 12 Influenza Vaccination Clinic
Senior students have received information regarding an Influenza Vaccination clinic on Friday 29th April 2022.
If you wish for your child to take up this offer, please return the signed permission note, along with the consent form and payment of $23.00 to the College Office by Wednesday, 27th April.
This is not a mandatory vaccination and it is completely up to each individual if they choose to take up this offer.
Mrs Kellie Croft - Year 12 Leader of Student Wellbeing
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
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sjrcexchange
Instagram - Instagram - @sjrcexchange
Twitter - @sjrcexchange
Careers
Website - https://www.sjrcportcareers.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sjrcportcareers
Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjrcportcareers
The Yearbook is a great historical record of the 2021 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 will receive their copy of the Yearbook; this cost was included in last year’s enrolment fee. Students in Year 12, 2021 are now able to collect their copy of the Yearbook from the College Office. Those with siblings at the College have had their Yearbook sent home with their eldest sibling.
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.
Find us on social media - For photos and information in the library like us at:
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Ms Karyn Mooney
Teacher Librarian
karyn.mooney@lism.catholic.edu.au
Volunteers Wanted
We cannot run the canteen without you; as the saying goes:
"Many Hands Make Light Work".
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 on 5525 4100.
Weekly Lunch Specials
| Term 2 Week 1 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Anzac Day |
| Tuesday | Staff Development Day |
| Wednesday | Beef Lasagne |
| Thursday | Pasta Salad & Tuscan Wings |
| Friday | Chicken Pumpkin Feta Macadamia Salad |
| Term 2 Week 2 Lunch Specials | |
| Monday | Vegetarian Ravioli w/ pesto |
| Tuesday | Hawaiian Chicken Burger |
| Wednesday | Mexican Chicken Quesadilla |
| Thursday | Bacon & Cheese Burger |
| Friday | Spaghetti Bolognaise |
The Canteen opens at 8.00 am every school day.
Ms Donna Hamlin
Food Services Manager
Monday to Friday: 12 noon - 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am - 12 noon
6 Boronia Street, Port Macquarie
Uniform 2022
Purchase of new Uniform Items for 2022
Majestic's movies to inspire: The Passion of Christ (MA 15+)
To coincide with Easter Majestic Cinema's in Port Macquarie is showing Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, which concerns the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. It is known for its extremely realistic & graphic depiction of the crucifixion, including the dialogue being spoken in the ancient Aramaic language, along with Latin & Hebrew. In the garden of Gethsemane near the Mount of Olives Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Jesus is condemned to death for blasphemy & brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, for sentencing. The roaring crowds demand his death, so Pilate orders his crucifixion. The role of Jesus is played by Jim Caviezel. Visit the box office or see session times online.
