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Dear Parents/Guardians,

I trust that everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day, although probably a fading memory as this busy year races by. The College is recovering from the minor flooding we suffered at the recent heavy rains, with the A Block corridor and several associated rooms now re-carpeted and ready to go. 

In the last two weeks the College has held two events that hosted the 16 MISA schools. The Debating Day and the CAPA Drama Day. Both of these events were fantastically run and put the College on good show for all of our guests. A big thank you to the Staff who coordinated these – Mrs Roet, Ms Pedder and Mrs Cascarino. 

For Year 7 and Year 9 the NAPLAN exams have concluded this week and the subject selection process for Year 8 and Year 10 moves forward. I thank Mrs Ramchandra for her work in coordinating these. 

As we move forward I bring to your attention a few other events.

• Monday 23rd May – Year 11 and 12 P/T/S interviews
• Monday 30th May – Staff Development Day
• Friday 3rd June – College Athletics Carnival

Year 7, 2023 Enrolment Process

Following on from the success of the College Open Day, the enrolment process continues. The application window for enrolments for 2023 has now closed and interviews have commenced. Over 220 applications have been received so far and John Therry continues to be the school of choice for most parents. 

THE IN BETWEEN TIME – Ascension to Pentecost
As we pass the middle of the Easter season, we enter the "in between time‟. Sunday 26th will be the Feast of the Ascension, where Jesus leaves the Disciples and ascends into heaven. The Disciples are left with a promise – but no Jesus, no leader, no friend. The promise is the coming of the Holy Spirit. However, the disciples had no idea how long they had to wait and what that waiting would mean for them. Would they have the same fate as Jesus? But still they waited faithfully.

This time ends Sunday June 5th when the Holy Spirit does empower the Disciples at the Feast of Pentecost. This is often called the birth of the Church as the challenge to spread the good news of Jesus is taken up by the Disciples. This is a special time in our Church calendar and I urge all to make an effort to attend a local service.

Around the Grounds Term 2

Year 7 are delving further into their study of Ancient History, looking at Ancient Rome and then Ancient China to better understand how these civilisations have impacted our lives today. Some topics Year 7 will be investigating are key personalities, warfare, trade, law and religion. 

Year 8 are moving onto the study of human geography through the topic of Interconnections. This is an important topic where students get to study how the world is connected, or in some cases, not connected. Year 8 will also examine what impact globalisation has had on our Earth. 

Year 9 are continuing their study of Australia’s participation in World War I and II. Students attended in Week 2 an incursion run by Shane from World War Living History. Students were able to interact with artefacts and replicas while being told the history of World War I through these objects and the personal stories of Australia soldiers. Through the sharing of these stories, students were able to better understand the serious challenges faced by soldiers during World War I, the equipment they had as well as what life was like in the trenches. 

9.1 Propaganda Posters

Viola Rayon - Propaganda was employed on a global scale during World War One. It was a literary technique required in order to encourage enlistment and help the war effort by building a stronger force. It aimed to evoke hatred of the foe, warn the British of the consequences of defeat, and to enlist the cooperation of neutral countries. These posters created nationalism, where nations were given false hope to win the war and villainize the enemy. Some posters showed the truth but the majority were exaggerated to persuade men to follow the demands from the government. Propaganda was an extremely effective strategy to appeal to emotions and to enlist men. 

Year 10 are also studying human geography in the topic of Human Wellbeing. Students are looking at different indicators that are used to examine quality of life in different countries. Year 10 will also investigate issues that groups within Australia experience. 

Commerce are examining the economy in Year 9 and law and politics in Year 10. Both timely topics considering the range of real world events that are happening at the moment from interest rate rises to the federal election. Students from both classes will also participate in fundraising and advertising campaigns for social justice initiatives - look out for these around our College and on our Social Media accounts. 

Year 10 History Elective are studying archaeological digs from around the world, how they are excavated and what historians and archaeologists have learnt from these sites. They were also fortunate to visit the Creative Arts newest addition - a giant Akhenaten statue! (PHOTO)

Year 11 and 12 Work Studies are learning about Personal Finance, using their maths skills to look at aspects like interest rates, budgeting, bank accounts and purchasing items. 

‘THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY’ EXCURSION

On Thursday, 27th April 2022, students in Stage 6 Drama and Entertainment VET classes attended a production of Oscar Wilde's classic text, The Picture of Dorian Gray. This Sydney Theatre Group production directed by Artistic Director, Kip Williams, challenged the notion of what live theatre can be using multidisciplinary practices. Before the show, students shared a picnic on the wharf before heading to the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Walsh Bay. Students were captivated using both live film and theatre, perfectly blended to tell the story of 26 characters with just one actor on stage. The students were fortunate enough to be joined by the creative team of this production for a Q&A session at the end of the production where they were informed of the creative process and how this production developed over time. Students demonstrated their best behaviour and did John Therry proud. This is an experience that will be talked about for a long time. Thank you to Mrs. Cascarino and Miss Abela who organised and accompanied the students on excursion.

The Languages Club is continuing to grow strongly at our school. This week Club president Riley McIntyre (Yr 9) welcomed our guest speaker. 

At the end of term 1, the students in WISE (Women In Science and Engineering) club participated in The Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC).  ABBC is a competition for high school students in year 10 to learn about the brain and its functions, learn about neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses.

Isabella Nues achieved 97% and Vivienne Dos Santos achieved 96%, Gemma Quinn 74%.  Well girls on a great result.  

Congratulations to Isabella Nues for progressing to the second round of the Australian Brain Bee challenge.  The state finals will be held at the University of NSW on 24 June 2022.  Isabella is in the top 50 of approximately 450 students state wide.

The members of WISE are registered to compete in the NRMA challenge.  WISE are also looking further afield to compete in the Uber Global Hackathon 2022.

This term Year 12 Biology students are participating in the AMGEN Biotech experience.  The AMGEN Biotech Experience brings genetic engineering into the classroom.

During his experience students will use techniques such as gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and micropipetting to insert the gene for bioluminescence from a sea anemone into an E.coli.  This will cause the E.coli to glow.

Students are given the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the huge impact biotechnology has had on the field of medicine.  An example of this is the production of insulin to treat diabetes.

JTCC SPORT UPDATE - Week 3

Week 3 saw the threat of rain potentially impacting on our MISA sports again, but with a small rain shower at recess, the call was made for MISA to go ahead and modified year 7 & 8 sport was able to run. In the last few weeks we’ve had a number of students participating in Diocesan and NSWCCC selection events. Congratulations to a number of our students who represented JTCC with pride and integrity at these events, and those that were successful in selection to the next level. These students are outlined below. 

A few general reminders:

• Students who missed out on MISA or DIO teams , there are many future opportunities to represent JTCC, keep an eye out on the Compass Newsfeed. 
• Any students that would like to request to change groups for 9/10 REC - you need to see Mrs. Roberts at her desk. You must do this prior to Tuesday lunch time. 
•  A reminder that consent for all sporting events must be given via the Parent Portal on Compass. Please ring the school if you have issues logging in or accessing Events. 

Southern Country Rugby League trials (Boys)

On Tuesday 3rd May, the students that were selected to represent the Diocese in rugby league travelled to Wagga Wagga for selection in the Southern Country team. We arrived late in the afternoon to train on McDonalds Park oval where NRL matches have been held this year. It was a great experience, with the u15’s taking on the u18’s in an opposed session. This was a good opportunity for team bonding and for the players to get to know each other and the way in which they play. On Wednesday, the boys woke up early for some bacon and eggs which unfortunately, was much healthier than their 1L ice cream they had for desert the night before. 

We travelled to the ground, with the u15’s taking the field first. Cooper Tonna, Jerome Gargoles and Chaise Attard led from the front and set the tone early with their physicality and high energy which was infectious across the team. 

The u18’s came up against a talented opposition, with many of our boys playing against older students. The John Therry student mostly filled the back line with the likes of Dechlan Gunning, Zac Morheb, Riley Oitmann and Noah McKenzie. As usual, the boys put in a great performance and most of them are fortunate enough to have another crack at it next year. 

Congratulations to Jerome Gargoles (u15’s), Chaise Attard (u15’s) and Riley Oitmann (Opens) for being selected in the Southern Country team with a chance of being selected in the NSW CCC team. 

As usual, every student represented John Therry with pride and integrity on and off the field.  These boys should be commended for their manners, respect and efforts throughout the trip - it didn’t go unnoticed. Well done.

Mr. McGrath 

Congratulations to Alexis Paulo who, along with Adam Steele, Kruz Takiari and Cooper Wells all traveled to Wagga Wagga to attend NSWCCC AFL U15 individual selection trials. All represented JTCC extremely well against some solid opposition, with the boys having to compete against an extremely dominant Riverina cohort. Alexis Paulo was our sole JTCC student to be successfully selected in the 22 woman NSWCCC squad to compete at NSW All Schools Carnival in Albury at the end of May. 

JTCC had 7 students who were selected to attend the Wollongong Diocese Open Football Selections on Monday 9th May at Kembla Grange. All students represented the school with integrity  and a high level of skill, experience and quality was on display today across both boys and girls trials. It was a high quality and a very tough selection trial for all involved. JTCC had 3 students successfully selected in the Open Boys Football team to represent Wollongong at the NSWCCC selection trials to be held across Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th May @ Valentine Park. Congratulations to Jayden Cook, Kynan Sparkes and Xavier Martin.

Georgia Bastock and Annelise Hall  represented JTCC at the NSWCCC 15’s individual netball selection trials. Both girls represented JT against an extremely competitive field. Annelise was successfully selected in the 15’s NSWCCC Netball Team  to compete at NSW All Schools Carnival at Homebush on the 20th May. Good luck Annelise! 

UPCOMING

Our Diocesan calendar has been heavily impacted by wet weather, seeing cancellations and postponements for a number of diocesan events. An individual selection trial will be held for Diocesan Opens Football instead of the competition carnival usually held. 

NSWCCC Teams

*There have been a lot of NSWCCC Event postponements - please go to the website to keep up to date with these. 

Remember that there is a new way to nominate individual sports for NSWCCC. This information, including registration closing dates can be found on the website:

https://csnsw.sport/

Please note that some sports are selected by individual trials, and these can be held throughout NSW. Individual nominations require students to make their own way to and from selections. 

Selection in the following sports: Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Touch Football, AFL (Boys) and Football are done through the Wollongong Diocese carnivals by way of representing John Therry at these respective carnivals.

Selection in the following sports: AFL (Girls), Baseball, Basketball, Cricket – Girls,  Golf, Hockey, Netball, Rugby League, Rugby, Softball, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball will need to be done via individual nomination and selections.

If your child has had an outstanding high level  sporting achievement outside of school, we would love to hear from you. Please email me so we can celebrate  their achievements with the JTCC community. 

Yours in Sport,

Mrs. Georgia Roberts 

(RobertsG03@dow.catholic.edu.au)

We want to hear what YOU think

 As part of our focus on school effectiveness, John Therry Catholic College will be participating in an online survey for students, staff and parents – Tell Them From Me (TTFM) is a suite of surveys for measuring student engagement and wellbeing. The surveys aim to capture student, parent and teacher voices, providing reliable evidence for schools to use in identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

 The Survey is open from

26th April - 20th May.

Staff and students will be completing this survey at school. All parents and caregivers are encouraged to complete the survey available through the compass portal or by going to https://tellthemfromme.com/survey/splash/jtcc22

The surveys aim to measure student engagement in a variety of areas of school life.

To celebrate Laudato Si Week, Catholic Earthcare is hosting an online screening of the newly released 'Regenerating Australia' short film. This short film is a sequel to the '2040' film which was released in 2019.

'Regenerating Australia' is a fictitious news segment set on New Years Eve 2029, examining the decade that 'could be'. The film challenges us to consider how we respond to the Cry of the Earth. Catholic Earthcare invites you and your family to join them online for FREE to view the short film.

The University of Wollongong would like to invite our students to LEARNING LABS, an academic and creative arts enrichment holiday program. They are targeting students from Year 7 to 10, who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.

Wollongong Campus Dates: 6^th – 8^th July 2022

Applications close: Wednesday, 18^th May 2022 

·      LEARNING LABS program brochure

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Parents/Guardians/student visit the website and read the full list of workshops available by scrolling to the “Workshop Descriptions”section.
• Parents/Guardians/student (or school if parent/guardian is unable to) fill out the online application form.
• One piece of supporting documentation for first time applicants is required that demonstrates their ability (see 'Supporting Documentation' section on website). Please note that the Teacher Nomination Letters can be used as a supporting document.
• Learning Labs is registered as COVID-Safe and follows the guidelines set out by the NSW Government here.

Please know that applications are open now and workshops fill very quickly.

We will also have several sponsorship places available for students who identify as Australian Aboriginal/Torres Strait or students experiencing financial difficulty. 

For further information about workshops and the application process please visit our website, or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au.

Please find below a link to the latest parish bulletin