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JT PRIDE

We received a lovely email last week about the behaviour of two John Therry students at the train station. We can take for granted the many wonderful acts of care and kindness we see all the time, with it being easier to focus on the negative. I see this all the time from our students in and around the school grounds so it was nice to know that the broader community is seeing this as well.

"Hi there, I wanted to write in and let you know about a positive event I witnessed with two boys from your school in the afternoon in the community. Around 4pm at Leumeah Station yesterday, the lifts up to the platform were not working. Two boys in John Therry uniforms saw me with my 4 year old daughter and newborn son with a pram, at the bottom of the stairs, and stopped to offer their assistance. At the same time, an elderly Buddhist monk was coming around the corner with a heavy looking suitcase, so I said I would be alright to manage on my own, but asked if they'd be able to help the older gentleman. After helping the gentleman, without my asking, the boys returned to help me with my pram up the stairs. I just wanted to let you know how grateful I was for their help and also to see two young boys displaying great character and integrity, especially while representing their school in uniform. In a society where many youth are too busy on their phones to notice anyone else, it truly made my day to witness. They said their names were Jordan and Will, and they looked to be between around the school years of 7 to 9. I hope you'll commend them for their lovely display of human kindness. Thank you,"

Director of Schools, Peter Hill, visited the College on Friday 23 June. During his time at the College, the Director met with the leadership team, visited classes and spoke with our student leadership team. As always, our students were impressive as they spoke with Mr Hill about what they have gained from their time at John Therry and what they hope for the future. Their reflections and questions were insigthful, highlighting what it means to be connected in a Catholic, caring community like ours.

As we move toward the end of Term 2, it is important to reflect on the learning of our students. Semester 1 reports will be released via the Compass portal on Thursday 29th June (7-9) and Friday 21st July (Year 10). Parent/teacher/student interviews will be held on Monday 24th July (Term 3, Week 2) via Zoom. Booking information wil be shared during Week 10. 

We encourage parents and / carers to meet with our staff and have these important conversations about progress and next steps in learning. At the halfway point of the year, students can set goals for the development of their learning to ensure they finish the year well. For students, key questions to ask include:

Do I know what skills I need to improve in each subject?

What is the first step to developing my knowledge in each subject?

How can I apply feedback I am getting from my teacher?

Asking and answering these questions supports students to actively participate in and drive their own learning. This engagement is an important step to achieving their personal best. 

On Tuesday 7 June, John Therry Science Extension students attended Wollongong University to participate in the Wollongong Diocese Science Extension Conference.  The year 12 students each presented Scientific posters that were a representation of the findings from independent research over the last year.  Allowing all students to share their ideas with their peers and ask each other questions about each topic.

As well as John Therry, Magdalene College (Narellan), Holy Spirit College (Bellambi), and St John's College (Nowra) all attended the very successful day, co-ordinated by our own Dr Aidan Johnson.

Earlier this year Dr Johnson and Ms Donaldson applied for and received a mini-grant from ABE Master Teacher Fellowship.   

Dr Johnson and Ms Donaldson purchased a laser table with the objective of recreating the experiment conducted by Rosalind Franklin. The opportunity to use the laser table sparked an interest in students that led to increased engagement.  Students were given an insight into the use of scientific technologies and how these technologies are used in making significant scientific discoveries.

Students gained greater understanding of the discovery of DNA and how Rosalind Franklin’s discoveries supported others research.

Student feedback:

“The x-ray crystallography experiment displayed the authentic method used for ‘photo 51’ which allowed a strong and exciting engagement from students. The experiment was quick and easy with minimal time needed compared to other experiments. The experiment displays the structure of DNA that is simple to understand.” Samiuela Angianga

“The technology really allowed a better understanding of the x-ray crystallography. The model engaged the whole class and made us not want to leave it.” Luke Denniss

“The laser table provided information and insight into how the laser can change shapes depending on the object in front of it. With a spring in front of it, the laser changed into an ‘x’ shape and would widen or shorten depending on how the spring was stretched. It had a slight resemblance to Photo 51. Overall this has bettered my understanding of x-ray crystallography and the double helix structure of DNA.”  Sean Dichoso

On Monday June 5th, students from both PVDI classes visited site-specific locations to take photographs for their final Assessment task portfolio. On location they effectively incorporated techniques from Term 1: Composition (Rule of Thirds, Framing, Worm's eye and bird's eye view) and Term 2; Creative Photography (Shallow point of view, long exposure, panning, Aperture Priority). Locations on route throughout Sydney included Central Station Concourse, University of Technology; Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, Chinatown and Barangaroo.

Furthermore, students immersed themselves in a variety of Architectural settings and Art installations. These installations included 'In Between Two Worlds' by artist Jason Wing which forms the centrepiece of the city of Sydney's upgrade to Little Hay Street, Factory Street and Kimber Lane in Haymarket and 'Forgotten Songs' by Michael Thomas Hill in Angel Place Sydney. Students used a combination of the school’s DSLR cameras and their own for the Creative Photography elements. Thank you to all the students for their excellent behaviour and cooperation on the day. Also thank you to Mrs. Hume who accompanied me on this excursion.

Mr Stephen Peters
Leader of Learning - Creative Arts

This term in Elective History, we have focused our attention around the topic of ‘Archaeology’. The assessment task for the term asked students to choose a society, write a report on it, and create three real artefacts that could have been found at an archaeological dig site. We saw students choose The Ifugao/Igorot Filipinos, the English Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings, the Sumerians, the Gaelic Irish, the Ancient Greeks, and so many more! The artefacts turned out great and the reports flawless. Well done Year 9!

Year 10 sat their first-ever exam week at John Therry, which marks a significant milestone in the academic journey of our students. After several years of preparing and building their knowledge, this examination period serves as a crucial foundation for their senior schooling. I couldn't be prouder of our year 10 cohort for their dedication and commitment to their studies.

Students were tested across all Key Learning Areas sitting up to two examinations per day. This exam week not only tests their understanding of the subjects they have been diligently working on, but it also instills in them the importance of discipline, time management, and critical thinking. It is a momentous occasion that showcases their growth and prepares them for the challenges that lie ahead in their academic pursuits. With the dedication they have shown, I am confident that they will excel and make us even prouder in the future. Well done to all involved!

Mr Mitchell McGrath 
Year 10 Wellbeing Coordinator

Got SWAG?

In English this term Year 7 have been undertaking a novel study, focused on how narrative conventions convey meaning and communicate with their readers. Year 7 have been reading John Boyne's historical fiction The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. As part of their final piece of course work students are required to create a piece of historical fiction of their own, set in any time period of their choosing. The following examples explore their selected moment and insert their protagonist into that time period.

JTCC SPORT UPDATE - Term 2 Week 9

Our MISA Competition has come to an end for another term. This term John Therry performed extremely well and we were able to take home FOUR premierships. This is a fantastic effort and our students should be proud of their efforts shown throughout the term. Congratulations to the following teams who have won a Term 2 Premiership

Term 2 MISA Premiers:

• 7-9 Boys Basketball - Mr Cook
• 10-12 Girls Indoor Cricket - Mr Geribo
• U/16s Girls Rugby League - Mr Tran
• 10-12 Boys Rugby League - Mr McGrath & Mr Fifita.

The final result for Term 2 are as follows:

Our attention will NOW shift towards our Term 3 MISA Competition. Trials will happen during Term 2, Week 10 and Term 3, Week 1. Students have been given a Google Form to complete which will assist coaches in selecting their teams. Students are reminded to bring appropriate equipment for their trials next week.

The Term 3 MISA SPORTS are as follows;

Students have been enjoying their 7-10 Rec Sport Options and staff have complimented students on their positive attitude and effort during sport time.

Another reminder of the expectations during sport;

• Students are expected to behave appropriately and show respect to their classmates and teachers during sport.
• Students are expected to participate in sporting activities unless they have a note from a parent/guardians stating others.
• Students who are injured and have a note from a parent/guardian are able to complete homework/assessments during Sport time (Sports Detention/Injury)
• Students ARE NOT permitted to have food or drinks on our sport buses. We have had too many students leaving rubbish on the buses.

If you have any issues or questions regarding sport, please email me - bodekerl01@dow.catholic.edu.au.

MISA- Term Two Finals

Misa Dance

On the 20th of June John Therry MISA Dance Students represented our college at the MISA Dance showcase. What an amazing showcase it was, the day definitely highlighted the many talented and gifted students in Macarthur.

John Therry Catholic College proudly presented a dance compilation that showcased the many personalities, interests and talents of our students. Teamwork has been the theme of MISA dance at John Therry this year, with staff, students and family members all working collaboratively to showcase our love of dance. Our dance is a mix of contemporary, lyrical, jazz, cheer and hip hop choreographed by students and staff.

A special thank you to Miss Tori and Mrs Marie Wilson who coached the team in their introduction to Cheer this Term. The John Therry MISA Dance Team is also extremely grateful to Hayley D’Cuhna and James Crawford for their expertise and production of our music.

The John Therry students not only had fun and enjoyed their performance, but demonstrated sportsmanship in their encouragement and support of the other school performances. Well done JT!

It has been such a privilege working with such talented, enthusiastic and energetic young people. It has definitely been a memorable experience and I am looking forward to working with this team of superstars again in the near future.

Mrs Jessica Bulger
MISA Dance Coach

JTCC Annual Athletics Carnival

The John Therry community participated in the College’s annual athletics carnival on Friday 9th June. To say it was fresh in the morning was an understatement, as the synthetic grass and the field were covered in frost.

Year 12 were keen to rip into their last carnival of their high school journey. Participation was high in some Year Groups, but some Year Groups will need to improve their attendance in 2024 events. Valuable points were earned which boosted House totals but the most influencing factor was that of attendance. Some Houses were strong in numbers and as such turned that into valuable participation points. 

Well done to Ryan and Murray houses for their attendance and to all students that were in attendance, you are to be congratulated on their efforts throughout the day as well as their behaviour, with venue staff handing our compliments for student behaviour.

The day started off with the 200m/800m events for the serious competitors with Darcy Wilson breaking the first record of the day.

Students moved to their first rotations, we were to witness to more awesome displays of student athleticism as several more records were broken.

Some standout performances from the following students who will progress to the Wollongong Diocesan Championships in Term 3 at Campbelltown on Friday 28th July.

The Annual Year 12 House Challenge was held in the first break with students having to complete a number of tasks and obstacles. 

The John Therry Track and Field representatives will meet early in Term 3 to prepare for the upcoming carnival and to receive updated event information.

Congratulations to the following students for winning their respective Age Champions for 2023

Last but not least, the Athletics Carnival results for overall Champion House for 2023.

Congratulations to Murray House for winning the 2023 Athletics Championships and for also winning all four school carnivals for the calendar year. In my recollection, this feat has not been achieved in over 20 years.

Wollongong Diocesan Netball Championships

A very cold and early start to a great day at Berkeley Netball courts with the Senior Girls team. Our first game began at 8:30 against St Benedicts which saw the team slowly warm up and play to the best standard and take their first win of the day. The next two games saw JT go up against some tough Wollongong competition, unfortunately resulting in losses for both games, however the girls played their best. After multiple byes the girls then versed their fourth term St Pats, where they saw victory. The first half of the match had them down 10-5, however with a passionate half time talk the girls fired each other up to come back with a killer 17-12 win! The fifth game was close for the first half against St Josephs, however the long day caught up with the team leaving them short of a win. Lastly the girls took their final win of the day against Mt Carmel, they played a strong last game which saw them well ahead in both halves. It was an absolute pleasure taking this team to the Dio Carnival and seeing their skills and teamwork develop over the day. 

Ms Pedder

Results:

Game 1 vs St Benedicts) 5-8 WIN

Game 2 vs St Marys) 14-7 LOSS

Game 3 vs Holy Spirit) 9-13 LOSS

Game 4 vs St Patricks) 17 - 12 WIN

Game 5 vs St Josephs) 14 -8 LOSS

Game 6 vs Mount Carmel) 10 - 5 WIN

Bottom row (left to right) Liberty Roberts, Ayla Cook, Grace O’Reilly and Zarli Lakeman. Top row (left to right): Amylia McKenzie, Fisiilila Angianga, Alyssa Barry, Samara Vaga, Ms Pedder, Ella Combs, Kaitlin Kellett, Erica Powell and Madison Tonna.

Diocesan Hockey and other Netball reports are still being written and will be posted shortly.

Upcoming Events Term 2 2023:

A reminder to check the Compass Portal for upcoming sporting events and their respective closing dates

Diocesan Basketball Play-In Tournament.

Intermediate Boys Basketball

The Intermediate boys started their day off against St John's Nowra and took a little bit of time to gel and get familiar with the team dynamics. After some adjustments, we went into the break leading 33 - 24, with Levi Nia and Rewa Takiari leading our scorers.

We continued to fine tune at both ends of the court and were eventual winners 48 - 40.

Levi Nia - 15 points, 5/11 fg, 2 steals, 2 assists

Rewa Takiari - 10 points, 5/11 fg, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 assist

We played the final against a strong Corpus Christi team who defeated Edmund Rice by 4 points.

We adjusted our line up to push a tempo game and it paid off immediately with quick transition points and uncontested perimeter shots. Corpus remained in the game by a sole scorer hitting his outside shots and his penetrating drives. JT led at the break 31 - 24 with Marcus Feehan 10 points and Rewa Takiari 6 points.

We changed our defense to remove their key scorer from the game and the JT lead was extended to 20 points, leading 62 - 42 with 6 minutes remaining. All players were able to get on the scoresheet this game for a great team effort.

Austin Matahau - 14 points, 7/9 fg, 2 rebounds, 2 assists.

Levi Nia - 13 points, 5/14 fg, 2 steals, 3 assists

Marcus Feehan - 4/11 fg, 11 points,  2 steals, 3 assists, 2 rebounds

Rewa Takiari - 10 points, 4/8 fg, 10 rebounds, 6 assists.

The Intermediate Boys now head to the NSWCCC Championships on 30/31 October in Term 4.

Great job gents and special thanks to super coach Mr Jefferys and Mr Hatton.

Mr Cook

Junior Boys Basketball

This year saw us play a very good Edmond Rice team. We started the game well with Moni and Thomas making some great plays to give us an early lead. We missed some tough layups and struggled to find our man but still managed to hold onto a two point lead going into half time.

In the second half we started off strong and pushed out to a 6 point lead however we ran out of gas down the stretch and lost by 6 in the final minute.

The boys learnt a lot from the competition and look forward to it for next year.

Mr Jefferys

NSWCCC Teams

Remember that there is a new way to nominate individual sports for NSWCCC. This portal is open now and all students wanting to trial for Southern Country and NSWCCC representative teams are to ensure they register by the appropriate CLOSING DATE.

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.

You can also access the Wollongong Sport site for more information throughout the year.

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/diocesan-sport-news

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

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,

Mr Jamie Cook                                                Mr Luke Bodeker

cooka01@dow.catholic.edu.au                                 bodekerl01@dow.catholic.edu.au 

Please find below a link to the latest Parish Bulletin

https://www.olhcrosemeadow.org.au/bulletin/