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FEAST DAY OF MARY MACKILLOP
On Thursday 8th August we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop. Mary MacKillop’s unwavering dedication to education and her compassionate spirit serve as inspiration for us all. Despite facing numerous challenges, she founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart and established schools, orphanages, and refuges across Australia, providing hope and opportunity to countless children and families. Her resilience, kindness, and commitment to helping those in need remind us of the power of faith and perseverance. We best honour her memory by embodying these values in our daily lives and striving to make a positive difference in our community.
We are not all called to be Saints or Olympic champions, and we do not need to be to lead meaningful lives. We remember that in living out our lives as followers of Jesus, our greatest impact will be from how we treat others, particularly those most vulnerable and in need of our help and support. Let us be inspired by Mary Mackillop in living out our lives in service of others.
Preparing for the Higher School Certificate: A Message of Encouragement
As the Higher School Certificate (HSC) draws near, our students and teachers are fully immersed in preparations, with trials set to begin in Week 3 of Term 3. This period marks a significant milestone in the academic journey, one that reflects years of dedication, hard work, and support from parents and teachers alike.
The quote by Vince Lombardi resonates deeply during this time: "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."
In the lead-up to the trials and final exams, we encourage our students to stay focused, maintain their commitment, and approach their studies with determination. Here are some key tips to help you navigate this crucial period:
- Stay Focused: Eliminate distractions and create a conducive study environment.
- Break Down Your Workload: Use your syllabus as a guide to structure your study sessions.
- Take Regular Study Breaks: Allow your mind to rest and recharge.
- Practice Responses: Undertake practice exams and questions to refine your skills.
- Celebrate Your Successes: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small.
- Seek Help and Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed.
- Be Prepared: Check your examination timetable and ensure you have everything you need for your exams.
To further support your preparation, the Sydney Morning Herald has published a study guide for the HSC, which includes essential tips and information. You can access the article here: The essentials for tackling the HSC
Remember, nothing worthwhile comes easy. It takes hard work, dedication, and effort to achieve your desired results. We wish all our students the best of luck in their trials and final exams. Stay determined, and may God bless you on this journey.
The CeDOW 2024 Spotlight Conference Student Logo competition featured some excellent productions by students across the Diocese, with close to 150 entries. The student entries had to reflect the theme of the event, "Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence in Education," and could use AI tools in their design. Entries also had to include a description of their design process leading to the final logo entry.
Winners of each division receive personal AirPod Pros and an iPad for their school, while runners-up receive personal AirPods.
? Year 11 Shines Bright: Discovering Strengths & Sharing Their Journey! ?
Our Year 11 students have showcased their new found strengths from the My Strengths incursion earlier this year. Watch them share these goals and how they plan on utilising them in their future endeavours in the brand new My Strengths student testimony video for 2024. Check out the video to learn their strengths and discover how they are shaping their future!
Year 12 Business Studies Class Gains Real-World Insights from Local Entrepreneur
This past week, our Year 12 Business Studies class had the incredible opportunity to meet Bijay, the dynamic owner and operator of the popular food truck, Mr Pig! Bijay generously shared his wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of business, offering students a firsthand look at what it takes to succeed in a competitive market.
During his visit, Bijay discussed the vital role that marketing plays in building a brand, particularly the power of social media in engaging with customers and creating a loyal following. He also delved into pricing strategies, emphasizing the delicate balance between maintaining quality and staying competitive with pricing—a crucial aspect for any successful business.
The students were also thrilled to hear about Mr Pig's plans for expansion, including the exciting launch of a new dessert truck. Bijay's insights into the importance of diversification and innovation were particularly inspiring, showing the students how businesses can evolve and thrive in changing markets.
Moreover, Bijay highlighted the significance of maintaining high standards for product quality and the need to differentiate oneself in a crowded marketplace. He also touched on key aspects of human resources, including the effective management of teams and strategies for employee motivation—elements that are just as critical to business success as the products themselves.
To top off the session, students had the chance to ask Bijay questions and gain practical knowledge from his real-world experiences. The highlight for many was sampling some of Mr Pig's famous burgers, adding a delicious end to a highly informative and engaging session.
This hands-on experience has enriched our students' understanding of business concepts, providing them with invaluable real-world applications of their studies. We are grateful to Bijay for his time and for offering our students such an inspiring glimpse into the life of an entrepreneur.
Year 8 Japanese Classes Wrap Up Term 2 with a Delicious Taste of Japan!
To mark the end of Term 2 and celebrate the culmination of their food unit, the Year 8 Japanese classes embarked on a culinary adventure, exploring the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine. The highlight of the event was the preparation and tasting of a very OISHII (yummy) Japanese dish—YAKISOBA.
With enthusiasm and teamwork, the students worked together to prepare the ingredients and cook the noodles. The air was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of stir-fried noodles and vegetables, capturing the essence of a bustling Japanese street food market.
To complement the savory yakisoba, OCHA (green tea) was also on offer, providing a refreshing and authentic beverage experience. For those seeking a more adventurous taste, NATTO was available to sample. Despite its unique texture and strong flavor, some brave students stepped up to try this traditional fermented soybean dish.
The event was a fantastic success, showcasing the students' culinary skills and their willingness to embrace new cultural experiences. Well done, Year 8, for finishing Term 2 on such a delicious and memorable note!
Year 10 Food Technology in Full Swing!
Term 3 has kicked off with a flurry of activity for our Year 10 Food Technology students. Diving into their unit on "Food for Specific Needs," students have been busy in the kitchen, crafting a variety of delicious dishes. From the creamy richness of carbonara to the spicy zest of peri peri chicken paired with crispy sweet potato fries, their culinary skills are being put to the test!
Adding to the excitement, the students had the unique opportunity to meet with Bijay, the owner of the food truck 'Mr Pig.' He shared his expertise on catering to diverse dietary needs and offered insights into the world of food service. This experience is set to play a pivotal role in their studies as they continue to explore the intricacies of food service next term.
JTCC SPORT UPDATE - Term 3 Week 3
JTCC had a reasonable start to the Term 3 MISA competition with 5 wins and a draw. Some tough losses in our netball games and girls AFL. Some standout performances across the grounds and congratulations to our MISA MVP’s
MISA Update: - Round 1
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Team |
W/L - Result |
Match Report |
MVP |
10 - 12 Boys Cricket Mr Chapman |
Won 46 - 18 |
In our first game of the season, JT came up against Mt. Carmel in a reduced overs game. We fielded first, and consistently picked up wickets throughout the innings, keeping the opposition to just 18 runs. JT was clinical with the bat, winning every skin and only losing the one wicket throughout the innings. Well done to a great start to the year. |
Mitchel Lane |
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10 - 12 Boys AFL Mr Geribo |
Won 54-43 v MAG |
In what was a very scrappy start to the game, our boys started well considering we were playing with 10 men against Magdalene’s 12. After we kicked the first two goals, Magdalene wrestled back some ascendency and took the lead before half time. In the second half we were able to show a bit of extra class when it mattered and finished with a solid win to get the season started. |
Angus O’Dwyer |
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10 - 12 Girls AFL Mrs Regan |
Loss 27-10 v MAG |
Unfortunately we didn't get the start to the season we were hoping for. Our possession percentage was low, with Magdalene maintaining majority in the first half. We couldn't manage to get any clean ball and play was a bit messy. Despite being down at half time, the girls remained positive and we started the second half with a few good touches, however Magdalene managed to score a few consecutive goals, increasing their lead considerably and running away with the win 27-10. The girls are to be commended on their effort and our focus for next week is communication. Best on field went to Breanna for her aggression and great defence. |
Breanna Kelly |
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9/10 Boys Soccer Mr Holmes |
Draw 2-2 v SBCC |
Some good football shown in parts. Two penalties against us each we took the lead was disappointing however the two goals scored from open play by Cooper and Aidan were good signs of the potential of the squad. |
Emerson Yevenes |
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7/8 Boys Soccer Mr Bodeker |
Won 3-2 v SBCC |
In windy conditions the ⅞ boys Soccer team got their season off to a winning start with a hard earned 3-2 victory over a strong St Benedicts side. JT hit the lead early in the encounter thanks to a lovely cross from Levi which found Cooper unmarked on the back post for an easy tap in. St Benedicts quickly equalised before Levi put away a loose ball from a corner to lead 2-1 at the break. Jayden and Cooper put together some successful passes together in midfield enabling Levi to pounce on a lovely cross from Cooper to put us up 3-1. St Benedicts were able to score late but IT held on for a deserved victory thanks to some crucial saves from Xavier in goals. Well done on a good win boys. Lucas and Floilan put together a strong defensive display and should be commended for their performance. |
Levi Fitzpatrick |
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7 - 9 Girls Soccer Mr Joy |
Won 3 - 0 V SPC |
A spectacular start to the MISA season for our Soccer Girls. After a hard fought battle with St Patrick’s College, JT girls managed to snatch 3 goals with a diverse scorer’s list consisting of Tamariz Lobos-Zuniga (year 7), Savannah Phommaxay (year 8) and Erin Watton (year 9) who had opened the scoring before sustaining an injury, leaving it all on the pitch. Ava Abi-Khattar (year 9), our new first choice goalkeeper, managed to keep out some sure-fire goals that were destined for the net, ending the game with a clean sheet. Every player showed incredible dedication and model mentality throughout the game, proudly representing John Therry Catholic College. |
Ava Abi-Khattar |
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9/10 Girls Netball Ms Kelleher |
Loss 3-26 v SPC |
A tricky game in cold and windy conditions. Luck against us with many of our shots bouncing out and the St Pats shots rolling in. Good chance to try some combinations and rotations. |
Chloe Donovan |
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7/8 Girls Netball Ms Troy |
Loss 1-21 v SPC |
Tough conditions for a netball game today accompanied by tough opposition in St Pats. Our girls believed they were the underdogs today, but fought for the entire game and played with the hearts of champions. We got the ball into our goal circle fairly cleanly, but were unable to convert - St Pat’s defence was just too good (and too tall). Today was a great opportunity for our girls to work out some new combinations they can develop throughout the season. Great attitude and effort today girls! #JTPRIDE |
Sienna Larner |
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U15 Boys Rugby League Mr McGrath + Mr Tran |
Win 38 - 4 Vs MTCC |
Some new players to the game and our first time on the park together and didn’t we deliver! A full game of dominance led by our forward pack. In particular, Zeph and Bill who set the standard in the middle, winning the play the ball and working them on their backs in defence. We have a team that can play across the park in various positions which is exciting moving forward. Congratulations on a great win! |
Zeph McLean-Lemalu |
MISA Update: - Round 2
|
Team |
W/L - Result |
Match Report |
MVP |
10 - 12 Boys Cricket Mr Chapman |
Draw 56 - 56 v BAC |
JT played Broughton Anglican College (BAC) in round two of MISA indoor cricket. We lost the toss and were sent into bat. JT started strong with Austin and Jake bombing consecutive 6’s within the first over. BAC then fought back to keep us to an under par score of 56. In the second innings our fielding was poor and we gave away multiple extra runs; Coming into the final ball, BAC were leading 61-56. Austin bowled a great ball which resulted in a wicket, meaning scores were tied. Congratulations to the boys for competing hard all the way to the end. Got out of gaol. |
Austin Matahau |
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10 - 12 Boys AFL Mr Geribo |
Lost 47 - 48 v MAS |
We took on MacArthur Anglican for the first time since they beat us in the grand final last year and they continued where they left off, scoring the first goal inside the first minute. We soon bounced back, taking control of the game and a seven point lead into half time. A few loose errors and a couple of discipline issues in the second half gave MAS the opportunity to level the score and then take a one point lead in the dying stages of the game. We’ll take a couple of lessons out of the match as we look to progress through the competition. |
Zac Dittavong |
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10 - 12 Girls AFL Mrs Regan |
Lost 53-13 v MAS |
The girls took on Macarthur Anglican today and struggled to gain traction despite some strong talent in our side. Macarthur were first to score, despite some valiant efforts by our backline. Siana fluked a great snap goal towards the end of the first half to keep us close enough, but unfortunately MAS ran away with it in the second half. The girls showed glimpses of brilliance and some great strength breaking tackles, but our kicking accuracy let us down. Plenty to work on and improve this term. |
Ava Hilton |
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9/10 Boys Soccer Mr Holmes |
Won 3 - 0 v THAC |
No nonsense football was the instruction. No nonsense football was the result. Short, sharp and simple passing. Great press. Good defensive line and shape. All players were doing their job. Great communication, dictating play and a phenomenal save. The CB’s won every long ball and the right time. Excellent decision making from the back line throughout the game. The midfield combined well creating simple triangles, getting their touches in to the spaces freeing up their attacking line. The wingers worked the opposition fullbacks over and created multiple scoring opportunities.. 10 players in good spaces, 8 players in the attacking third, 6 cleaning up the scraps. Goals to Cooper Marshall, Jeshua Prakasham and Aiden Murray. Solid 3 - 0 win against a tough opposition. |
Paa Ekow Eduafel |
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7/8 Boys Soccer Mr Bodeker |
Won 1-0 v THAC |
The boys played against a tough and physical side in Thomas Hassal this week. THAC started strong and began dominating possession, however our boys were very strong defensively and shut down every attack. During the first half Cooper put a lovely through ball for Levi who calmly rounded the keeper to pass into an open net. From there the boys dominated possession and could’ve easily gone 2-3 goals up. Strong defensive efforts from Lucas, Aiden, Julian and Blake enabled us to hold on for a crucial win. Well done boys. |
Lucas Failla |
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7 - 9 Girls Soccer Mr Joy |
Won 3-1 v THAC |
Our Year 7-9 girls' soccer team delivered an outstanding performance against Thomas Hassall in Round 2 this afternoon. Entering the match with confidence, they scored two early goals. The team maintained a strong defence, keeping a clean sheet, and added another goal late in the second half. Special recognition goes to Alice, who stepped in to referee the first half due to an official not showing up. |
Tamariz |
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9/10 Girls Netball Ms Kelleher |
Won 13-6 v MCCC |
An excellent game against Mt Carmel today. The girls maintained a strong lead for the full game and enjoyed the chance to gel as a team. |
Hannah Epple |
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7/8 Girls Netball Ms Wagstaff |
Loss 3-11 V MCCC |
In a hard-fought match, the Year 7/8 girls showed remarkable improvement, with every goal fiercely contested. Despite the final score not reflecting the intensity of the competition, our team's movement around the court was impressive, highlighting their growing teamwork and ability to read the play. Although we struggled to convert our chances into goals, the girls' determination and progress were evident, and with continued practice, their performance will undoubtedly improve. |
Layla Caruana |
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U15 Boys Rugby League Mr McGrath + Mr Tran |
BYE |
Mr McGrath and Mr Tran ran an enjoyable training session for the U15 Boys Rugby League. |
If you have any questions regarding MISA Sports, please feel free to contact me.
Mr Jamie Cook cooka01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Diocesan and Pathways update
JT started term 3 off with a bang, running a fantastic campaign at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival. The JT team collected a number of podium finishes on the day, and finished 7th overall. We also had a number of students out with representative duties, both in the pathways and external programs.
Dioesan Athletics Carnival
On a cold morning in August, John Therry sent 49 students to represent the college at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival. We also had 35 Year 10 PASS students who were instrumental in the success of the day. These Year 10 students received several compliments for their professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the day. On top of this the students that represented John Therry behaved extremely well and their support and JT spirit was on show all day.
On the day John Therry collected a total of twelve 1st place results which was one 1 better than last year's result. There were also several 2nd and 3rd place events throughout the day, which is impressive in what is always a competitive carnival. The following students have been selected to represent Wollongong Diocesan at the NSWCCC Athletics Carnival in September; Zoe Hawkes (12), Balin Crews (12), Emilie Vellin (13), Tate O’Keefe (14), Jaidon Cosmidis (15), Elyse Stonebridge (16) Jackson Schulstad (16) and Dominic Baker (16).
Overall John Therry finished in 7th Place just behind Mt Carmel in a competitive carnival. Well done to everyone involved.
Mr Bodeker - Manager.
As noted in our previous newsletter, a JTCC Athletics carnival record was up for grabs in the 16 Years Boys High Jump. Jackson did an exceptional jump at the Diocesan Carnival to smash the previous JT record and put himself into the record books. Well done Jackson!
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58 |
16 Years Male High Jump |
Jackson Schulstad |
1.90m |
Previous record |
P.Picot 1.82m - 2019 |
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12 Years Girls 2nd Place Age Champion - Zoe Hawkes 1st Place 1500m, 1st Place Javelin, 1st Place Discus, 3rd Place 800m |
15 Years Boys 2nd Place Age Champion - Jaidon Cosmidis 1st Place 400m, 1st Place 200m, 1st Place 100m, 3rd Place High Jump. |
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16 Years Boys 2nd Place Age Champion - Jackson Schulstad 1st Place High Jump, 1st Place Long Jump, 2nd Place Triple Jump |
12 Years Boys 3rd Place Age Champion - Balin Crews 1st Place Discus, 1st Place Javelin, 3rd Place Shot Put. |
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16 Girls - Elyse Stonebridge 1st Place Discus, 2nd Place Javelin |
13 Girls - Emilie Vellin 1st Place High Jump |
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Dominic Baker - Senior Multi-Class Boys 3rd Place Discus, 2nd Place Long Jump |
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School Sport Australia Games (SSAG)
Well after 10 days of sensational competition, the SSA Games on the Gold Coast came to a close on Saturday 3 August. There were so many brilliant moments across all sports of AFL, Basketball, Hockey, Netball, Softball and Swimming and I am sure all athletes, coaches, managers, parents and supporters will hold onto lifelong memories of this games experience. John Therry Catholic College had two representatives: Sullivan O’Dwyer( Year 9) in the 15’s Boys AFL Team and Mrs. Georgia Roberts as the 15 AFL Girls Team Manager.
Australian Football 15’s Girls – 2nd place Silver Medal - This team surpassed all expectations and performed brilliantly throughout the week. They bonded well and played with determination until the final whistle. The girls were led by a passionate, knowledgeable staff and some exceptional motivational coaching quotes.
Australian Football 15’s Boys – 4th place - Sullivan and the boys were unlucky not to medal after some outstanding game performances throughout the week. The support they provided each other and the skill they displayed and the calm, analytical and direction provided by the coaches was a pleasure to watch.
Sullivan was an integral part of the team and showed great versatility playing across the backline and in the midfield. Sully was a key link in the NSW boys team, featuring in the best players list in their game against Tasmania in Game 4. His skill and speed against some of the other extremely dominant sides showed his depth as a player, and his ability to read the game was recognised at the end of the tournament with Sully being one of only 4 of the NSW players named in the All Australian Boys 15’s AFL Team. Well done Sully!
External Pathway Achievements
Coby Hilton - AFL
Coby (Year 12) has been very busy balancing his trial exams and also making his debut in the highly competitive VFL competition, after being selected in the Giants squad for the last two weeks. Coby is in the Giants Academy and is described as “speedy forward” who charged a late comeback on Sunday against the Box Hill Hawks in Blacktown and kicked his debut goal. He is holding his own and forging a path into professional AFL, with an invitation to join the VFL Giants team for training each week. We look forward to seeing what else Coby achieves this year.
Upcoming NSWCCC registrations and closing dates
Upcoming NSW All Schools Events
Students at John Therry are given the opportunity to represent John Therry at College, Diocesan and CCC sporting events. Important information regarding each of these sporting opportunities are outlined below.
Sporting Pathways Calendar - CLICK HERE
Diocesan Sporting Opportunities
This is the main school sporting pathway that is offered to students at John Therry Catholic College. Some John Therry CC Diocesan teams are determined through trials, or a carnival hosted at a college level (Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming), however some teams are determined by individual trials that students must nominate and register for online. Further information can be found at: https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/
NSWCCC Sporting Opportunities
NSWCCC is another school sporting pathway that is offered to students at John Therry Catholic College. Some CCC teams are determined through qualifying at a carnival hosted at a Diocesan level (Athletics, Cross Country, Football, Rugby League, Swimming, Basketball, Touch Football), however some teams are determined by individual trials that students must nominate and register for online. Students must be currently competing at a representative level in their chosen sport to be considered for CCC team trials.The sports that require online nomination and registration include:
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It is important that online registration is completed before the closing date for each sport. These are outlined on the CSNSW website: https://csnsw.sport
Online registrations are now open for 2024. Please refer to the information on the website regarding the registration process. Here is a link to assist with sports registration for parents: https://csnsw.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/topic/65d787c5-0d2a-4699-a63a-25d586b67ba2
A reminder to check the Compass Portal for upcoming sporting events and their respective closing dates.
You can also access the Wollongong Sport site for more information regarding Diocesan Sport throughout the year.
https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/sport/diocesan-sport-news
Yours in Sport,
Mrs Georgia Roberts robertsg03@dow.catholic.edu.au
Please find below a link to the latest Parish Bulletin