John Therry Catholic College eNewsletter

The Gospel reading for today is the Great Commandment from Matthew's Gospel. When asked which commandment is the greatest, Jesus replied, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." He added that the second commandment is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This teaching underscores the centrality of love in Jesus' message, linking love for God and love for others as the foundation of all moral and spiritual life. This teaching is addressed regularly throughout our Catholic Studies programs, with students exploring this idea of neighbour, and some of the challenges of loving others as Jesus asks us. In a society that has become increasingly individualistic and self obsessed, we are challenged as Catholics to return to our loving God, and extend this love to others, particularly those most in need.

The Trial HSC Examinations concluded on Monday 19th August and we congratulate our Year 12 students for the dedication and commitment demonstrated. The students returned to just 24 teaching days before concluding their time with us at John Therry. On Tuesday we had a liturgy and morning tea, and discussed with students just how important this time is for maximising their results. The HSC Exam has the biggest impact on their overall result and so we have been encouraging students to ensure they attend everyday, and give their very best over the next 2 months. Teachers will be focusing on HSC exam practice and technique to ensure students are fully prepared, and there are a number of pastoral events and activities to ensure their time finishes in a positive and memorable way. We keep year 12 in our prayers as they work towards completing the HSC.

We will be having our regular P & F Meeting on Tuesday of Week 8 starting at 6:30pm.

At this meeting we have a guest speaker planned, with our Catholic Care counsellors looking to run a brief session on how parents can support the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

Other matters to be addressed include making a decision on a new poly cotton jumper style and a new Sport Jacket style. There will be samples to review and discuss at the meeting.

All are welcome and we hope to see you there.

Thank you to Neha and Salomiya who represented John Therry at the Catholic Club Communion Mass on Sunday 11th August. Bishop Brian celebrated the Mass with the Macarthur Catholic School and Catholic Agencies.

On Thursday, 15 August 2024, three outstanding students from John Therry Catholic College were honored with the prestigious Victor Chang Science Award for the Campbelltown Council Local Government Area. The recipients, Salomiya Siby, Khirbanandah Kugnantha, and Braydon Donovan, were recognized for their exceptional achievements in science and their potential to contribute to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The Victor Chang School Science Awards are designed to celebrate gifted students who demonstrate a strong passion for STEM subjects. These awards aim to inspire and encourage young minds to pursue careers in these fields, fostering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

Meet Our Award-Winning Students

Braydon Donovan

Braydon is a bright and enthusiastic student, currently excelling in Biology and Investigating Science at John Therry Catholic College. Known for his innovative thinking, Braydon's recent scientific investigation focused on the effectiveness of solar panels, specifically analyzing the best time of day to harvest the most energy. His dedication was evident as he meticulously measured the energy output of solar panels at various times over a week, providing valuable insights into solar energy efficiency.

Khirbanandah Kugnantha

Khir is an enthusiastic young man with a deep passion for science. Having moved to Australia from the Philippines just two years ago, Khir attended the Miller Intensive English Centre before joining John Therry in 2023. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, Khir has excelled in Investigating Science. His current project set out to prove the curvature of the Earth by measuring shadows simultaneously in Campbelltown and the Philippines. By calculating the angle of the Sun at both locations, Khir provided compelling evidence for his hypothesis, showcasing his scientific curiosity and determination.

Salomiya Siby

Salomiya has consistently demonstrated exceptional curiosity and dedication in her academic pursuits. Her passion for science goes beyond the standard curriculum, as she regularly explores complex topics and engages in independent research. Salomiya's inquisitive nature drives her to ask insightful questions and seek a deeper understanding of the material. Her studious and hardworking approach to her studies is evident in her consistently thorough and detailed work, often exceeding expectations.

These three students embody the spirit of the Victor Chang Science Awards, with their dedication, curiosity, and passion for science serving as an inspiration to their peers and the broader community. We congratulate Salomiya, Khir, and Braydon on their remarkable achievements and look forward to seeing their continued success in the future.

Making Friends in Japan

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In Week 2, John Therry Catholic College (JTCC) Japanese students from all year groups had the unique opportunity to connect with Japanese high school students through a series of Zoom sessions. These Japanese students, participating in a summer language program, were eager to practice their English skills with our students.

The sessions were a wonderful exchange of culture and language. Our students answered questions in English and then took the opportunity to ask some of their own in both Japanese and English. This interactive experience not only allowed our students to practice their Japanese but also highlighted their role as outstanding ambassadors for both John Therry and Australia.

We were delighted to receive a note of thanks from our friends in Hidaka, Japan, which included the following heartfelt sentiments:

"Your dedication to your students and your enthusiasm for Japan and intercultural exchange were evident throughout the process, and it was truly inspiring to see the genuine connections and cultural exchanges that took place. The opportunity for our students to engage with their peers from Australia has enriched their education, desire to study English, broadened their global perspectives, and hopefully has made them feel part of a global community, where the world is maybe a little bit smaller than what they originally thought."

The letter further emphasized the importance of such programs, stating, "We believe that programs such as these are invaluable in developing open-mindedness, a more global perspective, and instilling an interest in language and intercultural connectedness, and we are grateful for your involvement in making our goals a reality. We hope to continue this collaboration in the future and look forward to exploring more opportunities with you."

The connection made during these sessions is a testament to the power of language learning and the friendships that can form across borders.

Teenagers spend a significant amount of time online—whether through instant messaging, sharing photos and videos, playing games, or engaging in voice chat via social media. While these activities can be a great way for them to express their social identity, they also come with risks. Here’s how you can help your teen manage these risks and handle negative situations:

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Upcoming Webinars for Parents:

Understanding How to Support Your Child with Online Gaming

Date: Tuesday, 3 September
Time: 12:30 pm

An Introduction to Online Safety and Emerging Technologies

Date: Thursday, 5 September
Time: 12:30 pm

Consent and Online Boundaries

Date: Wednesday, 11 September
Time: 12:30 pm

Register for these free webinars at eSafety Webinars.

By staying informed and involved, you can help your teen navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Science Week 2024: Exploring Species Survival

Science Week 2024 at John Therry Catholic College was a whirlwind of exciting and educational activities, all centered around this year's theme: Species Survival, More Than Just Sustainability. Students across various year levels engaged in hands-on experiences that deepened their understanding of conservation, environmental challenges, and the importance of biodiversity.

ANSTO Hackathon:
A team of eight dedicated students took part in the ANSTO Hackathon, a prestigious national STEM competition that ran from Monday to Wednesday. In this challenge, the team was tasked with designing a community engagement program to protect a local threatened species. Partnering with Campbelltown City Council, the students identified existing conservation efforts and proposed a novel Koala Conservation Centre, addressing gaps in current programs. Their innovative approach and hard work earned them valuable skills and recognition.

Team Members:
Angel Cicil Boban, Prabhleen Dhiman, Joelene Ignacio, Metta Keen, Hemakshi Kesani, Amali Kumaran, Anabel Martin, and Iyrene Navin Marcel.

Flatworm Experiments:
Selected Year 10 classes embarked on a fascinating study of planaria, a species of flatworm known for its remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts. Over the coming weeks, students will conduct careful measurements to explore this phenomenon, gaining insights into the wonders of biology and the potential applications of regenerative science.

Escape Rooms:
Students from Years 7 to 10 participated in science-themed escape rooms, where they competed to solve experiments and puzzles in the shortest time. This activity encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and a bit of friendly competition. Congratulations to the winning classes for their quick thinking and collaboration!

Zookeeper Incursion:
To cap off the week, students were treated to an incursion by the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary. They had the unique opportunity to get up close with native wildlife, including ring-tailed possums, sugar gliders, lizards, snakes, and even a crocodile. Zookeeper Heath, a John Therry alumnus, shared his expertise on the adaptations and threats facing these species, making the experience both educational and inspiring. It was particularly special to reconnect with Heath and see how his passion for wildlife has grown into a fulfilling career.

Science Week 2024 was a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with important scientific concepts in a dynamic and interactive way. A huge thank you to all the staff and students who made it such a success.

Teresa Harris
Senior Biology Teacher and WISE Coordinator

JTCC SPORT UPDATE - Term 3 Week 5

There have been some pleasing efforts over the last few weeks across our MISA competition games. Our netballers are determined to compete each week, even though they have not registered a win this season, while commendations go out to the students who filled in for MISA teams whilst Year 10 Camp and Year 12 Trial HSC exams conclude. With several teams hindered by Yr 10 Camp, our teams competed to the best of their ability with their ‘replacement players’. Thank you to those students who filled in at 9/10 Boys Soccer, 9/10 Girls Netball and the 10 - 12 Boys Cricket teams.

MISA Update: - Round 3

Team	W/L - Result	Match Report	MVP
10 - 12 Boys Cricket Mr Chapman		Bye Round
10 - 12 Boys AFL Mr Geribo	79-20 win	Thanks to Mount Carmel for the game today. Without an opposition we can’t have a game.	Sullivan O’Dwyer
10 - 12 Girls AFL Mrs Roberts	Lost 7 - 60	The girls played a strong game against St. Pats today, but just couldn’t seal the deal with more than one goal. There were moments of good passage shown, with some strong kicks and pinpoint accuracy in passing. The remarkable interceptions and tackles allowed the girls to gain possession, but then silly mistakes saw St. Pats shoot it down to their forwards and score. The spirit and determination to win was felt through the whole game. Despite the rough challenges the girls faced, everyone remained positive, and continued to encourage one another. Although they faced a loss the girls secured new skills and are improving game by game.	Atong Kon Chol
9/10 Boys Soccer Mr Holmes	Draw 0-0 v MAG	a lucky draw for them and an unlucky draw for us. 2 points lost for us and 1 point gained for them. Struggled to finish our chances which reflected in the score. Back stronger next week	Yosimar Yvenes
7/8 Boys Soccer Mr Bodeker	D1-1	John Therry had a top of the table clash today against Magdalene. Despite only fielding 11 players due to injuries and absences, we managed to secure a 1-1 draw against a strong Magdalene Side. JT started well and were unlucky not to score with Christian Baker having his shot cleared off the line. We went into the half scoreless, despite feeling like the more dominant team. In the second half, we won a corner which Billy whipped into the box for Levi to score via a deflection. A few moments later Magdalene was awarded a controversial and dubious penalty which was converted. There were a few chances for both teams, but ultimately both teams couldn’t be separated. Despite missing several key players through injury and absences, JT should be proud of their performance and result.	Julian Sanchez
7 - 9 Girls Soccer Ms Moon	1-1	The girls had a tough match against Magdalene today but did well to put the first one away. It was a brilliant goal well executed by Scarlett Fisher and assisted by Zoe Hawks. The girls fought hard to keep a clean sheet despite the ball spending the majority of the time in Magdalene's half. However, despite their best efforts, Magdalene managed to equalise early in the second half. The girls continued to push for a winning goal but, unfortunately, couldn’t find the back of the net. This week's MVP is Shyla, who was outstanding in defence and did an excellent job of countering all of Magdalene’s long balls.	Shyla Winley
9/10 Girls Netball Ms Kelleher	Lost 37 - 29 V MAG
7/8 Girls Netball Mrs Wagstaff	Lost 39 - 9 V MAG	In our recent MISA netball match, our team faced a tough opposition that demonstrated unbelievable accuracy in the goal ring. Despite being outskilled in this area, our defence rose to the challenge, making each goal a hard-fought battle. Throughout the game, our players showed tremendous growth, improving with each quarter. The movement in the centre court was commendable, and the team's improvement in feeding the ball was particularly noteworthy. Although we didn’t come out on top this time, the effort and determination displayed by our team were outstanding, and we look forward to building on this experience in future matches.
U15 Boys Rugby League Mr McGrath + Mr Tran	18-0	Tough game today in wet conditions against a tough Magdalene squad. Zephaniah was excellent in setting a strong standard in defense and attack and was supported through strong efforts from Luke Siroki (MVP). Noah Choice and Ryder Wilson showed great development in a short amount of time, with both students involved in strong hit ups and tackles.	Luke Siroki

MISA Update: - Round 4

Team	W/L - Result	Match Report	MVP
10 - 12 Boys Cricket Mr Chapman	Won 88-62 V MAS	John Therry played our third game of the season against Macarthur Anglican College. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Jake and Austin got us off to a flying start which set the tone for the game. We posted competitive scores for each partnership and put scoreboard pressure on Macarthur. We were solid without being spectacular with the ball, however, we fielded well enough to secure a good win. Shout out to Ben Anderson who bowled the second over and took two wickets to really put pressure on the opposition who never recovered.	Ben Anderson
10 - 12 Boys AFL Mr Geribo	Won 20 - 0	Magdalene unfortunately forfeited
10 - 12 Girls AFL Mrs Regan	Lost 20 - 0	Due to Yr 12 exams and Yr 10 Camp, JTCC unfortunately forfeited
9/10 Boys Soccer Mr Holmes	Lost 4-2 V BAC	Missing our Year 10 cohort at School Camp, we were forced to have our ⅞ boys team step up and fill in for the match against Broughton. Unfortunately we conceded two early goals against a physical Broughton side. Cooper Marshall was able to put away a tidy finish after a mistake in their backline. We went into the break down 3-1 but felt like we were creating chances and looked good when we moved the ball around. Cooper headed in his second goal to set up an exciting finish before Broughton were awarded a penalty and converted to have the final score 4-2. Despite playing against a bigger, more physical side, JT never gave up and it was good to see some younger players step up.	Cooper Marshall
7/8 Boys Soccer Mr Bodeker		Bye
7 - 9 Girls Soccer Mr Joy	Lost 1 - 0 V BAC	Missing our coach Miss Moon, Mr Joy was forced to step in. After a good run of games, our girls went up against Macarthur Anglican School. In a tense match, with 2 key players missing we still made chances after chances but it was the lack of a clinical finisher that really hurt us. Despite some great work in defence from our backline and extraordinary saves by keeper Ava Abi-Khattar (Year 9), a poorly timed tackle inside the box resulted in us conceding a penalty. Despite our keeper diving the right way, it still unfortunately wasn't enough to keep out a well struck penalty. Despite our best efforts and some promising tactical plays, we simply couldn’t find our equaliser as the game ended in a 1-0 loss. Onwards and upwards to our next game against holding champions Mount Carmel.	Ava Abi-Khattar / Shylah Winley
9/10 Girls Netball Ms Kelleher	Lost 36-2 V WAC	With many of our players away at Year 10 camp, we were faced with the challenge of playing against Wollondilly Anglican College. Despite the odds, the girls stepped up admirably against a strong Wollondilly side. The match was tough from the start, and we struggled to keep up with their fast-paced and physical play. Even though we were outmatched, we continued to put in effort and never lost spirit. A shout out to Anabelle, Sophie and Elise who took control of positioning and kept the team organised and committed. A special thanks to all the players who filled in and gave their all on the court. Your effort and determination did not go unnoticed, and we are proud of how you represented the team under the circumstances.	Sophie Regan
7/8 Girls Netball Ms Wagstaff	Lost 15 - 8 V WAC	Our Year 7/8 netball team showed great improvement in moving the ball down the court, with outstanding defence keeping the game competitive. It was neck and neck until fatigue set in during the last quarter, leading to a 15-8 loss. Despite the result, the team's progress is commendable—well done!	Sienna Larner
U15 Boys Rugby League Mr McGrath + Mr Tran	12-12 draw	Rugby league is a simple game when you think about it. Communication, discipline, desperation and completion are non-negotiables in order to win a match. These are all components of the game that we need to work on. Mount Carmel came ready to compete and we could not beat them in these areas. We had the chance to seal the deal on the bell but unfortunately we missed the opportunity. We need to come ready on Tuesdays, whether we train or play we need to be switched on.	Noah Choice

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

After the Diocesan Athletics carnival there is a bit of a break in our Diocesan calendar, but we see plenty of NSWCCC and pathway programs continuing. Good luck to the following students who will compete in the Wollongong Diocesan team 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), Dominic Baker (16) and Jackson Schulstad (16) .

Good luck also to Georgia Bastock and Annelise Hall next week who are playing in the Wollongong Diocese Open Netball team at the NSWCCC Netball Selections on the 27th in Penrith.

Staff vs. Year 12 Championship

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Staff vs. Students Championship, which will be held at the end of this term. This annual event is a battle of youthful enthusiasm and wily experience, where our staff members and Year 12 students come together to showcase their skills and compete for glory.

The championship promises to be a dramatic and exciting event, filled with friendly competition and camaraderie. Our staff members have been preparing diligently, honing their skills and strategies, while some students are busy complaining about the choice of sports. Will the teachers take the students out for one last lesson, or can the students pull together their skills and force defeat.

We encourage all members of our school community to come and support our participants. Your presence and cheers will undoubtedly motivate and inspire our staff and students to give their best on the field.

Monday Wk 9 Lunch -- Netball

Monday Wk 9 Lunch -- Basketball

Wednesday Wk 9 Lunch -- Soccer

Friday Wk 9 Lunch -- Ultimate Frisbee

External Pathway Achievements

Cody Meisenhofen - Volleyball

Cody has recently traveled to Bahrain for the Asian Mens U18 Volleyball Championships as part of the Australian team.Congratulations to Cody for his achievements, what an amazing experience. Here is a summary of his trip.

I spent about 14 days in Bahrain, with an additional 2 days for travel. My experience in Bahrain was fantastic I enjoyed every moment of the trip. The competition featured 16 countries, including Australia, and unfortunately, we finished 12th. Despite the final result, we had a strong run, especially considering it was our first official international tour as a team. We still put up a good fight. One of our matches, played against Bahrain, was crucial for securing a spot in the top 8 and advancing out of the pool phase. Unfortunately, my team’s physio didn’t allow me to play due to the risk of an abdominal tear, so I had to sit that match out. My team ended up losing in the 5th set by just 2 points, which knocked us out of the top 8 and into the bottom bracket. Despite the outcome, I’ve learned so much from my coaches and teammates, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my country.

Upcoming NSWCCC registrations and closing dates

NSWCCC Term 3 Events and Information

NSWCCC Opens Netball Selections (27/8)

NSWCC Football Knockout finals (4/9)

NSWCCC Athletics (16/9)

NSWCCC Team Championships events and registrations

NSWCCC Rugby League Cup 21 Aug- CD 26/7 - school nomination CSNSW website
NSWCCC Netball Championships 28 Aug - school nomination CSNSW website

NSWCCC Basketball JNR & INTER Championships (Penrith-Boys/Bankstown Girls) (4-5 Nov)

NSWCCC Berg and Downie Shield - registrations are open

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:

AFL
Baseball
Basketball
Cricket
Diving
Golf
Hockey

Rugby
Softball
Tennis
Triathlon
Volleyball
Water Polo
Netball

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,
Georgia Roberts (RobertsG03@dow.catholic.edu.au)

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Anita Heiss Reads Bidhi Galing

An online literacy event for all families to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day!

Wednesday 4 September

7pm – 7.30pm

Indigenous Literacy Day is held on the first Wednesday of September and is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Stories, Cultures and Languages (find out more here: (https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/ild). To celebrate this year, the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee has organised a wonderful online evening event open to all families in our schools.

We are delighted that Aboriginal Australian author Anita Heiss will read her book Bidhi Galing. Dr Anita Heiss AM is a proud member of the Wiradyuri nation of central New South Wales and one of Australia's most prolific and well-known authors publishing across genres including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children's fiction.

Her book Bidhi Galing (Big Rain) tells the story of the Great Flood of Gundagai in 1852 and the Wiradyuri heroes Yarri and Jacky Jacky who paddled bark canoes through raging floodwaters, risking their lives to save countless others. Primary school students aged 7–12 – and their families! – will love this story and the beautiful book illustrations. It’s a chance to sit down together and enjoy a nice, quiet time listening and reading, which is a wonderful way to support children’s literacy skills at home.

The Committee has a limited number of books to give away so families can read along with Anita, so register now to receive a copy of the book in the mail! We’ll include a Home Reading Tipsheet and fridge magnet too!