It has been wonderful to welcome students back to John Therry this week after a busy and productive term 1.

The school holiday period was also one that held a number of significant events. Easter is at the heart of our Catholic Faith, where we acknowledge the death, and most importantly resurrection of Jesus. That Jesus died for us and our sins, and opened the gates of heaven for mankind shows God's great love for us. I always find it powerful to reflect on the person of Jesus, how he lived and the messages he taught us, as an example of how we are called to live and serve others.

That Pope Francis also passed away over the Easter break was quite striking to me, as he lived so authentically in the way that Jesus taught us. He was such a wonderful witness and example to us all, genuinely walking with those most in need, stepping aside from many of the riches and luxuries typically afforded to a Pope in such a significant role in the Church and world. He walked with the most disadvantaged and outcast, showing that God's love is for everyone, particularly those most in need. While Pope Francis is a great loss to the Church, he has set a wonderful example, and calls us to action and continue to live out the teachings of Jesus. May he rest in peace.

John Therry participated in the ANZAC Day march on Friday 25 April at Campbelltown. Close to 40 students presented in full winter uniform and gave up their time to commemorate the ANZAC's with our John Therry community. There were a number of students wearing the medals of relatives who have served and it is important that as a community, we acknowledge the sacrifices that have been made for us, and continue to strive for a world that is peaceful.

I also attended the Appin Massacre memorial ceremony on Sunday 13th April. This is a sad part of our history that is important to acknowledge and remember what happened here. In acknowledging this, we seek healing and the ability to walk in reconciliation with our Aboriginal community members for a brighter future. John Therry staff and students are always involved here in a wide range of the activities of the day and the ceremony, and I thank all those who participated once again this year.

Attendance Data

We have seen an improvement in attendance data in 2025 which is very encouraging. The overall average attendance is at 91.1% for Term 1. This is quite a good number, but also sounds a little better than it actually is when we look at how many days off this is over a year. At this rate, a student would miss around 18 days in a year, or almost 4 weeks of learning. Most employers offer far fewer leave days in a year and so our aim is to move this number closer to 95%. 

You can check your child's attendance rate in the compass app and we encourage you to talk about this with your children as well and set some goals and targets for them.

Pupil Free Day - Friday 9th May

On Friday 9th May John Therry will hold our staff professional learning day for term 2. We will be working with staff from NESA on the curriculum reforms and how we adjust learning to support all students. We will also be looking at our positive behaviours for learning approach to ensure we have a really consistent and supportive approach to our rules and routines.

Dear Parents and Carers,

The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our top priority. This includes protecting their privacy and respecting your wishes regarding the use of student photos, images, and work.

At the beginning of each school year, we ask you to complete an Insight event in Compass to indicate whether you consent to your child’s image being used in various contexts, such as newsletters, social media, or promotional materials.

What do you need to do?
Please click the link provided in the Compass App to access the Insight. Read the information carefully, discuss it with your child, and then submit your response to either give or decline consent. Instructions on how to access the Insight are provided in the image below.

To ensure no child misses out on being photographed during school activities, we will occasionally send reminders to families who have not yet completed the Insight. If you have already completed the insight for this year you can disregard this message.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

This week, we had three UNIQ careers sessions for female students. These sessions are aimed at promoting female participation in male-dominated industries. 

Students heard from Lauren Mua and Katie O’Donoghue, both Senior Project Engineers in the building and construction industry. There was Demi Pye, a Health, Safety and Environment Manager in the building and construction industry and Melissa MacFarlane, a Senior Firefighter in the Defence and Public Safety industry. Lastly, there was Cristina Molina, a Development Analyst for Iberdrola Australia and Annabel Hofstee an Environment and Planning Engineer with Urban Utilities. 

A couple of important messages have been common themes of these presentations:

1. You are not stuck on one career path, your journey may take many different directions
2. You don’t have to fall into a stereotypical role

It has been a wonderful opportunity to hear from successful professional women and get their advice as students lead into subject selection, senior studies and career choices.

Stepping into the Trenches of World War I

Year 9 History students recently had the unique opportunity to step back in time during a World War I incursion led by Shane from World War Living History. The engaging session brought history to life through a fascinating display of artefacts and replicas, including replica grenades, trench periscopes, and authentic World War I soldiers' uniforms.

This hands-on experience allowed students to interact with historical items that offered a tangible connection to the past, deepening their understanding of the lives of men and women during the Great War. Shane’s storytelling, combined with the immersive materials, captured the attention of both students and staff, making the incursion a memorable highlight of the History curriculum.

The event not only enriched students’ knowledge but also sparked curiosity and meaningful discussions about the realities of war and the sacrifices made by those who served.

Marist Super Connect: A Celebration of Leadership, Faith, and Fellowship

The Marist Super Connect proved to be an inspiring and transformative gathering for colleges across the diocese, uniting Youth Ministry leaders and students in a dynamic space of collaboration, reflection, and growth. This annual initiative served as more than just a leadership summit—it was a shared pilgrimage toward hope, in alignment with this year’s Marist theme, Pilgrims of Hope. We, at John Therry were privileged to host the event this year.

Throughout the event, students delved deeply into the meaning of what it means to be a Pilgrim of Hope in their own school communities. Discussions centered on personal and collective journeys, the significance of spiritual and emotional growth, and the role young leaders can play in shaping a more compassionate and connected society.

One of the program’s most enriching components involved students identifying and articulating the challenges they observe within their communities, followed by the collaborative development of actionable solutions. The atmosphere buzzed with energy and purpose, as participants engaged in a series of team-building activities that not only encouraged critical thinking but also spotlighted essential leadership attributes—clear communication, active listening, empathy, and collaboration.

The experience was as personally fulfilling as it was intellectually stimulating. For many, including myself, it offered the chance to break out of familiar routines and comfort zones, fostering meaningful connections with students from a wide range of backgrounds. The genuine spirit of inclusion and cooperation underscored the power of unity in faith-driven leadership.

Notably, the event received overwhelmingly positive feedback. From the nonstop engagement to the high levels of participation, the Marist Super Connect stood as a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of the diocese’s youth. It successfully cultivated a nurturing environment where student leaders could reflect, grow, and—most importantly—lead with heart and hope.

In every sense, the Marist Super Connect was not just a program, but a movement—a vivid reminder that young people, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, are truly capable of becoming pilgrims of hope in their own right.

- Annabel Martin (Year 11)

Our Year 12 Hospitality students recently had the amazing opportunity to tour Sky Feast at Sydney Tower—an iconic dining destination offering breathtaking views and exceptional food.

The day kicked off with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant and bar area, followed by a fascinating look into the kitchens where all the culinary magic happens.

Students also had a personal chat with one of the head chefs, diving into essential topics like Food Safety and the daily operations that keep this world-class restaurant running smoothly.

To top off this incredible experience, they were treated to a mouthwatering buffet lunch with over 86 dishes from multiple cuisines. With such a variety of flavours, it was an unforgettable dining experience!

This opportunity gave our students valuable, real-world insights into the hospitality industry—an experience they won’t soon forget.

In Weeks 8 and 9 of Term 1, John Therry Catholic College was delighted to welcome students from Seiun Gakuen School in Nagasaki, Japan, for an unforgettable Australian high school experience.

A dedicated group of 36 John Therry students volunteered as buddies, ensuring our guests felt welcomed and supported during their time with us. From the very first day, our school community embraced the opportunity to share culture, language, and friendship.

The program was jam-packed with engaging activities. The Seiun Gakuen students joined Year 8 Japanese and elective Japanese classes, participated in Tuesday afternoon sport with Years 7 and 8, and took part in an engaging Aboriginal cultural experience they will never forget.

On their first day, the Japanese students teamed up with Year 10 Japanese students for an “Amazing Race” around the school—an exciting way to get familiar with their surroundings. This was followed by one-on-one interviews with class 8.5, putting their English skills to the test, and a fun paper plane making and flying session.

A highlight of the visit was the Aboriginal cultural session, facilitated by Mrs Nau and Mr Kickett. The boys learned about the didgeridoo and traditional dance from Will S, Jayce M, and Loxley D, while the girls were taught the process of making soap adding eucalyptus for a truly Australian souvenir as well as the beautiful lyrebird dance. Tyleaha T, Maddi A, Jorja S, Jaswyn L, Lily A and Kristi C were kind and thoughtful hosts and the girls loved their experience.

Throughout the visit, Seiun Gakuen students participated in a variety of lessons with our Year 8 students. These included spaghetti tower challenges with 8.4, building block activities with 8.6, and kendama fun with 8.7. Students also enjoyed many informal moments of connection during recess and lunch. Our elective Japanese students collaborated with the visitors in the kitchen to bake scones and make handmade souvenir badges.

The visit concluded with heartfelt presentations in English by the Seiun Gakuen students, showcasing aspects of Japanese culture. Miss Phillips awarded each student a certificate and a small gift to commemorate their time at John Therry. The celebration ended with fairy bread, photos, and smiles all around.

A huge thank you to all John Therry students and staff for their warmth and hospitality. This visit was a truly special opportunity to build international friendships and celebrate our shared love of learning and culture.

The below information relates to a range of resources to support parents in understanding online safety and image based abuse. At John Therry, we work with a range of organisations to support the education of our students in the area of online safety, including through our PDHPE Curriculum and wellbeing programs. Our Police Liason Officer visits are scheduled shortly to provide the police perspective on online safety and some of the legal implications. 

Research shows that nearly 1 in 3 young people aged 14 to 17 in Australia had some experience of sending, sharing or being asked to share nudes.  Further, around 1 in 8 young people in Australia indicated that they personally knew someone who, while under 18, had been the target of deepfake nudes and/or someone who had used technology to create or redistribute deepfake nudes of minors.  A deepfake is a digital photo, video or sound file of a real person that has been edited to create an extremely realistic but false depiction of them doing or saying something that they did not actually do or say - hyper-realistic synthetic child abuse material.

Sharing sexually explicit images of children (those under 18) and sharing them without consent (no matter how old someone is) is image-based abuse – even if AI (deepfake) has been used or the images have been altered in some way.

Police sometimes need to become involved in these matters where creating, possessing or sharing nude images of people under 18, even if it’s a nude selfie, may be treated as the production and/or distribution of child sexual abuse material.  

Supports:

We can take steps to help children avoid harm and feel safe and confident when they’re online. We can do this by paying attention to their online experiences, helping them build skills, using safety features in games and apps, and making it easy for them to ask for help if things go wrong.   It’s also important to have open conversations about online  risks with children, without scaring them. Talking about online child sexual abuse in a way that’s appropriate to their age and development makes it easier for children to speak up when they need help -  For idea’s to speak with your child about online safety please refer to https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/protecting-children-from-sexual-abuse-online/talking-with-13-to-18

Mental Health support for students whose images have been shared without consent in particular if their face can be seen in the photos as this will have a huge impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Finding out that your nude has been shared can be very upsetting. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions such as anger, frustration, and embarrassment.

-  If the parents are concerned for their child's safety recommend taking them to GP or ED for a mental  health assessment (pending their presentation), contact Mental Health Line or Suicide Call Back Service 1300659467.

- School counselling support / check ins are available to students who may be impacted by image based abuse. This monitoring can provide ongoing support, and refer for more intensive support if required.

Additional supports parent can access online:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people/receiving-unwanted-nudes
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars     
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/unwanted-contact#how-can-i-protect-my-child
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/image-based-abuse
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/protecting-children-from-sexual-abuse-online/talking-with-0-to-12

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/protecting-children-from-sexual-abuse-online/talking-with-13-to-18

JTCC SPORT UPDATE - Term 2, Week 1

Term 2 is shaping up to be an exciting one, especially for our budding athletes! With a full calendar of school, MISA and Diocesan competitions as well as many sport pathway opportunities, there’s plenty to inspire, challenge, and motivate our students to get involved and give it their best.

As we gear up for a busy term of sport, it’s important to remember our expectations around behaviour and uniform. Representing our school means showing respect—on and off the field—and wearing our uniform with pride, especially during sporting events.

We’re also celebrating the fantastic success of Term 1, where our students showcased incredible talent, teamwork, and school spirit across various sports. Let’s carry that same energy into Term 2 and continue building a culture of excellence and participation.

Please see below our Final results and standings for MISA Term 1. JTCC did really well, securing FOUR MISA Championships so far.  We currently sit in 2nd place overall in the MISA Champion School, sitting 16 points behind Mt Carmel. We managed to claim Junior and Senior Boys MISA Champions for Term 1 - fingers crossed we can continue our dominance into term 2.MISA Trials for Term 2 continue in Week 1, with our teams to be finalised ready for Round 1 matchups in Week 2 of the term. 

Jack Crawford Games 2024: A Triumphant Return

After the unfortunate postponement of the Jack Crawford Games in 2024 due to extreme heat, the much-anticipated event made a triumphant return in Term 1 — and it was better than ever!

The day kicked off with a meaningful College liturgy, setting a reflective and spirited tone for the festivities ahead. Students then gathered for the exciting 2024 JT Gift — a fast-paced, handicapped 100m sprint featuring four representatives from each House, with placements based on their Athletics Carnival times.

A huge congratulations to Maisie Dadd and Keiren Mostyn, who claimed victory in their respective races and earned valuable points for their Houses to kick off the carnival.

Following the sprint, students rotated through a variety of games and activities, enjoying a full day of friendly competition and community spirit. The afternoon brought the highly anticipated House Entrances, a true highlight of the event.

Special congratulations go to our 2024 Jack Crawford Champions – Conolly. Conolly hasn’t won a Jack Crawford Championship since 2017!

A massive shout-out to our Year 12 students, whose dedication and creativity made the House Entrances a standout moment. After weeks of rehearsals — and even restarting preparations in the new year — the senior students dazzled the College with energetic dance routines, themed performances, and vibrant costumes. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and pride in their Houses were evident and truly inspiring.

We look forward to seeing this same spirit and commitment from our Year 12s in the upcoming College carnivals and sporting events throughout the year.

See below some of the major point scores from the day:

Pathway Achievements

We had four students representing the college in Week 11, term 1 at the Southern Country U18 Girls Rugby League trials in Canberra. All the girls were excellent ambassadors to the school and did really well in such a strong pool of rugby league players. Well done Matilda Giles, Annelise Hall, Alexis Paulo and Navara Mataipule. Annelise was successfully selected in the Southern Country team to play at the NSWCCC Selection Carnival on the 19-20th May, we wish you good luck and look forward to hearing how you go at the next level. 

Upcoming Events Term 2 2025:

Diocesan and Pathways update

2025 planning and calendar for representative pathway opportunities are below. 

CEDoW WEBSITE- Event Information, Selected rep teams and Carnival Results 

A reminder to visit our Secondary CEDoW Sports Web current information about events, selected teams and carnival results

INSTAGRAM 

Don't forget to follow the  CEDOW instagram handle: @cedow.sport

Students at John Therry are given the opportunity to represent John Therry at College, Diocesan and CCC sporting events.

CLICK HERE - JTCC PATHWAY INFORMATION

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: 

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 2025. 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/student-experience/sport/secondary-sport

Yours in Sport,

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

Courses are now open for enrolments

View Term 2 Dates

Our range of courses focus on: 

•    strengthening relationships
•    parenting
•    post-separation
•    supporting parents with children in care
•    managing challenging emotions
•    grief and loss

Our courses are held in a supportive environment with others who share similar life challenges. They are held online or in-person at our Nowra, Campbelltown and Wollongong offices.

Learn more about our courses

Limited spaces available. 

For more information or to make a booking please contact our Intake Service on 4254 9395 or email IntakeService@catholiccare.dow.org.au

Please find below a link to the latest Parish Bulletin

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