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Champagnat Day Assembly

Each year we acknowledge staff and students who live out our Catholic and Marist values at our Champagnat day assembly. These are some of my favourite awards of the year as they recognise our community members who demonstrate the things at the heart of our faith, and what we hope to be as good christians and good citizens. These awards are extra special as there are so many students who are deserving of this acknowledgement, and so to be chosen for an award really is significant. I congratulate all of our award winners, and all of our community members who live out these values each day making John Therry a great place to attend. 

The Marist theme this year, and the theme for the Jubilee Year is Pilgrims of Hope. I love the way Pope Francis talked about Hope being contagious and that we are called to be hopeful not only for ourselves, but to inspire those around us - a contagion of hope! This hope also calls us to action, and leads us to do things to bring about a better for ourselves and others. I have included a lovely reflection about this theme at the end of the newsletter and I encourage you to read it, particularly if you are in need of a little Hope at this time. 

P & F Meeting

Our P & F meet each term on Tuesday of Week 8 at 6:30pm in the staff common room. We welcome all parents and carers who are interested to join us on Tuesday 17th June. I will provide a brief update on the Master Plan and where this stands, how parents would like to use P & F funds to support our students, and importantly hear from parents on things that are working well and things that we can improve on.  These are always really constructive and welcoming meetings and we would love for you to join us.

Bullying: Ditching the Notion of Snitching

Bullying has been a long-standing issue in schools — and one that has received renewed attention in the media recently. As a Catholic and Marist school, building strong, respectful relationships is at the heart of who we are. That’s why it’s essential that we work together to address conflict, disrespect, and bullying when they arise.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the belief among some students that speaking up about bullying or poor behaviour is “snitching.” This mindset can stop students from reporting what they see or experience — which means we may not become aware of issues until much later, or sometimes not at all. Without that knowledge, we’re unable to fully support those affected — both the person being harmed and the one causing harm.

This is deeply concerning.

Our John Therry College motto calls us to “know, love and relish what is right and just.” This means standing up when something isn’t right. If someone is being treated unfairly or unkindly, speaking up isn’t snitching — it’s doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

We remind all students that speaking up is a sign of integrity and courage, and a vital part of living out our faith. Staying silent when others are being hurt doesn’t keep the peace — it allows injustice to continue. Whether you're a bystander or directly involved, your voice matters.

Parents are important advocates for their children, and we strongly encourage parents to report any concerns to us. There are a range of ways we can respond, and we are always open to working with students and families to find an approach that the student feels safe and comfortable with.

We encourage parents to have conversations at home about this idea — about the difference between “snitching” and standing up for what is right. By working in partnership, we give our young people the best chance to learn how to handle conflict with courage and compassion, and to create a school where bullying is not tolerated.

On Wednesday 28th May, our school community came together to celebrate an exciting milestone—77 Days of Year 7—and what an unforgettable evening it turned out to be!

The event welcomed a fantastic crowd of students, parents, carers, and staff, all gathered to mark this special moment in our Year 7 journey. With cake, popcorn, fairy floss, and a room brimming with smiles, it was a night filled with laughter, connection, and reflection.

“It’s a real privilege to reflect on the first 77 days of this exciting journey. Our Year 7 students have embraced high school life with enthusiasm, courage, and a willingness to try new things.”

And they truly have! From the Jack Crawford sports competition and IT Bootcamp to Tuesday sport, music, cooking, and engaging incursions, our students have dived headfirst into high school life with energy and excitement.

The celebration also offered families a chance to connect—meeting other parents, chatting with staff, and putting faces to the names they often hear at home. Students proudly introduced their families to their Learning Group mentors, key supporters in their high school transition.

Around the room, families admired the creative "77 Days of Year 7" posters, thoughtfully made by students to reflect on their experiences and dreams for the year ahead. A special shoutout goes to our Year 7 TECH class, who wowed everyone with a heartfelt video capturing the highlights so far, complete with introductions from the Year 7 team.

Before the night wrapped up, families also had the unique opportunity to record a special message with their child for a Year 12 graduation time capsule—a keepsake to revisit five years from now.

To all parents and carers, we extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support.

“Your partnership is a vital part of your child’s success. Please know how much we appreciate everything you do.”

Here’s to many more milestones ahead—Year 7, what a brilliant beginning!

In today's rapidly evolving world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives and will undoubtedly play a significant role in our children's futures – from their education to their careers.

To help you navigate this exciting and sometimes complex topic, JT is considering hosting an after-hours information session dedicated to understanding AI. We want to ensure this session is valuable, relevant, and addresses your specific questions and interests.

We Need Your Input!

To help us design the best possible session, we've created a short survey. Your feedback will be invaluable in shaping the content, format, and timing of this potential event. The survey also includes a few quick questions to help us gauge current understanding of AI topics, including important aspects like AI bias.

Why Your Participation Matters:

• Tailored Content: Your answers will help us focus on the AI topics you care most about.
• Convenient Timing: Let us know what time works best for you.
• Gauge Interest: Help us understand the level of interest within our parent community.

The survey should only take about 5-7 minutes to complete.

Please click here to access the survey

We kindly request you complete the survey by next Friday (13th June) so we can begin planning. I am also hoping to lock in a guest speaker from CENET to help answer any of your questions on the night as well.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We believe that by working together, we can better prepare our students for a future where AI is commonplace.

If you have any immediate questions, please don't hesitate to contact Mr Jefferys via email at jefferysh01@dow.catholic.edu.au

JTCC SPORT UPDATE - Term 2, Week 7

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

We are eagerly looking ahead to our College Athletics Carnival in Week 6, set to take place at the newly refurbished Campbelltown Athletics Stadium. This state-of-the-art facility promises to elevate the event experience for students and spectators alike. A reminder that all relevant details can be found on the Compass Event.

Tomorrow our students will represent JTCC at the Diocese Netball Carnival—one of the biggest days on our sporting calendar. This year brings the exciting addition of an Open Boys division, and the response has been phenomenal, with nearly 40 boys from Years 10–12 trialling for selection under the guidance of Ms Kelleher. In total, JTCC will be sending five teams across various divisions, demonstrating the strength and depth of our netball program. We can’t wait to see our teams compete with energy, skill, and sportsmanship on the day.

Despite the enthusiasm and high levels of participation, Term 2 has not been without its challenges. Wet weather in the early weeks has caused disruptions, including the postponement of both the Diocese Cross Country Carnival and the Open Girls Football Championships. In addition, most of the outdoor fixtures for MISA Round 2 were cancelled due to unsafe playing conditions. While disappointing, our students have responded with resilience and positivity, showing that true JT Pride isn’t just about winning—it's about commitment, adaptability, and teamwork no matter the circumstances.

Even amid these setbacks, we’ve seen numerous moments that embody JT Pride. From outstanding efforts at school trials and training sessions, to the leadership shown by senior students supporting younger peers, and the passionate displays of sportsmanship across all competitions—our students continue to represent the College with excellence, integrity, and spirit.

With the term well underway and more exciting opportunities on the horizon, we look forward to celebrating the continued achievements and growth of our students across all facets of sport.

For Sale - Oztag/Touch Tights

Students are expected to take pride in their appearance and be good ambassadors for the College while setting the highest possible standard of dress at all times. 

We are pleased to announce the addition of girls oztag/touch tights to our MISA/representative uniform. These are available now for $40 each - please pay at finance and bring your receipt to the Sports Office to collect. 

*Students are reminded that MISA/representative uniform is not to be worn during the school day or during timetabled PDHPE practical lessons - you must bring them with you to change into for MISA or representative duties.

JTCC Athletics 

After years of modified events and wet weather interruptions, it was such a great feeling to finally run a full-school athletics carnival under mostly sunny skies. The weather was on our side, and the vibe throughout the day was full of energy, house pride, and strong competition.

That said, we did notice a lower turnout than usual, with only around 350 students attending. With no last-minute changes to the day, it's something we’ll reflect on moving forward, we’d love to see more of our students getting involved in what’s a great whole-school event.

Thanks also to all the staff who helped run events—especially those managing the track and field areas. It’s a tough job that means being on your feet all day, juggling timing, recording, and guiding students through events. Another big thank you to all the Age Managers who ensured all students had an opportunity to try all track and field events and contribute valuable house points. We hope that our Year 12 group enjoyed their final carnival for their secondary school journey. 

There were some standout moments on the track and in the field, with new school records set by the following students - please congratulate them when you see them next:

? New School Records – 2025 Athletics Carnival

• 13 Years Female Javelin - Zoe Hawkes - 19.55m 

(Prev: K.Wolf, 2022 - 12.2m)

• 13 Years Male Javelin - Balin Crews - 25.03m 

(Prev: T. O'Keefe, 2024 - 23.49m)

• 14 Years Male Javelin - Loxley Dale - 19.01m 

(Prev: B.Thomas, 2019 - 18.97m)

• 14 Years Male 200m – Tate O'Keefe – 24.93
  (Prev: K. Sparkes, 2018 – 25.12)
  
  
• 15 Years Male 400m – Darby Crews – 55.40
  (Prev: N. Shipley, 2000 – 55.87)
  
  
• 12 Years Female 800m – Zara Griffiths – 3:00.06
  (Prev: M. Collins, 1997 – 3:07.84)
  
  
• Junior Female Triple Jump – Emilie Vellin – 9.45m
  (Prev: A. Hilton, 2023 – 8.51m)
  
  
• Senior Female Triple Jump – Ava Hilton – 8.83m
  (Prev: A. Hilton, 2024 – 8.25m)
  
  
• Junior Female 100m AWD – Sophia Wragg-Leighton – 18.67
  (Establishment record)
  
  
• Male 800m AWD – Dominic Baker – 3:09.00
  (Prev: D. Baker, 2024 – 4:28.44)
  
  
• Junior Female Shotput AWD – Sophia Wragg-Leighton – 5.00m
  (Establishment record)
  
• 13 Years Male Discus - Balin Crews - 32.56m (Prev: M.Proctor, 2005 - 30.26)

The javelin events will be finished by  next week, and once that’s done, we’ll be announcing final house points and age champions at the next available assembly.

We’ll also publish our JTCC Diocesan Athletics Team once results are finalised. These students will represent our school at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in early Term 3.

Ribbons that weren’t handed out on the day will be passed on to Year Coordinators to present during year meetings or assemblies.

If you have any feedback or suggestions to help make next year’s carnival even better, we’d love to hear from you!

Thanks again to everyone involved—students and staff—for making it a great day.

Boys Bill Turner Cup Round 3 

DATE: 5th June 2025

On a fresh and windy winter morning, John Therry took on East Hills Boys High in our latest match of our Bill Turner Cup campaign. Our opposition had some talented players from NPL 1 clubs and were keen for the contest. 

The JT team were a little cocky before the game and after receiving an enlightening set of game instructions, the boys took to the field ready for a win. 

JT dominated the first half with EHBHS only getting into our 18 yard box 3 times in the half. Our attacking sets were relentlessly created by our midfielders Davonne Plaatjies, Lucas Alvarado and Floilan Magalona. Our strikers Levi Fitzpatrick, Cooper Firman and Kayden Thompson were given multiple shots on goal, but were frequently double teamed and when they were able to create a shot on goals, the opposition goalkeeper was another force to be reckoned weith. He was everywhere and was stopping everything. Best player on the park!

The first half ended and we reviewed our performance. As with most of these games, the further you progress in the competition, the depth of the squad is a key reason to a team's success. As it turned out, the opposition team slowly fatigued and some cracks appeared in their defence.

Firstly, Floilan Magalona was able to score a header from a Davonne Plaatjies corner, and 5 minutes later, we were able to capitalise on a a transition moment, where Kayden Thompson was able to find an open Levi Fitzpatrick and Cooper Firman, and off a tidy little combination, Cooper Firman was able to add another to the goal tally.

Although we only used two bench players, well done to Noah Cook and Billy Wilson who played excellent minutes in the middle third of the game.

The back line of Austin Boxsell, Deklin Hutchinson, Lucas Failla and Julian Sanchez were outstanding today as they resisted the opposition attack time and time again. They defused their long ball, won their corners and delayed their attacks on multiple occasions. Great job boys.

We now move on to the regional semi-final vs Camden High School. Stay tuned for more football action over the coming weeks.

FR - Floilan Magalona, Kayden Thompson, Noah Cook, Billy Wilson, Levi Fitzpatrick, Xavier Abi Khattar, Deklin Hutchinson

BR - Rico Logai-Lusiano, Lucas ALvarado, Lucas Failla, Cooper Firman, Davonne Plaatjies, Harry Smith, Julian Sanchez, Aidan Maskey, Austin Boxsell

Mr Cook and Mr Tannous

Pathway Achievements

NSWCCC Cross Country 

We had four students racing this week at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre as part of the Wollongong Diocese Team. All our athletes did really well, representing the college and Diocese with pride. They all raced hard in some highly competitive divisions. Well done! Results are below:

Dean Kaandorp - 12 years boys 

- 32nd place 

Emily Harris - 13 years girls 

- 51st place 

Zoe Hawkes - 13 years girls 

- 29th place 

Dominic Baker - 17+ years boys multiclass 

-5th

NSWCCC Netball

Congratulations to Annelise Hall (year 12) who was our sole student in the  Wollongong representative Netball  team at Penrith last week. The standard of skill and play at these trials was exceptional and our teams combined really well in all games they played. Annelise was the only open player progressed through to the possible V probable stage, but unfortunately missed selection in the CCC teams this year.

School Sport Australia -  Softball 

Dante recently represented NSW All Schools U18 Softball Team at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Blacktown. The team played well throughout the week placing second on the ladder taking them to the semi final to play Victoria and after winning this game to play in the grand final against QLD unfortunately losing to them 3-1. 

Dante had a great week of fielding with some excellent catches in the outfield, great plays on the infield and batted well throughout the games. Being the youngest player on the team he was able to learn from and play with other players he has not had the opportunity to play with before, he has come away with newfound confidence and friendships. 

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)

For the next two weeks, UFC are excited to extend a special promotion exclusively for John Therry school staff and students who are Fitness Passport members. They've loved having the students from John Therry come in for their sport sessions, and the team has really enjoyed working with them – so much so, they wanted to extend a special offer to the whole school community!

UFC Gym Macarthur isn't your average gym. They offer a full range of functional fitness and skills-based classes including Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, MMA, Yoga, and even HYROX. Plus, they have an infrared sauna for recovery. With over 65 classes weekly, you can view their live timetable on the UFC Gym Australia app (select Macarthur Square).

To redeem this exclusive offer, simply forward this promo via email to UFC and they'll be in touch, or you can show it to reception when you arrive. Come experience the difference at UFC Gym Macarthur!

Please find below a link to the latest Parish Bulletin

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