Canteen Menu

As 2019 rapidly draws to a close, a reminder about the key events that parents are very welcome to attend.

Sports Assembly - Tuesday 10th December 1:00pm-2:30pm

Parents are warmly invited to attend our sports assembly. We look forward to hearing from our guest speaker, Natalie Van Coevorden, Olympian and Ex-student, and to celebrate our year of sport.

P & F Meeting - Tuesday 10th December 6:30pm

Parents are warmly invited to attend our last P&F Meeting for the year.  Come along and have your say in what happens at your school.

Advent Mass - Wednesday 11th December - 10am-11am

Join us as we give thanks for the year that has been and celebrate the Advent season.

7-10 Presentation Assembly - Friday 10am-11am

We will acknowledge and celebrate our students who have received our major awards for 2019. 

Compass is a new student management database that the schools in the Wollongong Diocese will be adopting in 2020. Those parents whose children are in our Catholic feeder primary schools will be familiar with Compass as they already use this system. Compass will replace Sentral as our student management system.

Compass is an easy and efficient way for the College, parents and students to communicate incorporating such things as attendance notes, monitoring of attendance, viewing classes and classwork, excursion notifications, parent teacher interviews and in the future fee payments.

Staff are currently undergoing training on how to use and implement Compass into the everyday teaching and classroom management.

Early in 2020, all households in the College will receive a letter with details of how to log in to Compass via both the online parent portal using a computer and also using the phone app which is compatible with both iphone and android.

Please keep a look out for the letter arriving in the new year. There will be ample opportunity for those parents and guardians who may have questions about the new system to be answered as we commence 2020.

Damian Hatton

Compass Liaison

‘ARTEXPRESS’ NOMINATIONS

Congratulations to Erin LaRue (“From My Perspective: Routine 441”) and Soana Talanoa (‘The Pursuit of Happiness’), whose Year 12 Visual Arts bodies of work were nominated for the annual NESA Showcase event ARTEXPRESS. This is an annual exhibition of artworks that represents the highest standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools. All works demonstrate outstanding exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works. In 2019, eight thousand, five hundred and fifty two  (8552) students submitted bodies of work for examination. There were 438 students’ bodies of work nominated for ARTEXPRESS. 

Although they were not selected, our school can be proud of the achievement of this year's nominated students. This rich tradition of excellence from the John Therry Catholic High Visual Arts faculty in the last decade has resulted in having nineteen (19) ARTEXPRESS nominations, the best in the region and Wollongong Diocese, and an outstanding achievement within the State. Within these nominations we have had eleven (11) nominated students in the expressive form of ‘Photomedia’, five (6) nominated students in the expressive form of ‘Drawing’ and one (2) nominated student in the expressive form of  ‘Collection of Works’.

Mr. Stephen Peters

Creative Arts Coordinator

‘ONSTAGE’ HSC DRAMA SUCCESS

Congratulations to the very talented Soana Talanoa whose individual project for HSC Drama was selected for inclusion in the annual ‘OnSTAGE’ exhibition. Soana’s practical work both in Drama and Visual Arts represents amongst the best in the State. ‘ONSTAGE’  represents the highest standards being achieved by students in HSC Drama. Soana’s Costume Design was based on the play Waltzing the Wilarra. Soanna completed 10 designs for the musical that explores outback Australia in a time of Indegenous discrimination that spans a period of post war Australia to the 1980’s.

‘OnSTAGE’ is a presentation and exhibition of group and individual performances and projects by Higher School Certificate Drama students. The OnSTAGE’ season at the Seymour Centre is presented by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW and the NSW Department of Education.

Exemplary individual projects by HSC Drama students will be on exhibition in the foyer of the Seymour Centre from Saturday 8th February to Friday 14th February 2020. Projects will include costume and set design, promotion and program, and theatre review.

Congratulations to teacher Mrs. Cascarino on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. Stephen Peters

Creative Arts Coordinator

John Therry Rosemeadow had 19 students from Years 9 to 12 take part this year, submitting photographs of the local natural environment. Their works, along with over 300 other photographic entries, have been on display at the Narellan Town Centre during November. 

The competition culminated in an awards night at the Camden Civic Centre last month, where John Therry was judged as the ‘Champion Photography High School’ of the Macarthur region – for the fourth year in a row! 

To read the full article please click on the link below.

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/general-news/john-therry-rosemeadow-wins-macarthur-nature-photography-competition

Mittagong: 

From the 27th - 29th of November,  Ryan and Chisolm travelled to Mittagong for year 12 retreat. From the beginning, teachers jumped around and sung lyrics, introducing the energy we all needed. We got involved in fun games, ventured to the Marist Brothers burial ground, got involved in deep conversations and personal reflection. We spent lots of time getting to know each other, our teachers, ourselves and we were able to build trust and connection with those around. We were forced to acknowledge who we are as individuals, where we stand with our faith and spirituality and reconcile with anything we needed to out at ease. My favourite part of the retreat was the activities that pushed us out of our comfort zones and made us build connections and friendships. Departure day was a difficult balance between being so glad we had a successful retreat and so sad that it had to end but I know every single person had an amazing time and we’ve all grown closer together, ready for the coming year. This experience truly changed us positively and I am so very grateful.

By Jessica Soh

 Before attending the retreat I didn’t think much of it and wasn’t expecting the experience I received. After hearing previous year 12’s mention what they did on the retreat it did not sound very exciting and due to this, I was not ready for the impact it would have on myself. But after the first few sessions, I had already felt a change of mindset on the experience, through building new connections with others I began to become open-minded on what the rest of the retreat held for me. The most enjoyable part of retreat would have to be the activities which involved meeting someone new, for example, pairing up with someone you don’t necessarily hang out with and having lunch with them. Since the retreat, I believe I have built new connections with others as well as having developed a better understanding of where I stand with my connection with my faith.

By Riley Tonna

Retreat was a great experience , initially I was nervous for what was to come because I thought that it was going to be like a 3 day liturgy but upon arriving I immediately felt a sense of relief and was super excited. When we had time to connect with God and tell people why we are grateful for them was extremely powerful and eye opening as people share things that they usually don’t have the courage too. Sharing and spending more time with others was really positive in deepening and strengthening existing relationships or new relationships that we didn’t have before retreat. Also the time we had to spend with God and here about other people God experiences has changed and strengthened my perspective of my faith.

By Katelyn Burnes

I was kind of scared about this retreat and what it was going to be like because I thought that it would focus too much on the spiritual part more than the actual reconnection with others part but when I got there, it turned out that it was actually the other way around. The retreat was more creating a with others and in a way finding a reconnection with yourself. It was a great experience to play pool or ping pong with others and have a great time and it was amazing to spend late nights talking with your friends and having a laugh but don’t tell the teachers that. To put the phone down and open your eyes to the surroundings and people around you and engage with them was an experience I’ll never forget. To realise the friends I’ve made and have makes me appreciate the people in my life more. Bless up to Sam, Riley, Dylan, Mohit, Andrew, Amith, Jay, Liam, Deklin, Ruby, Cameron, Anthony, Daniel and the other guns out there. Love you all.

By Jayden Diaz 

On Thursday the 21st of November Year 9 had their second pastoral day of the year. The day continued on our theme of Stewardship and was a fantastic opportunity for the year group to come together and strengthen their connections to each other and their houses. 

The day was organised and run by the Year 9 House leaders as a way of the students giving back to each other and thanking each other for their hard work at the last pastoral day. The students were fantastic examples of leaders and demonstrated dedication and commitment in their hard work in ensuring that the day was a success. I would like to thank Rainer, Leyla, Jake, Chantel, Elise, Jayden, Riley and Grace for their hard work, as well as the wide selection of students who helped run activities under the guidance of staff. 

Despite dealing with poor air quality and the need to make quick adjustments to the running of the day, it was a great experience. The day began with a liturgy which focused on the role of stewardship in the lives of the year group as well as the house values which we live everyday. From here students participated in a house vs house challenge, then moving to boxing, yoga or volleyball squares for the middle session. An important part of the day was the pizza fundraised that was held in the afternoon that saw $300 profit raised to be donated to our Christmas hamper appeal. 

The success and enjoyment of the day was in no little part due to the positive attitude and hard work of all students and staff involved. It was a fantastic pastoral day and hopefully the great experiences and bonds formed will continue into Year 10.

Samantha Painter

Year Coordinator

SPORT REPORT TERM 4  - Week 8 Interzone Final

The calendar year of sport has officially drawn to a close, but not without some difficult weather. This week ‘Air Quality’ was the concern with parts of Campbelltown and Liverpool experiencing undesirable conditions for sport. The early call was made to cancel outdoor MISA sports given the locations of the finals, school sport would only run in some instances at John Therry.

Whilst the weather had been terrible, many of the MISA games have been occurring and today we were able to play in Two Interzone Finals - Girls Volleyball and Boys Indoor Cricket. The Girls team were victorious in a very close pool, whilst the boys lost their two matches by 3 and 11 runs respectively. This shows the fine margins and the close nature of the competition. Overall this has been a remarkable year in MISA sport for John Therry, having previously won 11 championships, we have this year won 17 Championships and 1x MISA chess title in the Junior Boys. We will look to celebrate this achievement at the sports assembly.

Final MISA Term 4 Positions

Well done staff and students.

Interzone Finals (only played for indoor sports - Volleyball and Cricket)

10-11 Girls Volleyball	7-9 Boys Indoor Cricket

Sports Assembly Reminder

Guest Speaker ‘Natalie Van Coevorden (class of 2010)’, has agreed to attend the sport assembly as our guest speaker. We are very excited to welcome back Natalie as she has a very busy schedule preparing and training in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games trials. Our sport captain Olivia Southby will be in charge of preparing and asking Natalie some questions as part of the assembly. A reminder that parents are welcome to attend. Of course the sport assembly is one of my favourite days on the school calendar as we acknowledge a number of sporting successes throughout 2019 and award the ‘Best on Ground’ and ‘Sports Person of the Year awards. Next week’s newsletter will celebrate our award winners.

Our Annual Sports assembly is coming up later this term, where we celebrate the sporting achievements of our students throughout 2019. More details to follow throughout the term. Location: William E Murray Hall Date: Tuesday 10th December Time 1:00- 2:30 Guest speaker: Natalie Van Coevorden (Class of 2010- Australian Triathlete).

Jack Crawford Games:

Jack Crawford games is a unique school carnival held in memory of the late Jack Crawford who was a founding and influential member of the John Therry community. Our school ovals and the carnival are both named after Jack Crawford.

John Therry will be hosting its annual “Jack Crawford Games” on the Monday 16th December, Week 10. The students will be involved in a number of activities that will promote teamwork, house spirit and flashes of individual brilliance. The Carnival is always a student favourite and involves a rotation of a number of different sports and activities. Students compete in house-based matches in year groups to collect points to become the Jack Crawford winner. More details will follow shortly from your house captains.

To find out more information, click on the Carnival Tab on the JT Sport Page or read the information note sent home on the 28th of November.

*If you have any sporting news you would like to share with our community, please contact Mr Daniel Goodhew daniel.goodhew@dow.catholic.edu.au

For more sporting information, please visit the John Therry Sport Page.

https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/johntherrysport/home

Regards

Mr Daniel Goodhew

PREPARING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

 Rest, relaxation, and time with family and friends is the main goal for students over the end of year holidays. However there are some things that students might like to consider doing, perhaps towards the end of the holidays, that will make their school year ahead much easier, particularly senior students. 

• Organise and rearrange your room and study space to make it a more effective learning area.
• Sort out all of your materials for school, decide what to keep and how to organise your work and if you can improve your filing systems.
• Set up term planners for the year so you can map put your due dates when the year starts.
• Set up a study timetable for the year so you have clear times allocated to complete your schoolwork during the week.
• Think about building your skills in any areas of weakness or any areas you’d like to develop new skills in like touch typing.
• If you can find out any of the novels you will studying in the coming year, read them over the holidays.
• For senior students consider downloading the syllabus documents for the subjects you will be studying.

 Of course we also want students to refresh their mind and body, catch up on their sleep and take the time to focus on enjoying a healthy lifestyle.