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As we come to the end of Week 3 of the 2020 school year I thank you all for the smooth start. I also acknowledge that some of our community have had significant issues with either the fires or the rain. We live in a beautiful and unpredictable country. While we prayed for rain to ease the damage and destruction of the drought, which was then followed by the fires, we had our prayers answered. What we didn’t want was record breaking rain in such a short period of time. A number of Staff had difficulties getting to school and some of our families had home damage. But as always, the resilience of the Australian people will see us through.
We were also all shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic deaths of the three Abdallah children Sienna, Angelina, and Antony and their cousin Veronique Sakr recently. But one thing that has inspired many in the wake of this tragic accident is the response of the three sibling’s parents to their loss.
Leila, the children’s mother spoke of her heartbreak, of her hope for fairness in the courts, but also of her forgiveness. Yet she did so without any sense of superficiality or hollowness. Her forgiveness was real, and it was real because it acknowledged the immense pain she was experiencing but also of her knowledge that her faith asked this forgiveness of her. I wonder at the strength of this woman in such trying and devastating times. I wonder how we would have reacted?
This message of forgiveness has now been spread all over the country through her interview and last Saturday a further vigil took place, in the torrential rain, in the grounds at Westmead Hospital for the return to health of the remaining injured child - who is still in a coma.
In this, Leila has shown us a living example of Jesus’ in the world today. She did not let the light of her faith die even in the midst of such an horrific event, but she let it shine for all our nation to see. And this light has since spread with prayers and vigils being offered for the family – to which we should join our own prayers.
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD VISITS JOHN THERRY
Last year we had our Federal Member Dr Freelander attend the school to celebrate our students and their work in bio-technology. Last week the SMH attended the launch of our ‘radio telescope’ project being undertaken by students over the coming months. The science faculty is keen to see what results the students manage to obtain with their DIY telescope.
Below is a link to the article published in the Herald.
ONE WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE
Each year there is a theme for all Marist schools to work with and reflect upon. In 2020 the theme is ‘one wild and precious life’. In last weeks Newsletter the theme was introduced and we published the letter from Mr Tony Clarke, Director of Marist Mission and Life Formation. In it he writes ….”At its heart, it is a question that invites us to look at who we are, the lives that we are living and our place in the world. Our response to this question can take us on a journey of understanding about what brings greater freedom and meaning in our lives …”
I believe that the students at John Therry are as good as any that I have taught in any school, but I am not sure if they believe that. Looking at and reflecting on our one wild and precious life puts things into perspective. Young people need to be ambitious. As an old teacher/mentor of mine used to say …’if you aim for the stars you never know where you will end up, but if you aim for the gutter you are sure to succeed’.
So why not have a talk to your child about taking advantage of a wild and precious life.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
A reminder to all parents and care-givers that the OLHC car park is not to be used for the drop off and pick up of John Therry students.
Of an afternoon there has been a steadily increasing number of cars entering the Primary School car park.
Our designated Drop off/Pick Up Zone is outside the school gates on Demetrius Road.
Thank You for your cooperation.
YEAR 12 DRAMA ‘ONSTAGE’ EXCURSION
On Tuesday February 11th, our Senior Drama students viewed HSC Drama exemplary projects and performances at ‘ONSTAGE’ at the York Theatre in the Seymour Centre. Included in the exhibition was the Costume Design; ‘Waltzing the Willarra’ by 2019 student Soana Talanoa.
‘ONSTAGE’ is a presentation and exhibition of group and individual performances and projects by Higher School Certificate Drama students. These exemplary Drama performances comprised both group performances (GP) and individual performances from the best across the state. This year’s both projects and performances were the best we have seen in years. Sitting up front at this esteemed event was a memorable experience, one the students and staff will long remember. Students viewed the exhibition of exemplary individual projects by in the foyer of the Seymour Centre, which including costume and set design, director’s folio, promotion and program, and theatre review.
Thank you to Mrs. Cascarino for organising this brilliant experience for our Drama students.
John Therry ‘FITT’ Club is open every Tuesday morning from 7:15 to 8:30 in our school gym which is located in E7.
All John Therry students have the option of attending JT ‘FITT’ Club and students of all fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Our focus at ‘FITT’ Club is on strength training, aerobic training, boxing and general body weight exercises.
Depending on students fitness levels and experience, they can opt to partake in the group fitness class or they can do an individual fitness program that is tailored for their specific needs. At the end of every session, free fruit is available for students to enjoy. If you are interested in attending JT ‘FITT’ Club please speak to Mr Bodeker, Mr Webb or Mr Tran.
WELCOME TO JOHN THERRY CATHOLIC COLLEGE 2020
John Therry Catholic College acknowledges the Dharawal people who are the traditional custodians of the land our school sits on. All students, teachers and staff at John Therry Catholic College Respect Elders both past and present, we value the contributions of all Aboriginal people to our school and the education of our children.
We would like to welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family members and community to our school. Closing the Gap is a commitment by all Australian governments to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians and provide a better future for the Indigenous children.
John Therry Catholic College is working to Close the Gap by:
- working with families to complete Personalised Learning Plans for all Aboriginal students
- committing to achieving improved outcomes for Indigenous Students
- providing culturally appropriate Aboriginal education for all students
- increasing knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Australia for all staff and students
CELEBRATIONS FOR 2020
13th February - National Apology
21st March – Closing the Gap/Harmony Day
15th April - Appin Massacre Memorial Ceremony
23rd May – Sorry Day Minto Church Year 7 indigenous students
26th May - National Sorry Day Reconciliation
11th June - NAIDOC lunch and Assembly
Cultural Focused Activities Dance Troupe, Didgeridoo, weaving, Art Projects, Cultural Awareness Days, AIME, NAISDA Dance programs
CONGRATULATIONS
A huge Congratulations to Amelia Melville on becoming School DUX for 2019!
Cherrylle Nau
Aboriginal Education Assistant
SPORT REPORT TERM 1 2020 Round 1 vs Mt Carmel
|
Team |
Coach |
Result |
Comment |
|
10-12 Boys Basketball |
Mr Peters |
Win 54-42 |
Excellent team effort with everyone doing their role. Starters played particularly well. Brayden Lee topped the steals and assists, setting up our shooters - Wesley and Moses . |
|
10-12 Girls Basketball |
Mr Humbles |
BYE |
|
|
7-9 Boys Volleyball |
Mr Williamson |
Win |
After a nervous and slow start we put in a strong performance. Boys did well to stay calm, find their feet and go on to play with confidence and enthusiasm. Looking towards a strong season. MVP: Will Craig |
|
7-9 Girls Volleyball |
Mrs Pellegrino |
BYE |
|
|
10-12 Girls Oztag |
Mr Tran |
BYE |
|
|
10-12 Boys Oztag |
Mr McGrath |
Cancelled |
|
|
7-9 Girls Indoor Cricket |
Mr Geribo |
BYE |
|
|
7-9 Boys Softball |
Mr Bodeker |
Cancelled |
|
|
7-9 Boys Softball |
Mr Stanley |
Cancelled |
Round 1 of the 2020 MISA competition saw wet weather impact lots of matches, plus a bye round for the all Girls team, resulting in only two JT teams playing and winning both games convincingly. All coaches are happy with their team’s performances and look forward to training and seeing out the competition in style.
The new Year has brought many new sporting opportunities for the students in the MISA, Diocesan and NSW CCC competitions.
Diocesan Events
The next few weeks will see John Therry participate in the Diocesan Boys and Girls Touch Football, U15 and Open Boys Rugby League trials by nomination, Tennis Teams event and the Diocesan Swimming carnival. Team meetings, trials and training will be held soon, students are encouraged to read the daily announcements. Students who have been selected in teams already for Tennis and Boys Touch Football should have received their permission notes on Compass.
Diocesan Dates
Week 4 Wednesday 19th Feb BOYS Dio Touch (15’s/Opens), Dalton Park
Week 4 Thursday 20th Feb Dio Tennis (Teams), Gwyneville
Week 6 Monday 2nd March GIRLS Dio Touch (13’s/15’s/Opens), Dalton Park
Week 7 Friday 13th March Dio Swimming Carnival, Corrimal
Week 8 Wednesday 18th March Dio Rugby League (15’s/Opens), Wollongong Invite only
Students are to sign up for their chosen sport at the sports office and wait for upcoming selections.
NSW CCC
Remember that there is a new way to nominate for individual sports for NSW CCC. This information can be found on the website:
Please note that some sports are selected by individual trials, and these can be held throughout NSW.
Selection in the following sports: Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Touch Football and Football are done through the Wollongong Diocese carnivals by way of representing John Therry at these respective carnivals.
Selection in the following sports: AFL, Baseball, Basketball, Cricket – Girls, Golf, Hockey, Netball, Rugby League, Rugby, Softball, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball will need to be done via individual nomination and selections.
John Therry Swimming Carnival
The 40th Annual Swimming Carnival will be held at Bradbury Pool on Friday 28th February 2020. Permission notes will be distributed digitally on the Compass App, and all consent can be given online. If required, students print their notes at home and return them to be scanned at the Finance Office, or the Sports Coordinator can print the note.
Students should assemble on the basketball courts at the rear of the Bradbury pool (Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre) from 8.15am as the attendance rolls will be marked at 8.30am.
In the event of bad weather, a cancellation announcement will be made on C 91.3, via school email and on the School’s website from 6:30am onwards and a normal school day will be held.
Yours in Sport,
Ms Georgia Leach
