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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
During the last few weeks the attention of Australia has been on the incredible revelations of sexual abuse against women in Parliament House and the hundreds of school girls revealing the appalling treatment they endured in their teens. Thousands of young women have supported an online opportunity to reveal the disgraceful treatment they received as young women in their teenage years by male peers and the morally and illegal behaviours that have thrown a spotlight on. These were ‘accepted’ behaviours – but no longer.
The central theme to these behaviours has been the abandonment of respect for the human person to achieve what the perpetrator wanted. As Catholic educators working in Gospel based school settings these behaviours need to be called out for what they are. Illegal and punishable. As Catholics we are committed to the dignity of every person.
Further headlines focus on parliament, the armed forces (again) and teenage school girls abducted from their schools in overseas countries.
In April 2014 (276) Chibok schoolgirls were kidnapped by armed Boko Haram operatives. Sadly the world looked on. Last week (317) school girls were kidnapped and released a week later unharmed. But at what emotional and mental cost?
During last year's covid pandemic outbreak women lost more jobs than men, were paid less wages and had reduced hours.
Our Director of Schools, Peter Hill, is calling on each of us to acknowledge and celebrate women's achievements and the contribution they offer across society:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on so many throughout the world, but particularly on women. We’ve made improvements when it comes to gender equality, but we have still a long way to go. Each one of us can be part of making change happen as we work to make a positive difference for all people who participate in Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wollongong, especially women and girls."
In today's world we need to acknowledge that women are as capable and more than capable as men and equality should not still be a dream.
200 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA
This year, 2021, we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. And our school has a direct link to it. Fr John Joseph Therry had lobbied the colonial government for an opportunity to provide a Catholic education for the children of the colony. At this point Catholic students could enter an Anglican school as long as they left Catholicism behind. Otherwise they had NO educational opportunity.
Fr Therry saw the injustice of this and fought to create a Catholic opportunity. This came with the acquisition of some land in Hunter Street Parramatta – well away from the fledging colony centre on the harbor. This site is now where the Diocese of Parramatta Cathedral stands and where Parramatta Marist was until its relocation to Westmead.
Fr Therry also pushed for land to provide a Catholic Church for the numerous Irish catholic prisoners, released and free settlers. Finally he was granted land where St Mary’s Cathedral stands near Hyde Park in Sydney today. At the time this was the tip for the colony and well away from the tank stream (fresh water source) and the main settlement. The colonial government was making a statement to Fr Therry. Nevertheless he accepted the land and built the first St Mary’s.
Fr Therry also built the first St John’s Church in Campbelltown; the first Church in
Balmain and Strathfield. We are John Therry Catholic College and we need to be proud of the fighting spirit of this small Irishman and his dogged determination to provide for his flock of colonial Catholics.
P & F Meeting - Tuesday Week 9 - 23rd March - 6:30-7:30pm
We welcome parents and carers to join us at our P&F meeting on Tuesday 23rd March at 6:30pm in the staff common room (next to the front office).
Meet Mr Marshall and learn more about what is happening at John Therry. All are welcome and we hope to see you there.
There will be the option to zoom in and you can register for this by emailing mcallisterb01@dow.catholic.edu.au requesting zoom access.
So, we're almost halfway through Lent . . .
How's it been going so far? Have you been keeping strong with your promise of giving something up? What about prayer and giving, are you doing lots more of that, too? Have you made it to confession yet?
If you're like me, you may have started off strong and are now down to a bit of a fizzle. You may even keep forgetting that it's still Lent.
Fortunately Lent doesn't have to end on a crash and burn. There is still time to finish it well. Thankfully, Lent is long enough (six weeks!) so that we have time to pick up and start again when we drop off through our own weakness or forgetfulness.
If you struggle to make the big heroic sacrifices, here are simple things that you can do each day of the week to help prepare your soul for Easter. I have found that making different kinds of sacrifices each day, rather than a single 40-day long sacrifice, works better as I try to progress through Lent faithfully.
One way we can support others during Lent is through Project Compassion. Each Learning Group has a donation box that students can contribute to and help communities that are in desperate need of our action and advocacy. The link below is a great place to start to learn more about the work of Caritas and the communities they support through our time, talents and treasure.
The College is committed to keeping student achievement and performance as the focus of what we do each day. So, on Monday, 8th March 2021, the staff spent a day participating in various workshops to review, learn and improve pedagogical practice. The photos are evidence of a day that was intense, engaging and productive!
Congratulations to Aaron Crispino and his HSC Art Express selection. The video below showcases Aaron's work at 25:05 minutes in. Worth a look.
SPORT REPORT TERM 1 2021 Round 4 versus Macarthur Adventist College
|
Team |
Coach |
Result |
Comment |
|
10-12 Boys Basketball |
Mr Peters |
70 - 28 JT Win |
After a slow start the boys picked up to win convincingly; scoring 41 points in the second half. Still need to ‘box out’ on the defensive end. Four players scored in the double digits - Tayvion Zaglas, Eli Matic, Wesley Titus and Kisione Tupola. MVP: Devontay Zaglas |
|
10-12 Girls Basketball |
Mr Conway |
35 - 10 JT Win |
Before my Grandfather died he said to me “one day you will witness greatness, I promise you.” As the years passed and I faced more and more mediocrity...I became disillusioned. I started to resent my grandfather. In my darkest moments I would curse his memory and even take pleasure in his demise. I write this to say that today, at long last, I thought my grandfather’s promise had come true. The first half of this game was as close to greatness as I could imagine. We managed to keep our opponents to zero. In a whole half of basketball they were unable to break our banks. We were perfect. At half time I said a little prayer of thanks to my grandfather. I was repentant for my doubts. But then the second half started. We were sloppy. We were not great. We managed to seek out a win. My experience of greatness was tarnished. Is it better to have tasted a fleeting moment of greatness or to wait to find a complete moment? Is the quest better than the destination? I am not sure. I just know that I now believe he is a liar. MVP: Shontay McClymont-Lucas |
|
7-9 Boys Volleyball |
Mr Williamson |
3 - 0 JT Win |
Close game, especially in the first set. Fringe players stepped up well to take an early lead. The introduction of Garang, Lachlan and Cody resulted in a fairly comfortable victory. Few mistakes this week and better serving. MVP: Lachlan Phiousodarith |
|
7-9 Girls Volleyball |
Mrs Pellegrino |
1-2 MAC Win |
A strong first set from both teams with multiple rallies. The JT team came to win the first set 25-21. With the second set, JT lost confidence after 6 points in a row was won by MAC from their serves. After a team talk, JT were ready to bring their a-game in the third and final set. Unfortunately, the rallies between JT and MAC were favoured for MAC, costing JT to lose the game. I commend the JT team on how they performed in both the first and third set; it has been the best game so far in terms of rallies. Well done. MVP: Alexis Paulo |
|
10-12 Girls Oztag |
Mrs. White |
14 - 1 JT Win |
This week the girls were blessed with the presence of super coach Mrs White. Psychologically and tactically this (no doubt) had enormous influence in carrying them forward to victory against their opposition MacArthur Adventist College. Much like their coach, the girls were impressive in their game and the spirit in which they played it. In attack they maintained deep lines and penetrated the defence numerous times being rewarded for their efforts with 14 tries. This perhaps could have been more had we not made a number of passing errors. Tries were awarded to Ella F, Ella D (2), Emilie (2), Kaylah (2), Kiara (3) and Shanae (4). These were a culmination of both sterling team and individual plays. Defensively JT were sharp, quick off the mark and denied their opponents countless metres. JT only conceded the one try and in true sportsmanship were happy for their opponent’s success. Players of the match today were Kaylah and Kiara. Thanks for having me on tour. I do apologise to Mr Tran who may be looking for a new coaching role in the near future! MVP: Kaylah Marshall and Kiara Bolz |
|
10-12 Boys Oztag |
Mr McGrath |
13 - 2 JT Win |
A new opponent into the competition was exciting for the senior boys, creating great anticipation for week 7. Ryan Connors was destined for his first try, until it was unrightfully stripped from him and he was sent back to his wing. An outstanding performance by Filemu and Jesse saw JT dominate the whole game. Looking forward to the final few weeks of the competition! MVP: Jesse Mundine |
|
7-9 Girls Indoor Cricket |
Mr Geribo |
BYE |
|
|
7-9 Boys Softball |
Mr Chapman |
10 - 4 JT Win |
The boys had a fantastic game and all round team performance. Our batting was flawless scoring 10 runs in 2 innings. Our fielding needs some work as we let some chances slip, however, our pitchers were good enough to close out the game. MVP: Alex Nohra |
|
7-9 Girls Hockey |
Mrs. Davidson |
0 - 0 DRAW |
A very competitive game, the girls worked very hard defensively to produce a 0 all result. They worked well as a team and their skills and communication are getting better and better each week. Our player of the match was Pratha Chauhan who has contributed consistently all season with her hard work on the field and an always positive and supportive attitude. MVP: Pratha Chauhan |
A few general reminders
- Please make sure you are on time for Sport each Tuesday, and read the run sheet on Tuesday morning. Socks need to be white or JTCC socks, and visible at or above the ankle.
- The new MISA/Representative shorts can be purchased for $20 from the Finance Office, and picked up from the Sports Office. There are Rugby/AFL, OzTag and Multi shorts.
Diocesan Events
The next few weeks will see John Therry participate in a number of Diocesan events. Upcoming events include U15 and Open Boys Rugby League trials, Diocesan Swimming carnival - good luck to all the students representing JTCC. Diocesan U13’s and Pathway Soccer for girls and boys is coming up.. Team meetings and training times will be advertised, with students encouraged to read the daily announcements on Compass for more notices.
CCC Sport
Congratulations - Ryan Connors and Frankie Gerace competed at the NSWCCC selection event at Macquarie Links Golf Course on Monday 8th March. Unfortunately Frankie had a rough day and didn’t make the NSWCCC team. Ryan, on the other hand played exceptionally well, scoring 6 over on the day. He has been selected in the team of 8 to compete in the NSW All School Championship in Batemans Bay in May.
Ryan Connors considering his next shot
Remember that there is a new way to nominate individual sports for NSW CCC. This information can be found if you search CSNSW Sport on Google.
Swim Carnival
On Friday the 5th of March student's descended on Gordon Fetterplace Aquatic Centre for the 41st Annual John Therry swimming carnival. As students entered the gates the year 12 captains and students immediately started the carnival off with the first round of cheering, a superb display of leadership. Connolly and Murray relished their position in the grandstand.
Many of our competitive swimmers had been squad training from the early hours (5:00am) and were ready to set a blistering pace in the 200m Individual Medley. Throughout the day there was some fantastic swimming on display, and it’s great to see some speedy new swimmers joining the JTCC team in Year 7.
As the day heated up participation in the swimming events began to increase and most of the year 12 students took the opportunity to swim with the aid of flotation devices in the non competitive races. With Aqua Volleyball Squares happening in the 25 metre pool, Volleyball and Tug-of-War happening outside and races in the main pool, there were opportunities for all students to get involved, have fun and earn points for their house.
After completing our standard swimming program with time to spare, it was time to run the premier events! This year we completed a junior, intermediate and senior biathlon to give our juniors a taste of one of the highlights of the day. The pace was frantic, with the lead swimmers churning up the pool before handing over to the first leg of runners. Well done to all competitors involved in this exciting event.
The relays are always a personal highlight and we see the best out of our students in the pool and in the grandstands cheering on their respective house groups. There were some nail biting finishes in each relay, with major honours going to:
Connolly - (Girls) 6 x 50 metre race
Murray - (Boys) 6 x 50 metre race
Both male and female staff teams were victorious against the students, without having to rely on any dubious tactics.
Thank you to all staff and student leaders who were both exceptional throughout the day. A few members of the public (regular swimmers at the pool) and the pool staff summed up the day when they commended our students' excellent behaviour and manners, which is a great tribute to the students that attended on the day.
Congratulations to all our competitive swimmers and good luck at the Diocesan Carnival this Friday.
Age Champions and House Champion will be announced at the next school assembly.
If you have any questions, please get in contact via the school number 4645 8100 or via my email address:
bodeker01@dow.catholic.edu.au (In charge year 7+8 Sport)
School photography day is Friday 23/4/21 and Monday 26/4/21.
Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on school photo day.
NEW
advancedlife now offers Latitude Pay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 small easy payments, simply order your school photos online as usual, set up a Latitude Pay account in just a few clicks and pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.
3 easy ways to purchase:
- LatitudePay – Click on the link below, set up an account during the online order process and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, if you pay on time
- Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
- Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day
Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: A7J Q2X C41
School photography information:
- Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
- Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos
- Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
- Package delivery - photographic packages will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
- Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past
advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to John Therry Catholic College for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact