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I had a trickle of terror running down my back as I heard more and more of the ‘new’ covid strain – Omicron - last weekend. After two of the most demanding years in education I feared another variation of the delta virus that may cause further disruption for us all in the coming months.
I am very hopeful that the precautions that we have made will protect all as we deal with this new health threat. As a Principal, and employer, I am concerned the well-being of all Staff and students through the new media coverage of the unfolding situation. The initial reports were quite alarming and as the next few days unfolded we all realised that it may not be as big a threat as first thought.
As we finish Week 9 there is only a week and a few days to go for the students and two weeks for the Staff. After so much time off school and in lockdown I hope that all can enjoy the freedom of some travel and time spent with extended family and friends.
A big thank you to those parents who attended the P&F Meeting on Tuesday night. I appreciate your opinions and discussion about ways to support student learning and move the College forward.
Mr Wayne Marshall
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As I write this Newsletter I recognise that we had the lighting of the first Advent candle at mass last weekend and the lighting of both the first and second candles this coming weekend. The first candle, which is purple, symbolises ’hope’. It is sometimes called the ‘prophecy candle’ in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Why be hopeful, because when we can choose hope, we move closer to optimism and action.
The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the ‘Bethlehem candle’ as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The candle of love.
Why do I need Love? Ultimately, the reason why love and compassion bring us the greatest happiness is simply that our nature cherishes them above all else.
The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have past the midpoint of Advent.
Why be joyful, because joy is a choice, an action, a response to situations and most importantly, a gift that you can give to others.
On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
Why be peaceful, because when I am at peace, I accept who I am, I believe that I have value, and that I have an active part in the decisions around my life, during the good and difficult times.
The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The colour white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior.
ADVENT CYCLE
A new Church year has begun and another calendar year is drawing to a close. The cycles of life continue.
The days of Advent tell the story of a journey; in fact, at least two journeys. The first journey, told through the Old Testament, gives an account of the Hebrew people, of their trials and tribulations in seeking to follow the call of God, and their expectant waiting for his promise to be realised. The second journey is a shorter journey of nine months: from the Annunciation through to a birth in Bethlehem. And this birth is the fulfilment of the Hebrew people’s hope, though many failed to recognise it as such.
The candles of the Advent Wreath mark this journey liturgically. The first candle tells of the hope that’s central to both journeys.
The first candle: Hope
Sunday’s Mass Readings tell of promise, faithfulness and awareness. The Gospel speaks of apocalyptic trouble and consequent anxiety, and calls on Christians to be ready and alert. It’s as applicable today to our own challenges, as it was to the early Church as it faced division and persecution: “Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man” (Luke 21: 36). This is a call to steadfast hope, founded in the faithful love of God: a deep-down solid hope that can withstand everything that life can throw at us.
As Emily Dickinson tells us:
Hope is the thing of feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard.
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
Mr Steve Robinson
Religious Education Coordinator
We will once again provide the opportunity for parents, teachers and students to discuss end of semester 2 reports at our Parent- Teacher conferences on Wednesday 15th December. Bookings can be made through the Compass app and instructions have been sent to parents on how to make bookings. If you are having any issues, please contact the school office for support.
More good news from Science!
As a result of our ongoing involvement with Amgen and the Biotech experience, We have been announced as finalists in the AMGEN Awards.
JT Science department has been announced as a finalist for the ABE school award category 'For the Good of the Colony'.
For the Good of the Colony: This is the ABE teamwork award. Like a nutrient-rich broth feeding growth and development, these teams of teachers and lab techs support each to be their best. They work together to get through their kit loan, advise each other and strive for the best outcomes for their students.
Ms Katrina Willingham has been announced as a finalist for the ABE Tremendous Technician award.
Tremendous Technician award: They just make everything work. Without our technicians, running the ABE at school could be completely overwhelming. We know they are all amazing, taking on extra tasks and learning new skills to support hands-on laboratory learning, and this award recognises our top techs.
Congratulations also to Ali Alwaeli for winning Bronze at the Young Scientists Awards.
Dear Parents/Friends,
Sport is officially done for the term, and the year! What a turbulent year 2021 has been. JTCC year 7- 10 finished sports on a good note, with the vast majority of students getting involved, having a go and showing great sportsmanship to each other. We wrap up the sporting term with our modified Sports Assembly on Tuesday 7th December, and Jack Crawford Games on Tuesday 14th December.
Students need to make sure they get parental consent for these events on the Compass Parent Portal.
The rain stayed away again for our final group to attend swimming, with a small contingent of year 8 girls attending their swimming session at Bradbury pool. Everyone involved had a great time with students learning basic swim safety skills and gaining confidence in the water. Well done to the girls on their participation.
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Annual Sports Assembly Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions we cannot host the event in our usual format in the Hall, and we cannot have guests or parents in attendance. Instead the event will be broadcast on Youtube Live. The link for this will be posted on Compass on the morning of Tuesday 7th December. There will be a rehearsals on Monday 6th December - P5 & P6 *Due to COVID restrictions MISA and Knockout Winners (Regional Oztag Championships) will stay in their Learning Groups for the awards, and receive their certificates from their LG Mentor. Major award winners will be in the library for the presentation. Date: Tuesday 7th December Time 1:00- 2:30
Jack Crawford 2021 Date: Tuesday 14th December Time: All day More information will be available on the Compass Event - permission to be give via the Parent Portal ASAP. |
Year 8 & 9 Students will be completing their 2022 REC Sport Preferences this week via Google Form.
Students in Years 9 and 10 are given the responsibility to select a sport group / program. Selections should be based on personal interest and physical activity needs. It is important that students select their sport group wisely to ensure they gain as much as possible from the Tuesday Sport Program, which is compulsory.
Recreational Sport options will work on a rotation system, with students given the opportunity to rotate through 8 activities within the year to meet the 200 hours of physical activity that students must complete in stage 5 of High School. Students will be transported via chartered bus or will be located on school grounds.
Once students have selected their sport group and rolls have been finalised on the timetable, the aim is to minimise any changes in 2022 unless absolutely necessary.
Students who trial in MISA must still select a group, as they will participate in this group when they are not competing in MISA.
NB:
- Online selections are based on a ‘first in’ process. Students may still miss out on preferences, and will be allocated to a group randomly. Students who have not given consent for the General Sports Permission Note on COMPASS may not receive their first preference.
- Some external providers will require additional clearances to be completed prior to participation. Failure to do this will result in sport detention.
Specialist Groups
In the last few years John Therry is steadily increasing the opportunities for extracurricular interests. These specialist groups are run during Tuesday Sport by some of our passionate staff. Please see below details for the available specialist groups.
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STAFF |
Running during term |
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Drama |
FLINT/ABELA |
1- 4 |
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Band |
MAYES |
1- 4 |
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Choir |
MORTON |
1- 4 |
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Debating |
ROET/PEDDER |
1 - 4 |
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Biodiversity and Sustainability Club |
HARRIS/MEREDITH |
1 - 4 |
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Dance |
TBC |
2 and 3 |
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Activity |
Description |
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Drama Group |
Open to years 7 - 10. Drama and performance team that will work on performance technique and the school musical. |
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Choir Group |
Open to years 7- 10 . The choir group works on school songs for events as well as building up skills, working on technique and songs for fun. |
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Band Group |
Open to years 7- 10 . The band group works on school songs and performance pieces for events as well as building up skills, working on technique. |
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Dance Group |
Open to year 7-11 through selection trials. The dance group will be working on performance pieces for events such as assemblies, MISA Showcase (Term 2), Your Next Step Dance Challenge (Term 3). |
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Debating Group |
Open to students Year 7 -10. Students who are looking to develop debating and public speaking skills and would like to compete in inter-school competitions. |
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Biodiversity and Sustainability Club |
Projects to be implemented and maintained include:
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Macarthur Football Association - U16 PLAYERS OPPORTUNITIES The MFA are looking for Goalkeepers and Outfield Players to Compete in the boys association youth league.
EMAIL SIA AT CONVENOR@MACARTHURFOOTBALL.COM.AU TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST |
*If you have any sporting news and achievements, please contact Ms Georgia Leach at leachg01@dow.catholic.edu.au
Regards,
Ms Leach
The Wollondilly Shire Council invited entries for the 2021 Spring Garden Competition. There were 14 categories. Mrs Colleen Scott from the curriculum office entered her beautiful garden in the 'Best Native Garden' category and won first place in this category.
