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Newsletter Term 1 _ Week 10_2025

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the St John’s Catholic College Community,

Term 2 Commences Monday 14 April 2025

Term 1 has been packed full of so many learning and engagement opportunities, it feels like only yesterday we were welcoming everyone back for the start of the 2025 Academic Year, including our 54 new Year 7 students who have done an amazing job in transitioning from primary school to secondary school.

A big thanks to our amazing staff in the day and boarding school for their care, support and educational opportunities they have provided our students. Thank you to our parents and carers who continue to support our College and staff, we are so close to passing 300 enrolments and this growth has only been possible through staff and parents working in partnership, as evidenced through our Meet the Teachers evening, Boarding parents evening, and the many face to face meetings, phone calls, emails and SEQTA direct messages over the Term. Thank you for your positive engagement.

A reminder that we will conduct the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the College Advisory Board on Tuesday 27th May, commencing at 5pm in the Main College Administration. All welcome. If you are interested in nominating for a position on the College Advisory Board, please email admin.stjohns@nt.catholic.edu.au for further information and for a nomination form. The Board would particularly benefit from parents / carers with a background in the law or building construction.

It has been particularly pleasing to see our overall attendance rate push closer towards 90%, which is our goal and expectation for all students, with many students recording 95%+ attendance rate and are on track for an attendance merit award at the end of the school year.

In the classroom, our teachers continue to engage in the Catholic Education Northern Territory (CENT) Learning Alliance. This work is supported by Dr. Lyn Sharratt and her publication Clarity, keeps our System, College and Teachers engaged in high impact strategies supporting learning, growth and achievement.

Practically, students should be seeing more of the following occurring in classrooms:

The 3rd Teacher: More resources on the classroom wall that support learning, including anchor charts, bump it up walls (sample work), and other resources.
Learning Intentions and Success Criteria: Teachers and students spending more time unpacking what they are learning, why they are learning it, how will they know when they have learnt it, and where to go for help and support.
Learning Walks and Talks: Teachers visiting classrooms to learn from each other and to view lessons through the lens of Clarity’s Five Questions:

What are students learning? Why?
How are students doing?
How do students know how they are doing?
How can students improve?
Where can students go for help?

The Assessment Waterfall: Teachers being more explicit in their instruction through Formative Assessment: Learning Intentions – Success Criteria – Descriptive Feedback – Peer and Self-Assessment – Individual Goal Setting.

Behind the scenes it is most pleasing to see the continued use of data that is informing teaching, learning and school processes.

There have been many opportunities for learning to take place outside of the classroom, through our boarding program, pastoral care and wellbeing program, gala day sports, as well as our House activities, carnivals and assemblies.

Recently our Year 11s attended the Street Smart High, a road safety program at the Convention Centre, and our Middle School Students participated in the State of Mind mental health and wellbeing program, that is Headspace developed and endorsed, and delivered by the National Rugby League.

I was particularly impressed with how our students engaged with the program being delivered by former NRL Stars Sia Soliola and Trent Hodkinson. The program taught students practical concepts to support their mental health and wellbeing. Including, the ‘bucket’ analogy, where stressors in life fill someone’s stress bucket, and ‘taps’ attached to the bucket help empty the bucket, with the goal to find balance in life.

Stressors are not necessarily bad, and too many ‘taps’ are not necessarily good or productive. Stressors may be school, friendships, social media, busy schedule, work, finances, etc. Taps may be sleep, family, socialising, healthy diet, hobbies, etc. In addition, the program conveyed positive mental health and wellbeing messages, through both practical and theoretical activities using the following framework:

G: Get Informed – learn how stress impacts us and how we can look after our mental health and wellbeing and why it’s important.
A: Adopt Strategies – learn the importance of modelling mentally healthy behaviours for yourself and others
A: Ask Questions – learn how to ask someone if they are ok
M: Make Connections – learn the importance of meaningful connections for mental health and wellbeing
E: Enlist Support – reflect on current support systems and learn new ones

At the time of writing this newsletter article, I am in Timor Leste visiting schools and meeting with families as part of our engagement as an International College. Timor Leste is an important partnership for the College, and we look forward to welcoming more students from Timor Leste to St John’s in the future.

At the end of Term 1 we farewell Ms Janet Ching Yeung and wish her all the best for the safe arrival of her baby.

Term 2 commences Monday 14th April and has disrupted start due to the following important Public Holidays:

Friday 18th April (Good Friday) Week 1
Monday 21st April (Easter Monday) Week 2
Friday 25th April (ANZAC Day) Week 2
Monday 5th May (May Day) Week 4

Wishing you and your family a relaxing school holiday and looking forward to celebrating Easter with the College Community early Term 2. God Bless for this Lenten period.

Fortes in Fide,

Cameron Hughes

Principal

Deputy Principal

Dear Members of the St John’s Catholic College Community,

Term One has been a seen a lot of vibrant activity and community spirit here at St Johns! On Friday 21st March we celebrated the richness of our diverse community with a joyful Harmony Day, Stage One and Two Health & Wellbeing students put on a number of activities as part of their assessment work to bring our many cultures together at school. There was high energy at the Burford Spirit Day and House Basketball Cup, where we were delighted to host local member Laurie Zio to present House Merit Pins to our Student Representative Committee. Our Year 11 students attended Street Smart High program where they learnt some key information about driving and good choices as a passenger as young drivers and decision makers. Students have showcased their talents and team work at the AFL and Basketball Gala Days. We were lucky enough that the Monsoon had a break for the day for our Annual Swimming Carnival, well done to O’Loughlin on a third successive win at our House Cup events so far this year.

As we transition into Term Two, we approach the reflective period of Holy Week, followed by ANZAC Day and the May Day Public Holiday. Whilst these long weekends are an opportunity for a break and enjoying the beginning of the Dry Season it is important that students promptly return to school and their learning. Please remember to inform the school of any planned student absences ahead of time. You can and use the SEQTA dashboard to check on any unexplained absences. Additionally, we would like to remind everyone that the holiday break is an excellent opportunity to check the condition of your child's school shoes, especially after the wet season. As the weather begins to cool, please remember that only St John's school sweatshirts are permitted. We extend our sincere gratitude to our teachers and staff, whose commitment and passion have made this term a success. The strong sense of community at St. John's, where students, staff, and families support each other, is truly something to be celebrated. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a productive Term Two

Kind Regards,

Rebecca Young

Deputy Principal

Assistant Principal: Teaching and Learning

Dear St John’s Catholic College Community,

Student Tracking – Years 10-12

Years 10-12 students at St John’s Catholic College undertake the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET). The College has set parameters that all senior students must meet in each year level to ensure successful completion of the NTCET. By the end of the academic year, students should demonstrate the following:

Year 10

Achieve a minimum of 40 credits with a C or better at Stage 1.
Successful completion of Stage 1 Exploring Identities and Futures.
Successful completion of 1 x Stage 1 literacy unit.
Demonstrate ability to succeed in senior study – majority of results at a C or better.

Year 11

Achieve a minimum of 140 credits with a C grade or better at Stage 1.
Successful completion of 2 x Stage 1 literacy unit.
Successful completion of 1 x Stage 1 numeracy unit.
Majority of results at a C grade or higher.

Year 12

Achieve 60 credits with a C- or better at Stage 2.
Successful completion of 200 credits to qualify for the NTCET.
If aspiring for ATAR (university entrance score), qualify for the NTCET and undertake 90 credits at Stage 2.

The College regularly monitors the academic progress of all senior students to support successful NTCET completion, using a traffic light style tracking pictured below:

On Track: Students who have submitted all work to date and are on track to potentially earn a C- or higher will receive a green highlight.

Of Concern: Students who may have a missing task or some tasks not at a potential C- or higher will receive an orange highlight.

At Risk of Failure: Students who may have multiple missing tasks and/or multiple tasks not at a potential C- or higher and are therefore at risk of failing a subject will receive a red highlight.

In Week 6, Year 12 students received their first tracking to indicate their current progress in their Stage 2 subjects. Case management meetings and discussions with parents had occurred for Year 12 students flagged as of concern or at risk of not completing the NTCET by the end of the 2025 academic year.

In Week 10, the College undertook the second round of tracking encompassing all Years 10-12 students. Each year level cohort should expect to receive their tracking in the first week of Term 2.

SACE Examination Timetable and Trial Exam

SACE Board has released the first version of the SACE examination timetable for 2025.

Senior students (Year 11 and Year 12) undertaking an examinable Stage 2 subject must read the date and time when the external examination takes place. This timetable may change as not all exam dates have been released. The College will provide regular updates on any changes to the Stage 2 exam timetable.

Students should note that the time listed is the starting time of the examination. Students are expected to be at the exam room at least 30 minutes before the start time. Students will not receive additional time for arriving late to scheduled exams, unless extenuating circumstances apply.

The College will administer trial exams in Week 9 of Term 3 to ensure students are familiar with the protocols of exam conditions. Trial exam is used to indicate progress made in knowledge and skills throughout the year in preparation for the final exams. All students undertaking an examinable Stage 2 subject must participate in the trial exam.

Targeted Placement

Our College uses the targeted placement policy to place students in classes in Years 7-9 core classes and Year 10 Mathematics. Targeted placement refers to the grouping of students in classes based on academic levels to best cater for their learning needs. It provides the opportunity for students to receive support and/or extension depending on their progress in each subject area.

The targeted placement policy is used from Years 7-9 in:

Religious Education
English
History / Geography
Mathematics
Science

The College began the process for determining targeted placement over Week 9 and 10. Parents will be contacted by the College should your child is recommended for movement between streamed classes in the above subjects in Week 10.

NAPLAN 2025 completed

Over Week 7-8, all Year 7 and Year 9 students participated in the NAPLAN testing.

A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided later in the year when the results are made available.

Parents should note that from 2023 NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards – Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs Additional Support. There is a proficiency standard for each assessment area at each year level, and provide clear information on student achievement as well as progress made in literacy and numeracy over a two-year period.

Well done to all Year 7 and Year 9 students for their diligent participation, and to all staff who administered NAPLAN tests.

Teaching & Learning Team

The Teaching & Learning Team members for 2025 are as follows:

Head of Faculty A Ms. Cherilyn Hughes cherilyn.hughes@nt.catholic.edu.au

Head of Faculty B Mr. Brayden Nheu brayden.nheu@nt.catholic.edu.au

Inclusion Support Ms April Hoskin april.hoskin@nt.catholic.edu.au

VET/Careers Ms Tracey Ingui tracey.ingui@nt.catholic.edu.au

Please make contact with the relevant coordinators if you have questions.

Fortes in Fide,

Nelson Tio

Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning

Assistant Principal - Religious Education

To our St. John’s community,

Lent at St John’s: A Time of Reflection, Service, and Community

As we journey through Lent, we are reminded of the call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. At St John’s, we are embracing this season with a range of opportunities for students to deepen their faith, support those in need, and come together as a school community.

This Lent, we are supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion through the Big Water Walk, raising awareness about the millions of people who walk long distances daily to collect clean water. Students are encouraged to commit to walk 20-30 minutes a day whilst seeking sponsorship or donations from family and friends to support Project Compassion. Donations to Project Compassion will directly support communities in need, transforming lives through access to clean water, education, and sustainable solutions.

As part of our Lenten acts of service, interested students have come together in their lunch times to crochet or knit blanket squares which will be sent to Melbourne’s Big Group Hug Children’s Charity, which supports vulnerable children and families.

A number of our students have begun a Rosary Group. The Rosary group meets daily, providing students and staff with a dedicated space for prayer and reflection in the school chapel and LOTE centre. Twice a week, Fr. Suraj exposes the Blessed Sacrament, offering a special opportunity for Adoration.

With the Jubilee offering us a time for spiritual conversion and transformation: A Jubilee year is a sign of reconciliation because it establishes a “favorable time” (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:2) for conversion. We are called to put God at the center of our lives,with Reconciliation being a key element. On Tuesday April 1st, we held a Reconciliation Afternoon. This was an opportunity for students and staff to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, pray or chat with a priest and share afternoon tea in communion with one another. This was a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to experience God’s mercy and the joy of shared faith during Lent and we are thankful for the time that the priests were able to spend with us.

Kind regards,

Carla Hayes
Assistant Principal – Religious Education

VET/ Careers Coordinator

Dear Members of the St John’s Catholic College Community,

2025 VET courses are well and truly underway with St John’s Catholic College student’s commencing in several courses including but not limited to The NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) Cadet Program. This is a two year program for school students commencing in Year 11. Students learn to become leaders amongst their peers while completing a POL21122 – Certificate II in Community Engagement and a BSB301120 – Certificate III in Business. As part of the course students attend an outdoor adventure and leadership camp, visit an NT Indigenous community to learn about cultural and community engagement. Students volunteer in local community organisations, attend several work placements within the NTPFES and wider NT Government. Students learn the tricks of the trade with Fire and Emergency Services, including crash rescue and small craft handling.

Health courses have been popular this year with thirteen of our students doing Health courses. Five students are undertaking a Certificate II in Health Support Services. The duration of this course is one day a week over the school year. Students also gain a First Aid Certificate. A further Eight of our students are in the IAHA National Academy undertaking a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance. As part of their course the students receive paid employment as a School Based Trainee, students receive mentoring and leadership support, work readiness and employment skills and have access to career planning. Students develop confidence and knowledge of opportunities to pursue a career in health.

St John’s Catholic College students are also involved and working towards their certificates in the following courses, Cert II in Workplace Skills, Cert II in Aquaculture, Cert II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Cert II in Salon Assistant, Cert III in Tourism, Plumbing Pathways Program (Pre Apprenticeship), Cert II Construction, Cert III in Real-estate Practice, Cert II in Applied Digital Technologies, Cert III Early Childhood Education and Care, Aviation Program, Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher), Certificate III Electro technology.

Certificate II in Workplace Skills - This course prepares students to perform in a range of varied administrative activities in an office/business
environment and other industries. The course is delivered in a simulated environment giving students the
opportunities to learn how to work within teams, work ethics, communication, customer service and time
management. This course also offers units for base entry work knowledge such as Safety and workers’ rights and
responsibilities.

NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) Cadet Program

Year 12 Indigenous students attended the BLAKjobs Expo. The event was sponsored by TEABBA Radio, INPEX Australia, and Channel 7 Darwin. The event was all about opening doors for indigenous students, sparking ambition, and showcasing pathways to employment. YouthWorX were on hand to provide resume tips and tricks to help students shine in job interviews. The Careers Tree was popular, where young people could share their career aspirations. The jobs Board was packed with training programs, job vacancies and career opportunities.

Students who wish to be involved in a VET Course in 2026 or would just like more information about VET Courses are encouraged to see Ms Tracey.

Student Eligibility

Year 9 – Certificate I program

Year 10 – Certificate I & II

Year 11 & 12 – All Programs

Kind Regards,

Tracey Ingui

Vet/Careers Coordinator

Finance Manager

Dear Parents / Carers,

As we approach the end of the term, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to families who have already settled their school fees. Your prompt payments help us maintain the high standards of education and resources that we strive to offer our students.

For families with outstanding fees, please be reminded that all school fees must be paid by 4 April 2025. If you are on a payment plan, there is no need to take further action at this time. For all other families, we kindly ask that you make arrangements to settle any remaining balances by the deadline.

To facilitate the payment process, we offer several convenient options, including weekly or fortnightly direct debits, online payments, credit card payments, and in-person payments at our finance office. If you have any questions regarding the payment options available to you, please feel free to reach out to our finance team.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Kind regards,

Finance Manager

Ruth Suriyagoda CA, CPA, FCA (SL)

NEWS HEADLINES

Daley House News

At the end of ‘the first quarter’, there are a lot of positives to report for the Daley Team!

Well done to all team members who lived the team mantra!

‘Turn Up’ – The Daley team leads the way in attendance. At our Term 1 celebration assembly, we recognized the 23 team members who had 100% attendance for the term. The team itself is running at 93% average attendance.

‘Have a Go’ – Daley may have fewer team members than the other Houses, but what we lack in numbers and athletic talent, we make up for with participation. At every event, Daley are there in force with nearly all, team members prepared to ‘give of their best’ for the Djumbun Stingrays.

‘Support Each Other’ – Congratulations to our student leadership team – Kiara, Sasha, Lavaigne, Ester and Thanner - for creating a culture where team members genuinely care about each other. The Captains role in the creation of a new chant and banner for the swimming sports was a great addition the program.

Well done also to the senior students who have taken on their leadership development roles and added to the program.

The team highlight reel for the Daley term members includes the swimming carnival, the gala days, the inter school events and the Inter Homeroom Challenge.

Special mention of our the contribution of our new Daley team members – especially Year 7s – who have already made their mark on the Daley legacy.

Like all good teams, we will assess, ‘What Worked Well’ (WWW) and how we can make it, ‘Even Better If’ (EBI) and try some new initiatives to ensure ALL team members excel in Term two.

Kind Regards,

Mr Fleming

for the Homeroom Teachers and Captains

BURFORD News

It has been a busy term for students in Burford House. We have been busy getting to know one another in our homerooms and in the House as well as the new Burford Homeroom teachers this year, Mr Ram in H10 an Mr Hall in H08.

Burford House has been lucky enough to have already celebrated our House Spirit Day this year and I hope that all St John’s students enjoyed the day. We had some fun homeroom and lunch time activities and a BBQ lunch.

Our Burford students have had success in the three House Cup Events held so far this year, the STEM Quiz, Basketball House Cup and the Swimming Carnival. Our House Captains, teachers and I continue to encourage all students to have a go in these events where possible or support those who do.

Congratulations to Leon, Adjoa and Abhaydeep who have been elected by their Homeroom peers to be the SRC members for 2025. Students are encouraged to let their SRC member know if they need help or have an idea for Burford and the school.

I would like to wish students and their families a safe and restful holiday break and am looking forward to seeing students back to celebrate Holy Week and Easter and then the busyness of Term 2 here at St John’s.

Kind Regards,

Bernadette McGrath,

Street Smart High

Street Smart High is an annual road safety education event which aims to reduce the territory’s shocking youth road trauma. The program provides students with first-hand experiences and educates them about their responsibilities as drivers and responsible passengers. It provides information and strategies to avoid serious injuries and death, and highlights the consequences of distracted driving, not wearing a seat belt, speeding, drink and drug driving, and driver fatigue.

Our Year 11 students from St Johns travelled to the Darwin Convention Centre in week 9 to participate in this program along with nearly 1000 other students from Darwin to Katherine. During the lunchtime break, students visited the exhibition displays to collect information and learn about organisations that are involved in road safety.

The program was confronting but all of our Year 11’s said it was impactful for them. They witnessed a simulated crash scene, including pre-and-post-crash analysis, heard from people whose lives have been affected by road trauma and had the chance to interact with leading organisations and programs that aim to keep young people safe.

Stage 2 chemistry Class

On the 5th of March our Stage 2 chemists travelled to Charles Darwin University to engage with a practical experience relating to their studies this term. Students worked to identify unknown amino acids in a sample using thin layer chromatography as well as quantify the concentration of calcium ions in milk samples using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Students had explored the theory behind these techniques in class, however it was great to have an opportunity to see them in action using specialist equipment and highlight their real world applications and how they are utilised by chemists.

During the day students were spoken to by academic staff about the possibilities available through further study of the sciences at CDU and in general, and were provided an opportunity to work within the CDU laboratories and observe and interact with some of the specialist equipment available there.

Our students represented St. Johns well and it was great to see them respond enthusiastically to the challenges of the day, actively problem solving and collaborating to complete the activities. We will wait to hear back from CDU regarding the competitive aspect of the day where we are in the running to win the annual ‘Cowlcium’ competition based on the accuracy of our AAS analysis. Well done to our students and thank you to CDU for making the experience available to us.

Craig Britton - Stage 2 Chemistry Teacher

SPORT EVENTS

Middle Netball Gala Day - Senior Netball Gala Day

SRC Assembly & Basketball Competition

Inter School Junior AFL

Swimming Carnival 2025

2025 School-Based Immunisation Program for Year 7 and Year 9 Students

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,

We are pleased to inform you that the school will be participating in the annual School-Based Immunisation Program and will be held in Term 2, 2025, which will provide free vaccinations to all Year 7 and Year 9 students.

This program aims to ensure that your child receives the appropriate vaccines for their age, as recommended by public health guidelines. The vaccines provided will be free of charge and are administered by qualified healthcare professionals.

Key Information:
- Vaccination Dates: The immunisation program will take place on the 30th May 2025.
- Consent Forms: Consent forms will be distributed to students in the new year. To participate, parents or guardians will need to complete and return these forms, giving consent for their child to receive the vaccines.
- Absences: If your child is absent on the scheduled vaccination day, they can receive the recommended vaccines from their local GP, at no cost.

We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this free service to help protect your child and the broader community. If you have any questions or concerns about the immunisation program, please feel free to contact the School Nurse on 08 8982 2242 or nurse.sjcc@nt.catholic.edu.au or your family GP.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our school community healthy.