St. Josephs Catholic College Katherine - eNewsletter Term 04 - Week 06

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the end of another school year, it’s remarkable how quickly time has flown. Our Year 12 students have completed their journey with us, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, November 19th. It has been a privilege to watch these students grow, and we are immensely proud of the dedication and resilience they have shown throughout their time here at the College.

We are also excited to announce our student leaders for 2025. Congratulations to Taitt Green and Darcy Alderson, who have been elected as College Captains, and to Miyah McCoy who will serve as Vice Captain. We are confident that they will inspire and lead the College community with enthusiasm and integrity in the year ahead.

As the year draws to a close and we prepare to enter the Season of Advent, here’s a wonderful reminder about our journey in life: “Life is not about being better than someone else. It is about striving to be better than you used to be.” Author Unknown.

St. Augustine shared another perspective, saying, “When people choose to withdraw far from a fire, the fire continues to give warmth, but they grow cold. When people choose to withdraw far from the light, the light continues to be bright in itself, but they are in darkness. This is also the case when people withdraw from God.”

Sometimes, we drift from God not out of disbelief, but out of forgetfulness, caught up in the demands of everyday life. Take, for example, the Bethlehem innkeeper. He wasn’t a bad person; he was simply overwhelmed with his responsibilities and missed the most significant birth in history. With Christmas on the horizon, we too may be busy with preparations, potentially losing sight of the profound significance of what we commemorate.

The Three Wise Men understood the meaning of Christmas. They prepared in anticipation, journeying far to honour the newborn child, each bringing a single, thoughtful gift. Advent invites us to embrace that same spirit of anticipation. It’s a time of looking inward—not with regret, but with hope and forward motion. Advent is an invitation to refresh our bearings and draw closer to the “fire” and “light” that are God’s love and compassion.

This season is about gentle renewal, letting God guide our steps, and finding peace amid the busy world around us. As St. Paul writes, “Rejoice, let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is nigh.” (Philippians 4:4-5).

Advent also calls us to:

“Accept surprises
that upset your plans,
shatter your dreams,
give a completely
different turn
to your day
and – who knows –
to your life.
It is not chance.
Leave the Father…
to Himself weave
the pattern of your days.”

– Dom Helder Camara, A Thousand Reasons for Living

Finally, may “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

God Bless

Peace and best wishes,

Sunniva Antonucci

Principal

Secondary News

Year 7.1 - Science

Year 7.1 continued the learning journey of State of Matter, especially the Particle Model. In the experiment with Bunsen Burners, students observed the changing states of matter and linked them to the Particle Model. We reflected on the effects of heat on the energy level, the speed and the force of attraction between the particles, and how the addition or the removal of heat causes the changes in the state of matter.

Secondary Homework Club

Secondary Homework Club will finish for the year on Thursday 21st November (Week 7). We would like to thank the many students who have participated in the club this year. I would also like to thank our wonderful and dedicated secondary teachers who have volunteered their personal time each week to run the club. Thank you

Year 8 Roller Skating Adventure at the YMCA

This term, the Year 8 students had a fantastic opportunity to get active and try something new as part of their Physical Education program. The 8.1 class hit the rink on Monday, 11th November, followed by the 8.2 class on Wednesday, 13th November, for an exciting roller skating session at the local YMCA.

The trip to the YMCA was a valuable experience for the students, offering them a chance to engage with the Australian Curriculum’s emphasis on using community resources to promote physical activity and well-being. For many, it was their first time roller skating, and it was great to see both classes fully embrace the challenge.
The students demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship and teamwork, with more experienced skaters lending a hand to those who were new to the sport. It was heartwarming to witness classmates supporting each other, helping beginners find their balance and even offering encouragement when a few tumbles occurred. This collaborative spirit was a highlight of the day and showcased the supportive and inclusive environment at the school.

The roller skating experience also provided an excellent opportunity for students to develop their coordination, balance, and fitness in a fun and engaging way. Overall, these sessions were a great success, and both classes had a wonderful time. Thanks to the YMCA for their hospitality and to all the students for making the most of this enjoyable and educational experience!

Library News

Sports News

Big Rivers Netball Trails - Girls U15

SSA National Touch Football Championships

Two of our students recently competed in the School Sports Australia National Touch Football Championships in Brisbane, 21-25 October. Joseph Wuttke (NT U12 boys) and Eliza Richards (NT U12 girls) competed against teams from other states and territories across Australia. Both teams fought hard, displayed fantastic sportsmanship and came away with a win each. 

School News and Events

National Employer Support Awards 2024: A Day of Recognition in Adelaide

On Tuesday, 29th October 2024, the National Employer Support Awards (NESA) ceremony was held in Adelaide, honouring employers who support Reservists in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Sunniva Antonucci, Principal of St Joseph’s School, and Ron Green, a dedicated reservist, attended the event representing the NT Not-for-Profit category. It was a proud moment for St Joseph’s to be part of this celebration of those who support our nation’s defenders.

The day began with a visit to the Aviation Museum in Port Adelaide, followed by a tour of RAAF Base Edinburgh, where attendees had the opportunity to see the ADF’s operations up close. The experiences were both educational and inspiring, highlighting the professionalism and commitment of our military personnel.

During the awards dinner, employers from all states and territories were recognised for their support of reservists. St Joseph’s School received an honourable mention in the NT Not-for-Profit category, a recognition of our commitment to supporting staff who serve in the military reserves.

For St Joseph’s, supporting reservists is about more than recognition—it’s about creating a workplace culture that allows individuals to balance their military service with their careers. We are proud to play a part in supporting those who serve our country.

It was an honor to be part of the National Employer Support Awards, and we look forward to continuing our support for Australia’s reservists in the future.

Christmas Giving Tree

Chaplaincy News

Remembrance Day 2024