Margaret Jurd College

It’s National Science Week, and our students got involved with a day of experiments, discovery and some very special animal visitors at MJC. 🧪🐐🔬

This year’s theme, Seeds of Science: nurturing science for all, is all about curiosity, asking questions and creating the right conditions for knowledge to grow.

Students had the chance to explore science through hands-on experiments, then get up close with animals at our petting zoo. It was a great way to bring learning to life and give students plenty of opportunities to observe, ask questions and try something different.

A big thank you to the Australian Science Teachers Association and everyone who helped make our Science Week activities possible.

💙 Free Webinar for Parents & Carers

Supporting a young person through grief and loss can be challenging. Headspace Schools and Communities is hosting a free online webinar for parents, carers, and supporters of young people who have experienced a recent loss.

The session aims to strengthen understanding of young people’s mental health, grief and loss, and how to provide support. It will also explore effective conversations, available support services, and practical strategies to encourage help-seeking and self-care.

📅 Wednesday 12 August 2026
⏰ 5:00–6:00pm AEST
💻 Online via Zoom
📧 RSVP: https://bit.ly/4g6y0a1

Those who register will also receive a digital information pack with key messages, resources, and support services.

📧 For more information: [email protected]

📣 Parents and Carers, You're Invited!

Join us for the MJC Services Showcase, an opportunity to learn more about the valuable programs, services, and support networks available to students and families within our school community.

📅 Wednesday, 2 September 2026
⏰ 9:00am–10:30am
📍 MJC Shortland Campus

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with staff, ask questions, and discover the many ways we work together to support our young people.

We hope to see you there! 💙

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Our Year 10 students recently attended the CareerQuip event at Taree TAFE, where they had the opportunity to explore a wide range of future career pathways.

Representatives from universities, the Australian Defence Force, healthcare organisations, and numerous local agencies were on hand to share information, answer questions, and inspire students as they begin thinking about life beyond school.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making the day such a valuable experience for our students. 👏

👕👟 Help Us Support Our Students

We're seeking donations of clothing and shoes for our school-based Op Shop to support students in Years 9–12.

We are particularly looking for:

👟 Shoes
👔 Formal wear
🦺 Work clothing
🏃 Sportswear
👕 Everyday clothing

Donations for both teenage boys and girls (approximately 14–18 years of age) are greatly appreciated and help ensure our students have access to clothing that allows them to feel comfortable, confident, and prepared for school, work, and other important opportunities.

📍 Donations can be dropped off at the school front office:
Margaret Jurd College – Shortland
272 Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW 2307
📞 (02) 4951 7314

Please ensure that all donated items are clean and in good condition.

Thank you for helping us support our students and their families. 💙

Looking for a welcoming space to connect with others? Our friends at Autism Community Network (ACN) are offering free community groups for Autistic adults, families and carers across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

These groups are:
✨ Open to people with or without a formal diagnosis
✨ No NDIS funding required
✨ A great opportunity to build friendships, access peer support and connect with others who understand

Newcastle info: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/acn-newcastle-carers-support-group-tickets-1993093760089
Lake Macquarie info: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/acn-belmont-carers-support-group-tickets-1984243239945

If you or someone you know could benefit from these groups, we'd encourage you to get involved and share this post with your community. Together, we can help create stronger connections and support for Autistic individuals, their families and carers.

It was a privilege for our Principal, Darren Twist, to join an inspiring panel at the Uniting Connections Conference at The Lakes College in North Lakes, Queensland.

Alongside fellow panellists Nicole Gregory (Principal, The Lakes College), Ps Richard La'Brooy (Chaplain, Newington College), Mardi Lumsden (Donor Relations Manager, UnitingWorld), and Tim McMenamin (Director of Mission, The Lakes College), Darren explored how schools can live out the values of the Uniting Church through education, wellbeing, relationships and community partnerships.

The discussion also considered how the Margaret Jurd College model can help reimagine schooling to better respond to the needs of young people and strengthen the Church's mission in local communities.

Thank you to The Lakes College for hosting such a meaningful conversation and for bringing together leaders committed to supporting young people through purpose-driven education.

🎉 Welcome back to Term 3!

We hope everyone had a refreshing break and is ready for another exciting term!

💙 Come and say hello tomorrow!

The Margaret Jurd College team will be at Hunter Homeless Connect Day, sharing information about our school and the pathways and support we provide for young people and their families.

📅 Wednesday, 29 July 2026
🕘 9:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow

Hunter Homeless Connect Day brings together a range of community organisations and essential services, offering free support for people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity or challenging life circumstances.

Whether you're looking to learn more about Margaret Jurd College or access the many free community services available on the day, we'd love to meet you.

If you're attending, be sure to stop by our stall and say hello! 👋

On Monday 27 July 2026, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will be testing the new national warning system called AusAlert. During the test, all mobile devices will receive a critical alert warning notification at 2pm.

All devices will sound the alarm, that will last for approximately 10 seconds, even if they are on silent mode. Phones which are switched to airplane mode or switched off will not receive the alert. A message will appear on the device screens; no action is required during this time.

📚✨ School Returns on Tuesday! ✨📚

Just a friendly reminder that Term 3 begins next week, Tuesday 28 July!

We can't wait to welcome our students back for another exciting term filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities. 💙

Enjoy the rest of your break, get a good weekend, and we'll see you soon!