29 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

As Term 1 comes to a close, I would like to thank all Staff and Students for a very good start to the year. I would also like to thank Parents, Caregivers, the Parish and wider community for your ongoing support of the Students and the School.

At St Joseph’s School, our aim is to ensure all students have the opportunity to achieve excellence (to do the best they can in all they do) and know Jesus. With the introduction of new programs and initiatives this year to compliment the wonderful work that has gone on in previous years, I believe our students are indeed presented with that opportunity. It has given me great heart to see the growing success of the students and the dedication and hard work shown by the staff.

The Easter break gives all involved time to rest, rejuvenate and get ready for a successful Term 2.

Easter is a special time for us as Christians. Easter is considered the central Christian feast. As Saint Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." Without Easter—without the Resurrection of Christ—there would be no Christian Faith. Christ's Resurrection is the proof of His Divinity. Easter Sunday symbolises the fulfilment of our faith as Christians. Through His Death, Christ destroyed our bondage to sin; through His Resurrection, He brought us the promise of new life, both in Heaven and on earth. His own prayer, "Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven," begins to be fulfilled on Easter Sunday.

I hope that Easter is a special time of faith for you and your families.

God bless

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP NEWS

Assistant Principal-Secondary: Linda Perrett

At the end of Term 1, Parents are provided with an Interim Report card. These will be sent home late next week. The reports provide Parents with some information about their child’s progress, efforts and conduct during the Term. Each subject will indicate whether there has been satisfactory (SAT) progress, effort and conduct or that there is improvement needed (IMP). An overall result, A – E will also be provided. Teachers will indicate if they require Parents to attend a Parent Teacher interview, being held next Term on Wednesday 2nd May.

We hope to see as many Students and Parents as possible at the upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews in Term 2. Information will be sent home via a Broadcast next week that provides further details about the booking system for these interviews.

God bless all of our Staff and families as the season of Lent comes to an end and we celebrate the season of Easter, as well as a much deserved holiday.

Assistant Principal-Primary: Sarah Yates

Thank you to Mrs Grant and Miss Gangemi for their work in setting up the recent Book Fair and then in supervising the sales during the week. In a world where we are surrounded by technology, it is lovely to see the pleasure that children still have in opening a new book and becoming immersed in it. I am sure much negotiation took place as Parents and Grandparents were asked to accompany the children to the Fair ‘just one more time’! In the words of Dr Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

We are continuing on our journey of implementing the Diocesan Reading Strategy this year and encouraging the students to ‘Read! Read! Read!’. Perhaps the upcoming holiday might provide a time for the adults in our community to also find pleasure from reading a book.

As the Term comes to an end, it is an ideal opportunity to reflect on all that has been gained from the last ten weeks. Every student will have experienced success in some form, whether it be settling into new routines as the Prep students have done, participating in Regional or State sporting competitions, learning new skills in PE or concepts in Maths, becoming a more self-regulated learner, learning to program a BeeBot or a multitude of other experiences that they will have encountered. Early in Term 2 there will be an opportunity for Parents to meet with the Class Teachers to discuss these achievements further and to also map out the ‘learning journey’ for the rest of the Semester.

The forthcoming holiday provides us all with the chance to find refreshment in time spent with family and friends before returning on 17 April for the start of another busy and, I am sure, fulfilling Term.

On behalf of the Staff on the Primary Campus, I wish all the students and their families a happy and Holy holiday and pray that you have the opportunity to reflect on the hope for all of us that comes from believing in the Risen Christ.

Assistant Principal-Religious Education (APRE): Megan Mahoney

The Joy of the Easter Season is Upon Us!

As we approach the Easter holiday season we are reminded that our Lenten journey will come to a close and the joyful resurrection of Jesus will soon be with us.

As a school, we will come together to journey the passion of Jesus, ever mindful that next term we will rejoice in the resurrection of Christ, and the joy and hope we all celebrate at this time. Easter

SCHOOL NEWS

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING

On Friday 16th March, St Joseph’s School participated in National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, along with approximately 2,000 schools across Australia. It was a sea of orange as staff and students united in strong support against this very important issue.

The day commenced with Student Council Representatives distributing wristbands and anti-bullying cards. Students and staff then combined for a whole school “Take a Stand Together” assembly with special invited guests, Honourable James Lister MP and Tamsyn Rosenberg, CEO of ALIVE Organisation.

Mr Lister was delighted to accept the invite. “This National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence” is a tremendous thing. It’s very important for all society with participation in schools for there to be conversation about bullying,” he said.

Tamsyn Rosenberg, founder of one of Australia’s leading youth and family support services in emotional wellbeing and fulfilment, was thrilled to be invited for this special event at St Joseph’s School. Ms Rosenberg shared her own personal story about bullying, how it made her feel and how she developed the strength to overcome it.

“I’d like to see our children and students feel powerful. Resilience in themselves to not need to bully and to feel strong, and if being bullied, then resilience to overcome and thrive,” Ms Rosenberg said.

Students participated in activities during the day such as special lessons delivered by teachers from Prep to Year 12 and a morning tea for both campuses. At this time, students were invited to sign a pledge, to take a stand against bullying. Secondary students also participated in a Generation Next National Livestream.

Primary students assembled on the Primary Oval to spell the words No Way! On the Secondary Campus, students also assembled to spell Say No. “This was a good day to highlight these issues. But we need to remember it’s a continual process to build resilience to our students and continue the message,” Principal, Mr Kendall said.

“The ALIVE Project workshop was received extremely well by the Year 7 and 8 cohorts, with students connecting instantly with the messages communicated by Tamsyn and her team,” Head of Pastoral Care and coordinator for this day, Mrs Lorien Kirby said. “I am extremely proud of the way the students participated and hope that we have begun to further build on crucial life skills that will assist students with the way they respond to difficulties in life. We look forward to welcoming Tamsyn and the ALIVE team back later in the year to continue her highly beneficial work with our students.” “Today was a wakeup call to everybody who bullies, and who is bullied. As a school we have united - one community against bullying and violence to join the thousands of other voices out there who ‘say NO to bullying!’ Our staff are constantly working on cultivating the strength and skills within our students to stand strong, and to ‘speak, even if your voice shakes’.

INTRODUCING STAFF

In the first newsletter of the School year, the new teachers were introduced as well as a reintroduction of the Leadership. Every fortnight, a staff member from both campuses will provide a profile of themselves to allow the school and wider community to familiarise themselves with the staff at St Joseph’s School. The school operates with approximately 50 staff members who all have a special role to play in the effective functioning of the school.

My name is Joseph Shorter and I am responsible for the role of Head of Humanities on the Secondary campus. This is my third year of teaching at St Joseph’s School, having moved to Stanthorpe from working in Brisbane. I love the lifestyle and sense of community that comes with living in a small country town, and as an English teacher, I particularly enjoy the opportunity to engage students in the power of literature and story. Though I teach in a number of subject areas, I have a passionate belief in the idea that it is our language and our stories which shape us, and that it is only therefore by understanding our stories that we can truly understand ourselves.

As part of my role, I am responsible for a number of subject areas, ranging from English, History and Geography, to elective units in the areas of Drama, Business, Legal Studies and even Digital Solutions.

Apart from guiding teachers in the implementation of these curriculum areas, my role also requires that I keep abreast of changes and developments in the field of Education. A particular challenge in this regard will be the implementation of the new Senior system in the coming year, which will see our students achieve an ATAR rather than an OP.

As part of my goals for the coming year, I am focused on developing our staff and students so that they are ready for this transition, and so that our students have all the skills and resilience they need to flourish and achieve success.

After growing up in Stanthorpe and being a student at St Joseph’s from Year 2 to Year 10, it was great to return as a Teacher in 2015, after teaching in Inglewood, Charters Towers and Moree. My husband and I have 2 daughters. Ava is 2, and my oldest daughter Claire is in Year 2 OB.

I enjoy teaching Year 2 and watching my students grow. My days are spent teaching an energetic bunch of students the knowledge and skills they need to know as they transition from the “little kids” in the Primary School into the “bigger kids” – Year 3’s on the bottom oval. As well as listening to all of their important news, drying tears, applying band aids as needed and helping to sort out soccer games! I enjoy watching my students grow in independence and seeing their personalities develop as they gain confidence in what they can do and achieve.

In 2018 I am enjoying the short time I have with my class and watching them grow as learners, taking risks and trying their best before I take maternity leave in May as my family prepares to welcome our third child. Year 2S is anxious to find out if bub will be a boy or a girl – just like the rest of us.

DAVADI & MCAULEY

Davadi House was named after Father Jerome Davadi who was the Catholic Priest in 1874 in Stanthorpe.

It has been said of Father Jerome Davadi, that for nearly thirty years he ministered to his flock in Stanthorpe, winning the highest respect and affection and providing them with a high standard of moral conduct, and a model of an industry, earning him the title, by some, of “The Father of the Fruit Industry.” He is remembered with affection because when meeting members of his flock in the street, he raised his walking stick in the sign of the Cross. He is remembered also for his habit of roaming the hills and planting seeds of fruits that he carried in his pockets wherever he went.

Father Davadi encouraged the value of planting fruit on the Granite Belt to his parishioners, helped with cuttings from his own nursery and often offering financial assistance. He was able to foresee the problems of settlers as income from tin petered out. He brought knowledge of the culture of vineyards and the making of wine from his homeland of Italy. He converted his horse paddock at the Presbytery into a vineyard. He planted another vineyard at the foot of Mt. Marlay later to become known as “Vichie’s Vineyard. He also acquired further land to plant apricot and peach trees some of which are still alive today.

Fr Davadi’s interests were diverse and his enthusiasm to develop better standards of living for his people was strong. He held the view that the dignity of earning an honest living, and supporting the family was necessary to a man’s wellbeing as well as to his spiritual needs.

On the 22nd January, 1900 at the age of 53 years, Fr Jerome Davadi passed away and mourned by the people of Stanthorpe. An impressive headstone now marks his grave in the Stanthorpe Cemetery, a tribute from the people he served for so long.

INTRODUCING THE 2018 SPORTS CAPTAINS

My name is Joshua Musumeci and I am a Sports Captain for Davadi. It is an honour to represent Davadi and to have the opportunity to encourage and support my house team alongside my fellow House Captain, Susie Cobon.

This year in my role as one of the House Captains, I hope to have a high participation of students at all of the carnivals and continue the team spirit that has been showcased at previous sporting events.

I am unsure as to what I will be doing next year but at this stage I will be having a gap year.

My name is Susie Cobon and I am a Davadi House Captain alongside Josh Musumeci for 2018. Over my time at St Joseph’s, I’ve always looked up to and aspired to be like previous Sports Captains in their role to lead our School and House.

To me, being a Sports Captain means being a leader in the sporting field of the School and to be more involved in school activities other than just the inside, academic subjects throughout my last year.

This year I hope to encourage more participation within lunch time sporting activities and Sports Carnivals and make these events more enjoyable for the students.

Next year, my plan is to continue as a Dance Teacher as I become closer to achieving my teachings certificate after 5 years of dance exams.

McAuley House was named after Catherine McAuley. Catherine was born at Stormanstown House, near Dublin on 29 September 1778. Her parents died before Catherine reached adulthood and while living with relatives she experienced wealth, bankruptcy and poverty as well as a strongly anti-Catholic atmosphere. At age 25 Catherine was invited to live with a retired couple at Coolock, an estate not too far from Dublin. She was a loving companion to them until their deaths. These people left their entire fortune to her.

It was with this inheritance which made it possible for Catherine to build the House of Mercy which stands on the corner of Lower Baggot and Herbert Streets in Dublin-the founding House of the Sisters of Mercy. This residence became both a school for children and a shelter for girls in need.

In September 1830 with two other friends, Catherine began the formal training necessary to establish a new Order of women religious. The Order of the Sisters of Mercy was born with these three Sisters who made their Profession of Vows on 12 December 1831. Her ten short years in religious life were but the seeding time. It was only after her death that the full fruitfulness of her life began to show itself. At the time of her death there were a little more than 100 Sisters of Mercy, fifteen years later there were 3,000 and one hundred years later there were 23,000.

Catherine McAuley had long wished to do something to help poor women and set about founding a religious order. The Order has grown to be one of the largest women’s orders in the church.

My name is Riannon Fox and I am one of the McAuley Sport Captains. From a young age, I have always enjoyed playing sport and being part of a team. I believe that by being a House Captain I have the opportunity to show my fellow team mates how enjoyable sports can be, and to undertake the challenge of having everyone participate no matter what their level of ability. And importantly, to have fun.

Throughout 2018 I have many hopes and dreams, such as sporting opportunities for all year levels and lunchtime sporting competition. I just want to show my fellow students that it’s not always about winning but having a go and enjoying yourself.

Next year, I plan on sticking around for a year to earn some money, spend some quality time with family and friends and take some time to decide what I want to do in the future.

Hello my name is Ally McLellan, I am a Sports Captain alongside Riannon for McAuley. Being a Sports Captain to me, is being able to help encourage people to participate in any sport activity and organise activities related to sport.

What I hope to achieve in this role this year, is to encourage more people to participate and try their best. I hope to see many students competing in events such as Cross Country and Athletics Day.

I plan on moving to the Gold Coast next year and having a gap year to earn money for University.

The 2018 Sports Captains (left to right) Susie Cobon, Joshua Musumeci, Riannon Fox & Ally McLellan.

PROJECT COMPASSION

As part of her Mercy Value of Compassion, School Captain, Ann-Mary Vincent has been busy promoting Project Compassion. Being an advocate for compassion, particularly through Project Compassion, by supporting Caritas in helping alleviate the suffering of those living in poverty and providing a just future was one of Ann-Mary’s goals this year.

To highlight the important work that Project Compassion undertake, last week Ann-Mary and some of her fellow Year 12 classmates, spent the lunch breaks with the primary students and had them paint their hand prints on a banner. The students were eager to be involved in this project and liked the painting but also really enjoyed the friendship with these Year 12 students.

“I organised different classes to come along each lunchtime to place their prints on the banner. The completed artwork looks great and will remain in the multi-purpose room as a constant reminder of the important work that Project Compassion do,” Ann-Mary said. “I would like to extend my thanks to the students and staff for participating and supporting my project.”

LONGEST PRAYER CHAIN

St Joseph’s students and staff have been participating in a World Record attempt for the longest Prayer chain throughout the Commonwealth Games. Wrist bands were sent to the School for a Prayer to be written or drawn.

The wrist band were collected from all classes and sent to the organisers at the Gold Coast earlier this week. The hope is to create a chain 177 km long and unify as many people as possible in the power of Prayer. What an exciting initiative.

YEAR 8 AND MEDIEVAL CASTLES & CHEMISTRY

The Year 8 students have been active this Term, studying about Medieval Europe and working on their Medieval Castles. The students have completed assessment on life in the Medieval era and the different types of Medieval Castles.

The students have also been studying Chemistry and have worked in the Laboratory constructing Density Towers.

YEAR 5/6B VISIT STANTHORPE ART GALLERY

The Year 5/6B class recently visited the Stanthorpe Art Gallery. Students explored the symbolism and messages conveyed in artworks which appealed to them. They identified aspects of colour, subject matter and materials which impact the communicated meaning.

ST JOSEPH’S CHOIR

The St Joseph’s Choir are working hard in preparation for the upcoming Eisteddfod. The Choir is very excited to showcase their talents at this annual event and perform for an audience.

Thank you to the Choir members who attend the weekly rehearsals during their lunch break and to Mrs Jo Barker for her time and efforts this small, energetic group of students.

YEAR 9-“A MONSTER CALLS”

Year 9 English have been studying the novel, “A Monster Calls” this term. Students have just completed imaginative monologues based on one character from the novel. Last Friday, students were able to design their own ‘Fantale – who am I”. For some students, a Fantale was something that they had never seen before.

The class had plenty of fun trying to work out who and what the answers were. All students have applied themselves to making significant progress during the term. Well done, Year 9s.

YOUNG WINEMAKERS PICK THE GRAPES

On Tuesday 20th March, the Young Winemaker students were up bright and early to pick their Cabernet grapes at the Severn River Valley Vineyard. Almost 900kg of grapes were picked and taken to Symphony Hill Winery, where they were crushed, de-stemmed and yeasted under the watchful eye of Mike Hayes.

Students will return next week to press the wine and check on its progress-hopes are high that the 2018 Cabernet will be their best yet.

YEAR 3/4C ENJOY MATHS!

The Year 3/4C class have been designing games to improve movement skills over the past couple of weeks. This has also meant measuring lengths and timing events. Seems like Maths can be a whole heap of fun!

HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE ATTENDS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS

Head of Pastoral Care Teacher, Mrs Lorien Kirby recently embarked on 2 day Professional Development days with two different Mentor Schools which are noted for their excellence and prestige.

Ms Kirby attended St Michael’s Merrimac and worked with Mr Chris Oakes who recently was a Guest Speaker at St Joseph’s School and Ms Helen-Jayne Shipman (Student Wellbeing Leader 7-12) and Liesl Profke (Deputy Principal-Student Welfare) from Emaus College at Jimboomba College.

Mrs Kirby enjoyed her time with these supportive mentors who both provided their invaluable assistance and engaged ways to further develop and improve our Pastoral Care Program. The partnership with both these Schools will continue.

Mrs Lorien Kirby appreciated her time with Mrs Helen-Jayne Shipman and Mr Chris Oakes.

WHEN THE SENIORS CROSS THE ROAD

During this term, the Year 12 students have been visiting the Primary Campus each Monday and Friday from 8:20am. Before School commences, the Year 12s have occupied themselves with the students, taking part in playing handball and before School activities, before moving into classes.

The Seniors then spend some time in the classroom with the younger students, participating in the start of day routine. They take the roll, participate in Prayer, listen to readers or read a story to the class, help students practice sight words and teach the younger students a new skill.

The Class Teachers have guaranteed to keep the Senior students busy and involved in the everyday routine to ensure this experience is beneficial, but also to be a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all students involved.

This program will continue next Term.

BOOK FAIR

Thank you to everyone who visited the Book Fair last week and purchased either books or stationery items. Proceeds for the sales will be used to add resources to our library. Thank you also to Mrs Grant and Miss Gangemi for their organisation of the event.

SCHOOL BANKING

The Prep students received a visit last week by Mrs Leeanne James, Customer Service Officer from the Commonwealth Bank. Mrs James spoke to the Preps about School Banking and the importance of savings. “You can save money everywhere,” Mrs James said, “You need to work for your money, just like you work for rewards at school and home. Every time you bank, you receive a token, and once you get 10 tokens, you can get a prize reward,” Mrs James added.

Mrs James told the students that if they became a School Banking customer, they would receive a Dollarmites Bank Book and a Platybank money box.

As a special treat, Mrs James also brought in some old paper notes and coins from other countries to showcase to the students. We thank Mrs James for taking the time to visit the Preps.

School Banking is processed each Wednesday. Students who participate in this service are asked to bring their bank books to their classroom teachers by Monday or Tuesdays.

Application forms are available from the School Office for any new students who would like to take advantage of this great service. We thank Daniella Scalia and Kitty Kendall for their commitment and support of this program.

SPORTS NEWS

SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND FUTSAL

Students participated in the SWQ Futsal Championships held at Highfields this past week. Students competed against other schools in the Darling Downs. All the students participated and played with great sportsmanship and athleticism.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected for the SWQ Futsal Team:

Jack McMeniman
Joshua Carlson
Hannah Debnam
Brody Pearce

Congratulations also to all the Open Boys who were runners up, going down 2-0 in a close final. Well done to all the Team who were selected in the SWQ team. A great effort by:

Ben Manahan
Joshua Musumeci
Hunter Murphy
Liam Hitchener
Jared Hitchener
Lachlan Swan

END OF TERM 1

St Joseph’s School will be closed for the Easter break. The Office will reopen on Monday 16th April, however, we remind Parents & Caregivers that this day is a Student Free Day.

Thank you to the Staff and Students for your work this Term. Enjoy the break and come back, refreshed and ready for a busy Term 2.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers this Term who have given of their time and talent to support the School. Your generosity is very much appreciated. Happy Easter to you all.

REMINDERS AND UPDATES

P&F NEWS

The P&F are really looking forward to the end of April when we will be holding our Trivia Night. So dust off your fluoro leg warmers and start practicing your disco moves as we are going “Back to the 80’s”.

It will be held on Saturday 28 April at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. There will be a bar operating during the night with a multi draw raffle and plenty of other prizes to be won.

We are very excited to have guest DJ – Wrenny who will be setting the dance floor alight at our Disco after Party. So start getting your teams together as it will be a fantastic night of fun, frivolity & of course, Trivia!