15 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

What is a Visible Learner?

This term, the teachers have worked very hard to develop their knowledge and introduce the Visible Learning Program across the school.

The key tenet of the program is to get to the following position:

When teachers see learning through the eyes of the student and students see themselves as their own teachers.

Accordingly, there are two key focuses for the program. The first is to ensure all teachers are inspired and passionate expert teachers who understand the learning needs of our students, and have the skills and knowledge to ensure all students are excelling in the classroom. Secondly, we need to ensure that all students are visible learners.

A visible learner is a student who:

• can be their own teacher
• can articulate what they are learning and why
• can talk about how they are learning – the strategies they are using to learn
• can articulate their next learning steps
• can use self-regulation strategies
• is assessment-capable (understands the assessment tools being used and what their results mean and can self-assess)
• seeks, is resilient and aspires to challenge
• can set mastery goals
• asks questions
• sees errors as opportunities and is comfortable saying that they don’t know and/or need help
• positively supports their peers’ learning
• knows what to do when they don’t know what to do
• actively seeks feedback
• has metacognitive skills and can talk about these (systematic planning, memory, abstract thinking, critical thinking, problem solving, etc.).

These characteristics of visible learners need to be explicitly taught to students. When you ask students, “What does a good learner look like?”, most will provide a passive response. For example, “I am respectful and polite in class”, “I do all my work”, “I work hard” or “I sit up straight when the teacher talks to me.” A visible learner moves beyond this to a level where they can “see themselves as their teachers” and has developed these characteristics. For students, this will be a real but important challenge.

We look forward to watching all our students, from Prep to Year 12, growing as visible learners.

God bless.

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL

LEADERSHIP NEWS

Assistant Principal-Secondary: Linda Perrett

Last week I asked a group of students a question, "What comes first to your mind when I say, assessment?" I asked them to consider three or four words that came straight to mind.

The response from 23 students were collated and the key words were:

• Stressful
• Exciting
• Overwhelming
• Disappointed
• Challenging

We discussed the strategies that they could use to counteract some of these negative words.

Some of these strategies included having an organised place to work and study, communicating with teachers and seeking their assistance, talking with peers and asking parents or other family friends to listen as you explain what it is that the task requires.

Assessment can be seen as negative by many students, however it is a time for each student to show how they have progressed in a particular area or topic. With only three weeks of Term 1 remaining, students are busy completing assessment. Never forget to enjoy the challenge, because assessment can be very exciting (even if only one student gave this response!).

Tutoring is offered to students during their lunch time break.

Assistant Principal-Primary: Sarah Yates

Year 6 students last week attended a 3 day outdoor education experience based at Camp Laurence, Lake Moogerah. Whilst for many there was a sense of excitement as they left on Wednesday morning, for others it was a more daunting experience. However, there were many smiles and stories of achievement from all on their return on Friday afternoon.

The gorge walk, mountain bike riding and high ropes were mentioned frequently, as was raft building, with the students proud of their individual and collective achievements. One of the many benefits of camp is the ability to engage with activities outside your comfort zone. I am sure that every student has learned something about themselves through participating in camp, and also about some of the skills required to be effective leaders. We look forward to working with these students as leaders of the Primary Campus in 2018. Thank you to Mrs Charlton, Mr Fleming and Mr Grew for accompanying the students to Camp Laurence.

It is important to us that we provide opportunities for students across the campuses to come together for academic and social purposes. Last week we welcomed the Year 12 students to the Primary Campus before the start of the school day. They were invited to join in the fiercely competitive handball games that are a regular feature amongst the primary students. Following this, they spent some time in the classrooms doing a variety of activities such as reading stories, helping the students with their sight words and leading prayer. These visits will continue every Monday and Friday morning.

Assistant Principal-Religious Education (APRE): Megan Mahoney

World’s Longest Prayer Chain – Believe in the Power of Prayer.

In the weeks leading up to the Commonwealth Games, staff and students will be participating in the world record attempt for the longest prayer chain. This attempt is a youth-led initiative of various Christian Churches and is being promoted by Beyond Gold GC.

Staff and students will be given a wrist band on which they will write or draw a prayer intention. These will then be mailed to the organisers where the wrist bands will be linked together in an attempt to create a prayer chain 177 km long. Organisers are hoping that the chain will reach an even greater distance than what they have predicted with the goal of uniting people from around the world in a massive prayer movement. Additional wrist bands will be available for any families who would like to participate.

SCHOOL NEWS

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING

On Friday 16th March, St Joseph’s School will be participating in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, along with approximately 2,000 schools across Australia. Activities have been planned for the day, such as special lesson activities delivered by teachers from Prep to Year 12 and a morning tea for both campuses. Students will be invited to sign a pledge on the day, during morning tea, to take a stand against bullying.

“On the day students are encouraged to come to school dressed in an orange shirt or clothes. Staff have purchased a special t-shirt in support of this day,” Head of Pastoral Care, Mrs Lorien Kirby said. “We will hold a whole school “Take a Stand Together” assembly for our students.

Mr Lister is a special invited guest and we have Tamsyn Rosenberg from the ALIVE Organisation who is a guest speaker at the assembly. Tamsyn is also running a resilience workshop with our Year 7s and 8s.The Student Council Representatives from both campuses will distribute wristbands and anti-bullying cards at the start of this special day,” Mrs Kirby added.

2018 Student Council Representatives are gearing up for this important day.

YEAR 6 CAMP

A few quotes from the Year 6 camp to highlight their fun-filled and jam-packed 3 days of adventure and friendship.

“At Camp Laurence, if you challenge yourself you will always feel proud,” Jack O’Brien.

“The gorge was spectacular and the walk was interesting and challenging,” Jye Cook.

“Every activity has the potential to push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you, but also be fun at the same time. Camp Laurence is an awesome experience to have, and I am thankful to got to experience this,” Bethany Sanderson.

“Camp wasn’t easy but it wasn’t impossible. Camp wasn’t bad, it was great. Camp made me not as scared of heights as I was,” Michael Halter.

“I liked the mountain biking because it was something that I wasn’t used to doing,” Maggie Gallaway.

“I was challenged by the high ropes that made me step out of my comfort zone,” Anika Irwin.

“We showed dignity towards each other and developed our skills as leaders,” Brigid O’Dea

“I liked the mountain biking because the track was challenging and pushed us up hills,” Jordan Cosmo.

“Raft building was my favourite because even though we all failed, it was still a challenge and fun,” Freya Creer.

“Low ropes was the best because it built trust between us,” William Furness.

“How proud you feel of yourself when stepping outside your comfort zone,” Joe Petroccitto.

“I enjoyed the cheering and support people gave each other in High Ropes,” Sophie-Rose Carver.

YEAR 3/4 LEARN TO SWIM & SURVIVE

The Year 3/4 classes have been training hard to achieve their Level 4 Swim and Survive Certificates. They have been treading water for 2 minutes, then swimming for 3 minutes which draws on their fitness and stamina.

APPLE AND GRAPE FEVER

It was a huge rollout of students and staff that proudly marched with the St Joseph’s School float on Saturday 3rd March at the Apple & Grape Festival. The float was designed by Ms Tracey Cullinan who continues to produce different and innovative ideas. St Joseph’s School was thrilled to be named winner of the Channel 7 Grand Parade School’s Float Award.

Thank you to Ms Cullinan for her co-ordination of the float, to Mr Scott Stone for construction of the bottle and Mrs Susan Pace for her extra time and effort in cutting out fruit and vegetables. Thank you to Miss Coulston and students Jess Carpenter and Georgette Forbes for their artwork and design of the signs. We also acknowledge and thank Greg Widderick for the use of his truck and his usual capable efforts of driving the float through the main street.

A huge thank you also must be extended to the staff who assisted both after school on Friday afternoon to assemble the float and again on Saturday morning to load the truck. A great effort!

INTRODUCING STAFF & THE STUDENT LEADERS

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 Emma Melton. I moved to Stanthorpe mid-way through 2016 and am thoroughly enjoying living in a country town and working in a school with such a strong sense of community.

Having trained to teach Agriculture, Junior Science and Geography, I’m thrilled to teach all of these subjects at St Joseph’s – one great advantage of working in a small school. My favourite aspect of these subjects is definitely connecting students to their environment and encouraging them to explore the great outdoors. (Of course it works both ways and many of their adventures serve to inspire me too!)

My goals for 2018 include consolidating Agriculture as a secondary subject, highlighting the myriad of Agricultural career opportunities, establishing a kitchen garden and implementing a recycling program for food waste.

My name is David Fleming and I arrived in Stanthorpe in 1987 after stints at St. Saviour’s Toowoomba and St Joseph’s Chinchilla. I was offered this permanent position and gladly accepted. Moving to Stanthorpe was a bit of a culture shock for a city slicker who spent his spare time at the coast!

Sport has always been a passion for me and over the years I have played numerous sports representing clubs and Stanthorpe in Cricket, Rugby Union and Rugby League as well as local sports such as Basketball, Netball, Indoor Cricket and Volleyball. Through this involvement in sport I made many friends over the years. It was through this involvement in our wonderful community Sue and I truly see Stanthorpe as our home. After Sue and I married at end of 1987 we were blessed with four wonderful children Liam, Sean, Lachlan and Imogen who have been our greatest achievement.

After finally leaving the playing fields I have continued my involvement as an administrator and coach of the Junior Gremlins. I continue to coach this year. My wife, Sue, is also involved in Junior League as we see sport as vital for youth to be involved in.

After 19 years as the Assistant Principal in 2016 we decided that I should go back to what I love doing- teaching! For 2017 and 2018 I have had the pleasure of being one of the Year 5/6 teachers with all the joys (and tribulations) that come from working with a truly wonderful group of young learners. The most enjoyable part of my job is seeing the students’ academic and social growth over the course of the academic year. It is amazing what can be achieved in a school year.

In 2018 I am looking forward to the continuing hustle and bustle of school life – Eisteddfods, Sports Carnivals, Masses, Carramar Visits, Year 6 Camp along with the continued academic, emotional and spiritual growth of the students entrusted to me. I also have my fingers crossed that in our 12th season of Confraternity involvement the young men from St Joseph’s, combining with Assumption College Warwick are able to achieve a threepeat in winning in our division in Charter Towers in the June Holidays.

Each year a number of members of our school community choose to shave their heads in recognition of the Leukaemia Foundation who do such great work for people who suffer from leukaemia and blood related diseases as well as their families.

David will be shaving his head this Sunday at 3pm at the Country Club. If any families would like to donate, the link to his fundraising page is here:

INTRODUCING STUDENT PREFECTS

At the end of each school year, six students are elected as Student Leaders. These Student Leaders choose a Mercy Value and lead by example to their fellow students. Each fortnight, the Student Leaders will be introduced and relay what their Mercy Value is and what their plans are for 2018 as a Student Leader.

My name is Hunter Murphy, and I am a prefect at St Joseph’s School. My chosen Mercy value is Service. For me, this is a very important value to uphold and model as it entails the responsibility to be an exemplary member and representative of the school. My initiative is to promote recognition of the hardworking men and women of our country. This year I endeavour to assist those who fight and farm for Australia, by giving back to them through my ‘Dress like a Farmer Day’ fundraiser in May.

To be a Student Leader at St Joseph’s means to strive for excellence within myself, and most importantly my peers. Being a role model to the younger students ensures a bright future within our school and community, it also allows me to be a familiar face and friend to those in need of help.

Next year I wish to continue in the role of leadership by attaining my Certificate 3 and 4 in Personal Training. I strive to encourage and assist others to achieve their full potential, along with my love for fitness, it is a perfect career for me.

My name is Natasha Petroccitto and the Mercy Value which I have chosen is Options for The Poor. In keeping with my Mercy Value this year, I am hoping to increase the awareness of poverty and the significance it has on our current society. Alongside raising awareness, I also plan on raising money and collecting donations through advocating the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.

To me being a Student Leader enables me to challenge myself to achieve my best in my final year of school. It also gives me the motivation to ensure that I am the best example that I can be for the younger students, just as the previous School Leaders from the past 12 years has been for me.

Next year I plan to take a gap year where I’ll work full time, in order to save as much money as I can, so I am able to go to university in 2020.

WOOLWORTHS EARN N LEARN PROGRAM

A huge thank you to the families and wider community who collected stickers last year as part of the Woolworths Earn n Learn Program.

Last week Woolworths Stanthorpe Manager Charles Seeto, delivered the equipment personally to the school. St Joseph’s school received a digital wireless microscope, 3 classroom clock kits, 3 inflatable labelling globes and 6 bee-bot single robots.

Andrew Kendall with Woolworths Stanthorpe Manager, Charles Seeto and students.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL KIDS MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A JOB AFTER FIVE YEARS

By Felicity Caldwell (State political reporter at the Brisbane times)

Most young Aussies are studying or working, but kids who went to Catholic schools seem to have an advantage in the jobs market.

Longitudinal data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has examined people in Year 11 or Year 12 in 2011, and then tracked what they were doing in 2016. There were 514,000 Year 11 and 12 students in 2011, and most had a job. Looking at the entire cohort, almost half were studying, while one in three who were working were also studying.

Those educated at a Catholic high school were more likely to be employed five years later, with 76.7 per cent in a job, compared with 68.5 per cent for public schools and 71.9 per cent for non-Catholic private schools.

HPE WEEK

HPE week is a week that celebrates the role of Health & Physical Education in schools and communities. The aim is to promote the importance of HPE in the Australian Curriculum and highlight the importance of HPE to the learning and development of children and young people.

HPE was celebrated at St Joseph’s School commencing the week of Monday 26th February. A challenge was held each day.

On Monday the Year 12 boys had a strong man competition with Marley Hikaiti winning with 95kg. Tuesday was dodgeball competitions between Years 7 and 8. On Thursday the 100m sprint was held against the Year 10 and 11 students with Mr Steele announced as winner. Friday was the rowing competition with Year 9s vs Mr Carmichael and Ms Melton. It was a 1 minute challenge maximum distance with Mr Carmichael being declared winner.

HPE was celebrated at St Joseph’s School with various activities each day.

AG TOUR

Fourteen St Joseph’s students enjoyed their 2 day CultiV8 Ag Tour recently. The students visited a wide range of primary producers including strawberry, tomato, capsicum and broccolini growers, orchards, vineyards, mushroom growers and alpaca farmers. They also visited the DAF Applethorpe Research Facility to gain an insight into the work and life of a research scientist, spoke to a local agronomist about his work as well as opportunities locally and abroad, and were given an overview of farm safety by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. The importance of value-adding was discussed by several producers, with students enjoying samples of local apple juice and cheese varieties.

As a result of this tour, these students now have a much greater understanding of a wide variety of career pathways, as well as the rewards and challenges of working in the agricultural sector. For those who wish to pursue an agricultural career, one option is to complete the “Cultiv8” program offered by the Department of Small Business and Training. This program will allow students to complete a Certificate II Rural Operations while at school, along with 160 hours of industry placement and with their other school subjects. For Year 11 students, this program qualifies students for 6 of their required 24 QCE points, while Year 10 students have the option to complete it alongside an OP-equivalent pathway.

The Ag Tour provided students with an insight into working in the agricultural industry.

LIBRARY

It is wonderful to see so many families browsing and selecting from the Scholastic Book Fair this week. As usual, we are open for business before and after school and everyone is most welcome to come along and have a look at what is on offer.

St Joseph’s receives 40% of the sales as commission, allowing us to add to our own library collection, so everybody benefits! Thanks everyone!

“Paws for books” was the theme for Book Fair which started Monday 12th to Friday 16th March.

A&G MASTERCLASS

The 2017 Young Winemaker students enjoyed their experience assisting Mike Hayes with the A&G Masterclasses during the Apple & Grape Festival. This unique experience allowed these students to work alongside the iconic Australian Winemaker of the Year and gain firsthand experience with winemaking skills.

The students participated in four masterclasses with Mike and helped with the setup, serving and clean-up of functions as well as interaction with clients as well as being able to showcase their award winning wine. The Year 11 students who attended shared their insight into being a part of the Masterclasses.

Sonya Perrett said she found the Masterclasses very interesting and educational about the wines of the Granite Belt. “It was a very enjoyable couple of hours that helped me explore the different wines from our region,” Sonya said.

Lara-Jane Biggin said that the Masterclass was very informative. “It helped us engage with the wider community and help out.” Daniel Gasparin added that “It was a wonderful experience with good people.”

Ben Manahan also agreed that the Masterclasses were very educational, not only to Tourists that visited to but also to himself as a local. “It was a great experience and I felt privileged to be able to help out”, Ben said.

Finally, Hannah Debnam sums up how invaluable the experience was for this group. “The Masterclasses provided an excellent opportunity for the 2017 Young Winemaker students to further engage in the wine industry. It allowed us the opportunity to give something back to Mike Hayes for all the time and effort he dedicates to us and this program. It was a great opportunity for our school to be recognised for our commitment and assistance to the 2018 Apple and Grape Festival and to the Stanthorpe community as a whole.”

St Joseph’s Young Winemaker students enjoyed working with Mike Hayes for the Masterclasses.

SPORTS NEWS

Darling Downs Trials

Term 1 has been a busy time in sport with many Border District and Darling Downs selections.

On 1st March, students attended the Rugby League, Football (Soccer) and Netball trials. Congratulations to Hunter Murphy and Anika Spiller in gaining selection for Open Boys and Girls Football.

South West Queensland Futsal

Students interested in attending the SWQ Futsal Championships will be receiving information shortly and trials will be held to select these school teams. Students will be travelling to Highfields to compete against other schools in the Darling Downs with the chance to be selected in the SWQ Futsal team to compete at the National Championships.

Competition dates are as follows:

Week 9
Monday March 19th
U/15 Year Boys and Girls

Tuesday March 20th
13 & 14 Year Boys

Wednesday March 21st
12 Year Boys & Girls
13 & 14 Year Boys

Thursday March 22nd
19 Year Boys & Girls

Friday March 23rd
16 Year Boys & Girls

The 2018 Whole School Cross Country will again be held on Thursday 29th March commencing at 11:00am. The program of events is as follows:

Please be aware that these times are just a guide. If you wish to attend your student’s event, please be present 30 minutes prior to the start time.

Presentations will be held at 2:00pm. A big thank you to the 2018 sponsors, Cuts and Curls, Favero Motors, The McLucas Family and The Hilton family.

2018 NEXT STEP SURVEY

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual state-wide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2017. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2018.

Further information on Next Step is available online via the link below:

or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

SCHOOL BANKING

Term 1 School Banking Rewards

Exciting new Term 1 rewards are now available, while stocks last!

School Banking is a fun, interactive and engaging way for students to learn about money and develop good savings habits. Students who deposit money into their Youthsaver account through School Banking earn Dollarmites tokens. Once students have individually collected 10 tokens they can redeem them for reward items in recognition of their regular savings habits.

If you would like to know more about School Banking, please collect an information pack from the school office or visit the link below:

Thank you for supporting the School Banking program.

Daniela & Kitty

REMINDERS AND UPDATES

SCHOOL FEES REMINDER

Term 1 School Fees were due the 9th March. Please ensure payment is made prior to the end of Term. Parents are asked to review their current repayments and possibly consider an increase to avoid getting behind with the payment of their School Fees.

A reminder also that all excursions and extra-curricular activities are not invoiced. These must be paid for prior to the date of the event.

Please contact the School Bursar, Mrs Megan Hines should you wish to discuss this further. Megan can be contacted on 46 815903 or megan.hines@twb.catholic.edu.au

2017 YEARBOOKS

If you missed out on purchasing a 2017 School Year Book, there is still some available for purchase from the Office for $28.

FOR SALE

Recently St Joseph’s School has had a delivery of new outdoor seating. The seating will be an attractive upgrade.

The old seating will be available to Parents & Caregivers for a small price. Further details will be sent out to all families.

REMINDERS AND UPDATES

P&F NEWS

The new P&F Executive Committee for 2018 was elected at the AGM held on Tuesday 27th February. Congratulations to:

President: Daniel O’Dea
Vice-President: Peter Alldridge
Secretary: Julie Williamson
Treasurer: Jodie Cosmo
Assistant Treasurer-Kim Thiess

The new members are eager and keen to be an active committee working with the School. They have given a brief overview of themselves, and why they are involved with the P&F Association.

My name is Daniel O’Dea and I have been involved with the School for 7 years with my four children currently attending the Primary Campus. My family has a close relationship with the School with my wife also being a Primary School Teacher.

As the newly appointment President, I hope to engage the School Community to be involved in their child’s education through fundraising events and encouraging parents to attend meetings. I also hope to represent the School Community and lead the P&F Committee effectively and as we work with the Principal and Staff.

Peter Alldridge, who enjoyed 4 years as President has taken on the role of Vice-President. With the increased demands of work commitments, this role will suit me. I can still have an input and assist with school functions.

My name is Julianne Williamson. My husband Scott and I have 4 children who have all attended St Joseph’s. I am a past student and have a wonderful family history with the school (my mother boarded at St Joseph’s in the old convent building from the time she was in Year 4 until she graduated).

I enjoy being a member of the P&F. It’s a great way to find out about what’s happening across both campuses. I like hearing about school endeavours directly from the Principal and having the opportunity to provide feedback from a parent’s point of view. Schooling is a big part of children’s lives. I want to help make our school the best it can be. Participating in the P&F is one way parents can do that.

I have taken on the role of Secretary this year and hope to make my Year 9 typing teacher proud. I’d really encourage families to come along and see what the P&F all about. I’ll even save you a seat.

I am Kim Thiess and I am a new parent to the school. By coming along to the P&F meetings you will have opportunities to contribute to your child's life at school and learn more about what is going on. Activities organised by your P&F raise funds to benefit your child’s education. So come along and see what you can contribute to the P&F. I believe with lots of hands doing little things, big things can be achieved.

My name is Jodie Cosmo. Having been involved with the P&F since we started at St Joseph’s 7 years ago, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Treasurer over the past 4 years. It’s wonderful that Kim will be taking on the role of Treasurer during this year and she will no doubt do a fantastic job.

I love being involved in the different fundraisers we have throughout the year, in particular the Trivia Night. Being a part of the P&F opens the door to learning more about the school, and being able to join in with the school community as a whole.

The newly elected P&F Executive Committee with Andrew Kendall, Jodie Cosmo, Daniel O’Dea, Julie Williamson and Kim Thiess (Peter Alldridge absent)

NOTICE: Tutoring classes from Year 2 to Year 8 with Kathleen O’Connor. Available for both morning and afternoon lessons. Phone 46 811 823 or 0490 788 385.

PARISH NEWS

MASS AND MORNING TEA WITH FR LINO

Last year when Fr Lino needed to go into care at Lourdes Home (now St Vincent’s Care Services, Lourdes), there was no time nor was Fr Lino well enough for the Parish to wish him well and assure him of their support and gratitude. Now that Fr Lino has settled well at Lourdes, his niece Diana Sampson is bringing him back on Sunday 18th March for the 8:30am Mass, to be followed by a Parish Morning Tea in the Parish Hospitality Centre.

Everyone is invited to attend. Any donations of food and goodies for the morning tea will be gratefully appreciated.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP

A message from Sue Fleming

An expression of interest meeting is to be held in March with the hope of setting up a Compassionate Friends support group in Stanthorpe.

The Compassionate Friends or TCF is a world-wide self-help organisation offering friendship and understanding to families following the death of a child, grandchild or sibling. TCF offers support in the grief and trauma that follows the death of a child at any age and from any cause.

Over the years I have been contacted by a number of families who have needed to talk to someone for support after the death of a child. As there are no support groups for bereaved parents, grandparents or siblings in Stanthorpe, Warwick or Tenterfield we invite families from all over the region to attend. This face to face contact on a monthly basis allows those affected by the death to attend with other people who have unfortunately suffered the same trauma.

On Wednesday 21st March at the CWA Tea Rooms in Victoria Street Stanthorpe at 7pm we are offering an "Expression of Interest" information night with the hope of setting up a TCF support group here in Stanthorpe. This meeting will be hosted by Susan Fleming who will be the coordinator for the monthly gatherings. Two of the wonderful staff (volunteers) from the Brisbane office with be there to introduce you to the principles of the TCF and to answer any questions you may have about the group.

We hope the outcome of this meeting will provide us with help in determining times and days that most suits to form monthly meetings in a relaxed informal atmosphere where everyone can attend and speak freely about the death of a child or just want to be there with others who have been in the same situation.

We invite family members who have experienced the loss of a child as well as any teachers, doctors, health professionals or anyone who may benefit from knowing about this group to attend this meeting.

If you are unable to attend this meeting and are interested in future gatherings, or have any questions, please contact Sue Fleming on 0417793016 or Kristie on 32542657 or visit the website via the link below: