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- YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP DAY
- AMIENS LEGACY CENTRE VISIT
- SNOW WHITE VARIETY SHOW
- YEAR 9 PE
- BOOK WEEK
- VIETNAM VETERAN'S DAY - A DAY TO SAY THANK YOU
- CIVICS & CITIZENSHIP WITH JAMES LISTER MP
- Aspire2Health
- STUDENTS DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY !
- MEALS ON WHEELS
- LOST PROPERTY
- ROTARY YOUTH TRANSITION SEMINAR
- SPORT
- UPCOMING EVENTS
This coming week (1-7 September) is Child Protection Week.
Child Protection Week is a national week of observance held in Australia every September, to continue conversations about how we can build the safest communities possible for children and young people. Child Protection Week provides an opportunity for us to consider our own communities of faith and learning and play our part in promoting the safety and wellbeing of our children and young people. It is true that “protecting children is everyone’s business”.
The theme for Child Protection Week in 2024 is ‘Every conversation matters’. It is important our students know where they can access support, whether that be at home, at school, within their own network of friends and family, online or via phone. Clear, consistent and regular messages of support and safety are key to reducing harm and safeguarding children.
As parents and carers, conversations between you and your children are vital – you are the most important people in your child’s life to advocate for them, listen to them, and share messages of safety and support.
This year during Child Protection Week we encourage parents and carers to speak with their children about their understanding of safety and their support networks. The National Office of Child Safety launched their “One Talk at a Time” campaign earlier in the year. Alongside this campaign they released a list of resources about how to have a conversation with your children and young people about safety. You can access these resources here: Having conversations with children and young people | National Office for Child Safety
During Child Protection Week our students engaged in a number of activities to reinforce safety messages – for primary students, they have the opportunity to complete two activities including a “My Safe People” activity and a Child Protection themed Paper Chatterbox. High school students will be provided with a business card sized “Every Conversation Matters” resource outlining some key support services they can access via phone and online, and also be reminded about who they can speak to at school if they have concerns about the safety of themselves or others.
Should any student be concerned about how they are being treated by an adult, or another child or young person, they are encouraged to speak up to a trusted staff member or one of our School Student Protection Contacts (SSPCs). All students will be reminded who our SSPCs are, and that they are depicted on the ‘Keeping Safe’ posters located around the school.
Child Protection really is everyone’s business, and we are committed to making our school a safe, secure, and protected place of learning for every student.
God Bless
Recently, I sent out to parents and families the new SJS Artificial Intelligence (AI) and SJS Homework Policy for secondary students. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with these documents. Joe Shorter and I spent time with students across Years 7-12 unpacking the key elements of each policy, particularly focusing on the responsibilities for them as students.
The SJS AI policy focuses on the appropriate and ethical engagement in the use of AI to enhance each student’s learning, and as a school, we are exploring ways to navigate this space and support our students in this. It is important to remember that AI is a tool to support the learning of students, not a mechanism to do the work for them. Please note that the inappropriate use of AI in generating assessment, homework and in class responses is a breach of academic integrity and will be managed through our existing Assessment and Drafting framework. We will provide updates to families as we continue to move through the ever-changing space.
The SJS Homework Policy will hopefully provide clarity for students and families around homework expectations. The key message delivered to students was about consistency of engagement in small homework tasks and revision for each subject across the week as the most effective way to reinforce the learning happening in classrooms. It is important to remember that these are guidelines within the policy and each student needs to tailor their homework setting to suit their own learning needs.
Our Year 12 students move into a 5 day Mock External Assessment block across Week 10 as they prepare for the state-wide External Assessment (EA) block that commences 21 October. The purpose of the Mocks is to rehearse the structure of the assessment block and familiarise students with the types of assessment they will experience in the EA’s. Feedback received as part of these mock assessment is critical in informing the direction of the remaining weeks of the mastery period and will allow for students and staff to work collaboratively to prepare the students for the challenges of the external assessment.
Finally, the Year 11 Leadership Camp and Leadership Day took place this week at Emu Gully and the QCWT. With a focus on developing the leadership of our Year 11’s, through the lens of the spirit and qualities of the ANZAC’s, we were immensely proud of the way this group supported each other through the various challenges. The way they came together as a group and displayed teamwork, resilience and persistence gives me every confidence in the future student leadership at our school in good hands. The Year 11 students now enter the student leadership application and interview phase, where 2025 student leaders will be announced and presented to the school and wider community at our school awards night early next term. I thank Jacob Steele and Karen Petrie for their leadership of this, as well as Nathan Hurtz and Gianna Blaxland-Zanatta who assisted.
Call to be… Christ-Like
Called to live… Mercy
Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal
Having succumbed to the winter illnesses as I know many of our families have, I was so disappointed last week to miss the Book Character Parade which is always such a highlight of Term 3. I could see from the photographs that the costumes were wonderful - as they are every year - and I was told that there was the usual sense of excitement across the campus. This brought to a conclusion our Book Week for this year and if we were nominating winners from the week, then first prize would go to ...READING! This is such an important skill which empowers people to be active citizens in the world and takes them to places which are fascinating, mysterious, spell-binding and magical. We value reading at this school and hope that each child finds plenty of opportunity to get lost in a book of their choice.
If there can be a silver lining to missing the 2024 parade, it is that my costume is ready and waiting for 2025!
We are now on the slide into the Spring holiday. Next week will see our Year 6 students attend camp followed by our Year 5 students. For a few years now we have headed to Camp Cooby which is a beautiful location about 30 mins north of Toowoomba for this two-night outdoor education experience. Whilst the activities are fun and produce much laughter, they also encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves which is always wonderful to see. It is also an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills as well as personal skills such as resilience and persistence. Parents of students attending this year are reminded to check their emails regularly in the coming week to ensure that they are abreast of all the last-minute details. I would like to extend my thanks to Mrs Kim Badcock who has, on my behalf, organised these camps, ensuring that all aspects have been attended to.
Last week, Mr Kendall sent an email to all parents about the expectation around uniforms across the school. It is important to us that all students adhere to those expectations. In recent times I have spoken to individual students about wearing black socks instead of white, grey or white undershirts rather than red, black leggings instead of green stockings and incorrect earrings. I have also spoken to some boys regarding their haircuts. If you are at all unsure about the requirements, please consult the Primary Handbook on the School website where the uniform and grooming requirements are clearly explained.
Finally, I would like to welcome Shane Connolly and his family to our school community. Shane is in Year 4 with Mr Fleming.
With God's blessings
Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning
Healthy Study Habits
In today's world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.
It's essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren't merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It's more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.
Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child's ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams.
Here is the link to the Special Report - https://stjosephs.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-healthy-study-habits-au
ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS
Dental care, with no out of pocket cost, is offered to all Queensland students from the age of 4 to the completion of Grade 10 through the School Dental Service. Children aged 0 - 4 years and students in Year 11 -12, may be eligible for treatment if they receive Childhood Dental Benefit Scheme or if they have a current concessional health care card. The Dental Team consists of a Dentist, Dental Therapists, Oral Health Therapists and Dental Assistants. You will be advised if your child needs specialist dental treatment.
Students at St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe are now being offered dental treatment through the School Dental Service at the Dental Van at St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe.
If you would like your child/children to participate in the free dental care program, please complete each section of the registration form (which has been sent home with your child/children), sign and return it to the School Office by Wednesday 4 September, 2024. Please note that by signing this form, you are only advising our service of your wish to participate in the dental care program and providing personal information to allow us to contact you.
Our process for making your child’s first appointment with us has recently changed. Our first point of contact may be via SMS. If responding via the Call Centre on 1300 082 662, please choose Option 3 to speak with School Dental Service.
Please remember
Students will be seen at the Dental Van at St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe.
- Parents/Legal Guardians must attend all appointments & must hold a current Medicare Card-please bring this card to the appointment.
- There are limited appointments available before and after school and most appointments will have to be during school time.
- Oral Health does not accept any responsibility for transport of the children to and from their appointments.
- Appointment changes are often advised via SMS. Please read all text messages carefully.
On Thursday, 29th August, students from Years 6, 7, 8, and 9 had the pleasure of visiting the Amiens Legacy Centre.
During their visit, students enthusiastically shared ideas for developing an adventure park at the site, brainstorming activities like rock climbing, zip lining, and spider nets.
A special thank you to the volunteers from the Amiens Historical Association—Dale, Allan, Roger, and Colleen—for providing a delicious BBQ lunch that everyone greatly appreciated!
From Mrs Gordon
What a show! Students from both Primary and Secondary campuses put on the play Snow White Variety Show, a comedy about a talk show where real life fairytale legends tell the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
A number of students from both Primary & Secondary took the opportunity to develop their acting skills. For some of the students it was their first time being part of a full production. Students learnt aspects of theatre, and terminology such as stage right, strike the set and the house is live. The students need to be commended on the commitment and enthusiasm they brought to their roles. Each student was encouraged to develop their skills, coming up with how they thought their character would move and speak.
A big thank you to Olivia Page (assistant director), Amy Hill and Kitty Kendall (costumes), Shane Page and Georgia Brown (backstage), and Luci Hollingsworth, Courtenay Mason and Matthew Patterson (set design). Thank you also to all who attended the performances.
Students completed a boxing exercise routine set to music. What physical activity do you enjoy doing to music?
Reading is Magic…
Monday, 19th August marked the beginning of our Book Week celebrations with a delightful Books, Bears, and Blankets picnic lunch. A heartfelt thank you to the families who joined us!
Day 2 of Book Week saw our Prep students engaging in a thoughtful activity where they chose their favorite book from two options and explained their choice using their DRA skills. They then illustrated their understanding of the story through pictures. Mrs Yates had a wonderful time joining the Prep class.
And just like that, the 2024 St Joseph’s School Book Week Parade was another spectacular showcase of color and imagination! It was heartwarming to see so many students participate and to have families, siblings, and parents join in the fun.
Book Week is always a delightful event, and it’s an incredible way to inspire students to see the world through the eyes of a book—full of imagination and wonder.
We remembered the 3,000 Australians wounded in the line of duty and the 523 who lost their lives.
Year 11 and 12 students, together with Mrs Mary Roberts, attended the Stanthorpe Vietnam Veteran’s Day Commemorative Service at the War Memorial in Weeroona Park.
Lest We Forget.
Students, staff, and parents had a blast at the Primary School Disco on Thursday, 29th August. A big thank you to everyone who helped organize the night and to all the parents and students for their support.
All funds raised will help our netballers attend the Queensland Cup Primary Netball Competition in Bundaberg. Thank you for making this event a success! 
As part of St Joseph's School's "Faith in Action Program" students this week have been delivering meals to members of the Stanthorpe community through the Meals on Wheels Program.
This program provides an opportunity for students to offer service and compassion to people of the local community.
There is a considerable amount of unnamed lost property on the Primary Campus, including lunch boxes, non-uniform clothing, containers and drink bottles.
If your child has misplaced any uniform items, please check the Lost Property area outside the Tuckshop.
Please note that lost property is not kept at the School Office.
It's that time of year again, applications for students to attend the Rotary Youth Transition Seminar (RTYS) with Rotary International D9640 are now open!
In case you are unfamiliar with the RYTS program, RYTS is a leadership & development program with a focus on assisting the transition from one area of study into the next phase of life. The program is delivered at a 6 day residential camp for students who are in the senior years of school (Year 11-12) or who are aged between 17-18 if not within a school system. Participants will hear from inspiring guest speakers and participate in activities that will challenge them on many different levels. Our program covers personal growth, teamwork, self awareness and practical skills for life after school. Participants will also develop lifelong friendships and connections that will help them later in life. A key element of RYTS is that the full details of the program are not shared pre-camp. This allows participants to head to camp with an open mind and increases the value of the activities that are undertaken.
There is no cost for students to attend as each participants attendance is covered with sponsorship from their local Rotary Club.
Applications for this incredible opportunity are now open. Below is the link to the online application.
Athletics
Recently, several students from St Joseph’s School participated in the Darling Downs Track & Field Championships in Toowoomba, held on August 20th, 22nd, and 23rd.
All students who participated are to be commended for their commitment to sport and for achieving a spot in the championships.
A special congratulations goes to the following students for qualifying for the State Championships, which will be held from October 11-14, 2024, at QSAC Brisbane.
Year 5 student Havana Torrisi placed 2nd in the U11 200m final. Well done Havana!
A special shoutout to Year 5 student Alanna Fox for securing 3rd place in the 1500m event, and to Camilla (Milly) Watts for placing 3rd in the 12-Year Girls Discus. Both girls have shown incredible dedication and effort.
We also commend all the other students who competed in the competition. Well done, everyone!
Queensland Cricket are starting to plan for the next cricket season throughout the Darling Downs & South West Queensland region.
As part of their plan to expose more children to the sport and share the joy of cricket, Queensland Cricket ran a Cricket Blast School GALA day (School Cups) on Monday 19 August.
These days are run by Queensland Cricket, and aim to teach children from grades 3-6 the fundamentals of cricket in a fun, safe and fast modified game of cricket (8-10 players per team).
A number of students attended the event, and judging by their reactions, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day of fun.
| 31 August- 7 Sept | Ski Trip |
| 1 September | Father's Day |
| 2 September | AITSI Year 12 Graduation Mass |
| Interschool Basketball Competition - Secondary | |
| 2 - 4 September | Year 6 Camp |
| 2 - 6 September | HPE Week |
| 4 - 6 September | Year 5 Camp |
| 5 - 13 September | Year 12 Mock External Assessment Block |
| 9 September | Interschool Basketball Competition - Secondary |
| 12 September | R U OK? Day |
| Talent Quest - Secondary | |
| 13 September | Term 3 Finishes |
| 14 - 15 September | Primary Schools Netball Cup - Bundaberg |
| 30 September | Term 4 Starts |
